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In The Studio - The Davis Hootenanny!

In The Studio - Giving Voice to Everyone's Own Journey

The City Considers - Councilmember Donna Neville

In The Studio - Our Native Baritone

In The Studio - Davis Musical Theatre Company Turns 40

A Tribute to Tony Fields 2024

COVID-19 Community Report 2020-21

Starting in March 2020 in the beginning of the pandemic shutdown, Davis Media Access Executive Director Autumn Labbe-Renault started producing and hosting live radio shows on KDRT 95.7 FM airing Tuesdays 12-12:30pm and Fridays 12-12:30pm to help update the community about COVID-19. This show became a compendium of local resources with check-ins from local officials and other community leaders and represents an example of the importance of local community media centers serving as a hub for vital local information. Over 50 episodes aired.

Voter Education media available in five languages

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Davis Media Access (DMA) is pleased to be part of the Yolo Voter Education Grant, funded by the Walter & Evelyn Hass Fund and Yolo County, and administered through the Yolo Community Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to ensure that voters understand the “days and ways” to vote since all the changes enacted with the Voter Choice Act’s implementation in Yolo County two years ago.

The goal of the grant is to increase local voter understanding of how to vote. This includes changes to when (longer timeframe leading up to the election), where (fewer but centralized voting locations, mobile voting locations), and how (in person, by mail) voters may cast a ballot. The funders are particularly interested in reaching young/Latinx/Asian Pacific Island voters in precincts with historically low turnout.

DMA proposed an innovative project working with our partners in West Sacramento and Woodland. In West Sacramento, we’re partnering with community radio station KYWS to broadcast voter education messaging in five languages: English, Hmong, Punjabi, Russian and Spanish. We’re also airing these on KDRT in Davis, and we’ve made short animated videos that we’ve added to our Election November 2024 Programming. And at Woodland Community College, we’re doing direct outreach to students with bilingual English/Spanish materials.

Celebrate 20 Years of KDRT on Oct. 18

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Davis Media Access (DMA) and Sudwerk Brewing Company are pleased to invite our community to a 20th Anniversary Celebration of KDRT--low-power, high-octane community radio.

The party kicks off at 6 pm on Friday, Oct. 18, outdoors at the Sudwerk Dock and Hop Yard, 2001 2nd St in Davis. KDRT DJ Preacher will kick things off by spinning tunes chosen by KDRT show hosts to showcase the many sounds of KDRT.

At 7 pm, live music launches on the Hop Yard Stage with openers Max and Julian of The Big Poppies, and headliners Cowboys After Dark. Local artist groups will staff tables, and we'll hear some kind words and accolades for our beloved grassroots station, including recognition by Davis Mayor Josh Chapman. The Dock will have beverages and items from a limited menu for sale.

Did you hear the one about the eight-year remodel?

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By Autumn Labbé-Renault, Executive Director

In 2016, I convinced the board at Davis Media Access (DMA) that we needed a media lab. There was $225,000 in restricted capital funds sitting at the City. They couldn’t touch it, as it was earmarked for community media purposes. We’d never had bandwidth to consider its possible uses, until I proposed it be used to remodel the facility in order to build a media lab that could be used to further serve the community. So I pitched my idea to City Council and staff, and got the money—eight years ago. And then:

• Because the money was passed through the City, it was subject to prevailing wage, meaning that anyone who worked with DMA on this project would also be subject to significantly more paperwork and regulations

• As a result, we were declined many times over by architects unwilling to take that on for what was a relatively small commercial project. In 2018, then-board member Valerie Jones twisted the arm of Bruce Playle at Indigo Hammond+Playle Architects, and he was instrumental in moving the project forward (thank you, Bruce!)

• We then experienced a similar hiccup in hiring a contractor, but in the end signed a contract with Joe at Albertazzi Construction Inc. We were scheduled to start the remodel in April 2020, and you can guess how that went.

• The next couple of years were governed by the pandemic, and influenced by things like supply chain issues, contractor availability, and a 30 percent increase in the cost of materials. In 2022, we were able to regrade, resurface and otherwise make amendments to our parking lot as required by the City.

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

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KDRT Highlights

Davisville, Oct. 14, 2024: The Davis Night Market, offering free food every weeknight, turns 5

Each weeknight at 9, people gather in Central Park near 4th and C streets, some to receive surplus food, some to hand it out. This is the Davis Night Market (pictured), a small-budget volunteer venture created in 2019 to feed people and reduce food waste. We talked with two of its co-founders in January 2020, and the market has since grown to five nights a week. “The food is kind of the carrot to get people in. It’s more about the community,” adds Max Morgan, a volunteer since 2019. "People are in desperate need of community, as much as they need food.”

“We really have only one rule: take what you can eat,” says Joanna Sodke, a volunteer for nearly a year. “Anyone can come here and take food.” (There are limits on pizza, she says, “a very hot item.”) Donors include well-known food purveyors in Davis, plus people with extra produce from their trees and gardens. The market operates with a county permit. Sometimes a volunteer will need to talk a person through a difficult moment. Today on Davisville, Joanna and Max talk about how it all works, including why they meet at night.

Davis has 116 neighborhood parties this Sunday, and KDRT is providing a songtrack

Tune in to KDRT 95.7 FM or KDRT.org this Sunday, Oct.13, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. for a live broadcast accompanying this year's Davis Neighbors' Night Out. Your radio hosts will be program hosts Bill Buchanan (usual show Davisville) and Jim Buchanan (an original KDRT DJ who produces Live Tracks).

Billy Larkin, Eric Jordan, music and insight, on Listening Lyrics, Oct. 11, 2024

Billy Larkin and Eric Jordan join in today for a lively discussion, including AI in Music, Fobfest, KDRT's 20th anniversary, Pete Rose, Cissy Houston, Yolo's 4th Annual Mid-Winter Cabaret July 8th in Winters (an extraordinary evening of pure enchantment, fantastic talent, community, and the joy of giving.)

Davis Garden Show, Oct. 10, 2024

Today's topics: planting tomatoes in July for October harvest, turf types in local parks and suggestions for home gardens, using ollas for irrigation, mites on citrus, and more.

In the Key of Folk, Oct. 9, 2024

Your In the Key of Folk hostess, Karen Leyse, has spent the last week travelling to Idaho and back, so this week I bring you selections from my laptop files.

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