In 1979, co-opers from the Domes, a 28-member cohousing community located on the campus of UC Davis, were among the founders of the first Solar Community Housing Association co-op.  Three decades and two additional member-houses later, the circle has turned, as SCHA is pursuing an agreement with UC Davis to assume management of the Domes.  Members of the latter community were recently issued a notice to leave the property, and its unique buildings had even been under threat of demolition.  However, relationships forged between various campus agencies and SCHA over the last year have helped stay their destruction, and may provide for a lease of the elder co-op by its offspring.  After decades of a sometimes-tenuous relationship between the Domes and UC Davis Student Housing, the prospect is in sight of a dramatic expansion for SCHA and a secure, vibrant future for the Domes.  Domes

This development comes as SCHA is finalizing the construction of its newest member house.  Actually two houses built to function as a single eight-person co-op, the as-yet-unnamed co-op has been half-occupied since March, and is set to be completed by the end of August, bringing SCHA’s total membership to 23 members on three properties… not a bad legacy for a handful of sun-loving hippies!

SCHA