Loss of international students would be a huge hit to Davis economy
Also, news on Michaels, Natalie’s Corner splash pad, US Bank, a future ARCO am/pm, a new chiropractor and more
A recent story by the nonprofit news organization CalMatters illuminates how much Davis likely relies on Chinese students who are here on visas.
Citing numbers from fall 2024, reporter Adam Echelman wrote, “At UC Davis, more than 3,600 students, or just over 9% of the student body, came from China — the highest of any UC campus — according to the UC system’s Fall 2024 enrollment data.”
The story said, “Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of the intent to revoke Chinese student visas could affect more than 50,000 at California universities and colleges — and prove particularly costly to UC and Cal State campuses already facing budget cuts.”
It continued, “Sending those students home would have far-ranging financial impacts. Foreign students not only pay higher tuition than in-state students, but they also feed local economies with the dollars they spend with local businesses.”
We’re not just talking about a couple boba tea shops closing, though the effect on restaurants would be obvious. In my opinion, losing these international students would jolt the real estate market and jar car sales. The cuts at UC Davis would mean job losses and funding gaps. In short, it would be devastating.
→ Michaels to the rescue: The craft and fabric store Joann may be gone, but Michaels is stepping in to fill the gap.
“The Michaels Companies announced on Thursday that it had completed its purchase of Joann’s intellectual property and private label brands — in an acquisition that arrives as the Texas-based arts and crafting chain works to expand its own fabric, sewing and yarn offerings,” The Associated Press reported on Friday.
In February, Joann announced it would close all its stores. It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January – the second time in a year.
Michaels said the purchase included Joann’s popular “Big Twist” yarns. That and other Joann labels will be available at Michaels stores and online later this year. As it expands into fabrics, Michaels will add “more than 600 new products from new and existing brands — including quilting supplies and fabrics, specialty threads, sewing machines and more,” the AP said.
Michaels has 1,300 stores across 49 states and Canada, including one in Woodland at 2175 Bronze Star Drive.