Hello Davis!

This week’s host is Maria Lucchesi, Supervisor at the Davis Senior Center. Maria’s guest is Sue Barnes, who joins us to talk about the Davis Travelaires and the opportunities they offer for travel, adventure, and connection.

Sue knows a thing or two about travel. She currently serves as the UC Retirees Travel Coordinator and trip liaison. Before retiring in 2019, Sue spent nearly 25 years with the University of California, holding a variety of administrative positions at UC Davis in housing, campus events, and campus recreation. She later served seven years as director of the UC Davis Retiree Center, followed by three years directing the UCLA Emeriti/Retirees Relations Center.

And when Sue isn’t helping others plan their next adventure, she enjoys traveling herself—along with biking, sewing, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.

So, pack your imaginary suitcase as Maria and Sue introduce us to the Davis Travelaires.

Chrissy Stroop is a writer, speaker, and scholar who was raised in an evangelical Christian family. She publishes The Bugbear Dispatch and co-owns The Flytrap, an independent feminist news outlet. Her areas of expertise include the American right wing, the history of anti-LGBTQ politics, evangelical culture, and Russian history.

Anoosh Jorjorian is chair of the Davis Phoenix Coalition and directs the organization’s immigrant and LGBTQ+ family programs. They also lead educational programs and parenting trainings designed to support LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and the broader community.

Last weekend, Corner Drug in Woodland was targeted in an apparent anti-LGBTQ hate incident. Anti-gay slurs were written on one of the store’s windows, while another window displaying rainbow stickers was smashed.

In this episode of Hello Davis!, we welcome John Murrieta, a certified Master Gardener and dedicated community volunteer.

Through his work with a local university extension program, John shares practical, science-based advice to help people garden more successfully and sustainably. When he is not tending a garden, you may find him volunteering at the Woodland Public Library or helping at a local high school.

John’s enthusiasm for gardening—and for life—is contagious. Listen in as he shares his knowledge, stories, and love of all things gardening.

This week on Hello Davis!, David Abramson interviews Barry Figrim, who is a great example of what makes Davis special: talented people who use their skills, energy, and creativity to strengthen the community.

Barry is the founder of Bright Bear Workshop, a musical instrument consignment and event service operating alongside Watermelon Music. He also directs the Stage Ready program, helping musicians prepare to perform with confidence.

His connection with Watermelon began in 2024, when he volunteered to help move a large cabinet. One project led to another, and Barry kept showing up, lending a hand and becoming part of the Watermelon family. After joking that he had been pretending to work there for more than a year, he made it official by starting a business and making a lasting commitment to the Davis music community.