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  • Zero Sum Game? Council Member Vaitla on Commissions & Community Engagement

    by Alan Hirsch

    Transcribed remarks from  02 20-1924 Council Meeting… Link to Video:  https://davis.granicus.com/player/clip/1665?view_id=6&redirect=true   Time stamp begins at 1:40:06.

    Davis counicl Bapu Vaitla

    Councilmember Bapu Vaitla

    Council Member Bapu Vaitla comments on community engagement he envision for the General Plan, and his plan to consolidate commission have been in the news including a paraphrased  interview in  Enterprise 2/24 and a critique by Elaine Roberts Musser.  I present this word for word transcript of his remarks. This is a more complete transcript than appeared in Vanguard.

    1:40:26…  I mostly want to talk about the community engagement piece .(for general plan a process).  But I want to say a few words about the staff involvement…. Both during the commission restructuring process, of which there was extension staff engagement in fact,  and the council retreat, It became apparent to me that there actually aren’t that many opportunities for staff to participate in long term visioning. That primarily because they are working so hard all the time in an understaffed city to try to get the work done day after day after day.  So when you provide some space, given their professional experience, given their expertise, what could Davis look like, in our most ambitious vision, 20 years into the future. 50 years in to the future That’s a rare opportunity.

    And I don’t think the community, the community (air quotes)  at large  is that worried about transparency about staff, I think  there is a small group of people who are always pointing fingers at staff, that is  not a community wide concern, I think when you do surveys about satisfaction with staff they regularly receive very high marks for their performance and their transparency. And their collegiality, their willingness to interact and answer questions to the community.

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  • Letter in support of Andrew Engdahl

    This is a shout out to all of the progressive voters in the 4th Congressional District which includes most of Yolo County (West Sac is excluded).

    If you are outraged by the incomprehensible, unjustifiable and egregious military response that Israel has taken toward Palestinians in Gaza and beyond, please cast your vote for Democrat ANDREW ENGDAHL for our representative in Congress. He is challenging the incumbent, Mike Thompson, who has NOT been listening to his constituents. 

    Despite what the world community now sees as a genocide meant to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza, Congressman Thompson continues to vote to give Israel billions of our tax dollars in military aid, no questions asked.   Rep. Thompson seems satisfied with the status quo not just in his blind support for Israel, but also with regard to other progressive platforms like universal health care, criminal justice reform and climate action.

    We need to elect a congressperson who aligns with our values on the issues that matter most to the future of our county, country and the world.  Please join me and other Democrats who have met with ANDREW ENGDAHL personally and are moved by his dedication, intellect and platform.  At the very least, if he gets enough votes to make the general election (the top two go forward) this will press the incumbent to take the progressive agenda more seriously and maybe even debate his challenger on these most important matters.

    Joannie Siegler
    Davis, CA

  • Arts activities picking up speed in Davis

    ArtsAlliance021624

    Arts Alliance Davis members meet on Feb. 16 at Davis Musical Theater Company. (Courtesy photo)

    (From press release) After a pandemic pause and slow restart, activities in the creative sector are multiplying and gaining momentum, Davis arts supporters attest.

    That was the word at the Feb. 16 meeting of Arts Alliance Davis, where participants shared information on events, and ideas to help the local art scene flourish.

    Autumn Labbé-Renault, executive director of Davis Media Access, said people are adjusting to being around others, and ready to return to lively, shared spaces without as much apprehension about COVID. Joseph Fletcher, manager of the Veterans Memorial Theatre, said he’s getting lots of last-minute creative requests to use the City’s recently remodeled venue.

    Jessie Nakahara, with the City of Davis’ Arts and Cultural Affairs program, sees evidence of this too, noting that there is no longer a slow season in Davis. Locals are enthusiastic about new ideas and willing to try new things.

    One of those passionate concepts is a new studio for emerging artists called Secret Spot. It began six months ago and is already expanding. The organizers – local artists Harry Greer, Stephanie Peel and Toni Rizzo – just signed a lease for 117 D St., former home to The Wardrobe. It already rented the garage space behind the building. The turquoise studio up front will be an artist lounge, gallery and gift shop, open five days a week. The old space will stay on as a music studio, among other things.

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  • The Ever-Changing Justification for Widening I-80

    Why can’t Caltrans Tell Yolo County the True Cost?

    By Alan Hirsch

    On Tuesday March 5th the Davis City Council will review and hopefully reverse the current city policy that endorses I-80  freeway widening for cars. This policy was set quietly in 2021 as two line buried  a 10 page policy  statement  on thing the city would lobby by an ad hoc committee of Lucas Frerich and Dan Carson.  But now I-80 has surfaced before council as a threat to the City Climate Change Plan its clear the current council needs to reexamine it if it want to be taken seriously on climate change.

    The January 9th ye open staff report to reviewing the I-80 Draft EIR also heighten interest.. At that meeting,  Councilmember Will Arnold the former Caltrans Director Of Media Relations, shared Caltrans policy  which he  summarized:  believing  freeway widening will fix anything is the definition of insanity. (Link to transcript of Arnold’s remarks)

    Every-changing Justification for I-80 Widening

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  • My ballot thoughts for March Election

    By Alan "Lorax" Hirsch

    I have again compiled my thought on  voting in Davis for the March 5th election.– the 10th edition of my Davis Neighborhood Ballot flier ™

    The two pages are posted below and at Facebook's Davis Ballot Talk  (scroll down) where you can find this and lot of other free advice. Or download here: Download Davis Neighborhood Ballot Rec v3 2 page 2024 03 05

    My thoughts may be helpful….or not?

    Occasionally people think I get it right …but more usually its left.

    Davis Ballot Flier page 1 of 2 2024 03 05

    Davis Ballot Flier page 2 of 2 2024 03 05

  • Davis Downtown names Brazil interim executive director

    DirkBrazil

    Dirk Brazil (courtesy photo)

    (From press release) Former Davis City Manager Dirk Brazil has been named interim executive director of the Davis Downtown Business Association, effective Monday, Feb. 12.

    He replaces Brett Maresca, who stepped down from the role on Jan. 26 to pursue other opportunities.

    Brazil served as Davis city manager from 2014 to 2017, and as Yolo County assistant county administrator from 2006 to 2014. After retiring in 2017, Brazil worked as interim city manager for the cities of South Lake Tahoe and Alameda, and as the interim executive director of the Yolo Habitat Conservancy. 

    “I’m looking forward to working with the DDBA board and their membership in the next few months to first, help them in their search for a new executive director, and second, to look into how best to possibly restructure DDBA into a more focused and effective organization,” Brazil said. “I’ll also seek collaboration opportunities with City of Davis elected officials and city staff, as well as UC Davis administration. There is a great deal of potential in these partnerships.”

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  • Mike Thompson Vote No on Military Aid to Israel

    Demand CeasefireBy Scott Steward

    I think we are over the attempt to confuse antisemitism with calls for a ceasefire.  The implication that candidates must choose between fighting antisemitism or calling out genocide is false.  It is untenable that hate speech and aggression directed at Jews, Muslims, and Arab groups are on the rise in this country.  The coalition of Jewish voices for Peace, the Sacramento chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations, Yolo for Palestinian Justice are united around stopping hate-motivated aggression and bias. 

    While actual hate speech and alleged hate speech are confusing Mike Thompson's decision to call for a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, more than 2 million people are dying from starvation and disease, trapped in the "safe zone" of Rafah recently declared the next "military" target of Israel. Israel's anticipated aggression does not improve the chances of the return of hostages or the cessation of hostilities in the future. I conclude it's not meant to, Netanyahu stays in power only so long as Gaza is being attacked.

    Mike Thompson can do his part to stop the killing of Palestinians and vote against unconditional $14 Billion to Israel's far-right government.  Israel is about to launch another "over the top" (Biden) military massacre. Pressure to do something to end this episode of the Palestinian trail of tears forced the Senate to include $9.1 Billion for civilians living in Gaza and the West Bank.  There should be no confidence that Israel would allow aid to be delivered without the possibility of the US conditioning military aid with proof of distribution of humanitarian aid.

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  • Women and insurance is topic of Feb. 28 Soroptimist talk

    (From press release)  “Protecting Your Assets” will be the topic of the Wednesday, Feb. 28 meeting of Soroptimist International of Davis. The free program will be from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the conference room at University Inn and Suites, 1111 Richards Blvd., Davis.

    Soroptimist International of Davis is empowering local women by offering a series of financial literacy talks. The programs are educational and free from sales pitches. They focus on the issues females face in the financial world, including a gender pay gap, smaller pensions than men, and continued patriarchal attitudes.

    Ibsen

    Denise Ibsen (Courtesy photo)

    Denise Ibsen, a Farmers Insurance agent from Woodland, will discuss what she says are the two most important insurance coverage policies: life insurance and liability protection. She will provide a breakdown of what these types of coverage do to protect women and their families, and why they need to give them attention. 

    This is the second in the four-part series. The first one, on Jan. 28, discussed Women & Investing. Future programs are April 24 (Taxes & Accounting) and May 22 (Estates, Wills & Trusts). Guests may attend one or all sessions. Lunch is provided by the club, with donations accepted to cover costs. First-time guests are always free.

    Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. It was founded in 1921 in Alameda County. Soroptimist International of Davis was chartered in 1954. Local members join some 75,000 Soroptimists in 122 countries and territories to contribute time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women and girls. Its core values are gender equality, empowerment, education, diversity and fellowship.

    SI Davis offers cash Live Your Dream Awards to female heads of household seeking education or training, and assists King High students through its Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls program. It also funds high school scholarships, and grants to nonprofits that align with the Soroptimist mission.

    SI Davis members meet twice a month on Wednesdays – once at lunchtime and once in the evening – and connect for other fun activities and service. Learn more at https://www.sidavis.org/.

  • Letter: Andrew Engdahl for Congress, Davis Farmers Market Feb 10th

    Screen Shot 2024-02-04 at 10.12.55 AMAndrew Engdahl is a smart, principled vote for you, a healthy, affordable country, and a vote against military overspending and inhumane policies abroad—March 5th Congressional Primary. Of the people, he is not shy about showing his colors.  

    Meet Andrew Engdahl at the Davis Farmer's Market on February 10th.  Hear him for yourself online:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C2vwXFEpT7b/ Instagram/TikTok

    Andrew Engdahl is a long-time Sonoma County resident and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor; his campaign goal is to win runner-up in the Primary Election (March 5th) and then square off with the incumbent, Mike Thompson.

    Why should we tolerate military overspending, continued gun violence, and incarcerating the poor? Thompson is not fighting a future for most of us and has supported policies of corporate control of unaffordable housing, massive wealth inequality, slow-walking climate action, and the list goes on.

    If your kids and their kids are looking at a better future, it will be because you voted for Andrew Engdahl. 

    Scott Steward

  • Yolo County MHSA Community Member Survey & related info

    MHSA survey flyer(From press release) The Yolo County Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Annual Update FY 2024-2025 kickoff began Tuesday January 16th with a Community Engagement Work Group (CEWG) meeting (slide deck).

    As part of the Community Planning Process, MHSA requires counties to engage in community planning and engagement annually to gather feedback on community needs to inform the development of the plan.

    This year Yolo MHSA is requesting support with the following:

    • Yolo County MHSA Community Member Survey (anonymous)
      • Complete and distribute this electronic survey
      • The survey will remain open until February 9, 2024, 11:59 pm
      • Hardcopies will also be available in HHSA buildings and community locations shortly

    • Regional Listening Sessions-participation (TBD Feb/March)
      • Additional information on the listening session dates and formats will be forthcoming by email
      • Email lvila@evalcorp.com if you would like to be invited to a Community Listening Session

    • Yolo MHSA Community Flyer distribution (to the right)
      • Please post and share with others

    Please email MHSA@yolocounty.org if you have any questions or require any additional information.

    Thank you for your interest in Yolo County's Mental Health Services Act Community Planning Process!

    MHSA Team

    Mental Health Services Act