Winters Express: Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Robotics teams make impression at VEX World tournament

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

At the end of April, the Winters Robotics teams impressed at the 2024 VEX Robotics World Championship, with the high school team making it to the quarterfinals and bringing home the “Think Award.”

The VEX Robotics World Championship is a huge annual event that takes place in Dallas, Texas, where teams from across the world compete against one another in various competitions. This year, 800 teams attended, competing in 10 different divisions. This year was the Winters High School team’s third appearance at Worlds and the Winters Middle School team’s first year as a competitor.

The high school competition was from April 25 to 27.

“We did really good. We did. So out of our division, which had 80 teams, we ranked first after our qualification matches. And then we lost in the quarterfi-

nals. But it was a super close match,” said WHS student Ben Nelson, a fourth-year Robotics Club member and driver and builder for the team.

Team 39599B — The Farmbots, as the high school team named themselves, were awarded the very prestigious “Think Award,” of which only 10 were given out across the entire event. This award was given to teams that created a notebook or “engineering portfolio.” This portfolio consisted of several notebooks filled with technical details from

the creation process of the robot. It included entries describing the math, science, and programming involved as the robot was designed.

Miles Mariani, a junior, was the lead for the creation of the portfolio, which included the team’s many concepts and designs for the machine. The notebook had pictures of code for the robot’s programming, CAD drawings from when the robot was designed, and handwritten notes detailing how the team could improve on their designs and

Weather

concepts.

Senior Jack Tuel led the programming of the robot, starting from scratch rather than using a pre-made code that helped steer and control the robot. For this competition, the program had 900 lines of code to control the robot.

“The program he created himself, he did all his own research. A lot of the other teams, they’ll use already pre-made templates and stuff. They use libraries. And libraries, but he made his own,” said

See VEX, Page 3

Local News Briefs

Express staff

Putah Creek virtual meeting

The Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee and Putah Creek Council invite the community to attend the Zoom meeting, Moving Downstream: Putah Creek Challenges and Opportunities on May 31, from 1 to 2 p.m. Access the meeting at https:// us06web.zoom. us/j/89933918832.

Attendees:

• Will learn about the Putah Creek water system focusing on downstream.

• Will hear water users’ perspectives on water management in Putah Creek, like agriculture, fish and wildlife, and conservation.

• Can ask questions about creek water management to be answered by the speaker panel. Join in on an engaging and informative virtual meet-

ing with a panel of speakers from agriculture, fish, wildlife and conservation organizations. At the meeting, presenters will delve into how different water users have been collaborating to more effectively manage creek water. They’ll also share about how the Putah Creek Water Management initiative is working to improve the creek.

WSW signups

Winters Shakespeare Workshop is making a last call for teen actors and youth dancers to participate in this year’s production of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The public performances is on July 19 and 20, at 8 p.m. on the Park Playground Stage. Winters Joint Unified School District is once again

See LOCAL, Page 5

City Manager shares insight on budget

By Amelia Biscardi Express staff writer

According to City Manager Jeremy Craig, this year’s city budget is around $7.5 million dollars. However most of that budget is accounted for due to the city’s need for paying staff, primarily public works and public safety departments.

The Winters Fire and Police Departments need staffing 24/7 year round. As well, a unique thing about Winters is a lot of the departments are only one person departments. Allowing for less people and more opportunities to learn according to Craig, explaining they tend to keep the departments lean where they can.

The conversation of the city’s budget is expected to begin in June and will be due on July 1. Craig explained that while the city has some control over expenses, when it comes to revenue things can be challenging. One of the misconceptions, according to Craig, is that the city gets most of the property and sales taxes. Craig said that of the property tax — on Prop 13 — 1 percent property tax rate, about 21 percent of that 1 percent comes to the city (the majority goes toward education). For sales tax, the local rate is 7.25 percent. Six percent goes to the state, See BUDGET, Page 5

County invites public to participate in inaugural food safety forum

Express staff

The Yolo County Department of Community Services’ Environmental Health Division is excited to announce the launch of the Food Safety Advisory Forum, which will guide Yolo County in fostering collaboration and dialogue among local food industry stakeholders,

academia and residents.

The inaugural meeting will take place on Monday, June 10, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Department of Community Services complex located at 292 W. Beamer St., in Woodland.

The Food Safety Advisory Forum will provide a platform for En-

vironmental Health to engage with retail food facilities and the broader community to address food safety challenges and share upcoming program enhancements. These forums will be held semi-annually, offering both in-person and virtual participation

See FOOD, Page 5

Logan Chrisp/Winters Express Winters Middle School representatives Jack Dennis, teacher Dianne Halsey, August Nelson and Bubba Hernandez are gearing up for the next robotics season.

Winters High School robotics team earned “The Think Award” at the 2024 VEX Robotics World Championship.

Logan Chrisp/Winters Express

Elder Day Council asks for help to nominate 2024 honorees

By Wally Pearce Winters Elder Day Council

Each year, the Winters Elder Day Council celebrates elder adults that reside in and around the city of Winters, applauding them publicly and hosting them and their families at a festive Elder Day reception. It’s amazing to hear their history and stories. Their narratives reveal a familiar thread with a key to who we are. One honoree recounted that as a young girl, she was a tomboy, and, according to her, at 96-years young, she still is. Another shared her life, still young at 95-years, her words of wisdom offered a valuable opinion of how to live a good life. Yet another was a B-17 pilot in the Pacific during WWII, and one is a prior United States Congressman. All, a valuable album from live chronicles. Throughout history elderly adults have achieved and contributed so much for our families and community. That remains true today and gives us ample reason each year to reserve a special day, Elder Day, in honor of those that are 90 years of age and older or will be 90 years of age before Dec. 31, 2024, and who mean so much to us all. Elder Day, Satur-

day, June 29, is set aside to give community appreciation to our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents by showing them our sincere affection and gratitude. Over the years, the Winters Elder Day Council has successfully linked hands with the past and brought together many of our most valued residents.

Looking for local elders 90 and up

The Winters Elder Day Council is asking for your help in locating our community residents who are 90 years young or will be 90 years young before Dec. 31, this calendar year. If you know of anyone in the community in that age group, contact Wally Pearce at 707.249.7975 or email denropro@gmail. com.

For our Spanish-speaking community please contact Miembro del concilio de adulmayores Ramon Al-

El Ayuntamiento avanza la Proposición 218 Eventos hispanos

tamirano at teléfono 916-600-6707 or at email ramon.altamirano@aol.com.

Your help with this year’s event is greatly appreciated.

Equally important, please mark your calendars and plan on attending this wonderful Elder Day festivity on Saturday, June 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, Parrish Hall, 511 Main St., Winters, California.

Come listen, and watch, cross-generational antiquity being made in the city of Winters

Everyone, every family and their friends and neighbors, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, everybody is welcome to attend this free important event.

Please remember, without our elders, there’d not be a community, so celebrating them for what they’ve lived and so freely given us, is a necessity.

Con una agenda liviana pero con muchos eventos comunitarios que desarrollar, el Ayuntamineto Municipal de Winters se reunió durante 40 minutos y aprobó seguir adelante con la Proposición 218 el pasado 7 de Mayo. El jefe de bomberos Jack S. Snyder III compartió los resultados de una encuesta de la Proposición 218 que fue posicionado mayoritariamente. Sin embargo, sólo el 13 por ciento de los residentes respondió a la encuesta. Snyder explicó que en este proceso, que comenzó en Febrero, le dio a los residentes alrededor de 30 días para responder a la encuesta. Snyder espera con interés la posibilidad de que la Oficina de Servicios de Seguros (Insurance Service Office) la cuál otorga la calificación ISO en Winters mejore si el proceso se aprueba en Junio. Según Snyder, eso podría (y debería) reducir los precios de los seguros de edificios comerciales. “El problema con el ISO es que, 1: no todas las compañías de seguros utilizan la calificación en su máxima capacidad,” dijo Snyder. “La mayoría usa una parte. Pero no todo.” Sin embargo, para la mayoría de los residentes de Winters, es posible que no afecte su bolsillo, pero debería haber otros impactos a largo plazo. “Si bien nuestros propietarios no verán una gran diferencia en cuanto a las tarifas de seguro para propietarios de viviendas, sí verán una gran diferencia en la calidad del nivel de servicio que reciben de nuestros socorristas,” dijo Snyder.

deberá realizarse una audiencia pública que le permita al consejo recibir cualquier comentario de la comunidad. Mientras el cronograma se mantenga según lo previsto, eso permitiría que la audiencia pública

“Si bien nuestros propietarios no verán una gran diferencia en cuanto a las tarifas de seguro para propietarios de viviendas, sí verán una gran diferencia en la calidad del nivel de servicio que reciben de nuestros socorristas.”

Jack S. Snyder III, jefe de bomberos

se lleve a cabo durante una reunión del concejo municipal en Agosto. Una vez que se cierre la parte de participación pública de la audiencia, se permitirá abrir y contar las boletas. Si los resultados indican que se debe aprobar la Proposición 218, el consejo puede aprobar una resolución. Sin embargo, la fecha límite para tomar una decisión es el 10 de Agosto, debido a las necesidades fiscales.

Reflexiones conmemorativas

Japonesas

El pasado 4 de Mayo, encabezado por la Sociedad Histórica de Winters (Historic Society of Winters) y con la asistencia del Ayuntamiento Municipal, Winters recordó y reflexionó sobre un pasado doloroso para los Japoneses Estadounidenses durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. El evento atrajo a muchas personas de todo el estado y Kate Laddish, residente de Winters, destacó la importancia de la participación del Ayuntamiento.

El siguiente paso del proceso de Proposoción 218 es que el consultor comience a trabajar en el envío de las boletas que se espera que se envíen en Junio. Cuarenta y cinco días después de la entrega de las boletas

“Creo que es realmente importante que ustedes cinco estuvieran allí,” dijo Laddish. “Y eso envía una señal muy fuerte de que lo decimos en serio y creo que es muy importante para todos.” Anteriormente, la ciudad rescindió

una proclamación que condenaba las acciones anteriores de la ciudad, escrita por el concejal Jesse Loren, quien tuvo el honor de ser parte de todo esto. “Fue el evento con mayor asistencia que jamás haya visto en el centro comunitario,” dijo Loren. “Y fue un gran honor ser parte del evento.” El alcalde pro tempore Albert Vallecillo señaló que en sus más de 40 años de vivir en Winters, este evento fue uno de los más concurridos que haya visto. Agradecimiento por el Día de la Juventud Además, el Ayuntamiento reconoció la importancia del Día de la Juventud, especialmente de poder mostrar a los estudiantes los entresijos de la política local. La miembro del consejo Carol Scianna fue parte de la planificación del evento y destacó la importancia de ello. “Los estudiantes estuvieron maravillosos aquí arriba y en su reunión del concejo municipal,” dijo Scianna. “Así que nos traerán información sobre eso.” El administrador de la ciudad, Jeremy Craig, también señaló que el personal de los departamentos de bomberos vecinos se unió al Departamento de Bomberos y de Policía de Winters para una demostración en vivo para los estudiantes.

“También un gran saludo a nuestro equipo de obras públicas que asaron a la parrilla y alimentaron a todos, incluidos algunos bomberos,” dijo Craig. “Fue un gran día y creo que los niños se llevaron mucho de él, lo cual fue genial. Pero también comienza a construir esa tradición de incluirlos en el Ayuntamiento y comprender lo que hacemos día tras día.”

Get a WE print and

Winters will honor local elders at the annual Elders Day celebration on Saturday, June 29 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Por Amelia Biscardi Traducido por Carol Alfonso

May is Wildfire Preparedness Month — are you ready?

Specia to the Express

May is Wildfire Preparedness Month across California. On May 7, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution declaring May 1 through May 7 as Wildfire Preparedness Week in California. The resolution recognizes the importance of ongoing collaboration between landowners, community members, local fire departments, and CAL FIRE in land stewardship and wildfire preparedness. Is your home ready for wildfire?

CAL FIRE, local fire protection districts and the Yolo County Resource Conservation District are preparing by creating fuel breaks along state highways in Yolo County. CAL FIRE is planning to conduct the annual Highway 128 prescribed burn west of Winters. Tentative dates are May 27 to 31. There is also a planned fuel break along Highway 16 west of Capay (dates to be determined).

Homeowners and residents living in the high fire areas of western Yolo County (communities west of Winters and Esparto and throughout the Capay Valley) can get prepared for fire season by hardening the home and performing defensible space and fuels reduction around their properties.

Simple and low-cost home retrofits include installing ember resistant vents, metal gutters and gutter covers, metal flashing along roofs edge, adding soffits to eaves, and installing noncombustible metal chimney screens.

Defensible space can slow the spread and intensity of wildfires and provide areas for fire personnel to safely suppress wildfires to protect homes and communities. Defensible space is divided into zones, each with specific guidelines. Zone 0, the Ember Resistant Zone, extends from zero to five feet from the home and should be clear

of all vegetation and debris. This zone helps defend a home from embers which can spread wildfire by igniting nearby vegetation, debris, wood piles, lawn furniture etc. that can spread to the home. It is recommended to clear plants, flower boxes, and any flammable material from this zone and to install hardscape like gravel, rocks, or concrete.

Zone 1 and 2 extend from five to 100 feet from the home and involve clearing dead debris, trimming back trees, shrubs, and overhanging branches and removing weeds.

To learn more about home hardening and defensible space, visit www.yolofiresafe.org/home-hardening.

The Yolo County Fire Safe Council offers two free programs to assist folks living in the high fire areas of western Yolo County with wildfire preparedness. The Neighborhood Chipper Program helps

Mobile farmers market expands to Northern Yolo County

Express staff

Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency is pleased to announce its support for the expansion of the Mobile Farmers Market into the communities of Woodland, Esparto and Knights Landing. This exciting initiative, led by the Center for Land-Based Learning (CLBL), marks a significant step toward enhancing food access and promoting community health in Northern Yolo County. Join HHSA’s team in celebrating the launch of the new Mobile Farmers Market at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at HHSA’s campus, located at 25 N. Cottonwood St., in Woodland. The event will bring to-

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Ben Nelson.

The high schoolers weren’t the only team that flew to Dallas to compete, as the middle school team had their robot that competed. The middle school team went 5 of 5 in their division.

“We want to give a lot of credit to the high schoolers. They’ve helped us a bunch, especially the seniors like Ben, Matt and Jack. They’ve helped us a bunch with the robot… And all the high schoolers. They’ve just helped us with ideas, just parts of the game. They showed us how to build stuff properly, structure-wise,” said August Nelson, a member of the middle school robotics team.

WMS students August Nelson and Jack Dennis make up Team 95694B, and Bubba Hernandez traveled to Dallas to represent WMS from April 28 to 30. While the middle schoolers came home without a trophy, they didn’t leave Dallas empty-handed. After qualifying in previous years, they couldn’t attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In speaking with the younger team, it’s easy to see how their first big tournament affected them.

One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity to work with and meet teams from around the world. Even with a language barrier with some teams, they worked through the challenges and found ways to communicate. The

gether representatives from CLBL, the Woodland Chamber of Commerce, the city of Woodland, and Yolo County. After three successful years in West Sacramento, the Mobile Farmers Market has been a vital project under the Center for Land-Based Learning’s Community Food Program, providing access to locally grown, seasonal produce and supporting small farms in the region. By expanding into underserved areas identified as food insecure by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Mobile Farmers Markets intend to address nutritional needs and connect individuals with healthy food options.

Hosting the Mobile Farmers Market

students were also able to explore the booths at the event and learn more about the other team’s cultures.

“So many teams give out, as the high schoolers were saying, they give out their stuff from their culture and stuff. And they’ll show off what they have back home in their booth and stuff. And you just get a,

“They’ve showed us how to build stuff properly, structure-wise.”

August Nelson, student

yeah. And during the matches, it’s really fun because each division is different. So you can hear crowds from other divisions cheering on their teams and just like super loud and super fun,” August Nelson said. Robotics Club Treasurer Maddie Archibeque was one of the student ambassadors for Winters Robotics Club and represented the school at the Winters Robotics Club booth where others in attendance could visit and learn about the Winters Robotics program. Archibeque, along with other Winters students handed out stickers and pins featuring the Winters Robotics logo.

This summer, Archibeque is hosting a camp in part of her Senior Capstone Project,

aligns with the county’s strategic goals by promoting wellness and address food insecurity among vulnerable populations. In 2022, HHSA’s Public Health Branch released a 2023-2025 Community Health Assessment that included information about the overall health of residents in Yolo County and identified significant health needs.

Market Schedule

Wednesdays: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Yolo County HHSA, 25 N. Cottonwood St., Woodland 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Knights Landing Community Center

Thursdays (Biweekly): 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Tuli Mem Park, Esparto

Fridays: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

from June 3 to 6 for WMS students to learn how to build, program and compete with robots in future events. For more information, email dhalsey@wintersjusd.org.

The Farmbots and the middle school team are great ambassadors for Winters High School, showing off what this community’s young minds are capable of. With two members of the senior team graduating at the end of this year, the incoming freshmen will have to step up to take their places to get Winters back on to the world’s stage. Both Ben Nelson and Tuel will be going to universities to study aerospace engineering, following in the footsteps of their coach and teacher Dianne Halsey.

The Winters Robotics Club teams are made up of students from both Winters Middle School and Winters High School. They work together throughout the week, and high school students help to mentor middle school students.

Winters Robotics Inc. serves as a support to the teams by helping to provide funds for tournament registration, supplies and more. For more information and updates, follow Winters Robotics on social media at facebook.com/ wintersrobotics or Instagram.com/wintersrobotics. To learn more about volunteering opportunities or on how to donate, send an email to wintersrobotics@gmail. com.

at Woodland Boys & Girls Club 2 to 4 p.m. at UC Davis TANA Chicana and Chicano Studies, in Woodland (across from Donnelly Circle Apartments)

The Mobile Farmers Market accepts SNAP CalFresh benefits and offers a 50 percent discount through the Market Match program, supporting equitable access to fresh, nutritious food for all community members. Health Education Council provides translators who will be at each site to assist Afghan, Russian and Spanish speaking customers. For more information and for the complete market schedule, please visit CLBL’s webpage at www. FollowTheTomato. org.

landowners with debris management from defensible space and fuels reduction. After defensible space work is performed, the Chipper will visit the property and chip debris into mulch that can be used for landscaping or incorporated into compost.

The Reflective Address Sign Program provides high quality, CAL FIRE and Yolo County Fire Chiefs approved reflective signs to mark your home in all visibility conditions including smoke from wildfire. Reflective address signs help emergency officials locate your home regardless of visibility to respond to emergencies or protect your home from wildfire. To learn more, visit www.yolofiresafe.org/our-programs. For more information about the Yolo County Resource Conservation District which coordinates the Yolo County Fire Safe Council, go to their website at yolorcd.org.

Winters camping ordinance update

By Amelia Biscardi Express staff writer

With the Camping Ordinance officially in effect, Chief John P. Miller explained that — so far — the local homeless population has been staying on the Solano County side of Putah Creek. Winters City Council passed the ordinance due to the health, welfare and safety of residents in March.

It requires any encampment down at Putah Creek or on other city-owned property to acquire a permit. There are exemptions allowed if housing or shelter is not available. According to Miller, before enforcing this ordinance, city staff will offer up resources for housing

options and allow individuals at least a 24-hour notice before enforcing. Any personal items will be stored by the city without fines for 90 days, with exceptions being anything illegal or involved in a crime or items deemed hazardous to one’s health. For private property, people can be removed as they are trespassing, by the police department. At the April 2, City Council meeting, Miller said the ordinance only applied to areas within city limits and does not apply to the Solano County side. Miller said while individuals can camp in certain areas of the city during public hours, they have to get a permit to do so.

YESTERYEAR

Public Safety Report

City of Winters Fire

The Winters Fire Log will return. Check for updates from Winters Fire Department online at https://cityofwinters. org/157/Fire.

Police Arrest Log

May 9: Boswell, Christopher Ray (Age 30), Charges: Theft of Utility Services, Disposition: Released on Notice to Appear ~Speaks, Decarann (Age 34), Charges: Theft of Utility Services, Disposition: Released on Notice to Appear

Report Log

May 8: 9:15 p.m., Main Street/Vasey Street, Traffic Collision

May 9: 8:55 a.m., 700th block of W. Main Street, CPS Referral ~12 a.m., 700th block of Main Street, Outside Agency Assist

May 10: 12:26 p.m., 400th block of Anderson Avenue, Miscellaneous incident report ~1:27 p.m., 8000th block of Pleasants Valley Road, Courtesy Report

~5:08 p.m., 100th block of Grant Avenue, CPS Referral ~7:28 p.m., 10th

Obituary

sold the orchard part of their property for a subdivision. The barn was on the part that was sold.

Lake Berryessa water levels down

The water level of Lake Berryessa went down during the past week by 0.30 feet, with a decrease in the storage of 5,645 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh of the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, May 21, the lake level was 439.18 feet above sea level, with storage computed at 1,535,844 acre-feet of water. Evaporation on the lake averaged 224 acre-feet of water per day. The SID is diverting 401 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 50 cubic feet per second flowing at the Diversion Dam.

145 Years Ago

May 24, 1879

(From the files of The Winters Advocate)

H. M. Goin, formerly principal of Winters Public School, is engaged in teaching a school at Elmira, Solano County.

John Scott has returned to Winters and opened a barber shop. A portion of the room occupied by P J McGrath as a saloon has been partitioned off, and nicely painted and grained. and Mr. Scott has fitted up a very neet shop therein. If you want a food shave, give him a call.

T. S. Scribner and J Grigsby, of Berryessa. were in town this week on business connect-

ed with the shipment of grain at this point. Two brewery and one bakery wagon make weekly trips from Dixon to Winters. Is it safe to conclude therefrom that the inhabitants of this town consume twice as much beer as bread?

On Friday evening next. 30th inst. the young men of Winters will give a grand ball at Sackett’s Hall Good music will be furnished by Marvin’s String Band, and a good time is guaranteed to all who attend Tickets including supper $2.50.

130 Years Ago

May 26, 1894

Our neighboring town of Madison was

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Crystal Apilado, Editor-in-Chief

Sydney Andrade, Staff Writer

Amelia Biscardi, Staff Writer Logan Chrisp, Staff Writer

David DeLeon, Advertising Director T. Burt McNaughton, Co-Publisher Taylor Buley, Publisher-at-Large Charles R. Wallace, Publisher Emeritus

block of E. Grant Avenue, Audible Alarm

May 11: 10:40 p.m., 200th block of Railroad Avenue, Battery

May 13: 2 p.m., 700th block of Railroad Avenue, Petty Theft ~3:17 p.m., 1000th block of Railroad Avenue, Death Investigation

May 14: 2:05 p.m., 800th block of Taylor Street, Vehicle Tow ~2:29 p.m., 100th block of E. Baker Street, Battery

May 15: 8:57 a.m., 300th block of Village Circle, Missing person located For our editorial policy on crime log entries, see winters express.com/unpub lishing-policy.

Kathryn I. Eldridge passed away at her residence in Winters California, on Nov. 10, 2023. She was 69 years young. Kathy was born May 6, 1954, to Lillian and Hilton in Oakland California. She grew up in the Bay Area, and played the viola and was the lead singer in a band. She attended Sacramento City College and graduated from the Dental Hygienist program with honors, and spent over 35 years serving the communities she worked in with love and a smile. She showed love and compassion to everyone she encountered. Kathy is a kind and

Years Ago

Dispatches from the Express archives.

visited by a disastrous fire last Satur- day night, by which the main business block was destroyed. The fire originated in the second story of the Phansteel hotel and was caused by a defective flue, and before it was got under control ten buildings fell before the fiery onslaught. The Esparto Press issued an extra Sunday morning

We have been shown the pictures taken by Walter Hemenway on the occasion of Grandpa Pleasants birthday anniversary which are as fine specimens of the photographic art as can be found anywhere

J. H. Hacke, whom all the older residents of our town will remember as proprietor of the Parker House

in this place prior to the fire of 1888, has returned to Winters and has leased the Hotel De Vilbiss

The steam merrygo-round pulled up stakes Tuesday morning and left for pastures new. We don’t think the proprietor did a very big business here this time

On Wednesday last, the 23d inst the first shipment of apricots for the season of 1894 was made from this place The “cots” were Pringles and Thissell’s Seedlings, the latter pre-dominating

95 Years Ago

May 24, 1929

The first apricots to go from California this season left Winters a week ago today. They

courageous soul who put her kids first and succeeded against all odds. Her family and friends were her greatest accomplishments. She is preceded in

were shipped by the California Fruit Exchange to New York City and were grown by H. R. Brinck and were of the Wiggins variety. The shipment consisted of four crates.

Miss Ethel Gustafson, a student nurse at Franklin hospital. San Francisco, is spending two weeks at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Gustafson. Misses Addie and Margaret Scott and their guests, Misses Lillis and Jean Chapman, Gertrude Coleman and Gwendolyn Brayden went horseback riding in Scott’s hills Sunday They went as far as Crooker Springs where a delicious lunch was enjoyed in the cool shade Emmett Scott accompanied them as a guide.

80 Years Ago

May 26, 1944

A first group of 100 Mexican Nationals, secured through the Yolo County Farm Labor Association, arrived Wednesday evening at about 7 and were quartered at the Migratory Labor Camp. John C. Collado. U.S. Army Medical Corps unit, has been promoted to Pvt. 1st class. Johnny is somewhere in Italy. The first shipment of green fruit, approximately 60 crates of

by

by

er Michael and

daughter

and she was a proud and loving grandmother and great-grandmother of 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service is planned on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Parish, 511 W. Main St, Winters, California, 95694.

seedling apricots and Mayflower peaches were dispatched Tuesday, May 23. The shipment was sent by Hag-Marguelas, blade and packed by Harry Sattazahn and force at the Carl Holmes packing house. A class of 20 high school graduates will begin their closing exercises Sunday evening at the Baccalaureate service at the Christian church. The graduates are: Richard Rominger, Valedictorian; Sara Lopez, salutatorian; Ruth Baker, Ann Campos, Juanita Campos. Wanda Cecil, Fredrick Coman, Eldon Hansel, Jean Hoskins, Arlean Ichtertz. Fannie Johnson, Carmen Machado, Madeline Martin. Fred Medina, Carmelita Munoz, Bruce McKenzie, John I Ramos, John Rubio Ramos, Olga Sears, Robert Stowers. Claire Adams was small hostess Monday afternoon, entertaining a group of playmates in honor of her third milestone. Mrs. R. E. Campbell who has closed a year’s work as a teacher near Colusa was honored with a program and farewell party. School elections last Friday created slight interest. Both candidates unoppos- ed: W. G. Brinck for the grammar, and George Griffin (incumbent high school were elected. About 30 votes were cast.

Picked by Charley Wallace

death

her daughter Tina, parents Lillian and Hilton, spouse Dan, sister Stella, brother Bobby, and nephew David. She is survived

her sons Jeremy, Dennis, and Christopher; and daughter Danielle; sister Ruthie; broth-

sister/

Emily;

Kathryn Eldridge

Courtesy photo

Yolo Supevisors updated on Dignity, Partnership contract negotiations

By Rebecca Wasik McNaughton Media

Another update on Dignity Health and Partnership Health’s contract negotiations was given to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

At its April 9 meeting, the board decided to send a letter to Partnership HealthPlan, Dignity Health and Common Spirit encouraging that an agreement be reached.

During its May 7 meeting, the board urged the parties to enter into mediation to help reach an agreement as over 17,000 Yolo County residents and 66,000 patients in California have been forced to find new physicians as a result of the failure to reach a new contract agreement.

Gena Bravo of Dignity Health and Partnership CEO Sonja Bjork was at Tuesday’s meeting to provide updates on what has transpired since the board last met.

Bjork says she did receive permission from her board of directors to enter mediation on May 15. However, negotiations are currently underway with a meeting to be held virtually later on Tuesday and in person on Thursday after Dignity-Common Spirit sent a counteroffer to Partnership Health Plan after the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 7 and Partnership sent a counter back to Dignity on May 14. Though negotiations have not resulted in a new contract yet, Bjork and Bravo believe they may be close.

If these negotiations do fail, mediation has been authorized by both parties.

“If we need mediation, we will take advantage of it but right now we are making very good progress,” remarked Bjork.

Both parties agree that going into mediation right now may actually hinder the progress of the negotiations.

“We have made more progress in the last couple weeks than we have this whole time,” said Bravo. “I agree with what Sonja is saying that it would slow things down for us to stop, get somebody else in here and then restart again.”

ChairLucas Frerichs and Deputy Supervisor Sheila

Allen attended the Partnership Health Finance Committee meeting last week to give in-person public comment about how this situation is affecting Yolo County residents and to encourage the board to vote to allow the CEO to enter mediation if needed.

“I’m not ready to celebrate yet,” said Frerichs. “This has been a pretty massive disruption to the lives of many, many thousands of our most vulnerable residents here in Yolo County.”

While Frerichs said he did think that this situation potentially could have been avoided altogether, he did thank the parties for their willingness to get a new contract done and thanked Yolo County staff for their work on this matter.

partnership with the Washington Unified School District Expanded Learning Program and will serve approximately 140 students.

Lastly, the 4-H Cooking Academy is a cooking-based nutrition education and cooking skills program in partnership with UC CalFresh Healthy Living and the Esparto School District. Twenty-two fourth and fifth grade students participated in the program in 2022-2023.

Youth Commission YEA! grant program

Another informational-only presentation given to the board was on the Yolo Youth Commission.

The mission statement of the commission is: “to enhance the quality of support, services and programs for youth through

“I’m not ready to celebrate yet. This has been a pretty massive disruption to the lives of many, many thousands of our most vulnerable residents here in Yolo County.”

Lucas Frerichs, supervisor

UC Cooperative 4-H

The board also received an informational-only presentation on the University of California Cooperative Extension 4-H programs in Yolo County.

The 4-H Club program offers a variety of projects for youth 5-19 years old. 352 youth were enrolled in 2022-2023 and 108 adults volunteered.

4-H Resident Camp is a week-long program planned and delivered by teens with adult guidance for youth 9 years and older. The program takes place at Camp Gold Hollow in Nevada City. Eighty campers and 23 teens enrolled in 2022-2023.

Farm Connection Day is done in collaboration with the Yolo County Farm Bureau. Student hosts showcase 4-H projects, show livestock, practice public speaking and more. Over 1,300 Yolo County students took part in this event earlier this month on May 3.

4-H Sustainable Polymers will be offered as part of summer programming in

working with local leaders to make funding decisions to make a positive impact on youth development and empowerment for all.”

Challenges encountered have been personnel vacancies, communication, multi-sector collaboration and the multigenerational gap of participants.

2023 YEA! Award grant recipients include All Leaders Must Serve, Brown Issues and Three Sisters Gardens.

SOAR for grantees offers support, oversight, advocacy and reporting from the commission.

Resolutions

May 2024 was declared Foster Care Month, Older Americans Month, as well as Asian American and Pacific Islander Month in Yolo County. May 27, was recognized as Memorial Day in Yolo County.

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors will next meet on June 4.

options to accommodate diverse schedules and preferences.

April Meneghetti, Director of Environmental Health for the Yolo County Department of Community Services, emphasized the mission behind the initiative.

“One of Environmental Health’s core objectives is to prevent foodborne illnesses and injuries in our community,” said Meneghetti. “Through these food safety forums, we intend to enhance communication with local stakeholders and consumers, while advancing food safety awareness through education and collaboration.”

Interested participants are required to register for free for the inaugural meeting at www.YoloCounty.org/Food-

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state, 0.25 percent to Yolo County, and 1 percent to the city.

An additional issue can be things like Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s rising prices.

“I don’t control what PG&E charges,” Craig said. Craig plans to do a five-year plan allowing for a further assessment of the city’s budget in the long term and plan for the future.

One of the things Craig has found is that there are things that need to be changed to not affect

LOCAL

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the Winters Friends of the Library’s Winters Shakespeare Workshop. Winters JUSD students can participate at no cost. The Actors’ Workshop is for ages 13 to 18 and the Dance Team is for ages 8 to 12.

For more details, visit https://bit. ly/3UU4WYV or the Winters Shakespeare Workshop page at wfol.org. Participants do not need to have prior acting or dance experience.

Questions should be directed to Mary Lou Linvill by text/ calling 530-204-7601 or email marylou. linvill@gmail.com.

SafetyForum. For inquiries or additional information, please contact the Environmental Health Division at EHealth@YoloCounty.org or call 530-666-8646.

insights and perspectives.

“Through these food safety forums, we intend to enhance communication with local stakeholders and consumers, while advancing food safety awareness through education and collaboration.”

April Meneghetti, director

The first meeting will serve as an introduction to the forum’s objectives and will initiate discussions on strategies to improve food safety practices in Yolo County. Retail food industry professionals, consumers and members of academia are all invited to contribute their

the general fund as much.

For example, there is an assessment district that is supposed to cover things such as streetlights, landscaping, park and side of the road maintenance. The fee is $82 and was created in 1997. According to Craig, usually a stipulation should be to annually adjust the amount at least based on inflation

“That assessment district is not even covering 40 percent of the cost of the maintenance,” Craig said. “So the general fund is now having to pick up a massive amount.”

Last call for nonprofits

The second Winters Volunteer Fair is returning on Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Three Oaks Park. Organizers are doing a last call for Winters or Yolo County nonprofits who want to participate. To register a group, fill out the Volunteer Interest Form at https://bit. ly/42MSXjg Residents are invited to join in to learn more about the services offered and volunteers opportunities for all levels of availability. This is an opportunity to ask questions about how you can help and to connect with nonprofits about how you can help.

“The success of our retail food safety programs relies heavily on robust industry and community input,” Meneghetti added, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing food safety standards.

The Food Safety Advisory Forum underscores Yolo County’s commitment to building trust, transparency and safeguarding residents health from foodborne illnesses.

The city also sets aside 25 percent of the operating budget for emergency situations where cash flow is needed immediately.

“I’ve never worked in a city where we had so much money we didn’t know what to do (with it), Craig said. “So it’s all about aligning that with goals with the resources because there’s never enough resources, there’s always another need. And then there’s this real balancing act of what are the priorities, how we fund those core services plus those priorities.”

Third of July fireworks

Planning for the Third of July Fireworks Celebration is underway. The city of Winters funds the fireworks show and all the other items that go with it. In his Friday update, City Manager Jeremy Craig said the city is “asking the community, be it personal, business, or nonprofit, to consider donating to offset those costs and allow us to continue this tradition into the future.” For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3Vb0aHC.

What to know about reseeding or replanting your lawn

Spring marks the return of flowering plants and warm weather. And homeowners know that spring also ushers in the return of home renovation season.

Homeowners undoubtedly have an extensive list of projects on their to-do list this spring, and that may include helping their lawns and gardens recover after a long winter. Unpredictable weather, which can include drought and excessive rainfall and everything in between, can take its toll on a lawn. In certain instances, the best solution may be planting new grass. But homeowners can consider these tips before they begin the process of reseeding or replanting their lawns.

• Scarify the lawn. Scarifying a lawn can help to create a clean slate, but the timing must be right. Various lawn and garden experts, including those at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, rec-

ommend scarifying in spring or early autumn. But don’t jump the gun when scarifying in spring by scarifying before the lawn has started to grow after a dormant winter. Scarify when the soil is a little wet and the grass is once again actively growing. Scarfiying can remove any lingering weeds from last season and also pull up any moss that might have taken hold over the winter. Without weeds and moss to contend with, freshly planted seeds are in better position to thrive.

• Work with a landscaping professional. Homeowners with manageable lawns can likely scarify their own lawns with a relatively inexpensive plug-in scarifier. However, scarifying can be a strenuous physical activity, particularly for homeowners with large lawns. In such instances, homeowners can benefit from working with a qualified landscaping professional. Such a professional can scarify the lawn and subsequently reseed or replant

new grass. The latter task is not so simple, as the lawn care experts at Scotts® note that choosing the correct seed is a vital part of reseeding or replanting a lawn. Choosing seed may sound simple, but it’s a potentially complex

decision that requires knowledge of the existing grass, including when to plant it. Certain grasses are best planted in spring or early fall, while others are best planted in summer. A qualified landscaping professional can identify the existing grass and plan the seeding or planting around this important detail.

• Prepare to water the lawn. Watering is vital to the long-term success and health of freshly planted grass

seed. Scotts® urges homeowners to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist, but not soggy. That requires a daily commitment, and setting a multi-function hose nozzle or sprinkler to the mist setting once per day or more if it’s hot outside can increase the chances grass will grow in thick and strong. Scotts® recommends keeping the top two inches of the soil moist until the new grass reaches a mowing height of

roughly three inches.

Once that benchmark has been reached, watering frequency can be cut back to about twice per week, but now the soil should be deeply soaked instead of misted. The soaking will help roots grow deep into the soil. Spring is a great time for homeowners in various regions to reseed or replant their lawns. With the right approach, homeowners can enjoy a full and lush lawn throughout summer.

Materials to consider for a deck renovation project

Metro

Special to the Express

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that notion is as true when renovating a home as it is when studying a piece of art. Therefore, when homeowners are looking for the best building materials for their home remodels — including backyard decks — their own personal preferences may ultimately dictate the direction they go. Deck boards and railings can be made from a diverse array of materials, including traditional hardwood, plastic and composite materials. Here’s a deep look into some of the more popular decking materials so homeowners can make informed decisions when contracting with a decking professional for the build.

Hardwood, softwood or pressure-treated wood

In the not-so-distant past, decks were primarily built using some type of wood. Wood is widely available and fairly cost-effective. However, as anyone with a wood deck knows, wood re-

quires frequent upkeep and it can be susceptible to rotting or insect damage. Wood decks also may splinter and deteriorate when exposed to the elements or pool water. Pressure-treated boards are infused with chemicals to help them endure, but that does not make them impervious to wear. Still, the traditional look of a wood deck remains appealing to many homeowners.

Composite

Composite decking materials are made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers. Since there is so much recycled content, composite decks attract those who are concerned about the environment and sustainability. Composite decking comes in uncapped and capped varieties. The capped version has an extra layer of protective capping made from high-performance polymers, says TimberTech, a decking and outdoor furniture provider. While composite decks may have similar upfront costs to wood, they will require less maintenance over the years, but they must

be scrubbed to avoid mildew growth.

Plastic

Decks made of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are collectively referred to as PVC decks. They are made entirely from environmentally safe plastic with no wood in the mix at all. PVC decks are more durable than composite and can last a lifetime. All PVC decks need is occasional cleaning. A potential disadvantage to PVC is it doesn’t always look, sound or feel like wood. Also, complex fastening systems can make the boards move as the temperature changes, resulting in squeaking as people walk on the deck. Generally, PVC is more expensive than wood or composite, but that investment may be worth it for those who never want to worry about deck repair or replacement.

This Old House says there is another plastic decking material made from polystyrene. It is stiff, strong and light, and with the brand Eon, the nonslip surface becomes less slippery when

wet so it may be great around pools.

Aluminum

Aluminum may not be as popular as other decking materials, but

it is lighter and stronger than wood, composite, and plastic.

Aluminum also is resistant to mold, weather and insects, and it

can be recycled. An aluminum deck will last for years, which is why it is one of the more costly decking materials.

Homeowners have many choices when picking materials for their decks. If they want a traditional look and moderate cost, wood may be the way to go. Those concerned about looks and durability may like composite. People who want very durable and long-lasting may want to give strong consideration to plastic or aluminum materials.

photo

Deck boards and railings can be made from a diverse array of building materials availble for homeowners.

Are California police missing domestic violence murders?

By Ryan Sabalow CalMatters

Joanna Lewis’s family never believed she took her own life.

In 2011, investigators found her hanging from a bath robe’s belt inside a closet.

The Solano County Cororner’s Office declared her death a suicide. But Lewis, 36, had previously sought restraining orders against her husband, Vacaville pastor Mark Lewis, accusing him of domestic violence.

Four years after her death, Mark Lewis was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading no contest to hiring three people to throw a molotov cocktail through the window of his ex-girlfriend’s Vacaville house. He had started dating that woman within days of his wife’s death, she told ABC News.

Lewis has never faced charges in Joanna Lewis’ death, although deputies have opened the case twice.

This week, a Solano County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told CalMatters that the agency has reopened the investigation into Joanna Lewis’s death for a third time.

The review comes as California lawmakers consider a bill that would give the extended families of domestic violence victims the right to request additional scrutiny of death investigations they deem suspicious as well as provide additional training

for law enforcement to spot cover-ups of domestic violence murders. Its supporters are citing Joanna Lewis’s death as they advocate for the bill.

Senate Bill 989’s lead author is Sen. Angelique Ashby, a former Sacramento city councilmember who knows Lewis’s brother, Sacramento Fire Capt. Joseph Hunter. He testified beside Ashby last week before the Senate Public Safety Committee and again on Tuesday before the Senate’s Judiciary Committee. The bill passed both committees unanimously.

As he testified, he referred to his sister by her maiden name, which her family has used since her death.

“This bill will bring justice to Joanna Hunter and so many other victims like her,” Hunter told lawmakers.

The bill comes amid international calls for police to take a dead woman’s history with a domestic abuser into account before declaring her death a suicide or an accident, citing examples of abusers covering up their crimes. Law enforcement organizations, however, argue that their investigators are already trained to spot death scenes that are staged to not look like a murder.

In an interview with CalMatters Tuesday, Ashby said there could be as many as 800 to 1,200 “hidden homicides” in the U.S.

each year, citing estimates from the bill’s sponsor, Alliance for HOPE International, an advocacy group for victims of domestic violence. Ashby said that too often, the victim’s abuser is their spouse who has the ability to block family members from pushing investigators to dig deeper, something the family alleges happened after Joanna Lewis’s death.

“If a firefighter brother can’t get a secondary autopsy,” Ashby said, “we clearly need a legal change.”

Lewis is no longer listed as a state prison inmate. CalMatters’ attempted to reach

SENIORS’ MURAL TOUR & LUNCH

JOIN THE WSF/WPG FOR A GUIDED TOUR OF THE WINTERS MURALS! MAY 23 • 9:30A

Gather 9:30am May 23 at the Community Center parking lot. We leave at 10:00 rain or shine.

Join us for a meal at Preserve following the tour. The menu features four sandwiches and two salad options for $25.

RSVP: Confirm your tour spot & prepay for lunch by contacting Chris Tuthill Phone: (707) 673-7376 (leave a message for callback) Email: tuthillc@gmail.com

him through phone numbers and an email address found in public records. The numbers were disconnected, and the email account was disabled. Lewis’ attorney from his 2015 criminal case wasn’t listed on the Solano County Superior Court’s online case search.

The Solano County officials have conducted at least two other reviews of the case, once in 2014 and again in 2019, a sheriff’s spokesman told CalMatters. Lewis has not been charged with a crime related to his wife’s 2011 death. Solano County court records show that he was convicted by plea agreement of felony domestic violence in 1997. The records don’t say who his victim was.

Who would get domestic violence records?

Ashby’s bill would give parents, siblings or the domestic violence victim’s children the right to obtain photos taken during a coroner’s investigation into a death declared a suicide, so that they can have them for an independent review of the case.

Autopsy reports are generally public records, but photographs taken during a death investigation can only be given out to a victim’s “legal heir or their representative in connection with a potential or pending civil action relating to the decedent’s death,” according to the bill’s analysis.

“Right now, only an

heir – a legal heir –has access to those records,” Casey Gwinn, the president of Alliance for HOPE International, told lawmakers. “And in the cases of domestic violence homicide, the legal heir may actually be the killer. We believe family members should have the same access to records.”

California’s District Attorneys Association supports Ashby’s bill, which has Sen. Susan Rubio, a Democrat from West Covina, as a coauthor. Before becoming a senator, Rubio accused her then-husband, Assemblyman Roger Hernandez, of domestic violence in 2016, as he was serving his final term. He denied the allegations.

staged crimes are quickly recognized by our investigators out in the field due to our current policies and procedures that we have in place,”

Lt. Julio De Leon of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office told the judiciary committee on Tuesday. “And we investigate all unattended deaths out in the field. All of them.”

The bill also gives family members the right to request another law enforcement agency to review a death investigation officially deemed a suicide or an accident if there is a documented history of domestic violence. If the local cops won’t take up the review, the family may seek a review of the case from a federal-

“And in the cases of domestic violence homicide, the legal heir may actually be the killer. We believe family members should have the same access to records.”

Casey Gwinn, Alliance for HOPE International

State police oppose death records bill

But some law enforcement groups argue the training and other investigative requirements under Rubio’s and Ashby’s bill are redundant. Investigators, they say, are already trained to look for signs of hidden foul play at what’s known as an “unattended death,” when someone dies outside of a medical setting.

“It has been our experience that these

MEMORIAL DAY FLAGS AND SERVICE

Winters Cemetery District (WCD) is seeking volunteers on Friday, May 24th, to help place the 498 flags on all Veterans graves. Please report to the center building at 9:00 AM SHARP (with a long screwdriver) for your instructions. Please don’t be late!

The WCD is inviting the community to participate in our Memorial Day Service commencing at 1:30 PM on May 27th. We will honor the 26 Veterans that were Killed In Action, as well as the remaining 472 Veterans buried here. All Veterans and their spouses or partners are invited and encouraged to sit in the special seating to the right of the podium under the canopy.

ly-authorized “public or private nonprofit agency” that trains law enforcement on domestic violence investigations, according to the bill analysis.

De Leon said the bill doesn’t say which agency would pay for the additional review or provide a means to cover the costs.

“Why should residents of a particular city fund and pay and dedicate officers to investigate a crime that was potentially committed outside of their jurisdiction?” he asked.

Ashby brushed off concerns over unintended costs, saying nonprofit domestic violence organizations are willing to conduct death investigation reviews for families for free.

“The members of Joanna Hunter’s family would disagree that more cannot be done to protect families,” she said. “They would be joined by thousands of other families whose loved ones did not receive justice in death.”

—Ryan Sabalow is a Digital Democracy reporter for CalMatters.

Fred Greaves/CalMatters

Coroners determined Joanna Lewis died by suicide in 2011. Her family members believe she was killed, and are advocating for a domestic violence bill in the California Legislature.

Charley sorts through photos OPINION, Page 3 Girls soccer heads to the

Wednesday, May 22

WTC "Romeo and Juliet" Auditions, 7 –9 p.m., Winters Opera House (13 Main St.), winterstheatre.org

Wednesdays

Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution, Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue

Thursday, May 23

Rominger Open House, 6 p.m., Shirley Rominger Intermediate School

Thursdays

Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690

Saturday, May 25

Winters Middle School E-Waste Drive, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Winters Middle School, 425 Anderson Ave.

Sunday, May 26

Winters Farmers Market

9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Downtown Main Street, discoverwinters.com/farmers-market

Monday, May 27

Winters Memorial Day Event, 1:30 p.m., Winters Cemetery

Tuesday, May 28

Winters Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m.,City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ planning-commission/ Upcoming Events

Tuesday, June 4

Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ city-council-meetings_/

Thursday, June 6

Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check https://wintersjusd.diligent.community Library Services

Winters Library Public Hours (School in Session), Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. , Sat: 1–5 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

Winters Friends of the Library meeting, first Monday, 7 p.m., Winters Community Library, Margaret Parsons Room, wfol.org

Winters Fortnightly meeting, second Tuesdays, 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. Winters Open Mic, third Thursday of the month (January thru March), 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Winters Opera House, 13 Main St. 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.

Martin named Yolo County finalist in Congressional Art Competition

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

A Winters High School junior was named the Yolo County finalist for Fourth District’s 2024 Congressional Art Competition earlier this month.

Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, announced that Taylor Webster of Napa County was chosen as California’s Fourth District winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition and WHS student Luzangely Martin was named the Yolo County Finalist.

“I always look forward to the Congressional Art Competition as it gives my colleagues, Capitol visitors, and me the opportunity to appreciate the incredible talents of our district’s high school artists,” said Thompson. “Congratulations to Napa County’s Taylor Webster on being named as this year’s winner from California’s Fourth District and congratulations to Luzangely Martin on being named as this year’s Yolo County finalist.

“Year after year, I am blown away by the skill and creativity of these young artists, and this year was no exception. Thank you to each of our student artists who submitted

their work, to their families and teachers for providing mentorship, and to our judges for carefully evaluating the submissions. I look forward to seeing Ms. Webster’s piece on display in the United States Capitol.”

Martin said her “In the Fields” art piece is a mixed-medium creation of pencil, colored pencil and acrylic paint. It depicts a pair of hands that dull in color and are surrounded by vibrant colored berries.

“This piece shows a pair of dulled hands which represents the sacrifice and physically hard labor that many field workers in our region experience,” Martin said of her art. “The contract between the bright fruits and gray hands demonstrates the feelings we, as consumers, feel when we eat the fruit which includes happiness and enjoyment versus the feelings of the workers picking the fruit –which are fatigue and exhaustion.”

Martin was inspired by “In the Strawberry Fields” by Eric Schlosser after reading it in her English class. She said her parents’ experience of immigrating to the States working in the fields and sharing their stories with her served as a person-

al inspiration. Martin said she wanted to make a statement through her art. She was especially motivated when she discovered that some of her peers in her school knew about the hard work field laborers experienced.

“This is a part of me, I could show people my perspective,” Martin said. “All of this information deep down stuck with me. The first thing I thought of was ‘I need to make a statement with my art.’” Contest winners

The overall winning piece was created by Napa County artist Taylor Webster.

Each spring, Members of Congress host

the Congressional Art Competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent across their districts and our nation. Since the Artistic Discovery Competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. The winning works are displayed for one year in the halls of the U.S. Capitol. The complete list of artists recognized includes:

• Taylor Webster, Napa County, Overall Winner.

• Luzangely Martin, Yolo County, Finalist.

• Gavin DuBois, Lake County, Finalist.

• Lilly Bertlin, Solano County, Finalist.

• Ziqi Zheng, Sonoma County, Finalist.

Pinkstons celebrate 75th anniversary

Special to the Express

Doyle and Phyllis Pinkston were married on May 7, 1949, in Carson City, Nevada. They recently celebrated their 75th anniversary with friends and family on May 4 at the Fairfield Inn in Winters. Their four sons Ron (Susan), Tom (Marie), Michael (Leann) and Brian (Maggie) were all in attendance with their spouses. The four sons are all still married to the same spouses, which makes the combined total for the family a whopping 225 years of consecutive marriage. Doyle and Phyllis also have 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Doyle and Phyllis renewed their wedding vows, and the ceremony was officiated by their son Rev. Ron Pinkston. Their four sons also played gui-

tars and sang several of their parent’s favorite songs to the joy of those in attendance.

Doyle was the Youth Day Mayor of Winters in 1951, and was a prominent athlete during his high school days. He graduated with a Masters Degree from Sacramento State University and coached nearly every sport at Woodland High School during his career as a teacher. However, he is best known there as the basketball coach, winning several awards and championships.

For years, Doyle and Phyllis owned and operated the well-known and beloved Dean’s Frostie, until its closing. The Pinkston’s moved back to Winters many years ago and today are enjoying their well-deserved retirement, entertaining their frequent visiting family members.

Courtesy photo

Luzangely Martin and her father Oswaldo Martin (right) with Rep. Mike Thompson to accept her recognition as the Yolo County finalist in the 2024 Fourth District Congressional Art Competition.

Courtesy photo Doyle and Phyllis Pinkston cut their wedding cake at the Fairfield Inn on Saturday, May 4. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary by renewing their wedding vows surrounded by family and friends. They joked that they are hoping for another 75 years together.

Courtesy photo

Luzangely Martin’s piece “In The Fields.”

Update home insulation for summer weather

If you’ve noticed an increase in your utility costs during the winter months, it’s the perfect time to insulate your home to protect it from the summer heat.

The insulation process may appear complex due to unfamiliar terms such as “R-value” and the wide range of materials available. Scientific concepts like conduction and convection are also part of the decision-making process.

Conduction refers to how heat moves through the walls or windows of your home, while convection involves the transfer of heat through liquids or gases like air. Convection also causes

heat to rise, which is why upper floors or attic spaces tend to be warmer. Now that you’re familiar with these processes, let’s discuss getting your home ready for the summer season:

Different materials

There are various types of insulation available, such as fiberglass, cellulose, foam, foil or wool. Each has its own unique advantages and applications. Fiberglass and foam, being bulkier options, are commonly used in enclosed spaces like attics as they effectively hinder the transfer of convective heat. Fiberglass is the predominant form of insulation found in residential properties, where it is either

rolled out as a blanket or applied as loose fill. Fiberglass can also be blown in using specialized equipment. Foil insulation works by reflecting heat away from your home; it’s recommended for individuals residing in colder climates by the Department of Energy.

R-values

Why it matters

The R-value of an insulation product describes its ability to resist the flow of air through conduction. These values are impacted by factors such as the age of the home, associated moisture buildup and the temperature. By increasing the amount of insulation, you can reduce the transfer of air, thus maintaining a cooler home during the summer. However, it’s important to note that different areas of your home may require insulation with

varying R-values. For additional guidance on weatherizing your home, refer to the U.S. Department of Energy website. Local insulation companies or contractors can also provide personalized advice based on your home’s specific requirements.

Properly insulating these spaces is essential in order to keep your home cool during the year’s hottest months. But insulation doesn’t simply block out heat. It also helps keep moisture out, providing a barrier that will protect the interior of your home from allergens like mold. Then, of course, you’ll likely be decreasing your utility bill: Without qual-

ity insulation, your AC unit may become overworked as it tries to maintain temps as cooler air leaks out. Over time, that constant use will shorten the life of the system, leading to very expensive replacement costs.

Getting an audit

If monthly energy expenses keep rising and you’re struggling

Proper insulation can make an impact on year-round on your utility bill

Express Yourself

Graduation is a great time to be looking forward

My office is now in a museum and I catch myself looking back in time all the time. Before the Historical Society of Winters made our office a real museum, the Winters Express already had over a hundred years of Winters treasurers. I missed a great opportunity to clean house and throw stuff away when we moved to Russell Street, but I moved almost everything to our new space. One person’s junk is another man’s treasure. Nothing has really changed from when my father sat in this chair.

We have a lot of pictures. I’ll open a drawer and find a pile of graduation pictures with a rubber band around them. Or, I’ll open an envelope and there are more graduation pictures. I know I’ll never use them, but I find myself putting them back in the drawer, making throwing them away someone else’s problem sometime down the road.

To make room for the expanding museum, I have been emptying and giving away filing cabinets. What was in the filing cabinets? Pictures of course,

“One person’s junk is another man’s treasure. Nothing has really changed from when my father sat in this chair.”

along with 68,000 negatives in expanding file folders, one for each year. There are pictures that people brought into the office which they thought we might like to run in the paper or publicity photos of musical productions, also in expanding file folders.

I’ve been boxing up the negatives and putting them into storage. Thanks to Tom Crisp the negatives are scanned and on my computer. The photos I’ve been putting in cardboard boxes and leaving them on the museum front desk for people to look through and hopefully take home. Maybe at some point, someone will have the nerve to just throw them all away.

The Express has

See QUICK, Page 8

Horoscopes

ARIES(Mar 21/Apr 20) Aries, you may meet an influential ally this week. Chat them up because this is a person you want to have in your network. You never know when you’ll need some assistance.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21) Taurus, you have real talent, so you should be proud and show off your efforts. Whether it is artistic in nature or you are a whiz with numbers, share your gift with others.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21) Explore creative possibilities, Gemini. You can use a new hobby right now that keeps you occupied. Look at trends that are popular right now and try one of those.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22) Cancer, trust your intuition when you meet someone new this week. You often can get a good read on someone right away. That’s an important skill to develop, especially in the workplace.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23) There is a lot of potential for socializing right now, Leo. Your calendar will fill up quite quickly with invitations from people in your life. Enjoy the attention.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22) Virgo, take inventory of the things in your life and be real about what you need and what you can get rid of right now. You may be carrying around a lot of baggage you simply don’t need.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23) You may be feeling extra flirty these next few days, Libra. This will help add a spark to your current relationship or help you find someone new if that is the desire.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22) Relationship issues at home may be on your mind, Scorpio. Create pockets in your days for deep introspection to process all of the emotions you are feeling.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21) Sagittarius, if you can’t get an answer to something yourself, then you may want to pick the brains of friends or other people in your circle. They may offer unique perspectives.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20) Capricorn, you have a lot of self-worth, so stop looking at yourself through a pessimistic lens. Be convinced of your value and ability to assist others around you.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18) Start feeling good about what the future may hold, Aquarius. There are a lot of possibilities out there, and you’re starting to see them peeking out over the horizon.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20) You may not be feeling overly social right now, Pisces. Take a few days to spend time alone and sort through your feelings. Over time you may be ready to re-engage.

Winters Express, Wednesday, May 22, 2024

T.S. No.: 2023-00478-CA

Property Address: 129 RIVERVIEW COURT, WINTERS, CA 95694

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

A.P.N.:003-380-016-000

PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE § 2923.3(a) and (d), THE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION REFERRED TO BELOW IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE RECORDED COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT BUT ONLY TO THE COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR.

NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED 注：本文件包含一个信息摘要

참고사항: 본 첨부 문서에 정보 요약서가 있습니다

NOTA: SE ADJUNTA UN RESUMEN DE LA INFORMACIÓN DE ESTE DOCUMENTO

TALA: MAYROONG BUOD NG IMPORMASYON SA DOKUMENTONG ITO NA NAKALAKIP LƯU Ý: KÈM THEO Đ Y LÀ BẢN TRÌNH BÀY TÓM LƯỢC VỀ THÔNG TIN TRONG TÀI LIỆU NÀY

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 08/09/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.

Trustor: TIMOTHY A BACK, A MARRIED MAN, AS HIS SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY Duly Appointed Trustee: Western Progressive, LLC

Deed of Trust Recorded 08/14/2006 as Instrument No. 2006-0031717-00 in book , page --- and further modified by that certain Modification Agreement recorded on 09/16/2010, as Instrument No. 2010-002612200 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Yolo County, California, Date of Sale: 07/16/2024 at 12:45 PM

Place of Sale: AT THE REAR (NORTH) ENTRANCE TO THE CITY HALL BUILDING 1110 WEST CAPITOL AVENUE, WEST SACRAMENTO, CA 95691

Estimated amount of unpaid balance, reasonably estimated costs and other charges: $ 501,641.22

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

THE TRUSTEE WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK

DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, A SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE:

All right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described as:

More fully described in said Deed of Trust.

Street Address or other common designation of real property: 129 RIVERVIEW COURT, WINTERS, CA 95694 A.P.N.: 003-380-016-000

The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above.

The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $ 501,641.22.

Note: Because the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt.

If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.

The beneficiary of the Deed of Trust has executed and delivered to the undersigned a written request to commence foreclosure, and the undersigned caused a Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on this property.

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (866)-960-8299 or visit this Internet Web site https://www.altisource.com/loginpage.aspx using the file number assigned to this case 2023-00478-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction, if conducted after January 1, 2021, pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (866)-960-8299, or visit this internet website https://www.altisource. com/loginpage.aspx, using the file number assigned to this case 2023-00478-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid, by remitting the funds and affidavit described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code, so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Western Progressive, LLC, as Trustee for beneficiary C/o 1500 Palma Drive, Suite 238 Ventura, CA 93003 Sale Information Line: (866) 960-8299 https://www.altisource.com/loginpage.aspx

Express Yourself

Ride bikes around town to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide

By David Springer Winters Climate Action Commission Co-Chair

This past week the Winters Climate Action Commission organized events to encourage bike riding and safety, with the goal of curbing the use of gas-burning vehicles for local transportation by increasing bike use by students as well as adults.

WCAC members Olivia Rodriguez (also Winters High School librarian) and Winters Middle School teacher Melanie Ellison were the key organizers and contributed to its huge success. Council member Carol Scianna and WCAC commissioners Ken Britten and Gar House also provided valuable support. The events included a ribbon cutting celebrating the installation of eight new bike racks that were obtained through a grant to the city written by WCAC members and a scavenger hunt to locate bike racks with prizes awarded.

The week’s events also included bike rodeos at Waggoner Elementary and Winters Middle School sponsored by the Winters Police Department, the California Highway Patrol — Woodland, the Winters Fire Department, the Winters Combined PTA, and Winters Joint Unified School District.

The police provided bike safety instruction and the Fire Department gave away 22 bikes to deserving students. The Yolo County Office of Traffic and Safety handed out and fitted over 70 bike helmets. Raffle prizes were sponsored by Preserve, First

Northern Bank, Putah Creek Cafe, Eyelet + Indigo at the Winters Collective, Winters Chamber of Commerce, Steady Eddy’s, Winters Friends of the Library, and VeloCity. Everyone did a great job and we heartily thank you for your support.

One of the charges of the WCAC is to increase public awareness of the need to reduce climate impacts and highlight local solutions, which we are doing by holding

“I have found visits to downtown can be faster and parking is not an issue.”

David Springer

these events. In addition to improving bike parking access, the WCAC has developed a map of safe routes that can be accessed using QR codes on signage posted at key bike racks. We will also be preparing updates to the Winters Bicycle Master Plan.

Dealing with climate change is vitally important stuff. The concentration of atmospheric carbon has increased about 33 percent over my 77-year lifetime, as shown by the Keeling Curve de-

to identify the issue, contact a professional about an energy audit. These audits are conducted by local companies or your energy supplier. They will come to your residence, assess the property for any physical issues, and discuss your family’s typical summer behavior. This will assist in determining an optimal consumption level. They may also employ specialized equipment to measure energy loss. All of these details will help shape their suggestions.

Homeowner Help

Prospective homeowners may be eligible for a variety of assistance programs on the federal, state, county and city levels — including tax credits. Some private programs also provide grants. Find out more at https://bit.ly/4c6rTjb.

Homewise glossary

Prepayment: payment of mortgage loan, or part of it, before due date. Mortgage agreements often restrict the right of prepayment either by limiting the amount that can be

veloped at the Scripps Institute (https:// keelingcurve.ucsd. edu/2022/05/31/2114/).

Despite the increased use of renewables to produce power and the large number of electric vehicles on the road, atmospheric carbon is accelerating. I worry greatly about what it will mean for my grandkids if we can’t stop it.

Local impacts that I have personally observed include record high temperatures, fewer freezes causing orchards to switch from apricots to the more heat tolerant walnuts and almonds, and the closing of several lower elevation ski areas I used to visit.

Increasing use of bikes for local transportation may seem to be an insignificant step towards reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide, but it is one thing we can do locally that doesn’t involve regulations and that has lots of other benefits. It’s a fun way to get exercise and stay healthy while going about our daily lives. I have found visits to downtown can be faster and parking is not an issue. It’s great for recreation too. I bonded with both my sons doing rides like the Davis Double and Foxy Fall centuries. Let’s set examples and make it seem cool for our kids to ride to school and around town instead of burning gasoline.

prepaid in any one year or charging a penalty for prepayment. The Federal Housing Administration does not permit such restrictions in FHA insured mortgages. (Source: Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association.)

Letters

Monument dedication a success

The “Japantowwn Monument Dedication” on May 4, 2024 was by all accounts a successful event and was beyond expectations. The amazing amount of people that attended was a testament to how important this piece of history is.

The main intent of installing the monument and having the dedication was to honor the Japanese Americans that lived in Winters pre-World War II. They contributed to the vibrant history of agriculture and business in our community before being unjustly incarcerated.

The Historical Society of Winters created an exhibit, “The Lost Japanese Community,” for the Winters Museum in 2021. It was very well received and as an outcome, the HSW decided to further honor the Japanese business community with a permanent memorial. May 4 was the formal dedication.

We would like to thank many people and organizations that supported us helped to make the event an overwhelming success:

The Rotary Club of Winters helped not only financially but also helped setting up and taking down the tables and chairs in the Community Center.

The City of Winters of Winters was extremely supportive in our endeavor with a resolution rescinding the 1942 order. Eric Lucero from the City was instrumental in facilitating the preparation of the site for the monument.

Lucas Frerichs and the Yolo County Supervisors issued a resolution supporting the honoring of the Japanese community and was a co-sponsor of the event.

Both Cecelia Aguiar-Curry form the California State Assembly and Mike Thompson from the U.S. Congress sent their support and resolutions.

The UCCE Master Gardeners, especially Stehanie Myers, her husband Gary Douglas, Denise Cotrell, and Ruth Shimomura for the beautiful landscaping.

Mark Wilson consistently helps the HSW by recording for posterity video and photos of all of our events.

All speakers at the ceremony had something meaningful to say and said it well. The granddaughters of Sumiko Higaki, Kristen and Kiku Yasukawa, and Vasey Coman were exceptional.

The Winters High School Culinary Arts Program and also the WHS Floriculture Program for providing great desserts and beautiful flowers.

The Winters Cemetery District and board member Joe Bristow provided the space at the cemetery for the Buddhist Ceremony. Even though it was raining, about 70 people attended.

Crystal Apilado and her Winters Express team did a great job keeping the event in the public’s eye. It takes a village like Winters and all of the individuals not only from the HSW but from the town who pitched in and helped both physically and financially. There were many volunteers like the docents (you know who you are!) from the Museum that kept the Museum open all day and helped where they were needed.

And, most importantly, thank you to all of the Japanese descendants and the families that attended the dedication and have contributed to the exhibit their histories. The day honored them and their ancestors.

It took a hard-working team of HSW board members and volunteers to make the day a success.

Thank you to everyone involved and all that attended this memorable day.

GLORIA LOPEZ AND THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WINTERS

Gratitude for community

Now that the dust has settled, the final numbers are in: you raised over $110,000 for Winters nonprofits on the Big Day of Giving! Thank you to those who donated and those who supported their nonprofit’s fundraising efforts.

I’d like to extend a special thank you to the businesses who picked up our cold calls and supported the Winters Friends of the Library this year with a matching grant. These businesses’ donations made our campaign a success. We hope you’ll be as supportive of them as they are of the library!

Abbey House Inn, Berryessa Gap, Chambers Pools, Chuy’s Taqueria, Eyelet + Indigo, First Northern Bank, Ireland Insurance, Jean Deleonardi Real Estate Services, Pacific Ace

See LETTERS, Page 8

Address climate change with active learning and living laboratories

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

High school and university instructors who address climate change, including those at the University of California, Davis, should focus more on active learning and living laboratories “to promote student empowerment and mitigate growing concerns about mental health and climate anxiety among young people,” says Professor Christian Nansen of the Department of Entomology and Nematology. They need to “send a positive message about how research discoveries and technologies represent ample potentials for solutions, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” instead of amplifying the negativity of climate change, which can be overwhelming, said Nansen, who promotes development and adoption of a wide range of innovative technologies into sustainable crop production (https:// chrnansen.wixsite. com/nansen2).

His newly published article, a perspective piece titled “Active Learning, Living Laboratories, Student Empowerment, and Urban Sustainability,” appears in MDPI, a peer-reviewed, open access journal established in 1996. It includes 74

references.

“As educational institutions lower their current footprints (carbon, water, waste, and nutrient footprints), structural improvements represent unique opportunities for students and instructors to engage in active learning with a strong focus on sustainability,” Nansen notes. “Schools and universities could install networks of sensors to monitor water usage, rainfall, energy consumption, temperatures, and inorganic and organic waste production in individual buildings and facilities, and such databases could be made available to students. Students could be involved in the development and maintenance of sensor networks. Using such databases, students could engage in optimization analyses and learn about the processing and analyses of environmental data.”

The article describes his course, Urban food and society, in which students submit short videos as assignments-examples are featured on his website: https://chrnansen. wixsite.com/nansen2/ urbanfood

Nansen points out that in the areas of sustainability of infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste treatment and recycling, water, transportation, education, and research,

Say hello to Rebecca McClain

inters, California, will soon have a population of 8,000 people. They are all our neighbors — we just haven’t met them yet. Meeting new people can be difficult sometimes. We all tend to rush from here to there while keeping pretty much to ourselves. In time we find we have lost much of our social skills and we find ourselves isolated and unable to break the ice when meeting new people. In reality, it is such a simple thing to do. A smile and a hello are all that you need to meet new people.

UC Davis is the highest-ranked university in the United States based on 39 criteria.

“However, it appears that there is tremendous potential for further promotion of sustainability at higher education institutions at this university and more broadly.”

Nine Ways to Improve Sustainability and Engage Students in Active Learning Activities

For example, he suggests nine ways that UC Davis and other institutions can improve sustainability and engage students in active learning activities:

Ways to effectively use cow manure from veterinary schools in conjunction with food waste from dining halls to produce natural gas to run campus busses and other vehicles.

The roofs of lecture halls, laboratories, and administrative buildings could be converted into roof gardens to produce the food served at the campus restaurants.

Water catchment systems could be developed to capture rainwater from a wide range of buildings and structures and used to automatically irrigate (based on soil moisture sensors and weather models) landscapes and athletic fields.

“White 2.0” is the See NANSEN, Page 7

I would like to introduce you to everyone in Winters by interviewing each and every person in town — one at a time. When you know a persons’ name and a little bit about them, the ice is broken and the rest is easy. When you see them, smile and say hello.

That being said, I would like to introduce Rebecca McClain. She is the owner-operator of Close Quarters Salon, located on Railroad Avenue, just across the street from the post office. Her personality is open and friend-

ly. With 20 years in the salon business, she is very good at what she does — that’s why I’m so good looking after a haircut at her salon.

In September of 2000, she moved away from Arbuckle to join her mother here in Winters, graduating from Winters High School in 2003. She decided to go to cosmetology school which she finished in November of 2004. She passed her state board exam in June of 2005.

In time Rebecca assumed ownership of the Close Quarter

Salon that was located where the Winters Hotel now stands and moved it to its present location at 600 Railroad Ave.

In March of 2011, Rebecca married Jerrod McClain. They have two children, Jerrod Jr. and daughter Avery. She likes the small town feel of Winters but is concerned about the unrestricted growth.

Her favorite restaurant is the Buckhorn Steakhouse and if she could have dinner with anyone in the world it would be the country singer “Jellyroll” because her daughter loves his music. Everything she does is for her husband and children. She enjoys spending time with her family. Her favorite movie is “Dirty Dancing.” Close Quarters Salon is located at 600 Railroad Ave. so do yourself a favor and stop in to say hello.

Ask a Master Gardener: Starting vermicomposting, New tree tips

Special to the Express

This column is written by the Master Gardeners of Yolo County each month. It provides answers to selected questions that recently came into the UCCE Master Gardener – Yolo County Help Desk.

Q: I’m interested in worm composting. How do I get started?

A: Composting with worms (vermicomposting, to use the fancier term) can be rewarding, and the castings the worms excrete is considered “black gold” by gardeners. With the right worms and bin, you’ll be on your way to successfully turning kitchen scraps into a rich soil amendment.

The earthworms found in gardens aren’t suited for bins. You’ll need “red wigglers,” also known as

composting worms. You can get them from a friend, online or from a bait shop, and you’ll want to start with between half a pound and a pound (between 500 and 1,000 worms).

Whether you splurge for a “worm hotel” or make a simple bin from scratch, you’ll need to add a bedding medium. If you purchase a bin, follow the instructions included. For a homemade bin, drill holes around the bin, 3 to 4 inches from the top, and also several holes in the bottom for drainage. You can use coir (coconut husk fiber), shredded damp cardboard or shredded damp newspaper (not the glossy magazine pages) for bedding. Keep the worms and bedding covered with a couple of layers of damp newspaper or cardboard. The bin should ideally be placed in a basement or cool garage, but outdoors in a cool, shady place can work. If it gets too cold in the winter, you may need to add temporary insulation around the bin. Your worms will eat most fruit and vegetable scraps, except perhaps citrus. To prevent unpleasant odors and pests, don’t put meat, cheese or onions in the worm bin. Start by feeding your worms weekly. If there is food remaining when the week is over, cut back on the volume. When adding food, bury the scraps to avoid attracting unwanted insects. Except for ants and flies, most insects

Courtesy photo

Rebecca McClain

Special to the Express

Kathy Keatley Garvey/Courtesy photo

Professor Christian Nansen kneels by rows of lettuce at the UC Davis Ecological Garden, part of the Student Farm.

Courtesy photo

Red wigglers (composing worms) are ideal for a bin.

most reflective commercially available paint, and it could be painted onto roads to increase heat reflection and lower temperatures. Thermal monitoring could be installed inside and around buildings to gather temperature data for modelling of the impacts on the air conditioning efficiency of buildings and outdoor ambient temperatures.

Innovative building materials and multi-species designs could be developed to both produce energy (solar panels) and minimize the use of energy for temperature regulation inside buildings.

Renewable materials, like cork, can be used to increase the energy efficiency of buildings, and can be used in the production of electric vehicles and in many other innovative and sustainable applications.

The development and testing of different approaches to “green walls” and living buildings could be promoted.

Development of urban architecture in which conservation and biodiversity are incorporated into the very fabric of household structures. Phone apps could be developed to connect students and community members facing food insecurity with kitchens (i.e., dining halls)

and other resources to mitigate economic and social inequalities. These examples fall under the umbrella of living laboratories and represent an approach to education in which active learning is at the forefront Nansen praises the UC Davis student farm “which provides students with opportunities for internships, and it runs a gamut of educational outreach programs. Thus, there are on-campus opportunities for students to acquire hands-on experience with crop production, either through field research, greenhouse and lab experiments, or through student farm internships.”

“The overall message to school and university administrators is that efforts to plan and implement sustainability initiatives should go beyond physical sustainability improvements (carbon, water, waste, and nutrient footprints) by also involving transformations of educational curricula,” Nansen concludes. “The intended take-home message is that educational institutions could and should be more than sums of buildings and infrastructure. Structural sustainability improvements represent unique opportunities for students and instructors to engage in active learning with a strong focus on sustainability.”

Read the open access article at https:// tinyurl.com/muatpz9a.

harm the worms, other than competing for food. If one day you find tiny white creatures moving around, don’t panic — they’re probably immature worms.

That’s one sign you’ve got happy worms. Another? Because worms are sensitive to light, if they begin burrowing out of sight when you check on them, they’re probably healthy. If you want to spy on your worms, use a red lightbulb to illuminate the bin.

There’s more to vermicomposting, but this gets you started. Eventually, you’ll need to separate the worms from the castings when the time comes.

There are a couple of ways to do this, but they all involve getting the worms to congregate into a mass resembling the form in which you originally got them.

Check out the online reference below to learn more:

Girls soccer team honored at the Capitol

On Monday, May 13, Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry invited the Winters High School varsity girls soccer team to be recognized with an Assembly Proclamation of Recognition for clinching the NorCal Division 5 state championship title in March. The team was given a tour of the Capitol and sat in on gallery proceedings.

Baseball championship run ends after loss to Colusa

Special Contributor

Although the Winters High School varsity baseball team snagged a magnificent win over the Durham Trojans in the semi-finals, their post-season ended after a close game against the Colusa RedHawks.

Durham

The Warriors faced off against Durham High School in the Northern Section, Division 4 Baseball NSCIF 2024 semi-final game on Tuesday, May 14, bringing home a win over the Trojans with a final score of 13–8. The Warriors went

Now, when the worm turns, it’ll be turning your kitchen scraps into black gold: https://ucanr.edu/ blogs/blogcore/postdetail. cfm?postnum=17055

Vermicomposting – Composting with Worms: https:// bit.ly/4bMD1Rn.

Q: We need to replace an ornamental tree that has reached the end of its lifespan. What should I know about selecting, panting and caring for a new tree?

A: Careful selection of a new landscape tree is important since the tree will beautify the yard, provide shade, and habitat for birds and other wildlife for decades. Since our climate is changing, it makes sense to research landscape trees that will thrive in hotter conditions as well as our current Central Valley climate. The references listed at the end of this answer are a good place to start. A locally-owned nursery is a great resource, too.

The ultimate size of the tree, both height and breadth, is an important

hard at the plate, driving nine runs in at the top of the first inning. Ashton Baylor scored two runs off a single, followed by two additional runs off an error from the Trojans. Isaiah Pazmino, Sebastian Rodriguez, Anthony Duran and Everett Beason kept their eye on the ball, each taking walks that brought in players across home plate.

Beason, Duran and Derick Olson added more points to the board onto the Warriors’ early lead later in the game. Duran struck out eight Durham batters while only giving up one walk, three earned runs and five

consideration. Consider your lot size, available space and overhanging telephone or power lines. Large trees (60 feet or more in height at maturity) should not be planted within 15 feet of a building and are likely not appropriate for an average size residential lot. Consider whether you want a deciduous tree, which gives you more winter sunshine and leaves to rake up, or an evergreen which may screen your house, but still drops some plant material year-round. Landscape trees are sold in pots, not bare root so can be planted any time but are best panted in fall, winter and early spring. Look for a tree with a healthy trunk and branches, and no signs of insect infestations, or discolored leaves. It is hard to check the roots of a potted tree but be sure that they flare out evenly at the base of the stem. When you remove the tree from the pot, if most of the roots are tightly curled around, ask for your money back or a

new tree.

unearned off eight hits over 5.1 innings. Miles Mariani came in to relieve Duran and worked to hold the Trojans at eight runs.

Colusa

On Saturday, May 18, the Warriors headed to the championship game against Colusa High School on the RedHawks home field. The Warriors earned an early lead again in the top of the first after errors from Colusa allowed three runs across the plate. Baylor, Rodriguez and Olson kept their heads in the game at bat and around the bases, with support

Plant your tree in a spot that drains well in the winter. Dig a hole no deeper than the pot but two to three times the diameter. You should not add amendments to the soil although adding compost no more than 25 percent of the total volume of the backfill soil is ok. When you remove the tree from the pot, gently spread out some of the roots on the edge of the root ball. The tree should sit in the hole no deeper than it does in the pot and slightly above if possible. It is a good idea to water thoroughly while you backfill in order to eliminate air spaces. Remove the nursery stake. Stake trees only if needed to support the trunk during the first year. To stake, drive two stakes in the ground outside the root ball. Use strips of rubber or other flexible material around the trunk and fasten loosely to each stake so the tree can sway in the breeze. Movement

from courtesy runner Jordan Wojan. Two RedHawks scored at the bottom of the second, and the score stayed at 3–2 Warriors the rest of the game until the seventh inning. Despite efforts from starting pitcher Jordan Calvert and support from Mariani and Lane Brown, several collected walks loaded the bases. A Colusa player’s line drive brought the final score up to 3–4 earning the championship win for the RedHawks. Before the loss, the Warriors had made a strong five-game winning streak throughout the playoffs.

makes a stronger trunk. Remove turf and weeds for a four-foot diameter around the tree. Prune out any broken or spindly branches but do not top the tree. Water the tree every week the first year so that water soaks in deeply. Do not wet the trunk or let water pool against the trunk. Fertilizer is generally not necessary for landscape trees. Here are a few references to get you started:

• https://ccuh.ucdavis.edu/ wucols-db • https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/plant-database • https://cagardenweb. ucanr.edu/Landscape_ Trees/?uid=33&ds=411cycling If you have a gardening question, contact the Master Gardener Help Desk at 530-666-8737 or send an email, with information regarding watering, sun exposure, details about your problem, and photos when possible, to mgyolo@ucdavis.edu.

Courtesy photo

Nut Tree-themed art gallery comes to Winters in June

Special

In 1921, Helen and Bunny Power opened a fruit stand along the then-Lincoln Highway out of necessity. They had fresh fruit that would not keep. Little did the Powers know, that they would develop this enterprise into a world-famous destination and highly regarded restaurant — Nut Tree — in Vacaville.

They literally built the business from the ground up, brick by brick, often just using customer feedback to make the next decision. Almost every innovation at Nut Tree evolved from something small to something grand. Come learn about some of these evolutions such as Engine No.5 or the rare, exotic bird cage that entertained guests while they waited for a meal.

In anticipation of this event, Steady Eddy’s Coffee Shop will host a small gallery of art focusing on

the Nut Tree experience on June 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. Stop by for a cup of coffee or a meal and see this new exhibit. The event is free to attend and is co-sponsored by the Steady Eddy’s and the Historical Society of Winters. Register for the event online at https://www. steady-eddys.com/nuttree.

Diane P. Zimmerman, Ph.D. lives in Suisun Valley, California on a 60-acre ranch with her husband Rich. For 36 years, Zimmerman worked as a teacher, speech therapist, program manager, principal and superintendent of schools. In 1998, she obtained her Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Development from the Fielding Graduate Institute. In 2002, she began a nine year appointment as a superintendent of Old Adobe School Union School District.

Over the past 10 years, Zimmerman has co-authored five books on lead-

ership. Her journal articles regularly appear in The Learning Professional. She has taught college courses at Sacramento State and Sonoma State Universities. In 2021, she wrote a definitive history of her family’s

June events help gardeners prepare for summer

By Denise Cottrell

With summer in the air and the temperature rising we all watch the plants in our gardens for stress, especially during times of extreme heat. Although there is no cut and dry answer to watering during extreme heat as water needs vary from plant to plant, what to do? It is best to always monitor your soil to maintain constant and steady moisture levels.

One can use a basic technique to check the moisture level of the soil by taking a sample of soil near the rooting depth of the plant and ball it up. If it falls apart, the plant will need water. In addition, remember to mulch around your plants as it slows evaporation and will also help to maintain soil moisture levels.

If you have questions about soil and water use, or any gardening questions, call the Master Gardener hotline at 530 666-8736 or email mgyolo@ucdavis. edu and leave a message.

And don’t forget that UCCE MGs – Yolo offer several events and workshops which are free and open to the public that provide research-based information about various aspects of

gardening. Below are the events scheduled for June 2024. Attend Family Cactus and Succulent Day on Sunday June 2 from Noon to 2 p.m. and learn how easy it is to grow a variety of cactus and succulents. This event, sponsored by the UCCE Master Gardeners – Yolo and Lenise’s Café will establish your cactus and succulent garden with a free starter plant to take home and grow! Don’t miss this gardening event at Lenise’s Café located at 3150 Jefferson Ave. in West Sacramento.

Beginning in June, the regular monthly meeting of the Kitchen Garden Chat will be held in the Leake Room at Woodland Public Library, located at the corner of Court and

College, and on Zoom, at https://ucanr.zoom. us/j/98028723763. Join Master Gardener Treva Valentine’s talk for research-based information on care and maintenance of your edible garden. The June 3 meeting, from 10 to 11 a.m., will emphasize the importance of how and what to mulch in your edible garden, and the approaches for dealing with summer pests in your garden. This workshop will also prepare you for the very hot days of summer with information on how to shade edible vegetable garden.

Gardening For YearRound Meals will meet on Saturday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to Noon at Grace Garden, located behind the United Methodist Church near the back of the parking lot, at 1620 Anderson Rd. in Davis. Join Master Gardener Karen Slinkard for a discussion which will focus on five topics: summer pests, irrigation changes as the weather stays hot, keeping pruning shears sharp, how to keep herbs producing, the edible flowers blooming in your garden, and how to enjoy the bounty from your garden.

The UCCE Master Gardeners – Yolo and the Yolo

Library will hold its regular semi-monthly Gardening Workshops in June on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The first workshop is on June 13, from 3 to 4 p.m., on Zoom (https://yolocounty.zoom.us/j/88095498107). The topic is “Create Your Pollinator Habitat.” Led by Master Gardener Paula Haley, this talk will provide the information needed to provide a pollinator friendly habitat for your landscape, garden or backyard. Increase the number of pollinators in your garden and learn the characteristics of bees and butterflies to help you make good choices for plants in your and how all gardens benefit from the presence of pollinators. Join in to learn how supporting pollinators and beneficial insects adds to our overall biodiversity.

The second semi-monthly workshop will be held on Thursday, June 27 from 3 to 4 p.m. via Zoom. To find more information about this presentation contact Jennifer Baumbach at jmbaumbach@ucanr.edu.

In person consultations with a UCCE MGs – Yolo is available at various locations throughout Yolo County during the month of May. On Saturdays from

LETTERS

Continued from Page 5

Hardware, Pisani’s Service, Roxie’s Flower Truck, SOLO, Steady Eddy’s, Stocking Real Estate Team, The Blue Oak, Traxx Farmstand, Winters Rotary, Winters Theatre Company and Winters Tow.

I also want to thank the businesses who couldn’t contribute financially but offered support in other ways, or whose funds were already committed this year through support of other local non-

Continued from Page 3

printed graduation photos for years and I’m hoping they continue that tradition.

8 a.m. to Noon, the Master Gardener table at the Davis Farmers Market, is located between the Rose Garden and the Sensory Garden. The Davis Farmers Market is held at Central Park, located at 4th and C Streets.

In West Sacramento, the UCCE MGs – Yolo will be available to answer your gardening questions at their twice monthly gardening Questions and Answers Desk, held at Lowes, 2250 Lake Washington Blvd., on the first and third Saturday of the month, June 1, and June 15, from 10 a.m. to Noon.

In Woodland, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to Noon, the UCCE MGs – Yolo will be available to answer gardening questions at the Woodland Farmers Market, located on First Street across from Woodland Public Library.

More information about the UCCE Master Gardeners of Yolo County can be found online at http:// yolomg.ucanr.edu. Contact Jennifer Baumbach at jmbaumbach@ucanr.edu or call the UCCE Master Gardeners – Yolo County help line at 530-666-8736 for additional information about scheduled events.

profits and asked to be contacted again in the future (you know who you are!).

Winters is a special place, in large part (I wager) because of an exceptional amount of community engagement. “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others,” said Booker T. Washington, and based on this year’s Big Day of Giving, Winters residents and business owners most certainly are a happy bunch.

KATHLEEN GALLO Winters

Not everyone can afford a yearbook, but everyone can afford to buy the Express. I still look through the graduation issue to see if I recognize any familiar names. If I do

Letters Policy

The Winters Express encourages readers to submit letters of general interest to the Winters community.

Express Letters to the Editor guidelines: Letters should not exceed 350 words. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity or clarity, or to reject any letter. Letters must be legibly signed by the writer. Submit online at https://tinyurl.com/ syzevywd or visit wintersexpress.com.

recognize someone it is most likely grandchildren of friends of ours. We have a granddaughter, Jenna, graduating from Ripon High School this month. I can’t image what the future holds for her generation, but life is a journey with unlimited potential and paths waiting to be taken. I don’t remember where I heard this: “A good way to view life is like an airline pilot, because they only look at the runway in front of them, never what’s behind them.” Have a good week.

QUICK

UCCE Master Gardeners – Yolo

restaurant, Nut Tree: From a California Ranch to a Design, Food, and Hospitality Icon.

Courtesy graphic

Steady Eddy’s Coffee House and the Historical Society of Winters are teaming up to host a special celebration of Nut Tree-inspired food, art and literature.

Courtesy grahpic