The following is the first-ever edition of the Abridged by PBS KVIE Yolo County email newsletter, by reporter Daniel Hennessy. Want it sent directly to your inbox? Sign up here.
Sign Up for the Yolo County Newsletter
Stay in-the-know on all things Yolo! Weekly email with stories and insights from Yolo County reporter Daniel Hennessy.
Welcome to your new Yolo County newsletter!
Before we get started in earnest, I want to take a few moments to tell you about what you’ve signed yourself up for (don’t worry, I promise not to blow up your inbox).
I’m Daniel Hennessy. I joined Abridged by PBS KVIE as a California Local News Fellow in September, when we launched the nonprofit, public media news source to be free and accessible to people across our region.
My job is completely dedicated to you: the people who call Yolo County home.
I spend my days listening for, reporting and writing stories about Yolo County, from West Sacramento to Winters, from Davis to Clarksburg, from Woodland up through the Capay Valley, and all the many communities in between.
In this newsletter every Wednesday, you’ll hear directly from me. I’ll share the latest news stories and pieces from my reporting adventures I think you’ll find interesting. You’ll also find a place to share your thoughts about life in our county, tips and insights from farmers and ranchers, and information on upcoming public meetings and events.
We’ve teamed up with Yolo Local, a civic media initiative of Davis Media Access, to bring you this newsletter. Yolo Local recently mapped out the county’s news and information needs, and we’ll be working together to share the stories and resources that residents asked for.
Together with Yolo Local, here’s what you need to know today:
STORY OF THE WEEK
Woodland sends a message of support to immigrant community: ‘We have to speak up’
“It wasn’t us this time, but it could be us next time,” the mayor said in an interview.
BY DANIEL HENNESSY | dhennessy@kvie.org
In short: The Woodland City Council passed a resolution Tuesday reaffirming its support for the city’s immigrant population. The move comes on the heels of nationwide immigration enforcement and protests.
A bit more: The resolution says Woodland’s city services will be available to everyone, regardless of immigration status.
IN THE NEWS
Davis Daytime Respite Center to continue services as City Council considers alternatives
This 135-year-old corner store stocks up for rural Yolo County locals and passersby
Yolo County staff predicts another sobering budget deficit that’s expected to intensify
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 or rancher for the latest ag updates. What are the people who produce our food thinking about?
This week, Rachael Long in Zamora is keeping us in the loop:
- Before the rain started, farmers across the county were preparing their fields for the year’s first planting of early season tomatoes.
- Wheat farmers are happy when it rains because it means less need for irrigation, but after the closure of Golden Gate Fields horse racing track in the Bay Area, they’ve had to find new places to send their wheat straw.
- Almond trees are in bloom, but everyone is waiting for a little sunshine so the bees can get to work and start pollinating.
- Matchbook Winery in Zamora recently planted a large hedgerow with native plants habitat for native California pollinators.
- Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has been moving water from Cache Creek into Oat Creek to help with groundwater recharge. On Rachael’s farm, the water level in the well has already come up six feet.
- Everyone’s getting ready for the 111th Almond Festival up in Capay Valley from Feb. 21 to 22.
HEARING FROM YOU
The best way to learn about a place is to listen to the people who know and love it. Tell us something interesting or ask a question about Yolo County!
People here in Yolo County are proud of their home and generous with their knowledge. I’ve spent hours with folks across the county, learning about their lives, hearing their stories and roaming their favorite places.
I’ll share some of that collective knowledge through this newsletter — with your help.
I’d love to hear about a place, person or thing that you hold dear in Yolo County.
It can be anything from your favorite park to the place you used to ride bikes as a kid. Tell me why it’s special to you and I’ll select one to highlight each week.
If you have a question about life or news here, you can submit that, too. I can’t promise I’ll know the answer, but I’ll do my best to find it!
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
It can be hard to keep up with local government. Here’s what you need to know to stay in tune with decisions being made about your communities:
- The Woodland City Council met Tuesday. Here’s the link to the agenda and video.
- The Winters City Council met Tuesday. Here’s the link to the agenda and video.
- The West Sacramento City Council meets Wednesday at 7 p.m. Here’s the link to the livestream and agenda.
- The Yolo County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday the 24th. Agendas are usually posted here by the end of the day Thursday.
- Davis City Council met Tuesday night. Here’s the link to the agenda and video.
BEFORE I GO,
When it comes to my reporting, 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.
Otherwise, I’ll be back in your inbox next week!
Thank you.
Daniel Hennessy joins Abridged from the California Local News Fellowship. He’s a reporter covering Yolo County.Â