There are nothing quite like the sensations that accompany getting sucked into a good book.  It’s probably a bit different for everyone, but in my case, my psyche turns into a one-track maniacal beast, focused and unshakeable as it pushes one purpose to the forefront of my mind: READ, READ, READ.

No I can’t eat right now, leave me alone so I can READ. Yes, I know you’ve never seen me awake at 7 am on a Saturday morning, now quickly back away so I can READ.  Did I just walk into a pole? No matter, I didn’t drop my book or even loose my page.  I don’t need your concern, just your silence so I can READ!

While I do become frantic in my desire to only do one thing, despite the demands of the people around me or even my own body as it cries out for food, water, and sleep, I’m by no means suffering from my condition.

It’s a euphoric feeling to be so completely immersed in another world, with real stakes in the characters and a story so well developed and executed that it grips my mind in a kind of delirious fever, demanding nothing less than my undivided attention.

I recently got hired as a full-time intern, and while I’m really enjoying the work, (and relieved for the reprieve from my parents’ demands to get off the couch already and make something of my life) I’m often so tired when I get home, my brain squirms at the prospect of lifting up a book and flipping through its pages.

The Hunger Games offers a fresh new look to the post apocalyptic genre.

Just this weekend, though, I picked up the first book in Suzanne Collins’ critically acclaimed The Hunger Games trilogy, and suddenly, seemingly endless and untapped stores of enthusiasm are humming under my skin.  A few days later, I’m two books and 800 pages into the series and desperately looking for my next fix (the third book in the trilogy, Mockingjay, just came out this month, but I haven’t had a chance to pick up a copy yet).

How did this happen to me?  Just the other day I couldn’t be bothered to browse a bookshelf.  Today, I’m busting out the box marked “to-read” from behind my dresser, full of the books that catch my interest from my frequent bookshop visits, but inevitably get set aside when I find I don’t have the time or energy to read them.

These other books may help to curb the worst of my withdrawal symptoms, but I’m still frantic for the weekend when I can get my own copy of the trilogy’s final release.  As it happens, I’ve discovered that infecting others with my enthusiasm is the best remedy.  Even if I can’t read the next book just yet, I can anticipate it with my friends (I’ve already won two followers to the series).

Have you had a similar experience and found yourself walking through the halls with bloodshot eyes because you just couldn’t put that book down, unable to bring yourself to regret your behavior?  Employers may not appreciate this zombiesque behavior, but I personally think it’s good for the soul.

I dare you to watch this trailer and not be intrigued by the possibilities of this riveting book.

Which books have had their way with you, seducing you away from the rest of the world?  Help your fellow book lovers out by pointing them towards their next dose of the kind of exhilaration that only a really good book can bring.  Who said you need to take a vacation to make your next great getaway?  If you can find a book that grabs you, your next adventure might be sooner than you think.

Just for fun, check out leytonluv03’s fanmade YouTube trailer for the The Hunger Games to get a flavor of the story’s mood and tone.

I rarely feel attracted to these granfalloons, but the rivalry that is sure to erupt between Rochester, NY and Davis, CA over whose Farmers’ Market is America’s Favorite has caught my attention.  Now, I don’t believe that the Davis FM is the best just because I get my fresh bread (Upper Crust’s sourdough flax) and eggs there every week or because I live a block away from it.  I think that it is the best because of the amazing array of products, services and community benefits that continue to expand after all of these years.  I’m voting for the Davis Farmers’ Market because it is the heart and soul of this community, a place where local news and information is passed on from one trusted face to another.

The Davis FM deserves your vote, and your partner’s vote, and the vote of your children, and the vote of any out of town friend that you’ve taken to visit there because of it’s positive energy, welcoming bounty and the plethora of causes and events that it regularly initiates and supports.

Our Farmers’ Market is on the front lines of ensuring that school children receive the nutritious local foods… did you know that the the Davis Farm to School Connection is under the auspices of the Davis Farmers Market Foundation?

Founded in 2000, the Davis Farm to School Connection embodies a systems approach to education by supporting programs within the Davis Joint Unified School District that connect classroom studies with hands-on experiences. These experiences include garden based learning, classroom cooking, cafeteria taste-testing, local farm visits for second graders and waste management programs such as composting and recycling. School lunch based on values that support a sustainable food system is envisioned as part of the educational culture. We provide cooking schools for the Davis Unified School District school lunch staff, offering six lessons a year on seasonal and from scratch cooking.

Clucksters: the volunteer organizing force behind Tour de Cluck.

In turn, the Farm to School Connection hosts amazing events that bring our community together and further the cause of local and sustainable foods.  Did you hear about the Tour de Cluck?  It was a phenomenal success and was a project of the Farm to School Connection which means it couldn’t have happened without the umbrella support of the Davis Farmers’ Market.

Do the pony rides do it for you?  Or maybe Pig Day?  Picnic in the Park? Whatever the reason you love the Davis Farmers’ Market, and the list is endless… it’s time for you to step up, spread the word and defend our title for America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market. Currently, we’re about 2,000 votes behind.  Now, Rochester is about 3.5 times the population of Davis… but since our FM is at least three times as good, we should have no trouble emailing, calling, facebooking and tweeting our way to number one before the deadline tonight, Tuesday, August 31st at midnight.

The process is simple.  To vote for our market, all you have to do is:

1.)    Go to www.farmland.org/vote

2.)    Type in [95616]; and,

3.)    Click “Vote”

That’s it. That’s all it takes to ensure that the Davis Farmers’ Market retains it’s rightful title as America’s Favorite.

So go vote and spread the word!  Do it, do it now.

City Manager Bill Emlen announced his resignation last week.  If you missed it, check out his exit interview on the Davis Voice.  This week the Davis City Council begins the recruitment process for his replacement. 

The City Safety and Parking Advisory Commission will take up the issue of reverse angle parking, also discussed on the Davis Voice, and the cell tower application process is on the agenda for the Telecommunications Commission.

Though the 2010-11 school year has only just begun, the Davis Joint Unified School District Board of Education will hold a public forum to solicit parent and community input into the 2011-12 school calendar.  Should the school year begin after Labor Day?   Should spring break coincide with the UCD calendar or the Legislature’s calendar?  Should Thanksgiving vacation be a week long?  If you have an opinion, this is the time to be heard.  Attend the meeting at 7:00 pm this Thursday in Community Chambers (23 Russell Blvd.) or write the Board of Education at BOE@djusd.net.

There are no Yolo County meetings on the calendar.

The following are your opportunities to participate in the public process this week.  Click on links for locations and full agendas.  As always, if important events have been overlooked, please add them as a comment.

Tuesday, 31 August 2010

7:00 pm – Davis City Council – City manager position recruitment

Wednesday, 1 September 2010

2:30 pm – CITY – Telecommunications Commission

Thursday, 2 September 2010

5:00 pm – CITY – Safety and Parking Advisory Commission

7:00 pm – Davis Joint Unified School District Board of Education - 2010 summer school report, public forum for community input into 2011-12 instructional calendar.

This weekend, I shall return to Davis to help some friends move and little R&R.

Fortunately, the events for the weekend look RAD!  I’m super-excited to partake in some of them.  I’m also thinking I might ask one of my friends to loan a mattress for the cause, keep it in the bed of my truck and hit up the Drive-In while I’m up there.  I’m excited.

Get thee outside!  Rejoice in some right and relevant culture!!  And have a super-super weekend!!!

Friday, August 27 2010

Nortec Collective (feat. Bostich+Fussible)  [MUSIC]

Mondavi Center SummerMusic

UC Davis Quad

6:30pm (picnic), 7:30pm (show)

FREE

“Nortec” is the type of music coming out of the Tijuana electronic scene, that combines the styles of Norteño (“From the North”) and techno (Nor-Tec, get it?), and sounds a little something like this.  Also, a free show on the Quad?!  Already there!

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On Deck  [MUSIC]

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen and Bar

129 E St, Suite E (music on the deck)

9pm (doors), 9:30pm (show)

$3 (21+ only)

Local talents Nat Lefkoff and Heirlooms open for headliner Tether Horse.  Watch these great artists light up the deck this evening for another cheap show full of great music.  Come check it out!!

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Saturday, August 28 2010

Barn Dance Fundraiser  [PARTY + GIVE]

Soil Born Farms

2140 Chase Dr, Rancho Cordova

6pm (potluck), 7pm (Hoedown!)

$10-$20 sliding scale, can pre-purchase or buy at door

You know how I always rave about contra dancing?  Well, here’s your chance to do-si-do on a real, live farm AND make a difference while you’re at it!  In case you can’t remember, all you need to know is that contra dancing is a BLAST for the whole family.  Proceeds go to Soil Born Farms, which is an urban farm whose goal is to re-connect youth and adults to nature and local food systems.  Good times all around!

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El Rado Scufflers  [MUSIC]

Atria Covell Gardens

111 Alvarado Ave

7pm

FREE

A free concert featuring 20’s and 30’s jazz and dance music?  Well, ain’t that the cat’s pajamas!!

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Sunday, August 29 2010

Blood Drive  [GIVE]

Blood Source

6^th St and G St, right outside the Davis Food Co-op

1-5pm

FREE (obviously!)

Did YOU know that the Davis Food Co-op holds blood donation drives outside its doors?  Because I didn’t!!  Here’s your chance to save a life…  And get your groceries in the same trip!

By all accounts, Emlen is well-liked by city employees and has a reputation for being affable and considerate in even the most contentious situations.  I’ve worked with Bill and his office on numerous issues over the years, and I’ve recently had the opportunity to spend more time with him during the Chamber of Commerce / City of Davis 2×2 meetings.

This afternoon, Bill was gracious enough to sit down with me in his office at City Hall for an Exit Interview with The Davis Voice.  Following, find my questions in bold and Emlen’s answers in italics.

1) What three accomplishments during your tenure as City Manager are you most proud of achieving?

It’s been 13 years, and I’ve got piles of stuff here about things we’ve done during that time… but more recently, a few things to do come to mind.

The restructuring of city operations that was done in response to the reality of recent budgets has been fairly effective in keeping service levels reasonable to the amount of human resource reductions we’ve had to make, which is something like 40 positions… I don’t think that there have been any huge impacts on the community because of those cuts.  It’s been a healthy process for the most part, we’ve been able to find new ways to do things more efficiently.  Now, our employees have been affected… there has been a lot of culture change within the organization… many of our employees  have been impacted pretty hard, and many are doing a lot of extra work.  I challenge anyone to find another city of this size that has the array of amenities and high level of dedication from staff.  Overall, I think that the restructuring process has been really smooth and ultimately beneficial to the City.

Now, this might not be as tangible to some, but I think that we do a really good job of being responsive to the public and community issues, that quick churning of issues.  My staff is very responsive to the community, and I feel like I’ve been a part of that.

Lastly, I’m really proud of the quality of infill projects that we’ve built… I think that they’ve improved over the years… I’ve heard so many comments from folks from other cities our size that are really impressed by the quality of our infill projects.

2) What two projects, that you helped initiate and are currently in the works, are you excited about?

The merger of our Fire Department with the UC Davis Fire Department.  Secondly, the continued evolution of the US Bicycle Hall of Fame as part of our economic strategy.

Any thoughts on where the Bike Hall of Fame should relocate if it gets a purpose built home in the future?  I think that it must remain downtown, and if it can move near the Train Depot that would be great.  Right now, we need to stay vigilant on making sure that it continues to be well utilized.

3) In hindsight, what’s one thing during your tenure that you would have done differently?

I’ve thought about this a lot over the past few years.  There has been a lot written and talked about with the issues of city employee compensation and benefits, but I think that we could have done a better job of providing the public with better information and a fuller picture.  We had a workshop a couple of years ago and it was well received, but we could have done more as the local and state news focused on public employee compensation and benefits.

And yes, we should have been more aggressive in acknowledgment that we have some problems and the Council has never been shy about re-examining this issue.  In fact, we’ve made very good progress with the latest round of negotiations in addressing some of these concerns.  But, I don’t think that employees should have been vilified the way that they have been at times over the past couple of years.  All of these benefits and compensation structures have evolved over decades of negotiations, and a lot of it has to do with the fact that the California and Davis economy has been up, up, up and there has been this upward spiral of better compensation packages for folks in both the private and public sector.

I just wish that we’d done a better job of providing a reasonable perspective while, of course, acknowledging the very real problem. But at the same time, there’s no need to vilify folks, many of which weren’t even here when these decisions were made.  The classic example is the health care cash-out.  When they implemented the cash-out benefit, the cost of medical insurance for a family was only $200 a month and now it’s like $1,400 per month.  So, the real problem is the exponentially rapid increase in the cost of health care nation wide,  but the benefit got caught up in that.  Yes, we now need to re-examine that benefit, but we should have done a better job at relaying this information to the public… you know, it’s difficult to explain that a benefit that has evolved over decades of labor negotiations is really difficult to change in one fell swoop.  So, educating the public about the matter caught me by surprise… And our citizens should be aware that Davis compensation packages are very reasonable and close to average, but the bigger question is: Have municipal compensation packages, as a whole, gotten out of control?

4) Most people know that you served as Principal Planner and Director of Community Development, which infill projects built during that time really achieved most city goals and are pleasing to it’s neighbors and the community as a whole?

I’m really proud of the Crepeville Building at 3rd & C (built by Chuck Roe) and the Chen Building (built by Lee & Grace Chen) at 2nd & H … I have to give credit to Ken Hiatt on both of these, and that’s no coincidence…  both have really unique places in the feel of the community and I think that most people really like how they turned out, how they look and feel.  The Oakshade Townhomes in South Davis was a real cutting edge project.  And an earlier project that I worked on is a small infill project on the south west corner of Covell & Mace that Dave Taormino built, they have a real nice porch, front yard, older style looking homes that is a great departure from the standard style suburban homes that were built at the time.

5) What piece of advice, in one sentence, would you give your successor?

Stay in perspective, breathe before reacting.  The reason that I say that is that I’ve seen these firestorms over public policy happen really quickly and then churn over and over.  It’s critical for anyone who does this job to be aware that folks in this community are very protective of this town (with good reason) and they’re going to act quickly on a lot of items.  So the job is to ensure that  you have all the information and a broad perspective, and not over-react or over-commit before offering a solution… stay in perspective and breathe before reacting.

6) You’ve presided over some of the most difficult budget and employee negotiations in the history of the City.  What have you heard from other City Managers regarding the use of an outside labor negotiator? Should the City consider that option for the next round of labor contracts in 2012?

I do think that for very pragmatic reasons, it would be beneficial to use independent labor negotiators, mainly because of the time commitment that we’ve had to put into the process.  However, I’m not really convinced that a negotiator would score some home run that we’re unable to achieve.  Now, there is a cost differential here, a really good person is going to come with a very high billable hour.  But, to be used as a tool in some situations, depending on what’s on the table,  it would definitely be a good thing.

7) Do you use DavisWiki? How often?

Of course I do!  I probably use it several times a week, mainly to look up what time a restaurant opens or to learn about a local business or group.  It’s also fascinating to read up on historical city politics and other city business.  But really, I like reading the comments about what and where to eat, that kind of thing.

8) Top three favorite restaurants in Davis?

Oh, I can’t limit it to three but I do have several favorite dishes!  I mean this town really does have so many good restaurants.  I love the Thai Noodle Salad at Cafe Bernardo, the burgers at Burgers & Brew are hard to beat, the Pork Sandwich and the Veggie Burger at Bistro33.  Also, the Triple Berry Bar at Zia’s… I’ll keep coming back for all of that.

Burning question from my friends, do we need another Thai Restaurant and Frozen Yogurt shop? It seems like we can never get enough, I don’t know.  But really, on a policy level, it seems like at some point we might want to look into some more diverse options to mix in with all of the great locally owned stores.

9) What one thing in Davis will draw you back for visits once the job is done on September 24th?

I’ll always becoming back to Davis, I promise I won’t be a stranger.  In fact, we use to come here all the time before we moved here… we adopted a dog from the Yolo SPCA during a Farmers’ Market back in the mid-90’s!  We’ll be back for the restaurants, the Amgen Tour and all of the other great events that make Davis unique.

Let me share a real jewel with you, then you can apply your own value, size and color.

Plenty of room with only "good" seats available. click for large view

The Barnyard Theatre is a special jewel I visited a few weeks ago. I am not going to review the three short plays I saw. Although, I was blown away by them. Instead let me introduce you to Barnyard Theatre’s concept and setting.

This theatre is situated on County Road 31, a short drive west of town. The name comes from the fact that they take a working farm’s barn and transform it into a theatre. Then, as the sun was setting, 50 lucky “theatre goers” were drawn into a world created by a very talented group of young folks. The sound, lighting and creative stage settings was, by itself, a work of art in such a setting.

The plays and scrips are selected “organically” and anyone can be involved. In fact, they encourage the community’s involvement. During intermission light refreshments were served and guests had a chance to mingle with the cast and crew. Or, you could feed your watermelon rind to the goats you are sharing the barn with.

If you’re interested in seeing a production loaded with talent, enthusiasm and thought provoking plays – do the Barnyard Theatre.

Visit the Barnyard Theatre at www.barnyardtheatre.org

Speaking of doing the peoples’ business, perhaps you should consider exercising your public service muscles by applying for a City commission.  Come September, every single group will have some openings.  No experience with government?  No problem.  We need enthusiastic, well-informed and thoughtful consensus builders with backgrounds in a variety of different issues.  Click HERE to find out how you can give back to Davis.

Monday, 23 August 2010

7:00 pm – CITY – Business & Economic Development Commission – Economic Indicators Draft Report

Wednesday, 25 August 2010

7:30 am – CHAMBER – Morning Mixer for Chamber of Commerce at Fleet Feet Sports

4:30 pm – FM – Picnic in the Park

7:00 pm – CITY – Planning Commission – 501 G Street (Yolo Federal Credit Union new building),  211 G Street (The Beer Shoppe)

Thursday, 26 August 2010

7:00 pm – Davis Joint Unified School District Board of Education - enrollment and staffing update for the new school year, second reading and approval of board policies and administrative regulations and documents pertaining to fundraising.

Note:  I’m much more of a dog person.  But don’t tell her that.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Friday, August 20 2010

On Deck [MUSIC]

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen and Bar

129 E St, Suite E (the deck)

9:30pm

$5

More indie-type music for your enjoyment!  Local talent Elders opens for Emily Wells and Blue Cranes this evening…  Check it out!

(on a slightly unrelated note, I never know how to title these concerts, but I’m tempted to call it Who’s on Deck…  I love old-school comedy)

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Saturday, August 21 2010

Golf Fore Habitat [PLAY + GIVE]

Habitat for Humanity

Wild Wings Golf Course

8am

$95.23/golfer

Play 18 holes of golf and donate to a great cause!  The cost $95.23 pays for a square foot of Yolo County’s HfH’s newest affordable housing project AND gets YOU the whole 18 holes, a golf cart, and lunch…  What a deal!

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Summer Attack! [MUSIC]

Davis Art Center

1919 F St

6:30 pm

$5

The last installment of this summer’s teen concert series is tonight!  Rock out with Spiral Skies and Autopsy Drive!!

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Sunday, August 22 2010

Mini-Concert [MUSIC]

Davis Community Church Sanctuary

412 C St

11:40am

FREE

A half-hour concert with Robin Houston and David Deffner on the recorder, clarinet, harpsichord piano and organ!  Don’t ask me how they’ll fit all that into 30 minutes, but it would be interesting to see them try!

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Happy Birthday Teaching Kitchen! [PARTY + GIVE]

Davis Food Co-op Teaching Kitchen

537 G St

12-2pm

Donation of School Supplies!

Come celebrate this great learning space AND give back to the community.  Davis Food Co-op supplies you with cake, bubbly and more, while you bring school supplies (paper, pencils, gluesticks and anything you could use in a classroom) for local teachers so they don’t have to use their own money to start off the year…  Happy Birthday Learning Kitchen!!

There is but one opportunity to participate in a public meeting this week.  Friends of Davis trees, get thee down to the Tree Commission meeting on Thursday.  Click on the link for location and agenda.

And the rest of you … with that time you will not spend attending public meetings this week, consider how you might serve your community in the future.  The city is currently recruiting new members for a wide variety of commissions and the September 1 application deadline is fast approaching.  Visit the city’s website for more details.

You know our motto, “Show up or stop whining.”

As always, if important events have been overlooked, please add them in a comment.

Thursday, 19 August 2010

6 pm – CITY – Tree Commission

The graphic novel is a genre that I’ve started getting into.  Except, by “started getting into”, I mean something more like “really enjoyed the two I’ve read so far”.  V for Vendetta was my gateway (bought with a gift certificate I had received to a Davis comic book store that I had no idea how to spend), which was followed more recently by The Watchmen (the day I finished, the new movie happened to be playing on TV—it was great to compare them with the book so fresh in my mind!).  While I suppose I can’t vouch for many, I can say that these were great.  If you haven’t considered looking into this type of reading yet, I’d recommend it!  The required concentration is worth the dynamic storylines and -telling that these works convey.

But don’t spend ALL your time reading!  Get thee outside and experience the right and relevant culture outside of those pages and print…  Who knows?  You might even end up on an adventure yourself!

Friday, August 13 2010

Second Friday ArtAbout [ART + COMMUNITY]

Davis Downtown Business Association

Downtown Davis and Beyond (download map!)

5(ish)-9(ish)pm (download schedule for exact hours)

FREE

It’s that time again!!  Peruse all sorts of media—from acrylic and oil to photographs and mixed—spanning all sorts of topics (gardens, portraits, “things” and more!) in all sorts of great locations all over town!  Get out there and experience the evening!!

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Beer Tasting [DRINK + GIVE]

Davis Food Co-op

620 G St

6-8pm

$1/taste

Yumyumyummy!  Try some of Sudwerk’s finest brews, while helping out the local Davis Farm-to-School Connection.  What a great way to wrap up a Friday the 13^th!!

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Saturday, August 14 2010

Second Saturday on the Farm [GREEN + FOOD]

Farm Fresh To You

23800 State Highway 16

11am-3pm

FREE

To me, summer has always held a deliciously fruitful, but lazily laidback vibe—and it’s time to celebrate that mentality!  Come see a farm in action:  harvest cherry tomatoes, bring a lunch, get a guided trailer ride (be sure to reserve a spot when you get there at the Welcome desk!), participate in art activities, listen to live music from noon till two, and generally soak up the sun.  Happy Summer!!

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On Deck [MUSIC]

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen

129 E St, Suite E (on the deck!)

10pm

$5

Two Los Angeles talents play in Davis this evening.  Opening the night with his folk/pop melodies is Charlie Wadhams.  Finish up with the Americana-folk sounds of Leslie Stevens & The Badgers!  Good times!!

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Sunday, August 15 2010

Garage Sale Bonanza! [SHOP]

1100 Villanova Dr

8am-5:50pm

$hoping Co$t$ $$$ (just $o you know)

Pretty straightforward!  Garage Sale!!  Come and get that thing you’ve always needed but never knew that you did.  Who knows, you might even find something useful—for cheap!