Local students win top spots in calendar art contest
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
Two young Winters students earned the top spots in the 2025 Clean Air Calendar Art Contest, an annual event put on by the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District.
Lucia Martinez, a third-grader at Shirley Rominger Intermediate School last school year, received first place, while fifth-grader Yovanni Vargas slotted in second, giving the two highest honors to Winters locals, beating out
19 other schools that entered.
“Why is clean air important to you?” was this year’s question, which asked kindergarten through seventh graders to illustrate what that question.
One hundred six students across Yolo and Solano counties submitted artwork, making this year’s competition the largest in recent years, according to the district.
“We were so impressed by the creativity and thoughtfulness of the submissions that we
introduced an ‘Honorable Mention’ category for the first time,” said Brielle Jamros, Public Information Officer for YSAQMD. “In past years, we selected 12 winners, but this year’s outstanding participation inspired us to recognize even more students.”
Lucia said the inspiration for her award-winning, first-place art came from the view outside her window. Her winning drawing featured two
See ARTISTS, Page 5
City seeks applicants for planning commission
Express staff
The city of Winters seeks community-minded residents to apply for open seats on the Winters Planning Commission, offering a unique opportunity to help shape the city’s future. Volunteering for the planning commission allows residents to influence how the city develops, balancing growth with preserving Winters’ small-town charm and agricultural roots.
“By serving on the commission, residents can directly impact how our town develops, ensuring it remains a vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming place for all,” said Winters City Manager Jeremy Craig.
“The planning commission reviews and recommends land use proposals, including new developments, zoning changes, and general plan updates. This means you’ll be at the forefront of decisions that affect housing, business growth, and public spaces in Winters,” Craig said.
Serving on the commission is also about representing neigh-
bors and bringing their concerns and ideas into the planning process. “Planning commissioners are crucial in ensuring transparency and accountability in local government. Your service helps maintain the integrity of our town’s development process,” Craig said.
How to apply
Interested residents should apply online at https://bit. ly/ApplyAppointedPosition or visit www. cityofwinters.org/ FormCenter and select the “Application of Interest to Serve in Appointed Position” under the “City Hall” section.
Yolo supervisors greenlight rural trail design plans
Trail plan aims to improve access in rural communities
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors received a substantial update on the Yolo Active Transportation Corridors (YATC) project, unanimously affirming two trail segments to move forward into the design phase.
The YATC project, led by Yolo Transportation District (YoloTD), is funded in part by a $1.2 million federal RAISE grant. The plan’s goal is to improve mobility for residents, particularly in underserved and rural communities, by creating new trail connections between towns within unincorporated areas in Yolo County
The two segments approved by supervisors to proceed to the design phase include a 2.7-mile connection along State Route 16, from County Road 89 to County Road 87. The second option is a cor-
ridor utilizing County Roads 102, 27, and 101, connecting Davis and Woodland with a dedicated trail option.
Over the past two years, Brenda Lomeli, Yolo TD’s assistant transportation planner, and staff hosted 22 community workshops, visiting laundromats, taco stands, housing complexes and other gathering places to reach residents who don’t typically attend public meetings.
“I grew up in Yolo County and I want to make sure that all the voices of the unincorporated areas were heard,” Lomeli said.
“I think this is one of the most important pieces, because you’re able to get in the community and hear people’s voices. And you know that really mattered to me.”
This outreach generated 381 map comments, identifying safety, lighting, crosswalks and local trail loops as top concerns.
Residents stressed the need for better access to social services, clinics and grocery stores, without relying on cars to get there.
In addition to approving the two segments for the design
phase, supervisors gave support for treating the YATC Project planning document as the successor to the County Bicycle Transportation Plan, which hadn’t been updated since 2013. It’s expected that a more formal replacement will return to the board for adoption this fall. Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument
The board unanimously ratified a resolution recognizing the 10th anniversary of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, which was first established by President Obama in 2015 and expanded by President Biden in 2024.
The monument now safeguards over 344,000 acres of ecologically rich lands and culturally significant sites, including ancestral homelands of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The area stretches from Mendocino National Forest down to Lake Berryessa. Supervisor Lucas Frerichs welcomed tribal and conservation leaders to the
Courtesy photos
Winters students Lucia Martinez (left) and Yovanni Vargas (right) won top spots in the 2025 Clean Air Calendar Art Contest, hosted by the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District.
ANNIVERSARY
For the Record
Water Tower, guided by artist Ed Mallory. The correct information is that Jenell Novello will lead the painting of the water tower inspired by an original water tower painting created by Ed Mallory. We regret the error.
Have a wedding or anniversary announcement to share
To submit, visit the “Submission Forms” page on the home navigation at wintersexpress.com
WTC opens auditions for ‘Phantom of the Opera House’
Special to the Express
The Winters Theatre Company invites community members to audition for Phantom of the Opera House, an original melodrama and interactive comedy written by Germaine Hupe and directed by Linda Glick. Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. on August 17, 18 and 19 at the Winters Opera House, 13 Main Street.
Set in both the present day and the 1890s, this lively, tonguein-cheek production draws inspiration from local history and features all the classic elements of melodrama—including a valiant hero, a mustache-twirling villain, and plenty of boos, hisses, and cheers from the audience. The plot follows a theatrical family trying to save the historic Winters Opera House from a nefarious phantom intent on destruction and disgrace.
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Roles are available for a wide variety of char-
acters including:
• Carolyn Garrick: mid-30s
• Ashley Garrick: 13–15-year-old Winters student
• Grandma Garrick: 60s or 70s; active senior
• Rosalind Wolfskill: early 20s
• Portia Burbage: mid-30s; former leading lady
• Elizabeth Beaumont: late 20s to 30s;
RCD to host local working group July 17
Special to the Express
The Yolo County Resource Conservation District board of directors is hosting the NRCS Annual Local Working Group meeting on Tuesday, July 17, at 5:05 p.m. at the Woodland Field Office (221 West Court St., Woodland, CA 95695).
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Yolo County RCD often partner together to provide technical assistance, project planning and funding to implement conservation practices on the working lands of Yolo County.
To help inform that work, Yolo County farmers and ranchers who have used the USDA NRCS programs, such as EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program), are particularly encouraged to attend to provide feedback on pro-
gram improvements and opportunities to better serve growers and conservation partners in Yolo County.
The Local Working Group will be part of the RCD’s regular monthly board meeting, which begins at 5:05 p.m.
If attending in person, arrive between 4:45 and 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.
To attend virtually, visit the Zoom link at https://tinyurl.com/ LWGzoom25.
If you are unable to attend the meeting in person or virtually, you are invited to submit your feedback via the survey form at https://tinyurl.com/LWG2025.
For questions, reach out to Conor Higgins, RCD Farm and Ranch Program Manager, at higgins@ yolorcd.org or call 530-661-1688, ext 4.
gracious lady
• Abby Justice: 13–15-year-old teen
• Frisco Sal (Mlle. Salianne): mature, former dance hall performer
• Robert Burbage: 40s; theater owner and former actor
• Sheriff Justice: middle-aged; cowboy type
• John Garrick: 30s; melodrama hero
• Junius Brutus Ra-
vensby: villain
• Benjamin Silverspoon: mature, wealthy rancher
• Jose Fernandez de Leon: dashing Latin ladies’ man
Performances will run Oct. 10 through 19, with shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit www.winterstheatre.org or call 530-794-4014.
Teen Shakespeare performances prompt temporary park closures
Special to the Express
Teen actors with the Winters Shakespeare Workshop are in their final week of rehearsals for an upcoming performance of The Comedy of Errors at the Wooden Park Playground Stage.
Performance details, park closures
Performances of The Comedy of Errors are scheduled for Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, beginning at 8 p.m. each night. Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
To maintain a safe and quiet environment during the performances, the basketball and futsal courts, as well as the wooden playground area and structures, will be closed during showtimes. For information, visit wfol.org.
To ensure safety during rehearsals, the stage area and the overhead walkway will be closed to the public from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. through Thursday, July 17. The remainder of the playground will remain open, with signs posted to indicate accessible entrances near the stage. Community members are welcome to observe rehearsals. Parents and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about the production and the Winters Shakespeare Workshop program.
Courtesy photo
On June 28, friends and family gathered in Winters to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of Bill and Barbara Nichols. The Diamond Jubilee celebration was observed with a roasted pig, assorted side dishes, a slideshow of old photos, wonderful conversations and margaritas.
Courtesy photo
Winters Theatre Company will host auditions for Phantom of the Opera House, an original melodrama and interactive comedy written by Germaine Hupe and directed by Linda Glick, at 7 p.m. on Aug. 17, 18 and 19 at the Winters Opera House.
Courtesy photo
The City Park playground and court areas will be closed down during performances of Winters Shakespeare Workshop’s The Comedy of Errors on the evenings of Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19.
Regional News
Abandoned crops bring pest plague to next-door farms
By Caleb Hampton California Farm Bureau
California farmers, agricultural commissioners and lawmakers have in recent months sounded an alarm about a troubling symptom of the state’s struggling farm economy.
“Everywhere you turn there’s an abandoned vineyard,” said Randy Baranek, project manager for the Stanislaus County-based agricultural service provider Fowler Brothers. He estimated there are twice as many untended grapevines in the Central Valley this year than he has ever seen. “It’s a mess.”
It isn’t only vineyards. Tens of thousands of acres of almond orchards have been left unmanaged, according to a 2024 report by Land IQ.
“I don’t remember a year when there were this many abandoned orchards,” said Michael Naito, who grows winegrapes, almonds and pistachios in Fresno and Madera counties. “Guys just don’t have the money to take them out.”
Historically, when an orchard or vineyard neared the end of its productive life, farmers wasted little time replacing it with new trees or vines that would bring them a higher return, Naito said. But with low crop pric-
es plaguing farmers, he said, “that urgency to take out an orchard or vineyard and replant is not there.”
Many winegrape and almond growers have farmed at a loss for consecutive years, depleting cash reserves as input costs such as labor, fuel and fertilizers climbed. Meanwhile, in the San Joaquin Valley, a recent ban on burning discarded agricultural materials has made it more expensive and time-consuming for farmers in the region to dispose of orchards and vineyards.
As a result, a growing number of farmers—unable to afford farming or removal costs—have simply walked away, according to growers and service providers, leaving their trees and vines at the mercy of nature.
The phenomenon has led to widespread concern that pests harbored in abandoned orchards and vineyards could impact adjacent farms.
“When you have a completely abandoned orchard, you tend to have more insect activity,” said Jhalendra Rijal, a University of California Cooperative Extension pest management farm adviser based in Stanislaus County. “It can create problems.”
Navel orangeworm, for
example, the most damaging pest in California almonds, is a moth whose larvae feed on almond kernels and cause fungal infections. Abandoned orchards where no pest control measures are taken can become the perfect breeding ground, farmers said, with consequences for those nearby.
“If there are a lot of moths in one orchard and there is another orchard nearby, you will likely get some moths migrating into that orchard,” Rijal said.
Neighboring one of Naito’s almond orchards is a block of almond trees that has been neither sprayed nor irrigated for the past two to three years, he said. While some trees in the abandoned orchard have died, others are still bearing nuts and attracting pests.
“If you’re right next door, it’s pretty difficult,” Naito said. “You’ve got to spend more because you get a lot of pest pressure.”
Jake Barcellos, who grows almonds and other crops in Fresno and Merced counties, said he has also spent more this year on pest control because of his orchards’ proximity to abandoned almond trees. And bugs aren’t the only problem.
“Rats have become a new thing,” Barcellos said.
Farmers cautioned that the situation could get worse before it improves. While almond prices have improved this year, the winegrape market has not. Meanwhile, limits on groundwater pumping under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act have led some growers in parts of the San Joaquin Valley to begin abandoning orchards.
“The fallowing due to SGMA that we’ve all heard about is happening,” Naito said, referring to projections that the landmark groundwater law could force as much as a fifth of the region’s farmland to come out of production within the next 15 years.
To combat the problem, the state may soon give county agricultural commissioners, who are tasked with cleaning up neglected orchards and vineyards, a new tool to incentivize cooperation from landowners.
Current state law allows agricultural commissioners to place liens on abandoned properties that have been declared a nuisance and in which property owners have failed to address after a warning. But the abatement process can take years, and it weighs on county budgets, as counties must pay to remove crops or control pests
County awards $171K for climate action projects
Express staff
The Yolo County Sustainability Division on Tuesday announced the recipients of the Yolo County Community Climate Action Fund, a new initiative supporting community-driven projects that advance the goals of the county’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
A total of $171,240 went to eight community-based organizations whose projects will help promote climate resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the health and well-being of Yolo County residents.
The fund was significantly oversubscribed, the county said, with a competitive review process that prioritized equity, innovation and alignment with CAAP priority actions.
“Selected projects represent a diverse range of resilience strategies,” a news release said, “from habitat restoration and waste diversion to food recovery, sustainable agriculture, and disaster preparedness.” Awarded organizations and projects include:
• De Colores Re-
source Center: Yolo Farmworker Partnership/Alianza Campesina de Yolo
• Catholic Charities of Yolo-Solano: Prepared Together: Community-Centered Disaster Education for Yolo County
• Center for LandBased Learning: Yolo County Carbon Farm Partnership Implementation Project
• Yolo County Resource Conservation District: Yolo Carbon Farm Partnership Project Implementation
• Breathe California Sacramento Region: SacBreathe Food Scraps & Recycling in Schools
• Yolo Arts Council on behalf of YoloSol: West Yolo Wetland Restoration Education Project
• Yolo Food Bank: Yolo Food Bank Harvest Program Expansion and Internship
• Davis Bike Campaign: Teaching Bicycling to Kindergarteners
These new partnerships reflect Yolo County’s commitment to collaborative, community-led climate action, the county said. Awarded organizations will receive funding to implement their projects beginning in summer 2025,
“These
projects demonstrate the power of community-led climate action.”
Kristen Wraithwall, Yolo County sustainability manager
with progress updates and reporting coordinated through the Yolo County Sustainability Division.
“These projects demonstrate the power of community-led climate action,” said Kristen Wraithwall, sustainability manager for Yolo County.
“By investing in local organizations that are already trusted in their communities, we’re not only advancing our ambitious climate goals — we’re also building
lasting partnerships that center equity and improve resilience in Yolo County.”
The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, adopted in December 2024, outlines Yolo County’s roadmap to become carbon negative by 2030 while increasing resilience to extreme heat, wildfire, flooding, and other climate-related hazards. The Community Climate Action Fund is one of several implementation efforts designed to bring the CAAP to life by investing in local solutions.
For information about the Community Climate Action Fund, visit www.YoloCounty.gov/ClimateFund. For general inquiries, contact the Yolo County Sustainability Division at Sustainability@YoloCounty.gov.
before trying to recoup the money by placing a lien on the property.
“The current abatement procedures place a cost-prohibitive burden on the counties,” Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner Melissa Cregan said this year during a state Assembly hearing. In one instance, a pension fund purchased and then abandoned 7,000 acres of orchards and vineyards in Fresno County, Cregan said, estimating it would have cost at least $14 million to remove the trees and vines. “Local governments simply do not have the funds to front these costs,” she said.
Assembly Bill 732, authored by Alexandra Macedo, R-Tulare, would allow agricultural commissioners to fine landowners $500 per acre if they fail to make a good faith effort to address a pest-related public nuisance within 30 days and $1,000 per acre if they do not take action within 45 days. The bill has bipartisan support and is backed by numerous industry groups, including the California Farm Bureau.
This article was originally published in the July 16, 2025, issue of Ag Alert, and is reprinted with permission of the California Farm Bureau.
Tree work to close portion of Railroad Avenue on July 17
Public Works Director Eric Lucero announced that Railroad Avenue will be closed between Russell Street and Main Street on Thursday, July 17, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to allow for tree maintenance work.
The city has hired a contractor to trim trees along the west side of the Community Center and Rotary Park and to remove a large tree near the one-way entrance to the Community Center parking lot. An arborist evaluated the tree and recommended its removal due to safety concerns.
Although the road will be closed for much of the day, the tree company anticipates reopening it to traffic after approximately four hours, once work along the street side of the trees is complete. Crews will then continue work on the east side without blocking the roadway.
“No Parking” signs will be posted in advance to notify residents and prevent vehicle obstructions.
Following the removal, the city plans to plant two or three new trees in the landscape area and begin rejuvenation efforts in the adjacent grass area.
Lake Berryessa water levels down
The water level of Lake Berryessa was down by 0.59 feet over the past week, decreasing to 10,804 acre-feet of water storage, according to Cristian Tejeda, with the Solano Irrigation District – Putah Diversion Office. On the morning of Tuesday, July 15, he reported that the lake elevation was 435 feet
above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,458,280 acre-feet. The SID released 566 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 50 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 294 acre-feet of water per day.
Public Safety Report
Fire
July 2: 1:45 p.m., Shams Way, EMS call
– excluding vehicle accident with injury
~4:37 p.m., Highway 128, Grass fire
~8:09 p.m., Highway 128, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~11:33 p.m., Lauren Court, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
July 3: 8:12 p.m., Hemenway Street, Arcing – shorted electrical equipment
~10:13 p.m., Railroad Avenue, Outside rubbish (trash or waste fire)
~11:12 p.m., Edwards Street, Fire (other)
July 4: 8:06 p.m., Highway 128, Vehicle Accident
~11:04 p.m., Gateway Drive, Outside rubbish fire (other)
July 5: 12:20 a.m., Overhouse Drive, 1-Alarm Structure
Fire
~4:37 a.m., E. Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~9:35 a.m., Interstate 505/County Road 29a, Excessive heat, scorch burns with no ignition
~7:04 p.m., Abbey Street, Rescue – EMS incident (other)
July 6: 2:51 a.m., E. Edwards Street, Person in distress (other)
~1:48 p.m., Russell Boulevard, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~9:30 p.m., Hemenway Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
July 7: 8:39 a.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
July 8: 8:10 a.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~11:17 a.m., Putah Creek Road, Grass fire
~12:52 p.m., Morgan
Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~3:13 p.m., Morgan Street, False alarm or false call (other) View the Winters Fire Activity and Call Log at https://cityofwinters. org/157/Fire.
Police Report Log
July 4: 6:46 a.m., 100th block of E. Grant Avenue, Lost Property
~9:31 p.m., Baker Street/Fourth Street, Host Liability Administrative Citation
~9:55 p.m., 800th block of W. Main Street, Host Liability Administrative Citation
July 7: 11:21 a.m., 500th block of Railroad Avenue, Fraud/ Forgery
~8:22 p.m., 400th block of Dry Creek Lane, Verbal Domestic Dispute
July 8: 1:44 p.m., 90th block of Niemann Street, Fraud 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.
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Frances Martinez on July 6, peacefully in her home. Frances was born in Malaga, Spain on Nov. 7, 1937, and immigrated to the United States in 1962. She married, started a family and settled in Winters in 1970. She was a farm wife, a loving mother and grandmother. She is predeceased in life by her son Chris Martinez and her husband Tony Martinez.
On July 10, Geraldine Hutchings Pedersen — affectionately known as Gerie — passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease. A Winters resident since 1981, Gerie was born and raised in Moapa Valley, Nevada, on Feb. 20, 1943. Gerie was the oldest child of Luana Whipple Hutchings and Wendell Edward Hutchings. She graduated from Moapa Valley High School and attended college at Brigham Young University, where she majored in music.
Gerie met her husband, Niels Christian Pedersen, in high school, and they married in 1964 in Logandale, Nevada. Together, they traveled the
YESTERYEAR
Charlie Krisor and
Obituaries
She is survived by her daughter Rosemary Martinez, son Joey Martinez, daughter-inlaw Callie Martinez and grandchildren Ainsley and Liam Martinez. Funeral Services to be held at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, 511 Main St., Winters, California, on July 23 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be
and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Geraldine Pedersen
world, living in Australia and in locations throughout the western United States. In 1984, Gerie returned to school and earned her LVN degree, working as a cardiology nurse at Woodland Hospital.
Gerie loved the view from her Winters home, taking walks near Lake Solano, Thai food, and anything Beethoven. She was a gifted musician who shared her musical talents with the church and the community. She never turned down a chance to entertain or meet her friends for coffee and will forever be remembered for her childlike sense of humor, her meatloaf recipe, and her annual holiday piano medleys, thoughtful-
ly fashioned from a mashup of Christmas songs.
Gerie is survived by her children Stephanie, Holly, Collin, and Megan; as well as her grandchildren Leif, Anders, Soren, Axel, Anjou, Owen, Sawyer and Glory. A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Pedersen home. Guestbook at https:// www.smith-funerals. com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.
Picked by Charley Wallace
Debra Ramos/Express File Photo
his dog, Shorty, survived harsh weather in the cab of his Bronco for five days in 1996. The two were stranded on the same highway that made the Stolpas famous. When Charlie finally dug his Bronco out of the snow, he raced into town to tell the local sheriff to
Frances Martinez
Courtesy photo
Express staff
Courtesy photo
Eventos hispanos
Proyecto final apoya a jóvenes estudiantes
Por Crystal Apilado
Traducido por Carol Alfonso
Mia Borges, estudiante del último año de la Escuela Winters High School, trabaja para impulsar a la próxima generación de estudiantes proporcionando mochilas con útiles escolares y ofreciendo tutorías durante todo el año académico como parte de su Proyecto Final.
Titulado “Desarrollando el Futuro de Nuestra Comunidad,” el proyecto final se basa en las reflexiones de Borges sobre su trayectoria educativa y su deseo de contribuir a la comunidad que la formó.
“Quiero ser parte del crecimiento de nuestra comunidad proporcionando recursos a nuestros estudiantes de primaria para que tengan éxito en su educación y estén preparados para el gran futuro que les espera,” dijo Borges. “La distribución de
trees, one healthy and vibrant, while the other was sick, polluted and withering.
“I just looked out of my window and saw saw tree, so I just looked out and I wondered what a polluted tree would look like,” Lucia said. “It’s kind of exciting. It feels kind of weird. I don’t think I’ve ever been like this appreciated.”
Her mother, Carly Grovhoug, said the award comes as no surprise.
“We are so proud of Lucia, she’s always been very passionate about art and loves to create. She will spend hours creating the perfect card for a friend, or a project for her room, and the quality of her hard work always impresses us,” Grovhoug said.
Yovanni Vargas, the second-place winner, said his artwork was inspired by imagining two possible worlds — one with clean air and one polluted.
“I feel proud and honored to be recognized for my artwork, knowing that there were over 100 kids who participated in the clean-air art contest,” Vargas said.
His mother, Adenal Del Real, said she knew how much it meant to him.
“I am extremely proud of Yovanni, I know he loves to draw and he had been mentioning to me how he had been working on his drawing for a while, so I know he was very excited when he found out he made
las mochilas con útiles escolares es la primera parte de mi proyecto. También ayudaré a un maestro de primaria brindando tutorías a los estudiantes que necesiten apoyo. Mientras pensaba en ideas para mi proyecto final, sentí nostalgia al pensar en lo lejos que he llegado en mi trayectoria educativa, y todo comenzó en la primaria.”
Borges se centró en la importancia de los útiles escolares para sentar las bases del aprendizaje y el crecimiento personal. “Con un lápiz, los estudiantes pueden expresar sus pensamientos y palabras en papel; con un borrador, pueden borrar sus errores e intentarlo de nuevo; con lápices de colores, pueden dar vida a sus imágenes y dibujos. Estos recursos forman parte de la base educativa de los estudiantes,” dijo. “Creo que todos los niños deben tener la oportunidad de
it to the top three,” Del Real said.
Both families learned about the contest through Shirley Rominger Intermediate, one of several local schools that consistently encourage student participation each year.
“I especially appreciate how engaged Shirley Rominger Intermediate and Waggoner Elementary schools are with the contest each year,” Jamros said. “Teachers such as Octavio Melchor, Ramona Torres, Nancy Gonzalez, Kathy Lester, and others consistently encourage their classes to participate, which is truly wonderful to see.”
Local honorable mentions
In addition to Lucia and Yovanni’s wins, five other Winters students received honorable mentions: Skylar Kiser (Waggoner Elementary, first grade), Alexa Alanis, Sergio Julian Jimenez Arellano, Clarissa Uribe (all third- and fifth-graders at Shirley Rominger), and Nayeli Aguilar (fifth grade, Shirley Rominger).
All winners will see their artwork featured in the upcoming 2026 Clean Air Calendar, which will be distributed this fall. First and second place winners are assigned their own month, while the honorable mentions will be showcased in a special section of the calendar. Winners and honorable mentions will also receive certificates of achievement and a small gift
tener éxito en la escuela y en la vida, y espero ofrecerles eso a los estudiantes que comienzan el nuevo año escolar del 2025 con mi proyecto final. Con un lápiz en la mano, creo que estos niños que están dando el primer paso en su vida educativa podrán forjar un futuro exitoso.”
Su objetivo es recolectar 75 mochilas, cada una llena de artículos esenciales como cuadernos, lápices de colores, lápices regulares, borradores y sacapuntas. Se aceptan donaciones en las cajas de donaciones hasta el 25 de Julio. Una vez que se reúnan los suministros, Borges invitará a las familias necesitadas a inscribirse y planea distribuir las mochilas en Agosto mediante un evento con servicio desde el automóvil en la Escuela Primaria Waggoner Elementary School. Como nativa de Winters, Borges co-
mentó que ha visto de primera mano cómo la comunidad se une para apoyar a los estudiantes locales. Se han colocado cajas de donaciones en Dollar General, Pacific Ace Hardware y La Mexicana. Se exhorta a los miembros de la comunidad a que pasen con donaciones de mochilas, lápices de colores, cuadernos, lápices, borradores, sacapuntas u otros útiles escolares. Si tienen alguna pregunta, pueden contactar a Borges directamente en mia52391@ wintersjusd.org.
Su inspiración para el proyecto proviene de recuerdos de la escuela primaria y de la compasión de sus compañeros y maestros.
“Cuando estaba en la primaria, era común que algún compañero me pidiera un lápiz, un borrador, un lápiz de color o incluso un sacapuntas. Nunca dudé en repartir mis útiles escolares porque sabía que algunos niños no tenían los que necesitaban. Siempre sentí que los niños que pedían eran los más valientes,” dijo Borges. También noté cómo los maestros siempre proporcionan los útiles escolares que necesitan los estudiantes. Sin duda, los maestros querían que tuviéramos éxito desde el primer día de clases y que entendiéramos que no había ningún obstáculo que no pudiéramos superar.
card.
The Clean Air Calendar Art Contest has been running since at least 2011 as part of the District’s mission to raise awareness about air quality and sustainable habits, like biking or walking instead of driving short trips.
District staff say they plan to host a reception later this year for all the win-
ning artists, families, and teachers, where students will receive their calendars and be recognized for their creativity and care for the environment.
For more information about the contest or to invite an Air District presentation to a school or community group, contact Brielle Jamros, Public Information Officer, at bjamros@ysaqmd.org.
COUNTY
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meeting to mark the milestone.
“This has really ushered in a new era of tribal conservation partnerships, Frerichs said. “That milestone recognizes not only the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region, but it’s also a steep Native American heritage and the significant economic benefits it also brings through recreation and tourism. It’s just one example, though, of the public advocacy that I know many of us engaged in over the last 10 years.”
Sandy Schubert, executive director of Tuleyome, a volunteer advocacy nonprofit conservation organization, praised the county’s long-standing efforts and partnerships.
“It was a community effort from the local level all the way to the president of the United States, twice, that expanded the monument,” Schubert said. “We couldn’t have done it without all sorts
of different types of people.”
Response to Esparto explosion
Following a brief moment of silence for the victims of the recent Oakdale Fire, supervisors formally declared a local emergency in response to the incident, which began after several explosions at a commercial fireworks storage facility near Esparto on July 1. Resolution No. 2579 empowers county officials to coordinate continued cleanup, investigation and recovery with state and federal agencies. It also requests additional disaster assistance for residents, farmers, and businesses impacted by the incident.
The next Yolo County Board of Supervisors meeting is on Tuesday, July 22, at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors chamber room, 625 Court St., Room 206, in Woodland. View agenda packet and archived videos of meetings online at www.yolocounty.gov.
Foto cortesía
Mia Borges, estudiante de último año de la Escuela Winters High School, está recolectando donaciones de útiles escolares desde ahora hasta el 25 de Julio. Hay cajas de donaciones en Dollar General, Pacific Ace Hardware y La Mexicana en Winters.
Courtesy graphic
Lucia Martinez’s winning art piece.
Courtesy graphic
Yovanni Vargas’ winning art piece.
Prevent heatstroke during extreme temperatures
Metro
Special to the Express
As Yolo County faces another round of triple-digit temperatures this summer, local health officials are reminding residents to take steps to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe— especially when spending extended time outdoors.
Whether you’re working in the fields, spending the day on a ranch, or heading up to Lake Berryessa for some much-needed relief, understanding how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and how to prevent it can make all the difference.
Know the signs of heat illness
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can escalate quickly if left untreated. According to the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency, warning signs include:
• Heavy sweating
• Dizziness or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fainting If symptoms worsen or someone stops sweating and has a high body temperature, it could be heat stroke—a medical emergency. Call 911 immedi-
ately, move the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area, and try to cool them down with water, fans, or wet cloths.
Stay safe working outdoors
Agricultural workers, landscapers, and ranch hands are among the most vulnerable to extreme heat.
Employers are required to follow Cal/OSHA heat illness prevention standards, but individual awareness is just as critical.
Outdoor safety tips for workers:
• Start early. Work during cooler morning hours when possible.
• Take regular breaks. Rest in shaded or air-conditioned areas at least every hour.
• Hydrate constantly. Drink water every 15–30 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty.
• Wear light, breathable clothing. Light-colored long sleeves and widebrimmed hats help block sun exposure.
• Use a buddy system. Check in with co-workers and report symptoms immediately.
Yolo County’s agricultural community plays a vital role in food production, and looking out for one another during heat events is a shared responsibility across fields, orchards, and ranches.
Don’t let the water fool you Lake Berryessa offers welcome relief during high temperatures, but it’s important to remember that heat-related illness can still strike—even when you’re in the water.
Tips for staying cool and safe on the lake:
• Wear sunscreen and reapply often. Water reflects sunlight, increasing exposure.
• Bring shade. Pop-up tents or large umbrellas can create much-needed shelter during midday hours.
• Pack plenty of water. Soda and alcohol can contribute to dehydration— stick to water or electrolyte drinks.
• Use cooling towels or misters. These are helpful when you’re on a boat or shoreline without shade.
• Be mindful of older adults and children. They’re more susceptible to heat exhaustion and sunburn.
Sheriff’s officials remind lake-goers that sudden dizziness, headaches, or excessive fatigue should be taken seriously—even if you’re surrounded by water.
Yolo County cooling centers, resources
During heat waves, Yolo County may open cooling centers in coordination
4 fruits and vegetables that can make for nutritious snacks
Special to the Express
Snacking is a routine part of many people’s lives. In fact, a 2023 study published in the journal Nutrients estimated that adults consume one to three snacks each day.
With that in mind, the following are four fruits and vegetables that feature a low-calorie, nutritious profile, which makes them ideal foods to reach for the next time hunger pangs demand a between-meal bite.
Apples
There might be something to the adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are rich in antioxidants, which have been touted for their anti-inflammatory properties as well as their role in building a strong immune system. Chlorogenic acid is an antiox-
idant found in apples that researchers have found can help to lower a person’s risk for diabetes, while the catechins in apples have been linked to a reduced risk for heart disease and cancer.
Bananas
Bananas make a perfect snack because they’re easily portable and loaded with nutritional value. The potassium in bananas can promote heart health by enabling the heart to beat regularly, and this popular fruit also has been characterized as beneficial for digestive health.
Broccoli
Broccoli can be eaten raw or cooked, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes a single cup of cooked broccoli contains just 55 calories. Within that small serving snackers
can get roughly 134 percent of their daily value of vitamin A, 112 percent of their daily value of vitamin C and 92 percent of their daily value of vitamin K.
Carrots
WebMD notes a single serving of carrots contains just 25 calories but is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A (73 percent of the recommended daily value), vitamin K (9 percent) and vitamin C (5 percent). The fiber in carrots can promote healthy digestion, and the wealth of antioxidants like carotenoids and anthocyanins found in carrots help to fight off free radicals that can increase a person’s risk for disease. Finding the right foods to snack on can make a world of difference for people aspiring to live healthier.
with local libraries, community centers, and shelters. Residents can call 2-11 Yolo or check YoloCounty. org for the latest updates on open locations and hours of operation.
Local libraries in Winters, Esparto, Davis, Woodland and West Sacramento often serve as drop-in cooling locations during business hours.
For farmworkers or those in remote areas, neighbors and community groups are encouraged to check in with elders and at-risk individuals during heat events.
Heat safety tips for everyone
• Avoid strenuous activity between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Never leave children or
pets in parked cars. Even a few minutes can be fatal.
• Use fans with windows open, or better yet, find air conditioning.
• Eat light, cool meals. Avoid hot or heavy food during heat spikes.
• Know your medications.
Some increase sensitivity to heat—talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Heat waves are becoming more frequent and more intense in the Central Valley. The best defense is early preparation and knowing how to care for yourself and those around you.
Stay updated on weather alerts from the National Weather Service Sacramento Office, and follow Yolo County Health & Human Services on social media for real-time guidance.
Courtesy photo
Thursdays
Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690, https://yolofoodbank.org/find-food
Friday, July 18
Express Coffeehouse Chat, 8 a.m., Steady Eddy's Coffee House
Saturday, July 19
Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution, Saturdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue
Sunday, July 20
Winters Sunday Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Downtown Main Street
Monday, July 21
Winters Natural Resources Commission Meeting
6 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters.org/187/ Natural-Resources-Commission
Tuesday, July 22
Winters Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m.,City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/planning-commission/
Wednesday, July 23
Thompson, Frerichs Constituent Office Hours, 2 –4 p.m., Winters City Hall
Entertainment
Thursday, July 17
WFoL Presents The Big Poppies, 7 p.m., Winters Rotary Park Gazebo, wfol.org
Friday, July 18 & Saturday, July 19
WSW Presents "The Comedy of Errors" shows 8 p.m., Winters City Park Playground Stage, wfol.org
Saturday, July 19
Winters Open Mic Night, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Downtown Main Street, Visit wintersopenmic.org
Library Services
Winters Library Open to Public (Summer Hours of Operation) May 19 to Aug. 22 Winters Community Library, Mon/Wed: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 12–8 p.m., Fri/Sat: 1–5 p.m.
Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library
Bilingual Storytime (ages 0-5), Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Winters Community Library
Virtual English Conversation Group, Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m., One time registration required: Contact Nancy Pacheco 530-666-8019 or nancy.pacheco@yolocounty.org
Mangonada Monday (ages 6-12), fourth Monday, 3:30 p.m. Tech Thursdays, Thursdays, 2-7:30 p.m., call 530-6668005 to schedule an appointment. Bilingual sessions available upon request.
Saturday Matinee, First Saturday, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library All You Need is Love Romance Book Club, Second Saturday, 4 p.m., Hooby’s Brewing Older Adult Programs
Winters Senior Foundation Chair Yoga Class for Seniors Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.) 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
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
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.
Renting out part of a home HOMES, Page 2
Rainfall contest winners OPINION, Page 4
Celebrating Isabel A. Ramos, 2025 Elder Day honoree
By Cheryl Sandoval Special to the Express
Sitting at the dining room table with Isabel A. Ramos, there is a feeling of strength, determination and joy.
Isabel was born in Seville, Spain, in June 1935. Growing up
She has one brother and two sisters. When they were young, it was a bad time in Spain. She said children really couldn’t do anything, and they hid in the house because bombs were going off all the time. She also remembers that money didn’t have any value at that time, and they had to exchange things like rice for potatoes. She said everyone struggled.
When Isabel was 6 months old, her father, who was a sergeant, was transferred to Madrid to the Museum of Military History. Then the civil war broke out.
“It seemed like things were not good again until 1939. Even though there were people who said the Civil War was over, it really wasn’t,” she said.
In 1944, her father was transferred to North Africa to a military embassy. They were there as a family for 11 years, in Morocco. This is where Isabel went to school. She said one thing they could do for fun was to go to the movies once a week. Isabel loved going to the movies. At age 14, the girls finished school, and then they went to work right away in a sardine factory in Morocco.
While in Morocco, Isabel met her husband, who was in the U.S. Air Corps. He was stationed in French Morocco and had traveled over to Spanish Morocco. They were married in 1955.
Several months before their first child was born, they traveled by military plane to San Francisco, stopping in several locations along the way.
When Isabel arrived in California, she said everybody was supposed to work, and she worked even though she had a baby. She learned English by watching TV shows and reading. She said she studied and learned the Constitution.
Isabel was determined to learn how to drive. She always wanted her independence. She took a class in Vacaville, learned the rules and practiced. Children on the street knew the car she was driving was for people practicing. They would sometimes yell out, “Hey, get out of the way, they are coming!” She said it was a great day when she learned to drive.
Isabel worked hard for many years, retiring when she was 83 years old, just 7 years ago. Since she has retired, she likes to be at home and work in her yard. She said there is always something to do. For many years, Isabel worked 12 hours a day, 6 days per week. On her day off, there was the house to clean and the laundry to wash.
She has not given up and has continued to work hard to overcome any challenges or obstacles, such as a fall she had that resulted in her breaking her
back.
Notable life experiences Isabel was not afraid to take a stand. Her co-workers all came to respect her. She described how she survived because she didn’t allow anyone to step on her.
Isabel packed and cut fruit. She worked for Valley Almond Growers and then Mariani Nuts as a tester for walnuts. Isabel said she also worked at the Contadina Foods Cannery in Woodland. She worked at this cannery for 27 years and was the very first woman to drive a forklift.
She said the men used to haze her, and she feels they were trying to protect themselves. They didn’t want a woman to do their job. They would drop nails or other things in front of her forklift as she was driving. She said one time, they put oil all over her seat. Another time, someone tried to run her off and push her into a hole as she was driving the forklift. Things were very upsetting, and she began to get angry. But Isabel didn’t give up. She said that management took control, informing everyone that if there was one more incident, everyone would be fired and things got better. Isabel loves plants. She worked at a nursery in Vacaville and had to learn botanical and plant names in addition to studying insects. She also worked on the dock at Heinz for 28 years. She drove a big forklift. She worked when it was very cold, very hot, when
See ELDER, Page 5
TRAVELS
Courtesy photo
Rotary International president Stephanie Urchick (right) holds a copy of the Winters Express in Calgary, Canada, at the Rotary World International Convention. Woody Fridae, Governor Elect for District 5160, met Urchick, the International Club’s second-ever female President. She was glad to spotlight Winters during the Convention. At the end of June, Woody and Rebecca Fridae drove to Calgary, making a road trip out of the experience.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Isabel A. Ramos (seated left) laughs as Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (right) shares memories of growing up under her neighborly care in Winters. Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry joined other dignitaries at the Elder Day event.
Renting out part of your home — legally and safely
If you have a finished basement, a converted garage, or a backyard cottage, you may be sitting on more than just extra square footage. For many Yolo County homeowners, renting out part of a home is a smart way to generate income, offset housing costs, or help a relative find an affordable place to live.
But before posting a rental listing or accepting a tenant, it’s important to understand the legal and logistical responsibilities that come with turning residential space into a rental unit.
Know the local rules first
Before advertising your rental or signing a lease, check with your local city or county planning
department. Zoning codes in cities like Davis, Woodland, and Winters — along with unincorporated Yolo County — may limit how many units can be rented on a single property, especially for short-term rentals such as Airbnb or Vrbo.
Some areas require:
• Permits for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Safety inspections or habitability standards
• Separate utility connections
• Minimum square footage requirements If your home is part of a homeowners association (HOA), review its bylaws. HOAs often have their own restrictions on rentals, including length of lease or tenant approval procedures. Don’t forget to check your homeowner’s insurance policy. Renting out a portion of
your home—even to a family member— could affect your coverage or liability protections. Talk to your provider to ensure you’re adequately insured.
Prepare the space to be rent-ready
Whether you’re offering a private room, basement suite, or detached ADU, the space should be clean, functional, and safe. At minimum, it should include:
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Proper ventilation and temperature control
• Safe exits and locks
• Compliant plumbing and electrical systems
While not always required, a private entrance, bathroom, and kitchen will significantly increase tenant interest—especially for long-term rentals.
Terry Magallanes/Pexels.com
Converting a room or backyard unit into a rental can provide extra income for homeowners, but requires careful planning and compliance with local regulations.
Consider privacy upgrades, such as:
• Soundproofing shared walls or ceilings
• Separate laundry access
• Lockable interior doors or divider panels
Put it in writing
Even if renting to a friend or relative, a written lease agreement is essential. It
should outline:
• Monthly rent and payment due dates
• Security deposit terms
• Utilities and maintenance responsibilities
• House rules (e.g., noise, pets, parking)
• Move-out notice requirements
What is an ADU?
Homewise Glossary:
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
An Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, is a self-contained residential space located on the same lot as a single-family home.
ADUs can take many forms, including garage conversions, basement apartments, or small backyard cottages. They must meet local building codes and often require permits. In many cases, they can be legally rented out for additional income.
Bottom line
California law requires landlords to follow state and local rental ordinances, including fair housing practices and tenant protections. For guidance, refer to the Yolo County Housing Authority or a local real estate attorney.
Renting out part of your home can be a meaningful way to create financial breathing room or maximize the use of your property. But it also comes with responsibilities—legal, logistical, and personal. With careful planning and compliance with local ordinances, Yolo County homeowners can turn unused space into reliable income while preserving harmony at home.
Food trucks: Risk reward – cost benefit Express Yourself
By Richard Casavecchia Special to the Express
Food trucks came back to the city council on July 1. The result is instructions (4–1) to staff to edit the existing ordinance into something that will result in a de facto ban on food trucks in Winters with the exception of the two long-time trucks we all know.
Any objective, big-picture view of this issue will arrive at the same conclusion.
The rest of the city council seems to either disagree with me or doesn’t care. The upcoming draft ordinance will prohibit food trucks from parking in a legal parking spot on a public street and serving customers on a parallel sidewalk, in the same way the newest food trucks operate.
This is the direction the rest of the city council wants, in part, because that is what our insurance provider recommends. They also want to keep strict, unnecessary application requirements that extend permit approval time and drive the cost up by thousands of dollars by requiring a Conditional Use Permit on commercially zoned private property. If a business meets objective requirements,
they should be able to operate. Government does not create opportunities, but it can destroy them.
Asking insurance if you can do something will always get a “no” to avoid the risk of a lawsuit. Their concern, after all, is to minimize claims costs to all cities in Yolo County, not to manage and foster community in Winters. They wouldn’t be doing their job if they said yes.
The reality is, there are only a handful of private lots that can accommodate food trucks. Those lots are owned by a handful of people, and we have been told that none of them are open to hosting a food truck for a variety of legitimate reasons. So, forcing food trucks off the street will rob them of their independence and be a de facto ban, in the name of avoiding risk from a hypothetical (and in my view, ridiculously unlikely) lawsuit.
The risks from the insurance provider (reprinted verbatim): “No. 1: Motorists: Potential reduced visibility for motorists, potential blocking of access to shoulder for motorists experiencing an issue with their vehicle; potential
See OPINION, Page 4
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
Aries, your confidence is peaking and people are noticing. Even though you are on a roll, don’t let it go to your head. Midweek might be a test of your patience, but you’ll keep your cool.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),
You are craving creature comforts, Taurus. This week you might be happy with keeping things slow and relaxing. You also may want to splurge on a treat.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21), Gemini, this week your brain may be best compared to a Wi-Fi signal. In other words, moving fast, seeking new information and maybe a little glitchy. Slow down enough to focus on necessary tasks.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22), Cancer, you might be feeling tender this week, and others may be realizing that you’re giving off warm-and-fuzzy vibes. That will suit you at home, but you may need to be more firm at work.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23), Your charisma is showing this week, Leo, and people could be eating it up. You’re giving off lead character energy right now, but don’t forget to let others share some of your spotlight.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22),
This week you are completely focused on organizing your life, Virgo. Whether you need to use spreadsheets or label makers, do whatever it takes to fix what you think needs it most.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23), Libra, it’s time to embrace some social events, or at least get them on the calendar. Practice your small talk and get ready to mingle. You will be ready to be the life of the party.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22), Scorpio, if you’ve been holding on to secrets, one may slip out this week. It could be a confession or a breakthrough, but it will be intense to reveal.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21),
You may be halfway out the door and ready for some adventure, Sagittarius. Spontaneity will look good on you this week, but reserve some time for your responsibilities.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20), Take inventory of what you have accomplished thus far and enjoy what you have built, Capricorn. You don’t need to prove anything because you’ve been rocking it.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), What to-do list, Aquarius? Your ability to focus on tasks and knock them off one by one is monumental this week. Your brain definitely has been firing on all cylinders.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), Someone might surprise you this week with an unexpected compliment or an offer of help, Pisces. Accept either gladly and then figure out how to pay it forward.
Express Yourself
Let it rain, let it rain
One of my favorite contests is the annual rainfall contest, where subscribers try and guess our annual rainfall. It isn’t as easy as you might think. I’ll have to check with Joe the Weatherman, but our annual rainfall varies, from low to high, by almost 40 inches. Over the years, we have had a couple of repeat winners, but not this year. We had a good amount of entries, so thank you to all who entered. I’m not sure how long Berta Partridge has lived in Winters, but her guess of 19.7 inches missed the mark by only 0.43 of an inch. Our total for last year, reported by Joe the Weatherman, our official U.S. Weather Service volunteer, was 19.27 inches, measured from July 1 through June 30. I don’t have access to the Express circulation files, so I’m not sure if Berta is a subscriber. If she is, she will receive $125; if not, a $100 check will soon be in the mail. Coming in a close second was Nancy B. Young, who should know a thing or two about rainfall. Nancy grew up on a ranch that once housed the town of Buckeye. She will receive a nice bottle of local wine. That is a hint that either Turkovich Fami-
ly Wines or Berryessa Gap needs to donate a bottle for the cause. Repeating as a close runner-up was Ralph Anderson, 20.12 inches and will again receive a nice beer from yours truly. Doneice Trotter, with a guess of 20.32 inches, and a past repeat winner, will get a free copy of this column to put on her refrigerator. There were three people who thought 20.5 inches was a good guess. I’ve mentioned it before, when you enter, use two decimals to avoid a tie. Richard Pitts, Elena Cody and Bill Young get a thank you for entering.
Idon’t like to embarrass anyone with their entries, but a Sharon, who lives on a ranch off Russell Boulevard, east of Winters, was expecting a drought with the lowest, 13inch guess.
On the other end of the scale was the eternal optimist, Sophie, who lives on Roosevelt and was expecting 36.82 inches of rainfall. The Glory Hole was almost three feet over its rim this year. If Sophie had her wish, we might have set a record, which is just under 7 feet over the top of the Glory Hole. Enjoy the sunshine and have a good week.
- $21 50/hour + 401k & 11 Holidays
- 20–25 hrs/week | M–F
- Based in Winters, CA
- Must have a valid Driverʼs License - ServSafe cert training provided
* HR@mowyolo org * www mowyolo org
Continued from Page 3
obstruction of traffic/ heightened risk of collision – will food truck clear the roadway?”
“No. 2: Customers/ Pedestrians: Assuming customers are served from the side of the food truck facing the sidewalk, there needs to be adequate space to ensure they do not block the sidewalk while waiting for food. It is critical that there be sufficient room for disabled access (ADA compliance) at all times.
“No. 3: Food Truck employees: Vulnerability to being struck by motor vehicles, either accidentally or intentionally, while entering/exiting the truck.”
They could have just said the risks associated with food trucks are the same risks associated with people being out in public, driving and parking on the streets, and standing on the sidewalk outside a restaurant.
The locations on East Baker and East Edwards streets, where food trucks prefer to set up, are otherwise essentially unused, further minimizing these “risks.”
On Friday nights and weekends, every single one of these concerns are within 50 feet of each other as a result of businesses operating in the right of way (pergolas and sidewalk cafes).
I do not find these “risks” persuasive or unique. They are the result of having a thriving downtown.
Every one of them is easily mitigated with logical requirements on how a food truckshould select a location. Every one of them already exists every day. Food trucks are more likely to be mindful of where and how they set up to avoid these concerns out of self-interest.
Like many of us, I can get in my car, drive to the corner of my street, and the motorist concern exists to turn left or right, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The customers/pedestrians concern can be observed every weekend at the corner of Railroad and Main outside Buckhorn and Putah Creek, as well as during the school year at lunchtime on the corner of Grant and Railroad.
The food truck employees concern is no different than any-
DSA
DSA Application # 02-123440
one parallel parking a large truck or SUV. On busy nights and weekends, all three concerns are present at the corner of Railroad and Main.
The level of risk aversion this city has is unacceptable and holds us back. Our job as city council members is risk management, not risk elimination. Our community loves our homegrown food trucks so much that Burger Bros opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in less than a year. These small business entrepreneurs serve quality food at everyday affordable prices with a low startup cost. Effectively putting them out of business is something I can’t explain and won’t defend. This is the wrong direction.
This is the wrong message to send to potential businesses that might want to come here. This is the wrong way to serve the public. This is fear masquerading as prudence.
I am disheartened, disappointed, dismayed and disgruntled. The Chamber of Commerce supports the food trucks.
Restaurants spoke in support of them. Business owners, residents, moms, educators, 209 people in a survey, all spoke or wrote in support. No one has come before us in a meeting to speak against them. There has been more overwhelming feedback on this issue than any other recent issue except Keep Winters Winters.
Our instructions from the community are clear, to me. If I weren’t already involved in local government, this issue this outcome would get me involved and make me run for office. I said it before, we lack vision. If you wish to voice support, I expect the next two meetings will have this ordinance on the agenda with final approval on Aug. 5 or 19.
Winters Middle
The project includes adding a detached warming and serving kitchen converting the existing chair room inside of the MPR into an all-gender restroom and creating a new opening at the MPR for access to the serving kitchen Area Scope also includes associated site improvements such as electrical and plumbing work trenching restoration of softscape and hardscape and updates to the path of travel A new trash and food drop-off area will be installed with a chain-link enclosure Existing accessible parking stalls will be adjusted, including striping, signage, and an EV charger
Waggoner Elementary School: The project scope included Roof work replacement of HVAC units at buildings A and B and electrical work associated with the HVAC replacement Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 20111 6* each prospective MEP Contractor holding C-4, C-7, C-10, C-16, C-20, C-34, C-36, C-38, C-42, C-43, and/or C-46 licenses must be prequalified with Winters Joint Unified School District via: Please contact cristianrivera@coreconstruction com for additional information
To become prequalified with CORE Construction or to update your current qualifications, please fill out the online application request by visiting: https://www coreconstruction com/subcontractors/ then select California For project questions, please email cristianrivera@coreconstruction com For prequalification questions please email leviahner@coreconstruction com 2/9 2/19 #82456
Seniors can find fun and fitness through sports, walking trails
Discussions around the benefits of sports often focus on how much young people gain from playing team games. But older adults have just as much to gain—if not more—from participating in sports or simply getting outside to move. For retirees looking to stay active, boost their health, and build social connections, sports and outdoor recreation offer powerful, accessible options.
In Winters, seniors have a variety of welcoming and scenic spaces for walking and exercise. The Putah Creek Nature Park Trail offers a peaceful path through native habitat along the creek, perfect for a morning or evening stroll. Those who prefer a flat, safe surface can use the Winters High School track at Dr. Sellers Field, a reliable spot for daily walking. Another popular destination is Walnut Park, which features a well-maintained paved walking loop ideal for seniors of all fitness levels.
Walking remains one of the most accessible and effective forms of exercise. According to research presented by the American Heart Association in
it rained and when the wind was fierce. She was out on the dock in all types of weather, managing difficult workloads.
Life reflections Family has always been important to Isabel. She has two daughters and one son. She also has a grandson who is a star in her life and who always tries to help her.
2023, adding just 500 steps a day—roughly a quarter of a mile—was associated with a 14 percent lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. For many seniors, Winters’ local parks and trails provide the perfect setting to incorporate more steps into their daily routine.
In addition to walking, seniors in Winters and across the country are rediscovering the joys of playing sports. A 2018 study published in Biochemistry Research International found that physical activity can help prevent noncommunicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes, delay the onset of dementia, and support better mental health and overall quality of life.
Here are some senior-friendly sports gaining popularity across the country—and among local residents:
Pickleball
Once seen as a niche sport, pickleball is now one of the fastest-growing athletic activities in North America. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association estimates that about 9 million Americans now play, with strong participation among older adults. Easy to learn and easier on the joints than tennis,
pickleball is also highly social—something seniors often value in retirement. Locally, residents can find pop-up games or join organized leagues in nearby communities.
Softball
Senior softball is another way to keep the spirit of America’s pastime alive. The sport offers physical benefits like improved hand-eye coordination and flexibility, but it’s also a powerful tool for building friendships. A 2019 study in The Journals of Gerontology found that seniors who socialize outside their typical circle are more likely to stay active and report a better mood with fewer negative feelings. Senior leagues—some casual, others competitive—can help players reconnect with a sport they loved in their youth.
Golf
Golf remains a favorite for seniors for good reason. Those who walk the course (rather than ride in a cart) enjoy all the health benefits of walking while also getting light strength training from carrying a bag and swinging clubs. Golf promotes balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. For Winters residents, several nearby
public and private courses offer weekday rates and senior-friendly tee times.
Walking
Never underestimate the power of a good walk. It’s free, simple, and highly effective. Even seniors with limited mobility can engage in short, frequent walks that improve circulation, elevate mood, and support longevity. Winters’ growing network of walking-friendly locations makes it easier than ever for older adults to stay consistent with daily movement.
Staying active, staying connected
As retirees seek meaningful ways to fill their time, sports and walking provide both health benefits and valuable social connections. Whether you’re taking a solo stroll along the Putah Creek Trail or joining a team for some friendly competition, staying active can lead to a happier, healthier retirement. For more information about local walking paths, visit the Parks & Facilities page at cityofwinters.org.
How to get youth exercising
to
Human beings need regular physical activity to stay healthy— but too many young people are falling short. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 50 percent of boys and less than 34 percent of girls between the ages of 12 and 15 are considered adequately fit. Children who are not physically active are at greater risk for chronic diseases, and those who are overweight or obese face a higher likelihood of carrying that weight into adulthood.
movement, such as sporting equipment, scooters, bicycles, or motion-based video games. This gets youth moving while they play—an easy entry point for more activity.
biking—combining movement with memorable experiences.
Reflecting on her life, she said she wasn’t always able to spend the time with family as she wished to because she worked so many hours each week. However, she has good memories of a trip to Disney Land and also to Yosemite. Isabel was an excellent seamstress. She loved to sew, learning when she was 9 years old. Sewing was very relaxing. Isabel made clothes for her children. She made coats, prom dresses and flamenco dance costumes. She made everything without patterns. She also learned embroidery and how to crochet. Isabel has a family tradition of baking Polvorones Christmas cookies. She also makes Helados Christmas cookies. She said they are so delicious and everyone in her family wants them.
• Lead by example. Children are more likely to embrace physical activity if they see their parents or caregivers modeling it. Whether it’s going for a hike, heading to the gym, swimming, or even rock scrambling, adults can demonstrate that movement is both important and fun.
The Winters Express is featuring all five 2025 Elder Day honorees. To see the full list of honorees, visit https:// bit.ly/2025WintersElders.
Encouraging youth to be physically active can be challenging, especially with electronic devices and screen time competing for attention. However, families can take simple, engaging steps to help children build healthy, active habits.
Here are a few strategies parents and caregivers can try:
• Choose interactive toys. Select toys and games that require
• Create social opportunities. Physical activity is often more enjoyable when done with others. Encourage youth to invite friends, cousins, or classmates to join in outdoor games, park visits, or informal sports matches.
• Seek out new adventures. Family outings can double as exercise. A visit to the zoo, a museum, or a hiking trail can involve plenty of walking. Vacations can include activities like kayaking, surfing, or
• Join team sports. Organized athletics—whether schoolbased or through local clubs—offer structured, consistent ways for children to stay active. Practices and games throughout the week help youth develop skills, build friendships, and maintain their physical health. In Winters, opportunities abound for families to exercise together while having fun. The Putah Creek Nature Park Trail offers scenic walking paths ideal for family strolls. The paved track at Dr. Sellers Field behind Winters High School is a popular option for morning or evening walks. Walnut Park also offers a paved walking loop perfect for casual exercise or scooter rides. Weekend bike rides through local neighborhoods or impromptu games at neighborhood parks can turn any day into an opportunity for movement.
Woody Fridae/Courtesy photo
Isabel A. Ramos was celebrated as one of the 2025 Winters Elder Day honorees.
Metro Special
the Express
Art & Entertainment
A night of jazz, errors with Shakespeare in the Park
By Denise Cottrell Special to the Express
The summer evenings in Winters Community Park come alive this weekend with children and adults who have waited out the heat of the day to take advantage of the large trees and playground.
For the past five weeks, another activity has taken place at the park; Winters Shakespeare Workshop, a program of Friends of the Library, has utilized the park as a theater and rehearsal space for the youth of Winters to participate in all aspects of theater arts, from acting, dancing and movement to set and costume design.
On the evenings of Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, the work will be done, and the park will be transformed; the curtain “goes up” on the park playground stage for delightful performances of Shakespeare’s A Comedy of Errors. Join in the fun and bring your blanket and/ or lawn chair to the park for a free performance at 8 p.m.
The playground stage has been transformed by Director Nika Ericson’s vision of Chicago in the roaring 20s. Ericson has utilized her extensive experience in theater to direct a playful production enhanced with physical comedy and music.
Musical director Nick Caravajal has assembled and composed music representative of the 1920s. In addition, Caravajal has gathered a band of local musicians who will bring the swing of Chicago to life. This
and 19.
year, members of Winters Joint Unified School District Music Programs are working with Carvajal and will take a seat as band members for the performance, beside adult musicians from both Winters and Davis.
The Winters Park Playground stage will be transformed into the Maxwell Market of 1920s Chicago through the work of local artists Jeff Hesemeyer and David Decristoforo, who have led the teen and preteen WSW backstage crew in painting the signs, set pieces and backdrops that bring the old Chicago Market to the Winters’ park playground stage.
This summer, participants of Winters Shakespeare Workshop have trained with experienced artists who create a fun learning environment that enhances skills in voice, movement, character development, and dance.
Trevor Bashaw, a versatile performer, poet and performance
artist and Emily Contreras, a multiskilled theatrical artist with a background in all aspects of theater and dance, have guided WSW actors and dance team members in honing their skills.
This year marks the 25th year of production of the Winters Friends of the Library’s summer workshop for youths, which culminates in a free performance of a Shakespeare play for the community. Thanks to the generous support from the Winters JUSD and the Rotary Club of Winters, the workshop was available at no cost for students in Winters’ schools.
Don’t miss this community tradition on July 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. at the Winters City Park at the corner of Fourth and Main Streets. Admission is free and delicious refreshments will be offered for sale. Bring a lowback lawn chair or blanket.
For information contact, visit wfol.org or call 530-795-3476.
The Midnight Dip heads to the gazebo on July 24
By Diane Cary Special to the Express
The Winters Friends of the Library 2025 Summer Concerts at the Gazebo continue with the vibrant energy of The Midnight Dip on Thursday, July 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Rotary Park (Main Street at Railroad Avenue) in downtown Winters. Led by the magnetic Liz Kat, whose voice is pure soul, the Sacramento-based quintet pushes boundaries and spreads positivity through their funky, swing-infused sound. The band’s music is unpredictable, with an eclectic blend of swing, jazz, funk, and polka. Listen to some tunes at themidnightdip.com.
Special to the Express
Gabe Lewin will headline the Tuesday, July 22, Performers’ Circle at Odd Fellows Hall in Davis with support from Lane Suarez on vocals, Bob Lindley on violin and mandolin, Ted Fontaine on lead guitar and Dwight Howard on bass.
The set will feature Lewin’s original songs on lost love, California history and current events.
has played at E Street Plaza, Davis Commons, Sudwerk Brewing Co., the Picnic Day main stage, International House, Pieter and Jeanne Pastoor’s radio show on KDRT, and as a regular at the Performers’ Circle open mic.
Invite your friends and neighbors, bring a blanket or lawn chairs or sit on the grass, sip a cool drink, and enjoy some fine live music on a summer evening. The concerts are free, but donations will be gratefully accepted. Winters Friends of the Library will have delicious refreshments and quality used books for sale, and all proceeds will support the Winters Community Library. For more information, visit wfol.org. This year’s concert series is sponsored by Waste Management and Oates Country Store.
Lewin remembers singing about the time he learned to walk. He picked up the guitar at 13 and added harmonica as a young adult. His first professional stage appearance was as a teenager at The Troubadour in South Africa. In South Africa, he learned a variety of musical styles, including old folk standards, new folk tunes, reggae, bluegrass and classic rock blues.
After moving to Davis, Lewin became a bard about town. He
The Performers’ Circle is a free event that welcomes performers of all levels as well as audience members who simply come to enjoy the performances. No tickets or reservations are required.
The event begins with an open mic from 7 to 8:15 p.m. and concludes with the featured performance from 8:30 to 9 p.m. Signups begin at 6:45 for the short performances (less than five minutes per act). Odd Fellows Hall is at 415 Second St. in downtown Davis. Masks are welcome at Odd Fellows Hall. For information, visit www.facebook. com/villagehomesperformers.
Submit artwork now for Art Farm
Special to the Express
YoloArts invites emerging and established artists in Northern California to enter their work in the 18th annual Art Farm Exhibition. Artists can contribute their artwork to the Art Harvest and submit their artwork to the Juried Silent Auction for consideration.
YoloArts invites creative and diverse interpretations of Yolo County’s farms and farmlands, open spaces, food and bounty, agriculture and agricultural heritage. Artists are encouraged to explore these themes through a variety of perspectives — whether representational or abstract, conceptual or experimental.
The call for art includes all media and artistic styles. All artwork must be original and ready for display. Art Harvest artwork will be collected by Art Farm Sponsors and Shovel Ticket holders at the event on October 25, and selected Juried Silent Auction artworks will be available through online bidding between Sept. 18 and Oct. 25.
An opening reception will kick off on Sept. 18, and artwork will go on display at The Barn Gallery until the Art Farm fest on Oct. 25. Entries must be submitted online. Submission forms close Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. Art must be hand-delivered to The Barn Gallery on Aug. 26 or 27, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The complete call for art is online at https://yoloarts.org/ artfarmcallforart/. The Barn Gallery is at 512 Gibson Road
Courtesy photo
For its 25th production, the Winters Shakespeare Workshop sees Chicago’s jazz age meet Shakespeare’s hijinks in a teen-powered park performance you won’t want to miss in William Shakespeare’s “A Comedy of Errors” on July 18
Courtesy photo
The Midnight Dip performs at the Rotary Park Gazebo on Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m. The free concert is in part of the Winters Friends of the Library’s 2025 Summer Concerts at the Gazebo music series.
Courtesy photo Gabe Lewin performs at Odd Fellows Hall on July 22.