Wroten named 2024 Winters Citizen of the Year
By Abigail Hofland Express correspondent
When Carla Wroten arrives at Steady Eddy’s, it’s a familiar whirlwind.
On a Wednesday afternoon in January, she smiled as she walked in the door, greeted employees and quickly set down purse and paperwork.
Her delegation skills were on display moments later, when her son DJ piped up, “Mom, can I have a banana chocolate? I can make my own.” Wroten laughed and responded, “Do you want to make your sister’s too?” before confirming the idea with Angela, a consenting barista who seemed to have been through this routine before. With milkshakes
in motion, Wroten scoped out a workspace. She landed at her favorite one: the corner table.
Wroten is this year’s Citizen of the Year, a recognition bestowed at the Winters District Chamber of Commerce’s annual Toast of Winters dinner and chosen each year by previous Citizen of the Year award recipients.
She and her husband Jamell (Mel) have lived in Winters since 2010, when they moved here to raise their family. While maintaining strong connections to Vacaville through her family’s business, CAL INC, Wroten has grown new roots here.
“We don’t have any family in this town, so
Miller returns to Winters
By Sonora Slater Express staff writer
After announcing his resignation from the Winters Police Department in October 2024 in order to accept a new position in Antioch, Chief John P. Miller has returned to the city of Winters effective Monday, Jan. 27.
Details of his return have yet to be released, but interim City Manager Joe Gorton said that the recruitment for police chief was suspended upon news of his return.
In City Manager Jeremy Craig’s weekly update email, he expressed excitement for Miller’s return on behalf of him and “the residents and staff who hold him in such high regard.”
“We look forward to his leadership as he continues to build upon the strong
foundation he established during his previous tenure,” Craig said.
He also took a moment to recognize Interim Police Chief Joseph M. Kreins’ service over the past several months.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Interim Chief Joe Kreins for his steadfast leadership and dedication during Chief Miller’s absence,” Craig said. “Chief Kreins has played a vital role in maintaining the high standards of service that our community expects and deserves.”
The city council does not have to formally approve the appointment of a police chief.
According to Gorton, hiring authority for all city staff (apart from the City Manager position) resides with the City Manager. In a previous Winters Express article about Chief Millers’ resignation, he called his time at the Winters PD “the highlight” of his career.
friends have become very close. A lot of it is centered around the shop,” she said.
Wroten has owned Steady Eddy’s Coffee House for 11 years. She and Mel are the joint’s fourth owners. The couple is opposite in many ways, according to Wroten, but their strengths pair well.
“What we have in common is we’re very good hosts, and we always want people to feel welcome,” Wroten said.
Regulars at Steady Eddy’s are abundant and diverse, ranging from bikers to professors and college students. According to manager Lillian Writh, it’s these visitors that make the space so unique.
“Our regulars play a huge role in the shop. It’s very welcoming to see everyone come in,” Writh said. “I’m here saving up for college to do nursing, and I’ve gotten a lot of opportunities through letters of recommendations from regulars at the shop.”
For her part, Wroten credits the Steady Eddy’s staff with creating a friendly communal atmosphere. She expects employees to provide top notch service with the highest standards of conduct. Her philosophy is simple.
“I hire the right people,” Wroten said.
Wroten’s leadership of Steady Eddy’s is the most public-facing dimension of her work,
Council discusses food vendor regulations, enforcement
By Sonora Slater Express staff writer
The first city council meeting of the new year included a robust discussion of a proposed ordinance that would introduce new regulations for food vendors in Winters, which ended with a decision to continue the conversation at the Feb. 18 meeting once more information can be gathered. Part of the complexity of the discussion for the planning commission and the city council can be attributed to confusion about terminology. There are essentially four types of vendors: Those who sell from a cart, stand or other non-motorized conveyance and stay in the same place to sell (like the local tamale stand), those who sell from a non-motorized conveyance and move around, only stopping to make a sale (like local ice cream push carts), those who sell from a motor vehicle in the same place, on
Weather
private property for more than four hours in a day (food trucks), and those who sell from a motor vehicle while moving around on public streets (driving ice cream trucks).
The original proposed resolution would set two caps: One on both types of non-motorized vendors, commonly referred to as sidewalk vendors, and one on both types of mobile vendors, commonly referred to as food truck vendors. It was suggested that each cap be set at eight, for a total of 16 food vendors in the city.
The resolution previously came before the planning commission during two meetings in October and December where they discussed a potential cap on the number of mobile and sidewalk food vendors and establishing administrative fines for violations of the preexisting code or for vendors operating without a permit. After discussion,
the commission recommended by a 4–1 vote that the council approve the fines for more effective code enforcement, but discard the cap.
Council member Carol Scianna said that she was surprised the commission recommended no cap. Resident Kate Laddish during public comment who said she would love to see the council reconsider that decision, as well as suggesting they consider the map also included in the original resolution that suggested spacing the allowed vendors into four quadrants, so as to prevent crowding.
Council member Jesse Loren shared a long list of questions about the resolution, from clarification on terminology, to why some of the mobile vehicle food vendors that do stay in one place are parked on public property, and whether that’s allowed despite not being an official category set out in the
ordinance, whether food trucks play franchise taxes, who is in charge of enforcing vendor regulations, and more. Some of these questions were discussed or answered during the meeting, while others were directed to the city staff in hopes that they can find the answers in the coming weeks.
According to Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi, food vending vehicles parked on public property technically shouldn’t be allowed unless they have a conditional use permit, as previously determined by the council. However, while the code states that any use permits for food vendors parked in the same place for a length of time must go through the planning commission for approval, Biasi said he only remembers the Buckhorn BBQ food truck going through this process.
Biasi said the
Leaders share unified response to immigration enforcement changes
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
Following the Nov. 5 general election and subsequent policy changes from the federal government, some Winters residents have expressed apprehension about the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting
undocumented people. Local leaders have responded with assurances, emphasizing their commitment to the safety, privacy, and well-being of all community members, regardless of immigration status.
In early December, Interim Police Chief Joseph M. Kreins issued a detailed letter
clarifying the Winters Police Department’s adherence to the California Values Act (SB 54), which restricts local law enforcement’s participation in federal immigration enforcement.
“Our officers do not detain, question, or arrest someone solely to determine
See RESPONSE, Page 3
Maria Rosa Herrera
Courtesy photo
Carla Wroten earned the title of Winters 2024 Citizen of the Year and will be recognized alongside other honorees at the Toast of Winters community awards event.
Public Safety Report
dent with injury
Jan. 15: 11:15 a.m., First Street, Good intent call (other)
~4:19 p.m., Taylor Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~7:03 p.m., Riverview Court, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
Jan. 16: 4:59 a.m., Caselli Court/Morgan Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~7:34 a.m., Russell Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~12:49 p.m., Elliot Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
Jan. 17: 1:31 p.m., County Road 87D, Smoke or odor removal
~1:46 p.m., Moody Slough Road, Smoke or odor removal
~6:56 p.m., Owings Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~8:28 p.m., Rosa Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
Jan. 18: 9:52 p.m., Abbey Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
Jan. 19: 2:26 p.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~3:15 p.m., County Road 90, Building fire
~5:34 p.m., County Road 29, False alarm or false call (other)
Jan. 20: 4:46 a.m., Railroad Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~3:30 p.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~6:03 p.m., W. Grant Avenue, Animal rescue
~8 p.m., Railroad Avenue and Dutton Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle acci-
Jan. 21: 12:05 p.m., Via Robles, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~3:43 p.m., Anderson Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~4:31 p.m., Manzanita Way, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~4:45 p.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
Police Arrest Log
Jan. 16: Solorio, Aurelio Jr (Age 45), Charges: Yolo SO Warrant, Disposition: Released on Notice to Appear
Jan. 17: Lopez, Ricardo Jr (Age 31), Charges: Three Winters PD Warrants, Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail ~Fortier, Christian Armand (Age 41), Charges: DUI, DUI with BAC .08 percent or more, Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail
Jan. 21: Trudeau, Tonya K (Age 54); Charges: Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Winters PD Warrant; Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail Report Log
Jan. 16: 9:12 a.m., E. Main Street/ Creekside Way, Vehicle Tow
Jan. 20: 12:30 a.m., 200th block of Lenis Avenue, Domestic Violence
~8:02 p.m., 800th block of Dutton Street, Welfare Check
Jan. 21: 9:38 a.m., 100th block of Russell Street, Hit and Run
For our editorial policy on crime log entries, see winters express.com/unpub lishing-policy.
Stone takes oath of office, is newest commissioner
Hall of Fame nominations close Jan. 31
Special to the Express
The Winters Joint Unified School District is proud to continue its tradition of honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the district and the community. The Hall of Fame program, established in 2018, recognizes the remarkable achievements of alumni, former employees, and community members who have positively impacted the district and its students.
The Hall of Fame features three nomination categories: Alumni, Employee and Distinguished Service. Each category has specific eligi-
bility criteria:
• Alumni: Graduates of Winters High School are eligible for nomination 10 years after graduation. These individuals should have demonstrated exemplary character and engagement during their school years and continued to showcase these qualities in their professional careers, military service, or community involvement.
• Employee: Nominees must be former district employees who retired at least five years ago. They should have significantly influenced academics, athletics, or other student-centered activities while demonstrating a life-
long commitment to community service and strong moral character.
• Distinguished Service: This category honors local citizens or businesspersons who may not have graduated from the district but have made extraordinary contributions to Winters JUSD. Their efforts must have provided significant benefits or exceptional recognition to the district or its schools.
The deadline to submit nominations is Jan. 31. Nomination forms, along with detailed eligibility criteria, are available on the district’s website at www.wintersjusd. org/hof or https://bit.
ly/3PODxFo Honorees will be notified of their selection in mid-February, with an Induction Ceremony scheduled for April 24. Details about the ceremony will be shared as the date approaches. Community members are encouraged to take part in this opportunity to celebrate the individuals who have shaped and supported the district’s legacy of excellence. For questions or more information, contact Anietta Kelley, assistant to the superintendent, via email at akelley@ wintersjusd.org or by phone at 530-795-6100.
A detailed look at new legislation
By Angela Underwood Express correspondent
Winters Interim Police Chief Joseph M. Kreins said it is critically important that all Winters officers and professional staff receive updated training to stay abreast about all changes in various laws affecting the community.
“These include law enforcement best practices, legislative changes, changes based upon court decisions, and training in virtually every aspect of law enforcement and public safety,” Kreins said.
The California Highway Patrol released information on each new piece of legislation starting with SB 982, which “makes the crime of organized retail theft permanent and strengthens measures to address retail crime.”
“The bill eliminates
the expiration date for specific provisions targeting organized retail theft, ensuring long-term tools for law enforcement to combat this issue,” the CHP reports.
SB 1416 also deals with organized retail theft.
“The bill, until Jan. 1, 2030, creates sentencing enhancements for individuals who sell, exchange, or return stolen property for value, particularly when the property exceeds specific thresholds,” the CHP reports, adding punishment sentencing is based on property value scale, which could mean serving anywhere from one to four years for theft between $50K to more than $3 million.
Additionally, AB 1779 streamlines organized retail theft prosecution.
Now California district attorneys can
consolidate theft charges across multiple counties into a single trial if all legal counsel agrees.
Furthermore, AB 1802 solidifies the crime of organized retail theft.
“This bill eliminates the “sunset’ clause that would have otherwise allowed the statute and the task force to expire,” the CHP reports.
The CHP’s Regional Property Crimes Task Force, initially passed in 2024, was expanded by AB 1972, which now includes cargo theft as a property crime.
“And it requires the task force to provide logistical and law enforcement support for railroad police.,” the CHP reports.
AB 2943, a.k.a. the California Retail Theft Reduction Act strengthened Jan. 1. The CHP reports that “it empowers law enforcement to make arrests using video evidence or sworn statements, shields businesses from lawsuits for reporting crimes, and promotes rehabilitation through diversion programs for minor offenders.”
Lastly, AB 3209 allows for a “retail
crime restraining order,” according to the CHP, noting the “order prohibits the individual from entering or being on the grounds of the establishment and may include parking lots adjacent to and used by the establishment.”
Of all the new legislation, Kreins said Prop. 36 — the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act — continues to make a marked difference.
“It fundamentally reshapes California’s legal landscape regarding drug and theft crimes,” Kreins said. “A key change involves the introduction of ‘wobbler’ offenses — crimes that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on various factors.” The chief detailed the two new wobbler offenses.
“There is possession of a hard drug, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, and their analogs) with two prior drug-related convictions and petty theft or shoplifting with two prior theft-related convictions,” Kreins said.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Matt D. Stone took his oath of office from Zorina Treat, deputy city clerk, as the newest member of the Winters Planning Commission on Tuesday, Jan. 28, in the City Hall council chamber.
Eventos hispanos
Líderes locales comparten respuestas a medida que aumentan preocupaciones sobre leyes de inmigración
Por Crystal Apilado
Traducido por Carol Alfonso
Tras las elecciones generales del pasado 5 de Noviembre y los cambios de política posteriores del gobierno federal, algunos residentes de Winters han expresado su aprensión por las acciones del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de los Estados Unidos (ICE) dirigidas a las personas indocumentadas. Los líderes locales han respondido con garantías, enfatizando su compromiso con la seguridad, la privacidad y el bienestar de todos los miembros de la comunidad, independientemente de su estatus migratorio.
A principios de Diciembre, el jefe de policía interino Joseph M. Kreins emitió una carta detallada en la que aclaraba la adhesión del Departamento de Policía de Winters a la Ley de Valores de California (SB 54), que restringe la participación de las fuerzas del orden locales en la aplicación de las leyes de inmigración federales.
“Nuestros oficiales no detienen, interrogan ni arrestan a nadie únicamente para determinar si es indocumentado,” afirmó Kreins. “El estatus migratorio de una persona no es relevante para las investigaciones penales, ni afecta la misión de nuestras jurisdicciones locales de aplicación de la ley.”
Kreins enfatizó la importancia de la confianza entre las fuerzas del orden y la
comunidad, y exhortó a todos los residentes a buscar ayuda o denunciar delitos sin temor a repercusiones relacionadas con la inmigración. Afirmó que esta política se alinea con otras agencias de aplicación de la ley del Condado Yolo.
Las preocupaciones aumentaron después de la inauguración presidencial del 20 de Enero pasado, cuando la Administración Trump rescindió la política federal de “ubicaciones sensibles.” Implementada inicialmente en el 2011 y ampliada en el 2021, esta política limitaba la aplicación de la ley de inmigración en escuelas, centros de cuidado infantil, iglesias y hospitales a menos que hubiera una amenaza inmediata a la seguridad pública.
La administración también puso fin al uso ampliado de la libertad condicional humanitaria (parole humanitario), que había permitido una entrada discrecional más amplia para los migrantes bajo la Administración Biden, devolviendo el programa a una base de caso por caso. Un portavoz del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional justificó los cambios, afirmando: “Los delincuentes ya no podrán esconderse en las escuelas e iglesias de Estados Unidos para evitar ser arrestados.”
El cambio de política ha generado temores entre los residentes de Winters sobre posibles acciones de ICE que perturben su co-
tals unless there was an immediate threat to public safety.
munidad, particularmente a la luz de las detenciones de residentes indocumentados en el 2018 en todo el país.
Las escuelas priorizan la seguridad y privacidad de los estudiantes
El superintendente del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Winters (JUSD), Rody Boonchouy, aseguró a las familias que las escuelas siguen comprometidas con la seguridad y la inclusión de todos los estudiantes. En una declaración reciente, Boonchouy destacó las protecciones clave bajo la ley de California:
• Acceso a la educación: todos los niños tienen derecho a una educación pública gratuita, independientemente de su estatus migratorio.
• Entornos de aprendizaje seguros: las escuelas son lugares designados como sensibles donde se desaconseja firmemente la aplicación de las leyes de inmigración.
• Privacidad de los registros: el estatus migratorio de los estudiantes y la información relacionada están protegidos por las leyes estatales y federales.
Boonchouy reiteró las políticas del distrito en una reunión de la junta escolar del 16 de Enero, enfatizando los esfuerzos para comunicar estas protecciones a través de varios canales, incluido el acercamiento a las familias de habla hispana.
“Nuestra responsabilidad es asegurarnos de que
cada niño se sienta seguro, respetado y apoyado para que podamos concentrarnos en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje,” dijo Boonchouy.
El superintendente del Condado Yolo, Garth Lewis, se hizo eco de estos sentimientos y criticó los cambios en la política federal por socavar la confianza y la seguridad en los espacios comunitarios esenciales.
“Las escuelas, las iglesias y los hospitales son pilares de apoyo, no lugares para el miedo y la intimidación,” dijo Lewis en un comunicado de prensa.
Acercamiento y apoyo a la comunidad
Los funcionarios locales han tomado medidas proactivas para abordar las preocupaciones de la comunidad. En la reunión del Comité Asesor Hispano de Winters del 14 de Enero, Boonchouy y otros líderes escolares presentaron su respuesta a la aplicación de la ley de inmigración y un documento titulado “Preguntas y respuestas: Al servicio de los estudiantes indocumentados (Q&A: Serving undocumented students),” que está disponible en la página de servicios para estudiantes del distrito escolar en wintersjusd.org. Las preguntas y respuestas están disponibles tanto en español como en inglés en la pestaña “Apoyo a la inmigración y derechos de los estudiantes (Immigration Support and Student Rights).”
Para apoyar aún más a las familias, Delia García Espinoza, especialista en estudiantes de inglés de Winters JUSD, dijo que su equipo ha coordinado recursos y puede actuar como enlace para las familias que enfrentan barreras lingüísticas y culturales. El detective Thomas Letterman también estuvo presente y aseguró que los oficiales del Departamento de Policía de Winters no preguntarán sobre el estatus migratorio durante las interacciones, incluidas las paradas de tráfico y las llamadas de servicio.
“Entendemos el miedo, pero estamos aquí para apoyar a nuestra comunidad,” dijo Letterman.
“En ningún momento nos involucraremos en la aplicación de la ley federal de inmigración. Queremos que los miembros de la comunidad se sientan cómodos al buscar nuestra ayuda cuando la necesiten.”
En un correo electrónico al Winters Express, el jefe de bomberos de Winters, Jack S. Snyder III, afirmó que el Departamento de Bomberos de Winters no recopila ni utiliza información sobre el estatus migratorio cuando brinda servicios de emergencia.
“El Departamento de Bomberos de Winters se enorgullece de seguir todas las leyes y regulaciones para proteger la información confidencial recibida durante las emergencias,” dijo Snyder.
whether they are undocumented,” Kreins stated. “An individual’s immigration status is not relevant to criminal investigations, nor does it impact the mission of our local law-enforcement jurisdictions.”
Kreins emphasized the importance of trust between law enforcement and the community, encouraging all residents to seek assistance or report crimes without fear of immigration-related repercussions. He affirmed the policy aligns with other Yolo County law enforcement agencies.
Concerns escalated following the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, when the Trump Administration rescinded the federal “sensitive locations” policy. Initially implemented in 2011 and expanded in 2021, this policy limited immigration enforcement at schools, childcare centers, churches and hospi-
The administration also ended the expanded use of humanitarian parole, which had allowed broader discretionary entry for migrants under the Biden Administration, returning the program to a case-bycase basis. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson justified the changes, stating, “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.”
In a recent statement, Boonchouy highlighted key protections under California law:
• Access to education: All children have the right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status.
• Safe learning environments: Schools are designated sensitive locations where immigration enforcement is strongly discouraged.
is echoed these sentiments, criticizing the federal policy changes for undermining trust and safety in essential community spaces.
Community outreach, support
Detective Thomas Letterman was in attendance and said that Winters Police Department officers do not inquire about immigration status during interactions, including traffic stops and service calls.
The policy reversal has raised fears among Winters residents about potential ICE actions disrupting their community, particularly in light of the 2018 detentions of undocumented residents nationwide.
Schools prioritize student safety, privacy Winters Joint Unified School District Superintendent Rody Boonchouy reassured families that schools remain committed to the safety and inclusion of all students.
• Privacy of records: Student immigration status and related information are safeguarded under state and federal laws.
Boonchouy reiterated the district’s policies at a Jan. 16 school board meeting, emphasizing efforts to communicate these protections through various channels, including outreach to Spanish-speaking families.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that every child feels safe, respected, and supported so that we can focus on teaching and learning,” Boonchouy said.
Yolo County Superintendent Garth Lew-
Local officials have taken proactive steps to address community concerns. At the Jan. 14 Winters Hispanic Advisory Committee meeting, Boonchouy and other school leaders presented its response to immigration enforcement and a document titled “Q&A: Serving undocumented students” which is available on the school district’s student services page at wintersjusd.org.
The Q&A is available in both Spanish and English on the “Immigration Support and Student Rights” tab.
To further support families, Delia Garcia Espinoza, Winters JUSD’s English Learners Specialist, said her team has coordinated resources and can act as a liaison for families navigating language and cultural barriers.
“We understand the fear, but we are here to support our community,” Letterman said. “At no time will we get involved in federal immigration enforcement. We want community members
to feel comfortable seeking our help when they need it.”
Winters Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III said the Winters Fire Department does not collect or use immigration status information when providing emergency services.
“The Winters Fire Department prides itself on following all laws and regulations to protect confidential information received during emergencies,” Snyder said. RESPONSE
Obituaries
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fredrick James Manas. Fred passed away Jan. 11, 2025, at the age of 84, after a brief illness. Fred was raised in Winters on the Goddard Ranch, his family’s ranch along Putah Creek where he helped grow apricots, walnuts and Angus cattle. He worked for UC Davis for 24 years as a Superintendent in the Physical Plant Department. Known as “The Cowboy” he oversaw all the heating and cooling on campus and also designed the fume hoods for the science labs. His designs for fume hoods won him national recognition. After retiring in 2000, he directed his focus on his peach ranch and cattle operation.
Fred and his wife, Alice, established Manas Ranch in 1980 planting 25 acres of peaches and selling them directly to consumers on their ranch in Esparto. As time went by, they expanded to 60 acres of fresh market peaches and apricots, being known for “The Best Peaches in the West,” while continuing to raise
Registered Angus cattle specializing in “Calving Ease” bulls. Fred and Alice opened Manas Ranch Custom Meats in Esparto in 2011, but when Alice became ill in 2021, the heartbreaking decision was made to close and sell the store. Fred’s priority was caring for his ailing wife. To reduce ranch responsibilities so he could continue to care for Alice, the next heartbreaking decision was made to remove the peach trees and sublet the ground. Both projects, together with caring for and loving Alice, were the fiber of his being.
Fred was on the Yolo County Farm Bureau Executive Board for over 18 years. He was an outspoken voice for farmers and was a strong sup-
porter of the NRA. He loved football, fast cars, deer hunting, scuba diving, and his dogs and cat. But most of all he loved his family. He was a very proud Spaniard, often recollecting how his grandparents migrated to the United States through Hawaii from Estepona, Spain. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Alice; his daughter, Dana; his stepchildren, Terry and Dee Dee; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons and numerous cousins and step-siblings. He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Marie and Hugh Goddard; his father and step-mother, Roy and Ginger Manas; his daughter, Liesa Manas Lincoln; and his brother, Dennis Goddard. He will be dearly missed by all.
His warmth, kindness, and the countless memories he shared will remain a cherished part of his family and friends’ lives. We have lost a man who was a true Spaniard in his heart and soul.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Feb. 15, 2025, at the Heidrick Ag Museum, 1962 Hays Lane, Woodland, California, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
YESTERYEAR
Lake Berryessa water levels up
The water level of Lake Berryessa went up during the past week by 0.01 feet, with an increase in the storage of 186 acre-feet of water, according to Rick Pile with the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 28, he reported the lake elevation was 437.14 feet above sea level, with water storage behind the Monticello Dam computed at 1,497,702 acre-feet of water. The SID released 66 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 40 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation on the lake averaged 109 acre-feet of water per day. For more information about services from the Solano Irrigation District or to view the latest updates, visit https://www. sidwater.org.
130 Years Ago
February 1, 1895
Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Harlan have returned from their wedding tour and have taken up their residence on the “Marguerite” farm, 1/4 miles south of Winters.
Mrs. R. L. Day returned on Friday of last week from her Eastern trip. Her father died two days after her arrival.
There are two views of the high water of last month, in the post office, taken by Walter Hemenway, that are fine specimens of the photographer’s art. Take a look at them.
Col. Sam Taylor put a force of men at work Wednesday morning to charge the channel of Putah Creek, so as to prevent further washing away of his farm and encroach- ment on the Pleasant Valley Road.
A. T. Hatch, Alexander Young and C. E. Gregory came up from San Francisco on Wednesday morning’s train. Messrs. Hatch and Young contemplate purchasing land in this neighborhood.
Mrs. J. B. McArthur and children will leave Sunday for Oakland, where they will join Mr. McArthur and take up permanent residence.
Eleven years ago today, or on Friday, the first day of February 1884, the first number of the Express was issued. In commemoration of the initial day, the dates of the papers correspond. After this week, however, the publication day will be Saturday, as usual. (Edwin C. Rust, Publisher)
Years Ago
Dispatches from the Express archives.
80 Years Ago
February 2, 1945
In attendance Tuesday at the 10th annual meeting of the California Fig Institute in Fresno Memorial Auditorium, were local growers and processors, E. E. Baker, Victor Ish, Harold Hansel and C. P. Culton.
The PTA will feature a Founders’ Day program Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the auditorium. The Fourth grade, under the direction of Mrs. W. R. Pugh, instructor will present a playlet entitled, “Burn, Candle, Burn.” Hostesses will be Mesdames E.J. Graf, Charles Pearse, Roy Carpenter and Howard Hansen.
R.W. Rice reports the sale of the D.T. Cox ranch of 62 acres adjoining the city limits of Winters and fronting on the Winters Davis highway to Mr. and Mrs. J.L. McClish.
Lt. J. Foss Moore, who has been in Burma for almost a year returned the last of the week for a 21-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Moore.
Sgt. Vito Biasi recently sailed for overseas after having spent a ten-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vito Biasi.
The High School Poppy staff is meeting weekly to set up the dummy for the annual. The sales campaign will start on Feb. 9 and the price will be $1 per copy.
45 Years Ago
January 31, 1980
A large number of Winters people felt the earthquakes which shook northern California on Thursday and Saturday of last week, centering east of Livermore. The Thursday earthquake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale and occurred about 11 a.m. Saturday’s quake came at 6:33 p.m. and measured 5.6 on the Richter scale.
Torie Crowe of the Winters 4-H Club was named as one of nine Yolo County All-Stars Wednesday night! during the annual Recognition Dinner held at Norton Hall in Woodland. Torie is the daughter of Jeff and Sheri Jacobs of the Olive District. The March of Dimes Mothers March on Birth Defects will take place in Winters on Monday evening. Feb. 4, according to Janet Kimes, service chairman for Beta Alpha Beta Sorority, which will again head the drive in this area.
Bruce Kliefgen took first place in the 8-ball pool tournament held Tuesday night at J J’s Club, with Claude Speegle finishing second. Elmer and Mabel Bruhn celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at Wesley Hall on Saturday afternoon. A reception for the couple was hosted by their three children, Meredith Brulin of Winters, Gordon Bruhn and Reva Montgomery of Sacramento.
The 1978 4-H officers for the coming year were Vice President Bryan Laughlin, President Mike Delbar, treasurer Myrella Garcia and Secretary Jean Ciesla. Do you ever wonder where they are now?
Fred Manas
Courtesy photo
Senior News
Moving forward, facing uncertainty of aging
By Judith Graham KFF Health News
It takes a lot of courage to grow old.
I’ve come to appreciate this after conversations with hundreds of older adults over the past eight years for nearly 200 “Navigating Aging” columns.
Time and again, people have described what it’s like to let go of certainties they once lived with and adjust to new circumstances.
These older adults’ lives are filled with change. They don’t know what the future holds except that the end is nearer than it’s ever been.
And yet, they find ways to adapt. To move forward. To find meaning in their lives. And I find myself resolving to follow this path as I ready myself for retirement.
Patricia Estess, 85, of the Brooklyn borough of New York City spoke eloquently about the unpredictability of later life when I reached out to her as I reported a series of columns on older adults who live alone, sometimes known as “solo agers.”
Estess had taken a course on solo aging. “You realize that other people are in the same boat as you are,” she said when I asked what she had learned. “We’re all dealing with uncertainty.”
Consider the questions that older adults — whether living with
others or by themselves — deal with year in and out: Will my bones break? Will my thinking skills and memory endure? Will I be able to make it up the stairs of my home, where I’m trying to age in place? Will beloved friends and family members remain an ongoing source of support? If not, who will be around to provide help when it’s needed?
Will I have enough money to support a long and healthy life, if that’s in the cards? Will community and government resources be available, if needed?
It takes courage to face these uncertainties and advance into the unknown with a measure of equanimity.
“It’s a question of attitude,” Estess told me. “I have honed an attitude of: ‘I am getting older. Things will happen. I will do what I can to plan in advance. I will be more careful. But I will deal with things as they come up.’”
For many people, becoming old alters their sense of identity. They feel like strangers to themselves. Their bodies and minds aren’t working as they used to. They don’t feel the sense of control they once felt. That requires a different type of courage — the courage to em-
brace and accept their older selves.
Marna Clarke, a photographer, spent more than a dozen years documenting her changing body and her life with her partner as they grew older. Along the way, she learned to view aging with new eyes.
“Now, I think there’s a beauty that comes out of people when they accept who they are,” she told me in 2022 when she was 82, just before her 93-year-old husband died.
Arthur Kleinman, a Harvard professor who’s now 83, gained a deeper sense of soulfulness after caring for his beloved wife, who had dementia and eventually died, leaving him grief-stricken.
“We endure, we learn how to endure, how to keep going. We’re marked, we’re injured, we’re wounded. We’re changed, in my case for the better,” he told me when I interviewed him in 2019. He was referring to a newfound sense of vulnerability and empathy he gained as a caregiver.
Herbert Brown, 68, who lives in one of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods, was philosophical when I met him at his apartment building’s annual barbecue in June.
“I was a very wild person in my youth. I’m surprised I’ve lived this long,” he said. “I never planned on being a senior. I thought I’d die before
that happened.”
Truthfully, no one is ever prepared to grow old, including me. (I’m turning 70 in February.)
Chalk it up to denial or the limits of imagination. As May Sarton, a writer who thought deeply about aging, put it so well: Old age is “a foreign country with an unknown language.” I, along with all my similarly aged friends, are surprised we’ve arrived at this destination.
For me, 2025 is a turning point. I’m retiring after four decades as a journalist. Most of that time, I’ve written about our nation’s enormously complex healthcare system. For the past eight years, I’ve focused on the unprecedented growth of the older population — the most significant demographic trend of our time — and its
many implications.
In some ways, I’m ready for the challenges that lie ahead. In many ways, I’m not.
The biggest unknown is what will happen to my vision. I have moderate macular degeneration in both eyes. Last year, I lost central vision in my right eye. How long will my left eye pick up the slack? What will happen when that eye deteriorates?
Like many people, I’m hoping scientific advances outpace the progression of my condition. But I’m not counting on it. Realistically, I have to plan for a future in which I might become partially blind.
It’ll take courage to deal with that.
Then, there’s the matter of my four-story Denver house, where I’ve lived for 33 years. Climbing the stairs has helped keep me in shape. But that won’t be possible if my vision becomes worse.
So my husband and I are taking a leap into the unknown. We’re renovating the house, installing an elevator, and inviting our son, daughter-inlaw, and grandson to move in with us. Going intergeneration-
al. Giving up privacy. In exchange, we hope our home will be full of mutual assistance and love.
There are no guarantees this will work. But we’re giving it a shot.
Without all the conversations I’ve had over all these years, I might not have been up for it. But I’ve come to see that “no guarantees” isn’t a reason to dig in my heels and resist change.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share your experiences and insights about aging. Thank you for your openness, honesty, and courage. These conversations will become even more important in the years ahead, as baby boomers like me make their way through their 70s, 80s, and beyond. May the conversations continue.
—KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF at kffhealthnews. org.
planning commission was able to address potential concerns specific to that location, including securing an agreement with the nearby Winters Market for Buckhorn customers to be allowed use of their bathroom, requiring the location to provide trash cans to prevent littering, and banning tables and chairs at the truck to separate it further from sit-down dining establishments.
Part of the reason it was granted a conditional use permit is also because it was “grandfathered in,” having been around for longer than any of the other trucks.
Assistant city attorney Joanna Gin said that there are currently seven permitted stationary food vendors (parked food trucks) and one pend-
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but it’s hardly the extent of it.
She and her husband Mel have helped support Harvest Fest, Spring Open, Tractor Parade, Albarino Wine Stroll, Coffee Fest and several non-profits, including Winters Athletics Boosters Club, Winters PTA, Rotary Club, Winters Education Foundation and Winters Friends of the Library. Reflecting on 2024, one project stands out to Wroten — the merging of Winters Downtown Business Association with the Winters Chamber of Commerce. Through her work as a board member of both groups, Wroten realized that the two organizations could mutually benefit from aligning goals and sharing resources.
ing in Winters, but there was some confusion among the council and city staff over whether that permit is the same as a conditional use permit that would allow a truck to operate on public property, and if so, why weren’t they presented to the planning commission before being approved.
“I don’t remember any of (the permit applications) coming forward for any of those other trucks and I don’t know why we would give conditional permits to those on public property,” Biasi said, after comments that there were some trucks that seemed to be parked for selling, against the code, on public land.
Council member Richard Casavecchia and Mayor Albert Vallecillo expressed concern over how they would deal with the situation, should it turn out that the per-
After creating a joint board committee, Wroten and company began holding monthly meetings.
Focus groups were tasked with creating a list of the Chamber’s values, and subcommittees reported back with their findings.
The groups merged as of January. In Wroten’s assessment, the resulting team is a dream one.
“It’s important to have doers on board, and we have a board of doers,” she said. Now vice president of the Chamber, Wroten recognizes the consequential nature of her position.
“Change is hard. In order for me to be successful in my position, I owe the group transparency and honesty,” Wroten said.
Sometimes that may come with bumps in the road, but it must always aim for
mit the food vendors have acquired is not the same as the conditional use permit that they may think is allowing them to legally operate on public property.
Biasi suggested taking the approach, should this turn out to be an issue, of working with the vendors, informing them of how to come into compliance rather than simply shutting them down.
City staff were directed to look into the issue to try and get some clarity on the details of the situation.
Food vendor code enforcement
Throughout the meeting, Loren emphasized a desire to know more about the enforcement process for the food vendor code. The resolution introduces administrative fines for violations like using a loudspeaker or other
common good.
“I cannot be thinking, ‘How can this help Steady Eddy’s?’
I have to be thinking, “How does this help
methods of unpermitted sound amplification to make sales, providing a trash container nearby, obtaining a certificate of compliance from the county health department, having tables and chairs next to their vending location, blocking disabled parking spaces, and a variety of others. These are already considered code violations, but don’t currently have fines set to back up enforcement. According to the proposed ordinance, either the city manager or a city staff person designated by the city manager and any Winters police officer are responsible for implementing enforcement. In either case, this is done via citations, and with the proposed ordinance, administrative fines. However, who is actually doing this job in practicality, how heavily enforced the regulations cur-
ness. And the Winters community feels like family, too.
“People are kind, and people care about your wellbe-
“It doesn’t feel like work when you see yourself involved with little things that make a difference.”
Carla Wroten
every business in Winters?’” she said. Personally, Wroten has had a bittersweet year transitioning away from her family business in Vacaville, CAL INC, where she worked for 20 years in vocational training. She will still be connected to CAL INC as a consultant, but she teared up when she acknowledged the difficulty of doing something new.
Thankfully for Wroten, family is stronger than busi-
ing,” Wroten said of her fellow Winters residents.
It is that attitude that fuels another one of Wroten’s initiatives, the Spirit of Winters. Started in 2023 after a name-calling incident at her daughter’s school, the group is meant to be an outlet for the community to gather, discuss and mobilize toward shared goals and values.
It was the Spirit of Winters that drove
rently are, and how violations are tracked was unclear. This is partially due to the absence of City Manager Jeremy Craig, who may have clearer knowledge of how code enforcement has played out recently, is currently recovering from a medical procedure. Loren asked city staff to make a visual of the code enforcement process from beginning to end to help clear things up, and requested further information for the goal of being able to direct concerns about possible violations to the proper place and to ensure enforcement is followed through in regards to some of the public health and safety concerns expressed from some members of the council and public. She also requested that food vendors either display their county health department
the marketing to restore the Rotary Park gazebo and jumpstart the mural project at Waggoner Elementary. The same group is currently working on a landscaping project at Shirley Rominger Intermediate School.
Meetings are hosted every other month, and the attendee list is open. Wroten said there are about 20 attendees at every meeting. It’s a platform for people who want to meet needs the way Wroten does.
“We just want to do it,” Wroten said.
“Who wants to help?”
This can-do attitude is one that Wroten both exemplifies and proliferates.
“All the work of the chamber couldn’t be done without the help of my peeps,” she said.
It’s notable that many of these collaborators are volunteers.
Even at Steady Ed-
certificate or that the vendors with certificates be listed on the city’s website.
City staff took note of council’s comments in order to investigate the questions and concerns they had in order to answer them at a future meeting.
Conclusions
“I would still like to see a cap,” Vallecillo said, “But there’s a lot of information we don’t have that we need to be making any kind of call on it.” Loren expressed a similar leaning.
The council unanimously decided to continue their discussion at the Feb. 18 meeting, once the city staff has the time to address some of their questions, give them more information on code enforcement, investigate the potential flaws in the conditional use permit acquisition process and clarify terminology.
dy’s, the volunteer backbone is felt.
Wroten cherishes longtime guests Richard Kleeberg and Ellie Yeatman, who visit daily and keep up the coffee house flower beds free of charge.
Wroten knows sincere service from seeing it so regularly — or as others would say, from displaying it so regularly.
“She is wonderful for the community,” one nomination affirmed.
But to Wroten, service to the community is a lifestyle, not a status symbol.
“It doesn’t feel like work when you see yourself involved with little things that make a difference,” she said.
In Wroten’s perspective, dentifying with this community is an award in itself.
“It’s a badge of honor when you’re from Winters,” Wroten said.
Reservation Recommended
Home sales up in December HOMES, Page 2
Thursdays
Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690
Friday, January 31
WTC Presents "Doubt: A Parable" Opening Night, 7:30 p.m., Historic Winters Opera House, winterstheatre.org, 530-795-4014
Tuesday, February 4
Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ city-council-meetings_/
Wednesdays
Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution
Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 6
Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://bit.ly/4fwmfHK or www.wintersjusd.org
Monday, February 10
Winters Climate Action Commission Meeting
6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters.org/182/Climate-Action-Commission
Wednesday, February 12
Winters Youth Day Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance)
Saturday, February 15
Winters Open Mic Night, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Winters Opera House (13 Main St.), Visit wintersopenmic.org Library Services
Winters Library Public Hours (School in Session), Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 8–8 p.m., Fri: 8–5 p.m., Sat: 1-5 p.m. (Mask Only 1–3 p.m.)
Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library Bilingual Storytime (ages 0-5), Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Winters Community Library
Virtual English Conversation Group, Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m., One time registration required: Contact Nancy Pacheco 530-666-8019 or nancy.pacheco@ yolocounty.org
Mangonada Monday (ages 6-12), fourth Monday, 3:30 p.m. Tech Thursdays, Thursdays, 2-7:30 p.m., call 530-6668005 to schedule an appointment. Bilingual sessions available upon request.
Saturday Matinee, First Saturday, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library
All You Need is Love Romance Book Club, Second Saturday, 4 p.m., Hooby’s Brewing
Older Adult Programs
Winters Senior Foundation Chair Yoga Class for Seniors, Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.)
Winters Senior Foundation Social Gathering Thurdays, 1-3:30 p.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.)
Ongoing
View the Winters community events calendar at https://bit.ly/WintersCommunityEvents
WTC Presents "Doubt: A Parable" production, 2 p.m. Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9/7:30 p.m. Feb. 7, 8, Winters Opera House,winterstheatre.org, 530-795-4014
Winters Friends of the Library meeting, first Monday, 7 p.m., Winters Community Library, Margaret Parsons Room, wfol.org
Winters Fortnightly meeting, second Tuesdays (September through April), 1 p.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.)
Rotary Club of Winters meeting, Thursdays, Noon, The Buckhorn Winters Museum public hours, Thursday thru Sunday, 1-5 p.m., 13 Russell St., historicalsocietyofwinters.org
Winters Open Mic, third Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Winters Opera House (13 Main St.).
Metaphysical Book Club, Fridays at 5 p.m., 212 Grant Ave., Sign up at dixiesbookclub@gmail.com or call 530212-5026
12-Step Bonfire meeting, third Friday, 6:30 p.m. fellowship, 7 p.m. meeting, LuNita Ranch, 8189 Olive School Ln, Winters, Bring a camp chair.
Kiwanis Club of Winters meeting, fourth Wednesday, 6 p.m., Turkovich Family Wines - Boss Lounge, kiwanisclubofwinters@gmail.com Democracy Winters meeting, third Saturdays, 10 a.m.Noon, Meeting details in newsletter, contact info@ democracywinters.org
Walking Meditation, third Sunday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Meet behind the Winters Community Center, 201 Railroad Ave.
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings: » St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 Main St. (back entrance) Tuesdays, 7-8 a.m. and Fridays, 7-8 a.m. » Yolo Housing office building, 62 Shams Way: Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m.
Charley
Celebrating 141 years of differing perspectives, community building
Feb. 1 is more than just a date on the calendar but a significant milestone in Winters — a testament to the enduring power of local journalism. The Winters Express has been at the heart of our community for 141 years, providing a voice that echoes through the ages, fostering connection and celebrating our shared stories.
While I have many archives at my fingertips, I often wish I could browse the first edition of the Winters Express. Between Charley’s collection and the Yolo County Archives, I’m sure there is a copy of it somewhere. However, the Saturday, May 14, 1887 edition serves as the starting point for my journey through the Express’ origins.
Each edition tells a story that connects us to history, reminding us of the people, events and milestones that have shaped Winters. Though the
Editor’s note:
landscape of journalism has evolved in profound ways, the Express has remained steadfast in its mission — to build community.
To me, “building community” is about being informed. Local journalism constructs the bridge through which we engage with our neighbors, businesses and local leaders. Our coverage links readers to the issues that matter, inspires civic engagement and enabls us to voice our concerns.
Winters is a community full of residents who have different opinions, but who join together to uplift each other when needed. In our current challenging environment, I feel it is crucial for our newspaper to cultivate an atmosphere where multiple perspectives can coexist,
While pulling bits for the Jan. 31, 1980, Years Ago feature, I found Newt Wallace’s Here, There, and Everywhere column with an homage to the lineage of publishers of the Express. In honor of the Express’ anniversary on Feb. 1, I felt it appropriate to republish a portion of his column for the community to learn (and experience) his writing.
thrive and contribute to a richer understanding of our community. But I also hope to keep the humanity in the conversation. When emotions get intense and “othering” is easy, one can forget that there are individual people on the other side of the screen or conversation.
We must embrace discomfort for the sake of growth. By welcoming diverse perspectives, we not only encourage discourse but also inspire others who may share similar hesitancies. Our goal at the Winters Express is not to promote a singular agenda, but rather to create a space where all voices are heard in the spirit of building community.
This long-time publication serves not only as a reliable news source but also as a unifying force, providing a platform for sharing stories, celebrating achievements and voicing concerns. Whether in print or online, the Winters Express has thrived throughout the challenges of the past 141 years facing the growth of our community and an ever evolving media terrain.
Our commitment to keeping the community informed and connected belies the challenges we face. We must continue to embrace the ethos of community journalism — nurturing transparency, encouraging participation and empowering our neighbors to make informed decisions. We are all part of this ongoing story, and with each edition, we document a new chapter in the legacy of Winters for our future.
In my opinion, the Express plays a vital role in knitting together the experiences of residents.
Bumble bee contest winners were looking for monarchs
By Kathy Keatley Garvey Special to the Express
A monarch-counting expedition to Glen Cove Waterfront Park, Vallejo, led to the winning entry in the fifth annual Robbin Thorp Memorial First-Bumble-Bee-of-theYear contest, sponsored by the Bohart Museum of Entomology.
Michael Kwong of Sacramento and Kaylen Teves of Vallejo, members of the Western Monarch Count, were counting monarch butterflies on Jan. 11 at the waterfront park when they spotted a yellow-faced bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenskii, sunning on an oak leaf.
Kwong captured a cell phone image of the bumble bee at 9:35 a.m. to win the prize, a coffee cup adorned with Franklin’s bumble bee. This is the endangered bee that UC Davis distinguished emeritus professor Robbin Thorp (1933-2019), monitored.
At the time, the two had not heard about the bumble bee contest.
Kwong, a senior environmental scientist with the state of California, and Teves, a computer science student at San Francisco State University, are both volunteers with the Western Monarch Count (WMC), a community-powered initiative of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. WMC tracks overwintering monarchs and their habitat.
Kwong, also a volunteer with California Bumble Bee
Atlas, is keenly interested in pollinators, “particularly bumble bees and monarchs; geospatial science; invasive species and botany.” Teves, in addition to her interests in computer graphics, web development, and art, explores habitat conservation, biology and gardening — “mainly succulents, but I’m also practicing with native plants.”
“I did not know Thorp personally,” Kwong said, “but I am very familiar with his name and his contributions to bee conservation! I have seen or heard his name at numerous workshops and presentations, on multiple books and scientific research papers, and in bumble bee-related conversations with colleagues and friends. He has certainly left an indelible mark on many, including me.”
Teves said she did not know Thorp, but “after being introduced to the contest, I became curious and read several articles about him. I’m very impressed with the contributions Dr. Thorp has made to bee conservation, and it’s truly admirable that this contest is dedicated to his legacy.”
The two claimed the treasured prize during a visit Friday, Jan. 24 to the Bohart Museum, where Bohart bee scientist Sandy Shanks showed them drawers of bumble bee specimens. Tabatha Yang, education and outreach coordinator of
presented them with
the Bohart,
Kathy Keatley Garvey/Courtesy photo
Tabatha Yang (left) of the Bohart Museum of Entomology with contest winners Michael Kwong and Kaylen Teves, who photographed a bumble bee at the Glen Cove Waterfront Park in Vallejo.
California housing market closes the year strong despite challenges
California home sales ended the year with the largest yearly increase since June 2021, but the housing market remained a work in progress in December, the California Association of Realtors said today. Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 268,180 in December, according to information collected by CAR from more than 90 local Realtor associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2024 if sales maintained the December pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to
account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales. December’s sales pace was essentially unchanged from the 267,800 homes sold in November but was up 19.8 percent from a year ago, when a revised 223,940 homes were sold on an annualized basis. Despite a double-digit annual growth rate, sales of existing single-family homes remained below the pre-COVID norm of 400,000 units (seasonally adjusted and annualized).
The strong yearover-year gain observed in December was largely due to low-base effects once again, as home sales in December 2023 dropped to their lowest level since late 2007. Nonetheless, the increases from the prior year and the prior month were encouraging, lifting sales of the entire year modestly above 2023’s level. Sales of existing single-family homes in 2024 totaled 269,030, a 4.3 percent improvement from the year prior, marking the first gain in three years.
$819,820 in December 2023.
The acceleration in price growth is an indication that further price gain could still be observed in the coming months. Home prices are expected to moderate further in the next couple of months if they follow the seasonal trend but should continue to grow year-over-year by low single digits in the first quarter of 2025 before the spring homebuying season kicks off.
should pick up once we enter the spring homebuying season.”
“California’s housing market ended the year with a positive note with home sales reaching the highest
level in five months,” said 2025 CAR President Heather Ozur, a Palm Springs Realtor. “With mortgage rates remaining at their highest level since early July and devastating wildfires taking a toll on the Southern California housing market, we’ll likely have a slow start for the year, but demand
The December statewide median price posted a modest monthly uptick and continued to climb on a year-over-year basis for the 18th straight month. The December median price ticked up 1.0 percent from $852,880 in November to $861,020 in December and was up 5.0 percent from a revised
Sales in higher-priced market segments continued to affect the overall price growth, but the impact on the statewide median price growth has tapered in recent months. While the impact on the statewide median price gain has moderated in recent months, a solid increase in high-end home sales in December was still a contributing factor for the rise in the California median sales price.
The year-over-year growth in sales for the
See SALES, Page 6
Express Yourself
Being recognized is always appreciated
It is hard to imagine a community without a strong business base and active citizens. The Winters Chamber of Commerce has been honoring its businesses and citizens since the 1950s and they continue the tradition to this day.
When I saw in the Express that the Mariani Nut Company was being honored as the business of the year, my first thought was, really, they haven’t been recognized before now? It shouldn’t be a surprise to me because I tried to cover them in the past when I was in charge of the newspaper, but Jack, Dennis or Marty, always told me that they would rather stay in the background. There aren’t many areas of Winters that the Mariani family hasn’t touched, from Little League to our schools. You will see their name as a sponsor or making a donation to events, but you won’t find them standing up taking a bow. It is more likely that you will see them sitting in the back, cheering on
“It is more likely that you will see them sitting in the back, cheering on their community.”
their community. The Marianis have been farming in Winters since the 1950s and generation after generation has stepped up to make Winters a special place to live and raise a family.
When Dennis and Jack started the Mariani Nut Company in 1972, I don’t think even they thought that they would be this successful, but maybe I’m wrong. They must have had a vision of what they could accomplish and some dreams do come true. Most businesses don’t become successful without a few bumps in the road and if the Marianis ever share their history with us we might
See QUICK, Page 4
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
Express yourself with great confidence this week, Aries. You feel like you are in control and well organized. This is a recipe for success regarding the things you need to accomplish.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),
Taurus, you have a clear mind this week to put plans in place. But you might need some inspiration to get started. Avoid procrastinating.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21),
There are many tasks that lie ahead this week, Gemini,. It will be essential that you stay focused. One of the areas to consider is changing personal health for the better.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22), Cancer, you may find you’re an asset and sought-after among friends and coworkers. Use social situations to your advantage to network even more
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23), Clear up some space at home so you can work more easily, Leo. Too much clutter in your home or work area can be a distraction. Disorganization can make tasks harder.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22), Practice being smooth and professional in your manner, Virgo. This will be the best way to get good results at work. Others may be impressed by how you handle yourself under pressure.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23), Libra, you might be very popular with superiors at work this week. Use this to your advantage to seek out a raise. Ask to head an important project.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22), Scorpio, you can do anything you set your mind to. Share your ideas with others and determine which concepts have merit. If nothing comes up, go back to the drawing board.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21), Others admire your ability to be a good friend, Sagittarius. This week you will showcase your compassion and humility in myriad ways. It might garner you extra attention.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20), Capricorn, happy news is coming your way this week. Share the good fortune with others in your life, either a spouse or a sibling. These people can use some sunshine as well.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18),
Aquarius, if at first you don’t succeed, you may need to change your approach to things. Enlist the help of others to help turn your ideas into results.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), Develop a better strategy for saving money, Pisces. You need some extra funds to pay for larger expenses, and clipping coupons alone might not be the answer.
Express Yourself
A break for entertainment, training in Germany
This is one of a series of letters my uncle, Russell Fox Taylor, sent home to his wife, Lilla, from the battle fields in France, Belgium and Germany. Most of month of February 1945, the 38th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron (CRS) was stationed in Eicherschied, Germany in training in the use of weapons and in preparation for crossing the Roer River, which the Germans had flooded in order to slow the advance of the Americans. On March 2, the squadron crossed the river. The After-Action Report of the river crossing reads: “Troop C proceeded from Eicherschied, dismounted to the river, and started to make a crossing with the use of rubber boats. Becoming impatient with the length of time this was taking, Captain Rogers led his troop, wading across the river. Encountering
QUICK
Continued from Page 3
get to see a glimpse of their trials and tribulations.
WHO REARRANGED THE MUSEUM? I like to joke that nothing ever changes in Winters, but when I got back from a week in Mexico something happened to the museum. It wasn’t just moving the reception desk but there was a whole
“There is about as much chance for that as there is for you to get a dozen
Nylons at Woolworth’s five and dime store.”
Sgt. Russell Fox Taylor
no enemy, they also climbed the cliff and assembled in the center of the peninsula.” The 38th was on the move again.
After-Action Report: “The month of March brought with it the return of extended mounted thrusts and strategic moves, the type of warfare for which the squadron was designed, equipped and trained.”
new exhibit about local businesses on the walls. I was glad to see that the Japanese exhibit was still on display, if in a smaller area. There were few visitors to the museum when it first opened and I was a little discouraged and disappointed. There are volunteers who have put in countless hours trying to save and preserve our history and their efforts are starting to show
In the letters that follow we shall learn how the 38th CRS became to be known as the “Lucky 38th”.
—Respectfully submitted by Gerald Taylor and Shelley Frost, Russell’s granddaughter.
Germany
February 24, 1945
Last night, I saw a good vaudeville show and also a movie. The stage show was mostly
as more visitors sign the guest book. Last weekend saw a lot of visitors from around the country and even a few Winters residents.
The museum volunteers are also being recognized by the Chamber and along with the others honored this year, congratulations and thank you for making Winters the special place that it is, past and present.
of the CEQA Guidelines because adoption of the proposed zoning amendment is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects causing a significant effect on the environment and this project does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment
At the public hearing the Planning Commission shall consider all testimony for and against the proposed zoning amendment At any time prior to t he public hearing, any person may file in writing with the City a statement of his or her objections to the proposed zoning amendment If you are unable to attend the public hearing you may direct written comments to the City of Winters Community Development Department, 318 First Street, Winters, CA 95694 or email to dave dowswell@cityofwinters org or call (530) 794-6718 In addition the staff report will be available on the City’s website 72 hours prior to the hearing
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act if you are a disabled person and you need a disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in these hearings, please contact Deputy City Clerk at (530) 795-4910 Please make your request as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the hearing For more information regarding this project please contact David Dowswell Contract Planner or at dave dowswell@cityofwinters org 1/29/25 #78530
dance numbers by Belgian performers. There was an excellent juggler and fair comedy team. The latter strictly GI. This was the first show of its kind that I’ve seen since coming across and so I enjoyed it all the more. It was also in a real theatre which helped a lot to make the entertainment more appreciated. The movie was “Dinner for a Soldier” or some such title. It was rather far-fetched but good entertainment. I enjoyed the evening very much. And now I’m back in the mud again. You have wondered a lot and asked several times about my chances for a rotation furlough program. There is about as much chance for that as there is for you to get a dozen Nylons at Woolworth’s five and dime store.
The city of Monschau where we were a while ago is quite a picturesque old-world settlement. If it weren’t a Nazi nest then it could
have been appreciated the more. It is situated in a deep narrow valley near the headwaters of the Roer River and the hills surrounding it are densely covered with pines, fir and spruce. The narrow, cobbled streets turn and twist between a congested mass of buildings which are homes, factories, shops, barns and churches. In a way it all looks like one continuous building, for there is no space between anything.
Cows and horses are driven out of doors that look like they might lead to apartment houses. Manure is pitched out of windows into the roadway and there it is swept up and hauled away. The river follows the road — or visa-versa — but so crowded are the buildings that they come out and over the river and it is only occasionally that you can see the fast flow of the mountain stream.
There are many little inns and small hotels
that formerly thrived on tourist and honeymoon trade. They say that this town was a favorite for honeymooners. Higher up on the hillsides there are many small cottages that do enjoy a measure of seclusion and are reached only by foot-paths These were — no doubt — preferred by the newlyweds and here, too, were conceived the favorite sons destined to become the terror of Europe. They were probably dedicated to the “cause“ before they were actually conceived.
Here I go almost raving about a German village when I would actually rather see a heap of rubble and ruin. I don’t like to think that it shall ever again be the starting point for future generations of such a depraved people. Well, enough of that. My hope is that they will see the day when they’ll wish they’d never been born.
—Russell
Renew your conservation commitment
By Jennifer Gilbert Special to the Express
Here are ways to reduce your environmental footprint in 2025.
Sort out Your Waste: Keep your recyclables and organic waste from the trash so it doesn’t reach the landfill. Half of what is sent to landfills is organic waste. Unfortunately, when buried in landfills, paper, cardboard, food scraps, yard trimmings and other organic wastes emit 20% of the state’s methane (a climate super pollutant 84 times more potent than car-
bon dioxide). Don’t Feed Wildlife:
While it might seem contradictory, feeding wildlife is one of the worst things you can do to support them. Feeding wildlife makes them lose their fear of humans, causing them to be more comfortable with living very closely (sometimes too close!) to our homes and approach people boldly to search for food. This causes human vs. wildlife conflict and could lead to the need for corrective management. Even in wintertime, wild animals are capable of finding their own food. Keep Litter Out of Waterways: When trash from a street in Davis enters the stormwater system, it’s transported via rivers and waterways to the ocean. We can keep our trash out of waterways by keeping waste bin lids closed so wind can’t blow waste out. Use Water Wisely: Summer or winter, drought or not, it’s always important to conserve water. Check for unusual water use in AquaHawk and for indoor leaks in the winter. Always water with the weather: dial back or turn-off your irrigation for the winter and when rain is in the forecast. Visit SaveDavisWater.org for more water conservation tips.
Alianza United triumphs at CalNorth Gold Cup
Express staff
The Winters AYSO 14UB
“Alianza United” team, coached by Everardo Zaragoza and Jacky Santana, showcased their dominance at the CalNorth Gold Cup tournament held in Marysville on Jan. 25-26.
Going undefeated across four games, the team emerged as champions, hoisting the first-place trophy in a well-earned celebration.
Throughout the tournament, Alianza United demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, securing victories against teams from Antelope, Elk Grove and Rosemount. In the championship match, they delivered a commanding 2–0 victory over Rosemount.
Across the four tournament games, the team displayed a formidable offense and impenetrable defense, scoring a total of 14 goals while conceding only one.
Coach Jacky Santana praised the team’s commitment and performance over the weekend.
“The entire team stayed poised, committed, united, and confident all weekend to allow us three shutout games,” Santana said.
“Our offense was quick and persistent, our defense was assertive and strong, and our goalie stayed confident — even stopping a penalty kick to keep our shutout streak.”
With their tournament victory, Alianza United earned a sponsored entry by CalNorth District 6 to the upcoming CalNorth Associations Cup, scheduled for Feb. 15-16 in Morgan Hill. The opportunity pro-
vides another stage for the team to demonstrate their skill and determination.
Since kicking off their season in early January, Alianza United has been a force to be reckoned with. Over six games, including friendlies against Dixon
Girls basketball goes down to Colusa, Pierce
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
The Winters High School varsity girls basketball team had a tough week out on the court and felt the sting of not playing a physical game combined with players being out due to illness.
On Friday, Jan. 24, the Warriors went up against the Colusa High School RedHawks and lost 28–48.
Varsity girls head coach Ivan Dodic said the RedHawks are “probably the toughest in the league” and the Warriors went in knowing it would be a challenging game.
“Colusa played consistently and capitalized on our mistakes like good teams do. They were much more physical than which dictated the game from the seconnd quarter on,”
“Hopefully the girls now see how important it is to be physical and we will improve in that area moving forward.”
Despite the challenge, the Warriors put points up on the board. Jordan Tucker led with 8 points, followed by Skyler Neal, Mia Mariani and Maci Dodic who scored 4 points each.
The Warriors didn’t fair any better against the Pierce High School Bears. With Tucker out sick, coach Dodic said the girls struggled to put points up on the board. With the Bears sinking eight shots
from the three-point line, Winters took a loss of 27–51.
“We had an extremely hard time scoring and got down big early and couldn’t catch up,” coach Dodic
Maci Dodic put up 9 points and Neal put up 7 points up for the Warriors.
“We played pretty even with them in the second half, but since we got down big from the start we weren’t able to catch up,” coach Dodic said. “With this being our first two-game losing streak of the season we need to be resilient and bounce back quickly as we have two more games this week.”
The Warriors headed to East Nicolaus High School on Wednesday and will play on their home court for a few games against Paradise on Jan. 31, Durham on Feb. 2, and Willows on Feb. 7.
Leon, Mount Diablo and West Contra Costa, in addition to the Gold Cup tournament, the team has remained undefeated. They have racked up an impressive total of 27 goals while allowing only two, highlighting their balanced and dominant play.
CONTEXT
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the cup.
“We are glad that the Bohart continues to offer this fun, commemorative contest in honor of Dr. Thorp,” Kwong wrote in an email to the Bohart Museum.
The contest rules specify that the first person to document (via photo or video) a first-of-the-year bumble bee in the two-county area of Yolo or Solano and email it to the Bohart Museum at bmuseum@ucdavis.edu — and is judged the winner — will receive a coffee cup designed with the endangered Franklin’s bumble bee, the bee that Thorp monitored on the California-Oregon border for decades.
The entries must include the time, date and place. Per the rules, previous winners are ineligible to win but can participate.
The Bohart Museum launched the contest in 2021 to memorialize Professor Thorp, a global au-
With momentum on their side, Alianza United looks ahead to the Associations Cup, ready to continue their streak of excellence and represent Winters AYSO in Morgan Hill in February.
thority on bees who died June 7, 2019 at age 85. A 30-year member of the UC Davis faculty, he retired in 1994 but continued working until several weeks before his death.
He always looked forward to seeing the first bumble bee of the year.
A tireless advocate of pollinator species protection and conservation, Thorp co-authored two books in 2014 during his retirement: Bumble Bees of North America: An Identification Guide (Princeton University,) and California Bees and Blooms: A Guide for Gardeners and Naturalists (Heyday).
Among his many projects, he detected and identified more than 80 species of bees in the UC Davis Bee Haven, the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology’s bee garden installed in the fall of 2009.
The half-acre bee garden is located next to the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility on Bee Biology Road.
Robyn Wales
Robyn Wales, a Winters High School sophomore, is Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. Wales is a returning player and is a co-captain for the junior varsity girls basketball team. Head coach Hayleigh Marquez said she is a great leader on and off the court. “The girls respect her leadership and her game as well,” Marquez said. “She has had multiple games now that she has scored 10 or more points. She’s a great athlete who has a bright future for the girls basketball program.”
Courtesy photo
Winters AYSO 14UB “Alianza United” players celebrate their first-place win in the CalNorth Gold Cup tournament held in Marysville from Jan. 25 to 26.
Arts & Entertainment
Natsoulas Gallery hosts Friedman paintings
Special to the Express
The John Natsoulas Gallery is proud to present the newest exhibition of paintings by Marcy Friedman.
The works in this collection are representative of Friedman’s excellent techniques and abilities to capture diverse subject matter. Figurative and still-life paintings are at the heart of this exhibition, but Friedman also pays particular homage to the process of experiencing art as a museum-goer or mural enthusiast in her newest works.
“My artistic journey began at Stanford University in the 1950s, where I pursued a degree in history with a minor in art, focusing on life drawing,” Friedman said.
“After graduating in 1956 and marrying a Stanford-educated lawyer, I relocated to Sacramento. There, during the late 1960s and early 1970s, I had the privilege of studying un-
der esteemed artists Benny Barrios and Ken Morrow.
“Following a four-decade hiatus dedicated to raising my three sons and engaging in community initiatives — including a significant role in the $120 million campaign to establish the new Crocker Art Museum — I returned to painting as a means of personal renewal after my husband’s passing in 2012.
“Art became a bridge to refashioning my life as a single person, fostering new associations with local artists, and deepening my commitment to drawing from live models in weekly sessions with accomplished artists. I also had the honor of studying independently and periodically with Wayne Thiebaud for six years.
“The onset of the pandemic brought an end to live model sessions, prompting me to explore landscapes and still life compositions. As I ap-
proach my 90th year, I find joy in the bold application of color and the dynamic portrayal of my subjects, often leaving backgrounds in portraits understated to maintain focus on the essence of the individual.
“Landscapes present a unique challenge, inviting me to capture the interplay of light, color, and form in the natural world. My work is a testament to the resilience and the enduring pursuit of artistic expression, reflecting a lifelong passion that continues to evolve with each passing year.”
The exhibition’s opening reception will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the gallery at 521 First St. in Davis. It will feature live music and free refreshments.
Immediately prior, the gallery will host the artist for “A Conversation with Marcy Friedman,” at 3 p.m. The event is free, as is the following reception.
Citrus in the spotlight at the Artery
The Artery presents a “Citrus Season: A Splash of Color,” a group show that is sure to warm the winter at the gallery, 207 G St. in downtown Davis.
The exhibit extends from Jan. 31 to Feb. 24. A reception will be on Friday, Feb. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.
“Citrus Season: A Splash of Color” is an exciting exhibit that celebrates the bold hues and textures of local winter fruit. A diverse group of artists brings the tang of creativity, inspired by the Northern California bounty.
Through painting, sculpture, textile, glass, photography and mixed media, the works capture the joy and sensory appeal of vivid yellows, lush greens and juicy oranges.
“Citrus Season” promises a refreshing and unforgettably zesty celebration of color and creativity.
WTC’s ‘Doubt: A Parable’ opens on Friday night
Special to the Express
The Winters Theatre Company announces the highly anticipated opening night of “Doubt: A Parable” on Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Winters Opera House. This gripping and thought-provoking drama, adapted from John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play, promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences.
pal, and Father Flynn (Luke Michaels), a charismatic and progressive priest. When Sister Aloysius begins to suspect Father Flynn of inappropriate conduct, a riveting battle of wits and ideals ensues, leaving the audience questioning the nature of certainty and doubt.
The Artery is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
The Artery will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 14 for the reception, to coincide with the Davis Second Friday ArtAbout.
Set in a Catholic school in the Bronx in 1964, “Doubt” explores themes of moral conflict, the pursuit of truth, and the complexities of human nature. The story unfolds around the intense conflict between Sister Aloysius (Janene Whitsell), the school’s conservative and unyielding princi-
Due to the mature themes explored in the play, viewer discretion is advised. WTC invites theater-goers to immerse themselves in this compelling narrative and witness a performance that will linger in their thoughts long after the final curtain falls.
After its Jan. 31 opening night, “Doubt: A Parable” runs at 2 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9 and at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 7 and 8. Tickets are available through the Winters Theatre Company website, www. winterstheatre.org.
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$1 million-and-higher price segment maintained a double-digit gain of 28.7 percent last month, while sales in the sub-$500,000 market dipped by 0.4 percent in December. The median price growth will likely maintain its moderate pace at the start of the year if the high-end segments continue to exhibit solid growth through the first quarter.
“As projected, both sales and price activity were up modestly in 2024 as California wrapped up the year with a double-digit sales gain over last December,” said CAR Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. “While the housing market is expected to improve further in 2025, stickier-than-expected inflation, the ongoing insurance crisis, and policy changes under the new White House administration are some of the hurdles that could present challenges for the market in the upcoming year.”
Courtesy photo
“Madame Ginoux Contemplates Louis Vuitton” by Marcy Friedman, 2023, oil on canvas.
Courtesy photos
“Golden Fields” by Phil Gross, above, and “Katy’s Lemons” by Marie T. Brown.