In this time of national political tumult, it is refreshing to celebrate local politics in Davis. And it is so important to seek out those with optimism, those who push on in the face of difficulty. This is what sparks my enthusiastic endorsement of David Murphy, who continues to work steadfastly for students and families of Yolo County.

As a longtime English teacher at Davis High School, I benefited from David’s leadership while he served as superintendent of schools. As a teacher of two of his daughters, I got to see him not only in the superintendent role, but also in the parent role. He was superb in both, always asking what more needed to be done to aid teachers like me, particularly in terms of serving our most vulnerable, at-risk students. David has a huge heart, and I have witnessed many occasions when he helped out students less fortunate, including the scholarship that the Murphys give every year to a deserving immigrant.

David has enjoyed a long and storied career. His resume is legendary – Teacher, Principal, Superintendent. He has given incredible service bringing creative solutions to complex educational challenges. We are so fortunate that he wants to continue to serve.

A recent Harvard study, “Aging Well,” concludes that the key to a long, happy, and productive life includes “building a good life, becoming a well-rounded self, and then giving back.” This describes David perfectly. We need his experience, energy, and expertise to provide solutions to the complex problems that face the Yolo County Board of Education.

Widgen Neagley
Davis

By Carey Ann Hunt

The ground was dusty and the air was bone dry. 

Midafternoon dense with heat,

Smoky with the chance of ash.

Fires blazed in hills nearby.

Engulfed in heat, I tired from merely walking   

I made my way to the three greenhouses

Just past the fire station on the left.

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Voter Forum

"When we rise, we vote!”

Voters’ forum focused on the issues of concern to voters in Yolo County and the region and CA state ballot initiatives, with the goal of maximizing voter turnout. This event is sponsored by the Yolo County Democratic Party.

Sunday at 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Davis Senior Center
646 A St, Davis, California 95616

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Local Democratic clubs, community groups and candidates are invited to table at the event. There may be a brief amount of time provided for speakers at the opening and closing of the event. We ask all clubs and community groups to bring a food item to share for 10-50 people. Together, we can provide some light snacks and refreshments for up to 200 people. 

More importantly, we ask that you come prepared to share facts, figures, Get Out The Vote strategies that work, and solutions that empower, either by tabling for your group or leading a breakout session. We strive to be as welcoming and empowering as possible. We are coming together as a very diverse, respectful, and progressive community.

For more details and to co-sponsor (bring your own table, lead a breakout session, or provide food), contact: Kris Edwards (writemindfulness@gmail.com), M. E. Gladis (916-248-6442, mixieups@yahoo.com), Desiree Rojas-Bates (Desflores5@gmail.com)

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Guest Commentary

By Dave Taormino, a Davis Housing Provider, WDAAC Developer 

Housing Shortage: Yes on L Offers Housing Choices

Davis is one of only a few cities in California that has a self-inflicted shortage of homes and apartments. A massive housing shortage exists in the Bay Area because of the lack of land and tremendous job growth.  The same problem occurs in Southern California.

Davis needs more housing of several types: for seniors, locally based employees and more student complexes on campus. At least student apartments have made progress, but none for seniors and others.

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by Bob Schneider

Properly planned, the northwest corner of Davis offers an important opportunity for meeting development needs in Davis in a manner that reflects Davis values. Neighborhoods, a natural habitat swale for the Covell drainage, flood water pond storage, edible vegetation, affordable co-housing, senior housing, community gardens, appropriate commercial, and live-work buildings, bordered by protected farmland and open space reflects my values and I believe our Davis values.

Working towards this vision necessitates a General Plan update or a Northwest Specific Plan.

Piecemeal development, focusing on one development at a time, may preclude this important opportunity.

I suggest  we delay  any immediate  decisions  until the new council is seated.    They can make a thorough, inclusive, and comprehensive decision without a rush to judgement on how we should best proceed.

For full disclosure- Yes, I was a builder and developer and for a time I v.,ras involved in the northwest area. My interest then, as now, was in first ensuring comprehensive planning. I no longer have any involvement or financial ties to this area.

(Originally published June 2018)