Yolo AFA Celebrates Legislative Victory
When the Yolo AFA set out to better protect ag land in the County, it did not expect to become the main proponent for a change in State Law, but that is exactly what happened this year. After hearing increasing reports of conflicts between rural residences and production farming, the group saw an opportunity to avoid conflicts by giving new home buyers clearer information about the life near farms. The group got together with local State Representative Lois Wolk and crafted AB 2881, which strengthens California’s Right to Farm laws by assuring that all buyers of property in ag areas understand the nature of having a working farm as neighbor. The bill passed 34-2 in the State Senate and 54-0 in the Assembly and on September 30, 2008 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill into law. You can read the press release from Lois Wolk which cites the work of the Alliance as well as press coverage from the Davis Enterprise.
Yolo AFA Thanks First Fruits of the Season Sponsors
On May 18, 2008 the Yolo AFA hosted an outdoor celebration of the first local fruits of the season. To the sweet bluegrass music of Chicken Tractor, community members gathered, tasted local early season fruits, nuts, olive oils, and wines, and toasted the bounty of Yolo agriculture. The Yolo AFA would like to thank the following event sponsors for making this event a real success:
GOLD SPONSORS: Conaway Ranch, Dixon Ridge Farms, Ferrera for Supervisor, Shapiro Family Fund at the San Diego Foundation
SILVER SPONSORS: City of Davis, Fifth District Supervisor Duane Chamberlain, First Northern Bank, Hedgerow Farms, Jim and Donna Provenza, MBK Engineers, University of CA Cooperative Extension, Yolo Federal Credit Union
BRONZE SPONSORS: Carbahal and Company, Clark Pacific, EDAW, Fourth District Supervisor Mariko Yamada, Helen Thomson for Supervisor, Lucy and Company, Marchand Family, West Sacramento Mayor and Assembly candidate Christopher Cabaldon.
Mule rides provided by Pete Craig.
Thank you also to our food and wine donors: Dave Scheuring, Dixon Ridge Farms, Heringer Estates Winery, Joe Muller, Mike Madison, Nugget, Pacific Star Gardens, Upper Crust Bakery, and Village Bakery. Flowers were provided by Full Belly Farm.
Special thanks to the Community Alliance with Family Farmers for co-hosting this event at lovely Glide Ranch!