CFS Updates: Bike Tour Recaps, Movie Nights, $50,000 Grant!
- malay34
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
CFS Field Notes:
Summer 2026
It's been a big few months for the California Field School! Read on for news about new grants we've received, a wrapped tour season, rider reflections, and a movie night that gives back.
Tour Recaps
A huge thank-you to the California Coastal Conservancy for its ongoing support through its Explore the Coast Grant Program— this funding made possible our May and June tours for young women and gender-expansive youth!
This year, nearly 50% of riders were returnees. When asked why they decided to do the trip again, several riders echoed a similar sentiment - as one put it: "I wanted to come back because when I did this [trip] in 9th grade, I feel like it pushed me out of my comfort zone and I wanted to experience a challenge again."
May: Life Academy (Oakland) During training week, the group took a special bike ride to the Emeryville Marina, where they hopped aboard an Oakland History Boat Tour with East Bay Yesterday. On their rest day during the tour week, the group swapped bikes for roller coasters at the historic Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Shoutout to teacher Clare Green for her tireless support organizing and fundraising for the program!
June: Banteay Srei During one of our training rides, we visited the West Oakland Mural Project, which honors the Survival Programs and Women of The Black Panther Party. During tour week, the group's rest day included a cooking activity and farm day at Pie Ranch, plus a visit with Año Nuevo State Park’s elephant seals!
Deep gratitude to the Banteay Srei team for extra financial support for training days and the tour. They also purchased bikes and gear so participants can keep riding long after the trip!
Participant Reflections
"That trip was genuinely the happiest I've been for an extended period in a while and I'll miss every second of it."
"I learned that bike gears can be a little deceiving. I learned how to set up a tent. I learned that nature is so vast and incredible. I learned that the Bay Area can be very diverse in terrain."
"I learned that biking is more than just a sport, it's something that made me feel connected and free. I enjoyed every single minute of the trip and every moment I spent biking."
"Honestly if I put my mind to something, I can accomplish it."
September Special Event:
Karma Cinema @ The New Parkway
Every Wednesday at The New Parkway theater in Oakland, moviegoers pay what they want for their ticket, and 20% of proceeds go to a local nonprofit.
CA Field School is the featured beneficiary for September! Hop on your bike, catch a film, and know that your ticket is helping fund our next tour.
Funding Updates
We're thrilled to share some exciting funding news!
California Coastal Commission — $50,00 We're honored to receive support from the CA Coastal Commission's Whale Tail Grant program! This funding will go directly toward creating an updated curriculum and running Spring Break trips in 2027 and 2028. Participants will travel by bicycle Marin County, learning about the human and environmental factors that have shaped this region.
Ava Community Energy — $2,500 Thank you to our local electricity provider, Ava Community Energy, for their sponsorship! Their sponsorship helped us cross the finish line to fund this year's bike tours.
Donate your vehicle,
Support our mission!
Got a car, truck, motorcycle, RV, or boat you're ready to part with? Turn it into support for CA Field School! Fill out the form on our vehicle donation page and they'll arrange free pick-up. Once it's sold, they'll send you the tax forms — you may even qualify for a deduction while supporting a cause close to your heart.
Monthly Sustainers
Our bike trips run on the generosity of people like you! Monthly sustainers give us the steady, reliable support we need to plan ahead and keep our programs accessible to Oakland students and communities. Join our sustainer program here!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our current sustainers! Your ongoing support are the rolling tires that keep us moving. We couldn't run these programs without you!
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