Woodland, California
Encyclopedia
Woodland is the county seat
of Yolo County, California
, located approximately 15 miles (24.1 km) northwest of Sacramento
, and is a part of the Sacramento - Arden-Arcade
- Roseville
Metropolitan Statistical Area
. The population was 55,468 at the 2010 census.
Woodland's origins trace back to 1850 when California gained its statehood and Yolo County was established. Since the town started growing in population and resources, it has not stopped. The area was well irrigated due to the efforts of James Monroe, and this drew people out to try their hand at farming. The endeavor was successful as people found the soil in the area very fertile. The city gained a federal post office and the next year the county seat was moved from Washington (present day West Sacramento, California
) to Woodland after Washington was flooded. The addition of a railroad line, the close proximity to Sacramento, and the more recent addition of Interstate 5
, helped create a thriving city.
descent, the Woodland area was inhabited by the Patwin
, a subgroup of the Wintun
Native Americans
. There are two main groups of Patwin: River and Coastal Patwin. Woodland's indigenous roots stem from the River Patwin who tended to stay closer to the Sacramento River
, as opposed to the Coastal Patwin who lived in small valleys in hills and ranges. The Yolotoi, a tribelet of the Patwin, occupied area near Woodland, and settled a village northwest of Woodland and another close to present day Knights Landing
. Although they didn't have a permanent settlement in present day Woodland, it is believed that the River Patwin occupied the Woodland area in seasonal camps for hunting and seed gathering. The Yolotoi and their neighboring tribelets had a main trading trail which followed Cache Creek
. The exchange of goods between the neighboring tribes of the Nomlaki
to the north, the Nisenan
to the east, and the Pomo
to the west also served as a way of cultural and social interchange between all the tribes. The simultaneous enslavement and spread of disease through the Patwin by the Spanish missionaries had quickly taken dramatic effects; a malaria
l epidemic
in 1830-33 and a smallpox
epidemic
in 1837 killed much of the surviving natives. However, it has been found that some of the first farm hands in the earliest farms in Woodland were the Patwin people.
became a state and Yolo County was formed, "Uncle Johnny" Morris settled in what is now the corner of First and Clover Streets in Woodland. Two years later Henry Wyckoff arrived and built a store he named "Yolo City". This new Yolo City might have stayed a singular store if Frank S. Freeman had not bought it and acquired 160 acre (0.6474976 km²) of land in 1857 and began to develop a town that he hoped would be a trading center for one of the richest crop-growing areas in America. Freeman was giving land to anyone who would clear it and build their home on it. The Woodland Post Office was established on July 5, 1861 and Freeman was made the Postmaster. He lost no time in further developing the town by leasing or selling buildings for businesses to use.
The 1860s was a time of opportunity for Woodland. The town had the county seat permanently moved to it after Washington, California (now a part of West Sacramento
) had flooded. Schools, homes, churches, and a cemetery were built at this time. The town's newspaper, the Daily Democrat
, and a post office were established, and most importantly the construction of a rail line. In 1869, the California Pacific Railroad Company
constructed a line between Davisville (now Davis
) and Marysville
with a Woodland station in the area of College Street and Lincoln Avenue. The rail line expanded and was eventually acquired by Southern Pacific Railroad
. The track was then relocated from College Street to East Street, the eastern edge of the city at that point. The addition of the railroad is what led to the expansion of Woodland as a town. Before the railroad people were building primarily on Main Street and northward. Now, expansion was heading westward and southern as well.
In 1870 the population of Woodland was estimated to be 1,600 people, 647 of which were registered voters. Signatures were being collected to petition for the incorporation of the town, a feat which was successful. The City of Woodland was incorporated in 1871 and its residents soon had a multitude of services such as regular train and telegraph operations, telephone services, gas, water, electricity, street lights, and graveled streets.
was founded in 1900 in with the aim of helping business flourish in the city. During this time public activism helped Woodland get a library, a city park, and an improved cemetery. In 1910 Woodland was the most populous city in the county with a population of 3,187 and for the next forty years Woodland continued growing slowly but steadily in population, businesses and industries. Its economics were based mainly on agricultural related fields; three rice mills, a sugar beet refinery and a tomato cannery were built during this time.
The post-war era spurred much growth in Woodland; between 1950 and 1980, Woodland's population tripled. It is rumored that in the 1950s Woodland had the most millionaires per capita of any city in California. Industrial plants and distribution centers have grown in the northeast, and there are new subdivisions and shopping centers around the town's area. Since the late 1960s, there has been an increase of interest in preserving the town's historic buildings, and an impressive number of them have been restored for use as homes, offices, stores and museums. Woodland's "Stroll Through History" began in 1989 to showcase many of the Victorian homes
and other historical sites throughout the city in their annual event.
In the 1970s Interstate 5
construction was completed and the freeway curves around Woodland. Over time, I-5 and State Route 113 have replaced the railroads as major transportation arteries.
A new high school, Pioneer, was opened in the 2003-04 school year, with plans for a new elementary school and middle school in the Pioneer High School vicinity to be constructed within the next few years.
Woodland is located on flat land in the Central Valley (California)
, with the Yolo Bypass
and the Sacramento River
to the east and the Capay Valley
and the Coast Range to the west. Woodland is a part of the Sacramento Metropolitan Area
but it retains a "small town" feeling partly due to the mileage between the city and the neighboring cities. It is located just southeast of the county's geographical center, and is one of the largest cities north of Sacramento along Interstate 5
until Redding
. Interstate 5 enters the city from the east and curves northward over the remainder of Woodland, exiting northwest. SR 113 enters the city from the south as a controlled access freeway and merges with the I-5, then diverges leaving the city northward as a standard two-lane road. The city is surrounded by farmland.
with dry, hot summers and cool, relatively wet winters. The rainy season is generally from October through April. Average high temperatures range from 94°F in July to 53°F in January, while average lows range from 59°F in July to 37°F in December and January. January is typically the wettest month with about 4.51 inches (115 mm) of rain. All-time extremes for Woodland are 19°F and 115°F.
Summer brings warm days with temperatures frequently in the 90s, but the "Delta Breeze" that blows into the valley through the Carquinez Strait
usually makes for comfortable evenings and nighttime temperatures in the upper 50s. Occasional heat waves raise the temperature above 100 degrees. During late fall and throughout the winter months, Woodland experiences cooler temperatures, rain from storms originating in the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Alaska, tule fog
, and a few mornings of frost and freezing conditions. When the chilling fog does not burn off, daytime highs may remain in the 40s or low 50s for several consecutive days. Snow is extremely rare in Woodland; the last measurable snowfall occurred on January 28, 2002. Located about 60 miles to the east of Woodland, the Sierra Nevada mountains receive significant amounts of snow each winter. The cool and wet weather becomes much less frequent in April and May as the days gradually get warmer.
was 3,624.7 people per square mile (1,399.5/km²). The racial makeup of Woodland was 34,904 (62.9%) White, 855 (1.5%) African American, 726 (1.3%) Native American, 3,458 (6.2%) Asian, 169 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 12,488 (22.5%) from other races
, and 2,868 (5.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 26,289 persons (47.4%).
The Census reported that 54,483 people (98.2% of the population) lived in households, 156 (0.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 829 (1.5%) were institutionalized.
There were 18,721 households, out of which 7,833 (41.8%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 9,723 (51.9%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 2,649 (14.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,176 (6.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,278 (6.8%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 113 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 4,097 households (21.9%) were made up of individuals and 1,623 (8.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91. There were 13,548 families
(72.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.41.
The population was spread out with 15,233 people (27.5%) under the age of 18, 5,574 people (10.0%) aged 18 to 24, 15,254 people (27.5%) aged 25 to 44, 13,383 people (24.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 6,024 people (10.9%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.7 years. For every 100 females there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.2 males.
There were 19,806 housing units at an average density of 1,294.3 per square mile (499.7/km²), of which 10,472 (55.9%) were owner-occupied, and 8,249 (44.1%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.1%. 30,543 people (55.1% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 23,940 people (43.2%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there were 16,751 households, and 12,278 families residing in the city. The population density
was 4,765.7 people per square mile (1,840.7/km²). There were 17,120 housing units at an average density of 1,660.0 per square mile (641.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 48.5% White/Caucasian, 1.3% African American (1.3% by December 2006), 1.5% Native American, 3.8% Asian (7.4% by December 2006), 0.3% Pacific Islander, 21.5% from other races
, and 4.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 61.8% of the population.
There were 16,751 households out of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples
living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.37.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.
The median income
for a household in the city was $44,449 ($50,309 in December 2006), and the median income for a family was $48,689. Males had a median income of $34,606 versus $27,086 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $18,042. About 9.2% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.0% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.
The industrial sector has grown in Woodland as is seen by the numerous manufacturing and warehouse centers. Modular homes are one of the largest manufactured goods in town. Several major retail stores have warehouses in Woodland or just outside of city limits.
When the price of homes rose in California during the first half of the decade, Woodland was near the front of the wave due to many factors including proximity to Sacramento and its maintenance of a small community feeling. As a result, in 2002 Woodland had the highest percentage increase in property value in the nation.
Ease of access to the city provided by the close proximity of I-5 and I-80 as well as the Sierra Northern Railway
and the California Northern Railroad are most likely why businesses have done so well in Woodland. Woodland's proximity to the Sacramento
and San Francisco
metro areas also provide businesses another reason to set up shop in town.
is held in Woodland in the middle of August each year, running Wednesday afternoon through Sunday evening. Started in 1935 (current site in 1940), it is the largest free admission fair in the state of California, and as such, people come from all over Northern California
to enjoy this event. There are demolition derbies in the fairground's arena, local FFA and 4-H competitions going on, as well as several other agricultural related competitions. One of the newest and most popular attractions of the county fair is the "Yolo Idol Search" based on the TV show American Idol
. There are also several exhibition halls where fair-goers can peruse through stands set up by local businesses and groups.
In 2009 Woodland held the 134th annual Sacramento Valley Scottish Games and Festival. The festival has been held in Woodland for the past 12 years. The "Games" are the third oldest in the United States. It is also the second largest event in Yolo County.
The Stroll Through History is a widely celebrated event in Woodland. It is used to increase awareness and appreciation of the history and heritage of Woodland. There are guided walking tours through several historic areas of Woodland, displays of historic equipment, vehicles, and other historical finds, as well as tours inside several of Woodland's historic Victorian homes. Some of the Stroll Through History is free while other parts require tickets purchased in advanced. This event usually takes place on a Saturday within the first two weeks of September.
The Woodland Dynamite Chili
Cook-off
is a newer addition to Woodland's cultural activities. Beginning in 1998, the cook-off has drawn a lot of people out to try chili cooked from various members of the community. This event also includes other activities such as bounce houses, pony rides and games for the children; live music as well as other food and drink for the adults. The cook off is held the third Saturday of each September at Rotary Park in the Yolo County Fairgrounds.
The City of Woodland and Woodland Chamber of Commerce put on a Christmas
parade
each year that draws a crowd of around 30,000 people in downtown Woodland. It is one of the largest holiday parades in Northern California. Started in 1964, the Woodland Christmas Parade now has around 150 entries each year, including marching bands, floats, dance groups, military units, and novelty entries from local groups as well as from the surrounding area. The parade runs through Woodland's "Historic Downtown", along Main Street beginning at the intersection of Main Street and California Street and ending at the intersection of Main Street and 6th Street.
In 2008 The Sacramento Valley Scottish Games & Festival celebrated its 11th year at the Yolo County Fairgrounds. The Games feature a wide variety of activities, drawing up to 20,000 visitors each year. The Games are held the last Saturday and Sunday of April.
.
Reiff's Antique Gas Station Automotive Museum has car culture exhibits from the 1950s and 1960s. The antique gas station displays old fashioned gas pumps, gas station signs and logos. Additional exhibits include the old time general store, diner and movie theater.
Another local museum is the Yolo County Historical Museum. It is located on 2.5 acres (10,117.2 m²) in the former home of Woodland pioneers William and Mary Gibson. The construction of the house itself was started in 1857 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
. The museum acquired the property in 1975 and it houses furnishings and artifacts dating from the 1850s to the 1930s. Locally called The Gibson Mansion, the house and the property depict everyday living from that era as well as changing exhibits regarding Yolo County
history.
Another site of interest is the Woodland Public Library
. The original structure was funded by Andrew Carnegie
and was constructed in 1905. The Woodland Public Library is the oldest library funded by Carnegie in California that is still in operation.
One of Woodland's prized possessions is the Woodland Opera House
. It is a California Historical Landmark
and a California State Historic Park
that was originally built in 1885 and was rebuilt due to fire in 1895-1896. The opera house was rebuilt on the original site with some of the intact bricks and foundation. It was the first opera house to serve the Sacramento Valley
. Some notable performers on its stage include John Philip Sousa
and his band, Verna Felton
, and Madame Helena Modjeska
. Closed in part due to the rise in the motion picture industry, and partly due to a lawsuit involving an injury, the opera house was closed in 1913 until recently. Renovations allowed for the historic building to be opened up again and it is now an acting venue in town. Several major productions are shown throughout the year and many bands use the venue.
, Woodland is located in the 5th Senate
District, represented by Democrat Lois Wolk
, and in the 8th Assembly
District, represented by Democrat Mariko Yamada
. Federally, Woodland is in California's 1st Congressional District
and is represented by Democrat Mike Thompson
.
services the 12 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 comprehensive high schools, a continuation high school, and the adult education center in town.
There are several private schools in town. They include Woodland Christian School, a former ministry of the LifePointe Church (formerly known as First Baptist), which offers classes for children from preschool through high school; Holy Rosary Parish School, ran by Holy Rosary Parish, offers enrollment from preschool to 8th grade; Montessori Children's House offers enrollment from preschool through 6th grade; Woodland Adventist School gives classes from preschool to 8th grade; a private school entitled Abby's School has enrollment for preschool and kindergarten; and Cornerstone Christian Academy using A.C.E.'s School of Tomorrow curriculum, offers classes for pre-school through high school aged students.
Yuba Community College District
oversees Woodland Community College
, a now fully accredited college.
. It was established in 1857 before the City of Woodland was incorporated. The Sacramento Bee is also widely read in town. The WAVE (Woodland Access Visual Enterprises) Channel 21 is Woodland's Public-access television
cable TV station which airs footage from a variety of community activities. Some examples are local high school football games, the Yolo County Fair, the Woodland Christmas Parade, as well as televised classes from Woodland Community College
Educational-access television program. Anyone from the community is able to air approved content.
Several movies have also been filmed, at least partially, in Woodland. They include the movies Farewell Bender, Blood Sport, Letters from a Killer
, and selected scenes from Three Men and a Baby
.
The documentary, "Bigger, Faster, Stronger" features several scenes in Woodland, and includes interviews with football players from the Woodland Wolves and the Pioneer Patriots.
, Cache Creek Casino Resort, and other areas of Yolo County
. Two freeways run through the city, State Route 113
and Interstate 5
. Many of the surface streets in town run north and south or east and west definitively. The roads (especially in the older part of the city) are straight, and the city is therefore made into a grid with the intersecting streets.
Most transportation is done by automobile, but because Woodland is still a relatively small community, it is easy to find people walking or riding their bicycle instead of driving. Main Street, Woodland's "Historic Downtown" is a perfect example of where it is easier to walk a short distance than it is to drive, due to the frequent intersections and small streets.
deals with waste services in the town.
. Other facilities include Sutter Health
and private practices.
* Mile Relay
* 1600 Meter Relay
* Two Mile Relay
* Distance Medley Relay
* Indoor 400 Meter short track
* 660 yard sprint (unofficial)
, as designated by Sister Cities International
: La Piedad
, Mexico
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Yolo County, California
Yolo County, California
Yolo County is a county located in the northern part of the U.S. state of California, bordered by the other counties of Sacramento, Solano, Napa, Lake, Colusa, and Sutter. The city of Woodland is its county seat, though Davis is its largest city....
, located approximately 15 miles (24.1 km) northwest of Sacramento
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
, and is a part of the Sacramento - Arden-Arcade
Arden-Arcade, California
Arden-Arcade is a census-designated place in Sacramento County, California, United States. The population was 92,186 at the 2010 census. It is east of the city of Sacramento and west of the community of Carmichael....
- Roseville
Roseville, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Roseville had a population of 118,788. The population density was 3,279.4 people per square mile...
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Sacramento metropolitan area
The Greater Sacramento area, or officially Sacramento–Arden Arcade–Yuba City, CA-NV Combined Statistical Area, is a combined statistical area consisting of several metropolitan statistical areas and seven counties in Northern California and one in Western Nevada. These are Sacramento, Yolo, El...
. The population was 55,468 at the 2010 census.
Woodland's origins trace back to 1850 when California gained its statehood and Yolo County was established. Since the town started growing in population and resources, it has not stopped. The area was well irrigated due to the efforts of James Monroe, and this drew people out to try their hand at farming. The endeavor was successful as people found the soil in the area very fertile. The city gained a federal post office and the next year the county seat was moved from Washington (present day West Sacramento, California
West Sacramento, California
West Sacramento is a city in Yolo County, California. It is contiguous with Sacramento, but is separated by the Sacramento River which is also the county line, so West Sacramento is in a different county than Sacramento...
) to Woodland after Washington was flooded. The addition of a railroad line, the close proximity to Sacramento, and the more recent addition of Interstate 5
Interstate 5
Interstate 5 is the main Interstate Highway on the West Coast of the United States, running largely parallel to the Pacific Ocean coastline from Canada to Mexico . It serves some of the largest cities on the U.S...
, helped create a thriving city.
Indigenous culture
Before the settlement of the area by people of EuropeanEuropean ethnic groups
The ethnic groups in Europe are the various ethnic groups that reside in the nations of Europe. European ethnology is the field of anthropology focusing on Europe....
descent, the Woodland area was inhabited by the Patwin
Patwin
The Patwin are a Wintun people native to the area of Northern California. The Patwin were a southern branch of the Wintun group and native inhabitants of California from 1,000 up to 4,000 years....
, a subgroup of the Wintun
Wintun
Wintun is the name generally given to a group of related Native American tribes who live in Northern California, including the Wintu , Nomlaki , and Patwin tribes. Their range is from approximately present-day Lake Shasta to San Francisco Bay, along the western side of the Sacramento River to the...
Native Americans
Indigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
. There are two main groups of Patwin: River and Coastal Patwin. Woodland's indigenous roots stem from the River Patwin who tended to stay closer to the Sacramento River
Sacramento River
The Sacramento River is an important watercourse of Northern and Central California in the United States. The largest river in California, it rises on the eastern slopes of the Klamath Mountains, and after a journey south of over , empties into Suisun Bay, an arm of the San Francisco Bay, and...
, as opposed to the Coastal Patwin who lived in small valleys in hills and ranges. The Yolotoi, a tribelet of the Patwin, occupied area near Woodland, and settled a village northwest of Woodland and another close to present day Knights Landing
Knights Landing, California
Knights Landing is a census-designated place in Yolo County, California, USA founded by William Knight. It is located on the Sacramento River in the northeastern portion of the county. Knights Landing's ZIP Code is 95645 and its area code 530. It lies at an elevation of 36 feet...
. Although they didn't have a permanent settlement in present day Woodland, it is believed that the River Patwin occupied the Woodland area in seasonal camps for hunting and seed gathering. The Yolotoi and their neighboring tribelets had a main trading trail which followed Cache Creek
Cache Creek (Yolo County, California)
Cache Creek is an stream in Lake County, California, Colusa County, California and Yolo County, California. The South Fork begins at Clear Lake in Lake County, roughly parallels State Route 20, and turns south at the junction with State Route 16 in Colusa County...
. The exchange of goods between the neighboring tribes of the Nomlaki
Nomlaki
The Nomlaki are a Wintun people native to the area of the Sacramento Valley, extending westward to the Coast Range in Northern California. Currently one person speaks Nomlaki...
to the north, the Nisenan
Nisenan
The Nisenan, also known as the Southern Maidu and Valley Maidu, are one of many native groups of the Central Valley. The name Nisenan, derives from the ablative plural pronoun nisena·n, "from among us"...
to the east, and the Pomo
Pomo people
The Pomo people are an indigenous peoples of California. The historic Pomo territory in northern California was large, bordered by the Pacific Coast to the west, extending inland to Clear Lake, and mainly between Cleone and Duncans Point...
to the west also served as a way of cultural and social interchange between all the tribes. The simultaneous enslavement and spread of disease through the Patwin by the Spanish missionaries had quickly taken dramatic effects; a malaria
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by eukaryotic protists of the genus Plasmodium. The disease results from the multiplication of Plasmodium parasites within red blood cells, causing symptoms that typically include fever and headache, in severe cases...
l epidemic
Epidemic
In epidemiology, an epidemic , occurs when new cases of a certain disease, in a given human population, and during a given period, substantially exceed what is expected based on recent experience...
in 1830-33 and a smallpox
Smallpox
Smallpox was an infectious disease unique to humans, caused by either of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. The disease is also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera, which is a derivative of the Latin varius, meaning "spotted", or varus, meaning "pimple"...
epidemic
Epidemic
In epidemiology, an epidemic , occurs when new cases of a certain disease, in a given human population, and during a given period, substantially exceed what is expected based on recent experience...
in 1837 killed much of the surviving natives. However, it has been found that some of the first farm hands in the earliest farms in Woodland were the Patwin people.
Beginnings
In 1851, the year after CaliforniaCalifornia
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
became a state and Yolo County was formed, "Uncle Johnny" Morris settled in what is now the corner of First and Clover Streets in Woodland. Two years later Henry Wyckoff arrived and built a store he named "Yolo City". This new Yolo City might have stayed a singular store if Frank S. Freeman had not bought it and acquired 160 acre (0.6474976 km²) of land in 1857 and began to develop a town that he hoped would be a trading center for one of the richest crop-growing areas in America. Freeman was giving land to anyone who would clear it and build their home on it. The Woodland Post Office was established on July 5, 1861 and Freeman was made the Postmaster. He lost no time in further developing the town by leasing or selling buildings for businesses to use.
The 1860s was a time of opportunity for Woodland. The town had the county seat permanently moved to it after Washington, California (now a part of West Sacramento
West Sacramento, California
West Sacramento is a city in Yolo County, California. It is contiguous with Sacramento, but is separated by the Sacramento River which is also the county line, so West Sacramento is in a different county than Sacramento...
) had flooded. Schools, homes, churches, and a cemetery were built at this time. The town's newspaper, the Daily Democrat
Daily Democrat
The Daily Democrat is the major daily newspaper in Woodland, California and Yolo County, California. The paper is owned by MediaNews Group. Its headquarters are located in Woodland on Main Street in Woodland's Historic Downtown.-Coverage:...
, and a post office were established, and most importantly the construction of a rail line. In 1869, the California Pacific Railroad Company
California Pacific Railroad
The California Pacific Railroad Company was incorporated in 1865 at San Francisco, California as the California Pacific Rail Road Company. It was renamed the California Pacific Railroad Extension Company in the spring of 1869, then renamed the California Pacific Railroad later that same year...
constructed a line between Davisville (now Davis
Davis, California
Davis is a city in Yolo County, California, United States. It is part of the Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville Metropolitan Statistical Area...
) and Marysville
Marysville, California
Marysville is the county seat of Yuba County, California, United States. The population was 12,072 at the 2010 census, down from 12,268 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Yuba City Metropolitan Statistical Area, often referred to as the Yuba-Sutter Area after the two counties, Yuba and...
with a Woodland station in the area of College Street and Lincoln Avenue. The rail line expanded and was eventually acquired by Southern Pacific Railroad
Southern Pacific Railroad
The Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad....
. The track was then relocated from College Street to East Street, the eastern edge of the city at that point. The addition of the railroad is what led to the expansion of Woodland as a town. Before the railroad people were building primarily on Main Street and northward. Now, expansion was heading westward and southern as well.
In 1870 the population of Woodland was estimated to be 1,600 people, 647 of which were registered voters. Signatures were being collected to petition for the incorporation of the town, a feat which was successful. The City of Woodland was incorporated in 1871 and its residents soon had a multitude of services such as regular train and telegraph operations, telephone services, gas, water, electricity, street lights, and graveled streets.
20th century
Woodland's Chamber of CommerceChamber of commerce
A chamber of commerce is a form of business network, e.g., a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community...
was founded in 1900 in with the aim of helping business flourish in the city. During this time public activism helped Woodland get a library, a city park, and an improved cemetery. In 1910 Woodland was the most populous city in the county with a population of 3,187 and for the next forty years Woodland continued growing slowly but steadily in population, businesses and industries. Its economics were based mainly on agricultural related fields; three rice mills, a sugar beet refinery and a tomato cannery were built during this time.
The post-war era spurred much growth in Woodland; between 1950 and 1980, Woodland's population tripled. It is rumored that in the 1950s Woodland had the most millionaires per capita of any city in California. Industrial plants and distribution centers have grown in the northeast, and there are new subdivisions and shopping centers around the town's area. Since the late 1960s, there has been an increase of interest in preserving the town's historic buildings, and an impressive number of them have been restored for use as homes, offices, stores and museums. Woodland's "Stroll Through History" began in 1989 to showcase many of the Victorian homes
Victorian architecture
The term Victorian architecture refers collectively to several architectural styles employed predominantly during the middle and late 19th century. The period that it indicates may slightly overlap the actual reign, 20 June 1837 – 22 January 1901, of Queen Victoria. This represents the British and...
and other historical sites throughout the city in their annual event.
In the 1970s Interstate 5
Interstate 5
Interstate 5 is the main Interstate Highway on the West Coast of the United States, running largely parallel to the Pacific Ocean coastline from Canada to Mexico . It serves some of the largest cities on the U.S...
construction was completed and the freeway curves around Woodland. Over time, I-5 and State Route 113 have replaced the railroads as major transportation arteries.
Present
Within the past decade, Woodland has grown immensely with many additions to the community. Numerous subdivisions have been built (mainly on the east side of town) and several major chain stores have opened business in Woodland.A new high school, Pioneer, was opened in the 2003-04 school year, with plans for a new elementary school and middle school in the Pioneer High School vicinity to be constructed within the next few years.
Geography
Sacramento Valley
The Sacramento Valley is the portion of the California Central Valley that lies to the north of the San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta in the U.S. state of California. It encompasses all or parts of ten counties.-Geography:...
, with the Yolo Bypass
Yolo Bypass
The Yolo Bypass is one of two flood bypasses in the Sacramento Valley located in Yolo and Solano Counties. It protects Sacramento and other riverside communities from flooding through a system of weirs...
and the Sacramento River
Sacramento River
The Sacramento River is an important watercourse of Northern and Central California in the United States. The largest river in California, it rises on the eastern slopes of the Klamath Mountains, and after a journey south of over , empties into Suisun Bay, an arm of the San Francisco Bay, and...
to the east and the Capay Valley
Capay Valley
Capay Valley is a mostly rural valley west of the Capay Hills, and northwest of Sacramento in Yolo County, California, United States.Cache Creek flows through the valley and the Capay Valley AVA...
and the Coast Range to the west. Woodland is a part of the Sacramento Metropolitan Area
Sacramento metropolitan area
The Greater Sacramento area, or officially Sacramento–Arden Arcade–Yuba City, CA-NV Combined Statistical Area, is a combined statistical area consisting of several metropolitan statistical areas and seven counties in Northern California and one in Western Nevada. These are Sacramento, Yolo, El...
but it retains a "small town" feeling partly due to the mileage between the city and the neighboring cities. It is located just southeast of the county's geographical center, and is one of the largest cities north of Sacramento along Interstate 5
Interstate 5
Interstate 5 is the main Interstate Highway on the West Coast of the United States, running largely parallel to the Pacific Ocean coastline from Canada to Mexico . It serves some of the largest cities on the U.S...
until Redding
Redding, California
Redding is a city in far-Northern California. It is the county seat of Shasta County, California, USA. With a population of 89,861, according to the 2010 Census...
. Interstate 5 enters the city from the east and curves northward over the remainder of Woodland, exiting northwest. SR 113 enters the city from the south as a controlled access freeway and merges with the I-5, then diverges leaving the city northward as a standard two-lane road. The city is surrounded by farmland.
Climate
Woodland, as with the rest of California's Central Valley, has a Mediterranean climateMediterranean climate
A Mediterranean climate is the climate typical of most of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin, and is a particular variety of subtropical climate...
with dry, hot summers and cool, relatively wet winters. The rainy season is generally from October through April. Average high temperatures range from 94°F in July to 53°F in January, while average lows range from 59°F in July to 37°F in December and January. January is typically the wettest month with about 4.51 inches (115 mm) of rain. All-time extremes for Woodland are 19°F and 115°F.
Summer brings warm days with temperatures frequently in the 90s, but the "Delta Breeze" that blows into the valley through the Carquinez Strait
Carquinez Strait
The Carquinez Strait is a narrow tidal strait in northern California. It is part of the tidal estuary of the Sacramento and the San Joaquin rivers as they drain into the San Francisco Bay...
usually makes for comfortable evenings and nighttime temperatures in the upper 50s. Occasional heat waves raise the temperature above 100 degrees. During late fall and throughout the winter months, Woodland experiences cooler temperatures, rain from storms originating in the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Alaska, tule fog
Tule fog
Tule fog is a thick ground fog that settles in the San Joaquin Valley and Sacramento Valley areas of California's Great Central Valley. Tule fog forms during the late fall and winter after the first significant rainfall. The official time frame for tule fog to form is from November 1 to March 31...
, and a few mornings of frost and freezing conditions. When the chilling fog does not burn off, daytime highs may remain in the 40s or low 50s for several consecutive days. Snow is extremely rare in Woodland; the last measurable snowfall occurred on January 28, 2002. Located about 60 miles to the east of Woodland, the Sierra Nevada mountains receive significant amounts of snow each winter. The cool and wet weather becomes much less frequent in April and May as the days gradually get warmer.
Demographics
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Woodland had a population of 55,468. The population densityPopulation density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 3,624.7 people per square mile (1,399.5/km²). The racial makeup of Woodland was 34,904 (62.9%) White, 855 (1.5%) African American, 726 (1.3%) Native American, 3,458 (6.2%) Asian, 169 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 12,488 (22.5%) from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2,868 (5.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 26,289 persons (47.4%).
The Census reported that 54,483 people (98.2% of the population) lived in households, 156 (0.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 829 (1.5%) were institutionalized.
There were 18,721 households, out of which 7,833 (41.8%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 9,723 (51.9%) were opposite-sex married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 2,649 (14.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,176 (6.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,278 (6.8%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
POSSLQ
POSSLQ is an abbreviation for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters," a term coined in the late 1970s by the United States Census Bureau as part of an effort to more accurately gauge the prevalence of cohabitation in American households....
, and 113 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 4,097 households (21.9%) were made up of individuals and 1,623 (8.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91. There were 13,548 families
Family (U.S. Census)
A family or family household is defined by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes as "a householder and one or more other people related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. They do not include same-sex married couples even if the marriage was performed in a state...
(72.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.41.
The population was spread out with 15,233 people (27.5%) under the age of 18, 5,574 people (10.0%) aged 18 to 24, 15,254 people (27.5%) aged 25 to 44, 13,383 people (24.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 6,024 people (10.9%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.7 years. For every 100 females there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.2 males.
There were 19,806 housing units at an average density of 1,294.3 per square mile (499.7/km²), of which 10,472 (55.9%) were owner-occupied, and 8,249 (44.1%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.1%. 30,543 people (55.1% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 23,940 people (43.2%) lived in rental housing units.
2000
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 16,751 households, and 12,278 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 4,765.7 people per square mile (1,840.7/km²). There were 17,120 housing units at an average density of 1,660.0 per square mile (641.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 48.5% White/Caucasian, 1.3% African American (1.3% by December 2006), 1.5% Native American, 3.8% Asian (7.4% by December 2006), 0.3% Pacific Islander, 21.5% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 4.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 61.8% of the population.
There were 16,751 households out of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.37.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.
The median income
Income
Income is the consumption and savings opportunity gained by an entity within a specified time frame, which is generally expressed in monetary terms. However, for households and individuals, "income is the sum of all the wages, salaries, profits, interests payments, rents and other forms of earnings...
for a household in the city was $44,449 ($50,309 in December 2006), and the median income for a family was $48,689. Males had a median income of $34,606 versus $27,086 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $18,042. About 9.2% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.0% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
Woodland and the immediate surrounding area's economy has largely been based on agriculture. To this day, Yolo County is one of the largest crop producers in the state. Similarly, the transportation industry has played a large part in Woodland's economy. With heavy agricultural production comes the need to transport it. While maintaining the large role that agriculture and transportation still play in the town's activities, over the years Woodland has branched out into other sectors as well.The industrial sector has grown in Woodland as is seen by the numerous manufacturing and warehouse centers. Modular homes are one of the largest manufactured goods in town. Several major retail stores have warehouses in Woodland or just outside of city limits.
When the price of homes rose in California during the first half of the decade, Woodland was near the front of the wave due to many factors including proximity to Sacramento and its maintenance of a small community feeling. As a result, in 2002 Woodland had the highest percentage increase in property value in the nation.
Ease of access to the city provided by the close proximity of I-5 and I-80 as well as the Sierra Northern Railway
Sierra Northern Railway
The Sierra Northern Railway originates from the Sacramento Northern Railway, the Northern Electric Railway, the Sierra Railroad, Western Pacific Railroad, and Yolo Shortline Railroad. It handles all freight operations and track maintenance for its parent company, the Sierra Railroad Company...
and the California Northern Railroad are most likely why businesses have done so well in Woodland. Woodland's proximity to the Sacramento
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
and San Francisco
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
metro areas also provide businesses another reason to set up shop in town.
Top employers
According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Target Target Corporation Target Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's... |
800 |
| 2 | Walgreens Walgreens Walgreen Co. , doing business as Walgreens , is the largest drugstore chain in the United States of America. As of August 31st, the company operates 8,210 locations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1901, and has since expanded... |
713 |
| 3 | Rite Aid Rite Aid Rite Aid is a drugstore chain in the United States and a Fortune 500 company headquartered in East Pennsboro Township, Pennsylvania, near Camp Hill. Rite Aid is the largest drugstore chain on the East Coast and the third largest drugstore chain in the U.S.... |
480 |
| 4 | PepsiCo PepsiCo PepsiCo Inc. is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Purchase, New York, United States, with interests in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of grain-based snack foods, beverages, and other products. PepsiCo was formed in 1965 with the merger of the Pepsi-Cola Company... |
400 |
| 5 | Pacific Coast Producers | 300 |
| 6 | Demetrio Campos Farm Labor | 250 |
| 7 | Alderson Convalescent Hospital | 150 |
| 8 | Leer | 143 |
| 9 | Ames Fire & Waterworks | 400 |
| 10 | Broward Builders | 130 |
Arts and culture
Woodland is a city rich in history and a "small town community" feeling. There are many activities the community puts on, most of which are free for patrons.Annual events
The Yolo County FairYolo County Fair
The Yolo County Fair is held in Woodland, California in the middle of August each year, running Wednesday afternoon through Sunday evening. Started in 1935 , it is the largest free admission fair in the state of California.-Events:...
is held in Woodland in the middle of August each year, running Wednesday afternoon through Sunday evening. Started in 1935 (current site in 1940), it is the largest free admission fair in the state of California, and as such, people come from all over Northern California
Northern California
Northern California is the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. The San Francisco Bay Area , and Sacramento as well as its metropolitan area are the main population centers...
to enjoy this event. There are demolition derbies in the fairground's arena, local FFA and 4-H competitions going on, as well as several other agricultural related competitions. One of the newest and most popular attractions of the county fair is the "Yolo Idol Search" based on the TV show American Idol
American Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
. There are also several exhibition halls where fair-goers can peruse through stands set up by local businesses and groups.
In 2009 Woodland held the 134th annual Sacramento Valley Scottish Games and Festival. The festival has been held in Woodland for the past 12 years. The "Games" are the third oldest in the United States. It is also the second largest event in Yolo County.
The Stroll Through History is a widely celebrated event in Woodland. It is used to increase awareness and appreciation of the history and heritage of Woodland. There are guided walking tours through several historic areas of Woodland, displays of historic equipment, vehicles, and other historical finds, as well as tours inside several of Woodland's historic Victorian homes. Some of the Stroll Through History is free while other parts require tickets purchased in advanced. This event usually takes place on a Saturday within the first two weeks of September.
The Woodland Dynamite Chili
Chili con carne
Chili con carne is a spicy stew. The name of the dish derives from the Spanish chile con carne, "chili pepper with meat". Traditional versions are made, minimally, from chili peppers, garlic, onions, and cumin, along with chopped or ground beef. Beans and tomatoes are frequently included...
Cook-off
Cook-off
A cook-off is a cooking competition where the contestants each prepare dishes for judging either by a select group of judges or by the general public...
is a newer addition to Woodland's cultural activities. Beginning in 1998, the cook-off has drawn a lot of people out to try chili cooked from various members of the community. This event also includes other activities such as bounce houses, pony rides and games for the children; live music as well as other food and drink for the adults. The cook off is held the third Saturday of each September at Rotary Park in the Yolo County Fairgrounds.
The City of Woodland and Woodland Chamber of Commerce put on a Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
parade
Parade
A parade is a procession of people, usually organized along a street, often in costume, and often accompanied by marching bands, floats or sometimes large balloons. Parades are held for a wide range of reasons, but are usually celebrations of some kind...
each year that draws a crowd of around 30,000 people in downtown Woodland. It is one of the largest holiday parades in Northern California. Started in 1964, the Woodland Christmas Parade now has around 150 entries each year, including marching bands, floats, dance groups, military units, and novelty entries from local groups as well as from the surrounding area. The parade runs through Woodland's "Historic Downtown", along Main Street beginning at the intersection of Main Street and California Street and ending at the intersection of Main Street and 6th Street.
In 2008 The Sacramento Valley Scottish Games & Festival celebrated its 11th year at the Yolo County Fairgrounds. The Games feature a wide variety of activities, drawing up to 20,000 visitors each year. The Games are held the last Saturday and Sunday of April.
Museums and other points of interest
There are several small museums in Woodland. The Heidrick Ag History Center is an agricultural museum. It showcases rare and unique agricultural machinery dating from the late 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. Partnering with the Heidrick Ag Center, is the Hays Antique Truck Museum which has over 100 makes of different commercial trucks. These were found and restored by Wayne Hays, a retired commercial truck driver who created the museum. On display in Hays' museum there is also trucking memorabilia, trailers, tools, equipment, and other things related to truckingTrucking industry in the United States
The trucking industry involves the transport and distribution of commercial and industrial goods using commercial motor vehicles . In this case, CMVs are most often trucks; usually semi trucks, box trucks, or dump trucks...
.
Reiff's Antique Gas Station Automotive Museum has car culture exhibits from the 1950s and 1960s. The antique gas station displays old fashioned gas pumps, gas station signs and logos. Additional exhibits include the old time general store, diner and movie theater.
Another local museum is the Yolo County Historical Museum. It is located on 2.5 acres (10,117.2 m²) in the former home of Woodland pioneers William and Mary Gibson. The construction of the house itself was started in 1857 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
. The museum acquired the property in 1975 and it houses furnishings and artifacts dating from the 1850s to the 1930s. Locally called The Gibson Mansion, the house and the property depict everyday living from that era as well as changing exhibits regarding Yolo County
Yolo County, California
Yolo County is a county located in the northern part of the U.S. state of California, bordered by the other counties of Sacramento, Solano, Napa, Lake, Colusa, and Sutter. The city of Woodland is its county seat, though Davis is its largest city....
history.
Another site of interest is the Woodland Public Library
Woodland Public Library
The Woodland Public Library is the oldest, and one of the last functioning Carnegie-funded libraries in California. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a contributing property of the Downtown Woodland Historic District.-History:...
. The original structure was funded by Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist, businessman, and entrepreneur who led the enormous expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century...
and was constructed in 1905. The Woodland Public Library is the oldest library funded by Carnegie in California that is still in operation.
One of Woodland's prized possessions is the Woodland Opera House
Woodland Opera House
The Woodland Opera House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a California Historical Landmark, is one of four fully functioning 19th century opera houses in California. It is a contributing property to the Downtown Historic District of Woodland, California.-History:Designed in...
. It is a California Historical Landmark
California Historical Landmark
California Historical Landmarks are buildings, structures, sites, or places in the state of California that have been determined to have statewide historical significance by meeting at least one of the criteria listed below:...
and a California State Historic Park
California State Historic Park
The State of California operates and maintains about fifty California State Historic Parks, ranging from Shasta State Historic Park, a California Gold Rush-era ghost town in the northern part of the state, to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in downtown San Diego in the southern part of the...
that was originally built in 1885 and was rebuilt due to fire in 1895-1896. The opera house was rebuilt on the original site with some of the intact bricks and foundation. It was the first opera house to serve the Sacramento Valley
Sacramento Valley
The Sacramento Valley is the portion of the California Central Valley that lies to the north of the San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta in the U.S. state of California. It encompasses all or parts of ten counties.-Geography:...
. Some notable performers on its stage include John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era, known particularly for American military and patriotic marches. Because of his mastery of march composition, he is known as "The March King" or the "American March King" due to his British counterpart Kenneth J....
and his band, Verna Felton
Verna Felton
Verna Felton was an American character actress who was best-known for providing many female voices in numerous Disney animated films, as well as voicing Fred Flintstone's mother-in-law Pearl Slaghoople for Hanna-Barbera...
, and Madame Helena Modjeska
Helena Modjeska
Helena Modjeska Helena Modjeska Helena Modjeska (October 12, 1840 – April 8, 1909, whose actual Polish surname was Modrzejewska , was a renowned actress who specialized in Shakespearean and tragic roles.Modjeska was the mother of Polish-American bridge engineer Ralph Modjeski....
. Closed in part due to the rise in the motion picture industry, and partly due to a lawsuit involving an injury, the opera house was closed in 1913 until recently. Renovations allowed for the historic building to be opened up again and it is now an acting venue in town. Several major productions are shown throughout the year and many bands use the venue.
Local
Woodland was incorporated as a general law city, governed by a five-member council, with the mayor serving as presiding officer. The mayor and four council members are elected officials, serving four-year terms. The council selects the vice mayor based on the member who received the greatest amount of votes. This council member then serves as mayor during their last two years of office. Day to day, the city is run by a city manager, and has 376 permanent staff positions.State and federal
In the California State LegislatureCalifornia State Legislature
The California State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of California. It is a bicameral body consisting of the lower house, the California State Assembly, with 80 members, and the upper house, the California State Senate, with 40 members...
, Woodland is located in the 5th Senate
California State Senate
The California State Senate is the upper house of the California State Legislature. There are 40 state senators. The state legislature meets in the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The Lieutenant Governor is the ex officio President of the Senate and may break a tied vote...
District, represented by Democrat Lois Wolk
Lois Wolk
Lois Wolk is a California State Senator, representing the 5th district of California. Wolk is a member of the Democratic Party and was elected to the Senate in 2008.-Early life:...
, and in the 8th Assembly
California State Assembly
The California State Assembly is the lower house of the California State Legislature. There are 80 members in the Assembly, representing an approximately equal number of constituents, with each district having a population of at least 420,000...
District, represented by Democrat Mariko Yamada
Mariko Yamada
Mariko Yamada is a Democratic assemblywoman from California's 8th Assembly district. Assemblywoman Yamada was elected in 2008 after defeating West Sacramento mayor Christopher Cabaldon in a competitive Democratic primary, a defeat that many considered an upset win for Yamada...
. Federally, Woodland is in California's 1st Congressional District
California's 1st congressional district
California's 1st congressional district is a congressional district located in the U.S. state of California and presently consists of the northern coastline and includes Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino and Napa counties and parts of Sonoma and Yolo counties.The district is currently...
and is represented by Democrat Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Michael C. Thompson , is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1999. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes Napa, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties as well as parts of Yolo and Sonoma Counties....
.
Education
Woodland Joint Unified School DistrictWoodland joint unified school district (California)
Woodland Joint Unified School District or WJUSD is a school district in Woodland, California. Established in July 1965, it now has a budget of $77,700,000...
services the 12 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 comprehensive high schools, a continuation high school, and the adult education center in town.
There are several private schools in town. They include Woodland Christian School, a former ministry of the LifePointe Church (formerly known as First Baptist), which offers classes for children from preschool through high school; Holy Rosary Parish School, ran by Holy Rosary Parish, offers enrollment from preschool to 8th grade; Montessori Children's House offers enrollment from preschool through 6th grade; Woodland Adventist School gives classes from preschool to 8th grade; a private school entitled Abby's School has enrollment for preschool and kindergarten; and Cornerstone Christian Academy using A.C.E.'s School of Tomorrow curriculum, offers classes for pre-school through high school aged students.
Yuba Community College District
Yuba Community College District
Yuba Community College District is a community college district with a flagship campus, Yuba College, in Marysville, California, USA.The Yuba Community College District is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and recognized as a fully accredited 2-year community college by...
oversees Woodland Community College
Woodland Community College
Woodland Community College is a fully accredited 2-year California Community College in Woodland, California. It is a part of the Yuba Community College District...
, a now fully accredited college.
Media
The local newspaper of Woodland is the Daily DemocratDaily Democrat
The Daily Democrat is the major daily newspaper in Woodland, California and Yolo County, California. The paper is owned by MediaNews Group. Its headquarters are located in Woodland on Main Street in Woodland's Historic Downtown.-Coverage:...
. It was established in 1857 before the City of Woodland was incorporated. The Sacramento Bee is also widely read in town. The WAVE (Woodland Access Visual Enterprises) Channel 21 is Woodland's Public-access television
Public-access television
Public-access television is a form of non-commercial mass media where ordinary people can create content television programming which is cablecast through cable TV specialty channels...
cable TV station which airs footage from a variety of community activities. Some examples are local high school football games, the Yolo County Fair, the Woodland Christmas Parade, as well as televised classes from Woodland Community College
Woodland Community College
Woodland Community College is a fully accredited 2-year California Community College in Woodland, California. It is a part of the Yuba Community College District...
Educational-access television program. Anyone from the community is able to air approved content.
Several movies have also been filmed, at least partially, in Woodland. They include the movies Farewell Bender, Blood Sport, Letters from a Killer
Letters from a Killer
Letters from a Killer is a 1998 film about a man who is falsely convicted of the murder of his wife. During his time in jail, he finds comfort from four women with whom he corresponds...
, and selected scenes from Three Men and a Baby
Three Men and a Baby
Three Men and a Baby is a 1987 comedy film starring Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, Nancy Travis , and Ted Danson, and directed by Leonard Nimoy, in his first non-Star Trek movie directorial role. It follows the mishaps and adventures of three bachelors as they attempt to adapt their lives to...
.
The documentary, "Bigger, Faster, Stronger" features several scenes in Woodland, and includes interviews with football players from the Woodland Wolves and the Pioneer Patriots.
Transportation
Woodland is served by Yolo County Transportation District commonly termed 'YOLOBUS'. There are many routes to and from Downtown Sacramento, DavisDavis, California
Davis is a city in Yolo County, California, United States. It is part of the Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, Cache Creek Casino Resort, and other areas of Yolo County
Yolo County, California
Yolo County is a county located in the northern part of the U.S. state of California, bordered by the other counties of Sacramento, Solano, Napa, Lake, Colusa, and Sutter. The city of Woodland is its county seat, though Davis is its largest city....
. Two freeways run through the city, State Route 113
California State Route 113
State Route 113 is a north–south state highway in the U.S. state of California that runs from around west of Rio Vista at State Route 12 to State Route 99 south of Yuba City. It is an important connecting route between Interstate 80 and Interstate 5. Past the southern terminus are...
and Interstate 5
Interstate 5
Interstate 5 is the main Interstate Highway on the West Coast of the United States, running largely parallel to the Pacific Ocean coastline from Canada to Mexico . It serves some of the largest cities on the U.S...
. Many of the surface streets in town run north and south or east and west definitively. The roads (especially in the older part of the city) are straight, and the city is therefore made into a grid with the intersecting streets.
Most transportation is done by automobile, but because Woodland is still a relatively small community, it is easy to find people walking or riding their bicycle instead of driving. Main Street, Woodland's "Historic Downtown" is a perfect example of where it is easier to walk a short distance than it is to drive, due to the frequent intersections and small streets.
Utilities
Woodland receives its natural gas and electricity services from Pacific Gas & Electric. The City of Woodland provides water utility services and Waste ManagementWaste Management, Inc
Waste Management, Inc. is a waste management, comprehensive waste, and environmental services company in North America. Founded in 1894, the company is headquartered in Suite 4000 at the First City Tower in Downtown Houston, Texas, in the United States....
deals with waste services in the town.
Healthcare
The biggest medical facility in town is Woodland Healthcare, a member of Catholic Healthcare WestCatholic Healthcare West
Catholic Healthcare West is a California-based not-for-profit public benefit corporation that operates hospitals in California, Arizona, and Nevada. As such, it is exempt from federal and state income taxes...
. Other facilities include Sutter Health
Sutter Health
Sutter Health is a not-for-profit health system in Northern California, headquartered in Sacramento. Serving patients and their families in more than 100 Northern California cities and towns, Sutter Health doctors, hospitals and other health care service providers join resources and share expertise...
and private practices.
Notable Woodlanders
- Scott BrantScott Brant (speedway rider)Scott Brant is a professional speedway rider in the USA. He is nicknamed "The Dominator". Brant began racing speedway when he was 8-years-old,-Achievements:*2004- Ken Maely Cup Champion*2003- U.S...
- 2003 U.S. Speedway National Champion - Jillian CamarenaJillian CamarenaJillian Camarena-Williams is an American track and field athlete who competes in the shot put...
- Competitor at the 2008 Summer Olympics2008 Summer OlympicsThe 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, was a major international multi-sport event that took place in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. A total of 11,028 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees competed in 28 sports and 302 events...
, three-time indoor champion and an outdoor champion in women's shot put - Bobbie CrynerBobbie CrynerBobbie Cryner is a female country singer-songwriter born in Woodland, California on September 13, 1961. She released her debut album, the bluesy Bobbie Cryner, in 1993 on Epic Records...
- Country singer-songwriter with 5 hits on Billboard's Country Singles & Tracks chart - John DidionJohn DidionJohn Lawrence Didion is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints from 1969 to 1974...
- All American, Oregon State University, NFL (New Orleans Saints) center - Vicente EscobedoVicente EscobedoVicente Escobedo is an American professional boxer of Mexican descent.-Amateur career:As an amateur Escobedo boxed out of the Woodland Boxing Club....
- 2004 Summer Olympics2004 Summer OlympicsThe 2004 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad, was a premier international multi-sport event held in Athens, Greece from August 13 to August 29, 2004 with the motto Welcome Home. 10,625 athletes competed, some 600 more than expected, accompanied by 5,501 team...
athlete in boxing - Loreto GarzaLoreto GarzaLoreto Garza is a former American boxer.Garza started boxing amateur at 18 years old and did it for three years. He won the Golden Gloves all three years and was also on the US boxing team....
- California Boxing Hall of Famer and WBA junior welterweight world champion (1990-1991) - Byron Jackson - Inventor of the deepwell turbine centrifugal pump in 1890. Byron Jackson pumps are located throughout the world, i.e., Grand Coulee Dam, USS Nautilus, Saudi Pipeline.
- Dustin PedroiaDustin PedroiaDustin Luis Pedroia is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Pedroia has won several awards in Major League Baseball, including the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year and the 2008 AL MVP award...
- Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
second baseman, 2008 American League MVPMLB Most Valuable Player AwardThe Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award is an annual Major League Baseball award, given to one outstanding player in the American League and one in the National League. Since 1931, it has been awarded by the Baseball Writers Association of America...
, 2007 American League Rookie of the Year, and 2007 World Series2007 World Series-Game 1:Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at Fenway Park in Boston, MassachusettsThe Red Sox cruised to a blowout win in Game 1 behind ALCS MVP Josh Beckett, who struck out nine batters, including the first four he faced, en route to his fourth win of the 2007 postseason...
Champion. - Craig PenroseCraig PenroseCraig R. Penrose is a former professional American football quarterback. He spent five seasons in the National Football League with the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets and 2 seasons with the United States Football League's Denver Gold. His family origin is Cornish American.-External links:**...
- Former professional football player - Neil C. Roberts- Former Petty Officer 1st Class, Navy SEAL. Died in Afghanistan on March 4, 2002 during the Battle of Takur Ghar
- Charles R. SchwabCharles R. SchwabCharles R. "Chuck" Schwab is the founder and chairman of the Charles Schwab Corporation.-Early life:Schwab was born in Sacramento, California. Despite having the same name, he is not related to Charles M. Schwab, the American steel magnate of the first half of the Twentieth Century...
- Founder of the eponymous stock brokerage firm - Mungo ThomsonMungo ThomsonMungo Thomson is a contemporary visual artist based in Los Angeles.-Work and Exhibition History:Thomson’s work pairs a West Coast conceptual sensibility with an interest in culture, cosmology and reception...
- Internationally acclaimed artist - Tony TorcatoTony TorcatoAnthony Dale Torcato is a professional baseball player. At the young age of 14, Torcato was an amateur boxer, winning the 1994 California Golden Gloves boxing championship, and continued to box until the age of 16 before turning to baseball full time.-MLB career:Tony was drafted in the 1st round ...
- Professional baseball player that spent three years with the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division.... - Paul WulffPaul Wulff-External links:*...
- Football coach at Washington State UniversityWashington State UniversityWashington State University is a public research university based in Pullman, Washington, in the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1890, WSU is the state's original and largest land-grant university... - Jack Lloyd Yerman - Winner of the gold medal in the 4×400 m relay at the 1960 Summer Olympics.Yerman also played football for Berkeley and played in the Rose Bowl in 1960. Held World Records in
* Mile Relay
* 1600 Meter Relay
* Two Mile Relay
* Distance Medley Relay
* Indoor 400 Meter short track
* 660 yard sprint (unofficial)
Sister cities
Woodland has one sister cityTown twinning
Twin towns and sister cities are two of many terms used to describe the cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.- Terminology :...
, as designated by Sister Cities International
Sister Cities International
Sister Cities International is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between United States and international communities. More than 2,000 cities, states and counties are partnered in 136 countries around the world...
: La Piedad
La Piedad
La Piedad de Cavadas is a city and its surrounding municipality located at in the north-west of the Mexican state of Michoacán, bordering Jalisco and Guanajuato. The original colonial name was San Sebastián. It is bordered by the town of Santa Ana Pacueco, Guanajuato. Both towns straddle the...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
See also
- Yolo County, CaliforniaYolo County, CaliforniaYolo County is a county located in the northern part of the U.S. state of California, bordered by the other counties of Sacramento, Solano, Napa, Lake, Colusa, and Sutter. The city of Woodland is its county seat, though Davis is its largest city....
- Sacramento Metropolitan AreaSacramento metropolitan areaThe Greater Sacramento area, or officially Sacramento–Arden Arcade–Yuba City, CA-NV Combined Statistical Area, is a combined statistical area consisting of several metropolitan statistical areas and seven counties in Northern California and one in Western Nevada. These are Sacramento, Yolo, El...
- Woodland joint unified school district (California)Woodland joint unified school district (California)Woodland Joint Unified School District or WJUSD is a school district in Woodland, California. Established in July 1965, it now has a budget of $77,700,000...
External links
- Official website
- Woodland Chamber of Commerce
- Woodland Community Website
- Woodland Community website
- Yolo County Visitors Bureau - information on hotels, restaurants and attractions in Woodland
- Woodland Joint Unified School District
- Yolo County Fair - Official Website
- Yolo Idol Search - Official Website
- Woodland Wiki