ABOUT US

These families include local farmers, educators, homebuilders, and community leaders who have been instrumental in Davis's growth while preserving its unique character and values through thoughtful development, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement.

These families have pioneered sustainable development practices in Davis since the 1970s. They helped create significant portions of the town’s renowned bike path system and were among the first to thoughtfully integrate greenbelts and wildlife habitats into residential neighborhoods. Their environmental innovation extended to founding one of the region's first solar energy companies and developing what was then the largest solar apartment community in the United States. Their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship has earned numerous accolades from both the City of Davis and state agencies, demonstrating their dedication to development that aligns with Davis's core environmental values.

Their collective legacy also includes creating and supporting many of the cherished institutions that define Davis today – from the Farmers Market to the Pence Gallery to the US Bicycling Hall of Fame. Over the decades, these families have served on numerous civic boards and commissions, supported youth sports, and maintained a strong tradition of philanthropic giving to local arts and education. Their children and grandchildren, many born and raised in Davis, continue this tradition of community service, coaching youth sports teams, serving on school committees, and working to address contemporary challenges like homelessness and food security. This multigenerational commitment to Davis's wellbeing reflects their deep understanding of our community's needs and values.

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CIVIC & CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS

• Development and ongoing support of the Davis Art Center

• Founding and development of the Pence Art Gallery

• Instrumental in bringing the US Bicycling Hall of Fame to Davis

• Creation of the Plaza at the Farmers Market

• Leadership roles on numerous city commissions including Finance and Budget, Downtown Planning, and Housing Element Update committees

• Decades of service on the City of Davis Building Board of Appeals

• Multiple family members serving as Davis Rotary Club leaders and members

EDUCATION & YOUTH

• Establishment of the Tandem Foundation, providing annual educational grants to Davis schools

• Leadership roles in PTAs across multiple schools and generations

• Creation of scholarship programs for UC Davis athletes

• Extensive involvement in youth sports, including coaching baseball, basketball, and softball teams

• Service on school bond oversight committees

• Leadership in school booster clubs and band programs
   

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP

• Design and implementation of significant portions of Davis' bike path system, integrated with greenbelts and wildlife habitats

• Pioneering sustainable housing development in the 1970s, including what was then the largest solar apartment community in the US

• Formation of Trident Energy Systems in the 1970s, one of the first companies focused on solar power conservation systems

• Early adoption of passive solar design principles in residential development

• Implementation of innovative geothermal heating and cooling systems

• Recognition with multiple environmental awards including the City of Davis' Environmental Recognition Award, the Partners for a Cleaner Davis Award, and California EPA's Waste Reduction Awards

• Leadership in early recycling and waste reduction programs

• Integration of natural wildlife habitats within residential developments throughout North Davis

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HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT

• Creation of many homes designed with sensitivity to Davis's unique character

• Development of innovative student housing communities

• Leadership in affordable housing initiatives

• Ongoing commitment to sustainable building practices

• Support and oversight of homeless housing solutions including Paul's Place

 

PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT

• Creation of an organic farm providing fresh produce to local food banks and UC Davis students

• Substantial support of Davis schools through various foundations

• Long-term support of UC Davis athletics and programs

• Active involvement with Davis Community Meals and Housing

• Support of numerous local organizations including the Yolo Food Bank, CASA, Yolo Crisis Nursery, and Progress Ranch

• Significant contributions to arts organizations including the Mondavi Center for Performing Arts and Davis Shakespeare Ensemble