YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Ever wonder what you’re looking at when flying over Yolo County on a plane?

From above, you can see our county’s diverse landscapes, rolling hills, rich farmland, winding waterways, and growing communities. Recently, my assistant deputies and I had the opportunity to take an air tour with Patrick Scribner, a pilot with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Aero Squadron, giving us an amazing view of Yolo County from about 1,000 feet in the air.

We began with a pass over the Capay Valley, a rich, agricultural region that embodies Yolo County’s farming heartland. This valley is home to a variety of crops, from olives to almonds, and is known for its small, family-run farms. The winding roads and hills make Capay Valley not only a beautiful part of the county but also a place where agriculture thrives.

We then flew over the Yolo County Bypass, a major flood prevention system that plays a crucial role in protecting our communities from seasonal flooding. Seeing it from the air, with the Sacramento River running high and water overtopping the levee, underscored just how vital this infrastructure is in managing water flow around our communities.

Further on, we flew over Clarksburg, where expansive farmlands stretched as far as we could see. This community, located along the Sacramento River, is abundant in agricultural heritage, with vineyards and crops dotting the landscape. Clarksburg’s agricultural backbone plays a vital role in the region’s economy, and its rural charm is one of the reasons that Clarksburg stands out in Yolo County.

As we flew over West Sacramento, we could see how the city becomes something of an island with the water in the Bypass on the west and the Sacramento River on the east. From up high, the grid of streets and buildings stood out, with the city’s growth becoming clearer. We could also spot the busy highways and railroads that connect West Sacramento to the rest of the region. The mix of homes, businesses, and industrial areas shows how the city is expanding.

Flying over, it’s easy to see how important West Sacramento is to Yolo County, linking the farmland with the city and helping drive the local economy. And yes, the views from the air of Sutter Health Park are amazing!

Before ending our tour, we couldn’t help visiting the edge of Yolo County, where Napa and Solano counties meet, to fly over Lake Berryessa. This beautiful reservoir, located between the hills, is known for its clear waters and scenic surroundings. The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and recreation. One of the most iconic features of Lake Berryessa is the Glory Hole, a massive spillway that serves as the lake’s primary drainage system, feeding into Putah Creek and eventually flowing back into the Yolo Bypass. 

Flying over Yolo County was a powerful reminder of the beauty and diversity that make this region special. It’s easy to take for granted what’s around us when we see it from the ground, but from the air, everything takes on a new perspective.

I encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate the landscapes that surround us; they are not only beautiful but also essential.

Thank you again to pilot Scribner for this unforgettable experience!

Viviana Dazo is an assistant deputy to Yolo County Supervisor Oscar Villegas.