autumn's blog

Young filmmakers Eli Weiss, Dylan Starsinic and Dave Meddin are up for a regional award for a PSA they produced on cell phone cramming.

By Autumn Labbe-Renault, Executive Director

Published originally in The Davis Enterprise, Sept. 30, 2012

Seems just yesterday it was June and I was writing about election coverage. Though the importance of Nov. 6 is known nationally, I’m focused closer to home.

As the non-profit community media center serving Davis and Yolo County, Davis Media Access (DMA) has produced local election coverage since the mid 1980s, and considers voter education and community coverage core to our mission of creating community through media. This election season, The Davis Vanguard & Davis Media Access (DMA) will co-host a school board candidate forum, to be held in the Harper Junior High Multipurpose room on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. 

When Patrick Shearer and his wife Danielle moved to Davis earlier this year, he found himself with time on his hands and a need to explore his new town. Native to Australia, Shearer had established himself as a veterinarian in his homeland. He’d built up an impressive resume, working for private practices Down Under and completing an internship here in the States.

Information about a video project happening at DMA this Thursday, July 12: 

In mid-June, the community was rattled by a noose left hanging on the Davis High School football field.  In response to hate acts like this and others that have occurred in the Davis community in the past, the city’s Human Relations Commission is working in partnership with Davis Media Access, the community media center serving Davis and surrounding areas, to create a video collage focused on tolerance.  The piece, entitled “Speak Out for Tolerance,” will reflect on experiences and viewpoints held by Davis community members.

The Commission is inviting interested community members to participate in initial filming on Thursday, July 12, at Davis Media Access (1623 5^th Street between Redwood Barn Nursery and the City’s Corp Yard).  Filming will take place between 7pm and 9pm, and will

News from Davis Media Access

Contents

• Valuing an idea, lest it disappear
• From the Mailbag
• Cool Davis 2012 - Workshop on Community Choice Energy
• Shout outs & love
• Car/boat donations benefit KDRT

Valuing an idea, lest it disappear

"KDRT doesn't happen without community support. It can't. It's that simple."

 I'm mentoring a public relations intern this summer. Dan Dedoshka is a University of Oregon student who has committed his time to learning whatever I can teach him about writing press releases, branding, social media engagement, and more. While thumbing through one of his textbooks on PR yesterday, I commented that most of what he's being taught in school is likely geared at promoting products, versus ideas, and that sometimes in the non-profit world, what we're "selling" is just that--an idea, a philosophy, a credo, if you will.

Contents

• A note from the Executive Director
• More on phones - consumer rights: what are the issues?
• Yolo 2-1-1
• Registration open for summer kids' camps
• Shout-outs & love
• Opportunities
• Program notes
• Community events & fundraisers
• Thank you to our underwriters
• DMA needs your support
  

Featured this month on “In the Studio” are Peregrine School; Garden Vision 2012; Egyptian Uprising update; and Food Scrap Composting. 

“In the Studio” is produced at Davis Media Access (DMA), the non-profit community media center serving Yolo County. The program provides local newsmakers and community organizations with easy ways to promote their activities and events. DMA produces four

News from Davis Media Access - February 2012

DMA is the community media center for Davis and surrounding areas. DMA operates DCTV public access channel 15 and Educational Access Channel 17 (in partnership with the Davis Joint Unified School District), and low-power community radio station KDRT 95.7 FM. info@davismedia.org or (530) 757-2419 for more info. DMA is located at 1623 Fifth Street in Davis.

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Contents

• A note from the Executive Director
• DMA highlights both sides of Measure C
• Registration open for summer kids' camps
• Next Orientation Feb. 21
• DMA to participate in Americorps program
• In the Studio resumes regular production
• Program notes: DCTV, DJUSD and KDRT
• Thank you to our newest underwriters
• Car Donations Benefit KDRT
• Donate to Davis Media Access

A note from the Executive Director

My mantra as I talk to folks about Davis Media Access is "DMA builds community." The more we know about each other, the better informed and more compassionate we'll be. It's the touchstone I return to, and it's what keeps me doing this work. This newsletter brings you information about local election coverage; digital literacy opportunities for kids; capacity-building grants for our community; and a host of programs designed to educate, entertain and connect us. Thank you for reading, and for your participation and support. Please help spread the word about the good news that's DMA!

I would also like to announce that Ron Clement has been seated as the new Chair of the DMA Board of Directors. Ron has served on the board for two years and brings with him a wealth of experience in non-profit and foundation management. We thank him very much for taking up this mantle.
                                                                              --Autumn Labbe-Renault

Contents

• Annual Report Now Online
• Taking on Hunger at UC Davis
• Warm Fuzzies for Even the Biggest Grinch
• New Board Member Kate Snow
• Donate to Davis Media Access
• You Make a Difference!

Ah, December--one of those months in Davis where our community life overflows and everyone is intensely busy. That's certainly been the case at Davis Media Access. December has seen us finalize the new TV studio and begin to resume training and schedule productions; record winter performances in the schools, as well as a variety of community events; ramp up for grant-related outreach; and apply for new grants.

It was lovely to see some of you at our holiday mixer on Dec. 1, and if we missed you then, we promise many more opportunities for participation in 2012. Please note that DMA is closed from Friday Dec. 23 through Monday, Jan. 2, 2012.

In the meantime, and in the midst of holiday chaos, I always try to create a quiet, still space where ideas can germinate, and dreams, incubate. I'm looking forward to resting and recharging for the work that lies ahead in January, and on behalf of all of us here, send warm wishes and gratitude to all of you, DMA's friends and supporters.                                                                              -

    -Autumn Labbe-Renault, Executive Director

Contents

• Next General Orientation
• DMA consumer education grant
• Thanks to Karen Vanderford
• Why does the CAP Act matter?
• Volunteer nets award for short documentary
• Wrapping up the Backlot
• Check out these local media productions
• You make a difference!

Right now the question DMA’s staff is hearing most often is:  “when will the new studio be ready for me to produce shows?”

Thank you to the many businesses and individuals who made Sept. 17's "On the Backlot" celebration at Davis Media Access successful. We had a wonderful time unveiling our newly revamped community TV studio, celebrating KDRT's seventh birthday and highlighting local musicians. We also dedicated our recently built ramp to the memory of longtime volunteer George Moore.

Nat Lefkoff, Tha Dirt Feelin', Belle Francisco, Hardwater and special surprise guest Dave Nachmanoff all graced the stage. We thank them for their generous donation of time and talent. Thank you also to the Fire Performers of Davis for their impromptu performance.

Thanks to our generous business sponsors: Foley Jones & Associates; Strelitzia Flower Company; Chamberlain Farms; Linda Liu at Noodle City; and Soroptimist International of Davis. We'd like to give a nod to Carlos Barajas at Hibbert Lumber for his problem-solving skills and willingness to help. Thanks also to Watermelon Music, Redwood Barn Nursery, Kimo at A Grand Affair, Cleaning Pros, the Department of Motor Vehicles in Davis, and Hsui Young for generously helping us out.

Thanks to Mayor Joe Krovoza for performing the ribbon-cutting for the new studio, and for richly summarizing how communities with community media are more connected than those without.

Thank you to recent UC Davis grad Emily Miller for her donation of graphic design services.

Finally, DMA's many volunteers and supporters, and its wonderful board and staff, showed up in force to help, to experience and to enjoy. Former DMA Board President Andrea Jones co-chaired and should take a bow. Her leadership these past many years has been remarkable. We look forward to next year's event!