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Davisite Banner. Left side the bicycle obelisk at 3rd and University. Right side the trellis at the entrance to the Arboretum.

Month: January 2020

  • Artists share ideas on ‘artivism,’ tips on AB5

    And upcoming art events

    AllianceAutumn

    Autumn Labbé-Renault, chair of Arts Alliance Davis, speaks at the Jan. 16 meeting at the Davis Arts Center. Photo credit: Wendy Weitzel/Courtesy photo

    By Wendy Weitzel

    Since 2015, Arts Alliance Davis has united area artists and arts lovers, offering a forum for collaboration and sharing. That networking has evolved into a vibrant support community, clearly on display at its Jan. 16 meeting.

    This gathering of nearly 30 joined forces at Davis Arts Center. Arts Alliance Davis meets every other month, at rotating venues. It unites artists, civic and arts organizations, businesses, patrons and other community arts supporters. The meetings are open to anyone.

    This time, the group discussed two main issues: using art for activism, and a new state law’s impact on artists as independent contractors.

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  • A Community Conversation on Human Dignity

    The 18th Annual Celebration of Abraham gathering

    Human Dignity Flier(From press release) When members of the Celebration of Abraham sat down in September to discuss the theme for this year’s annual Davis gathering, they reflected on the current times that seem so divisive, despite the fact there is one characteristic fundamental to all of us: human dignity.  Although it is difficult to define human dignity, our religions and traditions remind us to hold it as a value in our relationships with others, especially with individuals who have views that are contrary to our own, and to maintain our own human dignity even in times of difficulty. In order to make community in a world comprising many religious traditions and beliefs, we must strive to renew our appreciation and respect for the dignity of all human beings.  Thus, this year’s Celebration of Abraham theme is, “A Community Conversation on Human Dignity.”

    The 18th Annual Celebration of Abraham gathering, “A Community Conversation on Human Dignity,” will run from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, in the Fellowship Hall at St. James Catholic Church, 1275 B St. in Davis.  The interfaith Celebration of Abraham was founded by a group of Yolo County residents after September 11, 2001 with the hope of building community across religious differences during a time of heightened political tension in our country.  We now find ourselves living through another time of heightened political tension, and the principles of the Celebration of Abraham to bring people together to nurture a sense of compassion, respect, appreciation, and foster learning and understanding, are true now more than ever.

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  • Apply now for a Soroptimist grant

    Sia-logo-horizontalSoroptimist International of Davis is accepting applications from local nonprofit organizations for grant funding for 2020.

    The club welcomes submissions from organizations that support economic empowerment and access to education for women and girls in our community. Applications will be assessed based on their alignment with the Soroptimist mission, community impact and feasibility. Any organization, including previous recipients, is encouraged to apply.

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  • Garamendi Endorses Provenza

    G LetterJim Provenza shared the below letter he received this week from John Garamendi, Congressional Representative for the California 3rd District.

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  • Provenza: Advocate for mental health programs

    Provenza head shotTo the Editor,

         Mental illness is complex.  It takes special leadership to recognize the need for providing support programs for people in crisis.  When Jim Provenza learned about Yolo County Mental Health Court, he listened and learned about the positive impact the program was making on participants.  He went to the Community Corrections Partnership and DA to advocate for the creation of a second court, doubling the capacity to serve.

         Based on his interest to provide mental health programs in our county, Jim went to Washington DC to learn about the Step Up program.  Our local Step Up Initiative identified 52 intervention points to divert people from the criminal system to mental health services.  Jim joined a task force in an effort to work with mental health professionals, human services and police to provide this type of intervention in our county.

         I worked with Jim professionally for 16 years.  He has always impressed me as a humble man who genuinely wants to hear from citizens, advocate as needed and establish programs that positively affect the lives of families.  I value Jim’s leadership style and support his re-election for County Supervisor. 

    Courtenay Tessler

    Retired High School Counselor

  • Article 4 of 4: Sierra Club Yolano Group Questionnaire for Yolo County District 4 Supervisor

    Three-for-supervisor
    by Alan Pryor, Chair – Sierra Club Yolano Group

    Introduction

    This article is the 4th and final in a 4-part series on questions presented by the Sierra Club Yolano Group to candidates in the Yolo County District 4 Supervisor race on the March 2020 ballot and the candidates' responses. This article covers questions and responses in the areas of Transportation Management, Environmental-Social Justice, Other Environmental-Related Issues, and Community Support. The order of the candidate responses are changed with each article. 

    See article 1 of 4 here, which gives a "Table of Contents" for all four articles, an introduction explaining the article series, announces that the Yolano Group is not making an endorsement in this race, and covers questions and responses in the areas of Reductions in Carbon-Based Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions. 

    See article 2 of 4 here, which covers questions and responses in the areas of Solid Waste Management, Water Management and Conservation, and Toxics in the Environment.

    See article 3 of 4 here, which covers questions and responses in the areas of Land Use and Development.

    Part 6 – Questions Related to Transportation Management

    Issue 6-1 – Transportation-Related GHG Emissions

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  • Yolo People Power endorses Linda Deos

    YoloPeoplePowerYolo People Power endorses Linda Deos for 4th District Yolo County Supervisor.

    Ms. Deos is making criminal justice reform one of her top priorities. We appreciate her collaborative approach to problem-solving that includes listening to many voices. She pro-actively engages community members in thinking creatively about how to locally address climate change, affordable housing, quality and accessible childcare, economic development and community safety. We see her showing up to community meetings, rallies and protests; as well as city council and county board meetings. We appreciate her willingness to support and engage with many diverse members of our community.

    (more…)

  • Article 3 of 4: Sierra Club Yolano Group Questionnaire for Yolo County District 4 Supervisor

    Three-for-supervisor
    by Alan Pryor, Chair – Sierra Club Yolano Group

    Introduction

    This article is the 3rd in a 4-part series on questions presented by the Sierra Club Yolano Group to candidates in the Yolo County District 4 Supervisor race on the March 2020 ballot and the candidates' responses. This article covers questions and responses in the areas of Land Use and Development. The order of the candidate responses are changed with each article. 

    See article 1 of 4 here, which gives a "Table of Contents" for all four articles, an introduction explaining the article series, announces that the Yolano Group is not making an endorsement in this race, and covers questions and responses in the areas of Reductions in Carbon-Based Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions. 

    See article 2 of 4 here, which covers questions and responses in the areas of Solid Waste Management, Water Management and Conservation, and Toxics in the Environment.

     ____________________________________________________________________

    Issue 5-1 – Agricultural Land Preservation

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  • ACLU Community Meeting for Actions for 2020 – Jan 23

    ACLU-peoplepowerThe Yolo County chapter of the ACLU invites everyone to a community meeting open to all, to identify and talk about the most important issues facing our county and strategize actions to implement change. Amanda Young, a Program Coordinator from the ACLU of Northern California office, will help facilitate the meeting and can share lessons learned from past organizing events. This is an opportunity to meet others in our community so we can plan effective change in 2020!

    Please join us on Thursday, January 23, at 7 p.m., at the Turner Community Library, 1212 Merkley Avenue in West Sacramento.
    This event is free, and food and refreshments are provided.

    Find information and RSVP here: https://go.peoplepower.org/event/action_attend/21369

  • Aritcle 2 of 4: Sierra Club Yolano Group Questionnaire for Yolo County District 4 Supervisor

    Solid waste management, water management and conservation, and toxics in the environment

    See article 1 of 4 here, which gives a "table of contents" for all four articles, announces that the Yolano Group is not making an endorsement in this race, and covers Reductions in Carbon-Based Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.  The order of the candidate responses are changed with each article. 

    Three-for-supervisor
    By Alan Pryor, Chair – Sierra Club Yolano Group

    Part 2 – Questions Relating to Solid Waste Management

    Issue 2-1 – Reusable, Recyclable, &  Compostable In-Restaurant and Take-Out Food & Drink Containers & Tableware

    (more…)