Author: Jessica Smithers

Due to COVID-19, the District has stopped in-person community outreach events, keeping health and safety our highest priority.

While we will not be hosting a formal Memorial Day program, the Davis Scouting groups have graciously volunteered to help honor our Veterans by placing flags. Individual flags, along with our internal roadway flags will be placed Friday, May 28th, and removed Tuesday, June 1st.

If you are interested in volunteering to help plan future Memorial Day and Veteran Day events, please email Jessica Smithers at jess@daviscemetery.org

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:

• The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
• There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

How to Apply

Call this dedicated toll-free phone number to get a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application completed with help from FEMA’s representatives. Multilingual services will be available.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the application process on our Funeral Assistance FAQ page.

If you use a relay service, such as your videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, please provide your specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA is able to contact you, and you should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

How are Funds Received

If you are eligible for funeral assistance you will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.

The Davis Cemetery District is committed to doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. Our staff are working hard to keep all service equipment cleaned and sanitized.

On an annual basis, the Davis Cemetery District holds a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration on our grounds. This celebration is one of the last Mesoamerican indigenous influenced rituals, honoring mother earth and all ancestors. This celebration is part of an effort to create a community, a sense of belonging, and global awareness of cultural richness in our multicultural society. The Dia de Los Muertos celebration includes a variety of artists and performers, as well as a collective altar honoring all ancestors. This event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to contribute to the public alter. Everyone is encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and enjoy the day.

Due to COVID-19, the District has made the difficult decision to modify this year’s celebration, keeping health and safety our highest priority.

2020 Dia de los Muertos Event Information

Friday, October 30th through Monday, November 2nd

• Informational signage will be placed along our eastern internal roadway, just north of the memorial fountain.
• A public altar will be set up outside the administration building for viewing. We also welcome contributions to the altar.
• Local Artist, Judy Catambay will be painting a temporary public plaza mural that can be viewed throughout the weekend. More information about this mural can be found below.
• Fresh marigolds will be available for the public to take to honor their loved ones, Sunday and Monday from 4 – 7pm.

Ven a honrar a los antepasados y seres queridos, que han cruzado al mundo de los espíritus.

#Plan4Resilience

Judy Catambay will be painting a temporary public plaza at the Davis Cemetery District and Arboretum on the corner of Pole Line and Eighth Street for the Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, as part of a public art project called #Plan4Resilience. In #Plan4Resilience, artists are asked what we can learn from the pandemic and what lessons we can carry into the future to build resilience for future challenges, including the climate crisis. #Plan4Resilience artists create temporary pavement paintings in parks and plazas to honor public holidays and lift our spirits while reflecting on long-term resilience.

Judy Catambay is a local artist and art teacher working in ceramics, mixed-media painting, and street murals. The pavement mural for Dia De Los Muertos is especially meaningful to Judy after the recent passing of her mother. She explains, “It’s a way to honor her life. The vision for the mural will be inspired by her legacy of kindness and perseverance. These are the qualities we need for resiliency in the future.”

#Plan4Resilience is funded, in part, by a generous grant from the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.

Are you looking for something do you with your kids, while maintaining social distance from others?

Since March 2020, the District has seen an increase in the number of families visiting the cemetery grounds. We have developed a 10 stop scavenger hunt as a way to support healthy outdoor activities for children and families.

The scavenger hunt is designed to educate children about the history of our cemetery. We invite you to print the scavenger hunt here or visit our office Monday – Friday from 8 am to 3 pm to pick up a hard copy.

Once you complete the scavenger hunt, feel free to stop by the main office to pick up a prize.

Looking for other outdoor activities? Visit our 10 things to do page here.

Due to COVID-19, the District has made the decision to modify this year’s celebration, keeping health and safety our highest priority. A public altar will be set up for viewing and contribution Friday, October 30th through Sunday, November 1st. Informational signage has been created and will be displayed along our turf to help educate those who visit the cemetery.

Ven a honrar a los antepasados y seres queridos, que han cruzado al mundo de los espíritus.

Due to COVID-19, the District has made the difficult decision to modify this year’s celebration, keeping health and safety our highest priority.

While we will not be hosting a formal Veterans Day program, the Davis Scouting groups have graciously volunteered to help honor our Veterans by placing flags. Individual flags, along with our internal roadway flags will be placed Wednesday, November 11th, and removed Thursday, November 12th.

Family and friends of loved ones can order a holiday wreath to be placed on a grave or displayed at your home. 22″ fresh Noble Fir wreath will be sold for $25 each. All proceeds will go to the continuous care and restoration of our beautiful cemetery. Orders will be accepted while supplies last.

For those looking for another way to recognize a loved one during the holiday season, we can place a solar lantern, suspended from a shepherd’s hook, graveside through the month of December. Lanterns are $25 each and will be moved after January 1st.

Orders can be placed by calling (530) 756-7807 or emailing jess@daviscemetery.org or judy@daviscemetery.org