Winters is a small town with a big story — and this year, as we celebrate the city’s sesquicentennial alongside milestone anniversaries for many local businesses and nonprofits, it’s the perfect time to explore it.
The voices, values, and visions that have shaped our community continue to inspire, and they remind us why rural life resonates with purpose and connection.
This magazine explores how rural life carries meaning across generations and sectors. Its stories highlight how life, play, and work echo with significance throughout our small towns and the surrounding communities west of Interstate 505.
As Winters grows with new housing developments, it’s important to honor our community’s unique identity and journey. Equally important is reflecting on how our town has developed, where we’re headed, and how our rural character remains a driving force.
To keep our community thriving, we’re building new partnerships and collaborations to serve more people without overburdening volunteers. While most cities have commissions and councils, Winters’ size allows residents to see the tangible impact of their work — and to bring focused, meaningful issues directly to the city council and school district.
Festivals, arts, and programs not only connect residents but also spark curiosity among visitors and showcase the pride we take in local accomplishments.
My goal is to highlight the people, programs, and stories that make Winters and the surrounding communities thrive — whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area. This includes celebrating collaboration, civic engagement, cultural heritage, and rural innovation.
Every volunteer, business owner, and engaged resident contributes to the vitality of our town. I hope this edition inspires you — or sparks curiosity and courage — to participate: attend events, serve on commissions, support local businesses, explore community programs, and take action for the betterment of Winters. Every resident has the opportunity to shape the vibrancy and future of our town.
— Crystal Apilado, Editor-in-Chief
SERVING “TODO LA COMUNIDAD”
EMPOWERING WINTERS’ SPANISH-SPEAKING COMMUNITY THROUGH PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT.
BY SONORA SLATER
A
s so many great things do, the Winters Festival de Comunidad began with a simple gathering — a potluck.
That was in the early 2000s. Since then, the event has grown into a city-wide cultural celebration, with live performances, local craft vendors, a children’s play area and, of course, plenty of food.
The annual celebration is planned and organized by Winters Community Corazón in partnership with the Winters Hispanic Advisory Committee and takes place on the last Saturday in September. As WCC board member Albert Vallecillo put it, the event is certainly the “star of the show” when it comes to the groups’ combined operations — but it’s certainly not all they do.
Since 2007, the Winters HAC has focused on incorporating the needs and wants of the Hispanic community in Winters into city priorities. The 2021 formation of WCC as a nonprofit offshoot of the Winters HAC opened up opportunities to fulfill that goal more effectively as not just an advisory group, but a charitable operation.
Community-driven mission
“When the Winters Hispanic Advisory Committee was first forming, they had a big conversation with the community about what the Latino population in the city needs,” board member Jesse Loren said. “And then they pretty much did all of that.”
WCC now handles the committee’s nonprofit operations and programs, working in tandem with the committee to make these
ideas — including after-school programs for youths with working parents, first-time home buyer assistance programs, affordable childcare during the summer, and hiring more bilingual individuals at informational front desks and as recreational instructors, for example — become a reality.
The children of Winters, Loren says, were the ones to first suggest the festival.
The charitable group has also hosted free car repair clinics to fix headlights and brake lights, partnered with an organization that led free Latin American dance classes, and ensured there’s a designated Spanishspeaking librarian at the library at least twice a week.
“When people get fraud messages or confusing emails, they come and ask the librarian,” board member Revelee Hemken shared. “It’s a safe space. They’re seeing that there are people who care about them
Festival de la Comunidad brings together families, neighbors, and visitors in a celebration of culture, music, and tradition — embodying the spirit of Winters as a community that is welcoming to all. The annual event features food from local vendors, children’s activities, and community resources, creating a space where everyone can connect, celebrate, and belong.
Courtesy photo
in the community.”
Beyond knowing that community members are there to listen and help, the Winters HAC and, by extension, WCC, are also meant to show local Spanish-speaking residents that the local government is there to listen to them and help them — and to make it easier for these residents to navigate their participation in local government.
“Part of it is that people from Central America have a different relationship with local government, and it can be hard for immigrants to switch that mindset,” Vallecillo said. “But here, city council meetings are meant to give people the opportunity to stand up in front of leadership and be heard, and city leaders need to consider what they say.”
Loren noted that she’s seen how the Latino population doesn’t always feel like they’re part of the constituent group that has the right to stand up in front of the city council and be heard. To an extent, the goal of changing this mindset is fulfilled directly in the work of these two groups — both of which are active proof that the opinions and needs of the Latino community in Winters are priorities for the city.
Empowering residents
In the work of encouraging the Spanishspeaking community in Winters to become more invested and involved in government and the democratic process, one program in particular has remained a pillar of its mission — its citizenship classes.
The classes, offered one to two times a year, help families throughout Yolo and Solano counties begin the application process to become citizens of the United States. Volunteers help applicants start on the paperwork and study for the citizenship test, and UC Davis law students partner with the program to provide one-on-one legal services to participants. To date, thousands of people have participated in the classes, and many have gone on to successfully become U.S. citizens.
Board members said that they’ve had attendees from as far as Vacaville, Esparto, Woodland, and even West Sacramento, as well as a diversity in the background of prospective applicants. Each workshop hosts anywhere from 30 to 50 people.
“October is when the next citizenship program will be,” Hemken said. “But I already have a bunch of people who are studying early with me.”
ABOVE: Albert Vallecillo (right) talks to volunteers at the Community Tables, which offered free food and supplies to residents who were experiencing economic challenges.
LEFT: Multicultural performances, such as mariachis and Taiko drumming, at events like Festival de la Comunidad and Día de los Muertos showcase the community’s diversity and create welcoming spaces for all to celebrate together.
BELOW: Citizenship workshops support families on their path to becoming U.S. citizens, with volunteers and partners offering guidance through the process
Courtesy photos
Loren attributed part of the increased interest in the program in recent months to anxiety in the immigrant community, facing crackdowns on citizenship enforcement and viral videos of ICE raids.
“There’s a lot of mixed-status families here,” Loren said. “To me, there’s nothing more American than being an immigrant. We’re all immigrants.”
Traditions that unite community
And that message is displayed in the annual planning of the Festival de la Comunidad — an event that, yes, centers around plates of carnitas and a mariachi band, but also incorporates aspects of the other cultural traditions that make up Winters, including Taiko drumming in honor of Winters’ Japanese community — and a little bit of swing dancing.
“There’s a reason we always start with country western,” said Alfonso Salas, a founding member of WCC. “Every year, it’s cool to see the people who make it out. Latino
or Americano. Todo la comunidad.”
This year, however, the celebration will be on pause. WCC and the Winters HAC announced that the 19th annual Festival de la Comunidad, originally scheduled for Sept. 27, has been postponed.
“With heavy hearts and deep respect for our community… we believe that now is a time to prioritize the safety and dignity of everyone in our community,” the statement said, citing the current political climate and concerns that some residents might not feel safe gathering.
Winters Community Corazón partners with the Winters Library to host a Día de los Muertos event, bringing the community together with music, communal altars, and celebrations that honor cultural traditions and foster connection among residents
While the festival will not take place this year, organizers emphasized that the mission of WCC continues, “Although the festival is on pause, our mission is not. In fact, this moment calls us to redouble our efforts to serve, uplift, and stand beside our community.”
They hope to welcome everyone back in 2026, on the last Saturday of September, for a celebration where all can participate freely and joyfully.
The whole community — and the mission of WCC — remains at the heart of Winters.
Rosemary Hemenway/Express file photo
The mural on the Winters Joint Unified School District office building can be seen from Grant Avenue.
ONE WALL, MANY STORIES
A NEW MURAL BUILT CONNECTIONS BETWEEN STUDENTS AND THE YOCHA DEHE WINTUN NATION
BY JACOB HOFFMAN
Sometimes the things that connect us are literal — our roads, our grocery stores, our schools and city councils.
And other times, those things are what we make — like paint on walls and respect.
A new mural adorns the walls of the Winters Joint Unified School District building. It is one symbol of many showcasing the deep and strengthening ties between Winters JUSD and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, a partnership uniquely capable of thriving in the rural environment of Winters.
A spirit of collaboration and understanding permeates this work.
“At Winters Joint Unified School District, we’re really proud of the partnership we’ve built with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation,” said Superintendent Rody Boonchouy.
He described the relationship as “rooted
in mutual respect and a shared commitment to honoring the history and culture of this region.”
“And it’s grown deeper over the past few years through some really meaningful projects,”Boonchouy said.
Designed by students
The most recent of these projects is the new mural, created through the efforts of Winters High School students, the Winters Participation Gallery and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Anthony Roberts, Tribal chairman, expounded on the significance of this project and of future cooperation with Winters JUSD.
“Yocha Dehe citizens collaborated on a mural project with the Winters Joint Unified School District,” Roberts said. “The mural, located at the school district facilities, depicts the diversity of the Winters community and honors its tribal history. Yocha Dehe’s Cultural Department shared input on the design, color
schemes, cultural imagery and symbolism relevant to Patwin People.”
WPG and Winters students who worked on the mural also expressed the importance of cultural exchange in this project.
“Anyone looking at the mural will see Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s cultural contribution,” said Liz Coman, WPG chair. “Students researched the Yocha Dehe tribe and met with local Tribal members who shared their history, traditions, and stories. Students connected with the stories, and their connection is reflected in the vibrant mural they created.”
“The collaboration creates a legacy the whole community can celebrate.”
Boonchouy described the mural as, “celebrat(ing) the culture, community and resilience of the Yocha Dehe Wintun people.”
“It’s been a powerful symbol of learning and respect for our students and staff, and we’re actually planning to expand it to cover the entire south-facing wall later this fall,” Boonchouy said.
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Kourtnei Hampton, one of the students who worked on the mural, described its ethos of cultural exchange and connection.
“The mural depicts the culture and recognition of Native Americans and the tribes who were associated with Winters,” she said. “In the center of the mural is a native woman, the women are known as the bringers of life.”
Jesus Guzman, another student muralist, noted particular imagery that the students learned from collaborating with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.
“The mural depicts the values of the Yocha Dehe people — life and water. They see water as life and life as the most important aspect of someone’s existence,” Guzman said
Describing the importance of the mural, Guzman emphasized that the people of Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation aren’t just the past, but the present along with the future.”
Hampton continued saying they “will always be part of the Winters community and shall be respected no matter what.”
Beyond the mural
The collaboration between Winters JUSD and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation extends beyond this artistic endeavor. It also includes continuing efforts to improve the educational experience of Winters students, both native students and the entire community.
“We’ve also worked closely with the tribe on reviewing and updating our school policies,” Boonchouy said, particularly around the WHS mascot.
“With their guidance, our board adopted new policies to ensure that any outdated or disrespectful depictions are removed and that our practices reflect both state law and our shared values of dignity and inclusion,” Boonchouy said.
“The school district was proactive in removing the old imagery from public buildings and infrastructure,” Roberts said.
The Yocha Dehe Tribal Council also provided guidance on other Winters JUSD board policies addressing discrimination and barriers for the success of native students, including addressing potential discrimination in sports and academics.
“Strong partnerships with local schools help promote a safe, welcoming and supportive campus environment so that native students will thrive,” Roberts said. “The goal is to create an inclusive space that is free of discrimination and stereotypes that promote old assumptions about tribal nations.”
“Partnerships formed in the spirit of understanding and growth are beneficial for not only for native students, but for all students of diverse backgrounds, along with their parents and the wider community.”
Intentional steps toward understanding
Roberts expressed the importance of partnership and support. They have created
numerous funds for supporting local initiatives, and seek to continue their work with Winters JUSD to ensure both native students and the broader community have the chance to succeed.
“Education, health and wellness are longstanding priorities of our Tribe,” Roberts said. “Our investments have supported hundreds of programs and organizations throughout the local community and our ancestral territory.”
Muralists work to transfer the mural design from paper to the wall using a grid system.
Winters High School student muralists strike a pose after a day of work. Kourtnei Hampton, Eden Miller, Alijah Greshman, Jesus Guzman, Alejandro Ramos and Cheyenne Williams (not pictured) began planning the mural in September and finished the completed version in June.
ABOVE:
LEFT:
Courtesy photos
These investments include the creation of an endowment at California State University, Sacramento, supporting youth-focused initiatives with First 5 California, as well as the creation of the Momhi Scholarship Fund that provides $150,000 in scholarships for high school or community college students in Solano County seeking to attend local universities.
These types of connections are a unique and vital feature of rural communities, highlighting the spirit of mutual support and respect that make Winters such a special place.
“This kind of collaboration is significant to rural communities,” Coman said of the mural, which is “not just a work of art, but also a living lesson in heritage and respect. Collaborations like this are vital in rural communities. They bring people together; they celebrate diversity.”
Roberts also noted the importance of collaboration between local leaders in rural settings.
“Yocha Dehe citizens reside in the
“Our histories are deeply intertwined — and it’s important that our students understand the past, including the harder parts, and also recognize the ongoing presence and leadership of our tribal neighbors”
RODY BOONCHOUY, SUPERINTENDENT
rural Capay Valley, and many other tribal communities live in rural regions across the state,” Roberts said. “It is vital that tribal nations collaborate with school districts to ensure that native students are supported academically, culturally and socially. A positive partnership with local schools also ensures that potential issues impacting their learning and success can be addressed proactively.”
“The Winters JUSD serves the broader community and tribal youth, and Yocha Dehe is committed to maintaining a strong, collaborative relationship that supports native students enrolled in the district.”
According to Boonchouy, education is a unique vector where the future of our
community can expand its knowledge of not only itself, but also the world around it.
“For me, this work really reflects a broader truth: in rural communities like Winters, schools are central to how we connect across cultures. Our histories are deeply intertwined — and it’s important that our students understand the past, including the harder parts, and also recognize the ongoing presence and leadership of our tribal neighbors. That understanding builds respect. And that respect builds unity,” Boonchouy said.
“At the end of the day, our schools are the heart of this community. When we engage in this kind of cross-cultural collaboration, it not only enriches what students learn — it strengthens the fabric of who we are as a town. It challenges us, inspires us, and helps us grow into the kind of community where every student — and every story — truly matters.”
CITY OF WINTERS
WELCOME TO THE CITY OF WINTERS
Looking back over the past year, we are reminded that the future of our small town is shaped by the voices, values and vision of the people who call it home. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a brand-new neighbor, you are an essential part of this story. Your presence and participation help define what Winters is today — and what it will become tomorrow.
Winters blends the charm of a close-knit community with the natural beauty and bounty of Northern California. Our city is known for its friendly atmosphere, rich history, and deeprooted traditions. Here, neighbors greet each other by name, and community events — like the 3rd of July Celebration, the Holiday Tractor Parade, and the Harvest Festival — bring people together in ways that create lasting memories.
Our voices make Winters vibrant. From the lively conversations at the farmers’ market to public discussions that shape local projects, every resident has an opportunity to be heard. Your perspective matters, and we invite you to join in civic conversations, share your ideas, and lend your unique voice to the direction of our town.
Our values are what keep Winters strong. We treasure our safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and thriving local businesses. We value sustainability, inclusivity, and the preservation of our agricultural heritage. These shared principles guide our decisions and create a sense of belonging for everyone who lives here.
Our vision is for a future where Winters remains a place of opportunity, beauty, and community pride. We see a town that grows thoughtfully, celebrates its culture, and embraces innovation while staying true to its roots. City leaders do not just hold this vision — it’s a vision shared and shaped by all of us, together.
We encourage you to get involved. Volunteering with local organizations, joining a civic committee, or simply showing up at community gatherings are great ways to meet your neighbors and make a positive impact. Every act of service, big or small, helps strengthen the foundation of our shared future.
If you ever need assistance, have questions, or simply want to connect, City Hall is here to help. We are proud to serve the people of Winters and to work alongside you in building a community where quality of life, respect for one another, and shared goals are at the heart of everything we do.
Welcome to Winters — a place where voices, values, and vision come together to shape the future we all share.
— Jeremy Craig, City Manager
Winters Public Safety Facility
City Manager Jeremy Craig
WHO REPRESENTS YOU
Winters City Hall
Located at 318 First St. in the heart of downtown, Winters City Hall is the hub for city services and local government. Residents can visit for utility billing, business licenses, building permits, planning services, and general city information. City Hall also houses the Council Chambers, where City Council and commission meetings are held, and serves as a central resource for connecting the community with city staff and services. For more information, visit www.cityofwinters.org
. Community members can also sign up for the city’s NotifyMe subscription service to receive timely updates on meetings, events, and city news.
Winters City Council
The Winters City Council is made up of five members who serve staggered four-year terms. The candidate who receives the most votes in each election serves two years as Mayor Pro Temppore, followed by two years as Mayor.
The Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers (entrance on Abbey Street). Meetings are held in a hybrid format, allowing community members to attend in person or online at www. cityofwinters.org/194/Meetings.
Mayor
ALBERT VALLECILLO
albert.vallecillo@cityofwinters.org
First elected November 2022 Term expires December 2026
Mayor Pro Tempore
BILL BIASI
bill.biasi@cityofwinters.org
First elected June 2016 Term expires December 2028
Council Members
JESSE LOREN
jesse.loren@cityofwinters.org
First elected June 2016 Term expires December 2028
RICHARD CASAVECCHIA richard.casavecchia@ cityofwinters.org
First elected November 2022 Term expires December 2026
CAROL SCIANNA carol.scianna@cityofwinters.org
First elected November 2022 Term expires December 2026
Winters Planning Commission
The Winters Planning Commission is made up of seven members appointed by the City Council. Commissioners serve four-year terms or until a successor is appointed. Leadership roles, including chair and vice chair, rotate among the members.
The Planning Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in
the City Hall Council Chambers. Meetings are open to the public and can be attended in person or online at www.cityofwinters. org/189/Planning-Commission
Chair
LISA BAKER
lisa.baker508@gmail.com
Term expires July 2029
Vice Chair
JUDITH ARCE arcej88@gmail.com
Term expires July 2029 Commissioners
GREGORY CONTRERAS gregorycontreras1@gmail.com
Term expires July 2027
RAMON ALTAMIRANO ramon.altamirano@aol.com
Term expires July 2027
ERIC DYE ericmdye@gmail.com
Term expires January 2027
MATT STONE mattstone95694@gmail.com
Term expires January 2027
WHO REPRESENTS YOU
Hispanic Advisory Committee
The Hispanic Advisory Committee focuses on issues of outreach to the local Hispanic community, assists with extending city-wide activities to Spanish speakers, and advises on improving communication, representation, motivation, and integration of the Hispanic population into the broader Winters community. HAC advises City staff and Council on matters of interest to the Hispanic community.
HAC consists of seven members drawn from a broad crosssection of Winters residents and stakeholders interested in supporting the Spanish-speaking community.
The HAC meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance). Find the meeting dates and details at www.cityofwinters.org/185/ Hispanic-Advisory-Committee.
Natural Resources Commission
The role of the Natural Resources Commission is to advise the City Council, staff, and the community on natural resources and environmental sustainability, conservation, and preservation. Commissioners meet on the third Monday of the month at 6 p.m., in the City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance). Visit www.cityofwinters.org/187/ Natural-Resources-Commission
The commission consists of six members who represent technical expertise in a natural resources area. Five of the members will be selected by individual council members. The sixth member shall represent the Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Council in order to ensure alignment, collaboration, and coordination related to the restoration and management of Putah Creek.
Climate Action Commission
The Climate Action Commission acts as an advisory body to the City Council related to the implementation of the Climate Action Plan, and relevant regulatory and scientific research, and develops and implements public information programs related to increasing awareness of and promoting the need to reduce climate impacts.
Commissioners meet on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m., in the City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance). Visit www.cityofwinters.org/182/ Climate-Action-Commission.
The commission consists of five members who represent a wide range of technical expertise and lived experience from across the different cultures and demographics of the city.
Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees meeting takes place on the first and third Thursday of each month. The meetings are held at 6 p.m. in the Walnut Room at the Winters JUSD office building located at 909 W. Grant Ave.
The school board welcomes community members to attend and address the board during the public input section of the meeting in person. Attendees may also join virtually via a Zoom link. For more information, visit www. wintersjusd.org.
Board President
JOEDY MICHAEL
Trustee Area 3
joedymichael@wintersjusd.org
Term expires December 2026
Board Clerk
EVERARDO ZARAGOZA
Trustee Area 5 everardozaragoza@ wintersjusd.org
Term expires December 2028
CARRIE GREEN
Trustee Area 2 cgreen@wintersjusd.org
Term expires December 2026
STERLING DAVIS
Trustee Area 4 sterlingdavis@wintersjusd.org
Term expires December 2026
KRISTIN TROTT
Trustee Area 1 kristintrott@wintersjusd.org
Term expires December 2028
Yolo County Board of Supervisors
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors is the elected legislative body that governs the County of Yolo. The Board sets policy and oversees programs in a wide range of areas, including law and justice, health and mental health, social services, land use, transportation, water resources, air quality, and flood management. It is also responsible for agriculture, economic development, emergency services, intergovernmental relations, libraries, and other areas of general governance.
The five members of the Board are elected by district, are
non-partisan, and serve four-year terms. The city of Winters resides within the District 2 area of Yolo County. District 2 includes the cities of Davis and Winters, the campus of UC Davis, and the rural land of southwestern Yolo County.
District 2 Supervisor
LUCAS FRERICHS
Lucas.Frerichs@yolocounty.gov
Elected in June 2022
Joined the Board of Supervisors in January 2023
State Legislature
State Assembly (District 4)
Assembly Majority Leader
CECILIA M. AGUIAR-CURRY
Capitol Office: 916-319-2004
District Offices: 530-757-1034
State Senate (District 3)
SENATOR
CHRISTOPHER CABALDON
Davis Office: 530-750-7913
Congress
REPRESENTATIVE
MIKE THOMPSON 202-225-3311
Lucas Frerichs
P U T A H C R E E K C A F É O P E N D A I L Y A T 8 A M
A SEAT AT THE TABLE
HOW CITY COMMISSIONS OPEN THE DOOR FOR RESIDENTS TO SERVE AND SHAPE THEIR COMMUNITY
BY JACOB HOFFMAN
Whatever else can be said of them, it would be very difficult to reach your Senator, your Governor, or your President. But your mayor is only a phone call away and might even be your neighbor. Mayor Albert Vallecillo’s phone number and email are right on the city website. In fact, that’s how he prefers it.
“You can pick up the phone and call me or one of my colleagues,” Vallecillo said, “because in Winters it’s that easy. And it’s always been that way, since I’ve been involved in government here since the mid80s. If there was an issue, I would often call Councilmember (Harold Anderson) and say, ‘Hey, what’s going on with this?’ Or you could run into him on the street, and you could talk to him. We’re just people.”
That’s how it started for Mayor Vallecillo, simply having questions about how his local government worked, and wanting to have his voice be heard. And he found applying for the city of Winters Planning Commission was the perfect way to do that.
“I served as a Planning Commissioner for many years, over two terms. I came from the construction and design industry, so I brought that expertise with me, and I still carry it with me even as a city council member,” Vallecillo said.
The role of commissions
These city commissions provide Winters’ residents a great opportunity to affect how their city is run, and give back their time and skills to help their neighbors.
“I think it gives citizens, community members, and opportunity to participate in government firsthand and be able to represent not only their own points of view but also those of their neighbors, and they bring some of their own expertise,” Vallecillo said.
City Manager Jeremy Craig broke down the functions and the importance of Winters’ city commissions.
Every election, Winters residents choose their city council members. From there, the council looks to community volunteers to serve on local commissions — bringing their experience and ideas to help shape the town’s future
“The city council appoints all (commissioners),” Craig said. “The planning commission is unique because it is a function of state law and has particular roles and duties in the development process. All other commissions are appointed by the city council and function under the city resolution that created them.”
Craig explained the different functions of each city of Winters commission.
The Winters Planning Commission “provides citizen review and recommendation to the city council for land use and development in the city,” Craig explained. This includes the current review of the proposed Farmstead Subdivision of affordable housing, townhomes and commercial businesses, to ensure it aligns with the city’s General Plan.
“The Winters Hispanic Advisory Committee focuses on issues of outreach to the Hispanic community, assists with
extending city-wide activities into the Spanish-speaking community, and advises on improving communication, representation, motivation, and integration of the Hispanic population into the broader Winters community,” Craig said.
The Winters HAC also works with the Winters Community Corazón to organize the Festival de la Communidad (Carnitas Festival) and offers citizenship classes and services to the community.
The Winters Climate Action Commission is an advisory body to the city council related to the implementation of the city’s Climate Action Plan. Its work includes providing the expertise of its members to city staff in policy support and to the community via public information programs, and preparing an annual work plan for council consideration listing previous year accomplishments and goals for the coming year.
“The Climate Action Commission created a bike map for the city, installed bike racks throughout the community, and created a QR code sticker on each bike rack which connects you to the bike master map, which is on the city’s website,” Craig said.
Lieutenant Brian Patrick of Fish and Wildlife and canine police dog Karma teach about the importance of preventing invasive species. He explained that Karma can help by detecting even minuscule amounts of the invasive quagga mussels on watercraft. City commissions partner with other agencies to host the festival each fall.
Courtesy photo
DAVIS GLASS & SCREEN
The Wintres Natural Resource Commission advises the city council, staff and the community on natural resources and environmental sustainability, conservation, and preservation.
“The Natural Resources Commission has been reviewing a ‘Night Skies’ ordinance to limit light pollution and continue to monitor the health of Putah Creek and the Putah Creek Trail,” Craig said.
Local voices in action
Ken Britten, a commissioner and the chair of the Climate Action Commission, detailed his work with the commission, as well as his hopes for the future.
“I chose to volunteer…because I care deeply about the environment, and it matters to me that this work is for neighbors and friends,” Britten said. “So, for example, we are working hard on a variety of levels to make Winters a more bike-friendly place.” This includes organizing and promoting the annual Bike Rodeo and related events in May. “We hope it will get more folks thinking about alternative modes of transportation.”
“It’s been extremely satisfying to work with my talented fellow commissioners, and to see things actually happen on the street.”
Britten hoped to communicate to the community of Winters that “their ideas are always welcome. Our meetings are open to the public, and the agendas are online. If anyone is interested in any of the many ways climate reaches into our daily lives, we’d love to hear their thoughts.”
Matt Stone, a planning commissioner, also began his work out of a desire to serve his community.
“I chose to serve because I care about how Winters develops, and I want that growth to reflect the community’s needs, not just a plan on paper,” Stone said. “Our commission reviews projects, considers zoning and land
use, and weighs how each decision will affect the people who live here now and in the future.”
Stone emphasized the importance of public participation
“Public comment is not just a formality; it directly shapes discussions and decisions. Every commissioner up there is a citizen first. We listen because we’re invested in the same town,” Stone said.
In a small town, you feel the impact of every decision, good or bad, so public input is vital,” he continued. “It’s not a one-way street; the commission isn’t there to ‘tell’ the community what’s happening; we’re here to listen and make sure those voices are part of the decision-making process.”
Judith Arce, the planning commission vice chair, encourages the citizens of Winters to take advantage of the opportunity city commissions provide, not just to pay attention to city affairs, but also to contribute their skills to making their city a better place.
“It’s been extremely satisfying to work with my talented fellow commissioners and to see things actually happen on the street”
KEN BRITTEN, COMMISSIONER
“In a close-knit, rural community like Winters, commissions play a vital role in encouraging and facilitating civic participation,” Arce said. “Because our community is
smaller, it’s easier for residents to get directly involved and have a significant impact.”
According to Arce, commissions are open to all residents, offering a way for people to represent both their own experiences and those of their families and neighbors in city decisions.
“Commissions provide an accessible entry point for public service, offering a less formal and more specialized way for people to contribute their skills and insights,” Arce said. “I want to encourage every resident to get involved. This doesn’t just mean attending a meeting; it means staying informed, sharing your voice, and even considering volunteering for a commission yourself. We want to represent the wants and needs of this community, and we can only do that if residents participate.”
Ready to get involved?
Serving on a city commission is one of the most direct ways to make your voice heard and help shape the future of Winters. Whether your passion is planning, natural resources, climate action, or community outreach, there’s a place for your skills and perspective.
To learn more and find out how you can take your seat at the table, visit cityofwinters. org/181/Boards-and-Commissions.
Courtesy graphic
The Winters Climate Commission promotes a biking-friendly community and collaborates with local agencies and
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Winters Community Library
708 Railroad Ave., 530-795-4955
Winters Community Library Teaching Garden
A collaboration between the UCCE Master Gardeners, Winters Friends of the Library and other organizations and groups.
Bobbie Greenwood Community Swim Center
708 Railroad Ave., 530-794-6700
City Parks
Rotary Park, Walnut Park, City Wooden Park, Blue Oak Park and Three Oaks Park, among other public spaces. 530-795-4910
Rotary Park Gazebo
A place for music, gatherings and more. Managed by the city of Winters. 201 E. Main St., 530-795-4910
Winters Museum
Explore exhibits to learn more about historical points in Winters. 13 Russell St., 530-394-1528 historicalsocietyofwinters.org
History Murals
Hosted on Winters businesses, murals designed and painted by students depict historical moments and movements. wintersparticipationgallery.org
Historic Main Street
Modern amenities and classic architecture house businesses, community events and the Farmers Market April through October. discoverwinters.com
Winters Opera House
Managed by Winters Theatre Company, people can enjoy plays, music and more. 13 Main St., winterstheatre.org
Sam Spade’s Office
305 First St., 530-400-8681
Lonely Parking Meter
The town’s only parking meter mysteriously appeared overnight. It benefits local nonprofits and community efforts.
Putah Creek
Putah Creek Nature Park Putah Creek Trailhead
Home to local wildlife, part of the Chinook salmon run
Lake Solano Park & Campground
The reservoir formed by the Putah Diversion Dam is open to camping. The park offers dayuse entertainment on Lake Solano and picnic areas.
Lake Berryessa
Thirty-two square mile reservoir lake formed by the Monticello Dam. Managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, with boating areas, camping, and day-use sites.
WINTERS JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board of Trustees
RURAL ROOTS, FORWARD VISION: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF WINTERS TOGETHER
In Winters, rural life is more than a backdrop—it’s a guiding force. Our small town echoes with purpose, connection, and a deep commitment to cultivating the next generation. As superintendent of the Winters Joint Unified School District, I’m honored to witness how our students, families, and educators come together across generations to shape a future rooted in tradition and rich with possibility.
Here in Winters, we believe that student voice and leadership are at the heart of education. Whether presenting a senior project, leading through FFA, engaging in Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, or contributing through community service, our students don’t just learn about leadership—they practice it. They grow into thoughtful communicators, critical thinkers, and community-minded problem solvers.
What sets our rural district apart is how innovation and tradition walk side by side. In a town known for its agricultural heritage, Winters has always embraced ingenuity—developing new technologies, methods, and partnerships that not only strengthen our farms and local businesses but also provide real-world learning opportunities for our students. From building irrigation systems in ag mechanics classes to collaborating with local chefs and engineers, our students see firsthand how creativity and purpose fuel economic vitality.
This kind of meaningful learning isn’t confined to the classroom. It’s woven into the fabric of our town through multigenerational relationships and mentorships. In Winters, family members volunteer in schools, community members mentor students, and local business owners partner with teachers to bring lessons to life. Our students are shaped not just by curriculum, but by the collective wisdom, care, and example of the entire community.
Despite our size, we hold a bold and forward-thinking vision for education. We know our students will inherit a world of rapid change—economically, technologically, and environmentally. That’s why we’re preparing them not only with foundational knowledge, but with the tools to adapt and thrive: resilience, collaboration, cultural awareness, and civic responsibility. These skills are essential for success in today’s dynamic workforce and society.
The story of Winters is one of shared responsibility, enduring values, and a deep-rooted belief that every student matters. It’s a story we write together—through our schools, our partnerships, and our collective commitment to a brighter future.
Welcome to Winters. Here, rural life doesn’t stand still—it resonates with vision, voice, and a deep sense of purpose.
—
Rody Boonchouy, Superintendent
Superintendent
Rody Boonchouy
SCHOOLS
Winters State Preschool
The Winters State Preschool welcomes the District’s youngest learners with a highquality, joyful, developmentally informed, inclusive, and stimulating pre-kindergarten experience. Learning is founded in the Creative Curriculum, a comprehensive, research-informed approach that features hands-on, project-based investigations. Additionally, staff implement an observational formative assessment approach to gauge each student’s unique strengths and growth areas and use this information to inform instruction and program development.
The school offers both morning and afternoon classes to accommodate family schedules and needs. Additionally, through a Growing Strong Learners Grant from the McClatchy Foundation, the school has developed a family engagement program and a Parent Advisory Committee to enhance parent leadership capacity. The Preschool staff also collaborates with Transitional Kindergarten teachers to create alignment between the two programs.
Waggoner Elementary School
Home of the Dolphins, Waggoner Elementary School serves students in grades TK - 2. Waggoner is proud of the programs it offers and ensuring students’ success. Waggoner’s staff are committed to educating all students and providing them with opportunities to excel. Every adult on campus is dedicated to working closely with parents/guardians and students to achieve success, providing opportunities for all to become involved in school. Waggoner’s staff are fond of saying, “Together, we succeed.” All Waggoner students benefit from the many parents and community members that support the school. There is an active PTA, School Site Council, and English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC). Beginning in Transitional Kindergarten, a developmentally appropriate curriculum provides students with playful, hands-on learning experiences that foster growth and a joy of learning. All students are offered a challenging educational program and given the appropriate support to accelerate their learning. In recent years, Waggoner has developed a schoolwide focus on literacy and preparing all students with the foundational reading skills to succeed in future learning. Students actively explore scientific concepts and creative pursuits during a weekly Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Lab. Students also participate in weekly music education classes and workshops linked to state-level social studies and performing arts standards. Waggoner Elementary School staff believes strongly in supporting bilingual, bicultural learners. Waggoner is proud to offer a Dual Language Immersion
program that begins in Kindergarten and continues through a student’s elementary academic career. This program intentionally seeks students from diverse language backgrounds, and classrooms focus on supporting students’ growth in both Spanish and English.
Shirley Rominger Intermediate School
Through an instructional focus on essential standards and differentiation, Shirley Rominger Intermediate School (SRIS) prepares learners in 3rd through 5th grades for academic success. Staff routinely review student learning data and include families in the conversation about student growth through a standards-based approach to assessment. The Dual Language Immersion pathway continues through 5th grade, helping students achieve academic proficiency, cultural competency, and biliteracy in English and Spanish. Enrichment opportunities continue in the upper elementary experience, where students extend their music and STEAM education. Student voice is a priority
Winters State Preschool
Waggoner Elementary
Rominger Intermediate
SCHOOLS
at SRIS, and students positively impact their school and community through participation in a leadership club. The school fosters a positive and inclusive climate by integrating Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) expectations, the Toolbox Project Social Emotional Learning curriculum, and Zones of Regulation into daily routines, supporting resilience, self-regulation, and empathy. Opportunities for parent/guardian involvement include PTA, School Site Council, and the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), as well as community-building events such as Lunch on the Lawn.
Winters Middle School
Serving students in grades 6 through 8, Winters Middle School provides a supportive bridge between elementary and high school. The seven-period day includes core academic subjects, physical education, a variety of choice-based electives, FLEX lessons for targeted intervention and enrichment, and a weekly Advisory homeroom. WMS is proud of its well-established schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, which teaches and reinforces positive behaviors while recognizing students for meeting schoolwide expectations. A signature learning experience is the annual sixth-grade Outdoor School, a week-long environmental education trip that builds teamwork, independence, and environmental stewardship. The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program begins in sixth grade and continues through the secondary level, equipping students with skills in writing, inquiry, organization, collaboration, and notetaking to prepare them for college and career
success. Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to join extracurricular athletics and academic programs such as Educational Talent Search (ETS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). Leadership opportunities include serving as Safe School Ambassadors (SSA), participating in the Leadership elective, and engaging in a Culture and Climate Committee, where students share their perspectives and help shape how the school can best support them and their peers. Families are valued partners in our school community and are invited to participate in groups such as the School Site Council and the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC).
Winters High School
Winters High School provides an educational experience that prepares students to be college, career, and life ready. Staff have established goals to foster respect and build relational capacity among all members of the school community, advocate for all students so that they may achieve their full potential, and provide a rigorous and engaging curriculum. High school transition support for incoming 9th graders is provided through the Link Crew mentorship program and freshman orientation events. WHS offers various educational opportunities, including numerous Career Technical Education pathways, dual enrollment courses, and Advanced Placement classes. CTE industry sectors include Agriculture, Culinary Arts, Robotics and Engineering, and Early Childhood Education. The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program continues at the WHS campus to close opportunity knowledge gaps and prepare students for postsecondary success. WHS also offers a robust athletic program and a variety of activities and youth leadership opportunities to enhance the student experience. In preparation for graduation, all WHS seniors complete Capstone, a culminating project-based demonstration of the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their academic careers, as aligned with the District’s essential standards and Graduate Profile competencies. Opportunities for family involvement continue at WHS including School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), and Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE).
At Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy (Wolfskill CRA), the District’s alternative learning secondary school, students in 10th through 12th grade have the opportunity to earn a Yolo County-recognized “Career Ready Certificate” along with their high school diploma. Graduation requirements reinforce the school’s career focus by including pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, work-based learning, dual enrollment, and internship experiences. School staff facilitate community partnerships and assist with intern placements for students. The school, which is co-located on the Winters High School campus, features a reduced studentto-teacher ratio to facilitate augmented support and credit acceleration. The Wolfskill CRA team strives to prepare its graduates for various postsecondary opportunities, including entering the workforce directly, enrolling in vocational training/trade school, and pursuing a two- or four-year college experience. Beyond the traditional academic and career programs, Wolfskill CRA students participate in music classes and may access CTE and elective courses at WHS. Wolfskill CRA shares both counselors at Winters High School and students have access to a mental health clinician to support their wellbeing. Families are welcomed to join the school’s joint School Site Council.
Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy
Winters Middle School
Winters High School
Wolfskill CRA
WINTERS JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Engaging, Educating, and Empowering Every Learner
Enrolling Students Preschool to 12th Grade
VIVID LEGACIES
BRINGING WINTERS’ PAST AND PRESENT TO LIFE THROUGH VIBRANT PUBLIC ART
BY ABIGAIL HOFLAND
elestino Galabasa Jr. spends much of his summer on the street — mixing paint, coaching students and beautifying walls alongside fellow artists. He recalls the first time he spotted student muralists in Winters.
“I was on my lunch break at the Town and Country Market, and I saw them starting to grid and paint,” he said. “And I thought I’d love to be involved if they did any more.”
The activity Galabasa witnessed was the kickoff of the Kate Humphrey Historical Mural Project, a student art initiative led by Winters Participation Gallery. Now in its eighth year, the program annually brightens community spaces while giving middle and high school students artistic training and experience. Liz Coman, chair of WPG, says the first mural was as experimental as it was expressive.
“We had no idea what we were getting into. We had never done it before. It’s a huge wall, and we had maybe eight to twelve kids working on it,” she said. “We had no equipment at that point. We were borrowing pickup trucks so kids could get up higher to paint.”
But the grassroots effort grew when WPG followed up its 2018 grocery market landscape
with another the following summer: a corner mural at Winters Laundryworks. If these first murals sparked community interest, those painted since have only fanned the flame.
The 2025 mural client is among those who have sought out WPG in search of artists, rather than the nonprofit approaching them in search of wall space.
Galabasa’s lunch-break dream became a reality thanks to a conversation his wife had with Kate Humphrey, the beloved late art teacher at Winters High School, who invited him to join the project after learning of his artistic background.
Honoring a legacy
From the start, hiring experienced artists to mentor students has been a priority.
“They have expertise that we need, and we don’t want to put anything that’s not stellar on somebody’s building,” said Coman.
A co-founder of WPG, Humphrey’s love for art and community is commemorated in a plaque outside the Post Office mural, her last involvement before passing away in 2022. A silhouette of her with a paintbrush in hand is
This summer, students worked on a floral and historical mural on the wall outside of 1st Street Studio.
included in this year’s mural on the Masonic building, where the image’s clock will be set to the month and date of her birthday, June 6.
Stories in every detail
That Humphrey’s involvement with the project is celebrated on the walls themselves reflects the mural project’s chief requirement: each painting must incorporate elements of local history. The painting on the John Rogers building, for example, depicts the building of the Monticello Dam, the internment of Japanese Winters residents during World War II, and even the more recent BLM protestors, alongside smaller visual elements that give glimpses of the building’s varied use through the decades.
“It represents all the things that have been in that building and more,” Coman said.
Recently, a Japanese American noticed a familiar face in the mural when he visited the museum.
“There’s a rendering of a photograph of a family waiting for the train that’s going to take them to the internment camp,” Coman said. “One of the people in that photo, as an adult,
Courtesy photo Winters Participation Gallery dedicated its summer history mural project to the legacy of Winters High School art teacher
Crystal Apilado ?McNaughton Media
Author talks • Little Free Libraries • English conversation groups • Quiz Show trivia contest Free books for k ids on Youth Day • Summer Concer ts at the Gazebo • Family Holiday Festival
Writing workshops • Books for Babies gif t boxes • New books and computers for the librar y Fruit tree sales • Used book sales • Librar y Teaching Garden • Winters Shakespeare Workshop
at the Winters Opera House
The Winters Opera House is now the new home of the Winters Theatre Company! Come join us, as we put on exciting plays and music performances, bringing the arts and music back to the Historic Winters Opera House.
Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out more of our upcoming shows @winterstheatrecompany or on our website: www.winterstheatre.org.
Interested in renting out the Winters Opera House for your next event? Reach out to wintersoperahouse@gmail.com.
45th Year Presenting Theater In Winters!
came back and pointed at himself in that picture. ‘That’s me,’ he said.”
Galabasa, too, has found himself on a mural, albeit under different circumstances. While working on the Post Office mural in 2022, he mused about possible identities for the generic face of the mail carrier he was painting.
“In my head, I was thinking, ‘Oh, wouldn’t it be great to have some of our faces up there?’” he said. Galabasa was himself a postal worker, retiring that year after 34 years working in the very building he was painting.
When he gave a tour of his old stomping grounds to fellow artists, someone snapped a photo of their smiling guide. Unbeknownst to him, this would serve as the reference for what would become his postal portrait. Valerie Whitworth, who founded WPG with Humphrey, remembers seeing the photo.
“I looked at it and said to (our lead artist), ‘You have to put a smile on him because it’s Cel.’ And the minute that smile went on, it was him,” Whitworth said.
Galabasa’s story typifies those of people portrayed in the murals across Winters. There are hardworking grandfathers who founded businesses, beloved sons who were lost to tragedy, and faithful mothers and daughters who worked tirelessly for the Winters community.
The WPG story
Yet murals have not always been the focus of the Winters Participation Gallery. Founded in 2002 by Whitworth and Humphrey, the nonprofit aimed to support emerging and professional artists while providing a place to showcase their work. Initially, this took the form of demonstrations and educational offerings hosted in their location on Main Street, where art mediums ranged from glassblowing to weaving and ceramics.
“During that time, we had some shows that have never been repeated except by the Crocker Art Gallery,” Whitworth said.
Muralist Celestino Galabasa Jr. is depicted in the history
Two of those focused on Native American basketry, complete with weaving demonstrations by practicing artists. Other activities included a student-curated art show and classes in cartooning and painting. When fundraising demands began to usurp time once allotted for artistic efforts, the burden became an impetus for change.
“We decided we would move outside and not have walls but would paint walls instead,” Whitworth said. “That’s when the mural project started.”
Mural-making process
Each mural costs between $12,000 and $15,000. The process looks something like this: first, WPG secures a mural location. High school art teacher Holly Smith leads a twoweek art intensive for students. Then, she and high schoolers work on a design and meet with the client, a business or building owner, who reviews and revises it. The client is also responsible for pressure washing and priming their wall.
“We decided we would move outside and not have walls but would paint walls instead. That’s when the mural project started.”
VALERIE WHITWORTH, CO-FOUNDER
Meanwhile, students hand off the final design to lead professional artist Jaime Montiel, who scales the mural accordingly and grids it on the wall with charcoal. Students partially remove or
cover the charcoal with white paint before underpainting begins. Layer by layer, they fill each square with color, working in two-hour shifts over the course of several weeks. Lead artists finish off with the detail work.
Students leaving their mark
Student painter August Nelson decided to give mural painting a try when his older brother spoke highly of his own experience. After helping with the Winters Healthcare and Mariani’s murals, Nelson is entering his freshman year with a third mural involvement under his belt: painting the Masonic building.
“Every mural is a little bit different based on what the owner wants or what we create, and the people are just fun to be with,” Nelson said. “I like the fact that we can leave a mark on Winters with paintings.”
From an educational standpoint, the program also leaves a mark on students. Smith said the summer intensive serves as a dual art and professionalism prep course. Once the fundamentals are covered, design discussions take shape.
“We start out by trying to put in as much as we can, and then we take a look at it. We write about what’s most important and why,” she said. “Things with single imagery but multiple meanings are one way to include more than is visually possible.”
Abigail Hofland/McNaughton Media
mural on the side of the Winters Post Office. Fittingly, he
PLAY | FEATURE
Collaboration and compromise are the name of the game, as students hold in tension their own ideas and the client’s.
“We’re trying to connect to Winters history, but we’re trying to do other things as well,” Smith said. “We’re trying to meet clients’ needs, and we’re trying to engage the students in critical thinking. What students often learn is that ideas are as valuable as the technical skills.”
Community response
Beyond students, Whitworth hopes the art will reconnect residents of Winters to their town’s artistic history. As murals pop up throughout the community, she is already seeing impact.
“For one thing, it’s made art visible. Because their children are involved, people have begun to value the paintings on the walls. Now businesses are starting to hang art again,” she said.
Indicative of the town’s ubiquitous artistic presence is the fact that not all murals in Winters are sponsored by WPG. Several were high school senior capstones or independent projects, such as the mural Galabasa painted on plywood panels in front of the Winters Museum, which keeps sunrays from fading pictures inside. Neither are all WPG murals part of the Kate Humphrey Historical Mural Project. Some are special projects fueled by grants or local partnerships, such as those on the Waggoner Elementary School and the Winters Joint Unified School District office buildings.
Power of public art
Regardless of origin, Coman and Whitworth say civic art serves as an economic driver, giving outsiders a reason to visit public spaces and locals a reason to stroll through them. Beyond this, it draws people into areas that may otherwise be overlooked: the side of a laundromat, or the nebulous expanse of an industrial building.
“Art makes you look at the world, and examine it, and analyze it more fully. The context shapes the way you become an artist, and in turn, you influence your environment,”
Whitworth said. “The more art we can bring into the community, the more we can reflect and bring into it things that will be creative, productive, and community-based.”
Looking forward, she hopes WPG can return to a brick-and-mortar storefront and expand educational offerings, specifically on
Main Street. Another goal is to create a mural tour, complete with QR codes and full back stories on each mural.
“It’s placemaking,” Coman remarked. And in this way, perhaps murals are to a community what rocking chairs are to a front porch: an invitation to come on in and stay a while.
ABOVE: The student design team not only creates and paints the mural, but also collaborates with a client to capture their vision and incorporate feedback. The process gives students valuable experience working as part of a team and with a client.
LEFT: On the wall facing Main Street, a mural depicts a woman hanging sheets to dry beneath the words “Winters Laundryworks,” surrounded by large soap bubbles illustrating historic laundry technology.
Courtesy photo
Abigail Hofland /McNaughton Media
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WALKING MURAL TOUR
Step into the story of Winters — one mural at a time. The Winters Participation Gallery for the Arts invites you to experience the town’s past and present through its vibrant Historical Murals. With each stop, you’ll uncover pieces of local history, creativity, and community spirit woven onto walls across town.
Use your 2025 Welcome to Winters magazine, along with the Historical Mural Map, to guide your tour.
Whether you stroll solo or with friends, it’s a chance to see Winters from a new perspective and celebrate the art that brings its history to life.
Download or print your mural map at www. wintersparticipationgallery.org/mural-map
Lorenzo’s Town and Country Market (2018)
First in the student mural series, the Lorenzo’s Market mural is a panorama of agricultural themes in Winters’ history. Patwin and Wintun huts highlight the area’s early inhabitants, as Putah Creek winds past orchards and into the town of Winters. There, the Winters Gazebo and a welcome sign intermix with a series of sepia images. The first one depicts the historical railroad bridge, whose train traffic transported produce to the East. Next, the founder of Lorenzo’s Market is pictured with his own delivery truck. Lastly, an image of fruit drying racks represents the era before nut trees took over the market. A Highway 128 sign is surrounded by an overflowing cornucopia, a nod to the area’s plenty of crops and culture.
Winters Laundryworks (2019)
The Winters Laundryworks mural is a convergence of nationalities and technologies at the intersection of a principal service sector. The east-facing artwork depicts a native Californian rinsing clothing in Putah Creek, as bubbles rise around her that house animals representing nations who have had a historical presence in both Winters and the laundry business. The north-facing artwork showcases the evolution of laundry technology through the years, beginning with a scrub board and tub and ending with a front window washing machine, with coin slots and crank rollers in between.
John Rogers Building (2020)
The vibrance of the mural on the John Rogers building contrasts the sobering history it depicts, including how the Japanese community in Winters was interned during World War II. Central to the painting is an unnamed farm worker holding a basket of apricots, a reference to the area’s stone fruit industry that preceded nuts. A sweep of the mural from left to right shows construction of the Monticello Dam followed by depictions of Japanese families, apricot orchards, scales of justice, and BLM protesters, culminating in a rendering of internment camps on the far right of the building face.
Winters Market (2021)
A community favorite, the Winters Market mural celebrates Winters in postcard-like style, with each letter of the town’s name showcasing cultural and historical imagery. Highlights include the water tower, the old railroad bridge, old and new high schools, and the opera house. Three sepia images superimposed on the mural’s basket weave background represent historical businesses on the corner of Railroad and Grant: Carrion’s Chevron, Dean’s Frostie, and Pisani’s. Above these hang a papel picado banner, each flag of which recognizes a beloved seasonal celebration in Winters, such as the past celebrated Earthquake Festival and the presently beloved Tractor Parade.
Lorenzo’s Town and Country Market
John Rogers Building
Winters Post Office (2022)
Movement is embodied in the Post Office mural, which showcases a pony express rider and bag, a mailed envelope, and a smiling postal worker walking his route against a backdrop of the town’s streets. Out of his mailbag peers a smiling alligator, a storytelling relic from the former postmaster’s tall tales of such a creature lurking in the post office basement after it was mailed to Winters from Florida. Next to the alligator is a can of dog spray, which postal workers in Winters carried faithfully until dog attacks were addressed and controlled by
Winters Laundryworks
Rabaino Roofing fixed my roof. They were very responsive, had great customer service, and did excellent work! If you live in the area, I highly, highly recommend that you call on them when you need some roofing work done. That’s what I will be doing.
Mark S. - Woodland, Ca
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WALKING MURAL TOUR
law enforcement in the early 2000s.
Winters Healthcare (2023)
The four-sided mural on the Winters Healthcare utility building honors the camaraderie and diversity of Winters. Hands reaching, clasping, and harvesting represent community members helping each other up while working as equals for the common good. Chevron designs and the mural’s color palettes reflect the main building’s interior design. Stone fruits, olives, grapes, and tomatoes interplay with cherry blossoms and sunflowers in celebratory gratitude to farmworkers who harvest our community’s crops.
Mariani Nut Company (2024)
The mural on the Mariani Nut Company reflects the industrial purpose of the building on which it is painted. Inspired by Mexican mural painter Diego Rivera and a tour of Mariani’s, student artists designed a mere image layout: two gears on either side of a central conveyor belt with almond trees on one side and walnuts on the other. Outward in either direction, a grid displays names of long-time Mariani employees interspersed with portraits of people involved with and loved by the Mariani’s community, including professional baseball player Willie Mays and the parents of mural artist Jaime Montiel, whose portrait is also included beneath those of his parents.
The Masonic Building (2025)
The mural on the Masonic building is a celebration of Main Street’s business and artistic history, punctuated by imagery of local flora and geometric patterns drawn from the building’s architecture. The street scene is portrayed in a muted color palette, and buildings are depicted based on photographs from the early twentieth century. A painter on
Winters Laundryworks
The Winters Healthcare history mural spans four walls with student-designed artwork that highlights the region’s historical crops, honors the laborers who worked the land, and brings a contemporary touch that complements the health center’s modern design.
Abigail Hofland /McNaughton Media
Winters Healthcare
As the city of Winters celebrates its 150th anniversary, The Winters Express is proud to honor the legacy we've shared with this community since 1884. For over 140 years, we've been Winters’ trusted local newspaper — reporting on city government, schools, sports, and the stories that shape our town. From milestones and memories to challenges and triumphs, we’ve stood as a watchdog, a voice, and a record keeper for generations. Here’s to 150 years of community — and to continuing the story, together.
Local News • Sports • City Hall
Robin Graziani, CPA, Dr. Daniel G. Mazza, DDS, Dawn McGhie, RDA, Norma Munoz, DA
WALKING MURAL TOUR
painter on the mural’s right hand side dually represents the town’s artistic history while honoring the late art teacher Kate Humphrey, for whom the historical mural project is named.The clock is set to the month and date of her birthday, June 6.
Other murals
Beyond the Winters History Murals, you’ll find several other studentdesigned works of art around town. On Grant Avenue, the Spirit of Winters mural brightens the side of a portable classroom at Waggoner Elementary School. Just down the street, a collaborative mural with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation is featured on the side of the Winters Joint Unified School District office building. In downtown, a walk through Newt’s Expressway reveals one of the original student murals on the back of the building that now houses Anytime Fitness, Sutter Health, and the Meals on Wheels – Yolo County kitchen.
The Winters History Murals, created through the Kate Humphrey Historical Mural Project and sponsored by the Winters Participation Gallery, give local youth a unique opportunity to learn about the town’s history and translate it into public art. Each student-designed mural, depending on wall size, can cost up to $15,000.
Community support helps bring these projects to life—find out how to help at wintersparticipationgallery.org.
and animal
Taylor is Webster technique certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) to treat pregnant women. Dr. Taylor received her animal chiropractic certification through the Animal Chiropractic Education Source (ACES). She treats small animals in her office and commutes to barns for large animals. Her mission is to provide quality chiropractic care to all people and animals in each stage of life.
Media
Crystal Apilado/McNaughton
The Spirit of Winters banner on the side of Waggoner Elementary School celebrates what students love about their town. Bright and colorful, the mural is easily visible
TRADITION IN FULL BLOOM
THE ALMOND FESTIVAL REFLECTS THE HEART OF CAPAY VALLEY — A COMMUNITY THAT REFUSES TO LET TRADITION FADE.
BY LOGAN CHRISP
The Almond Festival reflects the heart of Capay Valley — a community that refuses to let tradition fade.
Coinciding with the unmatched beauty of the flowering of the almond trees in late February, the deceptively quiet town of Esparto swells with visitors. The century-old Capay Valley Almond Festival doesn’t just bring out the residents from Esparto to Rumsey, but visitors from all over in the first big gathering of Northern California’s festival season.
For as long as the festival has existed, residents of Esparto have done the hard work of ensuring the show not only goes off without a hitch, but grows with the town that hosts it.
Taking over the event coordinator role was Laura Gordon, the Esparto Regional Chamber of Commerce vice president.
The Capay Valley Almond Festival began in 1915, making 2025 its 111th year. It paused during World War II, when resources were scarce, but was revived by the Esparto Chamber in 1964.
Today, the festival has found its home in Esparto Community Park on the last Sunday, to coincide with the blooming of the almond trees, not the harvest of the nut, which is often the misconception.
Growing the celebration
For decades, Sunday was the only festival day. That changed four years ago, when Gordon proposed adding Saturday as a “nonprofit day” to give local organizations a free platform.
Gordon said that the first year saw around 10 nonprofit vendors setting up booths. While a small start, featuring a live band and booths from churches, schools, and 4-H groups, by the second year, the nonprofit Saturday exploded in popularity.
The first year proved the concept worked, and each year after saw bigger crowds. By
The almond trees bloom just in time for the Capay Valley Almond Festival, celebrated the last weekend of February.
the third year, attendance had swelled to the point where many believed Saturday was the festival.
“It was crazy. It was the craziest. It’s like it caught wind all over the valley,” Gordon said.
Behind the scenes
Coordinating the Almond Festival takes at least three months or more of planning by Gordon and other community members on the committee. Permits must be filed with the
county, insurance secured for each vendor and safety plans coordinated with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office and health department.
One year, Gordon said, the Chamber didn’t receive its final permit until the morning of the event.
She said that securing health department approval is one of the most stressful parts of planning, since vendors can’t participate without it. Even when she submits paperwork early, the process can take time, leaving organizers waiting anxiously for the final
Courtesy photo
Welcome to the Capay Valley
The Esparto Regional Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the economic and social vitality of the Esparto region.
The Esparto Regional Chamber of Commerce serves as a key rural chamber in the Gateway to Capay Valley, renowned for its vibrant organic and traditional agricultural sector that supports the Greater Sacramento Valley’s Farm to Fork initiative.
EVENTS
Dinner on the Arch Almond Festival
The Community Center
Visit our new community center at 17340 Yolo Ave, Esparto, CA is the place where our chamber comes together monthly to stay informed, organize our events, and more importantly, it's a space where you can work when necessary.
OUR MEMBERS
Food & Wine
Road Trip Bar & Grill
Ravine on 16
Capay Canyon Ranch & Winery
Seka Hills Olive Oill Mill & Winery
Taber Ranch
Hog Canyon
Lucy’s Cafe & Farm Pantry
Stay in the Valley
Cache Creek Casino
Farms & Meat
Buckhorn Meat Co.
C & W Olive Farm
Manas Ranch
Cadena Farm
Capay Valley Lavendar
Chamberlain FarmsWindmill Field
Circle Z Farms
El Toro Meat Market
Full Belly Farm
KG Beez
Polestar Farms
Kennedy Family Farms
Church, School, Individuals, Organizations
Calvary Baptist Church
Gold Oak Partnership
Landreth
Lauraen Ayers
Randall Jacobs Jr
Think Goodness Brand Collective
Western Yolo Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 7143
Western Yolo Grangrech
Thriving Pink
Visit Woodland
Equipment, Hardware, Welding & Services
A1-Pre Fab LLC
Sterling May Equip Company
Pacific Ace Hardware
Frank Hailey Architect
Esparto Broadband Inc.
The Daily Democrat Insurance, Health & Property Management
D. Warren Insurance Agency
Winters Healthcare Foundation
Candice Schaer
Massage Therapist
Sandie Reed Properties
Lawson Real Estate & Property Management
PLAY | FEATURE
green light.
Behind the scenes, Gordon coordinates with experienced vendors accustomed to the slower rhythm of life in a small town.
“Then you get the bigger vendors, they want the corner spot, because they’ve been there for eons,” Gordon said.
Esparto and Woodland both have their share of longtime residents who stick to familiar ways, and the previous event coordinator was no exception. For years, the Chamber’s most senior member would personally deliver the festival paperwork to the Health Department in Woodland — a task Gordon inherited along with the role itself.
“These OG’s in Esparto would walk everything in. They make the special trip to Woodland, it’s like a field trip. I know because my dad was the same way. So I took it on. That’s what started the whole thing,” Gordon said.
Gordon has spent much of her time getting the planning of the festival up to the current century, but there are some things that even modern technology can’t help with.
The Chamber’s board members are all
volunteers, including Gordon. She works from home, which allows her to spend hours coordinating details, but she stresses that no one is paid for their time.
“I love it. It’s for the joy of the community. I grew up here, and as being on this side of it. I put it together for people to enjoy. I would do it over and over again just for that, just to give them back something for that one day.”
Honoring the Almond Queen
Her family roots are planted deeply in the fabric of Esparto. Her father had worked with the event coordinator before her for years to put together the festival. Her grandmother was an Almond Queen winner, a pageant as old as the festival itself that Gordon hopes to help preserve for her grandchildren.
After being crowned, Almond Queens spend the Sunday of the Almond Festival making six stops from the Esparto FFA breakfast in the morning up to Rumsey Town Hall and back to Esparto Park in the afternoon.
The pageant serves as a way to celebrate the younger members of the Esparto community and a way to get them involved in the events of the festival.
ABOVE: The 2025 Almond Queen Breanna Paris and runner up Aileen Oregel-Chaves
LEFT: Junior Chamber members Rylan McCalister, Anderson Martinez, Chamber board member Tracy Pryor, Almond Queen Breanna Paris, and board member Karen Anguay in the Chamber Booth at the Almond Festival.
photo
Courtesy
Wines from the Beautiful Hill Perched
Despite the Almond Queen competition having seen fewer participants in recent years, Gordon says she’s determined not to let it fade.
“When I ran for Almond Queen, there were 47 girls. Last year there were six,” she said. “We’re not letting this die. It’s part of our legacy.”
Only three contestants participated in 2024, with Aleix Prado taking the crown. Although she graduated that same year and now attends the University of California, Davis, Prado continues to stay involved by serving on the Esparto Chamber of Commerce alongside Gordon. She looks back on her time in the pageant with fond memories.
“It’s always been a thing; it brings the girls closer together,” Prado said. “I feel like it’s a good memory before you go off to college or do whatever you’re going to do after high school.”
A valley-wide affair
While the festival is headquartered in Esparto, Gordon stresses that it’s a
On Sunday, attendees are encouraged to explore Capay Valley. Many local businesses in the communities host
valley-wide celebration. Madison, Winters, Woodland and the rural communities up to Rumsey all contribute in their own ways.
“It’s not just Esparto’s festival, it’s everyone’s,” she said. “If you’re in the valley, you’re part of it.”
“It’s a great opportunity to bring people from outside of the community in,” Prado said.
“The festival is a great opportunity to show what we can do and how we can bring people
A drone captured the layout of the Capay Valley Almond Festival vendors in Esparto’s Community Park.
in to help us make Esparto better.”
The festival features vendors from across Northern California, who are eager to kick off the festival season. Whether it’s live music from local bands, children’s activities like bounce houses, car shows, and every type of food you can imagine (including smoked oysters), there’s something for everyone.
Keeping the spirit alive
For Gordon, the Almond Festival’s importance is measured less in revenue and more in the smiles she sees. The first festival after COVID-19 served as a great reminder of why the festival is so important to the valley’s residents..
“People being around each other that hadn’t seen each other for so long, just in watching your little town, especially because you’ve grown up through your whole life, come to life,” Gordon said. “The pictures are priceless, the stories are great. That’s what fills my cup.”
The Chamber and Gordon are already preparing for the 112th Almond Festival, mindful of the event’s significance not only to Esparto but to the entire Capay Valley community.
Courtesy graphic
Courtesy photo
WHAT’S NEARBY
North
CAPAY VALLEY
Grab brunch at Rustic BBQ/Commons Farm Kitchen & Bar or browse Junktiques at the Guinda Corner Store on Sunday. Treat yourself at Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, which offers live shows, a full-service spa, a buffet, and gaming. Taste olive oil and wine at Seka Hills, or stop by Road Trip Bar & Grill for good food and a scenic country drive.
ESPARTO
Cool off at the city’s new pool, enjoy a meal at Ravine on 16, or relax with a book at the Esparto Regional Library—or check out the programs they’re running. For a taste of local flavor, get inspired with dinner ideas at the Buckhorn Meat Co.
WESTERN YOLO
Explore the charm of Zamora, where you can savor sandwiches at the local mini market. In Clarksburg, visit the Clarksburg Branch Library and check out its various programs. For a taste of local wines, head to Dunnigan Hills, home to wineries like Matchbook Wine Company, or enjoy outdoor activities at a community space featuring playgrounds and picnic areas
WOODLAND
Enjoy another historic downtown with growing reknown for its foodie scene on Main Street. Wander around Dead Cat Alley. In October, check out Woodland’s Stroll Through
History event. This town also has an Opera House which hosts theater productions year-round.
East
DOWNTOWN DAVIS
Stroll through the vibrant downtown, where art is everywhere you look. Enjoy a 2nd Friday ArtAbout walk or visit one of the many galleries. Visit a local brewery like Sudwerk Brewing Co., Dunloe Brewing, or Three Mile Brewing Co. Cool off at Natalie’s Corner, an interactive splash pad and family-friendly gathering space in Central Park.
DIXON
Enjoy a beer at Ruhstaller or the Solano Brewing Company breweries. In the fall, visit Cool Patch Pumpkin, Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm.
U.C. DAVIS
Walk the campus, or take in the arts at the Mondavi Center or the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art. Enjoy a walk along the north channel of Putah Creek at the Aboretum, a 100-acre living museum with more than 4,000 trees, plants and shrubs. South
VACAVILLE
Take in the historic downtown district, enjoy downtown festivals, local concerts, and community events, or relax at Andrew’s Park, a popular green space for families. You can also try ice skating at Vacaville Ice Sports or explore the city’s many seasonal activities.
West NAPA
Head into the Blue Ridge by car and pop out on the famous Silverado Trail in Napa. Grab a lunch at Auberge du Soleil or take in a tasting at a winery like Chateau Montelena. On the way, hit up Winters-adjacent Nichelini, founded in 1890.
SCENIC HIGHWAY 128
Continue past the Silverado Trail along Highway 128 through Rutherford, St. Helena, Calistoga, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Anderson Valley, and Alexander Valley, ending in Mendocino. This scenic route, known for its redwoods and rolling vineyards, features a list of must-visit stops that starts in Winters and heads west along the highway, including Turtle Rock Bar & Café, a cozy roadside eatery known for its famous egg rolls and friendly service.
Beyond
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
SACRAMENTO SAN FRANCISCO
Seka Hills, Capay Valley
A TALE OF TWO WINERIES
FROM VINE TO VINTAGE, WINTERS’ NEWEST WINEMAKERS SHARE THEIR STORY
BY LOGAN CHRISP
Not many industries are as time-honored or respected as wine making is in the Winters area. Two newcomers, Fjord Oak Winery and Collina De Bella, are adding their mark to rural Winters’ viticulture presence.
While neither has a tasting room downtown, both wineries are locally owned by familiar faces to Winters residents and are located just outside the city. As you’ll read below, both businesses are excited for you to see what they’ve got fermenting as they are in the early stages of planting their roots in one of Winter’s favorite traditions.
Below is a Q&A from Morgan Fjord of Fjord Oak Winery and Marie Burns of Collina De Bella.
How did your winery come into reality? Who started it?
Morgan Fjord: Officially founded in 2023, we began planting our vineyard in 2021 and have steadily grown our operation to today. The winery is led by winemaker Morgan, brother Lee, and their father Jamie. With support from friends and family, they were able to get officially licensed and start operations. We remain a boutique winery with small lot productions. Our 2024 soonto-be-released vintage was four barrels, 1,200 bottles, in total, and we are expanding production moving forward.
Marie Burns: Collina De Bella is a womenowned winery I started after years of farming wine grapes here in Winters, California. I’m a neuroscientist by training, but I’ve always been drawn to the land and to agriculture since spending time on my grandfather’s farm as a young girl. After farming grapes for other wineries, I decided to keep a portion of our fruit and create wines that reflect this beautiful hill I live and work on.
What were the inspirations for the winery’s name?
ABOVE: Tempranillo grapevines grow at Fjord Oak Winery’s vineyard on Putah Creek Road.
LEFT: Bella, the winery’s black-andwhite Mini Aussie, enjoys time among the vines at Collina De Bella Vineyard.
Courtesy photos
Morgan Fjord: We are a small family-owned winery. Our family name is Fjord, and that led to our name. The vineyard sits along Putah Creek, and the tree-lined creek inspired the oak reference. The wine label shows a tree in the foreground, which is an edited photo of an actual oak tree on the property.
Marie Burns: “Collina De Bella” means “Beautiful Hill” in Italian — a nod both to the hillside vineyard that surrounds my home and to our family name, De Bello. And of course, my first vineyard dog had to be named Bella! You’ll see that mini-Aussie every year in the Winters Tractor Parade with us! But the most important thing is that the name reflects the landscape, the animals, and the deep sense of place that shape our wines.
What inspired the identity of the winery and your approach to winemaking?
Morgan Fjord: I, the winemaker, grew up on the farm just outside Winters. This experience ingrained in him the value of hard work to create quality produce. We strive to grow the best quality fruit possible and we utilize practices to remove all harmful additives in the process. By focusing on growing flavorful grapes with minimal intervention, we craft wines with a strong sense of place. And above all, we hope it tastes great! We aim to craft wines that have their own distinct styles. When customers try the wines, we aim for them to have at least one they enjoy. We don’t make a one-size-fits-all wine, and we know taste is nuanced and different for everyone. That’s why we have some wines with more oak presence and others with fruit-forward notes.
Marie Burns: The identity of the winery is rooted in science, sustainability, and authenticity. I’m not the winemaker — that role belongs to Sarah, who is also a scientist. Our approach is low-intervention: let the fruit speak, respect the vineyard, and craft wines that are food-friendly and expressive without unnecessary manipulation.
How did Winters become the location for your vineyards and operations?
Morgan Fjord: This is our family hometown.
Co-founder Morgan Fjord grew up and attended school in Winters. The small town community and great growing conditions made this a great spot to start the winery.
Marie Burns: The vineyard was already here - the old England-Shaw Vineyard - the oldest commercial vineyard in the area. I was drawn to the property itself because Winters has the perfect blend of small-town charm and agricultural heritage, a place that felt like home to me. The vineyard is on a hillside just outside town, with views of orchards, rolling hills, and open sky.
What are you currently producing, and what makes your wine unique?
Morgan Fjord: We currently have Cabernet and Rose of Petite Sirah available. We will focus on Tempranillo, Malbec, and other Spanish and southern French-style wines. We grow and source organically grown grapes with minimal processing and an emphasis on environmental sustainability. These efforts lead to stable production and better wines.
Marie Burns: We currently produce Vermentino, Arneis, Rosé of Syrah, Rosé of Tannat, and Syrah. All are small-lot, handcrafted wines from fruit grown on our own hillside or just a few miles down the road. Because we farm the vineyard ourselves, we can be thoughtful about every detail — from canopy management to harvest timing — which gives our wines distinctive character and balance.
Do you have any plans for reaching out and connecting with Winters locals and visitors?
Morgan Fjord: We have participated alongside our fellow Winters wineries in events like the past Wine & Art Festival. We are doing a collaborative tasting event, Winters Highlands Rose Tasting during the live music downtown at the August Fourth Friday. We do not have short-term plans for a tasting room, but we’ll let you know if that changes. We have been providing tastings at the Winters Farmers Market on some Sundays. This community means so much to us, and we appreciate everyone’s support!
Marie Burns: Yes! We host educational experiences by appointment and participate in local events like the Dixon Wine Stroll and other local festivals like Yolo Wine Night in
Clarksburg. We’re also planning collaborative gatherings with other Winters businesses, and in the future, I’d love to have a small space in town for regular tastings.
What do you think your winery brings to the Winters community?
Morgan Fjord: We are proud to be the fourth winery in close proximity to Winters and are excited to continue to foster a fun atmosphere for locals and tourists alike. This area is great for making exceptional wine grapes and we look forward to building the area’s reputation.
Marie Burns: We are deeply committed to the authenticity that the Winters region exudes, with the goal of helping people appreciate how challenging and deeply rewarding farming can be. We provide a connection between the vineyard and the glass, helping people see where and how their wine is grown and also to celebrate the do-it-yourself mentality that is the heart of this town. The winery has no employees and Sarah and I have day jobs; we literally make wine early in the morning, nights and weekends - a far cry from the big commercial enterprise that the wine industry has become. Sarah and I are in this for the joy of it, but we are newcomers. The “authentic” farming community in town, such as the Martinez family of Berryessa Gap Winery or Chris and Luciana Turkovich of Turkovich Family Wines, are absolutely amazing people, and they have been so welcoming, generous, and supportive. We wouldn’t be this far along without them. I can’t say enough good things about everyone in Winters who has helped us get started. We are thrilled to be part of it!
Anything you’d like Winters residents to know about your business?
Morgan Fjord: We pride ourselves on focusing on organically grown grapes right here in Yolo and Solano Counties. Fresh local grapes make for great-tasting wines.
Marie Burns:We’re your neighbors, and although we are not open to the public, our virtual doors are open 24/7. We operate two wine clubs through our website (www. collinadebella.com) and offer free local delivery to residents of Yolo and Solano Counties. Our wines are made right here from grapes grown on this hill, and we’d love for more locals to taste and enjoy them.
BUILDING BUSINESS IN WINTERS
SMALL-TOWN CHARM MEETS BIG OPPORTUNITIES AS ENTREPRENEURS FIND COMMUNITY, SUPPORT, AND GROWTH
BY ANGELA UNDERWOOD
There is an undeniable business vibe in Winters. Call it rural resonance if you will.
The small-town commerce built around the community creates a significant investment, strengthening relationships between business owners and the locals they serve.
Your step-by-step guide to success
The “Start Your Business in Winters,” a comprehensive step-by-step guide to being your own boss, begins with the most important step, making a business plan. The following 10 steps, including zoning and building resources, taxes, city licenses, permits, and inspections, offer entrepreneurs a 20-page piecemeal guide with links.
“This guide will help new businesses from start to finish and provides a list of resources to support them,” Winters City Manager Jeremy Craig said. “Potential businesses will find a helpful team at City Hall that can assist them in navigating the business start-up experience.”
Each step offers various points of contact to respective government departments and agencies. Take, for example, Step 7: Permits and Inspections. The pamphlet explains that the Winters Building Division has permit technicians available for free consultations and business estimates, and provides the number to contact.
Craig said officials created a guide to show investors how serious they are about bringing in new business. Be it retail, office, or industry businesses, the guide details everything from how to choose a structure to naming the company, and everything in between.
“It is essential to understand that opening a business in a unique community, such as Winters, presents numerous valuable opportunities,” the city manager said. “Visitors
come to enjoy the charm of a vibrant small town and are ready to learn and spend their dollars in celebration of that charm.”
Craig lauds that whether it’s retail, restaurants, tourism, or services, being part of the community will reward you with enthusiastic visitors. If anyone knows the same, it’s Courtney Stocking, whose family owns Hooby’s Brewing.
“Winters is a town built on family — from the family-owned businesses that line its streets to the families who’ve lived here for generations,” Stocking said.
Stocking said, “From day one, the town embraced us, locals stopped by to show support and encouragement, and raise a glass with us.” Even during the business’s bleakest days, locals showed up in support.
“Through the uncertainty of the pandemic and into stronger, more hopeful times, the Winters community has been by our side,” Stocking said, adding Winter’s 3-square miles holds its small-town charm. “Even as it’s grown over the past decade, it remains a place where neighbors know each other, and
the spirit of community is strong.”
Small town, big advantage
But don’t let the “small-town” fool you. Winters may not be big, but its location is.
The city manager points out Winters’ smalltown climate, “where a business can stand out without the noise of an over-served business community, but still benefit from the traffic that comes through Winters with our proximity to I-505.”
Not to mention Highway 128. The new guide points out Winter’s easy access to major routes and adjacent locations, including UC Davis, Berkeley. Winters is also the perfect stop along the way to further locations, including Napa Valley and Lake Berryessa.
The city manager said Winter’s pathway to Lake Berryessa, “and the regional draw of our downtown,” make Winters ideal “for family entrepreneurs who are ready to lay down roots in the community and not only offer services, but be an integral part of the
Hooby’s Brewing owners say the town embraced them from day one, with locals stopping by to show support, share encouragement, and raise a glass — even during the brewery’s toughest days.
Crystal Apilado /McNaughton Media
community itself.”
Chamber and local connections
And when foot traffic slows, Craig says “loyal locals” become a business’s biggest fans, providing much-needed off-season commerce, which Kayla Rodriguez knows all about.
Rodriguez, the Winters District Chamber of Commerce member and Regology’s government affairs and community relations manager keeps her eye on business all year long. Contacting the local commerce is part of the Step 1 business plan.
“Chambers serve such a vital role in the communities, especially when starting a new business,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez added the local chamber provides valuable resources, including business planning and marketing strategies, “but most importantly, it is the connections to not only the community, but other businesses in and around the region that I find are most important.”
The local chamber has its own unique culture that brings together so many amazing people and businesses, according to the manager.
“When a Chamber is successful, it creates an engaged community which fosters economic development,” Rodriguez said. “Chambers can also be a bridge between the
local elected officials and city staff, which is essential when the business community needs a voice.”
Craig concludes the same, saying, “Here at the city, we are here to help our community thrive, and that includes our business community.”
Resources that keep you growing
Along with the chamber, Winters partners with the Solano Economic Development Corporation, Yolo Works!, and the Sacramento Valley Small Business Development Center.
“There are other resources to connect you to business insights, potential trainings, and possible funding sources to help your business grow and thrive,” Craig said. “You will get to know many of these resources firsthand as they provide services in the community.”
Dozens of local resources and support make up the guide that breaks down special considerations for downtown and homebased businesses, as well as food and beverage establishments.
Nurturing local commerce
But it’s not just about any business coming to town. The city manager said to preserve the charm that makes Winters special, “We must maintain an ecosystem that supports all the essential aspects of community.”
“Businesses play a key role in this ecosystem by hosting community gatherings,
Crystal Apilado/McNaughton
Media
Downtown Main Street offers several community seating areas, providing inviting spots for locals and
supporting local causes, offering employment to friends and neighbors, and continuing the hospitality and initiative that make Winters unique in the region,” Craig said.
Stocking sees this firsthand.
“What’s been just as incredible is the way people from surrounding cities have made Winters a destination,” Stocking said. “Whether you’re coming from Davis, Vacaville, Woodland, Sacramento, or further out, we see you — and we’re grateful.”
Stocking said it’s the visitors who “helped turn our small town into something bigger: a gathering place, a weekend stop, a local favorite.”
Ultimately, local love is why Winters thrives. Winters welcomes both new businesses and new residents with open arms,” Stocking said. “At its core, the culture here is about helping one another — because in Winters, we’re all in this together.
Dora Martin, owner of Fine Eye Gallery, displayed her “Open” sign in downtown Winters on September 2024, during a ribboncutting event hosted by the Winters District Chamber of Commerce.
Crystal Apilado /McNaughton Media
Take that first step
This comprehensive guide from the city of Winters provides step-by-step instructions and resources to assist entrepreneurs in establishing their businesses within the city. It includes information on permits, licenses, zoning, and other essential aspects of starting a business in Winters.
View it English or Spanish at www.cityofwinters.org/371/ Start-Your-Business-in-Winters.
START A BUSINESS RESOURCES
Take the first step
Starting a business is an exciting time. Access to critical resources can make the difference between a smooth start and a bumpy ride.
There are many steps to consider, including writing a solid business plan, deciding on a business entity, developing a relationship with a local banker, accountant/tax preparer, and insurance agent, site selection, licensing, workforce and much more.
The Winters area has great resources to assist you in every aspect of starting your new business including; the Sacramento Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE and Yolo Works! These organizations offer 1:1 counseling and a wealth of resources to guide you through the process from business plan to expansion. Their services are free and will be the best money you never spent.
Doing Business in Winters
A good rule of thumb before you sign a lease or contract is to contact the city first!
Whether you are moving from one location to another or starting from scratch, you need information regarding zoning, permitting, signage and accessibility regulations. These can potentially cost thousands of dollars over budget if a lease has already been signed and can be part of the lease negotiations before you enter into a contract.
Access the city’s “Start Your Business in Winters” guide, a comprehensive, step-by-step resource to help you launch your business. The guide assists with creating a business plan and is available in both English and Spanish at www.cityofwinters.org/371/Start-Your-Business-in-Winters.
Apply for City Business Certificate/Sign Up for City Services
The city of Winters requires all businesses to obtain a city license before the opening of your business. The annual fee for a city license is $89 and is renewed January 1 of every year. The city provides water and sewer services. Contact City Hall for more information or visit twww.cityofwinters.org
For one-day special events, a temporary license is available for $15, with the fee waived for nonprofits upon proof of current status.
Business Resources
Whether you are seeking one on one advice, workforce information, tax information, training, or other assistance, the following organizations provide information and expertise usually without cost.
Winters District
Chamber of Commerce
Joining the Chamber means your business becomes part of a greater network of businesses and business resources. For more information about the Winters District Chamber visit www.winterschamber.com to learn more about chamber memberships, resources, events and more.
Yolo Works!
“YoloWorks! - Yolo Works connects Yolo County job seekers to Yolo County jobs. If you are a business looking for qualified workers or are a job seeker seeking employment, visit the Yolo Works! website for more information for free resources and assistance. The link will take you to the Yolo County portal where you will find a complete set of employment tools for job seekers. Search jobs, create résumés, find education and training. Employers can find candidates, post jobs, and search labor market information. https://www. yoloworks.org
Sacramento
Downtown Main Street buzzes with activity, drawing business owners eager to set up storefronts in this thriving community hub.
Apilado /McNaughton Media
Valley Small Business
Development Center (SBDC) The Sacramento Valley SBDC provides businesses with no-cost one on one advising, classes and workshops. In addition to assisting startups, Sacramento Valley SBDC also offers technical assistance to existing and expanding businesses. Stay up-to-date with grants and funding programs available for your business, visit www.sacramentovalleysbdc.org
Yolo County Economic Development Division
The Yolo County Economic Development Division is another great source for business owners. Beyond permits, the Yolo County website’s Economic Development page offers Tools for Business. The Toolkit walks you through the process of starting and growing your business and provides links to organizations with valuable information, visit www.yolocounty.org
