October 2025
1994.
January 17, 1994, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake centered in Northridge in southern California. It caused 72 deaths, including heart attacks, and injured thousands. The earthquake caused up to $20 billion in damage costs, plus $40+ billion in economic loss, making it the costliest earthquake disaster in U.S. history.
May 25, 1994. The Honorable Vic Fazio of California in the House of Representatives commemorating the restoration of the Clover School in Esparto, California.
According to Gregory’s History Book, published in 1913, the Clover School dates back to 1868 when it was built on land donated by the Knight family of Yolo. It is believed it was named after the burr clover that grew in great abundance throughout the area. It was so thick that cows were brought in to graze and thin it out so the ground could be plowed.
The one-room schoolhouse was used from 1870 to 1962. It included all 8 grades with 1 teacher, and class sizes were 12 to 30 students. Anne Ehrhardt Rominger, taught at the school in 1921 and 1922. She was the mother of Richard Rominger, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In 1917, during World War 1, the first outdoor flag pole was erected in front of the school to increase patriotism. Today a flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol flies proudly over the newly restored school.
The school was abandoned in the early 1960’s and was absorbed by the Esparto School District. The property reverted back to the Knight family heirs, Tom and Joel Diaz. Mrs. Diaz’s grandmother, Edith Heidrick, attended Clover School and was responsible for its restoration.
“Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me today in commemorating the restoration of the Clover School in Esparto, California”.
January 11, 1994. Session Minutes. Pastor Letts opened with prayer. Elders present were: Rachel Vieira, Suzanne Riley, Evelyn Pike and Betty Koeppen, and Jeanne Han Treasurer.
Suzanne moved to ask Clarence Schaupp, Don Warren and Mark Riley to audit the 1993 Books. Motion second and approved.
The clerk responded to Joe Haden’s letter of resignation, conveying Session’s deep feeling of regret and understanding.
Financial Report. December income was $6360.20 and expenses were $5515.37. The year to date income was $39,245.52 and year to date expenses were $45,700.23. The Christmas Joy offering collected $46; 50% for Retired Pastor’s fund and 50% for Racial Ethnic Colleges. The Peacemaking Offering totaled $111; 75% to the Synod and 25% was applied to the Child Sponsorship fund.
It was recommended by the Presbytery’s accountant that we elect Corporate Officers. Betty moved to elect the following: President - Evelyn Pike, Vice President - Paul Stephens, Secretary - Betty Koeppen, Treasurer - Jeanne Han. After discussion regarding the need for more information, the motion was tabled until the February 8th meeting.
Pastor’s Report. Pastor Letts traveled to Portland and participated on the committee preparing for the Celebration of Evangelism in October 1994. She will attend the Presbyterian Renewal Conference in Burlingame February 3-5, 1994. She made 7 visitations and 15 caring calls.
A contract was signed on January 3, 1994 between CCC and the Yolo County Office of Education for the low income preschool to start operation immediately. 3 children enrolled at the initiation.
A contract with Mary Dixon was also completed and signed on January 3rd for her work as custodian for the preschool for a maximum of 7 hours per week at $7.25 per hour.
A letter was received entitled to “Editor of the Lifeline”, expressing a sharp disagreement of having a preschool at our church which is closed to “normal” paying parents and their children. After discussion, it was decided that the Lifeline was not to be used as a political forum for the congregation. Pastor Letts is forming a response in the form of a letter stating our position as only a landlord. However, these feelings will be considered at the time of contract renewal.
Two wedding requests were received: Gayle Jones and Rick Haynes in the Sanctuary on March 8, 1994, and Deborah Perry and Jim Oakham in the Sanctuary on May 7, 1994. Betty moved to accept both requests. Motion second and approved.
Pastor Letts will be attending a mandatory meeting on January 19, 1994 in Sacramento for a training session on a Sexual Misconduct Policy that the Presbytery is adopting.
Committee Reports. Nominating - Evelyn reported that Arlie Hurt accepted a 3 year term and Laurie Hayes accepted a 2 year term. Jeanne Han refused another term on Session at this time but would continue as Treasurer if elected. Cindy Brock is taking it under consideration. Evelyn moved to nominate Tom Wicks for a 3 year term on Session. Motion second and approved..
The meeting adjourned with prayer.
February 8, 1994. Session Minutes. Pastor Letts opened with prayer in the Social Hall. Elders present: Paul Stephens, Rachel Vieira, Suzanne Riley, Evelyn Pike and Betty Koeppen. Jeanne Han Treasurer.
Guest: Tom Wicks.
Session welcomed Arlie Hurt and Laurie Hayes and asked them to join in on discussions but explained they could not vote until ordination.
Proposal:
Pastor Tammy Letts and her husband, Rev. Tom Letts made the following proposal to Session:
Salary & housing $21,450
Pension/Medical 7,800
Study Leave 267
Mileage 1,134
Total $30,651
New office hours would be Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30-3:00; and Saturday 9:30-12:30. Two consecutive days off, Thursday and Friday. Tom made an offer to the church to assist Tammy in the following areas to relieve her of some of the strain between work time and home life caring for 2 small children. Youth ministry (Jr. high, VBS, Confirmation class), Worship Committee, occasional Sunday morning leadership, shared visitations, 1 or 2 retreats per year for adults or juveniles and Saturday office hours on the week he would be preaching. This proposal would be for January through December 1994. Tammy requested a 30 day clause after May 31st, as they are actively searching for a permanent full time position. According to recent changes at the Presbytery level, a Church cannot call their Stated Supply Pastor to a called position. The Church could appeal. It was decided to table this proposal until after the budget could be examined.
The Clerk reported on the death of member Fred Storz on January 4, 1994. A memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary February 6th. A letter was received from Alfred and Winifred Hayes, stating they were not aware their names had been taken off the active member roll. They requested their names be reactivated and indicated they will try to attend worship on a regular basis. Betty moved to accept their request. Motion second and approved. Betty will respond with a letter.
Finance Report. January income - $14,516.74 and expenses - $4,359.92. Betty moved to accept the report. Motion second and approved.
Budget. Betty moved to accept the following budget on contingency that Session accepts the Letts’ proposal offer. Motion was second and approved.
Revenue total: $56,520. Expenses total: $56,491.
Leadership Seminar- Everyone on Session to attend this important training seminar on February 26th.
Pastor Letts moved to table the rest of the agenda until tomorrow night. Motion second and carried.
February 9, 1994. Session Minutes. Pastor Letts opened the meeting with prayer. The purpose is to finish the business agenda of the previous evening.
Proposal: Suzanne moved to accept and renew Pastor Letts’ position as Stated Supply Pastor and her 1 year contract proposal totaling $30,651. Her new days off will be Thursday and Friday. New office hours will be Monday through Wednesday 9:30-3:00, and Saturday 9:30-12:30. She will make a firm commitment through May 31, 1994. She has a 30 day clause starting May 1, 1994. Her contract will be retroactive from January 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994. Motion was second and carried.
Pastor’s Report. Pastor Letts officiated at Frederick Storz memorial service. She made 10 caring calls and 4 visitations. She wrote letters of thanks and appreciation to Mike O’Kane and Jeanne Han, off-going Session members. The new member class will conclude February 13th. Jeanice Hurt, Barbara Finney and Vernon Finney are attending and are interested in becoming active members. A reception with Session will be February 20th.
Worship Committee. Welcome to Worship information forms have been placed in the pews in the sanctuary. Parishioners will be asked to fill out weekly, making it easier to follow up on visitors or when regulars are missing. The volume in the sanctuary is too loud before the service, a note in the bulletin saying, “We welcome you. May you prepare yourself for worship in a quiet and prayerful manner.” Also maybe Dolores will play music 15 minutes before the service starts.
Calendar of Events:
February 16 - Ash Wednesday, February 20 -Welcome new members/baptisms. March 27 - Palm Sunday/One Great Hour of Sharing. March 31 - Maundy Thursday service. April1 - Good Friday service. April 3 - Easter/Sunrise service
Nomination Committee. Recommends for the Session class of 1996: Norma Garrison and Cathie Wicks. Alternate - Bill Rominger. It was decided to table discussion for a future date.
The next meeting will be March 1st.
Rachel moved to adjourn with prayer.
February 20, 1994. Special Session Minutes. Elders present: Arlie Hurt, Elizabeth Koeppen and Laurie Hayes. Absent: Suzanne Riley, Evelyn Pike, Paul Stephens, Rachel Vieira.
Pastor Tammy Letts opened with prayer. The purpose was to interview Jeanice Hurt for membership. She has completed new member class instruction and feels ready to commit herself to active membership in our church and to the Lord. Laurie Hayes moved to receive Jeanice as a member of Countryside Community Church. Arlie Hurt seconded. Motion was approved. The meeting was closed.
February 28, 1994. Special Session Minutes. Elders present: Arlie Hurt, Paul Stephens, Suzanne Riley and Elizabeth Koeppen. Excused: Laurie Hayes, Rachel Vieira and Evelyn Pike. Pastor Tammy Letts opened with prayer. The purpose was to interview Barbara Finney and Vernon Finney for membership. They have completed new member class instruction and feel ready to commit to active membership in our church and to the Lord. Suzanne Riley moved to accept Barbara and Vernon as members of Countryside Community Church. Paul Stephens seconded. Motion was approved. The meeting was closed.
