Yolo County has lost some memorable people recently
I received word on Monday from Melissa Moreno at Woodland Community College that national award winning poet and children's author Francisco X. Alarcón has died. Moreno writes, quite correctly I feel,...
View ArticleArchitectural heritage preserved for dowtown
A rich architectural heritage can be a hindrance, it seems, as Woodland planners spent last Thursday night debating what should and shouldn't be located in what was repeatedly referred to as downtown's...
View ArticleWoodland receiving recognition well deserved
Following the announcement over the weekend of remodeling for the old Diggs building on Main Street, residents are now seeing the results of years of work for downtown redevelopment and the momentum at...
View ArticleBringing a little Irish to Woodland
I had the chance to meet Patrick Redmond last week while he was working on Father Paddy's Irish Pub in the former Paco's location -- which many Woodlander's refer as "The Bank" in reference to the...
View ArticleOur Town: Memories of the past sought for old State Theatre
Woodland resident David Wilkinson reported that he is working on a State Theatre video project with professional Woodland videographer, Jeff Levich, who is donating his time and expertise to this...
View ArticleConflicted over vigilante crusade
I have mixed views about Steve Chaudhry's efforts to protect our streets.I want to applaud Chaudhry and his colleagues for taking the initiative to make patrols at night and discourage criminal...
View ArticleThe almond blossoms are blooming in the Capay Valley
One of the nicer things about making a drive up into the Capay Valley this time of year is seeing the almond blossoms bloom. Surprisingly -- to me at least -- there weren't as many blossoms opening in...
View ArticleInspiring message from those receiving Community Service Awards
For years now, the city of Woodland has recognized those trying to make a difference with Community Service Awards. The awards -- which this year were of cut crystal etched with the names of recipients...
View ArticleMemories of yesterday and today take shape
I was fortunate to receive the second copy of Woodland resident Neal Peart's new book "Cruising Main Street in the 1950s" this past week. Neal is a former Woodland city councilman who has also been...
View ArticleMarch coming in like a lion
February was a washout in terms of any El Niño rainfall. In fact, unless we get some heavy rains soon, we're going to be facing another parched year. But we've all known for some time that it would...
View ArticleMuch to digest from mayor's 'State of the City'
There was a lot covered by Woodland Mayor Tom Stallard on Monday in his second "State of the City" address, but there were three points which really stood out to me.The first was Stallard's notation...
View ArticleHistory lessons about Woodland come in many forms
Tuesday was a good day to learn more about Woodland's history. I was able to attend the memorial service for Warren Meyer held at the Community Center and Rotary's 90th Anniversary Celebration. Meyer...
View ArticleMain Street will shut down on Saturday for Street 'cruisers'
The Woodland League of Women Voters does an outstanding job of trying to get people excited over local political races. For as long as I've been in Woodland, the League has hosted candidate forums...
View ArticleTime to get out and ride a bike
There was a bicycle front and center in the Woodland City Council chambers Tuesday night. It was a black, Cross-trail, Specialized, 10-speed that looked well used. Mayor Tom Stallard used it as a prop...
View ArticleA tragic accident leaves families and a school in mourning
There were hundreds of students, friends and family at Pioneer High School late Wednesday night lighting candles, saying a few words of condolences and trying to articulate the pain and suffering of...
View ArticleGuardian angel visits Woodland while people celebrate
People were toasting the success of Father' Paddy's Pub on opening day and hoping to get one of 500 etched Guinness glasses given out for the occasion. It was a jumping day with owner Pat Redmond...
View ArticleOur Town: A few lessons for graduates, as you enter the world
It's that time of year when we doff our caps to graduates. Tonight, Pioneer High School grads take the stage. On Saturday, Woodland High grads will have their day in the sun. Woodland Christian...
View ArticleOur Town: Evolution of downtown a continuing process
On Friday, Woodland's Main Street will be feted as part of the city's First Friday ArtWalk. The brainchild of city councilmen Jim Hilliard and Sean Denny, the event -- titled "Main Street Open" -- is...
View ArticleAnother View: If Trump fails, GOP will quickly right itself
For good reason, many conservatives this year are reduced to banking on life after Donald Trump. Although Trump continues to do his level best to harness populist sentiment on the right - a task made...
View ArticleStanding vigil against violence and racism
For those who didn't attend (and more people should have attended), the vigil sponsored by Woodland Ecumenical Ministries was a moving tribute to the local efforts of people trying to understand one...
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