Winters Express - 12/22/2021

$1

including tax

Why some new homes don’t have solar panels News, Page 3

Traxx Farm Stand bringing local produce to town Features, Page 1

Volume 138, Number 47 — Locally owned since 1884

The hometown paper of Dianne Madison

Winters, Yolo County, California, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

City sends chromium-6 comment letter to state water agency

By Rick von Geldern Express staff writer The City of Winters sent the State Water Resources Control Board a letter in response to their Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the state’s chromium-6 standard.

Mayor Wade Cowan sent a nine-page letter dated Dec. 6 on behalf of the City of Winters urging the Board to consider “reasonably foreseeable methods of compliance” when setting the state’s chromium-6 standard.

Also known as hexavalent chromium, chromium-6 is toxic and occurs naturally as existing chromium deposits in soil erode. It is also created through industrial processes and pollutes water systems from a variety of industrial uses.

Chromium-6 was

the subject of the 2000 academy award winning film “Erin Brockovich,” where dangerous levels were present for decades in the drinking water of Hinkley, Calif. A class action lawsuit against PG&E settled in 1996 with PG&E paying out $333 million.

Cowan wrote that Winters relies on five groundwater wells and confirmed that testing of the city’s water has consistently registered chromium-6 levels between 7.2 and 17 parts per billion (ppb). The Board’s draft EIR proposes consideration for setting a new maximum level threshold between 1-15, 20 or 25 ppb.

“The City is concerned that an unduly stringent MCL (maximum contaminant level) might require the City to construct

See LETTER, Page 5

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Ethan Carbahal, Luis Gallardo Reyes and Juan Ortiz Lopez were officially declared graduates of the Career Readiness Academy at Wolfskill at a graduation ceremony on Friday, Dec. 17 at the Winters school district office building.

CRA graduates heading to the next chapter

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief On Friday, Dec. 17, eleven students graduated from the 2021 Winter Class of the Career Readiness Academy (CRA) at Wolfskill.

Family, friends and staff members gathered in the Walnut Room at the Winters Joint Unified School District office to celebrate the graduates at a ceremony on Friday. Three graduates were in

attendance, while others were given a nod from lead teacher Greg Wade.

Wade recognized that graduate Luis Gallardo Reyes recently received a Super Star Award at the Dec. 18 Winters JUSD Board of Trustees meeting. Gallardo Reyes received both his Accredited CRA diploma and Career Readiness Certificate. Gallardo Reyes is pursuing admission to Woodland Community College with a focus in Wildlife Biology.

“This is a kid who knows what he wants,” Wade said.

Teacher Ryan Catanzaro recognized graduate Ethan Carbahal as “truly an Alternative Learner” and an example of the reason he wanted to teach in an alternative learning environment.

“When he’s there, he’s ready to work, he’s ready to learn — He’s inquisitive,” Catanzaro said. “I’m very excited to see

See GRADS, Page 5

Trustees reelect Green as President, Second pandemic winter approve new COVID testing provider brings downtown businesses new challenges amid transition By Crystal Apilado

By Katherine Simpson Express staff writer

EXPRESS

Despite pandemic recovery, Winters’ downtown businesses are still in a period of transition.

“We haven’t reached pre-pandemic levels yet,” said Chris Turkovich, president of the Downtown Winters Business Association and owner of Turkovich Family Wines.

Despite easing restrictions, Winters businesses are still contending with the uncertainty of the

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Downtown businesses experience the impact of guests when the Winters Hotel has full room capacity. pandemic. Turkovich said, “any time the news starts covering the new stuff — the new mandate, new changes in Delta variant, now (Omnicron) –— it’s pretty immediate, the slow down.”

In addition to COVID, rainstorms over the past few

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

weeks have slowed down business traffic. Turkovich is not complaining though.

“We need the rain, especially my business, the farming side of it,” said Turkovich.

Chuck Pearce, owner of Pizza Factory,

See WINTER, Page 5

We at he r Date Rain High Low Dec. 15

0.01”

51˚ 35˚

Dec. 16

1.02”

52˚ 43˚

Dec. 17

.00

51˚ 32˚

Dec. 18

0.01”

55˚ 32˚

Eventos hispanos ....... A-6

Dec. 19

.00

45˚ 33˚

Dec. 20

.00

46˚ 39˚

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

Dec. 21

.00

47˚ 32˚

Classifieds ................... B-4 Community .................. A-3

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

Rain for week: 1.04 in.

Season’s total: 13.72 in.

Last sn. to date: 1.53 in.

Winters rainfall season began 7/1/21.

Weather readings are taken at 9 a.m.

Editor-in-Chief Trustees approved organizational leadership, meeting dates and a new provider for COVID testing at the Dec. 18 Winters Joint Unified School District school board meeting.

Trustees elected Carrie Green to carry on in her role as Board President, and Joedy Michael as Board Clerk for 2022. Superintendent Diana Jiménez was appointed to serve as Board Secretary. The role has traditionally been held by individ-

uals serving as the Superintendent.

Meeting dates The approved the following dates for 2022 Board of Trustee meetings, noting a change in June meeting weeks to account for graduation: • Jan. 6 (Equity Workshop), Jan. 20 • Feb. 3 (ELD Study Session), Feb. 17 • March 3 (Budget Study Session), March 17 • April 7 (Special Education Study Session), April 21 • May 5, May 19 • June 9 (second Thursday), June 23

By Katherine Simpson Express staff writer The Winters Joint Unified School Board approved a grant to fund teacher education opportunities and approved construction plans for the Measure W bond project at their meeting on Dec. 16.

Due to COVID, there has been an influx of one-time funding opportunities for school boards. Phoebe Girmonte, Assistant Superintendent/Director of Educational Services, presented a plan for such funding

dedicated to staff development at the Nov. 16 meeting. Winters Joint Unified School District will focus their funding on three of the possible areas identified by the state: mentoring for new teachers, language acquisition programs, and “positive school climate.”

The district earmarked the majority of the funds in the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant — $312,000 to be spent over five years — for coaching and mentorship programs.

With 19 new teachers

We deliver friendly hometown service!

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

Restaurant: 795.4503 Catering: 795.1722

State Contractor Lic# 864483

See TESTING, Page 5

Winters educators receive funding for professional development

WINTERS AGGREGATE

27990 County Road 90 Winters, CA 95694 www.pearcehvac.com

(fourth Thursday) • July 21 • Aug. 4, Aug. 18 • Sept. 1, Sept.15 • Oct. 6, Oct. 20 • Nov. 3, Nov. 17 • Dec. 15 (organizational meeting) Trustees will be participating in the third Equity Workshop in January, and will have Trustee Study Sessions in the first meeting of February, March and April. The workshop and study sessions will begin at 6 p.m. and the business meeting start time will be posted on the meeting agenda.

116 D Street Davis, CA 95616 530-798-5500

www.smith-funerals.com FD-992

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

4499 Putah Creek Rd.

(530) 795-2994

across the district this year, Winters JUSD is focusing on “induction” for first and second year teachers.

“This year we have what I call a ‘bumper crop’ of new teachers,” said Girmonte.

She said that investment in early-career training will help improve teacher retention rates.

“By partnering [new teachers] with a local mentor who understands their school site and understands the challenges that they are facing and

See GRANT, Page 5

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

A2 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

State commission approves final redistricting maps

By Sameea Kamal CalMatters

Courtesy graphic

The new California congressional districts put most of Yolo County’s cities and towns (excluding West Sacramento) in District 4.

2022 spring registration winters little league & girls softball general registration begins: november 1st - december 31st • $115 late registration: january 2022 - january 15th • $130 *sibling discount applied at checkout looking for boys and girls of all skills and abilities! boys born from sept. 2006 to aug. 31, 2018 & girls born from 2007 to dec. 31, 2015 are eligible to play

register online at www.winterslittleleague.siplay.com

ENJOY A COZY HOME! GAS

|

WOOD

|

PELLET

|

ELECTRIC

MANTELS

|

California voters have the brand-new districts they’ll use to elect their members of Congress and state legislators, after the state’s independent redistricting commission voted unanimously Monday night to approve its final maps.

These districts take effect with the June 2022 primaries and continue for the next decade. Redistricting happens once every 10 years, after every census, to ensure that each district has the same amount of people. It’s the second time that California’s redrawing is being done by a 14-member independent commission.

But it hasn’t been easy, or without contention.

In addition to balancing population numbers, the commission must

comply with the federal Voting Rights Act, ensuring that no minority group’s vote is drowned out. And to create fair maps, the commission didn’t consider current district lines and isn’t supposed to weigh partisan politics. In some cases, it puts incumbents into the same district, or forces others to appeal to new voters to be re-elected.

Particularly on the congressional level, that could help shift the balance of power between Democrats and Republicans. In the U.S. House, three California Democrats are among the 23 Democrats nationally who have already opted not to run for re-election in 2022. Combined with redistricting done by Republican-led legislatures in other states, that could tip the House in favor of the GOP. Some California Democrats have

blasted the “unilateral disarmament” of their power, though an initial analysis by the Cook Political Report says the new congressional map helps Democrats.

The commission’s deliberations have been different from the last redistricting, in 2011, in large measure due to advances in technology, plus social media, particularly Twitter.

In 2021, it is far easier for advocacy groups and others to submit their own maps – and respond to mapping decisions in real time. As they did live line-drawing, commissioners referenced these maps, along with the feedback they were getting.

The commission was under the pressure of a court-ordered deadline to submit the maps to the secretary of state by Dec. 27 despite a nearly

See MAPS, Page 8

Warriors game recap: Dec. 22

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer

Women’s basketball The Winters High School junior varsity women’s team hit the road for their only game this week against Anderson Union High School.

The Cubs were ungracious hosts and served the Warriors a 59-12 loss.

Injuries have also plagued the squad this season as Madeline Archibeque sustained a broken elbow in the game against Rio Vista High School, and Lauren Back a broken finger in practice.

“Despite getting beaten by wide margins in all but one of our games, the girls still have a positive attitude,” said head coach Tom Crisp. “It was heartening after the Anderson game when one of the officials commented on how polite our players were.”

The varsity squad also traveled to Anderson to square off against the Cubs. Offense and defense were firing on all cylinders in an allaround great game, and although the Warriors lost 39-35, they

took home valuable game-time experience.

A couple days later the Warriors would traveled up I-80 to take on the Sacramento Country Day Cavaliers. With only six active players, the Warriors didn’t let fatigue play a factor in their 28-11 victory.

“The team played great, and we gained some valuable experience playing on the road. Emily Dodic has been tremendous being the floor general and blossoming into a team leader,”said head coach Jeff Christian, praising his team. “We’re playing with only six girls right now, so all players are pretty much playing the entire game. But my girls love each other, play hard and get better every game.”

Men’s basketball Unfortunately, the junior varsity men’s team were unable to play their only scheduled game last week against Dixon as it was cancelled due to the heavy rains which caused a leak in the gymnasium roof.

Although the game against Dixon was cancelled for the varsity

men’s team as well, the squad entered the Georgia Racznick Tournament later that week in Colusa.

Their first opponent was long-time Butte View League rival, the Sutter Union High School Huskies.

It was a hard-fought game, but the Warriors would end losing 59-44.

The varsity men would rebound the next day when they took on Paradise High School and snagged a close, 51-44 victory over the Bobcats.

In the last game of the tournament for the Warriors, they took on 505-rival, Pierce High School. The Bears’ offense wasn’t hibernating, however, as they would sneak a 41-36 win over Winters.

“Our team looked great in strides playing hard against different teams in a short period of time,” said head coach Brendan McShea. “Our defense continues to improve as a whole-team effort that is keeping opponents under 50 points.

It’s a long season and an early tournament is a fantastic place to build our foundation for success against other teams.”

PISANI’S ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

David Reyes David Reyes, a Winters High School student, is the Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. A member of the WHS men’s varsity basketball team, Reyes’ skills and efforts have distinguished himself on both sides of the ball. “David was named to the all-tournament team for his efforts in all three games in the tournament,” praised head coach Brendan McShea. “He scored in double-figures every game and also took on important defensive assignments.”

$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: FREE SITE INSPECTION

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1968 SACRAMENTO

ELK GROVE

916-665-4756

916-282-2398

5545 Auburn Blvd.

9097 Elk Grove Blvd.

(Mon-Sat 9am to 5:30pm)

(Tue-Sat 9am to 5:30pm)

CUSTOMFIRESIDE.COM

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

Railroad Ave. & Grant Ave. - 795-9966

SERVING WINTERS SINCE 1959

Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021 — A3

California public records and your right to access

By Rick von Geldern Expresss staff writer

Lewis Kemper/Courtesy photo

Learn more about ongoing projects happening in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area at the Flyway Nights on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 at 7 p.m.

Yolo Bypass series shares Wildlife Area ongoing projects Special to the Express Press Release The Yolo Bypass is a series of weirs and levees providing flood protection for surrounding communities.

Within the bypass and in the shadow of the State Capitol is the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. This wildlife area supports wetland habitat and wildlife friendly farming. It is open sunrise to sunset except Christmas Day or if it is flooded. In the winter, hundreds and thousands of migratory waterfowl arrive.

On Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 7 p.m., Flyway Nights, a speaker series hosted by Yolo Basin Foundation, brings Wildlife Area Manager Joe Hobbs to discuss the “Current Status of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area.”

Hobbs will give updates on ongoing research projects conducted in the Wildlife Area, the pollinator field project by River Partners and CA Waterfowl Assoc., continued bridge and canal work by Ducks Unlimited, Motus towers to study birds, and, other projects.

Hobbs has been the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Manager since 2018. Previously, he was the Statewide Elk and Pronghorn Coordinator. During his 21 years with

the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, he has worked in the wetlands program, timber harvest review, and the private lands management program. He also worked for the Department from 1992 to 1997 in Wildlife Management as a student assistant while going through undergraduate and graduate school at California State University, Sacramento. Hobbs completed his M.S. on the Fall and Winter Distribution and Habitat Use of the Tule Greater White-fronted Goose in the Sacramento Valley.

Flyway Nights is a monthly speaker series highlighting environmental issues, natural history of Northern California, and current research topics in conservation. Yolo Basin Foundation hosts Flyway Nights the first Thursday of the month from November to April through virtual presentations. The presentation will be via Zoom. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to the presentation.

A $10 donation to support the Foundation’s wetland education programs is suggested. For the complete schedule and to register, visit www.yolobasin.org/flywaynights or call Yolo Basin Foundation at 530-757-3780.

The California Public Records Act (CPRA) permits the public to access, view, inspect and copy government documents and reports unless they are explicitly exempt.

It is the right of every person to have equal access to records and documents relating to the activities of the public’s business as transparency permits the public to monitor governmental activity

and fair dealing.

These rights have been legislatively codified into law to establish and preserve openness in government. Files, documents and reports falling under the act are to be made readily accessible to members of the public, regardless of the requestor’s intended usage.

What is a public record?

According to California Government Code § 6252(e), “public records include any writing containing information relating

to the conduct of the public’s business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics.”

Types of public records accessible under the CPRA include real property and building records, tax liens, judgments, criminal records, civil court files, school district records, photographs, emails and recordings. Certain records are

See RECORDS, Page 7

UCD weighs plans to scrap testing requirement amid Omicron fears

By Caleb Hampton McNaughton Media Beginning next month, UC Davis may end its biweekly COVID-19 testing requirement for nearly all students, staff and faculty. The decision to end the requirement was announced last month just days before the World Health Organization designated Omicron a COVID-19 “variant of concern.”

This week, as Omicron outbreaks spread around the world, prompting some colleges to reimpose public health precautions, UC Davis’ plan to ease restrictions has been met with growing unease. A petition started

by UC Davis lecturer Julian Elias, which urges campus leadership to continue mandatory testing, had garnered nearly 500 signatures as

of last Friday.

“This is clearly not the right time for UCD to stop requiring COVID-19 tests,” the petition states. “Many UCD students, faculty and staff members will feel less safe.”

No changes to the plan have been announced, though campus leadership told Express sister publication the Davis

See SCRAP, Page 7

Why some new Winters homes don’t have solar

By Rick von Geldern Express staff writer California was the first state to mandate that builders equip new single-family homes with functioning solar systems as an electricity source.

The mandate is now part of the state’s building code.

In 2018, the California Energy Commission (CEC) expanded the solar stan-

dard by mandating that new single-family homes built after Jan. 1, 2020, must be built with a rooftop solar system.

So, why are some new homes in the new northwest subdivisions closing escrow almost two years later without rooftop solar panels and a functioning solar system?

One could expect new

Sponsored by Yolo County Friday Night Live and Tobacco Prevention Programs

homes completed in December 2021, almost 24 months after the mandate went into effect, would be equipped with rooftop solar panels and a fully functioning solar system.

However, many are not.

A review of building files maintained by the City of Winters for two builders in the northwest

See SOLAR, Page 7

YESTERYEAR Picked by Charles Wallace

A4 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

The Circle of Singers were a popular group in 1986.

They had a busy schedule during the holiday season.

Pictured left to right, back row; Gloria Marian, Anna Peerbolt, Will Roth, Linda Roth, David Hoobyar, Patty Marer, Fred Ransdell and Mike Kimes. Kneeling; Director Theresa Foster, Mary King, Beth Barnat and Melecia Ramos. Not pictured; Linda Johnson Brewer, Patricia Layton and Melisa Hasson.

File photo

55

70

105

120

YEARS AGO

YEARS AGO

December 22, 1966

December 21, 1951

December 22, 1916

December 20, 1901

At the meeting of the city council Tuesday evening, Jack Hayes, Davis contractor, was awarded the contract to remodel the library room at the City Hall to accommodate city offices. His bid was $3,497.

Winners in the annual Christmas decoration contest are as follows: Best decorated outdoor tree, Mrs. Mary Chulick; best outdoor house decoration, Glen Kidder; best indoor decoration visible from the street, Vernon Jeffery; and best commercial window, The Baker Co.

Mrs. E.A. Cook was hostess to the W.C.T.U. at the charming home of Mrs. Irwin Baker on West Main Street.

R. E. Baker has bought the “Stone House,” where Mrs. E. J. Clark lives. He paid $700 for the building and two lots.

Rich Chiles, Bill Young and Danny Godden scored 51 points Friday night in the Winters High School gym as the Warriors defeated Live Oak Acorns, 7240, in a non-league basketball game.

Home with their immediate family present, Mr. and Mrs. Horace A. Mermods observed their fiftieth wedding anniversary on Sunday, Dec. 11, with a dinner party at their home on Anderson Avenue.

The Mermods were married in New York City on Dec. 8, 1916, when they arrived by boat from their native Switzerland.

In a property transaction recorded in Woodland December 14, Stanley M. Davis and Associates sold to Harry Van and Lena D. Cook, lot 12, subdivision No. 1071, Mermod Manor No. Five, $14,000.

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Campos Ramos will have with them for the holidays their son, Richard Ramos of the U.S. Navy, who will arrive from San Diego on Sunday.

The Yolo County board of Supervisors Monday awarded the Jeffery’s Mill and Warehouse a five year lease on the flying facilities of the Winters-Davis flight strip.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wilken will visit with relatives in Southern California during the Christmas holidays.

Stewart Potter and a college friend, Richard Bayer, arrived on Saturday from Park College, Missouri, to spend the holiday recess at the home of the former’s parents, Rev. and Mrs. S.S. Potter.

YEARS AGO

YEARS AGO

Mrs. Ada Morris was installed matron of Yosolano Chapter, O.E.S., at their meeting Friday night.

The matter of a proper bridge across the Sacramento River at Sacramento for the state highway crossing is up before the city of Sacramento and the highway commission.

A union service will be held Sunday evening at the Baptist Church to hear Dr. Coats before he leaves for New York.

D. H. White, Solano County Superintendent of Schools, visited high school Tuesday. .

E. Schlafski accepted delivery of a new Ford Car of Judy and Elliott Saturday.

Mrs. Harriet Shafer, while on her way to California from North Dakota, was seriously injured in a train wreck Sunday in Montana, and is now in a hospital in that state. She is the grandmother of Mrs. D.O. Judy and Mrs. D. Errington.

The Christmas ball game arranged between the High School and the local Has Beens promises to be a hotly contested affair.

For the next two weeks Col. Sam Taylor will deliver choice oak wood for $4.50 per cord.

A five-year-old almond orchard in the Boyinge tract, Esparto, sold for $625 an acre.

Allie Ritchie, who has been in Chico some months, working for Earl Fruit Co., came home Tuesday for a week’s visit.

Many auto parties from the valley visited Putah Canyon Sunday, returning with loads of red berries.

Miss Edna Hoy has returned from an extended visit with friends in Watsonville and San Francisco.

Lake Berryessa levels up 1.4 ft.

PO Box 520, Winters, CA 95694

530-795-4551 Se habla español.

news@wintersexpress.com Content due by Monday at noon. Other space reservations due by Friday at noon. Office hours are by appointment.

Call 530-795-4551 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 Fred Gladdis, Special Editor Sydney Andrade, Staff Writer Jeffrey Rawlinson, Staff Writer/Photographer Aaron Geerts, Staff Writer Rick von Geldern, Staff Writer Katherine Simpson, Staff Writer David DeLeon, Advertising Director Taylor Buley, Publisher Charles R. Wallace, Publisher Emeritus

Lake Berryessa is up by 18 inches this week, with an increase in storage of 21,518 acre feet of water, according to Ken Emigh of the Solano Irrigation District. Tuesday morning the lake level was 404 feet above sea level,

with storage computed at 936,319 acre feet.

Evaporation averaged 21 acre feet of water a day. The SID is diverting 55 second feet of water into the Putah South Canal, with 36 second feet flowing at the Dam.

Holiday Smiles.....

It is no wonder Thanksgiving brings out so many smiles we get to spend time with our family and friends! As a family, ourselves, we know how important that is.

We would like to wish you and your family joy throughout Thanksgiving and this holiday season.

Public Safety Report City of Winters Press Release

Fire

Dec. 3: 7:22 a.m., medical aid, 950 block of Railroad Avenue. ~5:28 p.m., medical aid, Highway 128/ Pleasants Valley Road.

Dec. 4: 11:50 p.m., medical aid, 810 block of Graf Way. Dec. 5: 9:25 a.m., medical aid, 950 block of Railroad Avenue.

Dec. 6: 9:24 a.m., fire alarm, 800 block of Walnut Lane. ~3:40 p.m., vehicle accident, Highway 128/Pleasants Valley Road. ~4:14 p.m., odor investigation, 400 block of Edwards Street.

Dec. 7: 6:11 a.m., medical aid, 110 block of Riverview Court. ~8:58 p.m., medical aid, 800 block of Walnut Lane. ~11:01 p.m., medical aid, 810 block of Jefferson Street.

Dec. 8: 11:34 a.m., structure fire, CR 89.

Dec. 9: 10:33 a.m., medical aid, 700 block of Main Street. ~3:23 p.m., fire alarm, CR 87.

Dec. 10: 12:37 a.m., fuel spill, 200 block of Suffolk Place. ~1:43 a.m., medical aid, 400 block of Russell Street. ~1:15 p.m., medical aid, first block of Main Street.

Dec. 11: 7:51 p.m., medical aid, 110 block of E. Grant Avenue. ~8:03 p.m., medical aid, Highway 128. ~10:26 p.m., medical aid, 170 block of E. Grant Avenue.

Dec. 13: 1:18 p.m., medical aid, 970 block of Culton Street.

Dec. 14: 2:33 a.m., medical aid, 70 block of Owings Drive.

Dec. 15: 12:57 a.m., medical aid, 200 block of Grant Avenue. ~12:57 p.m., medical aid, 100 block of Lauren Court. ~2:53 p.m., medical aid, 420 block of Main Street. ~8:10 p.m., mutual aid, Putah Creek Road/ Railroad Avenue.

Dec. 16: 10:05 a.m., medical aid, 500 block of Niemann Street.

~10:26 a.m., fire alarm, 400 block of Morgan Street.

Police Arrest Log

Dec. 8: John Ramon Rodriguez (Age 65), Charges: Possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, Disposition: Released on Notice to Appear.

Dec. 9: Jose Jesus Contreras Jr (Age 42); Charges: Possession of methamphetamine, Napa County Sheriff misdemeanor bench warrant, UC Davis PD misdemeaner bench warrant; Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail. ~Salomon Acevedo Rincon (Age 33), Charges: Solano SO Misdemeanor Warrant, Disposition: Released on Notice to Appear.

Dec. 13: Luis Magallanes (Age 20); Charges: Driving under the influence, Hit and run, Introducing narcotics into a jail, and Possession of cocaine; Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail.

Case Log

Dec. 3: 10:54 a.m., 1000th block of Village Circle, False Impersonation.

Dec. 7: 8:33 a.m., Cottage Circle/Anderson Avenue, Towed Vehicle.

Dec. 8: 12:29 p.m., 600th block of Foxglove Circle, Missing Person-Located. ~3:45 p.m., 600 block of Snapdragon Court, Fraud. ~7:41 p.m., 600th block of Snapdragon Court, Stolen/Found Plates. ~9:17 p.m., 600th block of Snapdragon Court, Stolen/Missing Plates.

Dec. 10: 8:11 a.m., 800 block of Dutton Street, Petty Theft. ~12:30 a.m., 200 block of Suffolk Place, Traffic Collision.

Dec. 13: 1:20 p.m., 100 block of East Grant Avenue, Petty Theft. ~4:57 p.m., 100 block of East Grant Avenue, Grand Theft. ~7:30 p.m., Kennedy Drive/Taylor Street, Traffic Collision.

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 2021 The Winters Express, LLC, a limited liability company, all rights reserved.

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

Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021 — A5

LETTER Continued from Page 1 economically-infeasible facilities at enormous cost,” Cowan stated.

Cowan suggested that such a move could result in shutting down the city’s groundwater wells, leaving the city without the means to provide water to residents.

The city’s water quality became a cause for concern in 2014 when the state

WINTER Continued from Page 1 gave a similar assessment of his business to Turkovich: 2021 is better than 2020, but he still hasn’t reached pre-pandemic levels. However, his primary difficulty isn’t lower sales, but finding enough staff.

He’s brought on a lot of high school students and firsttime workers since the shortage started around election time, but Pearce said, “I’m still only at about 40 percent staff.”

“I mean I’m here (at the Pizza Factory) seven days a week,” said Pearce. “And because we’re short staffed, customers have to wait. They get

TESTING Continued from Page 1

COVID testing update Jenny Pinedo, Special Education & Student Services Director, gave a Nov. 24 updated guidance from the California Department of Public Health on the use of masks for indoor sports. Pinedo said the new language allows for counties and school districts to make decisions about the usage of masks during indoor sports which require “heavy exertion” as long as athletes undergo weekly screening testing in lieu of wearing masks during play.

She said masks must still be worn by

GRANT Continued from Page 1 well-poised to support them,” teachers are more likely to stay in Winters, said Girmonte.

In addition, the plan dedicates approximately $7,500 dollars per year for further training on teaching English as a second language. Nearly 400 students across the district are language learners, said Girmonte.

Roughly the same amount will go towards implementing Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) training.

PBIS is a a prevention-based strategy to promote good behavior at school.

Rather than relying on punishments to improve behavior, PBIS primarily relies on teaching students expectations “Right now we’re really seeing that students need to re-learn the expectations of school after two years of interrupted learning,” said Girmonte.

“PBIS is a researched backed way to do that.”

Responding to a board member question, Girmonte clarified that teachers may use the funds to attend

adopted a strict upper MCL limit of 10 ppb. This threshold remained in effect until 2017 when the Board was ordered by the Superior Court of Sacramento to delete the chromium MCL standard for drinking water, citing that the board “failed to properly consider the economic feasibility of complying with the MCL.” The Board replied that it would not enforce compliance plans for total chromium standards bepretty rude.”

Pearce is offering above minimum wage for workers with experience and raises after a 90-day probationary period for workers with no experience.

Hotel Winters On the positive side, the Winters Hotel is now fully operational. Turkovich called the hotel, “the good news and the shining star for Downtown right now.”

Guysell Geter, Winters Hotel General Manager, said that reservations at the hotel can increase demand, especially for restaurants.

“They feel when we have high occupancy and demand,” said Geter.

Despite operating

low 50 ppb. The court also ordered the State Water Board to adopt a new MCL for chromium-6, which it appears it is now undertaking.

In response to the 2014 standard of 10 ppb, the city approved a compliance plan estimated to cost between $27.9 million and $47 million.

To finance such an undertaking, Cowan wrote that the typical Winters residential customer could see an increase in their monthly water bill at decreased capacity for in 2020, now at full capacity, the hotel has sold out even on week days.

Holiday events impact Winters’ holiday festivities also brought an influx of potential customers to downtown. According to Turkovich, the Tractor Parade, Tree Lighting, and Holiday Bazaar, “seemed to have a positive effect across the board.”

Pearce also said the Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting, “brought in a lot of business, to where we ran out of prepped food.” He said that customers were understanding of the two hour wait time.

of 305 percent to 431 percent.

“The City’s ratepayers cannot afford such drastic increases amidst the challenges of surging inflation and the Covid-19 pandemic,” the letter stated.

Cowan’s comments relative to the EIR referenced direct and indirect impacts that the EIR must identify, analyze and mitigate

GRADS Continued from Page 1 what he does with his life afterwards.”

Catanzaro said Carbahal loves the outdoors and nature, and is looking to pursue a career in that capacity where he can get the hands-on experience that Carbahal thrives in. Carbahal received his accredited CRA Diploma.

Liz Coman, Winters JUSD College and Career Coordinator, recognized graduate Juan Ortiz Lopez who received his accredited CRA Diploma and Career Readiness Certificate at the ceremony.

Coman said that Ortiz Lopez is a young man who has the potential to develop his leadership skills that can carry him far in life. She noted that Ortiz Lopez took action to advocate for himself to switch schools and demonstrated he is a

all referees, coaches, spectators, and all players not actively playing and that all quarantine rules will still apply should a student test positive for COVID-19.

A weekly testing schedule was created with the school nurses, and families of all basketball athletes for the middle school and high school were given testing waivers.

After Dec. 30, Healthy Yolo Together (HYT) will no longer be conducting the community COVID testing efforts. The grant HYT used to provide services for Winters JUSD ends on Dec. 31.

COVID Clinic has been identified to pro-

vide testing support and services for staff, students and community members beginning Jan. 5.

Pinedo said the school district is currently working to develop a testing schedule close to what is currently being provided. Staff plans to release communication with the information and changes to families and community members once the schedule is finalized.

COVID Clinic currently works with school districts in Woodland, West Sacramento, Elk Grove and in the Bay Area.

Pinedo said they are providing the services at no cost to Winters JUSD or the commu-

nity. Jiménez clarified that COVID Clinic receives funding from the state.

The COVID Clinic MOU was approved in the Consent Agenda as item no. 14.9.

The Winters JUSD community testing will occur over the winter break on: • Thursday, Dec. 23 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Tuesday, Dec. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Thursday, Dec. 30 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The community testing will happen at the Winters Community Library (708 Railroad Ave.) To provide quicker service, individuals are asked to register in advance at bit.ly/3sy8nrk.

trainings they found themselves as well.

Trustees approved Educator Effectiveness Block Grant supplemental funds in the amount of $387,567.

Any funds not expended by June 30, 2026, must be returned to the California Department of Education.

building will be across from the existing multipurpose building.

The plan also includes a new playground to be constructed behind the kindergarten building.

Fitzpatrick confirmed that the WHS security camera project was completed and is in full operation.

A bid is out for the high school gym floor replacement project.

Fitzpatrick said they anticipate brining a bid back to Trustees for approval at the Feb. 3. meeting.

At the high school, the Measure W project funds a 2007 plan for the Music Facility and Pool Legacy Project was approved to move forward using Measure W Bond funds.

The original legacy project’s momentum to continue had been disrupted over the

years due to multiple occurrences, including the pandemic.

Trustees heard an update to the agreement with Studio W Architects on Dec. 16. Fitzpatrick said all parties agreed to amend the agreement to cover the scope of services and fee for the approved projects to move forward.

Under the proposed Amendment No. 001 to the Agreement, Studio W Architects will perform the services for the legacy project in exchange for a fee of $391,143.

Crystal Apilado con-

School construction plans Trustees unanimously approved conceptual plans for bond-funded construction at Waggoner Elementary and Winters High schools at the Nov. 18 meeting.

Mary Fitzpatrick, Senior Project Manager with Van Pelt Construction Services, and Brian Whitmore, President & CEO, Studio W Architects, presented the conceptual plans.

The kindergarten

KITCHEN & BATH

COUNTERTOPS

An Express subscription makes a great last minute gift!

problem solver and knows what it takes to achieve his goals.

Wade congratulated Derick Carrasco Gomez and Adrian Solorio for earning their accredited CRA Diplomas. He also recognized graduates Alexander Cecil, Justino Cortez, Liliana Martinez, David Morris, Noel Gutierrez Torres and Braydon Winslow who also earned their Career Readiness Certificates.

Phoebe Girimonte, Assistant Superintendent/Director of Educational Services, praised graduates and said she had observed them demonstrating thoughtful dialogue and discussion regarding current topics.

“I’m a believer that alternative education is a very critical pathway within any school district. A one-size-fitall model for education simply does not work,” Girimonte said.

H R B & ASSOCIATES INC

Bookkeeping, Payroll, Tax Preparation

207 First Street, Winters 530.795.1283 Rachel Woods

rachel@hrbai.com

HRBAI.COm

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

Architectural Design/Build

From concept to completion.

•Full Design Builds •Remodels •Additions •Patios •Baths •Kitchens •Hardscapes

dan@danielwdesigns.com

Yolo County Premier Craft Distillery TASTING ROOM HOURS: Friday 3-7 • Saturday 2-7 • Sunday 1-5 Tastings + Cocktails + Food 723 Railroad Ave., Winters • 530-794-6174 • www.patio29.com

Kresta Daly Barth Daly LLP

Focusing on

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

The Truth Matters, Your Rights Matter.

to the extent feasible.

Concerns listed were the economic, environmental and cumulative impacts as well as consideration of alternative options.

The letter in its entirety can be viewed on the City of Winters’ website (http://www. cityofwinters.org/) in the Dec. 7 City Council meeting packet starting on page 115.

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

A6 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

El Ayuntamiento aumenta el estipendio de los concejales, considera mover elecciones Por Katherine Simpson Traducido por Carol Alfonso El Ayuntamiento Municipal de Winters escuchó la nueva legislación sobre fechas de elecciones y estipendios para el Concejo Municipal.

El consejo votó para aumentar los estipendios futuros de $150 por mes a $300 por mes. En general, el consejo apoyó la medida por estar muy atrasada.

“Creo que deberíamos, después de 15 años, aumentar el estipendio,” dijo la concejal Jesse Loren.

Loren también dijo que un estipendio más alto podría ayudar a atraer a personas más jóvenes a servir en el consejo.

“Creo que hay algo de equidad social que debe abordarse,” dijo Loren.

Los concejales Loren, Pierre Neu, Harold Anderson y el alcalde Wade Cowan también apoyaron la medida. El alcalde interino Bill Biasi expresó sus reservas.

“Me siento un poco incómodo al estar en

la posición de votar nosotros mismos un aumento salarial,” dijo Biasi. “No estamos en esto por el dinero.”

Sugirió que el tema se colocara como medida de votación.

Los comentaristas públicos también apoyaron en general la medida. Tina Lowden abogó por una tasa aún más alta de $500 por mes.

“Desde... que me mudé aquí, los hemos visto por toda la ciudad,” dijo Lowden sobre la participación de los concejales en la comunidad. “Mire el Desfile de Tractores Navideños (Tractor Parade), mire las 7,000 luces alrededor de la ciudad. Es un compromiso maravilloso con quienes somos como ciudad.”

Después de eliminar una disposición para permitir aumentos de estipendios superiores a $300, todos excepto Biasi votaron a favor de la medida.

Los nuevos salarios entrarán en vigencia en las próximas elecciones municipales

del 2022.

Cambio de fecha de elección El consejo también escuchó una nueva legislación que movería las elecciones de la ciudad para que coincidieran con las elecciones estatales federales en Noviembre. Anteriormente, las elecciones se llevaban a cabo junto con las primarias en Marzo y Junio.

La administradora de la ciudad, Kathleen Salguero Trepa, dio dos razones para el cambio: las elecciones de Noviembre tienen una mayor participación y los costos operativos disminuirían.

Si se adopta, la medida extenderá los términos de Neu, Cowan y Anderson hasta que finalicen después de Noviembre del 2022. Los términos de Biasi y Loren, que expiran en Marzo de 2024, se extenderían hasta Noviembre de 2024.

El consejo votará sobre la medida después de una segunda lectura.

El comité de Lower Putah Creek analiza más de cerca las muertes Por Katherine Simpson Traducido por Carol Alfonso El Comité Coordinador del Arroyo Lower Putah Creek (Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee - LPCC) discutió la alta tasa de mortalidad del salmón en su reunión regular el pasado 9 de Diciembre.

Cuando el salmón llegó al fondo del Apuran Creek, la baja calidad del agua mató a la mayoría del salmón.

“La muerte de los peces no tiene precedentes que sepamos,” dijo el encargado del arroyo Rich Marovich.

Alix Rabidoux, ingeniero principal de recursos hídricos de la Agencia de Agua del Condado Solano (Solano County Water Agency), presentó un cronograma de la ruta de migración del salmón y los cambios en la calidad del agua.

Rabidoux describió el trabajo que habían realizado para despejar el

“La muerte de los peces no tiene precedentes que sepamos.”

Rich Marovich, encargado del arroyo paso de salmones que los condujo a su llegada a principios de Noviembre; sin embargo, la mortalidad del salmón surgió en el Lower Putah Creek.

Después de notar las muertes, las agencias locales comenzaron a analizar la calidad del agua. Notaron niveles bajos de oxígeno disuelto en el desagüe del Yolo Bypass Toe Drain.

El Toe Drain sirve para administrar los humedales como la principal fuente de suministro para las inundaciones de otoño desde Octubre hasta Diciembre. El agua del drenaje del Toe Drain se usa hasta Marzo o Abril para mantener los niveles de agua adecuados.

Probablemente, la tormenta del pasado 26 de Octubre inundó

el sistema de agua con plantas y otros escombros. La presencia de materia orgánica adicional en el agua hizo que los niveles de oxígeno cayeran a un nivel cercano a cero.

“No (ocurrieron) muertes más arriba en el sistema,” dijo Rabidoux.

“Realmente solo en el Yolo Bypass.”

Una variedad de agencias están colaborando para tratar de aumentar la calidad del agua para cualquier salmón restante que continúe su curso.

“Esperamos salvar la corrida del salmón este año, pero el (beneficio) a largo plazo es que esta es la corrida de práctica para que estemos listos para la próxima vez,”

Ver ANALIZA, Página 8

Winters sirve de inspiración para legislación estatal de banda ancha Por Katherine Simpson Traducido por Carol Alfonso La asambleísta y ex-alcaldesa de Winters, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, se acercó un paso más a su objetivo de mejorar el servicio de banda ancha el mes pasado con la aprobación de la “Ley de Internet para todos del 2021” (The Internet for All Act of 2021). La ley extiende fondos para mejorar el acceso al Internet en California.

“Ya sea en Winters o en otra comunidad, el Internet es hacia donde vamos,” dijo Aguiar-Curry.

Como coautora del proyecto de ley, Aguiar-Curry cita su trabajo como alcaldesa de Winters como una de las principales inspiraciones.

En ese momento, “fue impactante que simplemente no hubiera conectividad,” dijo Aguiar-Curry.

Como alcaldesa, tra-

Joe Trotter

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

e d wa rdjo nes.co m

“Creo que el ayuntamiento hace años se dio cuenta de la importancia de que nuestras escuelas mejoraran, el distrito escolar lo hizo. Si no fuera por ellos y las personas que creen en la educación en Winters, no podríamos haberlo hecho.”

Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, asambleísta bajó con la junta escolar y los desarrolladores para mejorar el servicio de banda ancha en Winters.

Dijo que la colaboración de los funcionarios de Winters ayudó a llevar la banda ancha al área.

“Creo que el ayuntamiento hace años se dio cuenta de la importancia de que nuestras escuelas

TA K E H O M E

TRI-TI P $10.95/LB

AVAILABLE AT BUCKHORN SEAKHOUSE

2 Main Street, Winters, CA 530.795.4503 buckhornsteakhouse.com

mejoraran, el distrito escolar lo hizo.”

“Si no fuera por ellos y las personas que creen en la educación en Winters, no podríamos haberlo hecho,” dijo Aguiar-Curry.

Cuando se unió a la asamblea estatal, el “objetivo número uno de Aguiar-Curry era tener Internet para todos en el estado de California, particularmente en las comunidades rurales.”

Con el nuevo financiamiento, el estado construirá una línea de fibra de alta capacidad y acceso abierto para transportar datos entre redes locales. Se llama la “milla del medio (Middle Mile)”.

La financiación de la “última milla (Last Mile)” conectará hogares y empresas a las redes locales.

La financiación de “Last Mile” está disponible para ciudades como Winters para que puedan ejecutar sus propios proyectos. “Todas las

“PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE…”

Trenchless Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation – Pipe Bursting Repair or Replace • Water • Gas Sewer • Garbage Disposal Drain Cleaning • Water Heaters Video Camera • Slab Leaks Jetter Services

Residential and Commercial Service 24/7 New location in Vacaville to better serve Vacaville, Dixon, Winters & Davis

(707) 368-4055 www.BeniciaPlumbing.com CA Lic. #329632

ciudades y condados deberían participar y he trabajado con todos ellos,” dijo Curry.

“Afortunadamente, al tener relaciones aquí en Winters, les doy un aviso” cuando hay fondos disponibles.

Aguiar-Curry organizó una reunión en el ayuntamiento sobre la ley el pasado 16 de Noviembre. La

servido de modelo, todavía queda trabajo por hacer, dijo Aguiar-Curry. Ahora, el problema principal es hacer que el acceso al Internet sea más equitativo y asequible.

“Puede que $39.99 no parezca mucho para usted y para mí, pero si evita que las familias pongan comida en la mesa,” dijo Aguiar-Curry, “o la elección entre la conectividad de la escuela y la calefacción de su casa, no es justo.”

Aguiar-Curry alentó a los funcionarios locales a “trabajar a nivel regional” y “estar atentos al suelo” para que puedan aprovechar al máximo los recursos disponibles del estado.

“Puede que $39.99 no parezca mucho para usted y para mí, pero si evita que las familias pongan comida en la mesa o la elección entre la conectividad de la escuela y la calefacción de su casa, no es justo.”

Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, asambleísta comisionada de Servicios Públicos de California, Martha Guzman Aceves, citó el trabajo de Aguiar-Curry en Winters como un plan para los próximos proyectos.

“Es realmente emocionante porque el estado está asumiendo un papel realmente proactivo,” dijo Guzmán Aceves.

Aunque Winters ha

Además de los fondos del estado, el Plan de Rescate Estadounidense (American Rescue Plan) y el nuevo proyecto de ley de infraestructura proporcionarán más dólares federales. Es probable que California reciba más de 4 millones de dólares en fondos adicionales del gobierno federal.

Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021 — A7

RECORDS Continued from Page 3

Residents of The Green on the UC Davis campus get tested at the Pavilion before moving in in September.

Owen Yancher/ McNaughton Media

SCRAP Continued from Page 3 Enterprise it would monitor the situation over the next couple of weeks while students are away from campus.

“We have winter-break guidance in place and will continue to monitor any changes to COVID-19 rates and evaluate what needs to be done to keep the community healthy,” UC Davis spokesperson Melissa Blouin said in an email. “We will inform the campus community should our guidance change.”

According to the campus’ current guidelines, all students, staff and faculty will need to get tested at least once between Jan. 3, when winter quarter begins, and Jan. 16. After that, campus affiliates who are fully vaccinated will be encouraged to continue getting tested, but only those who are unvaccinated will be required to do so.

In ending the testing requirement for most people on campus, UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May cited the high vaccination rate among campus affiliates and the low COVID-19 positivity rate reported throughout the fall quarter. As of this week, 99 percent of UC Davis students and 95 percent

SOLAR Continued from Page 3 subdivisions revealed a blitz of building applications submitted in December 2019, just days before the solar mandate law went into effect.

When builders apply for a building permit, they submit their project plan application to the building division where it then undergoes a plan check. For major projects like building a new home, the Winters Building Division estimates 1530 days to complete the plan check.

Once the plan check is approved, a schedule of the project’s fees is calculated and presented to the applicant. Building permit applications are valid for 180 days and permits will issue when the fees are paid.

Home builders with applications from December 2019 are not

Estate Planning|Probate Trust Administration Special Needs|Elder Law

21 Court Street Woodland, CA 1652 W. Texas Street Fairfield, CA

of employees were vaccinated against COVID-19.

Since the quarter began in mid-September, the test positivity rate has hovered around 0.1 percent.

As of this week, just one percent of the campus’ isolation and quarantine housing facilities were in use.

There are 250 beds in total dedicated for use as isolation or quarantine housing.

Last summer, the University of California was one of the first major universities to announce a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Meanwhile, UC Davis’ in-house rapid testing program, available to Davis community members through Healthy Davis Together, a partnership between the city and campus, has won awards and gained national attention for limiting the spread of COVID-19. “UC Davis has truly emerged as a role model for our response to the pandemic,” May said.

Still, concerns about Omicron, which scientists believe is significantly more contagious than other COVID-19 variants, left members of the campus community wondering if UC Davis could be letting its guard down. Elias, who authored the petition to continue mandatory testing at UC Davis, cited a Dec.

15 New York Times article about Omicron surges on college campuses.

“The surges are happening at universities with very high vaccination rates,” the article stated. Despite having a 97 percent vaccination rate, Cornell University reported 930 COVID-19 cases this week. On Wednesday, New York University, with a 99 percent vaccination rate, cancelled all “nonessential” gatherings, including graduations and athletic competitions, due to surging case numbers.

The new precautions are not limited to East Coast campuses. On Thursday, Stanford University informed students that classes will move online for the first two weeks of the winter quarter and students will be required to get a booster vaccine dose by the end of January.

UC Davis leadership has encouraged students, staff and faculty to get COVID-19 booster shots, which are required by the university’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

As it has throughout the pandemic, campus leadership emphasized that UC Davis’ COVID-19 guidelines are dynamic and responsive to evolving public health conditions.

required to comply with the solar mandate law if their 2019 applications did not expire before being issued a building permit. If fees were not paid by the end of the 180-day application phase, builders could request a 90-day extension and provide written justification for the extension request.

After 180 days and without issuance of a building permit or an extension, the application would be deemed “abandoned.” If abandoned, a builder would have to commence the application process again and be subject to the solar mandate.

Homes By Towne and Crowne Communities received 90-day extensions to their

December 2019 applications and in some instances, multiple extensions were requested and granted.

COVID-19 was given as justification for the extension requests.

As for homes in these developments recently sold or in various stages of construction, those with building applications submitted before Jan. 1, 2020, are not required to have builder installed rooftop solar systems while those filed after this date would.

Building permit files are a public record maintained at the Winters Building Division and are available for public inspection during business hours as authorized by the California Public Records Act.

Winters (KWW). KWW organized public support and brought forth their initiative, Measure A, to establish an urban growth boundary and prevent annexation without first bringing it to a vote of the citizens.

Measure A passed easily by a three-toone margin on the November 2020 ballot.

Record requests can be made in writing or orally, although a written request may facilitate compliance and allow the agency to track the request.

Some agencies, like the City of Winters, provide a public records request form on their website.

Failure of an agency to comply with the provisions of the CPRA may result in a court awarding attorney’s fees and costs to the plaintiff.

exempt from production and include personnel records, notes, intra-agency memos, health records, student records, records prepared in connection with pending litigation, law enforcement investigation files and attorney/ client privileged ma- between Winters city officials and repreterials.

Public records are sentatives of developto be made available er Belleview North. for inspection during The emails revealed the office hours of the ongoing discussions state or local agency to annex and develand every person has op nearly 800 acres a right to inspect any north of the city limpublic record, except its in unincorporated as provided in the Yolo County.

Residents then CPRA. (government code § 6253). In addi- questioned whether tion to maintaining the city was courting public records for big-time developers public inspection and a community outduring office hours, cry ensued that led to a public agency may the grass roots formacomply by uploading tion of Keep Winters some records on its website and direct a member of the public to the website for access.

The CPRA provides that an agency must respond within ten days of the request and deter® mine what records in their possession are disclosable and Andy Pignataro, Agent then promptly noInsurance Lic. #0D02919 tify the requestor 104 Browns Valley Parkway without unnecesVacaville, CA 95688 • Bus: 707-452-9599 sary delay. Many statefarm.com records are readiState Farm Insurance Companies ly available at the P026038 Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois 9/05 agency’s place of business.

In compliance with the CPRA, the City of Winters’ website states, “The City of Winters strives to conduct the public's business in a manner that is accessible and transparent to all its citizens.

We believe that our participatory democracy is best served by ensuring that the public has an understanding of its government's Diamond Rings decision-making Pendants process and how Earrings best to participate.

In addition, the public should have easy-access to pubJewelry lic information, Repair including meeting Restorations agendas and minWatch utes, financial and budget information, Batteries and documents and Engraving reports.”

Appraisals One local examConsignments ple of how a public records request brought a commu241 F St., Davis • 530.231.5443 nity issue to light occurred in 2019 afwww.lurojewelers.com ter the Express filed a public records relurojewelers@gmail.com quest and obtained MONDAY-FRIDAY 10AM-6PM • SATURDAY 10AM-4PM emails exchanged

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR,

STATE FARM IS THERE.

Gifts That Sparkle!

Thousands of styles to choose from: Services:

www.SolanoLifeHouse.com

FLAT FEE for LIFE

$3,450 Assisted Living, $4,450 Memory Care

Pandemic Protocols in place to accept Vaccinated New Residents

with no lives lost to COVID-19

• Carpet & Ulphostery Cleaning • Carpet Repair • Stone Cleaning • Tile & Grout Cleaning License #486801298

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

Failure of an agency to comply ... may result in a court awarding attorney’s fees and costs to the plaintiff.

530.795.0500

My name is Mary Felix and I’ve been passionate about senior care for eighteen years, and responsible for distinguishing Solano Life House, as the Administrator, with award winning Memory Care since 2015.

Call me to discuss serving your family’s needs.

707-640-9700 Administrator Mary Felix: Mary@SolanoLifeHouse.com

A8 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Old Farmer’s Almanac says ‘prepare for a season of shivers’

By Old Farmer’s Almanac Special to the Express According to the latest edition of “The Old Farmer’s Almanac,” this winter will be punctuated by positively bone-chilling, below-average temperatures across most of the U.S. “This coming winter could well be one of the longest and coldest that we’ve seen in years,” said Janice Stillman, editor of “The Old Farmer’s Almanac.” For 230 years the Almanac has been helping readers to prepare for winter’s worst with its 80 percent accurate weather forecasts.

In some places, the super cold of the coming winter will also bring lots of snow.

This extreme wintry mix is expected in areas of New England as well as throughout the Ohio Valley, in northern portions of the Deep South, and in southeast New Mexico.

Above-average snowfall is also in the forecast along a track from eastern Montana southward through the western halves of the Dakotas and into northeastern Colorado. While temperatures in this midcountry strip will be relatively normal, snowfall will be abundant, with several storms predicted throughout the winter.

Meanwhile, most western areas will remain relatively dry, with all but the Pacific Coast itself and portions of the Southwest

Courtesy image

experiencing the frigid cold predicted for much of the rest of the country.

In addition to its much-anticipated weather forecasts, “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” is known for being “useful, with a pleasant degree of humor.” Highlights from the 2022 Almanac include: • Gardening tips for growing a rainbow of dahlias or a patch of pumpkins (hint: the bumpier the skin, the sweeter the taste), plus how to make scents of potpourri.

• Recipes that make the most of the season, along with award-winning dishes and desserts that use five or fewer ingredients.

• Dispatches from small farmers, including how they fared during 2020 and continue to diversify

for the future.

• The art and science of animal tracking, plus how to read Mother Nature’s signs to choose a fishing spot.

• All this awaits in the 2022 Almanac, along with stories about gargantuan hail (is it becoming more common?); the 50th anniversary of an epic international sports showdown; an examination of teeth, from cradle to grave; the 17-year-old design genius behind the 50star American flag; unique tourist locations that let visitors get up close to saints, war heroes and even Roy Rogers’s horse; 2022 home and lifestyle trends and much more.

The “2022 Old Farmer’s Almanac” is available wherever books and magazines are sold.

33 % OFF

CANNABIS 7 DAY SALE GOING ON NOW +

BUY ONE GET ONE

Congressional lines

MAPS Continued from Page 2 month delay in the release of census data. In the last few weeks, the panel held a number of marathon sessions late into the night to hear public comment and try to incorporate competing testimony into the maps.

Commission chairperson Alicia Fernández acknowledged that there were constraints and disagreements along the way, but said she was proud of the commission’s work given the rules they were under.

“There was robust discussion in terms of how these maps should be drawn. We know that not everyone will be happy, but I feel that they are fair maps for Californians,” she told CalMatters.

Now, the maps must sit for three days for public input, though no further changes are permitted, said Fredy Ceja, communications director for the commission.

In the meantime, the commission will complete its final report to deliver to the secretary of state.

Even after that happens, the new districts are likely to be challenged in court.

And their real impact depends on what voters decide.

James Woodson, policy director for the California Black Census and Redistricting Hub, said the fight for Black political power in California is far from over.

“Census and redistricting is sort of a two-part fight,” he said. “First, it’s making sure that resources came to our community and making sure they had an opportunity to win political power. Now, it’s about getting out the vote in 2022 and the long-term policy pieces that are moving.”

ANALIZA Continued from Page 6 dijo Max Stevenson, quien reemplazará a Marovich como encargado del arroyo.

Otros asuntos En la reunión, Marovich dio su informe final como encargado del arroyo (streamkeeper) después de 21 años en el cargo.

Destacó los éxitos del LPCC en sus años en el trabajo, incluidos los

Slower population growth in California means the state lost one of its 53 U.S. House seats this year — though COVID-19 may have caused an undercount of Black and Hispanic residents.

That added another challenge to deciding congressional districts. The population numbers must be exact: There can’t be more than a one-person difference between districts to make sure everyone is represented equally.

Trying to meet all the criteria — equal population, Voting Rights Act compliance, communities of interest and compact districts — in a state with California’s diverse population and geography made the task difficult.

To keep California’s less populous mountain communities together, for example, an earlier version of the maps showed a district stretching from the Oregon border to San Bernardino County. While compactness is one of the lower-ranking criteria, the district still raised eyebrows and was later revised.

The growing power of Latino voters — and recognizing that in the new maps — has been a constant theme of the redistricting process. A projected 16 of the 52 House districts have a Latino voting-age population of at least 50 percent.

Pablo Rodriguez, founding executive director of the Communities for New California Action Fund, noted that in the Central Valley there are three new strong Voting Rights Act congressional districts with more than 50 percent Latino voters.

“For the Central Valley the outstanding question will be: Will the new Latino majority districts creesfuerzos para garantizar que la población de salmón pueda ser autosuficiente, controlando las moras invasoras del Himalaya y eliminando eucaliptos grandes e inflamables.

Marovich agradeció a los miembros del comité, “por todo lo que han hecho y todo lo que continúan haciendo por Putah Creek.”

El comité ordenó a Stevenson que bus-

ate the environment for the first Latino/a congressional representative to be elected to Congress within the next ten years?,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

“Confidently, I say yes to not just one, but likely three.”

The commission wrapped up its Senate maps on Saturday to allow time for numbering the districts, a complicated process to limit the number of voters who would have to wait six years to vote for senators since they serve staggered four-year terms.

Board of Equalization With just four state Board of Equalization districts, they are far less complex to draw.

The board is tasked with ensuring that taxes across different counties are uniform – alcohol and beverage taxes, for example.

Because of the county-specific policies, the commission tried to keep as many counties as possible intact.

For example, densely populated Los Angeles County is one district by itself.

For these lines, there was little drama at the redistricting commission.

After Dec. 27, the commission expects it will reconvene not only to defend its maps against any legal challenges, but to work on a report that could make the process smoother for the next redistricting.

“We did receive community of interest testimony that did conflict so obviously there are some people that are not going to be happy,” said Fernández, a Republican from Yolo County. “We have more VRA districts than there currently are, we listened to more people than the prior commission. We took all the info to heart and worked together to build these maps.” cara nuevas subvenciones. Uno ofrece $6 millones para apoyar los esfuerzos para reducir los efectos de la sequía en la vida silvestre y los peces. Stevenson sugirió que los fondos podrían ayudar a crear soluciones a más largo plazo para evitar más muertes de salmón. El segundo, una subvención de FEMA, está destinado a aliviar los incendios forestales.

DEALS

CANNED FOOD DRIVE

DOWNTOWN DAVIS 420FSTREET.COM

BRING IN YOUR DONATIONS TO EITHER STORE.

GIVE 5 CANS ,

RECEIVE 100MG EDIBLE.

Furnace Tune-Up

$79

Scan for Current Coupons

Expires 12/31/21. Must mention coupon at time of service, not retroactive. Can not be combine with other discounts. Restrictions apply, call for details.

DIXON-INTERSTATE 80 HIGHWAY80.COM

33% OFF

F STREET DISPENSARY HIGHWAY 80 DISPENSARY

COUPON EXPIRES: 1/15/22 Coupon applies to entire basket of products. May not be combined with other discouts. Show coupon at time of check out.

LIC: C10-0000821/C10-0000534

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

FEATURES

Market defies high interest rates Homes, Page 2

Charley’s grateful for his friends

Think of WEF at tax time

Opinion, Page 3

Opinion, Page 7

Express Yourself Christmas brass in the park Thursdays Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m.-as supplies last, RISE, Inc., 200 Baker St. - Rooms 4 & 5, 530-668-0690 Yolo County Housing Authority Food Distribution, third Thursday, 11 a.m.-Noon, 62 Shams Way, 530-668-0690 Wednesdays Eat Well Yolo Drive-Through Food Distribution, Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. — as supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue.

Upcoming Tuesday, January 5 Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/city-council-meetings_/ Thursday, January 6 Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m. Equity Workshop 8 p.m. Business Meeting School District Office/Zoom Meeting info, check https://bit.ly/ WintersJUSDBoardAgendaCommunitySite

Linn Myer/Courtesy photo

The Winters Brass Band treated the community to live Christmas music in Rotary Park, by the tree on Main Street and Railroad Avenue, on Friday, Dec. 17. Musicians included Keith Cary, Lynne Secrist, Steve O'Neil, Bruce Brewer and Dwight Howard.

Monday, January 10 Winters Community Blood Drive, Details coming soon Tuesday, January 25 Winters Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m.,Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/planning-commission/

Library Services Winters Library Curbside Pickup, Winters Community Library, Tuesday 5-8 p.m., Saturday 1-5 p.m.

Winters Library Open to Public (No School in Session) Dec. 22 to Jan. 4, Winters Community Library, Mon/Wed: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 12–8 p.m., Fri/Sat: 1–5 p.m.

Spanish Bilingual Storytime with Ms. Gaby, Mondays, 6:30-7 p.m., https://yolocounty.zoom.us/j/569996903 Mother Goose on the Loose with Ms. Sue, Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m., https://yolocounty.zoom. us/j/98471793400 Winters Storytime with Friends, first and third Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m., https://yolocounty.zoom. us/j/87905414092 Virtual English Conversation Group, Tuesday, 2-3 p.m., One time registration required: Contact Nancy Pacheco 530-666-8019 or nancy.pacheco@yolocounty.org

Ongoing Healthy Yolo Together COVID-19 Testing, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Winters High School parking lot near Gym, 11 a.m.–6:15 p.m. (Closed 1:45–2:45 p.m.)

Winters Friends of the Library meeting, first Monday, 7 p.m., Meeting details: https://wfol.org/ Winters Music Boosters meeting, second Monday, 7-8 p.m., Meeting details check: https://www. musicboosterswinters.org/ Winters Senior Foundation Chair Yoga Class for Seniors, Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.) Outdoor Storytime in the Garden, Second Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Winters Library Teaching Garden (Weather permitting) Bilingual Storytime in the Garden, Fourth Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Winters Library Teaching Garden (Weather permitting) Winters Senior Foundation Game Days, Thurdays, 1-3:30 p.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.) Winters Open Mic, third Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 6 p.m.), 22 Main St. Democracy Winters meeting, first/third Saturdays, 10 a.m.-Noon, Meeting details in newsletter, contact info@democracywinters.org All You Need is Love Romance Book Club, Second Saturday, 4 p.m., Hooby’s Brewing Alcoholics Anonymous meetings: » St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 Main St. (back entrance) Tuesdays, 7-8 a.m. and Fridays, 7-8 a.m. » Yolo Housing office building, 62 Shams Way: Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m.

Aaron Geerts/Winters Express

Kelly Lowrie launched the Traxx Farm Stand to bring local organic and heirloom varieties of produce to Winters and Yolo County.

Traxx Farm Stand takes root

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer What was sown as a dream years ago has finally sprouted into fruition for Winters resident Kelly Lowrie. As she gets her hands dirty as a new business owner, Lowrie reflects on the hard work it took to finally open the Traxx Farm Stand.

No stranger to exhaustive work, Lowrie has been a stayat-home mom for 30 years. In that time, she raised five children and gave up her career in the medical field to do so. As her last kid graduated from Winters High School, this empty-nester began cultivating a new ambition on a road trip.

“In the beginning of the pandemic, my husband and I took a drive thinking it’d be one of our last chances to do so for a while and we stumbled upon this little produce stand that had an honor system of payment,” Lowrie said explaining her initial inspiration. “It was loaded with local fruits and veggies from the area. I was so inspired, thought it was amazing and wanted to see it happen in Winters.”

With any business venture, finances were the first looming hurtle to overcome. Rather than remain idle, Lowrie opted to do something that seems a societal abnormality these days; she picked up a second job and put in the effort to reach her goal.

“I talked to my husband about it and decided I would pick up jobs and do childcare during the week, and I also worked at Green River on

“I was inspired by Railroad Avenue and how back in the day the train would come through and pick up all those batches of fruit. That’s where the name came from — it’s a fun play on the railroad tracks. It’s just acknowledging the train that would come to Winters and get the produce.”

Kelly Lowrie, Traxx Farm Stand owner Fridays and Saturdays to earn an income and help pay for all of it,” Lowrie said. “I’d like to have a trailer I’m able to tow and set up in different places and do the honor system of paying. That’s the end goal.”

Bolstering Lowrie’s inspiration is the fact that the Winters area has some of the best soil and freshest produce around.

She may be a little green when it comes to traditional farming, but just like green fruit, her know-how just needs time to ripen.

“I’m going through a program out of Woodland which has been a blessing. It’s called the Center for Land Based Learning. They lease out a small plot

of land and help teach you how to become a farmer,” Lowrie said talking about the system she’ll be going through in February. “They’ll teach me how to drive a tractor, store produce and clean it. Once you graduate, they’ll lease you more land and help you purchase land so you can start your own farm.”

A home-town girl through and through, even the name of her produce stand is a homage to the train tracks once so synonymous with Winters.

“My mom, aunts and uncles all grew up in Winters. They were the ones out at different orchards doing the peach and apricot slicing, then getting a few cents per box they’d complete,” Lowrie said explaining the Traxx namesake. “I was inspired by Railroad Avenue and how back in the day the train would come through and pick up all those batches of fruit. That’s where the name came from — it’s a fun play on the railroad tracks. It’s just acknowledging the train that would come to Winters and get the produce.”

In a collaboration with farmers from Capay, Dixon and others in northern California, the Traxx Farm Stand is teeming with locally sourced produce.

She also will be making CSA boxes, which — for people who sign up for them — will get a box of fresh produce weekly or bi-weekly.

To stay up-to-date on The Traxx Farmstand, follow them on Facebook by searching “The Traxx Farm Stand” or on Instagram by searching @the traxxfarmstand.

B2 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

California housing market defies higher interest rates and inventory crunch price was $782,480, down 2.0 percent from October and up 11.9 percent from November 2020.

• Year-to-date statewide home sales were up 10.6 percent in November.

Despite low housing inventory and higher interest rates, California’s housing market continued to log a strong sales

Calif. Assoc. of Realtors Press Release • Existing, single-family home sales totaled 454,450 in November on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 4.7 percent from October and down 10.7 percent from November 2020.

• November’s statewide median home

DAVID LORENZO, CA DRE# 01931112 Yolo & Solano County Real Estate Specialist!!

(530) 681-1106 LorenzoRealEstate.net Yolo County Board of REALTORS Masters Club Award 5 years in a row 2016 through 2020.

1109 Entrada Drive, Davis • $698,000

SOLD 4284 Putah Creek Road, Winters • $1,300,000 LD2 car garage.

SO2 baths, 14 acres, 3 beds, 4319 Redbud Place, Davis • $1,485,000 D sq. ft.

OL3,674 4 beds,S 4 baths, 44498 N. El Macero Drive, Davis • $1,025,000 D sq. ft.

OL2,397 4 beds,S 3 baths, 444761 Garden Court, El Macero • $755,000 D sq. ft.

OL1,633 3 beds,S 2 baths, 983 Pierce Lane, Davis • $1,317,000 D sq. ft.

OL2,789 4 beds,S 3 baths, Dixon • $1,050,000 LD Oacres S32+ 5808 Nicholas Lane, Dixon • $995,000 LD SO2,536 4 beds, 3 baths, sq. ft., 25 acres 822 W. Main Street, Winters • $631,496 D sq. ft.

OL2,778 4 beds,S 3 baths, 708 Ivy Court, Winters • $544,000 D sq. ft.

OL2,406 4 beds,S 3 baths, 114 Almond Drive, Winters • $469,500 D sq. ft.

OL1,671 3 beds,S 2 baths, 2537 Centennial Drive, Woodland • $763,000 D sq. ft.

OL2,935 4 beds,S 3 baths, 2373 Castle Pines Way, Woodland • $520,000 D O2Lbaths 4S beds, 415 Baker Street, Winters • $479,000 D & dryer hook up inside.

OLwasher Duplex. Both units 2 beds,S 1 bath, 115 Abbey Street, Winters • $509,000 LD& dryer hook up and carport.

SOwasher Duplex. Both units 2 beds, 1bath, 210 Edward Street, Winters D sq. ft.

OL2,024 6 beds,S 3 baths, 3 beds, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 1,155 sq. ft..

pace in November and remained above pre-pandemic activity, the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) said on Dec. 16.

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 454,450 in November, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2021 if sales maintained the November pace throughout the year.

It is adjusted to ac-

count for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

November’s sales pace rose 4.7 percent on a monthly basis from 434,170 in October and was down 10.7 percent from a year ago, when 508,820 homes were sold on an annualized basis. Despite the fifth straight year-overyear sales decrease, statewide home sales maintained a 10.6 percent increase on a year-to-date basis.

“As we move further into the off-peak homebuying season, slowly rising interest rates will motivate savvy buyers to enter the market,” said 2022 C.A.R. President Otto Catrina, a Bay Area real estate broker and REALTOR®.

Sandy’s Corner on the Market!

Sandy Vickrey CA DRE #01018341

but is consistent with the five-year average logged between 20162020.

“California’s winter housing market remains unseasonably resilient, despite market challenges of a lack of inventory, modest interest rate increases, and ongoing affordability issues,” C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine said. “While we believe the market will continue to do well in 2022 as the economy further recovers, a widening imbalance between supply and demand will put upward pressure on prices and create headwinds for housing affordability that could slow sales in the upcoming year.”

Other key points from C.A.R.’s November 2021 resale housing report include: At the regional level, four of the five ma-

“With fewer active buyers in the market during the holidays, prospective buyers who may have taken a breather during the heated peak homebuying months can take advantage of this window of opportunity when there’s less competition and more homes to choose from.”

California home prices continued to stabilize in the off-season, dipping below the $800,000 benchmark for the second straight month. At $782,480 in November, the statewide median price was down 2.0 percent from October’s $798,440 and was up 11.9 percent from the $698,980 recorded in November 2020.

The month-to-month statewide price decline of -2.0 percent was higher than the long run average of -0.1 percent recorded between an October and a November in the past 42 years

See HOMES, Page 4

530.681.8939 RUSSELL BOULEVARD

Rented

1 bedroom / 1 bath modular home in the country.

No pets. $1500/mo includes water and sewer.

BOYCE ROAD

Rented

2 bedroom / 2 bath home in the country. Large shop/garage available for tenant use. Pets allowed with owner approval and additional deposit. $2500/mo includes water, sewer and garbage.

80.9 acres for sale about 1/2 mile from Winters.

Improvements include a 5 bed, 3 bath home & approximately 78 acres planted to walnuts.

Build your dream home on this rare 25+ acre parcel in Winters. Superb views & site is improved with a well, shop, barn & more.

Plant a vineyard, have horses, make your dreams come true.

M2 & Company 530-795-2810

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

Property Management Services Available

CADRE#00811568

For more information, visit www.sandyvickrey.com

Call Us for Our Available Rentals 7 East Main St., Ste. C Winters, CA 95694 530.795.4000 Camelot Winters, Inc.

IRELAND AGENCY INC. Real Estate & Insurance

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

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

Tim Ireland (CA DRE #00546333), CEO / Broker

Jean Deleonardi

26 Main Street * Winters, CA

Phone: (530) 795-4531 * Fax: (530) 795-4534

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

• New Construction • Residential/Commercial

• Remodels/Additions • Repairs

530.682.0302

LIC. #817420

FRUSTRATED with your current lender doing your Refinance??

I am closing purchases or refinances in 12-25 days on average depending on your situation, not 3-4 months like some are currently taking!

JUMBO Interest rates are in the low 3’s high 2’s depending on Score and Equity!

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

CARRION PROPERTIES

GEORGE R. KALIS Licensed Broker, CA DRE# 02077932

707.759.5129 • George@NIMBLoan.com

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

Residential, Commercial & Agricultural Real Estate

Introducing

WHOLESALE MORTGAGE BROKER NMLS# 1859425

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

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

LISSETTE MORA DRE# 01475457

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

Se Habla Español

ENJOY THIS AWESOME private backyard with built in pool. 4 bed, 2.5 bath in a great location. Walking distance to beautiful downtown Winters. $669,000.

707-437-1137 lissettemora@kw.com

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Cottages In Winters

ONLY 2 HOMES LEFT!

Welcome to Charming Historical Winters. This is a new development of 6 homes, 5 are the same floor plan approx 1800 sq. ft., the larger home is approx 2120 sq. ft. The features of these homes are an open great room floor plan, with attached one car garage and driveway parking, large inside laundry room. Each home has its own modern design package of wood, tile and carpeting, kitchen, bath counters and cabinets, lighting, ceiling fans, pulls for the cabinets, back splashes, shower tile and paint selections. In addition the home has a solar and fenced yard. Close to downtown, enjoy shopping, restaurants, parks, Putah Creek and wine tasting Completion is scheduled for med Fall 2021. Down Payment Assistance available for qualified buyers. Prices start at $535k.

NEW LISTING: 15875 State Highway 16, Capay $2,250,000 Unique and beautiful estate property located in the rolling hills and farmland of Capay Valley. Set on over 41 acres, this property abounds in charm with the main home featuring 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, a brick cove wood-burning fireplace, skylights for ample natural light, custom plantation shutters and a 2-car garage.

Across the courtyard sit two darling cottages, each offering 2 bedrooms and a bathroom, an open great room floor plan, large inside laundry room, driveway parking with attached one car garage.

A full size barn, workshop, meandering seasonal creek and chapel with stained glass. Ideally situated between Sacramento and the Bay Area and a quick drive to Cache Creek Casino and the golf course.

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

Cutting the Hassle in Real Estate

PENDING

CA DRE LIC# 01215931

15.96 ACRES. 8 acres of 4 year old English walnuts.

The rest is cleared for more trees and a home site. Amazing views of the mountains. Offered at $629,000.

CHARLOTTE LLOYD, GRI

SOLD

IMMACULATE 4 BED, 2 BATH on a nice corner lot. This home is the definition of turn key.

OUTSTANDING landscaping. $699,000.

SOLD

4 BED, 2 BATH, AWESOME LOCATION. Updated kitchen and bathrooms. PAID solar. Offered at $639,000.

SOLD

IN WOODLAND. Established neighborhood. 4 bed, 2 bath. Really clean. $449,000.

SOLD

A PIECE OF PARADISE! Walking distance to downtown. RESORT style backyard with beautiful pool/spa. Outdoor kitchen. Oh ya, and a completely transformed modern interior. Absolutely one of a kind!! Offered at $899.000.

SOLD

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.

SOLD

Call for details!

(530) 795-3834

127 Carrion Court, Winters

CA DRE LIC# 00862615

916.849.8700

charlotte.myrealtor@gmail.com

INTERESTED IN SELLING?

Sold!

14+ ACRE WITH A 3 BED, 2 BATH, 2300 sq. foot home in Winters. Acreage is planted in walnuts. Walnuts are from 2-20 years old replaced as needed. Orchard offers underground sprinkler system, Ag well and domestic well, RV covered parking garage, 40x60 shop and a 50x30 shop with roll up automatic doors. Beautiful custom built home with updated kitchen, upstairs loft, all electric, newer heat pump, owned solar, beautifully landscaped front and back yard with in ground pool.

Priced at $1,399,000. Call for more details!

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.

Sold!

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!

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? I HAVE A BUYER LOOKING FOR HORSE PROPERTY IN WINTERS, WOODLAND, DAVIS, ESPARTO OR CAPAY AREA.

Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021 — B3

Express Yourself Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Flying the friendly skies, again

A

few months ago, Woody, my golf partner, invited Sherri and me to join him in Mexico.

He and his wife, Rebecca, were heading down for a two-week vacation and a nephew’s wedding. We said “yes” and used our canceled airline credits with United to book the trip. Our original trip to Canada was booked and paid for two years ago and if you squeeze your brain just right you can convince yourself that this trip is free, since you don’t have to pay for the flights.

I had never been to Puerto Vallarta and I was looking forward to getting away, if

From Our Family to Yours

STABLER’S A-1 APPLIANCE

only for a few days. It turned out that Woody had booked a two bedroom apartment on the coast and one of his relatives was only staying for the wedding, leaving six days open for us.

When you have young children, you hang around with other parents — but when your kids leave — you need to find other couples for social interaction. I’m lucky that I have friends that

tolerate me for more than one evening out.

Mostly, they invite Sherri to share their vacation and I just tag along. I’ve found that golfing vacations work by keeping the guys out of the way for at least a couple of afternoons.

The golf courses around tourist areas are usually pretty nice, and Woody and I played on a Jack

See QUICK, Page 5

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

M

get arrested, the police will tell you that “you have the right to an attorney.” But that is not what the Constitution says. The Constitution says we have the Right to an Attorney only in a Federal Court criminal trial.

But since 98 percent of all criminal trials are in State Courts, not in Federal Courts, the actual words in the Constitution only rarely provide us with the Right to an

Michael, Jeff, Casey, Carman, & Sassy, Paul & Ziggy, Joanne & Mr. B & PJ

Parts • Sales • Service

But it’s not in the Constitution!

ost Americans believe that all of our Constitutional Rights are clearly and specifically stated in the words of the Constitution.

Most Americans are wrong.

The United States Supreme Court has a long history of finding new Constitutional Rights, even when they are not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution. The Court’s ability and willingness to create new Constitutional Rights has made profound changes in our law and society.

We all have watched enough television police dramas to know quite well that if you

serving all of Yolo County for over 58 years

Attorney.

But in 1963, in a case called Gideon v. Wainwright, the Court decided that the philosophy of “fundamental fairness” requires that we have a Right to an Attorney, in all criminal cases, especially in State Court criminal trials, despite what the Constitution says.

And have you ever wondered why all

548 Kentucky Ave., Woodland

530.662.3996

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

Delivery & Installation Available

See POINT, Page 5

Winters

SHOP LOCAL

“The Extra Service Store” Corner of Railroad & Main

(530) 795-4503 Reservation Recommended

35 Main Street Winters (530) 795-3368

Everything in Hardware

LOCAL COFFEE ROASTER & CAFE 5 E MAIN STREET, STE A WINTERS, CA (530) 795-3588

HOURS: M-F 6AM-3PM • SATURDAY 7AM-5PM • SUNDAY 6AM-3PM

WWW.STEADY-EDDYS.COM

Support these local businesses, like your town depends on it.

This calendar sponsored by

The right agent makes all the difference in the world.®

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

7 E. Main St. Suite C Winters 795-4183

NOW OPEN! • DINE IN • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY 108 MAIN STREET • WINTERS, CA 95694 530-212-5101 • WINTERS.PIZZAFACTORY.COM Open 7 Days A Week: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm • Fri & Sat 11am-10pm

B4 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

HOMES Continued from Page 2 jor regions recorded a sales decline on a year-over-year basis in November, with the Far North being the only region with an increase in demand from last month and a year ago. Wildfires in the area had a significant adverse impact on the Far North market in the late summer, but sales in the region began to bounce back in November. As the affected counties gradually recover from the disaster, strong sales growth in Shasta in the latest month was enough to pull the region’s sales ahead of last year. Central Coast was the only region with nearly a 10 percent decline in sales compared to last November.

Nearly two-thirds of all counties — 32 of 51— tracked by C.A.R.

had a year-over-year decrease in closed sales in November, with 16 counties declining by more than 10 percent from a year ago. Mono posted the biggest sales decline from last year at -38.1 percent, followed

by Lassen (-36.8 percent), and Mendocino (-36.2 percent). Counties that registered a sales decline from last year had an average decrease of -14.2 percent in November.Nineteen counties experienced a year-over-year increase in home sales last month, with Del Norte (55.0 percent) surging the most, followed by Merced (28.0 percent), and King (27.1 percent).

All major regions posted solid home price gains from a year ago, with four of them recording double-digit, year-overyear median price increases. The San

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20211043 12/3/2021 mlindstrom, Deputy Business is located in YOLO County Fictitious Business Name: Davis Datum, LLC Physical Address: 614 Sycamore Ln. Apt. 114 Davis, CA 95616 Mailing Address: Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): 1) Davis Datum, LLC 614 Sycamore Ln. Apt. 114 Davis, CA 95616 Business Classification: Limited Liability Company Starting Date of Business: 10/14/2021 s/ Eva Zhou Official Title: Corporation Name: Davis Datum, LLC 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, mlindstrom, Deputy Clerk State of California, County of Yolo Published: December 15, 22, 29, 2021; January 5, 2022

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20211021 11/24/2021 dho, Deputy Business is located in YOLO County Fictitious Business Name: Masuda Design Studio Physical Address: 1208 Hamakawa Street Winters, CA 95694 Mailing Address: Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): 1) Izumi Masuda Architect, Inc. 1208 Hamakawa Street Winters, CA 95694 Business Classification: Corporation Starting Date of Business: 11/20/2021 s/ Izumi Masuda Official Title: CEO Corporation Name: Izumi Masuda Architect, Inc. 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: December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2021

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20211006 11/19/2021 Iramirez, Deputy Business is located in Yolo County Fictitious Business Name: SOUTHERN TOUCH DESIGNS Physical Address: 914 KENNEDY DR. WINTERS, CA 95694 Mailing Address: Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): 1) ACADIAN VENTURES CORP 914 KENNEDY DR WINTERS, CA 95694 Business Classification: Corporation Starting Date of Business: 10/08/2021 s/Lindsey Brickey Official Title: Vice President Corporation Name: Acadian Ventures Corp 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, Iramirez, Deputy Clerk State of California, County of Yolo Published December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2021

FILED YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE 02/25/2020 FBN Number F20210977 Old FBN Number 2019-689 Jesse Salinas, Clerk; kquam, Deputy The person(s) or entities below are abandoning the use of the following fictitious business name(s): Sacramento Freelance Network 1724 Farnham Avenue Woodland, CA 95776 (Yolo) Previously: 409A Russell St. Winters, CA 95694 The fictitious business name was originally filed in Yolo County on 8/12/2019 and is being ABANDONED by the name of registrant listed below: Modern Roots Marketing LLC 1724 Farnham Avenue Woodland CA 95776 (Yolo) Corporation or Limited Liability Company: Modern Roots Marketing LLC 1724 Farnham Avenue Woodland CA 95776 (Yolo) The business was conducted by: Limited Liability Company s/Mary A Nauer 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.

State of California, County of Yolo Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, Kimberli Quam, Deputy Clerk Published December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021

Francisco Bay Area (18.2 percent) had the largest increase of all regions, followed by Southern California (14.0 percent), Central Valley (13.0 percent), and the Far North (11.8 percent). The Central Coast (9.0 percent) continued to have the smallest price growth in November and was the only region with less than a 10 percent gain from last year.

Almost all California counties experienced year-overyear price growth, as 47 out of 51 counties tracked by C.A.R. showed a gain in their median prices from last year. Thirty-eight of them increased by double-digits from a year ago, with San Mateo leading the pack at a price surge of 34.7 percent, followed by Mariposa (33.6 percent), and Humboldt (28.4 percent). Four counties

Courtesy graphic/California Association of Realtors

recorded a decline in their median prices from last November, with Tehama dropping the most by -12.4 percent, while Monterey (-2.4 percent), Napa (-1.6 percent), and Plumas (-1.3 percent) all dipped less than 3 percent from the prior year.

Market competitiveness was less heated than a few

FILED YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE 11/24/2021 FBN Number F20211023 Jesse Salinas, Clerk; kquam, Deputy The person(s) or entities below are abandoning the use of the following fictitious business name(s): FROM MY HEART TO YOURS #0001045-01 The fictitious business name was originally filed in Yolo County In 1973 and is being ABANDONED by the name of registrant listed below: THERESA FOSTER 105 BAKER ST. WINTERS, CA 95694 (YOLO COUNTY) Corporation or Limited Liability Company: N/A The business was conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL s/ THERESA FOSTER 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.

State of California, County of Yolo Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, kquam, Deputy Clerk Published December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2021

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20210997 11/16/2021 lramirez, Deputy

Business is located in YOLO County Fictitious Business Name: 1) HERNANDEZ & SON'S Physical Address: 186 MUIR ST #58 WOODLAND CA 95695 Mailing Address: Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): 1) ANGEL FERMIN HERNANDEZ 186 MUIR ST #58 WOODLAND CA 95695 Business Classification: Individual Starting Date of Business: N/A s/ANGEL HERNANDEZ 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 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20211066 12/15/2021 Iramirez, Deputy

Business is located in YOLO County Fictitious Business Name: 1) SKINZIP 2) LUNGI AND FABRIC Physical Address: 1743 Farnham Ave. Woodland, CA 95776 Mailing Address: Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): 1) KHAING FAMILY LLC 2108 N St. Ste. N Sacramento, CA 95816 Business Classification: Limited Liability Company Starting Date of Business: 12/14/2021 s/FNU AHPAING Official Title: MEMBER Corporation Name: KHAING FAMILY LLC 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, Iramirez, Deputy Clerk State of California, County of Yolo Published: December 22, 29, January 5, 12, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CV2021-2026 To all interested persons: Petitioner: EVANGELINA BERMUDEZ DE LOPEZ filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name EVANGELINA BERMUDEZ DE LOPEZ to Proposed name EVA BERMUDEZ THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: Jan 6, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Dept. 10 (Room: Zoom) The address of the court is Yolo Superior Court 1000 Main Street, Woodland, CA 95695 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Winters Express Date: November 18, 2021 Samuel T. McAdam Judge of the Superior Court Published December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021

months ago but remained elevated in November. While the statewide median sales-price-to-listprice ratio remained above 100 percent, the November’s number was the lowest level since March 2021. Nearly twothirds of homes (59.2 percent) still sold above asking price in the latest monthly report, but that was the lowest level in nine months.

California’s Unsold Inventory Index (UII) dipped on a monthto-month basis for the second straight month, as active listings fell 22.4 percent from last year. November’s UII was 1.6 months and was below 1.9 months in the same month of2020.

The index indicates the number of months it would take to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current rate of sales.

The median num-

ber of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 11 days in November, unchanged from October and was 9 days in November 2020.

C.A.R.’s statewide sales-price-to-listprice ratio was 101.4 percent in November 2021 and 100.5 percent in November 2020.

The statewide average price per square foot for an existing single-family home remained elevated.

November’s price per square foot was $393, up from $332 in November a year ago.

The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 3.07 percent in November, up from 2.77 percent in November 2020, according to Freddie Mac. The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate averaged 2.51 percent, compared to 3.0 percent in November 2020.

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20210941 10/29/2021 dho, Deputy Business is located in Yolo County Fictitious Business Name: JERSEY MIKE'S SUBS Physical Address: 2000 E. MAIN STREET UNIT H WOODLAND, CA 95776 Mailing Address: 25 COUNTRY VIEW LANE DANVILLE, CA 94526 Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): 1) PACIFIC FOOD VENTURES, INC 25 COUNTRY VIEW LANE DANVILLE, CA 94526 Business Classification: Individual Starting Date of Business: N/A s/GURJEET SINGH Official Title: SECRETARY Corporation Name: PACIFIC FOOD VENTURES, INC. 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 December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2021

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20211018 11/23/2021 kquam, Deputy

Business is located in YOLO County Fictitious Business Name: BAYSHORE TRUCK EQUIPMENT Physical Address: 895 Stillwater Rd., Suite 700 West Sacramento, CA 95605 Mailing Address: 1900 Charles Bryan Rd., Suite 100 Cordova, TN 38016 Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): 1) TRUCKPRO, LLC 1900 Charles Bryan Rd., Suite 100 Cordova, TN 38016 Business Classification: Limited Liability Company Starting Date of Business: 01/01/2015 s/ Sharon Carter Official Title: VP Corporation Name: TRUCKPRO, LLC 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: December 22, 29, January 5, 12, 2022

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20210984 11/12/2021 mlindstrom, Deputy Business is located in YOLO County Fictitious Business Name: LAND PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC Physical Address: 417 MACE BLVD SUITE J338 DAVIS CA 95618 Mailing Address: 417 MACE BLVD SUITE J338 DAVIS CA 95618 Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s): 1) LAND PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC 417 MACE BLVD SUITE J338 DAVIS CA 95618 Business Classification: Limited Liability Company Starting Date of Business: N/A s/NAVJOT BAINS Official Title: MANAGER Corporation/LLC Name:LAND PROPERTY HOLDINGS , LLC 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, mlindstrom, Deputy Clerk State of California, County of Yolo Published December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021

Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021 — B5

QUICK Continued from Page 3 Nickolas-designed course just outside of Puerto Vallarta. It was a long cab ride and we were looking forward to playing a course that has been used for televised international tournaments.

We were a little surprised that were was a large landfill next to the course, but once we started playing you don’t notice the piles of rubble. They didn’t show the landfill on TV. There weren’t a lot of people on the courses we played, but those that we met were older Americans who have retired in Mexico, or Canadians who spend their winters there. One Canadian couple joked about competing with their neighbors back home on who could shovel the snow off their property the fastest. I can see why they enjoy living in Baja where it is always 70 degrees, and humid.

A strange thing happened when Rebecca

POINT Continued from Page 3 those television cops always read the rights to a suspect immediately upon an arrest?

It is not because of anything written in the Constitution. The requirement that you be read your rights exists only because it was created by the Supreme Court, in 1966.

Our Constitutional Right to Travel (traveling from one State to another), is mentioned nowhere in the Constitution, but it dates back at least to 1858. Even today, the Supreme Court continues to confirm that our Right to Travel exists, without it being written anywhere in the Constitution. In a recent case, the Court said, “we do not need to identify the source of our Constitutional Right to Travel, which is not in the text of the Constitution.”

Another great example of the Supreme Court finding unwritten Rights in the Constitution is our Constitutional Right to marry a person of a different race or color.

As you might guess, it’s not mentioned in the Constitution. But the Constitutional Right for a Black person and a White person to marry was created by the Court, in 1967, in the wonderfully-named case of Loving v. Virginia. (By the way, the basic Right to Marry, is itself never mentioned in the Constitution, but, long, long ago, the Court said that our Right to Marry is Constitutionally protected.)

Another good example is our Constitutionally guaranteed Right to Privacy. You may be surprised to discover that the Right to Privacy is not mentioned in the Constitution. In fact, the word “Privacy” never appears anywhere in the Constitution — not even once.

Our Right to Privacy comes from a 1965 case. At that time, in many States, it was illegal to buy or sell birth control drugs or devices. But the Supreme Court created a new “Right to Privacy,” which the Court said exists, unwritten, hidden somewhere within the umbrella of

wanted to mail some postcards home. The hotel said they no longer have mail service.

I’m not sure if this is just Puerto Vallarta or all of Mexico, but they don’t have home delivery anymore. People use email or go to the post office to mail cards or letters. Not sure who you would mail them to in Mexico if there isn’t home delivery — general delivery or a mailbox?

To get back into the United States you have to be tested for COVID within 24 hours of your flight and show proof that you are vaccinated.

Local medical clinics are more than happy to help you get tested, at $35 per test. At the airport it was comforting to know that everyone around you has been tested, has their shots and were wearing masks. Wouldn’t it be nice to feel that way when you walk down the street or while sitting in the café?

As much as I like to travel, it is always nice to be home.

Merry Christmas. all our written rights.

The Court said a woman’s private decision to prevent a pregnancy is protected by her Right to Privacy, forcing States to make birth control legal.

Eight years later, in 1973, this new Right to Privacy was expanded. In Roe v. Wade the Court took the Right to Privacy, (along with other Constitutional arguments), and extended it beyond just a woman’s private right to prevent pregnancy, to also include her private right (with restrictions), to terminate a pregnancy.

(As you know, the Supreme Court today is currently reviewing the foundation of Roe v. Wade, and may soon create a new rule.)

The Fourth Amendment protects our homes and bodies from an unreasonable search by the government. But what about a government wiretap (which is a search) on our phones or other electronic devices? Even though the words “telephones” and “wires” can’t be found anywhere in the Constitution, the Court decided in 1967 that the meaning of the Fourth Amendment must include protection from wiretaps and other electronic searches by the Government.

Gay Marriage provides us with the most recent example of the Supreme Court creating an unwritten Constitutional Right. Gay marriage is, of course, not mentioned in the Constitution. But in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, the Court found that the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the Constitution ensure that same-sex couples have the same fundamental Constitutional right to marry as opposite-sex couples do.

There are many, many more examples of the Court expanding our Constitutional Rights well beyond the actual words contained within Constitution. This has been a consistent part of the history and tradition of the Supreme Court for more than 200 years.

Read more from Richard Kleeberg at JustThePoint.com.

Sho Local

Winters

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

Aggregate

Winters Aggregate

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

l

l

l

l

l

wintersaggregate.com 4499 Putah Creek Rd.

(530) 795-2994 Grading

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

Plumbing

@<E=29>7

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

FREE PHONE ESTIMATES

Roofing

L&L Roofing landlroofingservice.com

Any roof, any time.

(530) 400-5817

$5/week Advertise here for just

B6 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Ron DuPratt USED CARS in Vacaville Mention this ad AND receive an additional

Sale Event Ford Certified Used Vehicles Great Savings on Used Vehicles 2020 FORD ECOSPORT SE

STK# 24534T VIN# 368528

$

22,905

2019 GMC TERRAIN SLE

STK# 24642 VIN# 344716

$

26,999

2020 FORD EDGE SE

STK# 24405 VIN# A14385

$

29,899

2019 HONDA ACCORD EX-L 2.0T

STK# 24798 VIN# 028607

$

34,907

2019 RAM 1500 BIG HORN/LONE STAR

STK# 24608 VIN# 555798

$

40,991

2020 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD PRO

STK# 24610 VIN# 329490

$

55,995

OVER 100 CARS TO CHOOSE FROM! Finding You the Right Car at the Right Price!

Price!

2020 FORD F-150 XL

2018 FORD MUSTANG ECOBOOST®

STK# 24635 VIN# 172750

$

28,991

2017 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S

$

STK# 24679 VIN# 347734

19,476

2020 FORD ECOSPORT SE

STK# 24566T VIN# 331723

$

22,991

2018 FORD EDGE SEL

STK# 24595 VIN# B53409

$

28,489

2020 FORD EDGE SE

STK# 24590 VIN# B44803

$

30,226

2018 FORD EXPLORER XLT

STK# 24801 VIN# C87735

$

36,473

2018 FORD EXPLORER SPORT

STK# 24594 VIN# C33798

$

43,469

2019 FORD EXPEDITION MAX LIMITED

STK# 24672 VIN# A20928

$

56,690

$

STK# 24470 VIN# C50670

41,495

2018 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL

STK# 24627 VIN# 183034

$

20,899

2018 HONDA CIVIC LX

STK# 24622 VIN# 554244

$

24,373

2020 HONDA HR-V EX

STK# 24793 VIN# 701707

$

29,550

2015 LEXUS RX 350

STK# 24615 VIN# 483640

$

31,499

2019 FORD RANGER LARIAT

STK# 24657 VIN# A20474

$

36,898

2020 RAM 1500 LARAMIE

$

STK# 24665 VIN# 403716

51,537

2019 RAM 2500 TRADESMAN

STK# 24758 VIN# 645266

$

63,486

$100 OFF! 2020 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED

STK# 24591 VIN# C31218

$

44,027

2017 FORD ESCAPE SE

STK# 24690 VIN# E97876

$

21,499

2018 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5i LIMITED

STK# 24654 VIN# 522003

$

25,899

2019 FORD EDGE SEL

STK# 24649 VIN# B10068

$

29,599

2017 BMW 2 SERIES M240i

STK# 24586 VIN# 638930

$

32,995

2018 FORD EXPLORER XLT

STK# 24774 VIN# B80024

$

39,685

2020 TOYOTA 4RUNNER VENTURE

STK# 24778 VIN# 781064

$

53,995

2021 FORD EXPEDITION LIMITED

STK# 24775 VIN# A54387

$

74,995

Ron DuPratt USED CARS in Vacaville

1385 E. Monte Vista Avenue · Vacaville, CA 877.756.6441 · www.ronduprattusedcars.com

All prices plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. All prices good through close of business on 12/26/21.

Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021 — B7

Express Yourself Why Social Security was created

By Wally Pearce, Winters Elder Day Council Special to the Express Social Security is more than a lifeline — and it’s more than just a government agency, because it deals with people — each with their own needs.

Many people may’ve forgotten the reasons of Social Security. The significance of the social insurance program sought to address the long-range problem of economic security for the aged through a contributory system in which the workers themselves contributed to their future retirement benefits by making regular payments into a joint fund.

In 1935, after bank failures and a stock market crash wiped out the savings of millions of Americans, the nation turned to the federal government to guarantee the elderly a decent income.

In those days, only a handful of workers had access to pension programs. Over half of America’s elderly lacked enough income to be self-supporting.

The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Roosevelt on Aug. 14, 1935, enacted to create a social insurance program that would ensure workers would have a source of income after they retired.

On Jan. 31, 1940, the first monthly retirement payment (check number 00-000001) for $22.54 (equivalent to $416 in 2020) was issued to 65-year-old Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont. She started collecting benefits when the median annual income was $1,368. She paid in $24.75 between 1937 and 1939. Miss Ludlow was never married and lived to be 100.

Social Security has become one of the federal government’s most successful and essential programs. Despite efforts to encourage

savings and investment, the private retirement picture deteriorated in recent decades. Even today, barely half of all workers participate in retirement plans at work, and millions reach retirement age without enough savings to provide an adequate living in retirement. Social Security is still the foundation for most seniors’ retirement.

Without this critical safety-net program, almost 40 percent of all older Americans would fall into poverty.

More than many other federal programs, Social Security does exactly what it was designed to do – it gives retired people a secure, basic income for as long as they live.

Over time, Congress has adjusted the program to address changing times and fiscal challenges. The last major changes came in 1983, when the Social Security program was facing imminent insolvency. At that time, Congress passed changes recommended by the National Commission on Social Security Reform, also known as the Greenspan Commission.

Among its major provisions, the amendments accelerated previously scheduled increases in the payroll tax to its current level, began a very slow phase-in of a two-year increase in the retirement age (from age 65 to 67) over a 45-year period, covered federal employees for the first time, and enacted a tax on the Social Security benefits of some retirees. These changes helped prepare Social Security for the anticipated retirements of the baby boom generation and extended the solvency of the Trust Funds for decades To qualify for retirement benefits, a typical worker must earn 40 Social Security credits. That’s 10 years

of work. Contributions are made through payroll taxes, divided between workers and employers. Employees pay 6.2 percent of their incomes (up to a ceiling of $8,853.60 in 2021, $9,114 in 2022), with employers contributing another 6.2 percent (subject to the same ceiling amounts). Self-employed individuals pay 12.4 percent of their income, subject to a ceiling of $17,707.20 ($18,228 in 2022).

In 2021, the maximum amount of an individual’s earnings that are subject to this tax is $142,800. In 2022, this maximum will be $147,000. Earnings over this limit are not taxed.

Social Security benefits are based on amounts earned during a worker’s lifetime. Adjustments are also made to give a higher proportionate benefit to low-income workers. This feature is particularly important to women, who typically earn less than men over their lifetimes. Initial benefits are increased through cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).

In 2021, the average monthly retirement benefit is $1,553 for an individual and $2,570 for a couple.

Disabled workers receive an average of $1,280 per month, while the benefit for a widow with two children averages $2,934 per month.

The value of the life insurance provided to survivors through Social Security is over $725,000 and the value of disability protection for a young disabled worker with a spouse and two children is about $580,000.

Starting in January 2022, the 5.9 percent COLA increase will change these averages proportionately. That's much more than the 1.3 percent adjustment made for 2021. The largest increase was a 7.4 percent boost in the 1980s.

Community generosity supports WEF endeavors

By Kurt Balasek Winters Education Foundation President The end of the year is upon us and it’s time to consider your 2021 taxes.

(Yeah, sorry for that reminder.)

As I reflect on what has been another difficult year for so many, I’d like to offer gratitude. Thanks to our supporters, WEF has been able to bring important resources to Winters students, families, and educators. Together, we have helped ease the strain of returning to in-classroom instruction after more than a year of distance learning.

Because of gifts from generous people, WEF was able to award 28 mini-grants totaling nearly $30,000 to support equal educational opportunities for every child in Winters public school classrooms this year. The funded projects were proposed by educators throughout Winters Joint Unified School District, and many reflected the challenges encountered by students and teachers during pandemic-era schooling.

Examples of the projects funded include: • Outdoor play equipment to engage young learners at Winters State Preschool Center.

• Tools to introduce Waggoner Elementary School students to coding and robotics.

• Ukuleles to expand music instruction at Shirley Rominger Intermediate Schools.

• Scholarships to

outdoor education camp for sixth and seventh graders at Winters Middle School.

• Technology to enhance math classes at Winters High School.

Of course, none of WEF’s work would be possible without this community’s generosity.

If you are considering a year-end contribution to charity, I respectfully request that you consider WEF. We are 100 percent volunteer-run and our administrative costs are limited. We strive to put every dime contributed toward our mission to foster “continued educational excellence and equal educational opportunities for every child in a Winters public school," now and always.

To that end, our Board places 5 percent of all gifts in an endowment to sustain philanthropic resources for Winters schools into the future.

If you would like to make a gift to WEF online, please visit our website at www.MyWEF. org. Donations can also be made via snail mail to Winters Education Foundation at P.O. Box 1047, Winters, CA 95694.

I should also mention that our organization participates in Amazon Smile. If you are an Amazon shopper, it’s easy to sign up and support WEF through that program at smile.amazon.com.

As always, I thank you for your support and wish you a restful holiday season—and a very happy, healthy new year.

AUTO DIRECTORY ELK GROVE ACURA

ELK GROVE AUDI

ELK GROVE CHRYSLER

8585 Laguna Grove Dr., Elk Grove (877) 545-8404 ElkGroveAcura.com

9776 W.Stockton Blvd., Ste #1, Elk Grove (877) 547-9416 ElkGroveAudiCA.com

8575 Laguna Grove Dr., Elk Grove (855) 349-3002 ElkGroveDodge.net

ELK GROVE DODGE

VACAVILLE HONDA

ELK GROVE JEEP

8575 Laguna Grove Dr., Elk Grove (855) 349-3002 ElkGroveDodge.net

641 Orange Dr., Vacaville (707) 449-5900 • (866) 5HONDA2 VacavilleHonda.com

8575 Laguna Grove Dr., Elk Grove (855) 349-3002 ElkGroveDodge.net

LASHER USED CAR SUPERCENTER

ELK GROVE RAM

LASHER SACRAMENTO WORK TRUCK

8575 Laguna Grove Dr., Elk Grove (877) 748-2983 LasherAutoGroup.com

8575 Laguna Grove Dr., Elk Grove (855) 349-3002 ElkGroveDodge.net

8575 Laguna Grove Dr., Elk Grove (916) 385-0437 SacWorkTrucks.com

ELK GROVE SUBARU

ELK GROVE VOLKSWAGEN

VACAVILLE VOLKSWAGEN

8581 Laguna Grove Dr., Elk Grove (855) 349-3003 ElkGroveSubaru.com

9776 W. Stockton Blvd., Ste #2, Elk Grove (855) 349-3004 ElkGroveVW.com

580 Orange Dr., Vacaville (707) 449-6900 • (866) 86BUYVW VacavilleVW.com

B8 — Winters Express, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Rudolph, the Red-Nose Reindeer (Gets His COVID-19 Vaccine)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Had a very shiny nose He was on the way to get his vaccine When his energy ran low All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names Until one day their noses started to glow And they all shouted "Oh no!"

Then that foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say "Rudolph with your nose so bright, did you get your vaccine before you guided my sleigh that night?"

All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names but now they are guiding the sleigh To get their vaccine So they can continue to play Need to get you or a loved one a COVID-19 vaccine, booster, or flu shot?

Come into Winters Healthcare, walk-in's are welcome!

For faster service call us at (530) 795-4377, before you come in for your COVID-19 vaccine or booster. For minors COVID-19 vaccines please fill out the consent form on our website at www.wintershealth.org/vaccineclinic.

Please bring your vaccine card with you for second doses and/or your booster.