Good morning, Davis.

Today the Pence Gallery launched its 50th anniversary season with a new exhibit by artist Robert Ortbal—who transforms everyday materials into large sculptures that challenge ideas about identity and trade values through humor and community engagement.

The exhibit invites residents to experience creative art in a familiar space that sparks thoughtful conversation.

In the basement of Maria Manetti Shrem Art Hall, UC Davis students held the 'ODDITY' art show from Oct.

27-29, featuring over 20 works in print, ceramics, photography, and digital collage that explored strange and uncanny themes. The student organizers began planning the exhibit in August and are now preparing more events to involve the campus community in future projects.

Local Davis music store co-director Lucia Holmboe said that women are still mocked for their music tastes—an issue that dates back to early labels of hysteria and continues with modern fan criticism of stars like Taylor Swift.

Experts note that this longstanding bias affects how female fandoms are treated and call for a reexamination of these attitudes.

Davis Joint Unified School District held outreach events in November to get feedback on a potential district redesign that may involve closing schools and relocating programs if affordable housing projects are not approved.

The meetings at Davis Senior High, Emerson Junior High, and Da Vinci Charter Academy focused on proposals to address an expected decline of 1,000 students over the next 10 years — changes planned for the 2028-2029 school year.

Recently, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the 2025 Nobel Prizes in chemistry, physics and medicine and recognized breakthroughs including UC Davis research on metal organic frameworks for water capture and energy storage.

The prizes honor advances in quantum circuits and immune therapies—linking academic discoveries to global progress.

Many high school graduates are choosing trade schools for their lower cost and shorter program length — some programs cost between $3,800 and $16,000 — compared to four-year colleges with steep tuition fees.

However, some argue that a college education builds critical thinking skills and offers life experiences beyond just job training.

Real Organic Project is a movement that sets a higher standard for organic farms by requiring food to be at least 95% organic and by banning practices that harm animals or workers.

Farmers must adopt methods like crop rotation and avoid synthetic chemicals—ensuring ethical practices and environmental safety.

Governor Newsom vetoed SB 509 — a bill intended to train law enforcement on transnational repression that would have helped protect diaspora communities in the Central Valley — a decision that disappointed UC Davis students and advocacy groups who stressed the need for community action to safeguard rights.

Irving Berlin's White Christmas

7:30-9:30 p.m. — UC Davis Health Pavilion — Ticketed event — Experience the classic tale and songs of White Christmas in a vibrant live production that adds holiday cheer to the season.

Holiday Magic Concert

2-4 p.m. — Richard Brunelle Performance Hall — Tickets available — Enjoy an afternoon of your favorite holiday songs in A Capella style with Voices of California.