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

Category: Events

  • Celebration of Abraham, February 4th at 3 pm

    (From press release) The Celebration of Abraham will meet in person on February 4th at 3 pm at the Lutheran Church of the Incarnation and practice GENEROUS LISTENING. Please preregister: http://bit.ly/abrahamlistening

     “It is a great pleasure to be able to welcome people in-person to our community conversation after three years of having to do our program online,” said Helen Roland, chair of the Celebration of Abraham and longtime Christian member of the organization. “Seeing people on a screen is one thing but sitting with people in person allows for deeper connection,” she added. COA is asking that folks register for this free event at http://bit.ly/abrahamlistening

    The three years since the Celebration of Abraham (https://celebrationofabraham.net) has been able to meet in person have been difficult for most us—not only isolation, but illness, for some loss of friends and family, and the ever increasing political divisions.  Interfaith connections and conversations have become extremely challenging, and yet they are more important than ever.

    The planning board of the Celebration of Abraham (COA)) includes people from the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths. When the Celebration of Abraham (COA) Board started meeting in September to plan for this year’s interfaith gathering, the focus was on the deep polarization in our country and how sharing across our faith traditions might provide tools to bridge the divisions in our community, especially in light of the Israeli/Gaza War.  With the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza, the members of the board have felt a myriad of emotions from shock to anger, to fear and more. People have asked the COA to issue a statement about the war. As Vera Sandronsky, a Jewish member of the COA Board, has noted “We did issue a statement that focused on a shared desire for peace, but we were aware that our own board members needed to process the events with each other if we were going to ask the broader community to come together.”

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  • Farmers market plans extended Pre-Thanksgiving event

    BrusselsStalk

    Brussels sprouts on the stalk are a popular item at the Davis Farmers Market's annual Pre-Thanksgiving Market, set for Nov. 22. (Wendy Weitzel/Courtesy photo)

    (From press release) The day before Thanksgiving, the Davis Farmers Market extends its hours. This year’s annual Pre-Thanksgiving Market will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Central Park, 301 C St., Davis.

    On Wednesday, Nov. 22, the market will have a bounty of seasonal produce, flowers and table décor, olive oil, nuts, honey and wine from two wineries. Several bakeries will have fresh-baked items like pumpkin, apple, pecan and berry pies and pumpkin cheesecake; breads, rolls, stuffing mix and cookies. There will be dips and Kettle Corn too.

    The rest of the season, visit the market from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. It will be closed on Wednesday, Dec.  27. For more information, visit https://davisfarmersmarket.org or visit it on Facebook or Instagram.

  • Green Finances: Align Your Money with Your Values

    Cathy Cowan Becker headshot2

    Cathy Becker, Green America Responsible Finance Campaign Director (Courtesy photo)

    (From press release) Looking to align your money with your values? Cool Davis will be hosting two online “Green Your Finances” events this winter; the first is coming up soon on Wednesday, November 15th online at 6 pm PST focused on banking and highlighting associations and institutions that offer green banking and credit cards and their associated criteria and benefits. Our presenter is Cathy Becker, Responsible Finance Campaign Director with Green America. Enjoy a discussion between Cathy and our moderator, Cool Davis Board member Rekha Vaitla, Investment Officer for Sustainable Investment and Stewardship Strategies at CalSTRS, with a chance to ask questions at the end. These events were organized in support of the Yolo Earth Day pledge. Email coolsolutions@cooldavis.org for more information.

    Sign up today: www.cooldavis.org/pledge

    Cool Davis will be hosting the second event in January focused on investments. We’ll be busting the performance myth, explaining the difference between divestment and engagement, and clarifying terms such as Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings. Get all the details by signing up for our newsletter at www.cooldavis.org/signup/.

    Explore strategies to make your dollars even greener! A great way you can make a positive climate impact is to be more conscious about where your money is going … especially when you’re not using it. Many financial institutions lend, invest, or engage in projects that contribute to climate change, but you have the power to vote with your dollar by greening your finances.

    Cool Davis works to create enduring community resilience through equitable and inclusive strategies that lower greenhouse gas emissions and help our region adapt to a changing climate. Green America is a nonprofit organization that has been at the forefront of socially responsible investing for almost 40 years. Green America harnesses economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. They offer information, campaigns, and an extensive PDF guide to socially responsible investing (SRI) with a few pages covering banking and credit cards as well.

  • Soup, shopping are stars of Soroptimist event

    SoupNight

    Soroptimist International of Davis hosts a free Soup Night and Silent Auction on Thursday, Nov. 16 at Davis Odd Fellows upper hall. The event includes dozens of soups, breads and desserts at no cost. (Adobe Stock photo)

    (From press release) Soroptimist International of Davis invites community members to join its annual Soup Night and Silent Auction, Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Davis Odd Fellows Hall.

    The service club traditionally hosts the event a week before Thanksgiving. Soroptimists provide free soups, desserts, lively conversation and pre-holiday shopping opportunities. The event will be in the upper hall of Odd Fellows Lodge, 415 Second St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The silent auction closes at 7 p.m.

    Fill up on members’ best soups, breads and desserts while getting a jump start on holiday gifts. There will be themed gift baskets, experiences, gift certificates to local stores and eateries, and more. Beer and wine will be available for purchase in the lower hall, along with non-alcoholic beverages. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted.

    The evening’s proceeds benefit SI Davis programs and projects. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Soroptimist was founded in 1921 in Alameda County. Soroptimist International of Davis was chartered in 1954. Local members join some 75,000 Soroptimists in 122 countries and territories to contribute time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women and girls. Its core values are gender equality, empowerment, education, diversity and fellowship.

    SI Davis offers cash Live Your Dream Awards to female heads of household seeking education or training (applications due Nov. 15), and assists King High students through its Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls program. It also funds high school scholarships, grants to nonprofits that align with the Soroptimist mission, and anti-trafficking efforts.

    SI Davis members meet twice a month on Wednesdays – once at lunchtime and once in the evening – and connect for other fun activities and service. Learn more at https://www.sidavis.org/.

  • I’m Heading Over to the Riley Gaines Shˆt Show

    Go Free Speech!

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    I love a good shit show!

    I wonder how many cops in riot gear we'll have this time?   (I counted 100 at Charlie Kirk)

    I wonder how many Proud Boys will show up?  (I didn't see any at Charlie Kirk)

    I wonder how many protestors there will be?  (I counted 50 swelling to 100 at Charlie Kirk)

    I wonder how much property damage and confrontations with the police there will be?  (I observed at Charlie Kirk protestors aligned with Cops Off Campus threw eggs at cops, taunted cops with chants against cops, blocks people from entering, insulted attendees as racists and bigots, threw objects such as water bottles at attendees leaving, and as captured on film, smashed in the glass windows on the doors to the RecHall

    Across from the Mondavi Center – Protest begins in the grassy area at 5:30pm, Doors 6:15pm or earlier, Riley Show 7-9pm, After-Crap 9pm.

    Go free speech!   Go non-violet protest!  Protest in any other color!

    Do you also enjoy a good Shit Show?  See you there!

     

  • Soup, shopping are stars of Soroptimist event

    (From press release) Soroptimist International of Davis invites community members to join its annual Soup Night and Silent Auction, Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Davis Odd Fellows Hall.

    The service club traditionally hosts the event a week before Thanksgiving. Soroptimists provide free soups, desserts, lively conversation and pre-holiday shopping opportunities. The event will be in the upper hall of Odd Fellows Lodge, 415 Second St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The silent auction closes at 7 p.m.

    Fill up on members’ best soups, breads and desserts while getting a jump start on holiday gifts. There will be themed gift baskets, experiences, gift certificates to local stores and eateries, and more. Beer and wine will be available for purchase in the lower hall, along with non-alcoholic beverages. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted.

    The evening’s proceeds benefit SI Davis programs and projects. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Soroptimist was founded in 1921 in Alameda County. Soroptimist International of Davis was chartered in 1954. Local members join some 75,000 Soroptimists in 122 countries and territories to contribute time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women and girls. Its core values are gender equality, empowerment, education, diversity and fellowship.

    SI Davis offers cash Live Your Dream Awards to female heads of household seeking education or training (applications due Nov. 15), and assists King High students through its Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls program. It also funds high school scholarships, grants to nonprofits that align with the Soroptimist mission, and anti-trafficking efforts.

    SI Davis members meet twice a month on Wednesdays – once at lunchtime and once in the evening – and connect for other fun activities and service. Learn more at https://www.sidavis.org/.

  • 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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