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West Village annexation

Opinion

Opinion

February 16, 2010

After 10 years of discussion, Yolo County should agree to annex the West Village housing project to the city.

The university stated it would only agree to annexation if the county and the Davis City Council come to an agreement. The council is willing, but the county refuses.

The city will lose revenue with or without annexation, but at least it will receive more money under annexation.

Davis will receive $240,000 in vehicle license fees from the state. Future West Village residents, living on the outskirts of Davis, will be primarily driving in Davis. This money should be used in the city.

Yolo County should allow the city to collect the vehicle fees in order to benefit the residents. If the project is not annexed, the county will collect $232,000 each year in property taxes, which may not be in the best interests of West Village’s residents. Even if the county must give up this money, non-annexation would present more problems.

Without annexation, the city would not have direct oversight of West Village’s functions.

City Council proposed a special assessment district that would allow residents to vote on taxes and fees that affect them. This is a step in making the project and annexation more financially appealing.

Annexation should include city services, since the project is university housing and residents will be working and studying in Davis. Councilmembers can then discuss which and to what extent these services should be offered. If the residents will rely on Davis food and services, they should be allowed to vote in city elections. Otherwise, the university will decide the amounts in fees and taxes the residents must pay.

Nevertheless, the university would maintain its land-use authority even considering annexation. A decision will then allow the city and university to discuss exactly how to split or share taxes and authority.

The clock is ticking for another year until the state will withhold the vehicle license fee money. The three entities must come to a decision – and move on – if they don’t want to be stuck in a lose-lose situation.

EAP Cuts

Opinion

Opinion

February 16, 2010

The UC Education Abroad Program’s funding will undergo significant cuts from the UC Office of the President, decreasing from $4.1 million to $3.7 million in the 2010-2011 school year. Furthermore, the EAP expects its budget to sink as low as $1.3 million by 2014.

To cope with the cuts, the Education Abroad Center speculates an increase in fees for students under the EAP by roughly $1,000 to $1,500 per program. Though these fees are indeterminate, they are nonetheless expected.

The EAP, like all of UC Davis’ study abroad programs, prides itself on affordability. Though the EAC maintains that the added program fees will keep its prices at a competitive level, these fees are substantial regardless. Many of the EAP’s already-expensive programs will only become more costly, which will effectively turn some interested students away.

Whether through the UC Davis Quarter or Summer Abroad programs, the EAP, or a third party, studying abroad offers an invaluable opportunity for students to visit a foreign country. The EAP also gives structure to the experience, providing students with the assistance and support needed for immersion in a foreign country. Students who would normally never be able to spend an extended amount of time abroad benefit tremendously from the program. Additionally, students are able to work toward their major through the EAP.

Students studying abroad face significant costs even without these expected fee increases. In some cases, UC students are still required to pay UC fees for services such as Unitrans or the Activities and Recreation Center while abroad.

Even so, many students who are unsure of their financial ability to pay for the program will likely turn down the opportunity with these expected fees. This even affects the weight of financial aid and scholarships. The EAP’s own scholarship for summer and fall programs of 2010-2011 offers $1,000 awards to five winners – an amount that would essentially be negated by the new program fees. Traveling abroad as a part of a student’s undergraduate degree is a privilege few students are able to experience. With these additional fees, even fewer will have that chance.

UCD professor returns from two weeks in Haiti

Features

Features Editor

February 16, 2010

Standing in front of a picture of an earthquake survivor in Haiti, UC Davis cell biology and anatomy professor Douglas Gross called her “the happiest most delightful little girl.” The girl wanted people in America to see her picture. Her request came true as her smiling photo looks upon a group of UCD students and community members.

“I am very compelled to tell this story and making a conscious effort to not let people forget about this,” Gross said.

After two weeks in Haiti, where a 7.0 earthquake hit the country on Jan. 12, Gross returns to UCD to share his experience lending medical aid in a series of slide show presentations and lectures.

The quake hit Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti, destroying most of its buildings, including hospitals and homes. The quake hit at approximately 5 p.m., a time when many people were in their homes, killing more than 230,000 people.

Gross, who is a pediatrician at the UCD Medical Center, and a team from South Carolina treated 2,000 people in Haiti with injuries ranging from dehydration to compartment syndrome – a syndrome usually resulting in amputation.

Many of the treatments and procedures Gross and his team administered were in field hospitals where stretchers were laid across black supply boxes.

Kamal Yackzan, a resident scholar at UCD, said he admires the courage of the volunteers and the way the whole world came together to help Haiti.

“The moving part is the human factor, and you wonder how they are going to survive,” Yackzan said.

Of those 2,000 people treated, all were homeless and all had lost a family member as the result of the earthquake, Gross said.

The “pretty austere” conditions and limited supplies would not deter Gross who has made no less then a dozen trips to countries around the world. These countries include Nicaragua, Guatemala and Africa, to give his medical aid and expertise.

Gross began as an UCD assistant professor in 1979 and has continued teaching for the last 30 years. But he went back to medical school to become a pediatrician after volunteering at Alternative Recreation – a recreational and socialization program for developmentally disabled children

It was a chance meeting on the UC Davis campus, with an African man raising money for a Christian organization that would lead Gross to the first of his trips to provide medical aid to other countries.

“He asked, ‘Will you come with me?’ I had never even been to Canada! I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I was supposed to be there, this is what I’m supposed to do,” Gross said.

With plans to go back to Kenya in May, Gross has nonetheless not given up continuing to recount the struggles that Haiti is facing and will face with the upcoming rainy season.

Pheng Vang, a senior biological science major, was very impressed with how Gross emphasized in his presentation keeping the crisis in Haiti current.

“I liked how he said we need to talk about it so it does not vanish. I believe that that is a very important message and we need to do something,” Vang said.

The rain, which is due to fall within two months, will not only exacerbate the problems of homelessness but will also play host to a variety of illnesses such as dysentery, said Gross.

“I just hope and pray for the best. Hope for rebuilding,” Yacksan said.

Gross will be giving another lecture entitled “Medical Relief in Haiti” tonight at 8 p.m. in Kleiber Hall.

For those interested in helping with fundraising on campus for relief efforts in Haiti, e-mail John Gunel for more information, at johngunel@gmail.com.

For a complete list of organizations that are helping in Haiti visit charitynavigator.org.

JESSY WEI can be reached at features@theaggie.org.

Campus Center for the Environment encourages green Aggies

Features

Features Editor

February 16, 2010

With spring just around the corner, Davis’ new trendy color is green – and not just the type of green dye you see on printed money, but the save-the-planet type of green.

By making a few easy changes from making your own cleaning products to keeping a steady hand on the thermostat, you can make a significant difference in the environment. Here are a few tips to consider:

Bring your own bags

Not only are plastic bags made from petroleum, but you can’t recycle them.

“We consume about 500 billion plastic bags annually worldwide, that is about 1 million per minute,” said Darwin Moosavi, chair of the ASUCD Environmental Policy and Planning Commission.

According to the Earth Resource Foundation, it takes up to 1,000 years for a plastic bag to degrade. Major stores are beginning to transition to paper, but you can head them off at the pass and buy your own reusable bags.

Make your own cleaning supplies

This will save you money, as well as the energy that goes into making the thousands of chemical-heavy cleaners on the market.

The Campus Center for the Environment (CCE) suggests making an all-purpose cleaner by mixing one-cup baking soda, one-cup ammonia, one- cup white vinegar and one gallon of warm water.

If you’ve got serious mildew to remove, spray the grout with one-cup hydrogen peroxide, and then scrub the paste with one tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of borax.

Drive the limit – or better yet, bike the limit

It’s not rocket science: The faster you drive, the more gas you consume.

“Try to carpool, and use a larger ethanol ratio in your engine,” said Lauren Labusch, who is currently a Sustainability Intern for Student Housing. “This is available at the Chevron in South Davis. It’s also important to make sure your wheels are properly inflated.”

But don’t forget how bike-friendly Davis is, and that we have the student-run Unitrans bus system.

Buy local

Buying organic is nice, but think about the massive amount of jet and truck fuel it took to put those Chilean grapes and that Basmati ride from India into your Californian hands.

“One of the best indicators for environmentally conscious food choices is seasonality,” said Will Klein, director for CCE. “Foods grown locally in season, and in the fertile soil of the Central Valley, have less of a need for chemicals and transportation costs.”

Grow your own herbs

If you were looking to get into gardening this year, starting your own herb garden may be the perfect gateway.

“They can be easily grown in pots that students can take with them as they move,” Klein said. “If you have any doubts about your ability to grow herbs, just look at the abundance of rosemary on the sides of roses. Cities plant them because they’re so easy to maintain.”

You can also try the Experimental College Gardens. For $25 a year, you can have up to 200 square feet of soil that will be efficient for many types of vegetables from tomatoes to broccoli.

Reuse those red cups

Although red cups may be an essential to throwing a classic college party, they aren’t entirely environmentally friendly.

“I know it’s a pain to wash them, and some may not survive, but at least try to have people label cups with their names instead of just putting it down and picking up a new one later on,” Moosavi said.

If that fails, you can always have a BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup) party and have guests bring their own. And don’t forget to recycle your beverage containers. Since most red or blue plastic cups are a level 5 recycling, one would need to recycle them at Davis Waste Removal, located on 2727 Second St.

Turn it off

Unplugging power strips when they’re not in use can cut electricity bills. Connected devices, whether they’re on or off, will still suck what’s called standby power.

If you’re looking to buy some energy-efficient appliances, look for the Energy Star Labels – but keep in mind that you can also buy used items.

“The Bargain Barn on campus is a great resource,” Klein said. “They have an incredible range of products – they even once sold a school bus! Davis Freecyle is another place to look; you can even get stuff for free.”

Monitor your thermostat

According to the Consumer Energy Center, each degree you turn the thermostat – up in the summer, down in the winter, that is – saves about three percent in energy costs.

Even better, you can buy a programmable thermostat that limits cooling and heating during the daytime hours.

Use low-flow fixtures

Installing low-flow showerheads, faucets, toilets and other fixtures can save thousands of gallons of water a year. And no, they won’t leave you wishing for more pressure.

The current standard for fixtures is about 2-2.5 gallons per minute.

“You can take shorter showers, or take the same length of showers with a friend,” Labusch said.

For more information on staying green and making your own cleaning products can be found at cce.ucdavis.edu.

VANNA LE can be reached at features@theaggie.org.

Aggie Daily Calendar

Features

Features Editor

February 16, 2010

TODAY

Recyclemania: Spot-A-Mug at the Catering and Vendor Showcase

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Pavilion

Recyclemania is here! R4 Recycling will be at the showcase giving out spot-a-mug refill coupons. Be sure to be there with your reusable mug.

Teacher Alumni Panel

4:10 to 5 p.m.

174 School of Education Building

Open to all those interested in learning more about classroom teaching as a career. Hear from a high school science teacher and a former elementary school principal!

WEDNESDAY

Winter Internship and Career Fair

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pavilion

Looking for a job or internship? Over 100 companies will be on campus recruiting for one day only!

Dispatches from the Abortion Wars

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Bookstore Lounge, Memorial Union

Join the author of Dispatches from the Abortion Wars for a presentation of the book, a Q&A and a book signing.

Birthright Israel Registration Party

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Hillel House, 328 A street

Find out how eligible applicants can apply to the Birthright program!

Picnic Day Volunteer Meeting

6:30 p.m.

Mee Room, Memorial Union

Find out how you can volunteer before, on and after Picnic Day. Contact Lauren Cruz at volunteerdir@picnicday.ucdavis.edu for more information.

THURSDAY

Nameless Magazine’s Print Issue Release Party

8 to 10 p.m.

John Natsoulas Gallery

Celebrate Nameless’ most recent success with the release of their second print issue! Enjoy music, readings and refreshments.

FRIDAY

Folk Music Jam Session

Noon to 1 p.m.

Wyatt Deck, Old Davis Road

Calling all folk musicians! All skill levels are welcome to rock out at an informal acoustic jam session.

To receive placement in the AGGIE DAILY CALENDAR, e-mail dailycal@theaggie.org or stop by 25 Lower Freeborn by noon the day prior to your event. Due to space constraints, all event descriptions are subject to editing, and priority will be given to events that are free of charge and geared toward the campus community.

Yolo County scores low on road conditions assessment

City News

City Editor

February 16, 2010

The present and future conditions of California roads are in question, according to a new report.

The California Statewide Local Streets and Roads Assessment found the average local street and road in California ranks 68 on the Pavement Condition Index (PCI). Industry standards are based on a scale of zero, or failure, to 100, or excellent. Streets and roads statewide are in the “at risk” category, according to the PCI.

If state funding levels are maintained without any supplemental allocations, the pavement rating is projected to deteriorate to 58 in the next 10 years. With no additional funds, this rating will fall to 48 by 2033, one level above a “failed” rating.

Twenty-four counties, including Yolo County, have an average pavement condition that is below the state average and considered “at risk” or “poor.” Yolo County’s rating was 58 in 2008.

The Yolo County Planning and Public Works Department’s Assistant Director Panos Kokkas stressed the negative effects of poor road conditions at the Feb. 9 Yolo County Board of Supervisor’s meeting, where the report was reviewed.

“As roadway conditions decline, the cost to repair them increases exponentially,” Kokkas said. “More potholes, inability to trim trees, sign repairs, flooding and patching all result from these conditions.”

The report is the first in an ongoing study of local pavement conditions and essential infrastructure components. Currently, there is no comprehensive and systematic approach to the needs of local streets and roads statewide.

“Every trip – whether by car, bus or bicycle – starts and ends on a local street or road,” said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Helen M. Thomson in a press release. “The local system is critical for safety and mobility of the traveling public, farm to market needs and for trade and commerce. State leaders needs to prioritize this important role in the statewide transportation system in their budgeting decisions.”

Analysis included in the assessment found the current state-funding shortfall, considering all existing revenues for pavement and necessary components such as storm drains and gutters, is more than $71 billion for a 10-year period. Yolo County estimates its funding shortfall for streets and roads at $5 to $6 million per year.

In order to stop further deterioration of local roadways, at least $7 billion going directly to cities and counties is necessary annually over the next 10 years. Once pavement conditions reach the most cost-effective level with the least impact on mobility and commerce, costs will be much less long term.

Supervisor Mike McGowan believes the local assessments are good tools to inform people about the road condition situation, and Thomson was pleased with how the report was put together.

“Public transportation is in dire condition right now,” Thomson said at the meeting. “This is not good news, but it’s wonderful to have this kind of data to work state issues.”

John Bencomo, director of planning and public works for Yolo County, said the study gives counties leverage to receive local funding.

“This analysis is systematic,” Bencomo said at the meeting. “It discusses the failing infrastructure on a state level.”

Margo Yapp, professional engineer for Nichols Consulting Engineers, said Yolo’s roads, like other rural counties, were hit hard by increased construction costs without rising revenues. Also, though the county has many roads, it has a lower population than other areas. With a lower population, there is less money allocated to the county than to urban areas. Without taxes or measures in place for revenue, and an aging infrastructure, road conditions have deteriorated.

ANGELA SWARTZ can be reached city@theaggie.org.

Yolo County grand jury looks for next year’s members

City News

City Editor

February 16, 2010

For those who cringe at the sight of a jury duty notice, Yolo County’s grand jury is not similar.

For the following year, Yolo County is seeking new members for their grand jury, which unlike the “petite” jury, members serve for a year and volunteer their time to serve as an investigative branch of the judicial system. In Yolo County, the grand jury also serves as a criminal grand jury.

Not all states have a grand jury, but California still believes in this system, said Edwina Harper, jury services supervisor for Yolo County Superior Court.

“The grand jury is an investigatory body for your local government,” Harper said. “They take complaints from local county citizens.”

A position on the grand jury is not usually for the pay: Grand jury members receive $15 stipends per meeting, plus mileage. Members meet a couple times each month.

After serving two terms as foreperson for the Napa County Grand Jury, Chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee of the California Grand Jury Association (CGJA) William Trautman said the grand jury experience is not for the money but for more fulfilling reasons.

“The incentive is grand jurors perform a year of public service with a real and unique chance to make their local government better,” Trautman said in an e-mail interview. “When a grand jury does an investigation, makes findings and recommendations to a particular agency, there is nothing more satisfying than to see that agency accept and carry out the recommendation.”

Yolo County’s grand jury is searching for about 19 Yolo County residents to serve as members. Current Yolo County Grand Jury Foreperson Barbara Sommer said there are a lot of retired members each year, but a younger presence would diversify the investigative body. To apply, applicants must be over 18 years old.

“[As a member,] I learned a tremendous amount about county government,” Sommer said, who runs the monthly meetings as foreperson. “[The grand jury] is a real cross section of the community. There are people with different backgrounds.”

The CGJA serves as the backbone for grand juries in California counties. Since counties’ grand juries are self-run with little support from within county judicial systems, the CGJA steps in to train and provide resources to members.

“Since most counties provide only limited training, CGJA puts on concentrated training seminars involving 12 hours of intensive work in grand jury essentials, grand jury history, local government, investigations, interviewing and final report writing,” Trautman said. “Each year, CGJA trains approximately 900 incoming jurors throughout California.”

Sommer said students who have lived in Yolo County for at least a year should consider applying – she said grand jury service looks good on a resume. The grand jury considers that members have work, family and school obligations and plans meetings accordingly.

The application process is more of a lottery, Sommer said. After submitting an application and a quick interview with a superior court judge, draws are made for the jury and for back-up members, should anyone drop out during their year of service. If chosen, applicants become sworn into the grand jury by the end of June.

The deadline to apply is Apr. 15. Other criteria for membership and the grand jury application can be found on Yolo County’s grand jury web site at yolocounty.org/Index.aspx?page=786.

SASHA LEKACH can be reached at city@theaggie.org.

Katehi commits to reversing administration to staff ratio

Campus News

Campus Editor

February 16, 2010

In her first official State of the Campus Address, Chancellor Linda Katehi announced several new plans, which she hopes will resolve some challenges that developed during her term so far.

The address was held last Thursday at 2:10 p.m. in the Conference Center Ballroom.

Among those plans includes what she called the Organizational Excellence initiative, which will consolidate service centers for human resources, accounting and payroll.

“[The initiative] recognizes that academic excellence cannot be achieved unless the academic units are supported by an administration that is lean, effective, transparent, service-oriented and innovative,” Katehi said in her address.

Part of this initiative aims to reduce the central administration and replenish resources to academic units. Excluding the UC Davis Health System, Katehi cited an average 30 percent cut made to the central administrative units and a 15 percent cut to academic units.

In addition, Katehi announced efforts by the UC President and chancellors to end furloughs this coming August.

She also announced several advancements in UC Davis research, the administration’s advocacy efforts, increases in sustainability and various administrative changes.

Katehi anticipated with these administrative changes, the campus may see a savings of 20 to 50 percent.

After the address, Katehi took questions from the sparse audience – which Academic Senate Chair Bob Powell attributed to the event’s web broadcast availability. An Academic Senate Representative Assembly meeting followed the address.

– Lauren Steussy

Senate briefs

Campus News

Campus Editor

February 16, 2010

ASUCD Senate meetings are scheduled to begin Thursdays at 6:10 p.m. Times listed are according to the clock at the Feb. 11 meeting location, the Memorial Union’s Mee Room. Meeting called to order at 6:12 p.m. Joe Chatham, ASUCD president, absent. Chris Dietrich, ASUCD vice president, present. Abrham Castillo-Ruiz, ASUCD senator, present. Joemar Clemente, ASUCD senator, present. Justin Gold, ASUCD senator, present. Don Ho, ASUCD senator, present. Joel Juarez, ASUCD senator, arrived late. Andre Lee, ASUCD president pro-tempore, present. Levi Menovske, ASUCD senator, present. Kevin Massoudi, ASUCD senator, present. Bree Rombi, ASUCD senator, present. Shawdee Rouhafza, ASUCD senator, present. Trevor Taylor, ASUCD senator, present. Previn Witana, ASUCD senator, present.

Appointments and Confirmations

The senate approved Justin Chu to the Social Sports and Recreation Commission, Jacob Hendrix to the Science and Engineering Politics Positions Commission and Gaurev Kumar to the Outreach Assembly.

The senate approved Dominic Jacquemin to the Ethnic and Cultural Affairs Commission.

The senate approved Jackie Limón as a commissioner to the Academic Affairs Commission.

Consideration of Old Legislation

Senate Bill 30, authored by Dietrich and introduced by Witana, to define advocacy units in the ASUCD Bylaws, was passed unanimously.

Senate Bill 34, authored and introduced by Witana and co-authored by Rombi, to allocate $3,897 from Capital Reserves to purchase three computers for KDVS, was passed unanimously.

Other Business

The senate unanimously approved the revised agreement between ASUCD and the Aggie Pack, a Memorandum of Understanding to clarify what ASUCD should receive in exchange for financing the Aggie Pack.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. ARNOLD LAU compiles the senate briefs. He can be reached atcampus@theaggie.org.

A cappella team serenades Davis

Campus News

Campus Editor

February 16, 2010

Sophomore Shawn Skolnik and his girlfriend Elli Rezaii were fighting Saturday morning, when a member of the Liquid Hotplates knocked on the door.

“I just walked outside my room, and there were 17 people in my kitchen wearing the same shirt. They just bust out singing this amazing song,” said Rezaii, a biological sciences major. “I just started crying.”

The Liquid Hotplates, one of four a cappella groups on campus, sold singing valentines last week and performed for about 12 different couples on Saturday.

Singing valentines are a four-year long tradition for the Liquid Hotplates, who donate all proceeds to Relay for Life. At $10 per valentine, they usually make $100 to $150, said Roy Adams, business director for the Liquid Hotplates.

“People are usually pretty happy, if a little bit embarrassed,” Adams said. “We usually get people who cry during it every year.”

This year, the a cappella group traveled to dorms, apartments, houses and work places and performed two songs over the phone. Usually student couples make up the team’s clientele, although this year they performed for two mothers and last year they sang at an elderly home.

Singing at the elderly home was Liquid Hotplate Richie Ngo’s favorite singing valentine experience, where they brought the older women to tears.

“Personally I think it’s the best experience of being part of the group because you actually see emotions coming out,” he said.

This year, the standout for Adams was for an older couple in West Davis. After an exhausting five hours of singing, the couples’ gratitude was priceless.

“[She] was saying that she was going to remember it for the rest of her life,” Adams said.

The performance will be a memorable for Rezaii, too. It was unlike any other Valentine’s Day gift she has ever received, she said.

“It was such a surprise, and they were so wonderful. I was thoroughly impressed with their voices,” she said.

Adams hopes that the singing valentines can help spread the word about the Liquid Hotplates and the other a cappella teams.

“We’re trying to get more people interested in a cappella in Davis and build an a cappella community. It’s a little harder with the limited music department in Davis,” he said.

While the Liquid Hotplates don’t have any upcoming shows, The Spokes, the all female a cappella team, will be performing at Freeborn Hall Feb. 27.

JANELLE BITKER can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

Column: Love song to the I-5

Opinion

Opinion

February 12, 2010

Half a tank left of gas. The speed limit is 45, but I’m driving 60. The rain can’t make up its mind if it wants to pour or sprinkle. On my right is a man wrapped in a plastic, yellow poncho like a Buddhist monk. On my left is a field where I had hotboxed with my housemates and got stuck in the mud for four hours. I’m driving 65. Then 70. 80.

Once, when I drove up from SoCal on the I-5, I was stuck in traffic with my friend Frankie. She had the window rolled down so the smoke from her cigarette wouldn’t fill the car up. The smoke kept her awake. So did the wind.

It was late at night, and we were talking about something pretentious like love. Or death. I don’t remember which one came first.

“What’s your suicide of preference?” she asked me as if it were the difference between Davis Sushi Buffet and Fuji’s.

“I would drown,” I said. “I think there’s something gorgeous about sinking.”

“You would,” she said. Apparently, that was predictable.

I asked her. She said pills. It symbolized a complete surrender. The body is the last thing you lose control of, and when even that is taken away from you, you’ve long left this world. That’s when we become robots, controlled by pharmaceuticals – living, breathing and responding to sensory neurons, but never loving. Back then, she had this theory that the pharmaceutical companies were trying to dumb down the masses to be better consumers.

A little later, she asked if I’ve ever been in love. I said yes. She asked again, because there’s a difference between loving someone, and being in love.

Most other times when I drive down the I-5, I drive it alone. I wake up at four in the morning while it’s still dark out. The sun doesn’t come up until I reach Kern County. When I drive into the grapevine, it’s still night. But when I leave the mountains, the sun floods the valley as I drive down full speed.

Once, David told me he thought love was just a hormone that gets released when responding to stimuli. It’s something we can program robots to feel. Or show signs of, at least.

But at the same time, he thinks love is the anti-survival. When we’re born, we’re born as isolated individuals with our ego that separates us from everyone. But love tears down that ego, and the barriers between people.

Caitlin thinks love is asymptotic. The more you know someone, the less you understand them. But the more you drift away from someone, the more you think you have them figured out. Love, then, reveals your oblivion. The most you could ever know about someone is they will never fully make sense.

Micah thinks that humans love, but within limits. When God loves through us, though, He takes us beyond our limits. It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, and when God whispers in your ear to jump, He promises to send His angels to carry you.

I say love is inherently selfish. Those who love the most are those who have the most greed. Love is insatiable. The fact that it will never be satisfied is what sustains it for an eternity. It keeps hungering until it devours you whole.

Earlier in the year, my friend Mark broke up with his girlfriend. He said he didn’t love her. He didn’t think he ever could. He did, at one point, think he loved her.

“Is it possible to fall out of love?” Mark asked.

I said yes.

“That’s all I need to know,” he said.

A week later, I saw her at a friend’s birthday dinner. I never told Mark, but when I saw her, I said I disagreed with all his reasons for breaking up with her. She looked back at me, irritated that I brought that up in front of everyone. I told her no one should ever hear that from someone.

Frank thinks love is an otherworldly thing, some transcendent experience. But love is, in fact, about seeing all the beauty in the ordinary life around you. If you’re looking for something greater than this life, then you’re not looking for love.

To love is to give everything and take nothing in return. But to be in love is to be inside of love. When you are consumed by love, it sanctifies you. Love goes through you, in you, by you, for you, from you, to you, out of you and because of you. All that beauty in the world is so great that your miserable soul dissolves at the sight.

She asked me why I was telling her all this. I didn’t have an answer. I never mentioned it again.

There’s a quarter tank left of gas. Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61” is playing on repeat. On my left is a Taco Bell in the shape of a mission. On my right is a burning bush. I’m driving 40 miles over the speed limit. It’s 300 miles until God catches up with me.

GEOFF MAK is broke. E-mail him at gemak@ucdavis.edu.

Column: Love lessons from grade school

Opinion

Opinion

February 12, 2010

I have a box sitting at the bottom of my closet. It’s supposed to be my “keepsake/memory box,” although it doesn’t look anything like those antique, vintage trunks you see in the movies – you know, the ones you find in a shadowy corner of your attic, waiting for you to dust away its dark family secrets.

My box is a clear, blue-lidded Rubbermaid. It’s packed with the most random assortment of things – ticket stubs, Harry Potter trinkets, Starburst wrappers.

The only time I ever bother looking through this box of randomly useless stuff is when I pack to go home to L.A. (It’s a good way to prolong the annoying part of actually packing.)

So as I attempted to pack for this weekend’s trip, I inevitably dragged out the box and rummaged through the birthday cards, baby photos and numerous Legolas bookmarks. (Back in middle school, all the girls loved Orlando in his long, silky hair. Trust me.)

Buried under all this was a pile of valentine grams from grade school – the perforated ones with Pokémon and Rugrats that you bought from Target and made sure your crush got the cutest one.

The simplicity of the cards amazed me. Each bright pink or red card had phrases like “Stay cute and smart” or “I like you because you share your markers” emblazoned upon it in beautiful third-grade calligraphy.

I couldn’t help but grin at all that was written. This got me thinking about how effective simplicity is in the matters of love. I mean, back then we didn’t bother with all that “poetic” stuff we love to write now – the overused images comparing love to a bright, sunny day or overcoming some type of storm.

I once “proofread” an acquaintance’s love poem to his girlfriend. It was filled with comparisons to climbing the highest mountain, rainbows, green pastures and any other imaginable thing related to nature. Basically, it was an attempt at Shakespearean language. The problem is we’re not Shakespeare.

I felt myself turning intensely red just reading all the complex metaphors and similes, and the poem wasn’t even directed toward me. From the poem, I couldn’t really sense the power of love. But I did sense how tiny we are in comparison to a mountain.

When we encounter that breakup stage where we either transform into a raging monster or hibernate in our rooms, taking a clue from our younger selves is yet again helpful. My sister and I used to pull out our yearbooks and draw ugly flowers on annoying classmates’ (aka heartbreakers’) shirts. (Poking the eyes out of their photos seemed too cruel – although it was never out of the question). It was the easiest form of quality therapy.

And when the making-up time rolls around, there’s usually that oversized bear, two-dozen roses or maybe a 20-karat diamond ring. But none of that is really … physically nourishing. Emotional stability? Sure. But there’s still that empty feeling.

Our 10-year-old selves totally understood this, which is why we spent our allowances on all those supersized bags of Nerds, Snickers and Skittles. The sweetness overload is satisfying to the body and soul. Flowers, on the other hand, don’t create a hyperactive sugar rush.

We’ve forgotten to get back down to the basics. As our younger selves knew, the most effective tactics are simplicity and straightforwardness. They would probably laugh at the hours we spend articulating exaggerated, half-hearted poems or picking out flowers that all look quite similar anyway.

This Valentine’s Day, go ahead and buy that Pokémon valentine gram or supersized bag of Nerds. Just be ready to be called “cheap.”

TIFFANY LEW thinks the best thing about Valentine’s Day this year is it falls on the same day as Chinese New Year. Contact her at tjlew@ucdavis.edu if you would like to celebrate with her.

Aggie Daily Calendar

Features

Features Editor

February 12, 2010

TODAY

CDAC Chinese New Year / Valentine’s Day Bake Sale

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Quad

Celebrate Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day with the Chinese Dance and Arts Club’s bake sale.

Cancer Week: Cervical

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Quad

Help spread cancer awareness and learn how it can affect you. Wear a teal or green shirt to show your support!

Biomedical Engineering Seminar

4 p.m.

1005 Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility

Listen to Dr. Angelique Louie as she speaks on multimodal probes for molecular imaging.

Summer Abroad Info Session: India

4 to 5 p.m.

Education Abroad Center, Third and A streets

Find out how you can spend August touring through India and visiting famous sites like the Taj Mahal!

CALESS General Meeting

7 to 8 p.m.

1130 Hart

The Chicano and Latino Engineers and Scientists Society is holding its general meeting. All students are welcome!

MBA Movie Night

7 p.m.

101 Wellman

Come one, come all to a movie night presented by the Marketing and Business Association! Watch Boiler Room and enjoy free food and drinks.

Students for Nichiren Buddhism

8 p.m.

101 Olson

Go and learn about this new philosophy and discuss daily life with them!

FRIDAY

Cancer Week: Leukemia

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Quad

Help spread cancer awareness and learn how it can affect you. Wear an orange shirt to show your support!

Phi Alpha Delta’s Sweet Justice

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

King Lounge, Memorial Union

Join the pre-law fraternity for their all-you-can-eat desserts. Tickets are $5 pre-sale or $8 at the door.

Haiti Relief Slideshow

4:10 to 5 p.m.

123 Science Lecture

Dr. Douglas Gross from the UC Davis department of pediatrics and department of human anatomy will be giving a slideshow about the current situation in Haiti.

“Memories and Shadows” Art Exhibition Reception

6 to 8 p.m.

International House, 10 College Park

Visit the International House as UC Davis alumna Kristen Jones shares her art with the campus.

SATURDAY

Guided Tour: Beauty in the Dead of Winter

11 a.m.

Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center

Bring a camera to capture reminders on this UC Davis Arboretum tour of what to plan in spring for new winter’s enjoyment

MONDAY

Project Compost

6 p.m.

43 Memorial Union

Attend the Project Compost volunteer meetings and learn how you can help them divert organic waste around a campus.

TUESDAY

Teacher Alumni Panel

4:10 to 5 p.m.

174 School of Education Building

Open to all those interested in learning more about classroom reaching as a career. Hear from a high school science teacher and a former elementary school principal!

WEDNESDAY

Dispatches from the Abortion Wars

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Bookstore Lounge, Memorial Union

Join the author of Dispatches from the Abortion Wars for a presentation of the book, a Q&A and a book signing.

Picnic Day Volunteer Meeting

6:30 p.m.

Mee Room, Memorial Union

Find out how you can volunteer before, on and after Picnic Day. Contact Lauren Cruz at volunteerdir@pinicday.ucdavis.edu for more information.

News-in-Brief

City News

City Editor

February 12, 2010

Davis man sentenced to prison

Yolo County Superior Court Judge Kathleen White sentenced Tracy Justin Cooke, 28, to two years and eight months in state prison for assaulting Davis police officers, District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced.

On Feb. 5, a jury found the Davis resident guilty of two felony counts of resisting an officer.

The incident occurred on Apr. 13, 2009 when Cooke, intoxicated, kicked his neighbor’s door on Olive Drive. While the door was broken when Davis Police arrived, Cooke was still banging on it. He was aggressive and was using abusive language. The officers tried to arrest him for drunk and disorderly behavior, but he violently resisted. During the altercation, he severely injured one of the officers, according to a press release.

The officer’s arm was injured during the struggle, and it is still unknown if she will fully recover, said assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Raven.

“Police officers have a dangerous job,” said Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig in a written statement. “The judge’s decision today sends a strong message that our community will not tolerate those who attack our protectors.”

In the probation department’s interview with Cooke, the assessment determined Cooke would not conform to certain probation rules successfully.

“He basically told them, ‘I’m not going to do it,'” Raven said.

California lawmakers fail to disclose gifts, pay fines

Thirty-one California lawmakers agreed to pay $9,400 in fines for failure to disclose gifts from interest groups. The campaign watchdog agency Fair Political Practices Commission approved these fines that the legislators agreed upon with the commission’s staff yesterday.

The $5,400 total in undisclosed gifts included Sacramento Kings tickets, golfing fees, hotel accommodations, meals and concert tickets to see comedian George Lopez and country singers George Strait and Keith Urban, according to a Sacramento Bee article.

Sacramento-area legislators who have agreed to pay fines are Sen. Dave Cox (R-Fair Oaks), $400, Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Davis), $400 and Sen. Sam Aanestad (R-Penn Valley), $200.

FPPC agreed to accept the fines from 22 Assemblymembers, nine senators and the commission’s executive staff for 46 reporting violations of $5,400.

Wolk failed to report a hotel accommodation for $151.51 from the Consumer Attorneys of California and another for the same amount from the Northern California Regional Council Small Contributor Committee. She will receive a $400 fine for failing to disclose these gifts on her 2008 annual Statement of Economic Interests.

State law imposes annual gift limits and requires elected officials, certain board members and government employees and consultant employed by governmental entities who receive gifts to report gifts received from reportable source in a statement, according to FPPC.

Free dental screenings

Yolo County children ages 0 to 5 can get a free dental screening and fluoride treatment in Davis.

The Davis CommuniCare Health Center is working with Yolo County Children’s Health Initiative and First 5 Yolo to host the Saturday clinic on March 13 among others aiming to increase access to oral healthcare for children.

Tooth decay is prevalent in childhood; one-third of Californian preschool children have untreated tooth decay by the third grade. Early dental care can prevent pain and infection and associated problems such as nutrition, growth, school preparation and speech.

Spanish language translators will be available. The clinic will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the CommuniCare Health Center at 2051 John Jones Road, Davis, CA.

Parents can call 757-4667 for an appointment.

POOJA KUMAR can be reached at city@theaggie.org.

Edward Jones makes top of Fortune magazine’s ‘Best Business’ list

City News

City Editor

February 12, 2010

With four local adviser offices in Davis and another office opening soon, the financial planning group Edward Jones is reaching the top of national charts.

Ranked second in CNN’s Fortune magazine’s 2010 list of the 100 best companies to work for, Edward Jones is just one spot below SAS, a business software company, and made it into the top 10 for an eighth time.

Edward Jones ranked number one in the large-sized company category this year, as well.

Financial advisor Michael Clark has been working at the local Edward Jones office for almost 12 years in downtown Davis and said the company is a part of the community.

“We are helping people achieve financial goals,” Clark said. “[People come in and say,] ‘I want buy a house or retire at this age.’ We try to help you along those goals.”

Although financial planning may seem like something for the over-30-year-old crowd, Clark said recent graduates can benefit by coming into their offices.

“People your age, you don’t know exactly when you want to retire,” he said. “But we help people right out of school set up 401-k’s [retirement savings plans] or help them with setting up their first house.”

The Feb. 8 issue of Fortune magazine listed this year’s rankings and said Edward Jones made it to the top because of its tenacity through the recent recession – it maintained over 37,000 U.S. employees.

“The investment adviser weathered the recession without closing one of its 12,615 offices or laying off a single employee,” according to Fortune’s article. “Salaries were frozen, but profit sharing continued.”

Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Clark said internship opportunities are available to UCD students at the corporate offices or locally in Davis.

As for future plans, Clark said in order to make the number one spot, Edward Jones should continue its work ethic.

“We have been rated number one before by doing what we have been doing,” Clark said. “We are happy about the ranking.”

SASHA LEKACH can be reached at city@theaggie.org.

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