enterprise THE DAVIS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2022
UCD professor wins award for sci-tech breakthrough
Deck the halls
By Monica Stark Enterprise staff writer
Courtesy photo
As flooding in south and south-east Asia has had a detrimental effect on rice production, scientists for decades have worked RONALD toward figWorked on new uring out species of rice how to genetically modify the crop so it could withstand days of submersion. Sharing a common goal with the rice breeding and genetics community to help smallholder farmers grow rice in a manner that will alleviate challenges and enhance food security, UC Davis Plant Pathology Professor Pamela Christine Ronald and her team created a new species of rice that are resistant to submergence, bringing a longterm solution to nutrition problems to populations in many countries, especially
4350 Cowell was, once again, judged to be the top house in Davis. Derrick and Gayna Bang’s Christmas wonderland is always an amazing treat for the senses. The Bangs’ display features yuletide traditions, favorite pop culture characters, and lots of moving parts. Once again, get out of your car and check it out up close. Count the hidden Mickeys, check out the Minions — it really pays to look around. For more decorated houses from all around Davis, turn to Page A5.
See BREAKTHROUGH, Page A3
Enterprise photo
Holman named Citizen of the Year By Anne Ternus-Bellamy Enterprise staff writer Sandy Holman has been a unifying presence in the city of Davis for decades, working to promote understanding and love for diverse cultures and groups. Since founding the Culture CO-OP in 1991, Holman has led countless seminars, assemblies and presentations for residents of all ages, but with a particular focus on children. She also has mentored hundreds of UC Davis studentinterns who have since gone on to make their own impacts on the world, and spearheaded local events like the International Festival and Juneteenth. And all the while, invariably dressed in her favorite color purple, Holman has never shied from the tough topics of racism and supremacy
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Arts ���������������������B1 Comics �������� B3-B4 Movies ���������������B1 At the Pond �������A2 Forum �����������������B2 Obituaries ���������A4 Classifieds ���������A4 Holiday Lights ��� A5 Sports ���������������B6
ideology, bullying and more, but rather embraced the conversations with her trademark approach of love and compassion. For all of that HOLMAN and more, Holman Citizen of the Year is this year’s Citizen of the Year, an annual award (previously known as the Covell Award) bestowed on a Davis resident for outstanding service to the community over time. Individuals are nominated for the award and a committee of residents representing various activities in Davis select the recipients. The awards are presented at the annual Davis Chamber of Commerce Gala, to be held on Feb. 18.
WEATHER Saturday: Patchy fog, then sunny. High 61. Low 41.
“Sandy Holman’s contributions to the Davis community are as vibrant and authentic as her signature purple color,” said City Councilwoman Gloria Partida. “Her mission to create a culture of caring, optimistic, open-minded people has left an indelible mark on every child that has attended one of her school assembly presentations, read one of her books or accepted one of her soul-filling hugs. “Her documentary, ‘The Cost of Darkness,’ is forthright and moving,” Partida said. “The conversations she facilitates around the film expertly call you in rather than out, allowing us space to explore and remedy our racism and grow to be the best versions of ourselves.”
Sixteen-month-old Amanda Owens, right, was found dead in a motel room on Feb. 15, 2021, allegedly murdered by her mother’s boyfriend; her half-brother Elijah Washington was also hurt in the attack.
West Sac childhomicide case delayed By Lauren Keene Enterprise staff writer
WOODLAND — More delays plagued a West Sacramento child-homicide case this week as questions remain over the defendant’s mental capacity to stand trial. Derrick Dimone Woods, accused of fatally beating his girlfriend’s daughter nearly two years ago, was scheduled to undergo a mental-health evaluation after his public defender questioned in May whether his client could understand the nature of the legal proceedings and could assist in preparing his defense. During a status conference Monday in Yolo Superior Court, a representative of the Alta California Regional Center — which provides services to people with developmental disabilities — reported that the original vendor slated to evaluate Woods had contracted Covid, requiring a new evaluator to take their place. That evaluation was scheduled to proceed Dec. 19, with a report expected to be completed on Dec. 26, the representative said. Visiting Judge Stephen Mock ordered a further review on Jan. 6. Woods, 44, was arrested
See HOLMAN, Page A3
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See HOMICIDE, Page A3
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