EDITOR’S NOTE
•As the temperatures sowly begin to ease back to a liveable degree, we're waking up to the pink glow of fire season. The first morning I saw it, I thought it was beautiful—until I remembered the why.
Fire season and drought were things I didn't think about much growing up in Appalachia; my children live in a very different world. This month, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers hosts a dinner in celebration of our most precious resource—water. It sounds like a lot of fun!
Weitzel. If you want business news in Yolo County, you turn to her.
Harnessing clean energy is something leaders in our region are taking seriously. This summer we're excited to share with you about a first of its kind in our region: a free EV charger, right here in Davis. And more than $2-million up for grabs for farmers who purchase and use electric tractors and charging stalls. Check it out on pages 6 and 7. We'd love to hear what you think.
Back-to-school season is upon us, and if you have a kiddo who isn't the most excited about it—you're not alone. Avid Reader walks us through some reading material that can help with those hard feelings in our page 16. But also, if I may speak for our mental health contributor: don't forget to feel those hard feelings, too. Emma Shandy Anway tackles why feeling those heavy emotions is actually good for us, on page 11.
FEELING HEAVY EMOTIONS AGGIE FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS 4 6 9 16 26 18 11 14
CHARGE YOUR EV FOR FREE DAVIS NATIVE ON JEOPARDY!
The community has rallied behind Watermelon Music before, and now again we're seeing a herculean effort to keep the doors open at the only music shop in Davis. More on the recently formed nonprofit-to-the-resuce on page 14 by Comings & Goings Columnist Wendy
Wishing you a happy end of Summer!
WATERMELON MUSIC
PARENTING: A+ READING LIST
AUGUST EVENT GUIDE
MONDAVI CENTER: LOOK AHEAD
The Dirt’s mission is to showcase Davis & Yolo county’s unique people, places & events, inspiring readers & promoting local arts, culture & community.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Hanna Nakano
hanna@thedirt.online
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Jenna Matsubara
EVENTS EDITOR
Stephanie Peel
FOOD EDITOR
Sandra Violet Clark
PARENTING EDITOR
Ashley Arax
DESIGNER
Kyle Dyer
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Isabella Holmes
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WATERMELON MUSIC
FREE EV CHARGING
MONDAVI LOOK AHEAD
free
Get your bike in tip-top backto-school shape with free help from the volunteer mechanics at The Bike Garage! Open in Woodland and Davis twice a week, every week.
Making Art on G Street continues this month with a free acrylic painting workshop directed by artists Kristina Kernytska and Linda Miller. In celebration of The Artery’s 50th Anniversary and supported in part by the City of Davis, learn techniques for perspective, texture, and color on August 25.
Get your motors running for this year’s Demolition Derby! Massive trucks battle it out in a series of intense competition at Yolo County Fairground Arena August 16. BYO ear plugs.
This year, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) celebrates water at the Summer Soiree at Full Belly Farm. This magical evening features a farm-to-table dinner, live music, & more to celebrate life’s most precious resource on August 24.
Yolo County makes some of the best beer and wine in the country, and for the first time ever, they’re being celebrated! The Yolo County Fairgrounds is now home to the Beer & Wine Showcase, inaugural event is August 15.
EDITOR’S PICKS
A curated selection of community events, art and music news, locally made products and more, hand-picked by The Dirt’s editorial team.
Want to enjoy Davis’ 2nd Friday ArtAbout… how do we say this delicately… without your children? Drop off your kiddos for an evening open studio filled with art, sensory & science at Bubblegum Art Studio. It’s open from 6p—8:30p for ArtAbout, and just $35 / child.
Sudwerk Brewing Co. brings Big Sticky Mess to their Dock in Davis on August 8. The funk band plays early 70s inspired music with three piece harmonies—and lots of humor.
8
Yearning for a getaway? How do the Hawaiian islands or maybe Ireland sound? Join the Davis Travelaires for a trip preview webinar to learn more about these upcoming excursions on August 16.
Major news for book lovers: USA Today bestselling author Julie Soto, originally from Sacramento, will be at Avid Reader August 17 (!!!) discussing and signing copies of her latest book, Not Another Love Song. See you there?
6
The Bohart Museum of Entomology has your Tuesday plans covered! The museum is open for public walk-ins on Tuesdays the rest of the summer so you and your family can check out some fascinatingly beautiful creepy-crawlies.
Photo courtesy Jeopary Productions
WHAT IS LIVING YOUR DREAM?
Davis native appears on Jeopardy!
by The Dirt
ADavis High School Graduate played the quiz bowl of all quiz bowls this summer, appearing as a contestant on one of the nation’s favorite game shows.
James Hayakawa is a 23-year-old graduate of DHS who can now add Jeopardy! contestant to his resume.
“ is has been a life-long dream of mine and it is surreal to see it come true,” James Hayakawa said on his Instagram page. Hayakawa appeared on the July 15th
episode of Jeopardy!, which you can stream on Hulu+ Live TV and Pluto.
e Davis High grad went on to study performing arts a er high school, earning a bachelor’s degree in musical theatre from Ball State University, according to his web presence.
Hayakawa is an actor and a program ofcer for a non-pro t organization, according to Jeopardy!’s website. He currently lives in Chicago.
THE WAVE BRINGS A NEW DANCE COMMUNITY TO DAVIS
The Wave, a new monthly dance experience, promises to be the best dance experience you didn’t know you needed. Every first Friday of the month, The Wave will weave together some juicy stretching, and set the vibe to groove like you’re at the best house party in Davis.
Facilitators Holly Markham and Emma Shandy Anway are pals who share a love for dance and bringing people together. After many dance parties in their neighborhood, they decided it was time to share the magic with the community and host a monthly dance party for the people. The Wave is influenced by their respective experiences engaging with dance communities in Seattle and Michigan, and they hope to provide a non-judgemental place for freedom of expression, joyful embodiment, and sweet release.
The August event is filled but you can register for September here. Participation is limited to 30 attendees, make sure to RSVP to reserve your spot.
BOOK REVIEW
I got an advanced reader copy of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Davis author Jessica Guerrieri and it was a work of art
I finished the ARC in 24 hours
by Hanna Nakano, The Dirt
Author Jessica Guerrieri’s debut novel
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea takes an honest look at wine mom culture from the eye of the storm, telling a story I couldn’t put down.
The novel is the first for Guerrieri, who received a three-book deal from publisher HarperCollins last year after winning UC Davis’ coveted Maurice Prize with the novel’s manuscript.
HarperCollins recently announced Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea will be their lead title for 2025. Lead titles are books publishers expect to be big hits, often receiving top-tier marketing. Expect to see it everywhere.
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea tells the story of Leah, an artist and a mother of three who can’t stop thinking about the phantom life she could have had.
Caught in the entanglement of a large, close-knit family and all that comes along with it, Leah weathers a testy relationship with her condescending mother-in-law with the silver-lining of her sister-in-law’s friendship.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Relationships are tested further as Leah’s alcohol induced escapism becomes more and more intense. How much is too much? What are we willing to gloss over or forget about for a few moments of peace? And will Leah’s sister-in-law be able to forgive her?
I couldn’t put the book down, reading it like a limited series you’d binge on Hulu. It probably will be on a streamer soon. Honestly, it was the first time in a long time I have finished a book this quickly. Guerrieri is a master for how she painted an entire movie in my mind using just her keyboard.
It felt like I was keeping the biggest secret in the world holding my advanced reader copy at the farmers market and my kid’s karate class. This lead title debut novel with the ethereal cover. I can already see it on airport bookstore tables and grocery store end caps.
There are lots of ways to pre-order, but my favorite is through Avid Reader.
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea will be out May 13, 2025.
Originally from the Bay Area, Jessica Guerrieri lives in Davis, California, with her husband and three young daughters. Jessica has a background teaching special education but left the field to pursue a career in writing. Her debut novel, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, won the Maurice Prize for Fiction from her alma mater, UC Davis. With over a decade of sobriety, Jessica is a fierce advocate for addiction recovery. Connect with her online at jessicaguerrieri.net; Instagram: jessicaguerrieriauthor; X: @witandspitup; TikTok: @jessstayssober
Guerrieri opens a box of her ARCs.
Charge your electric vehicle for free in Davis with new solar-powered station
Electric vehicle drivers can now charge up for free in Davis, thanks to a partnership between the City and a Bay Area solar company.
The solar powered, mobile electric vehicle charger is the first of its kind in the region, according to the City of Davis. The EV charger, which has two charge ports, is located in the Boy Scout Parking Lot at 616 First Street.
The charger is called the PairTree and is a microgrid solar-powered charter, the flagship product of Bay Area-based company Paired Power. The PairTree charger is compatible with all major EV and
PHEV models. It has a Level 2 charging rate with up to 7.7kW for one EV or 4 kW per vehicle for two EVs.
For now, the chargers have no cost; just plug in to charge, and unplug to stop. According to a press release from the City, no personal information is collected from the charge sessions, but the City will be able to collect aggregated data about sessions and usage for its sustainability reports.
Because the PairTree stations are transportable, they can be moved to other locations based on need.
Right now, the City has two other fixed EV chargers located in the City Hall
parking lot, and City officials say they have plans to install another PairTree EV charger at Playfields Park (2500 Research Park Drive) this fall.
All project costs for the installation are fully funded by the City of Davis’ share of the Electrify Yolo grant funding.
Note from the City: The Boy Scout parking lot does have a two-hour time limit that will be enforced and this includes EV and accessible parking spaces. Removing the charging cable and re-plugging in after the two-hour time limit will prohibit additional charging, according to the City.
by The Dirt
PairedPower charging location at the F Street public parking lot in Davis.
Photos by: Hanna Nakano
The California Energy Commission approved a $2.5M program to help California farmers buy electric tractors and install charging stations. Launched in Yolo County, the program will allow tractors to charge bidirectionally and sell electricity back to the grid through Valley Clean Energy.
NEW $2.5M PROGRAM WILL HELP YOLO COUNTY FARMERS INSTALL ELECTRIC TRACTORS & CHARGERS
by Rebecca Kuczynski, Director of Customer Care and Marketing, Valley Clean Energy
Last month, the California Electric Commission approved a $2.5 million grant for the first phase of a $27-million project to help California farmers purchase electric tractors and charging infrastructure. This will allow local farmers to save money on their electric bills through Valley Clean Energy’s dynamic rates. The project is being launched in Yolo County through VCE, the region’s not-forprofit public power agency.
Gridtractor, a California-based developer of charge-management systems for electric vehicles, applied for the grant through the CEC’s Responsive, Easy Charging Products with Dynamic Signals (REDWDS) initiative. The pilot program will be called REACT, or Rural Electrification and Charging Technology.
VCE, Gridtractor, and their partner Monarch Tractor—California manufacturers of the first 100% electric, automated tractor—will offer incentives to farmers to install charging stations
for Monarch tractors and other EVs on their property. Gridtractor’s charger software will allow customers to take advantage of dynamic electric rates when the cost is lowest and there are more renewables on the grid. The REDWDS grant will also bring further benefit to agricultural customers by providing backup power (from the tractor battery) should a farm lose electricity during an outage, or by exporting energy back onto the grid during peak (more expensive) hours, a process often called “bidirectional charging.”
Electrifying the nation’s agricultural vehicles could play a key role in helping Americans reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. According to a recent Smithsonian magazine article, one diesel tractor creates as much greenhouse gas and particulate pollution as 14 passenger cars. Electric tractors are still a relatively new technology and can be expensive compared to internal combustion models, but
programs like REACT can make them accessible to growers and other users by offering incentives to make them the same cost or even less expensive than their diesel counterparts. Gridtractor estimates that with its groundbreaking Vehicle to Grid (V2G) capability, farmers could earn enough in three hours of export electricity to run their tractor for the rest of the week.
If the CEC approves the second, $25.5M phase of the REACT grant, VCE will help Gridtractor and Monarch Tractor expand the program’s reach to farmers across California.
About Valley Clean Energy
Valley Clean Energy is the public electricity provider for residential and commercial customers in Woodland, Winters, Davis, and unincorporated Yolo County. We’re a not-for-profit agency, which means that we’re working 100% for our customers. Head to valleycleanenergy.org to learn more.
Aggie Athletes are Everything FROM THE DESK OF: UC DAVIS ATHLETICS
Dear Davis Community,
As the Director of Athletics at UC Davis, I am excited to invite you to join us for a year of thrilling athletic events on our campus, featuring our 25 varsity sports.
Our athletic program goes beyond competition at the Division I level; it embodies community, spirit, and pride. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to our games, I encourage you to support our student-athletes as they showcase their dedication and skill. Over 35% of our studentathletes are involved in STEM majors, so you’ll be watching future engineers, doctors, scientists, and other professionals proudly representing our top 10 public university.
A note from Rocko DeLuca, Director of Athletics at UC Davis.
Attending our athletic events offers a chance to connect with fellow community members, students, alumni, and faculty. It’s an opportunity to rally behind our athletes, celebrate our shared Aggie Pride, and create lasting memories with friends and family. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees, upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship and inclusivity.
Your presence, whether cheering from the sidelines or participating in pre-game festivities, makes a positive impact on our coaches and student-athletes. Let’s come together to make this year one of the most vibrant seasons in UC Davis Athletics history. I look forward to seeing you at our home games, where we’ll proudly showcase the talent and determination of the Aggies.
For athletic schedules, visit ucdavisaggies.com or follow us on social media. For ticket information, visit ucdavisaggies. com/tickets or contact our ticket office at (530) 752-2471 or aggietickets@ucdavis.edu.
Sincerely,
Rocko DeLuca Director of Athletics
TOP: Aggie Student Athletes are Artists: In February, the Manetti Shrem Museum hosted the 15th annual Art of Athletes showcase, for student-athletes to display their talents outside of sports. (UC Davis Athletics photo)
MIDDLE: Aggie Student Athletes are Leaders: In celebration of Women’s History Month, Aggie Athletics presented its Women in Leadership Panel, a custom event for female student-athletes. (UC Davis Athletics photo)
BOTTOM: Aggie Student Athletes are Inclusive: Aggie basketball players Bria Shine and Niko Rocak participated in the NCAA Inclusion Forum held in Indianapolis in April. (UC Davis Athletics photo)
AGGIES PICKED TO FINISH 4TH IN BOTH BIG SKY CONFERENCE FOOTBALL POLLS
by Bob Dunning, thewaryone.com
When it comes to college football, I’ve never been big on preseason prognostications and the selection of “all-conference” teams before a single down has been played.
Despite my concerns and given that UC Davis will kick off its 2024 season in little more than a month, the Big Sky Conference held its annual gridiron get together in scintillating Spokane over the weekend and gave us all a bone or two to chew on in the dog days of summer.
As is the custom at such gatherings, each head coach brings along a couple of his star players, while media members - in person or not - cast votes on which one of the league’s 12 teams will emerge with the championship trophy when all is said and done on Nov. 23.
The coaches also have their own vote, cleverly named “The Coaches Poll,” with the strict requirement that no coach may vote for his own team to win the championship.
The reason for this is simple. When the Coaches Poll is released, the number of first place votes a team received is also revealed.
And just imagine the reaction of players at the Colorado School of Brewmaking when they realize their own head coach did not select them to win the whole shebang.
“Hey, coach, you’ve been telling us all summer that we have the talent and the drive and the determination to win the championship, and now you voted for someone else.”
So, instead of putting these 12 head coaches in an awkward, no-win, position, the league
has wisely banned them from picking their own team at the top of the standings.
Media members, however, have no such restriction. While most of us in that category, me included, cover just one team (UC Davis for me), we do get to see eight other league teams in action during the season.
Defending champion Montana was the runaway winner in the Media Poll with 26 first place votes, followed by Montana State and the Aggies with one first place vote apiece.
Yes, I was the one renegade who listed UC Davis at the top of the heap, but that was based on an honest assessment from years of keen observation, not on the fear that loyal Aggie fans would pelt the press box with rotten eggs as soon as they saw my face on the inside looking out if I didn’t pick their local heroes.
Since every vote is weighted, the Media Poll listed Montana first, followed by Montana State, Idaho, UCD, Sacramento State, Eastern Washington, Weber State, Idaho State, Northern Arizona, Portland State, Cal Poly and Northern Colorado.
Now here’s the truly odd part of the UC Davis schedule.
The Aggies will play all five of the teams listed in the top half of the poll - Montana, Montana State, Idaho, Sac State and Eastern Washington - but will also play the three bottom dwellers in Portland State, Cal Poly and Northern Colorado.
Hot and cold, salt and pepper, strong and weak, sweet and sour. Call it what you want.
All I know is UCD finishes against a murder-
er’s row of Montana, Montana State and Sacramento State, with only Montana State at home. Montana also dominated the Coaches Poll with 10 first place votes to one for Montana State and again one for the Aggies.
All we know for certain is that UCD’s one first place vote did not come from first-year Aggie head coach Tim Plough. Silence is golden. And required by law.
Revealing who voted for whom in the Coaches Poll is a felony in all eight states that are home to a Big Sky university.
The Aggies were fourth in the Coaches Poll as well, but it is intriguing to wonder which Big
Sky coach thought the Aggies might win it all.
As for the preseason All-Conference team, UCD placed four players on the 39-man team, led by Offensive Player of the Year Lan Larison, a senior running back who had 1,101 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns last season, despite missing three games due to injury.
Larison’s chief competition for the same award at season’s end is likely to be Montana State’s outstanding dual-threat quarterback Tommy Mellott.
Mellott and his Bobcat teammates will grace UC Davis Health Stadium Nov. 16 in a game almost certain to have Big Sky title implications. Also on the team are defensive back Rex Connors, defensive lineman Zach Kennedy and kicker Hunter Ridley, all of whom had outstanding 2023 campaigns and are back for more.
Top left is Hunter Ridley, right is Lan Larison. Bottom left is Rex Connors, right is Zach Kennedy. Connors was named to the 2023 All-Big Sky Conference Second Team but played in only seven games last fall. He led the Aggie secondary in total tackles (59) and solo tackles (36) and added a pass interception to his defensive resume.
Kennedy was named 2023 All-Big Sky Conference First Team with 28 tackles, while Ridley hit 13 of 17 field goal attempts a year ago.
The Aggies began practice July 31 before opening the season at Cal on August 31 at 2 p.m., their first game ever against an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent.
The first of six home games will be September 7 against Texas A&M Commerce. Season and single game tickets are available by calling the campus ticket office at 530 752-2471 or aggietickets@ucdavis.edu.
Longtime Davis columnist Bob Dunning is a contributor to e Dirt because he believes in quality local journalism.
Top left: Hunter Ridley; top right: Lan Larison; bottom left: Rex Connors; bottom right: Zach Kennedy. (UC Davis Athletics photos)
Back to school bike skills training across Yolo County
August means it’s time to head back to school, and for The Bike Campaign that means it’s time to start scheduling sessions for the Bike Skills Training Program (BSTP) with local elementary schools in Davis, Woodland, and Knights Landing for the 2024-25 school year.
Schools arrange for BSTP sessions, and The Bike Campaign brings a fleet of bikes, helmets, and safety vests for the sessions. Tailored to elementary students, the BSTP instructors teach cycling skills, rules of the road, the ABCs (air, brake, chain), and proper helmet fitting.
of The Bike Campaign and a nationally Certified Cycling Instructor. The instructors are volunteers who enjoy donating their time to help teach the next generation of cyclists, as well as making the sessions interesting and relevant for students.
by Pam Thompson, The Bike Campaign, for The Dirt
Students with cycling experience work on bicycle control, hand signals, shoulder checking, and keeping the proper distance between bicycles. Students with no cycling experience get instruction in balance, power pedal position, and how to safely start and stop.
Part of the BSTP covers the benefits of cycling, and that exercise can be fun.
Karissa Sais, physical education teacher from Whitehead Elementary School, said. “For these reasons, I recommend the Bike Skills program to be a part of any school enrichment activities.”
The BSTP also helps students learn the rules of the road and how to be safe and responsible cyclists.
The partnership between The Bike Campaign and the schools is productive, and helps students get comfortable and confident on bikes.
Instructors for the BSTP are experienced cyclists and are trained by Maria Contreras Tebbutt, founder
“Studies prove that when kids are physically active, their attention and focus is improved in the classroom,”
“We have seen numerous students learn to ride a bike for the first time through this program,” Principal Ursula Ruffalo from C.E. Dingle Elementary said. “It is through this partnership that students have an opportunity through ‘hands-on learning’ to strengthen skills in self-efficacy and resilience.”
The Bike Campaign also provides presentations for after school programs, including Davis Kids Klub and Catalyst Kids.
Last year The Bike Campaign brought the BSTP to elementary schools in Davis and Woodland, and are expanding to Knights Landing this fall. Students say that it’s “the best school day ever!” when the BSTP trainers come to campus. Bob Creely from Korematsu Elementary has said that when the BSTP has come to his school that “the students were very attentive and enjoyed the program.”
The BSTP is always looking for volunteers to help with training sessions, so if you enjoy teaching, are patient, and like to spend more time around bicycles, consider joining the BSTP team; go to thebikecampaign.org for more information.
“We have seen numerous students learn to ride a bike for the first time through this program.”— PRINCIPAL URSULA RUFFALO
The Bike Campaign, along with its counterpart, The Bike Garage, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 to help educate people about bicycling and encourage more people to ride their bikes. We work closely with city governments, county health departments, school districts, and community service groups.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: YOLO COUNTY
By Emma Shandy Anway, MS LMFT
Why we need to feel heavy emotions
Earlier this summer Pixar released Inside Out 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved emotions-centered movie from 2010. These delightful cartoons blend storytelling and science to help viewers understand that all feelings exist for a reason, and to explain why it’s important to find ways to feel them all, not just the positive ones.
“A lot of Western thinking pathologizes emotions. It stigmatizes them,” writes Dacher Keltner, psychologist and co-director of the Greater Good Science Center.
“The film tells families we need all the emotions.”
Lots of people go to great lengths to repress or ignore heavy feelings. It’s a super common thing to do. Most of the fears people have around emotions that don’t feel good tend to fall into three categories: 1. If I let myself feel this it will harm me and/or people I love, 2. This feeling will prevent me from functioning in life, and perhaps the most paralyzing of all 3. It will never go away. Ignoring those heavy feelings is a behavioral response that is learned very early on. We are born with all the emotions and none of the skills to manage them, so we look outwardly to our environment and caregivers to understand what parts of us are safe and what parts are dangerous.
For example, if a child feeling sad is consistently met with a response of distance rather than comfort from their caregiver, they will put the experience of being sad in the box of things to avoid and do what they can to suppress the feeling.
Throw in cultural messages like “real men don’t cry” and the rise of toxic positivity and we get adults who are experiencing only half of their emotions that exist. The problem is, though: you can’t
actually make those difficult emotions disappear.
“Trying to make them go away literally makes them escalate their expression to be taken seriously, and their only option at some point is to explode out of us in maladaptive or uncontrollable behaviors,” child psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy says.
The explosion of these feelings results in behaviors ranging from self abandonment, to addictions, to aggression, to depression. It turns out, going so far out of our way to avoid causing harm often can create exactly what we were hoping to avoid.
Here’s the hope.
Learning how to feel and regulate emotions is a skill that can be learned at any age.
Start small. Set a timer for ten minutes and allow yourself to contemplate something in life that feels hard right now. While thinking, set an intention to allow whatever emotion that comes up to simply exist. Once that timer goes off, take several deep breaths, drink a glass of water and give yourself a pat on the back for that act of courage.
Just like the protagonist in Inside Out discovers, when you allow yourself to feel and walk through heavy emotions, you will come out the other side lighter.
To do:
Practice AVP
• Acknowledge your feelings
• Validate them being there for a reason
• Permit them to stay as long as they need to
Watch Inside Out and Inside Out 2
Check out this Tiktok
DAVIS FARMERS MARKET X THE DIRT
CAPAY CANYON RANCH: Generating food for generations
When the Davis Farmers Market started in 1976, 8-year-old Todd Barth was there, helping his mom and grandfather sell apricots and cherries.
Today, his daughters, now in their early 20s, are the fifth generation to help with the farm. His wife Jen and daughters Madison and Alex work the family farm’s produce stand, selling their Capay Canyon Ranch almonds, and its organic grapes and raisins.
family grew alfalfa in Lancaster and then Madison, California, then that grandpa bought property in Esparto, branching out on his own. That was the start of Capay Canyon Ranch, now 340 acres – 210 of it almonds.
by Wendy Weitzel, for Davis Farmers Market
“Grapes are kind of a side kick for us, even though that’s my favorite part of the year,” Barth said. “I just love the summer fruit.”
for a good feeling when the customers are saying, ‘We’re so glad you’re back.’”
It’s one of the rewards for the hard work. This year has been especially challenging with the triple-digit heat. Some of the grapes have brown spots and other sun damage. “We’re going to have to drop a bunch on the ground and throw them away.”
Farming runs in both sides of Barth’s family. That maternal grandfather was an architect in San Jose until he decided to buy a 60-acre plot in Winters for Pleasants Ranch.
The ag link goes back further on his dad’s side. His great-great grandfather grew corn in Iowa. His grandfather’s
He said it was the same with his grandfather’s cherries. “I would eat them until I was sick.”
Grape season begins around late July, and that’s when the Capay Canyon booth starts at the Davis Farmers Market. Barth enjoys selling there, chatting with people. “When you’re farming, you want to provide the best product. It just makes
Water is a challenge too, especially for the almonds. “We love all the rain that filled up all the lakes but it’s an issue.”
And wholesale prices are unpredictable. “A grocery store can raise their price but we can’t. You just take what the market gives you.”
But at age 56, he wouldn’t choose another life. “Farming’s kind of in your blood. We don’t retire. … I just love being part of the land.”
CAPAY CANYON
Find them at the Davis Farmers Market every Saturday. Products: almonds, grapes, raisins Farm address: 14650 County Road 87, Esparto Website: capaycanyonranch.com Phone: 530-662-2372
DAVIS FARMERS MARKET
Central Park, Fourth and C streets, Davis
Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round Wednesdays: 3 to 6 p.m. October through April; 4 to 8 p.m. May through September for Picnic in the Park
Emilia Chase and Alex Barth sell grapes at the Capay Canyon Ranch booth in July 2023. (Photo by Wendy Weitzel)
Todd Barth poses next to some organic red flame grapes on his family’s Esparto farm on July 16. (Courtesy Capay Canyon Ranch)
GRAPE LIME RICKEY SLUSHY
GRAPE LIME RICKEY SLUSHY
Sandra Violet Clark (thekitchennatural.com), for The Dirt
Super fresh, healthy, and fun summer drink. It’s the perfect refresher for a hot day or a spicy summer meal. Green grapes are lovely if you like a little tang, however, I’m partial to purple or red grapes for the amazing color they add here.
FYI: don’t swap the maple syrup for pancake syrup. The depth and complexity of real maple syrup is stunning with grapes and a hint of lime. If you do want a sweeter drink and don’t have maple syrup or dates, use a spoonful of brown sugar to get similar carmel notes.
30-Second Cooking Lesson: You can blend and eat grape stems and seeds. If you have a hefty, heavy-duty blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec, skip stemming and seeding and blend in the extra fiber. The same is true with a lot of other softer fruit and vegetable stems and skins (I love the floral flavor of apple seeds!).
Sandra Violet Clark is a Davis cooking teacher and recipe developer. Find her and her business, e Kitchen Natural, on IG @ thekitchennatural.
RECIPE
5 minutes • Serves 4 ingredients:
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 2 c. grapes (fresh or frozen)
• 1-2 tbsp. maple syrup or 3 dates, soaked in water for a few minutes prior to using
• 2 c. ice or part water if using frozen grapes
• Pinch of salt
• Up to 1 c. water (as needed)
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Add water as needed to blend. Blend and adjust avors to taste.
BONUS POINTS:
ADD: garnish with or blend in a bit of mint for extra brightness.
SWAP: grapes for cherries or blueberries
SPIKE IT: this recipe is kid-friendly, but blend in a double shot of tequila, mezcal, or vodka to make this a classic Rickey.
MAKE IT FANCY: zest a bit of lime into some coarse salt or sugar and rub to combine. Stamp the rim of the glass in lime juice and then in the lime salt or sugar mixture before lling with the slushy.
This drawing shows a reconfiguration of Watermelon
(Photo
splitting up the showroom into a nonprofit space for instrument rentals, sales and group lessons, and a smaller retail store selling guitars, sheet music and accessories. (Courtesy Iben Wilson)
Eric Wellington, left, and Tess Hietbrink restring guitars in May at Watermelon Music. Wellington and two other employees plan to take over a portion of the store, part of restructuring plans.
courtesy of Watermelon Music)
Music,
Nonprof it founders hope to save Watermelon Music
Plan needs seed money to get going
Two Davis music lovers recently co-founded Friends of Watermelon Music, a nonprofit they hope will keep the music store’s mission alive.
On May 3, the owners of Watermelon Music announced they were winding down sales, and putting the building up for sale. Even after raising more than $100,000 through a GoFundMe effort, a year later, they couldn’t bring in enough revenue to pay the bills. They planned to close it at the end of August.
Saddened community members wondered what they could do. Two of them got together and put a plan into action. Serena Williams and Iben Wilson have filed for 501(c)(3) status for Friends of Watermelon Music, and hope to take over a portion of the building on Sept. 1.
“Serena sparked the idea on the Davis Parents Facebook group,” Wilson, a local Realtor, said. “I said a nonprofit (would work). She learned about my background in finance and real estate. Within four days, we had filed (for the nonprofit) and started getting the ball rolling.
“I think there’s a real passion in town to save Watermelon Music, and with Woodland losing their store, people don’t want to go to Sacramento.”
The restructuring plan has several components that could keep most of the 10,000 square feet of the building oper-
ational. Changes would be most significant in its 3,300-square-foot showroom. Board members of the nonprofit would maintain 1,350 square feet – the showroom’s left side. That section would sell used music equipment that is donated or consigned, much like the former All Things Right & Relevant sold clothing and housewares. They also hope to offer discounted group music lessons there.
The nonprofit would include an instrument-rental program for beginning and continuing music students, with a wide range of offerings. There are dreams of a repair shop where teens and others could learn to repair instruments and offer free repair for income-eligible musicians. Organizers want to host an instrument swap that’s like the annual Davis High Ski Swap, to circulate outgrown and unused instruments back into service.
The other pieces would not be part of the nonprofit. Three current employees – Brian Aguilar, Hala Alsaid and Eric Wellington – plan to maintain a downsized Watermelon Music, filling about 1,100 square feet, to the right of the main entrance. It will sell mostly new guitars, sheet music and accessories. The 850 square feet at the entryway will become a lobby, separating the two stores.
Jeff Simons, who runs Watermelon Music, and his ex-wife, Olga Simons, own the building at 1970 Lake Blvd., Suite
by Wendy Weitzel, for The Dirt
1. Olga will manage the 17 classrooms, continuing to rent them out to music teachers for private instruction. Jeff will manage the acts at the site’s music venue, The Melon Ball.
But all plans rely on a substantial backing from community members, likely before nonprofit status is set. Jeff Simons does not want to do another GoFundMe. The multi-faceted plan hinges on the nonprofit’s viability.
“This is a startup ask,” Wilson said. “Our immediate goal is to get some revenue.”
She said many people are willing to support the plan, and have pledged to donate instruments. “But we need the space first.”
In an email to customers, Jeff Simons said, “Friends of Watermelon Music will collaborate with Watermelon Music to host a benefit concert and party to celebrate the launch of these new businesses under new management. More details to come.”
There’s a survey gathering community input on the plans. Check it out at the QR Code on this page. As of the end of July, Wilson had 167 responses, with 70 percent saying they would help the nonprofit with donations, volunteer hours and/or with supporting the business once it opens.
For additional information, email Iben Wilson at IbenWilson@protonmail.com.
BACK TO SCHOOL
feelings and books that help
by Holly Snyder Thompson, The Avid Reader
Fellow parents! Here we are, back to school again. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s time to prepare ourselves and our kids for the Great Annual Transition. You’ve got a lot to think about - growth spurts (new shoes, again!?), healthy lunches (leftover pizza and some baby carrots, right?) and managing anxieties about new schools, new teachers, new peer relationships. We’re here to make that last bit a little easier for you.
It’s REAL hard to go from “Did you brush your teeth? Do you have your lunch? Put on your shoes!” in the blur of getting out the door to suddenly navigating statements like “No one says my name right”, “Last year that boy called me ‘cringe’” and “I can’t eat when I’m at school”. We all do our best to talk to our kids about their concerns and questions before big transitions, but honestly we can all use some help from the poets and artists. My favorite tool for jump-starting these conversations are books.
I remember my mother reading Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day when I was a child and relating so hard to poor Alexander
and his sub-par shoes and his gummedup hair and his best friend’s betrayal and his dream to move to Australia. Being able to empathize with Alexander, even though he was fictional, helped on days when school was the absolute worst.
If Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day is too “cringe” for your kids, the great news is that authors and illustrators have kept writing since the 80’s and we have libraries and bookstores filled with updated books that can help kids identify and express their feelings about school.
Four exceptional titles are highlighted here. These social-emotional focused books will prime your children to examine their concerns and start getting excited about experiencing new things. They will give your family shared language and allow you as parents to practice your responses early and often. Come on down to The Avid Reader during the month of August for these titles and more which can be found on our back to school display! Our website will also feature a Back to School reading list to make online shopping easier.
The Nervous Dragon by DK
is adorable board book features a young dragon named Blaze starting school for the rst time, deeply concerned that he can’t breathe re yet. What will his classmates and teacher think of him? Blaze discovers that all the other young dragons are struggling too and that school is where you go to learn hard things. is book also has a cool lenticular cover for extra interest.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
PS: We know that shopping for books online and at big box stores is often more accessible for a variety of reasons. However, if you are able, we encourage you to shop at your local independent bookstore. Your business boosts the local economy, provides fair salaries for local workers and allows us to continue to create a space in our community for discovery and a love of reading!
It’s not easy to take those rst steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. e Day You Begin reminds children that we all feel like outsiders sometimes—and how brave it is to enter those spaces anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway. e prose and art in this book are gorgeous. Fair warning: this one had me near tears.
A Kids Book about Empathy by Daron K. Roberts
I could not be a bigger fan of the A Kids Book About series. ese books cover a wide range of topics (empathy, anxiety, disability, white privilege, divorce—just to name a few) and are beautifully designed and written to open up conversation between children and the adults in their lives. A Kids Book About Empathy is perfect for a wide range of ages and provides step-by-step instructions on how to demonstrate empathy to your friends.
The Insiders by Mark Oshiro
For your middle grade children (typically 4th-8th grade), e Insiders is a story about Héctor Muñoz, a boy who feels alone at his new school. When he hides in the janitor’s closet one day he nds himself connected to two separate schools in di erent parts of the country! He enters a life-changing year full of friendship, adventure, and just a little bit of magic. Oshiro is de at portraying the emotional complexity of pre-teens and teens in ways that feel both real and fun.
EVENTS
THE BEAR FACTS
• Explorit Science Center
• Aug. 10th & 11th, 10a—2p
• Special exhibition featuring skulls, claws, teeth and more of the eight bear species in the world!
SUPER COOL CHEMISTRY WITH THE SCIENCE WIZARD
•Stephens Branch Library
• Aug. 1, 4p
• Melting, oozing, smoking, bubbling, foaming... The most incredible chemistry show ever!
AMAZING ANIMALS OF THE WORLD
Stephens Branch Library
Aug. 15, 4p
Meet live animals from 5 continents and hear their extraordinary personal stories. Presented by the Wild Things Conservation Ambassadors.
KIDS VEGGIE BURGER MAKING CLASS
Davis Food Coop Teaching Kitchen
Aug. 29, 3:30p—4:30p
Kids will learn to mix, assemble, and grill veggie burgers using fresh seasonal vegetables. Recommended for kids ages 5-10. This recipe will use
YOLO COUNTY FAIR
August 14—18
• The longest running free gate fair in California! Enjoy a four-day weekend of fun including demolition derby, a PowerWheels derby!
SPONSORED
THIS MONTH AUGUST
BRING
4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
Hand Built Ceramic Class
35301 COUNTY ROAD 31, DAVIS. We focus on hand-building techniques to create a wide range of functional and ornamental ceramics projects and offer all the necessary tools, materials, and instruction. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Sun. 4p–6p; Mon. 6p–8p. $30
6
Long Poses Live Models
ARBORETUM ART WORKS. This Summer Series supplies long poses for painters, ceramicists, and drawers. Registration required: arboretum-artworks.com. 3p–5:30p. $15–20
8
Art Workshop: Caricatures
SUDWERK BREWING CO. Learn to draw fun caricatures with artist Evan Thomas Lilley. All experience levels including beginners are welcome. Markers and paper for the class will be provided. One drink included with ticket! 6p–9p. $23.18
9
2nd Friday ArtAbout at the Pence Gallery
PENCE GALLERY. Join for the monthly reception and enjoy some wine while browsing the art exhibits & gift store. View Slice: A Juried Exhibit of Regional Art, Jaya King: chromavista, and Exhibit It! A Community Art Exhibit. 6p–9p. Free
9
2nd Friday ArtAbout Reception: 20 Pieces, 20 Friends: Artful Adventurers
LOGOS BOOKS. The Artful Adventurers are a group of talented artists reflecting diversity with a variety of artworks in various media! 6p–8p. Free
9
Kid’s Art Night
BUBBLEGUM ART STUDIO. Drop off your kids for an evening open studio filled with art, sensory & science. Our downtown location makes it easy for you to enjoy a fun night out, too! 6p–8:30p. $35
14, 28
Figure Drawing Group
PENCE GALLERY. Join for Figure Drawing sessions with a nude model every 2nd & 4th Wednesday. No formal instruction
provided; participants bring their own materials to draw or paint the model, and work independently with shorter & longer poses. All skill levels welcome. Register online at pencegallery.org. 6:30p–9p. $15–22
25
Art in Action: Cut Paper Creations
PENCE GALLERY. Fashion a colorful, layered collage of Davis flora and fauna out of cut paper! Using precut shapes like petals, leaves, feathers, and scales, create your own little ecosystem and leave with a unique piece of art representing our local habitat. This project is a special collaboration with artist Ro Mottsmith and is limited to the first 15 participants on a first come, first served basis. 1p–3p. $4–8
25
Making Art on G Street: Painting with Acrylics 101 THE ARTERY. In celebration of The Artery’s 50th anniversary, and supported in part by the City of Davis, this all-ages acrylic painting workshop will be directed by artists Kristina Kernytska and Linda Miller. Learn techniques for perspective, texture, and color. 11a–3p. Free
Photo by Corey Agopian on Unsplash
ART SHOWS: CONTINUING
THRU AUG 16
Jaya King: chromavista
PENCE GALLERY. Exhibit by interdisciplinary visual artist and muralist, Jaya King, whose paintings express her interest in conveying a deeper feel for the land through the use of high-vibrational color and textured surfaces. 11:30a–5p. Free
THRU AUG 16
Slice: A Juried Exhibit of Regional Art 2024
PENCE GALLERY. An ‘open theme’ exhibit, displaying art that is conceptually thoughtful, technically skilled, and representative of contemporary trends in art. 45 regional artists from across California have been selected to show their work in this exhibit. 11:30a–5p. Free
THRU AUG 17
A New Spin on Vinyl THE BARN GALLERY. This exciting exhibition boasts elements of modernism, nostalgia, and reuse of a unique material. Co-curated by Dwight Head, Barbetta Lockart, and Cynthia Lou, select regional artists have created artworks incorporating vinyl records. Weds. & Thurs. 2:30p–5p; Sat. 12:30p–3p. Free
THRU AUG 18
Exhibit It! A Community Art Exhibit PENCE GALLERY. Get ready for a vibrant annual non-juried art exhibit! Dive into a colorful showcase of pieces from 50 talented local artists. 11:30a–5p. Free
THRU AUG 31
Steven Thomas Higgins: 2019–2024, The Sacramento Years
JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY. Steven Thomas Higgins achieves incredible texture and colors within his paintings that encapsulate the five years that he spent living in Sacramento. The diversity of subjects in the exhibition represents Higgins’ interests in self-reflection and meditation on the experience of daily life. Free
THRU AUG 31
Mark Abildgaard: Reflections
JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY. This exhibition of cast glass sculpture represents
a survey of the artist’s work made over the past 12 years. The diversity of sculptural forms shows the range of possibilities for expressing ideas using cast glass. Free
ATHLETICS
15
UCD Women’s Soccer v Sac State
AGGIE SOCCER FIELD. Watch the Aggies take on Sacramento State University. It’s cowbell giveaway night! 5p. $8+
18
UCD Women’s Soccer v LMU
AGGIE SOCCER FIELD. Watch the Aggies take on Loyola Marymount University. 12p. $8+
25
UCD Men’s Soccer v Utah Valley
AGGIE SOCCER FIELD. Watch the Aggies
dren’s Desk on the afternoon of the program, no prior registration. 3p–4:30p.
7
Author Talk: Sidney Morrison
AVID READER. Frederick Douglass was the most prominent African American of the 19th Century, and Sidney Morrison has created a mesmerizing historical novel richly detailing his life and the Civil War Era. These stories are central to understanding the great man as a fully complex human whose life was rich in conflict, drama, and suspense. 6:30p–7:30p. Free
7, 14, 21, 28
Story Time at Avid & Co.
AVID & CO. A fun weekday story time, featuring one of Avid’s incredible storytellers reading picture books to your kiddos. Children must be supervised. 10a–10:30a. Free
11, 25
Storytime at Pioneer Park
PIONEER PARK. Every 2nd & 4th Thursday for a morning of stories & songs. For ages 3-6. Weather permitting. 10a. Free
17
Bookstore Romance Day with Julie Soto
take on Utah Valley University. 1p. $8+
31
UCD Men’s Soccer v Santa Clara
AGGIE SOCCER FIELD. Watch the UCD Men’s Soccer team take on Santa Clara University. 5p. $8+
BOOKS & TALKS
1, 15
Poetry Night Reading Series
JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY. First & third Thursdays. Each reading contains two featured poets followed by an open mic. 7p. Free
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Tales for Tails
MARY L. STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Read to a therapy dog! For ages 5-12, in the Children’s Activity Room. Sign up for a 10-minute reading slot at the Chil-
AVID READER. Julie Soto is a USA Today best-selling author, playwright, and actress originally from Sacramento, CA. She’ll be discussing and signing copies of her latest book, Not Another Love Song. Purchase is required for admittance into the signing line. 1p–3p. Free
COMMUNITY
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sit, Stitch & Create
YOLO BRANCH LIBRARY. Do you enjoy crafting, sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet or art forms? Bring a project to work on and come create with us. 1p–3p. Free
2
The Journey Home: A Monthly Women’s Circle
HEARTSCAPES. This monthly circle is a place for women-identified folks to gather in laughter, song, truth-telling, creativity, support, companionship, good tea, wellness practices & ritual. 7p–8:30p. RSVP required. Free
Photo by David Pisnoy on Unsplash
3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31
The Bike Garage Open Hours: Davis Location
BIKE GARAGE, DAVIS. Volunteer organization with mechanics who will repair your bike! Interested in becoming a volunteer? No experience necessary. We also sell quality used hybrid, town, vintage, road, mountain, and kids bikes. We accept cash, Venmo, and Paypal donations. Wed & Sat, 9a–12p. Free
3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31
The Bike Garage Open Hours: Woodland Location
BIKE GARAGE, WOODLAND. Volunteer organization with mechanics who will repair your bike! Interested in becoming a volunteer? No experience necessary. We also sell quality used hybrid, town, vintage, road, mountain, and kids bikes. We accept cash, Venmo, and Paypal donations. Sat: 9a–12p, Wed: 2p–5p. Free
3, 17
West Sacramento Gardening Q&A Desk
LOWES, WEST SAC. The UCCE Yolo County Master Gardeners Questions & Answers Desk is open at Lowes on the first & third Saturdays of the month. Led by Master Gardener Janet Branaman and open to the public. 10a–12p. Free
4, 11, 18, 25
Sunday Funday
MARY L. STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Drop-in family enrichment programs every Sunday! 2p–5p. Free
4
Women's Circle: Mother Guilt & Rage
REDWOOD BUILDING. A Davis Women's Circle is an opportunity to step out of the ordinary hustle of life and step into a space of community, love, and compassion. Register online in advance. 2:45p—4:45p. $27
5, 12, 19, 26
Anticipatory Grief Support Group
ZOOM. Whether you’re a patient, a family member, or close friend, this support group is designed to help you process what you’re feeling, find companionship and perspective from others, and find a pathway forward with dignity and even hope for a meaningful parting and transition to the next stage of your journey. 6p–7p. Free
5, 12, 19, 26
Davis Makerspace & Clothing Repair Cafe
MARY L. STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Davis Makerspace is a community workspace for makers and builders, designers and inventors. A small assortment of tools will be available for use and staff or volunteers will be on hand to provide some assistance. Supervised children are welcome. 6p–8p. Free
5, 12, 19, 26
English Conversation Group
MARY L. STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Weekly conversation group to practice English in a fun and relaxed way with help from a group facilitator. Drop in visitors welcome. 12:30p–1:30p. Free
6, 13, 20, 27
Knitting & Crochet Circle
MARY L. STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Join on Tuesdays & bring a project to work on while visiting with your neighbors. 5:30p–7p. Free
7, 14, 21, 28
Mantra Meditation
DAVIS COMMUNITY CHURCH.We will practice 3 simple techniques that you can continue to practice at home on your own. This includes deep breathing, a technique using beads (Japa meditation), and music (Kirtan). 6p–7:30p. Free
14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Yolo County Fair
YOLO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS. The Yolo County Fair is the largest and oldest free gate fair in California. Parking: $10/car.
15
Davis Women’s ADHD Support Group
MARY L. STEPHENS LIBRARY. The goal of this group is to help women with diagnosed or suspected ADHD to support one another. After group agreements are read, we will have a 30-60 minutes ADHD educational component. The remaining time will be for general discussion, sharing resources, and planning for the next meeting. 6:30p–8p. Free
16
Demolition Derby! Fairgrounds Arena
YOLO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS ARENA. Join us for an evening of exciting truck derby action! Witness the thrill as massive trucks battle it out in a series of intense competitions.
Photo by Leighann Blackwood on Unsplash
Don’t miss out on the action! 7p–9:30p. $35
16
Davis Travelaires Trip Preview
Webinar: Hawaii & Ireland
ZOOM. Join the Davis Travelaires for a trip preview webinar to learn more about upcoming day trips as well as their Big Island Getaway in Kona, Hawaii, December 4-11, 2024, their Rhone River cruise, April 15-27, 2025, and their Ireland in Depth tour, August 9-23, 2025. 10a–11:30a. Free
23
Family Fun Fest!
CIVIC CENTER PARK. Enjoy an evening of live entertainment, games & activities, face painting, vendors, photo booths, food trucks, & more. Hosted by Davis Chamber of Commerce. 5:30p–8:30p. Free
FITNESS
5, 12, 19, 26
Free Circuit Training Monday
ARROYO PARK. Rain or shine, hosted by Happy Heart Yoga. This all-levels class is appropriate for both experienced and non-experienced participants. Meet near the Basketball Courts. BYO mat and water. 9p–10p. Free
FOOD & DRINK
3
Murder Mystery on the River Fox Train! Who done it?!
RIVER FOX TRAIN. All aboard! Join the game of who done it and solve a mysterious murder aboard the train. Dinner & a show! A Deadly Taste for Gold (Gold Rush 1956 Theme). 6:30p–9p. $204.12
7, 14, 21, 28
Woodstock’s Weekly Pies and Pints
WOODSTOCK’S. First pint is full price, but you get to keep the glass–& every pint after that is 50% off for the night. Ask the bartenders when you arrive. 8p to close.
15
1st Annual Beer & Wine Showcase
YOLO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS. We’re beyond excited to introduce the first annual Yolo County Fair Beer & Wine Showcase! Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with the finest locally brewed beers & exquisite wines our county has to offer. 6:30p–9p. $35
24
Summer Soiree at Full Belly Farm
FULL BELLY FARM. Join Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) to celebrate water. This magical evening features a farm-to-table dinner, live music, & more to celebrate life’s most precious resource. 4p–8p. $100
29
August Pairing Dinner
GRINDSTONE WINES. As the sun sets, you’ll be treated to a carefully curated menu paired with our estate-grown wines, expertly chosen to pair with each plate. With limited seats, it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy good company, great food, and outstanding wines among the vines. 6:30p–8:30p. $95
29
Co-op Teaching Kitchen: Kids Veggie Burgers
DAVIS FOOD CO-OP TEACHING KITCHEN. Celebrate the last of summer with handmade veggie burgers! Kids will learn to mix, assemble, and grill their very own veggie burgers using fresh seasonal vegetables. Recommended for kids ages 5-10. This recipe will use walnuts. 3:30p–4:30p. $22.50–25
GAMES
7, 14, 21, 28
Magic the Gathering Weekly Tournament!
DAVIS CARDS & GAMES. Bring your deck. Bring your friends and have a wonderful time. 6p–8p. $12
11
Second Sunday Bingo ODD FELLOWS HALL. Community members, friends, and family are encouraged to come for an afternoon of fun playing Davis Bingo, which will help support ourcommunity’s nonprofits. 12p–4p. $12
MUSIC
1
Thursday Live! featuring Skillet Licorice ODD FELLOWS HALL. Hot, sweet, and a bit sticky, Skillet Licorice takes the stage at this month’s Thursday Live! Featuring no host beer & wine. Doors: 7:01p. Show: 7:31p. Donations to the band appreciated
1
Summer Concert Series: And Then Came Humans SUDWERK BREWING CO. Looking for a cool activity to shake off the heat this summer? The Sudwerk Summer Concert Series features free performances in the restaurant patio by rotating local artists that are sure to chill you out! 6p–9p.
2
Live at The HIVE w/ Big Sticky Mess THE HIVE. Come jive and jam with this intergalactic funk-filled trio. Enjoy a seasonal menu, craft beverages and complimentary honey tasting at The HIVE Tasting Room & Kitchen, northern California’s largest honey and mead tasting room. 5p–8p. Sliding scale: $0–20
2
Folk Music Jam Session @ The Arboretum
UC DAVIS ARBORETUM, WYATT DECK. Folk musicians are invited to bring their acoustic instruments & play together informally during this jam session at Wyatt Deck (located next to the redwood grove in the UC Davis Arboretum). 12p–1p. Free
3
The Rocks N Roll Show
THE WITCH’S LAIR. The Boneyard Art Show is hosting their first musical event. Join for a night of punk music and vendors sharing crystals, rocks, gems, fossils and more. Doors: 3p, Music: 4p–9p. $6 presale, $10 at the door
4
Kid’s A Capella Singing Workshop with the Davis Local Vocals DAVIS UNITARIAN CHURCH. Calling all aspiring singers and beat-boxers, ages 6-12. Come sing with the Davis Local Vocals! Learn vocal harmonies and vocal percussion, then participate in a short performance. 9a–12p. $40
6, 20
Live Jazz: Jim Frink Trio ROOT OF HAPPINESS. Jim Frink is a drummer and educator based in Davis. The jazz trio plays improvisational music ranging from standards, to modern jazz, to balkan folk and beyond. 7:30p–10:30p. Free
8
Summer Concert Series: Big Sticky Mess
SUDWERK BREWING CO. Introducing Big Sticky Mess, a funk band that plays
early 70s inspired original music with three piece harmonies and lots of humor. They’ve been playing clubs, festivals, community and private events all over northern CA and beyond since 2012. 6p–9p.
9
Muusic at Noon! Free Concerts Second Fridays UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF DAVIS. Cellist Alexandra Roedder will perform Bach Suites No. 1 & 3 on her rare 1743 five-string baroque cello! 12p–1p. Free
13
Delbert Anderson Quartet GORMAN MUSEUM. Accomplished Trumpeter Delbert Anderson (Diné / Navajo) incorporates elements from Diné culture and landscapes into his music. Earned acclaim from Chamber Music America, the First Peoples Fund, coverage in The New York Times, & NPR. 7:30p–9p. Free
15
Summer Concert Series: Julie and the Jukes
SUDWERK BREWING CO. Introducing Julie and the Jukes, a Northern California Band playing pure, classic blues. The band is a four-piece combo including guitars, bass, and drums. Julie and the Jukes bring to life the classic Chicago blues of Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howlin’ Wolf, the Memphis sounds of B. B. King, and the Texas style of Freddie King. 6p–9p.
16
Ted Ganger Live
THE MELON BALL. Ganger was born in Cleveland, Ohio and studied piano and conducting at the Juilliard School in New York before going to Germany
on a Fulbright Grant. Ted’s first performance at The Melon Ball will feature his original songs. 8p–10p. $20
16
Live at The HIVE w/ The Gold Souls THE HIVE. Come jive and jam along with The Gold Soul’s unique blend of boogie, blues and soul. Enjoy a seasonal menu, craft beverages and complimentary honey tasting at The HIVE Tasting Room & Kitchen, northern California’s largest honey and mead tasting room. 5p–8p.
18
New Harmony Jazz Band @ Davis Craft & Vintage Fair
CENTRAL PARK. Two free sets of your favorite jazz standards amid the splendor of the Craft & Vintage Fair! 11a–1p. Free
21
New Harmony Jazz Band @ Picnic In The Park
CENTRAL PARK. Two free sets of songs from the great American songbook of jazz during the Davis Farmers Market. 5p–7p. Free
28
Experienced Jazz Jam DAVIS SENIOR CENTER. For those with experience playing in jazz jams, ensembles or otherwise feel confident in your ability to improvise a solo in a jazz jam session. Jam with other Davis musicians who love playing jazz music: American Songbook, Bossa Nova, Django, etc.
30
Live at The HIVE w/ Bobby Young Project THE HIVE. Come jive and jam along-
Photo by Evan Wise on Unsplash
side the ultimate rhythm and blues band the Bobby Young Project. Enjoy a seasonal menu, cra beverages and complimentary honey tasting. 5p–8p. Sliding scale cover charge: $0–$20/person
NIGHT LIFE
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 No Brain Drain Trivia
SUPER OWL BREWING. “No Brain Drain” Trivia, hosted by Preacher. Trivia + Comedy + Game Show. 6:30p–7:30p. Free
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Trivia Thursday WOODSTOCK’S. Trivia, beer, and pizza! Trivia sign-ups @ 8:45p; game @ 9p. Free
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Karaoke Night
TOMMY J’S. Every Friday with KJ Incubus. 10p.
3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Parkside Bar Themed Party
PARKSIDE BAR. Every Saturday, come to Parkside for a di erent themed party. Featuring Sacramento’s best DJs playing Top 40 Hits & bar anthems. 10p–1:30a.
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Karaoke Night
UNIVERSITY OF BEER. Every Sat. 9p. Free
5, 12, 19, 26
Monday Night Trivia
THREE MILE BREWING. King Trivia App. All ages. 6:30p.
6, 13, 20, 27
Game Night
THREE MILE BREWING. Immerse yourself in a world of board games, card games, & good times! Play ours or bring your own. Plus, enjoy our fantastic Happy Hour. 5p–10p.
6, 13, 20, 27
G Street Karaoke Night
G STREET WUNDERBAR. Every Tuesday night. 10p. Free
7, 14, 21, 28
G Street Trivia Night
G STREET WUNDERBAR. Every Wednesday trivia starts at 8p & open mic starts at 10p. Free
7, 14, 21, 28 Trivia Wednesday
UNIVERSITY OF BEER. 21+. Games @ 9p.
7, 14, 21, 28
The Pub Quiz with Dr. Andy SUDWERK BREWING CO. Local Quizmaster Dr. Andy entertains and challenges teams of up to six with 31 questions on a variety of topics you should know something about, such as history, literature, pop culture, geography, internet culture, and science. 7p–9p. Free
SCIENCE
1
Super Cool Chemistry with the Science Wizard
MARY L. STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Melting, Oozing, Smoking, Bubbling, Foaming–AMAZING!! e most incredible chemistry show ever with chemistry magic
is guaranteed to amaze everyone. Event not a liated with the Library. 4p–5p. Free
6, 13, 20, 27
Summer Walk-ins available at the Bohart Museum of Entomology
BOHART MUSEUM OF ENTOMOLOGY. Check out some fascinatingly beautiful creepy crawlies until August 27th. e museum graciously opens up to the public for walk-ins for the summer on Tuesdays. 9a–12p, 1p–4:30p. Free
10, 11
The Bear Facts
EXPLORIT SCIENCE CENTER. In celebration of Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday, discover facts about the 8 bears of the world! is special exhibition will have replica skulls, claws, teeth, and more representing all 8 bear species, photo opportunities for the entire family, & special bear themed cra s. 10a–2p. $5
15
Amazing Animals of the World
MARY L. STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. ere is an amazing diversity of life on earth. Meet animals (LIVE!) from 5 continents and hear their extraordinary personal stories. Presented by the Wild ings Conservation Ambassadors. Event not a liated with the library. 4p–5p. Free
SCREEN
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Senior Film Fridays
DAVIS SENIOR CENTER. Watch a lm and enjoy popcorn with friends. Check the Senior Center’s website for lm titles. 12:30p. Free
SHOPPING
AUG 1 – AUG 31
The Artery’s Annual August Studio Sale
THE ARTERY. Collect treasures from the artists! Discover paintings, photographs, jewelry, etc. New inventory added throughout the month.
2, 3, 4
Friends of the Library Sale
MARY L. STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. e Friends of the Library book sale is the rst weekend of each month. On Sunday, ll a bag for $10. Fri 12p–7p, Sat 10a–5p, Sun 10a–3p.
3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31
Davis Farmers Market
CENTRAL PARK. Visit the market each week to purchase local produce & artisan goods. Every Sat, 8a–1p & Picnic in the Park every Wed, 3p–6p.
4, 18
Davis Craft and Vintage Fair
CENTRAL PARK. Support local small businesses! Featuring more than 40 booths with local artisans and vintage collectors, food trucks and live music. 10a–4p.
7, 14, 21, 28
The Spork Hub Farmstand
SPORK FOOD HUB. Support local farmers! Purchase organic, sustainably farmed fruits, veggies, eggs & baked goods from Upper Crust Bakery. 2p–7p.
25
Small Town Sunday Market
SUDWERK BREWING CO. Looking to avoid the heat? Come to the indoor Small Town Sunday Market with your family and friends to shop small, eat your favorite brunch foods, and nd your favorite Sudwerk beer! 11a–3p.
STAGE & DANCE
2
The Davis Wave
SECRET SPOT. A new monthly dance experience! Every rst Friday of the month, e Wave will facilitate the best dance experience you didn’t know you needed. 75 minutes of dance to your favorite bops. We’ll weave together some juicy stretching, and then set the vibe to groove like we’re at the best house party in Davis. 8p–9:15p. $5–10
5, 12, 19, 26
Latin Fusion Dance Class
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE DAVIS. Journey through the vibrant and sultry world of Latin dance led by Karla Avila. is class blends salsa, bachata, and samba moves for dancers of all levels! 6p—7:30p. $20
*Events at library locations are not always hosted by the Yolo County Library.
looking ahead: Fall events to keep your eye on at the MONDAVI CENTER
by Isabella Holmes, for The Dirt
The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts is a resource you don’t want to overlook when planning entertainment or local adventures.
By day, UC Davis’ campus is home to students struggling with organic chemistry. By night, the curtains rise and campus becomes the world’s stage. From orchestras to authors to stand-up comedians and everyone in between, the Mondavi Center brings the best performing artists in the world right here to Davis!
Here are upcoming events in the Mondavi Center’s 23rd season, and we’ve earmarked a few we’re particularly excited about.
Delbert Anderson Quartet
• TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
• Gorman Museum of Native American Art
Aida Cuevas
The legendary “Queen of Mariachi” herself! Cuevas is the first and only female singer in the traditional mariachi genre to win a Grammy and a Latin Grammy Award, and will be celebrating her iconic album’s 40th anniversary this year.
• SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
• Jackson Hall
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Edward Gardner, conductor & Randall Goosby, violin
• WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
• Jackson Hall
Sean Mason
• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
– SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
• Vanderhoef Studio Theatre
Mariza
• FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
• Jackson Hall
Threshold
You’ll have three nights to catch this striking dance performance, and feminist response to antiAsian violence and Asian American invisibility
• Choreographers Claudine Naganuma and SanSan Kwan
• FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 –SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
• Vanderhoef Studio Theatre
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - Live in Concert
• SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
• Jackson Hall
Sons of Mystro
• SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
• Jackson Hall
Baratunde Thurston
A.I. Doesn’t Have to Kill Us
But Can Make Us Stronger
• WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
• Jackson Hall
Astria Suparak
Asian futures, without Asians
• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
• Vanderhoef Studio Theatre
123 Andrés
Brittney Griner W. Kamau Bell
An Evening with Brittney Griner
One of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of the Year in 2023, Olympic Gold Medalist, and WNBA Champion Griner will join the stage with Chancellor May to discuss her most recent book, Coming Home, which takes readers inside her detention in Russia and the campaign to bring her home.
• SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
• Jackson Hall
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan 13 Tongues by Cheng Tsung-lung
• THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
• Jackson Hall
Youn Sun Nah
• THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
– SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
• Vanderhoef Studio Theatre
An Evening of Comedy with W. Kamau Bell
Bell is a political comedian whose CNN docuseries United Shades of America won five Emmy awards, and he was awarded a Peabody for his docuseries We Need to Talk About Cosby.
• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
• Jackson Hall
Manetti Shrem Opera Gaetano
Donizetti’s Don Pasquale
Festival Napa Valley
• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
• Jackson Hall
Threshold Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert
123 Andrés
Parents of the preschool crowd rejoice: 123 Andrés is coming to town! The husband-wife duo sing, dance, and teach at this bilingual matinee performance.
• SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
• Jackson Hall
Encanto: The SingAlong Film Concert
Fans are encouraged to dress up like Mirabel, Luisa or any of their favorite Encanto characters for this sing-along that promises to include “We Don’t Talk About Bruno!”
• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
• Jackson Hall
Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg
• SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
• Jackson Hall
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Big Band Holidays featuring vocalists Ekep Nkwelle and Robbie Lee
• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
• Jackson Hall
Pink Martini featuring China Forbes
A Holiday Spectacular
• WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
• Jackson Hall
Scan this code for more information and to purchase tickets!
Aida Cuevas
Explore the Downtown Davis art scene in this free, self-guided monthly art walk. Exhibits are hosted by galleries, art studios & businesses in Davis.
ARBORETUM ART WORKS
17 Arboretum Dr, Suites G & H | 5:30p–8:30p. Visit the working artist collective with artists elma Weatherford, Cathie James-Robinson, Schorré Chevalier Oldham, Joel Bresolin, Judy Catambay, and guest Amy Teutemacher.
THE ARTERY
207 G St | 5p–9p. e Artery’s Annual August Studio Sale. Members of e Artery have lled the gallery with drastically reduced treasure for this month-long sale. Step out of the summer’s heat to shop from the many marvelous creations o ered by their artists, including paintings, photography, glasswork, woodwork, jewelry, ceramics, and more.
DAVIS CRAFT & VINTAGE FAIR
E St Plaza | 5p–9p. Shop from arts, cra s, and vintage micro-businesses’ booths, plus free live music. Weather permitting.
LOGOS BOOKS
513 2nd St | 6p–8p. 20 Pieces, 20 Friends: Artful Adventurers. Reception for a group show featuring work by 20 artists, including work in acrylics, clay, block printing, drawing, felting, glass, oils, pastel, screen printing, and watercolor.
THE PAINT CHIP
217 F St | 6p–8:30p. Sense the World. Join for a reception for local artist Linda Zhong and view this award-winning show of nature painted with pigment on paper.
PARKSIDE BAR & OUTPOST BURGER
330 G St | 6p–9p. Live music by Danger Force 5, a Davis-based surf rock group. Surf rock is characterized by its reverb-heavy electric guitar sounds that mimic the sound of crashing waves & twangy melodies.
PENCE GALLERY
212 D St | 6p–9p. Slice: A Juried Exhibit of Regional Art showcases work by 45 artists from across California. Exhibit It! A Community Art Exhibit highlights the talent of our community with work by 50 local artists. Jaya King: chromavista displays landscape paintings with high-vibrational color and textured surfaces, and you can also view some of the artist’s smaller works featured along the stairway.
SECRET SPOT
117 D St | 5p–9p. Secret Spot turns one! Help celebrate Secret Spot’s one year anniversary by joining in this birthday bash, which highlights the artwork of its founders Toni Rizzo, HG, and Stephanie Peel.
THIRD SPACE ART COLLECTIVE
17 Arboretum Dr, Unit C | 5p–8p. Human Experience. Reception for a group show that aims to compile some of the stories and diverse experiences of our community. Art not only unveils what it means to be human but it simultaneously de nes it. Come by to explore the artists’ experiences, and perhaps share some of your own thoughts and exploits.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
CHURCH OF DAVIS
27074 Patwin Rd | 12p–1p. Muusic at Noon Free Concert! Enjoy a concert by cellist Alexandra Roedder, who will play Bach Suites No. 1 and 3 on a rare 1743 5-string cello.
AUGUST 9 2024
2ND FRIDAY ARTABOUT SPONSORED BY:
1. Ann Brinkley, Pence Gallery. 2. Karmala Sherwood, Logos Books. 3. Brigitte Chertok, The Artery. 4. Schorré Chevalier Oldham, Arboretum Art Works. 5. HG, Secret Spot. 6. Linda Zhong, The Paint Chip.
Danger Force 5, Parkside Bar & Outpost Burger
Misuk & Mark Goltz