This is one more in the continuing series of articles offered by the Winters Climate Action Commission to inform the community about what we can do to actualize the goals of the Winters Climate Action Plan for reducing our carbon footprint.
Of primary interest is that this is Bike Month. Vehicle transportation is the greatest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and using alternative transportation, for example, bicycles, walking, and public transportation are the most impactful things
The Climate in Town
we can do to make a difference. We are fortunate to live in a city where a bicycle can get us just about anywhere we need to go in less than 10 minutes while affording us the opportunity to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and avoid parking hassles. For longer trips we have the BeeLine on-demand rideshare bus service that can take us to Vacaville and Davis.
Next week is Bike Week in Winters and there are three events planned to encourage bicycle use: Wednesday, May 7,
Special to the Express
Winters Theatre Company is excited to announce auditions for its upcoming production of “Murder on the Nile,” the classic murder mystery by Agatha Christie.
Audition details
Pre-registration is required for the following audition dates:
• Sunday, May 18, at 7 p.m.
• Monday, May 19, at 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 20, at 7 p.m.
To secure an audition slot, actors must email a headshot, resume, schedule conflicts and preferred audition date(s) to Shane.Robert349@gmail.com.
Include “MOTN Audition Registration” in the subject line.
The deadline to register is May
12 to 1:20 p.m.: Bicycle Rodeo at the Winters Middle School
Thursday, May 8, 3 to 4 p.m.: Bike Rodeo and raffle at Waggoner Elementary
Friday, May 9, 5 to 8 p.m.: Main Street event that includes a “Whimcycle” bike display and demonstration, a raffle with prizes, and a bike giveaway
Several bikes have been donated by the Winters Police Department and Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar Curry, which will be given away. A bike tune-up service will also be available at these events. If you
See CLIMATE, Page 3
17 by 5 p.m.
Once registered, auditionees will receive an audition form and script sides. Please print and bring the completed form to your audition.
How to prepare
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
The following roles require a memorized monologue (to be sent upon registration): Canon Pennefather, Simon Mostyn and Jacqueline de Severac
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this thrilling, character-driven mystery set aboard a steamer on the Nile River.
For more information, contact Shane Robert at Shane.Robert349@gmail.com.
FREE BASIC BIKE REPAIR
Register for Shakespeare Workshop
By Denise Cottrell, Special to
the Express
From slapstick to heartbreak accompanied with mistaken identify set in the the roaring 20s, teens and pre-teens can do it all this summer in Winters Friends of the Library’s 5-week summer acting camp, Winters Shakespeare Workshop.
In a five-week intensive acting camp for teen actors 13 to 19 years old and dancers ages 8 to 12, participants will create and present a free public production of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” for the Winters community.
Actors will meet Sunday to Thursday evenings, June 15 to July 19, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Winters Community Park. Dancers will rehearse Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m. for the first four weeks, and then jump
into the full rehearsal schedule in Week 5 when the live band and dancers join the actors to shape the complete production.
The free public performances of “The Comedy of Errors” are July 18 and 19, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. on the Winters Park Playground Stage.
WSW is free to students enrolled in the Winters Joint Unified School District, thanks to a generous grant from the Win-
ters JUSD Extended Learning Opportunity Program. For teens and preteens not enrolled in Winters JUSD, the fee for this summer’s workshop/ production is $300 for actors and $100 for the dance team. Scholarships are available upon request.
Learn more about this very special workshop here and sign up online at wfol. org. For information, call 530-204-7601.
Winters Museum features local artist
Special to the Express
The Winters Museum will feature art by local artist Rodolfo Orihuela during the Second Saturday Winters Art Stroll.
Orihuela’s artworks will be on display from May 8 to 10, during the from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission to the museum is free.
Orihuela was born in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States in 1975. In his youth, Orihuela studied art at the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes in Cuernavaca under the tutelage of Professor Guillermo Monroy, one of Frida Kahlo’s as-
sistants. He earned his bachelor’s degree and bilingual education credential from the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Orihuela, his wife Kathy and their children moved to Sacramento in 1986. In 2010, he retired from C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento, where he taught Spanish for 18 years. In his retirement, Orihuela took the time to return to his passion as an artist, completing courses at Sacramento City College. Through the years he has been able to hone in on his artistic style, capturing images of landscapes, still images and on occasion a favorite pet.
MEMORIAL DAY FLAGS AND SERVICE
Winters Cemetery District (WCD) is seeking volunteers on Friday, May 23rd, to help place the 500 flags on all veterans’ graves. Please report to the Center Building at 9:00 AM sharp with a screwdriver (the tool...not the drink) for your instructions. Please don’t be late!
The WCD is inviting the community to participate in our Memorial Day service commencing at 1:30 PM on Friday, May 26th. We will honor the 26 veterans killed in action, as well as the remaining 474 veterans buried here. Veterans and their spouses or partners are invited and encouraged to sit in the special seating, right of the podium under the canopy.
WTC hosts auditions for ‘Murder on the Nile’
Courtesy photo
Some of the cast and crew members rehearse from last summer’s Winters Shakespeare Workshop production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
are looking to clear out the collection of unused bikes in your garage, please bring them!
Some may remember when the Tour of California bike race passed through. I wore the T-shirt Cody’s had printed until it was relegated to the rag bin. An even more exciting event is coming to town. It is a criterium featuring highly skilled amateur and semipro riders that is planned for Saturday, Aug. 23. The race will take place on a three-block loop that includes Main Street, Elliot, Abbey and Second Street.
Ten individual races featuring different classes of riders
will begin at 8 a.m. and finish at 4:30 p.m. The race will offer observers lots of thrills as the cyclists take turns at breakneck speed. More information will become available as the date approaches.
Climate Action Commission members, council members, and city staff will be supporting these events. The Climate Action Commission is also engaged in updating the Bikeway Master Plan with an emphasis on ensuring safe bike routes to and from the schools. Input from community members is always welcome at our regular meetings that are held at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month in the conference room on the Abbey Street side of City Hall.
Final call for 2025 Elder Day nominations
Special to the Express
The Winters Elder Day Council is issuing a final call for nominations of exceptional elder adults residing in the city of Winters to be honored at the annual Elder Day celebration. Nominations are due Friday, May 16, and this is your chance to recognize a remarkable individual who is 90 years old or older — or will be by Dec. 31. Each year, Elder Day offers our community a meaningful opportunity to publicly applaud the lives and contributions of elder residents, many of whom have shaped the fabric of our city with wisdom, service, and love.
From World War II veterans and pioneering architects to cherished parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, these honorees share vibrant personal histories and lifelong commitments to their families and neighbors.
The Winters Elder Day 2025 event will be on Saturday, July 5, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall (511 Main St.). The free community event welcomes all residents to hear compelling stories and historical insights directly
from the honorees — creating a powerful intergenerational experience.
“Our elders are the living roots of our community,” said Wally Pearce of the Winters Elder Day Council.
One past honoree shared, “I was a tomboy growing up — and at 96, I still am!” Others have included a B-17 pilot, a U.S. Congressman, and people with dozens of great-grandchildren.
This year, Winters Elder Day board member Cheryl Sandoval will coordinate interviews with honorees. She will reach out to nominees and families via email, sandocheryl@gmail. com, to help capture and share their inspiring stories.
In addition, the Winters Elder Day Council is seeking volunteers to assist with setup and cleanup on the day of the event. If you’d like to lend a hand and be part of this uplifting community celebration, call 707-2497975 for more details on how you can help. Submit nominations to Pearce at 707-249-7975 or denropro@gmail.com. For Spanish-speaking residents, contact Ramon Altamirano at 916-600-6707 or ramon.altamirano@aol.com.
Eventos hispanos
Funcionarios abordan desalojo de campamentos a lo largo del arroyo Putah Creek
Por Jacob Hoffman Traducido por Carol Alfonso
Funcionarios de Winters analizaron la importancia de la vigilancia de los campamentos en el arroyo de Putah Creek, cómo se implementan las medidas de desalojo en la práctica y qué medidas busca la ciudad para abordar el problema de las personas sin hogar. El administrador municipal, Jeremy Craig, el jefe de policía, John P. Miller, y la concejal Carol Scianna ofrecen información sobre el team.
Un dato importante es que, dado a que ambas orillas del arroyo Putah Creek se extienden entre los condados de Yolo y Solano, Winters requiere el apoyo de los funcionarios de ambos condados para garantizar el desalojo de campamentos.
Scianna explicó que, a menudo, estas medidas se llevan a cabo en la orilla del Condado Solano.
“La mayoría de ellas se realizan en la orilla del arroyo en el lado de Solano, por lo que el equipo de extensión del sheriff del Condado Solano notifica a los campistas que realizarán una redada un par de días antes de que lleguen las obras públicas,” explicó Scianna.
Craig añadió que estos esfuerzos conjuntos se llevan a cabo desde hace tiempo.
“La ciudad se ha asociado con los condados Yolo y Solano, y se han realizado múltiples redadas en los últimos ocho meses,” dijo Craig.
Miller agregó, “Intentamos coordinar con el Sheriff del Condado Solano cuando realizan la limpieza, ya que esto suele reubicar los problemas en nuestro lado y vice-versa.”
Respecto a cómo se implementan estas limpiezas en la práctica, Craig detalló el
proceso que siguen los funcionarios de la ciudad y el condado para hacerlas cumplir. “Una limpieza típica implica un aviso enviado a cada una de las áreas de campamento, especificando una fecha futura en la que sus artículos deben ser retirados,” dijo Craig. “De no hacerlo, se procederá a su retiro. Esto suele ocurrir aproximadamente una semana antes de cualquier acción real. El día de la limpieza, la oficina del sheriff correspondiente se coordina con el Departamento de Policía de Winters y Obras Públicas para realizar la retirada de los artículos, si es necesario. Generalmente, cuentan con personal de Salud y Servicios Humanos para identificar las necesidades y brindar servicios, si los campistas están dispuestos a aceptarlos. Todos los artículos recolectados se almacenan en el depósito de obras públicas durante un tiempo antes de su eliminación.”
Los funcionarios señalaron que estos campamentos suelen albergar a varias personas que regresan regularmente tras desalojos forzados tras rechazar los servicios ofrecidos por las autoridades locales y del condado. Miller explicó que, durante un desalojo típico, el Departamento de Policía de Winters y los funcionarios del condado “proporcionan información sobre recursos a la población sin hogar, ya que los recursos son limitados en Winters y la mayoría de los servicios se encuentran en comunidades más grandes.”
“La mayoría se niega a buscar servicios,” declaró Miller. Continuó, “La mayoría padece trastornos por consumo de sustancias o problemas de salud mental. La po-
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blación se mantiene históricamente estable, entre 6 y 10 personas sin hogar crónicas. Aunque muchos son residentes habituales desde hace tiempo, existe cierta rotación.”
Miller profundizó en la situación general de la población sin hogar en Winters, señalando que algunas de las personas que acampan allí han estado involucradas en casos anteriores de delitos menores contra la propiedad, violencia doméstica y problemas de drogas. Miller explicó que el Departamento de Policía de Winters ha enfrentado dificultades para aplicar la ley bajo la Proposición 47 de California, la cual describió como un “tornillo.” Sin embargo, expresó su esperanza de que la Proposición 36 tenga un mayor impact. En cuanto a la interacción con la población sin hogar a lo largo del arroyo, Miller afirmó, “Nuestros agentes suelen saber quiénes son y dónde encontrarlos. También nos encargamos de los campamentos en nuestra zona de inmediato, por lo que se les exigirá cuentas en Winters.”
Tanto Craig como Miller expresaron que estas medidas policiales no buscan solucionar el complejo problema de la falta de vivienda, sino que son una medida necesaria de la ciudad para mantener la ac-
cesibilidad del arroyo de Putah Creek y que la zona cumpla con los estándares de salud y seguridad de la ciudad y el condado. Craig explicó la postura de la ciudad, “Es importante reiterar que el objetivo final es identificar las necesidades y que quienes acampan aprovechen los servicios disponibles, en lugar de acampar en las zonas vulnerables del Putah Creek.”
“Sin embargo, debemos asegurarnos de que, si se acampa, abordemos el impacto en la comunidad en relación con la delincuencia, los residuos peligrosos y otros posibles problemas,” concluyó Craig.
“Actualmente no existe una solución viable para la falta de vivienda y Winters no es inmune al problema,” dijo Miller, señalando cómo todo el estado ha realizado esfuerzos mientras el problema no ha hecho más que empeorar. “Es un asunto complejo, controvertido y multifacético. Las fuerzas del orden son solo una pequeña parte del problema de la falta de vivienda y, en absoluto, la solución. En cualquier caso, el Departamento de Policía de Winters se toma el problema en serio, ya que afecta la delincuencia y la calidad de vida en Winters, por lo que abordamos los problemas con las herramientas limitadas a nuestra disposición.”
por 30 dólares.
YESTERYEAR
Picked by Charley Wallace
This school year is about over, but these new teachers were getting ready for students in 1993. At least one is still teaching in Winters. Pictured, from left, (back row) Christopher Novello, high school English; Oakly Risser, high school math; Tom Davis, sixth-grade CORE and PE; Theresa Morales, first-grade bilingual; Clare Bawden, fourth-grade; Jennifer Samuels, middle- and high school music; Tawni Johnson, fifth grade; Heather Merodio, kindergarten; Carol Maki, sixthgrade CORE and newspaper; (front row, from left) Barbara Borzymowski, seventhgrade CORE, yearbook and skills; Greg Barge, high school business; Jennifer Pimentel, first grade; Rosemary Martinez, third-grade bilingual; Shelly Wickwire Carlson, kindergarten; Jill Nevius, kindergarten; and Jennifer Jones, middle school resource specialist.
Lake Berryessa water levels down
The water level of Lake Berryessa was down by 0.30 feet over the past week, decreasing to 5,659 acre-feet of water storage, according to Ken Emigh, with the Solano Irrigation District – Putah Diversion Office. On the morning of Tuesday, May 6, he reported that the lake elevation was 439.73 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,546,199 acre-feet. The SID released 358 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 50 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 242 acre-feet of water per day.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, Robert (Rob) Hyer, who passed away peacefully at home on April 24, 2025, at the age of 56, surrounded by his loving family.
A proud graduate of Winters High School and Woodland Community College, Rob built a life grounded in hard work, deep family bonds, and an unwavering passion for the outdoors. In 1999, he married the love of his life, Sonoma, and together they raised their son, Chase, in a home filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
Rob was a highly skilled and respected heavy equipment operator by profession, but his soul truly belonged to nature —
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vernon Edward Bruhn II, who departed this life on March 10, 2025, at the age of 68. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his children, Charlie and Trissy, after a hardfought illness.
Born on May 15, 1956, Vernon lived a life dedicated to service, hard work, and family. He proudly served with the Winters Fire Department, where his courage and dedication left a lasting impact on his community. He later continued his career with Button Transportation and Mariani Nut.
Vernon was preceded in death by his be-
the woods, the rivers, and the open water.
An avid and accomplished hunter, he took pride in always filling his tags and was honored four times by the Yolo Sportsmen.
However, it was on the water where Rob found his greatest joy.
Whether casting lines in the Sacramento River or navigating the Bay in his beloved boat, Rippin Lips, Rob’s passion for fishing was both contagious and enduring. He lovingly shared that passion with his son, Chase, and with all who had the priv-
ilege of knowing him. Rob is survived by his devoted wife, Sonoma; and his cherished son, Chase; his father, James Hyer Sr.; and his brothers, Jim Hyer Jr. (Lisa) and Dave Hyer (Kim). He is also remembered with love by his nieces and nephews Zach Hyer (Alex), Justin Hyer, Tess Hyer, Miley Hyer and Alex Verruso, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless hunting and fishing companions. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Shirley Carner Hyer.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Willow Oak Hall, 17535 County Road 97, Woodland, CA 95695. We invite all who knew Rob to join us in honoring his memory, sharing stories, and celebrating the extraordinary life he lived.
loved parents, Vera and Vernon C. Bruhn. He is survived by his son, Charlie, and daughter-in-law Katie; his daughter, Trissy, and son-inlaw Corey; and by his cherished grandchildren: Cloie, Maddie, Lily, Brooke, Cole, Rylie, and Nathan, who brought immense joy
to his life. Vernon will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A graveside service to honor and celebrate Vernon’s life will be held on May 16, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Winters Cemetery. Family, friends, and all whose lives he touched are welcome to attend.
To submit an obituary, visit the “Submission Forms” page or hover over “Obituary” for the submission link
Robert (Rob) Hyer
Courtesy photo
Vernon Edward Bruhn II
Courtesy photo
File photo
Express staff
public.
Andres Salazar, owner of Burger Bros food truck, said that he thought the truck was allowed to operate on public property for four hours each day based on the current code. Other food vendors expressed similar beliefs.
“We’ve been operating under the impression that we were doing things in accordance with city law,” Salazar said.
Juan Pablo Lopez, the owner of the Guichos Taqueria food truck, also said that he had believed they were operating by the code. Guichos, when originally permitted by the city, had obtained permission to set up shop on private property at Dollar General. But the management there later changed its mind via the direction of its corporate office. City staff allowed the taco truck to temporarily operate on public property while Lopez looked for a new place on private property to operate, but so far, Guichos has been unable to find a property owner amiable to the idea.
“When this much money and peoples’ livelihoods are involved, there can’t be this kind of miscommunication,” resident Dillan Rivas said in response.
Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi pointed out that brick-and-mortar businesses also have a significant financial investment in their establishments, and noted that another one of the council’s motivations behind the original ordinance was to support downtown brick-and-mortar businesses and protect them from being overlooked in favor of cheaper food from a truck with much lower overhead costs. But
is a Vacaville teacher and a “big” advocate for the environment. “I am here to advocate for Option Three.”
That means “creating spaces on the Waggoner campus beyond what is the minimum and maybe try to maximize more of that space to be a real learning lab like Sonya talked about,” Wildgoose said.
Matt Thomas, a parent, community member and neighbor to Waggoner, said that his two children, who will be attending in
Rivas said that comparing overhead costs isn’t fair when revenue levels are somewhat proportionally different as well, and Araceli Lopez, Juan Lopez’ sister, similarly commented on the subjective nature of a big financial investment.
Several council members said they were less sure about moving forward with the ordinance as it stood that night. Council member Carol Scianna said that she had been uncertain about certain elements of the ordinance from the beginning, but that after the community’s thoughts were shared she was feeling less and less comfortable with the way the ordinance was currently written.
“We set this up assuming there would be private properties available,” Scianna said.
Council member Jesse Loren said she supported continuing the conversation based on the comments heard, and Council member Richard Casavecchia concurred.
“What we have would regulate people out of business,” Casavecchia said. “There’s nowhere for them to go.”
However, Biasi did not support continuing the conversation further due to the lateness of the comments, saying that with this meeting being their fifth public meeting on the topic, and the third city council meeting, the staff time spent on refining the ordinance had already been significant. Although Mayor Albert Vallecillo supported continuing the conversation, he agreed with and expanded on Biasi’s comment about the timing of the commentary, combating the petition’s suggestion that this ordinance
the fall, have led him to be “fully supportive of Option 3.” “I like potentially planting on campus,” Thomas said. “It’s sad to see the Redwoods and the other trees go away, which I get to look at every day,” and that my “kids enjoy watching the birds fly around.”
Planting native plants, which are “more resilient and engaging for the kids,” is a good choice, Thomas said.
The third facility and “larger project” is upgrading the Winters Middle School kitchen and district-wide modernization en-
was new. “I understand your frustration, and we do need to redress some grievances,” Vallecillo said. “So I don’t want to conclude this conversation tonight. But citizens need to pay attention to what’s going on in their community — we’ve been working on this for five months.”
Rivas said the lack of prior community engagement in the ordinance may be because food vendors were unaware that the new rules, or rather stricter enforcement of the old rules, would affect them.
Staff direction, next steps
All council members were on board with the idea of attempting to “grandfather in” some of the existing food trucks, especially ones that were operating on public property partially because of miscommunication involving the city. This would mean that the old rules surrounding operation location would continue to apply to these specified vendors, while the new rules would apply to any new vendors.
However, assistant city attorney Joanna Gin explained that isn’t possible in this case, because the old rules — the current rules, since no new ordinance has yet been passed — also don’t allow for food truck operation on public property. The council would only be able to look at grandfathering in these vendors if their operation location was in line with the current code, which it is not.
The council did consider allowing a pathway for food trucks to obtain an encroachment permit, which allows for activity to take place within the public right-ofway. However, resident Kate Laddish expressed concerns
hancements. Fabiola Catalan, office design leader with architecture firm DLR Group, shared on the “progressive design-build.”
Catalan said presenting to the board of trustees was a “full circle moment” since she grew up in the school district.
“Currently, we are in the construction document phase for a new cafeteria at the Winters Middle School and Waggoner,” Catalan said, adding the cafeteria will celebrate Winters’s “land and agriculture” in a simple form through natural elements, in-
about ADA access that may be blocked if customers are queuing on the sidewalk, with ADA needs and other health and safety considerations being another one of the major motivating factors of the original ordinance.
Touching on those original pillars of the ordinance, Casavecchia said that he thinks a reimagined version of the ordinance should largely focus on health and safety, rather than business competition.
“What we’re hearing tonight is that downtown isn’t asking to be protected,” Casavecchia said.
Some downtown business owners did speak up during the meeting, saying that they believe more reasons to go downtown means more people coming downtown, and that competition can, conversely, be good for business. But Biasi said he has also heard from multiple restaurant owners who are concerned about food trucks operating too close to the downtown area.
“I come into city council meetings with a lot of information, but I am always listening,” Loren said. “I don’t want more brick-and-mortar businesses to go out of business.”
The ordinance will come before the council next at the June 17 meeting. In the meantime, staff will explore options for an encroachment system process, further clarify mobile versus stationary vendor term definitions, and further refine the permit application process.
“It falls upon us to establish a process that allows people to come forward to find out what they need to do and go into it very open-eyed,” Vallecillo said. “Because it’s not easy navigating any of this.”
cluding red that “tie back to the school.”
Catalan detailed colored renderings gave board trustees a view of what students would see. Ending the lengthy facilities update discussion, Core Construction officials were on site to explain building details, letting officials know they would provide project pricing and additional proposed requests during development.
Gibb said she would “ensure” that core construction officials keep her updated on pricing matters.
Community Foundation, which has hosted the initiative since its inception in 2013. To date, Big Day of Giving has helped participating organizations raise over $117 million.
Top fundraising nonprofits in Yolo County included:
* Yolo Food Bank, which raised over $260,000
* Meals on Wheels Yolo County, with nearly $179,000
* Empower Yolo, bringing in $136,000
“Charitable gifts of all sizes are one of the ways individuals express their values and show up for their communities,” said Jessica Hubbard, executive director of the Yolo Community Foundation. “Amid shifting times, the Yolo County community showed that it values our local nonprofits and the services they provide. Big Day of Giving is a much-needed source of unrestricted funding for these groups. Just as importantly, knowing that residents value nonprofits enough to invest their personal resources is a vital source of motivation and moral support.”
SAFETY
Continued from Page 4
~12:49 p.m., First Street, False alarm or false call (other) ~1:41 p.m., Colby Lane, CO detector activation due to malfunction
~3:23 p.m., Kennedy Drive, Public service assistance (other)
~4:10 p.m., Purtell Court, Emergency medical service (other)
~5:05 p.m., Malaga Lane, Emergency medical service (other)X View the Winters Fire Activity and Call Log at https://cityofwinters. org/157/Fire.
Police Report Log
Apr. 23: 2:53 p.m., 30th block of E, Main Street, Grand Theft Apr. 25: 9:59 a.m.,
Hubbard encourages community members to mark their calendars for next year’s Big Day of Giving, scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026. The Yolo Community Foundation inspires and supports giving across the county. It offers donor-advised funds and other philanthropic tools, supports local nonprofits through grants and training, and currently manages over 100 philanthropic funds with a combined value exceeding $14 million. YCF is an affiliate of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. Learn more at www.yolocf. org.
In addition to leading the Big Day of Giving, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation partners with the Yolo Community Foundation to help local residents make a philanthropic impact—whether today or through planned giving. The foundation’s mission is to lead, serve, and inspire enduring philanthropy for a just and vibrant Sacramento region. Visit www.sacregcf.org to learn more.
800th block of Taylor Street, Towed Vehicle Apr. 26: 11:13 p.m., 400th block of Dry Creek Lane, Found Property Apr. 27: 7:06 p.m., 400th block of Morgan Street, Violation of Court Order Apr. 28: 7:46 a.m., 200th block of White Oak Lane, Harassing/ Annoying Phone Call Apr. 29: 10:35 a.m., 400th block of Morgan Street, Violation of Court Order ~2:44 p.m., 100th block of E. Main Street, Missing Person 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.
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025 • 9:00AM - 2:00PM 106 ORCHARD LANE, WINTERS, CA
FEATURING
Mimie’s Treasures – crochet dish towels Florals By Chris – Florals for Mom Creative Crafts by Erin – creative mugs, shirts, etc. Grandmas’ Sweet Treats –decorated Mother’s cookies and Japanese Maple trees, succulent gift containers, furniture, and Vintage items
Vacaville Winters
The hustle behind the yard sign
With more questions than ever around
ue,
and agent effort, I think it’s important to show what it takes when you’re willing to do more than list and wait.
This isn’t a generic search story. It’s about a client with a clear vision, a market that isn’t making it easy, and the off-the-radar hustle it takes to uncover opportunities Zillow can’t provide.
In coming articles, I’ll be sharing behindthe-scenes looks at the strategy, setbacks, and surprising moments that come with finding the unfindable — and why real results rarely start (or end) with a sign in the yard.
In an uncertain market, finding the right property takes more than luck — it takes creativity, persistence
and a whole lot of tenacity.
About two months ago, a client asked me one of my favorite questions, “Do you think what I’m looking for even exists?”
He wasn’t being dramatic. He had spent 10 years — yes, 10 —diligently browsing available listings for a piece of land that checked all the boxes: a blank slate, large enough to build a home, with space to start a small farm or a business. Not too remote. Not outrageously priced. The kind of property that makes you pause and wonder, is this even real?
We started calling
it a “unicorn” — not because it wasn’t possible, but because it was rare and worth the hunt.
At our first meeting, they laid everything out — the wish list, the hesitations, the budget. In a land market that felt inconsistent and unpredictable, they also wanted to answer a key question: What’s the actual value of vacant land?
They weren’t romantics with sky-high expectations — they were thoughtful and grounded. But after a decade of chasing a clear, meaningful vision, they were understandably cautious.
I told them I’d come
up with a plan. And I meant it. First, I dove deep into market data and land sales, building a detailed database. He was right — pricing was all over the place. I put together a full presentation to show how land values oscillate and where opportunity still exists at their price point. But the data was just the beginning — I needed a strategy.
I proposed something unconventional. We’d tap into social media, agent networks, and a full off-market campaign to track down our unicorn.
I also used specialized software to create a custom search — not just MLS listings, but a mapped-out view of possible parcels that met their criteria.
After casting a wide net across Yolo County, I filtered down the
100 matches — removing public and government-owned lots, zoning mismatches, and geographic outliers. That left us with 40. We carefully vetted those until we had seven “for-sure” options.
But there was a catch — none of them were for sale.
That’s when the hustle kicked in.
I wrote letters, made phone calls, knocked on doors. I left handwritten notes in mailboxes and posted callouts on social media. I called other agents. I even visited one property where the owner bluntly told me never to come back. (The guard dogs weren’t interested either — I left my letter anyway.)
open to selling.
I toured it the next day. I found remnants of old foundation forms, a capped sixinch pipe sticking out of the dirt, and some oddly drawn property lines. Although my clients preferred a blank slate, a well or septic system already on site would’ve been a huge win. Excitement was building — maybe this was it.
The lot was on the smaller side, so due diligence was critical. I contacted the county and bounced between four departments — pulling old permits, reviewing soil samples, and checking septic viability. It turned out the pipe was indeed an existing well. That was encouraging.
The first phone call I made led to an awkward but promising conversation with a landowner who thought I was either fake or delusional. But after some back and forth, he threw out a price—and gave me permission to walk the land. That was a big moment. First call, and someone was
But in the end, the lot didn’t pencil out. The setbacks and septic requirements made the smaller site unworkable for their vision. Still, I saw it as progress. Even when something doesn’t work out,
See HUSTLE, Page 6
Come to Senior Capstone Showcase
On behalf of the students and staff at Winters High School, I would like to invite the community to our Senior Capstone Showcase on May 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the high school gym.
The Senior Capstone is a yearlong, student-driven project in which each senior dedicates a minimum of 50 hours to learning a new skill, exploring a passion, or engaging in meaningful work outside their regular coursework. During the Showcase, our seniors will present the results of their efforts through exhibits and displays. Community members and families are warmly encouraged to attend, explore the projects, and engage in conversation with the students about their work.
Additionally, we are seeking volunteers to serve as judges for the Senior Capstone Presentations earlier that day, from 1:45 p.m. to approximately 5 p.m. Judges will listen to formal presentations delivered by students about their projects. If you’re interested in participating, please contact the school at 530-795-6140 or email me at ahurst@wintersjusd.org. Please join us in celebrating the hard work and creativity of the Winters High
School Class of 2025. ANDREA HURST
Senior CapStone Coordinator
Show appreciation for teachers
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9) is here and the Kiwanis Club of Winters invites our community to honor the dedicated educators at Winters Middle School and Winters High School through a meaningful act of support in May.
We are proud to launch a Teacher Wish List Supply Drive, providing a way for community members to directly contribute to local classrooms. Each item purchased from the teachers’ Amazon wish lists helps ensure that educators have the resources they need to help students thrive and succeed at school. The middle school and high school do not have a parent boosters group to support staff projects and events as the elementary schools do. The Winters Kiwanis members wanted to support our secondary classrooms for this reason.
Our club believes that when teachers are well-equipped, students thrive. This initiative is not only about supplies — it’s about showing gratitude for the work teachers do every day.
To support the supply drive, simply scan
See LETTERS, Page 5
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
Aries, this week you may feel a desire to take charge of your professional life. Trust your instincts, but remember that you may have to go out of your comfort zone at some point.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),
Taurus, expect a week of self-reflection. Old emotions might resurface and offer you a chance to grow and heal. If you’re feeling out of sorts, make a plan to hang out with close friends.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21),
Make sure you are not spreading yourself too thin this week, Gemini. Even though you are eager to connect and socialize, you might want to limit the number of events you attend.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22),
Home and family matters may occupy most of your time this week, Cancer. It’s good to reconnect with loved ones and spend time with your immediate family.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23), Leo, now could be an excellent opportunity to express your ideas and opinions to some of the higher-ups at your place of employment.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22), Exercise caution with your spending and investments right now, Virgo. Although you have some financial opportunities on the horizon, it’s best to be careful going forward.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23),
A fresh burst of energy could be coming your way, Libra. This may provide the boost you need for self-improvement. You may be inspired to make many changes in your life right now.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22), Scorpio, you may find yourself reflecting on your mental and emotional well-being this week. Some introspection could lead to a breakthrough that helps you understand the past.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21), Expect your social life to pick up speed this week, Sagittarius. Invitations and opportunities to connect abound. Pay attention to your network as it may lead to connections.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20), Your hard work is paying off, Capricorn, but you also need to tend to your personal needs right now. This is the week to find better balance and take care of your health.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), Aquarius, you may be feeling more curious about the world around you and could find this is the week for some unexpected travel. It’s a great time to embrace new ideas..
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), Your intuition will guide you this week, especially when it comes to romance and other matters of the heart, Pisces. Expect relationships to grow for the better.
Express Yourself
Winters hasn’t changed that much
It is easy to write about Winters history when your office is a museum. For some of us who have been here most of our lives, Winters doesn’t seem to have changed that much. Sure we have more houses and our downtown has reached the highway, but the people still smile and wave as they pass by.
I noticed that the population on our city limit sign is now over 7,000. There were 2,000 people living here when I graduated from Winters High School in 1969. There were more than twice that number living within the Winters school district. Somewhere along the way, Winters continued to grow and the county didn’t. There are now more people living within the city limits than living outside.
When someone tells me that Winters has changed, a lot, I ask them what’s really changed? We are missing a few businesses that we once had, like car dealers, a drinking bar and a department store, but we have added new businesses over the years. I guess you can call that change, but I would say it is just different now.
We met friends at Berryessa Gap Brewery last weekend, and if that is change, I’m all for it. It is amazing what the Martinez and Miller families have created from an old packing shed (Tufts).
Tufts Packing Shed was one of the last to close in our area, so maybe that part of Winters agriculture
“Now
we are asking ourselves,
‘Where did all of the walnut trees go and who is planting all of those olive and pistachio trees?’”
history has changed. Where did all of the apricot and peach trees go? Now we are asking ourselves, “Where did all of the walnut trees go and who is planting all of those olive and pistachio trees?”
A few of the buildings that were used to ship apricots and peaches all over the world are still stand-
ing, but most burned down. Mariani Nut Company rebuilt their buildings and added a few more along Railroad Avenue, then they added a whole new world of nut processing just northeast of town.
We have more restaurants than ever and the two wineries seem to be busy, even early in the afternoon.
There are a few empty spaces on Main Street, but they will soon be filled with new businesses, hoping to add to our small-town charm.
The Opera House, now being operated by the Winters Theatre Company, has brought back live music and plays to our downtown. Cole Ogando was the one who teamed up with a promoter to bring tribute bands back to Winters. It is always a good sign when the next generation shows up with fresh ideas and new energy.
For every new business that opens, you can see the optimism in their eyes, but also the worry that comes with taking a risk. Hope springs eternal. Buy/drink local and have a good week.
Notice of Public Hearing on the Closeout of CDBG-CV Funded Activities
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Winters will hold a public hearing by the City Council on Tuesday, on May 20, 2025 at 6:30 p m at the City Council Chambers located on the first floor of City Hall at 318 First Street, Winters, California and Teleconference via Zoom The purpose of the hearing will be to update residents on the accomplishments of the Academic & Supportive Youth Services Program implemented by the Winters Joint Unified School D
CARES Act Round 2 and 3 provided by the California Housing and Community Development Authority (HCD)
The following information related to the project will be presented at the public hearing:
A Project progress/status of completion
B Results and projected totals such as number of beneficiaries/persons assisted goals and outcomes accomplished
C Funds granted and expended balance of funds to disencumber and final budget comparison
All persons interested in the status of funding and/or the program accomplishments are welcome to attend this meeting If you are unable to attend the public hearing, you may direct written comments to the City Clerk City of Winters at cityclerk@cityofwinters org no later than 5:00 pm on May 19 2025 to ensure placement in the official record of the hearing All public comments submitted to th e City Clerk will be summarized and read into record but will not be read verbatim due to time limitations
The City of Winters does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin sex sexual orientation gender identify age religion or disability If you require specific accommodations to participate in the public hearing, contact the City Clerk s Office at (530) 794-6702 at least one-full business day before the start of the hearing
The city does not transcribe its hearings Anyone who desires a verbatim record of this meeting, should arrange for attendance by a court reporter or for other acceptable means of recordation Such arrangements will be at the sole expense of the individual requesting the recordation
Tips to make Mother’s Day extra special
Metro Special to the Express Mother’s Day is celebrated each May and marks an opportunity to show Mom how much she’s loved and appreciated. Mother’s Day has been celebrated for more than 100 year.
While Mother’s Day standards may never lose their appeal, families looking to make this year’s celebration a little more unique can consider these ideas.
• Whip up (or order in) some baked goods. If Mom is the family baker, surprise her this year with some homemade baked goods.
• Take to the road. A weekend getaway can be a welcome breath of fresh air for mothers and serve as a great opportunity for the
Availability of Documents: Copies of the Staff Report Accomplishment Report and Draft Resolution will be available on the City s website at www cityofwinters org City Council agenda packets and any attachments to the agenda that are not available online may be viewed at the City Clerk s Office at City Hall - 318 First Street 5/7/25 #80941 NOTICE OF LIEN SALE Notice is hereby given pursu-
OAKLAND CA 94611
Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s) & Physical Residential Address State and Zip: 1 ALI SAYYAD MOGHADDAM 6266 CROWN AVE OAKLAND CA 94611 B USINESS CLASSIFICATION: INDIVIDUAL
to the document AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal Jesse Salinas County Clerk/Recorder State of California, County of Yolo Published APRIL 16 23 30 MAY 7 2025 #80406
family to unwind and celebrate Mom away from everything that reminds her of the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
• Book a unique experience. Book a tour of a local vineyard or winery, take Mom to a live theater performance, or take her out for a day on the water, complete with brunch and a champagne toast.
• Ensure Mom doesn’t lift a finger. Serve breakfast in bed, order in some lunch and then take Mom out for a nice meal at a local restaurant. In between meals, let Mom relax any way she sees fit, whether that’s curling up with a good book, dusting off her paint brush and engaging in some artistic endeavors and/or squeezing in a rare midday nap.
Arts & Entertainment
WTC’s ‘Almost, Maine’ explores love in all its complex quirks
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
Once again, Winters Theatre Company proves it knows its way around the human heart — with all its bruises, blushes and bewilderments.
The latest production, “Almost, Maine,” is a playful and capricious exploration of romance and relationships in its many incarnations, told with both warmth and wry humor.
Director Karen Fox said the show is a “theater dream” of hers, and she was lucky to be able to take it on in her first directing role with WTC.
Set in a fictional town so small it wouldn’t make most maps (unless you’re fluent in latitude and longitude), Almost, Maine might feel like the middle of nowhere — but on one cold, star-lit night, it’s the center of the emotional universe. Bathed in the magical glow of the Northern Lights, nine couples collide, unravel, reconnect and discover that love often defies logic, timing and even gravity.
While technically a romantic comedy, the sentiments are not always sweet. “Almost, Maine” doesn’t shy away from the heartache of love — whether lost, unspoken or
HUSTLE
Continued from Page 2
it helps sharpen the plan. We ruled it out and walked away with more clarity on what they really needed.
We kept going. Letters went out to the remaining landowners, including one in Hawaii. We waited two weeks for callbacks — crickets.
So that brings us to today. We’ve adapt-
inconveniently timed.
One moment may have you laughing aloud and the next, swallowing a lump in your throat. The beauty lies in how quickly the play pivots between light and shadow, much like love itself.
Here are a few scenes that particularly stood out.
Scene 3 – “This Hurts”
In a delightfully oddball encounter, Marvalyn (Janene Whitesell) accidentally clocks Steve (Robert Payawal) with an ironing board. Steve, who insists he cannot feel physical pain, is working his way through a list of things that ‘ought’ to hurt — compiled with his brother’s help. Marvalyn is unimpressed. “Just because you don’t look hurt,” she says, “doesn’t mean you’re not.”
After some backand-forth about what people in relationships should and should not be doing, a random kiss, and another whack from the ironing board –Steve feels that physical pain and possibly something more. The two leave and Steve leaves his lists behind.
Scene 5 – “They Fell”
Best friends Deena (Sequoia Schirmer) and Shelly (Camer-
ed the plan with new clarity around septic requirements and more flexibility on what qualifies as a “blank slate.” The updated search has produced another 100 parcels to vet. And then I’ll be back out on the hunt. While we haven’t found the unicorn yet — I believe we will. And when we do, it won’t be because we waited for the right listing to pop up online. It’ll be be-
on Toney) exchange tales of romantic misadventure to see who indeed went on the worst date ever. As laughter turns into vulnerability, Shelly falls and admits she’s in love — with Deena. Deena initially reacts with confusion and anger, but as she processes her feelings, she too stumbles — literally and figuratively — toward an unscripted possibility. The scene captures the complexity of love between friends and the risks of revealing your heart.
Scene 7 – “A Story of Hope”
Hope (Kristarae Flores), who left her small town (and a marriage proposal) behind for the big city, returns on a whim — only to find time has not stood still. A man (Luke Michels) answers the door of her former sweetheart’s home, and Hope pours out her belated regrets, unaware she’s speaking to the very man she left.
The scene is a slow burn of dawning realization and quiet heartbreak. When another woman calls to him from inside, Hope’s own name becomes a bittersweet irony. “I hope you find it, Hope,” the Man said gently. “Your place in this world.” Ouch.
cause — quietly, persistently, and behind the scenes—the hard work got done. The yard sign might get the credit. But it’s the hustle that gets the results.
— Joedy Michael is a local real estate agent based in Winters. To inquire about market insights or more, reach out to him at Joedy.michael@exprealty.com or connect with him on Instagram @joedymichael_realestate.
Don’t miss out
With nine vignettes in total, there’s a story for every flavor of romantic experience from falling in, falling out, and falling sideways. The cast gives each scene a distinct voice, and the Northern Lights provide the perfect shimmer of magic for a night of emotional stargazing.
“Almost, Maine” runs at the Winters Opera House (13 Main St.) through May 18, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at www.winterstheatre.org.
Party with a Purpose to benefit Winters Healthcare
Express staff
Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerich will host his annual Party with a Purpose fundraiser on Wednesday, May 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Berryessa Brewing Co. This lively evening of community, live music, delicious food, and philanthropy will support the essen-
tial work of Winters Healthcare. For 25 years, Winters Healthcare has been a trusted cornerstone of western Yolo County, delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare to all — regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. This year’s event also marks the organization’s 20th anniversary as a Federally
Qualified Health Center, underscoring its longstanding commitment to serving underserved populations.
“Winters Healthcare is incredibly grateful to Supervisor Frerichs for selecting us as the beneficiary of his Party with a Purpose. As many of us in the nonprofit world know, it can be really difficult to fundraise and run an organization,” said Chris Kelsch, Winters Healthcare executive director.
Guests will enjoy live bluegrass by Red Dog Ash, desserts, and beverages included with their ticket. Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase, with a special appearance from the Buckhorn food truck.
One hundred percent of ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations will go directly to Winters Healthcare. Proceeds will support integrated services at their stateof-the-art facility, including primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services.
“The funds raised at this event will be instrumental in expanding our dental hygiene program through the purchase of essential new equipment and tools. This will allow us to provide more comprehensive oral healthcare services to people living in Winters and Esparto,” Kelsch said For more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit http:// www.wintershealth. org/purpose.
Courtesy photo
Hope (Kristarae Flores) reflects on an important question she left unanswered when she left for college, and shares what she has come to understand since.
Courtesy photo
Steve (Robert Payawal) and Marvalyn (Janene Whitesell) discuss emotional and physical hurts in one of the scenes from the production “Almost, Maine.”
