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SERVING THE UC DAVIS CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY SINCE 1915

VOLUME 148, ISSUE 1 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

ASUCD — What is it?

A crash course on UC Davis’ student government

BY VINCE BASADA campus@theaggie.org For new students and even those returning, the five-letter entity ASUCD may prove confusing in its purpose and its logo’s diverse presence on campus: from mental health posters to bus route maps.

With a budget of $22 million in student funds for the 202425 academic year according to their website, it’s worth taking the time to understand both what ASUCD is and what it can do for you.

Firstly, the Associated Students of the University of California Davis (ASUCD) acts as both an employer of and governing body for the student population. It has two sides: the elected and highly appointed student officials who allocate funds and oversee the organization as a whole and the individual units that provide events and services for the student population. Its work can also be categorized into four pillars: basic needs/services, advocacy, media and social.

On the government side are the three ASUCD branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. Led by ASUCD President Gaius Ilupjeu, the Executive Office is the highest representative for all student body affairs. Ilupeju acts as CEO, appointing students to oversee internal and external operations as well as a controller to oversee the budget. The Executive Office also oversees some special units, like the Student Advocate Office

LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

which helps represent students accused of academic misconduct.

“With multiple commercial units and numerous advocacy efforts, ASUCD engages with every aspect of the student experience at UC Davis,” Ilupeju wrote in a communication with The California Aggie. “This dynamic among others should prompt all students to inform themselves about what we do because when they provide feedback we can represent their interests and concerns better.”

The ASUCD Senate is the main student legislative body meeting weekly to allocate student funds to units and pass legislation on behalf of the student body. It consists of 12 senators, two additional voting members and a handful of other student officers.

The Aggie covers these meetings, which are also open to the general public. Additionally, senators host office hours and meetings for members of the student body to bring questions to them individually.

What makes the UC Davis experience unique?

Some Davis-specific draws that make our college town and experience special

Under the Senate are a handful of student commissions and committees that help consult on legislation, including the Environmental and Policy Planning and Gender and Sexuality Commissions.

Senators are elected twice a year: once in week four of fall quarter and again in Week seven of spring quarter.

The spring voting also serves as the election for the office of the ASUCD President and top executive officials.

The Judicial Branch consists of

the five justices of the Judicial Council, tasked with reviewing legislation to ensure compliance with the ASUCD Constitution.

They also occasionally hold hearings when ASUCD officials are accused of misconduct and failing to perform their duties, such as during last year’s executive impeachments.

On a daily basis, it is the service-providing units which students interact with the most.

These include Unitrans, which is the bus transit system that runs throughout the city of Davis, the CoHo, which is the Coffee House in the Memorial Union that works to sell food at affordable prices, the Pantry, which is the campus food bank, the Entertainment Council, which puts on concerts and music festivals, and Picnic Day, which is a team of organizers of the yearly open house of the same name. The California Aggie is also an ASUCD unit, though it is managed and organized independently.

Units also make up the bulk of the ASUCD employee population. At the time of publication, the ASUCD vacancy site notes that over 1,000 students are employed at some level in the organization, though that number is certain to rise once the school year gets a running start and units and committees ramp up their operations.

Those interested in learning more about their student government or working for an ASUCD unit can visit the ASUCD website for more information.

UC Davis STEP allows firstgeneration students to adjust to university life

The program takes place during the university’s Summer Session Two and allows first-generation, low-income students to adjust to campus life at no additional cost

Students walk their bikes on campus and stop to look at sheepmowers. ( Jenna Lee / Aggie)

BY ZOEY MORTAZAVI features@theaggie.org As a new school year begins, new students are beginning to endure some of the classic UC Davis welcome traditions as their first weeks take off.

Some of these traditions include toiling in the Central Valley heat as you walk through three long days of orientation, meeting the Davis livestock for the first time and not being allowed into fraternity parties during the first weekend while thousands of students attempt to squeeze into the tiny houses.

Many students at UC Davis are affirming that these encounters are a crucial part of what makes the Davis experience what it is. No matter which first-time tradition you’re encountering, there are many Daviscentral experiences that give our college community a truly unique flare.

Kyra Victor, a second-year cellular biology major, shared one of her favorite parts of the Davis culture.

“Biking is one of the biggest parts of our community in Davis,” Victor said. “Locals and students bike to the farmers market on weekends and it’s nice to see familiar faces there, whether it’s friends from school or repeat local vendors that I find myself going back to. Biking with friends is really fun — and it allows you to appreciate the different landmarks and nature that people don’t really notice while driving.”

Biking is one of Davis’ defining traits. Many at Davis recommend getting a bike before starting at the school — being the biggest UC campus, with 5,300 acres, having some wheels to get you to classes is both a game changer and a massive time saver.

As Victor also mentioned, the Davis Farmers Market is a central part of our community and the events

that take place in downtown Davis.

Traditions like the farmers market, live music and the presence of both students and families throughout the year give the town of Davis a community-centered and wholesome atmosphere.

Another defining aspect of the Davis culture is our animal-friendly campus. While many universities also have livestock, Davis hosts programs like the Sheepmowers to include the animals in the day-to-day lives of students. During winter quarter last year, four therapy llamas were brought to the Memorial Union Quad for a day to boost morale at the peak of midterms season. This was a kickoff event for mental health awareness month by the UC Davis Mental Health Initiative.

Madeline Hass, a second-year environmental management major, shared that the animal involvement on campus is a special part of the Davis day-to-day life.

“I remember when the llamas were on the Quad during winter quarter last year,” Haas said. “Winter quarter can be pretty bleak weather-wise, and it can be hard to stay motivated in classes, so it was such a mood boost to go to the CoHo one day and see that there were llamas outside. I love that Davis is always hosting events like that for students. It’s helping our agriculture-based campus live up to its name by keeping the students and the animals interacting year-round.”

Davis’ campus leaves plenty of room for its nature and agriculture to thrive. The Livestock Herd Health and Reproduction Service hosts five types of livestock throughout campus.

In addition, our campus’ arboretum is a 100-acre natural reserve, featuring a creek running through it and 22,000 trees and plants that are adapted to a Mediterranean climate. The campus also features a vineyard, many student farms and various types of flora and fauna.

In addition to our nature-centered campus and a diverse collective of organizations and events for students to partake in, Davis also proudly hosts many programs to benefit students in their respective academic fields.

Terme Arjomand, a second-year biochemistry and molecular biology major, shared a program Davis offers that has helped her with professional aspirations.

“Davis offers one of the most comprehensive pre-health advising programs for public schools,” Arjomand said. “Their weekly newsletters, express advisors and tailored programs help students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. HPA, or Health Professions Advising, not only gives students the tools they need to succeed in their future pursuits, but also introduces those unsure of what they’d like to pursue to a breadth of health careers.”

HPA is one of many programs that Davis offers to help its students get ahead. As a public school that has gone up significantly in university rankings over the past few years, Davis has many helpful professional and academic resources for students to take advantage of.

Aside from the quantity of the resources available to students, professors and faculty at UC Davis work to ensure that students are allowed one-on-one attention through advising meetings, office hours and with the help of teaching assistants.

No matter what drew you to UC Davis and whether you’re a student, staff member or community member, there are countless programs, organizations and activities that keep Davis students and staff engaged on a day-to-day basis.

Davis has been and will continue to be a campus that prides itself on widespread student involvement, campus and community ties and student success — inside and outside of the classroom.

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BY JORDAN POLTORAK campus@theaggie.org The UC Davis Special Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) began on Aug. 3 and aligns with the university’s Summer Session Two schedule. It allows first-generation, low-income students to adjust to campus life at no additional cost and is a part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).

The program begins with the summer bridge and extends for two years. The bridge portion includes attending one first-year seminar and one additional course, office hours, tutoring and STEP extracurricular activities, according to their website.

River Tuason, a third-year design major and a peer coordinator for STEP, explained the importance and goals of the program.

“It’s really vital for our students,” Tuason said. “We have 179 incoming freshmen. Each freshman has a peer mentor that has been in their shoes before. We’re here to guide them emotionally and academically.”

Some of the academic benefits listed on the program’s website include adjustment to the pace of the quarter system and academic rigor of UC Davis as well as priority registration for the participating students’ first year of

undergraduate study.

Tuason shared how the program impacted their experience at UC Davis.

“It was life-changing for me,” Tuason said. “Knowing that there are other first-generation, low-income college students and you’re all in the same boat. Having 20 peer advising counselors having our backs was really supportive.”

The freshman foundations, or firstyear portion, includes participation in a First-Year Aggie Connection, meetings with a Peer Advising Counselor (PAC) and attendance at STEP and EOP events.

Lastly, the second-year success portion includes meetings with EOP staff, referrals to campus services and attending STEP events.

STEP is invite-only, so eligible students will receive the invitation in their admissions portal. The EOP center also has resources such as a lending library, career advising and testing supplies such as blue books and scantrons.

Tuason expanded on the benefits of the program.

“We have so many events to make our first-generation students feel welcome,” Tuason said. “We tell all our students that you’re paying to be here and to use your resources. Reach out to EOP, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.”

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

2 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

Yolo County hosts free QPR suicide prevention training

The suicide prevention training program seeks to educate those interested in proactive mental health solutions for those in crisis

BY MATTHEW MCELDOWNEY city@theaggie.org In recognition of suicide prevention month, Yolo County hosted a free suicide prevention training on Sep. 5 to recognize and intervene when confronted with the warning signs of a suicide crisis. Yolo County covered the necessary topics to become a certified gatekeeper, or someone in a position to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. By learning to recognize these warning signs, ways to offer hope and how to get help for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, anyone over the age of 18 can become certified.

Question, Persuade and Refer (QRP) suicide prevention training focuses on ways to offer hope during a crisis by asking questions, persuading them to talk more openly about their suicidal thoughts and referring them to emergency mental health resources. By doing so, QPR Institute aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by educating others about these proven suicide prevention tactics. “[They] cannot overemphasize the need for early recognition of suicide warning signs,” the official QPR website reads.

These signs include but are not limited to expressions of hopelessness, depression, giving away prized possessions, talking of suicide and securing lethal means, according to QPR Institute. Responding to these signs in the correct way earlier on can avert a suicide attempt entirely, preventing the need for a visit to the emergency room or other emergency suicide prevention measures like psychiatric hospitalization.

The QPR website provides online modules and resources to find in-person training nearby to educate oneself on these ways to positively and effectively respond to warning signs. While the courses have a cost for non-students, all UC Davis students have free access to this training program through the Aggie Mental Health website.

By making these resources available to those at Yolo County or students at UC Davis, QPR Institute hopes to reach at least one QPR-trained individual per household, ensuring emergency interventions are able to succeed where they are most prevalent: in families.

“Quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know,” the QPR Institute’s website states.

An anonymous fourth-year history

NATALIE CHENG / AGGIE

major described her personal mental health journey at UC Davis. From her time at Davis, she felt that it was important for incoming students to be mindful of the pace of college life.

“In high school, there is a lot more structure than in college,” the source said. “With the quarter system, there is also the pressure to keep pace.”

The need to keep pace with your peers could feel overwhelming and may lead you to overwork yourself for whatever career, internship or college life goal you are striving to achieve,

according to the source. She believes that is why it is so important to monitor yourself in order to avoid these expectations becoming unbearable.

“You can only suppress your problems for so long,” the source said.

“Eventually, it will have a real effect on your academics and personal life.”

In her second year, she had personally gone to a couple of the free therapy sessions afforded to UC Davis students.

“At the moment, the school employs a lot of student therapists,”

the source said. “They may have been inexperienced, but it was nice as my first ever experience with therapy.”

In hindsight, she could recognize more clearly the things that did not work for her. However, she was glad that she had taken that initiative to process her issues and better her mental health.

“It made it clearer for me that I needed to keep closer tabs on my mental health and encouraged me to find a therapist that’s right for me,” the source said.

Aggie Mental Health as a student

resource for mental health and suicide prevention awareness embodies the discovery and selfhood of many students alike.

“We bring together students, scholars, staff, faculty and campus affiliates to collectively raise mental health awareness at UC Davis,” the Aggie Mental Health mission reads.

“We promote mental health that centers the lived experiences of our diverse student population.”

UC Davis Police Department remembers 9/11 with annual stair climb event

The UC Davis Police Department invited attendees to climb 110 flights of stairs in the UC Davis Health Stadium to honor victims

BY RORY CONLON rhconlon@ucdavis.edu On Sept. 8, the UC Davis Police Department invited the Davis community to climb 110 flights of stairs in honor of first responders who lost their lives on 9/11. The event raised funds for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York.

Attendees were asked to arrive at 7 a.m. to climb the stairs of the UC Davis Health Stadium. Before they started, UC Davis Police Chief Joseph A. Farrow spoke to the crowd about the significance of the event.

“I was in Washington D.C. at the Pentagon on that day, and it’s something I’ll personally never forget,” Farrow said.

“This [stair climb] is for us to remember and look back on the challenges those men and women [faced] on that day in New York City.”

Robert Sotelo, a member of the Community Outreach and Engagement (CORE) Officer Program, said that 9/11 still heavily impacts the world today, 23 years later. He explained that the stair climb, which the department started hosting in 2021, is meant to be a positive tribute to lives lost. “[9/11] changed how everything is done — how law enforcement and fire respond, and how we can bring our country together [after] such a tragic event,” Sotelo said. “It’s empowering to people to mourn together. We don’t have to make mourning into a sad event.”

Chanmorokoth Tiv, a member

Fire truck at the UC Davis Fire Department. (Jenna Lee / Aggie)

of the 321st medical detachment in the U.S. Army Reserve, said that acknowledging the sacrifices made by first responders on that day empowered her to persevere.

“The grit and motivation they had to do their duty in such difficult conditions pushes me [to do] this stair challenge for them,” Tiv said. “If they did it and they sacrificed their lives, time and everything to save people, then I can do the same.”

Vincent Nguyen, a member of UC Davis Police Department, said that in addition to enduring the physical toll of climbing stairs in full gear, first responders would have had to block out emotional stress to stay calm in a crisis.

“As a regular civilian, your brain goes into your fight-or-flight response,” Nguyen said. “But as a first responder,

we train not to have a flight response [so we can] run into danger.”

For Austin Kline, an employee at McCarthy Building Companies, the stair climb brought back vivid memories of watching that day unfold.

“My mother came into the living room crying, and I remember watching the second plane hit the tower on CNN,” Kline said. “My dad was supposed to be traveling that day, and my mother couldn’t get a hold of him.

Thankfully, he was alright, but it was quite a shock.”

Other attendees of the event were too young to have lived through that day. Ahna Meyers, a Winters Police Department cadet, was not yet born when it happened, but she participated in the climb to understand what the first responders went through.

“I was trying to keep up and run, because I was thinking about firefighters and police officers trying to save people’s lives,” Meyers said. “I think it’s inspiring to get to [follow] in their footsteps.”

In addition to bringing together the past and the present, the event built a bridge between first responders and the community.

Irie Nguyen, the wife of a UC Davis police recruit, said the American public doesn’t respect the contributions of law enforcement and the military enough.

She said the stair climb could combat this through raising awareness and making connections.

“Recently, a lot of law enforcement agencies have been doing a lot of community outreach, which I think is important,” Irie Nguyen said. “If you don’t interact, you get people who think [about] officers and firefighters in our military based on what they see in movies and the news.”

Robert Sotelo said the UC Davis Police Department has been making efforts to reach out and draw more of their members from Davis residents and alumni. He estimated that the amount of people registered for the stair climb event doubled from last year.

“We can’t do it without our community’s involvement,” Sotelo said. “We don’t want people to think it’s just the police department, and we’re only here to take care of ourselves. The university community is a lot more dynamic than that, and I think we can all be more inclusive of each other and work better together if there’s a little bit more understanding of that.”

Officer David Barillas, a UC Davis alum, said he came from a place where law enforcement and members of the community had a difficult relationship.

Barillas said the stair climb reminded him of his new place in the Davis community.

“When you put on a badge, you’re given a privilege to serve a community — you can’t lose that vision,” Barillas said. “[Students] may be going through a hard time, whether it be financial, related to school or just feeling like [they] don’t belong here. Having a conversation and seeing their eyes light up and their smile come alive — that’s why I do this job.”

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 | 3

An introduction to the Davis Farmers Market New school year, same beloved farmers market

Marketgoers browse fresh produce options from the many vendors at the Davis Farmers Market. (Jenna Lee / Aggie)

BY OLIVIA HOKR city@theaggie.org The Davis Farmers Market is a college town staple that has been around for over 50 years. Year-round, rain or shine, students and families gather in Central Park to enjoy a variety of vendors. From fresh produce to food from local restaurants to handmade accessories, the Davis Farmers Market has it all.

The farmers market takes place at 301 C Street every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. From October through April it takes place on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. in addition to the Saturday hours.

The weekly market has been recognized and awarded with more than 10 achievements since its establishment by different newspapers and magazines.

Recently, three local restaurants who sell

at the farmers market were featured in the premiere of Food Network’s “Best Bite in Town.” These include Handheld Sweet & Savory Pies, The Hotdogger and Zumapoke.

“The Davis Farmers Market Cookbook,” written by Ann M. Evans, a former mayor of Davis and a co-founder of the market, includes details of the inspiring history and development.

The farmers market’s website shares excerpts that describe the prevalence of community and support of local businesses.

“The market in Davis could be a market in any town where the public good is put to the use of the people, where the surrounding soil is fertile and worked,” Evans wrote. “And where people of different faiths and purposes on the planet are willing to slow down, gather together and shop while they swap the news.”

Randii MacNear has been involved with the farmers market since 1978.

After graduating college, she moved to Davis and quickly became devoted to the little market in Central Park. What began as her weekly Saturday activity turned into a career of dedication to healthy food, local businesses and building community.

As one of the first few established farmers markets in California, the Davis Farmers Market has evolved into something so iconic to the city of Davis.

At its start, the market was merely a handful of farmers selling their produce in an underdeveloped park. There are now 90 different sellers each week, 65 of which are farmers. It is estimated that over 500,000 people now come through the market every year. The farmers market brings a special sense of community and comfort to this small town for both the families and

the college students.

“It nourishes people, it gets people outside, it creates community, it gives people hope, it makes them feel happy, it smells delicious [and] kids love coming to the market,” MacNear said. “It’s just all the right things. It’s really remarkable when you think about it. It’s so simple and it’s not a new concept. We’re the only ones who are finally catching on here in the United States. All over the world the marketplace is the hub of civilization.”

MacNear is now the executive director of the market. She continues to spend her time ensuring the Davis Farmers Market remains an enjoyable and memorable experience and is committed to creating a welcoming environment that people desire to return to each week. MacNear has had the pleasure of engaging with UC Davis students weekly and hearing about their

involvement with the market.

“We love having the students there,” MacNear said. “They love the fruit, and they love to meet the farmers and the sellers. Many, many students come up to me to say, ‘I was so lonely when I came to Davis. I didn’t know anybody and I come here to the farmer’s market and I feel like I have family here.’”

The Davis Farmers Market continues to be a favorite among students who are learning to navigate their new town. It has become one of the most popular places to spend a Saturday morning with fellow Aggies.

Katie Borgeson, a third-year linguistics and sociology double major, shared her loyalty for her Saturday tradition.

The Davis Farmers Market is my favorite place on Earth,” Borgeson said.

“Everywhere else I go is merely a waste of my time. I could’ve been at the Davis Farmers Market.”

ASUCD Entertainment Council brings live events and school spirit to campus

Directors of the group discuss their work in bringing live entertainment to the school community

BY GRACIELA TIU features@theaggie.org It’s a cool Friday night, mid-spring quarter, and you weave through the packed Memorial Union (MU) Quad while the pre-show music booms at the perfect volume to invigorate the already buzzing crowd. You and your friends claim a spot on the lawn, surrounded by more students than you thought could ever fit on the grass.

Everyone around you is dancing, jumping and singing at the top of their lungs, and you begin to feel the infectious energy and anticipation spreading throughout the audience.

You take in the lights, the sound, the visuals of the set — and for a moment, you wonder how all of it came together.

As the music stops, the lights dim and the crowd roars in unison. A new beat starts, the excitement swelling as you catch a glimpse of Aminé stepping onto the stage.

If you went to Lawntopia last year, chances are you have had a very similar experience, thanks to the Entertainment Council (EC) here at Davis.

A branch of the Associated Students, University of California, Davis (ASUCD), the EC works to bring captivating music and media experiences to students at Davis.

Binh Do, a fourth-year economics and history double major as well as the council’s assistant director, describes his definition of the group’s mission.

“The Entertainment Council’s mission in a more general sense is, within the name, bringing entertainment onto campus,” Do said. “When it comes to school spirit, there’s not a lot of energy within campus. [Our mission is] to change that, make the campus feel more lively, get people connected together [and] give people those core memories.”

To make this mission a reality, members of the Entertainment Council work year-round.

Abby Wong, a third-year design major and co-productions director of

The Davis community is welcoming to several local artists, many of whom you can find performing on campus or downtown. (Jenna Lee / Aggie) the EC, described the main events the group works on.

“There are three concerts: Sunset Fest, BrainFreeze and Lawntopia. Those happen annually,” Wong said. “Those are going to continue to happen. We’re also going to continue to have our Local Limelights, a lot of local artists and student artists being shown around campus. On top of that, we are going to continue with our movie screenings.”

The EC recently announced that Sunset Fest, the biggest concert of fall quarter, will be coming back this

year and taking place on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. Although it was unable to happen last year, members such as EC Co-Productions Director Eddie Kim, a third-year human biology major, are excited to bring back the tradition.

“It’s something that we haven’t had in Davis for a long time,” Kim said. “It’s definitely going to be a fun experience with greater visual representation, production and some great music as well.”

Most students around campus know about the main three concerts, but the

Local Limelights also bring live music and spread spirit across campus. “[We bring] a local band from around Davis or the Bay Area to play a one-hour set, [and] we usually host them on the MU patio, by the fountain where people eat lunch,” Wong said.

“We also had a jazz study night in the CoHo (Coffee House) where we got a DJ, Ccoties, and we also got a bunch of vinyls that people could paint.”

In addition to hosting their own live music events, the EC also has production packages available for

purchase if other groups want to host an event.

“A UC Davis organization who wants to have their own event will reach out to us and ask for our different plans,” Wong said. “We have a basic plan, which is just sound equipment and we do like a little handoff, or we have our deluxe plan, which is sound equipment plus set up [and] take down.

We [also] have an in-house audio engineer who will run the sound for the event. We basically coordinate with the renting organization about their schedule, their run of show, all of their equipment needs and [the] day of, we go there to help out with their event and make sure it goes smoothly.”

Whether it be through big or small events, working with others helps members feel fulfilled by their experience working with the EC. “The most rewarding part about it is meeting a lot of new people that are also interested in building this team, [creating] this project for the whole school [and] watching it develop step by step,” Kim said.

EC members work to bring joy, love and school spirit back to campus.

This is made possible through members recognizing how impactful music and live events can be on the school community.

“Life is hard for college students in general, and what you see is [us] trying to give everyone a break,” Do said. “Making sure that at the end of the day, we’re not just students, and that everyone is able to remember their college experience in a positive way.”

After all of their hard work, members of the Davis Entertainment Council can look back and appreciate the thrill and enjoyment their live events bring to campus.

“All this planning doesn’t really feel real when you’re just sending emails, and it’s all kind of up in your head,” Wong said. “But once you’re there and you see this entire audience of people [with] no grass visible on the Quad, it’s amazing.”

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4 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

OPINION Self-care is rebellious

Collegiate culture can be too demanding LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

BY MOLLY THOMPSON mmtthompson@ucdavis.edu

The beginning of college is really exciting — so many new people, new opportunities and new freedom. Your whole life is new, and the sky’s the limit.

But there’s also a lot about the beginning of college that can be extremely difficult to navigate. You suddenly have a lot less guidance and a lot more new influences; that can be really amazing, but it can also be really damaging.

Collegiate culture facilitates unhealthy and unsustainable behaviors in a lot of ways. That’s not a novel concept; everyone knows that, for example, frequent heavy drinking is just a common aspect of many students’ lifestyles. But it goes beyond that in ways that can be harder to recognize.

I had a professor once who refused to post slideshows, record lectures or provide any other way for students to access the material if they were absent.

Presumably this was to encourage attendance, which is of course a good thing, but it’s also a throughline for expediting burnout. By and large, I’ve found it to be true that going to class is crucial to academic success. But that doesn’t mean that missing a class needs to be punitive. If you’re sick you should stay home — that should be the norm, but because it’s so commonly accepted to value productivity over health and wellness, it isn’t.

It’s so easy to provide accommodations (especially in the age of technology) for students who may not be able to come to class, and if education is truly the priority, we should utilize them. That practice of prioritizing work over self-care unnecessarily punishes students who are trying to be responsible; instead of helping people when they’re sick or in need of a break, we force them to either

harm themselves further by coming to class or be at a disadvantage by missing a lesson.

This phenomenon shows up time and time again in different avenues of collegiate life. There’s so much pressure to get better grades, to add more to your resume, to take harder classes, to achieve more and more and more —which often comes at the cost of physical and mental health. What do I do if I don’t have enough time to get my homework done?

Sleep less. What happens if I have too much on my plate to take real breaks?

I get burnt out. What happens if I get sick and I keep going to class because I’ll fall behind if I don’t? I get sicker.

But that’s just part of life in your early twenties, right? That’s just how college works? It doesn’t have to be, and it really shouldn’t be. Of course, it’s a result of how our society as a whole functions. And that’s a problem in and of itself, but it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t address it at this level.

It’s really hard, in the face of peers and infrastructure that celebrate sacrificing personal wellbeing for noseto-the-grindstone work, to actually take care of yourself. We’re told that healthy self-care is lazy, easy, unproductive and unnecessary. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Taking care of yourself, allowing yourself breaks and easy days, not overloading your schedule, prioritizing sleep and physical wellness, etc. is all really hard in the face of so much demand for productivity. But no one should ever feel bad or selfish for being human. We should never feel like our schoolwork is more important than our mental or physical health.

It’s ‘Pumpkin Season’

Pumpkin as a versatile (and healthy!) fall ingredient

BY MAYA KORNYEYEVA mkornyeyeva@ucdavis.edu Starbucks launched their famous “Pumpkin Spice Latte” (or PSL, for short) on Aug. 22, marking the beginning of the transition period away from hot, blazing summer and towards a moody, pumpkin-filled fall.

Pumpkins — whether in their plump harvest mode or hollowed out and decorated for Halloween — have been a classic symbol of fall for centuries. Their ripeness season spans from late August to late October, which makes them a perfect fall ingredient for a wide range of recipes: from soups to cakes to syrups in coffee.

While pumpkins are typically associated with a savory rather than sweet taste, they are scientifically categorized as fruit. The seeds found on the inside of the gourd and the fact that pumpkins grow from big yellow and orange blooms are markers of their non-vegetable nature; similar to other squashes, avocados and even tomatoes.

Pumpkins are also packed to the brim with nutrients, including Vitamin

A (great for supporting your immune system) and Vitamin C (for eye health).

The flesh of the pumpkin also contains plenty of antioxidants, as well as fiber that aids in regulating cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Additionally, munching on just half a cup of pumpkin seeds supplies your body with 20 grams of protein.

There’s something extremely comforting about cooking and baking with pumpkin. The sharp tang of spices mingling with the smell of pumpkin sauce and the creamy, sugary notes in pumpkin bread urge me to wrap up in a blanket, light some candles and read a good book. The simple yet inviting flavor profile present in pumpkin recipes is reason enough to try it out as a new ingredient in your pantry this fall season.

One of my favorite ways to use pumpkin in the fall is roasting the pumpkin seeds from the guts of my Jack-O-Lantern; washing, drying and seasoning them to taste. I love adding a little paprika and garlic powder, then tossing everything with olive oil. A quick bake in the oven and you have a crispy, healthy snack to satisfy your

midday cravings.

Another way to utilize pumpkin is by making a homemade pumpkin syrup, which may not be as bright and colorful as the Starbucks version, but tastes remarkably similar. All you need is some pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, fall spices (an even mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and ginger) and a stovetop to simmer your syrup on. Trust me: this one turns out delicious.

Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a pumpkin pastry. Whether it’s pumpkin pie, a loaf of pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice muffins or pumpkin cheesecake, any recipe is bound to bring the welcoming feel of fall a little bit closer. Grab some friends, head out to the pumpkin patch and pick your champion. As they say: “go big or gourd home.”

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie MAYA KORNYEYEVA / AGGIE

HUMOR

The Orientation Leaders are robots Stay safe new Aggies

BY ALLISON KELEHER adkeleher@ucdavis.edu I don’t know about you, but personally I can’t wait for classes to start again. Only because that means that Aggie Orientation is over. Those Orientation Leaders are starting to scare me. I don’t wish to frighten our new Aggies, but I have a responsibility to report the news. I think the Orientation Leaders are robots and here’s my proof.

Does anyone remember the 2022 Aggie Orientation? There was a thunderstorm with pouring rain which completely derailed the Aggie Orientation program. The orientation administration was suspiciously quick to tell people to shelter in place.

Why? They didn’t want us to see the Orientation Leaders glitching out in the rain.

After this year, the administration cleaned up their act so we haven’t been able to catch them.

Until now. I went undercover as one of their Program Assistants, and I’ve been gathering evidence for months. I have a feeling that they are onto me, because sometimes the administration will whisper to each other and close their office doors.

Additionally, there’s a door that’s supposedly a closet that I haven’t seen anyone open in my entire time here. My theory is that is where they keep the preservation tanks for the Orientation Leaders.

Additionally, have you seen that these Orientation Leaders will walk around with the same power bank?

That’s because they need a quick recharge during the day when they can’t go back to their preservation tank.

My very reliable source, Gabe, informed me that they have had issues with Orientation Leaders being reliable. Some will quit, not show up or even brainwash their first-years into thinking that UC Davis isn’t sigma.

I believe that this was the source of the idea to automate the Orientation

LANHUI ZHEN/ AGGIE Leader labor force.

These robots are very high tech since they require a lifelike exterior. With the surge of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it has become easier to program these robots, because they are able to respond to first-years. All of this technology required a serious amount of funding. I believe that this came from the orientation fee. For years, orientation has been mandatory

for new students because they needed that money for these robots.

Currently, the orientation administration still has some regular student Orientation Leaders, because they haven’t been able to fund the purchase of so many robots. But they are close. Year after year they are acquiring more and more robots. In the end, no one will have a unique orientation experience.

Some have doubted me in my journey toward this discovery, but they are just haters. One of my supervisors even showed me the closet where they keep the robots and it was just full of random junk. Sadly, I believe that I am being brainwashed as an employee, too.

To all of my faithful readers, come check on me in case I don’t write another knee-slapping article. If that’s

the case, then it might already be too late, and I might be trapped in one of the preservation tanks to keep me silent.

Disclaimer: (This article is humor and/or satire, and its content is purely fictional. The story and the names of “sources” are fictionalized.)

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 | 5

EDITORIAL

Meet the Editorial Board

Get to know some of the people who help bring this paper together

WRITTEN BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD The California Aggie is the official student-run newspaper for the UC Davis community. Our paper is also the best way for students to get involved in journalism and reporting experience on campus.

Every week we provide hardhitting news, in-depth features and diverse opinions about the campus and local community. We publish online every day and weekly on Thursday.

You can find many of our newsstands on campus and downtown for your convenience.

We have seven different desks managed by different editors that each provide unique content for our paper.

The Editorial Board is also responsible for two weekly editorials that share our student opinions on important issues.

Since you will be hearing our rants fairly often, here is a brief introduction to get to know us better.

Chris Ponce, Editor-in-Chief This is my third time writing a bio for our “Meet the Editorial Board” piece and I’m still at a loss for how quick the time has passed by. This year I find myself in a new role that I am navigating with hope and excitement.

During one of the first stories I covered three years ago an Aggie photographer joked that I was on my way to be Editor-in-Chief by my fourth-year. I told him that I was happy where I was.

Since then I served as city news editor for two years, providing the campus and local community with news about crime, politics and city updates. I oversaw and wrote stories about bomb threats, the serial stabbings and local activism. In that role I understood the vital purpose The Aggie provides. In the summers I have worked for political campaigns, taking a different perspective on the issues we cover. In these roles I have learned that the voices of local communities are essential. I have learned the need for local journalism.

We write stories that otherwise would have gone unnoticed, we provide a platform for student and professor opinions and we provide safety and crime alerts that help keep our community safe.

This is why I decided to become Editor-in-Chief, to help our paper expand and make sure that we are here to stay for years to come. I fell in love with journalism first, then I fell in love with this city and campus. As my final year moves forward, I will do what I can to do the best that I can.

Alyssa Crevoiserat, Managing Editor It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when I became an editor. I’ve always been a bit of a nutcase when it comes to grammar — arguing about the Oxford comma is still my favorite pastime — but I think it all really began when I became a copy reader for The California Aggie as a first-year. Sitting in my dorm in the dark, editing the articles in suggestion mode and painstakingly awaiting the acceptance or rejection of my edits became my life’s work (on Saturdays).

During my one-year tenure as a copy chief, I saw a different side of our publication: pizza trivia nights, the copy team’s attic and a which-deskwould-survive-the-hunger-games simulation. Now, I’ve graduated from suggestion mode — phew — and I can safely say that this has been the most rewarding experience of my life.

Even after all of this, I still can’t figure out how to tell you what this role means to me. From campus events to medical innovations to city council updates, I have had the opportunity to remain educated on local current events and connect with UC Davis behind the scenes. Going into this year as the managing editor is equal parts terrifying and exciting, and I hope this year is filled with team-bonding events, long nights in the office and, most importantly, incredible journalism. I can’t wait to work with some of the most talented and passionate people I’ve ever met that make this paper all that it is and will be. And if you’re thinking about joining The California Aggie, I can’t wait to meet you, too.

Madison Peters, Campus News Editor The Trader Joe’s crew memberto-campus news editor pipeline is real, and I am living proof. It was my former coworker and campus news editor, Lily Freeman, who first introduced me to the wonderful world of the Cal Aggie. One day during the summer before my third year, while we were stocking the fruit and nut section, Lily approached me like a car salesman pitching the newest and fastest car on the market: “How would you like to be a volunteer writer for the school’s newspaper?” she said. At this point in my life, I had a passion

for writing and storytelling but no journalism experience. I wondered if this was good enough to join such an impressive publication. However, with Lily’s reassurance (and a bit of begging), I was writing for The Aggie in a few weeks. What I didn’t know was how much it would change my life.

With every article I wrote, something exciting sparked within me. Being able to talk to different students, faculty and campus organizations opened my eyes to a whole new world I was unaware of. I felt so connected to the campus community, and being able to see my name on issues and talk about important campus events gave me an unmatched sense of pride (and being able to show these articles to my mom helped my ego greatly).

Going into my second year with The Aggie and taking on the role of campus news editor is everything I would have wished for. I love seeing the passion in my fellow writers’ eyes when they pitch a new story, and being able to help them use their voices is an exceptional thing. This year, in addition to improving my journalism skills, I have a goal to make The Aggie more sustainable in terms of paper waste (woohoo!). I can’t wait to continue shining a light on all the diverse stories on campus and working with my fellow Aggies, since they are the best and kindest people I have had the pleasure of meeting!

Hannah Schrader, City News Editor A new school year is a time for new beginnings, and of those new beginnings I am most excited to continue my time at The California Aggie but now as the editor of the city news desk. As a brief introduction, my name is Hannah Schrader and I am starting my third year here at Davis. I love reading, baking and traveling. This year I hope to produce high quality coverage of local politics, events and community affairs.

I started working for The Aggie my first year here at Davis after fervently committing to being as involved on campus as possible. It was nerve racking to start college but even more so because a very brazen 18 year old Hannah decided to attend college 2,800 miles from home. After much experimentation with clubs and programs, I had a stroke of luck when I applied to work for the California Aggie. I worked for the city news desk for a year and a half before getting the privilege of now working as the editor of the desk. Through my time at the city desk, I not only grew my knowledge of journalism but the love I had for the field at large. I must also give a big thanks to our current EIC and former city desk editor, Chris Ponce for recognizing the important role the city news desk plays in the Davis local journalism scene and his commitment to providing critical political and city coverage. The city desk taught me what it means to be a part of the Davis community, and more importantly what it means to tell the stories of the people in it. I hope to continue Chris’ legacy of providing high quality coverage and keeping the Davis community informed.

Maya Editor

Kornyeyeva,

Opinion

From the very beginning — and by the beginning, I mean the fourth grade — I have been in the opinion biz. That fateful year, I published a hand-printed newspaper featuring a story about ghosts (note: it was actually just heat shimmer) hiding in the fake grass of my elementary school’s soccer field, putting my evidence down on paper and proclaiming my albeit fanatical theories to the world. From that moment on, I embraced the lifestyle of a reporter, creating articles and political cartoons for my high school’s newspaper, Scot Scoop. Upon arriving at UC Davis (even before petting the cows!) I applied for the Opinion Desk at The CA Aggie, and, by some miracle, I got in. Two years and countless opinion columns about coffee later, I am here before you as the Opinion Editor for this academic school year.

From my two years at The Aggie, I feel it is safe to say that this is one of the most passionate student hubs on campus. While at The Aggie Office, I learned trivia tidbits about the most bizarre, random stuff you can imagine. I met people with ground-breaking ideas and shared my thoughts in a judge-free space. Every meeting was filled with laughter, jokes that did (and didn’t) make sense and rants about everything from Doctor Who to surviving the apocalypse. I wouldn’t have made it here without my outstanding editors, Owen and Annabel, and I hope to lead the Opinion desk with the same dedication to free speech as they had.

Oh, and of course, whip together a few more articles about coffee.

Zoey Mortazavi, Features Editor I unexpectedly found myself in a journalism class my junior year of

high school after one of my English teachers said she thought it would be a perfect fit for me. She was right — I fell in love with it immediately and climbed the ladder of staff positions as quickly as I could, from senior staff writer to news editor to editor-inchief by my senior year. Journalism has taught me about leadership, the importance of properly representing a campus’ population and all (way too much, actually) about meeting deadlines. Finding a shared passion for writing, discussing a community we’re all a part of and learning more about one another in the process has been one of the most rewarding experiences of being a student journalist.

Joining The Aggie was one of my main goals going into my freshman year at Davis. I applied for a writing position for features and was able to become the assistant features editor by my third quarter. Yasmeen, last year’s features editor, taught me to appreciate and love the human perspective of feature writing. I applied to the features editor position after a year writing for the desk, hoping but not at all expecting to get it. It’s a huge privilege to be able to shine a spotlight on the diverse corners of the community that we have on our campus. Through features I have been able explore Davis on a much deeper level while covering topics like financial education, college language courses and even the importance of studying outdoors. I’m so excited to be joining the Aggie staff officially and for a year full of showcasing the people and communities that make UC Davis all that it is!

Letter from the editor

Welcome to UC Davis!

WRITTEN BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD Dear Reader, Welcome to UC Davis! I hope you are having a decent time navigating your way through orientation and this lovely place we call home. Getting to this point in your life is something to take pride in, higher education is both a privilege and an honor.

Maybe it feels like all of your friends left their hometowns and went off to college, with some going to schools that are more “esteemed.”

But, let me assure you that going to any college, let alone UC Davis, is the chance of a lifetime.

I’m approaching my final year at Davis and I can say I am beyond sad to leave. When I first came here, I felt scared and alone until I found my place. If this resembles how you are feeling right now then let me promise you that things will get better. You will make friends. You will find your people. You will call this place home.

It just takes time.

It wasn’t until I got involved with The Aggie, the official student paper of UC Davis, that I learned to love Davis.

There is a lot to offer in this small cowtown, from the farmers market to our local cafes, Davis is beautiful. I am

lucky to call this place home. Reader, you will be too.

As you settle in I encourage you to put yourself out there; join a club, talk to the person you sit next to in your classes and try something new.

There is also more to explore outside of campus. The city of Davis is always hosting an array of welcoming events.

I also want to say, Davis might be a culture shock for many of you the way it was for me. I come from a small town in Southern California that couldn’t be more different from Davis. There are plenty of clubs that celebrate culture and diversity. It’s different from home, but you will find your place. Davis is for everyone.

As you explore campus, our newspaper is here to provide you with trusted local news and an outlet to express your student opinion.

I’m wishing you the best of luck.

Welcome to your new home and community.

Sincerely, Chris Ponce Editor-in-Chief If you ever wish to reach out to me, please send me an email at editor@theaggie.org

Ana Bach, Arts and Culture Editor I never quite knew when and the exact reason why I wanted to become a writer. I’ve always had a bit of a knack for writing, keeping extensive journal entries about my day-to-day experiences even before I knew how to spell correctly. When I went to middle school, I vividly remember bonding with my seventh-grade English teacher, staying during lunchtime to debrief the books we were reading in class. My interest and love for writing were never questioned, which is why I was so easily convinced to join The Aggie by a member of my sorority, who also happened to be the Managing Editor at the time, shoutout Ms. Katie Debenedetti. From there, everything seemed to come naturally, aside from getting into the habit of rejecting the use of the Oxford comma.

As I reflect on how I started at the Aggie, it’s been weird to think about ending my experience with something that has been such a prominent part of my life for the past three years. The countless Couch Concert planning, Culture Corner brainstorming and Lit mag layouts will never fail to impress me with the undeniable talent from Aggie and local Davis writers alike.

While this final year seems so scary to confront head-on, I want my writers and fellow editors to really cherish all the time we spend together. Meetings can be long and typos are inevitable, so welcome the things that don’t go according to plan because that’s what makes up our perfectly imperfect publication. As always, I hope you all enjoy reading!

Megan Joseph, Sports Editor Wow, has it already been three months? I cannot believe that summer is officially ending and a new school year is starting! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Megan Joseph. I am just now starting my third-year here at UC Davis and could not be more excited to also start my second year as the sports editor. Over the course of last year, I have learned so much—whether it’s the inner workings of collegiate sports, handling deadline crises, or figuring out the best way to hand out newspapers. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences I have had and will continue to have here at The Aggie.

I began here just like everyone else, as a new volunteer writer for my desk. After writing and seeing my first few articles in print, I knew I had found my place. I’ve always had a love for sports, whether it’s playing as an athlete or being a fan on the sidelines; it is one of my biggest passions. I am beyond thrilled to continue pursuing this passion and continuing to make entertaining content for everyone this year! With my incredible team of writers, I am confident that we will make this year just as amazing if not better than last year. So, stay tuned for everything sports this year on the backside of the newspaper.

Katie Hellman, Science and Technology Editor I accredit my deep-seated love for writing to two things: spelling bees and the elementary school book fair.

I could say that spelling bees helped me cultivate a fascination for the intricacies of the English vocabulary and the nuances of language, but in reality, I just realized that 1. I liked

to spell, 2. It won me money and 3. I should perhaps try stringing together some words of my own.

Those book fairs yielded a similar insight; I developed a particular (and thankfully short-lived) fondness for books revolving around talking dogs, and this reading passion quickly gave way to a desire to write.

Fast forward a decade or so, and I found myself inclined to experiment with different types of writing. In high school, I loved switching between serious and satirical writing topics when given the creative liberty to do so (to the grief of my teachers), but once I entered college I figured it was time to pursue a journalistic position

related to my STEM major. I thought science writing sounded cool – and so alas, I applied to be a science writer.

After two quarters of that, I realized that the only thing better than writing would be telling other people what to write (kidding… mostly), and thus began my time as the Science Desk Editor during my second year. Here I am now entering my third year, and I can’t wait to return to the position and work alongside an amazingly talented group of editors, writers and artists. If you’re interested in topics like advancements in healthcare, astronomy and the environment, then keep on reading – and if you couldn’t care less, now’s the time to change that.

6 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

ARTS & CULTURE

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

Must-attend events for a Davis book lover

Literary events and author readings in the first week of fall quarter

BY ELIZABETH BUNT arts@theaggie.org

BY ANA BACH arts@theaggie.org

Movie: “The Whale” dir. Darren Aronofsky (2022) If you easily cry during movies, this one might be hard to stomach. Both of my parents recommended this movie and heavily sobbed throughout it. Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink elevated this film to a whole new level, with a father-daughter dynamic that leaves you in shambles. Fraser’s character, Charlie, is a reclusive and unhealthy English teacher who teaches students online while he binge-eats himself to death. Throughout the film, he makes a valiant effort to reconnect with his teenage daughter, Ellie (Sink), as his health increasingly worsens for one last chance at redemption. Ellie continuously tries to push him away, while he tries to be a part of her life in any way he can. While I didn’t cry, I walked away from the film thinking about it for days after.

As an audience member, you really feel the weight of Charlie’s journey, as a food-addicted man who is still seeking self-improvement, even when it feels too late. I would recommend this movie to anyone looking for a great film to watch, but with that, prepare yourself to be an emotional wreck for several days after.

When fall quarter begins, Davis is overrun with new and returning students, overwhelmed with the hundreds of campus and town-wide events that all seem to be happening at the same time. This article will provide an overview of local events during the first week of classes that will be the perfect fit for book lovers, humanities students or anyone wanting to be introduced to the Davis art scene.

The Avid Reader bookstore located downtown is a staple of the Davis literary sphere. With a huge collection of bestsellers and new releases, and being located only half a mile from campus, nearly every humanities student has passed through its doors at least once.

In addition to bookselling, the Avid Reader also hosts monthly author visits and readings. This September, two such events are set for the first week of fall quarter.

Michael Silver will introduce his latest book “The Why is Everything” at the Avid Reader storefront on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Silver is an award-winning sports

Song: “Les Gout” by Rampa (2022) A quintessential house song to keep the summer beats uplifted into fall, Rampa creates a song uplifted by Afrobeats. The producer uses a very limited lyrical base but consistent beats intertwined with bongo drums to give the song a somewhat Reggae feel. I found myself circling back to this little tune over the summer, trying to pretend I was off somewhere in the south of France when I was really just going for a drive in my neighborhood.

Whether you are a fan of this type of music or not, it’s hard to resist dancing along to the beat. So don’t fight it, and let the music guide you.

TV Show: “My Lady Jane” dir. by Jamie Babbit and Stefan Schwartz (2024) I was absolutely shattered when I heard rumors of a second season no longer being in the picture after I binge-watched the show in less than 24 hours — so let’s hope that it just stays speculation. The Amazon Original, based on the novel of the same name by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows, is a fantasy retelling of the life of Lady Jane Grey, the former Queen of England and Ireland, in her arranged marriage with Guilford Dudley during the reign of King Edward, son to Henry VIII. She is unexpectedly forced to take the crown overnight and is targeted by people who are envious of her power, inside and outside of the kingdom. The characters range from royal figures to humans that shapeshift into animals called Ethians. While the show sounds like an intense period piece, the humorous dialogue and modern spin sets it apart from the other Bridgerton-esque shows and makes it an easy binge-watch.

Book: “Yellowface” by R.F. Kuang (2023) Taking place in my hometown of Washington D.C., “Yellowface” offers readers a unique story about the life of two long-time college friends who are both aspiring writers, Athena and Juniper.

Athena Lu is a successful author and fashion mogul while Juniper stays out of the limelight. The book is a critique of the publishing world — shining a light on how cyberbullying reveals biases that writers make conscious choices to either sweep under the rug or confront head on for the sake of their book.

ALLISON VO / AGGIE

journalist and author of five books. “The Why is Everything” tells the story of Kyle Shanahan, an National Football League (NFL) offensive coordinator, and how he brought about a new age of innovation in football strategy. In describing how a few men changed the game of football, Silver also tells a tale of friendship and the never-ending pursuit of athletic excellence. This event will be a hit for book lovers and sports buffs alike.

Vicki Valosik will also be discussing her debut novel “Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water” at the Avid Reader on Friday, Sept. 27, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. “Swimming Pretty” tells the complete history of synchronized swimming and how it earned its place in the Olympic Games.

Valosik not only tells the story of the sport itself, but the many generations of female athletes who propelled underwater athletics into prominence.

“Swimming Pretty” gives an inside look at a sport and a feminist battle that still remains unknown to most.

Another arts-related destination in Davis, the John Natsoulas gallery, is a great place to dive more into the local cultural scene. The gallery is located on the corner of 1st and E Street. With ever-changing gallery exhibitions and

events every week, the Natsoulas is a fantastic place for students and Davis residents alike to get a dose of art. As many returning humanities students are aware, the Natsoulas is also a regular host of poetry readings that are open to any writer brave enough to share their work. The poetry series kicks off once again during the first week of fall quarter, but this time with a new twist.

Looking for something similar to open mic nights? Look no further, because the Jazz Beat Poetry Night will be held at the John Natsoulas Gallery on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. This event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite poem or some of their own work to read. As poems are being read, a trio of jazz musicians will bring the words to life with their instruments. This event promises to be the perfect blend of art, music and good writing. The open mic portion of the event will begin at 7:30 p.m.

If you have never picked up a book before or wouldn’t necessarily consider yourself the most avid of readers, don’t feel like these events are off-limits. Try something new to start off the school year!

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 | 7

Asian American Pacific Islander poets to read beyond the month of May

The rich poetic heritage is a less-celebrated but significant contribution of AAPI communities in the United States

While AAPI Heritage Month is over, celebrating diverse poets and authors is essential year-round. (Aggie File)

BY INDRANIL BASU arts@theaggie.org May was Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in the United States, and following April’s National Poetry Month, what better way to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) voices than engaging with poetry by AAPI poets? While these recognized months have passed, the importance of appreciating AAPI poets remains just as important year-round.

AANHPI Month recognizes the contributions and influence of API Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. However, creative and artistic contributions are often overlooked.

Poetry is one such area of art and literature that these communities have contributed to heavily, bringing their “unique perspectives and narratives rooted in their rich cultural heritage” to American poetry, according to Read Poetry.

Although stereotyped as the “model minority” in the US, AAPI communities have faced extreme adversities in this country: from anti-Asian immigration

laws (like the Chinese Exclusion Act) to colonialism and its violent aftermaths to acute racism and xenophobia to specific targeting like forced incarceration (World War II’s “internment camps” for Japanese Americans) or to the rise in Asian American hate crimes during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Poetry has been a way for individuals of these communities to voice their experiences and protests while exploring themes of identity, diaspora and social justice. Their poetry challenges stereotypes, breaks boundaries and forges connections, offering a glimpse into the vast tapestry of AAPI experiences, according to Read Poetry. Contemporary poets have focused on more intersectional issues like feminism, queerness and environmental degradation, among others, alongside their AAPI identities.

AAPI poetry started gaining public attention in the US around the ‘70s and ‘80s with pioneers like Mitsuye Yamada and Li-Young Lee writing about themes from their own experiences, instrumentalizing the English language to speak to a diverse American audience. Today, AAPI poetry is further popularized by contemporary poets like Ocean Vuong, Alok Vaid-

Menon and Cathy Park Hong. Here are three contemporary AAPI poets to read, who write about themes through their own unique experiences.

“If They Should Come for Us” by Fatimah Asghar “our names this country’s wood/ for the fire my people my people the long years we’ve survived the long/ years yet to come I see you map my sky the light your lantern long/ ahead & I follow I follow” Fatima Asghar is a Pakistani American poet, director and screenwriter, who rose to fame with their debut poetry collection “If They Come for Us” and published their debut lyrical novel “When We Were Sisters” in 2022. They are the co-creator and writer for the Emmy-nominated web series “Brown Girls.” The themes of their poetry reflect their intersectional identities as a brown, queer and Muslim person in America and the history of the Partition of India.

“Self-Portrait as Exit Wounds” by Ocean Vuong

“through/ the refugee camp sick with smoke & half-sung/ hymns, [...] furnished only with laughter, Wonder Bread/ & mayonnaise, [...] another/ brown gook crumbles under John Wayne’s M16, Vietnam burning on the screen” One of the most prominent contemporary writers of poetry and prose, Vuong is a Vietnamese American poet, essayist and novelist.

He is known for his poetry collections “Time is a Mother” and “Night Sky with Exit Wounds” and his American Book Award-winning novel “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous.” His queerness is also an important theme in his poetry, reflecting his own intersectional experiences and longings while voicing that of the community.

“Kumulipo” by Dr. Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio “I have forgotten my father’s own grandparents’ middle names, [..]

But there’s a culture, a people, somewhere beneath my skin.

That I have been searching for since I landed here [...]

Our tongues feel too foreign in our own mouth.”

Dr. Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) artist, activist and scholar whose Pacific Islander community has a rich tradition of oral poetry.

Heolimeleikalani Osorio is a three-time national poetry champion and author of “Remembering our Intimacies: Mo olelo, Aloha Āina, and Ea” (2021). Their poetry is often at the intersection of Native Hawaiian issues including loss of culture due to forced assimilation into the US empire and their queerness: another indigenous identity the US tried to erase.

You can support these poets and their communities by reading their poetry online or in print, following them on social media like Instagram, buying their poetry books, attending AAPI poetry events or engaging with their socio-political or cultural contexts.

As we enter the rest of the year, it is important to continue celebrating AAPI heritage and talking about AAPI issues, and poetry is a great way to do so.

Review: Ursula K. Le Guin’s ‘A Wizard of Earthsea’

The diverse 1968 fantasy novel that still resonates with this generation of readers

BY SAVANNAH BURGER arts@theaggie.org Are you looking for a new wizardfocused fantasy book to satiate your magic desires? What if I told you there was a book on par with that of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis that featured a cast of ethnic diversity? This novel is the amazing “A Wizard of Earthsea,” written by the late, famous feminist author Ursula K. Le Guin. In her lifetime, she wrote 23 novels and many other volumes of short stories and poetry. Le Guin was lauded for her science fiction and fantasy work, with “A Wizard of Earthsea” being one of her most popular.

“A Wizard of Earthsea” is the first book of what is called the “Earthsea Cycle,” which consists of five other sequels. The world of the novels is set in the fictional archipelago of Earthsea, which has countless islandbased, non-industrial civilizations. It follows the story of a boy named Ged and the journey he takes across the islands of the archipelago of Earthsea to eventually become history’s most wise and powerful wizard.

At the beginning of his story, he’s sent to a wizarding school on the Island of Roke to unlock his magic potential. Immature, bold and brash, he accidentally unleashes an unspeakable evil unto the world and leaves the school to escape the darkness he created.

During his journey, he ages, matures and faces dark sorcerers, shape-shifters, dragons and even purgatory. Eventually, he faces the monster that hunts him in a cathartic battle defined by selfacceptance.

One of the most notable elements of this book is its nearly unheard-of ethnically diverse cast of characters.

Especially because the book was written in the ‘60s, it is astonishing that a book in which all of the residents of Earthsea, besides those residing on one small chain of islands called the Kargad Lands, are people of color. Every newly introduced character, aside from those belonging to the Kargad Lands, are depicted as shades of brown, including Ged himself, who is described as reddish-brown.

Even to this day, media has had a history of caucasian people dominating casts and leaving those of color to make the minority, if that. Because of this,

the fact that Le Guin chose to flip this dynamic on its head only four years after segregation was abolished in the United States is revolutionary. Even popular fantasy books that are modern, such as the “Harry Potter” franchise, do not reflect anything close to this kind of diverse representation.

Additionally, “A Wizard of Earthsea” is a beautiful representation of closeness with the natural world and nature’s part in self-acceptance. Le Guin herself had a deep interest in Taoism, which is reflected in her novel. Magic in Earthsea has an intimate relationship with the balance of the environment.

The name of the archipelago itself, Earthsea, represents the balance of nature with opposite elements, earth and sea. Everything is centered on embracing both darkness and light of the self along with cherishing that of the natural world.

All magical power is based on the visceral knowledge of the true names of the organic environment and only calling upon those names when necessary, out of respect. In the book, Ged must learn not to force nature to do his bidding — although he has the power to blow a rainstorm away, he only finds with maturity that he should allow the rain to fall where it desires, as is the order of nature. He must let Earthsea live and breathe without human intervention, be it magical or not. Because of this, the whole book is an encouragement to form a symbiotic relationship with the natural world and the soul.

Despite Le Guin being a staunch feminist in her lifetime, “A Wizard of Earthsea” doesn’t do very well in means of positive representation of female characters and their magical abilities compared to that of males. Although this makes the book less inclusive, the deficit in gender equality greatly evolves throughout the book series. By the fourth book, “Tehanu,” written in 1990, women and their sorcery are depicted equally, and there is an emphasis on the magic’s beauty, which is positively linked with female sexuality.

The characters, setting, imagery and message of self-loving this novel has to offer makes “A Wizard of Earthsea” just as relevant today as it was in 1968.

Le Guin’s writing is masterful, and it is easy to get swept away with Ged in the whimsical world that is Earthsea.

Guin’s 1986 fantasy novel features a story about balance with nature and the environment. (Courtesy)

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

8 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

Students for Reproductive Freedom at UC Davis fight for reproductive justice and awareness in our communities

Members of the organization share their experiences and the impact of the group

BY GRACIELA TIU features@theaggie.org While reproductive health issues have remained one of the most prominent topics of national political conversation throughout the last several years, students at UC Davis have been working to expand reproductive rights and promote discussion surrounding the subject.

One student-run organization, Students for Reproductive Freedom (SRF), aims to increase campus education and awareness about reproductive health while collaborating with outside initiatives supporting reproductive rights. With these goals in mind, members have the opportunity to create and benefit from meaningful learning environments.

Aditi Hariharan, a fourth-year political science and nutrition science double-major, and Maren Butler, a third-year human development major, are the current co-presidents of SRF. They described some of the benefits and unique aspects of their club, as well as their level of campus involvement.

“I think the unique experience of working in reproductive justice (RJ) is creating safe spaces on campus for folks to share vulnerable stories,” Hariharan said. “In terms of the community, we’ve been in constant presence with other students; we’re always tabling at pride and other campus events.”

Adyasha Padhi, a fourth-year biochemistry and molecular biology and anthropology double-major, announced that alongside fostering collaboration between groups, the club will be organizing multiple events in the coming quarter, with plans to canvas in Reno in October and table individually on campus.

“Especially with elections coming up, we’ll also be tabling to increase awareness of voting and also reproductive rights and reproductive

resources on campus,” Padhi said.

Members also participate in specific activities that help promote reproductive justice. Butler described one of the projects the group has previously worked on where members wrote to voters through a letter-writing program.

“One of my favorite activities was letter writing,” Butler said. “We wrote in support of menstrual equity bills in California, for education in public schools and access in prisons.”

In addition to hosting future letterwriting events, SRF at UC Davis often works with other groups to make perceptible changes on campus.

“One thing that we’ve been working on for a while is making sure that everyone has access to menstrual products, and that all the pad and tampon dispensers around campus actually have pads and tampons,” Padhi said.

The group also encourages members to identify prominent issues that students are facing and how they can relate to reproductive health.

“There are so many time and financial barriers that prevent students from taking the best care of themselves that they can,” Butler said. “Whether that’s within something like RJ or more on the outskirts like housing, food, healthcare-related or even just finding a community, I’ve noticed that’s a big issue for a lot of students on campus.”

Being a part of the organization and sharing the value of reproductive justice has also deepened connections between students. Hariharan also described that being a part of the group has influenced her individual journey with student activism, giving her the confidence to speak her opinion against global policies.

“The [main] impact on myself has been becoming closer to the activists of the community,” Hariharan said.

“This type of work is only possible due to being in community with and respecting all the activists who came

Students for Reproductive Freedom tabling at the Memorial Union. (Benjamin Cheng / Aggie) before me and all of the members of the club; it’s made us more aligned with the true vision of reproductive justice and its intersectionality.”

SRF leaders have also begun noticing what motivates young people into involvement with civic engagement, keeping these motivators in mind when planning activities for the group.

“I think young people are really excited about holding campus administrators accountable right now, especially in light of recent restrictions on [a] free speech campus climate,” Harihan said. “I think that can translate to RJ in terms of holding administrators accountable to make medication abortion easily accessible or making contraception use also easily accessible. I

think that people are just excited about local issues more in the current climate of campus.”

So, if the topic of reproductive justice interests you, how can you get involved? SRF will welcome your involvement any time of year, according to Padhi.

“We typically are not a club that you have to join at the beginning of the quarter,” Padhi said. “Generally, people are free to come to our meetings whenever, and they’re pretty fun.”

Once you join, you’ll have the chance to participate in educational and action-driven biweekly meetings, usually held in the evening.

“Typically there’ll be some updates about what’s happening in

the reproductive world, so this can be news about different laws that are being passed, or updates about projects that we’re working on, on campus or outside of campus,” Padhi said. “Then, usually we’ll transition into some sort of activity, so that could be something like letter writing [or] creating medical care kits. It could also be a panel of different professionals in the reproductive field, so they can look very different.”

With the help of its student leaders, members and outside collaborators, SRF at UC Davis has become a dynamic driver of reproductive justice, fostering learning, growth and inspiration in Davis and outside communities.

Does the Davis Farmers Market lose crucial traffic during the summer?

Exploring the resilience of farmar participants throughout the summer months

BY NOAH HARRIS features@theaggie.org In a university town, the summer is a transition period. Whether it be to work, travel or be with family, most students will leave before returning months later for a new school year. Despite this loss of traffic, the institutions, buildings and businesses stay in place. In a town like Davis, the temperature spikes, and many stay inside as much as possible to avoid it. This can be a problem for many outdoor-based merchants.

However, the Davis Farmers Market is able to remain virtually unchanged, despite facing obstacles like the weather and the annual student migration away from campus.

The Davis Farmers Market features vendors, farmers and other sellers in downtown’s Central Park. The market takes place every Saturday throughout the year, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are also weekly events held on Wednesdays throughout the year.

A typical Davis Saturday boasts the farmers market, with options of locally sourced farm products, crafts, meals and much more. In addition, live music is often a central part of the weekly events.

The intense heat can be a major issue for outdoor events in Davis. The average high temperature between June and September is 86 degrees, and temperatures can easily reach into triple digits. This heat can also lead to community-wide issues, such as a recent event in which 1,800 Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) customers lost power amidst a heat wave.

The Davis Farmers Market has had to face its own share of issues regarding the heat. On July 3, Picnic in the Park, a farmers market held every Wednesday during the summer, was cancelled due to high temperatures. In addition, the farmers market the following Saturday closed an hour earlier, at 12 p.m. On July 4, the temperature reached a high of 107 degrees.

An excessive heat warning is usually given for an area whose temperature high for a two day period is 105 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Another related incident occurred in 2022, when the farmers market had to be canceled due to excessive heat.

Other farmers markets in California have had similar issues. In a Chico farmers market, farmers have noticed a significant decrease in foot traffic, which has impacted profits. Holding

these outdoor events during the summer months can also lead to many types of produce going bad more quickly than normal.

Heat is not the only issue the Davis Farmers Market faces. In total, there are around 40,000 UC Davis undergraduate students. During the summer, the number of student residents decreases significantly. In the summer of 2022, the number of students taking at least one class was around 11,000, including virtual classes.

In a town of 65,000 people, this is a significant loss of general foot traffic that the market would normally receive.

Randii MacNear, the executive director of the farmers market, was surprised by the lack of students this summer.

“It seemed like there were less students in town than I have seen in the past,” MacNear said.

Both the heat and the loss of students can be a significant hurdle to overcome for vendors and organizers.

However, the Davis Farmers Market does not see a dropoff in profit during the summertime, according to MacNear.

“We don’t see a decrease in sales, ever. There isn’t an on-season or offseason at the Davis Farmers Market,” MacNear said. “We work hard to

Vendors assist customers in purchasing items from the array of fresh produce. (Jenna Lee / Aggie)

orchestrate that.”

This is a sentiment that the farmers share as well. Andrew Walker, a coowner of Farmboy Organics, has been selling his produce at the farmers market for the past three years. He said that summer is consistently busier than the winter, due to differences in seasonal crops.

“Summer’s busier than the winter,” Walker said. “People buy more tomatoes and eggplants and basil than they do kale and things like that.”

One advantage that the Davis Farmers Market has during the summer is its sizable pavilion. A permanent structure in Central Park, it is equipped for rain and shine, allowing both sellers and attendees respite from climate conditions. Other popular farmers markets, such as the Midtown Farmers Market in Sacramento, do not have infrastructure built and instead solely rely on tents for farmers that do not cover customers.

MacNear was grateful to the city of Davis for this feature.

“People know they can get some shade, and they know farmers will be under the shade,” MacNear said. “So, while people definitely don’t hang around, if they are diehard customers, they come and shop to support the

farmers. I really feel sorry for the markets that are out in parking lots.”

The market is also a reliable source for the community, operating every week unless extreme circumstances occur. The farmers market was able to continue in 2020, even during the height of COVID-19. They are able to stay open throughout the year due to preparation and planning by vendors.

Walker, who exclusively sells through the Davis Farmers Market, loves the connection it establishes with regular customers.

“It becomes kind of where they do their shopping, whether [or not] they only get a few things,” Walker said.

“They come back and buy from us every week. It’s like going to the grocery store, but you get it fresh from the farm.”

Doris Kim, a fourth-year ___,who attends the farmers market almost every week, praised the quality of products.

“It’s also nice that there’s no middle man, so even though it’s higher quality, it tends not to be that much more expensive and sometimes is even cheaper [than grocery stores],” Kim said.

There is more planning in the works for Central Park that will cool residents during the summer months. The city of Davis was given a $2.784 million grant in 2021 to renovate Central Park. There will be a new interactive water feature called a splash pad — which will be named after Natalie Corona, a Davis police officer who was killed in the line of duty. Additions to Central Park will also include two shade structures and the planting of more trees.

MacNear was excited about the changes taking place.

“Next year at this time, we will have a beautiful, free splash pad,” MacNear said.

Another factor drawing customers and students into the Davis Farmers Market is CalFresh. They have a program that provides $15 worth of fruits, vegetables and other farmers market items for the first $15 that you withdraw from your account.

Walker, who provided his interview whilst picking tomatoes on his farm, talked about the program from both a business and community perspective.

“We see a good amount of it every week, and I think it’s an important thing for more food access,” Walker said.

For Kim, it was one of her favorite features of the market. Many UC Davis students benefit from the CalFresh program; it has become a primary appeal for students to attend the farmers market in recent years.

“It’s a really cool program, because it helps students save money, and it also supports local businesses,” Kim said.

Obstacles have to be overcome to keep events like these running smoothly, whether it be from the heat or students leaving for the summer. Regardless, every Saturday morning, the Davis Farmers Market continues to be a defining institution of our downtown.

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 | 9

Sudoku

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row, column and 3x3 square must contain each digit. Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing.

Answer to previous puzzle 08/15/24

Crossword

NWSLUPDATE FROM PAGE 12 The lead scorers of the game were Utterbeck and Jade Light, a third-year aeronautical engineering major, who led the Aggies with eight kills. Additionally, Utterbeck hit a solid 0.400 in the match, finished with one block, earned eight and one-half points and had eight digs.

Ally Chandler, a second-year undeclared major, also had accomplishments in the game by hitting a strong 0.667 with nine attacks, six kills, one block and two digs. Lastly, Mia Starr, a second-year undeclared major, finished the game with 26 assists and five digs — recording only one error in the match.

This is only the start of the season for our UC Davis women’s volleyball team, with this loss hopefully being just a bump in the road. They showed tenacity as they continuously entered each set ready to win, and many of our players had their own success within the game, helping them continue to grow throughout the season.

Head Coach Dan Conners continues to look forward to future matches, noting that the team made a quality effort. “[It was] a great experience for our team to go into a hostile gym against a very good team and battle with them,” Conners said.

Conners also stated that the UC Davis Aggies will learn from the match and continue to grow from this loss against the Boilermakers — becoming stronger as they prepare for their upcoming opponents.

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

8 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

Aggie Yogurt opens on 2nd street

This past summer the environmentally friendly frozen yogurt shop opened its doors

Aggie Yogurt, a new frozen yogurt store in downtown Davis, recently had their grand opening. (Jenna Lee / Aggie)

BY ALMA CULVERWELL city@theaggie.org This June, Aggie Yogurt, a new frozen yogurt shop, opened its doors to the Davis community with a celebration at 425 2nd St. The store, which promises a fresh take on frozen yogurt, has gained attention for its combination of unique flavors and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Aggie Yogurt aims to be “your ultimate destination for fresh, creamy and delicious yogurt creations,” according to their website. This tagline

reflects the shop’s approach of offering customers a highly customizable experience. “The vibrant and inviting shop offers a delightful array of new flavors, from Cookie Monster to Wild Strawberry, all made with the finest ingredients,” their description reads.

The store, which prides itself on catering to a broad spectrum of dietary needs, features options for every preference. From dairy-free and glutenfree selections to low-sugar alternatives, Aggie Yogurt ensures that anyone can enjoy its frozen treats. Customers can personalize their yogurt with a wide variety of over 32 toppings, including

granola, berries, nuts and sauces.

Aggie Yogurt also sets itself apart by emphasizing eco-friendly practices.

The shop uses compostable cups and utensils, and it offers discounts to customers who bring their own reusable containers, helping reduce single-use plastic waste.

Aggie Yogurt is the third frozen yogurt store to open in downtown Davis, joining longtime favorites Cultivé and Yoloberry. The frozen yogurt scene has been popular in Davis for over a decade, with both Cultivé and Yoloberry establishing themselves as staples for local families, students

and visitors. Aggie Yogurt hopes to stand out by offering not only new flavor combinations but also a modern, sustainability-focused business model that resonates with the environmentally conscious population of Davis.

The shop’s opening also marks the fifth addition to the downtown area’s growing list of ice cream and novelty dessert shops, which includes BaskinRobbins, Davis Creamery and Sweet and Shavery. With increased competition in the frozen dessert market, Aggie Yogurt is banking on its unique and eco-friendly mission to attract a loyal customer base.

Aggie Yogurt plans to continue its community outreach with special events and promotions throughout the year. The store has already announced plans to host a series of themed yogurt nights, where customers can try limitedtime seasonal flavors and participate in yogurt-making workshops. To celebrate its opening, the shop has also scheduled various promotions for the month of September, offering discounts and free toppings for loyalty members.

G Street Project updates

Construction on the G Street activation project set to start soon

BY ALMA CULVERWELL city@theaggie.org The city of Davis recently announced that construction on the highly anticipated G Street Project will begin in the coming weeks. The G Street Project, also referred to as the G Street Activation, was made with the goal of providing a vibrant hub of activity that offers benefits to everyone in Davis. This includes businesses, residents, families and students, as described by the city in an announcement on their website.

“The project is a community investment in the vitality of downtown Davis,” the city’s statement stated. “We hope the updated space on G Street will enhance the community and provide socializing opportunities, cultural

enrichment and economic growth.”

The G Street activation project was originally launched by the city of Davis in June 2020 in response to COVID-19, aiming to support local businesses and safely bring the community together. With construction nearing, city officials addressed several common misconceptions surrounding the project.

Contrary to some rumors, outdoor dining and alcohol sales will still be permitted on G Street after construction concludes. These activities will continue in compliance with current State Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) rules, the city’s Municipal Code and other relevant regulations. Businesses on this block of G Street will need to enter into license agreements with the city to continue these services.

The new G Street area will include

city-provided outdoor seating that will be available for public use. The city has ordered a variety of seating options, including moveable seating blocks, round cafe tables and bar-height seating with tabletop space. This furniture will be installed to ensure the space is ready for community use as soon as construction is complete.

Businesses interested in using specific areas of the newly developed space exclusively will be able to do so under a license agreement with the city. These businesses will be able to implement their own furnishings, such as tables, chairs, umbrellas, supplemental lights and heaters, provided they meet the city’s guidelines, which are currently being drafted.

Jenny Tan, director of community engagement for the city of Davis, explained the collaborative process

The city of Davis to begin construction of G Street after much planning. (Sueki Summer / Aggie)

between the city and local businesses that ensures the plan runs smoothly.

“The city has created an interest form for businesses that want to license a space,” Tan said. “We are continuing to work with businesses in person, by email and in meetings on this process and their needs. When businesses do well, so does the city. Our objective is a civic space that is a vibrant hub of activity offering attractions, amenities and benefits to everyone who lives in or visits Davis, including businesses, residents, families and students.”

The city is also planning to install string lights along the edge of the platform to enhance the area’s ambiance.

Furthermore, the city will assess existing street lighting to ensure its functionality and will coordinate with the city’s Urban Forestry division to address any street views that may be obscured by tree

branches.

Officials emphasized that the inner 20 feet of G Street between the bollards will remain an emergency vehicle access corridor and must be kept clear at all times. No furnishings will be permitted in this area to ensure the safety and accessibility for emergency personnel.

As the G Street Project moves forward, the city of Davis remains committed to engaging with local businesses and seeking additional funding sources to enhance the space further in the future.

Construction is anticipated to wrap up around December 2024 to be followed by amenity installations and opening soon after. For more detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions, community members are encouraged to visit the G Street Project web page.

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 | 11

SCIENCE AND TECH A blood test could play a crucial role in identifying respiratory illness risk

The test calculates a risk score using proteins that indicate decline in lung function

BY KATIE HELLMAN science@theaggie.org A simple blood test might be able to play a key role in assessing an individual’s risk of developing respiratory diseases.

“A proteomic signature of increased respiratory susceptibility identifies people at risk of respiratory death, incident COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], and respiratory exacerbations,” a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine states.

The study is taking place at UC Davis Health and is funded by the

National Institutes of Health. The goal of the blood test is to alert patients of lung conditions and to assess their risk of having a serious respiratory event, which consequently leads to prevention and earlier treatment.

The blood test calculates a risk score that is based on data collected over the past 30 years from 2,500 U.S. adults. The score is created from 32 proteins that were the best indicators of rapid decline in lung function in the participants.

“This susceptibility score is comprised of proteins with well-known and novel associations with lung health and holds promise for the early detection

of lung disease without requiring years of spirometry measurements,” the study reads.

A high score means that adults have a 17% increased chance of hospitalization for a respiratory event, an 84% increased risk of developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), an 81% increased chance of death by a respiratory illness and a 10% increased chance of experiencing breathing-related symptoms requiring medical care.

To assess the competency of the risk scores, 40,000 adults from earlier studies were monitored for respiratory illness. The prediction model took body

weight, race, sex, history of smoking and a diagnosis of asthma into consideration.

The study’s co-author, Gabrielle Y. Liu, who is also assistant professor of pulmonology at UC Davis Health and a KL2 scholar with the Clinical and Translational Science Center, explained the implications of these findings in an interview with UC Davis Health.

“Similar to using cholesterol levels to gauge a patient’s risk for having a heart attack, we’re looking at biological pathways to predict a person’s risk for having a chronic respiratory condition and severe complications from it,” Liu said.

Although the blood test needs to

A study by UC Davis Health is trying to see if a blood test could help alert patients of potential lung conditions. (Courtesy / Mayo Clinic)

first be evaluated in clinical trials and approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it would be an effective screening tool and an important advancement in the medical field.

“Our findings that captured patients’ lung function trajectory could potentially be a game changer,” Liu said.

“Early detection allows for prompt intervention, potentially preventing the progression of respiratory issues. Timely medical attention can help manage symptoms, improve lung function and enhance overall quality of life.”

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

8 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

SPORTS

Bay FC pushes for playoff success in inaugural season As the NWSL season comes to a close, several teams fight for coveted spots in the postseason tournament

BY LUCIENNE BROOKE sports@theaggie.org With seven matches left in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, the San Jose-based club, Bay Football Club (FC), is looking to hold on to a playoff spot. Although the top eight teams will qualify for the quarterfinals, Bay FC is currently in seventh place, leaving a slim margin for error.

There are only seven points separating the sixth-ranked team, the Portland Thorns, from the eleventhplaced team, Racing Louisville FC. Bay FC sits right in the middle of the pack, with every team vying for a place in the playoffs. However, it won’t be an easy

road to get there for any team.

Despite this being their first season in the league, Bay FC has found success both on and off the field with an impressive record and energetic fans.

Having had success with their last two games, the team will look to continue their momentum into the last stretch.

Their recent acquisition of California native Penelope Hocking has delivered a much needed team boost. Hocking provided an assist in her Bay FC debut and looks to expand her impact even further.

Hot on Bay FC’s heels is Hocking’s former team, the Chicago Red Stars, who sit only one point behind.

Nonetheless, three losses in a row have fans worried that the team may be losing steam after a long season. The return of Olympic star Mallory Swanson didn’t

quite give the team the boost they had hoped, but if the Red Stars can turn their luck around they may still be playoff contenders.

Just ahead of Bay FC sits the Portland Thorns, also winless in their last three matches. However, in contrast with the Red Stars, the Thorns looked strong in a Concacaf W Champions Cup match against Club America. With a 3-1 win, the Thorns will be hoping to apply their lessons from that game to their regular season contests.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Orlando Pride sits undefeated at the top of the list, with an undisputed playoff spot — and experiencing a fairytale of a season. After finishing in seventh during the 2023 season and failing to qualify for the finals, their offseason adjustments have led the Pride

The best of the 2024 Summer Olympics

329 events, 184 countries and 10,500 athletes later

The Olympic rings displayed on the Eiffel Tower for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (Courtesy of Bo Zhang / Unsplash)

BY DIEGO CERNA sports@theaggie.org

On July 26, 2024, the 30th Summer Olympic Games were hosted in Paris, France. The games marked the 100th year anniversary from when the coveted “City of Lights” held the Olympics back in 1924.

This was the first Olympics where the Opening Ceremony was held in a river instead of a stadium. On July 26, 2024, all 184 countries and 10,500 athletes took their designated boats across the Seine River, crossing through the center of the city with fans greeting them all around. The event was broadcasted to 28.6 million viewers, making it the most viewed Olympics since the 2012 Olympics held in London, England.

After all boats went through the river, Céline Dion delivered one of the most stunning Olympic Opening Ceremony performances. On top of the Eiffel Tower, she sang “Hymne à l’amour” by Edith Piaf, making it her first public performance since being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome.

The events themselves proved challenging for the athletes, with many new world records and close calls. Nonetheless, with such tough competition, the United States led all countries with 126 total medals. The U.S. also led in bronze medals (42), silver medals (44) and tied with China for most gold medals (40).

Olympic Highlights The Olympics were full of incredible storylines and upsets.

Julian Alfred from Saint Lucia made history by securing the victory in the Women’s 100m Final in Stade

de France. Not only did she secure the gold medal in her first Olympic trial, but she also secured Saint Lucia’s first ever medal in a stunning fashion with a time of 10.72 seconds, beating out favorite Sha’carri Richardson from the U.S. who placed second.

USA men’s and women’s basketball also won gold medals in the basketball bracket, with both defeating the French men’s and women’s teams in the final.

United States’ men’s basketball was led by the strong trio Stephen Curry, Lebron James and Kevin Durant.

Many fans are coining the team as “The Avengers,” which are comparable with other notable Olympic basketball teams such as “The Dream Team” and “The Redeem Team.” The women’s team was led by A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Jackie Young. The final against France was a tight one, with a final score of 67-66 and the USA winning by only one point. This victory makes it the eighth consecutive gold medal for the women’s team and their incredible feat of 61 consecutive Olympic contest wins.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic also secured his first Olympic gold medal in his 21-year career over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s tennis singles match. The stadium erupted in joy for the Serbian native following his longawaited win.

The Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo won two gold medals in both men’s floor and vault routines within the span of 24 hours. Since this was only the second and third gold medals won by the Philippines throughout their Olympic history, the incentive prizes were abundant. Yulos was offered rewards including millions in cash (Philippine pesos), highly valued, fully furnished condos, free meals and a food supply from different local establishments, and an iPhone 16.

Aside from the games, there also

seemed to be romance in the air of the “City of Love.” Badminton players Liu Yuchen and her boyfriend Huang Yaqiong from China stole the spotlight, with Yaqiong proposing right after Yuchen’s gold medal victory in the women’s singles. Olympic couple Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall also represent another star couple as Tara won gold in the women’s long jump, while Hunter won gold in the men’s Paralympic 400m dash. Both were present for each other’s events and had very endearing celebrations.

Perhaps the most emotionally inducing moment was when the ex-loving tennis duo of Kateřina Siniaková and Tomas Machac from Chezia won gold in the mixed doubles in the Roland Garros Stadium. Many rumors wait for news of their reunion.

The Olympics also held controversy among competitors.

After Australia’s breakdancer Rachel Gunn, going by “Raygun,” was in headlines for her performance in the breakdancing event, many viewers questioned how Raygun qualified for the competition. People quickly found out that Gunn’s husband was a part of the judging panel for Olympic qualification, which raised much uncertainty as to whether Gunn should have participated in the Games at all.

Many athletes complained about the Olympic Village housing that the committee provided for the athletes this year. Tennis player and USA flag bearer Coco Gauff shared her experience on social media, stating that 10 of her other Olympic roommates had to share a cramped living space that supplied only two bathrooms. Not unlike many other athletes, Gauff and her roommates ended up staying at hotels for the remainder of the games.

Swimming in the Seine was also a major concern before and during the Olympic Games. Although Paris spent $1.4 billion to clean the Seine before the Games, the waters were still considered heavily unsanitary for swimming standards. Nonetheless, the Seine was used as racing waters for five different events.

Regardless, the 2024 Summer Olympics will go down in history as one of the most memorable in recent Olympic history. The Games drew in an average of 30.6 million spectators across NBCU platforms, making it the most streamed Olympics of all time. Viewership also rose by 82% from the previous Olympics in Tokyo during the pandemic. The Games will be remembered for its intriguing narratives, exhilarating events and the spirit of worldwide togetherness that they instilled in the “City of Lights.”

to dominate this year. Most notably, Barbra Banda of Zambia has provided an electric spark by scoring 11 goals in 11 appearances for the Pride.

The San Diego Wave, well-known for having some of the biggest names in the women’s soccer world, are likely out of playoff contention. With soccer legend Alex Morgan officially retiring on Sept. 8, 2024, the team will have to adjust to playing without the star.

This change casts another blow on the already struggling team that hasn’t won a single game since May 9, 2024.

Looking north of San Diego, Angel City FC has been performing well offensively during this season but are lacking defensively. The team has proven strong at scoring goals but then at conceding even more. The prolific front-line of Sydney Leroux and Alyssa

Thompson has proven a bit complicated with the long awaited return of Christen Press. Press is yet another household name in the league, however, she has missed over two years of play with injury. Angel City will be looking to connect the dots in their final matches and try to sneak their way into the playoffs.

The final weeks of the NWSL regular season always promise to be full of drama and excitement for fans as teams scramble to separate themselves from the pack and make their playoff bids. Final matches can be viewed on a variety of streaming services including ION, ESPN+, CBS and Paramount+.

UC Davis Aggies officially enter ‘Shredville’

The start to the 2024 UC Davis football season is finally here

BY MI’ZAUNI REESE sports@theaggie.org In the past few weeks, the UC Davis football team has begun this year’s season, starting with their opening game against UC Berkeley. The rivalry between the two teams has never been more prominent as the UC Davis Aggies made their way down to Berkeley for the game on Aug. 31.

The beginning of the game proved to be challenging for the Aggies as they were unable to obtain the lead in the first quarter and for the majority of the game. Still, the Aggies played well for their first official game of the season, with two touchdowns and impressive plays. In the breezy Bay Area, the Aggies were off to a great start and maintained a close score with the California Golden Bears.

A few minutes after UC Berkeley scored their first touchdown, Porter Connors was able to recover a fumble at the Aggies’ six-yard line, making for an easy touchdown. The Bears were able to keep hold of a one-point lead for the remainder of the first quarter.

As the second quarter progressed, Team Captain Lan Larison was able to score a second touchdown followed by a successful field goal by Hunter Ridley,

giving UC Davis the lead against UC Berkeley. However, the Bears were able to make a quick comeback with an 80yard touchdown on the kickoff return and a well-kicked field goal, leaving the Aggies to again trail by one point.

By the third quarter, the game was close at 13-14, making for an intense start to the second half and leaving Davis fans to watch in anticipation.

Unfortunately, the half-time huddle did not give the Aggies the push they needed, as UC Berkeley was able to add 10 points to their one-point lead in the third quarter, the Aggie score remaining at 13 points. The Aggies gave a similar performance in the fourth and final quarter, allowing the Bears to score another touchdown and increase the lead. With a final score of 31-13, the Bears secured their 12th consecutive win against Davis.

Although this game was a rough start to the season for the Aggies, it will hopefully be used as a building block to improve their gameplay and come back prepared for future matches. The Aggies’ season is far from over with the team still getting back into the groove of playing on the field and the strong performances by many players on the team. If the rest of the season continues in this way, it should prove to be an exciting one for both the fans and players.

UC Davis kicks off their football season with a game against UC Berkeley.

(Courtesy / Kendall Spencer, UC Davis Athletics)

UC Davis women’s volleyball team faces first loss of the season The Aggies look forward to their next match and win

BY KRISTA HAJJAR sports@theaggie.org Starting just before the first day of school, the UC Davis women’s volleyball team has officially begun their season.

Coming off of two victories in the last two games, the UC Davis Aggies were looking to extend their winning streak.

Unfortunately, the Purdue Boilermakers also came ready to play and shut out the Aggies in all three sets. The Aggies fought hard as they faced the harsh environment of Purdue University’s gym and put up a tough battle — but ultimately fell short of a victory.

The first set started off steadily with the Aggies keeping up with the Boilermakers. There was yet to be a clear lead at the beginning as each team battled it out for the set point until the Aggies turned the tide. UC Davis gained a three-point lead over Purdue

by hitting three consecutive unanswered points within their first set, giving them a good distance from Purdue.

UC Davis managed to keep the points on their side as they continued to push through the game, but Purdue wouldn’t let them keep the lead for too long. While the Aggies gave it their all to stay ahead, it wasn’t enough as the Boilermakers came back stronger with many unanswered points, stripping the Aggies of their lead and turning the game in their favor. The Boilermakers gained a strong lead after hitting four consecutive points, eventually taking the first set of the game with a final score of 18-25.

The loss of the first set didn’t deter the Aggies, and they entered the second set with renewed energy. The Boilermakers continued to try and shake the Aggies by scoring the first point of the set, but the Aggies didn’t let the point faze them as they struck back by

AGGIE FILE

scoring two back-to-back points.

The teams continued to duke it out on court, maintaining a small score gap throughout the set. Reese Diersbock, a second-year undeclared major, was one of the stars in this set as her gameplay was a key note throughout the points. Diersbock’s kills helped the Aggies maintain a close lead with the Boilermakers, keeping the score between 13-16 and 14-17.

Although the Aggies fought hard to narrow the point gap and gain the lead, the Boilermakers managed to pull away. Purdue swiftly took the lead in the second set of the game with a final score of 19-25.

Even after losing the first two sets, the Aggies still entered the third set with hope and determination. UC Davis secured the first point of the set with a kill from Diersbock, beginning the set in their favor. The Aggies showed their willingness to fight for every point in

the third set and persistence to extend the game into a fourth set.

However, Purdue wouldn’t let them rest in their point win as they struck back and scored their own point.

Purdue turned the tides yet again as they maintained a point gap throughout the majority of the third set, never letting the Aggies catch up. Olivia Utterback, a fourth-year human development major, shined during this set as she scored back-to-back kills and narrowed the score to a two-point difference. Still, the Boilermakers fought back, and the set ended with a loss for the Aggies with a score of 18-25.

After losing in three straight sets, the match was called and the Aggies faced defeat. Nonetheless, the Aggies braved a tough away game in an unknown environment and came out with strong player performances.

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