 You're tuned into the COVID-19 community report here on KDRT LP 95.7 FM in Davis, California. I'm Autumn Lab-A-Reno and today is Tuesday, October 20th, 2020, it's a whole lot of 20s. We're sharing local news and resources focusing on what's impacting Davis and nearby cities in Yolo County during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today marks episode 40 of this show. Apparently COVID's not going anywhere and neither am I. My guests are Jessica Smithers of the Davis Cemetery and Bobby Wiest of Davis Firefighters Local 3494 and we'll get to them in just a few minutes. Davis Media Access is proud to be a community partner for a free speech week, October 19th through the 25th. When we're highlighting our projects in youth media, local election and voter education programming, public affairs, and advocacy for local nonprofits, arts, and music. And today, October 20th is Community Media Day and you may ask, what is community media? To be clear, it's not commercial media and it's not federally subsidized public media such as PBS or NPR. It is non-profit, hyper-local outlets like this one here, Davis Media Access. Community media supports local creators, increases conversations around municipal matters, sponsors, and understanding of local cultures and shares information that improves our lives. Please show your support for Davis Media Access and help us continue to be able to provide these resources for the residents of Davis and Yolo County and you can learn more at davismedia.org. Well that's the fun stuff. Now I'm going to tell you that COVID case numbers crossed some discouraging boundaries in the past week, 40 million cases and over one million deaths worldwide. And 8.26 million of those cases are in the United States alone with about 220 deaths in this country as well. And if you look at those numbers, that means nearly a quarter of the worldwide deaths have been right here in the U.S. of A. And in California, roughly 883,000 cases have been reported and about 17,000 deaths. And you know, all states, almost all states are dealing with a resurgence right now, pretty much what the CDC said would happen is happening. Drilling down into those numbers closer to home as of yesterday, Yolo County's dashboards report over 3,000 cases, 3,073, 56 deaths and a test positivity rate of 4.85 percent countywide. On Friday, the county announced a new grant program providing assistance to renters who have been impacted by COVID-19. The program is meant to support renters who are at greatest risk of displacement due to COVID and a related inability to pay their rent or utilities. Applicants must be very low income, defined as 60 percent of the median income for the area or low income, which is 80 percent of median income with proof of a high rent burden and who have experienced financial difficulties due to COVID. A one-time payment of up to $4,000 can be dispersed directly to landlords or utilities. Applicants must demonstrate loss of income or increased medical or child care cost or loss of child care itself due to COVID. All right, here's the place to apply. I'm going to read it twice. YCH.CA.gov slash COVID-19 slash 2020.PHP. YCH.CA.gov slash COVID-19 slash 2020.PHP. If that fails, go to yolocounty.org and look for rent assistance there. The fund opened October 16th and remains open until all funds are exhausted. We are going to take a brief moment for music, and we'll be back with our first interview shortly. All right, we are going to talk about cemeteries today, and in particular, the Davis Cemetery District and Arboretum. Each October, the cemetery holds a really wonderful Dia de los Muertos celebration. And can you think of a more fitting setting for our local adaptation of this beautiful celebration of life and death that originated in Mexico? And today it's celebrated all over Central America and here in the U.S. Despite COVID, the celebration is on in a modified fashion, and we'll hear from Executive Director Jessica Smithers how it's been adapted for this year. We'll also learn about some of the other unique features of the surprising local resource. Welcome, Jessica. Thanks so much for joining us. Thanks for having me, Autumn. So please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to be managing a cemetery. So I, Terry, it's actually a wonderful, even being a Davis resident, how much our cemetery had to offer. It was a really great opportunity. I find that people either love cemeteries or they don't. I fall into the love category. I actually look for cemeteries when I go traveling because history and interesting plants and just interesting things to see. And I live about two blocks away from the Davis Cemetery and I've walked through there many times over the years. Something I've always been curious about, why is it called a cemetery district? So we are part of the California Special District Association. So rather than being a county run cemetery or a city run, we're considered a California Special District. So that's where the district comes from. Okay, well tell us a little bit about the history of this place when you manage, that you manage, when was it started, for example? So, the 55, however. Okay, one of the things I like about old cemeteries is you can see these sometimes huge family plots and they really help tell the story of a place. You know, who were the families who came here originally? And how did they shape this place as it grew, as it came to be? But beyond that, the Davis Cemetery is truly a unique local resource with attributes including an arboretum, two labyrinths, and an art gallery. So let's take those one at a time and talk about how they came to be and what they offer. Let's start with the arboretum aspect. In early 2012, we became a level two accredited arboretum, which means we have over 100 tree and woody plant species. The arboretum is unique in that there's not a designated area on our 24 acres, but rather it's throughout our property. So it's really a great opportunity for our community members to come out and explore all of the different plant and tree varieties that we have available. And that accreditation, we go through a renewal process every five years to keep our accreditation. Great, and so I've noticed when you walk through some of the, you know, the specimens, they're labeled. I've noticed that some of them are, are California natives. Is there any particular emphasis on the plants as you add to the collection? So it's definitely picking plants then. We've tried a variety of shrubs that will attract other local insects. And we like to try to coordinate in areas. So you'll notice when you walk through the cemetery, we have certain areas where we're heavier on the variation of tree species, where in more of the historic sections of the cemetery, you'll find our bulb gardens and our scent gardens. So we really try to make it an experience as you walk through. So I imagine that's the easy place of managing the cemetery these days because it's outside, people can social distance. But some of your other things, I'm thinking of the art gallery you have on site. I imagine there's been some pretty significant pivots due to COVID. Can you tell us about those? Yeah, so gallery 1855 is a presenter artwork on a monthly basis. Unfortunately, because our administrative space is so small that in March we had to make the decision to shut the gallery down. We've made that decision to run through December. So we're hoping come January that we will be able to start having smaller shows again. We are working with some various local artists to explore the option of having outdoor art shows so that it will still give the artist an environment to present their work. But unfortunately, right now with all of the social distancing restrictions, it's really not feasible for us to have it open. Right, right, and with fires and winter coming on. So it sounds like maybe a good thing to pursue sometime in the new year. So right there, you mentioned your administration building. There's a labyrinth in the grass outside that building that's really cool. I've walked it many times, but I was kind of surprised recently to realize there's a second labyrinth there. What can you tell us about those? So we have a labyrinth, but the first labyrinth is located right outside of our administrative building. There's an informational sign at the beginning and it kind of directs you into how to walk through the labyrinth, what they'll listen for. So some people, when they come, they think that they're going to find something similar to a corn maze. That's not what our labyrinth is. It's a designated area on the ground that we have a DG pathway through. And it's really a great opportunity to just sit and listen. We have a lot of animals, a lot of birds, so it's a great opportunity to explore outdoors. Right, and I believe it's part of a scavenger hunt you have going on over there, what can you tell us about that? Yeah, so what we've done is in light of COVID, we've really spent some time looking at how can we draw community members, both adults and children, to the cemetery to be able to be outside, get exercise, but maintain that social distance. So one of the things that we just put into place last month is we have a scavenger hunt, and it's a 10-stop scavenger hunt. It's really designed for elementary school aged children. And what you do is you start at the administrative building. We have a five-by-seven card that will give you a hint for each of the stops. When you find each stop, you'll find a scavenger hunt sign. And those signs are geared to provide a little bit of information about what you're looking at, as well as the history of the cemetery. And then for adults, we have a history tour. And just to touch on what you said at the beginning of our conversation, the families that are historic to Davis, we sit on the mainly old-child ranch farm property. And so we have a 25-stop history tour. And it's the same idea you start at the administrative building, but it takes you throughout the cemetery. And at each family stop, you'll learn about that specific family and their contributions that it's made to the community. Nice. And are there a map or brochures or something when you get there? There is, there is. Great. Since I prefaced this talking about the Dia de los Muertos celebration, which I've attended many years and I love, it's usually, there's a big community-built altar. There's, in normal times, there's people singing out there. There's various performances. And I know that you're still doing it, but I don't know what, what COVID has, how it's changed it. So what's going on for this year? When and what time and all of that good stuff. So, you know, in the past, you're right. We've had speakers. We've had dancers. We've had pendulce and hot chocolate that we provide to the community. And this year, we really had to take a close look at how do we keep our community members safe? How do we keep the health a number one priority but still offer an event? And so what the district determined would be the safest approach this year is starting on Friday, October 30th and running through Sunday, November 1st on our Eastern internal roadway. So that's the roadway that ends behind our administration building. We will have an altar that's set up. We're gonna do the initial set up and then encourage community members to add to that altar. We also have been working closely with Melissa Moreno who has historically been a co-organizer of the event. She worked with me to put together some informational signage. So throughout the roadways, we'll encourage people to stop and park. As they're walking to the altar, they'll see various signs that we've created that really talks about the history of Deo de los Martos. In addition to that, the Plan for Resilience Organization is a group of local artists that they've been doing a lot of the sidewalk murals all around town. We have one of their artists that's gonna be doing a rather significant mural that will be themed for Day of the Dead. And that's gonna be at the end of our roadway. So if you're familiar with the cemetery, when you go through our back internal roadways, it ends on a large circle. So that large circle is where the pavement mural will be installed. So that will be there and that will probably last a few weeks. So our formal event will be those two days, but it will be there for people to explore after that as well. Great, and I didn't mention this earlier. I think most people in town knows where the cemetery, I know where the cemetery is. It's big, it's kind of hard to mess, but it's roughly, it stretches along Polline and meets at the corner of Polline and eats 8th in East Davis. And did you say it was 24 acres? It's pretty big. It is, it is. And you know where we have a hill kind of in the middle of the cemetery. And what a lot of people don't realize is behind that hill, we have another 14 acres that's completely undeveloped. So it's a great place to come out and walk, to explore in the springtime. It's filled with California poppies. It's absolutely beautiful. That brings up a good point though about walking. Predating your time, there used to be a horse ranch out behind it and it was kind of an informal dog park for a long time before Toad Hollow Dog Park was built. It's probably a good moment to remind people that you can walk dogs through there if they're on leash. Is that correct? Yeah, we encourage animals, so we do require them. Right, and I think it brings up the whole notion of respect sort of people aren't sure can I actually go into a cemetery if I'm not visiting a gravesite? Is it forbidden to walk across the grass? So what do you tell people about, how to use the cemetery and how to be respectful? We really encourage people to come. The one thing that we recommend is, if you notice somebody visiting a grave to make sure that you keep your voices down if you're with a group, no shouting. We prefer no loud music. And then occasionally we'll have to remind people that monuments are, they're just that. They're a monument. They're what you go to to pay respect. They're not to be used as a bench or something to sit on. But what I found is that people are really, they're really courteous and they acknowledge that there's certain areas of the cemetery where you see active graves and people generally avoid those areas if they're not visiting or not part of one of our self-guided tours. But in the back there's a ton to explore. All right, lastly, before we finish up, where can people get more info? Let me have you give your website and a phone number please. Yeah, so it's www.DavisCemetery.org. That has all the information about our outreach activities as well as our different tours. And then our phone number is 530-756-7807. Great, Jessica, thanks so much for coming on today and for sharing a bit of what you do there. And I'm gonna take the history tour, I haven't done that. So thank you. Okay, thanks for having me. All right, take good care. Okay, that was Jessica Smithers, Executive Director of the Davis Cemetery District and Arboretum. Learned a lot of interesting things there today. We're gonna take a brief break and I'll be back in just a minute. Okay, our local firefighters aren't heroes just because they fight fires both here in town and out on wildfire strike teams. But because they capitalize on that, they work all year long to raise money and the profiles of many local causes. Joining me today is Bobby Weist, President of Davis Firefighters Local 3494. We're gonna chat about the annual fill the boat, boot, effort, and turkey basket program. Hi there, Bobby, thanks for joining me. Hi, Autumn, thanks for having me. You bet. So normally this time of year, we're driving around town and it's common sight to see a firefighter standing at a busy intersection holding a boot. And we smile and we stuff money in the boot and we go on and feel good about our day. And let's talk about how it's different this year. All thanks to COVID. Oh yeah, yeah, this year it is different. You know, we've been trying to stay safe and trying to stay healthy so that we can, you know, continue doing our job. So this year, like many things, we're gonna be doing a virtual fill the boot. There's three ways you can donate. Unfortunately, we won't be out there on the corner. We love doing that, because it's fun talking to people and seeing them and interacting with them. But the three ways you can donate is through Venmo at Davis 3494. You can pay by check and make them payable to Davis Firefighters Local 3494 and nail it to 535th Street, Davis, California 95616. Or when you go to Dose Coyotes to get yourself a burrito, Bobby Coyote always has a boot out at this time of the year at both locations and collects money to help us out as well. One of the things I'd also like to say is 100% of the money raised goes right back to the community. Absolutely. We don't use it for anything else. You know, I think last year, luckily the numbers have come down a little bit. Unluckily, the prices have gone up. It cost us, I think we did, we fed 650 families last year. And it was about $18,000. Yeah, you're right. I mean, the price of groceries, I think we've all noticed has skyrocketed during this pandemic. So that's maybe incentive for everyone else. If you were gonna put in 20, put in 25 and help the firefighters get that goal. 650 families, that's a lot of people you're feeding. Right. Yeah, let's break down the ways to pay that you just talked about. I use Venmo all the time. Not everyone knows what it is or uses it. It's an app and you can send and receive money through it. And just so you know, when you go on Venmo, if you just start typing in the search, Davis firefighters, it pops right up. So you don't need to remember the whole FFL 3494. And you can easily donate there. And on your Facebook page, there's a QR code. And so what you can do in Venmo is you can just hold your phone right up to that Facebook page, scan the code. It'll take you there too. It's really easy. And then I'm gonna give that address again to the fire station on 5th Street, 535th Street. And that's Davis, California 95616. And let's give some props to Bobby Coyote and Dose Coyotes for doing that. I have been in there many years and seen that boot sitting on the counter overflowing. So, yeah. And since we're doing that, I'd also like to give a shout out. This has gone on for 34 years. And the Davis community has supported us doing this every year. All of you that have come through and given, dropped some money in the boot. And it's amazing because some people are giving the money they have in their ashtray. And because that's all they have. And every single cent helped. So, thank you so much for that. But we also have like Recology, is used to be Davis Ways from MobileMouse Recology. And they are big contributors to us along with Safeway who helps us out every year. And we have a new one. PG&E this year is going to be helping us with some donations. Good for them. Right. Yeah. Every bit helps and we appreciate it. And I know the people do. The irony on that last one is not lost. Right. So, I understand. We've been quite busy this year. I'm glad to hear. I know. As you know, I follow you all on social media. And it's just been an astounding year every year. Of course, we've worked together on fire relief benefits too. And every year just gets worse and worse. So, I'm one among many who are just bowing to you all for the job that you do. Thank you so much. And I do have one other question because one of my favorite six-year-olds asked me to ask you this question. Will firefighter Santa ride through the neighborhoods again this year? I hope so because I love seeing Santa out there. And I know he loves to come here and see all the kids and talk to them and find out what they want. Yeah, he's going to do his best to be here. To be here. Cool. You know, knock on wood. I guess everything I'm seeing, you know, that the numbers are starting to go up again for COVID. And hopefully we can get people to keep wearing their masks. I know it's been a long time. Everybody's frustrated and everybody's tired of this thing. But for your kids, for your grandparents, for your parents, you got to wear the mask. That's good advice. And I want to thank you for spending a few minutes with me today to talk about this and want to encourage everyone to do what you can to help the firefighters local 3494 do what they do every year and feed a whole bunch of hungry families a good holiday meal. Thanks so much, Bobby. Oh, thank you. All right, take good care. Bye-bye. All right, thanks for tuning in to the COVID-19 community report. I'm going to sign off till next week. I'm going to tell you our show then will be a little bit different. I'll be joined by five local faith leaders who approach me because they'd like to talk about community and anxiety.