Council postpones food vendor hearing to consider input from Chamber proposal
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
At its June 17 meeting, the Winters City Council voted to postpone a public hearing on a proposed ordinance update related to food vendors, following a request from City Manager Jeremy Craig.
The item, listed as “Continued Public Hearing: Introduce and Waive First Reading of Ordinance No. 202501,” proposed amendments to Chapter 5.36 of the Winters Municipal Code. The hearing has now been rescheduled for the July 1 council meeting.
Craig said the postponement would allow city staff
time to review new input from the Winters District Chamber of Commerce.
“You all received correspondence late this morning from the Chamber of Commerce with some information,” Craig said during the meeting. “We’d like to take time to be able to review that and discuss it with them prior to bringing the item back to you.”
Earlier that morning, Chamber board director Chris Turkovich sent a proposal to council members, the city manager and the Winters Express, outlining recommended changes to the city’s mobile vendor ordinance.
“Our objective is to propose a clear, consistent, and business-friendly framework that supports small businesses, aligns with community goals, and simplifies enforcement,” Turkovich wrote in his email.
The Chamber proposal introduces a simplified threetiered permitting system for mobile vendors, distinguishing between vendors operating on private property, designated communal zones and public property outside those zones. It also aims to eliminate conditional use permit requirements unless deemed essential, while maintaining reasonable oversight.
City approves balanced budget with Measure S revenue support
By Sonora Slater Express staff writer
At its June 17 meeting, the Winters City Council approved the budget for the 202526 fiscal year. This followed a public hearing at the June 3 meeting, where they heard from the city manager and the heads of various city departments to explain and answer questions about the proposed budget.
A big portion of the public hearing focused on how the projected revenue from Measure S, a 1-percent increase on sales tax passed by voters last November, will fit into the year’s budget. Measure S is a general tax, which means that the council can choose to allocate it however they wish.
Projected revenue from the sales tax is approximated at $960,000, and will allow the city to close its operating deficit from last year, begin
restoring healthy fund reserves, add three new full-time and three new parttime positions, and keep up with inflationary pressures. The budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year is fully balanced — a goal that the city staff and council were excited to reach, especially considering ever-increasing expenses.
“I’m glad to see a balanced budget,” Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi said after the presentation. “I know it’s not easy.”
The new positions funded by Measure S include a police officer; an admin staff to serve the city’s water, power and sewer departments; a parttime police academy position to help with recruitment; two part-time seasonal maintenance workers and increased hours for a previously part-time position to help with grants management work. The proposed budget does not include any new programs.
According to a general overview given by human resources director Cathy Mathews, there were
increases in electricity expenditures across the board this past year, as well as ongoing salary increases.
Police Chief John P. Miller gave an overview of the Winters Police Department’s budget, which is up 12.25 percent from last year, for a total of a little more than $3 million. He explained that their 24/7 operation results in high costs that other city departments don’t experience, and noted that the majority of this budget is dedicated to salaries.
Dispatch expenses increased significantly this year, and not just because of an increase in call volume. Animal control services also increased. However, the department was able to anticipate a reduction in vehicle repair and maintenance costs and body camera contract costs. Multiple improvement projects, including installing security glass, installing a license plate reader at the entrance to the city,
Weather
Winters Elder Day Council announces 2025 honorees
Special to the Express
The Winters Elder Day Council is proud to announce the 2025 Elder Day honorees, recognizing the lasting contributions and lifelong service of some of the community’s most respected members.
This year’s honorees are:
• Richard Douglas
• Lucia Douglas
• Marcela Nazzari
• Marian Kammerer
• Isabel A. Ramos
Elder Day is a cherished local tradition that celebrates the wisdom, dedication, and achievements of
Winters’ older adults. It’s an opportunity for the community to honor those who have helped shape Winters through decades of service, leadership, and love for their hometown.
The 2025 Elder Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 West Main St. in Winters. The event is free and open to all. Community members are invited to join in the celebration with music, cake, and heartfelt appreciation for our Winters Elders.
Trustees tackle curriculum, budget and labor agreements
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
It was a busy evening at the Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting as the summer session began, leaving several items across the school district needing to be addressed or presented on Thursday, June 12.
Educational services
“What do we want students to know and be able to do?” was the question of focus for Winters JUSD Professional Learning Communities over the previous school year. Assistant superintendent Phoebe Girimonte presented how they would address that very question at every grade level.
At Waggoner Elementary School, grade-level teams identified 7 to 10 es-
sential standards per subject with the guidance from the Report Card Committee.
At Waggoner, grade-level teams identified the standards for the school and developed a standards-based report card.
“This achievement is notable as the school has been working on this for several years, and very excited to see this through the application,” Girimonte said.
The new report card will provide communication tools for families to help them better understand what students are learning, what they know, and how they can continue to grow.
In the coming year, Girimonte said Waggoner will develop common formative assessments to accurately measure stu-
dent progress towards standards and develop a modified Dual Language report card that reflects Spanish language proficiency standards. In addition, a new TK report card that aligns with the new preschool TK Learning Foundations.
At the Shirley Rominger Intermediate School, staff used collaboration time to revisit and update previously identified standards, using the school year to refine the work they’d already undertaken.
“Shirley Rominger staff used their collaboration time to revisit and update the previously identified standards, so they had already undertaken this work and used this year to really refine it. It should be
Mark Rowan/ Courtesy photo
Caltrans electrical crews work in the early morning at 4 a.m. Wednesday at the Railroad Avenue and Grant Avenue intersection in Winters, adjusting traffic lights. During warmer months, crews often shift to off-hour schedules to avoid extreme sun exposure and reduce traffic hazards. Motorists traveling during early or late hours are urged to drive with caution and watch for roadside crews to ensure everyone’s safety.
Caltrans crews tackle signals before sunrise
Eventos hispanos Community
Class of 2026 Parent Group launches fundraising events
Special to the Express
The Winters High School Class of 2026
Parent Group invites the community to take part in a series of fun and meaningful fundraising events this summer and fall to support the Class of 2026 Safe and Sober Grad Nite celebration.
Savers FunDrive –
Now through July 11
Cleaning out your closet or holding a summer garage sale?
Consider donating your gently used clothing, shoes, home textiles, and fashion accessories to the Class of 2026 Savers FunDrive! Donations can be dropped off through July 11 at 18 E. Baker Street in Winters. Every bag of donated goods brings the class closer to a memorable and safe graduation celebration.
Paint & Sip at Hooby’s Brewing – July 30
Mark your calendar for a creative evening out! On Tuesday, July
30, Hooby’s Brewing will host a Paint and Sip fundraiser to benefit the Class of 2026. More event details, including how to register, will be shared soon.
Desserts First at Fourth Fridays – August through October Starting this fall, support the Class of 2026 by stopping by “Desserts First” during Fourth Friday events downtown. Held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 22, Sept. 26, and Oct. 24, this sweet pop-up will showcase desserts prepared by Winters High School Culinary students. Expect an array of professionally crafted treats like macarons, chocolate truffles, and seasonal cakes made with locally sourced ingredients.
All proceeds from these events benefit the Class of 2026 Safe and Sober Grad Nite, a tradition dedicated to providing graduates with a safe, alcohol- and drug-free
celebration following commencement. The Class of 2026 Parent Group is a fully volunteer-run organization committed to giving students a safe and unforgettable sendoff. Additional fundraising opportunities will be announced later this year. If you’d like to learn how to support their efforts—whether by volunteering, donating items or services, or making a direct financial contribution—please reach out to the group through their social media accounts. It truly takes a community to support our high school seniors through this pivotal time in their lives.
From business sponsorships to donated goods, from attending fundraisers to simply spreading the word— every gesture of support matters. These efforts not only raise money for Safe and Sober Grad Nite but also show students that their hard work and achievements are valued and celebrated by the entire community. For more information, follow the Class of 2026 Parent Group social media accounts on Facebook (Winters Class of 2026 Parents) and on Instagram @whs2026parents.
Ayuntamiento discuten proyectos de vivienda asequible
Por Sonora Slater Traducido por Carol Alfonso Las temperaturas están subiendo, y con ellas el peligro de incendios. Como parte de sus esfuerzos anuales de prevención, el Departamento de Bomberos de Winters Fire ha enviado un aviso a los propietarios con exceso de malezas y basura en sus parcelas, solicitándoles que eliminen el riesgo de incendio antes del 4 de Julio.
En la reunión del Ayuntamiento del 3 de Junio, se aprobó una resolución que declara la maleza y la basura en ciertas parcelas de Winters como una molestia pública. Esto significa que si los propietarios no eliminan el riesgo de incendio antes de la fecha límite, la ciudad tiene derecho a contratar a contratistas para que realicen la eliminación y luego recuperar el costo de los propietarios. La mayoría de los que fueron informados han eliminado la maleza voluntariamente, según el jefe de bomberos Jack S. Snyder III, pero al momento de la reunión, aún quedaban seis o siete parcelas.
El Ayuntamiento analiza el próximo proyecto de vivienda asequible
También se debatió sobre los proyectos de vivienda asequible actuales en Winters, presentados ante el Ayuntamiento a petición del alcalde Albert Vallecillo. La ciudad ha cumplido satisfactoriamente con
“No quiero que las viviendas asequibles sean de mala calidad, y creo que es una mala inversión.” Richard Casavecchia, concejal
la evaluación regional de necesidades de vivienda del Estado, que exige establecer la zonificación adecuada para las parcelas que podrían desarrollarse razonablemente como viviendas asequibles. Sin embargo, esta ley estatal no exige la construcción de estas propiedades. Por ello, existen ciertas zonas disponibles y debidamente zonificadas para convertirse en viviendas asequibles, pero que aún no han avanzado en la construcción. En la reunión, el administrador municipal, Jeremy Craig, presentó un resumen de tres terrenos actuales y potenciales para vivienda asequible, para que el Ayuntamiento los debatiera. El primero fue el terreno Stones Throw. Este proyecto se encargó a NeighborWorks, una promotora de vivienda asequible sin fines de lucro, hace varios años, con el objetivo de convertir el terreno en 24 unidades de vivienda de “autoconstrucción,” un tipo de proyecto en el que los propietarios preaprobados contribuyen a la construcción de sus propias viviendas para reducir costos. Sin embargo, la inflación en la construcción de los últimos
Consigue una suscripción WE impresa y digital por 30 dólares.
St. Anthony Parish Welcomes All to a Celebration
Please join us at St. Anthony Parish Hall in celebration of the “Feast Day of St. Anthony”. Please bring your family and friends. The whole community is invited. Meet and greet new and old friends. Reservations are required. Sign up after the Masses in the coming weeks or drop by the Parish Hall or call (530) 795-2230.
When: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Where: St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 Main Street
6pm, after the 5pm Mass
Children under 5 = free, Children 5 to 10 = $5, 11 yrs and older = $10
cinco años hizo que este modelo dejara de ser financieramente viable, por lo que se ha quedado en el olvido. Si la ciudad quiere seguir adelante con este proyecto, tendrá que enviar una nueva solicitud de propuestas para encontrar un grupo con el que colaborar en el desarrollo del sitio de una manera nueva. El segundo proyecto en discusión forma parte del Desarrollo Farmstead, que, de construirse, deberá construir o proporcionar terrenos comercializables para 37 viviendas asequibles. El promotor planea construir seis viviendas para personas de ingresos moderados y donar una parcela de 4.4 acres para construir las otras 31 viviendas para personas de bajos ingresos. Como parte de la donación, el promotor también completará las mejoras necesarias previas a la construcción en la parcela para que sea comercializable, momento en el que se presentará ante la comisión de planificación para iniciar el proceso de búsqueda de un constructor.
Según Craig, el Desarrollo Farmstead en su conjunto está previsto que regrese al consejo este verano para sus próximos pasos. Craig también incluyó para su discusión un grupo de 13 casas rurales en la calle Elliott que llevan aproximadamente seis meses en el mercado, con un precio de $3.2 millones. Señaló que si el ayuntamiento estuviera interesado en comprar la propiedad y convertirla en viviendas asequibles de propiedad municipal, necesitaría asociarse con otra organización o grupo de vivienda asequible para obtener financiación. Vallecillo y el concejal Jesse Loren
Bienvenidos al Verano
Nunca es demasiado temprano para un helado. La Fundación de Mayores de Edad de Winters los invita a celebrar el comienzo del verano con el regreso de una Convivencia de Helado, completo con ingredientes tradicionales, galletas, música en vivo y desafíos de trivia.
Evento gratuito. Por favor únase a nosotros.
Cuando: Miercoles, 25 de Junio 2025
Donde: Winters Community Center 201 Railroad Avenue
Hora: 2p.m. - 4p.m.
Vea CIUDAD, Página 5
Regional News
Air district awards $439K for clean-air projects
Special to the Express
The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District Board of Directors approved $439,000 in funding for 14 projects as part of the 2025 Clean Air Funds grant program at its June 11 meeting. The projects will be implemented over the next year in Yolo County and the northeastern portion of Solano County.
“All of these projects are helping to reduce emissions in the district and promote cleaner air,” said executive director Gretchen Bennitt. “From EV chargers to bike racks to educational programs, we’re proud to support such a wide range of impactful projects.”
The annual Clean Air Funds program provides grants to private businesses, nonprofit organizations and public agencies for local projects that reduce emissions from mobile sources of air pollution.
The funding supports projects that advance cleaner technologies, such as low-emission vehicles, as well as alternative transportation options, transit services and public education efforts.
Funding for the program comes from a portion of annual Department of Motor Vehicles registration fees, with additional support for Solano County projects provided by property tax proceeds. Since the program’s launch more than 30 years ago, the district has awarded roughly $12 million in grants.
Projects funded for the 2025–2026 grant cycle include:
Clean technologies/ Low-emission vehicles
The city of Vacaville will install publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure at De Colores Park and Malaquias Montoya Community Center.
The city of Rio Vista will
Landfill partners with Animal Services for pet adoption event
Special to the Express
The Yolo County Central Landfill invites the community to attend a special Pet Adoption Event on Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., alongside the Blue Barn Thrift Store for their 50% Off Sale. Located at 44090 County Road 28H in Woodland, the event aims to support the Yolo County Animal Services shelter in response to a recent surge in animals entering the shelter.
“With shelter populations at a critical high, we are always looking for creative ways to engage the community and find loving homes for our animals,” said Stephanie Amato, director of Yolo County Animal Services.
“Partnering with the landfill and Blue Barn Thrift Store allows us to meet people where they are and introduce them to the life-changing experience of pet adoption.”
The Blue Barn Thrift Store offers a pet-friendly atmosphere that makes it the perfect setting to connect people with adoptable animals. As part of the event, free pet supplies and toys will be provided to anyone approved for adoption. In addition, the Blue Barn features a variety of gently used pet items that include cat and dog pet carriers, food bowls and litter boxes for sale. All proceeds from those sales will benefit our recycling and composting education programs.
“With shelter populations at a critical high, we are always looking for creative ways to engage the community and find loving homes for our animals.”
Stephanie Amato, Yolo County Animal Services director
purchase one Ford F-150 Lightning for its Public Works Department vehicle fleet.
The Vacaville Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club will replace its current gas-powered pickup van with an electric van and install EV charging infrastructure at its new Clubhouse location.
The Yolo Food Bank will replace its current diesel-powered refrigerated truck with a fully electric refrigerated truck to pick up food donations across Yolo County.
Alternative transportation
The Solano Transportation Authority will expand its Eastern Solano Vanpool program that connects northeastern Solano County workers with their jobs across the region and increase the incentives offered to residents for taking alternative transportation.
The city of Vacaville will
install a high-visibility crosswalk to promote safer routes to school at Kairos Elementary School.
The city of Woodland will install bike racks for public use at its new aquatic center.
Fourth and Hope, a non-profit serving individuals experiencing homelessness, will install bike racks at its East Beamer Campus in Woodland.
Public education/ Information
The Solano Transportation Authority will continue and expand its Safe Routes to School Program, which conducts schoolbased outreach and education in Solano County, offering students bicycle education and bicycle repair resources.
Sustainable Solano will expand its Youth Air Protectors program to a cohort of high school interns in Dixon, teaching them about air quality awareness and
culminating in a bike rack installation project.
Catholic Charities of Yolo-Solano will incorporate air quality education into its existing disaster preparedness outreach efforts in vulnerable communities across Yolo and Solano Counties.
The Solano Resource Conservation District will integrate air quality education into its Suisun Marsh Watershed Program, which provides sixth-grade students in Solano County with hands-on, field-based learning experiences about the environment.
The Bike Campaign, a Yolo County non-profit that educates people about bicycling, will bring the All Kids Bike Program to local schools to teach kindergarteners how to bike.
Breathe California Sacramento Region will hold the 5th Annual Breathe Bike Festival in West Sacramento to kick off May is Bike Month.
County invites job seekers to June 24 job fair
Special to the Express
Yolo County job seekers are invited to an in-person Job Fair on Tuesday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Woodland Community College in Woodland.
This free event will bring together more than 40 local employers looking to fill fulltime, part-time and seasonal positions in industries such as customer service, information technology, healthcare, sales, food service, media, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, education and warehousing hospitality.
and engage with employers who have immediate openings. Job seekers are encouraged to register in advance by visiting https://shorturl.at/ NhbaQ.
“Yolo County is home to a talented workforce,” stated WIB Executive Director, Deanna Sverdlov. “We are excited to create a space where they can discover meaningful opportunities and connect with regional employers ready to bring their talents on board.”
25 N. Cottonwood St. in Woodland
West Sacramento Workshop: 500 A-Jefferson Blvd in West Sacramento
Tuesday, June 24 at 10 a.m. – Yolo County Job Fair
“This partnership is an exciting new way to join together the goals of the Integrated Waste Management Division and YCAS, both of which are housed under the Yolo County Department of Community Services,” said Yolo County Integrated Waste Management Division director, Marissa Juhler. “We’re proud to continue turning our landfill into a regional hub for sustainability as well as unique partnerships like this one.”
The job fair is a joint initiative by the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency, YoloWorks! and the Yolo County Workforce Innovation Board in collaboration with Woodland Chamber of Commerce, city of Woodland and Woodland Community College.
Job seekers can expect to meet with hiring managers from a wide range of industries, providing opportunities to network and explore available positions. Attendees are encouraged to bring their resumes
Additionally, Yolo County job seekers are invited to attend one of YoloWorks!’s upcoming Job Fair Preparation Workshop on Monday, June 23 at 9 a.m. with workshops being held in both West Sacramento and Woodland. The workshops will focus on making a strong first impression, how to approach and engage with employers, crafting a memorable elevator pitch, dressing for success and more.
Monday, June 23 at 9 a.m. – Job Fair Preparation Workshop Woodland Workshop:
Woodland Community College: 2300 E. Gibson Rd. in Woodland Employers participating in the job fair include Adams Group Inc., ALTA California Regional Center, Always Best Care Senior Services, Balance Staffing, BMO Bank, Cache Creek Casino Resort, California Conservation Corps, California Department Of Water Resources, California Governors Office Of Emergency Services, California Human Development, California Public Utilities Commission, California Victim Compensation Board, CALTRANS, Center For Workers’ Rights, Childcare Careers, CommuniCare+OLE, Courtyard Healthcare, Department Of Consumer Affairs, Department Of Finance, Department Of Housing &
Community Development, Department Of State Hospital – Napa, Empower Yolo, KUVS Univision Sacramento, LUDY’S BBQ And Catering and LUDY’S Fine Catering, Michael’s Transportation Service, Inc, Natomas Charter School, Northern California Construction Training, Nugget Market, Partners Personnel, PGP International, Inc., Pride Industries, The BLVD, The Plus Group, Inc., U.S. Army, UC Davis Temporary Employment Services, United and Guided Organization, United States Postal Service, We Care 4 Yolo, Yolo County IHSS Public Authority, Yolo Crisis Nursery and YoloWorks! Programs.
For more information, please contact Faisal Alfatly, HHSA Program Coordinator at Faisal. Alfatly@YoloCounty. gov, by phone at 530431-6022 or visit www. YoloWorks.org.
To learn more about the Integrated Waste Management Division, visit www. YoloCounty.gov. For more information about Yolo County Animal Services, visit www.YoloShelter.org.
These FFA members posed on a tractor in 1989. They must have done something special to be recognized in the Express, but no one remembers exactly what they did. Pictured (left to right) front: Steve Godden, Mark Rubio. Back: Bill O’Neil, Hector Lares and Art Mendoza. At least two of these students went into public service jobs, police and fire, not sure of the other three.
Lake Berryessa water levels dropping
The water level of Lake Berryessa was down by 0.54 feet over the past week, decreasing to 10,062 acre-feet of water storage, according to Rick Pile, with the Solano Irrigation District – Putah Diversion Office. On the morning of Tuesday, June 17, he reported that the lake elevation was
Public Safety Report
City of Winters
Fire
May 28: 4:18 p.m., Degener Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~4:45 p.m., W. Grant Avenue, Motor vehicle accident with no injuries.
~5:51 p.m., County Road 88, Special type of incident (other)
~7:43 p.m., Moody Slough Road, False alarm or false call (other)
~11:29 p.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
May 29: 1:16 p.m., Rosa Avenue, False alarm or false call (other)
May 30: 2:50 p.m., E. Grant Avenue, Excessive heat, scorch burns with no ignition
~6:03 p.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
May 31: 3:05 a.m., Abbey Street, EMS call –excluding vehicle accident with injury
~5:18 a.m., County Road 31, EMS call – excluding vehicle acci-
YESTERYEAR
Thomas Scott Graf passed away after a brief illness on May 12, 2025, at the age of 75.
“Scotty” Graf was born on Aug. 25, 1949, at Mather Field, California. He was the son of Charles E. Graf and Mary Elizabeth McCoey Graf of Winters, California. Scotty grew up in Winters and graduated from Holy Rosary Catholic School, in Woodland, and Winters High School. He was a fourth-generation member of the McMahon Graf Ranch, homesteaded in 1853.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army and qualified in Special Forces as a paratrooper. As a Green Beret, he served as a Medic in Vietnam. His experiences in Vietnam influenced him to become an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor at the Yolo County Drug Facility. He was also a foundational member of AA in Yolo County and he has helped many people with drug and alcohol-related problems.
437.26 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,499,934 acrefeet. The SID released 509 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 263 acre-feet of water per day.
~9:08 p.m., Railroad Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
dent with injury
~7:41 a.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~1:25 p.m., Highway 128, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~2:38 p.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~4:13 p.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
June 1: 2:32 p.m., Plum Place, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~9:46 p.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
June 2: 4:47 a.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~5:15 a.m., Pleasants Valley Road, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~5:21 p.m., Vista Grande Way (Fairfield), Grassfire
June 3: 7:45 p.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
June 4: 5:29 a.m., Valley Oak Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~2:35 p.m., Highway 128, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~4:38 p.m., McArthur Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~10:52 p.m., County Road 31, Motor vehicle accident with no injuries.
June 5: 2:37 p.m., Putah Creek Road, Grassfire
June 6: 4:01 p.m., Colby Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~11:27 p.m., White Oak Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
June 7: 6:29 p.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
June 8: 2:31 p.m., County Road 34, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
June 9: 8:48 p.m., White Oak Lane, False alarm or false call (other)
~11:10 p.m., E. Baker Street, Police matter
June 10: 3:58 p.m., Griffin Way, EMS call –excluding vehicle accident with injury
June 11: 12:38 a.m.,
See REPORTS, Page 5
Scotty met the love of his life, Michelle Helene Harris and they were married in 1996. They settled in Dunnigan and enjoyed their lives with family and friends. They shared a loving marriage of 28 years, until Michelle’s death in December of 2024. Scott’s pastimes included being an active member of the Winters Theatre Group, photography, reading novels, having a love for music, video gaming and visiting with friends. Meeting with long-time friends once a month was one of his most cherished events.
Scotty is survived by his
Michelle Helene Graf of Dunnigan, California passed away on Dec. 27, 2024. She was predeceased by her loving parents, James Matthew Harris (Laura) and Helene Louise Tiedermann (Charles) and sister to Jamene Stefani. She will be lovingly remembered by sons, Grady Avenell, Scott Avenell; grandchildren, Liam, Ella, Ioan, Race, Keegan and Kade; brother, Mark Harris; nephews, Christopher and Casey Harris; sister-in-law, Corinne Avenell-Hambly; and her dear friends.
Michelle belonged to the Tierra Del Oro Girl Scout Council in elementary school and graduated from Hiram Johnson High School where she was an active member of the business club. She worked for property management companies in the Sacramento region and prior to her retirement, Michelle was an accountant for the Sanford Ranch Beef Company.
A lover of community, Michelle was a talented crafter designing jewelry, greeting cards and crocheted items for family and friends. In addition to raising her wonderful boys, Michelle enjoyed reading and
brothers Robert C. Graf (Joanna) and Richard E. Graf (Annette), his stepsons Scott Avenell and Grady Avenell and five adored grandchildren (Liam, Keegan, Ella, Ioan, Race and Kade).
A joint memorial mass honoring Scotty and Michelle will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church at 10 a.m. in Winters, followed by a reception at the parish hall. The burial will be held on June 26 at 2:30 p.m., with Scotty receiving full military honors, at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Wounded Warriors or a charity of your choice.
spending time with her loving husband, Scott Graf whom she endearingly referred to as “Babe.” Scott and Michelle loved each other deeply and were the perfect complement to one another. They will both be greatly missed.
A joint memorial mass honoring Scotty and Michelle will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 10 a.m. in Winters, followed by a reception at the parish hall. The burial will be held on June 26 at 2:30 p.m., at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. Family and friends of Michelle and Scott are welcome.
To submit an obituary, visit WintersExpress.com and hover over “Obituary” for the submission link
Thomas “Scott” Graf
Courtesy photo
Michelle Graf
Courtesy photo
Picked by Charley Wallace
File photo
Express staff
and replacing old carpeting, are not set in stone but were proposed and will likely be funded in part or in full by various grants.
The Winters Police Department budget makes up 42 percent of general fund expenditures.
Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III gave an overview of the Winters Fire Department’s 2025-26 budget. They have also experienced significantly increased dispatch service expenses this year, as well as increased electricity costs, which they’re hoping to offset in the future by installing solar.
Snyder says they plan to do a solar assessment this year, but already know that their building was engineered for solar, so it should be doable.
The Winters Fire proposed budget also included an increased vehicle repair line item and an increased training budget, which Chief Snyder said was because of a commitment to investing money into the department’s peo-
TRUSTEES
Continued from Page 1
celebrated that they worked in vertical teams within and across school sites,” Girimonte said. “It should be celebrated that they worked in vertical teams within and across school sites.”
The collaboration extended to the Waggoner dual language team and the Rominger Dual language team to create a Dual Language Imersion report card that will be implemented in the coming school year.
Girimonte said the whole Rominger staff is looking forward to the next year, “they will use those recalibrated standards to focus on core instruction and to get tight on those Clear, Effective, evidence based first instructional practices, which reduce the need for intervention and reduce the need for reteaching at the middle school.”
Winters Middle School plans to develop a cross-curricular literacy program that aims to address the need to create curriculum maps to further align instruction with essential standards.
WMS will collaborate with Winters High School staff to explore equitable assessment practices at WMS and Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy.
“All of this work requires a great deal of collaboration and
estaban interesados en examinar las casas rurales para evaluar su valor y la solidez estructural de la construcción actual, señalando que están ubicadas junto al centro comunitario, por lo que podría ser una propiedad estratégica para la ciudad. Sin embargo, el concejal Richard Casavecchia y el alcalde pro tempore Bill Biasi se mostraron mucho más reticentes.
Biasi dijo que, por lo que sabe, la construcción actual en la parcela es antigua y podría necesitar varias renovaciones.
“Me niego rotundamente a comprar la parcela,” dijo Casa-
ple to give them professional development opportunities and to improve retention.
However, not all of the fire department’s funds are coming from the general fund — the city’s Proposition 218 initiative allowed more than $400,000 to be designated toward the creation of three new fulltime firefighter positions, which were authorized by the council in March, and whom the department is now in the process of hiring.
Winters Fire Department makes up 20 percent of general fund expenditures.
Public Works director Eric Lucero continued the conversation about the price of electricity, saying that his team may also look at solar this year for City Hall and for the community center.
“We’ve talked about getting solar for many years,” Biasi said. “Anything we can do to get grants on that front would be great.”
Lucero also highlighted increased funds earmarked for sidewalk repairs this year and gave a
commitment of time. I want to acknowledge the contributions of teachers, instructional coaches and site administrators to develop TK through 12 essential standards,” Girimonte said. “This is big and meaningful work.”
The standards outlined in the presentation will be shared in more family-friendly, consumable language on the school district websites before the new instructional year begins. Girimonte remained at the podium to outline the newest course Winters JUSD hopes to include in the WHS course catalog. A yearlong Beginning Piano course helmed by current music teacher Mike Williams.
summary of other ongoing capital improvement projects that the city is likely to make progress on this year.
This list includes adding restrooms at Three Oaks Park, working on Paseo Park, redoing the finance office, updating the storm drain master plan, and upgrading the roof, bathrooms, and floor for the community center, as well
partnership between higher education institutions like the University of California and California State University.
The Sacramento region is one of nine across the state awarded funding from Phase 1 of the K-16 Education Collaboratives Grant Program.
“The resources from this grant are intended to strengthen education in workforce pathways and to improve access to higher
“The resources from this grant are intended to strengthen education in workforce pathways and to improve access to higher education.”
Phoebe Girimonte, assistant superintendent
education,” Girimonte said.
The initiative is intended to provide students with automatic acceptance into CSUs upon high school graduation, provided that they meet specified eligibility criteria.
The board was receptive to the new course and will vote on the adoption of the new course at the June 26 Board of Trustees meeting.
The final item of Girimonte’s presentation was information on a to-be-voted-on
vecchia. “No quiero que las viviendas asequibles sean de mala calidad, y creo que es una mala inversión.” En respuesta a la preocupación de Vallecillo de que al menos deberían considerar todas las opciones posibles, considerando la escasez de viviendas asequibles en California, Casavecchia afirmó que cree que la respuesta a ese problema debería ser
The item will return on June 26, for a vote by the board.
Business services
Business Assistant Superintendent Russ Barrington presented the 2025-26 Adoption Budget Report. The board is required by California State Ac-
construir más viviendas asequibles, en lugar de comprarlas.
“De esa manera, en realidad estamos aumentando el parque de viviendas,” afirmó Casavecchia. Dejando la propiedad de la cabaña de lado por el momento, el consejo ordenó al personal que investigara más a fondo el sitio de Stones Throw para obtener más información sobre cómo
as adding a commercial kitchen.
Scheduling the community center updates may be difficult, since it will be closed to community activities while the work is ongoing, but the team is hoping to get a large portion of the work done this fiscal year.
The public works department accounts for 16 percent of the city’s gen-
count Code Section to present the report in public, as well as hold a public hearing, both of which occurred on Thursday night.
While the district budget is projected to have more in the reserves than the district expended, uncertainty remains as the governor’s budget remains in flux.
Trustee Carrie Green pointed to Prop 98, which guarantees a minimum funding level for TK-12 schools and community colleges. The proposed budget shows a decrease from $1.6 billion to $1.3 billion
“This is the second time that this maneuver has been pulled in order to balance the books at the state,” Superintendent Rody Boonchouy said. “There is a lot of advocacy and effort starting to get coordinated right now, and the biggest concern is that this might again become a precedent for ongoing withholding from what is entitled to school districts.”
“But just looking at the general fund contributions, it’s increased one and a half million dollars across two years by itself. And so involving all of the issues across the district, with wages, with facilities, with all of these things, and I think the deficit spending has its place at times, but I think we just need to watch it now,” Board President Joedy Michael
podrían proceder con ese proyecto.
eral fund expenditures.
Community development with 11 percent, general government with six percent, and recreation with five percent make up the remainder.
“I’m very proud of where we are,” council member Jesse Loren said. “We have work to do, but we’re doing it.”
said. “You’re still looking slightly scary or slightly soft, so just watching that, which I think we’re all pretty conservative with the budget. So solvency is important.”
Personnel services
Last on the docket was personnel services, presented by Human Resources Director Lisa Dennis. The director presented five agreements to the board between Winters JUSD and Winters Education Association, California School Employees Association, and Winters Area Pupil Personnel Unit. Each agreement was approved unanimously by the board.
The WAEA agreement moves the work year from 183 days to 184, a 2 percent sala-
REPORTS
Continued from Page 4
Dutton Street, Carbon Monoxide AlarmX
View the Winters Fire Activity and Call Log at https://cityofwinters.org/157/Fire.
Police Report Log
May 28: 11 a.m., 800th block of W. Grant Avenue, Sex Offenses ~4:45 p.m., Valley Oak Drive/W. Grant Avenue, Traffic Collision
May 29: 9:22 a.m., 10th block of An-
ry increase, stipend organization, and increase to two-party and family insurance contributions, additional prep time and language updates around summer learning and safety. In addition, parties involved identified the need for a few MOUs that were also approved by the board, including:
• WHS Class size, FTE, Schedule, and Capstone,
• WHS Adult Living Skills Program needs for the Summer of 2025
• Implementation of the Expanded Learning Program
• Community schools • Floating non-instructional day
• Compensation for dually enrolled courses under the CCAP agreement.
derson Avenue, Vandalism
~2:36 p.m., 9000th block of Campbell Road, Forgery
June 1: 5:40 p.m., 800th block of Jefferson Street, Criminal Threats June 3: 11:29 a.m., 1000th block of Scotty Way, 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.
CIUDAD Continuado de la Página 2
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The pie chart shows the city of Winters’ general fund expenditures as presented on June 3.
Hot summers, hidden leaks: Stop home leaks
State Point, Special to the Express
The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat — it’s a daily reality. From wildfires across California to record heat waves here in Yolo County, the environment is signaling a need for urgent action. Among the most pressing concerns is water scarcity. Despite water covering 70 percent of the Earth, only 0.5 percent is accessible and usable by people, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
As triple-digit temperatures return to Yolo County, now is the perfect time for homeowners to take stock of their water usage — and fix the leaks that are silently draining resources and money.
Why summer matters
High summer temperatures don’t just drive up energy bills — they also exacerbate water loss. Increased evaporation, thirsty gardens, and higher household water use can quickly strain local systems. But one of the biggest contributors to wasted water is far less visible: household leaks. According to the EPA, leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide. From dripping faucets to faulty irrigation valves, the dry heat of summer can magni-
Stay cool in the heat: How the right windows
State Point, Special to the Express Don’t underestimate the power of windows to define your home’s comfort, character, and energy efficiency — especially during Yolo County’s sizzling summer months. Whether you’re upgrading for curb appeal or looking to cut down on cooling costs, selecting the right windows can make your home more livable, beautiful, and efficient year-round.
Choose materials that stand up to the heat
When it comes to surviving triple-digit days in Yolo County, the material of your windows matters. Look for Energy Star-certified prod-
ucts that insulate well and help keep the heat out. Vinyl windows, like ProVia’s Endure series, are a smart choice — they’re low maintenance, durable, and resistant to cracking or peeling in extreme sun exposure.
fy problems, turning small leaks into major repairs. That’s why summer is one of the smartest times to address water efficiency in the home — especially here in drought-sensitive California.
Smart solutions for a water-wise future
Fortunately, technology is keeping up with the demand for sustainable living. Smart home innovations like water monitors and leak detectors are giving homeowners better tools to protect their homes—and the planet.
“Smart home solutions have been around a while, but continue to improve based on growing demands,” said Mason Hall, head of connected products at Moen and Fortune Brands Innovations.
“Implementing smart products — specifically water-saving fixtures — is one of the simplest ways to make your home more sustainable without sacrificing your overall
fer wide, unobstructed views and easy ventilation — perfect for kitchens or patios. Casement and awning windows are hinged and open with a crank, ideal for hard-to-reach areas like over the sink.
Prefer the classic look of real wood without the upkeep? Woodclad vinyl windows, such as ProVia’s Aeris line, offer the best of both worlds. You get rich cherry, oak, or maple wood interiors paired with weather-resistant vinyl exteriors that hold up well in Yolo’s hot and dry climate.
Match window style to functionality
Certain window styles are better suited to different parts of your home — especially when you’re trying to increase airflow or reduce indoor temperatures:
Double-hung windows can be tilted for easy cleaning and opened from the top or bottom — great for upstairs bedrooms or bathrooms.
Sliding windows of-
Bay and bow windows create a charming nook and can bring natural light into darker spaces without generating too much heat if installed on a shaded side of the home.
Picture windows are stationary and ideal when you want to frame a view while blocking hot air and outdoor dust — especially helpful in dry summer winds.
For added personality, consider garden, hopper, or shaped windows to bring fresh air and flair to small spaces like bathrooms, hallways, or stair landings. Keep it cool with features
Windows do more than let light in — they can also help keep unwanted heat out. In a region like Yolo County, low-emis-
sivity (Low-E) glass is a smart upgrade. It helps reflect infrared light and filter harmful UV rays, keeping your home cooler without sacrificing natural light. Consider tinted glass to reduce glare and protect your furniture and flooring from sun fading. Or go a step further with internal blinds, such as ProVia’s integrated aluminum blinds. Built into the glass panel itself, they offer flexible light control, privacy, and the bonus of no dusting — ideal for allergy-sensitive households.
Add a personal touch Your windows can be both functional and stylish. Today’s custom windows come in a wide variety of finishes and hardware options. Whether you love the sleek contrast of matte black frames or the warmth of ginger-stained oak, there’s a color palette to match every interior. Hardware choices also let you fine-tune
the look: opt for aged brass for vintage appeal or choose sandstone or beige to complement a warm, rustic space.
Keep your home comfortable, efficient
Use shade wisely: Install windows with deep eaves or pair them with sun-blocking exterior features like pergolas or awnings to reduce direct heat gain.
Install window coverings: Consider energy-efficient cellular shades or thermal curtains to keep interiors cool during peak summer afternoons.
Check seals and caulking annually: Even a well-placed window won’t perform efficiently if air is leaking in around the edges. Inspect window seals each spring.
Prioritize southern and western exposures: These sides of your home receive the most sun — choose windows with UV protection and Low-E glass in these areas to minimize heat transfer.
“Many homeowners overlook the possibilities a window replacement can provide. Not only is new window technology helping households reduce energy costs, but with so many customization options available, this upgrade can also
amplify your home’s beauty and style,” says Julie Monroy, product manager for Windows & Vinyl Patio Doors at ProVia.
To learn more about how smart windows can help you beat the heat while enhancing your home, visit provia.com/windows.
experience.”
One standout is Moen’s Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, which monitors your home’s entire water system in real time. It detects leaks as small as one drop per minute, learning the household’s typical water usage and alerting residents to anything unusual — before damage adds up. According to Flo Technologies, 60 percent of users discover a leak they weren’t aware of within 30 days of installation.
With more than 2 million potential leaks detected since launch, the device not only saves water but also helps avoid costly insurance claims. In fact, many insurance companies now offer discounts for installing smart water technology, since water damage is claimed more frequently than fire or theft.
Conservation that pays off
Water scarcity impacts everyone — from rising utility bills to decreased property values and shrinking insurance coverage in highrisk regions like California. The Insurance Information Institute reports that water damage ac-
counts for more than $15 billion in insurance payouts annually.
Moen, through its Mission Moen initiative, has already helped conserve 317 billion gallons of water on its path to saving 1 trillion gallons by 2030. Its new Hot Water Savings Handheld Shower features a “Conserve Mode” that drastically reduces waste by cutting water flow to a trickle once the water hits 95 degrees. This feature can save up to 5,500 gallons annually per household—a small change with a big impact.
Local action for global impact
As the Sacramento region, including Yolo County, braces for more extreme summer weather, tackling leaks and improving household water efficiency isn’t just smart — it’s essential.
By taking simple steps — like installing leak monitors, upgrading to water-efficient fixtures, and repairing old pipes — residents can ease the burden on local infrastructure and help preserve our region’s most precious resource.
And in a place where every drop counts, now is the time to act.
Financial aid fraud is on the rise in California
By Adam Echelman CalMatters
Faced with growing reports of fraud, the U.S. Department of Education will make it harder for certain students to access financial aid, including some who could see delays of weeks or even months before cash is disbursed.
This month the department announced it would begin a new “screening process” for all financial aid applicants starting this fall. While that process is developed, the department will require colleges to do additional vetting of applicants this summer, which will place more of a burden on California’s community colleges.
Unlike four-year universities, such as the University of California system, the state’s community colleges are designed to accept everyone, and they use a simple application process. But as classes moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic, fraud rings increasingly exploited that process by posing as students to steal financial aid.
Kevin Harral, financial aid director at Las Positas College in Livermore, said he’s already “bracing for what’s to come.” He said the education department could force his team to spend hours of additional work double-checking students’ identification this summer. While those students wait for verification, they may see long delays before they can access their financial aid.
Some students may decide to forego financial aid altogether, Harral said. “There’s some people who may not have the documents, may not have the ID, but there’s also the students where this is another
barrier, maybe a psychological barrier, particularly if they have undocumented parents.”
In April, CalMatters reported that financial aid fraud was growing and that fake students stole more than $10 million in federal aid and more than $3 million in state aid from California’s community colleges in the prior 12 months — more than twice as much as the year before that.
In response to CalMatters’ reporting, college officials and federal and state lawmakers sprang into action this spring.
Anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent — and some without that — can apply to community college and enroll in classes, at which point they are eligible to receive federal Pell grants if they meet the income requirements.
These grants, sometimes up to nearly $7,400 a year, cover tuition first, but for low-income students at a community college, whose tuition is free, the money goes directly into their pockets, covering other expenses, such as rent or food.
For scammers — who pretend to be low-income community college students — that’s a gold mine.
Many college officials are optimistic that by the fall, the education department’s new screening process, likely fraud-detection software, could stem the onslaught of financial aid abuse in California, which has burdened administrators and shut real students out of classes they need to graduate. The education department has said it will focus on screening firsttime applicants but has not provided more details, such as what software it will use.
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s
Office, which oversees the state’s 116 community colleges, has said that fraud represents less than 1 percent of the billions in federal and state financial aid that go to its students each year. Asked by CalMatters about the education department’s new identity screening, Melissa Villarin, a spokesperson for the office, said she’s “waiting for more information.”
The federal aid application process, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, already has a number of ways to vet students. It requires applicants to submit their Social Security number, date of birth, and details about their income, which are verified by the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. Scammers get through that process by submitting personal information they have stolen from other people.
A small subset of applicants are also required to prove their identity, either because they are randomly selected or because their applications are suspicious. Those applicants have to submit a notarized document or show up to the college’s aid office with an ID in hand.
“The fraudsters, they won’t show up,” said Harral, leaving the legitimate students with the burden to verify themselves.
Under the new policy many more students will need to prove their identity this summer by presenting identification to their college. Starting in the fall, the new screening process will ultimately minimize the amount of work that colleges have to do, according to the department’s announcement.
“Do we support this or do we have concerns? Yes and yes,” said Karen
McCarthy, vice president of public policy for the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. She said she supports the federal government “taking on a stronger role in fraud detection” but is worried that the new policy will mean more work for college aid officers this summer.
For Harral, and many other financial aid directors, any changes to the federal financial aid system are nerve-wracking. In 2023 the education department created a new version of the FAFSA, which it was supposed to release on its usual October date. But it delayed the release until the end of December, sending students scrambling to submit their applications before the deadline.
A glitch also prevented thousands of California students whose parents don’t have Social Security numbers from initially applying. The FAFSA was delayed once again this year to avoid “the kind of system errors that can derail millions of students,” according to a statement by the department.
Harral said he’s worried that the new screening process won’t be ready this fall, forcing his staff to continue verifying many students’ identities manually.
“The recent track record of our education department is them not delivering things on schedule,” said Harral. “I’ll believe it when I see it.” While California’s colleges control which students they accept, they rely on the U.S. Education Department to help determine who is eligible for financial aid. Even California’s state financial aid program, Cal Grant, vets applicants using FAFSA. However, the Trump administration has cut staffing at the education department, hindering
its ability to administer aid and investigate abuses.
In April, Republican Congress members wrote to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, citing CalMatters’ reporting and asking for a federal investigation of the financial aid process for California’s community colleges. The Congress members accused the community college system of allowing fraud “to go unaddressed.”
The U.S. Education Department referred to the Republicans’ letter when justifying its new screening policy.
California’s community colleges have acknowledged the financial aid problem and spent roughly $150 million since 2021 boosting their fraud prevention and cybersecurity.
Last month, the board of governors for California’s community college system agreed that it will eventually require all applicants to verify their identities.
The board also considered charging an application fee, which could disincentivize fraud rings from submitting hundreds of fake applications at a time. Students opposed that policy, saying the harm outweighs the benefit, and the board delayed a decision on the matter.
Speaking about the new screening policy, Daisy Gonzales, the executive director of the California Student Aid Commission, which oversees the Cal Grant program, said she’s concerned that eliminating fraud might complicate the financial aid process for students. “Over-compensating for the actions of bad actors cannot be solved by penalizing low-income students who rely on financial aid to pursue higher education.”
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, June 20
Express Coffeehouse Chat, 8 a.m., Steady Eddy's Coffee House
Saturday, June 21
Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution, Saturdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue, Winters Open Mic Night, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Downtown Main Street, Visit wintersopenmic.org
Sunday, June 22
Winters Sunday Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Downtown Main Street
Tuesday, June 24
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/
Upcoming
Thursday, June 26
Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://bit.ly/4fwmfHK or www.wintersjusd.org
Tuesday, July 1
Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/city-council-meetings_/ 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.
Student mural highlights Indigenous heritage
By Jacob Hoffman Express correspondent
Anew mural graces the walls of the Winters Joint Unified School District building along Grant Avenue.
Designed and painted by Winters High School students, the art piece is the culmination of months of planning and effort, as well as the collaboration of the Winters Participation Gallery and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Its design honors the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, who have lived near and around Winters for thousands of years.
Superintendent Rody Boonchouy expressed the pride of the district in this artwork.
“We are incredibly excited to share the newest artwork displayed on the Winters JUSD District Office building,” Boonchouy said.
WHS student Jesus Guzman, one of the artists who worked on the piece, described the content of this new artwork.
“The mural depicts the values of the Yocha Dehe people, life and water. They see water as life and life as the most important aspect of someone’s existence, so how bet-
ter to describe it than women, the people who birth life,” Guzman said.
WHS students, including Guzman along with Alejandro Ramos, Cheyenne Williams, Eden Miller, Kourtnei Hampton and Alijah Greshman, began planning the mural in September and finished the completed version earlier this month.
A number of community groups provided
support to these student artists to see this work of art completed, led in part by Winters JUSD and the WPG, with this mural being only the latest of student-designed murals.
“Facilitated by WPG, the project was entirely student-led— designed and painted by Winters students,” Boonchouy said. “As part of their process, students conducted research on local Native history and
interviewed Native community members to inform the mural’s content.”
Liz Coman, chair of the WPG, expounded on the collaboration that allowed this project to be completed.
“The mural is a collaboration among Spirit of Winters, Winters JUSD, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and Winters Participation Gallery for the Arts (WPG),” Coman said. “WPG was fortunate to receive funding from the school district’s Extended Learning Program in order to implement the mural from start to finish. We hope to add more at a later date if funding is available.”
This mural also represents the continued consultation of and engagement with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, whose history and culture are reflected in the art piece and who the mural honors not just for their place in Winters’ history, but also as a vital part of its composition today and for the future.
“This latest mural was inspired by our recent collaboration with leaders of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation —
Best mulch to use, blueberries for growing locally
Special to the Express
This column is written by the UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County each month. It provides answers to selected questions that recently came into the UC Master Gardener –Yolo County Help Desk.
Mulching materials
Q: What is the best kind of mulch to use in our garden? Should I be concerned about using mulch that would make our soil too acidic?
A: When it comes to mulch material, there are several choices, both organic or inorganic. Which kind of mulch will work best for your garden depends on the size of the garden you plan to cover, and your preference in terms of cost, appearance and characteristics of the mulch. Should you worry about a mulch making your soil too acidic? Read on …. If you’re planning on using mulch around trees and perennial plants, arborist wood chips are a great choice. They keep the soil cool and moist, keep weeds under control, and don’t decompose too quickly. While organic
Ask
a Master Gardener
mulches, such as arborist wood chips or recycled green waste, may contain pathogens, there is little evidence that the disease will spread to a new location in mulch form.
Arborist wood chips will often include not only wood but also ground-up pieces of bark, branches and leaves, making for a biologically diverse mulch that resists compaction. There are several different kinds of wood chips used for mulching, including mixed green waste or arborist wood chips, mulch made from shipping pallets, and bark chip mulch. The quality will usually dictate the cost; however, in some cases, you can get wood chips free from a local arborist or municipal arborist. No matter which mulch you decide to use, keep the material several inches away from the plant base or tree trunk, and try to spread organic mulch in a layer at least three to more than six inches deep.
If you’re looking for mulch options
for your vegetable or flower garden, then wood chips would be a poor choice; They take forever to decompose, and therefore can’t be easily worked into the soil as an amendment. For vegetables and flowers, you’ll want to mulch with materials like straw, weathered sawdust, weedfree dried lawn clippings, dry leaves, or compost. Like their wood chip counterpart, these other materials also keep the soil moist and cool, and suppress weeds, but they have the added benefit of being easily removed when it is time to re plant and they can be worked into the
garden soil occasionally to improve the soil’s structure and general health. The best time to apply organic mulch is when warm weather sets in, which is in the late spring.
You may have heard of weed-block fabric and other similar materials suggested as mulches, but these inorganic materials don’t offer the same soil-improving benefits as organic mulches. In fact, they deteriorate fairly quickly and become landscape waste that ends up in a landfill. Some people may want to consider rock or stone in their
Courtesy photo
Winters High School students completed work on the Winters Unified School District office building on June 6. The mural was completed through the Winters Participation Gallery student-led mural program.
Courtesy photo
The student design team worked directly with the Yoche Dehe Wintun Nation leadership to ensure the elements were accurate and expressed the intended message of both students and leaders.
Courtesy photo
Wood chips are a good mulch for
plantings.
Projects to tackle before moving day
Move-in day is a milestone many homeowners dream about for years.
For first-time buyers, it often represents the culmination of dedication, saving, and hope—proof that their long-term goals have finally taken shape in the form of a set of keys and a place to call home. For seasoned buyers, it may mark the start of a new chapter, filled with fresh routines, evolving priorities, or the comforting idea of settling into a “forever home.”
But amid the excitement, there lies a valuable yet often overlooked opportunity: the time between closing and move-in. This short window, when the house is still a blank canvas, is the perfect moment to make thoughtful im-
provements that can elevate comfort, efficiency, and long-term livability. A few smart choices now can save time, money, and hassle later—transforming your new house into a truly personalized home from day one.
Whether you’re a homeowner preparing to move in or a real estate professional guiding clients through this transition, consider this
your moment to dream a little bigger. Here are some of the most beneficial projects to tackle before the furniture arrives.
Interior painting
Painting an empty home is far easier, cleaner, and quicker than trying to work around couches, beds and bookshelves. Not only can professional painters move more efficiently in a vacant space (which may re-
duce labor costs), but homeowners can also avoid the inconvenience of strong paint fumes while living in the space.
Pro-tip for agents: Encourage buyers to choose paint colors early and schedule painters before closing. This is also a great opportunity to offer referrals to trusted local contractors.
Flooring updates
From replacing worn carpet to installing hardwood or vinyl plank flooring, any type of floor renovation is exponentially easier in an unfurnished home. Empty rooms allow flooring professionals to work without interruption, which can lower installation time and cost.
Added value: If refinishing hardwood, homeowners can
See PROJECTS, Page 4
Smart paint choices
Special to the Express
Choosing paint colors isn’t just about style — it can also impact energy use and the overall feel of your home. Here’s how to make selections that work with your home’s lighting and help lower your energy bills:
Reflect natural light
Use light-reflective colors like soft whites, creams, pale grays, and pastels to bounce sunlight around the room
These shades can make small or north-facing spaces feel brighter and more open.
Boost energy efficiency
Light-colored walls absorb less heat, helping to keep interiors cooler in warm climates and reducing the need for air conditioning.
For low-light areas, choose a satin or eggshell finish** to reflect more light than flat paint — without showing wall imperfections.
Glossy paints work well for trim and moldings, helping light dance across surfaces.
Create visual flow
Using a cohesive palette throughout your home — especially in open floor plans — can make the space feel larger, calmer, and more unified. Vary tones within the same family to add depth without losing harmony.
Test before you commit
Paint a test swatch on each wall. Lighting changes throughout the day, and what looks bright at noon may appear dull by sunset.
Consider how artificial light — warm vs cool bulbs — will affect your color’s appearance at night.
Cool tones like pale blues, greens or lavenders can psychologically “cool” a space, making it feel more refreshing during hot months.
Pair with proper sheen
Tip for sellers: Bright, energy-smart colors can boost your home’s appeal.
Express Yourself
Do farmers have buyer’s remorse?
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) paid a visit to Winters last week and arrested one of our citizens. His wife came into the office, crying, looking for a way to let the community know that her husband was taken away and that their son didn’t understand what was going on. I don’t think she does, either. She isn’t sure where he is or when, or if, she will be able to see him. Her plan is to sell everything and move to Mexico to keep her family together.
Some people may think that we should deport every illegal resident, but I think that would be a nightmare, for everyone. We need immigrants as much as they need a chance for a better life in the United States.
Growing up in Winters in the 1960s you would see the Border Patrol, now ICE, driving around in their green pickup trucks. If you were working in an apricot orchard when they came by, a strange thing would happen. You would look out at the orchard and see a lot of picking ladders but no one on them.
Sometimes you got a tip that the Border Patrol was coming, but sometimes you just saw them in the area
and spread the word. Several times, when I was working for Tufts Ranch, the Border Patrol would come by and you would see a mad dash for the creek. The farm labor camp would be empty until the all-clear signal went out.
It can’t be easy to be a farmer when there are threats of tariffs, rising costs on everything from payroll to fertilizer, lower prices for your crops and your employees are scared of being deported. President Trump promised to fix all of that, but, so far, he just keeps throwing gasoline on the fire. This week he is telling ICE to not raid farms and restaurants. Who knows what he will do next week?
If you travel the highways and byways of California you’ve noticed the Farmers for Trump signs along the side of the road. I’m sure these are diehard MAGA people, so they probably won’t change their minds, but I would hope that they are at least thinking that it shouldn’t be this hard to earn a living in agriculture.
I’m the first to admit that the past administration wasn’t that great, but you knew what you were getting. The path that
See QUICK, Page 4
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
Aries, the universe is giving you a chance to get in some rest and relaxation before you have to tackle your very long list of tasks. Soak it all up while the break lasts.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),
Taurus, you value comfort and security, which is probably why you will want to revisit some of your investments over the next few days to figure out if you are maximizing your money.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21),
You excel at seeing both sides of a situation, Gemini. Follow your intuition as you try to navigate a tricky situation at work that requires you to make a firm decision.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22),
This is a great week to work behind the scenes, Cancer. Consider stepping back from any projects you had planned and let someone else take the lead for a little bit.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23), Don’t try to cram too many experiences into this particular week, Leo. You may be disappointed by the results if you take on too much. It’s best to spread everything out.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22), Virgo, aim for balance right now. Everything may seem like it is up in the air, so if you focus on two or three important things in your life you can tackle them successfully.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23),
It isn’t the job of someone else to make you happy, Libra. You have to figure out how to do that on your own. A bit of conflict over miscommunication may arise this week.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22), Exercise caution if you are thinking of changing things up, Scorpio. People are used to routine and too much change at once can lead to a lot of floundering and lack of effort.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21), Touch base with your dearest friends, Sagittarius, especially if they haven’t heard from you in a long while. This might be the week to make some plans and reconnect.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20), Capricorn, spring cleaning has long passed, but you might want to revisit some organizing and decluttering projects at home. Get rid of as much as you can.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), Aquarius, slowing down and taking stock of your situation is a good idea this week. Not everything needs to be done in a day, so pace yourself and make a good plan of action.
PROJECT
avoid exposure to dust and fumes. Plus, drying time won’t disrupt daily routines.
Professional deep cleaning
Even well-maintained homes benefit from a deep cleaning before move-in. Dust, grime, and allergens can accumulate in unnoticed areas — inside cabinets, drawers, light fixtures, and baseboards. Hiring a professional cleaning service ensures the home is pristine before belongings are unpacked.
President Trump is taking us down does not surprise me as he told the world what he intended to do and now he is doing it.
Maybe you expected this chaos, but his first term in office went smoother than the start of this four-year stretch.
There is plenty of blame to go around for our immigration policies. Both political parties have failed us when it comes to border security. There are simple solutions to stabilize our immi-
Electrical enhancements
Modern life runs on electricity — and plenty of it. Take time to review outlet placement and lighting quality while the home is still empty. Whether it’s adding outlets, upgrading light fixtures, or installing ceiling fans, electrical projects are safer and faster to complete before furniture blocks access. Real estate insight: Encourage buyers to sketch furniture layouts in advance. Knowing where TVs, desks, or beds will go can help guide electrical upgrades — and
gration issues. We currently admit around 1 million immigrants a year. That is not enough to supply our businesses with a sustainable workforce, thus the number of illegals crossing the border.
What if we doubled the number of green cards (work permits), did a background check on everyone before they reached the border, and made it easier to become a U.S. citizen for those who want to stay? Let us start by allowing a pathway to citizenship for children who were brought here by their parents, lived al-
reduce cord clutter later.
Ceiling work
Ceilings are often overlooked, but replacing outdated textures (like popcorn ceilings), repairing cracks, or installing recessed lighting is far less disruptive in an empty home. Completing ceiling work early protects furniture from damage and prevents homeowners from having to “live around” messy renovations later. Some additional ideas to consider for a turnkey transition include: • Security upgrades:
most their entire lives in the U.S., and don’t know any home other than here.
For those who don’t believe in immigration, I can’t help you. We need immigrants to maintain our standard of living and to ensure economic growth. If President Trump keeps his promise to deport millions of illegals, no matter their circumstances, just watch out for what happens to inflation, labor shortages and your neighborhood.
I’ve mentioned this nuclear option before, but here it is again. To eliminate illegal im-
FILE: PFI-252183 TITLE ORDER NUMBER: P-658777 LOAN: PO1868/MILLS A P N : 047-060-
047-000 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE S SALE UNDER DEED OF TRUST YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UND ER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 04/19/2022 UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER OTICE is hereby given that PLACER FORECLOSURE, INC , as trustee, or successor trustee or substituted trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by: HYC INVESTMENT A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION Recorded 04/22/2022 as Instrument No 2022-0010223 in book page of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Yolo County California and pursuant to the otice of Default and Election to Sell thereunder recorded 2/24/2025 in Book Page as Instrument No 2025-0002972 of said Official Records, WILL SELL on 7/03/2025 At the North entrance to the City Hall located at 1110 West Capitol Avenue West Sacramento CA 95691 at 2:45 PM AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at the time of sale in lawful money of the United States), all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State hereinafter described: A portion of Parcel One and Parcel Two as described in the Grant Deed to Joshua D Sucevich and Tiffany Sucevich filed for record as Document Number 2013-0012435 in the Office of the Yolo County Recorder being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point on the Southerly line of Parcel "A" as shown on the Parcel Map filed for record on Book 1 of Parcel Maps, Page 100, Yolo County Records which bears North 88 12 33 ; West 479 00 feet from the Southeast corner of said Parcel "A"; thence leaving said Southerly line South 02°45'00" East 457 27 feet to the Southerly line of said Parcel Two; thence along said Southerly line South 87°15 00 West, 1023 49 feet to the Southerly line of said Parcel One; thence along last said Southerly line South 75 30 00 West 36 31 feet; thence South 83°15'00" West 467 00 feet to the Southwest corner of said Parcel One ; thence along the Westerly line of said Parcel One North 02 30 00 West 717 00 feet to the Northwest corner of said Parcel One and the centerline of County Road No 23 as shown on said Parcel Map; thence along said centerline North 89°00'00" East, 1159 22 feet to a corner on the Westerly line of said Parcel A thence leaving said centerline along the Westerly line of said Parcel "A" South 00°03'34" West 223 03 feet to the Southwest corner of
Install smart locks, doorbell cameras, and motion lights before moving in.
• HVAC maintenance: Have the system serviced or ductwork cleaned before occupancy.
• Closet customization: Empty closets are a blank slate — install shelves, rods or modular systems without unpacking twice. Tackling these projects before move-in isn’t just about convenience — it’s about maximizing value, minimizing stress, and giving homeowners a stronger start in their new space.
migration just make it a felony to hire anyone without proper papers (federal background check), up to six months in jail and a $50,000 fine per employee. No jobs, no immigrants. Just a personal note; over my lifetime I would have spent a lot of time behind bars for hiring people and not checking their paperwork. Enjoy your summer and watch out for green pickups.
automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien If you are the highest bidder at the auction you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property You are encouraged to investigate the existence priority and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder's office or a title insurance company either of which may charge you a fee for this information If you consult either of these resources you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee beneficiary trustee or a court pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed and if applicable the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property you may call 916-939-0772 or visit this Internet Website www nationwideposting com using the file number assigned to this case PFI-252183 Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale Dated: 06/03/2025 PLACER FORECLOSURE INC as said Trustee 12190 Herdal Drive Suite 9 Auburn California 95603 (530) 888-8411 By: STELLA SHAO, TRUSTEE SALE OFFICER DIRECTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED PURSUANT TO A WRITTEN REQUEST SUBMITTED TO THE BENEFICIARY C/O PLACER FORECLOSURE INC 12190 HERDAL DR SUITE 9 AUBURN CA 95603 WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE PLACER FORECLOSURE INC IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE
QUICK
Express Yourself
Let’s communicate better in times of uncertainty
I’ve had about a week to sit with what I witnessed last Tuesday morning — federal vehicles and agents positioned outside of our local market.
The news spread fast. Videos were posted. Conversations erupted. Emotions ran high.
I’m 44 years old. In that time, I’ve lived through some pivotal moments — covering 9/11 as a college newspaper editor, navigating local public safety crises, and steering a smalltown newspaper through the disorienting days of the pandemic. I say this not to claim expertise, but to acknowledge that we’ve been here before. We’ve had chances to learn how to show up better for one another. Yet again, we’re still missing the mark when it matters most.
Tuesday’s events sent a
Citizenship dreams in motion
ripple of fear through parts of our community — especially among those who fear detention, separation or even deportation. That fear is not theoretical. For some families in our small town, it’s a shadow that looms every day, regardless of who is in office or what laws are being debated on mainstream news.
But instead of finding clarity and calm, many turned to social media — and the confusion only deepened. I watched feeds fill with fragmented videos, conflicting reports, and rapid-fire opinions often mistaken for fact. In some cases, well-meaning people were simply trying
Letters
Winters Community Corazón is proud to announce that we sponsored a very successful Citizenship workshop on May 31 at the St Anthony parish hall.
Attorneys from California Rural Legal Assistance and Legal Services of Northern California met with 20 qualified applicants to complete their applications for U.S. citizenship. Their eligibility had been determined at a workshop held on May 12. Members of Corazón provided support throughout the day.
How is eligibility determined? Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. They must be a Permanent Resident of the United States and hold a Permanent Resident Card. They must have been a Permanent Resident for five years or more. Spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after 3 years of Permanent Residency. Applicants must have resided in the State in which they are applying for at least three months. They must be able to read, write and speak basic English. There are some exemptions to this requirement based on age and length of Permanent Residency. They must be able to pass a test of US history and the form and principles of the US government. They must be a person of good moral character. They must be
particularly through shared efforts, such as our annual Career Fair, the development of Ethnic Studies curriculum, support for our Community School program, and ongoing conversations around the Winters High School Warriors mascot,” Boonchouy said.
“Liz Coman and I, representing both WPG and Winters JUSD, also visited the Yocha Dehe Cultural Committee to share the initial design and gather feedback.”
Coman also emphasized the centrality of the Yocha Dehe to this mural, in its meaning and its creation.
“The school district wanted to honor the culture and history of the local indigenous people,” said Coman. “The intention of the mural is to bring awareness,
prepared to perform service to the United States when required by law. They swear to support the Constitution of the United States. They must be willing to take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Exemptions to the English requirements apply to applicants who are over 50 years of age and have 20 years of Permanent Residency, applicants who are over 55 years of age and have 15 years of Permanent Residency, and applicants who have a disability that prevents them from fulfilling the requirement. Applicants who are over 65 years of age will be asked 10 questions from a list of 20 in their native language.
What’s next for the applicants? They will mail in their applications along with their fees and wait for their interviews. They will be busy from now until then.
Winters Community Corazón provides free classes for applicants so they may pass their interviews on the first try. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Winters Community Library, 6 to 7:45 p.m. There are no babysitting services available, but children and spouses are welcome to enjoy the computers in air-conditioned comfort while applicants study. The library has friendly and helpful bilingual staff to assist all patrons, including applicants.
REVALEE HEMKEN
Winters Community Corazón
representation, celebration, education and interaction to everyone viewing it. The central figure is an oak tree, which is a cherished symbol for the Patwin people, and it also connects to the tree “rooted in excellence” depicted on the Winters JUSD logo.
She continued, “During the design phase, the artists met via Zoom with members of the Yocha Dehe tribe who answered the artists’ questions and discussed their native culture and history with them.”
Guzman summarized the meaning of the mural by saying, “I want Winters to understand that these people of the Yocha Dehe tribe aren’t just the past, but the present, along with the future. These people will keep existing and keep spreading their culture to many citizens to pinpoint the fact they were and are
to make sense of what they saw. But in others, there was a disturbing lack of empathy. Fear gave way to finger-pointing. Keyboard warriors emerged, more focused on being right than being kind.
Let’s be honest — social media is a powerful tool. It can bring people together and share vital information in real time. But it can also create chaos when posts lack context or accuracy. Algorithms are unreliable. Important updates get buried. Comments go unseen. Worse yet, the people who most need to hear critical information may not even be online at all.
So, how do we do better?
As a newspaper editor and neighbor, I believe it starts with a question: What would a compassionate, co-
By Lisa Dennis Special to the Express
ordinated community response look like?
What if we developed a simple but solid crisis communication plan for our town — one rooted in trust, clarity, and compassion?
Imagine a small, core group of community leaders — respected, level-headed folks who aren’t necessarily public officials but compassionate volunteers — who could work together to quickly verify facts, communicate with public safety officials and share accurate messages across platforms in both English and Spanish. From that core, a ripple of information could reach the broader community through texting trees, social media, printed notices, and even door-to-door visits for our elders or those without internet access.
Let this time around be different. Let’s meet fear with calm, confusion with clarity, and isolation with action. Let’s remind our neighbors — especially those who feel unseen or unsafe — that they are not alone.
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.
This isn’t about creating panic or overstepping boundaries. It’s about being ready. It’s about being kind. We have tools. We have heart. We just need to connect the two. The presence of federal agents in our area or an emergency incident isn’t new. But when it happens, we face a choice. We can fall into the same patterns of fear, disconnection and disinformation. Or — we can use it as a catalyst to strengthen the ties that hold us together.
Two retirements, one lasting legacy Diverse Perspectives
Retirement is not the end of a journey, but the celebration of a legacy — built through years of shaping minds, inspiring hearts, and making a difference every single day. This spring, Winters Joint Unified School District proudly celebrated the retirements of two remarkable staff members: Traci Calvert and Nan Williams.
Traci Calvert
After 21 years at Winters High School, Traci Calvert is retiring, leaving behind an incredible legacy of service, integrity and support.
Traci has been a mentor, a leader, and a steady presence on campus. Known for her sharp mind and calm authority, she had the remarkable ability to explain a complex math problem with clarity and resolve a hallway conflict with nothing more than a look. Whether in the classroom, during after-school tutoring, or cheering from the bleachers for her students and grandchildren, Traci showed up fully — with patience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our community.
In addition to her
expertise in math, writing, and history, Traci was the go-to person for proofreading, problem-solving, and personal advice. She earned the trust of colleagues, families and students alike. Her impact extended far beyond lesson plans and test scores — it lived in the confidence she sparked in her students and the calm assurance she brought to her team.
As Traci enters retirement, we know she’ll be enjoying well-deserved time around campfires and family gatherings. Though she’ll no longer be pacing the halls or leading a classroom, her legacy will remain in the hearts of those she inspired, guided, and supported. She will be deeply missed and forever appreciated.
Nan Williams
After 34 years in education, Nan Williams is retiring — and taking with her a lifetime of passion, energy, and creativity that transformed our district in countless ways.
Nan inspired more than 4,700 students during her career. She built school gardens, led
MakerSpaces, painted murals, and turned everyday classrooms into dynamic hubs of exploration and innovation.
Whether it was launching a salmon conservation project or implementing a grant-funded STEM initiative, Nan always led with imagination and heart.
She wore many hats — teacher, mentor, artist, scientist, gardener — and she wore each with grace and enthusiasm. Her passion for hands-on learning and community-based projects shaped the educational experiences of students and colleagues alike. From the art on our walls to the plants thriving in our gardens, her influence can be seen — and felt — all around us.
As Nan embarks on new adventures and explores the world beyond the classroom, she leaves behind a profound legacy of curiosity, compassion, and creativity. We will miss her deeply, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire our district for years to come.
To Traci and Nan — thank you for your dedication, your service, and your hearts. You have made Winters Joint Unified a better place for all of us.
the first ones to live on this land that we use for houses, schools, stores, etc.”
Kourtnei Hampton, another of the student artists who created this mural, put it even more succinctly. “Native Americans will always be part of the Winters
community and shall be respected no matter what,” Hampton said.
Courtesy photo
Students worked throughout the spring adding vivid colors and intricate details to the mural design.
Sports
Winters AYSO launches inclusive soccer program this fall
Player registration opening soon
Special to the Express Winters AYSO Region 436 is proud to announce the launch of its new EPIC (Everyone Plays In our Community) soccer program this fall, designed to offer an inclusive, community-based soccer experience for youth and adults with disabilities.
Beginning Sunday, Oct. 6, the six-week program will welcome players ages 4 and older, with games scheduled on Sunday afternoons through Nov. 10. Program coordinators expect about 20 players to participate in the inaugural season, supported by trained volunteer coaches and peer “Buddies” who will assist players on the field in a fun, encouraging environment.
The EPIC program reflects the mission of AYSO to ensure every child can
GARDENER
Continued from Page 1
gardens as mulch.
These materials can be aesthetically pleasing, reduce evaporation and when applied properly, suppress weeds. However, they do not improve texture or add nutrients to soil, and in the Sacramento Valley, will become quite hot in summer. When smaller stones or gravel are used, be positive you will love it forever. It is very difficult to remove at a future date. Which brings us to the last question: Should you be concerned about a mulch making your soil too acidic? While some mulches can be slightly acidic, that acidity is restricted to the mulch layer itself and will have little to no effect on the overall pH of the soil underneath.
For more information, see https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/ pdf/8672.pdf.
Growing blueberries locally
Q: I love blueberries. Can I grow them in our area?
A: Blueberries can be successfully grown in our area, but only if the right varieties are chosen, the
experience the joy of soccer. Specifically tailored for players with challenges related to cognitive or developmental conditions, mobility, sensory processing, vision, speech or hearing, EPIC provides the additional support needed to fully participate in a quality soccer experience.
Players are grouped by age and ability and field skills across three divisions to ensure safe and meaningful play. Each participant will receive a free uniform. While there is no program registration fee, families are responsible for the $25 annual AYSO National Player Fee, which is non-refundable and valid from August 2025 through July 2026. Players who register in the fall will not need to pay again for
soil pH is corrected and you provide some ongoing care. Southern Highbush varieties are best suited for our hot summers and mild winters. If you have space, plant both early and late ripening varieties to have berries from early May to mid-July. Good options, in order of ripening, are: O’Neal, Misty, Sharp Blue, Blue Crop and South Moon. Blueberries are self-fertile, but planting more than one plant will give you better production.
Blueberries need acidic soils with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Our soils are typically alkaline (above a neutral pH 7), necessitating soil acidification before planting. You should either have your soil tested at a soil lab, the best approach, or test it yourself using one of the home kits available at a nursery. To lower the pH, you will need to incorporate elemental sulfur, available from local nurseries, into the top 6-8 inches of soil six months to a year prior to planting. You can calculate how much sulfur to add, given the current pH of your soil, using an online tool from Clemson University (see link at the
the spring season. Registration for the EPIC program will open soon on the Winters AYSO website at www.wintersayso.org.
The EPIC model is grounded in AYSO’s six core philosophies:
Everyone plays: Every child, regardless of ability, has a place on the team.
Balanced teams: Teams are organized to foster equitable participation and development.
Open registration: All eligible players, ages 4 to 99, are welcome. No tryouts are required. Program coordinators are planning a fun field day with activities for registered players before the season starts.
Positive coaching: Coaches and Buddies are trained to build confidence and celebrate effort.
end of this article), or use the chart in the article Growing Blueberries in the Sacramento Region, page 2, also listed at the end of this article.
If you want to skip the time needed to lower the pH of your soil, consider planting your blueberries in pots. A pot with a twenty-five-gallon capacity is ideal. Avoid metal pots as they tend to get too hot. You can fill the pot with an acid-based soil mix recommended for azaleas. Even that may not be acidic enough, so check the pH and add sufficient elemental sulfur to lower the pH to between 5 and 5.5. You can also add one-third of the volume as one-quarterinch bark nuggets to improve drainage and up to one-sixth peatmoss. Peatmoss has very low pH but be aware that there are environmental concerns with its harvesting so, if you use it, use as little as possible.
Check the pH of your soil, whether in the ground or in a pot, every couple of years and add elemental sulfur if necessary to maintain the pH in the 5-5.5 range. If growing in pots, the soil level will decline
Player development: Athletes learn and grow at their own pace, with support from family and peers.
Good sportsmanship: Respect, encouragement, and teamwork are emphasized at every level.
Through these principles, EPIC seeks to create a holistic soccer experience for players and families, where cheering on the sidelines, making friends, and celebrating goals is part of every Sunday.
Volunteers needed
Volunteers play a vital role in the program. Winters AYSO is actively seeking EPIC Buddies and Coaches for both the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 seasons. High school students, including one senior who is developing the Buddy Program as part of a capstone project, and college students are especially encouraged to get involved.
Training for volunteers includes online coursework and in-person orien-
tation before the season begins. Those interested in coaching should email wintersayso@gmail.com for more information or to sign up. Details on volunteering as a Buddy will be shared once they are finalized. Winters High School senior Violet Tuel is organizing the inaugural AYSO Youth Soccer Fest as part of her Senior Capstone Project. EPIC coordinators will have a program information table there to answer questions and get a list of interested volunteers. The community is invited to save the date for this exciting event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. Additional details will be announced as plans are finalized. With the introduction of the EPIC program, Winters AYSO is taking meaningful steps toward ensuring every child in the community has the opportunity to belong, grow and play.
as the organic matter decomposes. Plan to lift the plants every three to four years to add potting mix and prune the roots as needed.
Plant blueberries in the winter using plants from a reputable nursery. Choose a location with full sun to partial afternoon shade. Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regular
watering is essential, especially during dry periods, as blueberries have a shallow root system. Prune plants annually to remove dead or weak branches. Leave five or six strong canes per plant. Fertilize with a product formulated for acid-loving plants, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
See more at https:// precisionag.sites. clemson.edu/Cal-
culators/Fertility/SoilAcidification https://ucanr. edu/sites/default/ files/2024-08/138069. pdf
—If you have a gardening question, contact the UC Master Gardener Help Desk at 530-666-8737. Or send an email with information regarding watering, sun exposure, details about your problem, and photos, when possible, to mgyolo@ucdavis.edu.
Courtesy photo
The right variety of blueberries can be successfully grown in our area.
Art & Entertainment
Performers’ Circle features Joan Ogden
Lit Fest 5 brings stories to life
Courtesy photo
Step into an evening of poetry, personal tales, and vibrant storytelling at Lit Fest 5, a free community event hosted by the Winters Theatre Company. From young voices to seasoned storytellers, performers will take the stage Sunday, June 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Winters Opera House. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. — come early for drinks, snacks, and a seat for the magic.
WSF Welcomes Summer
It’s never too early for ice cream. Winters Senior Foundation invites you to celebrate the start of summer with the return of an Old Fashion Ice Cream Social, complete with traditional toppings, cookies, live music & trivia challenges. Free event. Please join us.
When: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Where: Winters Community Center 201 Railroad Avenue
Time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Special to the Express
The Village Homes Performers’ Circle will celebrate the beginning of summer as featured performer Joan Ogden plays a diverse program of high-energy acoustic music at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at Odd Fellows Hall, 415 Second St. in Davis.
Ogden plays guitar, mandolin and bouzouki. Her songs are influenced by folk, rock, blues, jazz and traditional music from around the world. Inspired by the early-’60s folk music craze and her dad’s love of Dixieland jazz, Joan started teaching herself guitar at the age of 11 and formed her first band at 12. Beginning in her mid-teens, she played in venues across the U.S., from local bars to festival stadiums and toured internationally with folk and rock groups and traditional bands.
A longtime Davis resident, Ogden plays frequently at local events: the Village Homes Performers’ Circle, Village Homes Fall Art festival, and First Friday art nights in Davis, Woodland and Winters. Her all-original solo set will feature songs of love and adventure, instrumentals and dance tunes.
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 5 minutes per act).
The emcee this month will be George Haver. Masks are welcome at Odd Fellows Hall. For information, visit https://www.facebook.com/villagehomesperformers/.
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. It is held the fourth Tuesday of each month, except December.
DMTC youngsters put on original musical
Special to the Express
The Davis Musical Theatre Company’s Young Performers’ Theatre is excited to present an original musical written and composed by one of its own performers.
“A Tiger’s Tale” will have one showing at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Pena Drive, No. 10 in Davis.
“A Tiger’s Tale” is a short musical created by Alex Richmond, with original fun songs like “Embarking on a Journey” and “Rich.” Sam, a tiger, and Max, a lion, are best friends. One day, the emperor
offers a $1 million reward to whoever can find a tiger and bring it to him.
Two trappers, seeking the prize, capture Sam and bring him to the emperor. Max, seeing his friend being taken away by the trappers, makes the decision to embark on a journey to go save his friend. Tickets and Reserved Seating are $10 for all ages. Tickets can be purchased online at dmtc.org or by calling 530-756-3682 (there is a $2 facility fee per ticket). Proceeds from ticket sales go to support DMTC’s Theatre Arts Award, a scholarship for graduating high school seniors.
The bats are back at Yolo Causeway for the summer
Special to the Express Summer is here, and the bats are back!
Join Yolo Basin Foundation this summer on a Bat Talk and Tour. Learn about these amazing flying mammals that do so much to help reduce insect pests through-
out the area. Live native bat species are displayed as part of the presentation. The program culminates in watching the bats as they emerge from under the freeway.
The maternity Mexican free-tailed bat colony under the I-80 Yolo Causeway is
growing daily as they return from wherever they spent the winter. Although many of the bats overwinter in the bridge, most seem to leave. As the weather warms, crops grow and insect populations explode, the bats return to the Causeway.
These amazing, winged wonders are mammals that fly. Each summer the females give birth, in late June, to one pup. She nurses that pup for about five to six weeks, and then it joins her as she flies throughout the Central Valley to consume crop pests and mosquitoes. There are also males that live in the Yolo Causeway bridge.
Throughout the summer, the Yolo Basin Foundation offers many opportunities to learn more about the bats. Registration is now open. Children who are interested in bats are encouraged to join Yolo Basin Foundation for a morning of “Bats and Crafts.” Meet live bats from the local area, then have fun creating crafts and playing bat games. This special event is aimed at young children, especially those who are too young to stay up late to watch the bats fly.
All events and some fun fact videos about our programs and the bats can be found at https://yolobasin.org/ battalkandtour.
Yolo Basin Foundation offers environmental education programs for all ages related to wetlands and wildlife.
Courtesy photo
The Village Homes Performers’ Circle will feature Joan Ogden at the Davis Odd Fellows Hall on June 24.
Community, communication, caring — fostering mental wellness in Winters
By Jason Jurado Special to the Express
In Winters — where the pace is slower, the smiles are real and the Creek always seems to be just around the corner — community is more than a word. It’s how we live. With a population just shy of 7,500, this town thrives on the kind of everyday connections that make people feel seen, supported and rooted.
Winters is a place where neighbors wave from porches, where shopkeepers know your name, and where the beauty of nature is never far—whether it’s the hush of the trail by Putah Creek, the calm of the lake, or the view of the mountains on a clear morning. These aren’t just features of our surroundings; they’re part of the medicine that supports our well-being.
Three connections that support wellness
When we talk about mental health and wellness, it helps to frame it through three simple but powerful connections:
• Connection to self,
• Connection to others, and
• Connection to something greater — whether that’s nature, God, spirit, source, or the quiet wisdom of the land itself.
These three connections act as a foundation for emotional balance and mental clarity. They remind us that healing doesn’t always happen in therapy offices or during big life changes — it often begins in the everyday — taking a quiet walk,
sharing a meal, reaching out to someone you care about, or allowing yourself to pause and reflect.
A town that embodies care
In Winters, we are fortunate to live in a community where caring is woven into the fabric of daily life. You see it in the way people check in on each other after a storm, how events at the community center draw people of all ages, and how even a small conversation at the farmers’ market can lift a mood or open a door.
This kind of community care plays a significant role in mental health. Studies have long shown that people who feel connected to others experience lower rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness. And it’s not always the big gestures — sometimes it’s a wave, a shared story, or knowing someone is just down the road if you need them. Communication is a key part of that. In a time where digital noise often drowns out human voices, the simple act of really listening — or being heard — can be profoundly healing. Whether it’s in conversation with a friend, a reflective journal entry, or a quiet walk where you listen to your own heart, communication creates space for truth, vulnerability, and growth.
Nature as a healer
“Nature doesn’t judge or rush. It simply offers presence, and in that, we often find peace.”
One of Winters’ greatest assets is access to the natural world. From morning hikes along the creek to the golden light that stretches across the hills at dusk, nature offers a quiet, constant invitation to come back to ourselves. Research backs this up — time spent in nature is shown to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and increase feelings of well-being. When we allow ourselves to slow down and truly connect with the environment around us, we tap into something that both grounds and uplifts — a reminder that we’re part of something larger than our to-do lists and worries. Nature doesn’t judge or rush.
Options to consider when a migraine strikes
Metro Special to the Express
Migraine headaches can be debilitating, result in lost hours at work and time spent away from friends and loved ones. Migraines are quite common, as studies estimate 12 percent of the United States population experiences them.
The Cleveland Clinic says researchers aren’t certain about what causes migraines, but studies indicate genetics play a role in their severity and frequency. Migraines occur when nerves in blood vessels send pain signals to the brain. This releases inflammatory substances into the head’s nerves and blood vessels. Migraines can cause severe, throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head, states the Mayo Clinic. This is often accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. Attacks may last anywhere from a few hours to several days. When suffering a migraine, people want to alleviate symptoms as quickly as possible. These options, courtesy of the Association of Migraine Disorders®, may be helpful when a migraine strikes.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle choices that promote good health also can reduce the number of migraines a person has and lessen the
pain. Taming stress and spending time in a calm environment may keep migraines at bay. Heating pads can relax tense muscles and warm showers may be soothing. It’s important to maintain regular sleeping patterns and unwind at the end of the day. Eat a healthy diet and avoid any foods and beverages you’ve found trigger migraines. These may include wine, aged cheese and chocolate. Don’t skip meals, as fasting increases the risk of migraines, indicates the Mayo Clinic.
Preventive treatments
Preventive treatments aim to reduce severity and frequency of migraine attacks. Many of the options originally were designed for other ailments but have been used as “off-label” migraine treatments. These include:
• Antidepressants: Antidepressants stabilize the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and may help with pain.
• Anti-seizure medications: These medicines are thought to calm hyper-excitable nerve cells in the brain.
• Botulinum toxin: This neurotoxin is used for the prevention of chronic migraines in adults. It is injected in key muscles of the head and neck to help block pain-signaling chemicals.
• Beta-blockers: Typically used for high
blood pressure, beta-blockers affect the blood vessels in the brain, make the nervous system less excitable and increase activity in the hypothalmus.
Acute treatments
Certain treatments are used when migraines are about to occur or are occurring. These may be over-the-counter or prescription options.
• OTC: OTC pain killers like acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen help some people who suffer from migraines.
• Caffeine: Whether on its own or mixed with NSAIDs, caffeine in small amounts can be helpful in easing migraine symptoms.
• Triptans: Triptans target specific serotonin receptors on the brain’s blood vessels and nerve endings. They also narrow blood vessels to decrease inflammation and pain.
• Gepants: CGRP is a protein found in the peripheral and central nervous system. Levels of CGRP are higher during a migraine attack. Gepants target CGRP and block it from attaching to its receptor in the nervous system. Nerve blocks, eye drops and even neuromodulation also may be options for people experiencing intense or frequent migraines. It’s important to speak with a doctor about the treatments available.
It simply offers presence, and in that, we often find peace.
A retreat, a reflection
Next month, a weekend retreat held here in Winters, where I will be presenting, will explore these very themes — connection to self, others, and something greater — through guided practices, movement, reflection, and shared experiences. While the retreat itself is a structured event, it mirrors what many of us already know and practice in our community — that healing begins when we slow down, listen, and care for one another. The retreat is just one example of how Winters continues to hold space for wellness. It reminds us that while programs and events can be helpful, the real work—the most transformative healing—often happens in our homes, on our walks, and in the gen-
tle ways we show up for ourselves and each other. Keep it simple, keep it local Mental health doesn’t always need to be complex. It can begin with three simple questions:
• Am I connected to myself today?
• Have I connected with someone I care about?
• Have I connected to something greater than myself?
Winters gives us all three, every day — if we choose to notice. In the stillness of the trees, the rhythm of our conversations, and the kindness of our neighbors, we’re reminded that the tools for wellness are often right here in front of us. As we continue building a community rooted in communication and care, may we keep making space for one another — with presence, compassion, and the understanding that wellness isn’t a destination. It’s a way of living, together.
Summertime skin protection strate-
Metro Special to the Express Summer is a season to soak up some sun and enjoy the generally more laid back atmosphere that’s become synonymous with the months of June through August. Though no one wants to dampen the summer fun, it’s important to note that the season should not be entirely carefree. In fact, emphasizing skin protection is vital to ensuring the season is both fun and safe.
• Wear sunscreen every day. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery urges individuals to wear sunscreen every day in the summer. No two people
are the same, and that’s evident in the various skin types. The ASDS recommends applying roughly one ounce of sunscreen two to three times each day in summer. Sunscreen should have a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. It’s possible to get sunburn even in cooler climates or on cloudy days when time in direct sunlight is minimal.
• Opt for protective clothing. The ASDS notes that unbleached cotton, tightly woven T-shirts or shorts, and wide-brimmed hats provide excellent protection against the sun. Many manufacturers now offer high-SPF clothing
that absorbs UV rays. Pairing such clothing with daily applications of sunscreen can be a great way to protect skin against summer sun.
• Pay attention to your skin. Routine skin examinations in summertime can uncover warning signs of skin cancer. For example, the ASDS notes that discoloration, a changing mile or a rough red patch of skin are early warning signs of skin cancer. Contact a dermatologic surgeon immediately if any of these signs are detected. It’s imperative that people take steps to protect their skin from sun damage when enjoying warm summer days.
On the third Sunday of the month, a free Walking Meditation along the Putah Creek Nature Park trail takes place from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The event is open to people of all ages and happens rain or shine.