Weekend Life After UC Davis Strike

This Weekend in The People’s Republic

Yesterday was March 4th, the state-wide strike in honor of public education.  As the dust settles and the riot gear gets put away, the events of yesterday will be taken up into the folds of “History”.  Individual grievances and bruises will glom and fade into one, mass story.  My question:  how will all this be interpreted?

I am torn.  I personally know and care very much about many of the individuals involved in yesterday’s strike.  I also immensely respect the passion and the drive of all the protestors.  On the other hand, I question the motives of yesterday’s events.  When I heard what was initially called a “Teach-In” at the quad had turned into a march on I-80, I became extremely concerned both for the individuals involved and the movement itself.  What I thought was going to be an event that gathered students from all corners of campus to rally around and inform about the Budget Crisis had turned something that called for riot gear and mace-bombs, not to mention the fact that it ostracized a vast majority of students, most of whom were already nervous/uninformed about this movement.

Recently, there have been a lot of things to be upset about.  With emotions running so high, it’s no wonder that things escalated the way they did.  It’s important to remember, though, that appearance is everything when it comes to high-profile issues such as this.  What is this movement trying to tell people?  How are these actions being interpreted?  How will this, in turn, affect the effectiveness of future movement towards change?

The intersections of Russell and Howard as well as that of Russell and La Rue are open again.  I-80 is no longer threatened.  Life will churn on in that way that Life does.  This weekend’s right and relevant culture is here for your perusal, my urge for you to get thee outside imminent.  I can’t help but to feel so small when, while doing these things, I am simultaneously staring History in the face, anxiously waiting for a response to the question of:  “What do YOU think?”

Although, I suppose that only Time will tattle-tell.

Friday, March 5 2010

Meet the Regents [LEARN]

AHI 401

Art Lounge, Floor 2 of the Memorial Union

All day, from March 3-19

FREE

I was part of a class on curation this quarter.  While the course was a great, personal experience, the result of a quarter’s-worth of work is currently being presented, and I thought it relevant to recent issues.  The show we conceived and executed is called “Meet the Regents:  A show on the UC system and the people who run it”.  If you’re in the area, please check it out.  The greater our understanding, the greater weight our actions can hold.  Note:  I guess I’m supposed to inform you of the podcast available.  It’s not necessary by any means, but it supplements the show—asks a lot of questions that we as curators were asking ourselves in the development process.  I feel a little silly, because I was the one who recorded/edited it… and I have no sound-experience.  Hope you enjoy the whole shebang, anyway!

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God’s Country [THEATER]

DHS Drama Department

Brunelle Performing Arts Hall

7pm

Email for tickets

High school students will perform Steven Dietz’s heavy drama,that tackles racial issues and follows a real story from the 1980s.  Uncannily good timing for some food-for-thought, what with the current events on UCD campus!  Looks intense, but good.  This will play today and Saturday and 7pm, Sunday matinee (2pm) and all next weekend.

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Saturday, March 6 2010

Audition for Non-traditional Dancers [DANCE]

Pamela Trokanski Dance Theater

2720 Del Rio Place, Davis

12:30-2:30

Choreographer Trokanski is looking for 12-16 men and women over the age of 35 (as well as four teens) to partake in a movement project that has to do with social networking and (omg!) the internet!  I’m not sure how much chatspeak you need to know (lol) but you do NOT need dancing experience.  An interest in performing seems to be the main requirement.  For more information, OR  TO SIGN UP FOR AN AUDITION, call 530-756-3949.

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Texas Hold ’Em Tournament [PLAY + GIVE]

Soroptimist International of Davis

Veteran’s Memorial Center

6-10pm

$40 general, $60 for the Hold ’Em

Don’t fold this opportunity to get out there, win great prizes (up to $500!!) and give to some great programs:  Soroptimist Programs as well as the Emancipated Foster Youth.  Full bar and appetizers will be served!  For tickets, contact Juelie via email or phone (530-756-3276)

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Sunday, March 7 2010

Blue and White Fund Run [GIVE]

Blue and White Foundation

The New Track and DHS

All day (main event at 1pm)

$40 for team of 8

Grab your friends, family and neighbors for this great event!  This event showcases the New All-weather track at DHS, but it’s also great fun for the whole community!  Proceeds from today’s event will help support DHS’ stadium renovations.

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Fashionation [ART]

Student Fashion Association

The Graduate

6:30pm (doors), 7:15pm (show)

$5 (pre), $7 (door), $10 (front row), email for tickets

Celebrate Davis’ more fashionable side with a full-fledged fashion show!  This event will showcase both student and professional designers.  Looks fierce!!

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Thursday, March 11 2010

Duval Speck and Hardwater [MUSIC]

Palms Playhouse

13 Main St, Winters

7:30pm

$12

This would have otherwise been lost in that in-between time that I don’t get to talk to you…  So here’s a Thursday event!  Hardwater plays a mix of tunes from various artists, and Duval Speck is a local jazzy-soul-folk-rock duo with an emphasis on the soul.  This is also an ALS awareness night, which Cathy Speck of Duval Speck as been living with for years.  Come out and hear some great tunes!