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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.

Category: Events

  • Listen! Peace for Israel and Palestine

    By Scott Steward

    There have been multiple events, locally and regionally, voicing support for an end to violence in Israel and Palestine.  These voices are American voices.  These Americans do not agree with the unwavering support of Israel's government, and they have all condemned the killing of innocent civilians. 

    The recent conflict was sparked on October 7 by Hamas firing thousands of rockets toward southern and central Israel in conjunction with Hamas militants, many on motorcycles, who stormed blockaded areas of the Gaza Strip, shooting at Jewish settlers and slaughtering people at kibbutzim and small towns, reportedly taking Israeli citizens as hostages (source).  Israel has retaliated with massive airstrikes; Palestinian civilians have also been killed.

    Photos of Yesterday's Rally

    Photos of Yesterday's Rally

     

    Rally2

    Yesterday several hundred people attended the Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights demonstration yesterday in front of the State capital.

     

    Last Saturday ten thousand people marched through San Francisco to demand an end to the genocide in Gaza and support the Palestinian people in their struggle against apartheid and occupation.

    On October 18th several community and campus organizations hosted an Emergency Teach In: Palestine Now that was a standing room only event in Young Hall.

    The voices at these rallies all want Israel to exist in harmony. The dominant message peace and freedom for all.  Ultimately it is up to Israeli's and Palestinians and the nations around them to sort out peace.  Our government needs to stop contributing to the long festering conflict. Current policy asks us to reinforce Zionistic goals of racial/religious dominance, and this has greatly reinforced extremism at home.

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  • Film screening and immigration discussion is Nov. 2

    Free event presented by UC Davis Global Affairs and the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs

    FromHere_TaniaSM

    Tania is one of four protagonists in “FROM HERE,” a documentary on the immigration experience screening on Thursday, Nov. 2 at Veterans Memorial Theatre in Davis. (Film still courtesy of With Wings and Roots)

    (From press release)  UC Davis Global Affairs and the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs Program present a free screening on Thursday, Nov. 2 of “FROM HERE,” a documentary illustrating the struggles of immigration and integration.

    The event is from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Theatre in Davis, at 213 E. 14th St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with several interactive elements for patrons. The film is 90 minutes long, followed by a question-and-answer session with Director Christina Antonakos-Wallace and two of the film’s protagonists, Tania and Sonny. Refreshments will be served. Organizers request an RSVP at http://bit.ly/fromherescreening. 

    Filmed over a decade in two of the world’s largest immigration cities – New York and Berlin – the sensitive and nuanced documentary captures the journeys of four young people caught in the crosshairs of immigration debates. The film is a coming-of-age portrait of people working through migration, citizenship and growing nationalism on both sides of the Atlantic. The documentary seeks to define what it means to “belong” as immigrants.  

    As the U.S. and Europe grapple with rising nationalism and movements against increasing diversity, “FROM HERE” offers a fresh perspective on the issues of immigration and belonging. The film is an intimate yet epic look at the stories of four children of immigrants, Tania, Miman, Sonny and Akim, as they move from their 20s into their 30s and face major turning points in their lives: fighting for citizenship, starting families and finding room for creative expression. See the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/109329686.

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  • Film Common Ground in Davis – One Week Only

    By Scott Steward

    What do you say to a flash mob climate action watch party?   Varsity Theater owner Sinisa Novakovic successfully brought the film Common Ground to DAVIS during the films premiering run (many thanks). The closest theater was San Rafael.  

    What does this mean?  That you can bike to see what Climate Change Solutions looks like.  I’ll be going to one of the two showings today (4:10 and 6:00 Sunday – today). There are 2 other showings Monday and Thursday at 6:00

    Common Ground provides many answers to how we get ourselves out of this climate catastrophe.  

    I will see the Davis showing, 616 Second Street, and I would also like to hear directly from the Common Ground directors at the San Rafael showing on October 22nd.  I already bought a ticket for that show too :).

     

    The Common Ground Trailer is HERE!

     

    May we find inspiration in the film and take action amidst the havoc of desperation caused by those that wield terrible powers of which we must dispatch from them as quickly as possible and find our additional power in that act – and also do that as quickly as possible.

    The living earth demands no less.  Common Ground summary follows.

    Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late.

  • Zombie Bike Ride Halloweekend Festival

    Zombie Bike RideBy Aaron Wedra of the Davis Odd Fellows

    VISIT DAVIS, CALIFORNIA, HOME OF THE WEST COAST’S ZOMBIE BIKE RIDE HALLOWEEKEND FESTIVAL from Friday, October 27th through Sunday, October 29th. Encounter endless Halloween spectacles, including mad scientists, rotting robots, dancing dead, electrifying e-bikes, karate, fencing, laser marksmanship, and a skydiving grand finale! The Davis Odd Fellows and The Bike Campaign are delighted to partner with more than 150 sponsors, collaborators, and media partners to provide unforgettable Halloweekend experiences!

    Norcal TrykersThe Zombie Bike Ride’s mission has always been to make bicycling available to everyone, including children with disabilities. Over the past four years, event organizers have raised funds (primarily from sponsors) and donated more than $22,000 to Norcal Trykers, an organization that creates custom tricycles for children with special needs. Each tricycle costs about $1,000 to make, and funds from our events have provided 23 children with custom tricycles so far. These children get to experience the freedom of riding on a bicycle and feeling the wind in their hair for the first time. With the help of our generous sponsors, we have been able to raise money for our beneficiary, Norcal Trykers, while keeping our events almost entirely FREE to the public! More opportunities to donate to Norcal Trykers are available along the bike route and by registering at www.posh.vip/e/5th-annual-zombie-bike-parade. Registration is completely optional, but is recommended for saving the date, receiving day-of-event announcements, and being automatically entered into a raffle for a "Greg the Zombie" plushy that lets you pull out his brain, heart, and guts!

    If you’re visiting from out of town, arrive early with your family and friends on Friday and experience all that Davis has to offer: art, culture, a vibrant night life, and wonderful lodging. Book a room in one of our 12 hotels/motels, visit the UC Davis Arboretum & Public Garden, and stroll our downtown. Don’t forget to bring, buy, or rent a bike! Davis boasts a variety bike shops, including our featured partners: Davis Cyclery, Green Bicycle Depot, and the Bike Garage. Additionally, the City of Davis has partnered with SPIN bikes and scooters, and you’ll be able to find rentals throughout town. Download the app with the bright red icon.

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  • Sheila Allen, Candidate for Supervisor, Invites the Community to Three Events

    Sheila_Allen(From press release) Sheila Allen, RN, Ph.D., and candidate for Yolo County Supervisor, invites the Davis and surrounding community to three events.

    On Saturday, October 14th, from 1-3 p.m., join special guests Supervisor Jim Provenza
    and Lucas Frerichs, and former State Senator Lois Wolk at a lively kickoff event scheduled at Mace Ranch Park. All are invited to attend. There will be snacks and beverages in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring along their friends, neighbors, and even their beloved furry friends. This is a fantastic opportunity to come together and envision a healthier and brighter future for Yolo County and Davis. This event is free and does not require an RSVP.

    Sunday, October 15th at 7 p.m., come enjoy the classic 1925 silent film “The Phantom of the Opera”—accompanied by a live grand pipe organ! Step into the mesmerizing world of early cinema as Lon Chaney and Mary Philbin unveil the enigmatic tale of the disfigured musical genius who haunts the grand Paris Opera House. This timeless masterpiece includes a special vocal appearance by Kerri Scott and will be accompanied live by David Moreno on a full pipe organ—fully reassembled from a theater in San Francisco. VIP tickets are available that include a one-hour preview, hors d’oeuvres, and a walk inside the pipe organ. This event promises to immerse you in the captivating ambiance of the 1920s. The event  is hosted by Cindy and Daisy Jacob. Seating is limited, so purchase your ticket today.

    Saturday, October 28th, from 4-6 p.m., join host Marlene Bell and Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs on the lovely outskirts of Winters. The beautiful hand-built, hewn log Bell Ranch home sits alongside an orchard. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of good wine, food, pleasant company, and the beauty of a waning fall afternoon in Yolo County.

    Address provided with ticket purchase.

    For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: Sheila4Supervisor.com/events We hope to see you there!

  • Reminder: Tickets still available for 20th Village Feast

    Village Feast 2019_Ashley Muir Bruhn-58 1

    Diners enjoy wine at The Village Feast in October 2021. (Ashley Muir Bruhn/Courtesy photo)

    (From press release) The 20th anniversary of The Village Feast is Sunday, Oct. 22 in Davis’ Central Park. The community meal that celebrates the region’s harvest is from noon to 4 p.m. under the shade of the Davis Farmers Market Pavilion, 301 C St.

    Presented by Davis Farm to School and the Les Dames d’Escoffier International, Sacramento, The Village Feast is a fundraiser for food and agricultural education in the greater Sacramento area. The meal follows the late-summer feasts of Provence, France, in the grand aïoli tradition, uniting people and food for a long, leisurely alfresco meal.

    As in years past, each meal begins with appetizers of olives, nuts, local wines and fresh baguettes. The meal is served family-style, with passed platters of heirloom tomatoes drizzled with local olive oil, steamed and grilled local vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and bowls of garlic-scented aïoli. Next comes the grilled lamb and summer white bean salad, then a fruit galette for dessert.

    Tickets are $165 per person until sold out. Attendees may reserve tables of eight for $1,320. Tickets are available at https://thevillagefeast2023.eventbrite.com.

    The silent auction will be online, available to anyone. Bids open on Oct. 8 and close at 6 p.m. on Oct. 22. It includes dozens of items and experiences donated by chefs, restaurants, wineries and community members. Participants bid on items by downloading the free Auctria smartphone app at https://www.auctria.com/blog/auctria-mobile-app/.

    For more information, email Rachael Levine at rachaellevine@hotmail.com

  • Reminder: Help children become upstanders at carnival

    UpstanderPost 1(From press release) Upstander Carnival, a free event for elementary-age children, will return to Davis’ Central Park on Saturday, Oct. 21. As part of National Bullying Prevention Month, the annual fair teaches youngsters to identify and stand up to bullying.

    The Davis Phoenix Coalition launched the carnival in 2015. This year, it’s from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the sycamore grove of Davis’ Central Park, Fourth and C streets. The event runs concurrently with the Davis Farmers Market, which is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in Central Park.

    Participants go through six stations of brief, interactive lessons, where they practice inclusion, deal with cyberbullying and learn helpful skills. After getting a stamp at each station, students get to enter the fun zone, where they may play in a bounce house, get snacks like popcorn or cotton candy, play games, and get their face painted.

    Davis Phoenix Coalition founder Gloria Partida, who serves on the Davis City Council, said, “The main focus is to give kids and families resources for what to do if they experience or witness bullying.” Children leave with four concrete responses that work in various situations.

    Parents or guardians must sign a waiver for their child to participate. Partida encourages parents to walk the stations with their kids.

    The Upstander Carnival is coordinated by an all-volunteer community formed by the Davis Phoenix Coalition, a nonprofit that works to foster diversity, eliminate intolerance, prevent hate-motivated violence, and support LGBTQ+ youths in Davis and surrounding communities.

    Learn more at https://davisphoenixco.org/

  • Upstander Carnival teaches anti-bullying tools

    UpstanderPost(From press release) Upstander Carnival, a free event for elementary-age children, will return to Davis’ Central Park on Saturday, Oct. 21. As part of National Bullying Prevention Month, the annual fair teaches youngsters to identify and stand up to bullying.

    The Davis Phoenix Coalition launched the carnival in 2015. This year, it’s from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the sycamore grove of Davis’ Central Park, Fourth and C streets. The popular event draws hundreds every year.

    Participants go through six stations of brief, interactive lessons, where they practice inclusion, deal with cyberbullying and learn helpful skills. After getting a stamp at each station, students get to enter the fun zone, where they may play in a bounce house, get snacks like popcorn or cotton candy, play games, and get their face painted.

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  • A Better Week for Climate Action

    By Scott Steward

    It was more than a coincidence that California's Attorney General announced that the State is suing the big 5 oil companies this past Saturday.  Oil companies are being sued for "impairment and destruction" and for a remedy of preventing further misleading statements about the contribution of fossil fuel combustion to climate change." 

    Newsom timed the announcement for his appearance at the International Summit on Climate Change in New York going on this week ahead of protests.  The pressure from the climate labor coalition is definitely on.

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    Sacramento "End the Fossil Fuel Era" banner drop on the Tower Bridge – Photo by Peg Hunter

    It is our own and our regions own climate justice advocates, made of youth, educators, racial justice and indigenous, immigrant, blue and white collar labor – the works – that have joined together to make a fearsome coalition locally and nationally. 

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    Davis Fridays for Future, and allies, take to the streets this past Friday.  Picture by Johan Vernick

    The climate strikes and labor strikes coincide and are complementary as the UAW is fighting for fair wages as capital sees ICE (internal combustion engines) demise written on the wall (EV's hit price parity with ICE vehicles).  Labor is finding harmony with climate action as we watch the necessary acceleration away from the fossil fuel economy (and fossil fuel electoral power).

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     Sacramento "End the Fossil Fuel Era" Labor Network for Sustainability – Photo by Peg Hunter

    Locally, September has been a better month for climate justice and the world is going to need our resilience because climate tragedies, like the one in Libya, and other parts of the world are unrelenting.  It is very clear…. hay hay ho ho Fossil Fuel has got go!  The path forward is locally made, fair wages, locally distributed, locally clothed, soil to skin, locally fed, farm to fork and locally entertained.

  • Be a Climate Upstander: Join Friday’s Climate March

    By Alan Hirsch

    We are now in a (not so slow moving) crisis of civilization brought on by climate change.  It trumps all other issues as the earth is the stage all other human endeavors play out on.  Marches, protests gatherings for other issue will fall by the wayside due to heat waves, brown outs, hurricanes, wildfire & smoke. Even the infrastructures that support the food security, housing construction and access to health care is threatened.

    It also clear many good people- even  in Davis — are in denial of the crisis: not in theirs word but their actions that signal climate change is a secondary consideration in their decisions. 

    Planet Upstander gently question all these nice people– friends and local politicians — who mouth words and even pass crisis resolutions, but continue to doing the same old things that are killing our planet: Elected bodies in Yolo county and California are filled with business democrats- the Herbert Hoovers of our era when we need FDR’s and a Green New Deal.

    Consider the case of a Davis Democratic Party leader who proudly posted to her hundreds of Facebook she flew to Antarctica and from there took a cruise.   Upstander might post the gentle question: “Did you buy carbon offsets?”  Or a friend or family member who admires a low MPG car?  You could raise a concerning for them question about cost of gasoline  (and BTW GHG) due to  low mileage?  Or at least roll your eyes.   Or how do to you respond to friend who drives to school to when it is  only 1 mile from their home? You might ask what type of bike they own?

    The Davis Climate March-part of the international climate strike movement –   a chance to show you are one of the growing number of Upstanders for the Planet, It includes march this weekend  In Sacramento and SF this weekend of you can’t make the Davis event.

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