Wednesday community food distribution shifts to Saturdays
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
Starting this weekend, the Winters Wednesday food distribution will move to Saturday mornings to help protect community members and volunteers from rising summer temperatures.
The Yolo Food Bank confirmed that the schedule change begins Saturday, June 7, at 11 a.m. in the Winters High School student parking lot.
Last year, the distribution date was adjusted in July amid triple-digit heat. This
year’s earlier shift aims to provide relief sooner. The usual Wednesday 3:30 p.m. time slot is expected to return in August when students head back to school.
Get updates
Residents are encouraged to sign up for FreshText, a free Yolo Food Bank service that sends distribution reminders and cancellation notices via text message the day before each event.
To sign up, text your community’s designated keyword to 888777:
• Winters residents text “Almond”
• Capay Valley residents text “Walnut”
• Davis residents text “Tomato”
• West Sacramento, Clarksburg residents
text “Grape”
• Woodland residents text “Olive”
• North Yolo residents text “Rice”
Distribution info
Participants can walk up to the distribution table in the gym parking lot or drive through via the student lot entrance on Railroad Avenue. Walk-up guests should bring a large bag, cart, or wagon to carry their items. An additional food distribution takes place in Winters on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 10 a.m. at RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St. This is a walk-up distribution, and participants should plan to transport their items themselves.
Weather
Commissioners OK liquor license despite oversaturation limit
By Sonora Slater Express staff writer
The Winters Planning Commission moved quickly through their sole agenda item on the evening of May 27, with the four commissioners who were present voting unanimously to approve a Type 21 liquor license for the Chevron gas station on Grant Avenue.
Commissioners Lisa A. Baker, Judith Arce, Ramon Altamirano and Jessica Smith attended the meeting, while commissioners Eric Dye, Matt Stone and Gregory Contreras gave word ahead of time that they were unable to attend. With four of seven commissioners present, a quorum was reached.
The Chevron location already sells beer and wine for consumption off premises, licensing that was approved by the commission back in 2016 with the stipulation that the use permit would have to be amended if they ever wanted to begin stocking hard liquor. Now that the gas station has chosen to move forward with pursuing a Type 21 license, the process begins with obtaining a new use permit.
However, in this case, there was also an added step. A review by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control found that Winters has oversaturation of the market when it comes to Type 21 licenses, which means that in order for the commission to approve the permit, they had to first make a finding stating that proceeding despite oversaturation is in the best interest of the city for the sake of public convenience.
According to city planner Kelly Mumper, oversaturation is tied to
population density, with one Type 21 license typically issued for every 15,000 residents or so. Winters has a population of about 8,000, meaning that oversaturation was quickly reached. The police department, fire department, public works team, and property owners within 300 feet of the gas station were notified of the application, and no comments were received from any party in favor or against the permit. However, Richard Buscher, general manager of the Fairfield Hotel, which is directly behind the Chevron, attended the meeting to speak in favor of permit approval. He explained that they often have guests wanting to sit around the pool and drink liquor that the hotel doesn’t sell, and thought it would be beneficial for them to be able to purchase that at the nearby convenience store.
Mike Ali, the owner of the Chevron, said that the decision to move forward with a Type 21 license was in response to customer feedback.
Chevron is able to buy quality liquor in bulk and sell it at a lower price than other current liquor vendors, serving consumers who Ali says complain about the quality and price of current options.
“We do good business and good service in the community, and we’ve never had any violations for alcohol sales in the past 20 years that we’ve been selling it,” Ali said.
Altamirano expressed support for the idea, noting that there haven’t been any issues in the area historically that would be a cause
See LIQUOR, Page 5
Yolo County seeks rural residents for Prop 47 steering committee
At the June 3 Winters City Council meeting, representatives from the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency announced their search for rural community members to serve as stakeholders on a steering committee for an upcoming Proposition 47 grant application.
Christopher Bulkeley, a member of the Yolo County Local Behavioral Health Board, provided an overview of Proposition 47, its purpose, and how the county
hopes to use upcoming funds to support residents facing behavioral health challenges and involvement with the criminal justice system.
Bulkeley emphasized that the team is actively seeking feedback from residents— including those with lived experience of homelessness and recovery—on how Prop 47 funding could benefit their communities. Community input will be gathered at upcoming public meetings, which will outline grant priorities for Proposition 47 – Cohort 5 and offer a
forum for public comment.
Proposition 47, also known as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, was passed by California voters in 2014. It reclassified certain low-level drug and property offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, redirecting state-level savings into prevention and support services.
Sixty-five percent of those savings are allocated annually to the California Board of State and Community
See SEEK, Page 5
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
The Yolo Food Bank has moved its weekly food distribution at Winters High School from Wednesday afternoons to Saturday mornings for the summer.
Express staff
Community
Lake Berryessa cleanup set for June 7
Express staff
On Saturday, June 7, volunteers will roll up their sleeves for the annual World Environment Day Cleanup at Lake Berryessa.
The event, organized by Solano Resource Conservation District, will include trash removal, native plant restoration, and take-home seed packet activities— all capped off with a free, delicious picnic lunch. Registration is required. Sign up at cleanupsolano.org.
Participants who signed up by June 1 will receive a free World Environment Day T-shirt.
This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” reflects a global call to action. Organizers anticipate plastic waste will make up a large portion of what’s collected. With more than one million plastic bottles purchased every minute worldwide — and only a small fraction
properly recycled — plastic often ends up in waterways, flowing through storm drains to creeks and eventually into the ocean. Scientists warn that by 2050, plastic could outweigh fish in our oceans.
The Lake Berryessa cleanup encourages community members to spend three hours
restoring local habitats, improving soil health, and helping protect water sources. Organizers hope the hands-on effort also inspires lasting habits around waste reduction and recycling.
The event is hosted in partnership with the Solano County Water Agency, Anheuser-Busch Fairfield,
Solano Supervisor reveals cancer diagnosis
By Todd R. Hansen McNaughton Media
Solano County Su-
pervisor John Vasquez on Tuesday publicly announced he has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and will be starting chemotherapy treatments as early as Friday.
He learned of the diagnosis in mid-April.
Stepping down from the board dais and making his comments at the public lectern, an emotional Vasquez – soon surrounded by the other four supervisors – prefaced his announcement by saying June is National Cancer Survivors Month.
The schedule has him receiving treatments each Friday.
“After all that, I hope I can look back and say I too am a cancer survivor,” Vasquez said as the board chamber crowd rose to give him a standing ovation.
An occasional shoutout of support came from the gallery.
Supervisor Monica Brown described Vasquez like a big brother, after which Vasquez quipped, saying he is her “older brother.” Each supervisor hugged him as they returned to the day’s business.
The 74-year-old six-
term representative for District 4 also will be receiving immunotherapy – a treatment that uses a person’s immune system to help eliminate cancer – and has qualified to be part of a clinical trial.
Also known as gastric cancer, the disease typically starts in the stomach, and where specifically it starts often determines the kind of treatment the patient receives, which often involves surgery.
“Stomach cancer treatment is most likely to be successful if the cancer is only in the stomach. The prognosis for people with small stomach cancers is quite good. Many can expect to be cured,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
“Most stomach cancers are found when the disease is advanced and a cure is less likely. Stomach cancer that grows through the stomach wall or spreads to other parts of the body is harder to cure.”
Vasquez did not elaborate on how advanced the cancer is, but apparently will not have surgery.
“I didn’t think this would be so hard,” Vasquez said as his voice cracked and he
had to pause several times during the announcement.
“I will meet my obligations here; I will meet my obligations in the community,” Vasquez said, but asked the public to be patient with any absences the treatments may cause. He called it “an honor” to be a supervisor and recognizing all that the county does for the public, and personally recognized his private life is part of the public life he chose to enter.
Vasquez also praised his longtime staff – Jennifer Hamilton and Ryan Chalk – for their support and hard work.
A Vacaville High graduate, and a noted historian among the board members, Vasquez was the youngest Vacaville councilman to be elected, served as a board aide to former Supervisor Bill Carroll for 17 years and was elected as a supervisor in 2002. His most recent election was in November 2022 when he ran unopposed.
Vasquez and his wife, Shelli Huffman Vasquez, have four children and eight grandchildren.
Solano Volunteers/ CVNL, Solano County Parks, Putah Creek Council, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and MCE Energy.
For more information or to get involved in future events like Solano County Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 20, visit cleanupsolano.org.
County seeks Community Services Board member
Special to the Express
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors is currently accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Community Services Action Board’s for the Representative of Community-Based Organizations seat. Established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, the CSAB serves as the region’s Community Action Agency. Its mission is to combat poverty by promoting the health, safety, stability and self-sufficiency of low-income residents throughout Yolo County.
The CSAB meets in person on the second Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at various locations in Yolo County. Complete an application found at www.YoloCounty. gov and navigating to Government > Advisory Bodies. For information, visit www.YoloCounty.gov/CommunityServicesActionBoard.
Yolo County launches $7.9M road repair project
Special to the Express
Yolo County Public Works began a major summer road improvement effort on Tuesday, May 27, as part of the 2025 Pavement Preservation Project.
Funded by gas tax revenues, the project will resurface approximately 50 miles of county roadway and is scheduled to run through Aug. 29.
The county was to kick off the initiative with a groundbreaking ceremony at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday at 7530 CA-16 in Guinda, at the Guinda Corner Store. Community members are invited to attend.
“Maintaining safe, high-quality roads is one of the most visible and important services we provide to our residents,” said Yolo County Board chair Mary Vixie-Sandy. “This investment reflects our commitment to improving transportation infrastructure in every corner of Yolo County. I am proud to see this project move forward and grateful to the residents for their patience and support during the construction process.”
Work will take place in the upper Capay Valley, including the communities of Rumsey and Guinda; in areas north and northwest of the city of Davis, including North Davis Meadows and the Binning Tract; and west and northwest of the city of Woodland.
Residents can expect localized pavement repairs followed by the application of three pavement seal coats across the full width of the roadway. The treatment will begin with micro-surface Type III sealing, followed by asphalt rubber chip sealing, and will conclude with a final micro-surface Type II seal.
Roads will be restriped after the final seal coat is applied. Some roads will receive three successive treat-
ments, with approximately one week between each application. Residents are asked to cooperate by not parking on road sections during active workdays.
The contractor will post notices and signage ahead of time and will need roads clear of vehicles during each treatment phase.
District 5 Yolo County Supervisor Angel Barajas, whose district includes the Capay Valley, emphasized the project’s importance to rural communities.
“This project is a big win for our rural residents, especially those in the Capay Valley who rely on safe and reliable roads every day,” said Barajas.
“Investing in infrastructure means investing in the well-being and economic vitality of our communities. I’m proud that we are delivering improvements that will serve both local families and visitors to our region for years to come.”
To help residents stay informed, Yolo County offers a Road Improvement GIS Map available at www.YoloCounty. gov/RoadImprovement, or by contacting the Department of Community Services, Public Works Division at 530-6668811 for any inquiries or assistance.
The bid opening for the 2025 Pavement Preservation Project was held on March 27. VSS International, based in West Sacramento, was awarded the contract with a low bid of $7,920,120.00. Funding for the project is provided through the Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account and Highway Users Tax Account (HUTA). As construction nears for the roadways to be treated, the contractor will provide neighborhood notifications to help coordinate their work efforts with the community.
and
Completing it should take about 10 minutes, and participants are eligible to win one of four $50 gift cards to Nugget Markets. The survey closes June 15.
Courtesy photo
In 2023, 66 volunteers came out on Saturday to help clean up the areas around Lake Solano and Lake Berryessa.
Eventos hispanos
Jefe de Bomberos destaca un año de crecimiento y desafíos
Desde la incorporación de nuevos bomberos al equipo hasta el creciente número de llamadas médicas, el Departamento de Bomberos de Winters (Winters Fire) ha tenido un año ajetreado. El Jefe de Bomberos, Jack S. Snyder III, presentó el informe anual de la organización durante la reunión del consejo municipal el 6 de Mayo, destacando los logros y desafíos de su equipo a lo largo del 2024.
El volumen de llamadas ha aumentado notablemente en los últimos años, con un total de 727 llamadas en el 2019 y 1,171 llamadas en el 2024. El año pasado, más de 300 de estas llamadas se solaparon, según Snyder, lo que en ocasiones resultó en tiempos de respuesta más lentos y mayor estrés para los bomberos.
“Este año, respondimos a un número récord de llamadas de servicio, lo que pone de relieve las creci-
entes necesidades de nuestra comunidad y la dedicación de nuestro equipo,” escribió Snyder en su informe. “Quiero agradecer a todos los miembros de nuestro departamento por su incansable esfuerzo y profesionalismo para satisfacer estas demandas.” Snyder afirmó que la mayoría de estas llamadas fueron médicas (unas 700), pero también hubo llamadas por incendios, alarmas de incendio, servicio técnico y otros motivos. Combatir el aumento en el volumen de llamadas ha sido difícil debido a la falta de tendencias específicas en los datos (muchas de las llamadas médicas se han relacionado con problemas muy diversos), pero se han tomado algunas medidas para intentar cambiar esta situación. Por ejemplo, el departamento ha comenzado a colaborar con personas mayores de la comunidad para que se realicen controles regulares de presión arterial
y glucosa durante el programa semanal de Comidas a Domicilio en el Centro Comunitario de Winters todos los Jueves. También están trabajando para reducir el número de alarmas de incendio defectuosas en la ciudad. Además, la aprobación de la Proposición 218 de la ciudad impulsó la financiación de tres nuevos puestos de bombero a tiempo completo en Winters Fire, incluyendo dos ingenieros de bomberos y un bombero. Los puestos fueron aprobados oficialmente por el consejo en Marzo de este año, y el proceso de contratación está actualmente en marcha. Snyder ha afirmado anteriormente que esto ayudará a mejorar la eficiencia de su respuesta, así como a reducir el agotamiento del personal actual y los voluntarios, que se esfuerzan al máximo para responder al creciente número de llamadas. Y cabe destacar, su tiempo de respuesta
ya se considera superior al promedio. Según la Asociación Nacional de Protección contra Incendios, los objetivos de rendimiento ampliamente aceptados establecen un tiempo de despacho a ruta de 80 segundos y un tiempo de ruta a escena de cuatro minutos. Snyder afirma que Winters Fire tiene un promedio de 60 segundos para el primero, tres minutos y dos segundos para el segundo. Logros del departamento
Además de un rápido tiempo de despacho, Snyder también destacó otros logros del departamento durante el año. En el ámbito financiero, esto incluyó varias solicitudes de subvenciones exitosas, como una subvención de la Oficina de Seguridad Vial para nuevos equipos de extracción de vehículos, una herramienta también conocida como “la quijada de la vida (tijera hidráulica),” una subvención de Cal Fire para radios portátiles
y una subvención de FEMA de cuatro años que financia un puesto de coordinador de reclutamiento y retención de voluntarios. Este nuevo puesto, actualmente ocupado por el Ayudante Aguilera, busca fortalecer el voluntariado del departamento, que desempeña un papel clave en los servicios de extinción de incendios, búsqueda y rescate, y servicios médicos de emergencia (EMS) de Winters. Estos voluntarios están altamente capacitados, y este año, según Snyder, varios optaron por completar cursos de capacitación opcionales, lo que les permite aligerar la carga del personal remunerado. El personal de tiempo completo también participa continuamente en capacitación.
“Los bomberos siempre están aprendiendo, y la capacitación es continua,” declaró Snyder. “En conjunto, nuestro personal invirtió más de 1300 horas en capac-
itación avanzada durante el 2024, un logro notable incluso ante un volumen récord de llamadas de emergencia.”
Continuó afirmando que la capacitación mejora la efectividad y la seguridad, garantizando que el personal esté preparado para cualquier situación que pueda enfrentar en el trabajo. El capitán de bomberos Matt Schechla demostró un compromiso especialmente profundo con el desarrollo profesional este año, como destacó Snyder en su informe. Schechla fue el primero en la historia de Winters Fire en completar el Programa de Oficial de Gestión de la Academia Nacional de Bomberos, una designación selectiva que consistió en una revisión de 17 áreas funcionales de su puesto.
“Estoy sumamente orgulloso de Matt, y es un excelente ejemplo de desarrollo profesional que enriquece su propia experiencia,” afirmó Snyder.
Recortes en servicios de idiomas generan temor a errores médicos, diagnósticos equivocados y muertes
Por Vanessa G. Sánchez and Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez KFF Health News
Organizaciones de salud sin fines de lucro e intérpretes médicos advierten que los recortes federales han eliminado docenas de puestos de trabajadores comunitarios en California, que ayudan a quienes no hablan inglés a obtener cobertura médica y a navegar el sistema de salud.
Al mismo tiempo, las personas con dominio limitado del inglés están pidiendo menos servicios lingüísticos, lo que los defensores de la atención de salud atribuyen en parte a la ofensiva migratoria del presidente Donald Trump y a su orden ejecutiva declarando al inglés como idioma nacional.
Estos cambios en las políticas y la financiación podrían dejar a algunas personas sin atención vital, especialmente a niños y adultos mayores.
“Las personas ten-
drán dificultades para acceder a beneficios a los que tienen derecho y que necesitan para vivir de forma independiente”, expresó Carol Wong, abogada senior de derechos humanos de Justice in Aging, un grupo nacional de defensa.
Cerca de 69 millones de personas en el país hablan un idioma que no es inglés, y 26 millones de ellas hablan inglés a un nivel por debajo de “muy bien”, según los datos más recientes disponibles de 2023 de la Oficina del Censo de Estados Unidos. Una encuesta de KFF-Los Angeles Times de ese año reveló que los inmigrantes con un dominio limitado del inglés reportaron más obstáculos para acceder a la atención médica y peor salud que los que hablan mejor inglés. Los defensores de salud temen que, sin el apoyo adecuado, millones de personas con un dominio limitado del inglés sean
Woods rachel@hrbai.com
más propensas a sufrir errores médicos, diagnósticos equivocados, negligencia y otros resultados adversos. Al inicio de la pandemia en 2020, ProPublica informó que una mujer con síntomas de coronavirus murió en Brooklyn luego de no recibir tratamiento oportuno porque el personal de emergencias no pudo comunicarse con ella en húngaro. Y, en el punto álgido de la crisis, The Virginian-Pilot fue el primero en informar que una traducción al español en un sitio web estatal afirmaba erróneamente que la vacuna contra covid-19 no era necesaria.
En el año 2000, el presidente Bill Clinton firmó una orden ejecutiva destinada a mejorar el acceso a los servicios federales para las personas con inglés limitado. Investigaciones mues-
tran que la asistencia lingüística se traduce en una mayor satisfacción del paciente, y también en una reducción de errores médicos, diagnósticos equivocados y consecuencias adversas para la salud. Los servicios de interpretación de idiomas también ahorran dinero al sistema de salud al reducir las estadías en el hospital y los reingresos. La orden de Trump derogó la directiva de Clinton y dejó en manos de cada agencia federal la decisión de mantener o adoptar una nueva política sobre lenguas. Algunas ya han reducido sus servicios: según se ha informado, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional y la Administración del Seguro Social redujeron los servicios de idiomas, y el Departamento de Justicia afirma estar revisando las directrices. El enlace a su
plan de lenguas no funciona. No está claro qué pretende hacer el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos (HHS). El HHS no respondió a las preguntas de KFF Health News. Un plan del HHS implementado durante la presidencia de Joe Biden, que incluye directrices durante emergencias y desastres de salud pública, ha sido archivado, lo que significa que podría no reflejar las políticas actuales. Sin embargo, la Oficina de Derechos Civiles del HHS sigue informando a los pacientes sobre su derecho a recibir servicios de
asistencia en sus idiomas nativos cuando recogen una receta médica, solicitan un seguro de salud o van al médico. Además, en julio pasado, la oficina agregó protecciones que prohíben a los proveedores de salud utilizar personal no capacitado, familiares o niños para brindar interpretación durante las consultas médicas. También requiere que un traductor humano calificado revise traducciones de información confidencial realizadas con herramientas de inteligencia artificial (IA), para garantizar su precisión.
YESTERYEAR
Lake Berryessa water levels down
Express staff
The water level of Lake Berryessa was down by 0.45 feet over the past week, decreasing to 8,428 acre-feet of water storage, according to Tim Gerard, with the Solano Irrigation District – Putah Diversion Office. On the morning of Tuesday, June 3, he reported that the lake elevation was 438.25 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,518,404 acre-feet. The SID released 512 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 55 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 316 acre-feet of water per day.
95 Years Ago
June 6, 1930
Public Safety Report
Dispatches from the Express archives. City of Winters
Fire
May 21: 11:24 a.m., Main Street and Railroad Avenue, Good intent call (other)
~6:37 p.m., Anderson Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~6:53 p.m., Anderson Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
May 25: 10:13 a.m., Northbound Highway 505, Motor vehicle accident with no injuries.
~8:51 p.m., County Road 104 (Davis), Brush or brush-andgrass mixture fire
May 26: 8:03 p.m., Culton Street, Gas leak (natural gas or LPG)
May 27: 2 a.m., Railroad Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
View the Winters Fire Activity and Call Log at https://cityofwinters. org/157/Fire.
Police Report Log
May 21: 8:31 a.m., Dutton Street/E. Grant Avenue, Towed Vehicle
~9:26 a.m., 1000th block of Chapman Street, CPS Referral ~6:37 p.m., Anderson Avenue/Cottage Circle, Traffic Collision
May 22: 10:34 a.m., Walnut Lane/E. Grant Avenue, Towed Vehicle
May 23: 6:57 p.m., 200th block of Lenis Avenue, Domestic Verbal Dispute
May 24: 9:18 a.m., 200th block of Lenis Avenue, Domestic Verbal Dispute
May 27: 11:53 a.m., 900th block of E. Grant Avenue, Fraud ~3:33 p.m., 900th block of Railroad Avenue, Violation of Court Order ~4:03 p.m., 700th block of Main Street, Found Property
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.
Weaver and Norman Gaddini, students at the junior college in Sacramento, are at the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. Gaddini, for the summer vacation.
A. J. Walker, formerly of Indiana, will open his Tailor Shoppe tomorrow in the Wyatt Building, now occupied by the Model Shoe Shop. The Tailor Shoppe will occupy half the building.
With the completion of the work by the painters this week the new Japanese school house and community center will be completed.
Among the local people to swim at Crowder’s Wednesday were Mrs. E. E. Baker, Mrs. C. E. Wyatt and a party of boys, Eddie Baker, Jack and Billy Vasey, Buddy Spurlin, Doug Fenley, and little Miss Irma Baker.
Mrs. Roy Brinck and daughter, Miss Belva will entertain about 75 guests at a bridge luncheon tomorrow at the Hotel Senator, Sacramento.
Allen Martin brought in several boxes of early apples for sale in local stores this week.
The Christian church kitchen was renovated this week by A. R. Gale, local contractor.
80 Years Ago
June 8, 1945
Water from the proposed $46 million Yolo-Solano reclamation development would provide irrigation for an area of 427,000 acres. Of this, 207,000 are lo-
Years Ago
cated in Yolo County, U.S. Reclamation Bureau officials told members of the Yolo County Chamber of Commerce in Woodland May 29. The following local children received First Communion, Sunday, May 27, at St. Anthony’s Church, Father Joseph Madden officiating: Rita, Josephine and Antoinette Ruiz, Tony and Raymond Valadez, Robert Islip and Delbert Mayer.
Sunday visitors in the Howard Hansen home were host’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hans Hansen, Dublin, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wilson, Berkeley, Mrs. Wm. Browner and Mr. and Mrs. E. Bonne, Pleasanton.
Miss Maralea Franke, of San Francisco, came home to attend her brother’s graduation exercises last Thursday night.
Mrs. Wm. Kaiser and Miss Jean Howard, mother and niece of Mrs. E.E. Zimmerman, came over from Fallon, Nevada, to attend high school graduation exercises.
Miss Jean Hoskins, of Pleasants Valley, is at home from Mills College for the summer vacation.
45 Years Ago
June 5, 1980
The Winters City Council voted on Tuesday evening to retain twice-a-week pickup of garbage but raised the rates for single-family residences with unlimited pickup to $8.50 per month. The present rate for the service is $4.50.
Winters Girl Scout Troop 229 had their Court of Awards on May 22. The girls receiving their year pins were Kristen Crum, Tracy Freed, Sonia Castanon, Deanna Martinez, Lisa Garcia, Shannon O’Brien, Corinna Stern, Mary Ramos, Laurie Goodwin, Evelyn Russell and Corina Couture. Mr. and Mrs. Emilio Jimenez, Mr. and Mrs. Nick Lopez and Mrs. Filomena Ramos returned on May 20 from an extended trip to Spain. Mr. and Mrs. Jimenez remained in Spain while the Lopezes and Mrs. Ramos toured parts of Spain and France. Returning with them was former resident, Mrs. Anna Martin, now of Arbuckle. Mrs. Martin visited with her sister and nieces and nephews while she was there.
Betty Spry, librarian at Winters High School, has been selected as one of 14 California State University at Sacramento Fulbright Scholars who will be spending approximately seven weeks in India this summer, studying the arts of that country.
Mrs. Josephine Cuberos was hostess on Sunday, May 18, at a barbecue luncheon for her husband Ralph’s 50th birthday. Following the luncheon a decorated cake and ice cream were served.
RoseMarie and Andy Hendrickx hosted a graduation party at their home last Thursday evening for her daughter, Nicole, who graduated from eighth grade.
Picked by Charley Wallace
File photo
This is a picture of Janet and Mike Kimes being recognized by the Winters Chamber of Commerce as the 2001 Citizens of the Year. Both have passed but they left a legacy of hard work and community service for the next generation of merchants to emulate.
Regional News
Fraud pushes California’s community colleges to consider an application fee
CalMatters.
By Adam Echelman CalMatters
Under scrutiny from state and federal lawmakers, California’s community colleges are trying to crack down on financial aid fraud. Scammers have increasingly infiltrated the state’s 116 community colleges, posing as students in an effort to steal financial aid from the state and federal government.
At a meeting on Tuesday, May 20, the board that oversees California’s community colleges voted to require all students to verify their identity, which is currently optional for most applicants. The board also considered asking the Legislature for approval to charge students a nominal application fee — which many said should be no more than $10. But after more than two hours of debate, the board rejected that proposal and instead asked staff to “explore” a fee policy.
“Some of you were asking questions,
‘Why is this happening so fast?’” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian.
“Because on April 8, CalMatters ran an article that got national press. Guess what happened after that? Nine of our congressional leaders emailed the Secretary of Education of the United States and emailed the Attorney General asking them to start an investigation of the California Community Colleges.”
State representatives from both parties have since called for an audit of the community college system’s financial aid process. Christian said those audits are likely to happen.
“We’re on a national stage right now.”
Students from across the state told board members that they were against imposing a fee, sharing stories of times when they were so poor that
they didn’t have a bank account or $10 to buy lunch. Many had personal experiences with fake students.
“A bot once took my seat in a class that I needed to graduate and transfer. That fraud almost cost me my future,” said Flo Cudal, a student at Santiago Canyon College in Orange County. “I understand the need for strong protections, but they must not come at the expense of excluding a real student.”
When Love Adu, a student and board member, tried to enroll at Moorpark College, she said she was unable to verify her identity online, so she had to drive five hours to present her documents in person. Incarcerated students, undocumented students, homeless students and students under 18 all struggle with the current ID verification software, she said. “These proposals would make it harder for students to get the very education that we’re trying to serve to them.”
Application fee delayed
California’s community colleges have a mission to serve every Californian and they’re funded primarily based on the number of students they enroll. When applying, students sign an affidavit affirming that their personal information is true. But besides that, only a few college districts mandate online identity verification. There is no fee to apply to communi-
ty college and tuition is free for low-income students. Once enrolled, a student can obtain thousands of dollars in financial aid, money that can be used to cover the cost of books, housing, food and transportation. That aid has become an easy target for scammers, who often submit dozens or hundreds of applications at a time, using real California addresses and Social Security numbers in order to create fraudulent college accounts. Last month, CalMatters reported that roughly onethird of community college applicants were fake. The state chancellor’s office said it removed all the fraudulent applicants it detected but many scammers evaded detection and stole taxpayer dollars. In the last 12 months alone, colleges have lost more than $10 million in federal aid to fraud and $3 million in state aid, according to state reports, which CalMatters obtained through a public records request. Allowing fraud to continue to rise is “irresponsible,” said board member Amy Costa before voting in favor of Christian’s proposal. These “bots” are after government entitlement programs, such as Pell Grants and Cal Grants, and it’s the state’s job to help steward the use of those taxpayer dollars, she said. “We need somebody to say ‘I’m a real person,’
St. Anthony Parish Welcomes All to a Celebration
and payment is sort of one of the ways we do that.”
In the proposal, Christian said her office would consider refunding or crediting the application fee to any student with “a demonstrated financial hardship.”
Roughly 40 percent of California’s community college students qualify for free tuition because they’re considered low-income, according to state data.
Even if the fee proposal had passed, Christian would still need the Legislature’s approval. It would have taken a year and involved many more discussions, including at the board level, Christian said.
But if lawmakers continue to keep the spotlight on this issue, changes could still happen, said Chris Ferguson, an executive vice chancellor with the state chancellor’s office. “If financial aid fraud were to continue to increase, I assure you, at a certain point, there will be measures, whether it’s at the state level or the federal level, that are implemented on us.”
—Adam Echelman covers higher education for CalMatters, focusing on California’s 116 community colleges and how they influence the state’s future.
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
Time: 6pm, after the 5pm Mass
Cost: Children under 5 = free, Children 5 to 10 = $5, 11 yrs and older = $10
Menu: Homemade Street Tacos & Hot Dogs, Fresh Geeen Salad, Fruit Salad, Homemade Desserts, Coffee, Soda & Water, Beer and Wine
Raffles: $10 tickets for 3 - $1,000 prizes, Other raffles
Entertainment: Music & Dancing by “Booths N Deats”, 6 to 9pm, Children’s Games
LIQUOR
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for concern.
“Police didn’t say there were any problems, so in my mind, this is about as good of a business as you can have,” Altamirano said. The motion passed unanimously, and the application will now go before the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for final approval.
SHIFT
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According to the YFB’s June food distribution calendar, the June 19 distributions at the Winters and Esparto RISE, Inc. offices have been canceled. See the calendar at yolofb.org/ June2025Calendar.
Other nearby food distributions west of Interstate 505 include:
• Esparto: The first and third Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at the RISE, Inc. office at 17317 Fremont St, in Esparto. This is a walk-up food distribution.
• Madison: The second and fourth Monday of the month at 4 p.m. at the Madison Community Commit-
SEEK
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Corrections (BSCC) to administer a competitive grant program. Eligible grant-funded programs include mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and diversion efforts for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Additional legislation allows funds to be used for housing assistance and other community-based services such as job training, case management, and civil legal support. The BSCC also mandates that at least 50 percent of awarded funds must go directly to community-based service providers.
To date, Proposition 47 has generated $800 million in state savings, with allocations including 65 percent to mental health and diversion programs,
To view the staff report, visit the archived May 27 “Planning Commission” agenda packet at https://www. cityofwinters.org/194/ Meetings or visit https://bit.ly/4jeJdFh.
tee Food Closet, 28963 Main St. in Madison. This is a walk-up food distribution.
• Guinda: The second and fourth Monday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Grange Hall, 16787 Forest Ave. in Guinda. This is a drive-through food distribution. Recipients are asked to stay in their cars and to follow volunteers’ directions. This distribution resumes on June 9, following the Memorial Day pause. For more information, call 530-668-0690. For a full listing of Yolo County food distributions, visit www. yolofoodbank.org/ findfood. A list of all of the Yolo County food distributions is available on the “Find Food” page.
25 percent to K–12 education, and 10 percent to victims’ services. Residents interested in joining the steering committee or offering input are encouraged to email prop47grant@yolocounty.gov within the next week. Comments and questions can also be submitted to the same email address. Interested parties can participate at the following Zoom public meetings:
• June 9: 11:30 a.m. NAMI California meeting via Zoom https://us06web.zoom. us/j/81343174933?pwd=KkewCGKLCpwyr8JzzCy0GmxZUJiQH0.1
• June 11: 10 a.m. Homeless Poverty Action Coalition (HPAC) provider meeting via Zoom https://us02web.zoom. us/j/81637349831?pwd=ZlhpQjhSRkE4RmVVVlk3ZU1pUllhZz09
This story was originally published by
Miguel Gutierrez Jr./CalMatters photo
Students walk through campus at Sacramento City College.
Vacaville Winters
FEATURES
Thursdays
Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690, https://yolofoodbank.org/find-food
Saturday, June 7
Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution, Saturdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue, https://yolofoodbank.org/find-food
Sunday, June 8
Winters Sunday Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Downtown Main Street
11th Annual Duck Derby, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Rotary Park and Putah Creek Nature Park (Ducks hit the water at noon)
Monday, June 9
Winters Climate Action Commission Meeting, Meeting has been canceled, Check cityofwinters. org/182/Climate-Action-Commission
Upcoming
Thursday, June 12
Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://bit.ly/4fwmfHK or www.wintersjusd.org
Library Services
Winters Library Open to Public (Summer Hours of Operation) May 19 to Aug. 22, Winters Community Library, Mon/Wed: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 12–8 p.m., Fri/Sat: 1–5 p.m.
Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library
Bilingual Storytime (ages 0-5), Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Winters Community Library
Virtual English Conversation Group, Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m., One time registration required: Contact Nancy Pacheco 530-666-8019 or nancy.pacheco@yolocounty.org
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. Pending home sales dip HOMES, Page 2
Winters Middle School promotion celebrates Class of 2029
116 students honored as they prepare to begin high school
Express staff
The Winters Middle School Class of 2029 took a major step toward their future on May 28 as 116 eighthgrade students were promoted in a celebratory ceremony at Dr. Sellers Field.
Students, families, teachers, and administrators gathered under the spring evening sky to reflect on achievements, resilience, and the promise of what’s ahead as the class transitions to Winters High School this fall.
WMS Principal Jose Bermudez welcomed students and families with a mix of humor and heartfelt reflection.
He opened by joking that the students are “the high school’s problem now,” as he looked to the Winters High School principal, drawing laughs from the crowd. He continued with a sincere tribute to the students’ journey.
“It is an honor to stand before you tonight as the principal of Winters Middle School. We are here to celebrate a powerful milestone — the end of middle school and the beginning of something new. This moment is not just about leaving behind eighth grade, it’s about everything you’ve grown through to get here,” Bermudez said.
“Growth isn’t always loud. Sometimes it happens in quiet moments, like choosing to study when it’s easier to give up, asking for help when it’s hard to admit you need it or learning how to work with others, even when you disagree,” he said. “Growth looks like trying again after failing, standing up for what’s right, or discovering something new about yourself.”
Bermudez praised the class for showing “incredible growth” over the past two years.
“This class has shown incredible growth in the two years that I have known them. We have grown in our relationship with our teachers and our staff and them as well, and we are excited to see them go. They’ve adapted to change, they supported each other, and they continued to learn even when the world felt uncertain. You’ve grown as thinkers, as leaders and as kind human beings, and that’s what makes me so proud to be the principal here at the middle school,” he said.
He left students with one final encouragement rooted in the school’s values.
“Always remember SOAR (Safety first, to Own your actions, to Always be kind and to have Respect for all). You will face new challenges, meet new people and discover new dreams, and just like you’ve done here at Winters Middle School, you will rise, you will learn, and you will grow,” he said.
ASB President Madelyn Kendrick delivered a moving and personal speech, reflecting on a year filled with both triumph and unexpected challenges.
“Eighth grade was a year filled with both incredible memories as well as unexpected challenges. I remember when I came home and told my mom that I wanted to run for ASB president. I’ll never forget the look on her face. She was shocked and immediately said, You’re the quietest person I know. I told her that I had a plan, but that I would need a little help putting it into place,” Kendrick said.
She shared memories of early successes and gratitude for classmates and mentors, as well as the challenges she faced in her journey in being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in the spring.
She closed with a message of strength and compassion to inspire her classmates in the next chapter.
“From that moment on, my life has changed in ways I never expected. It was overwhelming at first, but looking back, I realized that there was an important lesson in all,” she said. “Don’t blame yourself for everything, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Some-
times things happen that are completely out of your control.
You’re stronger than you think, and it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. Life will throw challenges at you, and when things get tough, remember to keep moving forward. You’re never alone in what you’re going through, and I wish you all the very best in the years to come.”
WHS Principal Justin Young warmly welcomed the incoming class as future Warriors and gave them insight on the upcoming Link Leader program in the fall where 11thand 12th-graders will serve as buddies and mentors throughout their entire first year.
He shared highlights of new curriculum offerings and enrichment programs awaiting the students.
“We are thrilled that you will be the first class to graduate with our new graduation requirements of both ethnic studies and our personal finance courses, which go right
Let the 150-year celebrations begin
Someone brought up the fact that there will be a lot of businesses, churches and family farms celebrating their sesquicentennials over the next few years. As soon as the founders of Winters scratched lines in the dirt in 1875, establishing the first streets, business was booming. The train showed up in 1875 and we were off and running. After a few fires, the first wooden buildings on Main Street were replaced with brick structures. The first brick buildings, in 1875/1876 were side by side and connected by a common staircase, Berryessa Gap Winery tasting room and the Opera House. There was a building boom around 1889-90 with the addition of the Ireland Building, Cradwick, Yolo Traders (hosting L’Apero les Trois), and a few others. The
Buckhorn building wasn’t finished until 1890 and the Café building wasn’t added until 1904. The Greenwoods building and the Masonic Hall completed the south side of Main Street around 1897. First Northern Bank (originally Citizens Bank) wasn’t built until 1912 followed by the First Christian Church, now Grand Prince Odeum in 1913. Houses started filling in the rest of the town and by 1920 Winters had a busy downtown. The houses on Russell Street are some of the oldest in Winters. There are three homes that were brought from Buckeye, a settlement
about 4 miles northeast of Winters. I know of two of them on Edwards Street, but there is another one somewhere in Winters. I’m sure someone will tell me where it is before this issue of the Express turns yellow.
Most of my information comes from a Cultural Resources Inventory completed in 1983 with help from local historians. My copy is a little dog eared but still a great asset for looking up homes and buildings in early Winters. There are several farms that have already celebrated their 150th birthdays, but I don’t think
anyone is keeping track of those special occasions. The Wolfskills will be celebrating 200 years before too long, 1842-2042. For those who care, the Winters Express will be 150 years young in February 2034. I’ll start planning a party as we get closer to the big event. For those who can’t wait for someone’s major birthday, there is always the Friday the 13th. The only Friday the 13th of this year is next week. There are three next year, for those that plan ahead. The fundraiser for the museum will be from 5 until 7 p.m. or so. All are welcome. After I wrote this column there was news of a tragic accident where a 13-yearold died in a motorcycle accident. I can’t image anything worse than losing a child. No one can fix it or make it better. It is just awful.
Courtesy photos
ABOVE: Eighth graders walked to their seats to “Pomp and Circumstance” as is Winters Middle School tradition. BELOW: Isabelle Duer-Kraft, Addison Thach and Evelyn Ramirez sing the National Anthem at the beginning of the promotion ceremony.
Pending home sales declined 6.3 percent in April
National Association of Realtors
Special to the Express
Pending home sales decreased 6.3 percent in April, according to the National Association of Realtors.
All four U.S. regions experienced monthover-month losses in transactions. Yearover-year, contract signings rose in the Midwest but descended in the Northeast, South and West – with the West suffering the greatest loss.
The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)*
– a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings – dove 6.3 percent to 71.3 in April. Year-over-year, pending transactions retracted by 2.5 percent. An index of 100 is equal to the level of contract activity in 2001.
“At this critical stage of the housing
“Lower mortgage rates are essential to bring home buyers back into the housing market.”
Lawrence Yun, chief economist
market, it is all about mortgage rates,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Despite an increase in housing inventory, we are not seeing higher home sales. Lower mortgage rates are essential to bring home buyers back into the housing market.”
Pending home sales regional breakdown
The Northeast PHSI decreased 0.6 percent
from last month to 62.1, down 3.0 percent from April 2024. The Midwest index condensed 5.0 percent to 73.5 in April, up 2.2 percent from the pre-
vious year. The South PHSI sank 7.7 percent to 85.9 in April, down 3.0 percent from a year ago. The West index degraded 8.9 percent
from the prior month to 53.3, down 6.5 percent from April 2024.
“Home buyers have a better chance to purchase homes in affordable regions such as the Midwest, where the typical home price is $313,000 – 25 percent below the national median home price,” added Yun. “Moreover, with
housing inventory levels reaching five-year highs, home buyers in nearly every region of the country are in a better position to negotiate more favorable terms.”
*Note: The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing
Stand up for veterans
This past Memorial Day, our community gathered to honor the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Just as important is our responsibility to be there for those who did come home.
Over the last few years, we’ve made real progress in honoring our veterans’ service. With bipartisan support, Congress passed the PACT Act and the COMPACT Act — landmark laws that are finally delivering the care and benefits our veterans have earned. From expanding coverage for toxic exposure to ensuring crisis support for those at risk of suicide, these laws are saving lives.
That’s why it is unfortunate that since the beginning of his presidency, Donald Trump has gone after veterans who transitioned from military service into critical jobs across our federal government. The president has already fired more than 6,000 of these veteran workers and has begun firing 83,000 VA staff.
The media has reported that some of those fired worked for the veteran suicide hotline. Our veterans have a 57 percent higher risk of suicide than those who haven’t served. A veteran who visited my office in Washington, D.C., recently said that for a veteran in crisis, the person answering the phone at the VA might be just as important as a doctor.
It’s unconscionable that this Administration is gutting services that literally save lives. The stakes are too high for our veterans right now. If you or a veteran you know needs help accessing health care or other benefits, please contact my nearest office. I promise to keep raising my voice in this fight for our veterans. Please keep raising yours.
REP. MIKE THOMPSON
St. Helena
Letters Policy
The Winters Express encourages readers to submit letters of general interest to the Winters community. Letters contribute to community discussion. Express Letters to the Editor guidelines:
• Letters should not exceed 350 words.
• Anonymous letters will not be accepted.
• We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity or clarity, or to reject any letter.
• Letters must be legibly signed by the writer. We reserve the right to determine legitimacy. Submit online at https://tinyurl.com/ syzevywd or visit wintersexpress.com.
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
This week you might feel a surge of energy, Aries. It’s a good time to get moving on a long-term project or any passion projects that you may have been avoiding.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),
Taurus, this week is all about finding balance. You may be torn between your career and personal life, but don’t forget to set aside time for yourself.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21),
Gemini, your creativity is at an all-time high, so use this week to explore new hobbies or start a creative project that excites you. You can be creative at work as well.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22),
This is a week you may feel pulled toward home and family, Cancer. It’s a time for reorganizing your space or even simply enjoying quiet moments however you choose.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23),
Leo, your communication skills that will be on display this week. It’s a great time to express your ideas and connect with other people. Start that conversation.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22), Pay attention to your budgeting and spending this week, Virgo. There may be opportunities to invest your money in a wiser way. Finances will be on your mind a lot.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23), Libra, you may feel like the spotlight is on you right now. Either at work or in social settings, your leadership abilities will be put to the test and on display.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22),
This might be a week that calls for introspection, Scorpio. Although you might feel like retreating, don’t close yourself off entirely from others for too long.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21),
Connections with friends and groups will be front and center this week, Sagittarius. You might receive an unexpected invitation and make new friends who share your interests.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20),
Capricorn, you should prioritize your professional goals over the next few days. Might there be something you can do to land a promotion or step into a leadership role?
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), This week may present opportunities for learning, exploring or even travel. A spontaneous trip might be just what you need to recharge and reflect on yourself, Aquarius.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), It’s time to put some effort into making deeper connections and fostering your relationships, Pisces. That requires spending a little more time with the people around you.
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Send your notice and contact information to legals@wintersexpress.com
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ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CV2025-0796 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner: IGNACIA BLANCA ESTHER CURIEL RUBIO filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name IGNACIA BLANCA ESTHER CURIEL RUBIO to Proposed name
BLANCA ESTHER CURIEL RUBIO
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause if any why the petition for change of name should not be granted Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted If no written objection is timely filed the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: 7/9/2025 Time: 9:00 a m Dept : 14 Room: The address of the court is Yolo Superior Court 1000 Main Street Woodland CA 95695 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county: Winters Express
Date: 3/21/2025 Samuel T McAdam Judge of the Superior Court
Published MAY 21, 28, JUNE 4, 11, 2025 #81305
HOMES
Continued from Page 2
sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usual-
ly is finalized within one or two months of signing.
Pending contracts are good early indicators of upcoming sales closings. However, the amount of time between pending contracts and completed sales is
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CV2025-1257
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner: LINDA MAE EBBERTS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name
LINDA MAE EBBERTS to Proposed name
LINDA MAE GONZALES
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause if any why the petition for change of name should not be granted Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted If no written objection is timely filed the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: 6/25/2025 Time: 9:00 a m Dept : 11 Room:
The address of the court is Yolo Superior Court 1000 Main Street Woodland CA 95695
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Winters Express
Date: 5/8/25 TIMOTHY L FALL Judge of the Superior Court Published MAY 14, 21, 28, JUNE 4, 2025 #81218
not identical for all home sales. Variations in the length of the process from pending contract to closed sale can be caused by issues such as buyer difficulties with obtaining mortgage financing, home inspection problems, or appraisal issues. The index is based on a sample that covers about 40 percent of multiple listing service data each month. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months.
Yolo
BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER S CHECK/CASH EQUIVALENT or other form of payment authorized by California Civil Code 2924h(b) (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States) DATE OF SALE: 06/26/2025 TIME OF SALE: 12:45
PLACE OF SALE: AT THE REAR (NORTH) ENTRANCE TO THE CITY HALL BUILDING, 1110 WEST CAPITOL AVENUE WEST SACRAMENTO CA 95691 STREET ADDRESS and other common designation if any of the real property described above is purported to be: 225 CREEKSIDE WAY WINTERS CALIFORNIA 95694 APN#: 038-170-019 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation if any shown herein Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said note(s) advances under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $458 642 99 The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are cons idering bidding on this property lien you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not 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
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
Yolo County residents urged to support immigrant neighbors
By John Grindler Katona Special to the Express
In the last four months, increased chaos has dominated our immigration system, causing great hardship, fear and uncertainty in the lives of migrants and immigrants, documented and undocumented.
The needs are even greater than before. This humanitarian crisis poses challenges and a call for each of us to find ways to support our immigrant neighbors. Yolo Interfaith Immigration Network (YIIN) has creatively advocated for, collaborated with and supported these neighbors for the past 17 years. Many in our community have expressed a desire to offer tangible support for those who are vulnerable, scared and seeking shelter and safety.
On Saturday, June 14,
YIIN will have its first fundraiser dinner since 2019. This year’s special evening will be a time for all of us to join together as a responsive and caring community sharing an Indian dinner with a Mexican dessert made by immigrants who have chosen to show their appreciation to the community for our support. The program will include an exciting array of silent auction items and music performed by Mariachi Puente.
This humanitarian crisis poses challenges and a call for each of us to find ways to support our immigrant neighbors.
A keynote speaker, Andrea Gaytan, chief of staff at UC Davis Global Affairs, will bring her years of experiences in several contexts developing creative services for immigrants. The location of the dinner is the Yolo County Fairgrounds, Home Arts Building, and free parking is available.
Express Yourself Sports
Suggested donation for the fundraiser dinner is $75 per adult; $30 per student; free for 12 youth, all purchased on Eventbrite or you can send a check to: YIIN, P.O Box 74295 Davis, CA 95616. If you have questions about this event, please contact YIIN Board members Albert Vallecillo at al@winterscorazon.org or John Katonah at jckatonah@icloud.com.
Since 2008, YIIN has been a longstanding, nonprofit organization in Yolo County that creates alliances with professional community agencies to provide financial, community, legal, and educational support to those immigrants
Softball shows grit, falls short in playoff run
By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer
The Winters High School varsity softball team concluded a strong season in a playoff run that ultimately fell short of the championship round. Despite their best efforts, the Warriors suffered backto-back losses bringing their season to a close.
On Tuesday, May 20, the Warriors faced off against Colusa High School in the first round of the playoffs. Winters struggled to find momentum both offensively and defensively, falling 0–13 in a tough matchup.
Ava Estepa took the mound as the starting pitcher for the Warriors, pitching four innings and allowing 11 hits and 13 runs, only four of which were earned. Estepa struck out five batters and walked two in a
in need. We have helped many families who, for example, have needed to stay in a motel while their applications for subsidized housing were being processed; advocated for a person with a large medical bill; covered cost for downpayment of car insurance so migrants could commute to work; contributed grocery gift cards to a families in need; provided rental assistance to the family of an ICE-detained person; transported mother and adult daughter to/ from medical appointment; visited undocumented immigrant youth detained at detention center. These and other concerns are brought to YIIN through local agencies not set up to provide emergency funding beyond their stated program services. These scenarios and
many others reflect the humanitarian crisis we are facing and calls for an urgent response to a harmful and broken immigration system. We honor our landscapers, migrant farm workers, construction workers, vegetable processing plant employees, restaurant staff, custodial workers, medical personnel, household repair workers, and so many others.
Come show your support for our immigrant neighbors. Years ago César Chávez led the chant of “Si se puede!, “Yes, it can be done!” We believe in the possibility of achieving positive change through collective action.
It is in this spirit that YIIN asks for your support and thanks you.
— John Grindler Katonah is co-chair of YIIN Board.f
Nominate athletes, pitch summer sport events
School is out and summer is here, but that doesn’t mean the Express is done with sports.
ly came up short, losing
grit- ty effort against a relentless Colusa offense.
At the plate, Winters saw limited success, with Teagan Garcia, Jayle Jimenez and Mia Borges each making one hit. The defense showed moments of strength, including a double play that momentarily halted Colusa’s offensive surge.
Two days later, on Thursday, May 22, Winters returned to the field for a matchup against Durham High School. The Warriors showed resilience and improvement, but ul-
played stronger offensive execution and tighter fielding, but ultimately Durham played a better game.
Although the Warriors did not advance to the championship, their season was marked by tenacity, teamwork and growth. Head softball coach Garrett Garcia said the girls should be so proud of their dedication and progress throughout the year.
As the team looks ahead to next season, returning players and new talent will build on this year’s foundation.
The Winters community has embraced the notion of smalltown sports, and have continued to uplift and support our local youth in their endeavors.
Our staff writers will be covering the Winters summer swim team to share highlights and notable athletes with the community. We are looking to coaches and the community to help nominate youth athletes from all divisions.
The Express editor appreciates that there is a wide variety of athletic opportunities available in neighboring communities, and wants to make sure that all Winters youths who are participating and competing get a nod for their efforts.
The Express is looking to the Winters community to reach out and nominate an Athlete of the Week or to tell us about an exciting happening in the world of sports.
Cheer, swim, horse competitions, travel teams — if they are
There is a wide variety of athletic opportunities available in neighboring communities; make sure that all Winters youths get a nod for their efforts.
rocking it, we want to hear about it.
To be considered for the Pisani’s Athlete of the Week, nominations and supporting content must be submitted by Mondays at noon.
How to nominate Nominate a local athlete for consideration as a Pisani’s Athlete of the Week at www.wintersexpress. com/site/forms. Look for the “Nominate Athlete of the Week” form under the “Online Services” category.
Include as many details about the athlete as possible including team name or sport, highlights about the athlete’s recent per-
formance or other important information. Include a comment from the coach or leave the coach’s contact information so a staff member can reach out.
Community members are also encouraged to draft their own Athlete of the Week write up and submit them through the same form.
If including a hi-resolution photo of the athlete, make sure it is a profile photo of the individual facing the camera from at least the waist up. Individuals should not be too far away or the photo may not print clearly. Most smart phone cameras work fine. Do not send photos that have images, graphics, logos or social media filters. No action shots. The community is invited to share article pitches with us about local athletes who are participating in competitions, races or making efforts to reach personal fitness goals. Tell us about it using the “Submit a News Tip” form on the same page. Email questions to news@wintersexpress.com.
Express staff
Arts & Entertainment
Buffalo Soldiers, Sheriff’s Posse visit Peña Adobe
Express staff
The Peña Adobe Historical Society welcomes back the Buffalo Soldiers and the Solano County Sheriff’s Posse, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Special to the Express
Get ready to ride the Midnight Train to Southern rock heaven.
On Saturday, June 7, the Allmond Brothers, a powerhouse tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, bring their fiery brand of bluesdrenched rock to the Winters Opera House (13 Main St.) as part of the Winters Live! concert series. Showtime runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and tickets are available at WintersLive.com.
PROMOTION
in line with our Winters Joint Unified School District graduate profile competencies of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, cultural awareness and community engagement, where ultimately you’re going to graduate in four years from Winters High School with the content knowledge and the resiliency set you up for success for the rest of your life,” Young said.
“Class of 2029, know that you have so many opportunities and options once you become officially a Winters High School Warrior, whether it’s competing in the VEX Robotics tournaments, participating in musicals
Hailed for their musicianship and passion, The Allmond Brothers are not your typical tribute band. With a lineup that includes Josh Brough (Poor Man’s Whiskey), Jimmy Leslie (Guitar Player Magazine, Spirit Hustler), and slide guitar wizard Jules Leyhe, this Bay Area supergroup delivers a blistering, note-perfect celebration of Southern rock’s golden era. Expect all the
like ‘You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,’ or participating on our championship level athletic programs. Learning about yourselves and our community through ethnic studies, competing in welding and fabrication, engaging in college readiness skills, in one of our elective courses, participating in Future Farmers of America, or taking dual enrollment courses, where you can earn community college credit, as well as high school college credit and so many more opportunities,” he added.
Quoting Plato, Young left the class with a final thought: “The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
“Class of 2029, know that all of us here at Winters High School
fan favorites — “Whipping Post,” “Midnight Rider,” “Melissa,” and “Jessica” — plus deep cuts that’ll have even the most seasoned fans cheering.
The band has electrified audiences at major festivals like High Sierra and Guitarfish, earning a reputation for recreating the Allman Brothers’ legendary live energy with soulful authenticity and jam-infused spirit. Now they’re ready to light up the
are here to set you up for your beginning success over the next four years, and your life. My office is always open for you, as is our staffs. Congratulations. And go Warriors, Class of 2029.”
Superintendent Rody Boonchouy also addressed the students and their families.
He told families, on behalf of the WMS staff and school district, that they were grateful for their partnership in supporting the students because “it truly does take a community to grow our young people.”
“Eighth graders, for one more day, everyone is here — your teachers, your guardians, your family, your parents, your friends. Everyone is here, proud to celebrate you,” Boon-
intimate, historic stage in downtown Winters for one unforgettable night.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the Southern rock trailblazers, this is your chance to experience the next best thing to the real deal. Grab your tickets, bring your dancing boots, and let The Allmond Brothers take you on a soulful ride through rock history.
chouy said. “You are about to embark on an important chapter in the high school, which will be your culminating years in Winters JUSD, and it will be an exciting time to explore all of the opportunities for your journey ahead. We have high expectations for you, so study hard, find your passions and achieve your potential as the young adults you are becoming.”
He closed his remarks by presenting the class to the community.
Teachers Mari Chavez and Emily Marquez presented each student with a certificate of promotion, followed by smiles, hugs, and photo opportunities as the newly promoted students joined their families and friends on the field.
Company G of the 10th Cavalry, better known to history as the Buffalo Soldiers, will ride out of western history and into Peña Adobe Park again this year. The Buffalo Soldiers are a living history group established in the Sacramento area almost 30 years ago. The group recreates the Black cavalry units that served in the Old West from 1866 to 1891.
Company G will recreate a soldier’s camp from the 1800s and display artifacts of the Buffalo Soldiers’ history. Dressed in the uniform of that time, the soldiers will be on hand to talk with park visitors.
The Solano County Sheriffs’ Posse will also be there. It’s been part of the Solano County Sheriffs’ Office for more than 70 years and is made up of volunteers who use their horses and equipment to help the department with public relations, education, search and rescue, emergency and disaster services as needed. Those attending are welcome to
bring a picnic lunch and meet the members of the posse and see their amazing horses. Learn the important role horses played when the Peña and Vaca families were raising cattle back in the mid1800s on their ranch, which later became the city of Vacaville. If you are at least 21 years old, have a passion for community service and have a trusted steed, come to Peña Adobe and meet Sheriff’s Posse Volunteer Robin Turner.
Joining the fun will be the Vacaville Acoustic Jammers who will provide music during the event. Under the direction of Terry and Leslie Cloper, the Jammers offer musicians of all styles and abilities the opportunity to play acoustic instruments and sing together. Open jam sessions are held at Vacaville’s McBride Senior Center on the first and third Wednesday every month.
Park docents will be available to lead tours of the Peña Adobe, California historical landmark No. 534, built by the Peña family in 1842 and the adjacent Mowers-Goheen Museum. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.penaadobe.org.
DMTC opens auditions for two productions
Special to the Express Davis Musical Theatre Company is excited to announce open auditions for its production of the romantic and tragic Sunset Boulevard!
Auditions will be held Sunday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. and
Monday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m., at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Pena Drive, No. 10 in Davis. Callbacks will be on Tuesday, June 24, at 7:30 p.m., at the same location.
Bring a prepared song (not from Sunset Boulevard) and sheet music, with piano accompaniment (piano accompanist is provided). There will also be cold readings.
Rehearsals begin on Sunday, June 29.
The show opens Friday, Sept. 5, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 28. Shows on Fridays and Saturdays start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows start at 2 p.m.
DMTC is also hosting open auditions for its special added production, “The Last Five Years.” Auditions will be on Wednesday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center in Davis. Callbacks will be on Thursday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m., at the same location.
Actors will not be cast in both productions. Bring a prepared song (not from “The Last Five Years”) and sheet music, with piano accompaniment. There will also be cold readings.
Rehearsals begin on Sunday, June 29.
The show opens Friday, July 18, and runs through Sunday, July 27. Shows on Fridays and Saturdays start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows start at 2 p.m.
Courtesy photo
Grab your tickets, bring your dancing boots, and let The Allmond Brothers take you on a soulful ride through rock history.
Class of 2025: Turn trials into triumphs, ready to lead in a changing world
By Jacob Hoffman Express correspondent
Outside the walls of the high school campus, one might see a world beset by tides of change, fear, and uncertainty, a world that almost challenges an observer to hope for, let alone predict, what the future will look like.
But if you were to only know the world from what’s inside the halls of Winters High School and Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy, and specifically the graduating Class of 2025, you would find every reason to hope for any future where this class brings with them their tenacity to grow, achieve, and lead.
Andrea Hurst has been the advisor for this year’s WHS senior class, and the time she’s spent with these students impressed upon her a strength of character in this class that has brought them through the trials of their high school experience, and now will serve them as they go into their futures.
“This class has shown a remarkable blend of resilience, creativity, and compassion,” Hurst expressed.
“They’ve proven that they’re not just ready for the next chapter – they’re ready to lead it.”
In order to reach this point, though, the Class of 2025 had to face a great number of challenges. As Hurst explained, from the
very beginning the Class of 2025 was faced with a major obstacle in the COVID-19 pandemic.
As hard as it is to believe, this class will be the first to have spent their entire high school careers being taught in person in over four years. However, these students still faced virtual classes and months of lost in-person activities and carried the effects of that into high school.
“One of the biggest obstacles was the ongoing transition back to full normalcy after years of pandemic-related disruptions,” Hurst said.
“While many routines returned, students still had to navigate lingering academic gaps, social-emotional hurdles, and readjustments to in-person expectations. For some, this meant rebuilding study habits, managing anxiety, or re-engaging in extracurriculars after time away,” Hurst said.
WHS and Wolfskill CRA
Principal Justin Young also acknowledged pandemic-related issues as a persistent obstacle but also noted that students have made a lot of strides to overcome them.
“As a school system, we still are feeling the impact of the pandemic,” Young said. “This includes mental health, skill gaps and much more. Our students have shown tremendous resiliency and demonstrat-
Congratulations to our Graduates!
ed content knowledge over these four years and we are so proud of them.”
Greg Wade, a teacher at Wolfskill CRA, noted that attendance was also a major issue for the class.
“Many students had or have a family problem that impacts attendance. Teachers and counselors worked together to keep wayward students on the right track,” Wade said. But perhaps the biggest challenge for the WHS Class of 2025 was the tragic passing of their classmates Michael Bazan-Jimenez and Noah Lichwa in 2022 when they were freshmen. Counselor Marcella
See CLASS, Page 12
Front Row L-R: Diana Sanchez, Guadalupe Lopez, Angelina Alvarado
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Principal Justin Young congratulates Pablo Ruiz at the Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy graduation on May 20.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Winters High School seniors receive high-fives from Waggoner Elementary students as they begin their Senior Walk across all Winters school campuses on May 27.
Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy
Nine graduates honored at Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy ceremony
On May 20, nine students crossed a milestone at the Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy commencement ceremony, held just outside the CRA classrooms. Family members, teachers, school district leaders and community partners gathered to celebrate a group of graduates whose journeys, as Principal Justin Young shared, embodied “resiliency, hands-on experiences and powerful moments of growth and opportunity.”
“You’re thinkers, doers, artists, advocates, leaders and learners,” Young told graduates in his opening remarks.
“You are in charge of your own journey... You have that resiliency, and you will get through it. And we are here to support you.”
Throughout the school year, Wolfskill CRA students participated in dual enrollment courses, earned First Aid and CPR certifications, visited colleges and job fairs, and partnered with community organizations including Tree Davis and the Mondavi Center. Young reminded graduates of their transformation — both personal and academic — as he quoted Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou on the necessity of hardship in building success.
“You are in charge of your own journey ... You have that resiliency, and you will get through it.”
Justin Young, principal
Jovany
Principal’s Note
TPablo Ruiz
The heart of the ceremony came as staff took turns introducing each graduate, sharing stories of perseverance, personality and promise.
Recognized by teacher Dawn Delorifice
She praised his exceptional auditory memory, quiet leadership and moral compass.
Ruiz’s ability to revise college coursework independently by the second month of the class
See CRA, Page 4
“You, Pablo (Ruiz), when I think of you, the one word that comes to mind and how I would describe you most is kind,” Delorifice said.
Although I have centered much of my introduction on your journey and transformation, I would be remiss to not continue my theme of incorporating Tottenham.
There’s a quote from the current Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, on the eve of Tottenham playing in the Europa League final that I think fits today as we talk about the next part of your journey and our emphasis on resiliency:
“You need to understand when there is change, it’s not easy, it’s not smooth and it’s not supposed to be. If you’re really going to build for success, you need to go through tough times”
Class of 2025, don’t be afraid of what’s ahead. Be bold. Ask questions. Start again if you need to. You’ve already proven that you have what it takes — not just to graduate, but to lead, to serve, and to thrive. It may not always be easy and there are challenges, but you have that important trait of resiliency and you will do it. And know you are not alone. You’ll always be part of the Wolfskill Howler family and we are here to support you.
Congratulations, you have done it and should be so proud of your hard work and accomplishments and fulfilling your graduation requirements and our Graduate Profile.
his year, Wolfskill CRA students truly embodied what it means to be graduates of Winters Joint Unified and fulfill our Graduate Profile. Through resiliency, handson experiences and powerful moments of growth and opportunity, students you’ve gained the valuable content knowledge and demonstrated our school district’s Graduate Profile competencies: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness, and community engagement. You explored career paths through college visits and job fairs, completed CPR and First Aid training, and many of you succeeded in a dual enrollment College Success course through Woodland Community College. You partnered with Tree Davis to care for and beautify our land, visited the Mondavi Center to expand your cultural lens, and welcomed speakers like Hugo Hernandez, whose message of empowerment and mentorship reminded us all of our worth and potential. And let’s not forget — during our WASC Accreditation Mid-Cycle visit, you helped show how incredible and transformational this school has traveled not only physically but programmatically in three years! Our visiting team was deeply impressed with you students. Superintendent Rody Boonchouy, who met with students also this year, was left inspired by your insight, honesty, and pride in your school and the transformation it has had on you. This is what being a Wolfskill Career Readiness Howler and graduate looks like. You are thinkers and doers, artists and advocates, leaders and learners and are continuing to shape and transform your journey.
Yuritzi Birrueta Salmeron
Luis Miguel Lopez Villalobos Xitlaly Medina Orozco
Ricardo Raya Pablo Ruiz
Alicia Elana Steltz
Brianna Vazquez
Express staff
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Principal Justin Young addresses graduates at the Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy commencement ceremony on May 20.
Proud Supporter of Winters Future Farmers of America and Parent Teachers Association! Proud to Support Youth Day and the Winters Community! Proud Platinum Sponsor of the Winters High Safe and Sober Grad Night & Yearly Sponsor of the Winters Little League since 2019!
Celebrating the Class of 2025
selor Marcella Heredia
reflected both growth and confidence.
“You are already missed by all,” Delorifice said, noting Ruiz completed his graduation requirements by spring break. “You’re changing the world just by being yourself... Shine bright always.”
Alicia Steltz
Recognized by counselor Marcella Heredia
Having attended four schools in four years, Alicia Steltz’s road to graduation was anything but smooth.
“Alicia, you’re a strong, sensitive and kind person,” Heredia said. “That smile on her face, it’s on her face from the time she walks in until the second she walks out the door.”
Steltz plans to continue working with her grandfather while she determines her next move.
“We’ll save a spot for you if you want to come back one more year,” Heredia added with a smile.
Yuritzi Birrueta Salmeron
Recognized by coun-
In sunglasses and a sparkly dress, Yuritzi Birrueta Salmeron was described as someone who “puts a lot of thought into both writing out her goals and actively working towards meeting those goals.”
“She’s determined,” Heredia said, referencing the infamous Lilo and Stitch puzzle Yuritzi once painstakingly completed. “She likes to learn. She’s creative and nice.”
Her next steps include working, buying a car, and pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Xitlaly “Laly” Medina Orozco
Recognized by counselor Marcella Heredia
Three years ago, Xitlaly “Laly” Medina Orozco became a mother — a responsibility she balanced with returning to school, paying bills and commuting.
“She’s a true example of someone who does not give up,” Heredia said. “Once we got her here, she was on fire with completing her credits.” Transportation delays were no match for Orozco’s determination.
“This stuff is for real. It ain’t no joke,” she once said, according to Heredia. “It takes a village,” Heredia added, crediting teamwork between Orozco, staff and community partners.
Luis Miguel Lopez Villalobos
Recognized by teacher Greg Wade Wade first met Villalobos at the old Wolfskill site on Baker Street and admitted he worried early on about his engagement. But Villalobos never gave him reason for concern.
“He continued to prove me wrong. He has never once complained but rather kept showing up,” Wade said.
This year, Villalobos worked at the Dixon Walmart and fulfilled his coursework with quiet commitment.
“He has done everything we have asked, and is now both a man and a Wolfskill CRA graduate,” Wade said.
Jovany Gutierrez Anguiano
Recognized by teacher Greg Wade Although he graduated earlier this school year and was not present, Jovany Gutierrez Anguiano
left a lasting impression on Wade and his classmates.
“When I asked him why he changed course and began doing every assignment, he shrugged his shoulders and said he decided he might as well get an education,” Wade said.
Proud of his 4.0 GPA, Anguiano plans to major in Spanish and attend law school. Wade praised his deep curiosity, recalling spirited class discussions on everything from the Big Bang to immigration policy.
“If we were to have a valedictorian, he certainly fits the bill,” Wade said.
Cristian Segundo Sandoval
Recognized by counselor Nicole Roper Cristian Segundo Sandoval graduated earlier this year and was unable to attend the ceremony.
“You have truly been a force this year in so many ways,” said Roper, who only worked with him this year. “You’ve made the decision that you wanted to graduate, and you have shown incredible determination.”
Sandoval also com-
pleted a community college class and hopes to pursue law school.
“There is no question that what you set your mind to you can achieve,” Roper said.
Ricardo “Ricky” Raya
Recognized by counselor Nicole Roper
Quoting Theodore Roosevelt — “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground”—Roper said Ricardo “Ricky” Raya immediately came to mind.
“He has this ability to balance being a creative thinker while also staying very grounded,” she said. Raya, who helps support his mom and younger brother, was recognized earlier this year at the district board meeting as a standout student.
“Whatever you do, we have no doubt you will put your all into it,” Roper said.
Brianna Vasquez
Recognized by teacher Victoria Buterbaugh Though Brianna Vasquez graduated earlier, Buterbaugh reflected fondly on her short time with her in class.
“She’s very quiet, but she’s like the stealth bomber. You
gotta watch out for her,” Buterbaugh said. “She knows what she’s doing. She just needs to have paper and pencil and she’ll be on her way.” Buterbaugh also noted Vasquez’s love for visiting family in San Diego and watching Padres games.
“Whatever she decides to do, she’s going to do awesome.”
Before confirming their graduation status, Winters Joint Unified School District Superintendent Rody Boonchouy addressed the graduates.
“Each of you has unique strengths, and you will make meaningful contributions to the world,” he said.
“Today is a good day to reflect on your journey… and to look ahead at your next steps—whether that’s college, career, military service, trade school or another path.”
As caps flew and hugs were exchanged, the morning marked not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of many.
“Congratulations,” Boonchouy said.
“We’re proud of you. Keep moving onward on your journey ahead.”
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
ABOVE: Teacher Victoria Buterbaugh (left) congratulates a graduate and her family. LEFT: Principal Justin Young hands Xitlaly Medina Orozco her diploma.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
ABOVE: Teacher Dawn Delorifice hugs Pablo Ruiz. RIGHT: Brianna Vazquez’s family celebrates her graduation. BELOW: Alicia Steltz’s family has big smiles for her after the graduation ceremony.
CRA
Winters High School celebrates graduates at 129th commencement ceremony
Express staff
The 129th commencement ceremony for Winters High School, held May 29 at Dr. Sellers Field, marked a heartfelt celebration of resilience, community and future promise as 107 students graduated as the Class of 2025.
The event drew families, faculty, staff, and community members, who gathered to celebrate the academic and personal achievements of the graduating class. School and district leaders, student representatives, and a school board trustee addressed the graduates, offering reflections on their accomplishments and aspirations for the future.
Principal Justin Young opened the ceremony by commending the graduates for their perseverance and growth, particularly in light of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic at the outset of their high school experience. He applauded the wide-ranging accomplishments of the Class of 2025 — from academic excellence to artistic and athletic achievements — and spotlighted the diversity of their post-graduation paths.
“We have over 100 students who are graduating. Class of 2025, you have achieved, and are continuing to achieve, incredible things,” Young said. “From FFA competitions, AVID Shark Tank State, athletic championships, world robotics tournaments, to supporting younger students and completing capstone projects — your resiliency and success have led you here.”
Young recognized students planning to attend institutions such as Solano Community College, Woodland Community College, Sacramento City College, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, Cornell, Montana State, University of Oregon, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, as well as those entering the military, trade programs or taking gap years.
“Be confident and know that you’ve grown as communicators, collaborators, critical thinkers, creators, and culturally aware individuals,” he said. “We need your voice, your vision and
your bravery in this world.”
Young closed his remarks with a quote from Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Ange Postecoglou: “Be brave, and I’ll back you 1,000 percent.”
Class president address
Young introduced the Class of 2025 President Jayleana Jimenez, commending her for her leadership on senior parking advocacy and describing her as “a true leader.”
Jimenez reflected on the class’s unique journey, beginning in the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We began this journey under some of the most uncertain and strange circumstances,” she said. “We adapted through masks, hybrid schedules and a lot of moments that made us question how this would all work out. But here we are.”
She emphasized the deep relationships formed along the way.
“We gained friendships, lost them, and found our real people — the ones who lifted us, stood by us, and helped us grow,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez spoke candidly and humorously about school memories and mishaps, including Powder Puff football and pep rally antics. She also remembered classmates Michael Bazan-Jimenez and Noah Lichwa who died in June 2022.
never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
Trustee address
Young then introduced Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees member Carrie Green, who is also the parent of graduate Hayden Green.
“As a school board member for the last 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing many milestones in our district,” Green said. “But tonight is particularly
“You did it — four years of hard work, perseverance and Googling things you were absolutely supposed to already know.” Andrea Hurst, teacher
“To know them was a gift,” she said. “I am lucky enough to have had the privilege of knowing them both, to laugh and to smile with them.”
She thanked teachers for their dedication and singled out her mother in a moving tribute.
“You showed me love in its most selfless and pure form,” she said. “I don’t know if she ever realized that the person I most wanted to be was her.”
Jimenez closed with a quote often attributed to Dr. Seuss: “Sometimes you
special — for our community, for our families, and for me personally.”
She reflected on the strength of the Winters community. “It’s a place where teachers become lifelong mentors, where friendships run deep, and where the sense of belonging never fades,” she said.
“You may not fully realize it now, but one day you’ll look back and see how valuable this foundation has been.”
Green encouraged students to value connection in a digital world. “In a
world where technology isolates us, remember that real connections matter. Stay close to your family. Keep in touch with your friends. And never forget that no matter where life takes you, you will always have a cheering section here in Winters.”
Faculty address
This year’s staff address was delivered by Andrea Hurst, a WHS teacher, senior class advisor and parent of graduate Riley Hurst.
“You did it — four years of hard work, perseverance and Googling things you were absolutely supposed to already know,” she told students. “Nobody has it all figured out. We’re all just walking around pretending to be adults.”
Hurst offered three pieces of advice. “First, say thank you — to your parents, your teachers, your best friend. You’d be surprised how far a simple thank you can go,” she said.
“Second: Life is only as fun as you make it. You can chase money, status, followers — whatever you want — but if you’re not enjoying the ride, what’s the point? Third: Take risks. Swing for the fence. Laugh at yourself. Put yourself out there,” Hurst said.
She then surprised the audience with a rap set to the tune of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, highlighting memorable moments and the unique spirit
of the class.
“You walked through these doors back in ’21 — you came, you conquered. But you’re not done. So go take on the world and show your flair. Don’t forget where you started — Winters, right here,” Hurst rhymed.
Superintendent’s address
Superintendent Rody Boonchouy concluded the ceremony by reflecting on insights shared by students in recent conversations.
“One student told me: ‘I look back on my highs and lows — they came and went, and more will come and go — but each one brought me to this moment and made me who I am,’” Boonchouy shared. “That wisdom is inspiring.”
He reminded the graduates that their success was built not only on their own effort but also on the love and support of their families, educators, and the Winters community.
“Graduates, let me ask you to recognize and give it up for the people that are here for you tonight,” Boonchouy said. He then certified the Class of 2025 as having officially met the requirements for graduation, prompting a standing ovation.
With the class officially certified, the graduates stood tall, turned their tassels and walked out onto the field to welcome their friends and family.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
ABOVE: Ethen Gordon (center) walks across the field to “Pomp and Circumstance” at the start of the Winters High School commencement ceremony. RIGHT: Amellali Balderrama’s family celebrates her graduation following the ceremony.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Winters High School teacher Andrea Hurst (far left) energizes the crowd with a playful rap about the Class of 2025’s educational journey, set to the theme of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” as students and the audience cheer and groove along.
Winters High School
Angel Alaniz Gonzalez
Joselyn Alfaro
Emmanuel Bermudez
Jeanie Collins II
Pablo
Raymond Disney
Benjamin Elliott
Nathen Figueroa
Nohea Goforth
Leonardo Lopez Graduates not
Derrick Collins III
Jose Gonzalez Sanchez
Jonathan Guerrero
Jonathan Gonzalez
Kyla Harris
Vertti Honkavaara
London Johnson
Estrella Loera Medina
Riley Hurst Samuel McCrary
Chloe Ballard
Garrett Driver Yalitza Luna Gutierrez Sofia Bernal-Valadez
Diana Sanchez Acevedo Angel Barraza Martinez
Isaac Lopez Karen Covarrubias Lopez Gabriela Garcia Sofia Diaz Magdaleno
Kendra Cabrera Ahtzire Figueroa Mahalia Lanfranco
Jordan Wojan Julian Herrera
Jordan Tucker
Amielee McClymonds Alison Gamboa
Serena Husted
Lizania Gamboa Sariah Soriano Evelyn Frazier
Winters High School
Graduates - We Salute You!
Luzangely Martin Dylan Neal
Ethen Gordon Riley Cramer Ava Cassidy McPherson Eden Miller
Miles Mariani Mikaila Anello Celeste Reyes-Reyes Melissa Mora
Evelynn Magana Jose Lopez Gutierrez
Alexia Aceves Allison Aguiar Gabriel Jimenez Mason Stoops
L-R: Prestlie Hagar, Raelynn Hagar, Taylor Hagar, Madi Gordon, Tyler Gordon, Amy Pearce, Jim Pearce
Sebastian Rodriguez Elin Dober Trevor Grinbergs Boston Jones Jack Felsen Brianna Baugh
Aydarri Seth Daniel Sanchez Martinez Jesse Madsen Robert Maggenti Jr. Guadalupe Lopez Alexandria Duran
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025
Dear Class of 2025,
Congratulations on your remarkable achievements! You have exemplified our Graduate Profile competencies of Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Cultural Awareness, and Community Engagement. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have truly shone through your actions, words, and accomplishments. As you step into the future, continue to apply these skills to make a positive impact on the world. We are incredibly proud of you!
The Winters JUSD Family
To Our Wonderful Sta ,
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and hard work in support of our students and families throughout the 2024-2025 school year. Your commitment and care have made a profound di erence in our community. We appreciate all you do.
The Winters JUSD Leadership Team
Winters High School
Dr. Taylor Langdon, DC specializes in family, prenatal, sports, and animal chiropractic. Dr. Taylor is Webster technique certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) to treat pregnant women. Dr. Taylor received her animal chiropractic certification through the Animal Chiropractic Education Source (ACES). She treats small animals in her office and commutes to barns for large animals. Her mission is to provide quality chiropractic care to all people and animals in each stage of life.
Amellali Balderrama Aimee Reyes Del Toro Hayden Green Ava McDowell Jacquelin Martinez Ramirez Jayden Ariza
Ethan Hook Daniel-Scott Fuller Ulises Reyes
Demetrius Spinetti Jean Arredondo Reyes Meghan McDowell
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
ABOVE: Winters Middle School students celebrate the graduates as they walk around the school. LEFT: Class of 2025 President Jayleana Jimenez addresses her classmates.
Winters High School
Principal’s Note
Students, you have achieved — and continue to achieve — incredible things: from FFA competitions and state athletic championships to cooking delicious meals, competing in world robotics tournaments, earning 5s on AP exams, supporting younger students, completing Capstone projects, and so much more. Your resilience and determination have brought you to this moment.
Members of the Class of 2025, you are headed in many exciting directions — Solano Community College, Woodland Community College, Sacramento City College, UC Davis, UC
Santa Barbara, Cornell, Montana State, the University of Oregon, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the U.S. Air Force, trade programs and schools for welding, electrical work, and auto mechanics, and some are taking gap years to explore the world and themselves.
One of my favorite moments this year happened last Friday. AVID and Mrs. Williams organized a wonderful Signing Day, where students posed for photos proudly sharing their plans for next year and beyond — from trade schools and military service to colleges and universities. It was an inspiring celebration of your diverse paths forward.
As you enter your next chapter, carry with you the
strength, growth, and experiences that have shaped you. The Winters JUSD Graduate Profile is more than a checklist — it reflects who you’ve become, and achieving it has been our shared goal. You’ve grown into strong communicators, collaborators, critical thinkers, creators, culturally aware individuals, and engaged members of your communities.
No matter where life takes you next — college, career, service, trades, travel, or a path uniquely your own — these are the qualities that will help you thrive and make a lasting impact.
Now, as many of you know, I like to incorporate both the Graduate Profile and my soccer team, Tottenham Hotspur, into my messages. I’ve spoken to the Graduate Profile already — but I’ll
admit, it was harder this year to find a genuine way to include Tottenham. Maybe that’s because, after 17 long years, we finally won a trophy… but I digress.
I’ll leave you with a short quote from Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s current manager. He told his team: “Be brave, and I’ll back you 1,000 percent.”
So, students: Be brave. Be
resilient. We are proud of you. We believe in you. We can’t wait to see where you go next. The world needs your voice, your vision, and your courage. You have what it takes to succeed — and know that your Winters JUSD family will always be here, cheering you on. Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Samuel Reina Daniel Tejeda
Matix Sakoi
Madeline Archibeque Gracie Ybarra
Justin Young Winters High School Administrator
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Principal Justin Young addresses the Class of 2025 during the commencement ceremony.
Heredia is intimately aware of how painful this loss was on their friends and classmates, but she also described how the Class of 2025 carried the memories of these two with them through the rest of high school.
“Their peers think of them and speak of them often,” Heredia said. “They coped with the loss by honoring them however they could – dedicating a championship season to them, completing fundraisers in their honor for their scholarship,” as well as dedicating two Capstone projects to Michael and Noah’s scholarship fund.
“These students took something that was heartbreaking and devastating for them and took it and made it into something that can pay honor to Michael and Noah,” Heredia said.
Hurst also spoke proudly of how the Class of 2025 came together to support each other through this tragic period.
“They did not allow adversity to define their experience,” she noted. “They showed up for each other, created safe spaces to share, and turned challenges into opportunities for growth. They remember their classmates in all they do and honor them any chance they get.”
“In short, the Class of 2025 met every challenge with empathy, strength, and determination. Their ability to persevere and lift each other up is what makes them truly special,” Hurst said.
Through all these challenges, the Class of 2025 indeed found opportunities to grow, achieve, and excel together, culminating in a year of new and special successes.
Wade expounded on the accomplishments of Wolfskill CRA’s Class of 2025, describing his pride for the hard work of this year’s class.
“The highlight of the year was watching so many students make the right choices, enjoy their schoolwork and field trips, and celebrate nine graduates,” Wade said. “This year we took meaningful field trips to Solano Community College Main Campus and Library, to PG&E Winters Facility, to UC Davis Shrem Art Museum, and to the UC Davis Mondavi Performing Arts Center where we saw Japanese drumming. We also had a total of six students celebrated as Rising Star, Shining Star and Super Star – once per semester.”
Students in WHS and Wolfskill CRA set and surpassed a great many goals during their time, Young highlighted.
“Whether it is a student being a National Merit
“Their ability to persevere and lift each other up is what makes them truly special.”
Andrea Hurst, teacher
Scholar, winning the section football and soccer championships, competing in the VEX Robotics World Championships, taking six dually enrolled courses with WHS and Woodland Community College, our students have accomplished it,” he said.
“At Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy,” Young continued, “our staff have created so many meaningful opportunities to prepare our students for now and the future including mentorships, collaboration with Tree Davis, participating in job interviews and career fairs, dually enrolling in community college courses, touring our local community colleges, and so much more. Our students have demonstrated how they have fulfilled our Graduate Profile through these opportunities and so much more.”
Hurst expounded on how this class met and exceeded a number of milestones this year, including both academic and athletic, as well as personal and emotional.
“Academically, this class has also set a high bar. We’ve celebrated record numbers of students receiving college acceptances, scholarships, and honors. Several seniors were recognized at regional and state levels for achievements in robotics, the arts, athletics and FFA,” she said.
But outside of the metrics of classrooms and athletic arenas, Hurst em-
phasized the growth and achievements the Class of 2025 made as leaders and friends.
“One of the biggest highlights has been the remarkable sense of unity and leadership our seniors have demonstrated throughout the year. From the very beginning, they embraced their role as school leaders with enthusiasm, compassion, and maturity. Their ability to bring the student body together — whether during spirit weeks, pep rallies, or community service drives — was truly inspiring,” Hurst said.
Heredia further accentuated the athletic achievements of this year’s class, noting the football team had an undefeated league record, our baseball team will play for the championship tomorrow, and the
“The highlight of the year was watching so many students make the right choices, enjoy their schoolwork and field trips, and celebrate nine graduates.”
softball team made it to a playoff game this year.
“Girls and boys basketball had great seasons and we had our first-ever golf team this year,” Heredia said.
The future holds a diverse array of paths for this year’s graduates, proving their ability to adapt to a world embroiled in uncertainty and transition, and still find a way to succeed.
“Students have a variety of plans,” Wade said of CRA graduates. “These include
studying at Woodland Community College, working at Wal-Mart in Dixon, raising a child, taking care of their mental health, celebrating life with friends and family, and attending college and law school.”
Hurst, for her part, expressed shining confidence in the Class of 2025.
“Whether they’re heading to college, entering the workforce, joining the military, or taking time to
See CLASS, Page 13
CLASS Continued from Page 1
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
ABOVE: Winters High School graduates complete their Senior Walk by returning to the halls of WHS, greeted with cheers from their fellow Warriors. BELOW: Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy graduates process to “Pomp and Circumstance” during their commencement ceremony.
Winters High School graduates revisit Shirley Rominger Intermediate School on their Senior Walk.
Crystal Apilado/ Winters Express
Greg Wade, teacher
WHS 2025 scholarship recipients
Figueroa ($1,000)
Express staff
Some Winters High School seniors were awarded scholarships at the annual Senior Awards Night and the Commencement Event.
• Adam Davis Memorial: Daniel Tejeda ($1,500)
• Beta Alpha Beta: Riley Hurst ($1,000)
• Burns-Bellhorn: Daniel Tejeda ($1,300)
• Doug Baldridge Memorial: Sebastian Rodriguez ($500)
• Friends of Winters FFA: Allison Aguiar, Riley Hurst, Guadalupe Lopez, Jacquelin Martinez Ramirez, Eden Miller
• Fortnightly Club of Winters: Ahtzire Figueroa, Riley Hurst ($1,000 each)
• George & Margery Kresa Memorial: Luzangely Martin ($1,000)
• Mariani Nut Company: Allison Aguiar, Yalitza Luna Gutierrez, Luzangely Martin, Kendra Cabrera, Israel Lopez, Amellali Balderrama, Jose Gonzalez, Jacquelin Martinez Ramirez, Miles Mariani ($1,000 for community college/$2,400 for UC/CSU).
• McMahon Graf: Allison Aguiar ($2,500)
Continued from Page 12
explore their paths, they’re carrying with them a strong sense of identity, integrity, and drive. This is a class of change-makers with a strong sense of community,” she said.
This conviction for the Class of 2025 was shared by their principal, with Young saying, “the future is incredibly bright for them all!”
“We (have) students attending community college, trade school, enlisting in the military, four-year universities, Ivy Leagues, going into the workforce and so much more. They are going to do incredible things as a result of their accomplishments and success here. We are thrilled and inspired to see their success,” Young said.
Heredia acknowledged that the road ahead of this class may have difficulties on it, but that they have the tools to find success and happiness through it all.
“I think the future for the class of 2025 will hold some great opportunities,” she said noting the changes occurring to the workplaces and digital landscapes we once knew that graduates would have to
contend with.
“AI is transforming various industries and I think that our students should take the opportunities offered to them to help prepare them for a field of work where AI-driven tools are integral to fields like healthcare and entertainment,” Heredia said.
With seemingly daily changes to the old assumptions of finding a job, Heredia was encouraged by the adaptability of this year’s graduates.
“I think this generation of students is reconsidering a ‘traditional’ four-year college path due to rising costs and job market uncertainties. I would love to see all educators and adults support students who are looking to pursue blue-collar and trade professions that can offer stable and rewarding career paths,” Heredia said.
As the halls and classrooms of WHS and Wolfskill CRA release with pride another year of excellent students into a wide and open world, those who helped them along but now stay behind reflect on the future of these students, and of those coming to replace them.
Wade expressed excitement for the future of Wolfskill CRA
students.
“The newest version of Wolfskill CRA – now situated on the WHS campus in a two-classroom model – is the best ever. Students are well-behaved, engaged and learning. We are proud of them and the community can be as well. Hats off to CRA grads,” Wade said.
Young extended the congratulations of himself and the whole of WHS and Wolfskill CRA staff to the outgoing class.
“We are so proud of the Class of 2025, go Warriors and Howlers,” Young said.
Hurst concluded with the bittersweet hope of anyone lucky enough to watch young people grow and meet their potential, even if it takes them away from where they began.
“I hope we see that their future takes them on amazing adventures but they return to our great community as adults ready to give back to this wonderful town who invests so much in the youth. My dream would be that they are future Youth Day committee members, PTA presidents, Little League coaches and city council members. This class will do great things,” Hurst said.
• Native Daughters of the Golden West: Luzangely Martin ($500)
• Nick McClellan “Mr. Mac” Memorial: Garret Driver, Val Soriano ($500 each) Noah Lichwa MemoriJacquelin Martinez Ramirez, Jordan Wojan, Riley Cramer, Riley Hurst, Yalitza Luna Gutierrez ($1,000 each)
• Michael Bazan-Jimenez Memorial: Jaylee Jimenez ($2,000); Riley Hurst, Yalitza Luna Gutierrez ($1,000 each); Luzangely Martin, Jacquelin Martinez Ramirez, Jeanie Collins, Jordan Wojan ($500 each)
• Progress View Farms: Guadalupe Lopez ($2,000)
• St. Anthony’s Altar Society: Riley Hurst
• William J. Green Memorial Scholarship: Miles Mariani
• Winters Music Boosters: Meghan McDowell ($500)
• Winters Robotics: Madeline Archibeque, Jack Felsen, Miles Mariani
• Winters Youth Day: Riley Hurst, Serena Husted, Luzangely Martin, Eden Miller ($1,000 each)
• Woodland Elks Lodge: Riley Hurst ($1,500)
• Yolo County Concilio: Allison Aguiar, Sebastian Rodriguez
• Anonymous: Riley Hurst ($1,000), Jordan Tucker; Sebastian Valadez, Luzangely Martin ($500 each)
• California Almond Board: Allison Aguiar ($3,500)
• Blue Diamond Almond Growers: Alli Aguiar ($5,000)
• Cal Poly: Allison Aguiar ($4,500)
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
ABOVE: High school counselor Marcella Heredia reflects on graduate Alicia Steltz’s educational journey during the Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy ceremony. ABOVE
RIGHT: Graduates’ were celebrated at the Wolfskill CRA graduation ceremony with all the bells and whistles from staff, their family and the community.
A legacy of impact: In-memoriam of Noah Lichwa and Michael Bazan-Jimenez
The 2025 Winters High School graduation ceremony began not with cheers, but with a solemn and heartfelt remembrance. Before celebrating academic milestones, the school community paused to honor the lives of Michael Bazan-Jimenez and Noah Lichwa — two beloved classmates who died in an ATV accident in June 2022.
Principal Justin Young addressed the crowd with heartfelt gratitude — and a call to remember two members of the graduating class whose absence was deeply felt.
“Before we begin the ceremony and celebration, we’re gonna call up two individuals who will honor the loving memories of Michael and Noah, whose lives were tragically cut too short,” said Young.
Noah Lichwa
Senior Nohea Goforth stood before the crowd, her voice steady with emotion, to pay tribute to her close friend Noah Lichwa.
“Noah was filled with so much life and joy and sharing it openly with others truly knew Noah was to love him,” Goforth
said. “He was the type of boy to walk you home late at night just to be sure you got home safe, the first person to laugh at a joke no matter how unfunny was. Noah passed away before he truly got to grow up. But knowing him, I know he would be proud of each and every one of us.”
She recalled advice from Lichwa that has stayed with her.
“Noah told me it’s only going to be as fun as you make it, and I believe that’s something he would want me to share with the rest of you, because truly, I hope that you guys understand for the rest of your life is only going to be as fun as you make it. Noah lived his life to the fullest. He always wanted to be a part of everything, and showed up to every event,” Goforth said. June 9, 2022 — Goforth reflected — was a day of unimaginable loss.
“I can’t help but to think how lucky we are to have loved someone so much that we will endure this in them for their entire lives. That is the impact that Noah and Michael have left on us. We all live in honor of them, whether it is by wearing the bracelets we made for
them, or just showing up here today. I thank you all for helping me keep Noah’s life spirit alive,” Goforth said.
Michael BazanJimenez
Winters High School Athletic Director, teacher and varsity football coach Daniel Ward shared reflections on Michael Bazan-Jimenez.
“In preparation for tonight, I asked Michael’s family and friends to describe what made him so
special, their responses were unified and consistent. Michael had the best sense of humor. Always found a way to make you laugh no matter what your circumstances were. Michael had this amazing smile. It may have looked a little mischievous, but it could light up any room that he walked into,” Ward said. “Michael was extremely charismatic, but not the loud or flashy type. It was real. It was the kind that made it feel,
see, valued and understood. Lastly, Michael had that rare ability to bring out the best and those around him… That was Michael. He was the definition of loyal.”
His character and legacy shaped more than friendships — they shaped a culture.
“We play for them became more than just a slogan. It became our way of life,” Ward said. “It not only motivated us on the field, but it transformed our thought process in ev-
erything we did… Our MVPs were Michael and Noah because they were the reason we came together. They were the glue, the spark, the heartbeat of our brotherhood,” Ward said. He concluded with a lasting reminder of their impact.
“Michael’s legacy is not just a memory. It is a movement… Michael and Noah, we played for you. We won for you, and now we live for you,” said Ward.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Two chairs were placed in memoriam of Michael Bazan-Jimenez and Noah Lichwa among the student section at the May 29 commencement ceremony, recognizing them as honorary graduates of the Winters High School Class of 2025.
Four Winters High students earn valedictorian honors
At the Winters High School
commence-
ment ceremony held at Dr. Seller’s Field on Thursday, May 29, four students were named as the valedictorians for the Class of 2025.
Recognized for their exceptional academic achievements, Allison Aguiar, Jack Felsen, Ahtzire Figueroa and Miles Mariani were celebrated as the students with the highest cumulative grade point averages over their high school careers.
Principal Justin Young introduced the honorees, acknowledging their rigorous academic paths and wide-ranging involvement in campus life.
“Congratulations. Your hard work has paid off,” said Young during the ceremony.
“You pushed yourself to the limits, often taking three or four AP classes a year, that’s incredible. Not only are they strong academic students, but they also represent our schools as leaders in so many ways, including in athletics, FFA, robotics and so much more.”
The four graduates are heading to prestigious institutions: Aguiar will study agricultural communications at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; Felsen will major in biochemical engineering at UC Davis; Figueroa will attend UC Santa Barbara to pursue chemistry; and Mariani is bound for Cornell University, where he will major in agricultural business.
Allison Aguiar
Aguiar opened her speech with humor and sincerity, noting, “I am honored to be one of your top four academic students. And I am even more honored that you gave me a stage and a mic.
Because anyone that knows me, you know that’s all I’ve ever wanted in life.”
In a speech rich with reflection, Aguiar found that her most cherished memories weren’t monumental events, but everyday
moments like inside jokes in class, bus rides filled with conversation and smiles exchanged in hallways.
“I am excited, but I’m also grateful that I have something I’ve loved enough to miss,” Aguiar said. “While the unknown is scary, it’s the only place you can truly learn anything.”
She ended her remarks with gratitude for her parents, teachers, and friends — and a quote from her favorite artist, Taylor Swift: “You’ve got no reason to be afraid. You’re on your own, kid.”
Jack Felsen
Felsen began with a word of thanks to the educators and mentors who guided the Class of 2025 through their high school years.
“First off, I’d like to thank all of our teachers for this year. You’ve guided us, put up with us for the last four years, which is honestly an accomplishment of its own,” he said.
He spoke fondly of the Winters Robotics Club and its mentor, teacher Dianne Halsey, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to explore a shared passion over the last three years.
“It’s not just because our school facility is nice or because they started serving tri-tip sandwiches on Thursdays, but it’s because of everybody — teachers, students, friends, classmates—just the entire community coming together to make something better, ” Felsen said reflecting on what made Winters special.
He concluded by thanking his family, especially his mother, who kept the news of his valedictorian honor a surprise. “I’m really grateful for everything that you guys have done for me,” he said. “Best of luck to everybody out here. I hope you guys enjoy whatever is coming for you.”
Ahtzire Figueroa
Figueroa took an insightful, personal
approach in her address, highlighting the often-overlooked moments that shaped her high school experience.
“To me, it’s the ordinary in-between moments that ended up meaning the most, the moments that didn’t get posted or announced, but somehow stuck with them. They’re the quiet reminders of who we were and how we grew together,” Figueroa said.
She offered heartfelt thanks to classmates, teachers, and especially her family.
“To my family, thank you for sticking with me through all of the tears, the endless complaints and every moment where I was basically a ball of stress. You kept me grounded when I was most overwhelmed,” she said.
From late-night FaceTimes to rally games and school dances, Figueroa reflected on the spirit of connection that defined her high school years. “As you leave here tonight, I hope something small sticks with you — a memory, a face, a feeling — something that reminds you not just of where you’ve been, but how far you’ve come.”
She ended with her senior quote by Adele: “Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste.”
Miles Mariani Mariani offered a thoughtful perspective on resilience and growth, underscoring the strength of the Class of 2025. “We’ve all taken different paths to get here, but tonight we celebrate the same accomplishment. High school tested all of us in a lot of ways, but we showed up, we adapted and we got
through it. That says a lot about who we are and who we’re becoming,” Mariani said. Mariani extended deep gratitude to his family, especially his parents.
“You supported me through everything — the good days, the stressful ones and the moments where I didn’t exactly make it easy. You’ve always shown up for me, and the example you set means more than I can say,” he said.
To his siblings, he added, “You’ve been a bigger part of this journey than you probably realize, and I’m lucky to have both of you in my life.” He also thanked his teachers and coaches, noting their lasting impact. “You’ve challenged us to grow, pushed us to work harder, and showed us how to keep going when things got tough.”
Quoting Denzel Washington, Mariani encouraged his classmates to dream boldly: “Don’t be afraid to fail big, to dream big. But remember, dreams without goals are just dreams.”
Courtesy photo
Allison Aguiar, Ahtzire Figueroa, Jack Felsen and Miles Mariani were named as the Class of 2025 valedictorians for their exceptional academic achievements in high school.
