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Dixon Area Quarantined for MedFly
Dixon City Manager Warren Salmons Resigns Effective End of December
Dixon Wal-Mart Robbed at Gun Point Early Thursday, March 8 Reward Offered for Information
Dixon's Jillian Raycraft Wins Raiders' Punt, Pass & Kick Competition, Ranks #5 in the Nation
Dixon’s Old FirehouseRehab Proceeding
Dixon Education Foundation 2007 Grants
Counterfeit Bills Circulate in Dixon
Bright for Needy Dixon Families
Ben Romero Honored for
Service After many years of volunteer service to Dixon, Ben Romero is moving to West Sacramento. A surprise thank you & farewell party was held in his honor.
Burrowing Owl Spotted on New Dixon High School Site
Dixon Chamber of Commerce Elects New Officers
Blue Star Moms Honor & Welcome Troops
Dixon's Letha Adams Cannon 100 Years Old & Going Strong! Dixonite Heading to Mission in Angola
Dixon's Annual Community Toys for Tots Program to Help Local Needy Kicks Off
Dixon's Annual Community Christmas Program Ensures Senior Citizens Will be Remembered during Holidays
Three Sacramentans Arrested for Burglary of Dixon Wal-Mart
Dixon High Presents Macbeth Several Performances Including "Theme" Dinner & Show Saturday
Dixon's Ernie Bennett Wounded in Iraq
"Operation Christmas Child" 2006
Dixon Public Asked to Help Fight Med Flies State Quarantines 114 Square Miles of Dixon Area to Fight Med Fly The California Department of Food and Agriculture has established a 114-square mile quarantine zone in Solano County, in the Dixon area, following the detection of a Mediterranean fruit fly infestation. To date, 12 wild Medflies and larvae have been detected in the area. This is the first Medfly infestation in the Central Valley since the early 80's. The quarantine boundary is as follows: on the north, Putah Creek; on the south, Binghamton Rd; on the west, Boyce Rd.; on the east, Bulkey Rd. The Medfly can infest over 260 types of fruits and vegetables, causing severe impacts on California agricultural exports and backyard gardens. A permanent infestation would result in estimated annual losses of $1.3 billion to $1.8 billion. Agricultural shipments from the quarantine zone will be limited by specific regulations designed to minimize movement of potentially infested commodities. In addition, people moving through the quarantine zone are urged not to remove fruits and vegetables from the area. The quarantine requires that local residents not move home-grown fruits and vegetables from the property of origin. Residents may dispose of fruits and vegetables by double-bagging them and placing the bags in the garbage. County officials are asking Dixon residents to help contain the Mediterranean fruit fly infestation by limiting the movement of homegrown fruits, vegetables and nuts. "We have only found Medflies in the residential areas of Dixon, and we want to keep them from infesting the commercial crops. A few simple procedures by residents can help ensure this remains an urban infestation," said Jerry Howard, Solano County Agricultural Commissioner. * Residents should not move any homegrown fruits, vegetables or nuts off their premises unless they are baked, frozen or ground. * Residents should not dispose of the waste from their homegrown gardens and trees (nut or fruit portion only) in recycled waste containers. Residents should double bag the food waste in plastic bags, tie it tightly and dispose of it in the garbage. Medflies were first found in Dixon on Sept. 10 during a routine inspection of an early pest detection trap by County staff. In the following days, a full eradication effort was under way with California Food and Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture experts joining county staff in the battle. Eradication efforts include ground spraying with an organic pesticide within 200 meters (about 600 feet) of all Medfly finds, stripping of fruit within 100 meters of the larvae site and aerial releases of millions of sterile male Medflies. The aerial releases are expected to continue twice a week until June 2008. The Medfly joins two other urban infestations that have hit Solano County in recent years: the glassy winged sharpshooter in Vacaville and the light brown apple moth in Vallejo. The urban infestation of the Medfly in Dixon will significantly impact farming operations in a proposed 114-square-mile quarantine area. "Urban infestations are generally caused by people carrying - intentionally and unintentionally - unwanted pests home with them when they travel abroad. That's why it is extremely important for people to not circumvent travel and mail restrictions on fruits, vegetables and nuts," Howard said. The Medfly can infest over 260 types of fruits and vegetables and estimates of agricultural annual losses in California due to a permanent infestation range from $1.3 to $1.8 billion. For more information about the Mediterranean fruit fly or to report discoveries of suspected infested fruit, vegetables or nuts, call the CDFA toll free pest hotline at (800) 491-1899.
Dixon City Manager Warren Salmons Resigns Effective End of December In a letter dated August 15, Warren Salmons announced he will retire at the end of December after ten years as Dixon City Manager and 33 years in government administration. Salmons stated that he and his wife Susan intend to remain living in Dixon and will be involved in community affairs. He stated he will continue to give his best efforts on the issues facing Dixon during his last months and to help with a smooth transition to a new City Manager. He pointed to examples of what he believes he accomplished in those ten years, including: "vastly improving the capacity of our Fire Department and emergency medical services; creating an expanded parks system and recreational programs; collaborating with the Dixon Unified School District on campus safety, afterschool programs, and creating the new Dixon High School campus; maintaining a healthy balanced City budget; creating a joint solution to regional drainage problems; establishing the Dixon-Davis Greenbelt; building the local economy; and keeping Dixon a desirable, livable, safe place to live, work, and raise a family."
in Dixon Area The Dixon Chamber of Commerce and law enforcement agencies are warning local merchants and the public that counterfeit currency is being passed in the area. Laura Sires, Operations Manager of First Northern Bank has confirmed that numerous counterfeit bills have been received at the bank as well. "It is generally 100’s & 50’s. And yes, the pens have been working on them. In the last couple of months we had a couple of $5 bills that had a $50 printed over it. We had a local gas station that had a $10 bill that looked perfect on the face, but the back side was plain green. We have had two $20’s come through that were quite obvious counterfeits, by the texture of the paper, but accepted by the merchants anyway. The texture on the 20’s was as if it were a tissue," Sires stated. Anyone who spots a suspected counterfeit should immediately call the Dixon Police Department at 678-7070. ANNOUNCES 2007 GRANTS
The Dixon Community Education Foundation has announced its Spring 2007 grants. At Gretchen Higgins, teachers Haskins, Stenz, Stroud, Irvine, Erskine, Young, and Vallier received $1,000 for 2nd graders to attend a performance of Cinderella at the Solano College Theater. Also at Gretchen Higgins Mr. Lower and Ms. Garcia were granted $300 for students in grades 1-6 to learn to play "Pillow Polo/Hockey." The 2 year project will challenge students both physically and mentally and help improve socialization and self esteem. Kindergarteners at Tremont and Silveyville Elementary Schools will take a one day trip to the Sacramento Zoo, thanks to $1,850 in grants. The students will follow up wih worksheets and reading materials about the animals and their habitats the Sacramento Zoo program. The grants were made to Tremont teachers Mss. Larsen, DiGiulio-Hall, Lopez and Hersch, who received $850m and Silveyville teachers Mss. Moering, Candee, Yanez and Hanafee will receive $1000. The 6th graders at Tremont were given $1,000 for teachers Abart, McNeil, Stone and Robinson to bring in a traveling museum of genuine artifacts from Egypt and Rome. The students will describe this experience in their student newsletter, replicate artifacts for their classrooms and submit articles to the newspaper. At Dixon Montessori Charter School Ms. Pelicas received $500 for 2nd and 3rd graders to assist in creating a listening center. Students will improve listening skills, foster independence, and increase reading fluency and comprehension and enjoyment. Ms. Ly was granted $500 for the "Calling All Writers" project. Fourth through sixth graders will establish a weekly or bi-weekly newspaper. Mrs. Raines and Kramer received $500 to put on a play with K-6th grade students. Three science grants were awarded to Silveyville and Anderson Primary Schools to visit both the Explorit Science Center in Davis and the Discovery Museum Planetarium in Sacramento. At Silveyville, Mrs. Hensley and Wright, Sandel, Schmidt and Blankenship will use their $1000 grant to serve 3rd and 4th graders. Mrs. Lugo and Harrison at Anderson were given $500 to benefit 40 3ird graders. The program provides students with information and hands-on experience at both. C ontact Marime Burton at 678-3850) if you have questions or would like to become a member of the Dixon Community Education Foundation.In the photo above, Marime Burton (top left) meets with students at Dixon Montessori Charter School in their learning center. Their teacher, Ms. Pelicas (top right) looks on . - (courtesy photo)
Dixon’s Old Firehouse Rehab Proceeding by Michael Ceremello The rehabilitation of the old firehouse on Jackson Street again is set to move forward. Kristina Wiley asked for, and was granted, several considerations from the Dixon redevelopment agency (RDA). Wiley, a principal in the Dixon Fire Station LLC, and original partners Seth Jacobs and Troy Stevens have parted ways. Wiley asked to substitute Frederick Wiley and Christopher Wiley as new partners, which she stated would increase the groups financial strength. Wiley also requested increased funding from the RDA. Currently the agency is committed to loaning $450,000 to the project. Last July, Wiley asked for a $200,000 increase. She is no requesting an increase to $300,000. The only other change was the bank which would lend $1 million. During the comment period, it was asked what the total cost of the project would be. Staff continued to state the amount as $1.9 million despite Wiley’s letter stating the additional $300,000 would not even cover half of the increased costs of construction. Although the mayor was "bobbing" her head while it was noted the LLC might not be putting up any of their own money because of this, neither she nor any other member of the council, acting as the redevelopment agency, questioned this further. The increase, the change in partners, and the new design were all endorsed - although the design must go back before the planning commission for approval. The color of the exterior will now match that of the train station and additional windows are being added. For now, existing doors of the station will be retained, which was not planned in the LLC’s original design. The agency voted unanimously to approve the requests under their authority.
for Dixon Downs Special Election by Ivy Schtapf The horses headed to Dixon have hit a trip wire. The Dixon City Council voted unanimously to place four separate items on the ballot of a special election to be held Tuesday, April 17, 2007. Two items relate to resolutions concerning traffic and traffic levels of service, and the revision of the Northeast Quadrant Specific Plan. The other two items are in response to ordinances changing the zoning and initiating a development agreement with Magna. The council could have voted to rescind their prior actions approving all of these items. The other choice was calling for a special election. Mayor Courville began the discussion by relaying that she had received a call from Lorne Kumer of Magna asking for a postponement of action until he could be there. Both Mike Smith and Jack Batchelor also got calls while Mike Gomez and Steve Alexander did not. It was unclear what Kumer needed to communicate because members of Magna present didn’t illuminate the public or council. Former Economic Development Director Marshall Drack made an appearance. He said, "Proponents want a vote." Others agreed with him because of the divisiveness of the issue. Civic activist Michael Ceremello was not one of them. He called for a rescission of the previous actions. Listing the cost involved of having not one election, but a following one if this action succeeds, Ceremello felt it would make more sense to rescind the action. He also addressed the potential for litigation from Magna and downplayed it as similar to that of Campbell’s Soup and the city of Davis who have already filed actions. Mike Gomez was the first councilman to speak on the issue. "Two fifths of the council haven’t voted on this. I want to have input. I have problems with the second phase. This is a dieing industry." Gomez complimented Magna saying "I tip my hat to you. You did a great marketing job." Gomez finalized his comments by stating the council could just say no. He then asked the council to consider rescinding the prior council’s vote. Councilman Jack Batchelor stated he had "been working on this all along" evidently in his position with the Chamber of Commerce. He claimed the quadrant would never develop without a large company like Magna developing infrastructure like sewer and water to that area. (Magna has only agreed to pay their fair share of this infrastructure, not to fund it and be repaid). Batchelor said, "We need to move on" and that arguments for rescission were "not compelling." Alexander pointed out that "Cal Trans comments were ignored, traffic will be worse, and there was a serious breach in considering the LOS." He further stated "I am for quality development," and also recommended rescission of the prior votes. Smith and Courville both claimed they "couldn’t rescind my decision" and called for a continuation of the process. Smith ironically stated that "out of respect for the people, they should vote on it." During previous calls for a vote by Alexander, he voted against doing this because the timing wasn’t right. At the end of the debate the council voted unanimously to hold the special election in April. Reward Offered for Leads The Dixon Wal-Mart was robbed at gunpoint at about 1:35 am on Thursday morning March 8, 2007. The thief had snuck into one of the administrative offices to burglarize it when he was interrupted by a Wal-Mart employee. The burglar pulled out a gun and pointed it at the employee and through an emergency exit toward the back of the store. An area search was conducted with the help of Solano County Sheriff Deputies and Solano County K-9 Unit with air support provided by the California Highway Patrol. The suspect was tracked toward the freeway then the trail was lost. A n undisclosed amount of cash was taken and no injuries were incurred. Due to the use of a weapon during the burglary this case is being investigated as a robbery. Witnesses at the scene were unable to provide a description of the suspect.The investigation of this crime continues and anyone with information in this case is encouraged to contact the Dixon Police Department Investigations Unit at 707-678-7070 or anonymously on the Dixon Crime Line at 678-7075 ext 215. A reward may be available and you can remain anonymous by calling Crimestoppers at 707-644-7867. Music, Food & Fun Saturday March 10 There’s No Biz Like Show Biz IIIMusic of the world-famous Phirehouse Philharmonics Jazz Band and a concert chorus singing selections from Hello Dolly, Les Miseråbles and MGM movies highlight "SHOWBIZ III" this Saturday, March 10 at 6:00 pm in Denverton Hall at the Dixon May Fairgrounds. The event is the major annual fundraiser the Dixon Community Education Foundation (DCEF). It will be a great evening of music, food, live and silent auctions and a community social event. A Live Auction conducted by local auctioneer Rusty Bechtold features vacations in Hawaii and on the California coast while a Silent Auction offers fabulous gift baskets, homemade food delicacies, a collection of hand-tied flies and local wine.Local restaurants and Dixon Rotary International provide delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts. A no-host bar is provided throughout the evening. DCEF raises funds to give to teachers in the Dixon Unified School District who apply to provide special programming for the students in their classes. Through a semi-annual grant process, children at every grade level have benefited from programs such as visits to the Mondavi Center, Explorit Science Center programs, reading and math software, traveling museums of antiquities and visits to community college. Tickets are available for a $25 donation at Dixon Florist and Gift Shop, Java California and Chamber of Commerce. Questions? Call Marime Burton at 678-3850 Supported Dixon Soroptomists Charities supported by the Soroptomists International benefited from the annual antique show being held March 10 & 11 at the Dixon May Fair grounds. The public was able to bring antiques to be appraised. Music and food service will be on hand both days
In this photo - Brenda Rinearson and Cheryl Crites of Soroptimists International of Dixon brought a Louis XV era mirror to last year’s antique show for appraisal. Anthony Ortiz is New Year’s Baby
Anthony Rolando Ortiz was born on January 1st at 6:02 am to Dixon residents Daniel and Yolanda Ortiz (parents) and to big brother Daniel Ortiz Jr. (age 5) and Sister Maya (age 2). Anthony weighed 8 lbs 11 oz and was 19 and 1/2 inches long. He was the first baby born in Yolo County at Woodland Memorial in 2007, and is likely the first baby born in 2007 to Dixon parents. New Dixon High School Site A burrowing owl was spotted at the new high school site on Sunday, January 9, 2007, by Dixon residents, Richard and Cheryl Geertson. The owl was hunkered down on a cement cylinder, approximately 20 feet from the Geertsons, when they noticed it in the athletic area along side the canal. Ironically this area is adjacent to the location which was to be the burrowing owl sanctuary. "It was quite exciting to spot the owl as none had been seen in the area for some time," said Cheryl Geertson. YOUR Donations Made Christmas Bright for Needy Dixon Families
This is one of the 700 children from the Dixon area who came to Santa's Workshop during a three day period last week to see the Big Man himself during his Dixon visit. The Dixon Toys for Tots program helped Santa provide gifts to each child and for three weeks (that the kids are out of school) to over 100 families from throughout the 95620 zip code. Over 100 volunteers put in hundreds of hours to make the 39th annual programs another successful community wide venture. - (Photo by Ted Hickman)
Ben Romero Honored for Service
Ben Romero, who is well known for his many years of charitable activities in Dixon was recognized for his service to the community at a recent reception and surprise party hosted by Dixon Family Services (DFS). Approximately 40 DFS staff, board, friends, and family attended the event at the Senior Center. Ben and his wife have re-located in Sacramento and his work at DFS will end at end of December. Ben is pictured here with Stephen Pierce, aide to Solano County Supervisor Mike Reagan. Mr. Pierce is also the President of the Board of Directors of Dixon Family Services. - courtesy photo Dixonite Heading to Mission in Angola
Bruce Burr, a long time member of The Dixon United Methodist Church, will be going on a church sponsored mission to Angola in May. Mission participants will be working in Luanda, the capitol of Angola. They will be supporting and providing Community Based Health Care Teaching, as well as working on various construction projects. There will be a Mission Dinner fundraiser held at The Dixon United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 13, 2007, at 4:30 p.m. ("To Go" dinners are available.) Help us send Bruce Burr to South Africa! Mission Dinner Menu Roast Pork - Baked Potatoes - Applesauce - Green Beans - Dessert Tickets can be purchased in advance (adults $12, children $6, 4 years and under free), or at the door (adults $15, children $8, 4 years and under free). For tickets or ticket information contact Bruce Burr at 530-406-1769 or The Dixon United Methodist Church at 678-2191. Chamber of Commerce Elects New Officers The Dixon District Chamber of Commerce has elected new officers and members of its Board of Directors for 2007: An installation luncheon will be held on Friday, January 19th at Cattlemens Restaurant, located at 230 Dorset Drive in Dixon at 11:30 a.m. The cost for the luncheon is $25.00 and includes a choice of Broiled Top Sirloin Steak, Teriyaki Chicken or Cilantro Pesto Ravioli, all lunch selections include a baked potato, all you can eat salad, sourdough bread, ranch style beans, soda, coffee, tea and dessert. If interested in attending, please contact the Chamber office at (707) 678-2650. Those elected are: President - Ann Marie Meloy, Vice President of Operations at the First Northern Bank; 1st Vice President – Jill Orr of Coldwell Banker and Greg & Jill’s Ferrier Service; 2nd Vice President – Cookie Powell, Executive Director at Dixon Family Services; Treasurer – Damiano Impastato, owner of the Firehouse Café. Other board members include Barbara Beckworth; Jean Williams, owner of the Dixon Florist & Gift Shop; Ken Mistler, owner of Grand Rental Station; and Marianne MacDonald of Coldwell Banker. New board members for 2007 include Bill Birdsong, owner of the Embroidery Shop; Jack Caldwell, Manager of California Water Service Company; and John Gabby, owner of Priority Home Loans has taken over Jack Batchelor’s seat. Ambassadors for 2007 include: Tanace Hatchel of Help-U-Sell Hatchel Realty - Chief Ambassador; Kevin Johnson of Century 21 – Distinctive Properties and Premiere Tour - Vice Chief Ambassador; Carol Parker of Atkinson Self Storage - Mixer Captain; Tiffany Wing, Membership Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Chairperson for American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life – Secretary; and Theresa Zamecnik of Tri-Eagle Beverage and Reese Catering - Sergeant-at-Arms. Other Ambassadors include Lynn Bobbitt of Curves for Women; Josie Flores of Sam’s Club; Mary Ann Pothier of Sacramento Valley Farm Credit; Maria Rico of Sam’s Club; and Bernard Sanders. It is never too late to become an Ambassador, if interested, please contact the Dixon Chamber of Commerce at (707) 678-2650. Blue Star Moms Honor & Welcome Troops Friday Dec 29 By Teri Raski After the hustle and bustle in preparing for Christmas, shopping, baking, and gathering with relatives, entertainment, socializing, enjoying our presents, watching specials on TV, gathering to worship at church etc. we have another opportunity to participate in yet another worthwhile and memorable event on December 29, from 7-11, at the National Armory, 510 Parker Rd., Fairfield, CA just outside Travis Air Force Base. Many of us have that yellow ribbon "Support Your Troops" on the back bumper of our cars, and that's wonderful, but here is an opportunity to come out and actively show your support by your presence! What a joy for the soldiers to see people stand and sing patriotic songs, show their support by clapping, take an opportunity to verbally express support with a handshake, a head nod of encouragement, or a genuine kind word. This would mean a great deal to these men and women. What a joy for you as the participant to be able to see and talk to a man in uniform, one who proudly serves and represents our country. The event is presented by THE BLUE STAR MOMS FROM THE SACRAMENTO AND VACAVILLE CHAPTERS (The Vacaville Chapter covers Napa, Solano and Yolo counties) Some of the planned events: Military men and women in uniform, being acknowledged for their performance and promotions, singing patriotic songs, (audience participation encouraged), listening to such singers such as Derek Clark, a successful businessman of Lodi fame, who sings the song "Goodnight Soldier" (see Goodnight, Soldier.com). Linda Rose, from KUIC radio will emcee the event. Refreshments will be served. There will also be a Mother/Soldier, Grandmother/Soldier, Father/daughter, Grandfather/soldier dance to the jazz band.You can watch the Blue Star Moms’ power point demonstration of the pictures of the troops in the Middle East, and see some of the positive things going on over there. BLUE STAR MOMS is an active support group, that positively supports our troops in a patriotic way without getting politically involved. We do get involved with troop packaging, greeting the military at the airport with a support of hands, encouraging words, & small flags; visiting the wounded at the hospital, waiting for their loved ones to arrive. To find out more about the local National Blue Star Moms, please visit their website at: www.webspawner.com/users/vvbsm To find out more about the larger organization encompassing various places in the United States, you can visit: To listen to the above singers, you can visit the links to the We hope you will join us at our event. If you have any questions about the event or the Blue Star Mom organization, you can call the President, Toni Colip at (707) 452-0172, or Teri Raski 678-5427. Letha Adams Cannon 100 Years Old & Going Strong! By Ruth Cannon Leber A celebration of the 100th birthday of Letha Adams Cannon will be held on Saturday, December 9th. Her family invites all her friends to join her at an open house held from 1 to 5 pm on that day at the Dixon Community Church, 955 East A Street in Dixon. Letha was born on December 11th, 1906 in Hartville, Ohio. She is the second oldest of 10 children born to Alvin and Jessie Adams. In 1915 her family moved from Ohio to California via what she describes as "a very long train ride." Ultimately, the family settled on a farm in French Camp, near Stockton. Longevity apparently runs in her family. After retiring from a long career with the Southern pacific Railroad, her father lived in good health to 100. Her mother lived to 92. Letha’s five surviving siblings include: Eva Lewis of Fernley, NV; tom Adams of Twenty-Nine Palms, CA; Bruce Adams of French Camp, Ca; Iona (Sal) Wisby of Bandon, OR; and Cynthia Watts of Escalon, CA. Letha married Wilfred Cannon in 1928 and they raise two children, Ruth and Wilfred, Jr. in the Stockton area. After her husband passed away, she pursued a nursing career and worked for St. Joseph’s hospital in Stockton. She has been active in many organizations, including the PTA, Grange, Escalon Presbyterian Church, French Camp Vaqueros and the Dixon Community Church. After living in Stockton for several decades, she moved to Dixon in 1999 to live with her daughter, Ruth. Letha’s age hasn’t kept her from traveling. In the past year, she flew to New Jersey for her grand-niece’s wedding and to Wisconsin for her grandson’s wedding. At home, she takes great pleasure in her family and gardening. This past spring, she won a first-place award for her African Violets at the Dixon May Fair. Letha is the matriarch of a very large extended family which includes 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 29 nieces and nephews. Remarkably, she knows them all by name and is fondly remembered by many of them as their "foster mom" while attending school away from home. By living her life to the fullest and enjoying every moment, Letha has set a fine example for her family to follow. Annual Dixon Toys for Tots Community Christmas Programs Begin Dixon’s Toys for Tots/Community Christmas Programs, now in its 39th year of operation, will hold its only annual organizational meeting on Tuesday, November 28th from 6 to 7 pm at the Dixon Fire Department on Ford Way in Dixon. All groups, organizations, and individuals interested in helping in one or more of this year’s seven programs are urged to attend. The Christmas umbrella organization has united all Dixon area Christmas programs under one group and will provide a Santa’s Workshop, Toys for Tots to about 700 children (from Santa himself) from throughout the 95620 zip code; food for three weeks (while the kids are out of school) to families with children; Coats for Kids (which started in Dixon 28 years ago); Christmas trees, a bike program and a Christmas Eve senior visitation. The senior program sees people from the community make up and take gift baskets to senior citizens who may be alone on Christmas or who are in financial need. The over all program operates on a budget of about $15,000 a year donated by the community. It is a private, non-profit, all volunteer organization which sees well over 200 volunteers work in the seven divisions. All families are individually screen and assessed for need and must qualify for the programs by presenting proof of both income and residency in the 95620 zip code. The programs start on Dec. 15th and end December 25th and are co-sponsored by the Dixon Fire Department and the Dixon Mother’s Club. For further information call Ted Hickman, coordinator or Tanace Hatchel, administrator, at 678-9494. Dixon Community Christmas Program Provides Seniors with Holiday Joy By Ted Hickman Each year the Dixon Toys for Tots/Community Christmas Programs see an outpouring of caring and commitment year from hundreds of volunteers taking time away from their families and friends during the holiday season to help others. The all volunteer, non-profit organization has seven different programs under one Christmas charity umbrella; one of which is the Senior Christmas Eve visitation program. T he senior program headed by Yvonne and Ray McCluskey will bring joy to about 60 senior citizens from through the 95620 zip code who will be alone or needy on Christmas Eve..Specialized food baskets along with gifts and a gift certificate will be delivered by members of the community at dark on Christmas Eve. The senior program is financed by private donations and takes up half of the organization’s budget because of the specialized needs of the seniors. According to Yvonne McCluskey, "We don’t want to see or hear of one senior left alone and lonely on Christmas Eve. We will get the resources together to make sure one of Santa’s helpers visits them, but we need the public’s help in making sure we don’t miss anyone. If anyone knows of any seniors who will be alone or are down on their luck or who just live on a shoestring budget please let me know." McCluskey added it can be a person or even a couple with no family in the area who need some company on Christmas Eve. To suggest a name for the program, or for further inf ormation the McCluskey’s can be reached at 678-3449.Three Sacramentans Arrested for Burglary of Dixon Wal-Mart On Friday, December 8, at about 1:08 am, Dixon Police Sgt. Willingmyre was on patrol in a marked police performing security checks on the businesses in Dixon, when he observed a vehicle parked on the west side of Wal-Mart. The vehicle was parked next to the emergency exit door, which was opened. Sgt. Willingmayre observed a female juvenile (age 17), and David Mosqueda Savala (19) coming out of the door. David Savala had items in his hands and placed them into the car as he and the juvenile got into the waiting vehicle. After notifying dispatch that he had a burglary in progress he activated his emergency lights and pulled in front of the vehicle. Sgt. Willingmyre ordered the occupants to put their hands up. Most of the occupants complied, but the driver started the car and put it in reverse. He backed away from the Police car and went to turn around near the main parking area. Sgt. Willingmyre went after the suspect car and pulled in front of their vehicle as it attempted to turn around. T he suspect vehicle was able to turn to its left and drive past the patrol car back towards the rear of the store. Sgt. Willingmyre went after the vehicle and found that it hit the curb and dirt area behind the loading dock area. Eddie Albert Savala (36) and David Savala ran from the scene, the female juvenile was taken into custody without incident.A perimeter was set up and with officers from the Dixon Police Department, Solano County Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway patrol. With the assistance of Solano County Sheriff’s Deputy, Deputy Swafford and his K-9 "Basco", Eddie and David Savala were located and taken into custody without incident. A search of the suspect car resulted in the recovery of $1300 worth of merchandise that was stolen from Wal-Mart. The female juvenile was booked into the Solano County Juvenile Hall for 459 P.C. – Burglary, 182 (a) P.C. – Conspiracy and 496 P.C. – Possession of Stolen property. Eddie and David Savala were booked into the Solano County Jail for the following charges. Eddie Savala - for 459 P.C. – Burglary, 182 (a) P.C. – Conspiracy, 496 P.C. – Possession of Stolen property, 148 (a) P.C. Obstruct Public Official, and 3056 P.C. – Violation of Parole hold for him. David Savala - for 459 P.C. – Burglary, 182 (a) P.C. – Conspiracy, 496 P.C. – Possession of Stolen property, and 148 (a) P.C. Obstruct Public Official. All three suspects are from Sacramento. Dixon High Presents Macbeth Several Performances Including "Theme" Dinner & Show Dixon High School presented Shakespeare's Macbeth the weekend of December 8,9, & 10, 2006. This production marks Mr. Clark Adams’ farewell offering as Dixon High’s director as he plans to retire this year. He has directed Shakespeare at Dixon High for the past ten years. But what a final performance he has put together the help of an exceptional group of students! Matt Evans excels in the leading role of Macbeth, with Alex Lopes and Kate Alloway double casted as Lady Macbeth. William Lane as King Duncan and Tom Zolot and Tom Parkman portray Malcolm and Macduff, the men fighting for righteousness. Others cast member include Anne Morris, Jill Trevisanut, Colleen Holtmeyer, Michele Kurtyack,Robert Spencer, Ryan Seelye, Brittany Swafford, Kevin Martinez, Katie Curnow, Genevieve Holtmeyer, Brian Feeney, Megan Geottman, Bowen Au Young, Anthony, Quinones, Theresa Spencer, Josh Allen Jenna Harty, Michelle Touhy, Madelyn Robinson, Elizabeth Bowen, and Samantha Lower. Show times are 8:00 Friday night, a gala dinner at 7:00 Saturday evening with an 8:00 curtain and a 2:00 Sunday matinee. Please join us for a "theme oriented" gala dinner of Rock Cornish Game Hens and fixings at 7:00 Saturday evening. Wounded in Iraq
Ernst Bennett, whose parents Jeff and Cindy Bennett live in Dixon, shot three times on his left side while on a mission in Iraq. He was evacuated to Germany and then to a military hospital in Hawaii. "His spirits are good," said his dad Jeff Bennett before he and Cindy flew to Hawaii to visit with Ernie. This was Ernie’s second time being in combat. The first time he was in Afghanistan in 2004 for a year. He was then stationed in Hawaii for a year, then deployed to Iraq in August 2006. Ernie is an E-4 with the 2nd Battalion of the 23 Infantry Division. Ernie joined the army in 2001 after he graduated from Dixon High. In the photo above, Ernie is on the right, receiving a military commendation. Provides Over 100 Boxes to "Operation Christmas Child" by Chris Bushéy
Neighborhood Christian School students, parents, and staff filled 114 shoeboxes and plastic containers with presents of all kinds, including small items such as toys, pencils, paper, and toothbrushes for the needy children in war-torn areas around the world. Last year, Samaritan’s Purse International Relief agency’s Operation Christmas Child collected over 7.6 million shoe boxes and delivered them to needy children in 95 countries. Delivered to the drop off location in Woodland on Thursday, Nov. 16, Neighborhood’s boxes joined thousands of others from Dixon and surrounding communities as local students and families share the blessings they have received living in this great country with those less fortunate around the world. For more information, visit the Samaritan’s Purse web site at: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ Or call Neighborhood at 678-9336, or call your local church to see if they are participating.
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