The following is the March 11 edition of the Abridged by PBS KVIE Yolo County email newsletter, by reporter Daniel Hennessy and the team at Yolo Local. Want it sent directly to your inbox? Sign up here.
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Hey, it’s Daniel! Let’s dive in.
Until recently, I commuted on my dad’s 70s-era, turquoise KHS road bike every day. I came to cherish the routine and the daily exercise it provided, even on days when my derailleur was acting up or the bottom bracket was squeaking with each pedal.
Since long before I was on wheels, Davis has been a place that understands the value of riding on two wheels to work or school.
But with new electric motor technology making some bikes faster and more powerful, the dynamic on bike paths has shifted.
This week, we check in on the state Legislature to see what members are doing to address safety concerns about e-bikes and e-motos.
Also, if you’re looking for some ideas on how to spend a day in Woodland, contributor Chris Macias has you covered.
Finally, contributor Sena Christian takes a deep dive into the region’s urban farms, including Three Sisters Farm in West Sacramento.
We’ve teamed up with Yolo Local, a civic media initiative of Davis Media Access, to bring you this weekly newsletter. Here’s what you need to know today:
STORY OF THE WEEK
Before deadly Davis e-bike crash, California lawmakers began pushing for regulations
If passed, the proposed bills would regulate the legal and illegal e-bike markets.
BY DANIEL HENNESSY | dhennessy@kvie.org
In short: Seven bills making their way through the Legislature would change rules for e-bikes and e-motos. A handful of the bills came in response to a report released by the Mineta Transportation Institute in San Jose that identified potential loopholes in existing law.
A bit more: The bills were proposed before last week’s fatal e-bike crash in Davis, and lawmakers and experts cautioned that distinctions between classes of e-bikes are important when thinking about new regulations.
IN THE NEWS
Books, tacos and paddle boarding: How to spend a great day in Woodland
First, we planted front yard gardens. Now thousands rely on Sacramento region’s urban farms
Drinks to go and corn pie lunch in a Yolo County town
Thank you for reading Abridged. We are here and our stories are free because people like you donate to PBS KVIE to keep our Yolo County strong. Join in — start donating at $10/month to keep it coming.
DISPATCHES FROM THE FARM
Agriculture is a central part of life in Yolo County, so I’ll be checking in each week with a farmer, rancher or other industry players for the latest ag updates. What are the people who help produce our food thinking about?
This week, Kristin Sicke, general manager at the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, is keeping us in the loop:
- Clear Lake is still in flood release stages, so groundwater recharge efforts continue throughout the county. Diversions from Cache Creek for recharge efforts are allowed through April 15, depending on how much water is available.
- January was the first month that Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency was successfully able to put flood water into farmer’s fields to help with groundwater recharge. Previously, recharge occurred in canals, which have a much smaller surface area.
- As farmers begin to prep their fields for cultivation, most of the current recharge is happening back in the canals. YSGA is figuring out the optimal timing for flooding participating farmer’s fields that will maximize recharge without interfering with cultivation and harvest.
- Despite concerns for the state’s water situation as a whole, Sicke said the recent disappointing snowpack measurement in the Sierra doesn’t directly affect Yolo County. The county’s water comes from rainwater that feeds into Clear Lake and Indian Valley Reservoir.
HEARING FROM YOU
The best way to learn about a place is to listen to the people who know and love it. Each week, we’ll feature a quote or tip from a community member that captures a slice of life in our county. Write to me with something interesting or ask a question about Yolo County!
Thanks to our very own Chris Macias for this week’s community highlight (you can find more in the story he wrote for abridged.org here):
“Stroll through the historic neighborhoods south of Main Street between College and Third streets. In the 1950s, the city was especially flush with wealth given its powerful agricultural economy. That led to lavish home builds that still stand today, with examples from Gothic Victorian architecture, stately Greek revival styles with column entries and Craftsman bungalows.”
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
It can be hard to keep up with local government and community events, so we’ll continuously feature a few below. Have something you think we should highlight? Email me.
- Thursday, March 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Woodland Community Center (2001 East Street), the League of Women Voters of Yolo County is hosting a forum called “Affordable Housing: How do we get it built?” Panelists include John Currey, the executive director of the Yolo Land Trust, Ian Evans, the executive director of Yolo County Housing, and Bill Pride, executive director of Yolo Community Builders.
- Woodland based non-profit Tuleyome is hosting “Tuleyome’s 5th Annual Spring Thing: Discover Where Coyotes Howl & Birds Soar” at the Woodland Regional Park Preserve on March 21 from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. The event will have guided bird and nature walks, educational and fun booths, a nature scavenger hunt for kids, live music, performances from Nature’s Theater, a kid zone, a silent auction, s’mores and a food truck.
- The Woodland City Council meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. The link to the agenda and livestream can be found here.
- The Winters City Council meets Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The link to the agenda and livestream can be found here.
BEFORE I GO,
Thanks for coming back (and signing up) for this newsletter. Remember: I’m accountable to you. If you read a story and think there’s an angle I’m missing, I want to hear about it! Please reach out with your feedback and know that I take it seriously.
I’ll be back in your inbox next week!
Daniel Hennessy joins Abridged from the California Local News Fellowship. He’s a reporter covering Yolo County.