Torcato, Armada off to 2 and 1 start in Golden Baseball League

Tony Torcato of Woodland and his Long Beach team have started the 2008 season. Excerpts from the Long Beach Armada Web site article by Josh Feldman (5/28/2008):

The Long Beach Armada entered the season with hopes that an experienced pitching staff would propel the team’s success in 2008. The Armada bats, however, proved to be the winning catalyst in the season-opening series in St. George.

The Armada (2-1) exploded into 2008 with a 14-run, 23-hit performance to kick off the season last Thursday against the Roadrunners at Bruce Hurst Field. The 14-3 opening-night win set the tone for the offensive production Armada fans can look forward to throughout this season. St. George (1-2) bounced back Friday night to hand the Armada their first loss of the year in a 6-9 defeat before the bats burst out again for a 13-3 win Saturday.

As a team, the Armada is perhaps tops in the GBL with each team now one series into the 2008 season. Long Beach leads the league in runs (33) and hits (43) while ranking just behind Yuma in batting average at .358.

Lead-off man Cleatus Davidson’s triple and three doubles in the opening series put 2-3-4 hitters Moss, Ryan Lehr, and Tony Torcato in great position to drive in runs. Long Beach is batting a GBL-best .327 (16-for-49) with runners in scoring position with two homeruns and 26 RBI.

While early-season stats sometimes require a few more games to balance out, the Armada definitely started the season out the right way with two big victories in St. George. The fleet sets sail this week for a 2007 championships rematch against the Outlaws in Chico from May 30 to June 1. You can hear all the action live at www.longbeacharmada.com.

Game Recaps
5/22 - W: 14-3 @ STG
5/23 - L: 6-9 @ STG
5/24 - W: 13-3 @ STG

About Woodlander Tony Torcato:

”It’s great to have Tony onboard the Armada,” said Long Beach Armada Manager Steve Yeager. “He’s going to make the games even more exciting for the fans and I’m looking forward to his veteran leadership and high level of play.”

Click the title of this story to view the Armada's press release on Tony earlier this year.

Why has the city/county lacked action on ETS for renters?

The following is an email sent to The Woodland Journal:

As someone who rents a loft in a live/work development (in the CBD) and enjoys living this lifestyle I would like to ask the editor/officials to bring attention to something I see as a growing problem. I have exhausted all attempts to communicate with my landlord and would like to have some outside advice on how to proceed.

City cod sec.15-40 states:

Sec. 15-40. Smoking. (a) Findings of Fact.
(1) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) a Class A carcinogen and has determined that ETS is a major source of indoor air pollution and a cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers.
(2) While all members of the population are at increased risk due to exposure to ETS, it constitutes a special health hazard for children, the elderly and people with chronic lung disorders, cardiovascular disease and obstructive airway disease.
(3) State law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of eighteen.
(4) It has been shown that minors have one hundred percent access to tobacco in vending machines.
(b) Statement of Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to promote the public health, safety and general welfare and to minimize the health risk that secondhand smoke poses to citizens of the Woodland community by provisions designed to: (1) regulate access to tobacco products in vending machines; and (2) prohibit smoking in certain public places.
(c) Prohibition on Sale of Tobacco Products from Vending Machines. No cigarette or other tobacco product may be sold, offered for sale, or distributed by or from a vending machine or appliance, or any other device designed or used for vending purposes, except where minors are prohibited from entering without adult supervision.
(d) Prohibition Against Smoking in Certain Public Places. Smoking shall be prohibited at all times in the following public places:
(1) Areas measuring a distance of twenty feet from the main entrance of a commercial building:
(A) The main entrance will be determined by either building design or how the address for the business is determined.
(B) The posting of this entrance as "No Smoking Within Twenty Feet" is mandatory.
(C) Exemptions to this section:
(i) Bars with ABC license type 40, 43, or 48 are exempt from the ordinance codified in this section between the hours of 8:00 P.M. and 4:00 A.M. of the following day, an eight-hour period.
(ii) Restaurants/bars with ABC license type 41, 47, 51, 52, 57, or 69 are exempt from the ordinance codified in this section after food service has ceased, but not before 8:00 P.M. of that day and lasting until 4:00 A.M. of the following day.
(iii) Vehicle occupants, whether the vehicle is either parked or in transit, which encroach on the twenty-foot radius to the main entrance of a commercial building are exempt from the ordinance codified in this section.
(iv) The twenty-foot radius established by the ordinance codified in this section does not extend into the building.
(2) Outdoor city park facilities: Buchignani Ball Park, Clark Field, Camarena Ball Park, Community Swim Center, the Municipal Swim Pool and any future outdoor city park facility operated primarily for youth events, as designated by the director of parks and community services. All such facilities shall be posted as nonsmoking;
(3) Outdoor locations as specified in this subsection including areas located within a distance of twenty from the entrances and exits to such outdoor locations:
(A) Public events including, but not limited to, sports events, entertainment, speaking performances, ceremonies, pageants and fairs.
(e) Smoking Defined. For purposes of this section, "smoking" means inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, weed, plant, or other combustible substance in any manner or in any form.
(f) Violations and Penalties. Any person or entity which violates the prohibitions or fails to meet the requirements of this section shall be guilty of an infraction, punishable in the manner hereinafter prescribed:
(1) Upon the first violation, shall be guilty of an infraction and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars;
(2) Upon the second violation within one year, shall be guilty of an infraction and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars;
(3) Upon the third and additional violations within one year of previous violation, shall be guilty of an infraction and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars per conviction;
(4) These penalties are in addition to those which may be imposed pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 25249.5 et seq. (Ord. No. 1257, § 2; Ord. No. 1440, § 3.)

Why has the city/county not taken action to protect the people who live and rent in this city and county? It has been proven that second hand cigarette smoke is incredibly damaging to even the most healthy person when exposure is chronic and unavoidable. while I have had many conversations with my landlord I have had little to no real effect. His fear is that by limiting what people can do in the common courtyard that forms a major breezeway for my complex that he will lose renters, or anger other tenants. I understand and would like to respect my fellow tenants rights and desires but the ETS is just becoming so overbearing and I fear for my health. The summer is here and everyone would like to have windows open and be enjoying the courtyard, but I cannot. I am trapped in my own home. Please help me understand what course of action (if any) I have in this situation, I am sending this e-mail to everyone in the City/County that I believe has the ability to affect change in hopes someone will help me take up this cause and help me give it a voice.

Thank you all for your time,

Chris Holt

Duane Chamberlain, candidate for Supervisor 5th District

STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR SUPERVISOR, 5TH DISTRICT

DUANE CHAMBERLAIN

Education and Qualifications: I am proud to have served as your Fifth District Supervisor for the last four years. I would be honored to receive your vote so that I may continue to work for you. I have stood firm to preserve the agricultural character and history of Yolo County. I do not consider myself an employee of the County. I am an employee of the people of the Fifth District.

I have worked tirelessly to represent the people of the Fifth District by ensuring public safety, preservation of agricultural land, City and County cooperation, and support of economic development. I have also fought for increased funding for County roads, fiscal responsibility and attracting agricultural processing facilities to the County. I pride myself on listening to the people of the Fifth District when making important decisions that impact their lives.I have accomplished this through use of bilingual surveys, creating additional advisory committees and by carefully evaluating every correspondence I receive.

I came to Yolo County in 1955 to study agriculture at UC Davis from Orange County.Orange County was recognized as a strong agricultural county. I witnessed firsthand how development changed the scope of the land from an agricultural community to a sprawling community. I strive to make land-use decisions that will not give Yolo County the same outcome. It is vital that Cities and Counties work together because we all serve the same constituencies. I currently serve on committees with both
City of Woodland officials and City of Winters officials.

I have the honor to serve on the Yolo County Treasury Oversight Committee where I am able to gain first hand knowledge on the financial health of the County. Of course I have many other goals to achieve in office. I will continue to fight for increased funding for roads and to fight for a more efficient permitting process for business. I would also like to continue to work toward a flooding solution for Woodland. It has been an honor to serve you and I hope to continue working for you for the next four years.

[Click the title of this story to access yesterday's SacBee article about county candidates]

Mel Smith, candidate for Supervisor 5th District

STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR SUPERVISOR, 5TH DISTRICT

MEL SMITH AGE: 55
Occupation: Businessman

Education and Qualifications: We are all aware of the changes occurring in our economy.The State budget is a disaster, the County budget is in turmoil and for many of us, our family budgets are barely holding on. I feel our elected oficials should have seen this coming.They probably did but for some unknown reason our current Supervisor sat idle for four years and did nothing. Apparently the idea of Economic Development within Yolo County was just too complicated.

There are things we can do in Yolo County to improve our local economy. I believe we start with Yolo County becoming a major producer of clean renewable fuels. We need an ethanol processing facility and a biodiesel processing facility in Yolo County. I would attempt to revive the stem-cell research project that our Supervisor voted against last year and I promise to focus on bringing, clean and green, manufacturing jobs to Yolo County.

Thank you, please Vote for Mel Smith

[Click the title of this story to access yesterday's SacBee article about county candidates]

Jill by the numbers, Woodlander hopeful for Beijing

JILLIAN CAMARENA
Events: Shot Put
Height: 5-10
Weight: 250
Born: March 2, 1982 in Woodland
Residence: Provo, UT
High School: Woodland High School
College: Stanford '04

BEIJING 2008, Games of the XXIX Olympiad
August 8 to August 24, 2008

USA Indoor Track & Field Champions
Women's 4 kg Shot Put

2008: 18.11m / 59-5, Jillian Camarena (NYAC), click here
2007: 18.46m / 60-6.75, Jillian Camarena (NYAC)
2006: 19.26m / 63-2.25, Jillian Camarena (Unat)
2005: 17.31m / 56-9.5, Jillian Camarena (Unat)

2008 Top USA Indoor Track & Field Marks - Women
Shot Put (15.25)

18.45/60-6.5: 1 - Liz Wanless (NYAC), 2/9 Anderson
18.18/59-7.75: 1 - Wanless, 1/11 Muncie
18.11/59-5: 1 - Jill Camarena (NYAC) 2/23 Boston

USA Outdoor Track & Field Champions
Women's Shot Put

2007: 18.74m / 61-5.75 - Kristin Heaston (Nike)
2006: 18.92m / 62-1 - Jillian Camarena (Unat)

2008 Top USA Outdoor Track & Field Marks - Women
SHOT (15.50)
18.45i/60-6.5: Liz Wanless (NYAC) 02/09 Anderson
18.11i/59-5: Jill Camarena (NYAC) 02/23 USATF Ind

World Rankings in Athletics
Women's Shot Put
May 26, 2008 (May 12, 2008)

Pl. (Pl.) Athlete, Birth (Nat)Score
1. (1.) Valerie ADAMS−VILI, 84 (NZL) 1362
2. (2.) Nadezhda OSTAPCHUK, 80 (BLR) 1327
3. (3.) Nadine KLEINERT, 75 (GER) 1274
19. (17.) Jillian CAMARENA, 82 (USA) 1093
21. (26.) Elizabeth WANLESS, 81 (USA) 1088

The 2008 Olympic Trials are next month (June 27 to July 6) in Eugene, Oregon. Jill needs to place among the top three in the nation to qualify for Beijing and will be battling a nagging back injury. The final round for Women's Shot Put is scheduled for July 5 at 1:50. Ironically, as I was preparing this story KCRA aired a report on Jill. I will make a link when the station posts the story on their Web site. [I updated this story at 11:04 pm. on May 27]

Click the title of this story to access Jill's bio at the NBC Olympics Web site.

F.O.E. Eagles Troop 464 salutes those who paid ultimate sacrifice

Eagles Troop 464 was among those groups placing U.S. flags in the Woodland Cemetery this past weekend. Brian Hernandez and Christian, Jordan and Cal De Knikker took on the duty early Saturday morning while Collin Miller and Eugene Long joined the De Knikkers at 7 am Sunday morning.

Troop 464 joined the Memorial Day tribute with members of Boy Scout Troop 68 and members of American Legion Post 77. Together they placed about 700 flags on grave sites of the veterans. Another 300 flags were also posted on the lanes throughout the cemetery. Post 77 also placed about 100 flags along Main Street.

Troop 464 is not just known for their delicious Almond Festival pancakes. The troop has had many notable Eagle Scout Projects, including work at Woodland High School and the Cache Creek Conservancy. An upcoming Eagle Scout Project is scheduled for a Woodland High School Locker Room Renovation, beginning May 31 and continuing to June 1. Volunteers and tools are needed. Call 383-6215 for details.

To view more photographs from the troop's Memorial Day weekend activities, click the title of this story.

FSUSD trustees meet tonight, Thursday, about Woodland superintendent

Despite reports from inside the bunker that she's going, WJUSD superintendent Jacki Cottingim's departure will be officially determined in two meetings this week. Last Tuesday Cottingim tipped Woodland trustees of her possible resignation, her third consecutive white flag under an ominous cloud. One inside report from staff says it's a done deal, others have been told by Cottingim it's not.

Cottingim left her Parkrose School District position after being placed on leave amidst lawsuits and recalls, then left her Travis Unified School District position mid-school year under the threat of a teachers' strike after years of contract disputes.

You can access the Fairfield-Suisun agendas by clicking the title of this story.

FAIRFIELD-SUISUN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

GOVERNING BOARD SPECIAL MEETING
MAY 27, 2008 – 6:00 P.M.

II CLOSED SESSION
A. Public Employment (Government Code §54957)
1. Potential Employment of Superintendent

GOVERNING BOARD REGULAR MEETING
MAY 29, 2008, 7:00 P.M.

I OPEN SESSION – (5:30 p.m.)
A. Reading of Closed Session Items
B. Public Comment on Closed Session Agenda
Any member of the public may address the Board regarding items on the closed session agenda. Each speaker is allowed 3 minutes.

II CLOSED SESSION for discussion and possible action on matters of student discipline, personnel, negotiations, and litigation.
A. Public Employment (Government Code §54957)
• Superintendent

III RECONVENE

IV OPENING
A. Call to Order, 7:00 p.m.
B. Report of Action Taken in Closed Session (if applicable)
C. Opening Statement

Decoration Day, The Ceremonies at Cemetery Were Beautiful

An Immense Crowd Witnessed the Services and Assisted in the Distribution of Flowers.

[So started the article published on Wednesday, May 30, 1906 in the Woodland Daily Democrat. That year, when the American Flag had 45 stars, President Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. was the first American to be awarded the Nobel Prize for negotiating the peace in the Russo-Japanese War. The following are excerpts from that Memorial Day story.]

The memorial day services began this morning with a parade and a procession from Main street to the cemetery, in which several organizations participated, but the decoration ceremony really began Tuesday afternoon and continued until darkness intervened.

In many instances the decoration was very elaborate. Floral pieces of exquisite design literally covered whole burial plots and many urns and other receptacles were filled the most fragrant flowers.

In other instances, a simple bouquet, a cluster of lilies, a wreath of roses and ferns or a delicate blossom was the only adornment. In the absence of family or other relatives some friend of the long-ago had tenderly and thoughtfully placed it there.

At an early hour this morning people were astir, anxiously awaiting the beginning of the services. Many waited on Main street for the procession to form. Many more went direct to the cemetery and when the procession arrived the cemetery was already well filled with people.

About 10 o'clock the procession was formed. Twenty-eight members of Company F, under the command of Captain Lee, were in the lead. In the muzzles of their rifles they carried bouquets presented by women of the Relief Corps. They marched with steady and vigorous step.

Next came the members of Camp Kenzie, U.S.WV., marshaled by commander William Luck. As they are still in their prime there was no wavering in their column.

Then came the veterans of the W.H. Seward Post. No. 65, G.A.R., twenty-one in number, under command of Post Commander William Hudson. Many of the old soldiers are in feeble health and their eyes were not so bright and their steps not so firm and elastic as they were in the '60s.

On the right and very near the entrance to the cemetery is the Camp Kenzie plot and a little farther on is the G.A.R. plot. The two organizations held their ritualistic service at the same time.

This evening Rev. E.R. Dille of Oakland will conclude the services with an address in I.O.O.F. hall.

[The following are excerpts from the Thursday, May 31, 1906, Woodland Daily Democrat report. The article was entitled "Why Do We Observe Memorial Day?"]

An audience that filled Odd Fellow's hall assembled Wednesday evening to witness the close of Memorial day services. Chaplain Farnham read the ritual prayer. Miss Leia Rogers rendered a beautiful vocal solo and Commander Hudson in appropriate remarks introduced Rev. D.E. Holt as president of the evening. Mr. Holt made a brief address in a very happy vein, after which he introduced Rev. Dr. Dille of Oakland, the orator of the evening.

Dr. Dille spoke substantially as follows:

Why do the American people say: "From out our crowded calendar, It is the day the dying pause to honor those who live."

Because of the appreciation which the people show of heroism of the past makes the heroism of the present and future. The best nations on earth today are those who are intelligent and high minded enough to appreciate the men who have wrought out by sacrifice some common good and the people who appreciated their benefactors are the only people who produce and reproduce them. Yonder in Japan it was the Samurai spirit, the Bushide or national spirit, nurtured for one thousand years, that enable the little brown men to humble the pride of Russia, and perform the deeds of electric daring that dazzle the world.

The deeds of the fathers of this nation have been handed down in song and story and have been like drumbeats in the march of progress and freedom. With the illustrious names, the names of defenders of the Union have a right to be linked, and to be immortalized in that best Hall of Fame - the Pantheon of the nations' memory, the Westminster Abbey of the nation's undying gratitude. Honor, eternal honor, to the soldiers who saved this republic. Their graves are holy places in the land - altars where freedom's fires will forever be kept burning.

2008 UC Davis Boys Basketball Camp

Space is available for the 2008 UC Davis Boy's Basketball Camp, which includes a pair of sessions with options for ages 4-13. The first session runs June 23-26 while the second session begins July 14 and concludes on July 17. Both sessions will be held at The Pavilion, which is home to the UC Davis Aggies.

Campers will have the opportunity to learn from Aggie head coach Gary Stewart, who offers nearly 30 years of playing and coaching experience. Stewart's staff, current players and former players will also assist to maximize the camp experience.

The June session features a four-hour morning session available to ages 8-13. A two-hour afternoon session includes ages 4-7.

The July session includes one, seven-hour, daily session open to ages 7-13.

Session 1: June 23-26
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Ages 8-13)
3 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Ages 4-7)

Session 2: July 14-17
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Ages 7-13)

For more information, please contact John Lamanna at (530) 752-9403 or e-mail jslamanna@ucdavis.edu. Click the title of this story to access the camp Web page.

January 5, 1897: Pond's Drug Store. Now open and ready for business.

The Public Cordially Invited to Call and Inspect the New Store.
W.R. Pond, cor. Main and First Sts.

So read the advertisement in the top, right corner of the Tuesday Evening edition of the January 5, 1897, Woodland Daily Democrat.

On the same page under "All Around the County" was this blurb:

Now Ready for Business.

W.R. Pond's new drug store, at the corner of Main and First streets, is now open for business, and a fair share of the public patronage is solicited by the genial proprietor. The establishment has been fitted up in a most elaborate manner and cannot be surpassed by anything of its kind in Northern California. A complete and new stock ot drugs of all descriptions, notions, toilet articles, in tact, everything carried in a well regulated drug store will be in stock and sold at the most reasonable prices. Prescriptions of all kinds will receive the utmost care and attention.

Also in that paper, you could find this brief announcement:

The best 5-cent cigar is the Kennel Club, sold only at Pond's new drugstore, corner Main and First streets,

In another post, Ed Shelley reminded Woodland Journal readers that the Corner Drug store has been in business since 1897. Corner Drug started as Pond's in January, 1987. Mr. Pond later changed the name to Corner Drug that year. Click the title of this story to see the old Democrat page.

City aids Blue Shield lease-purchase, helps with rent

On Tuesday, Woodland City Council decided to help the Woodland Joint Unified School District with the transfer of title to the Blue Shield property. Apparently... the city's entitlement to easement rights was having some negative affect on the transfer of 435 Sixth Street, whomever ends up owning it. The school district recently entered into a lease-purchase agreement with the Blue Ice partnership, owners of the property. The lease will last 30 years unless an option to purchase is exercised during one of four different periods. Here are excerpts from the staff report on the transfer, or abandonment, issue:

Public Access Easement Abandonment 435 Sixth Street

Report in Brief:

Based on request of the Woodland Joint Unified School District (WJUSD) the Development Engineering Division of the Community Development Department is initiating proceedings to abandon a portion of the City owned public access easement located on the properties at 435 Sixth Street and 1100 Main Street.

The Planning Commission, at its April 17, 2008 meeting [on May 8, district trustees approved the lease-purchase agreement] made a finding that the proposed vacation is consistent with the General Plan.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. [?] , A Resolution of Intention to Vacate, and set a public hearing date of June 10, 2008 for this proposed vacation.

Background

This abandonment was initiated at the request of the WJUSD, who is currently preparing to lease the site with an option for future purchase of the property at 435 Sixth Street. The easement is negatively affecting the transfer of title.

Staff recommends that the easement be abandoned and deeded to the owners of 435 Sixth Street and 1100 Main Street. This action will remove a restriction on the sites, but does not negatively impact adjacent properties.

Discussion

The portion of the public access easement being abandoned negatively affects the subject property but no longer benefits the public. Furthermore, due to relocation of a driveway, it no longer connects to Sixth Street. There is no benefit to the City or the public to retain title to the easement.

Fiscal Impact

The cost of the abandonment is about $5,000 in contract services and City staff time. In an effort to assist the School District, the City has borne the costs from its operations budget.

There you have it... the abandonment can be considered a gift of $5,000. This will help ease the pain of the 30-year lease, which is outlined below:

Year of lease - Rent amount
1 - $445,000 (beginning 2008)
2 - $458,300
3 - $472,101
4 - $508,586
5 - $523,844
6 - $539,559
7 - $539,559
8 - $581,131
9 - $581,131
10 - $581,131
11 - $581,131
12 - $581,131
13 - $673,691
14 - $673,691
15 - $673,691
16 - $673,691
17 - $673,691
18 - $780,992
19 - $780,992
20 - $780,992
21 - $780,992
22 - $780,992
23 - $905,384
24 - $905,384
25 - $905,384
26 - $905,384
27 - $905,384
28 - $1,018,424
29 - $1,018,424
30 - $1,018,424 (ending 2038)

SUB TOTAL - $21,248,211
Less gift from city – ($5,000)

TOTAL - $21,243,211

WJUSD to host FSUSD consideration of superintendent position

Here is a new agenda item posted on the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District's Web site:

GOVERNING BOARD SPECIAL MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Education Code §35144, that the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Governing Board has called a special meeting as follows:

Date: Friday, May 23, 2008
Time: 8:45 a.m.
Place: Woodland Joint Unified School District, 630 Cottonwood Street, Woodland, CA 95695

The meeting has been called to meet for the following specific purpose:

I CLOSED SESSION – PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT:

1. The Board of Education will consider Public Employment; position: Superintendent, pursuant to Government Code §54957.

Secretary, Governing Board

Click the title of this story to access the agenda posting. FSUSD conducted closed session interviews for the position of superintendent on May 13 and 19. On May 8, a closed session item included a conference with superintendent search consultants regarding applicants. On April 28, the district published a recruitment brochure on their Web site.

There is no item on this Thursday's WJUSD board meeting agenda that lists an expected announcement from superintendent Jacki Cottingim.

WJUSD costs for Cottonwood move: $59,621.40+

Despite normal air quality readings at the WJUSD offices by a district-commissioned environmental consultant, the superintendent moved part of her staff to a new location at 194 W. Main Street, Suite 100. That's up the street on Cottonwood from the district's current location. The new landlord is Thomas S. Atkinson. The movers were Golden Express of Sacramento.

Term of lease: One year
Monthly rent: $4,293.45
Total rent: $51,521.40
Insurance coverage (for $1 million liability): Unknown
Moving expense: $8,100

TOTAL: $59,621.40 (plus insurance)

Reason for move: Jacki Cottingim's direction based on a remark made by an unknown "occupational doctor"

Source: Documents acquired through the California Public Records Act

City Council approves Opera House funds, cracks the whip on getting the APP ordinance done

Highlights of last night's Woodland City Council meeting include:

CONSENT CALENDAR, ITEM 13A. Approve Loan Guarantee for Woodland Opera House Expansion; Reallocate Measure E Funds

With only Art Pimentel dissenting, council voted to allocate Measure E funds to the Opera House expansion project. Pimentel suggested that the necessary Measure E cuts (due to insufficient sales-tax revenue) should be equally distributed across all earmarked projects. Skip Davies said the voter-approved Opera House allocation was cut from the original amount. Jeff Monroe said he would rather see the money go towards the community's Opera House than a City Hall expansion.

REPORTS OF THE CITY MANAGER, ITEM 15. Receive Report on Art in Public Places; Provide Input and Direct Public Hearing Before the Planning Commission

In anticipation of correcting a drastic flaw in the staff report - recommendations were made based on an obsolete draft of the APP ordinance - Skip Davies said prior to the meeting that, "Tonight we want the council to endorse the idea of a separate comission with staffing and funding to be worked on by staff and return item for action within 30 days." Council concurred, with only Bill Marble on the fence, that a civic public art commission should be formed and that staff needs to come back with budget and staffing scenarios within a month. All ordinance drafts addressed city staffing - an experienced public art professional shall be hired through the public art fund. This person will coordinate the new commission.

Staff report on APP is amiss

After five and half years of community volunteerism, council direction, planning commission hearings, subcommittees, and legal consultations, the City of Woodland Art in Public Places ordinance will again be presented to City Council tonight. The problem is... staff has based it's recommendation to punt back to the Planning Commission on an obsolete draft.

Excerpts from the staff report:

"In December 2003, the Woodland Art Center offered to prepare an APP Ordinance for the City." Wrong, it was December 2002 when the art center responded to the dissatisfaction expressed by council over the selection of the Bel Air Shopping Center abstract metal sculpture.

"Staff also recommends that the City Council provide the Planning Commission with direction on the City’s level of participation in APP." From the first draft submitted in February 2003, the language of the ordinance has been explicit on how the city will participate. Funds collected in accordance with the ordinance will provide for an experienced art in public places professional. There is no current staff that can do the job.

"The latest version of the APP Ordinance, dated June 1, 2006, is attached." False. Councilman Skip Davies and Woodland Art Center president George Streng finished a draft in July 2007. With input from councilman Dave Flory, the current 2007 draft reflects a dramatic change in the way fees are collected. The current draft came after the direction from City Council to staff to finish the APP ordinance. City Council was adamant about getting it done. That was a year ago.

"A public art requirement was added to the City’s Community Design Standards during the 2004 update of the standards in order to require the inclusion of public art into the development of all commercial and industrial projects. The Planning Commission reviews and approves public art. Excerpt from Page 36 of Community Design Standards: Incorporate public art into the development of all commercial and industrial projects. Public art is subject to the review of the Planning Commission or other such body established by the City Council. (City Council to review Public Art policy from Woodland Art Center)" The design "standard" they cite is neither an ordinance nor a program. City Council has done their part, but staff has failed.

Recently staff arbitrarily negotiated with Woodland Healthcare to install a sculpture in the entrance of their new building. This situation magnifies the need for a true standard in which the public has input and developers have an understanding of what is expected as a mitigating requirement. The current staff "policy" is a nonsensical sliding scale of unknown costs to developers and the city. The Woodland Healthcare sculpture also indicates staff's unwillingness to work with the Woodland Art Center as instructed by Council. The chosen artist and artwork derived from a Yolo County Arts Council recommendation.

"Staff recommends that the City Council direct the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council on the City’s level of participation in an APP program." Been there, done that. The entire staff report is based on wrong information. Not that it's relevant, but you can view the report by clicking the title of this story.

City Council candidates forum: Monday night at Opera House

The Historic Woodland Downtown Merchants group has organized a City Council candidates forum to be held at 7:30 pm. on Monday, May 19, at the Woodland Opera House (340 Second Street). The forum will consist of statements made by the candidates followed by preselected questions that were submitted to forum organizers. Audience members may also submit questions in writing when they arrive and these will be presented to the candidates. Mayor Dave Flory will moderate the forum.

For information call 666-9617.

The six City Council candidates are:

Art Pimentel
Jeff Monroe
Martie Dote
Frank Sieferman, Jr.
Bobby Harris
Fred Lopez

Jamie Schloredt is honored for another great season

16 - Jamie Schloredt
Year: Jr.
Position: C
Height: 5-7
Bats / Throws: Right / Right
Hometown: Woodland, Calif.
Previous School: Woodland HS

From a May 15 posting at hornetsports.com, here are excerpts from an article entitled "Woodlander Jamie Schloredt earns All-West Region honors." Click the title of this story to view the complete news release. The photo is from the CSUS Web site.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Three days after each being named first team all-Pacific Coast Softball Conference, it was announced today that Sacramento State juniors Izmena Cabrera and Jamie Schloredt each received all-West Region honors.

Cabrera was named to the first team, while Schloredt received second team honors. It marks just the third time in Sacramento State’s Div. I era (1990-pres.) that two Hornets were named to the all-region team in the same season. In addition, Cabrera and Schloredt become the seventh and eighth Hornets to earn all-region honors since the program joined the Div. I ranks. Cabrera is also just the third Sacramento State player to receive first team honors, joining former Hornet All-Americans Susie Bugliarello (1995-97) and Lindy Winkler (2006).

Both Schloredt (No. 3 hitter) and Cabrera (cleanup hitter) formed a lethal combination in the lineup that helped catapult Sacramento State to a Pacific Coast Softball Conference championship and the program’s first NCAA Regional appearance in 13 years. The team is currently in Fresno, and will play tomorrow night in the first round of the NCAA Regionals against host Fresno State at 7:30 p.m. Depending on the outcome of that game, the Hornets will play either noon or 2:30 on Saturday in the double-elimination tournament.

Fresh off being named the PCSC’s Player of the Year, Schloredt has put together a monster season which includes a conference-leading .412 batting average, a .750 slugging percentage, a .514 on-base percentage and 12 home runs. The Woodland, Calif., native has started all 51 games this season (45 at catcher), and now ranks 18th in the nation in on-base percentage, 24th in slugging percentage and 33rd in batting average. Against conference competition, she hit .509 and will carry a 10-game hitting streak into the NCAA Tournament. She is now the school’s all-time career leader in home runs (25), RBIs (112), batting average (.369) and walks (75). A three-time PCSC Player of the Week selection this year, Schloredt has been named first team all-conference every season during her three-year tenure with the Hornets.

From Jamie's Hornet Sports biography page:

2007 Season: Started all 48 games in which she appeared... that included 42 starts at catcher and six at designated player... earned first team all-PCSC honors for the second straight year after leading the Hornets in batting average (.361), home runs (7), RBIs (31), total bases (85), slugging percentage (.590), on-base percentage (.432), multiple-hit games (17) and multiple-RBI games (8)... defensively, she went the entire season behind the plate without committing an error and threw out 18 runners attempting to steal a base... a career .347 hitter, she has already tied the Sacramento State Div. I (1990-pres.) career record with 13 home runs despite playing only two years... had a pair of six-game hitting streaks...hit safely in 29 games... had 10 doubles, the team’s second highest total of the season... named PCSC Player of the Week on Feb. 12 and May 1... her 73 career RBIs is already tied for fourth in Sacramento State Div. I career history... just 21 RBIs shy of breaking that record... also has a career on-base percentage of .445.

2006 Season: One of three Hornets named first team all-Pacific Coast Softball Conference... started all but two games, including 45 starts at catcher and eight as the team’s designated player... hit .333 with 11 doubles, six home runs, a team-best 42 RBIs, 28 walks, a .456 on-base percentage, a .535 slugging percentage and three sacrifice flies... set the Sacramento State Div. I single-season record for RBIs (42)... also established the Hornet Div. I record for most walks in a season (28)... batted .400 with runners in scoring position and .386 with runners on base... named PCSC Player of the Week on April 3... had eight multiple-RBI games, including three games with at least four RBIs... averaged nearly one RBI per game (0.76)... caught a pitching staff that finished the season with a 2.42 ERA... hit safely in 32 games... became just the fourth Sacramento State freshman in the last 10 years to hit better than .300... also hit .333 against conference competition with five doubles, two home runs and 17 RBIs... the Hornets were 31-14 when Schloredt started at catcher... among PCSC leaders, she was second in RBIs, third in walks, fifth in on-base percentage, tied for fifth in doubles, tied for eighth in home runs and ninth in slugging percentage.

High School: A 2005 graduate of Woodland High School... played four years of softball and three years of volleyball for the Wolves... a four-time all-league selection (first team in 2003-05), she was named Sierra Foothill League MVP in both 2003 and 2005... a three-time first team all-area selection and was named the Woodland Hall of Fame Athlete of the Year in 2005... during her senior year, she batted .492 (16th in the area) with 17 extra-base hits (including six home runs), a .598 on-base percentage and a 1.031 slugging percentage... hit .467 with a .543 on-base percentage as a junior.

Personal: Born Oct. 16, 1987... parents are Donald and Vicki Schloredt... a criminal justice major... brother, Evan Schloredt, played baseball for Fresno City College... club teammates with current Hornets Whitney Loomis and Rachel Miles on Nor-Cal Lite.

Have you voted for Dustin? Woodlander still leads American League in hits

C'mon... let's do this! Dustin Pedroia of Woodland, Boston Red Sox second baseman, deserves to be on the American League All Star team. As of the time of this post, he is still leading his league in total hits (55) even after a missed game last night due to a rain out. He is also tied for second in doubles (14).

To vote for the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year, go to the mlb.com All-Star page. You can vote 25 times!

Email this information to all your friends and family. Casting 25 votes takes less than 10 minutes.

A bite on the ol' keystone is not good, especially by county officials

Our Daily Dose has since changed the headline of a serious dog bite story, but not in time to evade a subscriber's ribbing. The following is an email shared with The Woodland Journal:

Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 19:15:06
To: News (news@dailydemocrat.com)
Subject: democrat wins the humor award for May 16th!

Dear Editor:

This headline is hilarious! I really wish those health officials would stop biting girls and just get on with their business of looking for dogs.

Mike

PS: All the dogs are hiding in Dog Gone Alley!

Health officials looking for dog after biting girl on Keystone
Article Created: 05/16/2008 10:05:52 AM PDT

On Thursday, May 8, a dog bit a 7-year-old girl. The dog is described as being black with long curly hair. The dog owner is described as a middle aged, large framed female with short blond hair. The owner was walking 3 dogs at the time of the bite. The bite occurred while the child was walking from school near West Keystone Avenue at 2:53 p.m.

Anyone having any information regarding this incident, or knows who owns this animal, please contact Yolo County Environmental Health at 666-8646 or Yolo County Animal Control Services at 668-5287. Information regarding this incident is important for rabies prevention measures.

Robert Mondavi, regional performing arts patron dead at 94

Robert Mondavi is legendary in the development of the California wine industry. In 1966, he, his elder son, R. Michael Mondavi, and family founded the Robert Mondavi Winery in the Napa Valley with the goal of producing wines that would rival the finest wines of Europe.

Robert's wife, Margrit Biever Mondavi, who joined the winery in 1967, is vice president of cultural affairs. She has long shared her husband's passion for uniting wine with fine art, music and culinary artistry.

The two are visionary founders and major benefactors behind COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts, a world-class center celebrating the bounty of the American table, which opened November, 2001 in the town of Napa. Robert and Margrit are also founding supporters of the restoration of the 19th Century Napa Valley Opera House and the Oxbow School, a new art school in Napa that provides grants and instruction to art students in their junior year of high school. They have contributed to the restoration of the Lincoln Theatre in Yountville, CA, and have supported the Cantor Art Center at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA.

The Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center explores the full range of the performing arts, from the traditional to the innovative, and from diverse cultures and disciplines through presentation, education, public service, and research. As part of the UC Davis mission as a land grant university, Mondavi Center provides outstanding cultural programming, support for the University's academic departments, and a professional laboratory to train students in the performing arts. Mondavi Center is committed to maintaining state-of-the art, world-class performance facilities and providing the highest quality experience for both artists and audiences. The mandate of Mondavi Center is to maintain a balance between regional responsibility, fiscal responsibility, artistic integrity, and the educational mission of the University of California.

From sacbee.com:

Robert Mondavi, the pioneering vintner who put California wine country on the global map, has died. He was 94.

Mondavi died peacefully at his home in Yountville on Friday, said Mia Malm, spokeswoman for the Robert Mondavi Winery.

An enthusiastic ambassador for the health benefits of moderate consumption of wine, and of California wine in particular, Mondavi had traveled the world into his 90s, promoting the cultural and social benefits of wine.

Click the title of this story to access the complete Sacramento Bee article.

County Fair Mall: Target out, Burlington Coat Factory in

Burlington Coat Factory is expected to finalize the necessary "paperwork" next week in anticipation of moving into the County Fair Mall. A timeline to move in is not yet available, however the department store will be locating in the space Target now occupies.

According to their Web site (click the title of this story), here is what they will offer Woodland shoppers:

At Burlington Coat Factory, you’ll find a large assortment of current, high-quality, designer and name-brand merchandise at up to 60% less than other department stores. Choose from a large selection of coats, clothing, and shoes for the entire family. And don’t forget our great assortment of linens and home décor, PLUS everything you need for baby, from onesies to cribs! Burlington Coat Factory -- a convenient one stop shopping experience with the labels you love, at prices you’ll love even more!

Store Offerings Include:

* Coats for the entire family
* Ladies’ dresses and suits
* Ladies’ career and casual collections and separates
* Lingerie and accessories
* Men’s clothing and furnishings
* Men’s sportswear and activewear
* Children’s clothing, newborn to pre-teen
* Shoes for men, women, and children
* Everything you want and need for baby
* Linens and home décor

Heat continues in Woodland, extreme fire conditions

According to weather.com, yesterday's 100°F here in town broke the previous record of 99°F. By 3 pm. today, the temperature is forecasted to be 102°F.

This from iBegin.com: HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

Date Issued: 700 AM PDT FRI MAY 16 2008
Expiration: 700 AM PDT SAT MAY 17 2008

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

UNSEASONABLY STRONG HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE OVER THE EASTERN PACIFIC WILL BRING VERY WARM TEMPERATURES AND LOW HUMIDITY TODAY AND TONIGHT.

AMV Woodland peace picnic on Saturday

As promised at the January “The celebration of Abraham,” the American Muslim Voice, Woodland, will hold its first Peace Picnic.

IF WE GRILL IT, WILL YOU COME?

Saturday, May 17
11 am. to 3 pm.
Woodside Park at 1615 Cottonwood (at El Dorado)

Let us build a beloved community through “The Miracle Movement of Friendship”

The American Muslim Voice is trying to fulfill an important need to bridge the gap between communities of all beliefs, traditions, and spiritualities.

The objective of the peace picnic is to get to know each other a little better, have fun, enjoy BBQ and Pakistani food and to renew our commitment to build harmonious and peaceful community.

The AMV will provide Pakistani food, drinks and food to BBQ. Our patrons may bring their favorite salad, side dish or desert to share if they like

Other activities at the picnic will include: Storytelling, face painting, games, and music.

The following groups and organizations have co-sponsored the peace picnic:

Tri-counties Bank - Woodland Mosque Islamic Center - Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Davis - Kiwanis Club of Woodland - Latino Community Council of Woodland - Cal Aggie Christian Association Davis - The Belfry, Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry UC Davis - Woodland Presbyterian Church - Israel Peace Alternatives Davis - Islamic center of Davis - CAIR-Sacramento Valley - The Unitarian Peace & Justice Group Davis - Saint James Catholic Church of Davis - United Methodist Church of Davis - The Teach Peace Foundation Davis - SALAM center Sacramento - Davis Community Church - The Episcopal Church of St. Martin, Davis - Congregation Bet Haverim Davis – The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Woodland, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Woodland - American Lutheran Church Woodland

To co- sponsor please send an email to: Mr. Khalid Saeed (ksaeed@sbcglobal.net), or Mr. Abdus Sattar Ghazali (asghazali786@yahoo.com).

Click the title of this story to access the American Muslim Voice Web site.

Annual Gourd Art Festival this weekend at Greg Leiser Farms

Sixth Annual Spring Gourd Art Festival and Gourd Sale
May 17 and 18, 2008
at Greg Leiser Farms
21886 Knights Rd.
Knights Landing, CA. 95645

Gourd artists from all over California will be showcasing and selling exquisite gourd art, gourd supplies and tools.

Free Live Demonstrations All Weekend by MARIA DELLOS: Learn new tips and techniques from this expert gourd artist!

Book Signings by Authors: Betty Finch, Ginger Summit, and Gail Hohlweg.

Gourd Art Classes: 17 gourd classes being offered.

Hay Rides: Enjoy a gourd ol' fashion hay ride tour around the gourd patch.

Childrens Gourd Crafting Corner

Festival discount on gourds. Over two dozen dried gourd varieties for sale. Greg Leiser Farms have been growing hard shell gourds for over 10 years, and currently produce 25 varieties of hard shell gourds on over 25 acres. They have thousands and thousands of gourds to choose from!

Click the title of this story for the Web site and more information.

Longtime county ballet instructor presents weekend performance

Hanneke & Company and the Davis Art Center present:

LA SYLPHIDE
A classic ballet In two acts

Veteran's Memorial Theatre
203 East 14th Street, Davis

May 16 at 7:30 pm
May 17 at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm
May 18 at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Admission is $12. Tickets are available at the Davis Art Center, 1919 F Street (Corner of F and Covell) in Davis. Phone 756-4100 for more information. You can view the DAC Summer Course Catalog by clicking the title of this story.

La Sylphide is one of the world's oldest surviving romantic ballets. Its premiere was March 12, 1832, at the Paris Opera. For more information on the story line, click here.

Hanneke Lohse has provided ballet instruction for Yolo County dancers for many years. She received her dance education from JoGutlich vanderMolen and the Scapino Ballet School in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In the US Hanneke studied with Marguerite Phares. She has performed with the Scapino Ballet, Holland, and Theatre Ballet Co. in Sacramento, and has extensive teaching experience.

Dodger fan is the real suspect

On May 3, the Bank of the West in downtown Woodland was robbed. The Woodland Police Department then issued a photo based on a witness identification. It was the wrong photo. Apparently, the only crime committed by the man in the original photo was wearing his baseball cap backwards.

The real suspect, shown in the photo here, is a white man, described as being 5 feet 11 inches tall, about 200 pounds and with a short, light brown beard.

Council to look at budgets tonight

Tonight the Woodland City Council will convene for a special meeting/study session. The Woodland Journal previously posted a story about the Measure E spending plan update that includes the voter-approved funding for the Woodland Opera House.

The other two discussion topics include:

2. Review Fiscal Year 2008-09 Proposed Operating Budget and Ten Year Financial Plan

3. Review Fiscal Years 2009 Through 2011 Proposed Capital Budget and Ten Year Capital Improvement Plan

Regarding item 2 (next year's operating budget and ten-year plan):

In a nutshell, the city staff is proposing $2 million in operating reductions in next year's budget. This is in addition to reductions already approved for this year.

From the staff report - "The City’s FY09 General Fund shortfall is primarily attributable to the continuing and unprecedented downturn in the real estate market, rising fuel costs and the impacts on consumer spending. The economic impacts related to the real estate market are significantly worse than originally predicted. The reductions in development activity originally budgeted in FY08 is approximately 60% lower than what is budgeted in FY09. Consistent with state and national trends,City sales tax revenues are down approximately 7-8%. A comparison of the original approved FY08 General Fund Budget to current trends highlight the significance of revenue reductions being realized by this City:

• $400,000 reduction in property tax and
• $800,000 reduction in sales tax revenues
• $2 million reduction in permit, planning and subdivision inspection fees/service charges.

Given the anticipated and continued slowdown in the real estate market, staff reduced the FY09 budget for development fee revenues by an additional $500,000."

Here's some interesting discoveries within the report:

• Police Department funding to be reduced by $612,164
• Fire Department funding to be reduced by $337,632
• Proposed shift of $509,593 from General Fund budget to Water/Sewer Fund and Public Works
• Proposed savings of $331,043 by reducing Storm Water program to legal minimum
• Proposed increase Business License and Building Permit fees
• Proposed transfer of $871,145 from designated Water/Sewer funds to General Fund
• Proposed transfer of $675,000 from the Storm Drain Development Fund to the General Fund to compensate for the use of Dubach Park for drainage purposes
• 10-year General Fund revenue assumes that a storm drain increase is approved and becomes effective in FY 2010-11

Regarding item 3 (ten-year capital improvement plan):

The City of Woodland has a Capital Budget, separate from its’ annual Operating Budget, which presents the funding plans for City construction and repair projects and purchases of land, buildings and equipment.

From the staff report - "In previous capital budgets, the City allocated resources to projects based on a 'pooled cash' approach, whereby expenditures were covered by the pooled City-wide revenues invested in the City treasury. Because the City implemented and expended money on various capital projects in advance of collecting the related development fees, several development fee funds reflect negative fund balances. These respective funds have internal loan repayment schedules; future development fees collected from each respective fund will be remitted back to the treasury. The more significant internal loan balances estimated as of FY08 are reflected below:

Sewer Development: $ (9,503,450)
Police Development: $ (3,891,495)
Fire Development: $ (1,711,992)
Road Development: $ (2,559,264)
Total $(17,666,201)

Given the significant slowdown in development, and the magnitude of reduced development fee revenues, the City is not able to fund necessary projects without some level of continued pooled cash borrowing. However, the 10-year CIP strives to minimize the use of pooled cash by aligning the commitment of funds with the receipt of the associated revenues. This approach is consistent with Council adopted guiding principles in working toward individual fund integrity and improved fund balances."

The Council’s direction will be incorporated into both items and will be presented to Council for adoption on June 10, 2008.

Commentary: More fee increase proposals are on the way. Something's fishy in the Storm Drains. Click the title of this story to access tonight's agenda. For a related Daily Democrat article, click here.

Vote for Dustin (25 times) for the 2008 All-Star Game

Dustin Pedroia of Woodland, Boston Red Sox second baseman and 2007 American League Rookie of the Year, has a good shot at making the All-Star team. Let's get this going! You don't have to attend an A's or Giants game to cast your votes for this year's All-Stars. Click the title of this story to access the mlb.com All-Star page - look for the link "CAST YOUR ALL-STAR BALLOT NOW." You'll have to register in the pop-up window.

According to mlb.com, you can vote a maximum of 25 times. Voting ends at 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, July 2, 2008. From the site:

From Sunday, July 6 to Thursday, July 10, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your Monster 2008 All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player for each League's 32-man roster.

Finally, on Tuesday, July 15, watch the 2008 All-Star Game live on FOX and come to MLB.com to submit your choice [DUSTIN!] for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player via the Monster 2008 All-Star Game MVP Vote.

Email this info to your address book!

Yolo County 101: May topics are Williamson and Brown

From rexroad.com:

The second session of Yolo County 101 is May 14 with Philip Pogledich, Senior Deputy County Counsel. Yolo County 101 covers various topics about the processes of county government. May’s discussion is on the Williamson Act and the Brown Act.

Sharon Jensen, County Administrator, will also make opening comments.

The course is free, open to the public, but registration is required to reserve a seat. Those who have registered for a previous class need not register again.

Date: May 14, 2008
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: County Admin Building, 625 Court Street, Woodland.
Atrium Training Room - B02

For more information or to register, please contact Dotty at Yolo County Supervisor Matt Rexroad's office: (530) 666-8230 or dotty.huber@yolocounty.org

City Council: Tuesday study session to include Measure E spending on Opera House

WOODLAND CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL-COUNCIL CHAMBERS
300 FIRST STREET, WOODLAND

SPECIAL MEETING/STUDY SESSION, MAY 13, 2008

5:00 - A. CALL TO ORDER

5:05 - D. COMMUNICATIONS - PUBLIC COMMENT

5:15 - F. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 14A Regarding Cost Recovery for Nuisance Abatement Actions

5:11 - G. REPORTS OF THE CITY MANAGER
2. Review Fiscal Year 2008-09 Proposed Operating Budget and Ten Year Financial Plan
3. Review Fiscal Years 2009 Through 2011 Proposed Capital Budget and Ten Year Capital Improvement Plan
4. Review of Measure E Spending Plan Update

To the Woodland City Council:

In reference to the Measure E funding of the Woodland Opera House Performing Arts Center for Youth. As members of Historic Woodland Downtown we urge you to support the Opera House expansion. While Measure E funds are doing many worthwhile projects for the City, this is the only one which directly benefits the downtown and it's merchants. Additional facilities and programs will greatly expand the number of patrons coming to the Opera House and increase business for stores and restaurants. At a time when so many downtown stores sit vacant, we cannot afford to miss this voter approved opportunity to give a boost to the core of Woodland.

Jeff Kean
Executive Director
Woodland Opera House

Mother's Day thoughts from Australia

By Candi Malcolm Smith
Woodlander in the Land Down Under
Global Correspondent

Mother’s Day is here so I thought that I would write a piece about my mom, Lelah Jean (Jeannie) Hayden Malcolm. Mom grew up in the huge metropolis of Yolo. She likes to joke that when she and Dad moved to Woodland in 1962 that they were moving to the city. Mom was born in 1938, the second daughter to Clyde and Lelah Hayden. Her sister Sally was six years her senior. They lived in a small farm house on land right next to Cache Creek. Among other things, she was a member of 4-H and showed ten steers during her time in the club (I still refuse to believe my siblings that my parents named me after Mom’s favorite steer ‘Candy Kisses’). She graduated from Woodland High School in 1956 and attended UCD for two years.

In many ways, the course of Mom’s life was set; when in 1954 at the age of 16 she applied to the Yolo County Fairgrounds for her first ever job. Her sister did part time work at the grounds during fairtime and there was an opening for a livestock clerk. Mom got the job. She was a livestock clerk for a few fairs, worked in the main office as an office helper (today we would call them personal assistants) and by 1958 she was the entry supervisor. This job entailed taking all entries and preparing the necessary paperwork for the judging of goods at fairtime.

In 1959 a stranger to town stopped at the fairgrounds. Back then the grounds were on the “outskirts” of town, so it seemed like the right place to find a phone and directions. So, in August 1959 Mom met Gary Malcolm. He came into the office looking for change for a quarter in order to make a phone call. Once he made the call, he went back to ask the pretty girl behind the counter for directions. Dad made a few friends in his new hometown, and was quick to ask who the young woman at the fairgrounds office was. Little did Dad know that he asked the boyfriend of one of Mom’s closest friends. Mom and Dad officially met in October and were married in March 1960. The children followed in 1960, 1961, 1964, 1966, and 1968. Important to note: not one of us was born in the month of August.

At one time or another, all five of us kids have entered something in the fair for judging: many items within the arts and craft, sewing, baking, flower arrangements, flower booths, and photography. Even the ten grandchildren that live in Woodland or Davis have entered over the years. Funny thing though – none of us ever showed any animals at the fair and not one of us was a member of FFA, though the eldest children were members of 4-H for several years. A few of us have even worked for the fairgrounds during fairtime or have volunteered at the fair during Mom’s years at the fair.

By now you might be wondering what it is about the fair and Mom. Well, to put it simply – Mom has always worked at the fairgrounds. As mentioned she started working there in 1954 and she still works there to this day. This year she will celebrate her 55th fair. She loves her job with the best part being all the people that she gets to see; some of them being friends that she sees only once a year at fairtime. In Mom’s 54 years with the Fair, she had worked for four Fair Managers. Not too bad if you think about it. Mom is the longest serving staff member at the grounds and has seen so many changes over the course of her tenure. She welcomes all of the changes that have come down the ‘track’; the hardest was learning the computer at a later stage in her life; which she is quick to qualify as one of her proudest accomplishments within her job. She wouldn’t go back to the manual paperwork if you paid her more to do it.

The other accomplishment that Mom is most proud to boast about is the fact that her job gave her the flexibility to raise five children and be a part of their growing up. She attended all the concerts, the sporting events (which included football, baseball, softball and many upon many track meets), the open houses at school, and much more. She was always there at the end of the school day to pick us up or at least be at the house when we arrived from our walk home. And if Mom wasn’t home, we knew the number to the fair office to call her and let her know that we made it home ok (I still have that phone number memorized even though the fairgrounds has had new numbers put in). The worst thing for Mom at her job is the day after the Fair is over. All of the work that everyone has done for a year is finished and it leads to the day after being a bit of a let down. None of the office crew enjoys the day after.

Mom has seen things come and go. She doesn’t miss Booster Barrel, the Sugar Queen Pageant or the old office. She does enjoy the ‘new’ office with the exception that she doesn’t feel as though they are a part of the fair because the location is no longer amongst the hubbub. Mom would love to see the judged entries increase in number again. The two areas she especially would like to see increase are within the Flower House and the vegetables. She’s not certain why there has been a drop off in entry numbers within these two areas, but she can remember a time when the Flower House and the Agriculture Building were bursting with colors of the county.

Mom’s life for one reason or another has always revolved around the fair. She got her first job there, met her husband there, encouraged her children and grandchildren to entry items in the fair, and makes new friends there every year. Her calendar is secretly blocked out from July to September so she can concentrate on the job and getting rest so that she can concentrate on the job. As noted above, none of her children are born in August. A few of us rebelled and have had children in July and September and she is ok with that. But none of us were allowed to have an August wedding. Two of us pushed the boundary limits with June weddings and one pushed with September.

Mom loves her job. She loves her family like any mother out there. The most important person in her life is her husband. She would bend over backwards to help any family member or friend in need. Just don’t ask in August ;)

So that’s my mom. You should stop by the office sometime and say hello – tell her Candi (the one named after the steer…oops, that’s right I refuse to admit that) sent you.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there.

And Mom, Happy Mother’s Day to you too. Your family Down Under loves and misses you very much.

Candidate Sieferman distributes campaign letter

The following is a campaign letter distributed by Woodland City Council candidate Frank Sieferman, Jr:

Dear Neighbor,

I am a life long resident and active community leader in Woodland, and I am writing you this letter to personally request your vote on June 3rd for Woodland City Council. I am running because I know as your community voice on the City Council, together we can make a difference that will create positive changes in Woodland and transform this city into a model for others to follow.

Our City needs a strong, authentic voice for the community on the council, one that operates on principle, not political convenience. As your City Councilmember, I pledge to be that voice.

As your councilmember, I will:

• Keep Neighborhoods a Safe Place for Families and Children, by ensuring we have the best possible police, firefighters and paramedics to protect our neighborhoods and schools.
• Protect Seniors, by increasing services and programs to help meet the needs of seniors on fixed incomes.
• Increase Fiscal Accountability, by making the City accountable for all expenditures.
• Build Strong Partnerships with Educational Leaders, by bringing more teen centers, youth programs, sports fields and parks to our children.
• Bring Quality Jobs and Economic Development to Woodland, by ensuring Woodland is a good place to grow or start a business.

My record as a veteran, small businessman, former Supervisor, and active community member, firmly establishes that I am willing to fight for all of the people who cherish Woodland and call her home. I believe that family relationships and friendships developed through mutual respect are the cornerstones of our community. I believe that by working together we can accomplish more to enhance our city than by doing it alone.

I would be honored to have your vote on June 3rd, so together we can make Woodland the best city it can be.

All my best,

Frank Sieferman Jr.
Business Owner
(530) 383-5464

Dustin witnesses history as Beckett records number 10,000! (Not)

On page B2 of today's hard copy of the Daily Demotypo: "Beckett gets 10,000th strikeout as Sox roll."

That would put him 4,286 past the great Nolan Ryan. It seems like just yesterday when I listened to the radio broadcast of Ricky Henderson becoming Ryan's strike out victim number 5,000. The fete would also be extraordinary considering Beckett is only in his eighth season and has pitched a total of 1055.2 innings. Over nine K's per inning is highly unlikely... I guess it's possible, but that's a lot of passed third strikes.

Actually, Josh Beckett ended up with his 1,001st career strike out. That moves him up to number 419 on the all time list, tied with Arthur Rhodes of the Seattle Mariners. The Red Sox won the game against Detroit, 5 to 1. Dustin Pedroia of Woodland went 1 for 5 at the plate, keeping his season average over the .300 mark (at .301).

You can watch Josh's historic 10,000th strike out - uh, I mean 1,000th strike out - by clicking the title of this story.

As expected, it's 4 to 2 in favor of stupidity. Let the recall begin.

Even a packed house, and apparently no outside support, could not convince at least one of the four steadfast trustees to apply reason to this unpopular pursuit of leasing-purchasing the Blue Shield building.

Last night trustees Carol Souza Cole, Bill Beerman, Rosario Ruiz-Dark and Elaine Lytle voted to spend $7.6 million for a $3.6 million building. Simple math should have told them they were buying an oversized building for $4 million more than its value. In one fell swoop, the four trustees also approved spending $1,000,000 per year on rent. All this upon the advice of superintendent Jacki Cottingim, who has orchestrated the debacle for more than a year.

Voting against the ludicrous expenditure were trustees Frank Glover and Rogelio Villagrana. Warren Berg was absent.

A recall hotline has been established to oust at least two of the four proponents of this ludicrous real estate deal. Email wjusdrecall@yahoo.com for more information.

Mighty wits clash in give-away

"I don't want it, you take it."

"Well, I don't want... you keep it."

It's no secret that the school district has a hard time with gifts, but here's one for the record book. Below are some excerpts from an article entitled "District rejects lights from Dubach park for Pioneer" that appears in today's Daily Democrat (click the title of this story to access):

Parents went to the April 24 Woodland school board meeting to find out why the Woodland Joint Unified School District turned down about $500,000 in donated stadium lights.

Woodland resident Duane Tony said he was informed by Parks and Recreation Director Dan Gentry that the city offered to donate 16 stadium lights from Dubach Field to the school district.

"The Pioneer High School soccer field is in need of lights," he said.

"The soccer boosters at Pioneer have contractors that are willing to go out there, take them down and take them to Pioneer and take them in," he said. "All this was known to the school district, but they declined."

According to a "Friday Facts" memo by Assistant Superintend Kelly Morgan, Jimmy La Grand, director of maintenance, operations and facilities, visited the park and inspected the lights, fence and bleachers on March 11. La Grand noted that the lights were more than 20 years old and the bulbs and fixtures of the lights were not energy efficient.

In addition to being old, the district would of run into other construction issues if they chose to accept the lights. [I left this in just so you could see the Democrat's grammar]

"We understand that people have good intentions, but there are restrictions that we have as a school district, that parent groups may not be aware of, like meeting state requirements," Morgan said. "A project like this has to be approved through the Department of the State Architect and would involve architects, engineers, an inspector, etc."

End notes:

• Don't believe the $500,000 value (it's city budget-speak, remember)
• The term "lights" must refer to all the fixtures and poles considering the later statement about "construction issues"
• Please note that a school has a need and the city has some free stuff to partially fulfill that need
• There are community volunteers ready to help
• 20 year-old metal poles can last 20 more years, probably a lot more
• New energy efficient bulbs and fixtures can be purchased... or not, considering replacement costs might be higher than energy costs
• "A project like this has to be approved..." - okay, so have it approved.

Summary:

"Eew! It's old. I don't want it."

"Fine. I'll just throw it away, then."

New downtown group meets tonight, announces candidate forum

From the new Historic Woodland Downtown Merchants:

This month's meeting will be held at 6 pm., tonight (May 8), at Woodland Comics and Cards at 505 Main Street. For more information call 661-9596 (The House Dresser) or Woodland Comics and Cards (662-2550).

Please plan to attend the City Council Candidate's Forum to be held at 7:30 pm. on Monday, May 19, at the Woodland Opera House. If you have any questions to submit to the city council candidates, you need to submit them by May 12. Questions can be delivered to Anita Long at The House Dresser, 617 Maint Street (661-9596) or to Jeff Kean at the Woodland Opera House (666-9617).

Four trustees to approve spending $7.6 million for a $3.6 million building

Or... the headline could read: Four trustees to approve spending $1,000,000 per year on rent.

The extravaganza, commonly known as the WJUSD Board of Trustees meeting, will begin tonight at 6 pm. Either of those headlines will prove to be true unless one of the four trustees can pull off an Amanda-like coup (from last week's Survivor episode on CBS). The four trustees who have blindly followed the lead of superintendent Jacki Cottingim are Carol Souza Cole, Bill Beerman, Rosario Ruiz-Dark and Elaine Lytle. It really has been a series of side-shows, culminating in tonight's affair.

For the benefit of Mrs. J., there will be a show tonight. The four trustees will all be there (the opponents of the lease-purchase agreement will miss trustee Warren Berg). Perhaps spectators might even be entertained by horses, hoops, garters, and a hogshead of real fire! The fabulous four may dance and sing - don't be late. The band begins at 6 pm. when Mrs. J. performs her tricks without a sound, and the four "trustees" will demonstrate ten somersaults. A splendid time is guaranteed for all... and tonight Mrs. J. is topping the bill.

Yes, Virginia... there are psychedelic delusions.

Here is the bank robber

This man is suspected of robbing Bank of the West, 186 Main Street, last Saturday at 12:21 pm.

The white man, wearing a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and a black Pittsburgh Penguins hat entered the bank and demanded cash from the teller. Witnesses described the man as 5 feet 11 inches tall, about 200 pounds and with a short, light brown beard. The suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.

Click the title of this story to read the Daily Democrat article.

Repeated mantra brings up unexplained issue

The Daily Democrat published two articles today about the school district's administrative offices:

First: "Contamination" being used as excuse to move from Cottonwood building, Health concerns cited as reason to get out of lease

Second: School board looks at lease/purchase plan for old Blue Shield site

There was a third article printed on April 28 called A general air of uncertainty.

Here are excerpts from each:

First: "The district was going to buy the building originally for $5.6 million ($600,000 more than the appraisal). But due to a complaint filed to the Yolo County Grand Jury, the district canceled the original contract and opted for a lease-purchase option which is currently under discussion."

Second: "Originally, the school board opted to buy the building for $5.6 million but the purchase was canceled after a complaint was filed to the Yolo County grand jury. Unable to show that jury investigation wouldn't affect the contract, the school board agreed on a lease/purchase agreement."

Third: "After a complaint was filed at the Yolo County grand jury against the WJUSD, the district was unable to show that litigation would not affect their purchase of the building. Because of this, the board opted for a lease-buy option."

This brings up an issue that has gone under the radar... and the Democrat just repeats the mantra without any explanation for it. Did Government Financial Strategies, Inc. tell the district that the mere filing of a complaint is justification to stop selling Certificates of Participation? Did Premiere Commercial? Did Miller, Brown, Dannis or Schutze & Associates?

In a Woodland Journal article called More on the school board: Foursome is scolded, "Cottingim suggested that she and the trustees do not know why, or what, the investigation is about. She also indicated that the Grand Jury has refused to tell her the purpose of the investigation."

So... if Cottingim and the trustees don't know what the investigation is about, then how can advice be given to stop the sale of the COPs? If that advice was given, where is the documentation? You won't find any reference to it in any of the minutes.

Dog Gone! Have you heard about this one?

Here's a Friday deadline that snuck up on prospective design firms. The city is requesting qualifications for planning what's dubbed as "Downtown Plaza" and/or "Main Street Plaza." I just now stumbled upon this RFQ (Monday at 6:30) while looking for any updated council minutes. (Note: The city's Web site is still stuck on September 4, 2007.)

I hope the tight, under-played deadline won't exclude truly qualified planners.

There's no mention of Dog Gone Alley in the RFQ notice, but the site in question is on Bush, between College and First. Dog Gone Alley runs through it. By the circuitous description, you would think the proposed plaza is on Main Street. Despite the late notice and meandering description, this project could be an exciting addition for downtown. Click the title of this story to access the RFQ.

Here are some excerpts from the online document:

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF WOODLAND
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Historic Downtown Woodland
Main Street Plaza
Design and Feasibility Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The Redevelopment Agency of the City of Woodland (Agency) seeks proposals from a multi-disciplinary firm for the design and development of a new outdoor courtyard behind the retail businesses along Main Street in Historic Downtown Woodland. This request is to use outside expertise in defining the details of a potential feasible project.

Proposals should be submitted to:

Redevelopment Agency of the City of Woodland
520 Court Street
Woodland, CA. 95695
Attn: Cynthia Shallit, Redevelopment Manager

Proposals are due no later than 3:00 on Friday, May 9, 2008

THE SITE

Just one block to the west of the Opera House is the area site of the proposed project. It is located in the section identified as the “Downtown Core” district between Elm and Third streets in the Downtown Specific Plan. Included in this area are key landmarks such as the Hotel Woodland, the Porter Building, the Opera House, Dead Cat Alley, the Chinatown site, and Heritage Plaza.

This is a 2.61 acre site - a full city block. It is characterized by 14 storefronts along Main Street and five businesses along First
Street. Behind the buildings is some open space, but most is taken up by the American Legion building and an old car dealership building that was historically referred to as the Meier Car Dealership Building. The building, approximately 20,000 s.f., was constructed in the Moderne style in 1921 and is now mostly vacant except for some storefronts along College Street.

There may some significant infrastructure constraints on this site. Though the utility systems are currently considered adequate, any change in density of use could overburden the infrastructure, or renovation may cause damage. Furthermore, a large condominium project proposed just to the west of the project site may cause proposed near this Project Site consisting of 171 condominiums may cause this block to be inadequately served. For example the Downtown Specific Plan suggests that the existing galvanized water service laterals will need to be replaced with copper pipe. Any unlined pipelines will need to be cement-coated or replaced to improve flow capacity. The sewer line may need to be replaced. Several have commented that the overhead wires are particularly unsightly on this block and every effort should be made to underground them if possible.

A project of this size can be costly to the surrounding property owners and to the Redevelopment Agency. This is why it seems prudent to solicit ideas on the best practices and best approaches to financing redevelopment on this block. Such an analysis has to include considerations of the current economic market, Woodland’s future economic growth and the cost of improvements. Since no one source of funds nor one property owner can expect to improve this area as a single entity the other property owners and stakeholders will need to be brought into the process. Ideally this RFQ will solicit firms that have experience with this kind of project and can apply that knowledge to Woodland.

THE VISION

This block has long been viewed as underutilized with potential for development as a public plaza or parking area. An outdoor courtyard could be created behind the buildings between Main and Bush streets and between College and First streets. It is the Agency’s hope that this would enhance the Downtown’s street life and nightlife by creating a lively, vibrant courtyard area that will support neighboring businesses, especially restaurants and cafes. This could be a pedestrian-friendly environment with connections to Main Street which in turn would increase foot traffic in the area and patronage of local shops/restaurants. It could be the venue for community events such as a Farmer’s Market. Its potential as a dynamic urban destination location is enhanced by the historic buildings adjacent to the block, particularly the Hotel Woodland and the historic Elks building which together create a strong historic fabric.

Because of the long narrow buildings, many of which have functional separate spaces in the back, there might be opportunities to transform this area by providing new entries in the rear of the buildings and possibly a pathway (paseo) linking the courtyard directly to Main Street. Ultimately, this courtyard could consist of outdoor dining opportunities and build on the existing successes of some of the establishments there. Opening up this area could require demolishing the American Legion building and/or possibly the Meier Car Dealership Building.

Woodland Farmers Market will open at new location

From their Web site (click title of this story to access):

The Woodland Farmer's Market is where food and fun meet!

A great place to get the highest quality produce for reasonable prices in a fun, festive atmosphere. There's always something new happening at the Woodland Farmer's Market and this year - we're moving to a great new location!

After 12 years at the County Fair Mall, the Woodland Farmer's Market is coming to downtown Woodland. The new home is Freeman Park (on Main Street between 4th and 6th streets.

Opening Saturday May 31st at 9 am - you'll find the Woodland Farmer's Market underneath fabulous heritage oak trees, next to the playground perfect for kids and the big white gazebo debuting great family entertainment.

This new location promises a fun-filled summer matched by the gorgeous high-quality produce and food that you can only find at the Woodland Farmer's Market.

The Woodland Farmer's Market will be open every Saturday from 9 am to noon, and every Tuesday evening from 5 to 7pm.

District ready to approve lease-purchase agreement despite upside-down numbers

Here's what you can expect in the yet-to-be-posted agenda for the Thursday, May 8, WJUSD Board of Trustee's meeting:

Item I. Board Action 1-B Approve Lease Agreement with Option to Purchase for property located at 435 Sixth Street, Woodland, CA (Parcel No. 006-122-07) [a.k.a. the Blue Shield building].

Under this item, yet another district stooge might present to the trustees a cardboard box filled with lame props. This time, however, it won't be rubber balls or antiquated slides as part of the amateurish sideshow. It will be a foolish display of numbers that will leave all reasonable citizens shaking their heads. The only ones applauding the presentation orchestrated by the jester (a.k.a. superintendent Jacki Cottingim) will be a small band of irrational marionettes (a.k.a. trustees Carol Souza Cole, Bill Beerman, Rosario Ruiz-Dark and Elaine Lytle).

Proponents Souza Cole, Beerman, Ruiz-Dark, Lytle and Cottingim will finally get their magical castle after more than a year of smoke-and-mirrors. They will take advantage of the expected absence of trustee Warren Berg, one of the three opponents of the lease-purchase agreement. Please note the recent strategic delays of the item caused by proponent absences.

Frank Glover and Rogelio Villagrana are the other trustees who oppose the lease-purchase agreement. When you see the numbers culled from the contract, you will see why:

Assessed valuations of the property: $3,609,056

Purchase price of property in First Option Period: $5,430,000 (Base Price)
Period ends on January 1, 2009 or city certification of occupancy, whichever occurs earlier

Purchase price of property in Second Option Period: $7,670,000 (Base Price plus Total Project Costs - Tenant Improvement Costs of $2 million and Leasing Commission of $240,000) plus any prepayment penalties.
Period includes three years following expiration of First Option Period.

Purchase price of property in Third Option Period: $7,670,000 (Base Price plus Total Project Costs)
Period includes 90 days following expiration of Second Option Period.

Purchase price of property in Fourth Option Period: $8,670,000 (Base Price plus Total Project Costs plus an additional amount of $1 million)
Period includes four years plus 90 days following the expiration of Third Option Period.

Tenant improvement costs financed by owner: $2,000,000

Leasing commission reimbursed to owner through rent: $240,000

Security deposit paid to owner: $250,000

Rent: Lease years - annual rent (monthly rent)
1 - $445,000 ($37,083 monthly)
2 - $458,300 ($38,192)
3 - $472,101 ($39,342)
4 - $508,586 ($42,382)
5 - $523,844 ($43,654)
6 and 7 - $539,559 ($44,963)
8 to 12 - $581,131 ($48,428)
13 to 17 - $673,691 ($56,141)
18 to 22 - $780,992 ($65,083)
23 to 27 -$905,384 ($75,449)
28 to 30 - $1,018,424 ($84,869)

Yes, you've figured correctly. The term of the lease shall be for thirty years. It will commence on July 1, 2008. The current lease of the Cottonwood building, present home of the district offices, is about $234,000 a year. Owners of the building previously stated that they would have extended the current lease if the district had requested it.

Information added on Sunday, May 4, 2008:

Cottonwood Plaza square footage: 30,000
Blue Shield square footage: 40,000 (133%)

Approximate full time employees at district in 2008: 88
District estimation of needed employees in 2015: 111 (126%)

Comparison: Turlock's population is 69,321, about what Woodland will be after the Springlake build-out. Their student enrollment is 13,944. They have 44.1 FTE admins (Per Pupil: 316.2) and 42.9 FTE Pupil Service staff (Per Pupil: 307.3). That's 87 FTEs in the district office. Currently, WJUSD has about 48.1 (Per Pupil: 222.2) and 39.6 FTE Pupil Service staff (Per Pupil: 269.9). That's 87.7 FTEs in the district office. Turlock serves over 3,000 more students with the same amount of district office staff.