| Page 3 | Davis Media Access

A Note from the Director

Recently, KDRT DJ Eddy Owt and DMA Studio & Facilities Coordinator Ray Orosco teamed up to record touring band Black Viiolet in the newly relaunching Davis Media Access (DMA) TV studio. By all accounts it was a worthwhile endeavor and fun, although not everything went as expected.

Sharing in these conversations, I found myself repeating something that’s been a mantra for many years: DMA is not a production house, but a community-based learning lab. We learn by doing, and we help others learn by doing as well. We’re lean on resources but rich in ingenuity and enthusiasm.

So yes, moving from an analog to a digital mixer is a learning curve, and good audio is as vital to a video production as the video itself. I trust Ray and Eddy (and others) will practice more and figure this out–and then help others along the way.

I’m excited to see–at long last–our TV studio coming back online following a long pandemic and an even longer remodel process. Back in the day, we supported public access and the desires of individuals to get trained in TV production. Countless changes in both media use and media technology later, and the call for individual use is scant. Instead, we focus on community-benefit projects such as local election coverage, arts and culture performances, and nonprofit partnerships.

There will come a moment when we once again offer PSA Day and some open studio time, but maybe let us get that new switcher dialed in first…

Further thoughts on Yolo County

On a call recently with a nonprofit executive director who is new to the area, she said “Yolo County is very intimate - everyone seems to be connected to everyone else.” I think that’s true, and also not true.

As I’ve been navigating the county and developing new partnerships through our Yolo Local project, I keep returning to the almost wholly unmet information needs for the Spanish-speaking population. As our ecosystem assessment highlighted, that’s one-fifth of our total population. This week my collaborator jesikah maria ross and I applied for a grant that would allow Yolo Local to connect more deeply with folks who need civic information in their own language. Although it’s a daunting time to be doing such work, we are pressing forward on that front.

Meanwhile, we are pleased to be in cahoots with our friends at PBS KVIE/Abridged for the launch of their weekly Yolo County newsletter, which will lean into Yolo Local’s assessment findings to inform editorial. They’re a great group of folks and I’m looking forward to digging in. A reminder that you can sign up for the weekly newsletter, which drops Wednesday afternoons, here.

In community,

Autumn Labbé-Renault

Executive Director

Eva Spiegel joins DMA's Board

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Last month we welcomed Eva Spiegel to our board of directors. Eva is a strategic communications consultant with decades of experience in nonprofit, journalism, local government and small business communication. Her portfolio of work comprises a wide range of products including reporting, writing, editing, strategy, messaging, scripting, social media and press relations.

Eva began her career in the nonprofit sector working with a small organization that was funded by major national foundations to improve the quality of commercial broadcast radio with stories airing on CBS Radio’s “The Osgood File.” She transitioned to public affairs communications working largely with local government at the League of California Cities.

Eva currently works for Kearns & West, a California-based, national firm specializing in stakeholder facilitation, mediation and public engagement. A long-time Davis resident and UC Davis graduate, Eva first moved to Davis in 1979. She left for a decade after college but returned in 2001.

Progress made visible

July was one for the record books, with a heat wave that just wouldn’t end. At Davis Media Access (DMA), we watched as various contractors worked through that heat to put up drywall and paint it; reroute and add new ductwork, and otherwise complete some of the heaviest work of the remodel project. It’s interesting to work under ceilings still open to all the ductwork and insulation, but when I gave a tour to a couple of volunteers this week, they echoed my own feelings: it’s starting to feel real.

Elsewhere, my summer is centered on pursuing funding for the community information needs assessment phase of our envisioned civic information project. For the moment, I am gratified to have earned early support from Yolo County Supervisors Lucas Frerichs and Jim Provenza, and from the City of Davis. Each has contributed $5,000 towards seeding the countywide assessment effort. The Supervisors’ contributions are made from their American Rescue Plan Community Benefit Funds, and the City’s support was made with the support of all five council members.

If you’re wondering why DMA is pursuing this project in stages, it’s because civic media practice includes connecting with community stakeholders to find out what information they need, how and when they will access it, and what’s important to them. And so this next phase of our work is about creating an inclusive process, asking strategic questions and listening deeply. I’m personally driven to create something meaningful and with lasting impact, and proud to be leading this effort.

In community,

Autumn Labbé-Renault, Executive Director

On 7-11, we celebrate Bob

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This here is a tale about a good guy from Slatter's Court, that storied, somewhat seedy enclave down by the train tracks in Davis, CA. A modest man who wrote outsider poetry and lyrics, and who amused many and brightened plenty of average days in his various guises.

A well-known figure in the Davis musicians’ community, Bob was a gifted guitar player, songwriter and singer. He played in several bands, including Fun Attic, Anywhere But Iowa, Polyester Jones, ChickeeBob and B&K Roadshow as well as performing solo as “Bobnoxious.” A prodigious composer of original music and lyrics, his songs were clever, wry and expressive of his real-life experiences and observations. He enjoyed organizing “Bobbapalooza” concerts where he performed music and provided free beer for his many fans.

A decision not lightly made

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This column was originally published under the title "Pondering, should I stay or should I go?' in the "Davis Enterprise" on June 9, 2024.

By Autumn Labbe-Renault 

It’s been a chaotic few weeks for this newspaper and community. In the wake of other departures, I’ve had people ask me if I’ll continue to write this column.

I’m here, so the answer is yes. I write not as an individual but on behalf on an organization, so it’s not my choice alone. I write for free, and The Enterprise has published my writing for 25 years, helping to give voice and visibility to our nonprofit.

I’m also in the process of developing a community information needs assessment for Yolo County, and it deserves the visibility this column in the Enterprise can help deliver. I’ve publicly stated that a primary goal is not to replace local newspapers, but to fill in the gaps in civic information, and to utilize technology and technological expertise that is Davis Media Access (DMA’s) bread and butter.

Though based in Davis, DMA is the only noncommercial media center in Yolo County. We are in year four of an ongoing project supporting Woodland Community College's eLearning Suite. We work with elected officials, candidates for office, and nonprofits throughout the county, and our community radio station KDRT 95.7FM has had tremendous regional impact.

Statement on Local Media from Davis Media Access

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By Autumn Labbé-Renault, Executive Director

May 9, 2024

As the Davis Enterprise continues to recede, something has to evolve as a source of community information and news. We think Davis Media Access (DMA) can offer part of the solution.

With journalistic expertise at staff, board and volunteer levels, we’ve been talking internally about Davis’ growing news drought at DMA for months before the Enterprise made its latest cut — the stunning layoff of Bob Dunning, who wrote a column and sports stories for the paper for 55 years.

(You might have noticed another new hole at the Enterprise, by the way — Bruce Gallaudet hasn’t had a story in the paper since April 28, when he wrote “goodbye, all!” at the end of his story that Sunday. This is a big loss for covering local sports.)

Since last fall, DMA has been developing an idea for a Civic Information Hub—not to supplant local news, but to fill in the gaps in our local information ecosystem. I’ve met with dozens of journalists, elected officials, librarians, educators and other community leaders towards that end. You can listen to a very early discussion about the idea on the KDRT program Davisville, although I want to emphasize the word “early.”

Pardon Our Dust, It's a Remodel

By Autumn Labbe-Renault , Executive Director

This column was originally published in The Davis Enterprise

It not only feels like I’ve been writing about the pending remodel at Davis Media Access (DMA) for years, I have actually been writing about it for years. My board and staff have heard me say “0/10 - I don’t recommended trying to start a remodel at the start of a global pandemic.” It’s been complicated, to say the least.

But today (May 1, 2024) as I write, Joe Albertazzi and his crew at Albertazzi Construction have begun demolition work at the media center at 1623 Fifth St. In my book, this is cause for celebration.

How did we get here, and what does it have to do with noncommercial community media?

Thank you for your Big Day of Giving generosity

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From the board, staff and volunteers at Davis Media Access, we thank our community for tremendous support on yesterday's Big Day of Giving. We exceeded our BDoG goal in support of services including community radio station KDRT, local election coverage, and arts and culture programming. Much gratitude to Sacramento Regional Community Foundation and Yolo Community Foundation. Proud to be part of our region's nonprofit community!

Mayor Chapman guests on "The City Considers"

The City Considers - Davis Mayor Josh Chapman

Davis Mayor Josh Chapman is the guest on the most recent episode of "The City Considers." The show aims to provide discussion and insight into the people and services behind City government.

Elected to the Davis City Council in 2020, Chapman began his term as mayor in January of this year. He is the owner and manager of Armadillo Music in Downtown Davis, and has served on a variety of community boards and planning efforts.

Cherry Blossom Fest celebrates hope, art

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"In the Studio," host Tim Gaffaney talks with Gregory Wada, founder and executive director of the Davis Cherry Blossom Festiva,l which takes place April 13-14. They discuss what prompted him to start the festival; its conitinuing mission, the cultural role of Taiko and the groups that will perform at the festival. Also discussed: special food and beer, and the makers' fair with over 60 booths offering visual arts and crafts. Although admission is free, each year the festival identifies charities to which they funnel donations that are made at the festival, and new this year, they are accepting in-kind donations. Wtach the episode here, and for more information visit the festival website

"Open Country' screening to benefit KDRT

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What: 'Open Country' film debuts in Davis benefits KDRT

When: 3/10/24

Where: Davis Odd Fellows Hall, 415 Second St., Davis

Tickets online or at the door

Davis residents Glenda and Jesse Drew recently completed a documentary film on the history and politics of country music, an effort that's been a labor of love for the couple for many years. It is a gift, they say, to "community organizations, down-home music venues, alternative film spaces, union halls, and grassroots projects, as a means to spread the word and to help generate some funds and resources to continue doing the good work you do."

Yolo election results: So far, Davis schools tax is winning by a few dozen votes

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By Bill Buchanan for Davis Media Access

Posted 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 6

Measure N, the latest school parcel tax to go before Davis school district voters, is winning — but not by much.

The results won’t be final until the Yolo Elections Office counts all ballots, including ones that voters mailed on or before March 5 but don’t arrive for a few days after. The office explains the process in “Why it can take time to certify an election.”

As of this morning (March 6), the measure to impose a $768 tax per parcel of property in the Davis Joint Unified School District has received 7,194 yes votes, or 66.91 percent of the total counted so far, against 3,557 no votes, or 33.09 percent.

The measure needs two-thirds approval to pass, and has cleared that hurdle by less than one-third of 1 percent so far. For now, that margin of victory works out to about three dozen votes.

In other words, the outcome is too close to call as of March 6. Measure N supporters quoted in a story today by Monica Stark of the Davis Enterprise were hopeful. A story by David Greenwald in the Davis Vanguard called it a nailbiter.

Other Yolo results

Candidate, position statements available

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Each election season, DMA produces candidate and position statements for contested local races. This season's lineup includes 17 candidates running for: Congressional 4th, Senate 3rd; Yolo County Supervisor Districts 3,4,5; Superior Court Judge Dept 14; and position statements for Measure N in Davis. DMA's coverage is nonpartisan and a free service for candidates and the community; we take no position and make no endorsements. https://dctv.davismedia.org/collections/election

DMA partners with WCC on E-Learning Lab

Appreciating this recent article about DMA's multi-year partnership with Woodland Community College on its E-Learning Studio.

DMA to livestream LWV Yolo County Supervisor District 4 Candidate Forum

LWV Yolo County Supervisor District 4 Candidate Forum

Edit: The recorded program is available here.

Starting at 7 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 31, DMA will livestream abd record the League of Women Voters Davis Area's Yolo County Supervisor District 4 Candidate Forum. Please use this link to view. Click on "Notify Me" to setup an alert regarding the upcoming stream. Also please subscribe to our channel!

DMA to livestream Annual City of Davis Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration on January 15

30TH ANNUAL CITY OF DAVIS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION ON JAN. 15

Starting at 10:30am on Monday, January 15, DMA will be livestreaming the 30th Annual City of Davis Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. Please use this link to view. Click on "Notify Me" to setup an alert regarding the upcoming stream. Also please subscribe to our channel!

https://youtube.com/live/a5X500xc3vg?feature=share

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KDRT Highlights

Jazz After Dark June 16 2026

Jazz classics tonight. We'll hear from Benny Carter, Ella Fitzgerald & Eddie Heywood and His Orchestra, Helen Forrest, Chet Baker, Dinah Washington, Oscar Peterson & Ben Webster, The Ray Bryant Trio, Paul Gonsalves & Ray Nance, Paul Gonsalves with Earl Hines, Paul Desmond, Shirley Horn, and Jim Hall.

KDRT Live Broadcast – Davis Music Fest 2026!

Davis Music Festival is almost here! KDRT broadcasts live from Sudwerk's Hopyard stage on opening night – Friday, June 19 – starting at 4 p.m. Pacific, featuring performances by Wet Wreckless, Megan Slankard, and Marty O'Reilly. We're also live from Armadillo Music on Saturday at 3 p.m. with music by Anna May, Beti Masenqo, Maita, and Mission Delirium. Come on out, say hi to KDRT friends and fans, snag some DiRTy swag, and discover your new favorite band! Unable/out of town?

Davisville, June 15, 2026: House prices are rising, and it’s a good year for renters in Davis

2026 is a pretty good year for renters in Davis. The city’s vacancy rate has continued to grow, to around 10 percent, says real estate professional Kit Boschken on today’s Davisville. Rents are down from last year. Parts of the market are shifting, she adds— students are less interested in sharing a large house as a place to live, and students coming out of campus housing want leases that start in July or mid-June, instead of the Davis standard of Sept. 1.

“Next year we may be lowering rents a little bit again,” she says during today’s program. “I think we’re equaling out and trying to figure out where rents fall in this town, with the university having built a lot, and now [it] has housing for freshmen and sophomores. That really affects the Davis community too.”

As for single-family houses, prices are up about 4 percent from last year and the median price has hit about $915,000, says Steve Boschken. “Over a third of our properties in Davis are selling for a million or more, which obviously makes it very challenging for younger families, younger people, to get into a home,” he says. About 40 homes in Davis are below $700,000.

Steve and Kit Boschken are real estate brokers with many years of experience in Davis. I invite them onto Davisville about once a year, and today we talk about what they see in the Davis housing market as of summer 2026.

The Electric Compost Heap -- June 12, 2026

Tonight at 6 p.m. Pacific on The Electric Compost Heap, we'll spin a few tunes by artists appearing at this year's Davis Music Festival, happening in exactly one week! We'll also spin new tunes from the Bug Club, Cootie Catcher, and the Gnomes, and we'll remember James Blood Ulmer (pictured), who merged with the infinite last week at the age of 86. Hope you can join us at KDRT 95.7fm + KDRT.org!

Rehab your Monday with DJ Jojo Johanssen from 1-3 p.m, June 15

It's that time again! DJ Jojo takes a break from moving to offer you up two hours of rehabilitating tasty tracks bookended by The Herbaliser! Nestled in between those sensi buns will be some grooves from Nancy Wilson (be sure to tune in to see which Nancy Wilson), Freefall, Parcels (a listener's suggestion!), as well as a pretty fun mini bongo inspired section featuring a Nuyorican Soul remix. Beat the heat with some cool tunes! Coming to you live this Monday, June 15 from 1-3 p.m. Pacific time. No time to listen live? No biggie!

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