Council OKs vendor cap, keeps street sales ban
New resolution limits permits, maintains 2018 food truck restrictions
By Sonora Slater Express staff writer
At its July 1 meeting, the Winters City Council passed a controversial resolution surrounding food vendor rules and regulations, ultimately placing a cap on the number of stationary and mobile food vendors, revising definitions and details of the code for clarity, and sticking with a pre-existing ban on food trucks operating in the public right-of-way.
The resolution has been in talks among the Winters Plan-
ning Commission and city council since October 2024, with the original purpose being to debate the pros and cons of adding a cap on mobile food vending. When safety for pedestrians, accessibility on sidewalks for wheelchair or stroller users, and noise and obstruction complaints were all taken into consideration, the council did eventually land on a cap of six use permits for stationary food vendors like food trucks, and 10 for sidewalk vending stands or carts.
However, the conversation raised a number of other concerns from the council and community, extending the discussion for months. Despite
Police urge public to report illegal fireworks
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
With fireworks season here, Winters Police Chief John P. Miller told the Express that the Winters Police Department is relying on residents to help report illegal firework activity this season.
Only “Safe and Sane” fireworks — such as those sold at nonprofit-sponsored booths in town — are permitted within city limits. These fire-
works are identified by the Fire Marshal’s “Safe and Sane” logo and do not explode or launch into the air.
Possession of illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Possession of fireworks classified as explosive devices is considered a felony, punishable by imprisonment in state prison.
Additionally, through Winters Municipal Code 8.24.130, known as the Social Host Ordinance, homeowners and hosts of gatherings may be held personally liable for any illegal fireworks
activity associated with their residence or event. Violations carry a $1,000 fine. Illegal fireworks can be reported to the Winters Police Department’s 24hour non-emergency dispatch line at 530795-4561. Photos and videos can also be emailed to tips.winters@winterspolice. org. When reporting, Miller said it’s important to provide accurate identification of people, an address and a date timestamp on photos that show evidence of illegal firework usage.
In May 2022, the Winters City Council
Investigation continues into fireworks warehouse explosion near Esparto
Evacuation orders remain in place
By Lauren Keene and Crystal Apilado McNaughton Media
Investigators from multiple agencies remained at the scene Wednesday following a massive fire and explosion that leveled a rural fireworks warehouse in Yolo County Tuesday evening. The fire, now known as the Oakdale Fire, erupted around 5:50 p.m. near the intersection of
County Roads 23 and 86A, just south of Esparto. The explosion shook buildings and rattled windows in communities as far as Davis, Dixon, Woodland and Winters. Towering plumes of smoke were visible across the region as flames engulfed the main warehouse, several storage containers, and at least one residence.
“Units arrived on scene to find a few commercial buildings well-involved, as well as numerous explosions and spot fires throughout the area,” said Curtis Lawrence,
Chief of the Esparto Fire Protection District, during a media briefing Tuesday night. Due to the extreme hazards, fire crews established a perimeter and focused on containment overnight.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Esparto Fire Protection District, Yolo County, and CAL FIRE’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit issued a joint statement confirming that the incident remains active, with an ongoing threat in
Trustees hear annual LCAP local indicator update
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
At the Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees June 26 meeting, assistant superintendent Phoebe Girimonte presented the school district’s annual update on local accountability indicators.
“These local indicators are a part of the state accountability system and reflect the emphasis on local control, allowing districts to measure the progress using local data and provide valuable information from our engagement partners, including families and students,” Girimonte said.
Local indicators are State Board of Education-approved information collected by the school district that will be finalized on the California School Dashboard. The dashboard is an online tool designed to help communities glean important information about their district and schools.
Winters JUSD uses five local indicators including basic services and conditions, implementation of academic standards, parent and family engagement, school climate, and access to a broad course of study.
These indicators are required to be presented to the com-
munity at the school board meeting before finalization. Indicators are either met, not met, or not met for two or more years. All priorities received a “standard met.” Priority 1: Basic services, conditions
The first indicator used metrics to determine whether students have access to properly credentialed teachers, access to curriculum-aligned instructional materials and safe, clean and functional school facilities. In the 2022-23 school year, 84.7 percent of educators were
Courtesy photo
Johnny Lopez shared a video in the Winters Community Info and Tips Facebook group showing fire damage outside of Esparto. Many county roads remained closed.
Yolo supervisors OK budget principles to guide reductions
By Rebecca Wasik McNaughton Media
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, June 24, unanimously approved an update to the fiscal year 2025-26 budget principles to include principles guiding reductions.
These principles will guide staff and provide additional foundation specifically for budgetary reductions.
The principles include board governance, structural balance, stabilization, human-centered/ staffing recognition, strategic change, transparency, prioritization of mandates and public-facing services, maintenance of support systems, permanency considerations of such reductions and budget considerations for new revenue.
“Positions that have been on the books but vacant for years are ones that I think we have real interest in focusing in on,” said Chief administrative officer Mike Webb. “If we’ve had vacant positions that have been vacant for two, three, four, five plus years, that’s telling us something about our ability to continue to provide operations and services without those positions, so they probably warrant a pretty close look.”
Supervisor Sheila Allen
had some additions to the budget reduction principles including looking into the reason why the positions have been unfilled for a number of years; consulting with advisory committees for input; see if another part of the system/ organization can provide a certain service and determine if reductions will decimate a program too much to bring it back.
The board approved these principles unanimously with Supervisor Angel Barajas recused from the item.
Master Fees
The board also unanimously approved the FY 2025-26 Master Fee resolution.
The Master Fee schedule was last updated on Dec. 3, 2024.
The FY 2025-26 schedule includes fee changes within the Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Elections, Board of Supervisors, Community Services, Financial Services, General Services, Health and Human Services and Sheriff departments. Altogether, there are 39 new fees, 112 fee revisions and 20 fee deletions.
Some of the notable changes include:
Clerk Recorder: Official Record Image Copy Fee from $0.11 to $0.50 per im-
age; FTP Transfer Fee from $2 to $20 per transfer.
Elections: Precinct Map Fee from $6 to $55 per map Planning and Building: Firework Booth Fee and the Firework Permit Issuance Fee.
Animal services: 10 fee additions related to adoption of animals, immunization fees, crime reports, trap rental and trap wildlife pickup; 15 fee revisions related to cat and dog adoption fees, animal redemption fees and licensing fees.
Integrated Waste Management: New Appliances-Miscellaneous fees to cover appliances like microwaves and lawn mowers.
General services: Adjustments to the Airport and Parks divisions; updates to the Parks Picnic Fees, Sports Field Reservation fees and Airport Tie Down fees.
Sheriff: Value of formal estate from $184,500 to $208,850.
Board of Supervisors: Deletion of five fees.
Department of Financial Services : Two fee deletions that include the Microfiche Bill Status Reports and Tax Roll records as the Tax Collector no longer provides these versions of documents; one new returned check fee.
Health and Human Services: Increase of the hourly
Caltrans opens new lane for I-80 West in West Sacramento
Special to the Express
Caltrans notified motorists that a new lane opened on westbound Intersate 80 in Yolo County as part of the ongoing $280 million I-80 and U.S. Highway 50 Pavement Rehabilitation Project at 5 a.m. Monday, June 30.
The new lane will start before the westbound US 50/I-80 junction and run adjacent to the highway before merging into the existing lanes of westbound I-80 at the causeway.
The contractor has been diligently work-
ing this area to accelerate the construction of the concrete pavement for the last month.
The added lane is expected to help alleviate the bottleneck at the US 50/I-80 junction for the remainder of the project.
This project includes $47 million from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually, shared equally between state and local agencies. Road projects
progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects partially funded by SB 1.
Visit build.ca.gov to learn more about transformative infrastructure projects happening in communities throughout the state.
Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties.
Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.
rate for Public Guardian services from $102 to $117. The estimated annual revenue impact for Animal Services is $28,106; General Fund $201,122; Integrated Waste Management Enterprise Fund $929,203 and Aviation Enterprise Fund $382.
211 Yolo
The board received an informational-only update on 211 Yolo services.
211 Yolo’s mission is to connect Yolo County residents to vital health, human and social services 24/7, as well as provide access to accurate, up-to-date information and referrals while ensuring its service is confidential, multilingual and accessible to all.
Through 211 Yolo, residents can receive information on housing/homeless support, food access, physical/mental healthcare, transportation, financial assistance and disaster/ emergency response resources.
From July 2024 to March 2025, 211 Yolo answered 5,826 calls. 37.74 percent of those calls had to do with residents seeking housing assistance.
Appeal
Additionally, the board unanimously upheld the Planning Commission’s decision to deny the Outdoor Properties LLC Cannabis
Use Permit.
The cannabis business, located at 16520 County Road 56 in Guinda, first submitted a Cannabis Use Permit on Dec. 15, 2022. The Capay Valley Citizens Advisory Committee unanimously recommended denial of the project to the Planning Commission on April 16, 2025. On May 8, the Planning Commission unanimously denied the request. An appeal was filed on May 23.
Compliance issues presented to the Planning Commission included non-payment of property taxes (since paid), non-payment of cannabis taxes, physical property is in pre-foreclosure, non-payment of solid waste and recycling service fees (since paid), installation of large generator without permits and non-payment of PG&E bills, several structures in disrepair and community concerns.
Engineer’s report
The board also approved the Engineer’s Report and assessment rates for FY 2025-26 for Tuli Mem Aquatic Park in Esparto. Approved assessment rates for FY 2025-26 are $95.98 for Zone A, $76.78 for Zone B and $95.98 for Zone C. The Yolo County Board of Supervisors will next meet on July 8.
City announces July 3 traffic controls
Express staff
The city of Winters will host its annual Fireworks Show on Thursday, July 3, at Dr. Sellers Football Field at Winters High School. Gates will open to the public at 5 p.m., and the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m.
To help reduce traffic congestion following the show, Winters Police Department will implement traffic control measures throughout key intersections along Grant Avenue as the fireworks begin.
Traffic control details
Grant Avenue and Railroad Avenue intersection: The signal lights will flash red, and public safety officers will direct traffic. Left turns will be prohibited at this intersection to avoid cross traffic.
Grant Avenue and Walnut Avenue roundabout: Traffic will be restricted to eastbound and westbound only. Vehicles will be able to enter
Walnut Avenue from westbound Grant Avenue and exit back onto Grant going westbound. No cross traffic will be allowed.
All other intersections: Standard traffic laws will apply, including yielding and stop signs, under “rules of the road” conditions.
Suggested alternate routes
To avoid delays, drivers are encouraged to consider the following alternate routes:
• Northbound Railroad Avenue (County Road 89) to County Road 29A, which provides access to Interstate 505.
• Westbound Highway 128 to Pleasants Valley Road.
The city encourages residents and visitors to plan, follow posted signage, and be patient as officers work to move traffic efficiently and safely after the event.
CHP plans weekend enforcement blitz
Special to the Express
As millions of Californians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the California Highway Patrol will launch a statewide Holiday Enforcement Period to crack down on dangerous driving behaviors and help prevent injuries and deaths on the road.
The Independence Day HEP begins at 6:01 p.m. Thursday, July 3, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 6.
All available CHP officers will be out in full force throughout the holiday weekend, focusing on impaired, distracted and aggressive drivers. The goal is simple: to save lives.
“Reckless driving and speeding have
“It’s every driver’s responsibility to make safe choices behind the wheel.
Sean Duryee, CHP commissioner
deadly consequences,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said.
“It’s every driver’s responsibility to make safe choices behind the wheel. Let’s work together to prevent tragedies by always designating a sober driver and keeping our roads safe for everyone.”
To underscore the ongoing need for heightened enforce-
ment, consider this: During a recent statewide 24-hour enforcement effort from 6 a.m. Saturday, June 7, to 5:59 a.m., Sunday, June 8, CHP officers issued nearly 18,000 citations. Of those:
• More than 12,100 were for excessive speed.
• Nearly 860 were for distracted driving.
• Close to 500 were for seatbelt violations. Officers also made nearly 400 arrests for driving under the influence. Tragically, 11 people lost their lives in crashes during that same period. Whether heading to a fireworks show or returning home from a family gathering, the CHP urges everyone to buckle up, slow down, designate a sober driver and, in case of an emergency, call 911.
Courtesy graphic
The new lane on Interstate 80 opened on Monday.
Ayuntamiento
Eventos hispanos
aprueba exención de tarifas en programas para personas mayores y control de maleza
Por Sonora Slater
Traducido por Carol Alfonso
En su reunión del 17 de Junio, el Ayuntamiento de Winters abordó varios temas comunitarios, incluyendo la aprobación unánime de una exención de tarifas para el uso del Centro Comunitario por parte de la Fundación para Personas Mayores de Winters, actualizaciones sobre la aplicación de las medidas de control de malezas y una invitación a la celebración del Día de los Envejecientes de Winters de este año. Los miembros del Ayuntamiento también escucharon sobre la promoción de espacios públicos libres de humo impulsada por jóvenes y pospusieron brevemente la discusión sobre las regulaciones para vendedores de comida para permitir más aportaciones de las partes interesadas locales. El debate sobre la comunidad de personas mayores de Winters continuó mientras el Ayuntamiento analizaba la exención de tarifas para el uso del centro comunitario por parte de la Fundación para Personas Mayores de Winters (Winters Senior Foundation - WSF). El grupo utiliza regularmente este espacio para organizar eventos como su programa de Comidas a Domicilio y otras actividades sociales, y dado el retraso indefinido en la construcción del Centro
para Personas Mayores de Winters, el Ayuntamiento ya había considerado permitirles usar el Centro Comunitario de forma gratuita mientras tanto.
El administrador municipal, Jeremy Craig, presentó la logística de la exención de tarifas, señalando que reducirá los ingresos del centro comunitario, pero que existen maneras sencillas de minimizar ese costo. Sugirió solicitar a WSF que priorice los eventos de Lunes a Jueves para que el espacio esté disponible para reservas de fin de semana, y capacitar a los voluntarios de WSF para realizar algunas tareas básicas en el centro, como cerrarlo al final de un evento, para reducir el costo del personal.
La ordenanza se aprobó por unanimidad. Eliminación de malezas, otras discusiones
Se continuó con una discusión previa sobre la eliminación de malezas en Winters. Según el jefe de bomberos, Jack S. Snyder III, solo dos propiedades no eliminaron la maleza a tiempo, por lo que el departamento de bomberos tomará medidas para contratar a alguien que la elimine, a expensas de los propietarios. “Gracias a todos los que eliminaron la maleza, esperamos que nos faciliten el trabajo este verano,” dijo Snyder.
Los miembros del consejo sugirieron un par de maneras de mejorar el cumplimiento en el futuro, incluyendo la adición de un segundo día de servicio de recogida, dada la dificultad de trasladar grandes cantidades de material al vertedero.
El alcalde pro tempore Bill Biasi preguntó sobre el alquiler de cabras en años futuros para que se alimenten de la maleza en la ciudad y mitiguen el riesgo de incendios.
“Las cabras son sin duda una opción viable,” dijo Snyder. “De hecho, apoyo totalmente esa idea, y es una herramienta muy prometedora.”
El presupuesto final del fondo general para el próximo año fiscal se aprobó por unanimidad y se trata con más detalle en una edición anterior del Winters Express. La decisión del consejo de posponer la continuación del debate sobre los vendedores de alimentos hasta la próxima reunión también se explicó en una edición anterior, con el objetivo de darles tiempo para considerar una propuesta sobre cómo redactar la ordenanza enviada por Chris Turkovich y la Cámara de Comercio del Distrito de Winters.
Al final de la reunión, los miembros del consejo acordaron agregar un punto sobre la presentación de Jayden Clifford, estudi-
ante de la escuela secundaria Winters High School, quien expresó su preocupación por fumar en áreas públicas de la ciudad, junto con otros miembros del club Friday Night Live. Los estudiantes han sugerido varias opciones de políticas económicas para establecer más áreas libres de humo en el centro. Craig dijo que el punto probablemente se presentará ante el consejo a finales del verano, una vez que haya tenido la oportunidad de obtener la opinión de la junta de la Cámara. A petición del alcalde Albert Vallecillo, la reunión se dedicó a Mike Kimes, miembro de la comunidad desde hace mucho tiempo y antiguo propietario de la ferretería del centro, quien falleció recientemente. La cámara guardó un minuto de silencio en su honor.
Día de los Envejecientes en Winters
¿Busca algo que hacer después del 4 de Julio?
¡Buenas noticias! En la última reunión del consejo municipal, se invitó a todos los miembros del público a la celebración anual del Día de los Envejecientes, el 5 de Julio, en honor a los residentes mayores de noventa años. Este año, hay cinco homenajeados.
Cada uno será entrevistado para contar su historia, se les tomará un retrato profesional y se les
entregará un certificado de agradecimiento por su contribución a la sociedad.
Además, habrá música en vivo, pastel, café y té. “Es un evento muy inspirador,” dijo Sharon Pearce, miembro de la junta directiva del Día de los Envejecientes de Winters, durante la presentación del evento. “Aprendes mucho sobre las personas, cosas que nunca esperarías.” La próxima reunión del Ayuntamiento de Winters se celebrará el Martes 1 de Julio a las 6:30 p.m. El paquete de la agenda se publicará en www.cityofwinters.org/194/Meetings. Otras reuniones de la ciudad
La reunión de la Comisión de Planificación de Winters del 22 de Junio fue cancelada.
Todas las audiencias y los temas programados originalmente para Junio aparecerán en la reunión de la comisión de planificación del 22 de Julio. Consulte todas las próximas reuniones relacionadas con la ciudad en el calendario de la ciudad de Winters en www.cityofwinters.org o en las actualizaciones regulares de los viernes del administrador municipal. Vea todas las actualizaciones del administrador de la ciudad en línea en www.cityofwinters.org/ CivicAlerts.aspx.
Inmigrantes dudan en pedir cobertura médica por miedo a ser deportados
Por Claudia Boyd-Barrett KFF Health News
El gobierno federal calcula que en California viven 2.6 millones de inmigrantes sin estatuto legal.
El estado había buscado gradualmente incorporar a estos inmigrantes a su programa de Medicaid, conocido como Medi-Cal.
Pero ahora, ante el congelamiento de las inscripciones estatales, los residentes californianos de bajos ingresos que se encuentran en el país sin papeles, junto con los proveedores y trabajadores comunitarios que los ayudan, evalúan con inquietud los beneficios de avanzar con las solicitudes de Medi-Cal frente a los riesgos de ser descubiertos y deportados por el gobierno federal.
La Legislatura de California, que busca cerrar un déficit presupuestario proyectado de $12 mil millones, aprobó una propuesta del gobernador demócrata Gavin Newsom para finalizar la inscripción en Medi-Cal en enero de 2026 para los mayores
de 19 años sin estatus legal. Los legisladores están en proceso de definir los detalles finales del acuerdo presupuestario antes de que entre en marcha el nuevo año fiscal.
Mientras tanto, las redadas federales de inmigración, que parecen haber afectado al menos a una clínica de salud en el estado, ya están provocando que algunas personas teman buscar atención médica, según defensores de los inmigrantes y proveedores de salud. Y se espera que la reciente noticia de que funcionarios de la administración Trump están compartiendo datos de los beneficiarios de Medicaid, incluyendo su estatus migratorio, con las autoridades de inmigración erosione aún más la confianza en el programa.
Andrew Nixon, vocero del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Estados Unidos (HHS), afirmó que la agencia, que supervisa los Centros de Servicios de Medicare y Medicaid (CMS), tenía la autoridad legal para compartir
los datos y abordar la “negligencia sistémica sin precedentes bajo la administración Biden-Harris, que permitió que inmigrantes indocumentados explotaran Medicaid mientras millones de estadounidenses luchaban por acceder a la atención médica, particularmente en estados como California”. Para complicar aún más la situación, la administración Trump ha amenazado con retener los fondos de estados que ofrecen cobertura médica a personas sin estatus legal.
Actualmente, alrededor de 1.6 millones de personas que residen en el país sin documentos están inscritas en Medi-Cal.
En 2016, California comenzó a ampliar Medi-Cal a personas de bajos ingresos sin estatus legal, comenzando con los niños, y luego lo expandió gradualmente a jóvenes, adultos mayores y, en enero de este año, a personas de entre 26 y 49 años.
El Departamento de Servicios de Atención Médica del estado, que supervisa Medi-Cal, se asoció con clínicas de salud comunitarias para ayudar a inscribir a las personas elegibles. Es demasiado pronto para determinar el impacto que las últimas acciones estatales y federales estén teniendo en las cifras de inscripción, ya que los datos solo están disponibles hasta
marzo. Sin embargo, muchos proveedores y defensores afirmaron que prevén un efecto negativo en la inscripción de inmigrantes, por miedo.
Seciah Aquino es directora ejecutiva de la Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, que apoya a los promotores de salud comunitarios, quienes ayudan a difundir la expansión de Medi-Cal a los adultos sin papeles. Poco más de la mitad de los beneficiarios del seguro médico público en
California son latinos, en comparación con solo el 30 por ciento de los beneficiarios de Medicaid en todo el país. Aquino afirmó que su coalición les pedirá a los promotores que informen sobre los riesgos de compartir datos para que los miembros de la comunidad puedan tomar decisiones informadas. “Se toman muy en serio que el consejo que le
Vea MEDICA, Página 5
monitor the site remotely and assist in the investigation.
the immediate area.
Although risk levels have decreased slightly, evacuation orders remain in place while crews continue hazard assessments.
Authorities confirmed that seven individuals remain unaccounted for. First responders and investigators are working closely with the property owner to determine their whereabouts. Unmanned aircraft systems are being deployed to
“This remains an active crime scene,” officials stated. CAL FIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is leading the investigation and confirmed the property is associated with a licensed pyrotechnics operator. Investigators will determine whether all operations at the facility were in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Evacuation zones
Evacuation orders
Lake Berryessa water levels down
The water level of Lake Berryessa was down by 0.53 feet over the past week, decreasing to 9,797 acre-feet of water storage, according to Tim Gerard, with the Solano Irrigation District – Putah Diversion Office. On the morning of Tuesday, July 1, he reported that the lake elevation was 436.17 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,479,736 acre-feet. The SID released 534 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 52 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 335 acre-feet of water per day.
DAVIS GLASS & SCREEN
are still in effect for zones MAD063-A and MAD149-B. The Yolo County Public Library in Esparto, located at 17065 Yolo Ave., has been opened as both an evacuation center and cooling zone.
Emergency personnel initially established a one-mile evacuation radius Tuesday night, later expanding it to include the town of Madison and its migrant housing center. Those residents were temporarily relocated but have since been allowed to return, pending further assessment.
“The fire will take time to cool, and once it does, explosive experts must safely enter the site to assess and secure the area,” the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday morning.
“We strongly urge everyone to continue avoiding the area for the next several days so that fire crews, law enforcement and emergency personnel can do their jobs safely and effectively.”
Public safety, road
closures
CAL FIRE reported that approximately 78 acres burned in the incident. Winters Fire Department sent personnel to support Esparto and Madison fire units, while Winters Police remained on standby. The California Highway Patrol has closed several roads in the area on Wednesday morning:
• County Road 86A at County Road 25
• County Road 86A at State Route 16
• County Road 23 at County Road 87B
• County Road 86 at County Road 23
No first responder injuries had been confirmed as of Wednesday morning. However, damage to surrounding properties includes the total destruction of at least one home and widespread power outages across the region.
Residents described the explosions as earthshaking.
“The whole house started shaking — the windows were shaking,” said Lola Gutierrez, who lives several miles from the blast
Public Safety Report
City of Winters Fire
June 19: 10:35 a.m., Railroad Avenue, Fire (other)
June 20: 12:21 a.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~7:10 p.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~8:52 p.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle acci-
dent with injury
~9:30 p.m., Griffin Way, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
June 21: 6:08 a.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~7:16 p.m., Railroad Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
June 23: 10:44 a.m., Northbound Interstate 505, EMS call –excluding vehicle accident with injury
YESTERYEAR
site. Her husband, standing outside at the time, initially feared they were under attack. “This gust of wind pushed me inside,” she added. “I screamed and ran upstairs. It was so scary.”
Winters residents also reported feeling the blast, hearing a loud boom and seeing the massive smoke plume to the north.
Seeking public assistance
CAL FIRE-OSFM is asking members of the
public with information, including photos or videos captured before or after the explosion, to share them with investigators using the at https://bit. ly/45T3kps. Evidence submissions may aid in determining the cause of the fire.
An interagency briefing was held Wednesday at 10 a.m., and officials say their goal is to allow evacuated residents to return home as soon as it is safe to do so.
~3:26 p.m., Pedrick Road (Dixon), Grass fire
June 24: 7:53 p.m., Fourth Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~10:23 p.m., Valley Oak Drive, EMS call –excluding vehicle accident with injury
June 25: 1:08 a.m., Highway 128, Vehicle accident View the Winters Fire Activity and Call Log at https://cityofwinters. org/157/Fire.
Police Report Log
June 18: 4:13 p.m., 400th Russell Street, Fraud
~4:18 p.m., 1000th block of Eisenhower Way, Fraud
June 20: 10:49 p.m., 100th block of Grant
Avenue, Stolen Vehicle Report
June 21: 3:04 a.m., 100th block of Grant Avenue, Stolen Vehicle Recovery ~10:16 p.m., W. Grant Avenue/Main Street, Domestic Violence
June 23: 8:57 a.m., 700th block of Matsumoto Lane, Violation of Court Order ~11:30 a.m., 100th block of E. Grant Avenue, Fraud June 25: 1:08 a.m., 20000th block of Highway 128, Outside Agency Assist 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.
Picked by Charley Wallace
File photo
The members of the 1995 Winters Academic Decathlon team were, from left to right, (back row) Dominick Porras, Joshua Nichols, Sprigg Parker, Toby Seeger and Sarah Hamilton; (front row) coach Mort Geivett, Dan Medina, coach Galena Seeger, Bo Stephenson and coach Mary Helen Seeger. (Not pictured, Jenny Morrison and Sierra Kent.)
Express staff
Courtesy graphic
The public can scan this QR code to report photos of videos as evidence related to the Oakdale Fire incident.
appropriately credentialed for the positions they held.
All Winters JUSD students have had access to required instructional materials, meeting the state’s Williams Act requirements.
Sites are in “fair,” “good,” and “exemplary” condition. Girimonte explained that the district made improvements in facilities through deferred maintenance and locally funded bonds.
Priority 2:
Implementation of academic standards
“Goal 1 in the 2425 school year, we made significant progress in the area of standards alignment through the identification of essential standards in every professional learning community across the district,” Girimonte said.
During the previous school year, all TK-5 grade teachers received social science framework train-
VENDOR
that food trucks operating in the public right-of-way have long been against the code, some food trucks have recently been allowed to do so in Winters. Stronger enforcement of the code as a result of the new resolution may displace some of these vendors, who have struggled to find private properties whose owners will allow them to operate in their space.
Chamber proposal
The previous city council meeting postponed the planned discussion of food vendors to this July 1 meeting to allow time to review a proposed three-tiered approach drafted by the Winters District Chamber of Commerce. The chamber approached the issue of the public rightof-way by suggesting
REPORT Continued from Page 1
approved an ordinance allowing law enforcement officers to issue administrative citations for illegal fireworks use without witnessing the act firsthand. Under this ordinance, property owners may receive citations after an event, based on reports, photographs, or video evidence. Officers, firefighters, or city code enforcement personnel can issue citations at a later date.
Miller said that issuing citations during a party or gathering can
ing, which will prepare the district for the pilot and adoption process in the next school year.
Middle-school and highschool teachers received training in math and professional learning, which prepared them for the state board-approved curriculum selection process in November and December later this year, Girimonte said.
Both Winters Middle School and Winters High School departments are fully trained in the expository reading and writing curricula, giving the two campuses vertical alignment going into the next school year.
Aside from faculty training, the district also developed new ethnic studies and a personal finance partner course, as well as Prop. 28-funded courses that expand the district’s visual and performing arts offerings at all school sites.
Priority 3: Parent, family engagement
To promote two-way communication, the district
the establishment of designated communal zones on public property where vendors could operate with the issuance of a city-wide encroachment permit. Multiple community members attended the meeting, and spoke in favor of the Chamber’s idea. However, others were not in favor of the plan, citing concern for pedestrian safety with people crossing the street to reach food vendors in places without safe crosswalks or visibility. These concerns were shared by many members of the council, especially given the results of a preliminary risk assessment review by the city’s insurance company.
The company warned the city that potential for increased hazards to pedestrians and ADA liability issues from allowing food trucks to park in the streets
be challenging when alcohol or other intoxicants are present.
Fireworks regulations, 2024 stats
Under Winters Municipal Code 8.24.010, “Safe and Sane” fireworks may be sold and discharged within city limits beginning noon on June 28 through noon on July 6 each year. In 2024, the Winters Fire Department responded to two fires suspected to be caused by fireworks.
On the evening of July 3, a palm tree caught fire at Main and Aster streets. The fire was extinguished before firefighters arrived. A
has sustained one bilin-
gual parent engagement coordinator position, one English learner specialist, and maintained a Family Resource Center.
The district also utilized community partnerships, like a Culture and Climate Design Team that includes students, parents, and school leaders. In addition, the district continued to work with the Sobrato Early Academic Language (SEAL) training for preschool, TK and DLI educators and the Parent Institute for Quality Education course.
Priority 4: School climate
In order to monitor school climate, the district utilized the Youth Truth survey in December for students in third through 12th grades.
Waggoner Elementary School and Shirley Rominger Intermediate School formed a Positive Interventions and Supports (PBIS) vertical team and implemented enhanced schoolwide fidelity. WMS and WHS implemented the
could easily result in lawsuits and, in the long-term, higher insurance rates.
“I think it’s just dangerous for cyclists,” Council member Jesse Loren said. “It’s dangerous to not have a clear path for wheelchairs and so forth, if they’re having to go around a truck. I don’t want to see an accident from a great idea that doesn’t have a way to keep people safe.”
The resolution ultimately passed with a 4-1 vote. Council member Richard Casavecchia voted no, while Loren and council member Carol Scianna, Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi and Mayor Albert Vallecillo voted yes.
More information about the resolution and its impact on food vendors in Winters will be shared in a later edition of the Winters Express
second fire occurred near East Grant Avenue and Railroad Avenue, where flames burned through a fence and into Double M Trucking Inc.’s property.
Last year, five administrative citations were issued under the Social Host Ordinance. Between June 30 and July 4 of last year, Winters Police responded to 31 calls for service related to illegal fireworks. Some citations were issued on-site, while others were the result of follow-up investigations based on reports submitted by community members.
Five-Star Student platform for rewarding positive behaviors. The district has implemented several developmentally appropriate strategies, tools and programs in order to enhance the climate at each campus. Strategies and tools like student leadership groups, Kelvin Survey, Safe School Ambassadors and Link Crew. A social-emotional learning curriculum was adopted, and zones-of-regulation strategies are employed in grades K-5. Supplemental SEL programs are available in grades 7-12.
Priority 5: Access to a broad course of study
Winters JUSD has ensured its students have access to a wide range of courses, including dual enrollment and career technical education (CTE) pathways. More than 80 percent of WHS students participated in CTE courses.
The district also maintained programs like AVID and intervention courses to support academic success.
Girimonte said that in-
Continuado de la Página 3
dieron a un miembro de la comunidad ahora pueda perjudicarlos”, expresó. Newsom condenó el intercambio de datos, calificándolo de “legalmente dudoso”, mientras que los senadores nacionales Adam Schiff y Alex Padilla, ambos demócratas, han exigido que el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) destruya cualquier dato compartido. El Departamento de Servicios de Atención Médica de California anunció el 13 de junio que estaba solicitando más información al gobierno federal. La agencia dijo que enviaba informes mensuales a los CMS con infor-
clusion for students with “exceptional needs” declined slightly, with 77.1 percent spending at least 80 percent of their day in general education classes.
“We did see a decline in this particular category, and so inclusion and ensuring that all students have access to the least restrictive environment will be an area for focus in the coming school year,” Girimonte said.
Board President Joedy Michael asked if she had insight into the reasons for the decline. Girimonte said they updated its LCAP to include a focus on researching inclusion practices, particularly for dually identified students, and plans to conduct further data analysis and engage with students and families to develop a more inclusive model.
Winters JUSD staff will report the local indicator data to the California Department of Education by Aug. 1 and will submit the updated LCAP by October.
mación demográfica y de elegibilidad, incluyendo nombre y dirección, según lo exige la ley. De acuerdo a lo informado, también se compartieron con el DHS datos de los afiliados a Medicaid de Illinois, el estado de Washington y Washington, D.C. En Sacramento, los legisladores demócratas se encontraron en la incómoda situación de tener que reducir los beneficios de salud para residentes de bajos ingresos con un estatus migratorio insatisfactorio, incluyendo personas sin estatus legal, personas con residencia permanente (green card o tarjeta verde) por menos de cinco años, y algunas otras que están en proceso de
solicitar un estatus legal o tienen estatus que los protege de la deportación.
Además de apoyar el congelamiento de la inscripción a Medi-Cal para inmigrantes mayores de 19 años que residen en el país sin documentos, los legisladores acordaron cobrar primas mensuales a todos los residentes con un estatus migratorio insatisfactorio de entre 19 y 59 años. Newsom propuso una prima mensual de $100 a partir de enero de 2027; los legisladores estatales contraofertaron una de $30 a partir de julio de 2027. Phil Galewitz y Bram Sable-Smith contribuyeron con este artículo. — Esta historia fue producida por KFF Health News.
MEDICA
Vacaville Winters
Thursday, July 3
Winters Fireworks Show, 5 p.m. - Gates open/9:15 p.m. - Fireworks start, Winters High School baseball/football fields Hemenway Street and Grant Avenue
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
Saturday, July 5
Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution, Saturdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue
Winters Elder Day Celebration, 2–4 p.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 W. Main Street
Sunday, July 6
Winters Sunday Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Downtown Main Street
Upcoming
Monday, July 14
Winters Community Blood Drive, 2 –5:30 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.), Register at Vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825 with code 'SMFM164'
Winters Climate Action Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters. org/182/Climate-Action-Commission
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
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 Saturday of the month, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Downtown Main Street.
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.
How to transfer a housing deed HOMES, Page
Local voices weigh in on education with SSPI candidate
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
On Tuesday, June 17, Northern California students and school district leaders gathered in Winters for a unique discussion with Josh Newman, a candidate for California state superintendent of public instruction.
Newman, the former state senator and chair of the Senate Education Committee, announced his campaign for the 2026 SSPI earlier this year. Newman joined forces with Scaling Student Success to organize the event at the Winters Community Center.
The event brought together several students from schools, including Winters, Davis, Ukiah, Calistoga, Napa and Merced, alongside superintendents from several school districts, including Winters Joint Unified, Esparto Unified and Davis Joint Unified School Districts.
The day featured two “fishbowl” conversations, one with students and one with district leaders. Both focused on the future of education in California and the evolving role of the SSPI.
Newman acknowledged that while the SSPI holds an important position in shaping statewide education policy, it’s often misunderstood.
“It’s an important role at the center of this complicated educational ecosystem,” Newman said. “And if you’ve been to a hearing in the legislature, you’re aware that one of the real missing voices is students.”
He noted that by the time anyone is old enough to hold elected office, the world students live in has often already moved on, making authentic input from students critical.
In the first session, students sat down with Newman to answer one question, “What would you do if you were superintendent of your school for a day?”
The answers came fast and unfiltered. Students’ responses ranged from concerns about outdated teaching methods, disconnected classrooms,
and the need for stronger relationships between teachers and students.
They highlighted the pressing challenges they face, like mental health, substance abuse among their classmates, bullying and a lack of belonging on campuses.
Students also raised timely topics like the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence in classrooms. Students asked how schools can guide their ethical use instead of ignoring it. Many spoke to a deeper desire for schools to feel more relevant, inclusive and connected to real-world needs.
Superintendents listened in as students described classrooms that can feel impersonal and outdated. Several called for more dual enrollment programs and pathways that integrate career training with college credit while students are still in high school.
In the second discussion, superintendents dove deeper into how to turn student feedback into action, exploring the challenges of teacher burnout, the pressures of state mandates, and the struggle to create meaningful learning experiences while balancing administrative demands.
“The students are not asking for less education,” said Winters JUSD Superintendent Rody Boonchouy at the latest Board of Trustees meeting. “They’re asking for more. More relevance, more connection, more opportunity and more humanity. They want
schools that foster belonging, that feel alive and prepare them for real life.”
The attending superintendents felt that the lack of belonging that was felt amongst the participating students reflected problems throughout the California education system.
“That has to be a reflection on kind of the current environment in which teaching education is taking place,” Newman said during the second discussion. “Most questions coming out of the pandemic were about, there’s a ton of teacher burnout, and then I think there’s this sort of growing sense that teachers are not being valued, and it informs their day, and they probably carry that in those interactions.”
That environment, of having to educate 200 kids and four preps while still trying to pay off their own loans on little pay, that Winters High School librarian Olivia Rodriguez said has made passionate teachers struggle.
“I think what it stems back to is that we’re putting way too much on teachers,” Rodriguez said. “There are a lot of passionate, great teachers out there who create engaging lessons and spend a lot of time and effort into it, but they get burnt out.”
According to Boonchouy, many of the issues discussed among both students and Superintendents could be tackled if the system they all operated in got a much-needed
update.
Boonchouy described the current education system as something that was designed 125 years ago to meet the needs of the time. “There’s a revolution for this country to build that public education that was in response to the Industrial Revolution,” Boonchouy said.
Boonchouy asked, what he described as a crazy question, of his fellow educators.
“If we were to have a moment as a society to reevaluate, what are we trying to achieve? What is it we want to accomplish as an institution? And then we build our accountability system based on that,” Boonchouy said. “But right now, we keep tacking on, like the Winchester mansion, new rooms on this old system, you know, and we’re all it’s complicated and it’s cumbersome, we’re directionless to some degree.”
Newman concluded the final discussion, saying that he is thoroughly convinced that all of the solutions to the problems in California are somewhere out in the state.
“Somewhere out in the state, in some district, in the hands of some newly talented superintendent,
cipal, or set of teachers, we just have to go find them and then figure out how to extract that insight and then replicate it,” Newman said. “You’re not going to solve
prin-
the problem, but improving outcomes, improving our standard metrics, it’s not that hard, right?”
Logan Chrisp/Winters Express
Student representatives from across California share their perspectives on the current state of education during a “fishbowl” discussion on June 17. Superintendents and educators, seated around the outer circle, later joined the conversation to respond to student insights.
Logan Chrisp/Winters Express
Josh Newman, a candidate for state superintendent of public instruction, introduces himself to student participants during the opening round of discussions at the Winters Community Center last month. Students from Winters, Davis, Calistoga, the East Bay Area and Ukiah took part in the statewide conversation.
How to legally transfer ownership,protect your property rights
Whether you’re selling a home, gifting property to a loved one, or adding a family member to your title, transferring real estate ownership involves more than handing over the keys. To ensure the transfer is legal and secure, it’s important to understand deeds, title changes, and your responsibilities as a property owner in Yolo County.
What Is a deed?
A deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real estate from one party to another. It includes:
• The full names of the current and new owners (grantor and grantee)
• A legal description of the property
• The grantor’s signature
• Notarization and, in some cases, witness
Contact our office with your insurance questions. Providing insurance solutions in Winters since 1946. Tim Ireland and Maegan Ireland 26 Main Street * Winters, CA Phone: (530) 795-4531 * irelandagency.com Homewise Special to the Express
signatures This document is the foundation of any property transfer — whether it’s a sale, a gift, or a change in ownership within a family or trust.
Reasons property titles are transferred
Property title transfers occur for a variety of reasons, including:
• Home Sales: Ownership is transferred from the seller to the buyer at closing.
• Refinancing or estate planning: Titles may be adjusted during a refinance or when placing a home into a trust or LLC.
• Marriage or divorce: A spouse may be added or removed from the title.
• Inheritance: Property may be passed down through a will or trust.
• Gifts: A homeowner might gift property to a child or other family member.
In each case, a properly executed deed ensures clarity in ownership. Without it, the legal chain of title may be broken, leading to future disputes or challenges.
Types of deeds
Choosing the correct type of deed is es-
sential to a successful title transfer. Common deed types include:
• Warranty deed: Most commonly used in real estate sales, it guarantees the seller holds a clear title and has the legal right to transfer the property. It also protects the buyer from claims against
the property.
• Grant deed: Used in some states, including California, a grant deed includes limited warranties that the property hasn’t been sold to anyone else and that there are no undisclosed liens.
• Quitclaim deed: Often used between family members, this deed transfers any ownership interest the grantor has, without any warranties. It’s simple, but it offers the least protec-
tion for the recipient.
Steps to transfer ownership
Step 1: Select the correct deed type
Based on the purpose of the transfer (sale, gift, trust, etc.), choose the appropriate deed.
Step 2: Prepare the deed document
A real estate attorney, title company, or legal document service can help ensure the deed is accurately completed.
Step 3: Sign in front of a notary
The current owner (grantor) must sign the deed in front of a licensed notary public. In California, no additional witnesses are required.
Step 4: Record the deed with the County Recorder’s Office
This is a critical step. In Yolo County, the deed must be recorded at the Yolo County Recorder’s Office to become part of the public record. This protects the new owner’s legal rights to
DEEDS, Page 6
Railroad Avenue corridor
I would like to voice my concern regarding the Railroad Avenue corridor from Grant Avenue north to Niemann Street.
1. The speed limit in this area. Although posted at 35 mph and 30 mph, not many motorists adhere to this limit. I believe if a study were performed, it would find vehicles doing from 40 mph to 45 mph the majority of the time.
This is a residential area as well as fronting the high school and swimming pool properties and it would seem the speed limit should be no more than 30 mph. I’m sure that there are many local residents who also feel that the speed on this stretch needs to be looked at and at the least better enforced.
2. The appearance of Railroad Avenue along this stretch, especially in front of the high school parking lot. The gutters are lined with yard waste and litter.
This is not appealing to the majority of Winters’ residents or visitors to our city. There should be some pride taken by the city, school district, property owners, and citizens of Winters to make it better. If the city or school district needs help, then ask for volunteers. Let’s make it better.
DAN DELOREFICE
Winters
Fire risk too high
Let’s talk about banning the sales and use of “safe and sane” fireworks in the city of Winters. July in Winters is HOT! Dry grass and brush, and trash in alleys and piles of plant matter awaiting pickup are primed to burn — residents and visitors come out to enjoy the city’s show and to set off fireworks on the ground.
I understand that the nonprofits that sell fireworks don’t want to give up the income from sales. I would answer that it is not worth the risk to our community.
Other nonprofit groups raise funds in ways that don’t threaten the health and wellbeing of Winters’ residents.
Our excellent fire and police departments are on high alert throughout the 3rd and 4th patrolling neighborhoods and public parking lots to keep everyone safe. The extra vigilance is expensive. but necessary given the large number
See LETTERS, Page 4
Charley is taking a break. His column will return soon.
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
Career developments may be a bit unclear this week, Aries. Your motivation may need a little extra boost. You might have to consider if a career change is in order.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),
A lack of information is proving confusing, Taurus. If you suspect there’s more details to uncover, choose a course of action and do your best to get as clear a picture of the situation as possible.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21),
Keep your money in your wallet this week, Gemini. You might want to spend it or give it away impulsively and that could affect your finances in an impactful way.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22), Cancer, this isn’t a good time to sign contracts or make any significant purchases. Keep your money safe and try to keep your savings account full at this point.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23),
People have been asking you to take on too many responsibilities lately, Leo. This could be stressing you out or taking away from your own needs. Learn to turn others away for now.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22), Virgo, this week may present an opportunity to restore your self-confidence. For too long you have been floundering and not finding the traction you need and deserve.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23), Libra, something could be distorting your perspective right now and making it difficult to concentrate and communicate. Take a few days off from your responsibilities.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22), Scorpio, after some gloomy feelings the last few weeks, good news has you feeling like you are on cloud nine. Savor it and celebrate.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21), This is a good week to try to enhance your love life, Sagittarius. Take every opportunity to woo your significant other, and plan a special event for the two of you.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20), You may want some magical force to whisk away all of the little difficulties that have been affecting you, Capricorn, but it will require hard work to do that.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), Lately there have been a lot of thoughts swirling through your head, so much so that you can’t get any peace, Aquarius. It may be beneficial to sit down with someone to talk it out.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), Pisces, try something new this week even if it scares you. It is good practice to challenge yourself once in a while to test your resilience to change.
Express Yourself
Building trust across differences
It’s about human connection.
The best communities aren’t perfect — they’re perfectly committed to getting better together. As a lifelong learner, I believe we are all works in progress who should strive to continuously improve, rather than getting stuck in negativity or criticizing those who try to make a difference.
Since my column “Let’s communicate better in times of uncertainty” appeared in the June 18 edition of the Express, many community members have wanted to continue the conversation. Their response reinforced something I’ve long believed — small towns thrive when we remember that behind every interaction is a neighbor, a fellow community member who deserves to be treated with basic human decency. We can address difficult topics honestly while still showing compassion.
Social media, the double-edged sword
I’ll preach this every time. Social media remains a powerful tool that can bring people together and share vital information in real time. It helps us keep in touch with friends and family members who live far away. But it can also create deep divides when people let their ego take over the keyboard — when they choose hurtful words, when they feel the need to be right about everything, when they purposely feed the flames.
Maybe I’m taking the fun out of it all,
but I don’t find entertainment in belittling others on social media. Our community is strongest when we approach each other with both honesty and humanity. This means speaking truthfully about important matters while remembering that cruelty serves no constructive purpose.
In small towns, communication is deeply personal. There are fewer degrees of separation between a question and an answer — and sometimes, fewer filters. That closeness can be our greatest asset or our biggest challenge. How we talk to each other matters, whether it’s at council meetings, in line at the market, or on social media posts. The power of tone, the weight of words, and respectful dialogue can move us forward, even when we don’t see eye to eye. We are a welcoming place with over 150 years of history, deep roots, and diverse perspectives, opinions and lifestyles. If we claim that we are a small, charming town that cares about each other, we should put action behind those words and live them. We don’t have to agree on everything, we technically don’t even have to like everyone. But we do have to talk like neighbors.
Let’s start there.
Bring the Express on your trip!
Submit your Express Travels photo for an upcoming edition of the Express. Email the details about who is in the photo and where you are traveling to the editorial team at news@wintersexpress.com
Personal growth, community building
I’ve had my own challenges with this. I’m a work in progress, but I’ve come a long way in learning to pause and listen without feeling compelled to respond immediately. Am I perfect at it? Not even close. I probably have a long way to go, but I know I’ve made significant strides in recent years.
This journey reminds me of Maya Angelou’s wisdom, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I might forget the exact words someone used, but it’s hard to forget when someone has made me feel diminished or dismissed.
Part of personal growth means knowing your worth and not letting others take up permanent residence in your head — but that’s a topic for another column.
My point here is simple: you can’t build up community when you’re too busy tearing others down.
The choice before us I ended my previous column with this thought, “Because in the end, how we communicate isn’t just about words. It’s about who we choose to be when our community
needs us most and the actions that we take in the moment of chaos.”
Upon further reflection, I think there’s more to it. It’s not just the words we use with each other or the actions we take. It’s recognizing that we’re all human beings behind the screens and that we should treat others the way we would want to be treated in our times of need.
That’s the beauty of community conversation — of listening to what others have to say, of listening to truly listen. New perspectives bloom when we create space for them. Pause and reflection help to quiet the hype and shine light on what’s truly important.
The question isn’t whether we’ll face disagreements or difficult conversations — we will. The question is how we’ll choose to handle them. Will we contribute to building trust across our differences, or will we let those differences divide us?
The answer lies in remembering that at the heart of every strong community is a simple truth — we’re all neighbors first.
LETTERS
Continued from Page 3
of people using fireworks
Winters should lead the way in Yolo County fire prevention by eliminating the use of fireworks by nonprofessional users.
REVALEE
HEMKEN Winters
WSF, HICAP partnership
What a maze Medicare can be! A program to help residents navigate the Medicare maze has begun service in Winters. The program, HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program), provides free, unbiased counseling and advocacy for Medicare beneficiaries and those who are about to become eligible for Medicare.
The new local service has been initiated in collaboration with the Winters Senior Foundation and is offered on the fourth Thursday of every month at Winters Community Center. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 916-376-8915. HICAP counsels people on their Medicare enrollment, rights and benefits;
lowering healthcare costs; deciding on or changing Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug or Medigap plans; and appealing denied coverage. For people new to Medicare, HICAP counselors provide detailed information on how the system works and how to choose a Medicare plan that’s right for their particular situation. People with MediCal, Veterans benefits or retiree health care plans can get help understanding how the plans work with Medicare. HICAP is a statewide program administered by the California Department of Aging. Counselors receive extensive training and are state-certified. Yolo County’s program is operated by Legal Services of Northern California with a state-funded grant. Hundreds of Yolo County residents have saved money and improved their health care coverage with the help and advocacy of HICAP. Get the most out of your Medicare coverage by making an appointment with a HICAP counselor today.
ROSANNE BERNARDY HiCAP Yolo CountY regionAl CoordinAtor
org
Zorina Treat Deputy City Clerk Publication Dates: 6/25/25 & 7/2/25 #82082
Winters High tennis courts reopen after community-backed renovation
Express staff
The tennis courts at Winters High School are officially back open, newly resurfaced and ready for summer play.
The much-needed renovation, which also included the addition of pickleball court lines, began as a community-driven conversation at an Express Coffee Chat last year. During the informal gathering, Winters residents Debi and Kevin Skaggs asked Superintendent Rody Boonchuoy and City Manager Jeremy Craig what it would take to restore the aging courts.
The couple offered to rally volunteers and contribute their own time, but Boonchuoy committed to first exploring funding options.
Thanks to a collaborative effort, that commitment has now paid off. Funding from Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry made it possible to purchase brand-new tennis nets, while resurfacing of the courts was made possible by voter-approved local bond measures.
The result is a refreshed
and upgraded space for both students and community members to enjoy. In addition to a new playing surface and nets, pickleball lines were added to meet the growing demand for the increasingly popular sport.
The courts are now open to the public and available for recreational use throughout the summer.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by, enjoy the improvements, and follow the posted guidelines to help keep the courts in top condition.
Tennis court rules and guidelines:
• Courts are for tennis and pickleball only — no skateboarding, rollerblading, or other sports allowed.
• No smoking, pets, food, or beverages (except water) on the courts.
• Soft-soled tennis shoes are required.
• Proper athletic attire must be worn at all times.
• No furniture or equipment that may damage the surface is permitted.
• Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult.
• Limit play to 90 minutes if others are waiting.
• Please treat all tennis
and pickleball equipment with care.
• Play at your own risk.
This project is one of several ongoing facility
improvements supported by Winters voters through local bond measures. The Winters Joint Unified School District continues
to plan for future upgrades across its campuses, utilizing bond measure funds to enhance school district spaces.
AYSO seeks players for Core teams, opens registration for inclusive EPIC program
With registration now closed for most divisions in its Fall Core soccer season, Winters AYSO Region 436 is calling on local athletes to help fill key spots on select teams. The league is hoping to clear its waitlist and form second teams where possible.
Players eligible for the following divisions are especially encouraged to register:
• 10U Girls
• 12U Girls
• 14U Boys and Girls
• 16U Boys
In addition, Winters AYSO is seeking volunteer coaches for the 14U Boys team.
EPIC program registration now open
Winters AYSO has officially opened registration for its new EPIC (Everyone Plays In our Community) program, launching this fall. The program is designed to provide an inclusive, community-based soccer experience for youth and adults with disabilities.
The inaugural six-
week season begins Sunday, Oct. 6, with games held Sunday afternoons through Nov. 10. Open to players ages 4 and up, EPIC offers a welcoming environment supported by trained volunteer coaches and on-field “buddies” — peer volunteers who assist players and help foster fun, confidence and skill development.
Organizers expect about 20 participants in the first season, with plans to group players by age and ability across three divisions to ensure safe and meaningful play. Each participant will receive a free uniform.
There is no program registration fee for EPIC. However, families are responsible for the $25 annual AYSO National Player Fee, which covers participation from August 2025 through July 2026. Players who register in the fall will not need to pay again for the spring season.
The EPIC program supports AYSO’s core mission: that every child deserves the chance to play. It is specifically designed
for players who experience challenges related to mobility, cognitive or developmental conditions, sensory processing, vision, hearing, or speech.
Winters AYSO is also seeking volunteers to serve as EPIC coaches and Buddies. More details will be shared as the season approaches.
To register, visit www.wintersayso.org. Email questions to wintersayso@gmail.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Winters Superintendent Rody Boonchouy and community members Debi and Kevin Skaggs celebrate the revamped tennis and pickleball courts at Winters High School.
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Winters AYSO is seeking volunteer coaches for the 2025 Fall Core 14U Boys team.
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The AYSO EPIC program is designed to provide an inclusive, community-based soccer experience for youth and adults with disabilities.
Art & Entertainment
WFoL brings the beat: 27th season of summer gazebo concerts
By Diane Cary Special to the Express
One of the real pleasures of the season is to listen to live music outdoors on a balmy summer evening. Winters Friends of the Library is excited to announce the lineup for the 2025 Summer Concerts at the Gazebo. This is WFoL’s 27th year of hosting concerts, creating community and supporting the library. The free outdoor concerts will be held on Thursday evenings in July, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Rotary Park, Main Street at Railroad Avenue in downtown Winters. The series will kick off on July 10 with local favorites Los Tres de Winters, playing Norteño-style music, with accordion, bajo sexto, and bass. This lively music evolved in the north of Mexico and is now a favorite style throughout Mexico and the U.S. Check them
out on YouTube.
On July 17, The Big Poppies will bring their funky jams for your grooving pleasure. They are a rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse with a wide range of styles: from seductive blues and crowd-pleasing Beatles covers, to grunge-infused rock riffs and psychedelia reminiscent of Led Zeppelin and The Grateful Dead. You can preview their sound on YouTube.
July 11 will feature the vibrant energy of The Midnight Dip. 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.
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Winters Friends of the Library is celebrating its 27th year of hosting free Summer Concerts at the Gazebo. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to Rotary Park on Thursdays in July to enjoy the music.
The series concludes on July 31 with Biscuits and Honey, an acoustic trio that plays Americana/bluegrass/folk music with close vocal harmonies and firstrate acoustic musicianship. Learn more at facebook. com/biscuitsandhoney.
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 Oates Country Store and Waste Management.
Note: There will be no concert on July 3, because the city of Winters holds its fireworks display then.
New this year: After last summer’s brutal heat, WFoL has instituted a new policy: Two days before the concert, if it is predicted to be hotter than 105 degrees or the AQI is predicted to be greater than 125 at 7 p.m. on the day of the concert, they will cancel the concert. Be sure to check the website wfol.org for updates if you’re not sure.
July 10, at 7 p.m.
Los Tres de Winters open music series
By Diane Cary Special to the Express
The Winters Friends of the Library 2025 Summer Concerts at the Gazebo series kicks off with local favorites Los Tres de Winters playing Norteño-style music on Thursday, July 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Rotary Park, Main Street at Railroad Avenue in downtown Winters.
This lively music, with accordion, bajo sexto, and bass, is a hybrid of Mexican and Spanish vocal traditions with waltzes and polkas brought to Mexico by Czech and German immigrants in the mid-nineteenth century. It evolved in the north of Mexico and
is now a favorite style throughout Mexico and the U.S. Check them out on YouTube, https://bit.ly/ LosTresdeWinters.
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
Carte Blanche brings fusion sound to Green River
Special to the Express
On Saturday, July 5, from 6 to 9 p.m., the stage at Green River Brewing & Taproom will come alive with the richly layered, global sounds of Carte Blanche, a multilingual world-fusion acoustic band that defies borders and genres.
Hailing from Northern California, Carte Blanche delivers a seamless blend of Brazilian rhythms, jazz standards, flamenco guitar, French swing, rock, and even Gaelic jigs — all wrapped
in a sultry, acoustic vibe. Their sound is as adventurous as their songbook, with lead vocalist Catherine LeBlanc performing in an array of languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Māori, and Gaelic.
Sacramento News & Review praised the group for its “solid musical roots dating to the mid-1960s,” spotlighting Welshborn guitarist Phil Summers, whose style is infused with Irish melodies and Latin jazz influences. The
publication called their music “light pop, yet grounded in world-fusion where Brazilian sounds, Gaelic jigs, Spanish flamenco and French reverie meet Etta James.”
The event is free and open to the public, with food and drink available for purchase. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, folk, world music, or just looking for a memorable night out, Carte Blanche promises a truly global experience with a local vibe.
Step 5: Pay any required transfer taxes or fees Depending on the nature of the transfer, you may be required to file additional forms or pay documentary transfer tax. Who can help?
• Title companies or escrow officers typically handle deed preparation and recording for home sales.
• Real estate attorneys are recommended for more complex transfers such as gifts, trust funding, or transfers due to divorce or inheritance.
• The Yolo County Recorder’s Office can provide guidance on recording procedures, but does not offer legal advice.
Recording your deed with the county isn’t just a formality—it’s your legal protection. Unrecorded deeds can cause confusion, invite fraud, and delay future transactions. For more information, contact the Yolo County Recorder’s Office or consult a qualified real estate professional.
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Carte Blanche, a multilingual world-fusion acoustic band, plays at Green River Brewing & Taproom on July 5.
The Winters Friends of the Library 2025 Summer Concerts at the Gazebo kicks off with local favorites Los Tres de Winters playing Norteñostyle music on Thursday,
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