The following is the March 25 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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Stay in-the-know on all things Yolo! Weekly email with stories and insights from Yolo County reporter Daniel Hennessy.
Hey, it’s Daniel! Let’s dive in.
As a newcomer to Yolo County, I’m often told that I need to prepare myself for the summer heat. I’ve gotten all kinds of advice on the subject, including recommendations on good places to swim (which I’m always in the market for) and when to catch the Delta breeze.
Last week, we got news that long-awaited updates to West Sacramento’s Bryte Park are set to begin in June — and they include a new community pool. I’ll have to find somewhere else to swim for a while, but leaders are hoping the construction will be done before summer 2029.
Today, we also have an update from education reporter Savannah Kuchar, who fills us in on a deal between West Sacramento teachers and the district to avoid a strike.
Finally, spring turkey hunting season starts on Saturday, so we’re resurfacing a story about Yolo County hunters who chase the wild bird for their dinner tables.
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
What’s next for Bryte Park? West Sacramento plans to start construction this summer
Then, the park will be closed until construction is complete.
BY DANIEL HENNESSY | dhennessy@kvie.org
In short: The long-awaited redevelopment of Bryte Park is moving toward reality after more than 13 years of plans. The West Sacramento City Council awarded a construction contract, accepted a federal grant to help fund the project and entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Washington Unified School District for the land.
A bit more: When the park reopens in the summer of 2029, it will have an outdoor amphitheater, splash pads, small and large dog parks, a community pool and more, the parks director said.
NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
Last week, the West Sacramento City Council officially approved a plan that will raise rates for water and sewer services starting in April. You can expect a higher bill to come in May. New rates vary by customer — so make sure your check you account.
At a council meeting in December leading up to the decision, Mayor Martha Guerrero said, “This is going to be rough.”
And the Yolo County Board of Supervisors got more bad budget news at its meeting Tuesday. The Health and Human Services Agency said it would need $11.7 million from the county’s already struggling general fund to maintain status quo operations.
Read more stories from our team below.
West Sacramento teachers reach deal to avert strike
With time, effort and respect, returning fishermen say Putah Creek can change your life
Guide to wildflower season around Yolo County: Where to spot some of California’s best
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 player for the latest ag updates. What are the people who help produce our food thinking about?
This week, David Ogilvie from Clarksburg is keeping us in the loop:
With tariff pressures, declining wine consumption, increased labor costs, a war that is increasing fuel and fertilizer costs, farming is not without its challenges, but farmers are the best innovators and I’m excited for the opportunities that lay ahead with a new crop mix, new farming techniques, and the new markets that develop.
David Ogilvie
- The above average temperatures in March and a fairly warm winter has given grape growers bud break about a week earlier than normal.
- In the Delta, there are many permanent crops in various stages of demise, with piled up pear orchards and vineyards ready to be burned or put into industrial woodchippers.
- Ogilvie said “Some vineyards have been trimmed up tight in an effort to ‘mothball’ or ‘idle’ for the season, farming at minimal cost, with no intention of harvesting the fruit. Then there are other vineyards that have not been pruned, with no intention of pruning, and are either being abandoned or waiting for the D10 bulldozer to come and push out.”
- These are really difficult decisions for farmers to make, he said. “When is the right time to cut loose an orchard or vineyard that has been in the family for generations?”
- Farmers in Clarksburg are also starting to think about what they should plant next to match the current market. Some are choosing almonds or pistachios, which require specialized equipment and a buyer, while others are considering crops like avocados or blueberries.
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!
This week, our very own Brianna Taylor spent her Saturday at the Davis Farmers Market and heard all kinds of great ideas. While there, she met Rob Thayer, who lives in Village Homes in Davis, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
“There is an installation at the Design Museum at Cruess Hall on the UCD campus, and an article about VH in the current Sactown Magazine you might check out.”
Rob Thayer
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.
- YOLOFEST is taking place from March 27 to 29. There will be events countywide, and a full lineup can be found here.
- Technology Thursday/Jueves de Tecnologia is on March 26 at the Winters Community Library. Participants can sign up for free 30-minute tech sessions for help with phones, computers, tablets or e-readers. More information can be found here.
- Slime Pie Baking Workshop takes place on Saturday, March 28, at the Knights Landing Branch Library. Supplies for the kids will be provided while materials last. More information 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.
See you next week!
Daniel Hennessy joins Abridged from the California Local News Fellowship. He’s a reporter covering Yolo County.