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🌱 Patch AM: How did UC Davis leap into the top tier for free speech?

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Good morning Davis! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did UC Davis leap into the top tier for free speech?
  • How Davis students will turn Solar Suitcases into real-world STEM learning
  • New UC Davis fund aims to reshape California's grape and wine research

Also on today's calendar: The Melt - National Cheeseburger Weekend! Signup for Melt Rewards by 9/17 and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Sunny and not as warm, with a high of 80 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Thursday: Cool with sunshine, temps: high: 76, low: 52.
  • Friday: Sunshine and warmer, with a high of 89 and low of 56 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. UC Davis leads nation in improving campus free speech ranking (sacbee.com) — UC Davis has jumped more than 200 spots to rank 24th nationally and second among California campuses for its free speech climate, a major shift that directly reflects changes on your hometown campus. The ranking, from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, credits UC Davis' commitment to institutional neutrality and the Chicago Statement, while also noting students still show low support for non-peaceful protest tactics.
   

2. Teachers Trained in Solar School Curriculum (independentvoice.com) — Davis junior highs are rolling out new hands-on solar energy lessons after local teachers completed a 15‑hour We Care Solar training funded by PG&E in Winters. Students at Harper and Emerson will use Solar Suitcase Learning Kits to study real-world solar power and global energy access, potentially inspiring future STEM careers while connecting Davis classrooms to challenges facing off‑grid communities abroad.
   

3. Sun World International Celebrates 50th Anniversary (americanvineyardmagazine.com) — A major produce innovator is endowing a new research fund and tasting room tied to UC Davis Viticulture & Enology, strengthening the university's role in California's grape industry. Sun World International's 50th anniversary celebration highlighted decades of fruit-breeding breakthroughs and honored executive David Marguleas by directing long-term support to UC Davis students, faculty, and researchers.
   

4. Setton Pistachios plans expansion of number two Terra Bella plant despite challenging crop season (sierra2thesea.net) — Setton Pistachios, a major nut processor with a plant near Davis in Zamora, is moving ahead with a big expansion of its Deer Creek facility in Tulare County despite a sharply reduced 2026 crop. For Yolo County residents, the company's long‑term growth plans signal continued investment and jobs tied to the nearby plant, even as extreme heat and alternate‑bearing cycles squeeze pistachio yields statewide.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • UPDATE: Baby Ekko is home!
    Thank you all for keeping eyes and ears out for our little boy, we are so thankful for all of the support! If you are able, please keep an eye out… (Nextdoor Green Meadows)
  • Please drivers, when you're at a stop sign at an intersection, look both ways before proceeding.
    As a frequent pedestrian, I've had multiple encounters with drivers that get to a stop sign, only look one way, and then start driving. If it wasn't… (Nextdoor Green Meadows)
  • Panda Restaurant Group posted a job opening for Assistant Manager (P1-1357543-4) in Davis. Apply here.
  • University of California posted a job opening for Assistant Director of Development, College of Letters & Science (FUNDRAISER 3) in Davis. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Davis here.

Ok Davis! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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