On proposed Woodland Public Library mural

I have three reasons for objecting to the proposed mural on the west side of the library:

I LOVE this historic Carnegie Library

I LOVE the internationally acclaimed rose garden

And I LOVE democracy

The original Carnegie Library was built in 1905 and expanded in 1915, 1927, and 1988.

Go stand on Court Street and look. Note how really beautiful it is, going from more traditional Mission Revival with a large wall mass and arched windows on the east.

The Yolo Library addition which is so grounded and settling to the viewer, with its perfect, columned symmetry. Gaze moving west and note how graceful the tall, narrow windows are. These windows lighten things up in an almost lyrical way and are aesthetic genius. Most architects would have repeated some version of the mission-style mass of the original building. So this library is not only historic but an example of exquisite architecture.

Some argue that because the last addition was done in 1988 it’s not historic. There are many who say any addition to a historic building IS historic. I’m in that camp. We are so lucky to have this jewel in the middle of our city, and our job is to protect the whole building.

Also, I love the rose garden. It is internationally acclaimed as a Garden of Excellence. People come from around the world to see this garden. In our research, we couldn’t find any acclaimed gardens with murals. You can see the photo of the west wall that I’ve colored in to show where they’re planning the mural placement. You can see how it will clash with and overcome the beauty of the rose-covered arches and the rest of the garden, which now is so peaceful, contemplative, and “living art.”

And I love democracy. This is a city property, meaning it’s citizen- and taxpayer-owned. It seems that the whole process of deciding to place a mural, choosing the Sacramento artist (why not a Woodland artist?), and the artist already paid for proposed concepts- has all happened under the cover of darkness.

The Rose Club who should have had a voice from the beginning- only found out about it when they saw someone measuring the wall. By then the process of moving forward was in full swing. I don’t know what democracy would look like here, but I know this isn’t it.

— By Nancy Fischer, Woodland

The Salvation Army thanks volunteers and contributors of Back to School Shopping Spree

On Aug. 10, the Salvation Army, with the assistance of other organizations, held their annual Shopping Spree at JC Penny, where 80 local children from low-income families could get some needed back—to—school clothes.

“We can’t do it alone,” stated the FieId Representative for The Salvation Army Woodland Branch, Stephanie Lopez Vassar, who was in charge of the event. “Not one organization can do it alone. It takes all of us who are here to provide the assistance we want. The all of us.”

The organizations she was referencing included Woodland Service Centers members: Coordinator, Treasea Hernandez (Assistant to Stephanie) Secretary, Marv Hale(volunteer sign-in), Susan Vogelesang (Lions Club Liaison), Rosie Caraveo (School District Liason), Dave Sloan (Kiwanis cook), Steve Barzo (Kiwanis Club Liaison), Lance Davis (shopper check-in), Karisa Lansburg (volunteer sign in).

Other individuals included Fair Manager Ernie Roncoroni Of Sunset Lions (for the loan of table and chairs) and Cub Pack 166, led by Pack Leader Scott Wong, for setting the tables up and taking them down.

City Children’s Librarian Sarah Vickers donated the children’s books, Woodland Host Lions furnished Lions Vision Van, Optometrist Joe Huang examined children’s eyes assisted by daughters Jordyn and Joel, Robert Stoermer Sunset Lion drove the van, Reveille Lions furnished and served breakfast, Woodland Kiwanis cooked breakfast on their grill, County Health and Human Development provided a demonstration on car safety seat installation, JC Penny Manager Ruby Galindo and her staff for assistance provided.

Edward Jones supplied backpacks filled with school supplies distributed by Rosie and Assoc, the Woodland Police Department Activities League donated shoes for Woodland children, and the Soroptimist International Club donated shoes for surrounding areas.

The Winters P.D. supplied shoes to children beyond the area, the Woodland Kiwanis Club donated a generous $3,500 ($500 increase over last year) toward clothing costs to offset raising prices.

The Woodland Host Lions Club, Woodland Kiwanis Club, and Woodland Fire Department were the primary organizations that provided volunteers to chaperone last year. This year, there were more volunteers to serve as chaperons than ever before because the word was gotten out to get other organizations interested in joining in the service that the shopping spree provides and volunteers from the following organizations were recruited: Holy Rosary Chapel, Life Pointe Church, Life Pointe Church East, Sun Rise Rotary Club, The Soroptimist International Club, Woodland Police Department, Winters Police Cadets.

The Salvation Army thanks so much all of these volunteers and contributors, including the centerpiece story of the Woodland Daily Democrat, for helping this year’s spree, and we look forward to seeing you back for more service to the children next year. Also, we hope you will join us in our efforts to pay for much of the cost of this event by promoting ringing a bell during our Red Kettle Campaign.

— By Marv Hale, Secretary The Salvation Army Woodland