Lake Solano Trip - Creepers, Lizards, Woodpeckers and More

Had a lab outing to Lake Solano last week. Saw some nice creatures there - pictures below.

What a waste in #Davis - a whole election & associated material for one vote

Well, however you feel about the Wildhorse Ranch vote in Davis, this whole election just seems absurd. A whole election just to vote on this one thing? And do they really need a multi-page color sample ballot? So if I could, I would vote to require these "special" elections about rezoning to only happen if there already was another important election going on. Even if the pro-Ranch crown pays for the election, it just seems like a waste ...

Walkscore - software for walkability of communities goes open source

Just got this email (see below) from WalkScore that I thought might be of interest to Davisites. Walk Score is one of several types of "software for civic life" from Frontseat. This systems allows one to evaluate the walkability of a community or address. And now they are looking to release the software for WalkScore at Walkscore.Org as an open source development. And they are trying to get more people involved in this - including asking for what new developments they should make. I have suggested previously that they should incorporate bikability. And if you agree, you should vote for it here.

Dear Jonathan,

You deserve a break. Take a sec to:

• Cast your vote on how to improve the Walk Score algorithm.
• Friend us on Facebook so we can claim the Walk Score URL.

Also, we're thrilled to announce our Rockefeller Foundation grant (see below).

— The Front Seat Team

Vote on Walk Score improvements

We just launched WalkScore.org — a new website where you can vote on Walk Score improvements. We're also releasing open source code for Walk Score on this site.

Friends with benefits

Can you help us get to 100 fans on Facebook so we can claim a URL for our Facebook page?

Let's create a Facebook group of people who support walkable neighborhoods.

Rockefeller Foundation grant

We're using our new grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to improve Walk Score and make it open source. Sign up on WalkScore.org to get notified when the code is available.

East Quad Farmers Market

Another nice thing for the fall and spring on Campus at UC Davis - Wednesday from 10-2 or so there is a Farmer's Market in the quad. It is not huge, but if you want some fresh/local produce - this is a good place to get something. See here for more detail: East Quad Farmers Market

Some #UCDavis students running 'Operation DeGeneres' trying to bring @TheEllenShow to town

Strange, funny, and true. Some UC Davis students are working to bring Ellen Degeneres to town.

From their site:

Operation DeGeneres was founded by UC Davis students and is an effort to have Ellen DeGeneres grace us with her presence at UC Davis--in either a speech to the campus or as keynote speaker at the 2010 graduation ceremony. She's funny, she's inspirational, and she probably has many words of wisdom.

For more information see:
Operation DeGeneres - Home

I note- my kids (4.5 and 2.5 yrs old) would like this - as Ellen is one of the voices in Finding Nemo ...

More on #UCDavis Prof. Emeritus Bernie Alder's National Medal of Science

More information on UC Davis professor emeritus Bernie Alder's National Medal of Science Award can be found here: UC Davis News & Information :: Prestigious National Medal of Science goes to physicist

Among his many achievements was pioneering work in the field of Molecular Dynamics. He also was one of the founders of the UC Davis Department of Applied Science. Oh, and my wife is good friends with his daughter Janet --- and Alder and his whole family are simply amazing.

#UCDavis expands programs to support alternative modes of commuting

UC Davis has started an enhanced program to encourage people to not drive to work. It is called "goClub" and includes programs for walkers, bikers, carpoolers, etc. For bikers, like me, see goBike
for more information.