The city kicks off the construction of central park’s $2.7 million renovation project 

By MATTHEW MCELDOWNEY — city@theaggie.org

On Sept. 14, the Davis community gathered in Central Park to honor and celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for Natalie’s Corner. The ceremony marked the beginning of a $2.7 million renovation project which was five years in the making. 

Following the death of Natalie Corona, a 22-year-old police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2019, the city formed the committee that would be tasked with honoring her memory. The community of Davis came together to decide that the best way to honor the positivity she emanated in life was to create a space for joy and laughter. 

Through the city council, it was decided that the Central Park renovation project would add a splash pad, pollinator garden, shade structures and a picnic area. To reflect the spirit and personality of Corona, the art incorporated into Natalie’s Corner will include the enduring words and symbols from her life.

The construction of Natalie’s Corner is expected to be completed by June 2025, and it will be made free and accessible for all to enjoy during the hot Davis summer. To add to the installation, art events for the community as well as the ribbon cutting ceremony are also in the works, according to the timeline on the Natalie’s Corner official website. 

Lois Wolk, a former California senator, was appointed as the chair of the Natalie Corona Committee. Wolk was responsible for coordinating the committee to raise funds and to conduct outreach to local artists, businesses and non-profit organizations. 

The Natalie Corona Committee was required to raise a minimum of $174,000 in contributions to receive the $2.7 million Proposition 68 grant from the state, according to Wolk. However, the Natalie Corona Committee aims to fundraise $500,000 to help finance the art installations as well as the replacement and repair fund. Despite the costs of this ambitious renovation project, Wolk was very grateful to the Davis community for coming together to lend their support.

“Thanks to the tremendous outpour of support from the Davis community, it has been a very meaningful project to work on,” Wolk said.

The Natalie Corona Committee collaborated with the Rotary Clubs in Davis for their fundraising efforts, hosting a Touch a Truck event at the Veterans Memorial parking lot on Oct. 7. Agwest Farm Credit was among their largest donors, according to Wolk. Many of the local businesses and families from Yolo County had contributed financially to the project, which can be seen on their official website. Police and firefighter departments from as far as the Bay Area pledged their support for this project to honor the fallen officer. 

Wolk emphasized how important it was for the committee to be able to communicate who Corona was. Whether it was through words or art, the committee called upon experts and artists to do justice to the work Corona had done for the community. Hiring local ceramics artist Susan Shelton, the art of Natalie’s Corner will depict a speech made by Corona to the police academy, a tree of life theme and her favorite plant: the sunflower.

“Susan Shelton went to Natalie’s home and family to weave her story and personality into this art,” Wolk said.

The dedication on the part of the committee was matched only by the graciousness of Lupe and Merced Corona. The family had never failed to attend an event as they traveled down from Arbuckle, according to Wolk. At these events, Lupe and Merced Corona shared the joy that their daughter had brought to their lives. 

Written by: Matthew Mceldowney — city@theaggie.org

Construction on the G Street activation project set to start soon

By ALMA CULVERWELL — city@theaggie.org 

The city of Davis recently announced that construction on the highly anticipated G Street Project will begin in the coming weeks. The G Street Project, also referred to as the G Street Activation, was made with the goal of providing a vibrant hub of activity that offers benefits to everyone in Davis. This includes businesses, residents, families and students, as described by the city in an announcement on their website. 

“The project is a community investment in the vitality of downtown Davis,” the city’s statement stated. “We hope the updated space on G Street will enhance the community and provide socializing opportunities, cultural enrichment and economic growth.” 

The G Street activation project was originally launched by the city of Davis in June 2020 in response to COVID-19, aiming to support local businesses and safely bring the community together. With construction nearing, city officials addressed several common misconceptions surrounding the project. 

Contrary to some rumors, outdoor dining and alcohol sales will still be permitted on G Street after construction concludes. These activities will continue in compliance with current State Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) rules, the city’s Municipal Code and other relevant regulations. Businesses on this block of G Street will need to enter into license agreements with the city to continue these services.

The new G Street area will include city-provided outdoor seating that will be available for public use. The city has ordered a variety of seating options, including moveable seating blocks, round cafe tables and bar-height seating with tabletop space. This furniture will be installed to ensure the space is ready for community use as soon as construction is complete.

Businesses interested in using specific areas of the newly developed space exclusively will be able to do so under a license agreement with the city. These businesses will be able to implement their own furnishings, such as tables, chairs, umbrellas, supplemental lights and heaters, provided they meet the city’s guidelines, which are currently being drafted.

Jenny Tan, director of community engagement for the city of Davis, explained the collaborative process between the city and local businesses that ensures the plan runs smoothly.

“The city has created an interest form for businesses that want to license a space,” Tan said. “We are continuing to work with businesses in person, by email and in meetings on this process and their needs. When businesses do well, so does the city. Our objective is a civic space that is a vibrant hub of activity offering attractions, amenities and benefits to everyone who lives in or visits Davis, including businesses, residents, families and students.”

The city is also planning to install string lights along the edge of the platform to enhance the area’s ambiance. Furthermore, the city will assess existing street lighting to ensure its functionality and will coordinate with the city’s Urban Forestry division to address any street views that may be obscured by tree branches.

Officials emphasized that the inner 20 feet of G Street between the bollards will remain an emergency vehicle access corridor and must be kept clear at all times. No furnishings will be permitted in this area to ensure the safety and accessibility for emergency personnel.

As the G Street Project moves forward, the city of Davis remains committed to engaging with local businesses and seeking additional funding sources to enhance the space further in the future. 

Construction is anticipated to wrap up around December 2024 to be followed by amenity installations and opening soon after. For more detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions, community members are encouraged to visit the G Street Project web page.

Written by: Alma Culverwell — city@theaggie.org

Regular 2×2 committee meetings foster collaboration on public services community project and encourage public input

By ALMA CULVERWELL — city@theaggie.org

Two members of the Davis City Council and two representatives from the Yolo County Board of Supervisors recently gathered in an ongoing effort to discuss shared issues affecting both the town of Davis and Yolo County. Known as the City-Yolo County 2×2 committee, this regular meeting focuses on exchanging information rather than making formal decisions for the entities represented. 

Officials discussed key developments, including the success of the Yolo County Fair, which drew nearly 100,000 attendees, and future plans to enhance the fairground and strengthen partnerships for emergency services. The boards also addressed the rising homelessness concerns, with updated data showing an increase across the county and the need for better coordination between city and county services, especially as state agencies clear encampments. 

The Pacifico housing project resumed after finding a code workaround, with plans to convert buildings into dormitories and independent living units by July 2025. Additionally, enhancements such as more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and energy-efficient components were considered. The board also supported including students in housing discussions and highlighted Measure T on the November ballot to address library operating costs.

This collaboration has existed for some time, and meetings typically occur every other month. The primary objective is to foster communication between the two jurisdictions to help both parties remain aligned on issues that impact the region. From smaller topics like logistical assistance at community events to greater collaborative efforts such as public library projects and shared services, the goal of these meetings is to ensure smooth, open communication and effective problem-solving.

“We’ve built a strong working relationship with each other over the years,” Jenny Tan, the community director for the city of Davis, said. “This is a time for us to discuss items of mutual interest or concern, share resources and ensure that we are responding to the needs of our community effectively.”

The meeting serves as a platform for both entities to bring up matters of local importance, assess potential challenges and explore solutions that would benefit both the city and county. However, this committee does not have decision-making authority. Instead, its function is to facilitate dialogue and information sharing, leaving official decisions to the full city council or board of supervisors. 

During the meeting, one of the key discussion points was how the city and county collaborate on both minor and significant issues. A prime example mentioned was the Walnut Park Library project, which stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between the city and county. Other initiatives discussed included public services and resources available to residents, particularly those that require coordination between the two governments.

The meeting also emphasized guaranteeing efficient public services for all residents and maximizing available resources. Both sides emphasized their commitment to community well-being, sharing insights and updates on relevant local projects.

Although no specific challenges were highlighted, officials stressed the importance of maintaining open lines of communication. 

“We’ve worked with each other for so long and across so many topics that cooperation comes naturally and easily,” Tan said, reinforcing that collaboration has become second nature for the two entities.

Public input remains a vital component of these discussions. Residents are encouraged to participate by either attending the meetings in person or submitting comments via email. During these sessions, public concerns are heard and reviewed. Depending on the issues, staff from either the city or the county may be invited to present on specific topics raised by the community.

“When we hear of things of particular interest to our community, we usually check in with each other,” Tan said. “We take concerns and input from our public seriously and try to incorporate them as much as possible.”

These meetings are designed to be transparent and open to the public, allowing residents to voice their opinions and for officials to respond. If a community issue requires further attention, it is typically escalated to relevant staff members, who then work to address the matter more comprehensively.

This ongoing collaboration between the city of Davis and Yolo County serves as a model for how local governments can work together to address shared issues while meaningfully engaging with the public.

For more information about City-Yolo County 2×2 meetings, visit the official city of Davis website.

Written by: Alma Culverwell — city@theaggie.org

This past summer the environmentally friendly frozen yogurt shop opened its doors

By ALMA CULVERWELL – city@theaggie.org

This June, Aggie Yogurt, a new frozen yogurt shop, opened its doors to the Davis community with a celebration at 425 2nd St. The store, which promises a fresh take on frozen yogurt, has gained attention for its combination of unique flavors and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Aggie Yogurt aims to be “your ultimate destination for fresh, creamy and delicious yogurt creations,” according to their website. This tagline reflects the shop’s approach of offering customers a highly customizable experience. “The vibrant and inviting shop offers a delightful array of new flavors, from Cookie Monster to Wild Strawberry, all made with the finest ingredients,” their description reads. 

The store, which prides itself on catering to a broad spectrum of dietary needs, features options for every preference. From dairy-free and gluten-free selections to low-sugar alternatives, Aggie Yogurt ensures that anyone can enjoy its frozen treats. Customers can personalize their yogurt with a wide variety of over 32 toppings, including granola, berries, nuts and sauces.

Aggie Yogurt also sets itself apart by emphasizing eco-friendly practices. The shop uses compostable cups and utensils, and it offers discounts to customers who bring their own reusable containers, helping reduce single-use plastic waste. 

Aggie Yogurt is the third frozen yogurt store to open in downtown Davis, joining longtime favorites Cultivé and Yoloberry. The frozen yogurt scene has been popular in Davis for over a decade, with both Cultivé and Yoloberry establishing themselves as staples for local families, students and visitors. Aggie Yogurt hopes to stand out by offering not only new flavor combinations but also a modern, sustainability-focused business model that resonates with the environmentally conscious population of Davis.

The shop’s opening also marks the fifth addition to the downtown area’s growing list of ice cream and novelty dessert shops, which includes Baskin-Robbins, Davis Creamery and Sweet and Shavery. With increased competition in the frozen dessert market, Aggie Yogurt is banking on its unique and eco-friendly mission to attract a loyal customer base.

Aggie Yogurt plans to continue its community outreach with special events and promotions throughout the year. The store has already announced plans to host a series of themed yogurt nights, where customers can try limited-time seasonal flavors and participate in yogurt-making workshops. To celebrate its opening, the shop has also scheduled various promotions for the month of September, offering discounts and free toppings for loyalty members.

Written by: Alma Culverwell — city@theaggie.org

New school year, same beloved farmers market

By OLIVIA HOKR — city@theaggie.org

The Davis Farmers Market is a college town staple that has been around for over 50 years. Year-round, rain or shine, students and families gather in Central Park to enjoy a variety of vendors. From fresh produce to food from local restaurants to handmade accessories, the Davis Farmers Market has it all. 

The farmers market takes place at 301 C Street every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. From October through April it takes place on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. in addition to the Saturday hours. 

The weekly market has been recognized and awarded with more than 10 achievements since its establishment by different newspapers and magazines. Recently, three local restaurants who sell at the farmers market were featured in the premiere of Food Network’s “Best Bite in Town.” These include Handheld Sweet & Savory Pies, The Hotdogger and Zumapoke. 

“The Davis Farmers Market Cookbook,” written by Ann M. Evans, a former mayor of Davis and a co-founder of the market, includes details of the inspiring history and development. The farmers market’s website shares excerpts that describe the prevalence of community and support of local businesses. 

“The market in Davis could be a market in any town where the public good is put to the use of the people, where the surrounding soil is fertile and worked,” Evans wrote. “And where people of different faiths and purposes on the planet are willing to slow down, gather together and shop while they swap the news.”

Randii MacNear has been involved with the farmers market since 1978. After graduating college, she moved to Davis and quickly became devoted to the little market in Central Park. What began as her weekly Saturday activity turned into a career of dedication to healthy food, local businesses and building community. 

As one of the first few established farmers markets in California, the Davis Farmers Market has evolved into something so iconic to the city of Davis. At its start, the market was merely a handful of farmers selling their produce in an underdeveloped park. There are now 90 different sellers each week, 65 of which are farmers. It is estimated that over 500,000 people now come through the market every year. The farmers market brings a special sense of community and comfort to this small town for both the families and the college students. 

“It nourishes people, it gets people outside, it creates community, it gives people hope, it makes them feel happy, it smells delicious [and] kids love coming to the market,” MacNear said. “It’s just all the right things. It’s really remarkable when you think about it. It’s so simple and it’s not a new concept. We’re the only ones who are finally catching on here in the United States. All over the world the marketplace is the hub of civilization.”

MacNear is now the executive director of the market. She continues to spend her time ensuring the Davis Farmers Market remains an enjoyable and memorable experience and is committed to creating a welcoming environment that people desire to return to each week. MacNear has had the pleasure of engaging with UC Davis students weekly and hearing about their involvement with the market. 

“We love having the students there,” MacNear said. “They love the fruit, and they love to meet the farmers and the sellers. Many, many students come up to me to say, ‘I was so lonely when I came to Davis. I didn’t know anybody and I come here to the farmer’s market and I feel like I have family here.’”

The Davis Farmers Market continues to be a favorite among students who are learning to navigate their new town. It has become one of the most popular places to spend a Saturday morning with fellow Aggies. Katie Borgeson, a third-year linguistics and sociology double major, shared her loyalty for her Saturday tradition.

“The Davis Farmers Market is my favorite place on Earth,” Borgeson said. “Everywhere else I go is merely a waste of my time. I could’ve been at the Davis Farmers Market.”

Written by: Olivia Hokr — city@theaggie.org