Winters Express - 2020/12/09

News1

$1

including tax

Special Gift Guide & Events News, Page 4

Local woman honored Features, Page 1

Volume 137, Number 46 — Locally owned since 1884

fo e d i s n i k o o L

The hometown paper of Weston Vickrey

Winters, Yolo County, California, Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Join the Contest!

r

WINTERS TREES & TRACTORS

Local food distribution efforts switching gears

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief Two of Winters food distribution efforts are making temporary changes to adhere to challenges of the holiday season during the current Yolo County stay at home guidance.

Winters JUSD Free Food Distribution

Cathy Olsen, the Director of Food Service at Winters Joint Unified School District, the school district will continue to provide their food distribution during the scheduled holiday break from Dec. 19 through Jan. 3, 2021, with the exception of one week off on Dec. 28.

Staff writer The Winters City Council voted Dec. 1 to approve changes to traffic circulation on Main Street, using a portion of a $200,000 CARES Act grant intended to give local businesses a boost.

However, with the arrival of additional Yolo County coronavirus restrictions Dec. 6 and a looming state stay-at-home order that could come into effect in a few days, local businesses are facing a moment of uncertainty.

The Winters Fire Department is asking the community for help in supporting their Gifts for Kids holiday program.

Winters Fire annually hosts the Gifts for Kids toy drive to help support families who are facing challenging times and need support in providing their children with toys for the holiday. Fire Captain Art Mendoza said this year the program is especially vital for local families due to challenges from the coronavirus pandem-

See FOOD, Page 7

See GIFTS, Page 7

The county restrictions, unlike the state’s stay-at-home order, doesn’t ban outdoor dining at restaurants or close hair and nail salons.

But the stay-at-home order, which will take effect if the Greater Sacramento region drops below 15 percent in intensive care unit capacity, will bring conditions reminiscent of the initial coronavirus closures in March.

Early in the pandemic, The city allowed a portion of Main Street between

See FUNDS, Page 7

I ndex

Winters Fire seeking assistance from community to support gifting efforts

The food distribution will resume to the regular schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2021.

On Dec. 22 they will be providing a special box with a goal of 10 meals per child, a USDA box and a CSEA box from Terra Firma Farm.

Olsen said the number of meals per child is dependent on if the full amount of food that is ordered arrives timely. She has faced challenges during the pandemic of food items not always being completely fulfilled.

The CSEA boxes are

CARES Act spending helping businesses as restrictions loom

By Edward Booth

& e t a r o c e D ! e e r T a t Ligh

Weather

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

The Winters Fire Department will be hosting another Gifts for Kids donation drop off and Fill the Boot event on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 5-8 p.m. on the corner of Main Street and Railroad Avenue. Donations can also be dropped off at the Public Safety Facility.

City greenlights Fairfield Inn construction

By Rick von Geldern Staff writer This week the Winters Building Department approved second-floor construction of the Fairfield Inn. City Manager, Kathleen Trepa said the hotel passed inspection, giving the green light to building crews to move forward with construction.

Since the Jan. 7 groundbreaking event, the building of the 72 room, three-story hotel fell behind schedule for the past four months.

That was in part due to COVID-19 and because Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and AT&T were unable to complete underground cable and electrical work, said owner Mike Ali. Additionally, says Ali, a shortage of structural steel caused delays.

The project previously experienced a three-year delay on the development side.

The hotel is expected to open toward the end of July 2020 and will offer both stan-

See UPDATE, Page 7

By Anne Ternus-Bellamy

Date

Rain High Low

Dec. 02

.00

69˚ 31˚

Dec. 03

.00

69˚ 33˚

Dec. 04

.00

66˚ 32˚

Dec. 05

.00

69˚ 32˚

Eventos hispanos ....... A-8

Dec. 06

.00

62˚ 32˚

Dec. 07

.00

67˚ 46˚

Opinion ......................... B-3

Dec. 08

.00

73˚ 38˚

Yolo County faces a dire scenario where there are not enough ICU beds and trained caregivers to take care of patients, and those patients may die because they can’t get the care they need.

That was the message from county health officer, Dr. Aimee Sisson, on Monday, just days after she issued a new health order targeting three activities she said pose the highest risk for local COVID-19 transmission — dining out at restaurants, shopping indoors and playing contact sports.

Classifieds ................... B-6 Community .................. A-2

Real Estate ................... B-2 Sports ........................... A-2

Rain for week: 0.00 in.

Season’s total: 0.27 in.

Last sn. to date: 7.38 in.

Winters rainfall season began 7/1/20.

Weather readings are taken at 9 a.m.

Construction crews begin work on the second floor of the Fairfield Inn building located behind the Chevron.

Yolo County health officer explains need for new restrictions, increases grocery store capacity McNaughton Media

Features ........................ B-1

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Sisson’s order — which applies only to Yolo County — says only people who live together may eat together at restaurants; limits retail businesses to 20 percent of customer capacity (except for grocery stores which are limited to 35 percent effective Tuesday); and ends all athletic practices and competitions for youth, collegiate and professional sports.

In explaining the need for the restrictions on Monday, Sisson said, “our two hospitals are running out of ICU beds.”

By Tuesday morning, the state reported zero ICU capac-

ity in Yolo County, though 18.8 percent capacity in the greater Sacramento region remained.

“Normally, low ICU beds wouldn’t be a big deal,” said Sisson, because “hospitals would simply transfer people needing ICU care to other hospitals. The problem now is that these other hospitals are also filling up.

“Unless we act now, we may soon reach a point where there are not enough ICU beds and trained caregivers to take care of the sickest patients,” said Sisson. “In this dire scenario,

WINTERS AGGREGATE

We deliver friendly hometown service!

Service all makes & models Accept all major credit cards Family owned & operated

Restaurant: 795.4503 Catering: 795.1722

27990 County Road 90 Winters, CA 95694 www.pearcehvac.com State Contractor Lic# 864483

34 Main Street Winters, CA 95694 530-795-5600

www.smith-funerals.com FD-2013

• Fruit Tree Soil • Moss Rock • Bulk Bagged Perlite • Blended Planting Soil • Large Selection of Flagstone

4499 Putah Creek Rd.

(530) 795-2994

See YOLO, Page 7

C U ST O M CLEANERS · Dry Cleaning · Laundry · Alterations 184 E. Grant Avenue, Winters (530) 795-1938

News2 A2 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 9, 2020

County releases final Nov. 3 election results

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief After four weeks of counting, the Yolo County Elections Office posted final election results with all votes tallied.

The Elections Office staff faced off with challenge after challenge this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

First of all, a record amount of voting occurred by mail, shepherded by Governor Gavin Newsom issuing an executive order to send all registered California voters vote-by-mail ballots.

In early October, the Elections Office reported over 581 registered voters countywide had received a ballot containing incorrect local races or measures because of an error that resulted from the transition of its data systems.

New ballots were sent out the next morning, including 126 to Winters voters.

A little under 38,000 ballots remained to be counted after Election Night when another hurdle came: an elections office staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

But despite all these challenges, the Elections Office managed to meet its deadline to complete and certify the counts by Dec. 3.

Local Measures

Over the course of the month, there

were no significant changes to the initial results of local measures that appeared on the ballot.

The Winters Measure A passed soundly, receiving 73.21 percent of votes in support of the measure. Measure A establishes an Urban Growth Boundary that prohibits development, with specific exceptions, outside of the boundary. It also prompts the adoption of a community driven planning process that applies to areas outside of City limits but within the City’s sphere of influence.

Winters Joint Unified School District’s Measure W was also approved, receiving 62.13 percent of votes in support. Measure W authorizes the school district to issue up to $19 million in bonds, requiring an estimated property tax levy of $49 per $100,000 in assessed value. The bond revenue will go toward improving the quality of school facilities, including repairs and updates at Winters High School and Waggoner Elementary School.

Board of results

Trustee

In the final count, challenger Joedy Michael took the lead of the Trustee Area 3 short term seat with 51.18 percent of the vote. Results switched back and forth between opponents over the four

weeks while votes were counted; incumbent Stephanie Chávez, trailed in the final count with 48.82 percent voting in support.

For the Trustee Area 5 seat, challenger Everardo Zaragoza maintained an initial lead, ending up with 37.57 of the final vote. He was trailed by incumbent Rudolph Muldong, who garnered 32 percent of the vote, and Lisa Dennis, who won 30.43 percent.

Dennis was hired by the Winters Joint Unified School District on Oct. 8, and therefore wished to withdraw her declaration of candidacy.

However, she wasn’t able to do so before the 5 p.m. Aug. 7 deadline — on the 88th day prior to the General Elections — required by the Election Code.

Challenger Kristin Trott finished with 65.07 percent of the vote for the Trustee Area 1 seat, beating out incumbent Ralph F. Anderson’s 34.93 percent.

The newly elected Trustees will officially begin their new role with the Winters JUSD school board at the Dec. 17 school board meeting starting at 6 p.m.

They will take their Oath of Office at the meeting.

The Nov. 3 Yolo County final election results can be found online at https:// www.yoloelections. org/.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

The Dr. Sellers football field will remain empty as the school district has halted Winters JUSD organized athletic conditioning practices during the County stay at home order.

Future of Warriors sports schedule sitting in limbo, District halts conditioning

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief High school sports across the state are unsure of what their future schedules will be as they await the release of the new guidelines from the governor.

Winters High School Athletic Director Daniel Ward said that the new guidelines were approved on Nov. 13.

However, the governor has not yet released them leaving the Warriors athletics in the dark.

“For a month they have said, ‘just wait.

It’s coming any day now.’ Every morning I would look to see if they were released.

Nothing happened,” Ward said.

According to Ward, the guidelines are based on the same Tier system as California counties. Each Tier has been assigned different types of sports that students can participate in, categorized by low to high risk.

However, the details are in the guidelines.

Ward is unable to make plans for any Warriors sports schedules until he has access to them.

He said knowing that the guidelines exist, but are unavailable is frustrating.

“We’ve been dealing with the same thing for too long. In my mind, let us know what we’re up against. It’s the unknown that is so bad,” Ward said.

As grim or limited as the guidance may be, he would prefer to have something to work with.

“We have nothing.

We are in the same boat as we were in

June. But now we’re starting to run out of time,” Ward said.

He said he has been transparent with the students, but has been unable to give them an answer to what they can and can’t do in athletics this year without the release of the newest, approved

“We’ve been dealing with the same thing for too long. In my mind, let us know what we’re up against.

It’s the unknown that is so bad.”

Daniel Ward, Athletics Director guidance.

He said the CIF sections across the state have also begun to express frustration in not having the guidance.

Each section has begun to roll out varying information for high school athletics programs, based on their area.

Current Schedule

Technically, none of the sports seasons have been canceled, yet. However, Ward confirmed that Winters Joint Unified School District put out a statement on Monday that in compliance with the most re-

cent Yolo County stay at home guidance, all Winters JUSD related sports conditioning practices would be postponed until the order is lifted.

Ward said they were supposed to officially start sports conditioning on Monday, Dec. 7, and with the first sports games projected to begin Friday, Jan. 8.

He said another frustration is the inequality in access to sports.

Within current guidelines, some families are able to provide their children with extracurricular activities if they can afford the price tag associated with travel teams and travel to other areas where sports are happening. He said it’s come down to club sports vs. high school sports.

“It’s sad that’s what is happening. If you can front the money you are playing sports right now,” Ward said.

Ward has been an open supporter at past school board meetings regarding student wellness and a connection to extracurricular activities. He said his biggest concern is for the students who need the extracurricular activities to help them succeed in high school.

“We have FFA, music, art, sports — We have a large percentage of kids who do well because of their extracurriculars,” Ward said. “The fact that they don’t have it in their lives right now, those are the kids I am most worried about.

That is the disconnect we are seeing right now in academics.”

PISANI’S ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Joe Southwood Joe Southwood, a Winters High School senior, is the Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. Southwood has been a viable part of the Warriors line on the football field. This year he is helping to train and develop the newer players. Coach Daniel Ward said, “Not only is he helping others, but he has put in a ton of work in the weight room the last couple years and is one of the strongest warriors that I have ever coached. We are expecting big things from him this year.”

$10.00 Off Any Smog Inspection ’95 and older, vans, HD, RVs extra

Must present this ad at time of write up.

Master Auto Technicians: ✔ Complete Auto Service ✔ Check Engine Light Diagnosis ✔ A/C Service / Repair ✔ Smog Inspections / Repairs

Railroad Ave. & Grant Ave. - 795-9966

SERVING WINTERS SINCE 1959

News3 Winters Express, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 — A3

School district releases first round of assessments

By Katherine Simpson Special to the Express Assistant Superintendent Sandra AyĂłn presented the first report of i-Ready and Evaluate diagnostic assessments at a Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 19.

Both tools test students on state education standards for the entire school year, allowing teachers and administrators to have an accurate picture of where a given student is excelling or struggling and how they have improved over the year. Piloted with students in grades 3 through 8 during the 2019-2020 school year, this is the first full year that i-Ready is in use for students in grades 2 through 8. i-Ready was tested at Winters High School last year, but was replaced with Evaluate this year.

AyĂłn said this first round of results is a “snapshotâ€? of student progress when the tests were administered. “This is our baseline data,â€? said AyĂłn, “When we take this again in the spring, that’s when we’ll have a comparison.â€?

AyĂłn emphasized that students were tested on state standards for the whole year, so students and parents should not necessarily expect proficiency yet. Still, these results allow students to set more specific learning goals and teachers to plan for the future. “It keeps a conversation

“This is our baseline data. When we take this again in the spring, that’s when we’ll have a comparison.�

Sandra Ayón WJUSD Assistant Superintendent going,� said Ayón.

Student-specific data will allow the district to tailor instructions to individual student needs.

In response to a question from Winters JUSD School Board President Rudolph Muldong, Winters Middle School Principal Phoebe Girimonte pointed out that each student will receive a personalized lesson “pathâ€? based on their scores on the diagnostic test. In addition, teachers receive a digital “toolboxâ€? with lessons designed for students and groups at different skill levels. “It helps us know where the students are that are advanced so that we can continue advancing them forward too,â€? said AyĂłn. i-Ready in particular uses the diagnostic data to provide 45 minutes per week of individualized, interactive online lessons for students grades 2-8. Similarly, results of the Evaluate diagnostic test allow teachers

to target instruction to students’ needs based on how they performed on specific standards.

On i-Ready, 46 percent of students in grades 2-8 scored at grade level in Math, while 37 percent scored behind grade level and 17 percent scored ahead of grade level. In reading, 29 percent of students scored at the grade level, 45 percent scored behind grade level, and 27 percent scored ahead.

This year is the first for Evaluate, which assesses high school students based on state testing standards in order to predict readiness for CAASPP testing.

Students are tested twice, with each test covering half of the state standards for the year.

Combined scores from the September and October test dates show 1 percent of students at the advanced threshold, 14 percent at the proficient threshold, 38 percent at basic and 47 percent below basic in state math standards. In English Language Arts and literature, 1 percent of students scored at the advanced level, 7 percent proficient, 52 percent basic, and 40 percent at below basic.

For more detailed score breakdowns, including scores for individual grades, view the packet from the Nov. 13 meeting available online at https://wintersjusd. communitybydiligent. com/portal/.

With the reality of distance learning, i-Ready was given asynchronously this semester.

Waggoner Elementary School Principal Jennifer Kloczko said, “it went really well considering it was all at home.�

She continued, “The kids really do like it and the teachers are finding a lot of success with it.�

After the next round of assessment, both i-Ready and Evaluate scores will allow the district to compare results and determine how students have improved over the course of this school year.

The next Evaluate windows are March 8-19, 2021 and April 12-23, 2021. The second round of i-Ready testing will run from Feb. 1 through Feb. 12. The CAASPP testing window begins March 8.

The Winters City Council approved the deferral of the Hotel Tax, a new tax credit investor and appointed committee members at their Dec. 1 regular City Council meeting.

Hotel tax deferrals to come into effect February The City Council voted unanimously to reverse an ordinance that effectively allowed hotels — and hotel-like businesses — to defer paying transient occupancy taxes to the city. The deferral, originally passed in April, took away penalties and interest that would normally accrue as a result of not paying the tax on time, providing relief to local hotels as they faced financial hardships spurred by the coronavirus pandemic. The Hotel Winters and the Abby House Inn closed in March, April and May as a result of state and county stay-at-home orders, according to Shelly Gunby, the City’s Director of Financial Management. Both businesses opened in the months shortly after, and transit occupancy taxes accrued: the city estimates that $90,431 is due from both of these businesses for the February to September operating period, and an additional $76,000 will be owed by the time the ordinance takes effect, on Feb. 1, 2021, bringing the total amount owed to about $166,431, Gunby said.

Hotels and similar businesses will have until June 30, 2021, to come up with the deferred balance, and the tax will revert to a normal schedule, with payment due each month, starting once the ordinance takes effect. In response to a question from council member Bill Biasi, Gunby said Airbnb appeared to have been taking advantage of the TOT deferral as well; the last TOT payment the city received from the company was in January this year. “We were getting quarterly remittances from Airbnb up until the time we had the urgency ordinance,� Gunby said.

Mayor Wade Cowan said that, as much as he hates to ask for taxes, the city needs the money.

He added that he is happy businesses have until June 30 to pay the deferred tax. “The longer we wait, the harder it gets, so I’m glad to see this moving forward,â€? Cowan said.Â

New Low-Income Housing tax credit investorÂ

City Council News Briefs

By Edward Booth Staff writer funded housing development, replacing Union Bank. In effect, the move means the Community Housing Operations Corporation (CHOC) is taking over investor interest in the development, as La Riviera is an affiliate of CHOC and controlled by it. Since CHOC already manages the development, there will be no change in normal operations, and the move comes at no cost to the city.Â

Council appoints four to Senior Center committee The Winters City Council also appointed four members to the Winters Senior Center Furniture and Fixtures Fundraising Committee. Cowan said after interviewing several applicants alongside council member Pierre Neu, they selected Marlene Bell, Karen May, Marianne Boyer and Sandy Vickrey to be on the Winters Senior Center Furniture and Fixtures Fundraising Committee. At the meeting, Neu was chosen by the council — and volunteered — to be the committee’s council liaison.

The construction of the Winters Senior Center — which will be located adjacent to the Blue Mountain Terrace Apartment Complex and the Winters Healthcare Building — is funded through a grant the city received and additional Community Development Block Grant income. But neither source of funding allows for buying the furniture or fixtures for the cen-

The Council approved a substitute investor, La Riviera, a non-profit, as a new limited partner in the Winters II tax credit

Combined scores from the September and October test dates show 1 percent of students at the advanced threshold, 14 percent at the proficient threshold, 38 percent at basic and 47 percent below basic in state math standards. In English Language Arts and literature, 1 percent of students scored at the advanced level, 7 percent proficient, 52 percent basic, and 40 percent at below basic.

ter, so, on Oct. 6, the council voted to create the committee to research and fundraise for the purpose of procuring those needed items, such as chairs, tables, kitchen utensils, couches and televisions. The committee is ad-hoc and will disband upon the construction of the facility. Donations made to the city for the committee’s account are tax deductible. Cowan thanked Bell and May for bringing the item to him and Gunby. “This is definitely needed, and getting this going early like we are, it gives us a lot of time to get some funds raised and get all this stuff put together so, day one when the doors open we’ll be fully functional and fully staffed,� Cowan said. Bell said that the committee members really want for it to be a community committee, so she wanted to clarify that she and May don’t represent the Winters Senior Foundation — which they both serve on — on the committee. “We are two individuals who sat down one night and we started having a conversation, and Karen said, ‘you know, we need to do something about all the equipment and furniture,’� Bell said. “By the time we finished talking it was time to talk to somebody on the City Council.�

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

KITCHEN & BATH

COUNTERTOPS

Â

Kresta Daly Barth Daly LLP

Focusing on Estate Planning|Probate Trust Administration Special Needs|Elder Law

21 Court Street Woodland, CA 1652 W. Texas Street FairďŹ eld, CA

• Carpet & Ulphostery Cleaning • Carpet Repair • Stone Cleaning • Tile & Grout Cleaning

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CARPET CLEANING

www.bsoninlaw.com

Call today for a FREE phone estimate!

Caring for our clients, Protecting their assets™

www.cassoncarpetcare.com

(530) 662-2226

530.795.0500

• Personal Injury • Sexual Harassment • Elder Abuse • Criminal Defense

The Truth Matters, Your Rights Matter.

2810 Fifth Street • Davis KrestaDaly.com • (916) 318-5677

News4 A4 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 12, 2020

Woodland Opera House presents live radio ‘Christmas Carol’ Woodland Opera House Press Release The Woodland Opera House will present a world-premiere production written by local playwright Bob Cooner. Presented virtually, “A Christmas Carol, a Play for Live Radio” is a twist on a holiday classic.

Costumed in period attire, the five actors (Matthew Abergel, Patricia Glass, Rodger McDonald, Gil Sebastian and Lenore Sebastian) create the voices of all the familiar Dickens characters.

“Adapting Dickens’ tale, which includes dozens of characters, as a radio script for only five actors presented a challenge, but it was a challenge the actors were excited to meet,” said writer and director Bob Cooner. “I wanted to include as much of Charles Dickens’ rich, colorful language as possible — not only the familiar phrases and passages from the original novella, but also a lot of the language that so strongly appeals to the senses.”

“Dickens gives us so many vibrant characters, and this was a chance for

each of us actors to play not one but several of those characters. I think we all felt like one of those Victorian one-man bands,” actor Matthew Abergel said.

In the tradition of a 1930s and ’40s radio show, live sound effects were created

by Woodland Opera House props master and actor, Jason Hammond. Said Cooner, “Hammond has collected a variety of props to brilliantly create dozens of live sound effects that add so much color to the storytelling.”

Alongside the talented cast, Dean Mora accompanies the story action on the organ. “One of the hallmarks of live radio shows back in the 1930s and ’40s was the live musical accompaniment provided by the studio orchestras,” Cooner said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have Dean Mora providing an amazing live soundtrack for our production, playing a vintage organ provided by Musictown Studio,” he added.

“Rehearsing this show, I occasionally thought about my grandfather’s ancestors, the Cockney working-class Londoners whose difficult lives Dickens often de-

picts. If they could endure the hardships of those hard times, I guess I don’t have much to complain about, not even this year. This has been a tough year. We need reminders of hope, and here’s Dickens serving it up in a feast fit for a king,” Cooner said.

“Our goal is to keep the arts alive and offer creative options for our community while our theater doors must remain closed,” said Angela Baltezore, executive director. “We are currently holding all of our theater and dance education classes virtually and we plan to continue streaming concerts, plays and encore presentations of past shows.”

The show was recorded live on the Woodland Opera House stage and will be streamed through the ShowTix4U platform at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 5 and 12, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. Tickets are just $10 for individuals and $20 for groups for viewing on one device (Smartphone, computer, or smart T.V.) Tickets can be purchased at www. woodlandoperahouse.org .

Call 530-666-9617 for more information.

Courtesy photo

The Woodland Opera House will be streaming a holiday classic with a twist. “A Christmas Carol, a Play for Live Radio” takes the viewer back in time to the golden days of live radio broadcasts. Gil and Lenore Sebastian are radio voice-over actors in this world-premiere presentation.

Make your holiday magical at any of Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Gifts That Sparkle!

Thousands of styles to choose from:

From Our Family to Yours

Diamond Rings Pendants Earrings

STABLER’S A-1 APPLIANCE

serving all of Yolo County for over 59 years

Services

Jose Lopez & Diego Rodriguez

Now At Our New Location!

Jewelry Repair Restorations Watch Batteries Engraving Appraisals Consignments

241 F Street, Davis

530.231.5443 • www.lurojewelers.com • lurojewelers@gmail.com Michael, Jeff, Casey, Carman, & Sassy, Paul & Ziggy, Joanne & Mr. B & PJ

Parts • Sales • Service Stop by A-1 Appliance Browse Our Showroom Floor Friendly Personalized Service

HOLIDAY HOURS: MON-FRI 10AM-6PM • SAT 10AM-4PM

Clean, Efficient Heat Let us enhance the style and comfort of your home!

ZONE HEAT, SAVE MONEY! NO POWER, NO PROBLEM! AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR Free In Home Estimate!

TM

548 Kentucky Ave., Woodland

530.662.3996

www.stablerappliance.com Open Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm · Sat 8am-4pm · Sun Closed

Delivery & Installation Available

385 MERCHANT STREET • VACAVILLE

707-446-9008

www.galleryoffireplaces.com

MONDAY-FRIDAY 11-6 • SATURDAY 11-4 • CLOSED SUNDAYS

News5 Winters Express, Wednesday, December 12, 2020 — A5

Podcast features holiday classic

By Emily Masuda Special to the Express Stories on Stage Davis will release the seventh episode of its all-podcast eighth season on Saturday, Dec. 12, with O. Henry’s classic holiday story “The Gift of the Magi,” read by returning actor Jim Lane. In this story, a young couple struggling to make ends meet sacrifice their most prized possessions in order to buy each other a Christmas present. With its memorable twist, O. Henry’s story is one to keep in mind as we shop around for our own loved ones in store and online this year.

William Sydney Porter (1862 – 1910), better known by his pen name O. Henry, was an American short story writer. Porter was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, and later moved to Texas in 1882. In 1902, he moved to New York, where wrote 381 short stories. Porter’s works include “The Gift of the Magi”, “The Duplicity of Hargraves,” and “The Ransom of Red Chief.” Porter’s legacy includes the O. Henry Award, an annual prize awarded to outstanding short stories. (Adapted from Wikipedia.)

Reading “The Gift of the Magi” is Jim Lane, who is making his fifth appearance with Stories on Stage Davis. He received his BA in Theatre from CSU Sacramento in 1977 and his MA in Theatre

from CSU Long Beach. He has been acting and directing for over 50 years in Sacramento theaters and in Southern California. Jim has worked at Sacramento Theatre Company, Capital Stage, and at Sacramento’s Music Circus, among many others. Favorite roles include Harold Hill in “The Music Man,” Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady,” and Philip Marlowe in “The Little Sister.” Jim’s screen appearances include Clint Eastwood’s “Bird,” “Melvin Purvis G-Man,” and “Wisdom” with Emilio Estevez and Demi Moore. Jim was a film critic for the Sacramento News & Review for 30 years, and he blogs on Classic Hollywood at Jim Lane’s Cinedrome (http://www.jimlanescinedrome.com/). He is also an adjunct instructor in Film and Media Studies for Los Rios Community College District.

The Stories on Stage Davis podcast airs new episodes every second and fourth Saturday, and its eighth season will run from September 2020 to June 2021. Upcoming and past episodes, as well as ways to support the series can be found on the Stories on Stage Davis website. Stories on Stage Davis is a sponsored project of YoloArts, a non-profit arts organization.

For more information, and to listen to the podcast, visit http:// storiesonstagedavis.com/.

Holiday activities Friends of Library present Holiday Crafts activities This year the Winters Friends of the Library is bringing holiday crafts and book pairings to a computer near you.

In lieu of their annual Holiday Festival, this month they have launched a 12 Holiday Crafts activity page on their website to help bring the cheer and spirit of the event to the community.

Each of the 12 festive crafts has a book they have chosen to go along it. Plus, each suggested book is available to request from the Yolo County Library online catalog for the Winters Community Library curbside pickup service.

Some of the fun craft and book pairings include: • Dinosaur Snow Globes with the book, “How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?”

• Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments with the book, “The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas.”

• Popsicle Stick Ornaments with the book, “Llama Llama Holiday Drama.”

• Glue Snowman with the book, “Frosty the Snowman.”

To see the full listing of all 12 crafts and book pairings visit https://wfol.org/2020/12/12-days-ofchristmas-crafts/.

Vacaville hosts storefront decorating contest A

guided

walking

tour

of

Vacaville downtown storefronts is planned as part of the 13th annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest. More than 50 businesses will be competing to earn honors.

Window displays have been scored by a panel of judges based on their originality, arrangement, theme and overall presentation.

The category winner and a runner-up are posted on the Downtown Vacaville Facebook page.

The People’s Choice award will be returning this year with more categories.

A one-hour guided tour of the windows are offered on Friday and Saturday nights in December starting Dec. 11. Tickets are $15 and include an official voting ballot and souvenir Downtown Vacaville mug filled with hot cocoa or cider. Children under 12 years of age walk for free. The outside walking tours are limited to 15 participants to comply with COVID safety regulations.

Masks or face shields are required by tour participants.

The tours begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 11-12 and Dec. 18-19. Tickets are available on Eventbrite, with links to purchase also available on the Downtown Vacaville website. Proceeds from ticket sales support the Downtown Vacaville Business Improvement District.

For more information, visit www. downtownvacaville.com or call Brooke Fox, Executive Director of the Downtown Vacaville BID at 707-451-2100.

GOLD NEW OR USED IN ANY FORM • RINGS • WATCHES • BRACELETS • CHAINS • ETC • TURN INTO CASH IN 2 MINUTES OR LESS

SILVER NEW OR USED IN ANY FORM

of these area merchants!

• SILVERWARE • JEWELRY • CANDLESTICKS • BULLION • ART BARS • YOUR JUNK IS OUR JOY. CONVERT IT INTO CASH WITH NO EFFORT INSTANTLY!

U.S. SILVER COINS

• PRE-1964 DIMES, QUARTERS & HALVES • 1965-1970 HALF DOLLARS • SILVER DOLLARS 1935 AND BEFORE • NO QUANTITY TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL

DIAMONDS

WE ARE QUICK CASH BUYERS OF ALL DIAMONDS - INSTANT CASH OFFERS

Locally owned & operated for 29 years

VALUE GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE

219 Parker St. • Vacaville • 707-447-3231

Let Us Give You A ‘Lift’ This Holiday Season!

Celebrating 21 Years!

Which ensures the highest level of quality practices within the medical equipment industry.

$100 OFF

ANY LIFT CHAIR (Expires 12/31/20)

JACKSON MEDICAL SUPPLY 604 Main Street • Woodland • 530-661-7409

506 Main Street • Vacaville • 707-446-7014 / 480 Redwood St. • Vallejo • 707-644-4170

www.jacksonmedicalsupply.com

20% OFF Dining!

30% OFF Accessories!

Now through December 24th

395-A E. Monte Vista Ave., Vacaville

707.449.6385

laineysfurnitureforliving.com

The gift she will love every day.

News6 A6 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Yesteryear

Picked by Charley Wallace

File photo

115

80

YEARS AGO December 29, 1905

The proposition to place an impounding dam in Putah Creek and irrigate the south side lands is receiving serious consideration.

Talking machines at cost. Two left for cylinder records at an actual cost -- $5.50.

Just the thing for Christmas presents.

At the Express office.

Mr. and Mrs. FW. Wilson are attending the farmers institute and teachers’ meeting at Berkeley this week.

Mr. and Mrs. E. Ireland and grandchildren Lester and Alta spent Christmas in Sacramento.

George Edwards, bookkeeper at the cannery, went to Santa Clara to spend Christmas at home.

Thursday we got but .11 rain, making the season’s total 1.92. Six inches of rain in the next six days would be quite welcome.

Contractor Ritchie is getting along rapidly with the reconstruction of Rummelsburg’s building, and will probably be ready for shelving and interior fittings as soon as they arrive.

Frank McNeal is having a fine dwelling house erected on his lots at the corner of Edwards and Third Streets. The building is of artistic design, 30x40 feet, two stories high.

YEARS AGO December 27, 1940

The population of Yolo County will be about 28,800 on January 1, 1941, according to estimates of the California Taxpayer’s Association.

Two short plays were presented Friday night by the students of Wolfskill School District, directed by the instructors, Mrs. W.A. Young and Mrs. W.A. Armstrong.

Mrs. Delores Cuellar was hostess Christmas night in her Baker Street home, honoring her daughter, Miss Josephine, who is home from Los Angeles for the holidays.

The rainfall for the week’s storm is recorded at 5.55, bringing the seasonal record up to 12.71.

One of the pleasant family gatherings of local people was the Christmas party given by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Peers, in San Francisco.

Jack and Ted Mermod went to Berkeley Monday, Mrs. Lucy Bergand and Miss Lottie returning with them for a few days visit.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Frisbee and children were holiday visitors with Frisbee’s mother, Lindsay.

Alton Sharp is spending his holiday vacation with relatives in Oakland.

PO Box 520, Winters, CA 95694

530-795-4551 Se habla español.

news@wintersexpress.com Content due by Monday at noon. Space reservations due by Friday at noon. Office hours are by appointment. Call 530795-4551 to schedule a meeting.

Subscription delivery issues?

Call us and leave a message or submit a complaint via our website.

Crystal Apilado, Editor-in-Chief Sydney Andrade, Staff Writer Aaron Geerts, Staff Writer Jeffrey Rawlinson, Staff Writer/Photo Editor Edward Booth, Staff Writer Rick Von Geldern, Staff Writer Fred Gladdis, Special Editor David DeLeon, Advertising Director Barbara Lorenzi, Office Manager Taylor Buley, Publisher Charles R. Wallace, Publisher Emeritus

65

50

YEARS AGO December 29, 1955

YEARS AGO

The pouring of concrete at the Monticello Dam has been halted indefinitely due to the damage done at the site by high water in Putah Creek.

C. Perry Culton, the official weatherman, states that since the 16th of December, a total of 12.41 inches of rain has been recorded here.

Mr. and Mrs. Phil Snow are the parents of a son, born at the Woodland Clinic Hospital Dec. 22, 1955.

S/ic and Mrs. Charles Skaggs (Juanita Lorenzo) were expected home yesterday from Talequah, Oklahoma, having been away for the past fortnight.

Young Billy Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elwin Martin, was feted Tuesday evening at a party observing his fifth birthday anniversary.

With Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Dotson for Christmas dinner were their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. William Waroff, their son, William Dotson, a navy man from San Francisco; Mr. Su Yang, of China, who is at present with the Bureau of Reclamation here, and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Johnson, of Davis.

Organization of a Rotary Club was concluded Thursday, December 22, by 23 local business, professional and agricultural men, with Judge E. Degener named president.

Yuletide guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tony M. Ramos included Miss Frances Ramos, Johnny Martinez, Joe Campos Martinez, Frank Munoz, Mrs. Anna C. Lorenzo, Aladdin Lorenzo, Ralph Fernandez, Mr. and Mrs. Tony M. Martinez and children, Anthony and Janice.

December 24, 1970

Honoring Harold Overhouse, who is retiring December 31 after 22 years as city administrative clerk, more than 50 friends and well-wishers met at the Buckhorn Dining Room at a testimonial dinner Monday, December 21.

Total rainfall this season now totals 13.92 inches.

A barn-warming potluck dinner was held in the new barn constructed by Frank G. Martin on Sunday afternoon, December 13.

According to a deed recorded in Woodland, December 23, the hardware store located at 35 Main Street, Winters, was sold by Everett W. Fenley, of Winters to James T. and Doris A. Taylor, also Winters residents. The revenue stamps indicated the sale price of the property to be $22,000.

Mrs. Gertrude Wyatt will dine tomorrow in the Woodland home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Gustafson.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thomas and children will share Christmas Eve dinner, gifts, and tree with Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Thomas of Sacramento and Mrs. John V. Graf.

Mr. and Mrs. Raines F. Griffin will be Christmas Eve guests for dinner at the Davis home of their daughter and sonin-law, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Williams.

Mr. and Mrs. A.G. Anderson will have as dinner guests for Christmas Eve their son and family, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson and Nathan, and their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Simmons, all of Sacramento.

Please, don’t drink and drive.

We would rather not be your designated driver.

Lake Berryessa water levels down one inch The level of Lake Berryessa is down by 0.13 feet during the past week, with a decrease in storage of 1,836 acre feet of water, according to Ken Emigh of the Solano Irrigation District.

Tuesday morning the lake level was 418.16 feet above sea level,

with storage computed at 1,160,519 acre feet of water.

Evaporation on the lake averaged 53 acre feet of water per day.

The SID is diverting 20 second feet of water into the Putah South Canal, with 42 second feet flowing at the Diversion Dam.

Public Service Announcement If you see roadside garbage you can dump it for free at the Yolo County Landfill and receive a coupon for future services.

Learn more about the Good Neighbor program at yolocounty.org.

Send your PSA to ads@wintersexpress.com

Public Safety Report City of Winters Press Release

Fire

Nov. 23: 10:41 a.m., medical aid, 400 block of Main Street.

Nov. 24: 10:08 a.m., medical aid, 100 block of Almond Drive. ~10:23 a.m., medical aid, 450 block of Abbey Street. ~12:01 p.m., medical aid, 990 block of E. Grant Avenue. ~4:30 p.m., lift assist, 100 block of Almond Drive. ~5 p.m., carbon monoxide alarm, 310 block of Anderson Avenue. ~8:42 p.m., lift assist, 100 block of Almond Drive.

Nov. 26: 5:19 p.m., medical aid, 40 block of Myrtle Drive.

Nov. 27: 1:55 a.m., lift assist, 40 block of Myrtle Drive. ~2:49 p.m., mutual aid, I-505/Allendale Road. ~10:32 p.m., medical aid, 100 block of Elliot Street.

Nov. 28: 7:27 a.m., fire alarm, 300 block of White Oak Lane. ~8:33 a.m., medical aid, 950 block of Ireland Street. ~6:23 p.m., vehicle accident, 170 block of E. Grant Avenue. ~8:22 p.m., unknown fire, NB I-505/Putah

Creek Road.

Nov. 29: 6:51 a.m., fire alarm, 300 block of White Oak Lane.

Nov. 30: 3:05 p.m., medical aid, 410 block of Railroad Avenue.

Dec. 1: 8:31 p.m., smoke investigation, NB I-505/Putah Creek Road.

Dec. 2: 5:32 p.m., grass fire, Highway 128/The Horseshoe.

Dec. 3: 10:33 a.m., medical aid, 400 block of Dry Creek Lane. ~12:40 p.m., lift assist, 170 block of E. Grant Avenue.

Arrest Log

Nov. 25: Matthew Thomas Sommerfeldt (Age 29), Charges: Violation of a court order, Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail.

Case Log

Nov. 23: 2:37 a.m., 400 block of Railroad Avenue, Audible Alarm.

Nov. 26: 4:02 a.m., 100 block of East Grant Avenue, Audible Alarm.

Nov. 27: 6:01 a.m., 10 block of East Baker Street, Audible Alarm. ~3:50 p.m., Third Street/Abbey Street, Recovered stolen vehicle.

Nov. 30: 9:24 p.m., 40 block of Main Street, Audible Alarm.

FD-0386

Award-winning American journalism.

Designed in Yolo, manufactured in Solano.

Notice: Unless otherwise indicated, all of the stories, articles, pictures, captions and editorials appearing in this edition are © Copyright 2020 The Winters Express, LLC, a limited liability company, all rights reserved.

Downtown Winters was a busy place in 1953, with holiday decorations hanging over Main Street. This picture is looking east with the Baker Company and Fenley’s Hardware on the left and Dozier’s Pharmacy farther down the street.

116 D Street • Davis, CA 95616 530-758-5500 • www.smith-funerals.com FD-992

Mortuary · Cremation · Monuments Pre-Arrangement Planning Independently Owned and Operated Since 1859

569 N. First Street, Dixon • 707.678.2189

News7 Winters Express, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 — A7 opens up in the Hybrid Model. Olsen said details about the switch will be announced at a later time.

FOOD Continued from Page 1 being funded from Winters Farm to School. Olsen said Winters Farm to School has been providing the funding for local farm direct produce.

“The community support we have received has allowed Winters Farm to School to continue providing support during the pandemic,” Olsen said.

Gloria Lopez, a Winters Farm to School board member, said one of the main goals of Winters Farm to School is to make sure that students in Winters receive fresh local foods and produce.

“The year 2020 has been challenging for many, but we have a group of dedicated and passionate supporters that have donated generously despite the fact we have not been able to have our traditional fundraisers,” Lopez told the Express in an email. “In turn, Cathy Olsen and the Food Service staff at Winters JUSD have continued to include local foods for local kids and their families and, at the same time, support local producers.”

The Winters JUSD food distribution is expected to switch to Wednesdays when the district

Eat Well Yolo location change

The Eat Well Yolo Winters distribution on Monday nights is changing both day and location.

Zane Hatfield, Yolo Food Bank Director of Programs, said Monday, Dec. 7 was the last day of the Monday evening distribution.

The new distribution will officially begin on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

The new Wednesday Eat Well Yolo food distribution will begin at 4 p.m. at the Winters High School student parking lot located on Railroad Avenue.

Hatfield said they relocated the distribution due to the unprecedented growth in the number of participants.

“The location was changed to the high school to better accommodate the sheer amount of vehicles and individuals accessing food,” Hatfield said. “Unfortunately the HHSA location was smaller and perfect for a small walk up distribution, but as our distribution has begun serving around 150 individuals each week, the distribution had to move into a larger space.”

Walk up services will be avail-

GIFTS

FUNDS

Continued from Page 1

Continued from Page 1

ic.

The program underwent a name change in 2019 and is now officially called “Gifts for Kids.” Mendoza said there was confusion with the old name which was being confused with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

While the local area’s Marines toy donation program serves all of Yolo County, some Winters families due to hardships may be unable to make the drive to Woodland to participate. Winters Fire’s Gifts for Kids directly serves those who live at a Winters residence.

Winters Fire will be hosting another Fill the Boot and Toy Donation Drop Off event on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 5-8 p.m. on the corner of the Main Street and Railroad Avenue intersection.

Mendoza said they normally get a lot of donations at community events like the Tractor Parade and the Winters Senior Foundation’s annual Christmas event.

However, with those events canceled for the year they have a critical need for toy and monetary donations to help provide gifts.

“The little community events that would support us are not being done this year,” Mendoza said. “The Tractor Parade was huge for us.”

The Winters Senior Foundation board noted in an Letter to the Editor (page B3) they are not postponing their support of the program.

“This has been a difficult year for the children of our community,” Marlene Bell, WSF board member, wrote. “Without their normal routine and their ability to interact with their friends at school, this will be a really important gifting season for our kids.”

The Gifts for Kids program is accepting new, unwrapped toy donations for chil-

UPDATE Continued from Page 1 dard rooms and suites with pricing starting in the $100 range, according to the project owner.

Trepa said the city is excited to see the progress as it will provide more sustainable jobs in the community and revenue to the city’s tax

“It’s going to be a little different this year. We want to make someone smile.”

Art Mendoza, Fire Captain dren ages 0-12. Mendoza noted there is a big need to support gifting efforts for older youth ages 8-12.

Community members who are unable to attend the Dec. 12 donation event are encouraged to: • Drop off a toy or monetary donation at the Winters Fire lobby (700 Main St.).

• Have a gift sent to the Winters Fire Department: Gifts for Kids, 700 Main St., Winters, CA 95694.

• Make a monetary donation for the Gifts for Kids account at First Northern Bank.

Mendoza said he is also working with local businesses to get donation bins set up around town. He said the Winters Hotel, Pacific Ace Hardware, and Turkovich Family Wines have already reached out to find out how they can help in the efforts.

This year’s Gifts for Kids event is serving as a Senior Capstone Project for Winters High School seniors Octavio Diaz and Autumn Mendoza.

He said they have put a lot of hours into the project and applauds their efforts.

Especially since due to social distancing guidelines the program has had to rely on only half the amount of volunteers to help get tasks done.

This year’s gift pick up event will be done in a drive-thru fashion. Participants will be notified when the details are finalized.

“It’s going to be a little different this year,” Mendoza said.

“We want to make someone smile.”

base from the 12 percent Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).

The hotel construction site is located next to the I-505 corridor and has been referred to as the “freeway hotel” due to its convenient proximity to Winters, Lake Berryessa and the PG&E training facility located across Grant Avenue.

Railroad Avenue and 1st Street to close for a temporary expansion of outdoor dining, according to the staff report. The council action on Dec. 1 modifies that setup by opening up Main Street, allowing two-way traffic circulation from around Sunday at 8 a.m. through Friday at 11 a.m., and allowing the outdoor dining area to open on the weekend during the busiest dining time for nearby restaurants.

The process of reopening and closing down the street is achieved through the use of bollards — short and sturdy vertical posts — that the city’s public works department can remove and install when needed, according to the agenda documents. The bollards are funded by the $200,000 CARES Act grant the city recently received from Yolo County to support lo-

YOLO Continued from Page 1 patients might die because they can’t get the care they need.

This doesn’t just affect patients with COVID-19. It also affects people with cancer, heart attacks and strokes.”

The decline in available ICU beds across California prompted the state last week to issue a new regional stay-at-home order that goes into effect when a region’s ICU capacity drops below 15 percent.

That order goes further than Yolo County’s new order, limiting restaurants to take-out and delivery only; shuttering hair and nail salons; and also closing outdoor playgrounds.

Over the weekend, two of the state’s five regions — Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley — saw their ICU capacity drop below 15 percent and they are now under the new state order. The Bay Area, meanwhile, hasn’t reached the 15 percent threshold but five counties there voluntarily imposed the stay-at-home order.

Yolo County’s new health order “won’t keep our region from triggering the state’s stay-at-home order,” said Sisson, “but it will slow the

Courtesy photo

The entrance to the new Yolo Food Bank distribution at the WHS student parking lot location is located on Railroad Avenue. able at the new location on the north-side of the parking lot near the exit, but the distribution is geared mostly for drive-thru pick up.

Hatfield said this is a temporary change during the pandemic and while WHS is not in session. Yolo Food Bank plans to continue having some food access at the HHSA

location starting in February, but are still working out the details of what that will look like.

Details and updates for the Eat Well Yolo food distribution are available on the Yolo Food Bank’s “Find Food” page, https://yolofoodbank.org/get-help/ and on their Facebook page, https://www. facebook.com/yolofoodbank.

cal businesses and mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19.

As part of the item, the council received a presentation on how the grant funds are being allocated: $85,000 was assigned to buying the bollards and traffic barriers to create the twoway travel zone and provide protection for the dining area; $40,000 went to a grant program meant to assist businesses with rent and mortgages; $40,000 is for buying pergola materials for creating covered dining areas in the downtown business area; $5,000 is for additional heating in the pergolas; and $8,000 was assigned to previous expenses of setting up the downtown outdoor dining area.

Trepa said at the meeting that the city is engaged in ongoing conversations with the Winters Downtown Business Association and the Winters Chamber of Commerce about spending the remainder of the funds.

Chris Turkovich,

head of the Winters Downtown Business Association, said at the meeting that the change in restrictions could cause an impact to the success of the expenditures because they’re based largely around outdoor dining.

“Everything we’ve been working toward in the last few months has been about accommodating outdoor dining,” Turkovich said. “If it’s a possibility that outdoor dining is taken off the table then that changes kind of everything we’re looking at doing” Trepa said in an email that the city’s proceeding on the spending despite the restrictions because many of the materials have been ordered or were already delivered and the funds need to be spent before the end of the year. She said the hope is that dining restrictions can be lifted sooner rather than later if everyone does their part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We strongly urge

people to wear their masks, stay 6 feet apart, and not eat or drink in close proximity with people who are not in their own household bubble,” Trepa said in an email. “Please support local businesses. Shop local, wear masks, stay safe.”

Sue Moualim, executive director of the Winters Chamber of Commerce, said the incoming restrictions represent an “obvious hardship” for local businesses.

She said many local businesses depend on revenue from the holiday season.

Moualim said Winters residents have been trying their best to support local businesses throughout the pandemic, hitting a balance between staying safe and supporting others that they know need their support.

“The reality is, we are in this situation and we have to support our local businesses if we want them to be around next year,” Moulin said. “Which is what

spread of the coronavirus and shorten the length of time hospitals are strained. And in doing so, it will save lives.”

The state predicts the 13-county greater Sacramento region that Yolo County belongs to will drop below 15 percent ICU capacity within the next week or so, triggering the state order which will place additional restrictions on activities in Yolo County.

But with cases continuing to rise — including 125 new cases on Monday alone — the demand for hospital and ICU beds “is only going to increase,” Sisson said. “We simply cannot wait for a state order before we make a change.”

That change, which took effect at midnight on Saturday included the following:

without masks are simply too dangerous right now,” Sisson said.

• All retail businesses are limited to 20 percent of capacity and must count people entering to make sure the cap isn’t exceeded. “This cap applies equally to big-box stores and small businesses, regardless of what they sell,” noted Sisson.

“With fewer people in a store, people will be able to stay at least six feet apart at all times.”

Previously grocery stores were allowed to operate at 50 percent of capacity, but the state, in its stayat-home order issued last week, reduced all retail — including grocery stores — to 20 percent. However, on Sunday, the state’s public health officer amended that order to increase grocery store capacity to 35 percent “in order to ensure that California’s grocery stores are able to safely deliver sufficient quantities of food to California households.”

Yolo County likewise amended its order on Tuesday, allowing grocery stores to operate at 35 percent capacity, which may reduce the sorts of lines that were seen at some grocery stores since Sunday.

And while the new local order does not

require county residents to stay home, “I strongly encourage you to stay home as much as you can,” said Sisson.

“Stores are staying open for now,” she noted, “but that doesn’t mean you should spend hours leisurely shopping.

Get in, get out, and go back home.

“There is more virus in Yolo County now than there has ever been,” she said.

“This means that activities that used to be safe simply aren’t safe any more. Don’t assume that because you did something last month and didn’t get sick that you will be fine doing that same activity now.”

“We won’t have to do this forever,” Sisson added. “The COVID-19 vaccine is coming.”

In fact, she said, “Yolo County expects to begin vaccinating health care workers and longterm-care facility residents later this week.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we are still in the tunnel,” said Sisson.

“Please do your part to save lives by staying home and not gathering.

“It might not be just your own life that you save, but it might also be the life of your parent, your spouse, your sibling, your coworker or your neighbor.”

• Only people who live together can eat together at restaurants. “Because you can’t wear a mask while you eat and drink, it is important to only share a table with people you live with,” Sisson said.

• All athletic practices and competitions for youths, college students and even professionals must cease. “Sports that bring athletes from different households close together

News8 A8 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Waste Management changing street pile pickup schedule Temporary service change is a result of a driver shortage

By Paul T. Rosynsky Special to the Express Waste Management is instituting alternate week brush street pile pickups to allow its drivers to focus on weekly trash and recycling collection. The temporary service change is the result of a driver shortage caused by mandatory COVID-19 quarantining and will be in effect until further notice.

The street pile pickup schedule is determined by the location of a resident’s home. Residents living north of Grant Avenue received service on Monday, Dec. 7 and every other week thereafter. Residents on the south

side of Grant Avenue will have street piles collected every other week starting December 14. Street sweeping will occur on Tuesday, the same week as brush street pile pickup. A map is available at wintersrecycles.com.

Residents are encouraged to utilize their free organics cart (brown lid) to dispose of yard waste instead of placing items in the street. Residents can also update their contact information at wm.com/ mypreferences to ensure they receive service notifications via text, email or phone.

Protecting the health and safety of our employees and communities we

serve is our number one priority.

Waste Management follows strict COVID-19 procedures that comply with all local, state and federal requirements and guidance.

All employees are required to wear proper PPE including face masks, regularly wash their hands, maintain at least six feet of distance between each other and are constantly reminded to stay home if they feel sick. In addition, all touch points are routinely cleaned, including truck cabs. Waste Management remains hopeful that its full roster of drivers is back on route soon.

Lithium battery sparks fire at Yolo landfill

By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media An improperly disposed lithium battery caused the Oct. 1 fire at the Yolo County Central Landfill, officials announced Friday, along with a reminder that in California, batteries are considered hazardous waste and require special disposal procedures.

The fire ignited at about 1 a.m. at the County Road 28H landfill off Pole Line Road, reaching a half-acre in size as it burned shredded tire materials and threatened a nearby lumber storage facility, the Davis Fire Department reported at the time.

Marissa Juhler, the landfill’s waste reduction and sustainability manager, said investigators traced the source of the blaze to a lithium battery pack that had been tossed out with the regular trash, causing a dangerous situation easi-

ly avoided with proper disposal.

According to Avoid the Spark, a battery safety education campaign, about 60 percent of households throw some or all of their single-use batteries directly into the trash, while 15 percent do the same with rechargeable batteries.

At landfills statewide, some 65 percent of reported fires are caused by batteries, with the lithium ion variety — the kind found in cell phones and other electronics — being the most frequent culprit.

With the holiday season approaching, bringing an anticipated surge in gifting of battery-powered toys and gadgets, Juhler urged the public to do its part in avoiding fire risks.

“It happens a lot more than people realize,” Juhler said of battery-caused fires.

“If the battery terminal is left exposed, it still contains a charge.

It just takes connect-

Joe Trotter

Financial Advisor #7 East Main Street, Suite E Winters, CA 95694 530-795-3929

e d wa rdjo nes.co m

ing to another battery, or a piece of metal, and that’s what sparks it.”

Similarly caused fires have occurred before at the landfill, where staff usually spot them quickly and are trained in how to put them out.

“But that’s not always true in your home,” Juhler cautioned. Even if a battery seems to be dead, it can still hold active energy, she added.

Residents can avoid trouble by not throwing away batteries in trash or recycling bins. Instead, they should be stored separately — either individually in clear plastic bags, or with terminals covered by duct, non-conductive electrical or clear packing tape so they don’t touch one another — and taken to the landfill’s household hazardous waste facility or other designated disposal site.

Meanwhile, lithium-based batteries that show signs of damage such as swelling, smoking, leaking or overheating should be stored in absorbent, non-flammable material such as sand or cat litter and kept in a cool, dry area prior to disposal.

For more information about battery disposal and recycling, visit www.call2recycle.org.

adopt a family we want to support our local families!

2020 has been a strenuous year on many families and small businesses, we couldn’t be more thankful for the continued support we have received from our community. So we want to give back!

Beginning November 23, 2020 we will donate 5%* of every ticket towards adopting as many families as we can for the holidays!

it gets better!

El Condado de Yolo Toma la iniciativa con nuevas restricciones para frenar la propagación de COVID-19 El Condado de Yolo Comunicado de prensa Efectivo el 12:01 a.m. el domingo 6 de diciembre, restricciones adicionales estarán en lugar en el Condado de Yolo específicamente para reducir las interacciones entre personas de diferentes viviendas dirigidos a frenar la propagación de COVID-19.

Se aconseja a los residentes que se mantengan en casa lo más posible mientras que se requiere que ciertas industrias limiten sus operaciones.

COVID-19 es más prominente en nuestra comunidad que nunca y algunas actividades que antes fueron seguros ahora presentan un riesgo más elevado.

El 3 de diciembre del 2020, el Estado anunció una “nueva Orden de Quedarse en Casa” en respuesta a los aumentos en los casos de COVID-19 y hospitalizaciones a lo largo de California.

La Orden Regional de Quedarse en Casa toma efecto si la capacidad de las unidades de cuidado intensivo (ICU) cae a menor de 15 porcentaje en una región.

Si la Orden de Quedarse en Lugar toma efecto, condados en la región están sujetos a nuevas restricciones del Estado. En tomar acción ahora en vez de esperar hasta que las camas de ICU regionales están en un estado de suministro críticamente pequeño, el Condado de Yolo tiene como objetivo bajar las tasas de caso y disminuir la presión en el sistema local de hospitales.

Industrias impactadas en el Anexo B Modificado (enlace) de la Orden de la Funcionaria de Salud del Condado de Yolo incluyen: • Reuniones: se desaprueban reuniones de cualquier tamaño enfáticamente. Solo se permite las reuniones al aire libre.

• Restaurantes y bodegas: pueden permanecer abiertos al aire libre, pero se limita las

personas sentados en la misma mesa a los miembros de una sola vivienda.

Las mesas tienen que estar separados por lo menos por 6 pies.

• Establecimientos de comercio en interiores: pueden permanecer abiertos, pero tienen que operar a 20 porcentaje de capacidad con acceso estrictamente medido para asegurar cumplimiento. Esto incluye todo comercio, incluyendo a supermercados.

• Gimnasios y centros de acondicionamiento físico: pueden permanecer abiertos, pero se requiere el uso de coberturas faciales en todos momentos, con la excepción de actividades acuáticas como la natación.

Deportes (incluyendo deportes juveniles, deportes recreacionales para adultos, deportes universitarias y profesionales): Limitados solamente a practica distanciada y acondicionamiento.

No se permiten todos los juegos competitivos, practicas, y actividades similares que no acomodan el distanciamiento físico.

Quédese en casa lo más posible: actividades que traen a individuos en contacto cercano con personas que no viven en la misma vivienda presenta un riesgo de transmisión del virus, aunque se usa cubrebocas.

“Los hospitales en el Condado de Yolo se están quedando sin camas de ICU,” dijo la Funcionaria de Salud del Condado de Yolo Dra. Aimee Sisson. “Si más personas se infectan con el coronavirus, nos estamos enfrentando la realidad de no tener suficientes recursos para tratarlos adecuadamente.

Nosotros tenemos que tomar acción ahora en limitar las actividades de alto riesgo que traen a personas juntos, especialmente cuando no están usado cubrebocas, para frenar la propagación.

Incluso cuando todavía se permiten activi-

dades, individuos deben minimizar su exposición a personas con quienes no viven. Por ejemplo, restaurantes se mantendrán abiertos al aire libre, pero solamente personas quienes viven juntos deben comer juntos. El riesgo de COVID es más alto que nunca, y las personas deben reconsiderar a sus actividades en consideración de este contexto cambiante.”

Para mitigar a propagación de COVID-19, se aconseja que residentes sigan las siguientes prácticas de salud: • Si usted tiene que reunir con otros, las restricciones listadas para el nivel morado del Estado aplican: solamente al aire libre, personas de no más de tres viviendas, no más de 16 personas, por una duración de no más de 2 horas, se tiene que usar cubrebocas y mantener el distanciamiento apropiado.

• Mantente en casa si usted tiene síntomas de enfermedad o si esta en alto riesgo.

• Use una cobertura facial.

• Mantenga por lo menos seis pies de distanciamiento físico de las personas que no viven en su vivienda.

• Frecuentemente lave sus manos con jabón y agua o use desinfectante para las manos.

Para información adicional sobre la nueva Orden Estatal Regional de Quedarse en Casa, visite a https:// covid19.ca.gov/stayhome-except-foressential-needs/.

Para más información sobre el Camino a la Recuperación del Condado de Yolo y para ver cuales negocios están abiertos, visite a https://www.yolocounty.org/coronavirus-roadmap.

Residentes pueden llamar a Yolo 2-1-1 para información de recursos.

Sigue al Condado de Yolo en Facebook en http://www. facebook.com/YoloCounty/ o en Twitter en https://twitter. com/YoloCounty.

CA/.

Visit Us At Our New Location for Fall Savings on Name Brand Appliances!

Readers’ Choice 2020

We want you to nominate local families you know are in need this season. Go to www.pearcehvac.com/pearce-holiday-adopt-a-family/ We hope to help as many families as we can this season!

The BEST of Yolo County

*5% donated per ticket up to $300

$25 OFF ANY REPAIR

Offer expires 12/31/20. Restrictions apply.

Service all makes & models • Accept all major credit cards • Family owned & operated

27990 County Road 90 · Winters, CA 95694 www.pearcehvac.com State Contractor Lic# 864483

548 Kentucky Ave., Woodland

530.662.3996

www.stablerappliance.com Open Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm · Sat 8am-4pm · Sun Closed

Delivery & Installation Available

Features1

Gifts for Kids asks for help

FEATURES This calendar sponsored by

That Downtown Taste Food, Page 4

Letters, Page 3

Teens troubled by distance learning Opinion, Page 5

Do Everything in Life Once...

AND THE FUN THINGS TWICE! • Powerboat & Fishing Boat Rentals • Cabin Rentals • Camping • Suntex Watersports 6100 Highway 128, Napa, CA 94558 GoBerryessa.com • 707.966.9600

48 Main St, Winters, CA 95694 (530) 795-4501

SUNTEX MARINAS YOUR PLACE IN THE SUN

Thursdays Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10-11 a.m., RISE, Inc., 200 Baker Street Winters JUSD Food Distribution (Youth 18 and under), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Waggoner Elementary School Winters Library Curbside Pickup Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Winters Community Library Details at yolocountylibrary.org/curbside Mondays Winters Library Curbside Pickup Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Winters Community Library Tuesdays Winters JUSD Food Distribution (Youth 18 and under), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Waggoner Elementary School Wednesdays Winters Library Curbside Pickup Day, 2-6 p.m., Winters Community Library Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, Wednesdays, 4 p.m.-as supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue.

Ongoing

Yolo County Library Virtual Programs, View at instagram.com/yolocountylibrary

Garamendi recognizes Quirarte as a 2020 Woman of the Year

By Crystal Apilado Editor in Chief Congressman John Garamendi honored 37 women from the Third Congressional District of California who are leaders and visionaries in their communities, including a Winters woman.

Leticia Quirarte was recognized for her contributions to the Winters community at the 7th annual Women of the Year event. The women being honored are nominated and selected for making significant contributions to society through public service, business, education and local advocacy.

“Every year I have the honor of recognizing the achievements and service of these distinguished women,” Garamendi said. “These leaders come from a variety of backgrounds, but

every one of them has made a real difference to their communities and the people around them. It’s a privilege to be able to honor them.”

“As the COVID-19 pandemic has rippled through our nation, each of these women have worked tirelessly to serve their communities and help vulnerable populations weather this storm. Their service is deserving of recognition, and by receiving this award, their work will be commemorated and chronicled at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.,” Garamendi continued.

Quirarte was co-nominated by Winters City

Council Member Jesse Loren and community member Kate Laddish. Both Loren and Laddish were previously honored with the award in October 2018.

“Leticia has talents for bringing people together and

for effecting positive change through both her work at Winters Healthcare Foundation and in her leadership role with Winters Hispanic Advisory Committee,” Laddish said. “She makes a very real and very positive difference in our community, and I’m really thrilled that she is being recognized with this honor.”

Loren noted that Quirarte has been a compassionate advocate for many people in the Winters community, and is a champion of Latino culture. She said that Quirarte

See QUIRARTE, Page 7

Leticia Quirarte was honored as one of the 2020 Women of the year

by Congressman John Garamendi.

Courtesy photo

Scoring a championship, pandemic style

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer The departure of sports is one of the harshest realities of the pandemic.

Within the temporary reprieve from restrictions, however, a youth baseball team managed to snag themselves a championship.

The Bulldog Baseball Club is a 10 and under traveling, baseball team comprised of some of the best athletes around Solano and Yolo Counties — four of which happen to be from right here in Winters. But in 2020, competition comes hand-in-hand with complication.

“It was definitely challenging from all aspects. Having practice was like prohibition, we had to fly under cover, go on the field, and just have a bunch of us dads getting conditioning in with the kids,” said head coach, Justin Martin about playing ball with COVID rules.

“It’s tough to adapt to baseball to adhere to protocol. Not sharing equipment, checking temperatures. It was a challenge, but once we had it dialed in, it became routine.”

In October, the team played and won a tournament in Oregon.

That victory qualified them for the All World Winter World Series in Sparks, Nevada. After an error-riddled loss in the first round, the team rallied and dominated their way to a championship win.

A win that wouldn’t have been possible without the indelible efforts of Winters’ own Kellen Foged, Brayden Ramirez,

Courtesy photo

Four Winters youth played on the Bulldog Baseball Club, a 10U traveling, baseball team featuring athletes from around Solano and Yolo Counties.

Chris Rodriguez and Josiah Chavez. “‘Baby Ruth’ is his nickname.

Kellen’s just a baby, but he’s the biggest on the team and is a baseball machine. Unbridled power on both ends of the ball,” Martin raved about his pitcher/first-baseman, Foged. “He’s been building his baseball IQ, and it’s really paid off. It’s also been fun watching him adapt to this level of competition.”

Martin went on to talk about Ramirez’ natural talent and team spirit.

“He’s a dynamic player and probably one of the strongest natural athletes I’ve ever had the pleasure to coach. He makes it all look easy,” Martin said. “He’s a pitch-

er, shortstop, catcher — you name it. For Brayden, his compassion and the way he picked his team up this year was amazing. He’s more athletic than some of his teammates, but he never rubbed it in their faces and rooted them on.”

Martin also talked about what Rodriguez brought to the team.

“Chris is another stellar athlete with no clue how much talent he actually has, and it’s fun to watch him struggle with that.

He’s naturally gifted, has his wits about him, understands his own personal awareness and has what it takes to play this game,” Martin said. “Chris has really come into his own and we’ve asked him to do things

outside his norm. Being able to adapt without preparation just shows his ability.”

Unfortunately, Chavez wasn’t able to play in the tournament. Although his presence was missed, it only inspired his teammates to play harder.

“Josiah is the heart of the team. He’s respectful, polite, first one out, last to leave.

His work ethic is impeccable and attitude, infectious,” Martin said. “Not having him at the tournament, the other players stepped up their game. I whole-heartedly believe they stepped up to bring one home for him. He has the best attitude on the team, always smiling and

See CHAMPS, Page 5

Features2 B2 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 12, 2020

U.S. home sales dip 1.1 percent in October South, although each region achieved yearover-year gains in pending home sales transactions.

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings, fell 1.1 percent to 128.9 in October, the second straight month of decline. Year-over-year,

National Realtors Assoc.

Press Release Pending home sales fell slightly in October nationwide, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Contract activity was mixed among the four major U.S. regions, with the only positive monthover-month growth happening in the

107 MAIN STREET, WINTERS

$599,000

Commercial in Winters For sale or lease! Here’s your chance to own property in Downtown Winters. LIVE-WORK Located in the business district ZONED D-A With the possibility of adding more units. Mixed use is also possible.

Property is ADA compliant with CASP Cert on file.

mortgage rates are now at historic lows, according to Yun. “The combination of these factors – scarce housing and low rates – plus very strong demand has pushed home prices to levels that are making it difficult to save for a down payment, particularly among first-time buyers, who don’t have the luxury of using housing equity from a sale to use as a down payment,” said Yun. “Workfrom-home flexibility has also increased the demand for both

contract signings rose 20.2 percent. An index of 100 is equal to the level of contract activity in 2001.

“Pending home transactions saw a small drop off from the prior month but still easily outperformed last year’s numbers for October,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist.

“The housing market is still hot, but we may be starting to see rising home prices hurting affordability.”

Both the inventory of homes for sale and

IRELAND AGENCY INC. Real Estate & Insurance

Competitively Priced Insurance Auto - Home - Business - Life - Health Calif. Lic. 0F34259

SkaggsRealEstateGroup.com

530.681.8888 · 650.773.9273

skaggs@elmacero.net Realtor DRE #01209607

Fall is upon us —

It’s time to think about selling or buying a home!

Tim Ireland (CA DRE #00546333), CEO / Broker 26 Main Street * Winters, CA

Realtor DRE #02039221

Phone: (530) 795-4531 * Fax: (530) 795-4534 WINTERS INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE BROKER GIVING THANKS for all of my Winters Clients & Friends

DAVID LORENZO, CA DRE# 01931112

and Wishing You and Yours a Safe, Happy, & Blessed Christmas and New Year’s!

JUMBO RATES NOW IN THE LOW 3% Range!

Yolo & Solano County Real Estate Specialist!!

(530) 681-1106 LorenzoRealEstate.net

27+ Acres, 2 Miles West of Winters • $1,145,000

Spectacular, breathtaking, million dollar views for your Dream Home. 60’x70’ horse barn with 10 Stable, 4 12’x24’ standalone stalls, 2 100’x200’ horse stables, 85’x150’ sand arena, fenced pastures, 30’x40’ shop/plane hangar, all with water and electrical.

LOOKING TO REFINANCE?

Get your VERY BEST OFFER from ANOTHER LENDER. THEN SEND IT TO ME and I'll BEAT IT!

I Shop ALL the Mortgage Companies for the Best Wholesale Rate, so you don’t have to.

3 beds, 2 baths, 2-car garage, 1,240 sq. ft.

GEORGE R. KALIS

32+ Acres • $1,050,000

707.759.5129 • George@NIMBLoan.com

203 E. Main Street, Winters ING• $469,000

PEND

SOLD 44498 N. El Macero Drive, El Macero • $1,025,000 D, 2,397 sq. ft.

OLgarage 4 beds, 3 baths, S2-car 708 Ivy Court, Winters • $544,000 Dsq. ft.

4 beds,S 3O baths,L 2,406 17801 County Road 85, Esparto • $970,000 D2,885 sq. ft.

3 beds, 3 baths, 2-carL garage, SO 114 Almond Drive, Winters • $469,500 Dsq. ft.

3 beds,S 2O baths,L 1,673 451 Abbey Street, Winters • $395,000 Dsq. ft.

3 beds,S 2O baths,L1,357 205 Baker Street, Winters • $350,000 L1D SO 2 beds with bonus room, bath, 1,500 sq. ft.

1340 Parkgreen Drive, Dixon • $615,000 D 2,667 sq. ft.

SO 4 beds, 3 baths, 2-carL garage, 5516 Weber Road, Vacaville • $580,000 Dsq. ft. on 1.4 acres.

OL1,782 Sgarage, 3 beds, 4 baths, 2-car 4 beds, 3 baths, 2-car garage, 2,526 sq. ft. Over 25 acres fenced-in pasture, 40'x60' shop, 40'x60' hay barn and rental at $1,200/mo all on property.

Licensed Broker, CA DRE# 02077932

1300 Oliver Road, Suite 140 • Fairfield CA 94534 • Efax 707-759-5918

WHOLESALE MORTGAGE BROKER NMLS# 1818509

George Kalis is an Equal Housing Lender and is licensed through NMLS #270402.

8605 Olive School Road, Winters $857,500 Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath custom home on 5 acres. Panoramic views, barn, paved driveway, fenced garden & pasture. There are many upgrades to this home & the garden is fabulous!

SOLD

M2 & Company 530-795-2810 CADRE#00811568

Jean Deleonardi

Regional Breakdown The Northeast PHSI slid 5.9 percent to 112.3 in October, a 18.5 percent increase from a year ago. In the Midwest, the index fell 0.7 percent to 119.6 last month, up 19.6 percent from October 2019.

Pending home sales in the South increased 0.1 percent to an index of 151.1 in October, up 21.0 percent from October 2019. The index in the West remained the same in October, at 116.8, which is up 20.8 percent from a year ago.

• New Construction • Residential/Commercial

• Remodels/Additions • Repairs

530.682.0302

LIC. #817420

CARRION PROPERTIES Residential, Commercial & Agricultural Real Estate

John M. Carrion, Owner/Broker CA DRE #: 00970701

RECIPIENT OF THE YOLO COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS 2012, 13, 14, 15, 16 & 2017 MASTERS CLUB AWARD

IN WOODLAND. 3 bed, 1 bath, 1100 sq. ft. Offered at $344,900.

A PIECE OF COUNTRY PARADISE. 0.49 acres with lots of fruit trees. Small cottage NOT habitable.

Contractor’s delight. Offered at $299,000.

1 ACRE PARCEL IN SOLANO COUNTY. Just outside of Vacaville. Offered at $139,000.

3.87 ACRES ZONED RESIDENTIAL IN VACAVILLE. Build your dream home, or explore the possibilities of creating multiple parcels. Offered at $649,000.

27.81 ACRES. ORGANIC WALNUTS, ALONG WITH MANY FRUIT TREES which include: apricots, cherries, peaches, plums. Property borders Putah Creek. Great home site $1,050,000.

IMMACULATE CUSTOM SINGLE STORY home in Spring lake (Woodland). 4 bed, 3 bath, 2700 sq. ft. Awesome corner lot! Move right in! Offered at $637,500.

70 ACRES, 52 OF WHICH ARE INCOME PRODUCING WALNUTS. SOLID SET SPRINKLER SYSTEM. Located between Winters and Vacaville on Winters road. Offered at $1,579,000.

BEAUTIFUL CORNER LOT! 3-4 bedroom 2 bath home. Low maintenance backyard, with (OH YES built in pool and jacuzzi. Contemporary home built in 2016. Offered at $583,000.

4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH. Remodeled and immaculate.

Established neighborhood. Offered at $449,900

ING

SALE PEND

ING

SALE PEND SOLD SOLD

Call for details!

(530) 795-3834

Cutting the Hassle in Real Estate

DRE# 01167890

707.684.9351 · jean@jeandeleonardi.com Conveniently Located at: 18 Main Street, Winters CA 95694

For Results, Not Promises Top Award winning producer at Keller Williams Realty 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and Northern California & Hawaii Region 2019

primary and secondary homes.”

Realtor.com’s Housing Market Recovery Index, which reveals metro areas where the market has recovered or even exceeded January 20 levels, showed Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nev.; San Francisco, Calif.; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Wash.; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.; and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, Calif., had enjoyed the most significant recovery as of November 14.

CA DRE LIC# 01215931

CHARLOTTE LLOYD, GRI CA DRE LIC# 00862615

916.849.8700

charlotte.myrealtor@gmail.com

INTERESTED IN SELLING?

127 Carrion Court, Winters

Sandy’s Corner on the Market!

Sandy Vickrey CA DRE #01018341

530.681.8939

RARE FIND IN WINTERS. 22 ac of Chandler Walnuts, solid-set sprinkler system, roomy 2800 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2 bath home needs some updating, partial basement used for storage. 1 bed, 1 bath with kitchen cottage also needs some updating used for storage. Huge 60x60 barn, separate 28x45 shop with roll up doors, and 30x30 carport, Ag well and domestic well. Call for details!

SALE PENDING!

Newly Listed Fabulous Carter Ranch Home 629 Ivy Loop, Winters • $549,000 Plan 3, two stories, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3 car tandem garage, large lot, shows beautifully, improvements made to all the baths.

Vaulted ceiling, huge living/dining room, spacious family room and kitchen, super clean, huge master bedroom and bath, wood laminate floors. Views of the hills, no one directly behind this home, walk to downtown, restaurants, wineries, parks, Putah Creek and shopping. Move in before the holidays.

30100 Pleasant Trail Drive, Winters • $1,350,000 4 bedroom, 2.5 baths on 25.14 acres. Beautifully remodeled home is currently on hold. Call Jean for more information.

FOR SALE: 307 Abbey Street, Winters • SALE PENDING • $439,000 415 Grant Avenue, Winters • 5.60 Acres • $1,850,000

Call Jean for more information 707-684-9351

“Committed to building strong client relationships based on trust, respect and hard work.”

NAPA COUNTY. Are you looking for a remote, yet close to home wilderness property? Located high above Vacaville on Blue Ridge in the Vaca Mountains, is this amazing recreation/hunting ranch with tons of hiking trails. The ranch boasts several parcels which can be possibly purchased separately or as one large parcel.

The land is rugged enough to provide habitat for trophy black tail deer, wild pigs, bear, Mountain Lion, bobcats, fox, quail, and occasionally Wild Band tail Pigeon The ranch features access road thru a private access behind a locked gate. This property is perfect as a private recreational and hunting paradise for family and guests beautiful views over looking Lake Curry. Parcels included in 727.10 ac. 032-210018,033-210-008, 033-030-008, 033-200-020, 032-210-010 Call for details.

SOLANO COUNTY. Are you looking for a remote, yet close to home wilderness property?

Located high above Vacaville on Blue Ridge in the Vaca Mountains, is this amazing recreation/hunting ranch with tons of hiking trails. The ranch boasts several parcels which can possibly be purchased separately or as one large parcel. The land is rugged enough to provide habitat for trophy black tail deer, wild pigs, bear, Mountain Lion, bobcats, fox, quail, and occasionally Wild Band tail Pigeon The ranch features access road thru a private access behind a locked gate. This property is perfect as a private recreational and hunting paradise for family and guests. Parcels included in 1040 ac. 0102-050-030, 0102-050-010, 0102040-050, 0102-040-040, 0102-040-070, 0102-010-050.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS IN NORTH VACAVILLE! 6 approved lots with separate APN numbers. Final map approved project is ready to move forward. Lots located in area of million-dollar(+) homes. Seller owns 31 water rights. Call today for more details! Priced at $1,199,999.

Sale Pending!

PRISTINE, BEAUTIFUL 3/2 IN VACAVILLE WITH MANY UPGRADES. Priced at $495,000. Call for appointment today.

Sold! WILD WINGS. Beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath, 3700 sq. ft. home located in

Wild Wings Subdivision. Home offers stylish, county club living in a gated golf course community. The formal living & entry has vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchen has granite counter, cherry wood cabinets, 5 burner gas stove, kitchen island with sink, and walk-in pantry, bar off kitchen for eating plus eat in kitchen area.

Beautiful tile floors in the kitchen which extends to the adjoining family room, gas fireplace, custom tile around FP, Master suite has a cozy fireplace retreat area & balcony overlooking golf course. Backyard features a spectacular view overlooking the 16th and 17th green of Yolo Flier County Club Golf Course, beautiful stamp oversize patio, covered patio, landscaped front, rear, and side yards, plenty of room for your dream pool or use community private pool, & other amenities, 3 car finished garage. Outside of home recently painted.

HAVE BUYERS LOOKING TO BUY IN WINTERS. GIVE ME A CALL IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING!

FOR RENT! Coming soon: 4 bed, 2 1/2 bath, 2-story home. Spacious formal living/dining room.

New interior paint, tile counter and floors in kitchen. Upstairs has large master suite and 3 bedrooms plus guest bath. Half bath downstairs. $2700 includes yard care.

8 EDWARDS STREET, WINTERS Quaint home in the core area of town that was built in 1988! This custom built home has 3 beds and 2 baths. The over sized master suite will create a wonderful retreat or it could be converted to two bedrooms. The home has handicap access in both the front and the backyard. At one point in time this was a daycare and there is tons of storage throughout the house including a large pantry near the kitchen. The detached garage with lots of storage and there is a long driveway with room for RV parking. A must see! $589,000

I’m never too busy to help your friends and family with all their real estate needs!

Property Management Services Available 7 East Main St., Ste. C Winters, CA 95694 530.795.4000 Camelot Winters, Inc.

Features3 Winters Express, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 — B3

Express Yourself Santa tags in on Tractor Parade

By Daniel Williams Express Cartoonist

Letters Donate to Gifts for Kids program If you’re wondering about Winters Senior Foundation’s annual giving to the “Gifts for Kids” program sponsored by the Winters Fire Department, here’s some information that will delight you.

While the 2020 Winters Senior Foundation Christmas Dinner has been postponed until 2021, we have not postponed our support of the “Gift for Kids” program. The Winters “Gift for Kids” program’s only focus is to support the children of Winters.

This has been a difficult year for the children of our community.

Without their normal routine and their ability to interact with their friends at school, this will be a re-

ally important gifting season for our kids. We’d like to encourage everyone to support the children of Winters between age 0 and 12.

The age group between 8 and 12 is always the most critical need and will be this year as well. A monetary gift is also appreciated.

The Winters Senior Foundation wants to encourage everyone to bring an unwrapped gift for our kids, or bring a monetary donation, to the Winters Fire Department Association, 700 Main Street. Giving means a lot this year, especially for our Winters children. Thank you for helping us take care of our Winters kids.

Marlene Bell and the Winters Senior Foundation Board

All is well Gramps Says The sun is very friendly in Winters this time of the year.

Although the morning temperatures are cool in the late fall you can feel the warmth of the sun on you face and arms. It’s pleasant to sit and read on the south facing back porch, or just sit and bask. There is a pleasant aroma wafting through the garden from the newly planted Stock.

Following the advice of medical experts and state guidelines to stay home as much as possible is turning out to be a pleasurable experience. Stop and smell the ……. Stock, an old adage with a minor adjustment is wise advise. All is well in this little corner of Eden.

While the COVID pandemic has restricted and closed some doors on how we normally do things, it has also opened a few new doors. For example the Sunday worship meetings that we usually attend have been temporarily discontinued. They are now broadcast through a link to YouTube. This offers some advantages.

My favorite worship service of the year is the Children’s Primary presentation. I was able to watch my six-year-old granddaughter Adylan perform her parts in

the program that was broadcast from the Santa Cruz area. The children from various families were filmed in their homes singing, or reciting parts that they had memorized.

When these vignettes were spliced together they carried a cheerful and meaningful message of faith.

Because there are not very many children in their congregation, Adylan was assigned four performances. In her last presentation her recitation was filmed while sitting on a swing which hangs from one of many oaks that surround their home in Bonny Doon.

There were a few chickens scratching around in the background. What is there not to love about that picture? Here too, all is well.

Taylor Buley, publisher of the Winters Express, presented me with a Winters Express PRESS badge the other day. I guess that officially makes me a journalistic columnist with an obligation for accuracy and sticking to the facts.

With that charge in mind I relate the following events and will

let you, the reader, determine if the events are coincidental or prophetic.

During the year 2019 and before there was a COVID pandemic, the General Authorities of the church that I attend planned and prepared materials that would greatly emphasize and encourage gospel study in the home in the year 2020.

A scriptural study guide booklet titled ‘Come follow me- For Individuals and Families’ was printed and distributed to every household.

Each lesson within the manual is dated so that congregations worldwide are on the same schedule. The lessons may be supplemented by Zoom meetings within each individual congregation. This spiritual nourishment is a precious gift and gives many people comfort and hope in these times of unrest.

Sophie Says For the 12 years of my life I have demonstrated to Gramps the pleasure of soaking up the rays of the early morning sun. He finally caught on.

All is well.

A quick way to create a new normal

L

ife goes on even during a pandemic, and sometimes it gets exciting, like when you get a new puppy.

I grew up with dogs and I like to think that Sherri likes our children, grandchildren, dogs and then me, in that order. With every grandchild I moved down the list and with every new dog it pushed me to the bottom of the list, again.

It is like Santa’s list, you want to stay on the list.

A few years ago we talked about going dogless so we could travel and not have to worry about dog care.

That was when we had three dogs, but then we were down to one, Annie, which was fine with me. I’m not sure, but Annie must be around 8 years old and is showing her age and slowing down, just a little.

Sound familiar?

Most of my life we have had two dogs so that they can keep each other company.

It has usually been one older dog and one several years younger, but nothing is carved in stone. We

are back to two, with the addition of Willy, a labradoodle puppy that we picked up in Cottonwood last week.

Sherri reminded me that it has been 17 years since we had a puppy, but my memory doesn’t work that well, so I’ve forgotten how much work a puppy can be. It has been less than a week and I’m already realizing that I need better training.

When Willy wakes up you have to be ready to put him out or he will leave you a puddle to step in. I’ve counted his steps.

He wakes up, takes one, two, three steps and you had better be there to pick him up and put him on the grass. Step four leaves you looking for a paper towel.

Annie has not adjusted to the new puppy, yet.

She acts like he isn’t there, even when he

lunges at her, trying to get her to play.

You can learn a lot from watching dogs.

We’ve all met people that we wanted to ignore, and watching Annie just walk away could be a life lesson worth learning. I’m hoping that they become playmates, but it might take awhile.

It wasn’t love at first sight for Annie.

Somewhere there is a veterinarian planning a trip to Hawaii that will be paid for by the Wallaces.

I’m hoping that this crossbred will be healthy like a Labrador and smart like a poodle. So far, the puppy is a lot smarter than I am, but I’m the eternal optimist, so I’ll try and keep the learning curve from being too vertical. What’s the saying about teaching old dogs new tricks?

Remember to shop locally, and have a safe week.

Cancel culture comes to town

W

hen I read the title of a letter to the editor last week, “Do not get COVID Information from a Columnist,” I immediately took notice.

It was written by Debbie Hemenway, former librarian and a longtime fixture in Winters.

The letter was dripping with anger, directed at my colleague Richard Casavecchia, whose work she called, “exceptionally simplistic, misleading, vapid, and irresponsible.”

I’m not sure why Ms. Hemenway used the word vapid, which means dull and uninteresting; Richard’s column was anything but that.

The proof is that it stirred her sufficiently to write to the paper.

Whether the other adjectives fit is certainly worth exploring, but it was her final paragraph which makes the letter important, crucial really to our democracy, or what’s left of it these days.

“I know the paper needs to fill space,” she writes, “but it doesn’t have to give space to inflammatory and counterfactual material, whether it is labeled as opinion or not.”

Or in other words, if Mr. Casavecchia’s opinions are not Ms. Hemenway’s opinions, or words she perceives to be “counterfactual,” they have no place in the paper.

This is a perfect example of what’s come to be known

DAVIS GLASS & SCREEN Call us first for

SERVICE & REPAIRS • Window/ Patio Door Hardware • Screens (New + Rescreen) • Mirrors/ Shower Doors • Failed/ Broken Dual-Pane Windows

530.758.0910 • www.DavisGlass.com 920 3rd St., Suite D • Downtown Davis Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (Wed until 6pm) • Sat 8am-12pm Contr. Lic# 990121

as “cancel culture,” a practice I detest.

In the past Ms. Hemenway also worked as a journalist for the Express, which makes her wish to silence opposing opinions all the more distressing, but not surprising.

There are very few places in today’s media in which space is given to those who attempt to analyze the COVID case numbers, or who dare question the wisdom of the shutdowns, curfews and other restrictions.

Most reporters, indeed like Ms. Hemenway, simply recite and repeat the raw data which without context is not helpful.

Mr. Casavecchia knows this. He analyzes medical industry numbers for a living, and has applied his expertise.

Of that raw data, Ms. Hemenway chose to cite the 265,000 dead, which is frightening.

But citing the same numbers, Mr. Casavecchia wrote, “unless you are 49 or older and have cancer, heart conditions, obesity, COPD, asthma, hypertension, dementia, are immunocompromised, or any combination of the above, your risk of death or serious

illness is 0 – 0.08 percent, depending on age.”

Also true, just not as frightening.

Ms. Hemenway commits another journalistic sin by, as they say in legal circles, “introducing facts not in evidence.”

She writes that the number of dead “is predicted to double in the next six to eight weeks.”

Four hundred thousand dead Americans

by February?

The only study showing that was written by “experts” at the University of Washington, which was then criticized by other “experts” for being unreliable.

Hardly an undisputed fact, but great headline material for CNN. Ms. Hemenway writes that victims “are of all ages, including children and many adults in their 20’s and 30’s.“ This shades the truth. Yes, the young are susceptible, but using the word “many” is not fair.

As Mr. Casavecchia noted, it’s far less common for the young to contract the virus.

Ms. Hemenway was right to criticize the Governor for

See CANCEL, Page 5

Features4Food B4 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Food and belonging at a downtown cafe

T

he feeling of disconnect has been a hard burden to carry during this pandemic. Especially now that we’re again being asked to stay at home, local businesses are having to switch gears backward, and toilet paper has been flying out of stock.

Looking for a way to connect with the community, to grasp at that sense of belonging has been calling to me in a craving of local dining. As a teenager I couldn’t wait to get out, as a college student out in Michigan

That Hometown Taste I missed our local food scene. As simple as it was, the feeling of comfort that came with those memories of tastes was a silver lining on my visits to home.

Some of favorite dining spots that are still around include Pizza Factory, Lester Farms Bakery and Putah Creek Cafe. We’ve

frequented both Pizza Factory and Lester Farms since March.

The Putah Creek Cafe, however, had not yet made it onto our list of dinners until last weekend.

My favorite time of day to go to Putah Creek Cafe is usually in the morning or early afternoon for breakfast or lunch. In high school we would head there for breakfast sometimes really really early before school. As an adult, it was brunch dates with friends or the annual Bad Moms First Day of School brunch.

Memories of laughing and good times are sprinkled in between the bowls of homemade granola, fluffy waffles and fruit, and glasses of fizzy drinks.

It’s a place that clear-

TAKE OUT SERVICE IS AVAILABLE If you wish, dine on our patio, we have spaced tables/chairs six feet apart for your safety.

See our Menu on our website www.buckhornsteakhouse.com ORDER ONLINE

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express photos

Above, The Carnitas Tacos entree from Putah Creek Cafe. Left: Putah Creek Cafe cooks their home crafted pizzas in a wood-fired oven before serving to guests. ly represents years of friends, family and good times over good food in my opinion.

Not to leave out, who could ever really get past that amazing dessert display up front. Cookies, cakes, cheesecake and other baked goods begging to be tasted. I cannot count how many times I changed my mind about what dessert I might order to go as I would sit waiting to be seated.

I try not to be on social media too much, but in one of the daily scrolls of my newsfeed a post from Putah Creek Cafe about now being open seven days a week caught my attention. After checking there were some vegetarian options available I asked my husband if he was interested in ordering out. We were so

excited we ordered our Friday to go dinner on Wednesday.

Their weekend menu has the additional entrees, and I love tacos, so the carnitas tacos was the easy choice to make.

I’m a little particular about my tacos, but I was not disappointed.

The meat was flavorful and moist. There was a nice crunch and flavor pairing with the toppings.

M

y one regret was thinking I could take a bite of the roasted jalapeño chili pepper and then giving it to my husband to try. I did not get to eat the rest of it.

I also regret not asking my husband if I could try some of his individual sized vegetarian pizza. I got a photo, but never a taste. It looked

delicious with the variety of roasted vegetables on top. They had me at artichoke hearts. I should know better by now not to wait if I want to sample his dinner of choice.

The times are different, but we can still find some comfort food from some of our favorite local places.

We can even make some new memories of take out with our families.

If you have a favorite dish from a Winters restaurant or eatery here in town, send me an email and let me know about it for this new feature. Be sure to support local and order some food and drinks to enjoy.

Crystal Apilado is the Editor-in-Chief for the Winters Express. She can be reached at crystal@winters express.com.

Advantages to dining out Special to the Express Dining out was once a rarity reserved for special occasions.

More recently, consumption of food away from home has played an increasingly larger role in everyday life.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, the increase in dining out since the 1970s is owed to a larger share of two-income households, more convenient and affordable food outlets, increased advertising and promotion by food chains, and the smaller size of

MetroCreative/Stock photo

There are many advantages to dining out, and the decision to do so during the pandemic can help local restaurants stay afloat as they continue to confront the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak. most households.

One shouldn’t discount the wide array of options and the convenience that dining out can provide. There are many advantages to dining out, and the decision to do so during the pandemic can help local restaurants stay afloat as they continue to confront the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak.

It’s fun and exciting Dining out can be a fun and exciting experience that takes people away from the routine of daily life.

Dining out presents an opportunity to look forward to a specific day on the calendar.

For many, it can be a respite from making meals at home. Dining out is a social endeavor, even if you aren’t interacting with that many other people in the restaurant.

Introduces new foods Dining at a restaurant can be eye-opening for customers willing to try new things.

Restaurants that specialize in ethnic cuisine can introduce diners to classic recipes from around the world — something they may not normally try if they do not dine out.

Prolongs the dinner hour Dining out gives

See DINING, Page 7

Yolo County Premier Craft Distillery TASTING ROOM HOURS: Fri 3-7, Sat 2-7 Tastings + Cocktails + Food Open Thu 1-5 for Spirits + Cocktail Kits To-Go Only 723 Railroad Ave., Winters • 530-794-6174 • www.patio29.com

Features5 Winters Express, Wednesday, December 12, 2020 — B5

Express Yourself Fragile lives, shattered dreams

W

e have crossed over into the absurd.

We are taking the possible, conflating it with the probable, and treating it as likely while ignoring dire and predictable consequences.

Teens from neighboring Woodland and Dixon have committed suicide. Last week, an 11-year-old from Lodi killed himself in his Zoom class, his sister in the next room heard the gunshot.

The Associated Press reports that “…children are shouldering new burdens many are unequipped to bear” and that by early fall emergency rooms in Massachusetts were seeing a 400 percent increase in children and teens in psychiatric crisis per week.

The program director at the hospital is quoted as saying this is “unprecedented.”

I believe kids are on a delayed emotional and mental health path from adults.

March, April and May was like early summer vacation for kids. If we overlay August for the kids and March for the adults, I think we can find correlation between the general mental health of both as time progresses. By August, the Yolo County Suicide Hotline had seen a 64 percent increase in calls for help. Adult August is looking like kid January.

Looking at COVID data, it is possible for a minor to get seriously ill, or worse.

It is possible, it is not probable. But to their detriment, we keep them out of school anyway with a murky sense of self-righteousness that we are protecting against some hypothetical secondary or tertiary spread. Through global data and studies, we know there is no appreciable difference on community spread between open or closed schools.

Schools are more than a learning institution for kids: Socialization and interpersonal interaction is developed, schools can be an escape from bad home situations, and they are a predictable source of healthy food.

Coming from the

CANCEL Continued from Page 3 French Laundry adventure, but she adds, “this does not disqualify him from leadership.”

That is her opinion, and is certainly not universally accepted.

She also presents as fact the ”grift and mismanagement in DC,” an obvious criticism of the President.

There are 74 million American voters who might consider that “counterfactual.”

Finally, she accused

The 1918 pandemic eerily repeated

By Wally Pearce, Winters Elder Day Council Special to the Express

M The school board got a very clear message from the voters on Nov. 3: Fix this. macro to the micro, let’s look specifically at Winters.

First, the distance learning survey taken by high school students was troubling.

How often were students cheerful and in good spirits, active and energetic, awake and well rested, and calm and relaxed?

How often could they manage their stress, or be engaged and interested in school?

Sixty-five to 75 percent of students responded either less than half the time or never. Clear indicators of suicide risk. A system which produces students who never feel cheerful, relaxed or engaged is a dreadful system.

There was also a distance learning survey sent to every parent in the Winters Joint Unified School District.

Seventy-five percent of parents responded that they want their child back in class either part time or full time.

Most recently, there was the election of three new Winters JUSD Trustees. Every incumbent was replaced. Can we reasonably assume the ouster of three trustees is a reflection of the dissatisfaction with how the board has handled this year?

The three new trustees represent a desire for change. After all, 75 percent of parents don’t like their child being taught by a computer screen.

The teachers have a mostly united front: “We do not want to teach in person.”

They’ve yelled at trustees, threatened trustees, written letters to the Express, and made it known they fear for their safety if they return to do their job as usual.

Teachers are public Mr. Casavecchia of promoting lawlessness when stating that restaurants could ignore health laws.

She is correct to use the word lawless, but Americans do have a history of civil disobedience in the face of government abuse.

It was, in fact, another famous doctor (more famous than even Dr. Fauci) who taught us that lesson during the civil rights movement.

Dr. Martin Luther King was not a doctor of medicine, but

H R B & ASSOCIATES INC

Bookkeeping, Payroll, Tax Preparation

207 First Street, Winters 530.795.1283 Rachel Woods

rachel@hrbai.com

HRBAI.COm

employees, they take tax dollars as salary, and like all those in public employ have a duty to perform the service for which they are paid. When you are paid through the public coffers you lose some of your freedoms. You lose a little choice, and a measure of your freedom of speech. This is true from the military, to teachers, all the way up to the President.

Recently, an educator wrote a lengthy column to the Express imploring someone to not make her choose. Anyone with a heart would feel for her personal health fears. However, if you read closely, there was something missing — the students themselves. They got a whopping two sentences out of 56. A quick scan of the piece and it’s apparent that “I” was the most frequently used word by this teacher.

The author has every right to take steps she deems necessary to ensure the protection of her health and the health of her loved ones. However, public employees are obliged to perform their stated duties if they wish to be paid by our tax dollars.

Teachers who are too fearful to work in person and are not needed for virtual classes could take an unpaid leave of absence. Demand for in person instruction can be filled by those who are willing to do so while maintaining appropriate safety precautions as laid out in the Winters JUSD plan. Teachers should not be forced to teach in person if they do not want to.

But that choice should not be subsidized by the taxpayers.

The school board got a very clear message from the voters on Nov. 3: Fix this. One hopes the new trustees will have the moxie to put the dire immediate needs of the students first before placating self-serving desires of the union. of theology, a field equally needed, if not more so today.

By reputation Debbie Hemenway certainly adheres to what I call the holy trinity of Winters values — she is a nice person, works hard, gives back.

But so does Mr. Casavecchia.

Both have opinions of equal value.

And fear is no excuse for cancelling out those with whom you disagree.

asks are a key measure to suppress COVID-19 transmission. Masks reduce potential exposure risk from an infected person whether they have symptoms or not. Wearing a face covering prevents people from infecting others by stopping the spread of respiratory droplets that carry the virus when someone coughs or sneezes, because, it’s clear, COVID-19 spread is transmitted by tiny virus particles that come from the mouth or nose when people hack or wheeze.

In the 1918 United States, nearly 675,000 American died from that pandemic. Many of the prevention methods Americans used in the 1918 flu pandemic are like what communities are doing today during the COVID-19 pandemic: Wear a mask, close schools, social distance, don’t cough or sneeze in someone’s face, avoid large events and hold them outside.

In 1918, local health officials offered these guidelines, and more, in all kinds of ways. In cities with streetcars, signs were posted warning: “Spit Spreads Death.” In New York City, officials enforced no-spitting ordinances and encouraged residents to cough or sneeze into handkerchiefs. The city’s health department even advised people not to kiss except through a handkerchief.

In October 1918, the San Francisco Chronicle ran a public service announcement stating that: “The man or woman or child who will not wear a mask now is a dangerous slacker”—a reference to the type of World War I “slacker” who didn’t help the war effort. One sign threatened, “Wear a Mask or Go to Jail.” Still, some people who went without a mask reported their issue was not with science; it was a personal preference.

Today, COVID-19 infection is transmitted by respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze, sing, talk or breathe. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-P) recommends the use of masks to prevent transmission, and that masks are designed to reduce the emission of deadly virus-laden droplets, and help lessen inhalation of these droplets by the wearer and; local communities benefit.

Make sure that the mask selected: fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, completely covers the nose and

mouth, is secured with ties or ear loops, includes multiple layers of fabric, allows for breathing without restriction, and can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. Cloth masks should NOT be worn by anyone who has medically been determined that they have trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

In the absence of highly effective vaccines, and abundant medical resources, many measures are necessary to manage the infection rate and avoid exhausted and precious hospital resources.

Wearing masks is among the best non-pharmaceutical intervention measures that work to stop transmission without dramatically disrupting social practices. There are at least three key factors to consider: 1) mask aerosol reduction rate; 2) mask coverage; and 3) mask availability.

Scientific and medical related studies continually determine that wearing a proper face mask is effective to flatten the epidemic curve, and presents a rational way to combat COVID-19 and its spread.

Masks also offer protection meant to defend those in proximity, and for someone who might mistakenly be infected with the virus. However, a mask is not a substitute for social distancing; should still be worn, in addition to staying at least 6-feet apart.

Health officials continue to assert that qualifying evidence is clear that masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 and that the more people wearing masks, the safer everyone will be.

With already more than 257,000 people dead, and a growing number of cases now at over 12-million — while hospitals around the county struggle every day to provide the demand for services by people in serious need of medical attention — the basic task of mask-wearing is a natural benefit to ev eryone in the control of spread of this deadly virus.

Again, if you are not sure what mask to wear, please consider masks: 1) that have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric; completely cover the nose and mouth; 2) that fits snugly against the sides of the face and don’t have gaps; and, 3) should not be worn by children less than two years old or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, and allows for breathing without restriction, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

CHAMPS Continued from Page 1 there to participate.”

To Martin, winning this tournament was simply a byproduct of all the hard work of the players and coaching staff. With so much raw talent on the lineup, it’s no wonder their mantra is, “the only team that can beat the Bulldogs, is the Bulldogs.”

Martin also gave the parents of the team kudos for the win as well. With countless hours — and miles driven — dedicated to the team, they’re key players in the team’s success.

As California opts to — yet again — restrict all vestiges of competition, the Bulldogs can look back fondly to their mid-pandem-

Courtesy photo

Members of the Bulldogs Baseball Club show off their championship rings. Four Winters youth — Kellen Foged, Brayden Ramirez, Chris Rodriguez and Josiah Chavez — played on the 10U traveling, baseball team which featured athletes from around Solano and Yolo Counties. ic championship as they wait to get back

out on the field and do it again.

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR,

STATE FARM IS THERE.® Andy Pignataro, Agent

Insurance Lic. #0D02919 104 Browns Valley Parkway Vacaville, CA 95688 • Bus: 707-452-9599 statefarm.com State Farm Insurance Companies P026038 Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois 9/05

Features6 B6 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Sho Local

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

Winters

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder

Business & Service Directory You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy local and achieve it.

F20200934 11/17/2020 lramirez, Deputy

Business is located in Solano County Fictitious Business Name: JOVANI'S PLUMBING Physical Address: 6923 Lewis Rd Vacaville CA 95687 Mailing Address: Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): Jovani Figueroa 6923 Lewis Rd Vacaville CA 95687 Business Classification: Individual Starting Date of Business: 11/04/2020 s/Jovani Figueroa Official Title: Corporation Name: I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original document on file in this office. This certification is true as long as there are no alterations to the document, AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal.

Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, lramirez, Deputy Clerk State of California, County of Yolo Published November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2020

Aggregate FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

Winters Aggregate

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder

Gravel Driveway Treatments

Call for Free Delivery Info Fruit Tree Soil Decco Rock Flagstone Sod Stepping Stone Waterfall Boulders Cement Sand & Gravel Reinforcing Wire Rebar Bark Mulch Humus Topsoil Trailer Concrete l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

F20200892 10/26/2020 Kquam, Deputy

l

l

l

l

l

wintersaggregate.com 4499 Putah Creek Rd.

(530) 795-2994 Grading

Business is located in Yolo County Fictitious Business Name: One Path Counseling Physical Address: 819 Carrion Circle Winters, CA 95694 Mailing Address: 819 Carrion Circle Winters, CA 95694 Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): Jason Jurado 819 Carrion Circle Winters CA 95694 Business Classification: Individual Starting Date of Business: 09/03/2020 s/Jason Jurado Official Title: Corporation Name: I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original document on file in this office. This certification is true as long as there are no alterations to the document, AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal.

Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, Kquam, Deputy Clerk State of California, County of Yolo Published November 18, 25, December 2, 9, 2020

Ernie’s

Excavating & Grading

Repair, Gravel Roads & Erosion Control

44 Years Experience in Yolo/Solano area

(530) 795-2146

Licensed & bonded

Landscaping

A1 Landscaping (530) 304-2534

Mowing, Edge, Blow, Clean ups, Full Landscape Project.

Sprinklers, Repairs, Commercial, Residential. FREE ESTIMATE! Bonded/Insured. Lic# 971407

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20200946 11/20/2020 lramirez, Deputy

Business is located in Yolo County Fictitious Business Name: SOUTHERN TOUCH DESIGNS Physical Address: 914 Kennedy Dr Winters CA 95694 Mailing Address: 914 Kennedy Dr Winters CA 95694 Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): Lindsey E Brickey 914 Kennedy Dr Winters CA 95694 Business Classification: Individual Starting Date of Business: 10/21/2020 s/Lindsey Brickey Official Title: Corporation Name: I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original document on file in this office. This certification is true as long as there are no alterations to the document, AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal.

Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, lramirez, Deputy Clerk State of California, County of Yolo Published December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2020

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

Plumbing

@<E=29>7

g Sewer Camera Inspections Water Heaters Filtration Septic System Installs Residential/Commercial Repairs Lic# 925929

FREE PHONE ESTIMATES

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20200908 11/09/2020 dho, Deputy

Business is located in YOLO County Fictitious Business Name: WOOHOO SOCIAL Physical Address: 912 Burns Way Woodland CA 95776 Mailing Address: Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): Nikhil Y Patel 912 Burns Way Woodland CA 95776 Business Classification: Individual Starting Date of Business: 01/01/2020 s/Nikhil Patel Official Title: Owner Corporation Name: N/A I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original document on file in this office. This certification is true as long as there are no alterations to the document, AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal.

Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, dho, Deputy Clerk State of California, County of Yolo Published November 18, 25, December 2, 9, 2020

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

Roofing

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20200910 11/09/2020 dho, Deputy

L&L Roofing landlroofingservice.com

Any roof, any time.

(530) 400-5817

$5/week Advertise here for just

Business is located in YOLO County Fictitious Business Name: GILL AG INVESTMENTS Physical Address: 25620 County Road 23 Esparto CA 95627 Mailing Address: 25620 County Road Esparto CA 95627 Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): 1) Amritpal Singh Gill 25620 County Road 23 Esparto CA 95627 2) Pawanjit Kaur Gill 25620 County Road 23 Esparto CA 95627 Business Classification: General Partnership Starting Date of Business: 04/01/2020 s/Amritpal Singh Gill Official Title: General Partner Corporation Name: N/A I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original document on file in this office. This certification is true as long as there are no alterations to the document, AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal.

Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, dho, Deputy Clerk State of California, County of Yolo Published November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2020

Features7 Winters Express, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 — B7

Express Yourself Hanging on by the skin of my teeth

I

have been through worse, but that doesn’t make this round of life challenges feel any less stressful.

In his Nov. 25 “A Quick Opinion” column, Charley Wallace wrote there was a percentage of us who are “still hanging in there if only by the skin of our teeth, whatever that means.” I wasn’t exactly sure I knew the exact definition of “by the skin of our teeth” either, but I completely recognized the feeling that I too was hanging on by the skin of my teeth.

I looked it up and apparently, according to an internet search, its origin is biblical.

The phrase first appeared in the Geneva Bible of 1560 and appeared again in the King James Bible of 1611. However, in general it’s perceived to narrowly get by or get through an experience or to narrowly escape disaster.

There are a lot of difficult experiences and challenges right now that folks are having to endure. I cannot even fathom what some of them are like.

However, I respect

DINING Continued from Page 4 diners a chance to linger and converse without the distractions of home and daily schedules. A restaurant can be a good way to focus on

that each person’s experiences are their own journey and that no two experiences are exactly alike for anyone.

A lot of people have said to me, “I don’t know how you do it with your job and all your kids.” Frankly, I don’t know how I do it either. I just do what I think the right thing to do is. And sometimes the “right thing to do” is to unplug from my phone and computer, and go out in the backyard to play with my children or to read a book and have a cup of tea.

When March first blindsided everyone I powered through day by day. By the time August rolled around I came to a realization that “how it used to be” might not return and grasped that “compassion, empathy and understanding” were part of my new game plan in how I handled everything.

That meant making

a lot of changes in how I communicate with others, as well as making sure I was listening to listen and not to respond. I’m still working on that but I know that I’ve come a long way from where I was.

I value the communication I am able to have with my children’s teachers. A flurry of Remind messages, text messages and emails are what keep me afloat for the most part in managing their school days.

It also means my inboxes are overflowing because that’s how everyone is now communicating.

I’ve missed a few emails and I’ve had to learn to accept that it was busy and try my best to make adjustments to try and prevent it from happening again.

I changed what I put out there on social media. I changed how I interacted with posts from friends

communication with family and friends.

eating out and allowing the restaurant to handle everything from service to cleanup cuts down on work at home. This frees up opportunities to do other tasks, including spending time with one another.

Convenience One of the best arguments for eating out is the convenience factor. When time is of the essence, making a reservation,

and community members in groups. I have done more deleting of words than I have ever done before.

I do not have to put my energy into everything, and it’s OK to scroll by and not allow another person’s energy to touch mine. I’m not going to change anyone’s mind about a few things, and I’m not going to waste time trying or let a rage of emotions ruin my day.

What I’m suggesting is to enjoy each day as best as you can. And if it’s a bad day, take care of yourself and take time to fill your cup before you drudge back out into the thick of it.

And if a friend is having a bad day, make the choice to listen to listen, ask how you can help or offer to be there if they need help with something. Make the choice to allow them to experience it and offer understanding and empathy.

It might not fix everything or anything.

But, sometimes that’s all a person needs to get through that moment or experience.

Variety Many households are comprised of people with different palates. Restaurants have many offerings, which means that each member of the dining party can choose a unique dish.

QUIRARTE Continued from Page 1 was instrumental in the formation of Winters Hispanic Advisory Committee and currently serves as president.

Winters Healthcare Executive Director Chris Kelsch said Quirarte has been a solid and critical part of their outreach team.

As a Promotoras Coordinator and a certified Covered California enrollment counselor, she meets with clients daily and provides them with health education resources and refers them to where they can go for services or support.

According to Kelsch, she also helps to support agricultural workers and farmers in the local region from Esparto through Winters and Davis. As part of her role, Quirarte travels to farm worker sites to assist people with health education, insurance and enrollment services, and providing information for additional resources.

Quirarte has a reputation of being kind and trustworthy, which Kelsh said has made her a key team player.

“They respect her opinion,” Kelsh said.

“Having someone they can trust — That’s huge. That’s because of her integrity. Leti really has that. She’s super kind, trusting and open,” Kelsh said.

Kelsh said Quirarte embodies the

WHC’s focus on relations-based care and being empathetic and helpful to their clients on their health journey.

“Those are key qualities. Leti came with all that. That’s her natural tendency to connect with people and be that,” Kelsh said. “She emulates that, she models that.”

In addition, Kelsh praised Quirarte for her willingness to do anything from traveling to migrant sites to helping to translate information for a pediatrician at WHS. In their nomination letter, Laddish and Loren applauded Quirarte for efforts in 2017 for serving as one of the keys to success of the HAC’s workshop on immigrants’ rights.

They said thanks to the citizenship programs sponsored by Quirarte and HAC, several members have become U.S. citizens.

The current HAC efforts are in collaborating with ApoYolo and the Yolo Interfaith Immigration Network to raise funds to support local families in the Spanish-speaking community who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through all of this activity, Leticia’s patience and ability to collaborate have stood her in good stead,” stated Laddish and Loren’s nomination letter. “The Winters and Yolo County communities are better places because of Leticia’s professional and volunteer efforts.”

Features8 B8 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Winters Express, Wednesday, December 9, 2020