FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS
@THECALIFORNIAAGGIE
SERVING THE UC DAVIS CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY SINCE 1915
@THECALIFORNIAGAGGIE
THEAGGIE.ORG
@THECALIFORNIAAGGIE
VOLUME 149, ISSUE 11 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
Davis activates cold-weather services for unhoused residents as temperatures drop Seasonal emergency shelters and outreach programs aim to protect vulnerable residents from cold-related health risks BY ALMA CULVERWELL city@theaggie.org The City of Davis is set to activate coldweather services for unhoused residents throughout the first two weeks of January, as overnight temperatures are expected to dip this rainy winter season. The City of Davis works with local organizations and service providers each winter to connect people experiencing homelessness with shelter, warming resources and outreach services during periods of cold weather. These efforts are intended to reduce health risks associated with prolonged exposure to low temperatures. Jenny Tan, director of community engagement for the City of Davis, explained the thought process behind the program and the demographic they aim to serve. “The intent of the emergency winter shelter is to provide temporary housing to people experiencing homelessness during a period when they are most at risk from exposure to the elements; particularly during inclement
A storm cloud above Sol West Village in Sept. 2019. (Aggie File) weather,” Tan said. “The city’s Social Services and Housing Department mobilizes two sites for sheltering operations, typically beginning in November and closing in March, [in order] to offer refuge from cold and wet weather.” During the winter months, the city coordinates shortterm shelter options through referrals and encourages individuals in need to contact the City of Davis Homeless Outreach Team for assistance. Outreach workers aim to connect residents to emergency shelter, housing resources, health services and other forms of support. Tan explained the conditions for operating the winter shelter in Davis. “The winter shelter operates each year, regardless of
weather conditions,” Tan said. “As for other accommodations the city might offer, such as charging centers during power outages, those occur on an asneeded basis based on outages or current information.” Tan also outlined the array of services provided by the city for unhoused residents as part of the program. “The winter shelter provides items such as clothes, blankets, meals and casemanagement services,” Tan said. “These are not the only items. Through partners, items such as transportation can be made available.” Additional services are provided through partnerships with local organizations such as Paul’s Place, a Davis-based resource center that offers access to emergency, transitional and
supportive housing along with case-management and basic needs services. Countywide resources, including 211 Yolo, are also available to help individuals locate shelter, food and healthcare. Tan explained the various collaborations across departments and organizations. “The city works with local partners such as Davis Community Meals and Housing, St. Vincent de Paul, Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rehousing Team (HEART) of Davis and others for this endeavor,” Tan said. “The program offers between 18 to 20 beds nightly, prioritizes Davis residents and those with underlying medical conditions, seniors or people subject to predatory behavior. Access to the winter shelter
is by referral only through participating partners.” Tan further described the details of these partnerships. “Davis Community Meals and Housing is the operator of the congregate site [communal occupancy of living space] while the City of Davis Homeless Outreach manages the non-congregate site [individual occupancy of living space] in partnership with Hi-Wheel Flats,” Tan said. “In addition to the local partnership, the winter shelter is a great collaboration between multiple regional partners including Yolo County [Health and Human Services Agency] (HHSA), Communicare+Ole Mobile Medicine, Sutter Discharge and Turning Point Community Programs.” Tan also explained the
interactive process and strong role of the outreach efforts that are involved as part of the city-run program. “The outreach team at the City of Davis provides daily outreach to the unsheltered, including housing vouchers, behavioral/mental health clinicians, case managers, employment services, meals, laundry, emergency financial assistance, transportation assistance, mobile medicine and community shelters,” Tan said. “The city’s homeless outreach team, along with volunteers from local organizations, meet with and talk to the unsheltered every day, asking if they are in need of shelter or are aware of the resources and services available to them.” More information about unhoused services, outreach contacts and available resources can be found on the City of Davis Homelessness Resources and Information webpage. Community members who encounter someone in need during extreme cold can contact 211 Yolo or the Homeless Outreach team at (530) 7475819 and HOutreach@ cityofdavis.org.
Second arrest made in relation Davis Neighborhood Market to be held on G Street on Jan. 11 to 2025 Picnic Day shooting
19-year-old Stephon Wayne Stroman pleaded not guilty to a single count of possessing a loaded firearm while not registered owner
Davis Neighborhood Market is partnering with the Downtown Davis Business Association to promote vendors and small businesses
People enjoy the public seating on G Street. The Neighaborhood Market will be held on the street on Jan. 11, 2026. (Christian Cendejas / Aggie) BY GIA LOOMIS city@theaggie.org
The Davis Police Department on a rainy morning. (Christian Cendejas / Aggie) BY MADELYN SEVIGNY city@theaggie.org On Dec. 26, 19-year-old Stephon Wayne Stroman turned himself in at the Yolo County Jail on an arrest warrant for firearmrelated charges, according to the Davis Police Department. Stroman was formally brought before a judge in the Yolo Superior Court. He pleaded not guilty to a single count of possessing a loaded firearm while not the registered owner during a shooting that took place on April 12, 2025. Two teenagers and a 24-year-old were injured by gunfire at a block party hosted by the Davis chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, held at Community Park on Picnic Day. Melinda Aiello, Yolo County chief deputy district attorney, explained the details of Stroman’s case. “Mr. Stroman was arraigned on Dec. 30, 2025,” Aiello said
via email. “He entered a not guilty plea to the single count of the complaint. His case is next in court on Jan. 27, 2026 [...] at 9:00 a.m. for a preliminary hearing conference with a preliminary hearing set for 1:30 p.m. He is currently out of custody on $10,000 bail.” The other suspect, 19-yearold Joseph Allen Davis, was arrested on May 23, 2025 after police served a search and arrest warrant at his residence. Officers seized a loaded short-barreled AR-15-style pistol during their search, which Davis was prohibited from possessing because he was previously convicted of a felony gun possession offense. On Dec. 4, Davis pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office. Stroman’s arrest was made a few weeks after Davis entered his guilty plea. Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on March 26, 2026.
If convicted, he would receive up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Davis’ case is a part of Operation Take Back America, which was introduced by the Trump administration to target four objectives: illegal immigration, elimination of cartels and other foreign terrorist organizations, the implementation of homeland security task forces in every state and charging the most “readily provable” offense. More specifically, Davis’ case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which seeks to reduce gun violence and violent crime. While Davis pleaded guilty to federal charges, he still faces state charges in Yolo County, which include possession of an assault weapon and a largecapacity magazine. For more information and updates on arrests, visit the City of Davis Police Department Facebook page.
On Jan. 11, the Davis Neighborhood Market is hosting their recurring Neighborhood Market in Downtown Davis, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located on G Street, the market will feature over 40 local vendors, as well as a live DJ. With free entry, the event encourages attendees to come out and support small businesses, nonprofits and artists. This event is their first collaboration with the Downtown Davis Business Association, but it is not the first Neighborhood Market to take over Downtown Davis. The market was founded in 2022, when six siblings saw an opportunity to help out local entrepreneurs while enriching Davis’ already prevalent arts and fashion culture. Neighborhood Marker cofounder, Alex Barreto, shared the inspiration and beginnings behind the family-r un Neighborhood Market. “The Davis Neighborhood Market began in 2022 with the goal of creating accessible, communitycentered opportunities for local entrepreneurs,” Barreto said. “Since its launch, the market has hosted over 50 events throughout Davis.” Barreto also shared one of the reasons why the Neighborhood Markets is unique; specifically in the way it keeps the event environment different from a usual shop. “Each market brings together a wide range of vintage vendors, including vintage clothing sellers, artists and jewelers,” Barreto said. “This creates an atmosphere that
feels more like a community gathering than a traditional market. The [Neighborhood Market] organizers’ favorite part is connecting with the vendors to ensure that they receive as much exposure and support as possible.” Many vendors participate in the event time and time again — the Eclipse Dream, a local holistic crafts and crystal jewelry business, has participated
great way for eerie, niche artists to crawl out of the shadows and connect directly with local audiences,” Johnson said. “I’m especially excited to share my work in a space that celebrates creativity, small businesses and the unique character of Davis.” Previous participants continue to boast about the importance of events like Neighborhood Market’s for smaller businesses. The Roadside
“The Neighborhood Market was my very first booth in Davis. Great event and vibes with positive support to small Teresa Lupercio business vendors.”
Eclipse Dream business owner
in previous Neighborhood Markets and will be at the upcoming market on Jan. 11. The business’ owner, Teresa Lupercio, explained her positive experience at the event; an aspect of the market which encouraged her to come back. “The Neighborhood Market was my very first booth event in Davis,” Lupercio said. “[It was a] great event and vibes, with positive support to small business vendors. This event helped me to continue being inspired to grow, create and make use of my art and holistic gifts.” Another vendor at the upcoming market this weekend includes The Ghoulevard, a unique horror-inspired art and merchandise shop. The shop’s owner, Britney Johnson, explained her excitement for the shop’s first time participating in the market. “Markets like this are a
Retro Boutique, a small business which specializes in pre-loved and vintage curated clothing and accessories, partook in the most recent Davis Neighborhood Market. The owner, Bailey Shulkin, emphasized the necessity of markets that focus on supporting small businesses. “Vendor events like the Neighborhood Market play a huge role in supporting small businesses by creating opportunities to engage with the community, connect with other local vendors and grow their business,” Shulkin said. “The flexibility of participating in local markets allows us to continue operating, experimenting and building meaningful relationships.” The Davis Neighborhood Market will be held on G Street on Jan. 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free entry. Visit their Instagram for updates and to learn about upcoming events.