The Aggie | Student-run, independent newspaper at UC Davis 🗞️ – 📍New issue out every Thursday!

Plastic bag recycling ordinance extended

City Editor

October 1, 2012

Plastic bags: In January 2011, UC Davis banned plastic bags on campus, encouraging its students to use reusable bags and charging 25 cents for single-use plastic carryout bags.

On Sept. 19, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a measure that prolongs Senate Bill (SB) 1219 until Jan. 1, 2020. It was set to sunset on Jan. 1, 2013.
SB 1219 by Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Davis) requires California grocery stores to have a recycling program for plastic bags. Besides single-use carryout bags, plastic products such as plastic bags for bread, dry cleaning, shrink wrap and other types of plastics are accepted by the recycling programs.
In 2006, Assembly Bill (AB) 2449 was passed, requiring grocery stores to have recycling programs for single-use plastic carryout bags. However, it prohibited California local governments from enacting a fee on such bags, thus many local governments ended up outright banning plastic bags and charging for carryout paper bags.

According to the bill’s analysis, the extension repeals a preemption prohibiting local governments from implementing their own separate plastic bag recycling programs, additional auditing or reporting requirements and fees on plastic bags.

In support of the bill are 1 Bag at a Time, Command Packaging, Western Plastics Association, League of California Cities, California Association of Counties and the Regional Council of Rural Counties.

“One of the things that is helpful for local governments is that it provides a source-separated stream that can be recycled or kept out of the landfill,” said Kyra Ross, a legislative representative of the League of California Cities. “And for us, that’s a very important stream, so separate and apart from the discussions about banning plastic bags or local ordinances that have been talked about or done for that matter, we think having this continued take-back stream is still important in and of itself.”

Having plastic bag recycling programs diverts the bags from ending up in landfills and storm drains.

“We look at this bill as another tool to deal with plastic bags because they are a big problem,” said Cara Martinson, senior legislative analyst for the California State Association of Counties. “We see a lot of these bags and remnants of bags in stormwater drains and causing significant issues on that end.”

SB 1219 is seen as complementary to plastic bag bans.

“Even if you ban plastic bags, there’s still going to [be] a stream of plastic coming through, at least for a certain period of time,” Ross said. “Where it is used, we think this is an important part of the overall stream that keeps plastic bags source-separated. It’s an alternative to showing up in the grocery curbside container or showing up at the landfill.”

Martinson said she considers the bill part of the solution, but not the total solution.

“There are a number of cities and counties in California that have already either instituted bans on plastic bags or have imposed fees,” Martinson said. “I know the rates or the analysis of the bill I’ve read are pretty low for recycling, but I think that coupled with the fact that there are already some bans in place has something to do with it.”

To date, at least 42 California cities have adopted plastic bag bans. According to plasticbaglaws.org, there are still many proposed ordinances that are under discussion.

“SB 1219 provides cities and counties the flexibility to address the issue in a manner that meets the needs of their communities,” Wolk said in a press release. “I applaud the Governor’s decision to continue this successful program.”

Ross said the state will have to take another look at the bill as it gets closer to 2020.

“A lot of that will be dependent on what’s happened to the existing bag bans and whether there is a statewide version of that,” she said.

CLAIRE TAN can be reached at city@theaggie.org.

Column: It’s a trap

Sports

Sports Editor

October 1, 2012

To all students, new and old: I’m not the best at introductions, so in the words of Eugene Fitzherbert: “I know not who you are, nor how I came to find you, but may I just say … Hi.”

Now, realistically, I’m pretty sure we can answer a couple of those questions right now. Who are you? If you’re actually reading this, you can only be either an athlete whose name deserves to be in this paper, or my parents. Hi, Mom! Also, it was not I who found you, but you who picked up the newspaper and stumbled upon this section of the paper.

Now, though it’s highly unlikely that you were interested enough to ask, I’ll tell you who I am.

I’m the sports editor for this publication. Yet I, like so many of you, was originally indifferent to UC Davis athletics, and made it out to a total of one sporting event my freshman year: the Homecoming football game. I got my Aggie Pack shirt and made it to halftime before leaving, which I’m finding is longer than most people.

One thing I’ve learned is that UC Davis sports truly have something special. And I’m not saying that because I have this job. I have this job because it’s true.

To all you naysayers: There is an inexplicable factor that encompasses UC Davis. The Aggies don’t seem to have the same awe-inspiring sheer power of big established sports powerhouses such as Cal or Stanford. Yet.

If you want to be proud of your school and your athletics, then you should look past the universally accepted statement that buzzes around campus, the one that says UC Davis sports are as good as your high school team. That is fallacious in many ways.

Don’t buy into that. Cue Admiral Ackbar’s warning. Take some time to do research and your school will probably surprise you.

We truly have something special here, a program that is unfortunately taken for granted and does not get enough recognition for its athletic and academic integrity. That itself is something that most schools cannot say.

I can speak from personal experience, from one who started out with absolutely no attachment to UC Davis athletics, that the Aggies have a unique feel to them, each team with its own personality and characters.

So do it. Go to a game. Stay the whole time. Cheer for your school. When you start going out to athletic events, you’ll get sucked in by the X-factor of UC Davis’ sports. Cue Admiral Ackbar’s warning.

I know I cannot convince you of this any more than Hagrid would be able to convince me that blast-ended skrewts are, indeed, safe creatures; it’s something you will find out on your own.

Now, this will not be one of those interesting weekly columns about pop culture, relationships or the social scene here at UC Davis. Partly because I don’t think the world needs another one, but in a much more real sense, because I don’t know a single thing about any of those.

UC Davis athletics has an almost unlimited amount of material to cover. What with 23 athletic teams and over 600 student-athletes, unless they’re all like me, there’s bound to be something interesting.

I apologize in advance for all the outlandish references to Star Wars, Disney, Pixar, Harry Potter, etc., but that’s the closest I can get to relating to society.

Now, I’m not one to predict the future, but just as the Fates knew indoor plumbing was going to be big, I think the same goes for UC Davis. The Aggies have been pushing the envelope in the recent past, and as the campus and UC Davis as an institution develops, it continues to become an attractive campus for the nation’s top students and athletes.

So now we go forth into the new year, charging forward (“They call me Mr. Pig” battle cry optional) and on for the ride as UC Davis makes its push to the top.

So much has happened this past summer, while the Aggies are in a very interesting crossroads in their developing legacy.

We had three athletes affiliated with UC Davis go to the Olympics, got a new Athletic Director that you may have seen at any of our NCAA sport competitions, had several coaching changes and had some shifts in the conference composition.

Interested in any of these things? Well, then I guess I’ll see you in next week’s column. That should buy me enough time to think of what to say.

MATTHEW YUEN just met you and this is crazy, but here’s his email (calaggiesports@gmail.com) so e-mail him … maybe.

Brief: Pepper spray settlement calls for ACLU to assist in UC campus reforms

Campus News

Campus Editor

October 1, 2012

Brief: Pepper spray settlement calls for ACLU to assist in UC campus reforms

Details of the settlement between the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the University of California regarding the Nov. 18 pepper spray incident were released last Wednesday on the UC Davis Quad during a press conference at which some of the settlement’s plaintiffs and attorneys spoke.

A total of $1 million was distributed between the plaintiffs, the attorneys and the ACLU.

The settlement also details an agreement between the ACLU and the UC system, and UC Davis in particular. The ACLU will assist all UC campuses in a series of reforms that were decided on following the aftermath of the incident last November. The reforms will aim to reduce police involvement in on-campus incidents, garner increased student, faculty and university staff involvement and reexamine the UC’s Freedom of Expression guidelines. The changes will necessitate community involvement in major decisions.

“We are very, very optimistic about the upcoming year,” said Barry Shiller, executive director of Strategic Communications. “We know there are still potential concerns based on what happened in November … we’re going into the year well prepared to manage conflict.”

Students, including pepper spray plaintiff Ian Lee, agree that reforms must be made.

“I think the settlement is a step in the right direction, but we need to do more … If campus police are to exist, they must be accountable to the students,” he said.

— Rohit Ravikumar

UC Davis football gets First Win in Big Sky

Sports Editor

October 1, 2012

UC Davis football gets First Win in Big Sky

In the first-ever Big Sky Conference game played at Aggie Stadium, the UC Davis football team captured their first victory with a 37-13 win over the Weber State Wildcats. Sophomore running back Dalton Turay led the offensive attack with three rushing touchdowns, the first Aggie to do so since 2006.

UC Davis improves to 2-3 with a 1-1 conference record, while Weber State falls to 0-5 and 0-2 in conference.

“It was a team effort completely. I couldn’t have done it without the other 10 guys on the field,” Turay said.

Head coach Bob Biggs had good things to say about his second-year running back, not just about how he plays but also how he carries himself on and off the field.

“He’s deceptively quick, he’s strong enough to break a lot of hand tackles and he’s just very determined,” Biggs said. “When it’s all said and done, he is the heart and soul of the team. I think his personality and the way he plays dictates what type of team we are.”

The Aggies’ offense wasted no time putting points on the board as the team showed off their no-huddle offense, marching 62 yards on a drive that took less than two minutes to open the game.

The drive was capped off by an 18-yard touchdown from junior quarterback Randy Wright to redshirt freshman wide receiver Tim Benton, who hauled in the pass with a jumping one-handed catch.

“We had one-on-one coverage there so I just gave Ben a chance to catch it and he came up with a great play and a touchdown,” Wright said.

“I thought Tim Benton’s one-handed touchdown catch ignited the team and we were off and running from there,” Biggs said.

The Aggies’ defense also flexed their muscles as they forced four turnovers and also had four sacks throughout the game. Senior linebacker Byron Gruendl had two picks and junior cornerback Dre Allen led the Aggies with eight tackles.

“As a defense we came in just ready to play and we wanted to have our breakthrough game,” said junior defensive end Nick King.

“The defense bent, but didn’t break. They showed great resilience and it was a great effort on their part,” Biggs said.

King led the team with 1.5 sacks in a dominating effort by the defense line that was constantly forcing the opponent’s quarterback to scramble from the pocket.

“We came together in spring ball and we knew we had something special. We got a lot of young guys and we took that in. We’re just one unit, there’s not one guy and we just have fun out there,” he said.

Special teams also made a huge contribution as redshirt freshman kicker Brady Stuart booted in three field goals (44, 32 and 40 yards respectively). Sophomore linebacker Ryan Dimino also had a punt block that led to one of Turay’s touchdowns.

The game was the first home game for the Aggies this year with all the students back from summer, cheering on their team.

“We fed off the emotion and the energy from the crowd,” Biggs said. “We came down the tunnel and saw the stands full with all the students and that ignited the team and got everyone really excited. Yes, it’s a game, you’re playing for yourselves and your team, but you’re also playing for the student body and when you see that kind of support, it makes you want to play well. I thought they came out and entertained very well tonight.”

Wright felt this performance was particularly satisfying.

“Filled house tonight and it was just nice to get this win under our belt in front of our fans in our home opener in the Big Sky,” Wright said.

Next week, the Aggies face Big Sky powerhouse Montana State for the Homecoming game at 4 p.m. at Aggie Stadium.

JASON MIN can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

24-hour room receives renovation

Campus News

Campus Editor

October 1, 2012

After a year and a half, the 24-hour study room on campus is getting the restoration needed for a more welcoming study space for students.

“It smells like sweat and defeat in that place. Maybe some plug-ins or working AC would be nice, anything to get rid of the smell,” said Krystal Gutierrez, fourth-year sociology and Chicana/o studies double major.

Former ASUCD senators Andre Lee, Rebecca Sterling, Bree Rombi and Yena Bae were involved in the project to renovate the 24-hour study room.

According to ASUCD Senate Bill 120, ASUCD — along with the Aggie Public Arts Committee (APAC) — began the project to beautify the 24-hour study room in fall 2010, but until now it was placed on hold due to “lack of communication.”

Along with the library’s funding of $1,043, the beautification of the 24-hour study room cost ASUCD $993 — $743 from Senate Reserves and $250 from APAC — according to ASUCD senator Joyce Han, who authored the bill.

“One reason behind the renovation was continuing collaboration between different groups on campus, for example ASUCD and the library. Also, so many people I know complain about the 24 hour study room. Although it isn’t directly under ASUCD, it is important for us to recognize what the student body wants and needs to help improve UC Davis as a whole,” Han said in an e-mail interview.

The renovation of the 24-hour study room began after Summer Session II on Sept. 17 and was scheduled to be completed Sept. 30, during which time students were not allowed to study in the room. According to Han, due to lack of proper funding, the room had not been painted in 20 years.

“I am an avid user of the [24-hour study room] and think it is a great part of campus, especially when you really need to cram … it could use some sprucing up, though: The desks are old and scratched up, the chairs could use cushions and the place always smells [like] funk,” said Malisa Meemari, fifth-year exercise biology and Spanish double major.

During its renovation, the 24-hour study room received a new paint job — mint green walls — along with artwork from multiple campus groups, such as APAC and Mustard Seed Ministry.

“The original idea is for it to be a rotating art gallery like the art gallery in the Coho. It’s another way of supporting the arts on campus and giving students the opportunity if they’d like to contribute to the campus,” Han said.

Han also said that she researched colors that are best for a study atmosphere and consulted professional painters and interior designers.

“Although this renovation doesn’t fix all problems of the 24-hour study room, it’s a first step in the right direction. I want to continue to work with the library to create a better atmosphere in this room for all of us,” Han said.

LILIANA NAVA OCHOA can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

Feature: The Buzz

Campus News

Campus Editor

October 1, 2012

The BUZZ took place from 6 to 10 p.m. last Friday on the Quad. As one of the most anticipated and well-attended events of the Fall Welcome festivities, the night included casino games, arts and crafts, food, raffle prizes, a mechanical bull ride, video games, inflatable games and many tables for campus groups to hand out free items. The live performances of the night included a cappella group performances, a Cal Aggie Marching Band-uh! show as well as a miniature concert by Shwayze and MK Modern.

– ELIZABETH ORPINA

Senate Briefs

Campus Editor

October 1, 2012

ASUCD Senate meetings are scheduled to begin Thursdays at 6:10 p.m. Times listed are according to the clock at the Sept. 27 meeting location, the Memorial Union’s Mee Room. The ASUCD president is not required to attend senate meetings.Meeting called to order at 6:10 p.m.Rebecca Sterling, ASUCD president, present
Yena Bae, ASUCD vice president, present
Justin Goss, ASUCD senator, pro tempore, present
Kabir Kapur, ASUCD senator, present
Jared Crisologo-Smith, ASUCD senator, present
Bradley Bottoms, ASUCD senator, present
Anni Kimball, ASUCD senator, absent
Paul Min, ASUCD senator, present
Don Gilbert, ASUCD senator, present
Joyce Han, ASUCD senator, absent
Erica Padgett, ASUCD senator, present
Beatriz Anguiano, ASUCD senator, present
Patrick Sheehan, ASUCD senator, present
Yara Zokaie, ASUCD senator, absentPresentations
Two students from the UC Davis School of Law presented their campaign to pass California Proposition 34, which would replace the death penalty with life without the possibility of parole. After public discussion and questions from Goss, Bottoms and Gilbert, an e-mail sign-up sheet circulated for further information and support.

Appointments and confirmations
Because two members of the senate were absent, Kapur moved to delay confirmations until the next meeting. After debate, the senate rejected the motion and the confirmations continued.

Aaron Hsu was confirmed as chair of the Elections Committee.

Haley Proehl was confirmed as director of Project Compost.

Jacqueline Liu was confirmed as speaker of the Outreach Assembly.

Dan Caldwell was confirmed as director of Aggie Threads.

Public discussion
All senators, chairs and executive directors welcomed each other for the start of the next year.

Romana Norton, campus counselor with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and founder of food service unit The Pantry at UC Davis, discussed how the volunteer system of The Pantry was resulting in an under-utilization of the service.

Norton said that because the volunteers did not consist of a mixed group of gender, sexual orientation and race, many visitors to The Pantry became deterred. Goss proposed that Padgett author and introduce a bill that amends the introduction of the Pantry bill to include CAPS. The bill would aim to demonstrate that CAPS is permanently attached to The Pantry.

All senators agreed that the unit’s being underutilized and misrepresented was an issue that needed to be addressed and it was agreed that the discussion would continue outside of the meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.

Open positions within ASUCD can be found at vacancy.ucdavis.edu.

Editor’s note: This article was updated on Oct. 28 to reflect accurate information.

ADAM KHAN compiles the senate briefs. He can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

City of Davis rights a wrong

City News

City Editor

September 27, 2012

When Alyssa Chrisman stopped in Davis during her 4,200-mile charity bike ride, she never expected that it would change her entire journey.

Chrisman was riding her bike from South Carolina to Santa Cruz, Calif. to raise funds for the nonprofit organization, Bike & Build. She and her fellow riders stopped in Downtown Davis to see the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame and museum. When she came back out she saw that her $1,500 bike had been stolen.

Although she was able to find a replacement bike from the Davis Bike Collective to finish her tour, the Davis community felt something should be done about this injustice.

“I saw the article in the [Davis] Enterprise and just thought, there’s no way we can let this girl leave town without getting her a new bike,” said Davis resident Tracy Harris.

Chrisman joined the bike tour as a way to raise awareness for affordable housing though Bike & Build. This organization plans cross-country cycling trips in order to raise money for affordable housing. Once the city learned about Chrisman and Bike & Build, they decided something had to be done to help her reach her goal.

“Alyssa and her Bike & Build friends so purely represent what Davis is all about. Individual action to make a difference, support for affordable housing and using bikes as a more social form of transportation to unite and interact,” said Mayor Joe Krovoza. “So once we heard that her time in Davis went sour in the most bike-friendly community in the U.S, and a community that passionately supports affordable housing, we just had to right the wrong.”

After Chrisman reached Santa Cruz and completed her tour she returned home to Michigan to complete her senior year at Central Michigan University. Currently she is student teaching and will graduate in December with a degree in English and teaching.

Meanwhile, Krovoza and Harris came up with the idea to send Chrisman a new bike, one just like the one what was stolen. They started raising money.

Once Giant Bicycles heard Chrisman’s story from Kevin Hein of the The Freewheeler Bicycle Center, and read the e-mails between her parents and Harris, they decided to donate a replica of Chrisman’s bike. Chrisman was “speechless” when she first got news of this.

“The Davis community’s efforts in replacing my bicycle and raising awareness about affordable housing have overwhelmed me with happiness. I couldn’t believe that a community could be so dedicated to helping someone they had never even met,” Chrisman said in an e-mail interview.

Chrisman was also happy to see that the unfortunate event helped bring awareness to Bike & Build.

“While I am so ecstatic about receiving the new bicycle, which I’ve named Davis, I am even more excited about the fundraising efforts for Bike & Build. The Bike & Build program uses youthful riders so that they can make an impact on the cause even after their ride is over by continuing to educate themselves and others,” Chrisman said. “The fact that so many people in Davis and the surrounding areas are now informed about the importance of affordable housing means a lot to me and my teammates from the summer.”

She was presented with a new bike at a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 8 on the steps of the Bicycle Hall of Fame. Chrisman participated via an iPad’s Facetime. Everyone who donated money signed a special bicycle jersey from the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame.

Additionally, Davis Bicycles!, the Business and Economic Development Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, Davis Downtown, RE/MAX Gold and First Street Real Estate, Stephen McCord of McCord Environmental and Dave Robert of Sugar Daddies all contributed to the cause, along with other individuals.

“Bike & Build received $1,050 in donations from the citizens of Davis in response to Alyssa’s stolen bicycle. Our organization, alumni, and partners were touched by the story and the immediate response from the ‘most bike-friendly community in the United States,’” said Justin Villere of Bike & Build. “It was a wonderful surprise and we look forward to many more summers of pedaling through Davis!”

PAAYAL ZAVERI can be reached at city@theaggie.org.

Fall Convocation welcomes new year

Campus Editor

September 27, 2012

With the dawning of the new year, students new and old assemble at Welcome Week events to revel in the glory of a fresh beginning.

The annual Fall Convocation took place on Monday, Sept. 24 to kick-start the celebrations and usher in the newest generation of Aggies with open arms.

However, the commencement of the 2012-2013 school year marks another special event at UC Davis: the 10th anniversary of the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

Executive Director of the Mondavi Center Don Roth stated that the event was not just a welcome home.

“[It is] a celebration of the arts, and the prospects of the future,” he said.

Wide-eyed first-years and distinguished faculty alike filed into Jackson Hall as Anush Avetisyan, winner of the Founders’ Prize in the Mondavi Center’s 2012 Young Artists Competition, performed a beautiful rendition of the national anthem and Grace Zhou, a junior winner in the 2011 competition, captivated the audience as she performed a piano solo to thunderous applause.

These opening acts welcomed a cartoon director, Roth, displayed at the start of his speech.

A presentation, “A Life without Mozart,” jumped onto the projector screen, illustrating a barren landscape void of life that Roth explained in seriousness amid the chuckles of the crowd.

“Art won’t solve all of the troubles of the world,” he said. “Without it, however, there is no real life without the arts. We look ahead to a new decade, and two new centers for art in Davis.”

After acknowledgements of the leaders and supporters of the Center, Chancellor Linda Katehi took to the stage for her fourth convocation address since becoming chancellor. She began by discussing the rising financial burdens on the public education system and challenges that art programs face as a direct result. Her message, however, remained optimistic for the future of UC Davis both as an academic powerhouse and, as she described, a “cultural Mecca.”

“Higher education has a tough time everywhere, but we have many reasons to be proud,” she said. “We were recently named the eighth-best public university in the nation. We increased our researched funds to $745 million, which is higher than any other UC and an increase of 10 percent.”

Katehi also stressed the importance of art in the everyday lives of the student body.

“Learning to question and to create, learning to learn — this is the greatest form of education,” she said. “The sensitivities of art [are] what will make us sensitive citizens, and not just strong employees. It is where we find human significance and that enables us to see life more clearly, to think and to reflect.”

Margrit Mondavi herself made an appearance.

“It is true that Robert and I believed that wine, food and art enhance your life,” she said. “And art is a major part of that enhancement. The center is my greatest reward, a promise for things to come, and of course, something important you can see from the highway other than the water tower.”

Gamelan Ensemble, directed by Henry Spiller, later performed a traditional Indonesian folk piece with brass instruments and small mallets.

Rachel Teagle, director of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art that is to be built in 2014, spoke of the upcoming plans and overall goals in expanding the art community at UC Davis.

After a classical performance of the school anthem, the crowd emptied the hall and went out onto Vanderhoef Quad for food and entertainment.

Katehi commented on the success of the Mondavi Center since its inception in 2002.

“The Center has elevated and extended the arts to a level we can’t even imagine. It’s not just the building. The program is amazing, and so diverse,” Katehi said.

She also said she would like to encourage students to come to more shows at the venue. Mondavi agreed.

For now, Mondavi is ecstatic with the progress she has seen. She finished by saying she is most excited to see Yo-Yo Ma again, who will be performing in Jackson Hall next January.

Incoming animal science major Sarah Domanski said the convocation was informative.

“I got to learn a lot about the campus and what we have to offer. After seeing it, I definitely would like to see more performances at the Mondavi Center,” she said.

ADAM KHAN can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

Terrance Tumey selected as Warzecka’s successor

Sports

Sports Editor

September 27, 2012

Not too long ago, Terrance J. Tumey was coordinating budgets and scouting out teams and their players for the San Francisco 49ers. He could have even been drawing up a pro-con list of possible draft picks like Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers.

Now he faces a new assignment, similar to ones he has tackled before, but inherently of a different nature. Into his hands falls the UC Davis athletic program, which is to say, the 23 athletic teams, over 600 student-athletes and the $23 million budget that goes along with it all.

Terrance Tumey was selected from the pool of four finalists that all went through a long selection process that began back in 2011 when Greg Warzecka officially left his position as the UC Davis Athletic Director.

Nona Richardson had been filling in as interim Athletic Director while the ongoing search persisted, and now will return to her post as the executive senior associate athletics director/senior women’s administrator.

Amid the strategic audit, more commonly known as the ‘Dempsey Report,’ the Athletic Director decision process was delayed several times. The final four candidates weathered meetings, forums and interviews with the selection committee of UC Davis faculty, students, alumni and athletic department representatives.

“In Terry Tumey, we’ve found the perfect person to take UC Davis Athletics forward,” said Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi at the July 5 announcement.

Tumey emerged from this flurry of a process, not necessarily as the last one standing, but rather the one deemed fittest to move on in the process and face the next challenge. The daunting task of making UC Davis a frontrunner in athletics and academics falls into his hands.

“Davis as an institution had already set itself out there, and there are a lot of reasons for it being world-renown. ,” Tumey said.

“My job is to find out how I can push UC Davis as an academic entity that has never wavered, and access that abundance of athletic potential.”

Though Tumey has only been at the helm of the Aggie athletic programs for a couple of months, many say that UC Davis has already seen a good sample of the new era under his leadership.

One of the goals Tumey has is to attend as many UC Davis athletic events possible. Thus far, he has been true to his word, and that has not gone unnoticed.

“He’s a guy who’s rolling up his sleeves and gathering up a lot of information,” said football coach Bob Biggs. “He’s taking an active part in understanding the program and finding solutions for the people and administrators that are a part of UC Davis.”

Tumey’s past is essentially a path of stepping stones that led to his development as the right candidate for the position of Athletic Director here at UC Davis.

He has a history in the UC school system, having played football as an undergraduate at UCLA prior to getting his Master of Business Administration at UCLA’s Anderson Graduate School of Management.

One of Tumey’s goals with the Aggies is to move forward as a whole, rather than as separate athletic and academic entities, and this is a concept that appears to be a fundamental principle of his lifestyle.

Tumey spent several years working with corporate finances before returning to athletics, when he served the Denver Broncos as an assistant defensive coach from 1999-2000. In 2001 he began a stint with the San Francisco 49ers where he moved up in status to a senior-level management member by 2009, when he would leave to become the Director of Athletics at Dominican University of California in San Rafael.

“I think from being a student-athlete in the UC system and going through what was one of the top business schools in the world at the time surrounded me with excellence,” Tumey said. “As UC Davis strives for athletic and academic excellence, I’ll try to put the business and academic principles into place that will lead into what people see as the Aggie athletic experience.”

Tumey guided Dominican’s athletic program from an NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) standing to NCAA Division II, an experience that may prove valuable given the Aggies’ recent switch to Division I.

This new athletic director is not simply a sports man, nor is he just an administrator. He is a business man, seeing the university and the community it is in as a set of interdependent systems that can be applied to frameworks, then solved.

In order to understand and crack the puzzle that will unlock what Tumey referred to as UC Davis’s potential, it’s going to take time and comprehensive understanding. And from what we have learned so far, Tumey will be putting in the time to gain this awareness.

“I’m trying to find what kept UC Davis a sleeping giant so long, what are the things that are stopping it from growing as an athletic entity,” Tumey said. “It has done very well with an overall sports portfolio, and understanding what foundation gets the community and students engaged is what I’m working on.”

Biggs, in his last year at UC Davis, feels that the Aggies are in good hands.

“He listens and accepts input and is going to make decisions that are in the best regard for the whole program,” Biggs said. “He works with coaches and administrators to find what coaches need to be competitive, and that’s what coaches and athletes appreciate.”

It can’t be certain, but given Tumey’s background in both business and athletics, it would seem as if his professional experience has been training for this opportunity, the opportunity to pioneer one of the world’s top universities on its road of excellence that can be summarized in two words: Aggie Pride.

MATTHEW YUEN can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

Bring it on

Sports Editor

September 27, 2012

UC Davis women’s soccer enjoyed one of its best seasons to date last year and they have no intentions of letting up now. The team has already used its considerable depth to fill holes left by last year’s graduating seniors.

Head coach MaryClaire Robinson has worked during the offseason to develop a team of athletes completely dedicated to physical intensity and mental toughness. Their efforts have earned a respectable seventh-place coach’s ranking in the Big West Conference as well as a record of 5-4-1.

UC Davis kicked off the season with a bang, earning a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fresno State. Senior Allison Kelly and junior Ashley Edwards continued to lead the Aggie offense and scored a goal apiece against the Bulldogs. Coach Robinson was pleased with the win and was most impressed with the organization her team showed on the field.

“We’ve got a young group and they had a great showing,” Robinson said.

The Aggies moved on to play rival Sacramento State Hornets and the game ended up in a 0-0 tie after double overtime. While the offense may have been frustrated, UC Davis’ new goalkeeper, sophomore Taylor Jern, was able to show her skill and tallied five saves in the match.

UC Davis returned to the pitch with renewed vigor and topped Nevada 2-1. The victory over the Wolf Pack was far from easy and the Aggies did not seal the win until the 99th minute when freshman Ana Marija Sola scored the first goal of her Aggie career. Her goal combined with junior Kiele Argente’s first half score to give UC Davis the win. The Aggie defense was also impressive and Jern tallied another six saves.

The Aggies added another victory to their record after defeating the San Jose State Spartans 3-1. Edwards continued to lead the Aggie offense and scored another two goals in the match. Sophomore Lexi Poppoff also scored for the Aggies. Coach Robinson credited the defense and midfield for allowing the Aggies’ offensive explosion.

“If we can be goal scorers by commitee, that’s just going to be fantastic,” Robinson said.

A few days later, California handed UC Davis its first loss of the season by a score of 2-1. While the Aggies were disappointed with the loss, they walked away with their heads held high. Coach Robinson was proud of the effort they gave against the highly ranked Golden Bears.

“The one disappointment about today was the result. In terms of how we carried ourselves, in terms of the opportunities we created … I think UC Davis had a great day today,” Robinson said.

UC Davis bounced back from the loss against Cal to earn a 3-0 victory over Northern Arizona University. The Aggie offense proved to be a multifaceted threat against the Lumberjacks with all three goals coming from different players. Argente and Edwards picked up another goal apiece while sophomore Taylor Duffner earned her first score of the season. UC Davis’ defense impressed as well, holding Northern Arizona to seven attempts during the match while Jern picked up another two saves.

UC Davis was bested by Saint Mary’s and Cal State Bakersfield, both by scores of 0-1.

Saint Mary’s Gaels were able to pull off a late-score victory to drop the Aggies to 4-2-1 on the season. Although the team was upset by the score, Coach Robinson was encouraged by the continued intensity from the defense and the midfield. Jern continued to impress, tallying another six saves on the day.

The match against the Cal State Bakersfield ‘Runners was a similar situation. The ‘Runners were able to sneak one in late past Jern while the Aggie offense struggled to score, despite taking nine attempts at the goal. However, UC Davis stayed in the match and Robinson was proud that her squad continued to fight through their frustrations.

Recently the Aggies traveled to Riverside, Calif. where UC Davis managed to earn a decisive 4-0 victory over Lamar. The Aggies took 31 shots during the match, while the defense limited Big Red to 13. Lamar had five on-goal opportunities but Jern managed to save all five.

The Aggies are headed into conference play with plenty of momentum and determination. Coach Robinson has praised players on all sides of the field. If the Aggies continue to develop with every game, UC Davis fans can expect another spectacular season of soccer.

KIM CARR can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

UC Davis ranked No. 18 on The Daily Meal’s Best Colleges for Food List

Features

Features Editor

September 27, 2012

Was food a make-it-or-break-it factor in your college search? Then UC Davis is definitely the right place for you.

The Daily Meal, an online culinary news site, examined dining programs at every four-year university in the nation (over 2,000). The large-scale project spanned the majority of the summer months. The study included the mess halls of small, private liberal arts colleges to big-time university campuses. UC Davis made the cut, ranking No. 18 on the Daily Meal’s 52 Best Colleges for Food in America.

“We used several sources to compile our list. We reviewed the National Association of College and University Food Service Awards (NACUFS) and we looked at lists like the Princeton Review. We also read news stories about college dining, and explored the dining services websites. In addition, we interviewed chefs, dining staff and food management companies to get an understanding of what food is being served and where it comes from,” said The Daily Meal editor Nina Fomufod.

The focus of the study remained on the aggregate: the school’s dining program as a whole versus the individual food items provided. A variety of factors were taken into consideration when determining which colleges made the cut, with many schools receiving a failing grade for the following: unsanitary conditions or health code violations, lack of variety and missing service.

For the schools that did make the cut, they were graded on a five-point scale on the following factors: healthy food, events, local, sustainable, accessibility and service and the X factor. Fomufod noted that the deciding factor rested on the food itself, dining services creativity and students’ general opinions of their respective school’s dining experience.

“Our goal was to present well-rounded programs, and UC Davis made the list because we felt it fit that description. We wanted to highlight schools that not only served quality food, but also hosted events. It was equally important to us that local and sustainable food was used on campus — these factors are why UC Davis made the list,” Fomufod said.

The Daily Meal notes UC Davis’ creative themed dinners, for example, “Harry Potter’s Birthday Celebration,” for placing the University on the map in terms of dining experience. Fomufod’s team was especially impressed with the dining service’s “Take a Taste” option, which allows students to sample a dish and customize it to a degree to fit their particular tastes.

“As a sophomore student, I will definitely miss the DC, not only for its convenience, but for its taste; I can always count on the DC to provide me with delicious meals with a homemade feel,” said second-year chemical engineering major Lynn Ann Halfen.

Additionally, UC Davis was recently ranked as the nation’s “Coolest School” by the Sierra Club’s official publication for its continued efforts in sustainability and climate change prevention and education; the University’s dining services are no exception in maintaining a clean, “green” image.

“From purchasing local food items, to composting, water and energy conservation, to purchasing produce from our Student Farm and Russell Ranch right here on campus, our commitment is to sustainability and all that encompasses the program. We also have educational programs for the students on food waste reduction,” said Brenan Connolly, general manager of Resident Dining.

Among the UC Davis dining commons’ food choices include honey-nut pancakes, dosas with sambar and chutney, and falafel lentil cakes, all unique takes on the standard college dining experience.

“Our commitment [is] to the students and University to bring them a quality dining program. It is all about the student experience. We strive to make sure our students have a great dining experience all day long, no matter what dining room or retail or catering operation they are dining in,” Connolly said.

GHEED SAEED can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

Men’s Soccer turns their sights to Big West

Sports Editor

September 27, 2012

The UC Davis men’s soccer team has been playing phenomenal soccer throughout the duration of the season. The Aggies’ overall record remains at 2-3-4, with losses in the past two games against Saint Mary’s and SMU.

The men’s soccer team remained unbeaten until two weeks ago and matched a program record for most ties in a single season, needing just one more to set a new mark. The Aggies open their Big West Conference play on the road against Cal State Northridge this Friday.

The Aggies shut out their first three opponents, preventing any goals in 310 minutes of play. In a matchup against Air Force, UC Davis warded off 11 second-half shots and 17 total from the Falcons. In addition, junior goalkeeper Omar Zeenni recorded five saves. The performance of the men’s soccer team throughout this game is a testament to the level of defense the team has been playing for the past several months.

“Our defense has been really good,” said sophomore defender Brian Ford. “When our defense is good, this allows our offense to take more time to make shots.”

The Aggies have drawn four matches against CSU Bakersfield, Air Force, Denver and San Francisco, all of which went to double overtimes. Although they have had opportunities to score corner kicks, the defense from the opposing teams has proven to be unyielding as well.

The willpower and tenacity of the Aggies is reflected in every match, whether it be the fighting power of the men’s soccer team at 7,000 feet of elevation against Air Force or stubborn persistence to relinquish a narrow match to the Knights.

The chemistry between the offensive and defensive ends has truly made the defining difference in all of the gripping matches that come down to the wire. Zeenni has made an invaluable difference to the success of the men’s soccer. Recently, he was named Big West Player of the Week for his consistent performances.

He led the UC Davis men’s soccer team to three straight draws on the road and allowed only one goal in 330 minutes of time in the goal. Prior to the goal, Zeenni owned a 358-minute scoreless streak after registering shutouts against ULNV, CSU Bakersfield, and Air Force.

In addition, freshman Ryan Gross dumbfounded the crowd as he led the men’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Tulsa. Following his two goals, the defensive end fell into alignment with the offense and played solidly.

Unfortunately, the men’s soccer team’s dynamic has begun to show signs of weakness, as reflected in their recent games against UCF, Saint Mary’s and SMU. They opened with confidence against the Knights, but ultimately conceded goals, resulting in their first season loss. Rebounding from the defeat, Gross scored twice in the victory over Tulsa.

Subsequently, however, SMU scored late to top the Aggies 1-0. The Aggies ended their non-conference season with a 2-0 loss against Saint Mary’s.

“Obviously it’s disappointing to end the non-conference season with a loss. But we will focus on the defense and offense,” said head coach Dwayne Shaffer.

In spite of their two most recent losses, the men’s soccer team comes away with tremendous hope and confidence for their Big West Conference matchups. Currently, the men’s soccer team is physically and mentally preparing themselves for the two-game road trip up ahead against Cal State Northridge and UC Irvine this weekend.

The Matadors maintain a 6-3 overall record with a four-game winning streak, while the Anteaters maintain a 3-5-1 overall record with a three-game losing streak. With a clean slate 0-0 conference record at the beginning of the Big West competition, the Aggies look to remain focused and determined for fierce competitors that come their way.

“We are in a position to win every game,” Shaffer said. “As a coach that’s all I can ask.”

VEENA BANSAL can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

The little things that every new Aggie should know

Features

Features Editor

September 27, 2012

1. Bikes Lock your bike — the number-one rule that Davis students live by. You come to depend on your bike more than anything, so losing it is a bigger deal than you may think. Get to know the Bike Barn for your bicycle needs.

“We offer all sorts of services. Most people know us for being a repair service but in the last couple of years we have become a bicycle retailer,” said Basile Sensei, business manager of the Bike Barn and fourth-year economics major. Sensei said that the Bike Barn does over 12,000 repairs annually. “We can fix anything that doesn’t require frame repair, like welding,” he said.

It is also suggested to practice riding your bike, because if you haven’t been on it since elementary school, you may be a bit wobbly at first and the first day of school is not the time to test your round-about riding abilities. Lastly, beware of squirrels; they do not yield for bicyclists and are far from afraid of them.

2. Studying There are a lot of places to go to study: cafés, the DC, the ARC, even the Quad, but the most reliable is the library. The library has the most varied spots, from quiet to chatty for any study habit. They also have a 24-hour room, so you can go there no matter what time it is. But wherever you choose, make sure you find a place and get into a study habit. Davis runs on a quarter system, so you learn a year’s worth of coursework in 10 weeks. It’s fast-paced — so don’t get behind, or you will likely stay behind.

3. Resources There is an abundance of resources available to you, especially while living in the residence halls. All UC Davis students are aware of various resources located at North Hall, including the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Women’s Resources and Research Center (WRRC) and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center (LGBTRC). Joy Evans, assistant director for education at the WRRC, said that the center offers a lot for any student, not just women.

“We offer a variety of resources [where] students can get information and advice on campus and off campus on a broad range of topics like how to support a friend with an eating disorder and how to party safely. Our library is a great resource to get information on any sort of gender lens,” Evans said.

For more information on these and many more resources, visit the Student Health and Counseling Service homepage on the UC Davis website. As a residence hall resident, the area service center also has resources available including tutoring, a tech hub and even 250 pages of free printing per quarter. Also, with a swipe of your ID card, you can rent kitchen supplies, board games and sports equipment.

4. Davis Wiki Take advantage of the proximity and go downtown. Lots of restaurants and boutiques and even the farmers market are good uses of time. There are reviews, maps, contact information and more all on DavisWiki, so add it as a bookmark on your browser; it will soon become your go-to for anything Davis.

5. Residence Halls In general, you should establish boundaries with your roommate. It is important that you learn to communicate and be considerate of the other person in your room, but also of others on the floor and even the building. Junior human development major Meagan Schaefer, a resident adviser in Segundo last year, said that communication can help prevent residence hall room issues.

“Be more open with communication,” she said. “A lot of times problems occur because roommates don’t talk to each other and it turns into a conflict later on.”

Also, when living in the residence halls and using communal bathrooms, always wear shower shoes — you never know what you are stepping in.

6. Experiment Try new classes, clubs or seminars. Davis has plenty of things going on every day at any time. Pick up The Aggie, scroll through the online calendar and go to a poetry reading, join an Experimental College course or even build something in the Craft Center. The opportunities are available for you, a student, to use. Take advantage of them!

7. Health Wash your hands. A lot. Try to keep hand sanitizer on hand, because when one person in the residence hall gets sick, everybody gets sick. Another way to not get sick is to get sleep. Late-night studying and early classes make keeping good health difficult. So squeeze in a nap here or there. But, in case you do get sick, know where the health center is and how to get there. You don’t want to have to figure it out when you are sneezing and sniffling.

8. ID Card Your UC Davis ID card is your library card, your meal card, your bus card and your free ticket into most sporting events. It also serves as many residence hall access cards and can even be linked to your U.S. Bank account. With that being said, keep it with you at all times. You never know when you are going to run to the dining commons or hop on the bus. Your ID from orientation is the only one you get for your undergraduate experience and it is a hassle to replace.

9. Campus Stay on campus. Even if you have a car and can go home, don’t. The washing machines on campus work just as well as the ones at home, and while a home-cooked meal may sound good, wait until the next long weekend. There is an abundance of events on campus for anyone to enjoy. The two big events of the year are Picnic Day and the Whole Earth Festival. Both are in the spring and are very iconic — you wouldn’t want to miss those just for a plate of mom’s lasagna.

10. Aggie Pack Even if you aren’t a major sports fan, every Aggie should experience a UC Davis football game sitting in the student section. Anyone wearing Aggie blue can be a part of one of the largest student-run cheer sections. Scream for the football team and win free food and tube socks! Not to mention there are performances from the dance team, cheer squad, Band-uh and Gunrock.DEVON BOHART can be reached at features@theaggie.org.

New, green gadgets for students

Features

Features Editor

September 27, 2012

It’s 2012, and society’s view of technology is starting to change. Be it from the creeping threat of climate change or even something as simple as one’s own bloated electric bill, more and more people are looking toward innovative new environmentally friendly, “green” solutions to all their technological needs. Interested in joining them? Whether you care about the environment or your own wallet, take a look at some of these green gadgets.

SolarKindle Lighted Cover
The Kindle, arguably the most popular of the many new e-readers, makes reading easier and more convenient than ever before. It’s a relatively simple product and pretty light on energy consumption itself, but some may be interested in taking it to the next level. Those with a Kindle 4, especially those who enjoy reading outside, can stop worrying about charging their Kindle altogether, thanks to SolarFocus’s SolarKindle Lighted Cover. The SolarKindle will be constantly charging when exposed to not only direct sunlight but also outdoor shade. And the efficiency of the product is nothing short of impressive; an hour of charging in direct sunlight can provide up to three straight days of reading. All in all, at $79.99, the SolarKindle is a bit pricey, but it’s a useful option for anyone looking to maximize their Kindle’s energy efficiency.

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750/K760

If you’ve ever been interested in a wireless keyboard, Logitech has a new solution for you. It’s the K750 for PCs and K760 for Macs, but it’s the same deal for both: a keyboard that will most likely never run out of power. The Wireless Solar Keyboard is called solar, but it doesn’t only charge in sunlight; it charges in any kind of light, from lamplight to low light. No matter where you’re sitting, it will be charging. But even if you’re the sort of person who likes to sit in total darkness while working, this keyboard can work for you. Fully charged, it will last three months without any source of light. Both the K750 and K760 are $79.99, a high-end price tag for a keyboard, but because of this one’s completely hassle-free nature, it’s well worth it.

Smart Strip Power Strip

Did you know that devices powered off but plugged in still consume idle energy? Did you know that on average, 5 to 10 percent of household energy consumption is from these devices? Most power strips only exacerbate the problem, using up even more energy. For people looking for efficient energy-saving strategies, the Smart Strip Power Strip may hold the solution. The Strip utilizes smart technology to cut off power to unused appliances and only uses up one watt of power when fully engaged. The cost of the Smart Strip Power Strip ranges from $30 to $40, but it will likely pay for itself within six weeks.

LG Viper 4G LTE

If you’re part of the increasingly small demographic who doesn’t yet have a smartphone, or if you’re just due for an upgrade, the LG Viper 4G LTE for Sprint may be the solution. It’s a solid all-around phone, with a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM and a 5 MP camera, but what sets it apart from the rest of the market is its recyclability. The Viper is made from 50 percent recycled plastic and utilizes an energy-efficient charger. Though the Sprint network is not the most popular, newcomers to the market should seriously consider the Viper. It’s definitely one of the greenest smartphones out there.

ROHIT RAVIKUMAR can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

Sections

Resources

Best of Davis

Projects