June 21, 2024
Friends,
I hope you are already planning to join me at my Birthday Party with a Purpose, benefitting Meals on Wheels Yolo County, next Thursday, June 27, 6:00-9:00pm at Sudwerk! If you haven't bought your tickets yet, this is the final countdown, so be sure to buy them ASAP. There will be limited tickets available at the door. You won't want to miss good food, drink & incredible company, all for an amazing cause!
In this week's newsletter, I share information regarding Clean Air Funds Awards, the upcoming Woodland Pride parade, information regarding a Yolo County job fair and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
ps A note from District 2 staff, Tara & Emily: please join us in wishing a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Supervisor Frerichs this Sunday, June 23! We wish him all good things for the year ahead and beyond!
June 14, 2024
Friends,
It is graduation season again and if you are, or someone in your family is, a graduate this year I share my congratulations to you/them on the impressive and well-earned accomplishment!
In this week's newsletter, I share information regarding Kate Humphrey Day in Yolo County; Juneteenth will be recognized on June 19 and County offices will be closed; upcoming Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) public comment opportunities; a Partnership HealthPlan and Dignity/CommonSpirit Health contract agreement update; a recap of this week's Board of Supervisors budget meeting, and more. Additionally, I highlight a few upcoming events, including Yolo Transportation Open House dates; some new and exciting details regarding my upcoming birthday party fundraiser, benefiting Meals on Wheels Yolo County, including who the band will be (spoiler - they are phenomenal!)! Limited tickets will be available at the door, so be sure to get your tickets now!
In appreciation,
Lucas
June 07, 2024
Friends,
We had quite a heat wave earlier this week and both my dog, Berry, and I are grateful for the cooler temps today and forecasted for the weekend ahead!
In this week's newsletter, I share information regarding this week's Board of Supervisors meeting; introducing Berty, the new Yolo County Agricultural Detector dog; memorial service information for the late Delaine Eastin, the "In the Key of Davis" public piano program returns, and more. Additionally, I highlight a few upcoming events, including the Davis Music Fest. I share information about my birthday party fundraiser again, which will take place Thursday, June 27 and will benefit Meals on Wheels Yolo County. As a reminder, ticket and sponsorship options are included here. I hope you will join us in support of Meals on Wheels Yolo County!
In appreciation,
Lucas
May 31, 2024
Friends,
The heat has returned to Yolo County and I hope you and your furry friends are able to stay cool and hydrated. Our Yolo County libraries are excellent respite buildings to curl up with a good book or participate in one of their many events offered and stay cool!
In this week's newsletter, I share information regarding a historic event I had the honor of attending yesterday, celebrating the signing of the addition of Molok Luyuk to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument; I provide information regarding the upcoming 2024 Wear Orange/National Gun Violence Awareness Day events; information on June is Pride Month, including the 10th Davis Pride festival happening tomorrow, June 1; a kitten adoption event, also happening tomorrow; an opportunity for free Yolo High Wheelers baseball tickets and more. Additionally, I highlight a few upcoming events, including the ones mentioned, above, and my birthday party fundraiser, taking place Thursday, June 27 and benefiting Meals on Wheels Yolo County. As a reminder, ticket and sponsorship options are included here. I hope you will join me!
In appreciation,
Lucas
July 12, 2024
Friends,
This continued heat has been remarkable and I hope you have managed to stay indoors as much as possible, are staying well hydrated and are checking on friends, family, neighbors and pets!
As the above photos convey, I was thrilled to attend Winters' Elder Day celebration on June 29. You can read about this lovely event in the Winters Express, here. I'd be remiss if I didn't give a big shout-out to Wally Pearce. Wally is the organizer behind this special annual event and I appreciate his dedication and attention to detail in recognizing some of our most seasoned community members each year. Elder Day is one of my favorite Winters events!
In this week's newsletter, I share updates regarding our most recent Yolo Western Agricultural Roundtable; news about a new playground for the El Rio Villa community; a recap of the July 9th Board of Supervisors meeting; introducing our new intern, Clara Ault; upcoming events and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
July 19, 2024
Friends,
The attempted assassination by a gunman of former President Donald Trump is deeply disturbing. Political violence is never the answer. Like many of you, I believe the core strength of our democracy is that we exercise our collective will by our vote. Violence (of any kind) only serves to undermine and erode our democracy, and our shared humanity. I have also been thinking of the individual who was killed, his family, and those who were also injured. Lastly, I am grateful to the public safety and law enforcement officials who bravely intervened and responded.
In this week's newsletter, I share updates regarding a new bike lane on the border of Solano and Yolo Counties, in memory of bicycle enthusiast and former Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District Director Mat Ehrhardt; an update on the Roadmap to the Future Needs Assessment data; a recent Surgeon General public health crisis declaration; information on a new AgHire program; local volunteer opportunities; upcoming events and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
July 26, 2024
Friends,
I drove a Meals on Wheels Davis Sunrise Rotary volunteer delivery shift this week and this particular community engagement always fills me up with joy and appreciation that I live in and have the honor of serving such a vibrant and supportive County! I encourage anyone who is interested in doing this to sign up to volunteer with Meals on Wheels Yolo County.
In this week's newsletter, I share news of longtime community member, Robin Affrime's passing; updates regarding this week's Board of Supervisors meeting and the Dunnigan Community Plan; July is Parks Make Life Better Month; upcoming events and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
August 09, 2024
Friends,
Many of you may have noticed the initial repaving work on the County Roads 31, 93A, and Russell Blvd corridor. The current state of the road is not the final product! The second treatment of the roadway began this week, and we expect the final treatment layer in a few weeks, followed by road striping. Upon completion, this corridor will be similar to the recent repaving of County Road 96. While there will be a few more weeks of potential inconvenience during the repaving process, I’m so grateful to the County Public Works staff for prioritizing re-pavement of this important transportation corridor.
In this week's newsletter, I share information about a recent California State Association of Counties (CSAC) visit to Yolo County; a Social Security turns 89 event; a photo exhibit by Winters' resident Woody Fridae; as well as upcoming events and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
August 16, 2024
Friends,
Mid-August means it’s time for the Yolo County Fair and I was fortunate to visit the fair this week, grab some lunch (Holy Rosary Tacos!), and check out the FFA & 4H livestock auction and other exhibits.
The Yolo County Fair is the largest and oldest free gate fair in California. It maintains this status because of the hundreds of volunteers, county/community support, sponsorships, and partnerships with county businesses and individuals.
This year, the Fair runs through Sunday, August 18, so be sure to head on over this weekend!
In this week's newsletter, I share information regarding County Road maintenance updates; last week's Winters National Night out (& October's City of Davis corresponding event); news of two West Nile cases in Yolo County & how to Fight the Bite; Youth Empowered through Action (YEA!) grant opportunity; as well as upcoming events and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
August 23, 2024
Friends,
It is hard to believe that local schools are back in session (Winters), or will be next week (Davis) - summer definitely flew by! With the start of school, I'd like to remind us all that there will be more kids walking and riding their bikes around town, so I encourage us all to slow down and be mindful of them!
In case it is helpful, here are the Davis and Winters 2024-25 school district calendars for your reference:
Davis Joint Unified 2024-25 calendar
Winters Joint Unified 2024-25 School Calendar
In this week's newsletter, I am launching a new periodic feature, called "Peek Inside Yolo County" and this week I highlight the Yolo Landfill's Big Blue Barn thrift store. I also share information regarding next week's Board of Supervisors meeting; NAMI Yolo County updates; harmful algal blooms; seeking volunteers, as well as upcoming events and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
August 30, 2024
Friends,
On Monday, September 2, we will celebrate Labor Day by honoring our hardworking labor force. Labor Day is a chance to recognize the sweat and determination behind every job. From our first responders to nurses to our educators, from our construction crews, County staff and to our service industry workers, each person contributes to our county's success.
In this week's newsletter, I highlight key items from this week's Board of Supervisors meeting; a new open space grand opening in neighboring Solano County; the City of Davis receives a notable recycling award; continuing to seek volunteers; upcoming events and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
September 6, 2024
Friends,
Yesterday I had the great privilege of meeting with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Tribal Council. The Yolo County Board of Supervisors and the Yocha Dehe Tribal Council have developed a strong government-to-government relationship, recognizing each has a responsibility to provide for the health and well-being of our respective constituents. Since 2002, the Tribe and County have honored a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to mitigate the impacts of the gaming operations in the Capay Valley and provide additional direct financial support to the County for operations and the overall benefit of residents countywide. This funding has supported the Yolo County Sheriff’s Capay Valley Patrol division, among numerous other investments in county services. Beyond these financial contributions, I'm grateful for the mutually supportive relationship between the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and Yolo County, a government to government relationship that is not as strong in other parts of California. Examples of our positive and collaborative relationship include the joint work with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and the joint advocacy for the recent addition of Molok Luyuk to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. I am grateful for our ongoing partnership and look forward to future opportunities for collaboration.
In this week’s newsletter I highlight items planned for next week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, NAMIWalks, safety tips for bicycling to school, a reminder of National Pet Memorial Day, and upcoming events.
In appreciation,
Lucas
September 13, 2024
Friends,
This past Wednesday marked one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, 23 years ago, on September 11, 2001. I feel it’s especially important to pay tribute to this day considering that one-fifth of Americans, nearly 70 million of us, weren’t even born yet by that fateful day.
I attended a local remembrance ceremony and I am thankful for Davis Firefighter Luis Parrilla’s eloquent talk recounting his connection to New York City and how he assisted with recovery efforts just after 9/11. Thank you Davis Firefighters Local 3494 and City of Davis Fire Department for organizing this annual tribute to all the victims, including the 343 New York City firefighters, who lost their lives on that horrific day. I will never forget.
Please be aware that between September 16-20, the Yolo County Public Works Division will be completing bike path maintenance along Russell Boulevard, between County Road 98 and Patwin Road. Bike path users may experience path closures between County Road 98 and Lake Boulevard during the week as the county attempts to promptly complete the work. Motorists may also experience lane closures along Russell Boulevard, for the contractor to safely maneuver, and are also cautioned to share the road with cyclists who will be shifted to Russell Boulevard during this work. For Yolo County road closure information, click here. Read the full press release here.
In this week’s newsletter I highlight items from the Tuesday, September 10th Board of Supervisors meeting, as well as some events that took place this week, like the Yolo Land Trust's 35th Annual A Day in the Country and Valley' Vision's 30th Anniversary celebration; an update on Davis' Central Park Improvements Project, including Natalie's Corner; important I-80 and I-50 road closure information; and upcoming events.
In appreciation,
Lucas
September 20, 2024
Friends,
I hope you are enjoying this mild weather as much as I am! Additionally, the moon has been a treat to view this week, so be sure to take a peek before it wanes!
In this week’s newsletter I highlight an upcoming COVID-19 memorial dedication; we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month; a recap of our Environmental Roundtable we held in Davis this week; a Board of Supervisors meeting preview; upcoming events and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
September 27, 2024
Friends,
During closed session of this week's Yolo County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board accepted the resignation of our County Administrator, Gerardo Pinedo, who will end his service to the County on October 4.
In addition to accepting Gerardo's resignation, the Board also directed the Office of the County Counsel to develop a contract with Dirk Brazil to serve as the interim County Administrative Officer after Gerardo's departure. That contract will be presented to the Board for consideration on October 8, and Dirk's anticipated start date is October 14th. Mark Bryan, Deputy County Administrative Officer, will serve as the Acting CAO for any gap period between Gerardo and Dirk.
Dirk previously served as the Assistant County Administrator for Yolo County, and City Manager of Davis. Since his retirement he has served in multiple interim executive leadership positions. I am grateful for Gerardo's service as CAO of Yolo County and for Dirk's willingness to support Yolo County during this time of transition as we begin the search for a new County Administrator.
In this week’s newsletter I highlight a new Yolo emergency alert system; City of Davis Chief of Police news; Emergency Preparedness month; COVID-19 memorial; upcoming events and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
October 04, 2024
Friends,
This week's extended heat wave has been remarkable. I hope you are able to find ways to cool down. Please remember that our county buildings, including our local libraries, provide air conditioning during business hours to community members. You can check out a book, magazine or newspaper, join a community event or utilize one of the many additional services our libraries provide to our communities, all while staying cool in the provided air conditioning!
In this week’s newsletter I highlight the Women in Leadership event I co-hosted this week in Davis with Supervisor Mary Vixie Sandy; a preview of next week's Board of Supervisors meeting; the International House's I-fest taking place this weekend; an October 21 community Domestic Violence Awareness forum, among many other upcoming events, and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
October 11, 2024
Friends,
I was grateful for the invitation to speak at Monday's October 7 commemorative event in Davis' Central Park, marking the one year anniversary of the horrific and deadly October 7th Hamas-led attack on Israel. I stand with the Jewish community as an ally, a neighbor, and a friend. One year later, this moment is about coming together as a community to remember and honor the lives lost, those taken that day who remain in captivity, and leaning on one another for strength in such a difficult time.
It is not lost on me that all of this is happening during the busy High Holy Days in the Jewish community, a time when tradition calls for Jews to look ahead and not just reflect on the past. My hope is that our community can lean on one another, have greater patience and understanding of our differences, appreciate our common goals for peace and that the remaining hostages will be freed very soon.
In this week’s newsletter I highlight October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; I provide a recap of this week's Board of Supervisors meeting; the Yolo County Elections office provides an update of their work; a list of upcoming events, and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
October 18, 2024
Friends,
t is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of October already, and with that, it is important to note that the last day to register to vote for the November 5, 2024, General Election is Monday, October 21, 2024. Mail-in ballots, which are mailed to every registered voter in the state of California, should have arrived by Monday, October 14. If you have not received a mail-in ballot yet, please contact the Yolo County Election Office. You can vote early by mailing your completed ballot back in the included envelope (no postage necessary & remember to sign the envelope!), dropping off your completed ballot in any drop box or at the County Elections office located at 625 Court St, Woodland. You can also vote in person starting Saturday, October 26. Your vote is your voice, so please be sure to vote!
In this week’s newsletter I highlight the 36th Concilio of Yolo County Recognition event that was held this past weekend; our latest Yolo Gun Violence Prevention Collaborative work; a Board of Supervisors meeting preview; another Interstate 80 road closure alert for this weekend; a list of upcoming events, including Monday's Yolo County Domestic Violence Awareness forum that will be held in Davis (RSVP here); and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
October 25, 2024
Friends,
One of the best things about living and working in Yolo County is the seemingly endless opportunities to engage with our community. This past weekend was no exception! On Saturday, I joined the Thriving Pink team on their Breast Cancer Community Walk. While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Thriving Pink hosts a walk every month for breast cancer survivors, family members, & friends. It is an opportunity to spend an hour outside walking and getting to know each other in a casual, supportive setting. I am always humbled and honored to support the efforts of Thriving Pink, not just in October, but throughout the year.
On Sunday, I joined Fairfield Elementary School as emcee for their annual Fall Fest & Auction. It was a fun time and the PTA raised over $20,000 of much needed funds for the school!
In this week’s newsletter I highlight a recap from this week's Domestic Violence Awareness forum; YoloBus is considering adding back some Davis-Sacramento express bus commute routes, but they need to hear from riders & are asking for public input through Monday, November 18; a Board of Supervisors meeting summary; USDA Rural Development grant and loan opportunities; the Yolo County Planning Commission & MCAH Advisory Board are both seeking volunteers; upcoming events and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
November 01, 2024
Friends,
In case you've lost track of time, today is November 1st and the 2024 Presidential Election is next Tuesday, November 5! Early voting is on-going through Tuesday at 8:00pm. My staff and I dropped our ballots in one of the many county ballot drop boxes this week and I encourage you to be sure to vote as well, either by filling out your ballot at home & dropping it in a dropbox, or by voting in person! You can find election services information HERE and I provide additional election information below.
In this week’s newsletter, in addition to the aforementioned voter information, I also highlight the City of Winters' 7th Annual Salmon Festival; I provide an update on the North Davis Meadows Water Project; and I include County volunteer opportunities again, as well as upcoming events, and more.
In appreciation,
Lucas
November 08, 2024
Friends,
The biggest news this week is the the 2024 Presidential Election result. Additionally, ballot counting continues locally and throughout the state.
As with any election, some people are satisfied with the outcome and others are disappointed in the results. There are numerous emotions that many of us are still processing, and while I am personally disappointed and not without worry, I am also filled with hope and resolve for the future.
Additionally, I am grateful to voters for passing Measure T, which allows us to fund operations of the newest branch of the Yolo County Library, soon to be constructed in South Davis.
The work of counties is non-partisan. County governments exist to serve all our residents, without qualifiers, whether political affiliation, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or legal status, etc.
Also, so much of the work of all counties involves the protection of vulnerable populations and the building of healthy, safe and resilient communities, which is what I and my colleagues focus on every day.
My commitment to you all is to continue to work as I’ve consistently done during my 12+ years in public service: showing up, collaborating with others, serving as an ally, looking out for your interests, and advocating for policies that support vulnerable populations and help to strengthen all of our communities.
I look forward to engaging in this work with each of you, because I fundamentally believe that we are stronger together.
As a reminder, Monday, November 11 is Veterans' Day and all County offices will be closed in observance. I encourage everyone to join a Veterans' Day event on Monday. Davis is having an event at the Davis Cemetery starting at 10:30am. Details are in the photo (and linked), above.
In this week’s newsletter, I provide a recap of this week's Board of Supervisors meeting and provide a preview of next week's meeting; I highlight the STEAC 2024 Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program; public comment period for the Yolo County Mental Health Services Act Annual update and I include County volunteer opportunities again, as well as upcoming events, and more.
As always, thanks for reading, and please let me know how I can be of service.
In appreciation,
Lucas
NewsletteR
November 15, 2024
Friends,
This week, I was honored to join the Winters Cemetery District Board for their meeting where we recognized Sheila Carbahal for her 17 years of service with the the Winters Cemetery District, 11 of which Sheila served as Manager of the District. In 2013, Sheila was instrumental, together with the Board of Supervisors, in changing the Winters Cemetery District’s Board of Trustees from 3 to 5 members, which was paramount in raising transparency and accountability standards. Sheila also raised awareness regarding funds that were overdue to the Cemetery District and with these funds, the Board was able to make meaningful changes and upgrades to the Cemetery infrastructure, headstones and office improvements. You can read the proclamation here.
In this week’s newsletter, I highlight: this Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting; celebrating the new Knights Landing Park; a Yolo County Veterans' Affairs update; I also include County volunteer opportunities again, as well as upcoming events, and more.
As always, thanks for reading, and please let me know how I can be of service.
In appreciation,
Lucas
November 27, 2024
Friends,
I am wishing you all an incredible Thanksgiving holiday, filled with good food, meaningful conversations and time with those you hold dear to your heart. This is my second Thanksgiving in my role as a County Supervisor and I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of continuing to serve our engaged, caring and vibrant community. I am equally appreciative of our hardworking and dedicated Yolo County staff, our sister agency partners and our many community nonprofit organizations and volunteers.
As illustrated in the above photo, I was fortunate to start off this week of giving thanks by helping distribute turkey baskets to those in need on Monday morning. A huge thank you to the Davis Firefighters Local 3494 leadership for their annual “Fill the Boot” community fundraising campaign which helps feed hundreds of local families.
Here's to a Thanksgiving filled with love and treasured moments.
In this week's newsletter, I highlight next week's Board of Supervisors meeting items of note; upcoming cities of Davis and Winters Holiday festivities; a reminder to share your input regarding the new Davis Library proposed art installations; volunteers are still needed, upcoming events and more!
As always, thanks for reading, and please let me know how I can be of service.
In appreciation,
Lucas
November 22, 2024
Friends,
Though his retirement was official a couple of weeks ago, now Ret. Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel was recognized for his decades of service to our community at this week's Davis City Council meeting. Darren grew up in Davis and started his police career as a police cadet at age 14. He then worked his way through the ranks, as a bike enforcement officer, police officer, sergeant/watch commander, lieutenant and captain before taking the role of Chief of Police in 2013. I have known Darren for many years, including my time working with him while I served on Davis City Council. He is a smart, caring, good man. We will miss his official presence around the community, but I wish him years of happiness in his retirement.
Also at this week's Davis City Council meeting, Chief Todd Henry was sworn into office as our new Davis Chief of Police, with Ret Chief Pytel performing the honors. As I touched on in my September 27th newsletter, Chief Henry has more than 28 years of public safety experience, including serving as Deputy Chief here in Davis since Spring of 2023. Welcome to your new role, Chief Henry!
In this week's newsletter, I highlight an exciting new public sector apprenticeship pilot program partnership; upcoming Holiday food distribution options; this week's Yolo Philanthropy Awards Ceremony; an opportunity to help choose a public art installation for the new Davis library; volunteers are still needed, upcoming events and more!
As always, thanks for reading, and please let me know how I can be of service.
In appreciation,
Lucas
December 08, 2024
Friends,
Earlier this week, I was honored to to join our new State Senator Christopher Cabaldon for his swearing in ceremony and reception. I’ve been grateful for our policy work together over many years and am so excited to see him in action working on our behalf in the California State Legislature in Sacramento. I also look forward to our continued collaborative work supporting both Yolo County and regional initiatives and priorities.
In this week's newsletter, I highlight items from the December 3rd Board of Supervisors meeting, including the adoption of the 2030 Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP), a resolution honoring the Bracero legacy in Yolo County, and a celebration of First 5 Yolo's 25th anniversary; a City of Davis community statement regarding local immigration policies; a "Stuff the Bus" event; volunteers are still needed, and more upcoming events!
As always, thanks for reading, and please let me know how I can be of service.
In appreciation,
Lucas
December 13, 2024
Friends,
In case you haven't heard, UC Davis has some exciting sport news! This past Saturday, the UC Davis Aggie football team beat Illinois State in their playoff game at UC Davis Health Stadium. The Aggies now advance to the NCAA FCS Playoff Quarterfinals, where they will face No. 4 South Dakota State for an NCAA Division I Championship Quarterfinal match-up and a chance at the semifinals. This game will take place in South Dakota this Saturday, December 14, with a 12:00pm PST start time on ESPN+. Go Ags!
In this week's newsletter, I highlight Supervisor Jim Provenza's retirement after an esteemed career of public service; a Yolo County sustainability update; Winters City Council news; volunteers are still needed; upcoming events & more!
As always, thanks for reading, and please let me know how I can be of service.
In appreciation,
Lucas