Unions could help with $1.3 million of city budget reductions

Excerpts from the Yolo Sun article entitled "City Employee Associations Wield Key Piece of Woodland’s Budget Puzzle:"

Municipal employees are wielding pivotal influence within the final phase of bridging Woodland’s widening budget chasm.

The expenditure-reduction target for attaining a balanced budget has recently been raised to $6.8 million (up $.5 million) – to be slashed from the $45 million budget for fiscal year 2009-10.

In closed session prior to the regular City Council meeting of May 19, Woodland City Manager Mark Deven “informed the group [of five professional, employee associations] that the City needs total compensation reductions of approximately $1.3 million in order to balance the budget for [fiscal year 2009-10] and avoid layoffs and deeper reductions in programs and services.”

$1.3 million represents about a 7% compensation reduction for city employees, whether accomplished by furloughs, salary decreases and/or lessening of benefits.

Read more at YoloSun.wordpress.com.

Gearhead Records in Sac for Midfest 2009 on Sunday

From Gearhead Records:

Hey Gang! Come join Gearhead Records for Midfest 2009 this Sunday Sunday May 31 hosted by Sarajane & Co. ! We'll be selling all things Gearhead, including our brand new Wrench Logo T Shirts, as well as other cool stuff from our store. There will be free live music, a beer tent, a skateboarding contest, dancers, wrestlers, plus tons of other cool stuff all day long.

It runs 10 am - 8pm and best of all, IT'S FREE!

This is an all ages, family friendly event, so come on down to Marshall Park, 28th and J St. Sacramento, CA 95816 and spend a beautiful spring day with us and have some fun! See you there!

Click here to learn about Midfest at Marshall Park.

Founders' Day at the Heidrick Ag History Center: Free admission

From the Woodland Record – What's Happening:

Founders' Day will be celebrated from 11 to 2 pm on Sunday, May 31 at the Heidrick Ag History Center – home of the Hays Antique Truck and Heidrick Antique Tractor Museums.

There will be free food and admissions to the museum located at 1962 Hays Lane, Woodland.

Davies quells crowd: "This is Woodland"

Excerpts from the Dally Dooleygram article called: Rally sends a message - Library, C&S center still likely to be cut:"

Woodland will continue to look at options toward closing a $6.8 million budget gap following a Tuesday night hearing where nearly 400 people came to support their favorite program and plead for its continuation.

Woodland Mayor Skip Davies also quelled some of the more militant members of the crowd Tuesday, reminding people that "this is Woodland" and that they would be heard.

Read more at the Dearly Departattack.

City launches new affordable housing process

From Yolo Sun:

Woodland has launched a fundamentally new policy and process for creation of affordable rental housing, with action at its regular meeting of May 19.

Previously, diverse actions of housing developers were the basic, driving force behind the creation of affordable housing, with the city responsively attempting to guide these actions in a relatively uncoordinated fashion.

“Over the last 12 months, staff has had a noticeable increase in calls from developers soliciting city assistance for projects. This new affordable housing development process will allow the city to fairly assess these potential projects and prioritize them in a manner that provides the greatest impact and benefit,” declared the staff report.

A five-member selection committee comprised of one councilmember and various staff will review, rank and prioritize submitted housing development proposals in advance of itemizing project selection for council action.

Read more at YoloSun.wordpress.com

City council to discuss the budget live on the internet

From the Woodland Record:

Tonight, as the City of Woodland emerges into the 21st Century, there will be only one major agenda item for council members to discuss:

F.1. Receive Report on FY 2009-10 Operating Budget and Ten Year Financial Plan; Review Budget Options; Provide Input and Direction.

The short-listed, but undoubtedly voluminous meeting will be broadcast live via an internet Web cast. According to the city's announcement on their Web site, "The webcast is a prototype and while extensive testng has been performed and no issues are expected, Murphy's Law should not surprise anyone."

Click here to view the meeting that starts at 6 pm.

In the staff report prepared for tonight's meeting, city manager Mark Deven stated, "The net impact of the strategies and revised estimates described herein on the general fund is total reductions of $5,493,647. Factoring in the revised property tax estimate, the reduction target to balance the fiscal year 2010 general fund budget is $6,796,187."

The "strategies described herein" include massive cuts intended to reduce general fund expenditures to $38,240,091. Other proposed operating expenditures for fiscal year 2010 include: Water Enterprise Fund - $12,075,514; Sewer Enterprise Fund - $12,796,798; Transportation Program - $2,570,848; and Redevelopment Agency – $1,377,916.

Among the departments taking big hits is the Parks and Recreation Department. An anonymous message delivered to the Woodland Record stated, "The Parks and Recreation Department is now losing 17 full-time employees. Somebody needs to tell the City Council that this is unacceptable."

The hand-written note was accompanied by an inter-office memo dated May 18 to Deven from Dan Gentry, director of the department. Gentry is one of six in the department taking the Golden Handshake opportunity provided by the city. (A total of twelve city employees are retiring through this method, including the assistant city manager Barry Munowitch.)

Click here to download the May 18 inter-office memo called "Budget Impact Memo" (494kb PDF).

Read more at the Woodland Record.

Wagnon Chiropractic to host open house

Wagnon Chiropractic will be hosting an open house this Saturday, May 30, 2009, to celebrate being open in Woodland for 25 years. There will be free food, drawings for a $100 Costco, Jamba Juice and Starbucks gift cards. Existing patients will get a FREE adjustment!!! For those who are not existing patients, they will be signing up appoints for $25 initial exams and adjustments. I also heard there will be a massage chair for free 5 minute massages. This will be a great open house; I look forward to seeing you there.

To further celebrate their 25 years in Woodland, they are rolling back the prices for the month of June to $25 adjustments for existing patients. That is the same price they charged back in 1984!

Observe the "Moment"

FLOWERS AND TEARS

An excerpt from the May 30, 1894, edition of the Woodland Daily Democrat

Graves of our dead heroes honored by their surviving comrades

Today the memories of the bitter struggle of thirty years ago have been revived, not in anger, but in sorrow as we think of the thousands of good and true men on both sides of Mason and Dixon's lines, who gave up their lives from love of country. We reverence the memory of these men and once a year it seems most lilting we should turn aside from the madding whirl of life and unitedly remember those who, counting not their lives dear to them, went forth to defend their native land.

Today all over our grand Union, Federal and Confederate soldiers are uniting in this loving service, often side by side. Who are more fitting for this duty than these? They fought with their comrades, who are now laid to
rest, and as they and we drop a tear on their graves, we thank God the bitter internecine strife is ended never again, we pray, to be renewed.

Paul W. Hollingshead photography exhibit runs through June 30

A Historical photo tour at the Gibson House

Paul and Vera Hollingshead’s youngest son Bill is the curator and exhibitor and continually adds to the display as he archives an estimated 5,000 photos and negatives. Delving into the 1930s, another feature will be city dignitaries, officials, doctors, judges and members of the Chamber of Commerce.

Bill noted, “In the ‘20s Dad went to the New York Institute of Photography. Upon graduation he became lead photographer for five years for Edward Steichen, the renowned photographer for Vogue and Vanity Faire magazines. Dad’s assignments included photographing George Gershwin in his home at the piano. Portraits from the 20’s and 30’s will be exhibited as examples my Dad’s training as a New York fashion photographer.”

Though schooled as a studio portrait photographer, he became the foremost Yolo County photographer of parades, government buildings and the Spreckels Sugar Mill. Commercial photos included store interiors, movie theaters, Cranston Brothers and the old Legion Hall. Many of the buildings have been lost to history, but still exist in the Hollingshead photo collection.

Admission is free. Museum office hours are Thursday and Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Tours are Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4 pm. Closed on major holidays. The Yolo County Historical Museum, Gibson House, is located at 512 Gibson Road in Woodland, (530) 666-1045.

For additional info contact: Bill Hollingshead, (530) 758-9779, bhptalent@aol.com or visit the Photo Club of Davis' Web site.

Services in Woodland on CraigList.org and MyRedBook.com

Recently The Journal was sent a link to a CraigsList.org listing:

NEVER HAD AN INCREDIBLE ASIAN MASSAGE? (Woodland)... *PACIFIC*SPA* 117 W. Main St., Suite 17B, Woodland, CA 95695 (530) 669-6918... sacramento.craigslist.org/ths/1156295327.html - Similar pages

The listing has been removed, but I found others using Google.com:

EVERY MOMENT SPENT HERE IS A GREAT PLEASURE!!! *PACIFIC* S P A* 117 W. Main St., Suite 17B, Woodland, CA 95695 (530) 669-6918. 10am - 9pm, 7 days walk in welcome in call only... sacramento.craigslist.org/ths/1154597357.html - Similar pages

**AWESOME MASSAGE SERVICES **FROM NICE CMT *PACIFIC * SPA* 117 W. Main St., Suite 17B, Woodland, CA 95695 (530) 669-6918. 10am - 9pm, 7 days walk in welcome in call only... sacramento.craigslist.org/ths/991525577.html - Similar pages


Then I did some more snooping and found the location has a history on the internet. The "411" I got at MyRedbook.com is that the Pacific Spa is open 10 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. A client last year wrote: "I went there once and had a nice time. A few months ago one of the girls got popped by an undercover LE for an inappropriate touch. I haven't been back since."

About the same time (April 2008), Pacific Spa provider "Lisa" got some mixed reviews. Apparently, Lisa is a Thai woman between 25 and 29 years-old. Her private areas are described on the Web page.

With the new activity on CraigsList.org, I suppose the Pacific Spa's hiatus is over.

Observe the "Moment" on Memorial Day

From CalVet:

The California Department of Veterans affairs asks Californians to pause and remember our fallen brothers and sisters this Memorial Day.

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) unites with the National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, and asks Californians wherever they are at 3 pm, on Memorial Day, May 25, to pause in an act of national unity for one minute. The time 3 pm was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on Memorial Day. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans.

“I encourage all veterans and their families and friends to pause for one minute at 3 pm. this Monday, Memorial Day and remember our brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country by their selfless service and commitment to defending our freedom,” stated Roger Brautigan, CalVet Undersecretary.

So on this Memorial Day, wherever you are, please observe the Moment at 3 pm. Ask your family, friends, and neighbors to remember and observe the Moment at places such as your neighborhood, local pool, picnic grounds, etc., for one minute of Remembrance. Participation can be as informal as ringing a bell three times to signify the Moment.

For more information go to the White House Commission on Remembrance Web site.

Celebrate Good Times, Come On

For some unknown reason, my two year old daughter loves singing and dancing to this song. I have no idea where she even heard it. Thought I would share with everyone.

Celebrate Good Times - Cool and The Gang

Midsummer Night's Dream ballet in Davis this weekend

Hanneke Lohse & Company presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream" a comedic ballet in two acts by Hanneke's ballet students of the Davis Art Center. The ballet runs May 22 to May 24.

Friday, May 22 at 7:30 pm
Saturday May 23 at 2:30 and 7:30 pm
Sunday May 24 at 2:30 and 5:30 pm
Veterans' Memorial Center Theatre
203 East 14th Street, Davis

Click here for the Davis Art Center summer ballet class schedules.

Tickets are $12 per person and are available at the door or in advance at the Davis Art Center, (530) 756-4100.

WesSac neighborhood gun battle with Broderick Boys results in no arrest

From Yolo County, District Attorney:

Based on the information provided to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office by the West Sacramento Police Department regarding the May 20th fatal shooting on Cummins Way in West Sacramento, no charges will be filed against Michael Moniz at this time.

The evidence presented established that Joe Villanueva, deceased, initiated an attack as he stood in the street and began shooting a handgun at people in the front yard of 1101 Cummins Way, striking both people and property.

Read more at the Woodland Record.

Some details about shooting emerge

CBS 13 News released an article saying the Woodland man shot by police was shot from behind and that six shots were fired. They also reported Meth was found in the Guitierrez's blood.

Read the whole story here.

The Sacramento Bee has some more in depth coverage of the autopsy. You can read it here.

Toughest Ten: Pressing Art Pimentel on the Shooting of a Farm Worker in Woodland

From the Davis Vanguard by David Greenwald:

The Vanguard sat down with Woodland Vice Mayer Art Pimentel on Monday and pressed him on issues revolving around the death of Luis Gutierrez. It was not originally intended to be a Toughest Ten segment, but became one.

Read more at the Davis Vanguard.

City to adopt new fiscal policy during budget crisis

From the Yolo Sun:

Political turbulence arising from the roiling city budget crisis “is making the development of the [current] budget more difficult and could potentially place the City in a vulnerable financial position,” announced City Manager, Mark Deven, in his staff report for a key agenda item at the Woodland City Council’s May 5, 2009, regular meeting.

Deven is thus immediately bringing before the council a draft statement of the "Budget and Fiscal Policy" – “to facilitate discussion of this very important document in order to receive guidance to finalize the document for adoption as part of the FY 2009-10 budget actions on June 16.”

Read more at YoloSun.blogspot.com

Police association miffed at open recruitment for lieutenant job

Some information was recently forwarded to the Woodland Journal pertaining to a recruitment situation in the Woodland Police Department.

Here is a forwarded email, posted as-is, originating from the chief of police:

Thursday, May 7, 2009

From: Carey Sullivan
To: Undisclosed Recipients
Subject : FW Lieutenant’s Promotion

As you are all aware we are preparing will only be filling one lieutenant's [position]

We have asked Human Resources start the recruitment /promotional process. The process will be an open recruitment I have heard some concerns/rumors about this "open recruitment” The open recruitment merely allows qualified persons outside the Department to apply along with our own internal candidates. I elected to go this route to make sure we have a sufficient size candidate pool from the outset The open recruitment in no way signifies a desire to bring someone in from the outside or any concern about our internal candidates. Just the opposite is true. I believe we can have some very solid competitive internal candidates, should they choose to apply and I am confident they can compete head to head with any outside candidate that might apply. My hope is that every WPD sergeant who is interested in this opportunity competes.

Carey F, Sullivan, Chief of Police

The information provided to the Woodland Journal stems from a 2006 "no confidence" vote against the chief by the Woodland Police Officers Association. According to an undisclosed source, the sergeants and other police officers that could apply for the position that was posted on May 13 are "very angry and so the morale is very bad."

The Police Lieutenant position was posted on the California Peace Officers Association Web site. It's a full-time job with a salary range of $7,508.33 to $10,564.97 monthly and the recruitment is expected to close on June 10.

Ally pledges the four "H"s for best friend Sami

The 4-H pledge: I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.

By Kelly Rogers, 4-H volunteer

On Sunday, May 3, the Yolo County 4-H program held its 75th Annual Spring Show and Sale at the Yolo County Fairgrounds in Woodland California. This year marked a day in history, and a day to remember.

On this day Yolo County 4-H member Ally Peart of Clever Clovers 4-H Club in Woodland represented the 4-H program as well as anyone could wish for. By holding true to the meaning of the program, Ally clearly represented its pledge.

Read more at the Woodland Record.

Note: Ally's goat weighed 92 pounds. The combined bid of $184 per pound earned $16,928 for Sami's fund.

Chase Bank at mall robbed by lone gunman

From the City of Woodland – Police Department:

Woodland P.D. case number: WDP09-002808

At approximately 10:33 am a lone, adult male robbed the Chase Manhattan Bank located at 1224 East Gibson Road. There were approximately eight people (including employees) inside the bank when this incident occurred, no injuries were reported.

Read more at the Woodland Record.

Help yourself and help the WAVE: Recycle your eWaste on Saturday

From the WAVE:

Recycle your computers, monitors, TVs and cell phones on Saturday, May 16, 8 am to 5 pm at the County Fair Fashion Mall (north side of JCPenney).

Bring your eWaste and volunteers will unload. No microwaves, copiers or appliances, however. And no resale or exchange.

This event is a a fundraiser to benefit Woodland Public Access TV, a 501c3 Non-Profit. Call the the WAVE, 669-1550, for more information.

Coby races for top spot

From the Woodland Record:

AT FIVE YEARS-OLD, Woodlander Coby Witten is pushing for the number one spot in the American Bicycle Association FiveExpert Class.

Currently at second in the nation with 1,263 points, Coby looks to take the number one plate during upcoming races this month. He will have several chances to advance before the Race of Champions – Pro Series that takes place during November in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Read more at the Woodland Record.

Courtesy photo.

ATTN: Ted Ruiz, Traffic Officer re: SAFE Parking for Homeless Women.

From the RoselineWoodland.blogspot.com:

It was nice to meet you at the council meeting 15 minutes ago.

You either introduced yourself to me because:

a. Your department/office is directly responsible for policing my vehicle - and is therefore responsible for the $30 parking ticket I received last week from Officer Bell.

in other words: I AM THE TRASH YOU HAVE TO SWEEP OFF THE STREET EVERY NIGHT.

Read more.

The blog is maintained by Molly Lynn Stevenson, M.A., M.L.S. / Molly Lynn Stevenson Anthropological Consulting who claims:

1. I'm a librarian. Shhhhh. Quiet in the blog. No backtalking!
2. Also, I am a combat ethnographer and a military anthropologist.

MOTHERS' NIGHT.

From the public domain:

Woodland Daily Democrat
Wednesday Evening
December 13, 1905
Page 4

Important Meeting of Woodland Parlor, N.D.G.W.

Happy Innovation Suggested by Miss Harriet Lee — Officers Elected by the Order

During the meeting of the last Grand Parlor of Native Daughters Miss Harriet Lee of this city, who was elected a grand trustee, proposed the observance of Mothers' day, and after an interesting discussion her suggestion was adopted.

It was decided that in so far as possible the observance of this day should be associated with the Christmas season. The exact date was not fixed, but each parlor is allowed its own discretion in fixing the day in or about the Christmas season which is most convenient.

Read more at the Woodland Record.

They are burgers, for Christ's sake

Out in Airport City – the new asphalt oasis for all things generic located just east of Woodland on Road 102 – burger connoisseurs are lining up in their automobiles for a little slice of heaven. Last night, at supper time, I witnessed a queue of ne'er used 4x4s and image-based white SUVs stretching from the just-opened In-N-Out restaurant to pert near the Mecca named Target.

I estimated the wait time to be an hour... enough time to drive to the Davis or Natomas In-N-Outs and back again with a full stomach. In that amount of time, those sheep could have flocked to any number of hamburger chains in Woodland - or - heaven forbid, they could have ventured downtown to enjoy a burger meal at such places as Capital Saloon and Grill, Tazzina Bistro or Chicago Cafe.

I must admit that my family likes the occasional run to an In-N-Out, but it's not because the sign of Jesus beckons us in the form of crossed palm trees, it's because the restaurants are clean and the limited fare is fresh and tasty. As a consumer, I like those qualities in combination with a very simple menu and fast, friendly service. It is no wonder the family-owned chain is so successful, but c'mon... they are burgers for Christ's sake!

Sure, the secret scripture of cult members – I mean regular customers – is intriguing. The idea of ordering from the unseen alter-menu is fun... "animal style, protein style, the Flying Dutchman." But why would anybody wait an hour for a damned burger?

In closing my sermon, most of the packagings for In-N-Out contain a message for their God-fearing parishioners. You can find hidden codes such as "John 3:16" on the bottom of beverage cups. The verse is: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" – or at least that's what Google discovered for me. I don't know about everlasting life, but my limited minutes on earth do not include sixty wasted on waiting for a burger – whosoever grilleth them.

Mass Casualty Incident training near Brooks on Saturday, May 9

From the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians

On Saturday, May 9th, from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., approximately 150 personnel representing over 30 local fire, law enforcement, and other emergency response agencies will participate in the annual Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) training exercise. This year the exercise will involve an overturned bus with approximately 20-30 victims. The exercise will be located at the intersection of County Road 78 and State Route 16, near the town of Brooks.

Read more at the Woodland Record.

Downtowners meet tonight, ballots due

From the HWDBA:

Hoping to see you at the meeting tonight.

Thursday May 7th, 6:00 at the Daily Democrat

If you can not attend the meeting, please mark and sign your ballot (attached for your convenience) and return it to the House Dresser at 617 Main Street. Or give Anita a call today at (530)661-9596 since this is the day your ballot is needed.

Library suffers from city scrambling

By Bobby Harris
Yolo Sun

WOODLAND PUBLIC Library patrons will abruptly discover this month, that the city budget crisis is beginning to affect basic and extensive library services, long enjoyed by this community.

Gazing over the looming city budget chasm, the library’s board members are even beginning to voice plans for creating a special library district, with elected leadership and taxation authority, in order to best stabilize and properly support its key community function.

Alluding to the possibility of such a political effort, the library is approaching a “fork-in-the-road” over the upcoming budget described Sandra Briggs, its director. She has long insisted that the key social importance of library services must be perceived as substantially equal to that of traditional public safety.

Meanwhile... Woodland’s city manager, Mark Deven, is scrambling to discover and evaluate imaginative mitigation of the worsening city budget crisis. Several new ideas were announced by him before the library board at its regular meeting of April 20.

Read more at the Woodland Record.

Davis among Forbes top 25 with several California towns

Our Yolo County neighbor at the other end of the proposed Bike/NEV corridor has made America's Top 25 Towns to Live Well.

Check it out at Forbes.com.

Friends of the Library: Monday meeting to rally public against program cuts

From the Woodland Record - Letter to the Editor:

First of all, thanks for being a Friend of the Woodland Public Library. Your support translates to things like a new water softener, new computers and leather furniture, paper and supplies for the librarians, kids and adult programs and so much more. Now the library needs your help in keeping the doors open.

The current budget proposal under consideration by the city council, being reworked by the City Manager provides for the library to be open 20-25 hours a week (from the current 54). Hours of operation would be cut to afternoons and early evenings five days a week and impact "up to four staff positions with layoffs." This is allegedly going to save the city $450,000. The full document is located at this link.

Read more at the Woodland Record.

First Friday event: Four artists 'On Target' at Blue Wing Gallery

From the Woodland Record:

“On Target’ is an exhibit at the Blue Wing Gallery that honors four artists as they stay on target. It is apparent they create artwork for the simple pleasure of self expression. They are unique, inspiring and talented. Their individual personalities come across in what they make, giving each piece a distinct look only they can achieve.

This show, that begins tonight (May 1) and runs to May 29, is guaranteed to make you smile at the whimsy, intrigue you with the details and impress you with the craftsmanship. Tonight is the opening reception, 6 to 9 pm.

Read much more at the Woodland Record.

Image by Hunter, a 13 year-old mixed media cartoonist and painter.

Guns vs. knife: Deputies kill man on East Gum overcrossing

From the City of Woodland, Police:

On Thursday at approximately 2:20 pm Woodland police dispatch received a radio call for assistance from Yolo County sheriff’s deputies, giving their location as on the East Gum Avenue overcrossing at State Highway 113. The initial call was for a man down. Upon arrival Woodland police officers determined there had been an officer involved shooting and requested medical aid and additional resources to secure the scene.

Three deputies in an unmarked sheriff’s car had made contact with a Hispanic male who was walking on the south side of the overcrossing. During the contact the subject displayed a knife in a manner which caused two of the deputies to shoot the subject with their handguns. Preliminary indications are approximately four shots were fired by the two deputies. The three deputies were working in plain clothes and are part of the Yolo County Gang Task Force.

Read more at the Woodland Record.