Former Daily Democrat Sports Editor, Gary Traynham, is the June 2007 recipient of the Woodlander of the Month award.

“Traynham” and “sports” have been synonymous to community members since he first began working at the Democrat in 1963. Many things in Woodland have changed over the last 44 years, but Traynham’s name on the local sports page was one of the few consistencies.  
 

Democrat Editor, Jim Smith, said the sports pages of the Democrat have won many awards over the time Traynham has been sports editor.  But entering contests didn’t really reflect Traynham’s primary intent, which was to report on the local community of Woodland and Yolo County. “That’s a very important lesson Gary has taught me,” said Smith. “He’s all about reporting on local events, and whenever I had grand dreams about presenting more news from the state, nation, or world, I’ve always remembered that Gary would sooner publish a story on a local person or local event.  That’s kept me grounded in community journalism.”
 
Referred to as the ‘Yoda of local sports writers,’ Traynham quietly exited the field, retiring from the Democrat on June 1, 2007. Fortunately for us all, he’s promised to come back to toss out a column or two for old-time’s sake.  “Gary Traynham filled the pages of our local newspaper with a view of our community that would not have been possible without him,” says Matt. “His contribution to the culture of Woodland is enormous.”
 
The Woodlander of the Month Award is co-sponsored by Woodland Mayor, David Flory, the Daily Democrat; and Yolo County Supervisors representing Woodland: Duane Chamberlain and Matt Rexroad. The award recognizes those individuals who have provided outstanding contributions to our community.

(above picture, L-R: Woodland Vice-Mayor, Skip Davies, Gary Traynham, Kelly Leibhold, Daily Democrat Publisher, Matt Rexroad)