Supes approve 26 layoffs to address $35M deficit

“I do think we’re sort of in this moment of a perfect storm of continued rising costs, a historically low percentage of property tax revenue to the county, relatively stagnant revenue growth, also of course overlaid by the federal hostility towards local governments,” said District 2 Supervisor Lucas Frerichs. “I think all of that leads us to the need to do the right sizing of the organization and take these necessary budget actions today. I think that of course we’re going to keep working on revenue enhancements in addition to additional potential efficiencies. I wish we didn’t have to take an action like this today but I think we have no other choice.”

Davis Enterprise, R Wasik, 6.09.2026

First 5 Yolo Commission announces appointment of Victoria Zimmerle as the agency’s CEO

“Victoria brings both a passion for First 5 Yolo’s mission and a deep understanding of the operations and programmatic work,” said Yolo County Supervisor and First 5 Yolo Commission Chair Lucas Frerichs. “Even at a time of economic uncertainty and with looming funding cuts to vital social safety net programs, the Commission is confident that through Victoria’s leadership, the agency will continue to uplift and support Yolo County’s youngest children during their most formative years.”

Daily Democrat, T Heeden, 6.02.2026

State of Winters from Yolo County District 2 Supervisor Lucas Frerichs | Focus on Winters

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of the greater Winters area, in addition to my other District 2 responsibilities, and I look forward to working in partnership to continue to make Yolo County a wonderful place to work, live, and visit.”

Daily Democrat, 5.05.26

Frerichs' supervisor re-election bid: 'Best job I've ever had'

“First of all, it’s the best job I’ve ever had,” stated Frerichs. “The work of counties is so essential. I think a lot of people don’t necessarily know exactly what counties do. They might be familiar with a tax collector, or elections of libraries in the case of Yolo, but so much of the work of counties is about serving and helping vulnerable populations. Whether it’s food programs, mental health services. There’s just so many social services programs and human services programs that counties provide and that work is really fulfilling.”

Davis Enterprise, R Wasik, 04.30.26

Stevenson Bridge rehabilitation project to begin in May

“The crossing of Stevenson Bridge is an important route for many modes, including bicyclists, and this temporary closure will present an inconvenience for those who frequently use this path for recreation and commuting,” said District 2 Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs. “Yolo County will continue to perform monthly street sweeping and vegetation maintenance along County Road 31 to improve bicycle safety for those using this alternate route more frequently due to the temporary construction closure of Stevenson Bridge.”

Davis Enterprise, 04.08.26

Yolo County convenes regional leaders to strengthen gun violence prevention efforts

“This week’s meeting was a powerful reminder of why this collaborative exists,” Frerichs said. “I’m deeply grateful to Congressman Mike Thompson and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords for joining us, both of whom continue to be national champions for safer communities. By showing up consistently to learn, discuss, and connect, we strengthen the relationships and strategies that make Yolo County safer and more resilient.”

Davis Enterprise, 04.03.26

Supes updated on status of Animal Services

“I think that progress is being made,” said Supervisor Lucas Frerichs. “Obviously it’s not as fast as we would like but I think we are really moving in the right direction.”

Davis Enterprise, R. Wasik, 03.25.26

Local leaders and institutions respond to Chávez allegations

We, past and present elected, leaders of Yolo County stand together in support of survivors and against sexual abuse and harassment.

As current and former elected officials, we commit to respecting and maintaining appropriate boundaries in both public and private spheres, and to holding one another accountable for our behavior and actions…We honor the courage it takes to come forward, especially from communities fighting injustice, and encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual abuse or harassment to do so.

Davis Enterprise, M. Stark, 03.18.26

First 5 Yolo CEO announces retirement

“Gina’s vision, dedication, and strategic leadership have helped strengthen early childhood systems across our county,” said Yolo County Supervisor and First 5 Yolo Commission Chair Lucas Frerichs. “Her work has expanded resources for young children and positioned First 5 Yolo as a leader in innovative approaches to improving outcomes for families.”

Davis Enterprise, 03.16.26

Frerichs' Party with a Purpose set for May

“Domestic violence doesn’t just impact adult survivors, but it also harms children in the household,” said Frerichs. “I’m so grateful Empower Yolo provides important services throughout Yolo County for adult and youth survivors of violence and abuse. I look forward to bringing our community together to support Empower Yolo’s children’s programs at this year’s Party with a Purpose.”

Davis Enterprise, 3.06.2026

City, county, UCD meet for annual 'town-gown' event

Supervisor Frerichs said the county is committed to at least maintaining the status quo when it comes to CalFresh benefits. This means an additional ongoing cost of $1 million per year from the county to keep those enrolled receiving benefits. 

Frerichs also stressed the importance of the county having staff representatives at the UCD’s Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center to help connect them with food sources during these trying times. 

“Having county staff embedded right in the heart of campus, I think is a real success story,” emphasized Frerichs. “I don’t know if there’s an ability to do more of that at some point in the future, if there’s more space either there or somewhere else on campus the possibility of just you know, lowering the barriers for students to be able to access benefits. I think that’s a really positive thing.”

Davis Enterprise, R. Wasik & M. Stark, 03.03.26

Supes discuss governance for animal services

Supervisor Lucas Frerichs says that while improvements have been made to Animal Services since its move from the Sheriff’s department to under the Community Services umbrella, numerous challenges still exist. 

“We’re literally home to the number one vet school in the nation,” remarked Frerichs. “...I feel like there has to be a way to partner to benefit both the animals in our care but also the students as well at the university and their educational experience.”

Davis Enterprise, R. Wasik, 02.11.26

Supes receive budget outlook for 2026-27

Vixie Sandy said the scope of what the county does as a whole may need to be reduced. For example, Supervisor Lucas Frerichs suggested that staff provide the board with examples of reduced service. He offered an example of the county’s library service being reduced from seven-days-a-week to five days to show the community what is really at stake. 

“There should be some demonstration and examples provided of what that would look like,” said Frerichs. “Is there some savings to be had from having a reduction in the full spectrum of services that we provide currently?”

The board received an update on the impacts of H.R. 1 on Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency operations, as well as CalFresh for fiscal year 2026-27. 

“If we want stable residents, stability within our vulnerable populations, access to food is just chief among those issues,” remarked Frerichs. “H.R. 1, it may be big, but there’s nothing beautiful about it.”

Davis Enterprise, R. Wasik, 01.14.26

Supes approve mining-permit extension along Cache Creek

District 2 Supervisor Lucas Frerichs asked that work begin on the update in 2026, stating that beginning the update in 2029 would technically put the county three years behind schedule. Frerichs says he believes aggregate is one of the building blocks for all aspects of build society. While he acknowledges there are alternatives and that people may disagree with him, he thinks that this is a reality that currently exists in the county and the world. He also knows that many people dislike mining of any type and do not want it to occur in Yolo County. “I do think that there is a bit of a misconception though around this issue that if we stop it (mining) in Yolo, then impacts somehow don’t exist somewhere else or that they’re just transferred to some other location,” said Frerichs. “Other jurisdictions do not have as stringent of local regulations around how mining operations are conducted or the work that’s supposed to be done…This is one of the more stringent or restrictive local ordinances on mining in the entire state of California.”

Davis Enterprise, R. Wasik, 12.15.25

Yolo County’s $40 million budget deficit is decades in the making. How did we end up here?

Another challenge for raising revenue is that Yolo County has long focused development efforts in its urban areas and worked hard to preserve agricultural land. “The county has made been very intentional for 50 years at least, but probably longer, of directing our growth into the four cities,” Frerichs said.

That decision has minimized sprawl and maintained the county’s agricultural heritage, but it has also meant less development on unincorporated county land, which is one of the ways to bring in revenue. “It doesn’t chew up and totally destroy this amazing, world-class ag land. At the same time, it has just resulted in less money,” Frerichs said. “If the development is happening in the cities — West Sacramento and Davis or wherever — then those cities are the ones benefiting financially from that development, that growth.”

Abridged, D. Hennessy, 12.9.25

Yolo County extends controversial gravel mining permit along Cache Creek

Supervisor Lucas Frerichs, who raised the issue of revisiting the CCAP in 2026, noted the importance of both the product and environmental restrictions. “This is one of the more stringent restrictions on mining in the entire state of California,” he said. As a result, if gravel mine operators were to move elsewhere, they would likely be subject to fewer regulations.

Abridged, D. Hennessy, 12.9.25

Thompson bill aims to reinstate clean energy investments

District 2 Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs says clean, renewable energy is something that Yolo County holds dear in its values, but providing it to county buildings and constituents has been made harder after the “Big Beautiful Bill.” “We previously were able to take advantage of solar tax credits,” said Frerichs. “$8.6 million here in Yolo County was utilized previously. That has done wonders for us in Yolo County helping to reach some of our climate goals. It has also provided numerous jobs in the clean tech and clean energy sectors as well. We’re going to really have a lot of challenges now that these types of tools have been taken away from us.”

Davis Enterprise, R. Wasik, 12.8.25

Yolo County Allocates Emergency Funds to Support CalFresh Recipients as Trump Administration Defies Court Order on Food Aid

Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs emphasized that the county’s actions reflect its values. “My role as County Supervisor is first and foremost to serve and protect our most vulnerable neighbors — children, families, and seniors across Yolo County,” he said. “With the uncertainty surrounding CalFresh benefits, food insecurity is rising. True to the Yolo Way, leaders and community members are stepping up with urgency and compassion through the new Food First initiative, ensuring that no one in our community is left behind.”

Davis Vanguard, D Greenwald, 11.5.25

Yolo County faces financial fallout of Esparto fireworks explosion

District 2 Supervisor Lucas Frerichs spoke about the importance of devoting resources to cleaning up the site. “Who knows what’s in the soil out there,” he said. “The safety of the public is our business.”

Abridged, D Hennessy, 9.23.25

Yolo County Latino Heritage events adjust to immigration policy fear

County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs, whose district includes Winters, said he was saddened by the change but supported the prioritization of the community’s safety. “We are living in uncertain times, and many residents, despite being upstanding members of our society, live in fear of being targeted simply for who they are,” he said in an emailed statement.

Abridged, D Hennessy, 9.19.25