1: After seven years of hard work, a two-year pause during the COVID-19 pandemic and an extended search for a home, the MOSAIC Children’s Museum located in Woodland enjoyed a much-awaited soft opening.

2: California State Parks announced $41.9 million in grant funding to support the diverse park needs of communities across the state. Among the recipients was Yolo County’s Knights Landing, which was awarded $814,649.

3: West Sacramento residents could get their bicycles and clothing repaired for free during the monthly West Sac Repair Cafe, which provides free repairs and maintenance lessons. The event was marketed as an “environmentally friendly event” featuring bike repairs and tips on how to fix worn-out clothes.

4: Woodland High School hit the road to start the new year, beginning GEL competition at Mesa Verde. On a rainy Tuesday evening in Sacramento County, the Mavericks overcame a 13-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the Wolves 62-59.

5: The Woodland Police Department grew by half a dozen when it welcomed six new employees with a ceremonial swearing-in and badge-pinning ceremony.

6: Carlos Dominguez, the man accused of a string of stabbings in Davis last spring, had his competency reinstated during a court hearing. Judge Samuel McAdam ruled criminal proceedings would be moving forward after receiving a report from the Department of State Hospitals in late December certifying that Dominguez was mentally competent to stand trial.

7: The Woodland Christian High School girls varsity basketball team hosted the Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning for a Central Valley California League matchup. The Cardinals trounced the Fire Wolves of Nevada City by 52 points for a final score of 55-3.

8: In the second game of league play in Orangevale, the Pioneers girls varsity basketball team crushed Casa Roble by a final score of 55-15. The Patriots led 23-1 after eight minutes of action and cruised the rest of the way.

9: The Patriots put their 13-game winning streak on the line to begin the week in Sacramento County. The girls varsity basketball team defeated the Knights in an overtime thriller 53-52.

10: The Woodland Christian High School varsity football team was honored by the Yolo County Board of Supervisors for their historic undefeated season and state championship. The Cardinals secured the CIF State Football Division 5-A Championship and completed their 15-0 season with their 23-13 win over Banning of Wilmington at El Camino College in Torrance on Dec. 9, 2023.

11: The Woodland High School girls varsity soccer team enjoyed an emphatic 4-0 win over league rivals Mira Loma.

12: The Pioneer High School varsity wrestling team celebrated Senior Night with a Golden Empire League victory against crosstown rival Woodland High School. Despite gifting the Wolves four forfeit victories, the Patriots ultimately prevailed by a final score of 51-24 after winning each of their individual matches.

13: Dignity Health announced the distribution of $1,060,274 to 15 community-based organizations in Sacramento and Yolo Counties to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations.

14: The Woodland Police Department’s 2024-26 strategic plan included participation from all city department staff. The goal was to address city and community concerns regarding public safety and quality of life.

15: The Pioneer High School varsity football team enjoyed their final season as members of the Golden Empire League, departing with lifelong memories, season-defining wins and a laundry list of award recipients. Although the Patriots didn’t end the season in the way they would have wanted, with a section championship, they still savored every second of a second-place league finish behind powerhouse Casa Roble, a win over bitter rivals Woodland High School, their first home playoff win in over 15 years and 11 players receiving first or second-team All-League selections.

16: Yolo County Supervisor Mary Sandy met with Cache Creek Conservancy Nature Preserve board chairman Jim Barrett for a short tour of the Preserve west of Woodland after announcing $6,000 in funding for school visitation programs.

17: The final report for 2023 at the Cache Creek Nature Preserve showed that more wood duck eggs are being laid and that more of those eggs are hatching. The report found that 267 wood duck eggs were laid in 2023, and of those, 142 hatched, with 141 ducklings successfully fledging.

18: Basketball reigned supreme in the city of Woodland as both the Pioneer and Woodland high school girls and boys teams laced up their sneakers to continue Golden Empire League action. The Patriots cruised to a 60-55 victory over the Wolves on the boys side. The Patriots girls team also knocked down the Wolves for a final score of 80-10.

19: The Pioneer High School boys varsity soccer team kept up their furious league pace thanks to two goals from senior Abraham Jimenez, vaulting them into second place after a 3-1 home victory over Mesa Verde.

20: Woodland Community College administrators hosted hundreds of community members for a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebrating the completion of the latest addition to campus, the brand new $42 million Performing Arts Center and Culinary Institute building.

21: He Brews Coffee attempts to help West Sacramento residents get ahead through cups of coffee and financial services. Owner Michael Hayes explained that he is a “serial entrepreneur” and opened the coffee shop — located at 1540 Jefferson Blvd. — in an empty conference room he wasn’t utilizing.

22: A light rain at Woodland Community College didn’t deter new and prospective students, with dozens turning out to get information on courses and financial aid.

23: After bringing home the City of Trees’ first state championship in any sport, the Woodland Christian High School varsity football team was honored by city officials for their historic accomplishment. Woodland Mayor Pro Tempore Rich Lansburgh presented the Cardinals with a proclamation at the Woodland Christian Performing Arts Center.

24: The Pioneer Baseball League announced the formation of Yolo County’s first professional baseball team, the High Wheelers.

25: One person was killed following an accidental shooting near Dunnigan. Investigations revealed a juvenile hunter unintentionally discharged a firearm and accidentally shot another adult hunter.

26: A new solar energy project designed to reduce costs and promote sustainability was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bayer’s Global Vegetable Research and Development site in Woodland.

27: The Yolo County Board of Supervisors approved the appointment of 15 teenagers to serve as members of the 2024 Yolo Youth Commission.

28: YoloArts’ Gallery 625 hosted a new group exhibition, “The Art of Soul,” featuring artwork that focuses on the American experience through an African American lens. The exhibition included abstract and realistic paintings, works on paper, mixed media, and digital media from regional artists and pioneering legendary artists from throughout the Sacramento region.

29: After nearly 20 years of public service in Woodland, Principal Planner Cindy Norris retired, leaving behind a trail of significant accomplishments that residents continue to benefit from today.

30: During a Yolo County Board of Supervisors meeting under the leadership of Supervisor Angel Barajas, a commendable $25,000 was earmarked specifically to fortify youth sports and facilities.

31: The Woodland Christian High School boys’ varsity soccer team concluded the week at San Juan in Sierra Delta League action. The Spartans got off to a quick start and ultimately defeated the Cardinals 5-1.