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Forums work when people participate - so don't be bashful.  But be respectful.  The administrators reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.  Access and participation on this forum is not a right, it is a privilege and abuse may result in suspension or revocation of WHS60s site access at any time.  

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We don't actively monitor the forum, but respond to complaints and take action as deemed appropriate.

V/R, Co-site Administrators Joan Lucchesi ('60) and Gary Wegener ('66)

Click the "Post Message" button to add your entry to the forum

(you always have the option to edit or delete your post). 

Robert Cowing (1965)

Melinda Leiser (1962)

Greg, 

So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.  May this part of life’s journey be tempered by the lifetime of good memories.

Dee (Marilee) Damsen (Kindelt) (1965)

Was so sorry to have read about Don Schattauer - another one from Cacheville (Yolo grammer school) and Woodland class of 65.  My thoughts and condolences to his family from a long time friend and classmate.

Robert Cowing (1965)

Jean Kay Johnston began her 83-year adventure through life in Elkhart, Indiana on June 15, 1934. Her journey ended peacefully in her home on January 24, 2018, after a two-year long battle with pyoderma in her left leg.

Her husband, Adreon Beauton (AB) Johnston of 43 years and their son, Adreon Brent, preceded her in death. Their adopted daughter Young Chong (Richard Britzman) and adopted son Young Chul Sim (Ellene) and four grandchildren; Rachel, Alexander, Enoch, and Anna survive Jean. Her two step-daughters, Carol Weinmann and Gale Emmons, their six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren also survive her.

Jean graduated with a Bachelors of Art from Manchester College, IN and a Masters of Art from UC Davis, CA. She taught various art classes at the Whittier School District where she met her husband AB, and in Woodland Lee Junior High School until her retirement in 1983.

She enjoyed painting, sandblasting glass, pottery, traveling, and friendship most of all. She and her husband AB enjoyed flying their own airplane for several years before turning to an interest in antique cars. She was a member of the Sacramento Reliable A's, Model A Ford Club of American and the Sacramento Valley Model T Cub and Model T Club of America.

Friends, family, and students are invited to bring a story to share and attend a Celebration of Life for Jean Kay Johnston at 1 pm, Sat, February 10, 2018, at her home in Carmichael, CA.

Printed in Sacramento Bee February 09, 2018 and special thanks to Pam Wohlfrom Wohlfrom-Johnson, WHS 1969, for alerting us to her former teacher's passing.

Robert Cowing (1965)

Robert Cowing (1965)

POSTED: 02/10/18 - NEW SPORTS STADIUM FOR WOODLAND HIGH SCHOOL?

"Thursday night’s school board meeting, Trustees officially approved an additional $1 million of funding for the stadium project, bringing the total funding to $3.5 million.

Brian Meyers of HMC Architects laid out the timeline for completing a stadium in time for the 2019 football season as well as showing off an artist’s rendering of what a completed project would look like.

Meyers’ timeline included a design development phase through March 2018, estimated approval of the design by the Division of State Architects on October 1st, 2018, and construction from November 2018 to August 2019.

The centerpiece  . . .  or ultimate design, which would come in at an estimated $8.1 million, included new bleachers, lighting, an all-weather track with considerations for field events including high jump, triple jump, long jump, pole vault and shot put, new concessions and restrooms and an entrance plaza. The track’s dimensions will be changed from 440 yards to 400 meters while allowing enough field space for soccer to be played. Meyers worked with a stadium design sub-committee of community members to ensure all needs are addressed.

Site preparation/demolition, utilities, home and visitor side bleachers, making the site ADA-compliant, as well as any soft costs incurred, comes out to an estimated $4.014 million.

With significant steps taken to address the most immediate needs of the stadium site, focus in the community will shift to finding what will likely have to be outside funding for the rest of HMC’s design. To that end, a fundraising committee headed by Karen Gossard will be meeting in the Woodland High School weight room at 6 p.m. on Feb. 13 to begin those conversations."

By Matt Murphy –

Matt Murphy is the sports writer at The Daily Democrat and has been with the paper since August 2017. He graduated from Chico State with a B.A. in Journalism in 2015 and grew up in Woodland, attending Woodland High from 2007-2011. Matt loves all things sports but does not want to talk about your fantasy football league or the 2017 SF Giants. Reach the author at:  (1) mmurphy@dailydemocrat.com or follow Matt on  (2) Twitter: @woodlandsports.

NOTE For an unedited and complete report please SEE Woodland Daily Democrat, 02/10/2018

Robert Cowing (1965)

Robert Cowing (1965)

GANGS IN WOODLAND CALIFORNIA - (an edited and incomplete article)

(1)    The FBI targeted Woodland and Yolo County along with 10 other counties in a massive raid against street gangs Wednesday morning.

“A violent criminal organization ("Varrio Bosque Nortenos") that started out in Woodland years ago and spread throughout Northern California faced a day of reckoning today,” said U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott, opening a press conference at the Robert Matsui federal courthouse in Sacramento. “... several agencies culminated this morning in the execution of 39 federal search warrants and 30 parole and probation searches at locations in Oregon, Pennsylvania, and (11) California counties.”

The raids were in no way affiliated with immigration issues, and in fact, Scott said nearly every arrested individual was a U.S. citizen.

“Yolo County has been especially impacted by the violent crimes committed by the members of this gang,” he said. “Guns, drugs, and violence are the trademarks of this gang ... for many months, the shootings and assaults connected with this gang were occurring with such regularity in the city of Woodland that it felt like we were under siege.”

The Democrat went live with this press conference and the full coverage was posted on The Democrat Facebook page.Contact Hans Peter at 530-406-6238.

(2)   (An edited and incomplete article) :

"Authorities arrested 31 people Wednesday who they said are connected to a violent, drug-running multi-state street gang directed from inside one of California’s most notorious prisons. (Names of those arrested are available, posted in Democrat article.)

The operation was directed by two inmate members of the Northern Structure prison gang who used smuggled cellphones to communicate from inside Pelican Bay State Prison, federal and state officials said.

The inmates directed a subgroup of the Norteno street gang that grew in Woodland in recent years. Both are affiliated with the Nuestra Familia gang.

 . . . the investigation revealed that at least nine other California counties were negatively impacted by these criminal organizations including Sacramento, Sutter, Colusa, Yuba, Del Norte, Solano, Fresno, Santa Clara, and Siskiyou.

By DON THOMPSON, Associated Press, and Daily Democrat staff

OTHER IMPORTANT ARTICLES IN THE DAILY DEMOCRAT WERE NOT ACCESSIBLE TO ME BECAUSE I AM NOT AN ONLINE SUBSCRIBER:

a. "Operation Silent Night  - spotlights Woodland as gang hub."

b.  "Statewide violent crime investigation encompasses Yolo and 10 other  California counties."

Nancy Rollins (Gantz) (1968)

Dee (Marilee) Damsen (Kindelt) (1965)

I guess as the rep for the class of 65, it is my job to convey news about our classmates.  I wish it was good news but it seems that all I have been posting is condolescenes to family and friends of our classmates.  It is with much sadness that I report the passing of another 65 classmates:  Kathy Thomas Swigert.  It is very hard for me to post this one!  So from all of your classmates, Kathy, we hope you are no longer in pain and our condelescenes to your family and to all of your many, many friends.

Paul F. Aoki (1967)

Gary, You do a great job administering the site. It must take a lot of your time. Is there any way that I can help you? If you need any financial/accounting work, I am a California CPA  you might need budgeting or analysis of spending or financial projection  let me know, but I am not local in Woodland  I live in the Bay Area-Milpitas  

Mike Miller (1966)

Has anyone still living in Woodland been aware of the gang activity? Any "bad guy" sightings? Quite amazing Robert. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. And just when I was thinking about moving back to Woodland.

Theresa Eve (1964)

It was very disappointing to learn about the Woodland Gang situation.  Never the old Woodland we all recall.  But, times have changed, and not for the best, with guns on the streets in most anywhere.   We can only hope and pray that the good will out shine the evil.  And, may our Country be a better example of intregity and righteousness.   Prayers for all those lost in Florida.  May the good men and women  step up and turn this around.  It appears some of the young students have the right ideas and used their voices.

Miguel Michel (1966)

I don’t live in Woodland but visit my siblings who line in Woodland and Yolo at least once a year. They have never mentioned this as a problem.  We plan on being in Woodland in March and I willl make it a point to ask.        

The broader seems to revolve around guns and drugs. I hope that the voices of those affected by guns and drugs are finally listened to by our representatives in congress. Action rather than prayers needs to occur.  With regards to guns, congress can to look at what the state of Connecticut has done to curtail gun violence. 

Don Murdoch (1962)

It's hard to imagine the gang activity in Woodland.  I grew up with the likes of Xavier Tafoya, Fred Ramirez, Al Martinez, Dave Contreras, Jesse Zaragosa, Felix Gonzales, Armando Flores, Terry Macias, Bobby Matta, Joe Salas, Raul Castenada and the list goes on and on.  Can't fathom Mexican gangs in the 60s.  All class folks and good friends to this day.  Oh, how times change.  

Gary Wegener (Wegener) (1966)

Gang activity?  I have been back in Woodland since 1992 and my awareness of gang activity is mostly from the Daily Democrat.  From my personal experience, the articles could just as well be about a different town (aside from graffiti that pops up occasionally but generally is removed promptly).  I am not discounting the news, just saying I haven't personally seen significant issues, or feel unsafe about town.  There have been bank robberies, drive-by shootings, drug busts, etc-maybe that is the new norm and until it directly affects you, it is easy to ignore.  I have some connection with the schools and there doesn't seem to be a significant issue there. Woodland?  I love it.  The 'downtown' is developing a lot more character and has a lot of activities.

Dan Ree (Ree) (1964)

Yes....Woodland has  made the way to Gangs as the one's mentioned ..Don..hit the Nail on the Head..All the names mention..some I went to Grammer school with......and High School......None were the likes of todays situation..........The 60's was about Sports..Hot Rods...Great Music.......If you do not see it in Woodland like one post illustrated....it's there..hidden in the darkness of the othere side of town...they pick there own targets and are organized......in Bakersfield it is here...when I think about Gangs...I remember the Little Rascals.....I guess one could say using the word 'GANG '...it was in the 50's   and 60's who we hung around with...not the violence..guns and the crap..'DRUGS'..........they call today issues in Woodland and other towns in USA....Progress..but is it Progress ..when many on this site remember the 50's and 60's in Woodland....It was Calm..interesting....good for kids to grow up..and the great Teacher...Sooooo....Why and who changed it...Is it a good progress...sure down town Woodland is said to add more things.....but that is a mask of the Bad in the darken areas of Woodland.........Woodland did not have to change......someone else changed it.....

Eugene Boyd (1966)

Just reading about the newly discovered “gang” problem in Woodland. This problem has been festering and growing since the 70s. I decided to move my family when we went to a Woodland HS game and discovered the entire field ringed, bumper to bumper, with school busses. They were being used as a shield to prevent the retaliation “drive by “ shooting by a West sac gang against a Woodland gang. This happened 25 years ago and I don’t expect it got any better.  I didn’t want my kids exposed to that environment nor the tense racial attitude that was reported by students in the HS. Ron Baldwin, you were a teacher during this time at WHS. Tell us what your first hand impression of those times. Today’s comments validate the fact that it has not. The days of an “integrated” WHS have bee over for many, many years. 

Joan Richter (Lucchesi) (1960)

 I have the same experance as Gary. I moved back in 80 with my 12 year old son. We never had a problem when he later attended WHS. There was only one school then. I’ve heard rumors about gangs but have never seen any myself. Of course it’s not the same as the town we grew up in and loved but nothing remains the same. I think the same when  I visit Honolulu. I love downtown now. It’s delightful to see it busy day and night, clean and ALWAYS busy.

Norma Berrettoni (Plocher) (1966)

Gene Boyd is right - the gangs have been here for years.  This latest raid made front on the Daily Democrat - so, just became 'real' to people.  I have known for years that there are gangs in Woodland.  Sad but true - hoping our law enforcement can keep cleaning things up.  I just figure it's like anything else - just try to educate yourself about gangs and be aware.  

Robert Cowing (1965)

   Russell Thomas Qualls    Feb. 8, 2018

 

Russell passed away Feb. 8, at the age of 72.

Russ was born and raised in Fresno. His parents, Russell and Marie Qualls, and brother, Mike Power preceded him in death. He graduated from Fresno State University with a bachelor's degree in Social Science. In 1968, while in college, Russ met the love of his life, Nancy, and were married in 1970 for 48 years.

 

After college, Russ had a distinguished career at Xerox Corporation. Russ and Nancy moved to Woodland, where, in 1978, Russ and Nancy and their children made their forever home. Russ worked for Xerox for 28 years before retiring in 2000. After retirement, Russ worked as a substitute teacher for the Woodland Joint Unified School District and also taught computer classes for Woodland Adult Education.

 

Russ fought a long battle with Parkinson's disease and faced every challenge with strength, dignity, and courage.  Russ is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nancy Qualls; daughter, Jena (Ben) Sprinkle; son, Ryan (Erin) Qualls; brother, Jerry Power. On behalf of Russ, the entire Qualls family extends its thanks and loving gratitude to Char Augustin, a faithful and devoted friend, and to the thoughtful staff at Stollwood Skilled Nursing for their attentive care and support for Russ.

 

A private memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Tower of Niceness, a charity started by children to help those in need. Checks may be made out to The Tower of Niceness, to The Tower of Niceness c/o Russ Qualls Memorial, 6504 Timberline Way, Rocklin, CA 95765. Donations can also be made to www.michaeljfox.org.     FOR COMPLETE AND UNEDITED OBITUARY SEE:   Published in Daily Democrat on Feb. 21, 2018

 

Gary Wegener (Wegener) (1966)

Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder...  but I hope folks don't denigrate the high schools based on past perceptions.  I have had some limited involvement at the high schools and several years of daily (hr a day) tutoring in bonehead math at Lee.  I always come away impressed that the schools have a safe and positive atmosphere and the kids are positive and respectful.  At Lee, I had a close relationship with the Principal and Vice Principal in ~2010,.  The VP confided that she had ~10 kids basically in the whole school that were her biggest problems (we were discussing ways to get them involved in some type of afterschool activities). But this is out of a school population of 700!!   My kids went through public schools here, from1992 till graduation in 1996 and 2000 and had positive experiences.  

That is not to say there aren't gang issues in Woodland, or the schools.  But the topic is politically charged, both directions.  We don't have gang issues, come visit/move to/relocate your business to beautiful Woodland.... or We have terrible gang issues, give us more money/resources to combat it.  Heck, we even have our MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle.  DOD was giving them away.  Davis was on the list, but the public objected to militarizing their police force, so Woodland stepped up and said we would be happy to take it (my argument was give it to a regional force i.e., the Sheriff Dept-but no, we had to have it.)

Here is a link to some data from the  FBI Uniform Crime Report for 2016 (latest I found).  I picked out some surrounding cities for comparison, in a table that relates incidents/100,000 population.  We don't stand out.  (But of course, that is no consolation if you are a victim.) 

I worry much more about homegrown lone shooters at public events (although there is likely much higher probability of being killed in a plane crash)

Tom Barger (1965)

Gangs and lone shooters are everywhere. Even in sleepy Auburn. My wife, Kathy, was a school teacher at Placer High and had a gun pulled on her.  It turned out to be a plastic look alike.  Twice she had swat teams come through her classroom for a shooting threat, and then there was that backpack that nobody knew where it came from.   Fortunately, she retired the next week.  Teachers deserve combat pay.

Gail Smith (Maxwell) (1964)

Tom Barger...we live up in Foresthill and I remember hearing about the incident with your wife.  Scary stuff!  Glad she was unharmed and glad she retired!  We have heard that there are many parts of Auburn that have neighborhood crime.  It is too bad because Auburn is a lovely town.

Gary Wegener (Wegener) (1966)

For the upcoming Decade Reunion in Sept, Francis Jones has suggested Classmates.com is a good place to advertise, and pickup contact info for 'missing' classmates.  If folks are interested, there is a missing classmates tab on the WHS60s site, to see who we don't have contact info on.  If you have an email address for anyone on the list, follow the directions on that tab to send it in, and the 'missing classmate' will get a system generated email inviting them to join. If you reachout on Classmates.com, that may prove helpful.