This is the first in what will be a periodic series that aims to monitor the coverage presented by the Davis Enterprise. At times we will point out stories that the Enterprise has not covered, other times stories that the Enterprise has spun or distorted, other times when the Enterprise misses key points in stories, and then there are times when for no apparent reason the Davis Enterprise will cover some minor non-event that will be as telling as any story that they tell.
Such was the case on Sunday, December 24, 2006 when the front page carried not a story but a single picture with a single caption. The caption tells of a Christmas Party where Bob Hamilton from Golden, Colorado, talks with Chuck Roe at Pyramid Construction. The two were former college buddies and Hamilton was stuck in Sacramento because of a blizzard in Denver that closed the airport.
What this does not tell us is what is Greg Rihl, a Davis Enterprise Staff photographer doing at a private party in Davis? This private party just happened to be hosted by the most influential developer in Davis and a member, along with John Whitcombe and Tandem Properties, of the Davis conservative elite.
It is very telling that Davis Enterprise Assistant Publisher/ Editor Debbie Davis would send a paid staff reporter to cover such an event. Roe is currently a board member for the Davis Downtown Business Association and the Yolo County Visitor’s Bureau and served in the past as Chairman of the Davis Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Does anyone else find it an amazing coincidence that the Davis Enterprise would just happen to send their reporter and/ or photographer to the private party hosted by one of the most influential developers in Davis? And that the picture of Mr. Roe himself ends up on the front page? Coincidence, I think not.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
The Whitcombs occupy the throne of the Davis developer kingdom and Chuck Roe, as king John’s son-in-law, is undoubtedly a “royal courtier”. For Debbie Davis,editor of the Enterprise,it’s like a celeb shot of one of the British Royals…not newsworthy but does perhaps give a glimpse into the perceptions that shape the Enterprise’s other editorial choices.
The Whitcombs occupy the throne of the Davis developer kingdom and Chuck Roe, as king John’s son-in-law, is undoubtedly a “royal courtier”. For Debbie Davis,editor of the Enterprise,it’s like a celeb shot of one of the British Royals…not newsworthy but does perhaps give a glimpse into the perceptions that shape the Enterprise’s other editorial choices.
The Whitcombs occupy the throne of the Davis developer kingdom and Chuck Roe, as king John’s son-in-law, is undoubtedly a “royal courtier”. For Debbie Davis,editor of the Enterprise,it’s like a celeb shot of one of the British Royals…not newsworthy but does perhaps give a glimpse into the perceptions that shape the Enterprise’s other editorial choices.
The Whitcombs occupy the throne of the Davis developer kingdom and Chuck Roe, as king John’s son-in-law, is undoubtedly a “royal courtier”. For Debbie Davis,editor of the Enterprise,it’s like a celeb shot of one of the British Royals…not newsworthy but does perhaps give a glimpse into the perceptions that shape the Enterprise’s other editorial choices.
“not newsworthy but does perhaps give a glimpse into the perceptions that shape the Enterprise’s other editorial choices.”
It was something one of the readers drew my attention to and I didn’t think that much of it at the time, but then over time as I kept talking to people about it, it became a bit clearer–why would you send a photographer to this party? I figured it was a good way to break in the new feature–the Davis Enterprise Watch.
“not newsworthy but does perhaps give a glimpse into the perceptions that shape the Enterprise’s other editorial choices.”
It was something one of the readers drew my attention to and I didn’t think that much of it at the time, but then over time as I kept talking to people about it, it became a bit clearer–why would you send a photographer to this party? I figured it was a good way to break in the new feature–the Davis Enterprise Watch.
“not newsworthy but does perhaps give a glimpse into the perceptions that shape the Enterprise’s other editorial choices.”
It was something one of the readers drew my attention to and I didn’t think that much of it at the time, but then over time as I kept talking to people about it, it became a bit clearer–why would you send a photographer to this party? I figured it was a good way to break in the new feature–the Davis Enterprise Watch.
“not newsworthy but does perhaps give a glimpse into the perceptions that shape the Enterprise’s other editorial choices.”
It was something one of the readers drew my attention to and I didn’t think that much of it at the time, but then over time as I kept talking to people about it, it became a bit clearer–why would you send a photographer to this party? I figured it was a good way to break in the new feature–the Davis Enterprise Watch.
You guys, seriously. The conspiracy stuff is kind of out of control.
When I was doing my slow-news-day ornament article, Chuck Roe and this other guy came into Nestware, and the other guy, noting the camera and the notepad said “You should do a story on me! I’m stuck here because of the storm!” Something like that. I told Beth Curda, she called Roe’s house, the story didn’t really warrant an entire story, so we asked when would be a convenient time to get a shot of this other guy and hear his story. I guess it didn’t warrant a whole article. I guess a party was the best time to get a shot of him. As far as I know, Debbie Davis didn’t have anything to do with the photo’s existence.
We tied the photo in with a wire story about the storm because, as with the day the ornament story ran, there wasn’t much Davis news.
I’ve been perusing this Web site, and I would be happy to sit down with any of you and explain how the newspaper works and how I report on my stories, at least, because in a lot of instances, the People’s Vanguard of Davis has really got it wrong. In other instances, I’m impressed with the legwork DPD does. I don’t view the blog as competition as much as offering a very strong and often well-informed point of view.
I welcome the Davis Enterprise Watch, but you might want to get both sides of the story. Honestly. Please feel free to contact me. As always, all my contact information is in the paper.
You guys, seriously. The conspiracy stuff is kind of out of control.
When I was doing my slow-news-day ornament article, Chuck Roe and this other guy came into Nestware, and the other guy, noting the camera and the notepad said “You should do a story on me! I’m stuck here because of the storm!” Something like that. I told Beth Curda, she called Roe’s house, the story didn’t really warrant an entire story, so we asked when would be a convenient time to get a shot of this other guy and hear his story. I guess it didn’t warrant a whole article. I guess a party was the best time to get a shot of him. As far as I know, Debbie Davis didn’t have anything to do with the photo’s existence.
We tied the photo in with a wire story about the storm because, as with the day the ornament story ran, there wasn’t much Davis news.
I’ve been perusing this Web site, and I would be happy to sit down with any of you and explain how the newspaper works and how I report on my stories, at least, because in a lot of instances, the People’s Vanguard of Davis has really got it wrong. In other instances, I’m impressed with the legwork DPD does. I don’t view the blog as competition as much as offering a very strong and often well-informed point of view.
I welcome the Davis Enterprise Watch, but you might want to get both sides of the story. Honestly. Please feel free to contact me. As always, all my contact information is in the paper.
You guys, seriously. The conspiracy stuff is kind of out of control.
When I was doing my slow-news-day ornament article, Chuck Roe and this other guy came into Nestware, and the other guy, noting the camera and the notepad said “You should do a story on me! I’m stuck here because of the storm!” Something like that. I told Beth Curda, she called Roe’s house, the story didn’t really warrant an entire story, so we asked when would be a convenient time to get a shot of this other guy and hear his story. I guess it didn’t warrant a whole article. I guess a party was the best time to get a shot of him. As far as I know, Debbie Davis didn’t have anything to do with the photo’s existence.
We tied the photo in with a wire story about the storm because, as with the day the ornament story ran, there wasn’t much Davis news.
I’ve been perusing this Web site, and I would be happy to sit down with any of you and explain how the newspaper works and how I report on my stories, at least, because in a lot of instances, the People’s Vanguard of Davis has really got it wrong. In other instances, I’m impressed with the legwork DPD does. I don’t view the blog as competition as much as offering a very strong and often well-informed point of view.
I welcome the Davis Enterprise Watch, but you might want to get both sides of the story. Honestly. Please feel free to contact me. As always, all my contact information is in the paper.
You guys, seriously. The conspiracy stuff is kind of out of control.
When I was doing my slow-news-day ornament article, Chuck Roe and this other guy came into Nestware, and the other guy, noting the camera and the notepad said “You should do a story on me! I’m stuck here because of the storm!” Something like that. I told Beth Curda, she called Roe’s house, the story didn’t really warrant an entire story, so we asked when would be a convenient time to get a shot of this other guy and hear his story. I guess it didn’t warrant a whole article. I guess a party was the best time to get a shot of him. As far as I know, Debbie Davis didn’t have anything to do with the photo’s existence.
We tied the photo in with a wire story about the storm because, as with the day the ornament story ran, there wasn’t much Davis news.
I’ve been perusing this Web site, and I would be happy to sit down with any of you and explain how the newspaper works and how I report on my stories, at least, because in a lot of instances, the People’s Vanguard of Davis has really got it wrong. In other instances, I’m impressed with the legwork DPD does. I don’t view the blog as competition as much as offering a very strong and often well-informed point of view.
I welcome the Davis Enterprise Watch, but you might want to get both sides of the story. Honestly. Please feel free to contact me. As always, all my contact information is in the paper.
Claire… I love ya’…. touche on this one…
Claire… I love ya’…. touche on this one…
Claire… I love ya’…. touche on this one…
Claire… I love ya’…. touche on this one…
Claire:
Thank you for your contribution and for reading this blog.
Clearly an independent and “partisan” blog is not a competitor for a local newspaper nor should it be.
I think we (royal we) try to fill a niche in this community, especially those frustrated by city politics and the seeming inability of the Davis Enterprise to cover our perspective at times (I think that’s a legitimate complaint and I also appreciate that you probably disagree–at least somewhat).
We cover stories that the Enterprise can’t, won’t, and at times shouldn’t cover. We mix commentary with news in ways that no newspaper should. And we criticize, ridicule, and lampoon the main newspaper.
I appreciate that you recognize the amount of legwork that goes into this blog at times.
At other times, it’s not meant to be taken completely seriously. But there is a point to this entry, would you guys have done all of that for someone who wasn’t Chuck Roe? Maybe you would have. One thing I like is to question things and generate discussion. And sometimes I’ll be dead wrong and other times, I’ll be right.
My serious criticism of the Davis Enterprise was the handling of the Buzayan tapes and the ensuing Dunning diatribe. I think that is a serious breach there, I don’t expect you to answer that as there is a legal case pending. I also took exception to the insinuation that Lamar Heystek was privileged–again by Dunning.
Chuck Roe at a Christmas party during the holidays ranks pretty low on my outrage scale, but enough emailed me about it that I thought I’d throw it up there.
Claire, feel free to respond any time you think you’ve been misrepresented, that’s the nice thing about this format.
Claire:
Thank you for your contribution and for reading this blog.
Clearly an independent and “partisan” blog is not a competitor for a local newspaper nor should it be.
I think we (royal we) try to fill a niche in this community, especially those frustrated by city politics and the seeming inability of the Davis Enterprise to cover our perspective at times (I think that’s a legitimate complaint and I also appreciate that you probably disagree–at least somewhat).
We cover stories that the Enterprise can’t, won’t, and at times shouldn’t cover. We mix commentary with news in ways that no newspaper should. And we criticize, ridicule, and lampoon the main newspaper.
I appreciate that you recognize the amount of legwork that goes into this blog at times.
At other times, it’s not meant to be taken completely seriously. But there is a point to this entry, would you guys have done all of that for someone who wasn’t Chuck Roe? Maybe you would have. One thing I like is to question things and generate discussion. And sometimes I’ll be dead wrong and other times, I’ll be right.
My serious criticism of the Davis Enterprise was the handling of the Buzayan tapes and the ensuing Dunning diatribe. I think that is a serious breach there, I don’t expect you to answer that as there is a legal case pending. I also took exception to the insinuation that Lamar Heystek was privileged–again by Dunning.
Chuck Roe at a Christmas party during the holidays ranks pretty low on my outrage scale, but enough emailed me about it that I thought I’d throw it up there.
Claire, feel free to respond any time you think you’ve been misrepresented, that’s the nice thing about this format.
Claire:
Thank you for your contribution and for reading this blog.
Clearly an independent and “partisan” blog is not a competitor for a local newspaper nor should it be.
I think we (royal we) try to fill a niche in this community, especially those frustrated by city politics and the seeming inability of the Davis Enterprise to cover our perspective at times (I think that’s a legitimate complaint and I also appreciate that you probably disagree–at least somewhat).
We cover stories that the Enterprise can’t, won’t, and at times shouldn’t cover. We mix commentary with news in ways that no newspaper should. And we criticize, ridicule, and lampoon the main newspaper.
I appreciate that you recognize the amount of legwork that goes into this blog at times.
At other times, it’s not meant to be taken completely seriously. But there is a point to this entry, would you guys have done all of that for someone who wasn’t Chuck Roe? Maybe you would have. One thing I like is to question things and generate discussion. And sometimes I’ll be dead wrong and other times, I’ll be right.
My serious criticism of the Davis Enterprise was the handling of the Buzayan tapes and the ensuing Dunning diatribe. I think that is a serious breach there, I don’t expect you to answer that as there is a legal case pending. I also took exception to the insinuation that Lamar Heystek was privileged–again by Dunning.
Chuck Roe at a Christmas party during the holidays ranks pretty low on my outrage scale, but enough emailed me about it that I thought I’d throw it up there.
Claire, feel free to respond any time you think you’ve been misrepresented, that’s the nice thing about this format.
Claire:
Thank you for your contribution and for reading this blog.
Clearly an independent and “partisan” blog is not a competitor for a local newspaper nor should it be.
I think we (royal we) try to fill a niche in this community, especially those frustrated by city politics and the seeming inability of the Davis Enterprise to cover our perspective at times (I think that’s a legitimate complaint and I also appreciate that you probably disagree–at least somewhat).
We cover stories that the Enterprise can’t, won’t, and at times shouldn’t cover. We mix commentary with news in ways that no newspaper should. And we criticize, ridicule, and lampoon the main newspaper.
I appreciate that you recognize the amount of legwork that goes into this blog at times.
At other times, it’s not meant to be taken completely seriously. But there is a point to this entry, would you guys have done all of that for someone who wasn’t Chuck Roe? Maybe you would have. One thing I like is to question things and generate discussion. And sometimes I’ll be dead wrong and other times, I’ll be right.
My serious criticism of the Davis Enterprise was the handling of the Buzayan tapes and the ensuing Dunning diatribe. I think that is a serious breach there, I don’t expect you to answer that as there is a legal case pending. I also took exception to the insinuation that Lamar Heystek was privileged–again by Dunning.
Chuck Roe at a Christmas party during the holidays ranks pretty low on my outrage scale, but enough emailed me about it that I thought I’d throw it up there.
Claire, feel free to respond any time you think you’ve been misrepresented, that’s the nice thing about this format.
I got curious to see if there were any other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis politicians’ lives and as a result of a NewsBank search came across this tidbit. Inquiring minds want to know what our Mayor pro tem was doing walking around with $9,000 in cash and not travelers’ checks?! Does she take this type of cavalier attitude toward city of Davis petty cash as well?
$9,000 stolen from Asmundson in Manila
Davis Enterprise, The (CA)
February 21, 2007
Author: Claire St. John
Enterprise staff writer
Estimated printed pages: 1
Ruth Asmundson, mayor pro tem of Davis, was robbed of $9,000, her credit cards, her driver’s license and other valuables Friday at a beauty salon in Manila, Philippines.
Asmundson, who grew up in the Isabela Province of the country, is traveling with UC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef to explore collaborations with foreign universities and research facilities.
Asmundson’s daughter Sigrid and new son-in-law Tyler also are on the trip, and a side trip is planned to Asmundson’s home village to introduce Tyler to the in-laws.
According to Filipino online newspaper Inquirer.net, Asmundson put her bag beside her while having her hair done at a salon in the Harrison Plaza Mall in Malate, Manila, around 4:30 p.m. Friday, but when she went to pay, she discovered her wallet was missing.
Asmundson spoke with her daughter Vigdis shortly after the incident and told her she was fine but disappointed.
“It’s kind of a bummer, because honestly it’s very safe,” Vigdis Asmundson said. “We’ve never had problems like that.”
As to why Asmundson was carrying so much money, Vigdis speculated that she had only recently arrived.
“I guess it was because she just got there,” she said.
The incident was reported to the police, who suspect the “notorious Salisi Gang,” according to Inquirer.net.
When Asmundson last visited the Philippines in December, she tangled with Typhoon Durian as it struck the Albay Province and almost disrupted a ceremony at which Asmundson received the Pamana ng Pilipino award from Philippines President Gloria Arroyo.
Asmundson is due to return to Davis on March 1.
— Reach Claire St. John at cstjohn@davisenterprise.net or 747-8057.
Copyright, 2007, The Davis Enterprise. All Rights Reserved.
I got curious to see if there were any other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis politicians’ lives and as a result of a NewsBank search came across this tidbit. Inquiring minds want to know what our Mayor pro tem was doing walking around with $9,000 in cash and not travelers’ checks?! Does she take this type of cavalier attitude toward city of Davis petty cash as well?
$9,000 stolen from Asmundson in Manila
Davis Enterprise, The (CA)
February 21, 2007
Author: Claire St. John
Enterprise staff writer
Estimated printed pages: 1
Ruth Asmundson, mayor pro tem of Davis, was robbed of $9,000, her credit cards, her driver’s license and other valuables Friday at a beauty salon in Manila, Philippines.
Asmundson, who grew up in the Isabela Province of the country, is traveling with UC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef to explore collaborations with foreign universities and research facilities.
Asmundson’s daughter Sigrid and new son-in-law Tyler also are on the trip, and a side trip is planned to Asmundson’s home village to introduce Tyler to the in-laws.
According to Filipino online newspaper Inquirer.net, Asmundson put her bag beside her while having her hair done at a salon in the Harrison Plaza Mall in Malate, Manila, around 4:30 p.m. Friday, but when she went to pay, she discovered her wallet was missing.
Asmundson spoke with her daughter Vigdis shortly after the incident and told her she was fine but disappointed.
“It’s kind of a bummer, because honestly it’s very safe,” Vigdis Asmundson said. “We’ve never had problems like that.”
As to why Asmundson was carrying so much money, Vigdis speculated that she had only recently arrived.
“I guess it was because she just got there,” she said.
The incident was reported to the police, who suspect the “notorious Salisi Gang,” according to Inquirer.net.
When Asmundson last visited the Philippines in December, she tangled with Typhoon Durian as it struck the Albay Province and almost disrupted a ceremony at which Asmundson received the Pamana ng Pilipino award from Philippines President Gloria Arroyo.
Asmundson is due to return to Davis on March 1.
— Reach Claire St. John at cstjohn@davisenterprise.net or 747-8057.
Copyright, 2007, The Davis Enterprise. All Rights Reserved.
I got curious to see if there were any other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis politicians’ lives and as a result of a NewsBank search came across this tidbit. Inquiring minds want to know what our Mayor pro tem was doing walking around with $9,000 in cash and not travelers’ checks?! Does she take this type of cavalier attitude toward city of Davis petty cash as well?
$9,000 stolen from Asmundson in Manila
Davis Enterprise, The (CA)
February 21, 2007
Author: Claire St. John
Enterprise staff writer
Estimated printed pages: 1
Ruth Asmundson, mayor pro tem of Davis, was robbed of $9,000, her credit cards, her driver’s license and other valuables Friday at a beauty salon in Manila, Philippines.
Asmundson, who grew up in the Isabela Province of the country, is traveling with UC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef to explore collaborations with foreign universities and research facilities.
Asmundson’s daughter Sigrid and new son-in-law Tyler also are on the trip, and a side trip is planned to Asmundson’s home village to introduce Tyler to the in-laws.
According to Filipino online newspaper Inquirer.net, Asmundson put her bag beside her while having her hair done at a salon in the Harrison Plaza Mall in Malate, Manila, around 4:30 p.m. Friday, but when she went to pay, she discovered her wallet was missing.
Asmundson spoke with her daughter Vigdis shortly after the incident and told her she was fine but disappointed.
“It’s kind of a bummer, because honestly it’s very safe,” Vigdis Asmundson said. “We’ve never had problems like that.”
As to why Asmundson was carrying so much money, Vigdis speculated that she had only recently arrived.
“I guess it was because she just got there,” she said.
The incident was reported to the police, who suspect the “notorious Salisi Gang,” according to Inquirer.net.
When Asmundson last visited the Philippines in December, she tangled with Typhoon Durian as it struck the Albay Province and almost disrupted a ceremony at which Asmundson received the Pamana ng Pilipino award from Philippines President Gloria Arroyo.
Asmundson is due to return to Davis on March 1.
— Reach Claire St. John at cstjohn@davisenterprise.net or 747-8057.
Copyright, 2007, The Davis Enterprise. All Rights Reserved.
I got curious to see if there were any other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis politicians’ lives and as a result of a NewsBank search came across this tidbit. Inquiring minds want to know what our Mayor pro tem was doing walking around with $9,000 in cash and not travelers’ checks?! Does she take this type of cavalier attitude toward city of Davis petty cash as well?
$9,000 stolen from Asmundson in Manila
Davis Enterprise, The (CA)
February 21, 2007
Author: Claire St. John
Enterprise staff writer
Estimated printed pages: 1
Ruth Asmundson, mayor pro tem of Davis, was robbed of $9,000, her credit cards, her driver’s license and other valuables Friday at a beauty salon in Manila, Philippines.
Asmundson, who grew up in the Isabela Province of the country, is traveling with UC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef to explore collaborations with foreign universities and research facilities.
Asmundson’s daughter Sigrid and new son-in-law Tyler also are on the trip, and a side trip is planned to Asmundson’s home village to introduce Tyler to the in-laws.
According to Filipino online newspaper Inquirer.net, Asmundson put her bag beside her while having her hair done at a salon in the Harrison Plaza Mall in Malate, Manila, around 4:30 p.m. Friday, but when she went to pay, she discovered her wallet was missing.
Asmundson spoke with her daughter Vigdis shortly after the incident and told her she was fine but disappointed.
“It’s kind of a bummer, because honestly it’s very safe,” Vigdis Asmundson said. “We’ve never had problems like that.”
As to why Asmundson was carrying so much money, Vigdis speculated that she had only recently arrived.
“I guess it was because she just got there,” she said.
The incident was reported to the police, who suspect the “notorious Salisi Gang,” according to Inquirer.net.
When Asmundson last visited the Philippines in December, she tangled with Typhoon Durian as it struck the Albay Province and almost disrupted a ceremony at which Asmundson received the Pamana ng Pilipino award from Philippines President Gloria Arroyo.
Asmundson is due to return to Davis on March 1.
— Reach Claire St. John at cstjohn@davisenterprise.net or 747-8057.
Copyright, 2007, The Davis Enterprise. All Rights Reserved.
Sorry, instead of “…other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis politicians’ lives…” in the preceding post, please read: “other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis poo-bahs lives…”
Sorry, instead of “…other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis politicians’ lives…” in the preceding post, please read: “other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis poo-bahs lives…”
Sorry, instead of “…other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis politicians’ lives…” in the preceding post, please read: “other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis poo-bahs lives…”
Sorry, instead of “…other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis politicians’ lives…” in the preceding post, please read: “other recent Enterprise articles extolling minutae of Davis poo-bahs lives…”