Op-Ed | DHS Blue & White Foundation

Op-Ed

Davis is glowing with pride

The issue: We congratulate DHS Hall of Fame inductees and thank the Blue & White Foundation for its efforts

Our view | | September 24, 2009 20:27

It is with thanks and great pride that we've been watching the work of our Davis High School Blue & White Foundation. In less than six years, the ambitious undertakings of the folks involved are remarkable.

Shining the spotlight on the accomplishments of former Blue Devils, bringing honor to those who worked to make our high school special - all the time supporting programs and facilities that will mold future generations - the Blue & White Foundation should take a deep bow.

But taking credit isn't its thing. With the second class of the DHS Hall of Fame, the group gives credit by celebrating success, sacrifice, glory and commitment. The foundation reminds us of the rich history of a school not yet 90 years old.

ON SATURDAY, we have a chance to join family and friends of Hall of Fame inductees in saying thank you to five special people who, in their own ways, made campus or community life more vibrant, rewarding and important.

Army hero John Barovetto, a 1956 graduate, joins Class of 1978 entertainer Tony Fields, Olympic water polo great Craig Wilson (Class of 1975), volunteer athletic trainer Dick Lewis and Joanne Moldenhauer - at math teacher at DHS for more than 50 years - as the second class in the Hall of Fame. Barovetto, Fields and Lewis will be enshrined posthumously.

The five to be honored contributed in diverse ways.

Barovetto, killed in Vietnam in 1968 while on a rescue mission, worked hard to rebuild that country, even as the conflict grew. His sense of responsibility and his passion for peace were early lessons to our community.

Fields, who died much too young at 38, was a charter member of the Jazz Choir and grew from his local training to be a featured Broadway performer and music video regular. His turns in Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' and 'Beat It' videos helped make the productions iconic.

Lewis, for more than 50 years a trainer at UC Davis and then Davis High, was a healer, mentally and physically. His encouragement drew more effort from athletes than some knew they had.

Wilson, after a stellar career swimming and playing water polo at DHS, toiled in the nets during three Olympics for the United States. A trainer, speaker and coach, Wilson was been called one of the two greatest water polo goalies of all time.

And Moldenhauer - Her students continue to sing her praises, long after leaving the veteran teacher's classroom. Nurturing, demanding and showing students the importance of math in professional and personal life, Moldenauer is a classic example of what has made Davis High School what it is today.

THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE joins the Blue & White Foundation - and the countless thousands who have been served or inspired by these five people - in saying congratulations. And thank you

Who wants to buy a toilet?

By Heidy Kellison
May 29th, 2009

It's true, even in Davis; potty humor never gets old. Just ask folks at the DHS Blue & White Foundation. They're the ones raising funds to complete the renovation of our high school stadium at Halden Field.

The centerpiece of their Back on Track campaign is the most creative, limited-time only, shopping opportunity our town has ever seen. Here's how it shakes out: Buy an engraved brick for $100 or a larger paver for $300. Or you can name facilities: a bleacher row for $2,000, shot put and discus pits for $5,000, the bike parking area for $10,000, or the snack shack for a hundred grand.

Heck, for just $250,000 you can pay tribute to a crazy uncle every time you pass through the main entryway, named in his honor.

And for you really big spenders out there, here's another opportunity — naming the stadium itself — a mere half million. Davis is never without its bargains. Seriously. Imagine decades of advertising when the nightly news reports regional events from your fill-in-the-blank stadium.

There's an entire menu of upstanding ways to leave your mark, and you can see it at http://www.dhsbluandwhite.org. But apparently the one item not on the menu, yet most requested, is the place where everyone leaves a mark, albeit flushable.

That's right, people want to buy a commode, and some have inquired about private stalls.

The stream of intent remains unclear. Does the inquirer lack the fiber to candidly resolve a grudge with someone in our kindly town? Or is the urge to drop a load of cash on a bathroom more directly related to current lavatory conditions? If so, I really can't blame them — I'd rather find a bush.

For obvious reasons, requests like these will likely be denied, and before you pass judgment, hold it. It's a family stadium, after all.

In just a few short weeks, Halden Field will become a construction zone in order to renovate our nearly 50 year-old stadium — our oldest and most-utilized classroom. A rebuilt facility will be used by most Davis students who attend high school. Just look to any preschooler, elementary or junior high school student and know they'll need it for state-mandated physical education, team training and/or competition. And unlike our current senior class, they'll be able to graduate on their own soil.

What's especially exciting is the chance for Davis High to become a destination school for tournaments and events, infusing our athletic programs with more sustainable funds through expanded concessions, and our local economy with increased tourism.

We've all had to cut back in this recession, but the stadium can renew our faith in the future, drawing on the same community equity of an old-fashioned barn-raising. These are exciting times for our kids.

If you're still in the dumps about the bathroom thing, all I can say is, don't be too disappointed; be relieved. You can't have your own throne, but your dog can. Trees start at $500.

— Heidy Kellison lives and shops in Davis. Her column appears monthly. Reach her at heidy@cwo.com

Getting back on track

The issue: Let's all do our part to make Davis High School's new multiuse stadium a reality

Special to The Enterprise - Published: June 7, 2009

The attention our community gives education is unparalleled.

AND NOW, in the midst of some of the most smoky financial times in history, that commitment to education has been turned up a notch — and we should all applaud and support the efforts of those folks who have our kids' best interests at heart.

The Davis Schools Foundation's "Dollar-a-Day" campaign continues through June 15. We thank the foundation members for their efforts and can only cheer — with deep admiration — for our residents who dig deep every year to help provide the many educational opportunities our students receive.

But not every classroom has a roof, which brings us to the Davis High School Blue & White Foundation's incredible "Back on Track" stadium project.

Groundbreaking for the multimillion-dollar project is at 8 a.m. Monday at Dewey Halden Field at Davis High School, and we hope half the city turns out.

The five-decades-old facility is finally getting an overdue facelift — a two-phase undertaking that will benefit thousands of student-athletes long into the future.

WE ALL KNOW the scope by now: a new playing surface and running track will be added in phase one; a worthy scoreboard and improved fan facilities will provide comfort and safety by next fall.

The project will allow Davis to host track meets, junior football jamborees, the Blue Devils' own graduation ceremonies, soccer playoff games and regional gatherings that went elsewhere because of unsafe conditions and inadequate facilities. Eventually the new stadium will be a moneymaker … as much as $300,000 annually in revenue and off-campus rental fees.

When phase two rolls around, conveniences like snack bar and press box, restrooms and improved seating will be worth the price of admission (and construction).

Without the vision and gumption of people like Lynne Yackzan and Marty Morse, early foundation leaders who set the pace for the stadium project, the high school's athletic cornerstone may never have been laid.

Now, with the torch passed to foundation workhorses like president Mike Satre, Michael McDermott and Jason Fisk, reality is at hand.

AND THANKS, TOO, to the school board members, Superintendent James Hammond and retiring DHS Principal Michael Cawley, who understood the timing was right. It was a smart move. It's a move that only a community as dedicated and savvy as Davis would have been able to pull off, given the economic atmosphere.

Brown Construction has earned the contract; we thank them for their interest in the project and their concessions to make it all possible.

With the foundation laid, so to speak, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get cracking. Blue & White has promised to raise $1.5 million by March. The school district has capital-project funds earmarked.

Whether it's a small wall tile for $50, a personalized walkway brick for $100 or the stadium naming right for $500,000, let's put this project quickly over the top — and stand tall with what we'll accomplish.

Visit http://blueandwhite.org to see how to contribute. While you're there, tour the handsome new Web site. Drink in all the other work the foundation is doing.

THEY CALL IT Blue Devil Pride. We call it amazing. See you tomorrow morning …

Why the stadium is a priority

By Mike Satre | Special to The Enterprise | February 28, 2009 23:16

For decades, volunteers have been applying new paint, tightening screws, laying sod and replacing rusted, broken nuts and bolts at Halden Field, the Davis High School stadium. But things are at a point that volunteers and district maintenance crews can no longer keep up with the disrepair or safety issues, stadium advocates say. (Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo)
It is understandable that questions arise when reading headlines about prioritization of a track and stadium renovation on the same page describing possible cuts to teaching positions and/or salaries.

The most important fact in this seemingly incomprehensible situation is that by law, Davis school facilities funds are completely separate and distinct from general-operations funds used for teacher salaries and programs.

Further, a loan for facility projects has no connection to funds used for the operations budget, and funds to pay the loan come from school facility tax assessments, not parcel taxes for teachers and programs.

The Davis High School Blue and White Foundation also would like to clarify other questions about the stadium and stress the importance of undertaking this project now. This facilities project serves to correct safety and other issues for the district's largest, oldest and most utilized 'classroom.' This facility serves more than 2,000 of our students and - during events - several thousand spectators, student fans, band members and athletes.

The DHS stadium was built nearly 50 years ago to serve the needs of a high school of fewer than 700 students.

Today's student population is almost triple that, with a corresponding increase in demands for the facility. Since 1992, renovation of the stadium has been recommended by the district, but subsequently delayed while other capital priorities were completed.

In 2002, the Blue and White Foundation took an advocacy role for the project and began consulting and fundraising. As part of a district task force in 2006, we consulted with architects and visited or talked with 26 different high schools that had undertaken stadium renovations.

To date, foundation representatives have participated in nearly 100 meetings involving teachers, coaches, parents, students and district staff regarding the stadium.

This is neither a 'sudden' nor 'recently identified' facility need. The Davis Enterprise has accurately reported meetings, foundation fundraising efforts and district assessments (including where the money comes from and how it is not in conflict with other areas of funding).

Going forward, the Blue and White Foundation has always viewed the stadium project as a collaborative effort utilizing a combination of private and district monies. In fact, the foundation has taken an active, facilitative role with the district in devising strategies to assure that this is a project for which the district would not bear the full financial burden.

Use and needs

More than 420 students are enrolled in state-mandated physical education classes, and another 1,200 student-athletes participate in sports. For these P.E. students and their teachers, student-athletes and their coaches, the stadium is their classroom. This classroom is used at least five days a week, frequently for up to 10 hours.

Despite this demand, the stadium's dirt track and grass field, and the poor condition of these surfaces and surrounding areas (including bleachers), increasingly limits safe use while incurring supplemental maintenance and constant repair costs. The conditions are now such that more and more schools refuse to participate in events at our stadium.

Finally, the stadium's current layout and limited capacity of only 1,600 (together with the poor condition issues), prevent its use for important schoolwide events, including graduation. As a result, the district spends from the general fund to hold such events off site. The cost of holding this year's graduation at UC Davis will exceed $16,000.

For decades, volunteers have been applying new paint, tightening screws, laying sod and replacing rusted, broken nuts and bolts. But things are at a point that volunteers and district maintenance crews can no longer keep up with the disrepair or safety issues.

The district assumes liability for both workers and the work performed. All structural, electrical and grounds repair and construction must strictly adhere to regulations from the Division of State Architects governing design, plans, materials, labor and workmanship. These ever-tougher regulations now make it impossible for much of the work to be done by volunteers.

Alternative sites

Use of UC Davis' Toomey Field has been proposed as a stadium remedy.

In 2006, the Woodland vs. DHS football game was held at Toomey Field at a cost of $15,000. In this instance, district costs were negated owing to the generosity of a single donor.

Assuming costs remain the same, the price to use Toomey Field for multiple sports, track meets and graduation would exceed $450,000 a year. And these costs to the district would not come from facilities funds, further impacting the very funds we are concerned about for other programs and teachers.

Further, NCAA rules and scheduling would eliminate Toomey as an option for the 200-member DHS track team, since it is also the training and meet venue for UCD's track team.

Cost and revenue

Events at the DHS stadium provide revenue from admissions, concessions and advertising. Renovation of the stadium would increase revenue from hosting jamborees, clinics, invitational meets, tournaments, playoffs, festivals and other events - fees for the use of our facility.

Other comparable high schools report revenues exceeding $200,000 per year from the use of their modernized stadiums. These events also would generate income for the local business community as fans and participants stay in town, eat here and spend their money.

Meanwhile, ongoing maintenance and repairs of the present stadium are an increasing drain of general district funds. New, more efficient lights, together with a switch to durable, all-weather track and field surfaces, will reduce maintenance costs while increasing availability and use. Many schools report savings approaching 27 percent with the switch to comparable materials.

Further savings to the district would be possible through incorporation of 'green' building practices, making the facility lead the way toward meeting the city's carbon-reduction goals.

While this is clearly a time of hard budget decisions, this is a perfect time to move forward on this project. Financing and materials costs are low. The lease/lease-back construction delivery method creates flexibility for the district and opportunities for gifts-in-kind contributions. Together with foundation fundraising, these factors all serve to reduce the district's cost for the stadium.

Conversely, waiting will result in higher building costs, while repair, maintenance, utilities and off-site use costs increase.

Donations, pledges and grants to the Blue and White Foundation are approaching expiration dates, and could be lost. And above all, waiting does not solve the immediate safety issues or use needs.

Finally, because facility funds cannot be used to pay teachers, delaying this necessary project - yet again - is not a remedy for the financial shortfall affecting teachers and programs.

- Mike Satre is the father of three students in the Davis schools, a Davis High School alumnus, coach of the DHS JV football team and president of the Davis Blue and White Foundation. While a student at DHS, he was a member of the Madrigal and Jazz choirs and was the principal cellist in the DHS Orchestra.

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We're 'Back on Track'

Foundation kicks off $1.5M drive for DHS stadium

Special to The Enterprise - Published: April 19, 2009

There's a reason all of us choose to live in Davis. Maybe it's the wide bike lanes, or the magic of watching your child on the Flying Carousel of the Delta Breeze. Perhaps the Rainbow City playground has left its print on your heart, or you are drawn to some of the extraordinary shows at the Mondavi Center.

We have Picnic Day, the Whole Earth Festival, great holiday parades, and Halloween treats downtown. There are parks and pools and the Farmers' Market. Yes, this is a great place to live.

That's why I'm so proud to formally launch the "Back on Track" campaign to renovate Dewey Halden Stadium, a centerpiece of Davis High School, and, thus, our community as a whole. With a goal of raising at least $1.5 million to blend with our school district facility funds — those that cannot be used for staff and programs — we will finally renovate our largest, most utilized, decaying educational facility.

Coach Halden was an incredibly gifted teacher and coach at Davis High School. He invested in relationships with his students because he felt responsible for helping form their character; ensuring they'd do well in life. As part of his retirement gift, the stadium was named after him, honoring his commitment to kids, and celebrating more than 100 championships.

He would have been happy to know his stadium was being renovated. More to the point, though, he would be thrilled that Davis was again following his longtime motto: "Be excellent and the score will take care of itself."

In 2002, I became a founding member and the first president of the Blue & White Foundation. I was drawn to the idea of stadium renovation in part because of my own experiences, as my parents stopped coming to home games because of the inaccessibility of the facility.

But while our first major endeavor is to modernize Halden, the foundation supports all student and alumni activities. Our mission is "… to encourage, strengthen and sustain the interaction between Davis High School and its alumni and friends, and to encourage philanthropic support for Davis High School."
That's really a proclamation of what we do best: supporting our kids and investing in our hometown. I'm especially proud that we created a Hall of Fame, which honors alumni and staff from all disciplines. We've also organized and maintain a directory of more than 20,000 alumni.

Starting out as a group of near-strangers who felt called to create positive opportunities for our community, seven years later, we are still very much a collaborative effort, men and women volunteering their time to celebrate the past and work toward a bright future. We love to dream big, and then work hard to see those dreams come to life.

I've found that volunteers stepped out of the shadows simply because investing in this special community tugs at their hearts. Marty Morse, a 1987 DHS grad and former student-athlete, served enthusiastically as our second president. Many of the lessons he learned on the field — preparation, practice and competition — are the same skills he uses to run his business, and motivate his staff today.

Returning to Davis after college, Mike McDermott, a 2002 grad, took the reins from Marty. If you were to ask Mike, he would say he is most proud to have been a part of foundation because we never gave up.

Countless times we were told that the stadium renovation would never happen, but look where we are today: ready to break ground on an all-weather track and field. Under the leadership of President Mike Satre, a 1977 grad, our commitment will provide finishing features like bleachers, restrooms and a snack bar.

Over the past several years, the people of Davis have made amazing investments in their community: new schools and facilities; the new gymnasium at DHS; the remarkable Performing Arts Center. Along the way, we have debated, compromised, raised money and united for our children. Earlier this month, we received word that Davis will become home to the world-class U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame.

Now it's the stadium's turn.
It's not just for the physical education department or athletics. It's for the pep band, whose members play their hearts out every Friday night in the fall. It's for the adult who runs the track every morning at 6 a.m. It's for the physically disabled who will be able to access the bleachers. And it's for future classes who will finally graduate on DHS soil.
This stadium is for the community!

The overwhelming majority of our high school students will use the stadium this year, and tens of thousands will follow them. An infrastructure investment of this magnitude will benefit future generations — and, as the great citizens of Davis have long recognized, when we invest in kids, we always win.

I think Coach Halden was right — just focus on being excellent and the rest will take care of itself.

Visit http://www.dhsblue andwhite.org where you will find ways to volunteer, endorse and donate to get the stadium "Back on Track." This is an opportunity for all of us to give something — large or small. Let's create something that will still be here, decades from now, serving our students, and lighting a path toward their bright futures.

— Lynne Yackzan, a 1972 Davis High School graduate, is the founding president of the Blue & White Foundation.