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The Editorial Board’s guide to finding a summer job

The California Aggie
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The Editorial Board’s guide to finding a summer job

Our tips for making the arduous process of job and internship applications as painless as possible

 

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD

 

Ah, the start of spring quarter. The sun is finally shining, the grass has never looked greener, the flowers are in bloom and your next existential crisis is just lurking around the corner. It seems cruelly ironic that just when motivation to do anything other than lie on the Quad, headphones in, basking in the warm weather is extremely low, you have to hunt for internships (or jobs, if you’re a graduating senior). It can be a daunting task to try and find a position that you’re not only interested in but also qualified for. As students, we, the members of the Editorial Board, are right there with you. And although we’re no experts on the subject, here is what we’ve learned so far.

The Internship and Career Center (ICC) on campus provides myriad resources for both finding job opportunities and being better prepared to apply and interview for positions. They offer workshops on resume and interview basics, finding internships, communicating with potential employers and more. They also host career fairs four to six times a year to help connect students with job openings. At the fairs, students can have face-to-face conversations about open positions with individuals who are extremely interested in employing UC Davis students. The next career fair is on April 19, and we encourage you to attend if you are hoping to find an internship or job this summer. For updates, you can subscribe to their newsletters.

UC Davis faculty can also be a useful resource for finding jobs within a particular field. Don’t be afraid to ask your professors more about their jobs or other opportunities related to their work during office hours. At least from our experience, professors are more than happy to talk about why they love what they do and help direct you to positions relevant to your major. At the very least, getting to know your professors on a more personal level can help you get a great letter of recommendation, which can bolster an application for any position.

Be sure to keep an eye out for newsletters from your major as well. We know it’s tempting to skim through those emails (or, let’s be real, delete them without reading them), but they often contain valuable information about job opportunities on and off campus. Organizations within your major such as the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Undergraduate Womxn in Economics Society can also be extremely helpful to facilitate professional connections, learn about different career paths with a given degree and simply meet other students in your major who may share your interests.

For other job listings, asking your professors where to look is a great start. In some cases, there may be sites specific to the job you’re interested in that professors can direct you to. You can often find campus jobs and UC Davis-related internships through Handshake, while Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn can be great sites to look for open positions anywhere in the world.

And in terms of actual applications, it’s important to be open-minded and perseverant. The fact of the matter is that you are sure to receive quite a few rejection letters before getting a job or internship offer. Often, positions will fill up quickly or hiring managers will have received too many applications by the time you apply. Make sure to apply for different types of positions — even those that may not be exactly what you’re looking for but are still interesting to you — rather than only focusing on your dream job. Who knows? Maybe you’ll unexpectedly find something you really love. All in all, diligence is key — carve out a little time every week to look for and apply to jobs. It’s easy to get discouraged, but the more often you are hunting for jobs and sending in applications, the stronger your chances are of receiving an offer.

While finding an internship or job is stressful for anyone, this feeling is only heightened for seniors facing the great unknown after graduation. And while we encourage you to be persistent in your job applications this quarter (and truly believe you’ll find something you love), it’s important to also acknowledge what an accomplishment it is to be graduating from college. We don’t offer any of this advice to intimidate you or make you nervous, and while it’s important to think about the future, it’s equally important to enjoy your last quarter in Davis. Pet a cow, take a walk in the Arboretum and sit on an Egghead. And, when you happen to have some time, apply for a few jobs. You’ve got this!

 

Written by: The Editorial Board

Two arrested for vandalism while protesting Turning Point USA speaker event

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Two arrested for vandalism while protesting Turning Point USA speaker event

The protest also resulted in damage to the doors of the U Center and minor injury to a campus police officer

 

By SONORA SLATER — campus@theaggie.org

 

Two people were arrested and the glass doors of the University Credit Union Center (U Center) were broken by protesters outside of the speaker event held by conservative student group Turning Point USA (TPUSA) on March 14, but the event went on as planned. 

After an on-campus event planned by the group last fall was canceled before it began when fights broke out between protesters and counter-protesters affiliated with the Proud Boys, the university said that they had security plans in place to ensure public safety at this event.

These plans involved limiting tickets to the event to 1,000, checking IDs and event registration confirmation emails at the entrance, having attendees pass through metal detectors, not allowing bags or backpacks inside the venue and having a presence of more than 100 police officers, including campus police and private security, in and around the U Center.

The event, which began at 7 p.m., featured TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, who is known in part for previous anti-LGBTQ+ statements, such as describing the LGBTQ+ movement as a “social contagion.” Kirk spoke to an audience of around 500 people.

Protesters, some of whom appeared to be associated with the left-wing political movement “Antifa,” began gathering slightly before 5 p.m. wearing black clothes and masks and holding black umbrellas to cover their faces. They were holding banners that read “Protect Trans Kids,” among other statements. Throughout the protest, they yelled at or pushed several members of the press who attempted to take pictures or videos.

Some conservative media outlets have reported that the protest may have been spurred on by a Sacramento Bee op-ed published ahead of the event which stated that, “Kirk has also called for the lynching of trans people.” A correction was later issued to the Sacramento Bee article noting that the claim was “extrapolated from Kirk’s comments” about a women’s swimming competition in which he said that, “Someone should’ve took care of it the way we took care of things in the 1950s and 60s.”

Kirk has said that the comment was in reference to female college swimmer Riley Gaines being uncomfortable with trans swimmer Lia Thomas’s presence in the women’s locker room and that his callback to the 50s and 60s was meant to imply that “local law enforcement would have interceded” if a similar situation were to take place back then.

The crowd of protesters outside the UC Davis event slowly grew, and by 6 p.m. they were blocking the sidewalk toward the southeast entrance of the U Center, making it difficult for people attending the event to get through. As police began to let attendees into the building, more officers emerged in riot gear, including face shields and batons. They lined the entrance of the building and began to move the line slowly back away from the plastic barrier set up surrounding the entrance. They continued to hold the line as protesters threw eggs and other small objects at police and event attendees.

Slightly before 7 p.m., the line of officers moved quickly to the other side of the building, where 10 glass panes in the doors to the northeast entrance, near the ARC, had been kicked in by protesters. 

These protesters did not get into the building or the event, and no arrests were made related to the breaking of the glass — however, two people were arrested and charged with vandalism in relation to graffiti of the Trans Pride flag on the wall of the U Center. One of these two is not affiliated with the university in any way, according to a March 14 press release from UC Davis, and the other has not been identified.

Some of the UC Davis eggheads were also graffitied with messages against the university and the Antifa symbol. Additional incidents reported at the event include one officer sustaining an injury when he was jumped on from behind and pushed to the ground and people being pepper sprayed by others in the crowd of protesters.

First-year chemistry major Alex Cabrera said that he initially came to the event as a protester but ended up shifting to the side to watch because he didn’t feel safe in the crowd after people dressed in Proud Boys attire said threatening things to some of the protesters.

“I really don’t like Charlie Kirk and some of the things he’s said about the border,” Cabrera said. “I’m Mexican American, and my parents are immigrants, and I feel threatened by [TPUSA] being on campus.”

He went on to say that the fact that he felt unsafe despite the presence of 100-plus police officers made him feel like “the police are protecting [TPUSA], not us.” However, he noted that he did not agree with any violent actions of the Antifa protesters and that he believes “there needs to be some type of police to protect against when Antifa gets violent.”

On the same day as the TPUSA event, ASUCD hosted a finals study session and decompression space in the CoHo from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. offering free Scantrons, Blue Books, snacks, coffee and bike lights, as well as a safe and quiet place to study far away from where the protest was taking place.

“It’s finals week, so normally there’s some sort of finals study session going on held by one of the centers in the Student Community Center,” ASUCD External Affairs Vice President Celene Aridin said. “But unfortunately […] they decided to close down today because of how close they are to the event, so we decided to step up and say, ‘Hey, if anyone wants to study, we’ll just keep the CoHo open a little longer.’” 

Before the event, UC Davis Chancellor Gary May posted a video message addressing the concerns regarding TPUSA. 

“Thank you for sharing your distress at a student group hosting a speaker who is a well-documented proponent of misinformation and hate and who has advocated for violence against transgender individuals,” May said. “UC Davis stands with our transgender and non-binary Aggies in opposition to this hateful and divisive messaging. UC Davis did not invite this individual and did not sponsor this event.” 

He went on to acknowledge that as a registered student organization (RSO) on campus, TPUSA has the right under UC and campus policy to reserve space on campus for events and invite speakers of their choice. 

Kirk responded to May’s video with a video of his own, saying in reference to “advoca[ting] for violence against transgender individuals]” that he had “never done that” and “might sue [May] for [saying] that.”

In the March 17 edition of May’s “Checking in With the Chancellor” newsletter, he addressed the event, saying that “the limits of free speech are being tested at college campuses across the country, [including] at UC Davis.”

“Freedom of expression is vital to our higher education mission,” May said. “As a public university, we’re also obligated by law to uphold free speech protections. History shows us how these have protected the voices of oppressed and minoritized communities. Let’s reaffirm our commitment to nonviolent exchange and the highest standards of conduct and decency toward all.”

Written by: Sonora Slater — campus@theaggie.org

World Baseball Classic Recap

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World Baseball Classic Recap

Team Japan claims their third World Baseball Classic Title

 

By CAROLYN (CARI) FENN — sports@theaggie.org

 

Following a final matchup between U.S. captain center fielder Mike Trout and Japan’s captain pitcher Shohei Ohtani, Team Japan took home the World Baseball Classic title, beating the U.S. 3-2. This is Japan’s third World Baseball Classic championship; they claimed two previous championships in 2006 and 2009.

While many predicted that Team USA and Team Japan would make it into the latter stages of the tournament, the impressive performances by many of the other countries shifted the odds of who would win the tournament. With unexpected performances and surprise upsets, no team’s position in the tournament was secure. 

The biggest upset that came from the tournament was the Dominican Republic, who was predicted by many to have the best chance of winning the championship. However, the Dominicans did not end up making it past the pool rounds, placing third behind Venezuela and Puerto Rico with a 2-2 record. Despite having a star-studded roster full of MLB stars, they exited the series after the four-game minimum slate. 

What exactly went wrong for the Dominican Republic could have been the result of a range of factors. The one-game structure of the tournament, the loss of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and others just before their first game and even unlucky pooling are just a few factors that contributed to their early exit from the tournament. While it is hard to predict how the Dominican Republic would have performed if events had played out differently, one thing that is certain is that the talent of the other countries and their players had been greatly underestimated. 

The four teams that surprised many with their performances — leading to many unexpected upsets — were Australia, Mexico, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. 

Australia’s success in Pool B came as a shock, as they beat out Korea for the runner-up spot to advance to the quarterfinals against Japan. Many believed that Korea and Japan were going to be the obvious winners of the pool, but following Australia’s 8-7 win against Korea, it became clear that the odds of Australia advancing over Korea were high. 

 Venezuela and Puerto Rico were the two teams to advance in Pool D, beating out the favored Dominican Republic. With Venezuela’s 4-0 record, they were guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals. The final pool game between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic solidified Puerto Rico’s quarterfinals spot after a 5-2 win.

 Mexico was one of the two teams to advance from Pool C, beating out Team USA for the first spot. While it was expected that they had a chance to advance along with the United States, many were surprised by their win over the powerhouse team. Mexico beat Team USA 11-5, dominating the star-studded team and forcing the U.S. to face Canada to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

Unfortunately for Puerto Rico, Australia and Venezuela, they were not able to keep their winning streaks going in the quarterfinal round. Venezuela lost to the U.S. 9-7 after a grand slam by Trea Turner in the top of the eighth inning, securing Team USA’s lead and eventual win. Puerto Rico was unable to score after the first inning and lost to Mexico 5-4. Australia lost in a close matchup against Cuba with a final score of 4-3. 

Following their win over Team USA, Mexico’s ongoing success continued as they advanced further in the tournament than they ever have before. In the quarterfinals, the team beat Puerto Rico 5-4 to advance to the semifinals where they faced Japan for the chance to make it to the championship game. Despite eventually losing to Japan 6-5, they were able to hold a secure lead until the bottom of the ninth inning when Japan’s Munetaka Murakami’s walk-off double scored them two runs, securing the last-minute victory over Mexico to face Team USA in the final. 

The final matchup between Japan and the United States was one of the most anticipated games of the whole series. With Los Angeles Angels teammates Ohtani and Trout leading their respective teams, it was clear that the game was going to be a tough battle. After five seasons together as teammates in the MLB, this was the first time the two MVPs had to face each other at the plate.

After a close game, the final at-bat came down to the two long-time teammates, with Trout at the plate and Ohtani on the mound. Then, with a full count, Ohtani struck out Trout swinging to secure Japan’s 3-2 win and the country’s third World Baseball Classic title.

Japan was able to go undefeated in the entire tournament, beating every team that they faced. And, on top of leading his team to victory after striking out his MLB teammate in the biggest faceoff of the tournament, Ohtani won MVP for his impressive performance both on the mound and the plate. 

The World Baseball Classic was full of impressive defensive plays, crazy home runs and unexpected performances by many. While Japan’s win was not a shock to many, the impressive performance put on by all the teams showed that it was anyone’s game at any point. When the most talented players from each country face off against one another, it is difficult to predict who among them will lead their team to victory.

The World Baseball Classic will return in 2026 for its sixth installment. With players retiring and new talent that is still yet to come, it is impossible to know who will take home the title in three years’ time. 

 

Written by: Carolyn (Cari) Fenn — sports@theaggie.org

 

City of Davis awards relief grants to 50 local artists

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City of Davis awards relief grants to 50 local artists

How the American Rescue Plan Act is supporting local artists recovering from the pandemic

 

By ALEX UPTON  — city@theaggie.org 

 

On Feb. 27, the city of Davis announced its list of 50 local artists who are recipients of $1,000 relief grants through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Out of the $19 million fund — which was designed to stabilize communities after COVID-19 — $600,000 went to the arts sector, $50,000 to individuals and $550,000 to organizations.

According to Rachel Hartsough, the arts and culture manager for the city of Davis, the arts sector was hit particularly hard during the pandemic as many artists don’t work traditional 9-5 jobs. Since they typically aren’t considered employees of a particular company, they were left out of many relief programs, like Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), so many artists are still recovering from the time they were unable to work. 

“Some artists are using them to pay rent, to buy art supplies, some artists are using them to frame work so they can get work in shows, to rent studio space, to pay dentist bills,” Hartsough said. “Anything that they need funds for frankly because a lot of them were just really out of work completely for a chunk of time with no fallback plan or resources that were eligible to a lot of other folks.”

There are no requirements for the use of funds and the only requirements for nomination were that the artists worked in the sector before the COVID-19 pandemic and that they either lived in Davis or put together an explanation for why they deserved the funds. For example, Hartsough said that at least one recipient lost their home in Davis during the pandemic and had to move, so they no longer live in the city. She discussed what she hopes will come from the relief program. 

“For the individual artists the big hope is that it keeps them here in Davis,” Hartsough said. “The cost of living is really high here and it’s hard for people to support themselves, and so our hope is that — even though it’s a very small amount — that will be enough for some artists to make the choice to be able to stay here and not have to leave. The more we can bolster and strengthen our creative sector, the more that they then are contributing to the community through public art, through programming, through small businesses, things like that.”

Hartsough said that the arts are often an overlooked sector and seen as non-essential. She discussed why she thinks the city chose to allocate these funds to the art sector, considering recent recognitions of the importance of the art community in relation to economic growth. 

“I think the city saw this as an important opportunity to keep that part of the community financially solvent during this challenging time to them and it’s definitely given a good morale boost to that sector,” Hartsough said. “I think that they are now re-energized and working hard to do the work that we’ve entrusted them to do and that we appreciate that they do.”

Hartsough has been a member of the arts community for over 30 years as a patron, teacher, artist and administrator.

“It’s something that is very near and dear to me, I think it’s something that keeps everybody going and feeds our souls and feeds our psyches and our hearts and especially at this time when there’s so much chaos going on like in politics and in healthcare and the environment,” Hartsough said. “The arts give us a way both to communicate any strong feelings that those things create in humans and also a way to find and appreciate the types of experiences and beauty that can help us sort of stay centered. It’s something that we as a community celebrate but don’t always find ways to tangibly support, so this was a huge win for the city to really directly support the arts community in this way.”

Mayor Will Arnold also shared a statement about allocating the funds to local artists. 

“From community wellness to mental health, local artists play a critical role in enhancing quality of life and economic vitality,” Arnold said. “We appreciate and recognize the value of retaining artists who call Davis home.”

For a full list of grant recipients visit the city’s website.

 

Written by: Alex Upton — city@theaggie.org 

Review: ‘1984’ is a twisted ode to faith

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Review: ‘1984’ is a twisted ode to faith

The politically dystopian classic highlights how we’re seemingly stuck in the systems we’re born into

 

By RUMA POUDELL — arts@theaggie.org

 

“1984” is a dystopian novel by George Orwell focused on politics and faith. The book details the journey of Winston, a rebel filled with lust for freedom of thought. Though published in 1949, many have said that the classic is still just as relevant today as it was when initially released.

The story takes place in a society run by “The Party,” which consists of the Ministry of Truth, Ministry of Peace and Ministry of Love. The three groups work together to uphold The Party’s power over civilians, but the extent to which The Party governs their people is daunting. There is something called the “Thought Police,” which monitors peoples’ whereabouts, expressions and any signs of thought that do not align with the values of The Party. 

Orwell details ways in which The Party psychologically manipulates people. Families are turned against each other as children are trained to rat out any misconduct of parents. Affection or fondness towards another is extinguished through anti-love sex education and other forms of propaganda — since it may lead to passions that do not further The Party’s agenda. 

Despite the extreme lengths that The Party goes to, Orwell ties the novel back to the real world. He writes about socialism, capitalism and how we are, all in a way, bound to the system just as Winston is stuck in his world governed by The Party. For example, he points out that war is constantly overfunded to keep the production and labor of people concentrated on irrelevant fights. This keeps resources away from areas such as education and health, which would lead to a more intelligent population that could overturn the system itself.  

Other than in Winston’s own thoughts and diaries, where he lets rebellious thoughts manifest, his first introduction to rebellion is through a mysterious love interest, Julia. She’s introduced as a “spy” that Winston despises at first — that is until he receives a random note from her with “I love you” written on it. 

As someone who usually finds fast-paced love stories distasteful, I actually enjoyed this one because there was an animalistic sense of passion to it — loving for the sake of loving and escaping from a world that is against the very thing you are doing. It’s especially interesting because Orwell emphasizes that their hookups are a political act — something comparable to modern-day hookup culture, which some find liberating, while others disagree. 

What makes “1984” so enjoyable is Winston’s journey to find “The Brotherhood,” an organization that rebels against The Party.

As the book progresses, The Brotherhood introduces itself to Winston just as suddenly as love does. He meets an old friend who invites him to a meeting where he is given The Brotherhood’s book of ideology. 

Just as hope arises that there may be a way out of the dystopian reign, the book does a complete turn, and it is revealed that the very friend who introduced Winston to the rebel group is the one who tortures him back into submission on behalf of The Party. 

Throughout the book, Orwell emphasizes that Winston’s love for Julia is the one thing he will never betray. While being tortured, he is subject to pain, fear and forced confessions of treason. Holding on for lengths of time unknown for certain, he becomes frail and weak. Finally, after The Party subjects him to his greatest fear, he gives up and begs for his lover to be tortured instead. 

Upon reading how Winston and his love both end up betraying each other to ensure their own survival, “1984” leaves you wondering what, and who, to put your faith in, as well as to what extent you would go to keep said faith intact and for what reasons. Would you stick with it even if there was no way for your dreams or beliefs to come to fruition, just as Winston’s dream of living without constant surveillance? Or would you prioritize survival at the cost of your free will?

 

Written by: Ruma Poudell — arts@theaggie.org

 

Spring Break

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Spring Break

Drawn by: Lidya Shcherbakova –– lvshcherbakova@ucdavis.edu

Disclaimer: (This cartoon is humor and/or satire, and its content is purely fictional. The story and names of “sources” are fictionalized.)

What to know about the upcoming 2023 MLB season

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What to know about the upcoming 2023 MLB season

As opening day approaches, many fans are eager for the start of the season 

 

By PATRICK FIGUEROA — sports@theaggie.org

 

Major League Baseball (MLB) begins its regular season on March 30. After a busy offseason, during which there were historic levels of spending from MLB owners and decisions to implement new league-wide rules, this season looks like it will be different from previous seasons. Sports fans should get familiar with some potential headlines for this upcoming season. 

  • An important season for the Los Angeles Angels and Shohei Ohtani. 

Star two-way player (pitcher and designated hitter) Shohei Ohtani is entering the final year of his contract with the Angels. Based on reports, it appears that Ohtani will not be re-signing with the Angels; instead, he will choose to become a free agent at the end of this season. 

“I’ve always been open to it,” said Ohtani’s agent Nez Balelo when asked if he would be open to negotiating an extension with the Angels. “But there are several layers to this one, and Shohei [has] earned the right to play through the year, explore free agency and we’ll see where it shakes out.”

If Ohtani hits the open market, he will be one of the most sought after players. For a once-in-a-generation talent that can both hit and pitch at an elite level, many teams, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, will be willing to offer Ohtani more than $500 million to join their dugouts. It will be hard for the Angels to be the top bidder for Ohtani’s services. 

Therefore, 2023 could be the last year that Ohtani plays for the Angels. It could also be the last year where the Angels have two of the best players in baseball, Ohtani and center fielder Mike Trout. Despite having this star talent, the last time the Angels made the playoffs was in 2014 — a time before Ohtani had even signed with the Angels. It is now or never for the Angels to break their postseason drought before Ohtani is gone.

 

  • The New York Mets and San Diego Padres spent big: Will it pay off? 

The Mets and Padres were two of the biggest spenders during this offseason. The Mets were active during free agency, signing nine players for deals worth over $400 million combined. The Padres signed eight players for $380 million in addition to two extensions with current players, third baseman Manny Machado and pitcher Yu Darvish, for $458 million combined. Both teams appear to have their eyes on the World Series this season. 

Other owners were not too happy that the Padres and Mets spent as much money as they did. Colorado Rockies owner Dick Manfort, Boston Red Sox owner John Henry and Cincinnati Reds owner Chris Ilitch all joined an economic reform committee that hopes to implement a salary cap during the next Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations in 2026.  

“What the Padres are doing, I don’t 100% agree with, though I know that our fans probably agree with it,” Manfort said. “We’ll see how it works out.” 

The Padres’ and Mets’ strategy stands out, since several other teams in the MLB are known not to financially invest in their rosters. They are both in championship windows made possible by their owners’ investments. If one of them can win the World Series — especially the Padres, who have the 27th-largest media market size in MLB — it could go a long way in encouraging other owners to invest similarly.

 

  • Who can win the World Series? 

In addition to the Mets and Padres, there are some other teams gunning for this year’s World Series title. Fangraphs projects that the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees all have high odds of winning the championship series. 

The Houston Astros will be looking to win their second consecutive World Series this season. To do so, they will have to overcome 2022 Cy Young Award Winner Justin Verlander’s departure to the Mets this past offseason. However, with a starting pitching rotation that features Christian Javier and Framber Valdez, the Astros should still have strong pitching on their side. 

According to Fangraphs, the Braves have the highest odds to win the World Series this season. The team has stars in almost every position, but they do have one clear deficiency: shortstop. Franchise shortstop Dansby Swanson signed with the Cubs during the offseason, so the Braves will be relying on young infielder Vaughn Grisson to step up. 

After re-signing outfielder Aaron Judge with a record-breaking contract in the offseason, the Yankees look to return to the World Series for the first time since 2009. They also added starting pitcher Carlos Rodon to their rotation, but he is expected to miss the beginning of the season with a forearm strain. Still, the Yankees should be exciting to watch, especially if top prospect shortstop Anthony Volpe makes the opening-day lineup. 

  • Two young teams, the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks, look to take steps in the right direction.

The 2021 season was not great for either the Orioles or the Diamondbacks. Both teams won 52 out of 162 games. However, both teams significantly improved in 2022; the Orioles won 83 games and the Diamondbacks won 74. With young talent, both teams look to continue to move in the right direction this season.

The Orioles have quite a strong lineup that features good hitters like catcher Adley Rutschman, outfielder Anthony Santander and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle. Their starting pitching rotation lacks an ace, but their number one prospect, Grayson Rodriguez, will be making his MLB debut this season. Despite playing in a tough division (the AL East), the Orioles seem capable of having similar success to last season if their young players step up. 

The Diamondbacks made a splash during spring training when they signed young outfielder Corbin Carroll to an eight-year contract extension — despite the fact that Carroll has only played in 32 games in his career. The expectations are certainly high for Carroll, as well as young pitcher Zac Gallen, if the Diamondbacks want to improve from their 2022 record.

 

Baseball season is always filled with interesting storylines even before the season begins, and this year is no exception. It is a sport like no other that features action almost all day, every day for six months. Here’s to 2023 being another memorable addition to the history of baseball. 

 

Written by: Patrick Figueroa — sports@theaggie.org

 

Yolo Arts fosters community enrichment and connections through art and educational programming

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Yolo Arts fosters community enrichment and connections through art and educational programming

The Gibson House and Property serves as a cultural hub for the Yolo community

 

By MARIA MARTINEZ CASTRO  — features@theaggie.org 

 

The Gibson House and Property is a historical Yolo County landmark that is officially recognized by the National Registry of Historic Places. It is situated within the city of Woodland, less than 15 miles away from the UC Davis Campus. 

Aside from being a nationally recognized historical landmark, the Gibson House is part of a county-wide effort connecting the community through art and education and is now managed by Yolo Arts. 

According to Alison Flory, Yolo Arts executive director, Yolo Arts is an organization dedicated to enriching people’s lives through art and advocating for diverse arts and cultural activities throughout the county. 

In 2019, Yolo Arts acquired the Gibson House and Property, which allowed the organization to have a physical space to organize and facilitate community-based programming, according to Flory. 

“It was kind of relaunching the property as a cultural center,” Flory said. “Bringing art, history and different things here to ideally bring more people in and new support to the facility and protect it moving forward.” 

The Gibson House and Property hosts spaces for community involvement and interaction. On the property, there are green gardens and an oak tree that is estimated to be 300 years old, according to the Yolo Arts website. Visitors can also explore a blacksmith and dairy shop that showcases artifacts used between 1850 and 1920. The property also features a mural created through the Yolo County High School Mural Competition, for which high school art classes in Yolo County submit design proposals that are chosen by Yolo Arts annually. 

According to Flory, Yolo Arts recognizes the power of art in fostering thriving communities. 

“Arts in general, not only does it contribute to quality of life in a community, but then it also goes beyond that,” Flory said. “It aids in schools in terms of academic achievement. There are connections to the value that arts play on our mental health [and] on creating strong relationships throughout our community.” 

In the Woodland community, Yolo Arts has two functioning art gallery spaces, Gallery 625 and The Barn Gallery. The latter is located on the Gibson House property.

According to the Yolo Arts website, the galleries are spaces dedicated to showcasing the diverse and inclusive representation of emerging and established artists. While the galleries are open to artists and exhibitions outside of Yolo County, they are spaces where local artists’ work can be exhibited and highlighted. 

Janice Purnell, the Yolo Arts creative director, said The Barn Gallery began gaining momentum and opened its space right before the COVID-19 pandemic in winter of 2020. 

According to Purnell, despite the unprecedented hardships, Yolo Arts adapted to the circumstances and continued to share art with the community. 

“We were able to pivot to a virtual model really right away [by] creating videos interviewing artists,” Purnell said. “Artists really stepped up, too, by creating their own videos that we were able to put up online. It was just a real kind of mutual effort to just keep the arts alive. Artists still were creating; they still wanted to show their work, and we just wanted to help facilitate that. Now that we’re back to more in-person, I feel like we’re generating the momentum again.” 

To further expand its reach within Yolo County, Yolo Arts has organized the Art & Ag Project, which aims to connect art and the county’s rich agricultural history.

The Art & Ag Project gives artists the opportunity to connect with local farmers and create art inspired by the agricultural land all around. According to Flory, the Arts & Ag Project has been one of Yolo Arts’ most successful partnerships. 

“[The Art & Ag Project] is a signature, creative placemaking project that has really put Yolo Arts on the map,” Flory said. “It’s a partnership with our agricultural community here in Yolo. We invite farmers to open their lands to artists so that artists can go out and visit and be inspired by those spaces and create artwork.” 

The project also serves as a way to promote awareness about preserving farmlands, according to the Yolo Arts website. 

“We’ve been to over 100 farms during the course of the program,” Flory said. “There are probably anywhere between 40 to 60 artists who visit a farm each month. That project culminates in our annual fundraiser, which is the [Art Farm Gala]. So you’re seeing artwork that has been created or inspired by Yolo County farmlands and the bounty of that over the course of the year.”

Flory said that in order to drive the organization’s message of art, community and diversity, the community’s feedback and experiences must be centered. 

“Unless you invite the community in and have that dialogue and conversation about your programming, you can’t create programming that resonates with your community,” Flory said. “And if those things don’t fit […] then it’s not having the impact that it should.” 

According to Purnell, Yolo Arts recognizes Yolo County as an arts hub and will continue to create spaces for art and community to flourish.  

“There’s always room for art,” Purnell said. “We’re in such a rich, rich community for the arts. I just want to keep showing it and keep getting people excited about what we’re doing here.”

Written by: Maria Martinez Castro — features@theaggie.org

Abusers are abusers, no matter how famous they are

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Abusers are abusers, no matter how famous they are

Brad Pitt needs to be held accountable by his colleagues

 

By MICHELLE MENDOZA — mimendoza@ucdavis.edu

 

Many stars were awarded at the Golden Globes in late January, but there was one name that was continually mentioned in people’s speeches with admiration: Brad Pitt. Quinta Brunson, Margot Robbie, Austin Butler and Regina Hall were just some of the people who showed Mr. Pitt some love.

Brad Pitt is one of the most recognizable and famous faces in the world. Not only is he deeply admired for his looks and personality, but he has also played a diverse range of roles. Starring in cult classics like Fight Club and, most recently, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Pitt’s fame didn’t reach its peak until he married his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie. Despite this, he is not a star on my radar, and I found it strange that he is so significant to people at the Golden Globes, especially after recent allegations of abuse. And I wasn’t the only one questioning this; a lot of people on Twitter found this strange as well.

The history between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt is complicated and messy. Jolie first filed for divorce from Pitt in 2016, and she recently filed a cross-complaint against Pitt in October of last year. Jolie accused Pitt of domestic abuse, but the case did not hold due to the lack of evidence. In said accusation, Jolie disclosed details about an altercation on their private jet in 2016 in which she alleged that Pitt grabbed and slammed her against the wall of the bathroom door. When his children tried to stop him, Pitt allegedly choked one of the children and struck another.

Jolie has tried to protect her children from reliving these events, but despite her efforts, the fighting between the two stars is extremely high-profile. Her legal representation said, “When Pitt filed [his lawsuit] seeking to reassert control over Jolie’s financial life and compel her to rejoin her ex-husband as a frozen-out business partner, Pitt forced Jolie to publicly defend herself on these issues for the first time.”

After all the negative attention from Jolie’s lawsuits and other complaints, it appears that Pitt is trying to clean up his image. He hired Matthew Hiltzik, a crisis publicist, during the beginning of his divorce from Jolie in 2016. Hiltzik has represented public figures like Hillary Clinton and Johnny Depp. In a video, TikToker Ari also pointed out how influential clothing can be to the perception of a person. As Ari notes, in frequent paparazzi photos, Pitt wears soft, colorful knits and fuzzy clothing.

Currently, the counter-filing lawsuit has drawn no legal closing and many people seem to have been quick to forget or forgive Pitt — as they do most times their favorite celebrities’ bad actions get reported on the internet. But recently, Jolie’s daughter, Zahara, has turned some heads, unfollowing Quinta Brunson on Instagram after her shoutout of Pitt at the Golden Globes. Articles have also questioned the slew of celebs name-dropping Pitt at the Golden Globes and many Twitter users found it strange. Ari’s video’s comments are full of users saying the same thing: despite efforts to be seen as more approachable or non-threatening, Pitt’s behavior is see-through. 

If the people see through his act, why can’t his colleagues? Why do they continue to work with him? I believe that as long as they are able to “get” something from him — fame, relevancy, credits — he will be able to stick around. Think about how many problematic men are still in or have been in power: Harvey Weinstein, Steven Spielberg, Kevin Spacey, R. Kelly and Chris Brown, to name a few. It is not because no one knew these men were problematic, it is because those around them pretended not to notice. 

As much as we must hold the abuser accountable, we must hold their friends and colleagues accountable too. Abusers, at any level, should face the consequences of their actions if we want to prevent an industry where these abuses happen.

 

Written by: Michelle Mendoza — mimendoza@ucdavis.edu

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

Meet the animals at the Yolo County Animal Shelter

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Meet the animals at the Yolo County Animal Shelter

Adopting a pet can reduce stress, increase socialization and provide a sense of companionship during students’ busy academic schedules

 

By FAITH DEMEULENAERE — features@theaggie.org

 

With spring in full swing and newborn kittens on the way, the Yolo County Animal Shelter is in need of support from the community now more than ever. According to Tricia Hilliard, the adoption specialist at the shelter, the dog population is over capacity, and the shelter is working tirelessly to provide care for every animal in need, but they can’t do it alone.

Plenty of love and happiness can be found at the Yolo County Animal Shelter. With a wide variety of dogs available for adoption — from friendly Pomeranians to loyal Pitbulls — including 36 new puppies, there’s never been a better time to consider adopting or fostering a furry friend, according to Hilliard. 

“As far as adopting, young adults should really try to consider that a lot of the dogs we currently have require a lot of activity and attention,” Stephanie Amato, the director of Animal Services, said. “The biggest piece is making sure your housing requirements are fit for the animal you are choosing, and a lot of students pick cats for that reason.” 

But the shelter needs more than just adoptive families. They are also in need of new volunteers to help with the care of their animals. Volunteers play an essential role in providing care and attention to the animals, and they help the shelter maintain its high standards of care, according to Amato.

“Students who volunteer usually find the animal they fall in love with,” Hilliard said. 

By volunteering their time, community members can get to know the animals and their individual personalities, Amato said, and they’ll also get a chance to see the great work the shelter does to help animals in need and meet other animal lovers in the community.

For those who are not ready for the commitment of adoption, Yolo County Animal Shelter offers fostering opportunities as well. Volunteers provide a temporary home for an animal in need and can see if they are a good fit for their family and lifestyle. It’s also an excellent way to help socialize and train the animal, making it more likely to find a permanent home in the future, according to Amato.

Meet Jessica, a 5-year-old friendly tabby cat, who’s currently available for adoption at the Yolo County Animal Shelter. This beautiful and affectionate cat is sure to capture your heart with her gentle personality and charming demeanor.

Say hello to Todd, a handsome 2-year-old German Shepherd who’s ready to find his forever home. Despite his size and strength, Todd is gentle and affectionate with people.

Introducing Hello Dolly and Mufasa, two best friends who are both all-black rabbits. These adorable bunnies have been together since they were young and are looking for a forever home where they can stay together.

And this is Zekee, a 2-year-old Siberian Husky with boundless energy and a wagging tail. This handsome pup is eagerly looking for a loving family to call his own.

Adopting or fostering a furry friend is an excellent way to help the shelter and provide a temporary or permanent home for an animal in need, Hilliard said. Additionally, according to Amato, volunteering is a crucial role in providing care and attention to the animals and helping the shelter maintain its high standards of care.

“Even fostering kittens or cats helps the shelter,” Amato said, “and everyone wants that need for an animal companion to be fulfilled.”

 

Written By: Faith DeMeulenaere — features@theaggie.org

Culture Corner

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Culture Corner

The Arts Desk’s weekly picks for music, movies and more

 

By ADHITHI ANJALI — arts@theaggie.org

 

Game: “A Normal Lost Phone” (2017)

Play as a detective, searching through a lost phone in order to identify its owner. As you go through files, photos, messages and more, you slowly unravel more about the owner, retracing their steps and learning about their story. In a calm, low-stakes game like this, you can enjoy watching the phone’s owner form relationships and find community in a heart-warming exhibit of how technology can connect us.

 

Song: “True Trans Soul Rebel” by Against Me! (2014)

From the rock band Against Me!’s 2014 album “Transgender Dysphoria Blues,” this song, and the album at large, broadcasts lead vocalist and lyricist Laura Jane Grace’s angst and exuberance at coming into her own identity. Grace came out as a transgender woman two years prior to the release of the track and lets this song relay the difficulty of this experience for her. The song ultimately shows the necessity of living out your true identity despite the loneliness and anxiety of change.

 

Movie: “Tangerine” dir. by Shaun Baker (2015)  

Filmed on just a couple of iPhones, “Tangerine” follows transgender sex worker Sin-Dee Rella (Kiki Kitana Rodriguez) as she sets out to scour Hollywood for her cheating boyfriend. With her friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor) by her side, the film takes a tragi-comic ride through the city as it balances the humanity in its comedy and community with the danger and injustice that Sin-Dee and Alexandra live with. What more could you ask for from a Christmas movie brimming with the heat, neon and heart of L.A.?

 

Show: “Sort Of” (2021 – )

Renewed for a third season, HBO’s “Sort Of” comes from the minds of Bilal Baig, who also stars as the series’ protagonist Sabi Mehboob, and Fab Flippo. The show lets its characters make the best of an ever-changing life. Not quite incomplete, but never finished, “Sort Of” centers around the life of Mehboob and their friends. The character is nonbinary and Pakistani, and much of the show centers around a search for true understanding, including the elements of themselves that change as much as those that remain in spite of everything that happens in life. The show’s world is small and the consequences are limited: you care because you want to see them live as well as they can. 

Written by: Adhithi Anjali — arts@theaggie.org

Over-influenced: Influencer marketing and its effects

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Over-influenced: Influencer marketing and its effects

Overconsumption finds a new home in the eyes of influencers 

 

By CLAIRE SCHAD — cfschad@ucdavis.edu

 

I’ll admit that I scroll through TikTok and Instagram more than I probably should. The constant influx of new information and content is addicting. And, like millions of others, I follow and consume content from influencers.

The carefully curated Instagram posts and TikTok videos that make their way onto my feeds each day are practically unavoidable. Even if I don’t follow certain influencers, they seem to pop up on my screen through advertisements or collaborations with a familiar brand.

However, it seems like recently, a lot of these creators’ content has gotten increasingly unrelatable. Whether it’s luxury brand trips or over-the-top clothing hauls, I feel like many influencers are oblivious to the world around them — the same world that has allowed them to gain a following.  

Earlier this year, I came across a video posted by Darcy McQueeney, a senior at the University of Alabama who boasts 1.3 million followers on TikTok. In the video, she was standing in her bedroom next to a stack of Amazon boxes that is taller than her. A few days prior she had posted that she had just placed a $1,000 Amazon order for her upcoming spring break trip, assuring her followers that she had a “haul coming tomorrow.”

In the video, she opens each package and comments on how “obsessed” she is with the purchase. And don’t worry, you can find all of the items she opened on her Amazon storefront linked in her bio, where she earns commissions for the items people purchase. 

This video racked up over 650 thousand views in less than 48 hours and presumably earned her considerable commissions through Amazon. 

When I first saw this video, I felt like the content was out of touch. What college student has thousands of dollars to spend on items for spring break alone? 

These wildly expensive hauls from Amazon and other retailers are common on McQueeney’s TikTok page, where she has an entire playlist of videos titled “stuff I bought” and another called “PR hauls” which showcase all the items she’s bought or brands have gifted her. Whether you like her content or not, it is a clear example of overconsumption. 

McQueeney isn’t alone in posting these absurd videos; many other influencers do it as well. Alix Earle, a senior at the University of Miami and breakout influencer with 4.8 million followers on TikTok, frequently posts videos showing off her recent purchases and directing viewers to her Amazon storefront as well. This platform has been so popular that Amazon has even held brand trips and creator summits to promote its “Amazon Influencer Program.” 

However, Earle and many other influencers also post sponsored content where they are paid for a video or post that includes a brand’s item. It is estimated that Earle charges anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 for each sponsored post that she uploads. This is baffling. A family of five could immediately move over the national poverty line with the earnings from one Instagram post or TikTok video. 

While some may say that the emergence of influencer marketing is just the latest attempt at relevance in the ever-changing advertising world, I think it is more than that. These influencers’ power is sometimes inconceivable, as they can easily interact with their viewers while simultaneously promoting a product. 

Additionally, influencers are a relatively new phenomenon, and many of them started out just like us, with no prior experience with fame. This allows companies such as Amazon to capitalize on influencers’ unique closeness with their followers, a task that is difficult with more mainstream celebrities.

We as consumers must realize the unique position that influencers are in — they have the opportunity to make an absurd amount of money in an emerging field. The content that we consume online is coming from an industry that largely prioritizes profits over ethics. 

So next time you are feeling pressured to buy something that you saw promoted on social media, think twice about it. Is the person who is promoting it profiting off of your purchase or their promotion? Could this monetary incentive cloud their judgment? If so, maybe do some of your own research and see if the item is really worth buying. After all, I think a lot of people would say they liked a product if it meant they would receive a check for $40,000. 

 

Written by: Claire Schad — cfschad@ucdavis.edu 

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

Age-related differences discovered in the brains of people with autism spectrum disorder

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Age-related differences discovered in the brains of people with autism spectrum disorder

UC Davis study finds that individuals with ASD have different genes relating to inflammation and immunity

 

By KATIE HELLMAN — science@theaggie.org

 

According to a recent study by UC Davis MIND Institute, the brains of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) develop differently than those with typical neurodevelopment. This can be attributed to genes corresponding to inflammation, immunity response and neural transmissions. The observed changes occur as a child develops into an adult.

ASD is usually identifiable beginning in early childhood and can present with challenges communicating and interacting with others. It affects about one in 54 children in the U.S.

Cynthia Schumann, co-senior author of the study and professor of neuroscience in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis, commented on the hypothesis for this study.

“Early brain overgrowth, neuronal excess, local hyper-connectivity and atypical signaling early in childhood puts stress on the system, triggering a cycle of neuroinflammatory responses and cell damage across the lifespan — potentially resulting in neuropathogenic and neurodegenerative processes later in adulthood,” Schumann said.

The main goal of the study was to find a correlation between how brain neurons communicate with each other and the relationship between age and ASD. To conduct the study, researchers investigated genetic differences in the neurons of people with ASD at different ages and compared them to those without ASD.

Brain tissues from the superior temporal gyrus (STG), which controls sound, language processing and social perception, were taken from 59 deceased individuals. Of these people, 27 had ASD during their lifetime, and 32 did not. The individuals were between the ages of two and 73 at the time of their passing.

In the STG tissue and isolated brain neurons, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was analyzed on a molecular level. The mRNA carries genetic information needed to make proteins.

The study found differences in genes in the brains of people with ASD — some of which produced more mRNA (an indication that certain genes are upregulated or more active than normal) and some that produced less mRNA. The downregulated genes were associated with brain connectivity, and these findings suggested that excessive neuronal activity may speed the aging process of the brain.

“We found 194 differentially expressed genes between individuals with ASD and controls,” the study read. “Of these, 143 were upregulated and 51 were downregulated.”

The study also found 14 genes in bulk STG tissue and three genes in isolated neurons that differed with age between those with ASD and those without ASD. Additionally, the brains were also found to have more mRNA for heat-shock proteins, which activate immune response and inflammation.

“We found that genes related to both neuronal signaling and neuroinflammation are dysregulated in people with autism,” Schumann said. “Expression of neurotransmitters, like GAD, which is the primary inhibitory gene that dampens neural communication, decreases with age in ASD. That means neurons may have too much excitatory signal that can wear down the system and over activate the immune system, leading to neuroinflammation that can damage neurons later in life.”

Written by: Katie Hellman — science@theaggie.org

UC Davis women’s lacrosse suffers close loss to University at Albany

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UC Davis women’s lacrosse suffers close loss to University at Albany

The Aggies’ Grace Gebhardt was a bright spot for the team, scoring five goals

 

By EVA MACHADO — sports@theaggie.org

 

UC Davis women’s lacrosse lost in a close contest with University at Albany Great Danes on March 15 at UC Davis Health Stadium. The Aggies battled pretty evenly with the Great Danes into the fourth quarter, but with the game on the line in the final minutes, the Great Danes came out on top, ultimately winning 17-15. 

This tough defeat extends the Aggies’ two-game losing streak after winning four straight games earlier this season. Despite the loss, the Aggies’ defense put up a strong battle against UAlbany’s overpowering offense. UAlbany took 37 shots throughout the game and UC Davis fourth-year goalkeeper Ashley Laing saved a season-high of 16 total shots.

UAlbany took the lead early, scoring the first two goals of the game. 

UC Davis’s second-year midfielder Lauren Picardi quickly responded though, scoring the Aggies’ first two goals of the game, evening the score 2-2. Then the Aggies took the lead at the end of the first quarter thanks to goals by second-year attacker Alannah Scott and third-year attacker Brooke Tokushige. Picardi also scored her third goal of the game, completing her first career hat trick and giving the Aggies a 5-2 commanding lead.

UAlbany closed out the first quarter with a goal of its own, cutting the deficit to two. 

Heading into the second quarter, UAlbany carried this momentum, scoring the first three goals in the second quarter to take a 6-5 lead. 

UC Davis’s Scott answered back, tying the score with her first goal of the quarter and second goal of the day. The Great Danes and the Aggies both scored two more goals in the second quarter, with first-year midfielder Rhea Cosandand second-year midfielder Ella Brislin scoring for the Aggies and helping the team maintain a one-point lead at 9-8. 

The Aggies opened the third quarter with three quick goals, two of which were scored by second-year attacker Grace Gebhard. 

Just when it looked like UC Davis was getting ready to run away with the game though, UAlbany made their first two goals of the quarter. Gebhardt was able to answer back with a third goal in the quarter, but UAlbany wasn’t done.

Their offense dominated the rest of the third quarter, scoring three more goals. The third quarter ended in an even 13-13 score. 

Second-year attacker Alannah Scott scored the first goal of the quarter in a promising start for the Aggies. UAlbany quickly evened the score sheet though, tying the game at 14.

The Great Danes’ offense seemed to overpower the UC Davis defense for the remained of the quarter, scoring three more consecutive goals. Gebhardt scored the Aggies’ final goal of the game.

The Aggies did make a final attempt to score on the Great Danes in the last minute of the game; however, this attempt ultimately failed as the Great Danes’ stingy defense stopped every shot attempt. 

UAlbany ultimately triumphed, beating the Aggies 17-15. 

Though it didn’t go their way, the Aggies showed the power they hold within their team, playing a strong back-and-forth game against the Great Danes. 

Gebhardt was the leading scorer for the Aggies, scoring a total of five goals. Laing also performed well, putting up a strong defense against the Great Danes’ offense. Despite the loss, UC Davis showed tremendous heart not backing down against a formidable opponent. 

The Aggies ended their two-game losing streak against the Columbia Lions on March 18, defeating them 15-12 at UC Davis Health Stadium. With the win, UC Davis improves their overall record to 5-3. The Aggies will go on the road in their next games against Robert Morris (March 26), Duquesne (March 29) and Oregon (April 8).  

Written by: Eva Machado — sports@theaggie.org

 

Local environmental club hosts movie nights at Stephens Davis Branch Library

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Local environmental club hosts movie nights at Stephens Davis Branch Library

The Cool Davis event featured environmental documentary “What the Health”

 

By ALMA CULVERWELL —  city@theaggie.org 

 

On March 19, Cool Davis, a group of residents, businesses and organizations committed to the City of Davis’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, held a community movie circle at the Mary L. Stephens Davis Branch Yolo County Library. The event was a showing of “What the Health” followed by a discussion about the impacts of diets on the environment. Cool Davis first implemented their Climate Movie Circle events last September, when the program was introduced for community members who are passionate about protecting the environment to have an outlet and opportunity to meet with like-minded people.

The Climate Movie Circle is a space that allows community members to participate in monthly discussions about current topics and environmental issues. These discussions take place on the second Sunday of each month at the Mary L. Stephens Davis Branch Library and are typically structured around a documentary which is then followed by a community discussion. 

Leslie Crenna, household engagement campaign manager for Cool Davis, explained the goal of these events. 

“Cool Davis has hosted various climate-related movies over the years, and we all really felt it was a really effective way to bring people in that’s kind of low commitment and high learning value so we wanted to continue that and extend it into the future,” Crenna said. “We’re trying to bring together young people and older people in the space […] we’re trying to find ways that the older and younger generation can understand each other and learn from each other.”

 Cool Davis has shown films related to eating habits and indigenous perspectives on environmental issues. The group hopes to cater to a younger audience for the next upcoming showing. Mabel Del Aguila, a fourth-year Spanish major, is a college student who already attends these circles.

“I like that it is a bunch of like-minded people that also care about the environment and bounce ideas off of each other and learn new things, too,” Del Aguila said. “I like that it is a little community I have where I can talk to people who also care.”

The agenda of the recent discussion centered around the popular documentary “What the Health” directed by Kip Anderson, which explores the connections between diet, health and the environment. This past week’s discussion also included a free vegan meal provided by community member Jon Bgornstad with a wide host of options to fit all dietary needs and restrictions, with menu items ranging from lentil loaf to vegan parfaits. A participant at the recent circle, Rena Nayyar, reflected on the experience.

“I wish more people would come because there is so much good information that helps people know what choices they have to make improvements,” Nayyar said. 

The next Climate Circle will take place on April 23 at 1:30 p.m. at the Mary L. Stephens Library in the Blanchard Room and will highlight 10 of the best collections from the One Earth Youth Film Contest.

 

Written by: Alma Culverwell —  city@theaggie.org 

 

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