Welcome To Davis 2025

FEATURE

MURAL WELCOMES ALL COMERS TO DAVIS

NEWEST PUBLIC ARTWORK CONNECTS PAST AND PRESENT

BY MONICA STARK

The words “Welcome to Davis” blanket a 45-foot long by 25-foot high industrial wall made visible to drivers traveling westbound just past the Richards Boulevard Interstate-80, the letters spelling out “D-A-V-I-S” are large block letters with scenes and landmarks invocative of California’s collegiest town.

This particular lettering, reminiscent of vintage postcards, invokes the town’s love of bikes

and agriculture to university and downtown businesses. Adjacent to it is the old Davis Motel sign.

“I’m excited about my mural, ‘Welcome to Davis’; it reflects my artistic vision for the area,” Davis artist Seongmin Yoo said. She says when driving from San Francisco, many people are unaware of Davis until they’re here. This mural aims to raise awareness about Davis and demonstrate that it can be a fun and welcoming place.

“Many cities have done similar projects, but we hadn’t,” she said. A quick internet image search shows East Lansing, Cantona,

Pasadena, Louisville, Toledo, Knoxville, Bend, Chinatown in NYC, NOLA, Tucson, OKC, the list goes on.

Yoo wants to capture the essence of our seasons—the way the light feels outdoors, especially when the students are gone, a feeling she conveys through her use of color..

Filling the “D”, Yoo painted colorful produce, orchard trees, and two bent-over farmworkers –”an important aspect of the community,” she said.

Starting at the top of the iconic UC Davis water tower on the

“A,” down to the Gunrock logo and the letter’s feet, with the contemplative Yin Egghead on the left foot and a cyclist on the right, the design showcases UC Davis symbols. She considered painting a campus roundabout with students crossing, but space limitations prevented that.

The “V” shows one red cyclist riding a red bike, taking flight into the blue sky, as a darker blue cyclist on a darker blue bike rides downward onto a bed of sunflowers; there’s also a sunflower in the sky, adding to the sunshine and vibe of Davis

Davis artist Seongmin Yoo’s mural welcomes drivers to Davis at the Richards Boulevard exit.

Monica Stark

summers.

Looking into the “I” is a zoomedin view of a red double-decker Unitrans, on a lightly cloudy, but still blue sky day.

The Varsity Theatre sign rounds the top of the “S” with other downtown Davis landmarks amid a dark and gloomy winter sky.

“We know how our summer looks. It’s not only just the people you know, like fewer students or a quiet neighborhood; there’s a kind of mood.”

“I really want to carry the feeling inside of the letters,” she said, adding that it’s not just the seasons, expressed through color in the mural, it’s our experiences. Using blue and purple to create depth, Yoo says she focuses on her painterly aspect.

Her use of color demonstrates the strong light Davis experiences during late spring and summer. Yoo says that’s how we feel when we are outside our homes, on the road, bathed by light and trees. When prompted with the statement — Davis is a colorful town with many interesting people — she agreed, “Absolutely.”

The space between the businesses from the onramp is narrow, posing safety concerns while she was painting, Yoo said. The angle of available workspace made it difficult for her to reach letters “I” and “S”. “I had to use a pole with a brush, which resulted in some noticeable brush marks — though they’ll likely be invisible to drivers,” she said.

John Natsoulas, a founding and continuous member of the Davis Mural Team, said the funding for the “Welcome to Davis” mural mainly came from the Davis Farmers Market, the Downtown Davis Business Association and the Davis Sunrise Rotary, with an additional city grant in part from the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs Program for Yoo, amounting to “about $10 an hour.”

Overall, the project cost around $3,500 due to needing a scissor lift and building a floor, requiring gravel and beams brought in to

Other murals around town: Above, a mural in the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden highlights the flora and fauna of the area. Below, Artist Mark Rivera shows off his Peña family ceramic mural at Parkview Place, Fourth and D streets, in 2014.

level the ground for safety. DMT member Adam Forfang, whose composition, “Chromatic Sky,” on 2nd street, between Newsbeat and Cafe Bernardo, joined Yoo on the first day of painting. He had to use a ladder, and there were difficulties accessing the narrow area. At one point, they had to use a forklift bucket for the work. Ben, who works for Natsoulas, and is 6 foot 5 inches, was allowed to help at the end, Natsoulas said.

Yoo moved to Davis from Korea in 2015 and explored various schools since then. She took classes at Sacramento City to gain art credits for her master’s program. After expanding her network, she recently completed her MFA at UC Davis. Yoo’s work focuses on both academics and community involvement, which inspired her to contribute to a mural project.

Planning started last year with building owners and coordination with the Davis Mural Team, of which Yoo is a member and helps others with their projects while creating her own.

The Davis Mural Team has been active for more than 20 years and has done a lot of sculptures as well, she says.

Yoo worked on several murals in Davis over the last two years

and created a mosaic Gunrock sculpture at a Downtown Davis apartment complex. She also received a City of Davis grant during COVID that supported her work on the murals.

With the mural team, in collaboration with a Davis High teacher, school volunteers and community members, Yoo painted a long landscape at Cafe Bernardo and a mural on a hotel, depicting several women jumping.

A community mural in the making and not yet named during the writing of this article included help from elementary school kids on the mornings of Aug. 14-15 on 140 B, behind the UPS and Quick and Easy stores. Yoo sketched the image on the wall that previous Monday morning.

Besides painting, sculpture, and installations, Yoo creates performance art, such as live painting at the Seattle Art Fair. Additionally, she has a hardbound book detailing her work, covering everything from installations to paintings. She also has another book focused on installations that the Holter Museum has. Upcoming is a show at the Eureka Museum next May. She’s recently had shows in Los Angeles and Korea. Driven by conceptual ideas, Yoo’s use of symbols in the “Welcome to Davis” mural focuses on the community, she says. “I left my country, but still, I have my country in my heart, but my body is here. Since my body is here, I love Davis and I wanted to work for Davis.”

Richard Belcher

Enterprise file photo

BOUNTY OF THE LAND FILLS CENTRAL PARK

FEATURE

FARMERS FIND CONNECTION WITH LONGTIME DAVIS TRADITION

BY REBECCA WASIK

California is known for its rich agriculture. We are a powerhouse, generating nearly $60 billion annually, accounting for more than 13% of the nation’s agricultural value. Our over 400 different commodities are sent to over 150 countries.

Yolo County is a major player in California’s agricultural industry. Our leading crops include

tomatoes, rice, wheat, grapes, almonds, walnuts and more.

We are one of the few counties in the state to offer an organic certification program, Yolo Certified Organic Agriculture, which is accredited by the USDA.

Supporting our local farmworkers is easy in Davis thanks to the Davis Farmers Market. Today, there are over 7,000 farmers markets in the United States, with more than 700 in California.

The Davis Farmers Market

takes up about a third of the five-acre Central Park in Davis. Approximately 7,000 to 10,000 people come to the market each week and visit the many booths under the pavilion built specifically for the market.

One of the first farmers markets in California, the Davis Farmers Market got its start in 1975. It was co-founded by UC Davis students and farmers including Ann Evans, Annie Main, Jeff Main, Martin Barnes and Henry Esbenshade.

Today, the market runs the

Saturday Davis Farmers Market, Wednesday’s Picnic in the Park, the UC Davis Farmers Market and the Sutter Health Davis Hospital Farmers Market.

The Mains, Barnes and Esbenshade still sell at the market today with their own farms, Good Humus, Capay Organic and Everything Under the Sun.

According to Evans, 70% of the market’s vendors come from within a one-hour drive of the market and 50% stay year-round.

One farm that fits into these

Brothers Eric and Andrew Walker of Farmboy Organics sell at the Davis Farmers Market on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Rebecca Wasik

FEATURE

metrics is Farmboy Organics of Winters. Run by brothers Eric and Andrew Walker, Farmboy Organics is one of the most popular booths at the market according to market manager Randii Macnear.

Raised in Davis, the Walkers grew up on a farm and spent most of their weekends growing up going to a farmers market in San Francisco.

Farmboy Organics grow a wide variety of commodities including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, basil, green beans, okra, melons, squash, onions, potatoes, tarragon, chives, leeks, carrots, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, pomegranate, citrus, carrots, kale and more.

Getting these items from their farm to the market each week is no small feat. The brothers sell their produce both at the Saturday market and at Wednesday’s Picnic at the Park.

Harvesting is done on Friday for the Saturday market. In most cases, it is just the Walker brothers harvesting, occasionally they have a helper or two. The goal is to have the food be as fresh as possible when it arrives at the market on Saturday. For Picnic in the Park, produce is harvested the same day.

“We’re harvesting all day long on Friday,” said Eric Walker. “Whenever we finish, we finish.”

Harvesting is only part of the process, however. A big part of farming is planning what crops to

plant, as well as when and how much.

“It goes back a year plus when we start crop planning,” said Eric Walker. “For example, our current summer squash we planted in early June. We took, based on last year’s amounts, what we sold, what we liked, what we didn’t like. We bought the seed in the winter. There are a lot of steps that go into making this happen.”

The weather also has a big impact on crops. Last summer’s heat did not bode well for the Walkers’ tomato yield.

“Last year, it was 115 degrees right around July 4th,” said Eric Walker. “That really messed up the cherry tomatoes. They were flowering, it was a really critical time. They need to have cool

enough weather, in the 90’s, for them to actually turn to fruit. They got blasted and so all the flowers fell off and the plants got so stressed out that they didn’t get going again.”

Luckily, with this year’s being a milder summer, this has not been the case.

The brothers began selling at the Davis Farmers Market in April of 2022.

“There was nobody that had cherry tomatoes at that point in the season,” said Eric Walker. “So we came in our first week with hundreds of baskets of cherry tomatoes.”

Cherry tomatoes are now the item that Farmboy Organics is most known for.

For the Walkers, knowing their

Eric and Andrew Walker of Farmboy Organics stand in the field of their most popular item: cherry tomatoes.

Rebecca Wasik

FEATURE

produce that they are picking on a Friday could be eaten by a local family by the end of the weekend is extremely rewarding.

“Because it is going to the market, we want to make sure we are taking the ripest and tastiest stuff,” said Eric Walker. “It doesn’t need to travel far. By Sunday night, most of it will be eaten. Some people will eat it all week long. It’s awesome, it provides a sense of purpose. People get really excited over normal stuff like basil at the market, when in reality, it’s just basil. But to see people smell the basil and tell us it’s the best basil they’ve ever smelled. It’s awesome to see that.”

Students

UC Davis students are incredibly fortunate to have one of the first four certified farmers markets established in the state so close to campus.

Unitrans even runs a free shuttle bus to the market from the Memorial Union parking lot every Saturday through June.

Students can use their Aggie Cash at the market by visiting the information shed near the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame building. Red market dollars are given in exchange for Aggie Cash, which can be spent on food.

EBT and CalFresh are also accepted. With these methods, anything in the market can be

purchased except for hot food on site. These payment methods can all also be used at the UC Davis Farmers Market, which is held on Wednesdays beginning in October

from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m outside the Student Community Center.

Development and events manager Mariella Ochoa estimates that approximately 15 to 30 students take advantage of CalFresh transactions at each UCD market.

About 150 CalFresh/EBT/Aggie Cash transactions are done each Saturday at the main farmers market, with about 60 of those being students.

The market also provides California Market Match vouchers. By using CalFresh/EBT, the Market Match Vouchers match your benefits to spend on fruits and vegetables.

Anyone with questions about their CalFresh, EBT or Aggie Cash usage at the Farmers Market should visit the information shed for more details.

Farm fresh food is a luxury that we have easy access to here in Davis thanks to the Davis Farmers Market and hard working farmers like the Walkers. Central Park comes alive every Saturday and Wednesday with food, drinks, music, plants, crafts and a tradition that has been 50 years in the making.

To learn more about the Davis Farmers Market, visit https://www.davisfarmersmarket. org/.

To learn more about Farmboy Organics, visit https://www.farmboyorganicsfarm.com/.

Farmboy Organics has been selling at the Davis Farmers Market since 2022.

Rebecca Wasik

The Pavilion was packed for the Wednesday Farmers Market.

Enterprise photo

ODD FELLOWS KEEP UP TRADITION OF SERVICE

DOWNTOWN HALL BECOMES THE PLACE TO BE

BY LAUREN KEENE

There are many community-service organizations that call Davis home. But how many can say they’ve been around for more than 150 years and boast nearly 400 members?

One can for certain — the Davis Odd Fellows, part of the international Independent Order of Odd Fellows founded in 1819. The Davis chapter, established on April 12, 1870, is the largest in California and likely also the world.

“We are non-sectarian, nonpolitical and open to everyone of all nationalities, sexes, religions, races and creeds,” says Marcus Marino, noble grand (the equivalent of president) of Davis Odd Fellows Lodge #169. “Our only requirement is that you are age 16 or older and believe as we do in our motto of ‘friendship, love and truth’ and the elevation of human character.”

Marino noted that the Odd Fellows raise tens of thousands of dollars each year for scholarships — recipients range from youths attending local camps to students heading off to college — Davis homeless shelters, the Scouts, Team Davis and many other worthy institutions here in town.

“To quote one of our members, ‘We do good things and have fun

doing them,’” Marino said.

The Odd Fellows promote many social activities as well. Each Thursday, the Second Street hall hosts a weekly Club Night with dinner and trivia games for Odd Fellows and their guests. The community also gathers there for St. Patrick’s Day, Breakfast with the Bunny and Breakfast with Santa (both kid-centered family events), “Odd”-toberfest, Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties.

For the past 70 years, they’ve celebrated the annual UC Davis Picnic Day festivities by hosting a $5 pancake breakfast at the Odd Fellows Hall, where attendees can nab a prime viewing spot for the popular Picnic Day Parade.

One of the chapter’s newer members, 30-year-old Kavon Gohary, joined the Odd Fellows for both its social and philanthropic qualities.

“It seemed like a great way to meet people and contribute,” he said. “I can always count on Thursday night — I can come and have dinner and engage in conversations with the same group of people, which is how you make friends. It’s a lot harder to find groups like that nowadays.”

Gohary volunteers on several committees that raise money for local causes, “which is really important to me,” he said.

“I also appreciate the pool of

Ed Lewis tells a tale at the Davis Storytelling Extravaganza at the Davis Odd Fellows in 2019.

Courtesy photo

FEATURE

wisdom we have in the Odd Fellows — there’s a lot of leaders of industries, schools, political offices that we have here, and there’s a lot to learn in that respect,” Gohary said.

Got a favorite hobby? Chances are the Odd Fellows has committee dedicated to that pastime, including hiking, line dancing, live music, theater and storytelling, needlecrafting, and beer, wine and fine-liquor tasting, among many others.

And if there’s no committee? Create one.

That’s what Mason Harry did shortly after joining the Odd Fellows in August 2022.

“I started looking at all the possibilities. I thought OK, the sky’s the limit here,” Harry said. He first started a self-defense committee,

showing instructional videos and teaching techniques he’d learned over the years.

A short time later, he launched a lounge committee with a game night on the third Friday of each month. Attendees can socialize over board and video games, as well as the occasional poker tournament. Harry also provides plenty of snacks.

“It’s an opportunity to get a different demographic in here, some younger folks,” Harry said. I definitely don’t regret the decision (to join).”

In a world where people have become increasingly isolated and lonely due to a reliance on technology, the Odd Fellows “emphasize community, togetherness, social interaction and cooperation,” Marino said.

“We do everything in person, which leads to new friendships and a more human contact,”

he added. “Our mix of age groups and personal backgrounds leads to interesting conversations and the personal growth of us all.”

Interested in joining? Here’s how: www. davislodge.org/how-to-join-the-odd-fellows/.

The Davis Odd Fellows have numerous activities and events lined up for this fall, including:

A Taste of Davis and Yolo , 6- 8 p.m. Sept. 28: After a one-year hiatus, A Taste of Davis returns to include an eclectic variety of food and beverage vendors from not only Davis, but also greater Yolo County, all under one roof at the Davis Odd Fellows Hall.

“This is a gastronomic feast,” event co-chair Lea Rosenberg said. “It’s also a great local social event. Folks come to see and be seen while they sample delicious food and drink from Davis and Yolo County.”

The Davis Odd Fellows-sponsored Zombie Bike Ride always brings out the most fashionable ghouls.

Enterprise photo

FEATURE

Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door, with proceeds benefiting Meals on Wheels of Yolo County. For tickets and more information, visit www.davislodge. org/odd-fellows-events/ taste-of-davis-yolo/.

Seventh annual Zombie Festival, Oct. 24-26: This yearly homage to the undead began as a community parade in 2019, a way to celebrate the Halloween season and bicycles in Davis, well-known for its reputation as a bike-friendly city.

Like a zombie herd, the event has grown in size over the years. The main organizers — the Davis Odd Fellows, The Bike Campaign and the Davis Bike Club, along with more than 120 sponsors — once again plan a weekend to die for, including the second-annual Zombie Ball on Saturday night (adults only) and Sunday’s Zombie Bike Parade between Community Park and Mace Ranch Park, with activity stations in between.

You’ll also dig (up) Sunday’s Zombie Festival at Community Park, with food vendors, trains rides, tethered hot-air balloon

rides and a skydiving zombie finale, followed by the Zombie Mash after-party at Woodstock’s Pizza in downtown Davis.

Organizers plan for a familyfriendly event that, despite its focus on the walking dead, won’t be too overwhelming for the little ones. Children are encouraged to attend, as well as pets.

“It’s going to be exciting, without a doubt, but it’s not going to be too scary,” festival chairman Aaron Wedra promised.

As always, proceeds from the event will benefit NorCal Trykers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing custom tricycles to children with special needs.

For more information: www. zombiebikeparade.com.

Thursday Live!: The first Thursday of most months brings live music to the Odd Fellows Hall, organized by the Music Committee with support from KDRT radio. Some recent concerts featured country, folk, bluegrass, Americana, funk and soul setlists. Thursday Live! shows are donation-only, with all contributions going straight to the musicians. The hall bar sells beer, wine and other beverages

during the concerts, and the dance floor is open.

To be added to the email list, contact Juelie Roggli at juelrog@ gmail.com.

Bingo: It’s not just for retirees anymore. On the second Sunday of each month, players ranging in age from 18 (the minimum age to participate) to their 80s gather at

the Odd Fellows Hall to play 16 rounds of bingo.

The proceeds benefit a variety of local community and charitable organizations, totaling more than $100,000 since the Odd Fellows began hosting bingo in 2007.

Learn more at www.davisbingo. com.

Players enjoy a round of Second Chance at the Davis Odd Fellows’ monthly game night.

Enterprise photo

The Davis Odd Fellows Hall is downtown Davis landmark at 415 Second St. .

Fred Gladdis

DPUTTING DAVIS TO THE TEST

QUIZMASTER DR. ANDY JONES WAITS FOR YOUR ANSWERS

r. Andy Jones’ journey to trivia master began in the early 2000s, when a friend from graduate school recruited him to join his trivia team at the Streets of London Pub in midtown Sacramento.

Tapped for his Shakespearean knowledge, Jones — an author, poet and longtime English and writing professor at UC Davis — proved a valuable addition to the team, and he enjoyed making new friends during the weekly games.

Trivia took a back seat to family life with the birth of Jones’ third child in 2005. The following year, he and a colleague launched a twicemonthly poetry night reading series in a back room at Bistro 33 at Third and F streets.

A couple of years into that gig, Jones engaged in a conversation with one of Bistro 33’s owners, who mused about ways to get patrons in the door on slow Monday nights. Jones suggested holding regular trivia games.

“What is that, and who could possibly do that for me?” the owner asked. Jones volunteered, and soon began hosting weekly pub quizzes.

Nearly two decades later he’s still going strong, now leading the popular Wednesday night trivia games on Sudwerk’s outdoor patio.

“It’s one of those things where people can get together, put their phones down and look into each other’s eyes — almost as a substitute for conversation, and they do have conversations,” Jones said of trivia’s widespread appeal.

Jones’ games draw as many as 40 teams on any given night who tackle a list of 30 questions in subjects including history, literature, current events, sports and science, as well as pop, internet and youth culture, hoping to win a coveted gift card or swag.

The rules are simple and straighforward; No more than six members to a team. No shouting out answers. No outside help. No arguing with the quizmaster, whose trivia questions are

BY LAUREN KEENE

painstakingly researched and presumed to be correct.

And the final rule: Make some noise and have

some fun, which Jones says he exemplifies through quips, humor, sassiness and improvisation, “which keeps me on my toes.”

Dr. Andy Jones’ trivia games at Sudwerk draw as many as 40 teams on any given night.

Lauren Keene

Unlike many trivia games out there that come pre-packaged and played on cell phones or tablets, Jones himself meticulously researches and writes the questions, devoting several hours toward preparing each week’s quiz.

“A lot of ideas come from me paying attention over the course of a week to what people are thinking and talking about,” Jones said. Sometimes, he gains inspiration from trending online searches and random Wikipedia pages.

What his quizzes don’t have: Music snippets or visual clues, Jones’ way of keeping it “old school.”

“I’m quite pleased not to have added those complications,” Jones said. “It’s called trivia, but I also ask questions about things that are worth knowing.”

Need some hints? Jones shares them every Wednesday on the Patreon platform: www.patreon. com/c/yourquizmaster.

Jones parted ways with Bistro 33 in 2012. Within a few months, he began hosting weekly trivia at De Vere’s Irish Pub on E Street — continuing on Patreon during the Covid pandemic — until the restaurant’s closure in 2021.

One longtime trivia team, The Mavens, got their start at De Vere’s and have followed Jones ever since. Several of them were in the same Davis High School graduating class, and they’ve watched each other’s kids grow up and get married.

“We do it for fun, rather than caring about if we win or not,” said one Maven, Jan Agee. “We’ve become a support group for each other as well.”

While most hail from Davis, one member, Dawn Daro, drives in from Berkeley each week to participate.

The group comes well-prepared, carrying tote bags with their team name that hold hand-held fans for hot weather, bags of candy to nibble on and other potential necessities.

“We love Dr. Andy — that goes without saying,” Amy Abramson said.

The members of another team, Still Here for the Shakesbeer, trace their friendships back to when their children were preschoolers.

“This is an excuse for us to get together every week and chat, which is fun,” Eric Moody said.

Mike Mitchell said the team tried several trivia games around town before settling on Jones’, which “we’ve liked the best. We also love sitting outside.”

“Each of us knows something different, so we have a wellbalanced team,” added Megan Rabin.

Jones’ move to Sudwerk occurred about two years ago, the result of a walk across the Pole Line Road overcrossing with his son a few months prior. They crossed paths with two of Jones’ regular players, who pointed out nearby Sudwerk’s new outdoor patio as an ideal trivia location.

Jones agreed and reached out to Sudwerk’s owners, who were “delighted and welcoming,” he said.

Get in the game

Here’s a list of weekly trivia games in and around Davis:

Three Mile Brewery

231 G St. No. 3, Davis

Mondays 6:30 p.m.

Mojo’s Lounge

428 First St., Woodland Mondays 6 p.m.

Bull ‘N Mouth

217 E St., Davis Tuesdays 7 p.m.

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen

129 E St., Davis Tuesdays 9:30 p.m.

Blue Note Brewery

750 Dead Cat Alley, Woodland Tuesdays 6:30 p.m.

Like at Streets of London all those years ago, Jones’ trivia has brought new friends into his life.

An ordained minister, he’s married two couples he got to know through his pub quizzes. He’s also met a number of local authors at his games, inviting them onto his KDVS radio show, “Dr. Andy’s

Sudwerk

2001 Second St., Davis

Wednesdays 7 p.m.

G Street Wunderbar

228 G St., Davis

Wednesday 8 p.m.

University of Beer

615 Third St., Davis

Wednesdays 8:30 p.m.

Super Owl Brewing

1260 Lake Blvd. Suite 121, Davis

Thursdays 6:30 p.m.

Woodstock’s Pizza

238 G St., Davis Thursdays 9 p.m.

Hooby’s Brewing

9 E. Main St. Suite J, Winters Sundays 2 p.m.

Poetry and Technology Hour,” to promote their work.

He plans to continue quizmastering “as long as I’m physically able.”

“I love this job,” he said. Even when it comes time to retire from UCD, “I’ll just keep doing this, because it’s so much fun.”

Dr. Andy Jones holds court at the weekly pub quiz at Sudwerk Brewing in Davis.

Lauren Keene

LIGHT ON THE LINGO?

FROM ACME THEATRE TO THE ZOMBIE BIKE RIDE, WE’LL GET YOU TALKING LIKE A LOCAL

New in town? This vocab lesson could be just the thing to get you acquainted.

As a newcomer to Davis, you might hear people mention “ARC,” “DAC” or “the MU,” but what are they talking about?

Thanks to our toad tunnel and anti-snoring ordinance, you might only be familiar with the city of “All Things Right and Relevant” via coverage on Comedy Central. We’re here to tell you, there’s so much more to know.

The Enterprise editorial staff has composed a handy Davis dictionary, listing a little of what makes up our city, from A to Z.

Acme Theatre Company: Davis’ oldest theatre company is this entirely youth-run, award-winning theater group, which is free and open to all high school-aged thespians.  Company members learn acting, technical theatre and leadership skills through creating three main stage productions and a summer drama program for kindergarten thru eighth grade students. Visit acmetheatre.net.

Aggie Village: This land south of First Street once was home to UC Davis dorms, known as Aggie Villa. Then it was an empty lot for many years. Beginning in 1997, a housing development known as Aggie Village, a neo-traditional neighborhood, was built on the west side of the land, with the Davis Commons shopping center on the east side.

Aggies: The athletic teams’ nickname is a reflection of UC Davis’ agricultural history. An Aggie also is anyone who graduates from UCD. In 1987,

the Cal Aggie Alumni Association polled 12,250 dues-paying members out of 80,000 UC Davis graduates about possibly dropping the name “Aggie” from the association’s formal name. The vote came back with 62.2 percent urging the association to keep the name.

AquaMonsters: A local grassroots organization offering swimmers a variety of summer recreation and USA

Swimming opportunities for children 5-18 years old.

Arboretum: The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden is a 120-acre tree collection and botanical garden along the north fork of Putah Creek on the UC Davis campus. Besides providing a place for teaching and research, it is a popular spot for exercising and picnicking. Aggressive ducks rule the pond, known as Lake Spafford, near Mrak Hall. In recent years,

students have created sciencebased artwork to complement the natural beauty.

ARC: The Activities and Recreation Center opened in April 2004 and was funded with the help of a student referendum. The ARC hosts many recreational activities for UC Davis students, faculty and staff, with four indoor basketball courts (convertible to host volleyball and badminton), eight four-wall courts, a multi-use

A bike racer zooms through the 2024 Fourth of July Criterium in downtown Davis.

Mike Trask

GLOSSARY

activity center, indoor running track, large fitness/weight areas, and an indoor climbing wall.

Art: Many formal and informal art gallery spaces decorate Davis and there are lots of examples of art in public places. Work ranges from performance art and installations to watercolors and functional ceramics. UC Davis has provided the world with several well-known artists, including Wayne Thiebaud and the late Robert Arneson.

Bike Forth: A do-it-yourself bicycle repair shop at the corner of Fourth and L streets, Bike Forth — part of the Davis Bike Collective — is entirely volunteer-run and donation-based. Nothing in the shop has a fixed price; donations are requested to help pay the rent and keep tools in good shape. Alternatively, volunteer time may be donated instead of money.

Bikes: The city of Davis is nationally recognized as a pioneer in developing a citywide bike traffic system. The city has more than 125 miles of bike lanes and bike paths. Its bike system originated in an early ’60s effort to blend the needs of motorists with the needs of cyclists. There are several bike cops at both the university and city police departments. The 2010 U.S. Census Bureau count revealed that Davis had the highest percentage of bicycle commuters in the U.S. More than 22 percent of the working population commuted to their job using a bicycle.

Cannery, The: The Hunt Wesson tomato plant on East Covell Boulevard, Davis’ nod to bluecollar workers and the sweaty side of agriculture, closed in 1999. It used to employ about 200 people year-round, and as many as 1,500 during the peak tomato-processing season. In the late summers, the pungent smell of processed tomatoes hung thick in the air. A new 100-acre housing development, dubbed The Cannery, occupies this space now, involving roughly 550 homes.

Causeway: This 3.2-mile-long

stretch of bridge runs over the Yolo Bypass and separates us from West Sacramento. Many no-growthers like to envision the bypass as a moat. To prevent flooding during the rainy season, the Yolo Bypass often fills up with runoff from the Sacramento River.

Central Park: This downtown park has several gardens, the Hattie Weber Museum, recently updated playground equipment and the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame. Home of the Davis Farmers Market, the park has become a child’s paradise thanks to the “Flying Carousel of the Delta Breeze,” a pedal-powered merrygo-round that benefits the schools.

City Council: Mayor Josh Chapman presides over Council members Vice Mayor Bapu Vaitla, Linda Deos, Donna Neville and Gloria Partida.

College Park: This old tree-lined neighborhood is one of the most beautiful in Davis. Directly north of the campus, the College Park loop features large yards and stately homes with varying architectural styles. The UC Davis chancellor’s residence at 16 College Park serves both as a home for Chancellor Gary May and his wife, LeShelle, and a venue for official entertainment.

Community Park: Built in 1966, this 28-acre park is used by many people, including about 2,000 kids participating in American Youth Soccer Association games on Saturdays in the fall. The town’s Fourth of July celebration also is here. The park also has: picnic areas; Rainbow City, a refurbished playground funded and built by community members; a skate park; and a dog park.

Criterium: This daylong series of bicycle races takes place every Fourth of July through the streets of downtown Davis. It draws a big crowd of riders and spectators. Dark-sky ordinance: Davis became the focus of national attention when the City Council approved this ordinance requiring, for some new light installations, the use of fixtures that point light downward and away from the night sky. The council unanimously

approved the ordinance in late 1998 in an effort to create a more pleasant nighttime environment and bring more stars into view. It applies only to new lighting installations on public property, stores, industries and apartment complexes.

Davis Aquatic Masters: DAM is one of the largest U.S. Masters Swim affiliates in the nation. DAM boasts a membership of more than 500 people, beginning swimmers to world champions, age 18 to 90+, all dedicated to the simple pleasure of a good swim. Ordinarily they hold 48 coached workouts every week, and offer two lap swim sessions each weekend, all year long.

Davis Arts Center: The center offers a wide range of multidisciplinary arts programs for all age groups. Additionally Davis Arts Center partners with community organizations such as First 5 Yolo, NAMI Yolo County, regional school districts, and RISE, Inc., to provide art experiences throughout Yolo County. At 1919 F St. in Community Park, the center includes studios for clay, weaving, visual art, dance, drama, music and performance spaces.

Davis Food Co-op: A Davis institution, the Co-op is more than a health food store, it’s a social event. Offering everything from bulk tofu to pesticide-free veggies, the Co-op is at 620 G St. Co-op members pay a small fee to join — more than 9,000 owners share in store profits, support sustainability and the local economy. Nonmembers are welcome too. The building with gold letters heralded by a big red tomato sculpture — by Yolo County artist Gerald Heffernon — is hard to miss.

Davis Musical Theatre Company: This is California’s longest-running, year-round, amateur musical theater company. It was founded by Jan and Steve Isaacson in 1984 with a mission to preserve the classic American musical art form. The all-volunteer nonprofit organization produces 11 musicals each year at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts

Center in Davis. Six are “main stage” productions with adult actors; five are “young performers” productions for actors between 7 and 17 years old.

Davisville: This was our town’s first name when it was founded by the California Pacific Railroad in 1868. You can read about early days in “Davisville ‘68: The History and Heritage of the City of Davis” by Joann Leach Larkey or in The Enterprise’s “Those Who Make Memories” bound edition published in 1996.

Dixon: This neighboring community in northern Solano County is home to many who work in Davis but prefer Dixon’s smalltown ways and want lower-cost housing.

Dog parks: When the Davis Cemetery District board of directors decided dogs should no longer run free at the cemetery, residents started demanding other dog park options. Through great persistence and dedication, Davis dog lovers were able to persuade the City Council to build Toad Hollow Dog Park, a twoand-a-half-acre, fully fenced, off-leash area with a double-lock entry gate, drinking fountain and trash stations with plastic bags. Toad Hollow Dog Park is at 1919 Second St. Another fenced, offleash dog run is at Community Park, 1405 F St. (west of the skate park). There are several unfenced off-leash parks throughout town.

Domes, The: The Domes are an iconic piece of history, having been built almost entirely by UC Davis students in 1972 as an experiment in community living. The hemispheres sit on the western end of Orchard Park on campus; there are 14 total — one has been converted to an office space and the other 13 each house two UCD students.

El Macero: With its own golf course and country club, El Macero — or “Elmo” as some locals refer to it — is happy not to be a part of Davis, but rather an unincorporated area of Yolo County.

Farmers Market, Davis: This Davis institution is consistently

GLOSSARY

voted “America’s Favorite Farmers Market.” Year-round at 301 C St. in Central Park, it’s open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. Walk rows of stalls lined with fruits and vegetables — including certified organic produce — meats, chicken, seafood, wine, nuts, eggs and honey. Choose from a variety of fresh-baked goods, plants, flowers and gifts. Enjoy a picnic from a food stand, made from market ingredients. The Davis Farmers Market Alliance also manages the UC Davis Farmers Market, on the Quad on from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays during fall and spring quarters; and the Sutter Davis Hospital Farmers Market, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, May through September, at 2000 Sutter Place. Football stadiums: UC Davis opened its new, $31 million Aggie Stadium in 2007. It’s a fantastic — although sometimes blazingly hot — place to watch the UCD Aggies

compete against other Big Sky Conference football teams. Ron & Mary Brown Stadium opened to rave reviews at Davis High School in the fall of 2009 after a major fundraising campaign by the DHS Blue & White Foundation. Grandstands, concession stands and restrooms opened the following autumn.

Guinness record: Yes, Davis owns one, thanks to the 2010 “World’s Greatest Bicycle Parade,” organized by the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge. Nearly 1,000 bicyclists pedaled in a single line to earn the record. Or should we say, “Davis owned one” since it looks like the record was beaten in 2016 by Dhaka, Bangladesh, with 1,186 people, then broken by Ashgabat, Turkmenistan in 2019 who had 1,995 people ride in a single line bike parade.

Hattie Weber Museum: Built in 1911, the tiny Old Davis Library was at 117 F St. When the new library was built on East 14th St., the old library served various uses and became the downtown recreation building for city

GLOSSARY

programs. In 1988 it was moved from F Street to the northeast corner of Central Park where it now stands at 445 C St.

International House: I-House, as it is called, is a retreat for foreign students, scholars and members of the community interested in global issues. The house at 10 College Park was expanded in 1997.

Joggers, The: A bronze piece consisting of two running figures by Tony Natsoulas, this work of art has an interesting “only in Davis” story. When the piece was installed in the spring of 1986 outside what was then the Davis Police Department at 226 F St., some community members worried that the joggers’ pointing fingers could pose a safety hazard. Later, the figures were moved back from the sidewalk a few feet.

Madrigals, The: Known for beautiful music and luxurious costumes, the Davis High School Madrigal Choir has earned a national and international reputation. In competitions at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales and the Prague International Choral Competition, the choir has won the distinction as the best chamber choir. Karen Gardias was recently awarded best director at the Leonardo DaVinci International Choral Festival in Florence.

Manetti Shrem Museum of Art: In a recent New York Times article that talks about what to do in Sacramento if you have 36 hours, they had one must-see place in Davis — you guessed it, The Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art. Opening in November of 2016, museum represents the fine arts at UC Davis. The museum is named for its founding donors, Jan Shrem, founder of Clos Pegase winery in the Napa Valley, and his wife, arts patron Maria Manetti Shrem, who made the gallery possible with a $10 million gift to the university in 2011.

Mondavi Center for the

Performing Arts: This sumptuous theater on the southern edge of campus nestles right up to the railroad tracks, but fear not — fabulous soundproofing and unparalleled acoustics have earned it high marks among performers and patrons alike. Topnotch performers and speakers, from violinist Itzhak Perlman to comedian Hasan Minaj to former President Clinton, have graced the stage.

MU: The Memorial Union complex on the UC Davis campus is the hub of the campus. The Coffee House, or CoHo, is a popular spot, and opens onto the Quad. In addition to food and books, the MU offers a 12-lane bowling alley, pool room and video game area. Many public talks and lectures are held in MU meeting rooms.

Muir Commons: Residents of the nation’s first co-housing project took residence in 1991 on Muir Woods Place in the Aspen subdivision of West Davis. Homeowners have their own townhouses, but they also share a common kitchen and dining room where they can cook and eat meals together if they choose.

Mustangs: This gets confusing, so pay close attention. The mustang was once the official mascot of UC Davis, although most

than event planners might like, and alcohol-related arrests and mayhem in 2010 motivated talk of canceling the event. It continues, however, as revelers try to be on their best behavior.

Quad, The: The center of the university campus, this 10-acre open space is a happening place for students to eat lunch, relax, lie in hammocks, watch student demonstrations and listen to noon speakers or musicians.

people thought the mascot was the Bossy Cow-Cow, otherwise known as Hamburger Patty. Some years ago, much to the chagrin of some of UCD’s elder alumni, students ousted the mustang, known as Ollie, in place of the cow. But now the official UCD mascot is a horse named “Gunrock.” The horse as a UCD symbol dates back to 1921, when the U.S. Army brought a stud thoroughbred son of Man o’ War named Gunrock to campus to supply high-quality stock for the cavalry.

Noise ordinance: There’ll be no loud music in this town, and don’t even think about snoring. The Farmers Market and leaf blowers also have been the subject of Davis’ controversial and confusing noise ordinance. Violators can receive a fine.

“The Davis Children’s Nutcracker”: This elaborate annual holiday production involves more than 250 children portraying everything from mice to snowflakes. Tickets are hard to come by and go first to family members.

Picnic Day: UCD’s annual April open house can draw up to 100,000 visitors to the university — if it doesn’t rain. Favorite events include the parade, dachshund races and the Frisbee dog contest. Some years are more raucous

Raptor Center: Part of the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, the Raptor Center is home to all kinds of sick or injured birds of prey, including owls, falcons and eagles. Open to the public, the center is run by a group of dedicated student and community volunteers, who kept programs alive after they were threatened by budget cuts.

Recycling: We were recycling before recycling was cool. A curbside recycling program has been active for more than 40 years. Recycle your paper (newspaper, cereal-type boxes, junk mail, magazines, mixed paper), aluminum and tin cans, glass jars and bottles, and plastic soda bottles in your cool, rolling splitrecycling cart. Food scraps, foodsoiled paper and yard trimmings are collected in the organics cart.

Shields, Peter J.: The father of UC Davis. In 1899, Shields was the secretary of the state Agricultural Society. In talking to farmers and friends at the State Fair, Shields learned that California had no farm college. In 1903, he began lobbying the Legislature to pass a bill creating a dairy school and experimental farm. In 1906 a site selection committee picked Davisville, and classes began in 1908.

Sister cities: Davis currently has eight, with many of them reflecting shared interests or environmental situations. Our sister cities are Inuyama, Japan; Qufu and Wuxi, China; Uman, Ukraine; Rutilio Grande, El Salvador; SangJu, Korea; and Muñoz and Los Banos, Philippines.

Stephens Branch Library: The

The UC Davis Memorial Union Games Area offers bowling and pool.

Kody Kitaura

GLOSSARY

public library shares the honor with the school system of being Davis’ oldest institution. As a formal branch of the Yolo County library system, it was in place six years before the city of Davis was incorporated in 1917. The library that most people are familiar with, the one at 315 E. 14th St., was built in 1968 (the first library is now the Hattie Weber Museum in Central Park), was expanded in 1992 and was further expanded in 2010. A South Davis satellite branch is at Montgomery Elementary School.

Toad tunnel: When construction began on the Pole Line Road overcrossing, environmentalists worried about frogs being squashed en route to their breeding grounds. The idea of the toad tunnel (common in Europe) was to protect the frogs on their journey. There’s no consensus yet as to whether any toads actually use the tunnel. Toad Hollow, a miniature town, is just a hop away from the toad tunnel. It was designed by the late Ted Puntillo Sr. Toad Hollow includes a pub, restaurant, hotel and is located outside of the post office. It has been memorialized in a children’s book: “The Toads of Davis: A Saga of a Small Town” written by Puntillo.

Trees: Davis’ beautiful treelined streets give the Core Area downtown the feel of a small Midwestern town. Davis street trees include almonds, the Chinese hackberry, sycamores, Chinese tallow (it looks like an aspen),

thornless honey locusts and many varieties of ash.

Turkey Trot: This annual walk, walk/run and run — and even a “Dog Jog” — takes place each year on the weekend before Thanksgiving and attracts a lot of people. More than 3,000 adults and children are expected at this year’s annual event, which starts downtown at the corner of Sixth and C streets.

UC Davis: Without this, we’d be Woodland — not that there’s anything wrong with that. The foundation of Davis, UCD began as the University Farm in 1906, an adjunct to UC Berkeley. It now boasts a law school, medical school, College of Engineering, a Graduate School of Management and School of Veterinary Medicine.

Unitrans: The university’s transportation system, with a staff of all-student drivers, recently celebrated its 50th year. It’s famous for its London-style double-decker buses and also has a fleet of natural gas-powered buses.

U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame: We’ve always touted ourselves as the Bicycle Capital of the United States. Now, we really are, thanks to the 2009 relocation of the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame from New Jersey to Davis. It is housed at 303 Third St., downtown and features changing exhibits honoring Hall of Fame inductees and bicycling history.

Veterans’ Memorial Theater: On 14th Street, the building is used for everything from high school plays to dance recitals by Davis’ professional companies. Bookings run one year in advance

GLOSSARY

in this city-subsidized performance venue, part of the Veterans’ Memorial Center. Other rooms and the patio at the VMC are used for events like meetings and wedding receptions.

Village Homes: In West Davis, this unique subdivision built in the 1980s is partly responsible for the city’s reputation for being a pioneer in the use of solar energy and conservation. It’s on the mustsee list for every VIP who comes to Davis. Past visitors have included Prince Charles, Rosalynn Carter and French President Francois Mitterrand. It’s a little ironic that one of Davis’ claims to fame is a developer’s subdivision. The neighborhood also honors J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” with many streets named after characters and places from his novels.

Water tank: The artists who painted “Same Sun” — also known as Davis’ east area water tank — hope it tells passersby that Davis is about more than cows and bicycles. Sofia Lacin and Hennessy Christophel painted Davis’ 4 million-gallon canvas  in 2012 thanks to a $75,000 grant from the City Council. Changing seasonal shadows fill in blanks where letters spell out the Latin words, “Sol omnibus lucet” on the Summer Solstice.

Water towers: There are three in Davis — two on campus (west of Mrak Hall and one near the dairy) and one in town, off Eighth Street.

Wetlands, Davis: Spanning 400 acres in the southern panhandle of Conaway Ranch, between Willow Slough and the Yolo Bypass, this $6 million wetlands project is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ nationwide effort to restore natural habitat lost through federal development.

Funded 75 percent by the federal government but operated by the city of Davis, the project combines stormwater and treated wastewater from the nearby city treatment plant to create a habitat area with continuous water circulation.

West Village: A whole new “zero net energy” community sprouted up on UC Davis ag land south of Russell Boulevard and west of Highway 113. West Village is home to students, faculty and staff members as well as the site of a new satellite center for Sacramento City College.

Whole Earth Festival: Each spring, this counter-culture event draws hippies and spectators from across Northern California to a three-day handicraft and music celebration on campus featuring speakers and activists on Mother’s Day weekend.

Wildhorse: Surrounded by an 18-hole championship golf course, this Davis subdivision which started being built in 1999 was the focus of a prolonged political controversy but now is home to hundreds of families.

Wildlife ponds: There are two in Davis. West Davis Pond, off Arlington Boulevard, attracts numerous birds. Another bird sanctuary, wildlife habitat and pond is in North Davis off the extension

of Anderson Road at Northstar Park. It also is visible to the west if you’re driving up County Road 101A toward Woodland.

Winters: This small town only 15 miles from Davis, known as “The Gateway to Lake Berryessa,” has historic charm and a rural lifestyle. It has a lively downtown district, is home to the county’s top fruit and nut orchards and is an increasingly popular bedroom community for those who work in Davis or Sacramento.

Woodland: The City of Trees and the Yolo County seat, Woodland boasts its own restored and active opera house, a beautiful collection of historic homes, and the home of the state’s only free-admission county fair (in August). Seven miles north of Davis, about 61,000 people call Woodland home.

Yolo: The word is derived from the Patwin Indians who lived on this land when the Europeans were settling the New World. “Yolo” means “tule place”; a tule is a reedy marsh plant similar to a cattail. In recent years, YOLO has

gotten a hipster makeover as the acronym for “You Only Live Once.” Yolo Basin Foundation: Is a nonprofit public benefit corporation dedicated to inspiring and educating people about wetlands and wildlife. This 3,300-acre reserve demonstrates what can be done when all stakeholders (local, county, state, nation and private landowners) are brought together to work toward a common goal of preservation. President Clinton visited the Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area in 1997.

Zombie Bike Ride: The Zombie Bike Ride is a free community ride on Halloween day on Davis’ 13-mile bike loop, organized by the Davis Odd Fellows and The Bike Campaign. Participants dress up as zombies, or their favorite Halloween costumes, while watching out for “professional” zombies along the way.

Proceeds benefit Norcal Trykers, a nonprofit organization that provides custom tricycles to children with special needs. Visit www.zombiebikeparade.com.

A slender crescent moon sets over UC Davis and the Dairy Road water tower.

Sue Cockrell

WOODLAND SILENT BOOK CLUB SPREADS LOVE OF READING

BOOK ENTHUSIASTS GATHER FOR THE PRINTED WORD

BY REBECCA WASIK

Reading is a fundamental part of our daily lives. For many, reading books leisurely is a way to escape from the worries of the world.

For Woodland native Maggie Preciado, reading books has been an integral part of her life as far back as she can remember. It was Preciado’s grandfather who sparked this love of reading when he took his granddaughter to the thrift store and told her to pick out as many books as she wanted. The duo would sit at the park together and read for hours.

Once her grandfather passed away, Preciado’s mother made sure she regularly visited the library, still gifting her books to this day.

In San Francisco in 2012, two friends began reading books together at their local wine bar. In 2015, those friends, Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich officially launched the organization, “Silent Book Club.” Its mission is to unite a global community of book lovers through the shared joy of reading together. Preciado, a big believer in selfcare, dedicates one day a week to treat herself. Many times, she found herself at a brewery in Davis, crocheting, reading and enjoying a beer. Often, people would stop and ask her

questions about what she was making or what she was reading. This led to new friendships and acquaintances.

So, she started an Instagram account called “@yes_b33r,” dedicated to her love of books and how they pair with different brews.

Over the years, the Silent Book Club organization has grown to over 2,000 chapters in 60-plus countries. There is no assigned reading like you would find in a traditional book club. All readers are welcome, all events are free and support local businesses.

After an hour of silent reading, attendees can choose to socialize or not. The main purpose of Silent Book Club is to build communities.

Preciado decided to attend a club meeting of the Sacramento Silent Book Club after putting it off for awhile due to anxiety. From there, she fell in love.

Born and raised in Woodland, Preciado saw her chance to start a club in her own town. So she did in June 2024.

While local businesses were confused and hesitant to host the club gatherings at first, Preciado says she now has businesses contacting her asking if they can host a meeting.

“They were like, ‘You want to come to my restaurant and read?’ and I’m just like yes trust me, it’s gonna be great,” laughed Preciado. “It’s going to bring business and

The Woodland Silent Book Club meets at Morgan’s Mill in Woodland on July 27.

Courtesy photo

FEATURE

it’s going to bring the community together.”

Local businesses that currently host the Woodland Silent Book Club include Great Bear Vineyards in Davis, Volt Coffee in Davis, Blue Note Brewing in Woodland and Morgan’s Mill in Woodland.

Preciado says the biggest groups tend to be at Great Bear Vineyards. Gatherings can usually range from 15 to 50 readers.

All forms of reading are acceptable — hard copy, Kindle, audiobook. When guests arrive, Preciado likes to introduce herself, give them bookmarks and stickers and invite them to sit at her table if they’d like.

There are no obligations, however. Attendees can grab food and drinks, pick a spot and read. After the hour is up, they have the option to mingle and take a group photo or can head out.

According to Preciado, some stay for hours longer to talk or continue reading. Times and places for the

The Woodland Silent Book Club meets at Great Bear Vineyards in Davis. Courtesy photo

FEATURE

meetings are posted on the club’s Instagram page, @woodland_sbc. All ages are welcome.

The Woodland Silent Book Club currently meets twice a month, once during the week and once over the weekend. For Preciado, she is simply amazed to see its growth in just over a year.

She personally has interacted with people that she may have never met otherwise thanks to the club. She mentions a group of moms she calls the “spicy moms” who read “smut books” at each meeting, as well as a couple who is getting married soon.

While she used to read mostly romance, Preciado says the club has helped her expand to other genres of reading including fantasy, smut and her newest favorite author Stephen King. Many of her recommendations come from the “spicy moms.”

“I get anxious, so reading can sometimes be the only way I can shut my brain off and escape what’s going on around me,” explained Preciado. “If I can pass that along to anyone, I will.”

Woodland is not the only chapter of the Silent Book Club in the area. Davis and Sacramento also have chapters, while a Dixon/ Vacaville chapter was created by a former Woodland Silent Book Club member.

Preciado encourages the community to try out different groups and find the best fit for them. All chapters can be found on the Silent Book Club’s website.

In the future, Preciado hopes to expand the club even more by incorporating audiobook walks, meetings in parks, co-meetings with other clubs and by visiting even more local businesses.

“Having people come up to me and say things are hard right now but that the club is their safe space, that they didn’t want to go out but this is where they feel comfortable, that’s the best part,” remarked Preciado.

To learn more about Silent Book Club, visit https://silentbook.club/.

Follow the Woodland Silent Book Club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ woodland_sbc/#.

Follow Maggie Preciado on Instagram: https://www.instagram. com/yes_b33r/.

Maggie Preciado started the Woodland chapter of the Silent Book Club in June 2024.

Coutesy photo

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

The city of Davis Parks and Community Services Department maintains approximately 485 acres of parks and greenbelts throughout the community. The City offers 37 different parks, 65 play areas, 33 sports facilities, 12 large picnic areas, three outdoor exercise stations and four aquatic facilities, in addition to many other recreational amenities and facilities that create memories and enhance the quality of life. The established bike paths interconnect parks and neighborhoods through greenbelts that are great for jogging, biking and walking.

Some of the sports facilities

• A skatepark in Community Park;

• Frisbee golf course in Oxford Circle Park;

• Sports courts for tennis and pickleball are in Chestnut Park, Covell Park, Pioneer Park, Redwood Park, Slide Hill Park, Walnut Park and West Manor Park;

• Softball and/or Baseball fields are in Civic Center complex, Community Park, Playfields Park, Slide Hill Park, West Manor Park and Westwood Park;

• Soccer fields are in the following parks: Arroyo, Community, John Barovetto, La Playa, Northstar, Oak Grove, Oxford Circle, Pioneer, Playfields, Putah Creek, Robert Arneson, Sandy Motley, Sycamore, Walnut, West Manor, Westwood and Willowcreek;

• Swimming pools in Civic Center complex, Community Park, Arroyo Park and Manor Pool in Slide Hill Park.

• Bocce in Market Park;

• Batting cages in Playfields Park;

• Inline hockey and bike polo in West Manor Park

• Bike Pump Track in Community Park (coming soon-Fall 2023)

Some of the parks

Rainbow City: This creative

Bike polo teams compete in West Manor Park on a Sunday afternoon.

playground in Community Park is near the Davis Art Center at Covell Boulevard and F Street. The park includes a huge play structure, swings, slides and other fun climbing structures.

Central Park: Home of the Davis Farmers’ Market and the Hattie Weber Museum. In the downtown area between B and C Street, you will also find the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, the Davis School Foundation’s pedal-powered Flying Carousel of the Delta Breeze, two playgrounds, a pavilion, garden and plenty of shade in the Sycamore Grove grass lawn to enjoy a picnic. Easy access to downtown restaurants.

Mace Ranch Community Park: This 23-acre park has softball fields, a soccer field and a burrowing owl habitat. It won a statewide award for excellence in park planning and design.

Market Park and Harvest Park in the Cannery: These parks offer a variety of

amenities. The parks include an outdoor amphitheater, BBQ’s, bocce ball courts, bathrooms, outdoor ping pong tables, workout equipment, two pavilions and large grass lawns.

Toad Hollow Dog Park: Dogs are thrilled to have their own place to play in Davis. At 1919 Second St. (between L Street and the Pole Line Road over-crossing), this 2 1⁄2-acre park provides plenty of room for dogs to romp.

Fred Gladdis

Dogs do what dogs do best at Toad Hollow Dog Park on Second Street.

Fred Gladdis

HISTORY

A FARM-BASED COMMUNITY

A TOWN AND UNIVERSITY COMBINED

It was the summer of 1868. The tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad were freshly tied down, and Davisville — which had only a sprinkling of homes — was on its way to becoming a booming town.

The railroad had an immediate impact on the town. Within a year, Davisville grew from 40 to 50 farmers’ homesteads to 200 homes and more than 400 residents. As announced by the Yolo Democrat on July 7, 1868: “The proposed location for the depot of the Vallejo Railroad, on Putah Creek is now being laid off in lots, and a town of considerable importance will soon spring up in that locality. “… The hotel there is thronged with visitors attracted thither by the promising business character of the place. The new town is to be called Davisville.”

It was a town of primarily farmers and construction workers, though the coming years would see an influx of small businesses, hotels and, of course, saloons.

As many as nine bars called Davisville home during these early years, sporting names like the Eagle Saloon and Yolo Saloon. These saloons often were “the scenes of fisticuffs and raucous behavior, as in all boomtowns” as reported in “Davisville ’68,” Joann Leach Larkey’s book recounting Davis’ first 100 years, published in 1968.

As the Schmeiser Manufacturing Company — noted across the nation for its agricultural technology — took hold at the turn of the 20th century on the outskirts of what is now Old East Davis, Theodore Schmeiser helped establish the town’s first water supply. “Think for a moment what this means, when before

the advent of this company you had to depend upon your own shallow well and good ol ‘elbow grease’ to secure your aqua pura,” wrote the Davisville Enterprise.

By 1891, the town’s population had grown to 700. Saturday nights saw young couples dancing the night away at community halls, with the Davis Social Club hosting secondSaturday dances known for their midnight suppers and music that could last until 4 a.m. Community-wide church picnics, school events and patriotic holidays were known to bring the whole town out for festivities. The Davis Library Club established the town’s first lending library in 1872. Originally under the name the “Bachelor Girls Club,” the library’s earliest supporters were mostly women, including the wife of hotelier F.G. Crawford, who donated books and provided a library

Farmers prepare to plow their fields near the growing community in 1884.

John and Bertha Rowe Rogers Collection, courtesy of Davis History & Landmarks Commission, 1965

HISTORY

space on the second floor of the Crawford home.

The early Davisville years also saw shortlived tabloids like The Davisville Signal and Town Gossip come and go, until a four-page newspaper called The Davisville Enterprise arrived in town with its first issue printing on Dec. 31, 1897.

The newspaper was edited by L.A. Eichler before he passed the torch to William H. Scott two years later. Scott also was the local justice of the peace and later a judge, and remained at the helm of The Enterprise for 35 years.

Nothing was more pivotal, however, than when 778 acres outside of town became a potential site for the University Farm, a proposed agricultural center for the Berkeley

campus and the future site of UC Davis.

In 1905, local businessmen established the Davis Chamber of Commerce to lobby for bringing the University Farm to Davisville. One of the Chamber’s first acts was hosting Gov. George Pardee and the State Farm Commissioners for a tour of six proposed sites in Yolo County for the University Farm.

Chamber members then called for a new sewer system, sidewalks and a general refreshment of the town, organizing the first of many citizen-led “clean-up” days in June 1905.

Residents were so eager to bring the University Farm to town that they even pitched in money out of pocket. One campaign saw residents offer donations from $2.40 to $500 to subsidize the purchase of water rights to which the University Farm would have access. The donation campaign brought in a total of $4,517.50 — or about $117,000 by today’s

Davisville’s first well was driven by the Rowe & Wire Irrigation and Plumbing Co. in about 1907.

John and Bertha Rowe Rogers Collection, courtesy of Davis History & Landmarks Commission, 1965

standards — and, in part, sealed the deal.

The declaration that the University Farm would be sited near Davisville arrived on April 5, 1906, and was met with fireworks, glee and an unprecedented momentum for new residents and jobs in the town.

One week after the announcement, The Davis Enterprise dropped the “ville” from its masthead, and The Davisville Post Office followed suit in November 1907. It would be another decade, however, before the official name “Davis” and true cityhood would be bestowed upon this blossoming farming town.

Davisville’s first general store was founded in 1868 by William Dresbach and co-owned with E.F. Bane in 1875.

Gray Rowe Collection, courtesy of the Davis Historical Resources Management Commission.

TRANSPORTATION

Train travel

You can ride your bike everywhere in Davis, and the train can take you most anywhere else in the region. Amtrak operates along the Capitol Corridor between San Jose and Auburn, making daily stops in Davis, eastbound and westbound.

Bus travel

Bike travel

Davis is a great place to ride a bicycle, with a renowned system of bikeways and cyclist-friendly facilities, and supportive city and university programs. Since 2005, the City of Davis has been named a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists — the only city in California with this designation.

There are more than 63 miles of pathways, 102 miles of bike lanes and 2,300 bike racks within city limits that can be found in downtown, within parks, along greenbelts, on campus and beside the UC Davis Arboretum make bicycling a pleasant, leisurely activity with beautiful scenery.

The 12-mile Loop around Davis, marked with a green “Davis Bike Loop” logo, takes bicyclists on a scenic route along paths and quiet residential streets. This is a slow and scenic route is designed for casual riders, families and children. You’re just as likely to see in-line skaters, pedestrians and strollers as you are bicyclists.

Want to discover Davis, but you don’t have a bicycle? Rent a bicycles from a Davis bike shop or for short trips, Davis just launched a new Spin Shared Micromobility Program. Visit www.cityofdavis.org/spin.

For route maps and group rides to Clarksburg, Woodland, Capay Valley, Winters and beyond visit the Davis Bike Club at davisbikeclub.org.

Yolobus operates local and intercity public buses 365 days a year in Yolo County and neighboring areas. Yolobuses runs through the cities of Davis, West Sacramento, Winters, Woodland and downtown Sacramento with stops at popular destinations such as UC Davis, Sacramento International Airport (SMF), UC Davis Medical Center, Sutter Health Park and Cache Creek Casino Resort. Visit: https://yolobus.com/yolobus/.

Unitrans is the public transit system serving the entire city of Davis and the UC campus, providing service seven days a week on 18 bus lines serving all corners of Davis. Unitrans is run by UC Davis students and used by students, residents and visitors (fare is $1.25).

Double-decker buses

In 1968, Unitrans, UC Davis’ bus system, purchased vintage double-decker buses from London and brought them to Davis to start a bus system. Over time, Unitrans added 10 more of the vintage buses, although only a few remain today.

Modern double-decker buses run in regular service during the academic year and during the summer. The historic London doubledecker buses may operate on the B and G lines during the school year

A Unitrans double-decker bus flagger provides safe entry for a passenger.

Fred Gladdis

A trio of Davis bicyclists travel their own way on Russell Boulevard.

Victoria Sheridan

An Amtrak conductor greets a passenger on an early Davis morning.

Wayne Tilcock

DAVIS ONGOING EVENTS

Farmers Market

• Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. — America’s favorite farmers market

• Wednesdays: 3 to 6 p.m. mid-September through mid-May for traditional farmers market, and 4 to 8 p.m. mid-May through midSeptember for Picnic in the Park, with music, beer, wine, additional food vendors and children’s entertainment.

• davisfarmersmarket.org

• This popular event brings farmers and consumers together rain or shine. Find locally grown fruits, vegetables, nuts, organic produce and food vendors.

2nd Friday ArtAbout

• Second Friday of each month, 5 to 9 p.m.; Various locations

• theartery.net/2nd-friday-artabout; www. facebook.com/davisartabout

• Davis’ Second Friday ArtAbout is a monthly self guided artwalk exploring art

installations and receptions at galleries, art co-ops, and businesses in Davis. This free event offers art, activities, live music, and opportunities to converse with featured artists. Coordinated by Pence Gallery and The Artery, all events are free and open to the public.

Davis Craft & Vintage Fair

• Two Sundays a month, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., January through December

• under the Farmers Market Pavilion in Central Park

• www.daviscraftandvintage.org/

• The cooperative is a twice-a-month, open-air market for local artisans and vintage vendors, with food and live music.

Thursday Live

• First Thursday of most months; doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

• Davis Odd Fellows Hall, 415 Second St. in downtown Davis

• www.davislodge.org/odd-fellows-events/ thursday-live/

• Thursday Live! is a continuing concert series the first Thursday of most months. It’s sponsored by the Davis Odd Fellows with

the support of KDRT radio. For information contact Juelie Roggli at juelrog@gmail.com

Davis Cruise-In

• Third Saturday of month, April through October, 5 to 7 p.m.

• Davis Park & Ride (Near Ikeda’s Market) County Road 32 off of Mace Blvd. in Davis.

• Classic cars, trucks, motorcycles and bikes are on display. Exhibitors are invited to bring their prized-possession vehicles, fully restored or not.

• Email daviscruisein@gmail.com.

A vendor from Neufeld Farms sells peaches at the Davis Farmers Market. Wendy Weitzel

2nd Friday ArtAbout visitors admire the walls of the downtown Davis venue.

Sue Cockrell

Davis Cruise In participants arrive on three wheels for the monthly event.

Owen Yancher

REGIONAL ADVENTURES

Shopping through downtown Woodland

Woodland has more than just a burgeoning culinary scene: with boutiques like Kulture, Avila Winters, Haven A Boutique, The Nest and My Sister’s Closet, Woodland has great shopping options to compliment Davis retail favorites like pinkadot, The Wardrobe and Bohème Hip Used Clothing.

Woodland and its long Main Street feature many small retailers and copious window-shopping opportunities.

Traveling the Tuleyome trails

Tuleyome is an advocacy-oriented nonprofit conservation organization based in Woodland that hosts an impressive list of regional hikes in the Putah and Cache Creek watersheds at tuleyome.org/trails. Its name is pronounced too-lee-OME-ee and comes from a Lake Miwok word that means “deep home place.”

If nature is your happy place then you will feel deeply at home on one of its one to 20 mile treks across Sacramento, Colusa, Napa, Glenn, Solano and Yolo Counties.

Lagoon Valley / Peña Adobe Park near Vacaville offers trails, picnic areas and fishing.

Adobe/Stock photo

Fair fields in Solano

Solano County offers a wide array of attractions that range from the exciting, fastpaced action of a visit to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom to a leisurely stroll or picnic in one of several regional parks. In addition to Six Flags and other major attractions like Jelly Belly and the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Fairfield, it’s Solano’s natural beauty that has helped to put this region on the map.

Cities such as Vallejo, Benicia, Suisun City and Rio Vista have waterfronts, each with different features that reflect the history of the community.

County-run parks range from Lynch Canyon in the hills between Fairfield and Vallejo, to Lake Solano along Putah Creek near Winters to Sandy Beach along the Sacramento River near Rio Vista.

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area offers fishing, hunting and hiking opportunities. Rush Ranch Open Space features 2,070 acres of open space in hills and wetlands with hiking trails. Rockville Hills Park in Fairfield is a 633-acre park with hiking trails.

Lagoon Valley/Peña Adobe Park offers trails, picnic areas and Lagoon Valley lake for fishing, all near Interstate 80.

The Blue Ridge Trail through Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve. Adobe/Stock photo

REGIONAL ONGOING EVENTS

Winters

Fourth Friday in Downtown Winters

Visit historic downtown Main Street in Winters every fourth Friday for a family-fun experience. Enjoy live music live music and local eats and drinks. The Fourth Friday season begins with the Spring Open vendor fair at the end of March and ends with the Harvest Fest at the end of October.

Winters Open Mic

Local musicians, poets and other creative individuals perform on the third Saturday of each month (April through October) at 6 p.m. outside on the first block of Main Street in downtown Winters. From November through March, the show is hosted indoors at a designated location. Visit wintersopenmic.org.

Weekend Art Pop-up gallery

The 1st Street Studio Collective features local artists works in an Art Gallery Pop up on the first and third weekend of the month, Friday through Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m. at 305 First St., Winters.

Farmers Market

Sponsored by Simba’s Farmers Market and Winters Downtown Business Association.

Join Downtown Winters every Sunday on Main Street between Railroad & 1st Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April-October. Enjoy local produce, fresh flowers,

Winters monthly Open Mic features local musicians, poets and other creative individuals.

Crystal Apilado

Mojo’s Hot Summer Nights in Woodland.

Fred Gladdis

food vendors and more. Email Simba at simbasheirloomfarm@gmail.com.

Downtown Art Stroll

Every second Saturday of the month for the Winters Art Stroll! Experience art demos, visit with local artists, wine specials and more! Art Strolls will take place every second Saturday of the month from May to October. Come explore Downtown Winters and support the local art community.

Woodland

Food Truck Mania

First Sunday from March to October, (Second Sunday in July & Sept.) 4 to 8 p.m. 428 First St., Woodland. Join in on an afternoon of delicious fun with food trucks, music and many activities and local businesses to discover. Event entry is free. www.mojoskitchen428. com.

First Friday Art Walk

First Friday of each month through December. Various locations downtown. Galleries, restaurants and businesses in

downtown Woodland feature exhibitions, performances, receptions and live music. visitwoodland.com.

Mojo’s Hot Summer Nights Car Show

Third Thursday of month, May through October; 5 to 8 p.m. Mojo’s Lounge/Kitchen 428, 428 First St., Woodland. Mark your calendars and get your cars ready for Mojo’s Hot Summer Nights car shows this summer. Cruise in your hot rods, cool cars and low riders. Car show starts at 6 p.m. www. mojoskitchen428.com.

Farmers Market

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, 201 First St.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (June-August) at Woodland Healthcare, 1325 Cottonwood St.; Food Truck Mania (see above). thewoodlandfarmersmarket.org.

REGIONAL ANNUAL EVENTS

September

Festival de la Comunidad (Carnitas Festival)

The Winters family-friendly event starts with a carnitas cookoff and features a cultural show

Winters’ Festival de la Comunidad features a cultural show of Folklorico dancers, Mariachi, vocalists, Banda and more.

Crystal Apilado

of Folklorico dancers, Mariachi, vocalists, Banda and more. There will be children’s entertainment and activities. The event strives to celebrate the rich cultural diversity that makes Winters so special.

October

Stroll Through History

Take a step back in time to experience the history of Woodland. Enjoy a street fair, tour of historical homes and buildings, exhibits, vintage vehicles and

Marti Walker was the featured artist at the Berryessa Gap downtown tasting room at the July Second Saturday Art Stroll in Winters.

Courtesy photo

Take a step back in time at Woodland’s Stroll Through History. Ken Byes

GUIDE

people dressed in period costumes. strollthroughhistory.com.

December

Holiday Tree Lighting

Downtown Holiday Open House and Tree-Lighting in Davis includes the Children’s Candlelight Parade, the holiday tree-lighting on the E Street Plaza, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Holiday Tractor Parade

A holiday parade of tractors, covered from grill to trailer hitch in dazzling Christmas lights and unique decorations, rolls down Winters’ Main Street — an ode to the western Yolo County town’s agricultural roots. winterstractorparade.com.

February

Almond Festival

Started in 1915, the only event in Northern California held simultaneously in five towns — Madison, Esparto, Capay, Brooks, Guinda and Rumsey. A showcase of the riches you can find in the Capay Valley region. Capayvalleygrown. net/?event=almond-festival.

April

Picnic Day

This family-friendly event is free for all to come and experience the richness of diversity and achievement at UC Davis and the surrounding community. picnicday. ucdavis.edu.

Winters Youth Day

Play all day with a festival for kids and families. Start the day

at the Rotary Pancake Breakfast. Enjoy the Kiddie and Main Parades followed by activities and vendors in the park. wintersyouthday.com.

May

Whole Earth Festival

The Whole Earth Festival aims to ignite passion, propel creativity and leave visitors with inspiration. Bands, yoga classes, spoken word and dance are abundant. wef. ucdavis.edu.

California Honey Festival

Celebrate nature’s sweetness in downtown Woodland. Experience festive atmosphere, culinary delights, and unveil the flavors of honey and beekeeping. californiahoneyfestival.com.

Dixon May Fair

Young agriculturalists showcase their livestock skills. Talented

artists, photographers, crafters and bakers show off their talent to the community during the fourday event that features carnival rides, live entertainment and food. dixonmayfair.com.

August

Yolo County Fair

One of the last remaining freeadmission fairs in California. Every August, this five-day fair features music, a rodeo, destruction derby, rides, food and livestock in Woodland. yolocountyfair.net.

Albariño Wine Stroll

In celebration of the International Albariño Grape Day, walk through the streets of downtown Winters to experience locally made albariño wine and food pairings specials at local establishments. discoverwinters.com/wine-stroll. discoverwinters.com/wine-stroll.

Winters’ Holiday Tractor Parade warms up its visitors.

Rosemary Hemenway

COMMUNITY & PASSION

JOIN A GROUP OR VOLUNTEER FOR ONE

Being a Davis resident means being involved. For newcomers or longtime locals looking for connections, there are plenty of adult organizations, clubs and political causes. For those who want to lend a hand or further a cause, there are lots of volunteer opportunities that make a difference.

The activities of many of the following organizations are announced in the Briefly column or Community Calendar, or elsewhere in the pages of The Enterprise. Keep reading the paper, check online, and feel at home in the community.

• The American Association of University Women is a nationwide organization that works to promote equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The Davis branch currently focuses on STEM education for girls, voter advocacy, scholarships for women, and discussion of issues affecting women in our community and beyond. In addition, we hold a virtual or COVIDsafe meeting on the 19th of each month with different topics involving advocacy, community and current events.The Davis branch also supports our companion UC Davis student organization, AAUW@ UCD. AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. Visit https://davis-ca.aauw. net or email davis-ca@aauw.net for more information.

• Established in 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union’s mission is to conserve the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Yolo County Chapter of the ACLU of Northern California works locally on advocacy and education around civil liberties and civil rights. The chapter meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Visit aclunc.org, www.aclunc.org/ about/chapters/yolo-county-chapter, or email acluyolocounty@gmail.com.

• The Bike Campaign‘s mission is to reduce car trips to school and workplaces, while increasing biking joy and safety. Maria Contreras Tebbutt, founded The Bike Campaign, along with its counterpart, The Bike Garage, in 2011 to help educate people about bicycling and

encourage more people to ride their bikes. It works closely with city governments, county health departments, school districts and community service groups. The mission expanded with a chapter of Cycling Without Age which aims to bring cycling joy to seniors, people with disabilities and others who are unable to ride their own bike. The Bike Garage provides free bike repair and used bike sales in Davis and Woodland, located at the Cannery and Douglass Middle School, respectively. They operate on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, and on Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. Volunteer positions include greeters, detailers, special event coordinators, ride guides, school program instructors and a high demand for bike mechanics. Any level of experience is welcomed — training is available. The Bike Campaign is a 501(c)3 nonprofit run by volunteers. All donations of bicycles, volunteer time and funds enable them to provide bike skills education at local schools and throughout the community. For more information, contact Maria Contreras Tebbutt at 530-753-1125 (no texts) or funmaria@sbcglobal.net. Visit www.TheBikeCampaign.org.

• Bike Davis is an all-volunteer nonprofit that promotes bicycling for transportation through “advocacy,

education, encouragement and design.” The group works with city leadership and staff, and other community groups to make Davis streets more bikeable, walkable and livable. They co-host the annual Loopalooza ride to encourage families to get out and ride. They also organize bike registration events to help reduce bike theft, and work with other organizations to donate functional bikes to UCD students in need. Visit www. bikedavis.us or email info@bikedavis.us. • CA House is an unapologetically LGBTQIA+ affirming and welcoming space for the UC Davis student community to explore spirituality, faith and justice in a supportive and caring environment. CA House is home to the Multifaith Living Community, a residential community of 40+ students promoting understanding of difference and diverse experiences. The CoConspiritors group, for students seeking to explore faith and spiritual practices that affirm their full-selves in a mutually supportive and curious environment meets on Mondays from 78:30 p.m. during the academic year. On Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. during the academic year, we host Open Table, a communal vegetarian meal paired with engaging discussions, presenters and

activities. CA House is also home to the Nourish Food Pantry, which is open to all UC Davis students experiencing food insecurity. CA House is also open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. M-F for students to drop in and study or hang out. Programming begins the week of Sept. 25th. The staff at CA House also provide LGBTQIA+ affirming spiritual care and support. Visit http://www.cahouse.org/, email Lauren@cahouse.org, call or text 530-746-8196 or drop by 433 Russell Blvd. in Davis.

• The California Raptor Center treats sick and wounded raptors and, where practical, returns them to the wild. The center, on the UC Davis campus, hosts open houses for the public. Visit https:// crc.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/.

• The city of Davis and Davis Police Department are looking for volunteers to provide clerical support, traffic control assistance at major city events, graffiti abatement, website and social media support, help with recreation programs, neighborhood presentations and help with adopt-apark or adopt-a-neighborhood projects. Visit https://www.cityofdavis.org/cityhall/parks-and-community-services/ volunteer-opportunities for city volunteer opportunities or https://www.cityofdavis. org/city-hall/police-department/ volunteer-program for Volunteers in Police Services.

• Community Alliance with Family Farmers is building a movement of rural and urban people to foster familyscale agriculture that cares for the land, sustains local economics, and promotes social justice. The group provides internship and volunteer opportunities for students and community members. Visit https://www.caff.org/, call 530-7568518 or email info@caff.org.

• Community Harvest of Davis organizes teams of local volunteers to harvest the residential fruit trees of our homeowner-donors.  The fruit is then donated to organizations that feed the hungry such as STEAC, Davis Community Meals, and the Yolo Food Bank.  To date we have supplied almost a half million pounds of fruit for our neighbors in need.  Please visit www.harvestdavis. org or email info@harvestdavis.org for more info on donating and volunteering.

Euna Cho

Volunteers show off the birds at the California Raptor Center.

DIRECTORY

• Cool Davis is your local nonprofit cultivating sustainable living at the household level. Our mission is to create enduring community resilience through equitable and inclusive strategies that lower greenhouse gas emissions and help our region adapt to a changing climate. More than 80 community organizations have joined our Coalition. Hundreds of volunteers assist thousands of residents countywide to save money, go electric, reduce energy usage and transportation miles, eat thoughtfully, and prepare for climate impacts — all through our innovative programs. Watch our site for the Yolo Earth Day Pledge arriving each spring. Celebrate what you’ve already accomplished and make a plan for your next steps. We need everyone to achieve our citywide goal of carbon neutrality by 2040. Visit www. cooldavis.org today! For more information, email coolsolutions@cooldavis.org.

• The Davis Electric Vehicle Association (DEVA) advocates for electric vehicle (EV) adoption and supports the development of EV infrastructure regionally. DEVA is a special kind of car club made up of electric vehicle owners and the “EV curious” from the Davis area. DEVA is a working group of Cool Davis that meets second Wednesdays in February, April, June, August, October and December in a hybrid format (online and in-person). Visit www.cooldavis.org/deva or email deva@cooldavis.org to get added to the meeting and events list. Join DEVA and Cool Davis this coming Sunday, Oct. 1st, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for EVs@ thePavilion to explore electric vehicles with owners and dealers. Learn from experts about charging, buying used, and incentives including information about the Inflation Reduction Act and California rebates. Learn about a wide array of electric vehicles including brand new electric Ford pick-up trucks — all part of #NationalDriveElectricWeek2023, held each year nationwide.

• For nearly 120 years, the Davis Chamber of Commerce has been one of the most active organizations in the community by providing support to all city businesses. The Chamber is the only city-wide business organization that hosts major events, including Celebrate Davis!, provides critical information and partners with all levels of government in the region. The Chamber coordinates dozens of community-based events, such as Make Davis Sparkle, and communityrelated services, including its scholarship program for graduating high school seniors and grant money for local small businesses. If you want to make a difference in the community, become active in the Chamber or contribute to a Chamber program, call 530-902-7699 or

visit www.davischamber.com.

• Offering food, shelter and hope, Davis Community Meals and Housing is a nonprofit organization that provides support to low-income and homeless individuals and families. The organization serves more than 700 meals a month. Volunteers are needed for Tuesday evening meals, Thursday evening meals and Saturday lunches. Possible shifts include 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Help is also needed picking up donations. Visit https://daviscommunitymeals.org/ or email volunteers@dcmah.org.

• The Davis Senior Center, located at 646 A St., is a community-based center for all ages filled with activities, excursions, fitness classes, art and so much more. The Center also houses a medical equipment loan closet and experts to assist you with housing, legal and medical resources. Find a new passion today. Call 530-7575696 or visit https://cityofdavis.org/cityhall/parks-and-community-services/ senior-services.

• Toastmasters helps people practice public speaking skills. The Davis Town & Gown Toastmasters Club meets in person on Tuesdays at 6:05 p.m. at the U.S. Bicycle Hall of Fame through Dec. 12 of 2023. Visit http://3337.toastmastersclubs. org.

• The Davis Democratic Club is a group of community members active in supporting Democratic Party candidates and local and national policies. Monthly meetings are a variety of virtual fundraisers and social get-togethers. Visit https://davisdemocraticclub.org/.

• Since 2000, Davis Farm to School (DF2S) has partnered with Davis schools to provide garden-based education, increase farm-fresh food in school meals and improve recycling and composting programs. DF2S works with the new DJUSD Garden & Environmental Enrichment program that has the goal of fostering equitable garden and experiential learning opportunities for all DJUSD students. DF2S supports school gardens to provide outdoor learning environments for students. DF2S also provides free Farm Field trips to second graders and partners with the Davis Food Co-op to expand the Little Chefs field trips to third graders, as well as offering fourth- and fifth-grader field trips to theYolo County Landfill to see the sustainable interventions within Yolo County. DF2S is a project of the nonprofit Davis Farmers Market Alliance. We welcome community volunteers, no garden experience needed. Visit https:// www.davisfarmtoschool.org/, follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or email info@ davisfarmtoschool.org.

• The Davis Flower Arrangers was founded in June 1958 and continues to be an enthusiastic, welcoming group that

shares the joy and expertise of creative flower arranging. Davis Flower Arrangers is affiliated with the Sacramento River Valley District, the National Garden Clubs, and the California Garden Clubs, which means members have access to a wealth of resources, programs, floral exhibits and garden tours. They meet on the first Wednesday of each month, September through April at 2 p.m., at Stonegate Country Club at 919 Lake Blvd. in Davis. Programs are presented by expert floral designers who provide engaging demonstrations of unique design techniques they use in creating their arrangements. At the close of the presentation, a selection of the arrangements are offered in a rather raucous raffle and the lucky winners are pleased as punch to take home an exquisite arrangement. Members of the Davis Flower Arrangers also enjoy garden and farm tours, trips to floral markets, and Ikebana and  Organization of Floral Arts Designers (OFAD) in their Bay Area exhibitions.  A garden tour and picnic are traditionally planned in May and a celebratory potluck polishes off the season. We proudly support local florists and farmers in both our programs and tours. Membership is $50 a year. Visitor drop-in fees are $12. To join, send a check to Davis Flower Arrangers, c/o Elisabetta Vivoda, treasurer, 3010 Donato Ln., Davis, CA 95618. Please, include your name, address, phone number and email address so that you receive the monthly newsletter and current updates. For more information contact Stephanie DeGraffHunt at sdegraffhunt@gmail.com.

• The Davis Genealogy Club welcomes new members and volunteers all year. The Club’s educational mission as a nonprofit is to assist anyone with their family history research and to promote community interest in the study of genealogy. It does this through sponsorship of speakers, workshops, hosting a genealogy Book Club, and by maintaining and growing our Genealogy Research Library at the Davis Senior Center. Its library is staffed by volunteers and is open to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. In-person hybrid program meetings featuring guest speakers are held throughout most of the year at the Davis Senior Center. Visit DavisGenealogy. org for more.

• Davis Media Access, 1623 Fifth St., Suite A, is a nonprofit community media & technology center with a mission to enrich and strengthen the community by providing alternatives to commercial media for local voices, opinions and creative endeavors. Due to a remodel that was delayed by the pandemic, DMA is open limited hours by appointment only, with many of it services offered remotely. Through partnerships with other community organizations, schools and local government, DMA offers training,

podcasting, topical workshops, local programming archives, meeting support, local election coverage, and event documentation. Visit https://davismedia. org/ or call 530-757-2419.

• The Davis Odd Fellows is part of an ancient fraternal order that focuses on community support, social activities and traditions. The Davis Lodge No. 169 was founded April 12, 1870. Currently, the Lodge is the largest Odd Fellows Lodge in the world with 400 members. The men and women of the Lodge run the age range of 18 to 88, and represent the diversity of Davis. The Lodge raises money for several scholarships and hosts various fundraising events as part of its charitable efforts. Events include Breakfast with Santa, A Taste of Davis, the Davis Chocolate Festival, Second Sunday Bingo, Thursday Live! music, the Classic Film Festival, and the Zombie Bike Ride on Halloween. Meetings are at the Odd Fellows Hall, 415 Second St. in Davis. Visit http://davislodge.org or call 530-758-4940.

• The Davis Phoenix Coalition was formed in response to a homophobic hate crime committed in 2013 against Davis resident “Mikey” Partida. Its mission is to eliminate intolerance, prevent hate-motivated violence, and foster a community culture in which all people are safe and respected. Outreach focuses on public awareness of social justice issues, community engagement, youth education, and advocacy for the victims of bullying, hate incidents and discrimination. The Coalition also hosts the City of Davis’ Pride Festival, and supports groups for LGBT youth and parents. Visit https:// davisphoenixco.org/ or email admin@ davisphoenixco.org.

• Davis Schools Foundation (DSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting student wellbeing and enhancing the educational experience of all K-12 students in the Davis Joint Unified School District (DJUSD). DSF’s mission is to engage the greater Davis community to mobilize resources and provide financial support to our local public schools, helping to ensure effective and equitable learning environments that emphasize social, emotional and physical well-being for all students, with particular focus on student mental health. To fulfill that mission, DSF works in partnership with families, educators, school staff and community members, and provides annual grants to DJUSD that bolster, support and sustain district-wide student programs and services that would not be possible with public funds alone. For more information, visit www. davisschoolsfoundation.org, or contact DSF at info@davisschoolsfoundation. org or 530-400-1089.

• The Davis Threshold Choir is part of an international network of 200 choirs, which honors the ancient tradition

DIRECTORY

of singing for those who are dying or struggling with life’s challenges. It is not religiously affiliated. The non-auditioned all-female choir’s songs include soothing chants, lullabies and simple three-part choral pieces. They sing a cappella for people in their homes and in various care facilities in the area. The group receives referrals from hospice and palliative care professionals, chaplains, family members and friends of those who may benefit from the visits. Visit https://www. thresholdchoir.org/, call 530-601-6594 or email davis@thresholdchoir.org.

• Empower Yolo is a residential and counseling agency working to eliminate domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and child abuse in Yolo County. Among the nonprofit’s services are a 24-hour crisis line, a legal advocacy program, an emergency safe house for women and children in crisis, and countless outreach and educational programs. Empower Yolo also provides eviction prevention services to families at risk of becoming homeless as well as other support services for low income individuals and families. For more info visit empoweryolo. org, call the main office at 530-6616336, or the Davis Resource Center at 530-757-1261, located at 441 D St. in Davis, or email info@empoweryolo.org. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help, call the crisis line at 530-662-1133.

• Friends of the Davis Public Library funds reading programs and purchases books, furniture and equipment for the Stephens Branch Library to support the library’s role as the city’s cultural center. Volunteers help at the monthly book sales or at the Friends’ downtown bookstore, Logos Books. Visit http://davislibraryfriends.org/ or email volunteers@davislibraryfriends.org.

• Friends of Mondavi Center is a dedicated donor-based organization of arts-loving volunteers whose purpose is to assist the Mondavi Center’s presenting program with education, outreach, fundraising, and audience development. Friends engage in a variety of activities that support these programs and annually contribute thousands of hours and raise thousands of dollars to benefit Mondavi Center Arts Education. For information, visit www.mondaviarts.org/ friends. They also provide gift tickets to many regional school districts to attend School Matinees.

• Grace Garden is situated on fiveeighths of an acre, behind Davis United Methodist Church at 1620 Anderson Road. Since 2009, this land has been developed and devoted to growing food and flowers for our community members experiencing food insecurity. We endeavor to steadily grow an interfaith community network of volunteers, learning and growing from

our connections, and broadening the base of opportunities to enrich our appreciation of what this special land provides. We have donated approximately one ton of food this past year. Volunteer opportunities include participating in regular work days (9 to 11 a.m., Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays), in special work events (October 8 and 15 from 2 to 4:30), serving as a garden intern, helping with community outreach, performing music during garden events, helping with fundraising and participating in art events in the garden. For more information, or to volunteer, go to https://www. davisumc.org/grace-garden/.

• Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical international organization with the goal to eliminate poverty housing from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. The greater Sacramento chapter is dedicated to providing adequate housing locally and worldwide. Visit https://habitatgreatersac. org/ or call 916-440-1215.

• Hattie Weber Museum, in Central Park at 445 C St., collects, preserves and displays the history and heritage of Davis. Volunteers do research and projects, prepare publications, answer visitor questions, give tours and help with preservation efforts. No experience is necessary. Hours are temporarily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays only. Visit http:// dcn.davis.ca.us/~hattieweber/, call 530758-5637, or email hattieweber@yahoo. com.

• For Yolo County history buffs, there are the California Agriculture Museum (www.californiaagmuseum. org); Dixon Historical Society (www. dixonhistoricalsociety.org); Friends of the Yolo County Archives (www. friendsyca.org); Greater Capay Valley Historical Society (greatercapayvalley. org) Hattie Weber Museum (www.dcn. davis.ca.us/~hattieweber); Historical Society of Winters (www. historicalsocietyofwinters.org); Sac Valley Historical Railways (www.facebook.com/ SacramentoValleyHistoricalRailways); West Sacramento Historical Society (westsachistoricalsociety. org); Woodland Parlor 30 Native Sons of the Golden West (nsgw. org); Woodland Stroll Through History (strollthroughhistory.com); Yolo County Archives (yolocountylibrary. org/archives); Yolo County Fair Museum (sites.google.com/view/ yolocountyfairmuseum); and Yolo County Historical Society (www.ychs.org), and other groups that keep the county’s history alive. Loosely tying these groups together is the informal Yolo History Network.

• Incest Survivors Speakers

Bureau supports incest survivors, and advocates for change and education. Visit http://www.issb.us/ or email issbca@ gmail.com.

• International House Davis, 10 College Park, is a community hub for global activity, a place where people from all over the world can convene to learn, socialize, participate in public events and appreciate the benefits of international engagement. I-House offers programs, classes and events to foster multicultural respect and appreciation. It provides a welcoming home for international students, scholars and visitors; community members, and business and academic institutions. A busy slate of activities is always on hand, delivering local experiences inspired by and deriving from the wider world. Currently, I-House is offering in-person and virtual language learning groups, an English Practice Partner program, world music and dance, and bi-weekly meetings for the International Parent Community. Visit www.internationalhousedavis. org for more information.

• KDRT radio, 95.7 on the FM dial, broadcasts at just under 100 watts, powerful enough to cover our city yet small enough to be truly local. KDRT is licensed to Davis Media Access, our local community media center. Launched on Sept. 24, 2004, KDRT provides compelling and locally relevant programming not usually found on other radio outlets. Visit http://kdrt.org/ or call 530-757-2419.

• The Crab and Pasta Feed held in

early February, displaying U. S flags in downtown Davis on select holidays, the Fourth of July Kiddie Parade, hosting the School Supplies Drive for students, sponsoring youth programs like Key Club at Davis High, Circle K at UC Davis, and Cub Pack 75 highlight the efforts of the Kiwanis Club of Davis. The club supports the Kiwanis Family House behind UC Davis Medical Center as well as a myriad of local charities with its fundraising. Lunch meetings are held every other Thursday at noon at Symposium Restaurant, 1620 E. Eighth St., in Davis. Upcoming meetings are September 7 and 21, then October 5. For more information, visit Facebook page: www.facebook. com/daviskiwanis, or call 530-304-5712.

• Make it Happen for Yolo County (MIH) provides household supplies and furniture to transition-age youths (TAY) who have previously been homeless or in foster care and are transitioning to independent living situations. Visit https://www. mihyolo.org/ for more information.

• Fraternal organizations are here in abundance for those who enjoy the rituals, fellowship and high personal standards found among members. The Masonic organizations, including Masons and Eastern Star members, are in the Yolo Masonic Lodge at 1655 Da Vinci Court. They meet on the first Thursday of each month, at 7:30 p.m. Call 530-756-2766 or visit www.freemason.org.

• Meals on Wheels Yolo County (MOW Yolo) is the leading organization in Yolo County providing senior nutrition and socialization opportunities to vulnerable aging adults in Davis and countywide.  This service is provided to seniors without expectation of payment.  All meals — including options for vegetarian and medically-tailored meals — are prepared by MOW Yolo Food Services staff and either home-delivered by volunteers or offered in a congregate dining setting.  To learn about options to connect with meals, please email welcome@mowyolo. org or call 530-662-7035.  To volunteer or to donate, please visit www.mowyolo. org.

• Project Linus of Yolo County is the local chapter of the national nonprofit Project Linus. It provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets; and provides a rewarding and fun service opportunity. Community members

Grace Garden adds color to Davis United Methodist Church.

Courtesy photo

DIRECTORY

(Blanketeers) may help by making blankets, coming to chapter gatherings on the second Wednesday of the month at the Davis Senior Center, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., or donating fabric, yarn or funds. If you are interested in becoming a “Blanketeer,” Contact Deanne Meyer at yolocountyprojectlinus@gmail.com..

• Purple Tree Café is a nonprofit organization in Davis, California that creates community-based employment for people with disabilities and brings people with and without disabilities together through food, art, and music. We currently offer handcrafted vegan baked goods and organic iced tea and other beverages at the Davis Farmers Market and other public and private events. We often serve from our signature bicycledriven coffee cart — an icon in our bike friendly city. We also sponsor the Davis Hootenanny, a series of music events featuring performers with and without disabilities. Visit www.purpletreecafe. org  or email manager@purpletreecafe. org for more information.

• Putah Creek Council protects and enhances Putah Creek and its watershed through advocacy, education and community-based stewardship. The grassroots organization engages community volunteers in the cultivation

and protection of native plants, habitat enhancement and restoration projects, creek cleanups, and hands-on education along Putah Creek. Visit https:// www.putahcreekcouncil.org/, or call 530-795-9000.

• Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy preserves Quail Ridge Reserve, a 2,500-acre natural area near Lake Berryessa with oak trees, California bunch grasses and other native species. It participates in the adopt-a-highway program and provides education on California’s weed and water problems, grazing management and human and natural history. Visit http:// quailridgelt.org/, call 530-219-4477, or email FrankMaurer41@gmail.com. The Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy is building a $200,000 endowment for students interested in researching climate change plus many related subjects. The endowment honors Frank Maurer and his late wife Lenora Timm, a professor emerita of linguistics and former associate dean of graduate studies at UC Davis. Donations can be made through https:// give.ucdavis.edu/NRSD/124588 — the Frank Maurer / Lenora Timm Quail Ridge Student Endowment.

• Davis has three Rotary club organizations of business and professional leaders who provide service and encourage others to do the same. “We are good people of action.” The focus of Rotary is to serve the international,

national and local communities in fighting disease, promoting peace, supporting educators, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting the environment and supporting local communities.

— The Rotary Sunrise Club of Davis (https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3544) meets on Fridays from 7 to 8am at University Park Inn, 1111 Richards Blvd.

— The Rotary Noon Club of Davis (www.rotaryclubofdavis.com/) meets on Mondays from 12:15 to 1:15pm at Davis Community Church Fellowship Hall, 421 D St.

— The Rotary Sunset Club of Davis (https://www.sunsetrotarydavis. org) meets from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, the second Wednesday is usually at Stonegate Country Club and the fourth Wednesday varies.  Please check the website for further information.

• There are two Soroptimist International clubs in Davis. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Anyone passionate about equality and diversity is welcome to join, regardless of gender. Join active women, who work to improve the lives of women and girls, locally and internationally.

— Soroptimist International of Davis was chartered in 1954. It meets at least twice a month: at 11:45 a.m. on the

first Wednesday and at 5:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday. Learn more and confirm the calendar at https://www.sidavis. org/ or email sidavis@soroptimist.net.

— Soroptimist International of Greater Davis was chartered in 1985. It meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7 p.m. in person, if possible. Visit http:// www.soroptimistgreaterdavis.org/ or email sigreaterdavis@soroptimist.net.

• Short-Term Emergency Aid Committee was formed in Davis in 1967 to serve families in need facing an emergency. STEAC accepts referrals from public and private agencies, and provides basic necessities to low income Yolo County families in times of immediate need. STEAC staff and volunteers maintain a food pantry in Davis, provide support with family bills including rent and utilities, fund textbooks for community college students, and organize a yearly holiday adoption program. Churches, businesses and individuals can support our work by donating food through our Food Project program (www.steacfoodproject.org) or by donating money or time. Call 530758-8435 or visit http://www.steac.org/.

• Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services of Yolo County is a nonprofit organization with the mission of providing crisis prevention and intervention, education and community outreach services. Our crisis lines are available to

DIRECTORY

any individual in need, and we continue to operate 24-hours a day, everyday. Our Davis crisis line number is 530-756-5000. For further information and volunteer opportunities contact our business office at 530-756-7542 or our website http:// www.suicidepreventionyolocounty.org/.

• Summer House and Davis Summer House support adults with developmental disabilities in Yolo County. Visit http://summerhouseinc.org/.

• Sutter Davis Hospital Auxiliary members offer direct and indirect services to the acute care, nonprofit hospital and its patients. Members provide a variety of services to patients, from delivering flowers and brightening patients’ rooms, to helping the emergency department transport patients. Members staff patient areas, an information desk in the lobby, and a gift shop. They raise money to buy gifts for the hospital as well as to give scholarships to local students interested in the health care field. The hospital is at 2000 Sutter Place. Call 530-781-1373 or visit https://www.sutterhealth.org/ ways-to-give/volunteering/srmc.

• Team Davis is a local nonprofit organization that provides athletic, social and recreational activities to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Davis area. It is almost entirely volunteer-run, and offers 10 sports during the year as well as art, singing and nutrition classes, a garden, dances, and parent education forums. They also have a thriving vegetable garden on the UC Davis campus. During the coronavirus pandemic, many of our activities were conducted online, but now we are back in person!  Partners include the City of Davis Adaptive Recreation, the Rebekahs (part of Davis Odd Fellows Lodge), UC Davis Athletics Department, UC Davis Nutrition Department and UC Davis’ and Davis High School’s Best Buddies clubs. There is no charge to join or participate in its activities. Established in 2006, the nonprofit serves as the local Special Olympics team. Volunteers may help with programs or one-time activities. Visit http://team-davis.org/ or email teamdavisorg@gmail.com.

• Thriving Pink is a nonprofit organization based in Davis helping anyone in Yolo County impacted by breast cancer to thrive by providing a compassionate network of support and resources in partnership with our community. Programs include financial assistance for immediate and urgent needs, educational workshops and professional and peer led programs and support groups.  There are many opportunities to volunteer and get involved with Thriving Pink.  Visit https:// thrivingpink.org/, the active Facebook page, Instagram (instagram.com/ thrivingpink), or email info@thrivingpink. org.

• Tree Davis is a local organization dedicated to planting trees and growing community. They bring community members together to enhance and expand Yolo County’s urban green spaces, educate the public about the benefits of trees, and guide groups in active stewardship of local natural resources. Visit www.treedavis.org.

• The Tremont Mite Society is the oldest organization in Davis. This social/ church organization was founded in the 1860s by farm women in the Tremont area, southeast of Davis. They built a church that also serves as a social hall to the farming community. For information, contact tremontmite@aol. com. The Westminster Presbyterian Church still stands on rural Tremont Road, and descendants of those pioneers meet to support restorative work on the building and its historic cemetery. A caretaker on the premises keeps watch over the grounds.

• Tuleyome is a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 as an advocacyoriented conservation organization. Its goal is to educate and empower the community to care for and protect the land and resources. Today, community participation is a vital component of Tuleyome’s projects and programs. Volunteers are needed for Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and public lands advocacy, habitat restoration, trail-building and maintenance, social media and outreach, tabling events and office work. Visit http://tuleyome. org/, call 530-350-2599 or email information@tuleyome.org.

• UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden offers gardens and landscapes open to the entire community, develops student environmental leaders, has an active Friends support group and welcomes community volunteers. Visit: https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/

• Membership in the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is open to U.S. residents committed to advancing the values of the UN Charter, defending multilateralism and raising awareness of the UN’s objectives for peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. With over 200,000 members in more than 200 community and campus chapters nationwide, UNA is a nonpartisan, intergenerational organization that seeks to educate, inspire and mobilize citizens to support the United Nations and its agencies while advocating for strong U.S. leadership in carrying out the Charter’s values. You are invited to join the Davis UNA chapter and to participate in fulfilling the mission of the planet’s only truly universal institution. For more information, visit unausa.org or contact chapter President Verena Borton at verenaborton@gmail.com for local details. The chapter’s new website, to be launched shortly, will enhance our online presence and outreach.

• University Farm Circle is the oldest

support group on the UC Davis campus, established in 1914. The group of more than 600 members awards scholarships to students at UC Davis, welcomes newcomers to the community, and provides educational programs and social activities for members. All are welcome to join. Visit https://www.ufcdavis.org/ or email info@ufcdavis.org.

• Volunteers of the Woodland Memorial Hospital Foundation and its auxiliary perform similar functions as the Sutter auxiliary in those hospitals. For more information, call 530-6695576 or visit https://www.dignityhealth. org/sacramento/ways-to-give/ volunteer-opportunities-woodland.

• The Yolano Group is a group of Sierra Club members in Yolo County and parts of Solano and Colusa counties. The active environmental-issue group holds regular meetings open to the public, puts on environmental programs and presentations, alerts people about environmental issues and supports numerous environmental causes. Visit https://www.sierraclub.org/motherlode/yolano, or contact Alan Pryor at sierraclubyolanogroup@gmail.com.

• Yolo Adult Day Health Center provides support and information to family members of people with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke or other brain impairment. For information, call 530-666-8828 or visit https://www. dignityhealth.org/sacramento/services/ yolo-adult-day-health-services.

• The Yolo Bird Alliance, formerly the Yolo Audubon Society, focuses on avian conservation and education with field trips, workshops, and monthly guest speakers. To learn more, visit https:// yolobirdalliance.org/, and sign up for the free e-newsletter.

• Yolo Basin Foundation is a community-based nonprofit organization, founded in 1990, to assist in establishing the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area for flood control, agriculture, wildlife conservation, public access and its cultural heritage. They connect the community and school children with the beauty and importance of the local wetlands. Join YBF as a visitor or Friend. Volunteer and participate in environmental education programs, workshops, field trips and festivals. Visit http://yolobasin.org/, email ybfonline@yolobasin.org or call 530-757-3780.

• YoloCares is a nonprofit end-of-life healthcare agency that have been caring for patients and their families in Yolo, Sacramento, Sutter, Colusa and Solano Counties since 1979. YoloCares offers award-winning hospice and palliative care services which are delivered wherever the patient resides, whether at home or in a healthcare facility. Galileo Place, YoloCares’ adult day program located in Davis, offers compassionate and engaging programs for adult with limited mobility and mild cognitive decline Monday-Friday. The Center for Caregiver Support provides wrap-around services

for caregivers, such as workshops, respite care programs and retreats. YoloCares’ Center for Loss & Hope is a communitywide resource for grief support and offers a wide variety of grief support groups that are free and open to the public. Families of YoloCares’ patients can expect comprehensive grief support and limited one-on-one counseling. To learn more about how YoloCares can support you and your family, please call 530-7585566 or visit yolocares.org.

• The Yolo Community Band, which started in 2005, is a 40-50 member community concert band made up of volunteer musicians that range in age from high school to retiree, drawn from all parts of Yolo County. The band is a sponsored project of YoloArts and provides music for local community events such as the Yolo County Fair, Veterans Day ceremonies, concerts in community parks, as well as partnering for concerts with other regional concert bands. The repertoire includes marches, Broadway and movie themes, pops favorites and symphonic band literature. The band welcomes new members throughout the year for all brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. Rehearsals are currently Wednesday evenings 7-9 p.m. in Woodland. For more information about upcoming concerts or joining the group, contact yolocommunityband@ gmail.com or follow the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ YoloCommunityBand. Dust off your old instrument and join us to make music and share it with the community.

• Yolo County Animal Services has volunteer opportunities for animal lovers over the age of 16 years. Volunteers assist YCAS with the care of adoptable animals, making their stay enriching, greet the public and guide them around the shelter, reunite families with lost pets, assist potential furever families with introductions of available shelter animals, social media and transporting rescue animals. For information call 530-6685287 or apply at www.friendsofycas.org.

• The Yolo County Children’s Alliance is an inter-agency collaborative whose mission is to provide support and services to all children, youth, and families in our communities. YCCA provides free services including, but not limited to, housing and rental assistance, youth employment assistance, home visiting programs, parent education and support programs, food distribution services, and emergency diaper, formula, and food services for all individuals and families in Yolo County. YCCA volunteers and supporters can contribute in a variety of ways including staffing our weekly free food distributions, preparing and delivering meals to people experiencing homelessness, sponsoring our annual events, and more. Visit www.YoloKids. org for more information about our organization. To volunteer or get involved, contact Katie Durham at 916-832-9366 or katie.durham@yolokids.org.