People and Places
of Yolo County
Welcome to People and Places of Yolo County — a video series celebrating the farmers, makers, and small-town legends who shape this special corner of California. From the Capay Valley to the streets of Winters and Woodland, each story offers a glimpse into the passion, heritage, and hometown pride that define the Yolo countryside.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, come discover the faces behind your favorite stops — and maybe a few new ones, too.
Episode 6: Stephen Gorden, Cadena Farms and Lucy’s Cafe & Pantry
In Episode 6 of People and Places of Yolo County, we sit down with Stephen Gorden — a third-generation farmer whose story is woven into the very soil his family has tended for decades. Stephen shares how his grandfather journeyed from Mexico and built the family’s farmhouse with his own hands, planting the roots of what would become a thriving Yolo County legacy. Today, Stephen continues that work with pride — growing fresh, vibrant ingredients that inspire the menu at Lucy’s Café, a community favorite he opened to honor his family. From farm life to family history to the heart behind Lucy’s Café, this episode captures the traditions and stories that make Yolo County so special.
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Dru Rivers, co-founder of Full Belly Farm, shares how a dream rooted in sustainability grew into a thriving farm and community hub in Capay Valley—plus her favorite local spots across Yolo County.
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Step inside the story of Park Winters with co-owner Rafael Galiano, whose eye for beauty and passion for hospitality helped transform a historic estate into one of Yolo County’s most beloved destinations.
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Sherri Wood left behind a fast-paced career in San Francisco to build a new life in Yolo County. What began as a one-acre homesite grew into Capay Valley Lavender—a 28-acre farm filled with lavender fields, olive trees, pomegranates, figs, and more. In this episode, she shares her journey of transformation and what it means to truly plant roots.
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In this episode, we visit Hedgerow Farms to meet Julia Michaels, an ecologist dedicated to preserving California’s native wildflowers. From seed to bloom, Julia shares how Hedgerow’s work helps restore habitats, support pollinators, and protect the beauty and biodiversity of our local landscapes.
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In this episode, we sit down with Lane and John Giguiere — the husband-and-wife team behind Matchbook Wines. Both proud locals who grew up in Yolo County and attended Woodland High, Lane and John share their story of building a winery that blends family roots with world-class winemaking. From the rolling hills of Dunnigan Hills to the bottles on your table, discover how Matchbook is putting Yolo County wines on the map.
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In Episode 6 of People and Places of Yolo County, we sit down with Stephen Gorden — a third-generation farmer whose story is woven into the very soil his family has tended for decades. Stephen shares how his grandfather journeyed from Mexico and built the family’s farmhouse with his own hands, planting the roots of what would become a thriving Yolo County legacy. Today, Stephen continues that work with pride — growing fresh, vibrant ingredients that inspire the menu at Lucy’s Café, a community favorite he opened to honor his family. From farm life to family history to the heart behind Lucy’s Café, this episode captures the traditions and stories that make Yolo County so special.
Yolo Countryside Blog
