Students select Youth, Educator of the Year
Express staff
The Winters Youth Day Committee announced the recipients of the 2025 Youth of the Year and Educator of the Year awards. These awards celebrate exceptional contributions to the community and highlight leadership, dedication and the ability to inspire others.
Reviving Youth of the Year
For the first time in many years, the Youth of the Year award has been revived to honor a student who exemplifies leadership, service and resilience. Originally established by the city of
Winters Park and Recreation Commission before its disbandment in 2005, the award functioned as a youth counterpart to the Citizen of the Year, recognizing a “longterm active commitment” to the Winters community.
This year, Winters Express Editor-in-Chief Crystal Apilado spearheaded the initiative to bring back the award, working with former city manager John Donlevy, the Youth Day board and Winters Joint Unified School District Superintendent Rody Boonchouy to ensure its return.
Commissioners approve design review for new neighborhood market
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
The Winters Planning Commission unanimously approved a proposed design review and conditional use permit (CUP) for a new business on Railroad Avenue at its March 25 meeting. Applicant and owner Thaddeus Barsotti submitted the proposal for his upcoming venture, the Yolo Fill Station: Farm to Table Retail & Food Trucks, located at 400 Railroad Ave. The project involves repurposing a former auto repair building at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Abbey Street to accommodate two onsite food trucks and a neighborhood market selling farm-to-table retail goods, including beer, wine, seasonal farm products, meats, picnic supplies, garden items andlocal preserves. Contract city plan-
ner Kelly Mumper presented the project details, emphasizing that commissioners were only considering approval of the design review and CUP for the food trucks at this stage. Signage approval will be addressed in a future meeting.
“The applicant’s vision is to renovate the building while preserving its original gas-station charm, as well as enhancing the surrounding space. The goal is to transform the property into a dynamic venue for retail and a community hub that connects people to local farm products,” Mumper said. “The space will offer a family-friendly environment where visitors can purchase local farm products, garden supplies, picnic essentials and food truck offerings.”
Mumper outlined plans for the food trucks, which will be stationed in designated parking spaces and comply with the city’s stationary food vendor permit requirements. The building will be divided into two areas: Suite A, which will be
open to the public as a retail store featuring regional wines, beers, olive oils, and other farm products, and Suite B, a private office and warehouse space for managing retail and future wine club operations. The proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to section 15303 of the CEQA guidelines because it is converting an existing small structure from one use to another where only minor modifications are made to the exterior of the structure, according to Mumper.
Landscaping plans include installing garden beds and planters along the perimeter fence, selecting plant species to maintain line-of-sight safety, and adding trees and canopies to mitigate the heat island effect.
City staff in the police department and engineering initially raised concerns regarding line-of-sight safety for the perimeter fence and traffic
Weather
Annual financial audit completed for city’s 2022-23 fiscal year
By Sonora Slater Express staff writer
At the March 4 Winters City Council meeting, in addition to presentations by the Winters Police Department and a discussion about Women’s History Month, which were covered in depth in a previous edition of the Winters Express, Erica Pastor, a CPA partner with independent public accounting firm MUNCPAS (Mann, Urrutia, Nelson CPAs & Associates, LLP), presented the completed financial audit for the city’s fiscal year that ended in 2023. The audit was delayed due to turnover in the finance department, missing the March 31, 2024, deadline. The annu-
al audit for the city’s fiscal year ending in 2024 is now in progress, but will also be submitted late.
In order to help them close in time in the future, the auditors recommended the city come up with a better defined set of processes to document their accounting. Defining an accounting process involves figuring out what actions trigger each process, determining which procedures are involved in each process, stating which people or positions are responsible for performing the procedures, and defining what the procedures are for reviewing this work and correcting any errors.
“For an extended period of time, the city has faced perva-
sive staffing shortages, thus preventing effective year-end close processes,” a related portion of the audit report states.
“Management has taken steps to improve the quality of year-end financial reporting and is expecting to have improved year-end close and financial reporting for future audit periods.”
The report can be found in its full form attached to the digital agenda packet for the March 4 meeting under the archived city council meetings at www.cityofwinters. org/194/Meetings or view it directly at https://bit.ly/4lfova6. Recommended changes
The auditor
Trustees approve second interim budget report
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Russell Barrington presented the 2024-25 second interim budget report, providing an overview of the school district’s financial standing, updates since the first interim report, and a forecast for the coming years at the Winters Joint Unified School District board meeting on March 6.
In his report, Barrington outlined that the school district has certification of its financial ability to meet its obligations for the next two fiscal years.
Barrington made it clear, however, that the budget reporting cycle is currently awaiting the governor’s budget revision and adoption.
This means only the Local
Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) are included in Barrington’s presentation of the budget, while several other funding sources are yet to be confirmed.
“From our last meeting to now, we still don’t have any ability to know where those are going to land come the adopted budget, so we are still only including COLA in our projections and waiting on the remainder,” Barrington said.
The budget does give good projections despite the uncertainty. Aside from being projected to meet its fiscal responsibilities, Barrington outlined what the health of the budget will be for the rest of this school year.
The unrestricted fund balance
See REPORT, Page 5
Courtesy photo
Music educator Mike Williams
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Winters High School senior Eden Miller
See CITY, Page 2
Community News
Supevisors review youth commission pilot program, SACOG blueprint
By Rebecca Wasik McNaughton Media
On Tuesday, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors received an evaluation report on the Yolo County Youth Commission pilot program from the Yolo County Office of Education.
Chair Mary Vixie Sandy was not present for the first half of the meeting, so Vice Chair Sheila Allen served as chair for the first half until Vixie Sandy arrived.
The purpose of the twoyear Youth Commission pilot program was to allow 15 youth the opportunity to facilitate civic engagement and leadership development. It was initiated by the Board of Supervisors on May 10, 2022 and designated to be administered by YCOE.
Funding for the pilot program came from county cannabis tax revenue, YCOE funds and the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center Grant.
The Youth Commission was composed of 15 members, three from each supervisor district, ranging in ages 13 to 18. The second year included six continuing commissioners and nine new commissioners, resulting in 24 total participants.
YCOE says impacts that they discovered from partic-
ipants included increased leadership and confidence, a better understanding of local government, as well as relationship building and teamwork skills.
Challenges YCOE encountered while running the program ranged from transportation issues, staffing instability, organizational capacity, to calendar vs school year calendar alignment.
The program’s partners convened in February to develop a recommendation for the future of the commission. Those partner recommendations include expanding youth civic engagement and leadership opportunities; reducing grant oversight; keeping the commission to 15 members; continue with meeting structure; guidance from county supervisors, YCOE staff, elected officials, and community organizations; aligning Youth Commission initiatives with Youth Commission priorities, Yolo County Strategic Plan and the Roadmap to the Future Needs Assessment; and measuring clear metrics.
The estimated cost to annually run the program without grants is estimated at $200,000.
The board agreed with YCOE staff that county staff should coordinate with the
YCOE staff to develop a detailed proposal and contract outline, as well as other options due to funding limitations, that can come back to the board for consideration.
SACOG
Board members also received an information-only presentation from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments on its 2025 Blueprint project.
“The 2025 Blueprint in many ways outlines a phasing strategy to help guide public policy decisions throughout the region,” reads the staff report. “This plan will lay out a set of strategies for an integrated, multimodal transportation system and a regional land use development pattern that can create a more thriving region that works for all residents. The plan aims to connect housing to jobs, education, goods and services, and recreational opportunities while protecting and enhancing our region’s natural and working landscapes.”
Themes that SACOG has heard during outreach and engagement include the desire to protect and conserve open space and agriculture, invest in existing communities, prepare for natural disasters, create complete
communities, provide housing for all incomes and life stages, support safe and convenient transportation options, and to ensure access and opportunities for all residents. Transportation challenges identified consist of the need to prioritize maintenance and repairs, lower cost and quicker projects and safety projects.
The Blueprint will be released for public review in May.
Ag Pass
On Oct. 22, 2024, the board approved the Agricultural Pass Program which allows eligible agricultural, horticultural, or livestock producers to enter restricted areas, when deemed safe by law enforcement or fire officials, to tend to their crops or animals.
The board received an update on this program on Tuesday.
Applicants must be aware that they are entering a restricted area where risks and hazards are present. Yolo County cannot be held liable. Possession of an Ag Pass does not grant any rights or privileges nor guarantee access. Access will be dependent on safety conditions and approval by emergency personnel.
There is mandatory train-
ing and renewals associated with receiving an Ag Pass. An initial course and one-hour annual refresher is required. Each Ag Pass expires at the end of the year. So far, two Ag Pass training courses have been held: Oct. 23, 2024 and Jan. 30, 2025. 13 total Ag Passes have been distributed. Ag Pass partners include CalFire, Yolo County Office of Emergency Services, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Capitol Corridor. Mental Health Board renaming
Approved unanimously by the board was the renaming of the Local Mental Health Board to the Local Behavioral Health Board and other amendments related to renaming mental health services and titles to behavioral health services.
Proposition 1, passed in March 2024, renamed the Mental Health Services Act to the Behavioral Health Services Act, requiring the county to update its code to align with consistent definitions and state reporting requirements. This item will be continued to the next board meeting for a second reading and adoption.
issued a clean opinion, meaning that they have no serious concerns about the city’s financial statements. That said, there were certain adjustments and recommendations presented to help the process run smoother in the future.
These include implementing a comprehensive grants-administration policy that provides summarized grant information to the finance department in order to help them keep track of it,
Celebrating WINTERS’ 87th ANNUAL YOUTH DAY
Saturday, April 26th
Duck Derby, Parade, Food & More!
Celebrating our community's youth from the past to the present, “Youth Around the World” special tabloid will be published on Wednesday, April 23rd. It will be mailed to all Winters’ households and distributed throughout the community with 5,000 printed copies and on-line edition. Festivities begin on Saturday, April 26th with fun for the whole family. Be a part of this community wide section with your advertising message.
implementing a process to monitor compliance with home loan provisions, reviewing and updating the city’s purchasing policy, and bringing quarterly financial reports before the council for review. They also recommended that during
this time, the city be provided with a sideby-side of the budget and the quarterly actuals, which currently does not take place.
“One of the roles of the council is to use their sound judgement in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities, including overseeing the city’s finances,” the audit reads. “Providing such reports on a quarterly basis would provide additional
oversight and help them understand the financial results and their implications to help the council make informed decisions.”
Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi said that it is encouraging that the city will soon be putting a new software system into place, which will automate a lot of these financial processes and be very helpful for accounting.
The report also in-
cludes summaries and data visualization overviews of the city’s general revenues and expenditures, highlighting major changes that took place over the 2022-23 fiscal year. It’s important to note that as this was two to three years ago, some of this has likely already changed.
The report notes that city spending on salaries and benefits decreased by about $200,000, primarily due to reductions in pension costs because of the city’s growing vacancy rate. Relatedly, contract services costs increased by about $120,000 correspondingly to the increased vacancy rates that necessitated the use of contract services.
Administrative costs, repairs and maintenance activity costs related to the city’s sewer fund, and utilities costs all increased, with the latter being mainly attributed to increased costs of electricity. The General Fund revenue increased by nearly two million during the documented financial period, primarily because of an increase in taxes and assessments, and increases in licenses, fees and permits due to increased building within the city. However, expenditures from the General Fund also increased by about $500,000 because of increases in public safety and parks and recreation expenditures. The public safety increases were attributed to increased compensation costs and the acquisition of safety equipment.
In total, 55 percent of capital fund expenditures were related to public safety, 2 percent to public works, 8 percent to community development, 13 percent to parks and recreation, 8 percent to streets and highways, 9 percent to capital outlay and 5 percent to general government.
Por Crystal Apilado
Traducido por Carol Alfonso
El 20 de Marzo, la Junta Directiva del Consejo de Gobiernos del Área de Sacramento (Sacramento Area Council of Governments – SACOG) votó unánimemente para aprobar $4,721,000 en fondos para proyectos para ciclistas y peatones en su Programa Regional de Transporte Activo de seis condados. Entre los proyectos aprobados se encuentra una subvención de $369,000 al Condado Yolo para finalizar la fase de diseño del proyecto del paso elevado para ciclistas y peatones de la Interestatal 505.
Los funcionarios de Winters y el Condado Yolo han continuado sus esfuerzos para garantizar un acceso seguro y equitativo para todos los residentes, y esto sigue siendo una prioridad absoluta. La financiación de SACOG representa un avance crucial para abordar los desafíos de transporte de larga data y fomentar una comunidad más conectada.
Para los residentes de la
Eventos hispanos
comunidad de viviendas asequibles El Rio Villas, cruzar la I-505 hacia los límites de la ciudad de Winters representa un desafío significativo debido a la ausencia de aceras y carriles para bicicletas. Las personas mayores y con discapacidad a menudo encuentran el trayecto casi imposible. El proyecto del Paso Elevado para Bicicletas y Peatones de la I-505 busca abordar estas barreras mediante la implementación de 2 kilómetros de mejoras de infraestructura, creando una ruta segura y continua para ciclistas y peatones.
Este proyecto conectará El Rio Villas, ubicada al este de la I-505, con destinos clave como escuelas, centros médicos y servicios esenciales al oeste de la interestatal.
“Esta financiación impulsará el progreso de la ciudad de Winters, ayudando a crear una conexión vital para ciclistas y peatones que actualmente no pueden cruzar el paso elevado de la I-505 de forma segura,” declaró Jesse Lo-
ren, concejal de la ciudad de Winters y presidente del Comité de Transporte de SACOG. “Al mejorar el acceso, este proyecto garantizará que todos los residentes, independientemente del lado de la autopista en el que vivan, se beneficien por igual de oportunidades de empleo, educación, compras y plena participación en todo lo que hace de la ciudad de Winters un lugar maravilloso para vivir.”
La subvención ATP Regional de SACOG es altamente competitiva, con 12 solicitudes que solicitan más de $16 millones de los $4,721 millones disponibles en fondos.
“Agradezco el liderazgo de toda la Junta Directiva de SACOG por apoyar este proyecto y facilitar opciones de transporte activo y seguro para los 400 residentes de El Rio Villas,” declaró Lucas Frerichs, Supervisor del Condado Yolo. “La promoción para que este proyecto tan necesario se concrete sigue siendo un esfuerzo de equipo, que incluye el trabajo
de mi oficina, la ciudad de Winters y nuestros socios legislativos estatales y federales. Seguimos enfocados en encontrar fondos adicionales para que esta mejora de seguridad se construya y sea utilizada por toda la comunidad.”
El cruce elevado de la I-505 se construyó originalmente en la década del 1950 solo para vehículos. Sin embargo, la ruta se ha convertido en un cruce habitual para peatones y ciclistas a pesar de sus condiciones inseguras. El personal de la ciudad de Winters, el Condado Yolo y CalTrans han estado colaborando en las mejoras del corredor. El proyecto se presentó a la comunidad de Winters en Diciembre del 2023, cuando representantes de Wood Rodgers, el personal del Condado Yolo, el administrador de la ciudad de Winters, Jeremy Craig, y los cinco concejales se reunieron con unos 20 miembros de la comunidad para discutir el diseño y abordar preguntas.
Los objetivos del proyecto incluyen:
• Proporcionar una infraestructura peatonal exclusiva a lo largo de la I-505
• Conectar las residencias al este de la autopista con las escuelas y negocios de Winters
• Mejorar la seguridad de ciclistas y peatones
• Mejorar la accesibilidad según la ADA en el área del proyecto (de Morgan Street a Fredericks Drive)
• Contribuir a la creación de un sendero regional para bicicletas que conecte Winters y Davis El proyecto se debatió inicialmente en una reunión conjunta de la ciudad de Winters y el Condado Yolo el 14 de Septiembre del 2022. Desde entonces, ha recibido financiación, incluyendo una asignación de $2 millones del Congreso obtenida por los representantes Mike Thompson (demócrata por St. Helena) y John Garamendi (demócrata por Walnut Grove). Sin embargo, los socios del proyecto siguen buscando $14 millones adicionales en fondos de construcción para completar las mejoras de seguridad.
Estudiantes piden a universidades de California que protejan sus campus de las leyes migratorias
Por Delilah Brumer CalMatters
Ante el temor de la aplicación de las leyes migratorias en los campus universitarios o sus alrededores durante el segundo mandato del presidente Donald Trump, estudiantes de todo el estado han exigido a las autoridades universitarias mayores protecciones. Han protestado contra la promesa de Trump de deportaciones masivas en campus como UC Berkeley y Sacramento State.
En Cal State Northridge, donde el 71% de los estudiantes son los primeros de su familia en ir a la universidad y el 80% son estudiantes de color, muchos manifestantes afirmaron tener compañeros o familiares que podrían verse afectados por el aumento de la aplicación de las leyes migratorias. Se estima que 100,000 estudiantes universitarios viven en California sin estatus legal permanente, y 3.3 millones de californianos viven en hogares con estatus mixto, según datos del Equity Research Institute, un grupo de in-
vestigación de la USC. En enero, la administración Trump derogó políticas que databan de 2011 y que impedían a los agentes de inmigración arrestar a personas en iglesias, escuelas y otras zonas designadas como “lugares sensibles”. A pesar del cambio, ha habido pocos, o ningún, reporte de arrestos migratorios en los campus universitarios de California o sus alrededores. Sin embargo, para estudiantes como Karisma Ramos Ayala, quien creció en un hogar con estatus migratorio mixto, el miedo y la ira persistent.
Muchas universidades de California ofrecen recursos para estudiantes inmigrantes y estudiantes de familias con estatus migratorio mixto, como tarjetas “Conoce tus Derechos” , centros de recursos Dream en el campus y servicios legales de inmigración gratuitos a través de organizaciones sin fines de lucro asociadas. Sin embargo, las leyes federales limitan el acceso de las instituciones públicas de educación superior a agentes de inmigración a las áreas públicas del campus o
sus inmediaciones. El estado y los campus ofrecen orientación
El Fiscal General del Estado, Rob Bonta, emitió una orientación dirigida a las universidades públicas de California, indicando que los agentes de inmigración pueden ingresar a las áreas del campus que generalmente están abiertas al público, como los patios centrales. En el caso de las áreas privadas, como las viviendas del campus, los agentes de inmigración no tienen derecho a ingresar sin una orden judicial, de acuerdo con la Cuarta Enmienda de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos. Las políticas sobre dónde pueden y no pueden entrar los agentes de inmigración se vuelven más confusas cuando se trata de otras áreas del campus, como aulas, centros de servicios estudiantiles y laboratorios. Según las directivas de Bonta, los agentes de inmigración no tienen derecho a entrar en las instalaciones del campus designadas exclusivamente para estudiantes y personal. Esto varía considerablemente entre campus, ya que, si
bien algunas universidades designan ciertos edificios como restringidos mediante la colocación de letreros o la exigencia de identificación estudiantil, otras no lo hacen.
Cada uno de los tres sistemas públicos de educación superior del estado ha publicado una guía sobre cómo responder a la aplicación de la ley migratoria, enfatizando que los departamentos de policía del campus de California tienen prohibido por una ley estatal de 2017 sobre proporcionar en general información personal… de un individuo con fines de control de inmigración, incluyendo, entre otros, la dirección particular o la dirección de trabajo del individuo, a menos que dicha información esté disponible para el público”.
El sistema de Colegios Comunitarios de California, que atiende a la mayor proporción de estudiantes en California sin estatus legal permanente, emitió una directiva a sus 116 colegios recordando a los administradores su obligación de “impedir que estudiantes, personal y profesorado participen en las medidas federales de
control migratorio, a menos que lo exija la ley estatal o federal.” Los sistemas de la Universidad Estatal de California y la Universidad de California han comunicado información similar a sus administradores, profesorado y personal, y los tres sistemas ofrecen páginas web con información y recursos de inmigración específicos de cada sistema.
Aditi Hariharan, presidenta de la Asociación de Estudiantes de la UC y estudiante de pregrado en UC Davis, quiere que el sistema UC dedique más fondos a recursos de inmigración. La organización también
insta a los campus de California a notificar a sus comunidades de inmediato, mediante sistemas de alerta, si detectan agentes de inmigración en las inmediaciones. En una declaración del sistema UC enfatizó los recursos que ofrecen a los estudiantes inmigrantes, que incluyen ayuda con formularios de ayuda financiera, asesoramiento sobre salud mental y asesoría legal.
—Delilah Brumer es miembro de College Journalism Network, una colaboración entre CalMatters y estudiantes de periodismo de todo California.
Este artículo fue publicado originalmente por CalMatters.
Public Safety Report
Fire
March 19: 8:08 a.m., County Road 32a and County Road 87, False alarm or false call (other)
~10:46 a.m., Ivy Loop, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
March 20: 10:49 a.m., Cottage Circle, Dispatched and cancelled en route
~10:50 p.m., Railroad Avenue, EMS call
– excluding vehicle accident with injury
March 21: 12:20 p.m., Morgan Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~5:53 p.m., Owings Drive, False alarm or false call (other)
~6:25 p.m., E. Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle acci-
dent with injury
~8:56 p.m., Roosevelt Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~9:04 p.m., Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~9:22 p.m., Dutton Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~10:05 p.m., Jefferson Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
March 22: 3:35 a.m., Morgan Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~4:07 a.m., Morgan Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~11:45 a.m., Morgan Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~2:32 p.m., Morgan
Lake Berryessa water levels down
Express staff
The water level of Lake Berryessa was down by 0.17 feet over the past week, decreasing to 3,222 acre-feet of water storage, according to Rick Pile, with the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, April 1, he reported that the lake elevation was 440.73 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,565,098 acre-feet. The SID released 122 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 711 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 79 acre-feet of water per day.
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Crystal Apilado, Editor-in-Chief
Sydney Andrade, Staff Writer Logan Chrisp, Staff Writer
Sonora Slater, Staff Writer
David DeLeon, Advertising Sales
Sara Edwards, Regional Advertising Director
T. Burt McNaughton, Co-Publisher
Taylor Buley, Publisher-at-Large Charles R. Wallace, Publisher Emeritus
YESTERYEAR
Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
March 23: 9:11 a.m., Roosevelt Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~2:24 p.m., Oday Road (Dixon), Mutual Aid
~5:45 p.m., Owings Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~9:17 p.m., Orchard Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
March 24: 9:08 a.m., E. Abbey Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~11:01 a.m., First Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~10:35 p.m., Red Bud Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
View the Winters Fire Activity and Call Log at https://cityofwinters. org/157/Fire.
Police Report Log
March 13: 9 a.m., 400 block of Anderson Avenue, Missing Person/ Return
~12:23 p.m., 700 block of Matsumoto Lane, Grand theft from 2024
~4:41 p.m. 400 block of E. Main Street, Violation of court order
March 17: 3:49 p.m., 900 block of Railroad Avenue, Outside agency assist March 18: 3:28 p.m., 400 block of Anderson Avenue, Battery View the Winters Police Department Arrest and Report Logs, visit www. cityofwinters.org/289/ Report-Arrest-Log For our editorial policy on crime log entries, see www.winters express.com/unpub lishing-policy.
130 Years Ago
April 6, 1895
Sinclair’s Cornet Band gave an open air concert on Friday evening of last week that was highly appreciated by those who heard it. The boys have made astonishing progress, and will soon equal any band in the country.
Judy Bros. bought a match team of black horses at the Melvin sale at Davisville, last Saturday, that will make a fine addition to their livery stable.
In conservation with patrons of the Winters public school, within the past week, we find a very general desire for a nine months’ school, or as long as the funds on hand will permit.
Wednesday afternoon, while in the corral, Lelwyn Baker, youngest son of Dr. S. K. Baker, was severely kicked by a horse. There were no bones broken, but the little fellow was badly bruised about the head and shoulders.
Supervisor Griffin informs the Express that his strain of Poland-China hogs is being sought for by growers all over the state.
80 Years Ago
April 6, 1945
The Solano County Board of Supervisors has requested the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to continue its studies of the county’s water problems looking to an immediate postwar development of a dam in Putah Can-
Picked by Charley Wallace
Years Ago
Dispatches from the Express archives.
yon as part of the Central Valley Project.
Major William Crum, home from overseas, and Lt. Robert Crum of Kingman, Arizona, both arrived Tuesday to visit their parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Crum.
Mrs. R. E. Campbell is serving as substitute teacher for Mrs. Ruth Hoskins in Olive district. The fire department was called Saturday morning to the Mrs. Rose Beller home on East Edwards Street to extinguish a blaze started from an explosion in the gas oven burner.
45 Years Ago
April 3, 1980
Among the winners of a $200 Merit Award at the prestigious 34th annual Junior Grand National Livestock Exposition at the Cow Palace last week was Larry Pisani of Winters, member of the Winters High School FFA. The recipients are given $200 to purchase a calf this year, raise it and then show it at the 1981 Junior Grand National. The sponsor of Larry’s award was Mr. & Mrs. Paul Saroff of South San Francisco. Making the presentation is Mr. Saroff.
Winters voters will go to the polls next Tuesday, April 8, to elect two city councilmen for four-year terms. There are seven candidates in the race. Those
seeking the position are Alberta Powell, Terry Amick, John J. Kammerer, Robert Chapman, Bob W. Carrion, Wil- liam J. (Jerry) Wolever, and Gilbert A. Sebastian. The two incumbent councilmen whose terms expire this spring, George Duncan and Ralph Norfolk, declined to seek re-election.
Winters Cable Television has begun construction on receiving a satellite system at the corner of Abbey and First streets. The dish, according to General Manager Darrell Bye, when completed, will receive signals from a satellite over 23,000 miles away. What this means to Winters is immediate access to these additional channels once the cable construction in the community is completed.
Denise Sloan, the daughter of Shirley Marks of Winters, was named California’s representative in the Mrs. America contest, having captured the beauty pageant title on March 9 in Long Beach. Lois Wallace spent the weekend visiting with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Newton Wallace. She was on the quarter break from the University of California at Berkeley and had just returned from spending a few days with Fariba Fazeli in San Diego. Fariba was an A.F.S. exchange student living with the Wallaces in 1975.
File photo
Appearing in the music department benefit “Turn Your Radio On,” which opened at the Winters Community Center on April 1, 1993, were (from left) Mike Kimes, Scott Graf, Larry Justus, Gloria Marion, Debra Ramos and Jerry Smith. Cast members not present for the picture were Kari King, Theresa Foster and a Mystery Guest, that no one can remember. A good time was had by all.
Winters
School leadership teams were tasked with nominating one student from their site, focusing on four key categories: community impact, leadership qualities, academic resilience, and personal growth and reliability.
Winters High School senior Eden Miller was selected as the 2025 Youth of the Year through a student voting process across multiple schools. Of the 421 students who participated, the majority chose to recognize Miller for her contributions.
Her nomination highlighted her involvement in the Winters Participation Gallery for the Arts since the sixth grade, her extensive work on community murals, and her dedication to fostering collaboration and creativity. Another nomination highlighted her efforts and hard work in the Winters FFA and agricultural program.
“Eden is a dedicated and compassionate leader who excels in academics, the arts, and community service, inspiring others through her hard work, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.”
Teacher nomination
calming measures.
In response, Barsotti agreed to modify the fence design by using vertical rather than horizontal slats and to implement a landscape maintenance plan to prevent overgrowth.
Public hearing
During public hearing portion, three local business owners expressed support for the project while also raising concerns.
NAPA Auto Parts owner Teresa Pisani, whose business shares a fence with the proposed development, voiced concerns about parking availability.
local businesses and the struggle to fill shop spaces.
Corinne Martinez, president and chief operating officer of Berryessa Gap Vineyards, also expressed enthusiasm for the project. She inquired about how ongoing discussions in the Winters City Council regarding food truck regulations might affect the business.
Barsotti addressed the concerns, stating he has no plans to alter the wall between his property and the auto parts store and will adapt to parking challenges as they arise.
and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter, aligning with Turkovich Family Wines’ downtown tasting room hours. However, Commissioner Greg Contreras opposed limiting the hours, preferring flexibility. Vice Chair Judith Arce agreed, recommending the removal of set operating hours from the conditions document.
“There’s going to be days where you might want to open earlier or stay open later. There might be special events and I would hate to have you come back just to modify that,” Arce said.
Another nomination praised her kindness and reliability, adding, “She can be depended on to follow through with any task she takes on. I cannot think of another student more worthy of this award.”
Educator of the Year
Alongside the Youth of the Year, Winters students also selected Mike Williams as the 2025 Educator of the Year.
Williams, a beloved music educator at Waggoner Elementary School and Winters High School, was chosen for his dedication
One nomination stated, “Eden is a dedicated and compassionate leader who excels in academics, the arts and community service, inspiring others through her hard work, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.”
has remained stable between the first and second interim reports, with minor increases in restricted fund expenditures. For expenditures, there were some salary savings as a result of some vacancies. There was an increase in book and supplies spending, equalling $26.164, which was up from $8.080. The increase was a result of having an interim chief business officer between Jonathan Feagle’s departure and Barrington’s hiring, the two contracts increased the budget substantially, in addition to higher gas and electric costs and a settlement of a Special Education agreement.
Barrington used the newest demographic study done by King Consulting to determine what the attendance reviews will be
to fostering student engagement through movement, rhythm and song. His influence extends beyond the classroom, contributing to school events and expanding the district’s visual and performing arts programs.
His nomination read, “Mr. Williams exemplifies excellence in education by fostering student learning through engagement and play, creating a dynamic classroom where students thrive while also going above and beyond to support school events and create a welcoming environment for all stu dents and families.”
The Youth Day com mittee will honor Miller and Williams for their outstanding contributions at the Opening Ceremonies event on Friday, April 25, at 6 p.m. on the out door stage behind the Winters Community Center. Following the award presentation, local youth will per form in a Talent Show case at 6:30 p.m.
The Express plans to publish feature ar ticles in an upcoming edition to further honor the award recipients.
“We do have two signs in the window saying that our lot is for our customers only. When we’re closed, I don’t care, but during business hours sometimes it’s a problem,” Pisani said. “I’m just concerned about where their customers are going to park with only one ADA spot on their property.”
Buckhorn Steakhouse owner John Pickerel welcomed the addition to the downtown area, emphasizing its potential to attract visitors.
“This is like a mini billboard for the sense of arrival downtown. There will be life and activity as people slow down, and that’s a really hard thing to do to get people to understand that they’re there” Pickerel said before sharing about recent closures of
“I’m hoping that it’s an additive to the people already in town. So people are at the hotel and they come over and they do something. The food trucks – John is a very wise man – I have no idea how this is going to go. So pivoting will happen,” Barsotti said. “The place to start is to try something and adjust. I’m trying to keep things flexible so as we adjust we’re not having to come back and ask for things.”
Commission deliberation
Assistant City Attorney Joanna Gin clarified that food truck regulations will be addressed as the City Council finalizes its ordinance, and the Planning Commission’s task was to approve the CUP and conditions of approval. Proposed operational hours for the neighborhood market were from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer
Chair Lisa Baker inquired about ADA compliance for the proposed pathway, to which Barsotti confirmed it would meet accessibility standards.
Commissioners unanimously approved the design review and CUP with the amended modification of No. 4 in the conditions of approval to strike the specified operating hours and the wording “during the aforementioned times” in regards to the operation of the food trucks, and to exempt it from CEQA.
The next step on the project is to return to a future planning commission meeting for approval for the signage design. To view the proposed staff report, visit the archived March 25 “Planning Commission” agenda packet at https://www.cityofwinters.org/194/Meetings or visit https:// bit.ly/4jeJdFh.
For more information, visit www.wintersyouthday.com.
“These are the two best ways to increase our revenues, growth, enrollment growth and students showing up on a daily basis.” Russell Barrington, business services
for the next fiscal year, which should improve even using the moderate projects
“These are the two best ways to increase our revenues, growth, enrollment growth and students showing up on a daily basis. So if we see any uptakes in either one of those, we would then see a rise in revenues as well,” Barrington said.
For the 2025-26 school year, average daily attendance (ADA) is projected to be at 93.5 percent, which is .01 percent higher than what 202425 has been projected to be by Kings Consulting. ADA remains below pre-pandemic
levels, but improvements are expected.
The health of the entire budget shows good signs, according to Barrington. The district is maintaining the required 3 percent reserve for economic uncertainties, with overall reserves projected to increase from 11.5 percent to 13.7 percent over two years.
The board expressed appreciation for the finance team’s efforts in maintaining fiscal responsibility and ensuring financial stability for Winters JUSD. Trustees unanimously approved the second interim budget report.
Celebrating City of Winters 150th Anniversary 1875-2025
Celebrate 150 years of Winters with us!
The Express honors our city’s rich history, thriving businesses, and strong community with a series of special sesquicentennial features. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to showcase your business and be part of the legacy — advertise in these commemorative pages and connect with the heart of Winters!
14, 21 & 28
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Eden Miller was a driving force behind the creation of the Winters High School Youth Day Club and served as the Youth Mayor on the 2024 Youth City Council.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Mike Williams can often be seen in the community leading Winters High School band performances and encouraging Waggoner Elementary students to explore musical curiosity.
Vacaville Winters
Thursday, April 3
Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://bit.ly/4fwmfHK or www.wintersjusd.org
Thursdays
Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690
Tuesday, April 8
Winters Climate Action Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters. org/182/Climate-Action-Commission
Winters Hispanic Advisory Committee, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance)
Wednesdays
Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue Library Services
Winters Library Public Hours (School in Session)
Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 8–8 p.m., Fri: 8–5 p.m., Sat: 1-5 p.m. (Mask Only 1–3 p.m.)
Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library
Bilingual Storytime (ages 0-5), Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Winters Community Library
Virtual English Conversation Group, Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m., One time registration required: Contact Nancy Pacheco 530-666-8019 or nancy.pacheco@ yolocounty.org
Mangonada Monday (ages 6-12), fourth Monday, 3:30 p.m. Tech Thursdays, Thursdays, 2-7:30 p.m., call 530-6668005 to schedule an appointment. Bilingual sessions available upon request.
Saturday Matinee, First Saturday, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library
All You Need is Love Romance Book Club, Second Saturday, 4 p.m., Hooby’s Brewing
Older Adult Programs
Winters Senior Foundation Chair Yoga Class for Seniors, Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.)
Cafe Yolo Social Dining, Thurdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.), Reservations required 24 hours in advance at 530-662-7035 or welcome@mowyolo.org
Winters Senior Foundation Social Gathering, Thurdays, 12:30-3 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.)
Ongoing
View the Winters community events calendar at https://bit.ly/WintersCommunityEvents
Winters Friends of the Library meeting, first Monday, 7 p.m., Winters Community Library, Margaret Parsons Room, wfol.org
Winters Fortnightly meeting, second Tuesday (September through May), 1 p.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.)
Rotary Club of Winters meeting, Thursdays, Noon, The Buckhorn
Winters Museum public hours, Thursday thru Sunday, 1-5 p.m., 13 Russell St., historicalsocietyofwinters.org
Winters Open Mic, third Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Winters Opera House (13 Main St.).
Metaphysical Book Club, third Friday at 5 p.m., 212 Grant Ave., Sign up at dixiesbookclub@gmail.com, call 530-212-5026, or just drop in 12-Step Bonfire meeting, third Friday, 6:30 p.m. fellowship, 7 p.m. meeting, LuNita Ranch, 8189 Olive School Ln, Winters, Bring a camp chair.
Winters Spiritual Living Circle, last Wednesday at 5 p.m., 212 Grant Ave., Sign up traycee@outlook.com, call 760-688-6302, or just drop in Kiwanis Club of Winters meeting, fourth Wednesday, 6 p.m., Turkovich Family Wines - Boss Lounge, kiwanisclubofwinters@gmail.com
Democracy Winters meeting, third Saturdays, 10 a.m.Noon, Meeting details in newsletter, contact info@ democracywinters.org
Dance Fitness, - first/third Sundays February thru July, 8 to 9 a.m., Winters Community Library. No registration required.
Walking Meditation, third Sunday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Meet behind the Winters Community Center, 201 Railroad Ave.
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings:
» St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 Main St. (back entrance) Tuesdays, 7-8 a.m. and Fridays, 7-8 a.m.
» Yolo Housing office building, 62 Shams Way: Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m.
Winters housing market stats HOMES, Page 2
Tourists are exploring town OPINION, Page 3
Tucker competes in All Star game
Robotics volunteers support student experiences in STEM careers
By Luzangely Martin Special to the Express
On March 3, the nonprofit organization Winters Robotics Inc. held an induction ceremony to welcome seven new members into the Winters chapter of the International Robotics Honor Society. The event was attended by students, teachers, school board members, the superintendent, families and community members.
Winters Robotics Inc. hosts this yearly event for students who are part of the Winters High School Robotics Club and are accepted into the IRHS.
“When students apply and get in, there is an induction ceremony that we host,” Secretary Denise Selleck said.
Selleck says that it’s a substantial award and not everyone gets in, and the nonprofit organization is in charge of not only congratulating the applicants but also supporting them through their journey in being part of the Robotics Club.
The seven members
inducted were Luke Felson, Luis Garcia, Hosie Lundy, Mia Mariani, Jack Mariani, Maliya Murphy and Nico Novello.
“The IRHS was established in 2018 by the REC Foundation to recognize high school students for excellence, not only for their efforts on competitive robotics teams, but for academics, personal character, and community service,” Selleck said.
Her interest in becoming part of Winters Robotics Inc. executive board was because, at the time of forming the organization, there wasn’t a lot of financial support for Winters Robotics. Selleck also has children who are part of the program, and seeing that robotics is an expensive sport, she, the rest of the board, and WHS engineering teacher Dianne Halsey saw a great need to help these kids grow.
“Our goal is to support the club in whatever they need and is within our capacity to do. We hope to support these future engineers in whatever
on sale. In previous years, the school budget ran on the school year, so by that time, the club was out of funds. So we help by purchasing new game pieces,” said Selleck In addition to buying equipment, the nonprofit is in charge of providing the resources for other competitions.
“We help with things outside of what the school is able to fund. Things like hotel, transportation, food, and buying the kids the T-shirts they wear,” said Selleck.
they need,” said Selleck
Although both organizations have similar names, Winters Robotics Inc. and the Winters Robotics Club play two different roles. The nonprofit organization is in charge of fundraising and purchasing new equipment for next year’s competitions.
“After the World Competitions in April, they announce next year’s events, and equipment goes
World Competition is always hosted in Texas, and Winters Robotics Inc. helps things go more smoothly. When hosting its own robotics competition, Winters Robotics Inc. is responsible for both organizing the event and providing volunteer support. Volunteers are required in various fields, not limited to technology and engineering.
Setting up and taking down arenas is a great example of simple but important
See ROBOTICS, Page 5
Plants protect nectar with hydrogen peroxide
Kathy Keatley Garvey
Special to the Express
Humans use the chemical compound hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant, bleach, and antiseptic, but a newly published UC Davis study indicates that “diverse plant species, not just tobacco, protect their nectar from bacteria and fungi by producing varying levels of hydrogen peroxide.”
“This is an example of how plants preserve their sugar nectar — a reward for their pollinators — from microbial spoilage,” said community ecologist Rachel Vannette, associate professor and vice chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology.
The research, led by post-baccalaureate research fellow Leta Landucci of the Vannette lab, appears in the current issue of New Phytologist, an international, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to plant science research and its applications.
The UC Davis study, “Nectar Peroxide: Assessing Variation Among Plant Species, Microbial Tolerance, and Effects on Microbial Community Assembly,” originated when Landucci read scientific literature about how tobacco plants defend their nectar against microbes.
“I was intrigued to read that
tobacco plants are known to defend their nectar against microbes by producing hydrogen peroxide through a series of specialized enzymes called nectarins,” said Landucci, now a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. “I wondered about the ecological and evolutionary context of this peroxide production.”
Curious how the production of hydrogen peroxides secreted within floral nectar influences microbial growth and how it may function as a defensive compound to protect against pathogenic infection, Landucci sampled nectar from many different plant species
to see if other species also produce peroxide; if peroxide was inducible by plant hormones; and how it affects microbial growth.
Her research drew financial support from a National Science Foundation-Post-Baccalaureate Students (NSFREPS) grant, a supplement to Vannette’s NSF Career (Faculty Early Career Development Program) award.
“The NSF-REPs funding enabled research opportunities for students whose science education was impacted by COVID,” Vannette said.
Landucci and Vannette looked at the impact of plant-produced hydrogen peroxide on microbial growth in floral nectar. They first conducted a widespread survey of floral nectar extracted from plants on the UC Davis campus, the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, the Sierra mountain range, and surveyed the literature for previously studied species.
“We surveyed 45 flowering plant species distributed across 23 families and reviewed the literature for measurements of 13 other species to assess the field-realistic range of nectar hydrogen peroxide (Aim 1) and explored whether plant defense hormones induce nectar hydrogen peroxide
See NECTAR, Page 5
Courtesy photo
Winters High School Robotics Team 39599C competes in the 2025 California Region 2 VEX V5 High School Championship in Milpitas on March 8-9.
Leta Landucci/Courtesy photo Extracting nectar in the lab from flowers of Brachychiton bidwillii.
Courtesy photo Winters Middle School Robotics Team 95694B competes in the 2025 California Region 2 VEX V5 Middle School Championship in Milpitas on March 15-16. Championship in Milpitas on March 8-9.
National real estate headlines vs Winters housing market
As national headlines continue to offer mixed predictions for the housing market in 2025, the story in Winters is taking a more confident turn. While some economists expect a repeat of last year’s sluggish market conditions, others suggest that falling interest rates could spark renewed activity — potentially even creating a chaotic, fast-paced environment.
Both could be true, but it’s more likely to fall somewhere in between. More importantly, national trends don’t always reflect what’s happening locally. Real estate is hyperlocal, and Winters is proving to be both active and resilient as we enter the spring season.
Recent local data paints a compelling picture of a market
gaining traction.
A year-over-year comparison of Q1 2024 to Q1 2025 reveals significant movement:
• Inventory is up 15 percent: More homes are available for buyers, despite the lack of new builds, which is helping to restore balance in the market and increase competition
• Closed sales have surged 71 percent: Buyer demand is clearly strong, and homes are being snapped up at a much higher rate than this time last year.
• Days on market have dropped 9 percent: Properties are selling more quickly, particularly those that are
priced right and marketed effectively.
• Average sales price has risen 8 percent: This steady appreciation reflects growing buyer confidence in the Winters market. What this means for buyers, sellers
For sellers, the increase in buyer activity and rising prices presents a window of opportunity — but with more inventory on the market, standing out is crucial. Strategic pricing, preparation, and professional marketing will make a meaningful difference in results.
For buyers, the increase in available
homes means more choices — but don’t be fooled into thinking you can wait too long. Well-priced homes are still selling quickly, so being pre-ap-
proved and ready to move remains critical.
for your plans, I’m always available to offer insight and guidance tailored to your goals.
Whether you’re planning to sell or hoping to buy, understanding what’s happening in your own backyard is far more valuable than trying to time a market shaped by national speculation. As a local expert, if you’re curious about what these shifts mean
— Joedy Michael is a local real estate agent based in Winters. To inquire about market insights or more, reach out to him at Joedy.michael@exprealty.com or connect with him on Instagram @joedymichael_realestate.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
The Winters housing market offers buyers a variety of options between established homes and new builds.
Chair yoga changes
The Winters Senior Foundation Board (WSF) wishes to take this opportunity to thank Dave Emery for the four years of his guidance in our weekly chair yoga program. Dave’s enthusiasm for the practice of yoga has resulted in a consistent and enthusiastic group of chair yoga junkies whose week would not be the same without the formal stretching practice that Dave shares with us. Sadly, Dave and his wife PJ are leaving Winters as life pulls them north/westward. We also take this opportunity to briefly introduce our new chair yoga instructor. Kimberly Unger, a resident of Winters and a well-known instructor in the art of yoga. Kimberly starts April 2.
Please join us each Wednesday morning 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at St Anthony Parish Hall, the stretch will do you good. Remember, mobility is a key element in the enjoyment of life for a senior and gentle stretching only adds to your enjoyment.
JERRY LOWDEN and the WSF BOARD
Winters senior Foundation
Seeking parade volunteers
Winters Youth Day is just around the corner, and we need your help to make it a success! As an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, we rely on the support of our community to ensure this beloved tradition continues to thrive. One of the most critical roles in making the event run smoothly is that of our parade marshals. We are calling on community members to step up and volunteer as parade marshals along the route. This is a great way to be part of the action while ensuring the safety and organization of the parade. Plus, volunteering as a parade marshal guarantees you the best seat in the house! Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this is a fantastic way to get involved and experience the magic of Winters Youth Day firsthand.
To prepare for the event, we are hosting two informational meetings on April 7 and April 22. The informational meetings will take place in front of Hoobys Brewing at 6 p.m. You will receive all the necessary details to ensure you feel confident in your role. No prior experience is needed — just a willingness to lend a hand and be part of this special day.
In addition to the parade, don’t forget that this year’s Youth Day park festivities are moving to Rotary Park following the parade. Families and attendees can look forward to a day full of fun, community spirit and great entertainment. Topping the day off, the highly anticipated Duck Derby will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, as the park festivities wind down.
See LETTERS, Page 4
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
Aries, a burst of energy propels you to move forward. It feels like everything is clicking, and you are full of ideas and brimming with contagious enthusiasm.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),
You are in the mood to get down to business this week, Taurus. It’s a great time to focus on your career or finances. Pay attention to all of the little details as you go along.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21), Curiosity takes control this week, Gemini. Opportunities for learning are all around you. You just need to look for them. It may be a new class or a trip that you take with friends.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22),
Cancer, this week you may have a lot of emotional processing going on, particularly regarding relationships or past experiences. Embrace these deeper feelings.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23), Your social energy could be off the charts this week, Leo. Others will be drawn to your magnetism and self-confidence. It is a great time to network or collaborate.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22), Efficiency and productivity are the name of the game right now, Virgo. When it comes to organizing and planning, you will be all about getting things done in a timely manner.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23), Libra, this week is a time for self-expression. You may find yourself pulled toward hobbies or artistic endeavors that enable you to showcase your talents.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22),
This is a time to dive deep into your home and family life, Scorpio. You want to create a sense of stability at home and address anything that might compromise that. Trust your gut with how to move forward.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21), Communication is the key this week, Sagittarius. Initiating important conversations and speaking directly with others is a great way to clear the air and get to the root of these issues.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20), Capricorn, you are focused on your financial well-being this week, but other issues may fall by the wayside. You might have to bring in someone else to keep the balance.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), Personal goals and ambitions are front and center this week, Aquarius. This could put you in the spotlight and showcase what you want to accomplish to those around you.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), Pisces, this week invites you to slow down and recharge your batteries as much as possible. You might feel pulled to spend time alone or simply get away for a few days.
Express Yourself
Suns out and so are the tourists
In the past, when friends came to visit, you would take them to lunch at the Cafe, maybe walk around downtown and then head to some outof-town attraction in the afternoon.
There is a lot going on in Winters and after being asked to be a tour guide for visitors from out of our area, I realized just how much there is to do here. From a trip up to Lake Berryessa to watch the Glory Hole spilling, a walk along the creek, or a little shopping on Main Street, it fills up
a whole day. John Pickerel, of Buckhorn fame, once told me that for every hour of travel to get to Winters you need two hours of entertainment. Well, I think we have hit critical mass and the number of tourists proves that we have become a destination for a lot of people looking for something a little
Legals
different from where they live.
It may be a small sample, but the people stopping by the museum are a good indication of who is making the effort to come to Winters. After giving guests time to see the museum, I ask them where they are from and what brought them to Winters. More and more
The project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental
Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(B)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because adoption of the proposed zoning amendment is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects causing a significant effect on the environment, and this project does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment
At the public hearing of the Planning Commission on February 25 2025 the Planning Commission unanimously recommended on a 7-0 vote that the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance At the public hearing of the City Council the Council shall consider all evidence and testimony for and against the proposed Zoning amendment At any time prior to the public hearing any person may file in writing with the City a statement of his or her objections to the proposed project If you are unable to attend the public hearing, you may direct written comments to the City of Winters Community Development Department 318 First Street Winters CA 95694 or email to dave dowswell@cityofwinters org or call (530) 794-6718 The staff report will be available on the City s website at https://www cityofwinters org/194/Meetings at least 72 hours before the hearings In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act if you are a disabled person and you need a disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in these hearings please contact Deputy City Clerk at (530) 795-4910 Please make your request as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the hearing
For more information regarding this project please contact David Dowswell Contract Planner or at dave dowswell@cityofwinters org 4/2 #80167
NOTICE AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO 2025-02
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WINTERS AUTHORIZING COMMERCIAL CANNABIS USES IN THE CITY OF WINTERS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 17 04 140 (DEFINITIONS) 17 52 020 (LAND USE/ZONE MATRIX), AND 17 205 030 (COMMERCIAL CANNABIS USES AND REQUIREMENTS) OF THE WINTERS MUNICIPAL CODE AND FINDING THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(B)(3) OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES
Notice
say that they just wanted to get out and see something new. A lot of people are coming from Sacramento and El Dorado Hills. They enjoy our restaurants, wineries and the small-town feel of Winters and then go home.
One problem is that we might be too successful at times. We are lucky to have several choices for eating out. A lot of times, visiting friends want to eat at the Cafe or the Buckhorn, but if they are too busy we have other options.
I’m not sure what my
limit is, but if I have to wait more than 20 minutes for a table, I start looking for another place to eat. Having our restaurants full is a good problem to have, but having other dining options within walking distance is a great solution.
OUR SESQUICENTENNIAL IS HERE. When Winters celebrated its centennial, it was a big deal. There were souvenirs to buy, a street celebration and a big party. People dressed up like it was 1875 and everyone had a grand ole time. We are now plan-
ning a sesquicentennial celebration, and it is pretty quiet out there. I ordered some beer mugs for the museum and wine glasses are on their way, but I’m expecting more from somewhere or someone. Maybe pronouncing sesquicentennial is too hard on the tongue, but saying we made it 150 years this May doesn’t work for me.
Let’s get through Youth Day, start planning a party in May for our sesquicentennial, relax and have a good week.
Get to know Wiley Reed
I’d like to introduce Wiley Reed. He was born in the Woodland Memorial Hospital in 1991, which places him smack in the middle of the Millennial Generation. The Chinese zodiac describes those born in 1991 as kind-hearted, ambitious, efficient, reliable and trustworthy. He is certainly all of that and more. He is the owner of WReed Construction of Winters. His generation is experimental with all the new tech toys like the iPod and later the iPhone. Remote controls fit easily into their hands, so if Wiley ever had to physically change the TV channel, it wasn’t for very long. I’m not saying technology made things easy for Wiley, I’m just saying he is comfortable with all the new do-dads that the rest of us seem to have trouble with.
Except for short spurts, Wiley has lived in Winters all of his
life and he and his wife Justine plan to raise their two daughters here as well. At an early age Wiley started learning the art of carpentry from his father Dan Reed. Together they worked on fine houses in San Francisco, where Wiley was taught the difference between carpentry and the finer art of finish carpentry. Finish carpenters are rare in a sea of carpenters. Wiley has worked on many jobs in the area including the house of Irene Mecchi, coauthor of the Lion King. Wiley now has his General Contractor’s license and with
FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S
years of hard work he has built himself a fine reputation for excellent construction work in the local area. Ask around town and you will be sure to find someone for a review of his work.
He enjoys coaching his daughters in baseball and soccer. Wiley Reed is a fine young man. He is easy going and soft spoken; he means what he says and his reputation is important to him. When you are out and about in town look him up and you will not regret it.
Wiley’s favorite restaurant is Paesanos’ Italian Restaurant in Davis and if he could have dinner with anyone that ever lived it would be his mother. His favorite TV show is “Game of Thrones.”
#80168
It’s sure to be a fantastic way to close out the day’s celebrations. Please consider joining us as a parade marshal and helping make this year’s Winters Youth Day an unforgettable experience for all. If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more information, sign up at parade@ wintersyouthday. com. It truly takes a village to keep this tradition alive, and we are grateful for every helping hand.
Sincerely, SHANNON DUEY Winters Youth DaY committee
Courtesy photo
Wiley Reed
Tucker shines in
hoops game
in spectacular fashion, representing the Winters Warriors in the 2025 Phil Bryant AllStar Game on Sunday, March 30, at Varley Gymnasium in Chico.
Tucker, selected to compete on the South Girls team, played as a power forward in securing a 51-41 victory over the North Team. Her performance exemplified the grit and skill that have defined her four years on the Winters varsity squad.
“It’s a tremendous accomplishment by Jordan and well deserved due to her hard work and determination. She definitely made her school proud,” said WHS girls varsity basketball head coach Ivan Dodic.
ROBOTICS Continued from Page 1
tasks. When participants enter the competition, someone must check them in, identify that all paperwork is correct, and instruct them where the equipment is.
There is also a need for volunteers who want to be refs and judges in the competition.
“For judges, they can go through an online training if they are responsible and want to learn about that. We get a lot of parents and returning alumni who volunteer for that,” Selleck said.
Winters Robotics Inc.’s main fundraiser is their Text-aThon, which involves students reaching out to their family and friends through phone messages and asking for any donations available. A link is provided with the message, and it’s
a quick and easy way to collect funds. The group also relies on the Big Day of Giving, a 24-hour online event hosted by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to support different local nonprofits.
Selleck encourages everyone to volunteer because it’s a great way to learn not only about the different robotic events but also how to develop good soft skills. She emphasizes that taking more active roles requires you to practice your communication skills in order to talk to people and to express yourself.
“You have to talk to anyone from the young middle school students up through the VEX Foundation people who come to these events. The kids who volunteer to be refs and the judges, I’ve seen them just really excel in those soft skills,” she said.
People who are interested in becom-
ing a ref or a judge, or who simply want to know more about specific volunteer opportunities can send an email to wintersrobotics@gmail. com. To make a donation to Winters Robotics Inc. visit its website wintersrobotics. org. Follow its social media accounts on Instagram @wintersrobotics and its Facebook page Winters Robotics for updates on the program at the high school and the Big Day of Giving.
— Luzangely Martin is a senior at Winters High School. For her Senior Capstone Project, Martin is working to interview with and write a series of articles featuring local nonprofit organizations and share about their current volunteer needs. She is also working to bolster community service at WHS by creating a high school volunteer resource guide as part of her project.
Tucker’s presence on the court was felt not only in the All-Star Game but throughout her high school career. She ended her final game for Winters on Feb. 20 against Orland High School in the second round playoffs with a stellar 15-point performance, leading her team with the same relentless energy and commitment that made her a standout player for the Warriors.
“Jordan has had one of the best basketball careers at Winters High School and it has been an absolute privilege to coach such a
talented and selfless player,” Dodic said. “Jordan averaged 15 points per game this year and is always the hardest playing player on the court, setting a great example for the rest of her teammates.”
upregulation (Aim 2),” they wrote in their abstract. “Further, we tested the hypotheses that variation in microbial tolerance to peroxide is predicted by microbe isolation environment (Aim 3), that increasing hydrogen peroxide in flowers alters microbial abundance and community assembly (Aim 4), and that microbial community context affects microbial tolerance to peroxide (Aim 5).”
lab we looked at how a field realistic range of hydrogen peroxide differentially impacted the growth of microbes — both fungi and bacteria — from various sources such as from pollinators, flower tissue, and nectar. Next, we ran a field experiment using California fuschia (Epilobium), growing on the UC Davis campus, and enzymatically increased the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the flower nectar.”
because many of the microbes we used are likely adapted to nectar and pollinator-associated environments, which are commonly enriched in peroxide.”
“We found that nectar peroxide is commonly produced in many plant species, but highly variable, ranging from undetectable to up to 3000 micro molar concentration, with 50 percent of species containing less than 100 micro molar,” Vannette said. “This was interesting because it pointed to the need to study the impact of lower concentrations of peroxide on microbes than had previously been investigated.”
“We used a combination of field studies and lab experiments,” Vannette said. “First, in the
They then added a community of five common nectar bacteria and, after a day’s time, looked at how the microbial community composition changed in the presence of increased hydrogen peroxide.
“For the last lab experiment, we tested whether microbes could detoxify hydrogen peroxide, and whether microbes growing together versus alone alter microbial tolerance to high hydrogen peroxide conditions,” Vannette said. “Together, our results suggest field realistic ranges of hydrogen peroxide are not as pervasive and antimicrobial as we anticipated, though this could be
“Even so, our findings still suggest that the microbes we tested do indeed vary in their tolerance to hydrogen peroxide and also have different detoxification abilities. Further, we found that microbes grown in community seem to facilitate the survival and growth of less peroxide-tolerant species, which provides insights into the importance of community dynamics in microbial colonization of nectar.”
Vannette, a Chancellor’s Fellow and an international leader in microbial ecology, studies interactions between plants, insects and microbes. She focuses on the chemical and microbial ecology of plant-pollinator interactions and how microbes influence plant defense and resistance against insect pests.
View the research paper at https://nph. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ nph.70050.
Courtesy photo
Winters High School athlete Jordan Tucker warms up on the court before the all-star game.
NECTAR Continued from Page 1
Arts & Entertainment
Painters create art ‘en plein air’ at the Winters Paint Out
Special to the Express
The charming town of Winters invites artists to the Winters Paint Out 2025, a three-day painting experience starting on May 1 that culminates in a public showcase at the Winters Art & Wine Festival on May 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hosted by 1st Street Studio Art Gallery and the Winters Collective, this annual event welcomes artists to capture the beauty of Winters and its surrounding landscapes within a 20mile radius. Painters of all levels are encouraged to participate in this immersive artistic experience.
Event schedule
Day 1: Thursday, May 1
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Artist check-in and “canvas” stamping at Park Winters.
• All Day, Artists may paint at Park Winters.
• 5 to 6:30 p.m., Informal artist gathering at Berryessa Brewing Co.
Day 2: Friday, May 2
• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Artists paint anywhere within a 20-mile radius of Winters.
Day 3: Saturday, May 3
• 10 a.m., Artists bring their framed paintings to the Winters Art & Wine Festival for display.
• 2 to 3 p.m., Award Ceremony for People’s Choice and Artists Choice winners.
• 4 p.m., Artists take their paintings home. Join us!
Whether you’re an artist looking to showcase your talent or a painter who enjoys painting on-site and the camaraderie of being with fellow painters, the Winters Paint Out 2025 is a must-attend celebration of creativity, community, and culture.
Artist participation, rules
The entry fee to participate is $25 per artist
Artwork Requirements
• All paintings must be
created “en plein air” during the event.
• Artists can submit one to two framed paintings (no larger than 16-inches by 20-inches unframed) for
the final show at the Art & Wine Festival.
• Canvases must be stamped at check-in.
• All paintings must be wired and ready to hang for display and sale at the Winters Art & Wine Festival.
• Artists set their own prices and receive 60 percent of the commission on sales.
Awards and recognition Participants have the chance to win cash prizes and ribbons:
• People’s Choice First Place – $200
• Artists Choice First Place – $200
• Ribbons for Second and Third places in both categories
For information and artist sign-ups, visit https:// forms.gle/qeJfsJr6ceMuBPik9 or contact Marti@martiwalker.com or Meika@
Quack up the fun at Duck Derby race Celebrate Nature Day at the Hive
Get ready for a splash-tacular time as the 11th annual Duck Derby floats back into town on Saturday, April 26 following Youth Day park activities. This beloved family-friendly tradition is making waves once again, inviting community members to adopt their very own rubber duck racer and join the race.
Each year, flocks of bright yellow ducks take the plunge into Putah Creek, bobbing and weaving their way to the finish line. The stakes? Exciting cash prizes for the first three ducks to cross, plus a quacky twist— the last duck to be plucked from the water, affectionately known as the Lucky Duck, wins a flock of 12 ducks in next year’s race! Last year’s Lucky Duck belonged to Rody Boonchouy, meaning he’ll be rolling into the 2025 Duck Derby with a full squad of racers ready to take on the creek.
This year, there’s an exciting change— the Duck Derby will take place on Youth Day, immediately following the lively Park festivities in its new location at Rotary Park.
Adopt a duck
Community members can adopt a duck to represent them in the big race. The Youth Day committee and the Kiwanis Club of
Winters will be hosting Duck Booths in Downtown Winters— stay tuned for locations and dates by visiting www.facebook.com/ WintersYouthDay. Ducks can also be adopted online by filling out the form at https://bit.ly/Ducks2025.
For those attending Youth Day, ducks will be available for adoption at the Youth Day Booth from Noon to 2:30 p.m. — just in time to pick a winner before the race kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Winners will be announced immediately following the race.
Have you spotted a wayward duck drifting through town? The Youth Day committee kindly asks that any lost ducklings be reported to wintersyouthday@gmail. com. Come out, cheer on your favorite duck, and be part of this fun community tradition. See you at the creek!
Special to the Express
Northern California’s largest varietal honey and mead tasting room, The Hive, hosts its fourth annual Nature Day event on Saturday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This free, community-wide celebration is packed with engaging workshops and hands-on activities for all ages, presented by local beekeepers, entomologists, farmers, environmentalists, and horticulturalists. In addition to a focus on honey and mead, The Hive, at 1221 Harter Ave. in Woodland, also features a pollinator garden and restaurant.
“Nature Day grew out of our love and appreciation for the pollinators who sustain and support us all as well as a desire to transform The Hive into a vibrant space for community learning and fun,” said Shoshana Zeldner, director of brand strate-
gy at Z Specialty Food.
Hands-on activities include a live observation beehive; wildflower seed bomb making; natural dye painting; tactile learning activities from Yolo Basin Foundation and Tuleyome, a pollinator garden scavenger hunt; button making and nature books with the Woodland Public Library, sustainability activities with EnviroWoodland and CalRecycle and more.
Learn from leading on a range of topics including:
• What’s Happening with the Honey Bees? with Dr. Elina L. Niño, associate professor of apiculture, UC Davis
• Pollinator and Climate Ready Gardening with Rachel Davis, GATEways horticulturalist, UC Davis Arboretum
• Discover the World of the Stingless Bee with Dr. JeanPhilippe Marelli and Carlos Santana of Arimubee
• The First Hon-
ey Bee Disaster Response Team with Patrick Hardy of Bee Platoon
• The 4 P’s of Bee Health with Wendy Mather, co-manager, California Master Beekeeper, UC Davis
• Why Choose Native Plants? with Grace Amico of Miridae Mobile Nursery Attendees will enjoy a guided honey tasting with Queen Bee, Amina Harris; a pollinator garden tour with Garden Educator and Steward, Rowan Boswell; Story Time with Tuleyome, reading Who Stole the Bees Wings; and learning activities with the California Master Beekeeper’s Program, Yolo Basin Foundation, Tuleyome, the Burrowing Owl Preservation Society and the Sacramento Area Beekeeper’s Association; screen printing demonstrations from TANA; hands-on fun with the Center for Land Based Learning.
Support local farmers and artisans at the Nature Day market featuring native plants from Miridae Mobile Nursery, Melipona honey from Arimubee (produced by stingless bees), honey and herb-based products from Pearly Everlasting, veggies, flowers, tea and more from Good Humus Farm, and a seedling sale from The Traxx Farmstand.
During the event, guests can taste and learn about more than 30 varietal honeys, honey fruit spreads, and nut butters as well as a house curated selection of mead. The HIVE’s craft kitchen will feature a special menu showcasing local and seasonal produce, products and honeys.
Amina Harris, Queen Bee at Z Specialty Food and mother to Joshua and Shoshana Zeldner, explains, “During this year’s event, I’ll be leading a guided honey tasting to help attendees of all ages notice each varietal honey’s unique color, flavor, aroma and texture. Everyone walks away with a new discovery.”
For a full schedule of activities and presentations, visit thehivewoodland.com/ event/natureday.
Express file photo Rubber ducks race down Putah Creek toward the finish line in the annual Duck Derby.