West Sacramento
News-Ledger Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Page 1
NEWS-LEDGER Entire Contents Copyright News-Ledger 2015
USPS 388-320
35 cents
Serving the West Sacramento Region Since 1964
52nd Year No. 15
Local Scene
See what’s going on. Calendar on page 9
Comics & Puzzles
Page 5
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
POLICE LOG
See page 7
Friday Night Lights in West Sacramento City celebrates the season with annual tree lighting By Bia Riaz bia@news-ledger.com Mayor Christopher Cabaldon was beaming as he walked through the bustling crowds on Friday night with his smart phone held high, filming the excitement and festivities on Periscope.tv for the world to see. This is how the city of West Sacramento kicks off the holiday season. “The lights, the music, and Santa’s arrival is all wonderful, but the best part is seeing all the people of West Sacramento gathering here to celebrate. From Broderick to Southport, they all come here to common ground. It becomes the living room of West Sacramento,” Cabaldon said. The Christmas Tree lighting event kicked off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 and was free for all to attend. The River City High School Combined Choir had the crowd dancing and singing to everyone’s favorite holiday songs. Several booths, sponsored by local businesses and community service
agencies, were there serving free hot cocoa, popcorn, and cookies for the crowds to enjoy. Karen Zebron and Alan Lange from the Yolo Family Service agency were passing out chocolate chip cookies and talking to people about the counseling and family support services available for people in West Sacramento. “We want to get the word out that we are not just a building in Woodland. We are here in West Sacramento and available to support and help families in need,” Alan said. “With dedicated professional counselors, we provide accessible counseling and mental health services to promote healthy communities for families and individuals,” Karen added. Amidst cheers and flashing lights, Santa arrived riding aboard Fire Engine 45. The West Sacramento Police Department Bike Patrol led the procession, escorting Santa in his iconic red velvet suit up to the stage. Councilmember Chris Ledesma
Photo by Stephen Crowley
welcomed Santa and presented him with a large glittering Golden Key to the City we all call home. “This evening is always very exciting. In the 10 years that we have been holding this event, the crowds have gotten bigger and
people love coming out to share and celebrate the season.” “I think the tree has gotten bigger, too!” Ledesma said. Eager children happily munching on candy canes lined up quickly by the stage to get their com-
Yolo County volunteers honored on Philanthropy Day The Yolo Community Foundation recently held its annual Philanthropy Day celebration, at which several community volunteers were honored by local nonprofits. Meg Stallard, president of the Yolo Community Foundation, said, “We started this event a number of years ago to give Yolo County nonprofit agencies a public forum to salute their volunteers and donors. Our citizens give so much of their time and treasure to good works. This helps make Yolo County a special place to live and work.” Seven Yolo County nonprofits recognized donors and/or volunteers: The Yolo Land Trust honored Carole Pirruccello and Diana Davidson, trustees of the John and Eunice Davidson Fund for their financial support of the Land Trust over several years. CommuniCare Health Centers honored contractor, donor and volunteer Scott Maxwell, who has had a hand in building CommuniCare’s facilities for many years. The Yolo Food Bank honored volunteers Dave and
Photo courtesy of Meg Stallard
A Philanthropy Day celebration was recently held by the Yolo Community Foundation. Shown here, back row, from left to right are: Sue Smith, Dave Ellis, Ed Ellis and Scott Maxwell. Shown here, front row, left to right are: Diana Davidson, Carole Pirruccello, Roz Stone, Dorothy Peterson and Mary Jo Bryan. Ed Ellis, a father and son team who began volunteering when their son/brother began working as the volunteer coordinator of the Food Bank. MaryJo Bryan was honored by Suicide Prevention of Yolo County for her many years as a board member and volunteer. She was also recognized by
the Yolo Community Foundation for her service to that organization. The Pence Gallery honored Sue Smith, who has been Co-President since 2006. Sue has coordinated the successful Pence garden tour for eight years, among other activities. Yolo Farm to Fork honored longtime volunteer
Dorothy Peterson, who began teaching gardening to school children in the 1990s before the Farm to Fork movement became fashionable. Fourth and Hope in Woodland honored volunteer cooks Jackie Scott and Roz Stone, who have provided See Philanthropy, page 4
plimentary photos with Santa. Everyone’s favorite mascot, Dinger from the River Cats, was there to oblige, as well. Inside West Sacramento City See Tree Lighting, page 2
Santa’s Fire Truck is Coming to Town! The West Sacramento Fire Department, in conjunction with the West Sacramento Firefighter’s Association, is preparing for the annual “Santa Run” through West Sacramento. With the help of many off-duty firefighter “elves,” Santa will be riding through various neighborhoods on an elaborately decorated fire truck “sleigh” and handing out candy canes purchased and donated by the West Sacramento Firefighter’s Association. Additionally, Santa will have a pickup truck following his “sleigh” with helpers collecting any canned food donations for the needy. The West Sacramento Firefighter’s Association would like to extend its most sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who come out to make canned food donations, as well as to the Fire Chief & City Manager, for permitting the usage and decoration of the ladder truck for this annual tradition. This year the Santa Run is scheduled for six nights beginning at 6 p.m. Please note that the run each evening is based on the weather conditions as well. If it rains on a scheduled night we will try to make it up the next week. The decision whether to cancel or reschedule will be made one hour prior to the run each night and will be posted on the WSFD social media outlets Twitter and Facebook to assist families with their plans. We are looking forward to a great event and hope you can join us. Santa will be in the following areas on these dates: Monday, December 7th Broderick and Bryte area: Fremont, Douglas, Andrew, Sixth, Cummins, Anna, Kegle, Carrie, Lisbon, North Hobson, and Fourness. Tuesday, December 8th North Business 80: Pine, Palomar, Marigold, Doran, Garnet, Green meadow, Evergreen, Sycamore, Buckeye, Poplar, Proctor, WilSee Fire Truck, page 4