The University of California Board of Regents voted last week to reduce next year‘s freshman enrollment bysixpercent– 2,300students– as a result of the continuederosion of state support. Regents say all applicants meeting the minimum GPA and test score requirements will still be guaranteed a spot in the system,although fewer will be admitted to their first and second choice campuses.

Washington,D.C.is smitten. Overtwomillion people from every imaginable walk of life have made the journey to the capital to witness the swearing-in of the first African-American president.America‘s cornucopia of current problems has left American morale teetering between hope and despair,but we finally found a reason to smile.

ASUCD Senate meetings are scheduled to begin Thursdays at6:10p.m.Times listed are according to the clock at the Jan.15meeting location,the Memorial Union’s Mee Room.

One of the most common issues I get from my friends when they complain about their significant other is how much they hate the group of friends that come along with their girlfriend or boyfriend.In all these stories I’m told,three very common characters show up that I’d like to say a few words about,just in case you guys didn’t know about them.So let your reading capabilities take it away!

The UC Davis men’s and women’s swimming teams were swept by UC Santa Barbara on Saturday afternoon in its first conference dual of2009. The defending Big West Conference champions made for a humbling appearance for the Aggies,winning22of28events on the day.

Haylee Donaghe is out for the season.Vicky Deely is redshirting.Lisa Peterson isn’t ready to come back yet. The UC Davis women’s basketball team only has eight players,and that’s the way it’s going to be. “We had a talk,” sophomore Paige Mintun said. “This is it.It’s no longer an excuse.“

Julie Partansky,former mayor of Davis,died Jan.9after a brief battle with lung cancer.Partansky was61years old. Partansky was famous around Davis for heading up projects such as the toad tunnel and the dark sky ordinance,projects that ultimately allowed Davis residents to enjoy the beauty of the nature around them,said city councilmember Sue Greenwald,a friend and political ally of Partansky.

Beginning fall2009,the University Writing Program will offer a20-unit Expository Writing minor. The minor will consist of four upper division writing classes and a four-unit writing internship.Courses are organized into three categories – Writing in Academic Settings,Writing in the Professions and Theory,History and Design – students take one course in each area and an additional course of their choice.

Over150people attended the Jan.13Davis City Council meeting to take part in a public discussion of a resolution calling for peace in Gaza.The resolution called for “an immediate,durable,fully respected ceasefire” and a “lasting humanitarian truce.“ Dozens of community members who attended spoke their mind on the issue,some arguing for it and others arguing against it.This public comment session took almost four hours.

If you’re like most people and resolve to lose weight and eat healthy for thenewyear,Student Health Services (SHS) aims to help you achieve your goals. “Eat Well,Live Healthy!” is a free SHS-sponsored weight management series run by Registered Dietitian RyannMiller.The program,now in its third year,is offered once per quarter.

The city of Davis has finally concluded an internal investigation into allegations that city firefighters were misusing fire department facilities. The investigation clarified findings from a Yolo County grand jury report released last summer. The original grand jury report found that some off-duty fire personnel were sleeping at the firehouse after drinking.It also found that some fire personnel were concerned about favoritism,promotional practices and a strong union influenceon the department’s operations.

TODAY Europe: Sustainable Cities of Northern Europe Noon to 1 p.m. Conference Room, Education Abroad Center, 207 Third St. Learn about a study abroad opportunity for this coming summer!