Multifaith Living Community and Resident Guide

CA House History, Mission, and Programs

HISTORY

The Cal Aggie Christian Association was organized in the 1930s as a college student group of the Davis Community Church, which Davis Congregationalists, Methodists, and Presbyterians united to form in 1869. In the early 1950s, the property at 433 Russell Boulevard was purchased for the campus ministry and it became known as CA House. CA House continues to be supported by the Davis Community Church and the Davis United Methodist Church, and a wide variety of community donors of all faiths and backgrounds. Read a brief history of CA House here.

MISSION

CA House, home of the Cal Aggie Christian Association, is an inclusive, progressive campus ministry serving college and graduate students of all faiths in and around the Davis community. We offer opportunities for worship, fellowship, intentional living, service and justice work, spiritual and personal growth, and study. Through action on issues of peace and justice, we enable individuals to discover and fulfill their human and Christian vocations. CA House offers a diverse, open community, seeking to follow the example of Christ in the midst of the University.

Programs

Find out more about CA House programs here.

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Multifaith Living Community: Mission, Covenant, and Responsibilities

MISSION

The CA House Multifaith Living Community began in the fall of 2008. Its mission is to create and sustain a spiritual and ethical community committed to personal and relational growth, mutual respect and caring, and service and justice in the world. The community encourages shared leadership and honors each individual, while fostering intentionality, participation, listening, honesty, openness, caring, responsibility, and service.

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CA House Board, Clergy, and Staff and Their Roles

CA HOUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMUNITY COMMITTEE

CA House is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of students and non-student affiliates. The Board does its work through various committees, including one for the Multifaith Living Community called the Community Committee. The Community Committee is the CA House residents' link to the CA House Board. They are the final group to contact regarding resident and Multifaith Living Community regulations and policies. If residents have ideas or concerns that are beyond the responsibilities of the CA House Community Assistant, Community Coordinator, Office Administrator, or Campus Ministers, they are invited to share them with the Community Committee. The Committee can be reached by contacting its Chairperson, and the Office Administrator has contact information. Also, the Community Committee welcomes an MLC member to participate and serve as a liaison.

CA HOUSE CLERGY AND STAFF

The Reverend Kristin Stoneking is the CA House Director/Campus Minister (three-quarters time). She is a United Methodist minister in the Cal Nevada Annual Conference. Kristin's responsibilities include leading the staff, overseeing finances and property development, working with the CA House Board of Directors and Endowment Board and their committees, coordinating the Multifaith Living Community Project, and liaising with the United Methodist California-Nevada Annual Conference and with Davis United Methodist Church. She has responsibility for Christian Worship, scripture and theology studies, the University Religious Council and Interfaith Campus Council, relationships with various University and campus ministry affiliates, and pastoral care.

The Community Coordinator is a full time position established in the summer of 2008. The Community Coordinator works as a member of the staff team of the Cal Aggie Christian Association. The Community Coordinator has primary responsibility for supporting the various ministries and managing the property and residents associated with the Multifaith Living Community.

The CA House Office Administrator's responsibilities include finances, administration, property management, and public relations. For the Multifaith Living Community, the Office Administrator advertises, coordinates lease signing, conducts moving in and out procedures (including keys, mail, etc.), collects rent, processes maintenance and grounds care needs, and oversees kitchen operations and work days.

The CA House Community Assistant lives at CA House and has responsibilities for assisting residents and other staff of CA House.

The CA House Seminary Intern's responsibilities are established each year in a Learning and Serving Covenant and may include leadership in existing CA House Programs as well as developing other programs.

All CA House staff work on behalf of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church. Along with the CA House Board Community Committee, they all enjoy getting to know and supporting Multifaith Living Community residents.

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Resident Utilities and Services

BUS SERVICES

The student-operated UNITRANS bus system services Davis and is free to all UCD undergraduate students. Yolobus services Woodland and Sacramento, including the Sacramento International Airport, and has a stop right in front of CA House. Bus schedules may be obtained at the UCD Memorial Union Information Desk. For additional information, contact UCD Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) at (530) 752-8277 or www.taps.ucdavis.edu.

CABLE TELEVSION

Residents may order cable television service at their own expense.

ELECTRICITY AND WATER

Electricity and water are provided as part of the rent. Residents are expected to conserve energy and water.

INSURANCE

CA House's insurance policies do not cover resident property. Residents should purchase their own renter's insurance if they feel it is necessary.

INTERNET

Residents have free access to wireless internet services.

KITCHEN AND COMMUNITY FOOD

Cupboard space, a common refrigerator/freezer, a stove/oven, a microwave, a dishwasher, a number of smaller appliances, cups, plates, and utensils are provided for the use of students and staff in the kitchen... Please also note that food items that are perishing must be disposed of immediately. Because CA House hosts events like Wednesday Dinner, there is often food left over from such events that all students and staff are welcome to use afterwards. The items will bear printed labels indicating they are "Community Food."

LAUNDRY

Each townhouse is equipped with a washer and dryer.

The following courtesies are strongly encouraged:

  • Accurately time wash/dry cycles so that clothes may be removed promptly.
  • Throw away trash such as softener sheets and clean up any spills.
  • Refrain from small loads if at all possible to save energy and costs.

MAIL SERVICES AND PACKAGES

An individual mailboxes are provided for resident use and located across from the back office supply closet in the main house. Resident mail will be placed in these boxes, except for large packages. When a package is received, a note to that effect will be left in the resident's mailbox and the package can be collected from the Office Administrator. Small pieces of outgoing mail with postage affixed can be clipped to CA House's outside mailbox for pick up by the mail carrier.

PARKING AND BICYCLES

As a condition of the lease, residents owning vehicles must pay an additional cost per month for onsite parking or utilize offsite parking at Davis United Methodist Church, 1620 Anderson Road. Parking is offered on a first come, first served basis, and a total of 23 spaces are available onsite for residents.

All residents (including on site and off site parking locations) agree to display a CA House sticker on their vehicles at all times and to park in their assigned location. Residents shall refrain from parking on neighboring streets. A condition of approval of the CA House requires that CA House inform its residents that they should not use neighboring street parking and that street parking be monitored to avoid impacts on the neighborhood. If CA House receives complaints regarding residents parking on neighborhood streets, CA House reserves the right to modify lease renewals, to give priority in leasing to persons without vehicles, or to take other appropriate action to maintain compliance with the car management plan.

Bicycle parking is available behind the main house. Bikes may not be parked or locked along the wheelchair ramps or stairs in front of the house.

TELEPHONE

Landline telephone service is available at each resident's own expense. Residents must contact SBC to set up telephone service.

TRASH AND RECYCLING

Residents are expected to limit their trash and to recycle. Please empty any personal trash into the large rectangular bin outside. A trash can and recycling bins for aluminum, glass, and plastic containers and mixed paper are located in kitchen. A description of what can be recycled is posted in the kitchen. The Community Assistant will create a schedule of chores, and the person in charge of trash and recycling is responsible for collecting trash and recycling from the upstairs bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen and placing it in the cans outside (including during the week as needed), placing the cans on the west corner of driveway for pick up on Monday evening, and returning the bins to the side of the house on Tuesday afternoon. If the trash has not been picked up, please notify the Office Administrator.

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Basic Information, Policies, and Regulations

ALTERATIONS AND DECORATIONS

As stated in Section 7 of the Lease Agreement, Conditions & Regulations, a resident "shall make no alterations, improvements or additions on the premises without the prior written consent of the CA House Board. If consent is obtained, the undersigned (resident) is responsible for removing any additions or improvements and returning the premises to their original condition. Failure to do so shall result in a charge for all costs associated with the required restoration. This charge shall be paid within ten (10) days after notification of charges. Screws, transparent tape, and gummed picture hangers, or other items damaging to walls, woodwork, or other parts of the building are prohibited. Pictures and other decorations may be hung with a hammer and nail or hangers of the type approved by the Office. Floor glides on furniture legs are recommended to prevent damage to the carpet."

ANTENNAS AND SATELLITE DISHES

Antennas may not be placed outside bedrooms and satellite dishes are not allowed.

BREACH OF LEASE

Any of the following are considered breaches of the lease:

  1. failing to maintain eligibility
  2. failing to pay rent promptly
  3. unreasonably damaging or endangering CA House property or disturbing the other residents or their property
  4. violating other provisions of the Lease Agreement, including those in this Guidebook
  5. subletting or assigning room rights without permission from the CA House Community Committee

There may be other actions that would constitute breach of lease not mentioned here.

BUSINESS, OPERATION OF

No business is permitted to be established at CA House.

CAR WASHING AND REPAIRS

No oil changes or major car repairs are permitted on CA House property. Car washing is allowed. Residents must clean up the area used for washing their cars.

EXTERIOR ELECTRICITY

Residents may not extend electrical power outside of their rooms by extension cords or any other means. Decorative lights may be installed only indoors.

KEYS AND LOCKS

The Office Administrator will change the front door combination of the main house periodically to protect the security of CA House. The new combination will be communicated to residents at least 24 hours before the change.

Lost House Key: If a resident loses a house key and is locked out, they may check out another key from the Community Coordinator during office hours or the Community Assistant after hours. The key must be returned ASAP. If that key is lost, the lock to the house will be changed and a fee based on the cost of the service will be charged for all lock changes.

Duplicate Keys: If a resident wishes to have an additional key to his/her house, a formal written request with accompanying reasons must be submitted to the Office Administrator for approval.

Moving Out: All keys must be returned upon vacating. A $10.00 fee will be assessed for any missing key.

MAINTENANCE REQUESTS

Maintenance requests can be made by filling out a form found near the mailboxes and submitting it to the Office Administrator. When a resident makes a maintenance request, it is understood as granting permission to enter their room to make repairs. For after-hours emergencies, contact the the Community Assistant or other staff to resolve the situation. There is no charge to residents for routine maintenance, but maintenance as a result of intentional or careless damage or negligence will be billed to the person responsible. Please contact the Office Administrator immediately if any pest control is needed in or outside of a bedroom.

MOVING IN

When residents move in, the Office Administrator will provide the combination to the front door of the main house and a room key. Residents will also need to complete a walk-through/room inspection with the Office Administrator to record any damage or repairs needed to the room before move in so that the resident will not be held responsible for them upon move out. Waterbeds are not permitted. Please be sure to meet the Community Assistant and Campus Ministers as they have important roles in the Multifaith Living Community. A community gathering will occur sometime in September so all residents can meet the CA House clergy and staff and the Community Committee, review Multifaith Living Community policies and regulations, sign up for Wednesday Dinner hosting, and begin the process of community-building.

MOVING OUT

Most leases end August 31, which means that all resident belongings must be moved out by August 31. If this is a problem, the Community Coordinator will try to help find a solution. Residents must clear out all belongings. Each house must designate by August 1 one person to complete a walk through/move out checklist with the Community Coordinator.

PETS

Dogs, cats, and snakes are not permitted, including any guest's pet(s). Other small contained animals (e.g., fish, a bird, etc.) which are healthy and well-maintained and which remain contained inside the room are permissible. If any permitted pet becomes a nuisance or health hazard to other residents or to CA House or is neglected, this exception may be rescinded. The resident is liable for any damage caused by a pet or pet container, and CA House may require a Pet Deposit of $200 in advance of permitting any pet at CA House. In order to make CA House accessible for everyone, including those with allergies, every pet must have prior approval from the CA House Community Committee, staff, and other residents.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES/BOATS/TRAILERS/JET SKIS

These are not permitted on CA House property at any time.

RENT PAYMENTS

Rent payments are due the first business day of the month and should be made via check or money order payable to "CA House" or "Cal Aggie Christian Association." Residents may give their checks to the Office Administrator during office hours or place it in the envelope provided above the mailboxes. Rent payments not paid by the 5th of the month are delinquent and will be assessed a late fee of $25.

RENTAL ELIGIBILITY AND STUDENT STATUS

CA House remains committed to giving Multifaith Living Community members priority in housing assignments. Currently-registered UC Davis or Sacramento City College students are given next level priority.

Residents are expected to be registered students during the fall, winter, and spring quarters to live at CA House. During the summer, residents may remain in their rooms until the end of their lease terms.

In the event that a room is available less than 30 days before the start of the lease period (September 1), that room may be rented to a non-student who is affiliated with UC Davis or Sacramento City College.

RIGHT OF ENTRY

The CA House Board or its agents may enter a unit as allowed by law for the following reasons: in case of an emergency; to make repairs, alterations, or improvements; to supply necessary or agreed upon services; to exhibit the room to prospective or actual workers and tenants; if a tenant has seemed to have abandoned or surrendered the room; pursuant to court order; or with the tenant's consent. 24-hour advanced notice will be given except in cases of emergency, abandonment/surrender, court order, or if the tenant has given consent.

ROOM TRANSFERS

Room transfers may be granted at the discretion of the Community Committee.

SUBLETTING

Please see conditions in lease.

WASTE DISPOSAL

Residents may be held responsible for costs associated with clearing out drain pipes that have become blocked due to improper disposal of waste. To avoid these situations, please do not pour any oil, fat, or grease into the sink drains. Please collect cooled oil, fat, and grease in glass or metal containers with lids. Once full, these containers can be put in the regular trash. The kitchen garbage disposal is not useable; please place all solid garbage in the trash can.

WINDOW COVERINGS/BLINDS

Window coverings/blinds are provided in the rooms. The window coverings/blinds are expected to be maintained by the resident. Failure to do so will result in damage charges billed to the resident.

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Standards of Behavior

These policies are designed to clearly set forth the expectations for MLC members. Living in community is not always easy, since people come from different perspectives and may have different expectations for how to live. Because CA House residents live in close proximity, have different ways of life, and are juggling the pressures of academic, work, and personal lives, occasionally conflicts can arise. These policies are intended provide all residents with standards by which all can live, learn, and grow peacefully together. They should also provide the standards by which any conflicts can be resolved. CA House is committed to the ideal that the Multifaith Living Community should compliment and foster all residents' academic, personal, and spiritual development.

Residents are expected to abide by all CA House policies and regulations and the terms of their lease. Residents must maintain a high standard of responsibility. Residents who display inappropriate behavior towards themselves or others, exhibit an inability to live in community, or endanger themselves or others in any manner, are subject to action that may result in relocation or eviction. Also, please remember that everything that is illegal off-campus is illegal at CA House. CA House property does not insulate anyone from accountability for their actions.

ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS

Residents and visitors must abide by all Federal and State Laws and CA House policies and regulations concerning alcohol possession, use, and distribution. No alcohol is permitted in front of the house or in the parking lot. Bulk quantities of alcoholic beverages (e.g., numerous cans, kegs, etc.) and the delivery of alcohol by outside vendors are prohibited. The illegal possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of other drugs is prohibited as defined by law on CA House property. Problem behavior while under the influence of alcohol or any other substance will not be excused or tolerated.

CHORES

Each house group is encouraged to come up with a regular system for the sharing of household chores.

DAMAGE AND THEFT

Residents and their guests will be held liable for any damage or theft of CA House property in the townhouses or common areas of CA House. Bills for the cost of repairs will be charged to the individual(s) responsible. Residents are responsible for maintaining the interior and exterior of their rooms in a clean and safe condition. Residents will be held accountable for any room damage beyond normal wear. The CA House Board is not liable for any loss of or damage to a resident's personal property. Rooms are subject to inspection upon 24-hour advanced notice by CA House staff. We request that residents keep their rooms clean and tidy while they are being shown to prospective residents.

EXTENDED LEAVES

Residents should notify the Community Coordinator if planning an extended leave from CA House (more than two weeks).

FIREARMS AND WEAPONS

Weapons of any kind are prohibited at CA House, including but not limited to firearms, BB guns, air rifles, switchblades, swords, brass knuckles, and nun chucks. Residents with religious or other special reasons for having a weapon must discuss this with the Office Administrator and receive permission to keep it at CA House.

FIREWORKS

It is unsafe and illegal to possess, store, or use any personal fireworks on CA House property or in Yolo County.

NOISES AND DISTURBANCES

Noise is any sound that is disturbing to another person. Noise levels should be kept to a minimum. If a conflict about noise occurs, residents should take the initial responsibility to try to resolve it among themselves. By communicating with others in a calm manner, listening to each other, and being specific as possible about the nature and times of the problem noise, things can usually be resolved amicably. However, if this approach is unsuccessful, residents may discuss a noise problem with the Community Coordinator.

Any resident may request that any other resident cease any activity that is interfering with his/her ability to study, rest, or quietly enjoy the community. Music, televisions, video games, or conversations that can be heard in other rooms are considered too loud. However, please remember that rooms are not soundproof and that residents must be tolerant of basic "living noise."

PARTIES AND EVENTS

No unruly or alcohol-focused events or activities are permitted on CA House property.

PERSONAL CARE

Each resident is responsible for his/her own self-care, which is defined as appropriate personal hygiene and management of medical illnesses and disability-related personal needs.

PHYSICAL/VERBAL ABUSE/HARASSMENT

Harassment or abuse, physical or verbal, of any person will not be tolerated. This includes threats, physical fighting, domestic violence, sexual abuse, racist/ethnic/sexist/homophobic harassment, malicious pranks, and abusive name-calling. This also includes abuse/harassment that is communicated through e-mail, regular mail, telephone, etc. Residents and their guests are expected to resolve all conflicts in a responsible, constructive manner.

QUIET/COURTESY HOURS

CA House seeks to live in harmony with neighbors on all sides of our property, keeping noise at a minimum overnight.

The following hours are recommended:

Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Friday and Saturday - 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

SMOKING

CA House is a non-smoking building and smoking is not permitted within the townhouses. CA House prohibits smoking within 20 feet of the building, as required by law. Smoking is permitted in outside designated areas. If residents or their guests smoke, they are responsible for disposing of any related litter in the trash can outside.

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Safety Precautions and Information

SECURITY

While CA House, its neighborhood, and the City of Davis are relatively safe, they are not immune to the realities of the world. Residents and their guests are responsible for the security and safety of their own persons and property. Residents will need to take precautions to secure personal property, such as locking townhouse doors, marking possessions, locking cars, and locking and registering bikes. Residents must also consider their personal security and avoid vulnerable situations. Residents should keep the Community Coordinator informed of their whereabouts and when they return if they leave CA House for more than two weeks. Report any suspicious activity and never leave outside doors unlocked, open, or ajar. Make sure that the outside lights are turned on between dusk and dawn.

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Conclusion

Above all, the CA House Board and Community Committee hope that our residents will truly become a community - a group of people caring for one another and creating a strong residential life that allows everyone to live out their full potential. The policies in this Guidebook are meant to be supports in promoting a healthy community and in living out a vision that CA House holds for all communities. Please consider the Community Committee an integral part of this process and feel comfortable being in communication with us about whatever will help to make this shared vision of community become a reality. We honor and value each resident, and we appreciate each person in the CA House community.

Grace and peace,
The CA House Community Committee

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