City of Davis

In Spring 2008, Street Smarts held its first-ever "Focus on Safety" video contest. The contest called on kids ages 12-15 to create short Public Service Announcement videos on the topic of bicycle safety. Kids could make the videos on their own, or get tips from the professionals at Davis Media Access during after-school workshops or at spring break mini-camps.

Judges awarded first prize to "IPod of Death," a humorous look at what can happen when bicyclists don't keep their eyes and ears alert to traffic dangers. The video is the creation of Allison Kino, Sarah Norris and Nathaniel Blum. Each won a Polaroid 6 mega pixel digital camera for their work.

Second place was a tie. "Trouble in the Doorway," an amusing video that demonstrates the importance of taking bicycling seriously is the work of Johann Baptista and Carlos Nieves. "Lego Bike Safety," is a unique Lego stop motion animation video inspired by "Trouble in the Doorway." It was made by Johann Baptista with a little help from Carlos Nieves. Both boys won $50 Target gift certificates.

"All of our young screenwriters, directors, actors and editors did a fantastic job," said Crystal O'Hara, City of Davis Street Smarts coordinator. "They showed wonderful creativity as well as a real understanding of the importance of bicycle safety."

The judging team was made up of representatives from several Street Smarts sponsors. They were: Autumn Labbe-Renault of Davis Media Access, Julie Rooney of The Davis Enterprise, Juelie Roggli of Novozymes, Inc., Meredith Mingledorff of Travis Federal Credit Union, Dr. Rick Baker of Kaiser Permanente and Ken Topper of Lewis Planned Communities.

For more information about the contest, contact Street Smarts Coordinator Crystal O'Hara at cohara@cityofdavis.org or at 757-5640.

• "Using Your Helmet...Priceless"
• "Wear a Helmet"
• "Blood of the Ignorant"
• "Dangerous Biking"
• "Focus on the Road"