Burger Bros grand opening
to celebrate the grand
families, cut
43 E. Main St. on Sept. 25. Burger Bros, which began as a food truck near
and officially launched last summer, is now established as a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
is
out with photos of historical Winters businesses, adding to its hometown feel. The event,
by the Winters District Chamber of Commerce, featured music by DJ Barnett Entertainment and welcomed community members to sample menu offerings and support the new local business.
Yolo supervisors adopt 2025-26
By Rebecca Wasik McNaughton Media
On Tuesday, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2025-26 fiscal year budget.
Also adopted were the In-Home Support Services Public Authority and board-controlled fire districts’ budgets.
“This budget reflects our commitment to maintaining essential services for Yolo County residents while navigating challenging fiscal realities,” said board chair Mary Vixie Sandy. “Balancing community needs with available resources is never easy, but we remain focused on supporting programs that strengthen our communities and improve quality of life.”
The 2025-26 adopted budget remains balanced. The Gener-
al Fund unassigned fund balance is above the $9 million that was included in the recommended budget, at $9,881,620. Additional General Purpose revenue and General Fund unassigned fund balance allowed the budget to remain balanced without additional reductions.
The adopted budget also addresses known costs related to the Oakdale Fire response, including $750,000 in direct costs and $964,000 for the District Attorney’s investigation. This response was funded through the Chula Vista Fund.
“It is super frustrating, the high cost of the Oakdale Fire to our county,” said Supervisor Sheila Allen. “Nobody else has stepped forward to help pay for it — not the state, not the feds, not the landowners, not the fireworks people, it’s all landing on our lap.”
What the adopted budget does not include is MHSA reduc-
tions as presented to the board on Sept. 9. The MHSA recommended budget will come to the board in June 2026. After much discussion, the board ultimately did decide to approve staff’s recommendation to permanently eliminate 46.5 unfunded positions from the Health & Human Services Agency. The board asked that one remain unfunded and not eliminated however, Director of Public Health Nursing. Some of the maintenance projects on the books in this year’s budget include county building roof replacements ($4,007,154); agricultural offices ($1,935,494); Animal Services deferred maintenance ($585,000); historic courthouse window ($440,000); timekeeping system ($200,000); HR office renovation ($119,600) and Grasslands water system repair ($10,000).
See YOLO, Page 3
Yocha Dehe celebrates 25 years of regional philanthropy
By Jacob Hoffman Express correspondent
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation celebrated 25 years of philanthropy with a luncheon at Cache Creek Casino on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
The gathering of groups from across Yolo and Solo counties, and across Northern California, represented just some of the many efforts supported by the Yocha Dehe Community Fund since its establishment 25 years ago. This philanthropic fund is bolstered by the Doyuti T’uhkama Fund, a compact
created in 2016 through an agreement with the State of California that allows the Tribe to “invest up to $24 million per year in initiatives and projects that fall within specific parameters,” according to information provided at the celebration.
These parameters typically include: “Native cultural resource preservation, Native sovereignty, education, health and wellness, and local infrastructure within Patwin traditional territory.” Tribal Chairman
See YOCHA, Page 3
Rotary honored for polio eradication
Woody Fridae accepts state proclamation
Express staff
Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry presented a state resolution Friday at the Rotary Park gazebo recognizing Rotary’s work to eradicate polio and proclaiming Oct. 24 as World Polio Awareness Day. Woody Fridae, a member of the Rotary Club of Winters and district governor-elect for Rotary District 5160, and Karin Lightfoot, the district’s PolioPlus chair, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the local club and district.
The recognition comes as Rotary International prepares for World Polio Day 2025, continuing a decades-long effort that has reduced annual polio cases from 350,000 to fewer than 25 worldwide. Rotary recently renewed a partnership with the
Gates Foundation to commit up to $450 million toward eradication.
“The story of Rotary’s efforts to eradicate Polio is truly remarkable,” Fridae said. “With our partners, we have reduced the number of Polio cases from 350,000 a year to fewer than 25. When we finally find those isolated cases and immunize them, Polio will be gone forever.”
Rotary launched its
PolioPlus program in 1985 and helped establish the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988 alongside the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Since then, Rotary has contributed more than $2.8 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect more than 3 billion children in 122 countries.
Solano supervisors agree on new county administrator’s contract
The Solano County Board of Supervisors approved a four-year contract, with a base salary of $365,340, to Ian Goldberg as the next county administrator. The salary is based on a survey of pay other county administrators receive, staff reported.
The contract runs from Sept. 30 through Sept. 29, 2029. He replaces Bill Emlen as the county’s top executive. Goldberg, 48, has been an assistant county administrator since April 2022. He brings more than 20 years of senior and executive management experience to the post. Goldberg, who lives in rural Fairfield, has worked for Solano County for two decades: in the Auditor-Controller’s and County Administrator’s offices, as well as five years in corporate finance. As the county
See SOLANO, Page 3
The hometown paper of Jose Diaz
Express staff
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Karin Lightfoot, Woody Fridae, and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry gather at the Rotary Park gazebo Friday as Aguiar-Curry presents a state resolution recognizing Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio and proclaiming Oct. 24 as World Polio Awareness Day.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Owners Andrés and Alejandro Salazar, along with their
the ribbon
opening of their new downtown Winters location at
downtown Winters
The storefront
decked
hosted
Winters High
School Principal Justin Young works to inspire the freshmen class members to sing their hearts out during a class competition at the
Warriors celebrate Homecoming Week with spirit, tradition
Express staff
Winters High School students embraced homecoming week with a full slate of spirit events leading up to the homecoming game and the crowning of this year’s royalty.
Homecoming royalty crowned
Alani Lopez and Nathan Apodaca, both Class of 2028 nominees, were officially crowned Homecoming queen and king during halftime between the junior varsity and varsity football games against Durham on
Friday, Sept. 26.
Juniors claim victory
In a thrilling upset, the Junior Class of 2027 dethroned the defending champion Senior Class of 2026 in the annual Powderpuff game on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The hard-fought contest saw the lead change hands multiple times before the juniors secured a narrow 19-18 victory.
Downtown Rally
The beloved Downtown Rally made its return to Main Street on Friday, Sept. 26,
filling the street with games, cheers, and Warrior pride. Students competed in various activities to showcase their school spirit, while WHS Athletic Director Daniel Ward delivered his much-anticipated annual reading of “The Night Before Homecoming” poem. The festivities also featured performances by the WHS band and cheer squad, capping off a week of spirit days and celebrations.
Editor’s Note: For details about the Powderpuff and Friday night football games, go to Page B6.
makes a run toward the end zone
Public Safety Report
City of Winters Fire
Sept. 17: 8:21 a.m., E. Grant Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~8:49 p.m., First Street and Abbey St, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
Sept. 18: 6:58 a.m., Orchard Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~9:14 a.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~3:43 p.m., Cottage Circle, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
Sept. 19: 10:22 a.m., Taylor Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~11 a.m., First Street, Person in distress (other)
Sept. 20: 10:04 a.m., Grant Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~2:49 p.m., Cantelow Road (Vacaville), Outside rubbish fire (other)
Sept. 21: 1:21 a.m., Wyatt Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
Sept. 22: 5:35 a.m., Mermod Road, Dispatched and cancelled en route
~8:32 a.m., Taylor Street, EMS call – ex-
cluding vehicle accident with injury
Sept. 23: 5:50 a.m., County Road 31, Motor vehicle accident with no injuries.
~6:51 p.m., Russell Street, Investigation (other)
View the Winters Fire Activity and Call Log at https://cityofwinters. org/157/Fire. Police Report Log
Sept. 21: 7:53 a.m., Interstate 505/County Road 19, Outside Agency Assist
View the Winters Police Department Arrest and Report Logs, visit www. cityofwinters.org/289/ Report-Arrest-Log For our editorial policy on crime log entries, see www.winters express.com/unpub lishing-policy.
Putah Creek photo contest honors 25th Anniversary of landmark Accord
Express staff
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Putah Creek Accord — a landmark agreement that increased water flows to the creek — and the 8th annual Winters Salmon Festival, organizers are inviting local residents to
share their memories through photography.
Photo contest details
Community members are encouraged to submit photos of Putah Creek, both past and present, for a chance to win prizes.
Three winning photos will be selected.
How to enter
Post your photo on Facebook and tag the Winters Salmon Festival page
Include the hashtag #PutahCreekMemories in your caption
Provide an estimated date the photo was taken and a brief description (example: “Photo taken in 2025 depicting an otter in the creek”)
All photos must feature Putah Creek and can be from any time period.
The deadline to enter is Oct. 10.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/WintersSalmonFestival.
(ABOVE) Seniors Nathan Apodaca and Alani Lopez were crowned as the 2025 Homecoming King and Queen on Friday night.
(RIGHT)
Downtown Rally.
Apilado/Winters Express
KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo
Two Junior Class athletes make a dash to grab flags off of Aylin Molina (center) as she
Continuing the coverage from Page 1
and Doyuti T’uhkama Chair Anthony Roberts explained that the name of the fund means “to give the acorn” in the Patwin language, and represents a significant part of the Tribe’s history of generosity that inspired both funds.
The philanthropy of the Yocha Dehe Community Fund is a critical source of funding for numerous local organizations. Speaking with the Winters Express, Capay Valley Fire Chief Jesse Capitanio credited the fund for being instrumental in the upgrading and maintenance of Capay Valley Fire equipment that otherwise would be difficult to fund. In addition, the fund has allowed Capay Valley
The General Fund Contingency is at $$525,499 while the General Reserve is at $23,950,854. Challenges ahead include the county’s structural deficit, the HHSA specific structural deficit, revenue development opportunities, ongoing salary and benefits pressure, county facility maintenance and capital asset needs, state/ federal budget impacts and an uncertain economic outlook.
“This year’s adopted budget builds on the recommended budget approved in June and reflects updated revenues, fund balances, and board priorities,” said CAO Mike Webb. “While modest increases in property and sales tax revenues helped avoid deeper reductions, cost pressures continue to outpace revenue growth, underscoring the long-term challenges the county faces in addressing a structural deficit. With the leadership of the Board of Supervisors, we have already embarked on the hard work
administrator, he will oversee 19 departments, manage a $1.65 billion budget, and coordinate operations and oversight of functions mandated by federal, state and local laws under the direction of the Board of Supervisors.
Goldberg holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of California, San Francisco, a master’s of Public Administration from Golden Gate University, and is an active member of several professional organizations for county executives. In other action, the board:
• Approved a $500 contribution from the District 1 (Cassandra James) General Fund account to benefit the Lady Echelon Project.
• Approved a $1,000 contribution from the
Fire to pay many members of its department, where the positions would otherwise have to be volunteer, and also noted that Tribal fire teams accompany Capay Valley Fire on their missions across the region.
The Tribal leaders expressed their gratitude to the community leaders, advocates, and other partners in attendance.
“We are proud to walk alongside so many visionary partners whose missions echo our own. Whether advancing education, preserving culture, or helping those in need, these organizations embody the spirit of intergenerational generosity that sustains and empowers,” Anthony Roberts said.
Indeed, the theme of the luncheon was
ahead of achieving structural balance in the longer term.”
Board directed projects
Also unanimously approved by the board with Supervisor Angel Barajas recused, was the reallocation of Board Directed Projects funds in the amount of $96,603.13 to support the MHSA budget for fiscal year 2025-26.
Of the $11,715,954.83 allocated to board directed projects, $5,317,085.74 has been expended, leaving $6,398,869.09 remaining to be expended.
Staff recommended that $96,603.13 total be reallocated to MHSA for Eviction Assistance Prevention Funds ($59.18); Homeless Mobile Medicine Program ($82,000) and Yolo County Bookmobile Technology and Data ($14,543.95). Williamson Act
The board also voted unanimously to continue implementation of Assembly Bill 1265, the Williamson Act.
The Williamson Act provides property tax relief to landowners to pre-
District 5 (Mitch Mashburn) General Fund account to benefit the Rio Vista Bass Derby.
• Appointed Essex Cook to the Solano County Fair Association board of directors to represent District 3 through July 31, 2029.
“generosity through generations,” with Roberts reflecting with pride that the three generations of his family have worked to keep this
helped includes Solano County Probation, as described by Supervising Probation Officer Nilsa Thomas, the event’s guest speaker.
“Whether advancing education, preserving culture, or helping those in need, these organizations embody the spirit of intergenerational generosity that sustains and empowers.”
Anthony Roberts, chair
fund providing for the community, including his mother, himself, and now his daughter, Briana Roberts.
One of the many organizations the Community Fund has
serve farmland and open space.
AB 1265 authorized counties to shorten contract terms (10 years to nine) and recoup 10 percent of landowners’ tax savings.
Vacant positions/ Capay Cemetery District
A presentation was given to the board on AB 2561, which requires public agencies to report the status of vacancies and recruitment/retention efforts during a public hearing before the governing body at least once per fiscal year.
Current bargaining units with a vacancy rate exceeding a 20 percent threshold include Probation (25.76 percent) and Correctional Officers (20.45 percent).
The board also unanimously approved an increase to the membership of the Capay Cemetery District Board of Trustees from three to five members as requested by the district.
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors will next meet on Oct. 7.
Thomas has worked with Solano County juvenile probation for 27 years, and she described the many obstacles she and other juvenile probation officers faced, especially in lacking funds and a system that focused on punishment rather than rehabilitation, recalling how she and others often had to use their own money to provide kids with appropriate hygiene products.
The situation has improved over the years, with Thomas partially crediting the support of the Yocha Dehe Community Fund for providing funding for things like improved cultural training, facility improvements like an art
studio for allowing the kids to safely express themselves, and hosting career, sport, and family events.
As part of this they summarized the journey of the Yocha Dehe towards philanthropy, and celebrated the accomplishments of this past year with an Outstanding Community Service award for three exceptional community groups, and highlighted their important work.
The first was the Robinson Rancheria Environmental Center, which is dedicated to caring for the sustainable health and safety of the local environment, especially related to ensuring clean water and sustainable fishing to keep these areas healthy and usable for future generations.
The second is California Indian Legal Services (CILS), an organization that provides free and lowcost legal services to California tribes, tribal organizations, and Native American individuals throughout the state of California. These services include helping to protect tribal sovereignty, Tribal land access, and defend Native American civil rights across the state.
The final award, the Tattimihn Award, was granted to the Amer-
ican Indian College Fund, an education fund that has provided more than $160 million in scholarships to Tribal college and mainstream students and directly to Tribal colleges and universities.
The Yocha Dehe Community Fund has also been a significant partner for many groups and organizations in Winters. The Winters Center for the Arts, Winters Combined PTA, Winters Fire and Police Departments, and both Winters High School and Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy are just a few of the partners that the Community Fund has had a hand in supporting. Yolo County Board of Supervisors for District 2, Lucas Frerichs, was in attendance, and in a statement to the Express, he echoed the same gratitude and hope for the future that permeated the whole event.
“Everywhere you look across Yolo County, you see the transformational impacts that Yocha Dehe’s generous giving has made over the last 25 years,” Frerichs said. “I’m so grateful for their support of organizations and causes that continue to make a difference in the lives of residents throughout our communities.”
Join us at the next Express Coffeehouse Chat! Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 a.m. at Steady Eddy’s Coffee House
Meet local leaders to ask questions or let them know about what you think is important in the Winters community.
• Sitting as directors for the Suisun, Vacaville and Montezuma fire protection districts, accepted a $25,000 grant from the California Fire Foundation, to the Suisun Fire Protection District, for the purchase of wildland personal protective equipment; and accepted a $20,000 donation of equipment from NorthBay Health to the Suisun district.
• Sitting as directors for the Suisun, Vacaville and Montezuma fire protection districts, approve a $36,000 engagement letter between the Vacaville Fire Protection District and Maria Teresa L. Lapira, CPA, to conduct financial audits for fiscal years 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25.
• 428 1st St - Woodland www.MojosKitchen428.com
YOLO
Lake Berryessa water levels down
The water level of Lake Berryessa decreased by 0.34 feet over the past week, resulting in 6,094 acre-feet of water storage, according to Eric Johnson, Operations at Solano Irrigation District –Putah Diversion Office. On the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 30, he reported that the lake elevation was 429.87 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,365,422 acre-feet. The SID released 252 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 31 cubic feet flowing into lower Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 159 acre-feet of water per day. For more information about services from the Solano Irrigation District or to view the latest updates, visit https://www.sidwater.org.
YESTERYEAR
Obituaries
January 27, 1954 – September 22, 2025
Russ Lester — organic farming pioneer, environmental advocate, school board leader, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and lifelong steward of the land — passed away peacefully at home in Winters, California. He was 71.
Born on Jan. 27, 1954, in San Jose, California — in what was then known as the Valley of the Heart’s Delight — Russ came from a long line of California farmers. His ancestors journeyed west during the Gold Rush, but quickly traded pickaxes for plows, first farming wheat in Napa before settling in the Santa Clara Valley in 1889. There, they cultivated stone fruit and truck crops for four generations.
For the Lester family, agriculture wasn’t just a profession, it was a way of life.
Russ’s early years were filled with growing apricots, prunes and farm life in the Santa Clara Valley,
working side by side with his parents, Hazel Barnes Lester and William Walter Lester II, and his siblings Stanley “Stan” Lester, Marie (Lester) Adams, William “Bill” Lester III, and George Lester. It was a childhood that shaped not just his career, but his convictions.
Russ attended UC Davis, where he studied botany, played water polo and — more importantly — met the love of his life, Kathy, who would be his partner in family, farming, and community for over five decades. The two settled in Winters, where they raised five
Read obituaries online at wintersexpress.com/obituaries
To submit an obituary, visit the “Submission Forms” page or hover over “Obituary” for the submission link
daughters Sarah, Jenny, Christine, Amy, and Summer — and became anchors of the local community.
Russ was a trailblazer in organic walnut farming and processing, widely recognized for his systems-based approach to agriculture and leadership in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), water conservation, and healthy soils. He helped launch the CAFF BIOS project, developed a cover crop mix for walnut orchards, designed a novel irrigation system, advocated for sustainable practices before they were mainstream, and pushed for science-based, farmer-driven innovation. He never stopped tinkering, experimenting, and reinventing what farming could look like.
Russ set bold goals — and met them. Among his many achievements: making his farm carbon negative through innovative farming practices and pioneering renewable energy, utilizing walnut shells to power his operation. For this work, he was honored twice with the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, as well as the EPA Sustainable Agriculture Champion, NRDC’s Growing Green Award, CAFF’s Legacy Farmer of the Year, the Sustie Award from EcoFarm, and the IPM Innovator Award from the State of California. Russ changed not only how
we farm, but the laws and systems that support it.
Russ also welcomed the opportunity to teach others what he knew — and loved — about farming. He felt that the best way to advance sustainable agriculture was by partnering with researchers, trying new practices, and then sharing them with anyone who was interested in learning new and innovative ways of farming. Russ probably hosted over a thousand field days on the farm. Additionally, Russ served on the Solano Land Trust, Solano County Agricultural Advisory Council, CalCAN Advisory Council, the California Leadership Council for American Farmland Trust and many other advisory committees. He was also a proud graduate of Class 30 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, a formative experience that deepened his commitment to servant leadership and agricultural stewardship. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of securing a conservation easement on two of his ranches, ensuring it would remain in agriculture forever.
In Winters, Russ was a community champion — literally helping to build and later rebuild the town’s wooden park, serving for over 20 years on the Winters JUSD School Board, including time as President and Acting Superintendent,
and most recently on the board of the Winters Education Foundation. In 2024, he was inducted into the Winters JUSD Hall of Fame.
Though Russ traveled the world promoting organic walnuts, his favorite places were always home on the farm and time spent in Yosemite, where he could soak in the beauty of the natural world he worked so hard to protect.
He loved the 49ers, spirited debates about politics or the environment, and the joy of seeing his grandchildren — Guillermo, Maddie, and Ezequiel — grow up. He rarely threw anything away, because he always believed it could be fixed, repurposed, or improved — just like farming itself.
Russ is survived by his beloved wife Kathy, daughters Sarah Lester Guzman, Jenny Lester Moffitt, Christine (Lester) Ashley, and Summer Lester, their husbands and families, siblings Stan and George, and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins,
and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Bill and Marie, and daughter Amy.
Russ Lester was, at his core, a stubborn farmer with a big heart and a brilliant mind, a visionary with his hands in the soil, and a man who believed in taking care of the land and the people who worked it. His legacy lives on in every tree he planted, every practice he pioneered, and every person he inspired. In lieu of flowers, Russ would want you to support the causes he believed in. Donations in his honor may be made to:
• CAFF – Community Alliance with Family Farmers
• CalCAN – California Climate and Agriculture Network
• Solano Land Trust
• Winters Education Foundation
• Yosemite Conservancy
A celebration of Russ’s life will be held on Oct. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Dixon Ridge Farms. All are welcome.
Javier (EL PIPAS) Soria
December 17, 1944 – September 28, 2025
Javier Soria (EL PIPAS), 80, of Romita, Guanajuato, Mexico, passed away on Sept. 28, 2025. Born on Dec. 17, 1944, Javier moved to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Rosenda, and a loving father of nine children. Javier lived by the motto, “Work is happiness,” and his legacy of hard work and love will be cherished by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Rosenda, and their nine children. Funeral services will be held at Saint Anthony’s, and a burial will be at the Winters cemetery. Viewing Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. Mass, Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 12 p.m.
Russell Lester
Courtesy photo
Picked by Charley Wallace
Dawn Van Dyke/Express File photo
New and returning school board members and the student representative to the school board were sworn in at a meeting of the Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees, Thursday, Dec. 11, 1997. They were, from left, Mary Jo Rodolfa, Stephanie Atherton, Jay Shepherd, Russ Lester and student representative Jenny Lester.
Eventos hispanos
Residentes se pronuncian sobre los fuegos artificiales, el consejo retrasa la decisión
Por Sonora Slater
Traducido por Carol Alfonso
La reunión del Consejo Municipal de Winters del pasado 2 de Septiembre se centró en un amplio debate sobre los fuegos artificiales en la ciudad.
Algunos sugirieron la prohibición total de la venta privada de fuegos artificiales y la cancelación del espectáculo profesional de fuegos artificiales del 3 de julio. El consejo incluyó el tema en la agenda tras recibir varias cartas y comentarios de la comunidad solicitando que se organizara un debate sobre el tema y se considerara la prohibición. También circularon múltiples peticiones de miembros de la comunidad, tanto a favor como en contra de la prohibición de los fuegos artificiales, en parte como respuesta a la explosión en un almacén de fuegos artificiales en Esparto a finales de junio de este año.
En esta reunión no se presentó ninguna ordenanza formal ante el consejo; se trató simplemente de un tema de debate, destinado a informar al consejo sobre las preocupaciones de sus constituyentes.
Actualmente, la ciudad de Winters permite la venta y el uso de fuegos artificiales seguros y sensatos durante un breve periodo cada año, en torno a la celebración del 4 de julio. Estos incluyen artículos terrestres, no aéreos y no explosivos, como fuentes y bengalas. En las ciudades cercanas de Davis y Vacaville, se han prohibido los fuegos artificiales seguros y sensatos, mientras que West Sacramento, Woodland y Dixon los permiten.
Los fuegos artificiales que no cumplan con estas normas están prohibidos en la ciudad de Winters. Los fuegos artificiales aéreos, más espec-
taculares y peligrosos, solo pueden ser activados por profesionales como parte del espectáculo anual de fuegos artificiales del 3 de julio en el campo de fútbol de la escuela secundaria Winters High School, donde el departamento de bomberos está presente para ayudar a coordinar la seguridad. No se han registrado incidentes relacionados con este espectáculo profesional, y las cinco ciudades cercanas continúan organizando sus propios espectáculos profesionales de fuegos artificiales cada año. Un punto importante planteado por quienes se opusieron a la prohibición fue el apoyo a la recaudación de fondos que la venta de fuegos artificiales aporta a la Liga Infantil de Béisbol de Winters. La organización sin fines de lucro opera el único puesto de fuegos artificiales de la ciudad cada año y utiliza el dinero para ayudar a subsidiar los costos de los niños interesados en participar.
John Rodríguez, tesorero de la Liga Infantil de Winters, comentó sobre la importancia de esta fuente de ingresos para la organización sin fines de lucro.
“Mucho de lo que hacemos en esta ciudad no sería posible sin la recaudación de fondos,” dijo Rodríguez, señalando que en los 25 años que lleva como voluntario en la Liga Infantil, han recaudado más de $400,000 a través del puesto de fuegos artificiales.
Wade Cowen, ex-concejal municipal, coincidió, señalando la importancia de eventos como la celebración del 3 de julio y la venta de fuegos artificiales para que la ciudad genere suficientes ingresos para continuar sus operaciones.
“Es algo bueno para
esta ciudad,” dijo Cowen. “Durante un par de noches, la gente puede con ello.”
Quienes apoyan la prohibición afirman que hay muchas maneras de recaudar fondos con éxito más allá de un puesto de fuegos artificiales. Sin embargo, Kathy Cowen, esposa de Wade y miembro de la comunidad que comentó haber participado en varias campañas de recaudación de fondos en Winters, comentó que los fuegos artificiales funcionan particularmente bien porque se dirigen a un público diferente al de otras actividades de recaudación de fondos, ya que a los mismos negocios locales ya se les pide que donen a programas y eventos de la ciudad varias veces al año.
Para muchos en la comunidad, es una cuestión de tradición. Los residentes recordaron la infancia de reunirse con familiares y amigos para encender fuegos artificiales seguros y sensatos en casa y ver el espectáculo profesional de fuegos artificiales, enfatizando la importancia de mantener una celebración que tantos disfrutan. Aun así, muchos sienten que el riesgo de incendio es un precio demasiado alto para la celebración. Algunos miembros de la comunidad mencionaron el aumento en las primas de sus seguros en los últimos años debido al mayor riesgo de incendio en la zona, mientras que otros señalaron los incendios forestales de California que han diezmado pequeños pueblos como Winters. Incendios similares podrían ser provocados, intencional o accidentalmente, por fuegos artificiales no autorizados, y varios comentaristas pidieron al ayunta-
miento que considerara si querían que el riesgo de un incendio devastador en Winters formara parte de su legado.
Sin embargo, algunos argumentaron que, cuando los incendios son provocados por fuegos artificiales, a menudo se deben a fuegos artificiales ilegales, en lugar de a fuegos artificiales seguros y sensatos. En ese caso, prohibir los fuegos artificiales seguros y sensatos podría no ser una forma eficaz de reducir el riesgo de incendio.
“Una prohibición castigaría a quienes respetan la ley, pero no haría nada con quienes la infringen,” dijo Daniel Rayna. “Los delincuentes y las personas imprudentes seguirán usándolos.”
El jefe de bomberos, Jack S. Snyder III, revisó el historial de incendios de los últimos tres años y descubrió que todos los incendios en ese período que comenzaron en la ciudad el 3 o 4 de Julio se debieron a fuegos artificiales ilegales, eliminación inadecuada de fuegos artificiales o una causa indeterminada. Ninguno ha sido confirmado como iniciado por fuegos artificiales seguros y sensatos. Aun así, el concejal Jesse Loren dijo que esto no descarta la posibilidad. “No se puede decir que no haya riesgo,” dijo Loren. “Cada dispositivo incendiario es un riesgo; simplemente se trata de cuán cómodo se esté con el riesgo.”
Sin embargo, tanto el concejal Richard Casavecchia como el alcalde pro tempore Bill Biasi consideraron importante reconocer que las preocupaciones expresadas por el público, desde el peligro de incendios hasta el impacto de los ruidos fuertes y contin-
uos en las mascotas y las personas con síndrome post-traumatico (PTSD), se deben, al menos en parte, a la pirotecnia ilegal y podrían no resolverse con la prohibición de la pirotecnia segura y sensata. Casavecchia también afirmó que la cancelación de un espectáculo de fuegos artificiales coordinado profesionalmente en toda la ciudad podría provocar un aumento en el uso ilegal de pirotecnia. La alternativa de los espectáculos con drones y láser, según Biasi, es significativamente más costosa.
En cambio, varios concejales apoyaron la búsqueda de métodos para mejorar la aplicación de la prohibición preexistente de la pirotecnia no segura y sensata.
“Actualmente, es casi imposible localizar la ubicación de los fuegos artificiales ilegales”, declaró Loren. “No hay suficiente control, y eso es una debilidad. No hay suficientes ojos ni suficiente seguimiento.”
El consejo debatió soluciones para mejorar la aplicación de la ley, incluyendo la imposición de multas por el uso ilegal de fuegos artificiales, el uso de la iniciativa “Nail ‘Em” para ayudar a la policía comunitaria a determinar dónde se encienden fuegos artificiales ilegales y el establecimiento de diferentes normas de uso para distintas zonas, como la posible prohibición del uso de fuegos artificiales seguros y sensatos en parques públicos.
Tras la reunión, el administrador municipal, Jeremy Craig, comentó sobre el debate en su boletín semanal al público.
“Fue alentador ver a una comunidad unirse y mantener una
conversación difícil, y todos se mantuvieron muy respetuosos y dispuestos a escuchar lo que cada uno tenía que decir,” escribió Craig. “Fue un ejemplo de gobierno local en su máxima expresión y dice mucho de la gran comunidad que tenemos.” El tema se volverá a presentar ante el consejo después de principios de año por si acaso surge alguna nueva legislación estatal, que entrará en vigor el 1 de enero, que afecte su decisión.
Otros asuntos
Hace un par de años, la ciudad de Winters recibió una subvención de $100,000 dólares del Consejo de Gobiernos del Área de Sacramento para comenzar la construcción del Parque Paseo. Hoy quedan $72,000, pero vencerán en los próximos seis meses. El debate del consejo el 2 de septiembre pasado se centró en cómo usar ese dinero. Se decidió utilizar los fondos para riego y obras subterráneas, y a partir de ahí, usar el sobrante para almacenar materiales de construcción para las futuras fases del proyecto. Nicholas Morgan fue presentado y juramentado por el secretario municipal como el nuevo oficial del Departamento de Policía de Winters. Morgan, quien tiene familia en Winters, dijo estar emocionado de estar aquí. El consejo aprobó el cierre de dos calles, incluyendo una para la Fiesta de Bienvenida de la Escuela Secundaria Winters High School el 26 de septiembre y otra para el Festival de la Cosecha (Harvest Festival) del 24 al 25 de octubre.
Step inside Woodland’s past at Open Homes Tour
Five homes. Endless stories. Step inside Yolo County history.
Special Contributor
Woodland’s past comes to life with the 36th Stroll Through History.
The 2025 Open Homes Tour, a rare opportunity to step inside some of the community’s most distinctive residences, is on Saturday, Oct. 4. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., ticket holders can explore these homes at their own pace, guided by docents ready to share the stories and details that make each house unique.
Start your stroll at Heritage Plaza (2nd and Main) to pick up your ticket booklet—your key to unlocking the history waiting behind every door.
This year’s Open Homes Tour features five remarkable properties, each with its own story to tell and architectural charm to share.
See more information at www.strollthroughhistory. com.
Tour Stop:
639 First St.
This home is a great local example of the Eastern Shingle style.
As characteristic of the Shingle style, the structure is defined by a prominent shingled front gable, giving the house a strong visual presence. White incorporated diamond-pane windows in the gable pair nicely with the shallow bay
window below.
The distinctive glasswork continues along the partially enclosed front porch, where matching small rectangular windows sit on either side of the main entrance. These playful and detailed elements contribute to the home’s unique character and charm.
Interior
Inside this beautiful home, every room tells a story. The interiors are layered with family heirlooms, antiques, treasures gathered from travels, and original artwork — many pieces created by the current owner.
A recent kitchen renovation features beautiful hand-painted English fireplace tiles as a striking backsplash. Throughout the home, original wood floors, soaring ceilings, and period details abound, from the built-ins with leaded glass in the dining room to the original fire-
place and clawfoot tub. This home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 2,316 square feet of living space.
Ownership
The home was constructed and designed by Woodland builder William S. White in 1908 for William and Gertrude Hyman. William Hyman, who worked at Woodland High School starting in 1896 and served as vice principal from 1902 to 1907, lived in the home with his wife from 1909 to 1926. George F. and Genevieve Cloud then purchased the property. George, a farmer, managed the nearby Conaway Ranch for several years before relocating to Nevada in 1940 to pursue farming. He later returned to Woodland and worked in construction with his son. In 1942, the home changed hands again, this time to Everette and Alice Griffith. The current owners are Donal and Linda Walsh.
Tour Stop: 605 W. Keystone Ave.
Tucked into a pie-shaped lot and surrounded by lush landscaping, including a variety of roses and mature trees, this Spanish Colonial Revival residence reflects the craftsmanship of Joseph Motroni, one of Woodland’s premier builders. Hallmark features of the style are evident in its asymmetrical façade, smooth stucco walls, low-pitched
Courtesy photo
Built in 1908 by Woodland builder William S. White, this Eastern Shingle-style home features a distinctive
shingled front gable, diamond-pane windows, and period details that highlight its historic character. Inside, original woodwork, antique furnishings, and art by the current owner add warmth and charm.
red tile roof, arched openings, and a richly carved wooden front door.
An enclosed court yard at the front of the home offers a private outdoor space, a hall mark of the style’s em phasis on indoor‑out door living. Recent work has brought many original details back to life: the exte rior stucco has been pressure washed and hand scraped to re veal its original trow el texture, and the exposed brick of the twin chimneys adds to its character.
The roof has been retiled, the fabric aw nings replaced with selections chosen by the current owners, and the side courtyard reimagined with the original brick floor now used to edge the garden beds.
Interior
This Spanish Re vival home blends original charm with thoughtful updates. Refinished hardwood floors, replastered walls in the small sitting room, and a mix of preserved and modernized features reflect its layered his tory.
Originally remod eled in the mid 20th century, the home has since undergone a kitchen and bath room renovation, with three former rooms combined and opened to create today’s spa cious kitchen.
The primary bath re tains its vintage flair with colorful tile and a distinctive blue toi let. Overhead lighting from the owners’ pre vious historic home complements other distinctive features of the style, including exposed beams, metal railings, a Palladian window, and original iron windows.
Beautiful antiques and family heirlooms throughout add a per sonal touch to this in viting home.
The home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 2,574 square feet of living space.
Ownership
The home was orig inally built for H.L. and Helen R. Wilson in 1937 and was later owned by Eugene T. and Alta Laugenour.
In 1952, it was pur chased by Jesse and Harriette Vickery, known in Woodland as the longtime owners of the Corner Drugstore from 1934 to 1980.
Their daughter, Shari Gray, inherit ed the home, and the current owners, Wild Friedlanders, have taken great care to preserve and enhance the property since ac quiring it.
Tour Stop: 9 Palm Ave.
Located in what is now Beamer Park, this early brick home is considered one of the oldest residences in Woodland. Built around 1865, the central portion of the house reflects a blend of French and Monterey Colonial architectural influ ences, while later ad ditions introduced el ements of early Victo rian Italianate design.
The first home on the property was a wooden structure built about 1860 on part of the owner’s farmland northeast of this site, but as their 400‑acre ranch grew more successful, and their wealth and sta tus increased, they replaced it with this more permanent brick structure that now sits at 9 Palm Ave.
The house stands as a rare example of early rural architec
ture in Yolo County. Enhancements by the current owner include shutters on the original portion of the home and a wrought‑iron fence designed to echo the Beamer arches.
Several mature trees in front of the property are believed to be among the oldest in Woodland.
Interior
Over the years, the house has seen many changes and addi tions. The original kitchen once stood outside the main home, alongside a root cellar.
One of the upstairs bedrooms began as a balcony, and what is now a downstairs sitting room was once part of a wrap around porch. Sev eral fireplaces have been closed off over time, yet many origi nal features endure — coal‑burning fire places, single‑paned windows, original doors and dining room
cabinetry, and a dis tinctive smoking/gun room.
Later structural and utility updates have helped protect the building, allowing its 19th‑century charac ter to remain a visi ble and valued part of Woodland’s architec tural history.
The home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms in 3,198 square feet of living space.
Ownership
This home was the second home of Rich ard L. and Rebecca Beamer, early settlers
in Woodland, who es tablished their home stead here in the 1860s after returning from the gold mining re gions.
The Beamers pur chased the land in 1861. Richard played an important role in the community, help ing to found Hesperi an College and stay ing active in the local church.
He passed away in 1879, and Rebecca continued living in the home until she died in 1913. She was known for her generosity — particularly her will
ingness to offer food to those in need — which earned the home the nickname “Grandma Beamer’s Tramp Ho tel” from some less ap preciative neighbors. In 1914, the Beamer heirs sold 130 acres, including the house, to the Keystone In vestment Company, which subdivided the land to create Beam er’s Woodland Park. Helena Grant pur chased the house in 1923, and it remained in her family until Robert and Mary Geer
HOMES
Courtesy photo
Built around 1865 by Richard L. and Rebecca Beamer, this early brick residence at 9 Palm Ave. is considered one of Woodland’s oldest homes. Reflecting French, Monterey Colonial, and early Victorian Italianate influences, the house stands as a rare example of 19th-century rural architecture in Yolo County.
Built in 1937 by Woodland builder Joseph Motroni, this Spanish Colonial Revival home (605 W. Keystone Ave.) showcases hallmark features of the style, including a red tile roof, arched openings, and a carved wooden front door. Surrounded by lush gardens and courtyards, the residence blends historic charm with thoughtful updates by its current owners.
Courtesy photo
See HOMES, Page 8
acquired it in 1942.
William and Marie Graeser became the next owners, then Gilbert and Norma Bourn. The current owner is Sandy Lang ley.
Tour Stop:
93 First St.
Built in 1939, this home is a charming example of the Cal ifornia Cottage Re vival style, blending Storybook and Tudor Revival influences that were popular in the late 1930s.
Steep front‑facing gables, an arched en tryway, and smooth stucco walls give it the storybook character of the era. The arched front porch draws the eye, while decorative gable vents and an arched front window showcase the home’s period details.
In recent years, the current owner has completely reimag ined the front and backyards with new landscaping, add ing color and texture that complement the home’s architecture and create an inviting setting for this Wood land gem.
Interior
Inside, the home retains many of the architectural details that defined its era, in cluding arched entry ways, coved ceilings, a working original fire place, and picture rail moldings.
Built as a two‑bed room residence, it was expanded in the mid‑20th centu ry with the addition of a third bedroom. More recently, the current owner add ed an ensuite bath, thoughtfully echoing the arched detailing found throughout the home.
In the breakfast nook, original built‑in cabinetry provides a charming reminder of the home’s blend of practicality and style, making this a warm and welcoming exam ple of late‑1930s resi dential design.
The home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 1,656 square feet of living space.
Ownership
The lot at 93 1st Street was sold by William Freedale to Joseph L. and Gladys Smith in August 1935.
Just a few months later, in December of that year, the Smiths received a building permit for a six room home. The contractor
was C.C. Hall.
The Smiths lived in the house until Janu ary 1947, when it was sold to Gilbert and Margaret Dodds. Gil bert worked as an ac countant.
In July 1958, the home changed hands again, this time to Herbert and Margaret Holland. By 1975, Hel en and Herbert Hol land Jr. were living in the home and re mained there at least through the 1980s. Since then, the house has had several owners. The current owner is Ann Moriar ty.
Tour Stop: 727 Second St.
Built in 1922, this home is a fine exam ple of the classic Bun galow style popular in the early 20th century. It was constructed by Clarence G. Porte us, a local contractor known for his exper
tise in lath and plaster work.
Porteus contribut ed to the construc tion of many Wood land homes designed by Joseph Motroni during that period.
The charming home features hallmark el ements of Craftsman design, including a low pitched, front ga bled roof with wide eaves and exposed rafter tails. A deep, inviting front porch is framed by tapered square columns set atop sub stantial piers, offering both shelter and ar chitectural character.
Multi pane upper window sashes, deco rative brackets, and a prominent flower box below the front bay window reflect the at tention to handcraft ed detail typical of the style.
Interior
Inside, the current owners have thought
fully reimagined the home, aiming to bring back the character and charm of its orig inal era. The kitchen and bathroom were fully renovated, and the fireplace was re built using distinc tive Rookwood art tile sourced from Ohio — a celebrated ceramic tile from Cincinnati, prized since the early 1900s.
Throughout the home, period details remain a central part of its charm, from the coved ceilings with picture rail molding
and hardwood floors to the built‑in dining room cabinet and cozy window seat, offering a warm reminder of the home’s history. The home has two bed rooms and one bath room in 1,701 square feet of living space.
Ownership
Clarence Porte us lived in the home he constructed until 1931, when it was sold to A.S. Plummer, a former grocery store owner in Knights Landing.
After changing
hands, the house was used as a rental property for several years before being purchased in 1944 by Dr. W.D. Clark and his wife, Ester. The Clarks lived in the home for 26 years. Dr. Clark practiced optometry in Woodland for more than three decades.
In the years that fol lowed, Bruce Dumars owned the home for a time, as well as Jean and Kris Kristensen.
The current owners are Susan and Heinz Robota.
Courtesy photo
Built in 1939, this California Cottage Revival home at 93 First St. features steep gables, an arched entryway, and period details that give it storybook charm. Inside and out, thoughtful updates and new landscaping by the current owner enhance the home’s inviting character while honoring its late1930s design.
Built in 1922 by local contractor Clarence G. Porteus, this Bungalowstyle home at 727 Second St. showcases hallmark Craftsman details, including a low-pitched front-gabled roof, tapered porch columns, and handcrafted woodwork. Thoughtful updates by the current owners preserve the home’s historic charm while highlighting period features such as a rebuilt Rookwood-tiled fireplace and hardwood floors.
Courtesy photo
Thursday, October 2
Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://bit.ly/4fwmfHK or www.wintersjusd.org
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, October 4
Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution Saturdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue
Sunday, October 5
Winters Sunday Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Downtown Main Street
Tuesday, October 7
Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ city-council-meetings_/
Library Services
Winters Library Open to Public (School in Session)
Winters Community Library, Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.,
Tue/Thu: 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. , Sat: 1–5 p.m.
Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library
Bilingual Storytime (ages 0-5), Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Winters Community Library
Virtual English Conversation Group, Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m., One time registration required: Contact Nancy Pacheco 530-666-8019 or nancy.pacheco@yolocounty.org
Mangonada Monday (ages 6-12), fourth Monday, 3:30 p.m. Tech Thursdays, Thursdays, 2-7:30 p.m., call 530-6668005 to schedule an appointment. Bilingual sessions available upon request.
Saturday Matinee, First Saturday, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library
All You Need is Love Romance Book Club, Second Saturday, 4 p.m., Hooby’s Brewing
Older Adult Programs
Winters Senior Foundation Chair Yoga Class for Seniors, Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.)
Cafe Yolo Social Dining, Thurdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.), Reservations required 24 hours in advance at 530-662-7035 or welcome@mowyolo.org
Winters Senior Foundation Social Gathering, Thurdays, 12:30-3 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.)
Ongoing
View the Winters community events calendar at https://bit.ly/WintersCommunityEvents
Winters Friends of the Library meeting, first Monday, 7 p.m., Winters Community Library, Margaret Parsons Room, wfol.org
Winters Fortnightly meeting, second Tuesdays (September thru 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
Saved & Sober program Thursdays, 7p.m., The Rock Church West, 201 Main St. 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.
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.
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.
California home sales rebound HOMES, Page 2
From restoration to stewardship FEATURE, Page 3
Empower Yolo brings help to rural families
By Angela Underwood Express correspondent
In 1977, the phone rang in a small Davis apartment, giving hope to the caller who waited for someone to answer. Now, Empower Yolo is the sole source for local victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking and child abuse.
The group’s mission, “to promote safe, healthy and resilient communities,” remains as alive today as it was in the first phone call in 1977, nearly 50 years ago.
The 24/7 crisis hotline is just one of many services offered at Empower Yolo Family Resource Centers located in Davis, Knights Landing and Woodland. Following a phone call, the group provides emergency shelter and transitional housing to ensure immediate safety.
Language is no barrier at Empower Yolo when it comes to real-time safety, according to Jen Vasquez, an anti-trafficking and housing youth advocate.
The Domestic Violence and Sexual Response Team on call makes “language access a priority,” according to Vasquez, saying “services are provided in English and Spanish, with interpreters available for other languages.”
Ozzie Pimentel Mora, Empower Yolo’s legal advocate, said the group’s representative assigned to the rural western Yolo areas is bilingual in Spanish. Here in Winters and the surrounding areas, “they can assist Spanish speakers directly.”
“Additionally, Empower Yolo contracts with an Interpreting Service Agency to provide services in an individual’s preferred language,” Mora said.
As the local group has grown since the 70s, so have the issues surrounding abuse, specifically with sex trafficking and the youth. The Department of Justice speaks bluntly about the abuse.
“Child sex trafficking is a pervasive and underreported crime, and one of the most complex forms of child
exploitation,” the DOJ reports. “Significantly, trafficked children (who predominantly are between 14-17) are advertised and presented as adults, often appear to be adults, and are trained by traffickers to lie about their age to buyers and law enforcement.”
Vasquez said every child and youth deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered.
“Whether in person, virtually, or through community outreach, Empower Yolo’s XY Program is committed to reducing barriers so that young survivors across Yolo County can access the help they need,” Vasquez said of the program that offers crisis counseling and case management for youth under 18.
Local law enforcement in Yolo County is keen on sex-trafficking and domestic violence, constantly collaborating with Empower Yolo for youth safety. Vasquez said Empower Yolo’s XY Program is committed to reducing barriers so that young survivors across Yolo County can access the help they need.
Especially when help means legal assistance.
“The Winters Police Department offers restraining order assistance at the police station, and services are offered in person or virtually,” Mora said, adding that appointments are highly encouraged and can be made at Empower Yolo’s main office or the Winters Police Department.
“Through Empow-
er Yolo’s Domestic Violence Response Team and collaboration with the Winters’ Police Department, domestic violence police reports are provided to the advocate to identify and offer services to victims of domestic violence,” Mora said.
Domestic and sexual violence knows no boundaries, literally.
“For families in rural areas like Esparto, Winters and Capay Valley, transportation can be a barrier,” Vasquez said. “To help, advocates offer phone and video appointments, attend school meetings, and partner with local organizations to meet youth closer to home.”
Vasquez said through outreach events, school partnerships and community collaborations, Empower Yolo is bringing services directly into underserved areas.
“Every child and youth deserves to feel safe, supported and empowered, whether in person, virtually, or through community outreach,” Vasquez said.
Mora pointed out that “to address accessibility issues, Empower Yolo offers restraining order assistance at the Winters Police Department and virtually.”
“This way, the agency works to reduce barriers to services and meets individuals in their communities, Mora said.
The legal advocate said Empower Yolo has and continues to work on making services accessible to ru-
ral residents in their communities.
“It provides services directly in the community, virtually, and through partnerships,” Mora said. Empower Yolo offers both immediate and long-term assistance, literally “empowering” victims to begin restoration, starting with prevention education and outreach programs, child education, and therapeutic services. Other programs include after-school safety initiatives, such as Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs); homeless prevention and rapid rehousing; financial self-sufficiency and tax assistance classes; and a women’s support group.
“As Empower Yolo looks to expand its services and outreach throughout rural Yolo County, it aims to do so by strengthening its relationship with its community partners, creating new partnerships, and leveraging technology to bridge the accessibility gap.” If you or a loved one is in danger of domestic violence or sexual assault, contact Empower Yolo’s 24/7 hotline at 530-662-1133 or 916-371-1907. Resources are also available on the Winters Police Department’s Victim Services page at www. cityofwinters.org/299/ Victim-Services.
Editor’s note: This story is the first in a multi-part series on Empower Yolo, exploring the vital services it provides and how families living in the Western Yolo communities can connect with support close to home.
Courtesy photo
Jen Vasquez (left), an anti-trafficking and housing youth advocate with Empower Yolo, provides XY Program services in Winters. Empower Yolo staff travel to rural areas to bring support directly to youth and families who cannot easily reach the agency’s offices.
Courtesy photo
Susan and Rick von Geldern brought a copy of the Winters Express with them to the edge of the St. Lawrence River, with Quebec City in the background. Bring the Winters Express along on your next trip and send your photos to news@wintersexpress.com for our Express Travels feature.
California home sales tick up as mortgage rates dip
California Association of Realtors
Special to the Express
A modest improve ment in mortgage rates and stabilizing home prices boosted California home sales in August, the Califor nia Association of Re altors.
Closed escrow sales of existing, sin gle-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 264,240 in August, according to information collected by CAR from more than 90 local Realtor associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2025 if sales maintained the August
pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales. August home sales activity edged up 0.9 percent from the 261,820 homes sold in July and slipped 0.2 percent from a year ago, when 264,640 homes were sold on an annualized basis. August’s sales level
remained slightly below last year’s revised level and marked the fifth consecutive month of year-overyear sales declines. It was also the 35th straight month in which the seasonally adjusted sales rate remained below the 300,000 benchmark.
Statewide pending sales in August rose 8.3 percent from July
as mortgage rates fell to a 10-month low. On a year-over-year basis, pending sales edged higher by 0.2 percent for the first time in nine months. Rates have continued to ease in recent weeks, reaching their lowest level in a year amid mounting signs of economic weakness.
“Despite a softer-than-expected
home-buying season this year, a bounce back in pending sales last month is an encouraging sign that sales could improve the rest of the year,” said CAR President Heather Ozur, a Palm Springs Realtor.
“Many prospective homebuyers have been holding out in hopes of lower mortgage rates, and the declining trend in rates observed in the last few weeks could be the nudge that draws them back to the market.”
average of 1.2 percent.
With prices showing stability in August and mortgage rates falling to their lowest level in a year, the housing market may see improved support in the months ahead.
“Soft sales demand led to a steady decline in California’s median home price for three consecutive months through early summer,” said Jordan Levine, CAR senior vice president and chief economist.
The statewide median home price rose to $899,140 in August, rebounding after three straight months of year-over-year declines. The price increased 1.7 percent from July — recovering much of the previous month’s drop — and was 1.2 percent higher than the same time last year. This monthly gain also surpassed the longterm July-to-August
“However, with a slight uptick in the median price in August and a stabilization in the number of reduced-price listings last month, the market appears to have found a short-term balance between supply and demand. “If mortgage rates maintain their current levels or decline further before year-end, positive year-over-year home price growth may continue in the next few months.
Express Yourself
Letters
New club at Winters High
During the last school event in May 2025, an Ethnic Studies Club was established at Winters High School. This club gives students a platform to voice their opinions about campus life, education and other topics without fear of backlash. Student voices are powerful (not always requiring involvement in FFA or ASB), but some students are shy or rarely heard — if they are heard, little often changes. While change takes time, the club aims to represent the WHS student body, address their concerns, and work toward solutions, even if they’re small.
Additionally, the Ethnic Studies Club focuses on addressing racism and discrimination within the school environment — acknowledging that these issues are often ignored or dismissed as jokes by students who face no consequences, unknowingly causing harm to others. The club wants to educate and inform students and staff about ongoing issues and their negative impacts on marginalized groups and cultures. The main goal is to promote understanding and prevent these issues from worsening before students graduate.
To achieve this, the club will celebrate various traditions and heritages through events, presentations and collaborations inside and outside of WHS. They will also analyze anonymous survey feedback to identify key areas for improvement. In late August, a few weeks after school started, members discussed ideas for the club’s structure and planned for the first official meeting. In September, some members visited new ethnic studies classes for freshmen to promote the club and engage with students. The first official Ethnic Studies Club meeting took place on Monday, Sept. 22. Officers will be elected the following Monday in October.
Your voice matters — share your perspective with the community
To submit a Letter to the Editor, visit the “Submission Forms” page and click the link under “Online Services”
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20)
Your energy is off the charts this week, Aries. This is the perfect time to start a new fitness regimen or tackle projects that you’ve been putting off for a while.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21)
Focus on your finances this week, Taurus. A new opportunity to increase your income or make an investment comes your way. Your practical nature will facilitate sound decision-making.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21)
Your communication skills are very powerful right now, Gemini. Whether it is a difficult conversation or a creative collaboration, you will find the right words to express yourself.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22)
Take some time for self-care this week, Cancer. Your intuition is strong and your inner voice will lead you to what will ultimately bring security and comfort.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23)
Leo, you are shining brightly right now. This is your time to be seen and celebrated. Step into the spotlight at work or in your social circle. Your confidence will be contagious.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22)
Productivity and organization are the name of the game this week, Virgo. You will feel a sense of satisfaction from checking off tasks and bringing order to your surroundings.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23)
Your natural charm and diplomatic skills make you a sought-after companion, Libra. This means your social life may be buzzing right now with plenty of people staying close.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22)
You are in a powerful position to achieve your professional goals, Scorpio. A new project or recognition at work might be on the horizon. Stay focused.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21)
Adventure is calling you, Sagittarius. Whether it is travel plans, a new work project or trying a new restaurant, you will be seeking novel experiences this week.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20)
Take some time for deep reflection, Capricorn. You can find clarity by looking inward and understanding what drives you. Expect some good news by midweek.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18)
Your relationships are a great source of joy this week, Aquarius. You may connect with others who share your unique vision and ideas. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20)
Creativity is flowing right now, Pisces. Devote some time to a passion project, whether it is art, music or writing. It is alright to daydream a little while as well.
KOURTNEI HAMPTON
Winters HigH scHool senior
Backyard & Beyond
Stewards of the creek: Challenges and collaboration
Editor’s Note: This is Part Two of a two-part series on Putah Creek in Winters. Part One explored the creek’s history, ecological importance, and the 25year legacy of the Putah Creek Accord. Part Two examines ongoing stewardship, collaboration, and the challenges facing this vital waterway.
By Angela Underwood Express correspondent
For Winters native Justen Cole and streamkeeper Max Stevenson, the significance of Putah Creek extends beyond history and restoration — it is about ongoing stewardship, collaboration, and protecting a shared natural legacy for future generations.
Cole explained that the key collaboration between the Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee and the Putah Creek Council is significant.
“Since Tudor Creek is the dividing line between Solano and Yolo County, we have representatives from both counties, including government officials like myself,” Cole said, adding that property owners also include private citizens.
“We have an opportunity to sit down with all the people who are impacted, allowing
total involvement from everybody who has an interest in the creek, enabling us to make informed decisions that support habitat restoration.”
Stevenson noted that some of those informed decisions and collaborating projects come directly from the PCC. “We have community workdays on the creek, cleaning up trash or planting native plants,” he said.
“Then there’s advocacy
for the environment and the policy sphere that the Putah Creek Council does, mostly through public education.”
One place is Winters Nature Park, established by the LPCCC and now monitored by the PCC, which promotes biodiversity, controls invasive weeds, and installs California native plants.
Other issues, including pipeline replacement,
fishing, and even homelessness, must be managed, according to Stevenson, saying, “I spend a lot of my time coordinating people to co-create solutions for shared problems.”
Cole said Stevenson’s expertise offers continued education for officials, specifically at Winters Nature Park. “He gives slides and pictures of different critters and animals that live in Putah Creek, making me
raise an eyebrow,” Cole said. “Like how many bats, bobcats and deer make up the habitat.”
Cole concludes, “We have something really special here, and we need to not only protect it but figure out ways to make it better.” Stevenson concurs.
“We try to keep everyone whole,” he said, specifically of the salmon passage.
“The salmon can’t get past some small irrigation dams downstream, and we want to improve passage but also keep the functions and use of those dams intact.”
There is a fine line between biodiversity and bureaucracy along Putah Creek, maintained with continued funding and grant proposals. While Stevens writes grant requests, Stevenson continues to deal with ongoing challenges or successes in creek stewardship, even with the Putah Creek Accord.
Signed in 2000, the Putah Creek Accord is an agreement between the Solano County Water Agency, Solano Irrigation District, PCC, UC Davis and the city of Davis. The Accord restores the creek’s natural shape, guarantees adequate flows
CREEK, Page 5
Tips for pests, plants and perfect watering
This column is written by the Master Gardeners of Yolo County each month. It provides answers to selected questions that recently came into the UCCE Master Gardener – Yolo County Help Desk.
Save my plants
Q: My cantaloupe and green bean plants are being eaten down to the ground by a pest. Any suggestions on a pesticide to use?
A: Before you can determine the best way to control any pest, you need to identify the culprit. Since your cantaloupe and bean plants are mature this time of year, it is highly unlikely they are being eaten to the ground by an insect or snail infestation. You would see leaves and possibly stems chewed, maybe some defoliation, but not complete destruction.
The likely pests are mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, voles, rats or deer, if you live in deer country. Gophers generally eat the roots and
Ask a Master Gardener
pull a plant under the ground rather than eat them from the top. Traditional insect-targeted pesticides will not help, since mammals are unaffected by them. Instead, the best strategies involve barriers and habitat management rather than chemical sprays. Rodenticides and poisons are sometimes used in agricultural settings, but their use creates risks to pets, people, and non-target wildlife, so they are not a good fit for residential garden use. Physical barriers are generally the best option for protecting your vegetables from mammals. It is important to identify the offending critter if you can. Control measures will obviously be different for different species. Spend some time just observing in your garden, including in the evening, to see if you can spot the intruder. You may
red seal Jesse Salinas County Clerk/Recorder State of California County of Yolo OCTOBER 1 8 15 22 2025 #84320
also be able to identify your pest from its droppings. A low fence of 2 to 3 feet with tight mesh, like 1-inch chicken wire, can keep rabbits out. Bury the bottom six to ten inches to deter digging under. For squirrels, you will need to make a covered enclosure for the plants. For rats or voles, make an enclosure of half-inch hardware cloth that is completely enclosed at the top. Row cover or netting is easier to work with and may help to form a visual barrier, but any determined
rodent could chew through it. The only dependably effective barrier for deer is an eight-foot fence. Habitat modification in and around your yard may help to reduce populations of unwanted mammals. Reduce nearby brush, weeds, tall grass, or woodpiles that can shelter unwanted animals. You may want to speak with your neighbors about doing the same. Encourage natural predators (owls, hawks, snakes) by avoiding rodenticides and providing perches or nest boxes. Domestic pets, cats and dogs, may sometimes be a help as well. Mechanical kill traps may be effective against rats and voles. Be sure they are not set in a location that can be accessed by domestic pets. The California Fish and Game Code limits the use of lethal traps for some species, so verify regulations in advance.
Live traps are often viewed as a less cruel option. However, California regulations prohibit moving a trapped animal out of its normal range. That means you cannot move it to the country or a distant park, leaving killing it in a humane way as the only legal alternative. In summary, try to identify the offender by observation. This is almost certainly a mammal, so physical barriers, traps, and habitat modification, or quite possibly all three used together, provide the best opportunity for protecting your plants. Here is an article for further information: https://ucanr.edu/ site/uc-master-gardener-program-alameda-county/mammal-pests-how-tellwhats-digging-andeating-your
How much water?
Q: How much water should I give my deciduous landscape trees?
A: The answer will vary by species and age of the tree, but there are guidelines that apply to most deciduous landscape trees. Trees establish root systems that rely on regular, but infrequent, moisture. Shallow watering can encourage roots to stay near the surface, leaving the tree vulnerable to drought and heat. The vast majority of landscape trees do best with deep, infrequent watering once established. Here are some general recommendations. Young trees (first three to five years) need more consistent watering, usually once a week during the dry
See GARDENER, Page 5
McNaughton Media photo
In November 2011, a section of Putah Creek near Winters was restored so it would flow more quickly and naturally.
See
Courtesy photo Eastern Fox squirrels, an invasive species, are one of the small mammals that can do substantial damage to a garden unless managed.
Where have all the flowers gone?
If you care about monarch butterflies, our local Rotary Club has a project for you. Retired Stream Keeper Rich Marovich is leading an effort to get at least 150 people to plant a butterfly garden that will attract monarchs. Monarchs used to migrate by the millions, but lately, they have been missing in action. Monarchs migrate in the fall, and many spend their winter months in California. Mexico is famous for its clusters in pine forests, but there are several places along the California coastline where you can find monarch butterflies by the thousands. You can see them in eucalyptus, pine and cy-
“It has been a while since I saw any monarchs in my backyard, but a couple of weeks ago, there was one feeding on a couple of Sherri’s native plants.”
press trees in Monterrey and even in Grover Beach, near San Luis Obispo.
It has been a while since I saw any monarchs in my backyard, but a couple of weeks ago, there was one
feeding on a couple of Sherri’s native plants. We don’t have milkweed, which attracts butterflies and gives them a place to lay their eggs, but something attracted at least one to our garden. I
see other butterflies but rarely monarchs.
The Rotary Club of Winters has received a grant, and with matching local money, will provide a box of plants to try and get monarchs to call Winters home. I’m not sure how far $7,500 will go, but I had Rich take a look at our backyard to see if there was a place to plant a few of his plants. He wanted at least 100 square feet in the sun but I didn’t have what he was looking for. He did say that I could have some milkweed for a corner of my garden. I also planted some milkweed around the base of my street trees at the museum. Trying to keep them watered is turning out to be a full-time job with the
sun baking the young plants in the afternoon. At home, I have an automated drip system that you set and forget about.
I’m hoping that the Express will run a story or two about Rich’s project, and we can become known as the butterfly capital of Yolo County. When my permanent tenant was teaching third graders, she often had me pick milkweed to feed her monarch caterpillars that lived in her classroom. Finding milkweed was easy enough along the road between Winters and Davis, but lately, I’m not seeing milkweed anywhere. It has been a few years since she taught
in Davis, so maybe I’m just out of practice looking for milkweed, but I think Roundup has taken its toll on anything trying to grow in the irrigation ditches in Yolo County. Rotarians aren’t the fastest when it comes to projects, so it may take a while to get the boxes ready for everyone to plant, but the ball is rolling and the seeds have been planted. Stay tuned to learn how you can help with this project. Don’t get distracted when a butterfly floats by in your backyard. Together, we can give them something to eat on their journey south. Have a good week.
Celebrating the big, little efforts of staff
By Lisa Dennis Special to the Express
Our staff at Winters Joint Unified School District are true champions for students, tackling challenges and creating opportunities at every turn. This column shines a spotlight on the achievements, efforts, and thoughtful moments that make our schools thrive.
Classified employee
On Sept. 18, the classified employee we recognized was Ryen Lucero.
Ryen is a campus supervisor at Winters
to keep it healthy, and created the Streamkeeper position to ensure those flows are maintained.
“So much work has been done in the past 25 years since the Accord, and now we try to improve salmon habitat and public access for private landowners, who have vandalism and trespass issues,” Stevenson said. Managing all the different competing interests in the Putah Creek community can mean “everything all the time, or everything at once, which is not always easy to do,” ac-
Winters JUSD Star Staff
Middle School. Ryen is an awesome support on the WMS campus. She embodies Board Priority 1: creating safe, welcoming and inclusive environments. Ryen is very approachable and helpful while maintaining high expectations for students and the WMS community. She builds great connections with students and is always ready and willing to jump in and help. Ryen is thoughtful and takes action to make the
cording to the streamkeeper. “But you get a better solution in the end, and you often can find grant funds when everyone is not suing each other and agreeing on a way to move forward,” Stevenson said.
WMS campus and student experience better. Whether it’s reminding students to S.O.A.R., greeting staff and students each morning with a reminder to have a great day, correcting behavior, maintaining the wellness center or helping to put up student art around the campus, Ryen is a tremendous asset at WMS. Even if Ryen were to have a bad day, you wouldn’t know it. She’s warm and caring to everyone she encounters. Her colleagues enjoy working with such a positive
person. Thank you, Ryen. We appreciate you.
Certificated employee
On Sept. 18, the certificated employee we recognized was Courtney Caruso. Courtney is a social science teacher at Winters High School. Courtney constantly works hard both for her students and her peers. Courtney consistently demonstrates Board Priority 1, creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for students and staff. In addition to teaching, Courtney serves as a mentor teacher
for student teachers, giving them the tremendous opportunity to learn from her. Two of our own teachers, Michael Goodson and Emily Kramer, had the benefit of learning from Courtney. She also serves as an induction mentor, helping our newest teachers through the challenging first two years of teaching. She works hard to make sure everyone is supported and to make induction a manageable and beneficial experience. Courtney also contributes to Board Priority 2, amplifying student engagement,
The PCC is in the midst of a strategic planning exercise that will chart its course for the next three to five years. “A central concern that has bubbled up through the process is the impacts of illegal camping on the health of the riparian forests, particularly in Winters and on the UCD campus,” Stevens said. “While we do not yet know what our strategy will be for addressing this
season, especially during the hottest weather. Each watering should soak the soil deeply (twelve to eighteen inches). Established trees (older than five years) typically need deep watering about once every two to four weeks during hot, dry months. In very hot spells, every ten to fourteen days may be appropriate. A good rule of thumb is to apply ten to fifteen gallons per inch of trunk diameter measured at about 4 feet up the trunk per watering. For example, a six-inch trunk would need sixty to ninety gallons spread slowly over the root zone.
issue, it’s clear that someone needs to speak for the creek in this context, and we
The best practices are to give the tree a deep, slow soak. Use drip irrigation, a soaker hose or a hose trickling for several hours that you move to cover the entire root zone. This prevents runoff in our clay loam soil and ensures water penetrates deeply. Most absorbing roots are one to three feet below ground and, for most trees, extend one-and-a-half times the distance from the trunk to the dripline (the edge of the canopy). There is a concentration of roots at the dripline, so focusing at least half of the water there is a safe bet. A spiral of soaker or drip hose starting a few feet from the
trunk and extending out is a good approach. Be sure to avoid wetting the trunk to prevent crown rot. Check soil moisture after watering to be sure water is penetrating deeply. This can be done with a water meter that has a long probe or a metal rod, which should be able to be pushed relatively easily into wet soil. It is import-
ant that the soil dry significantly between waterings. Ideally, moisture should penetrate to a depth of two to three feet after a watering session. By the time of your next watering session, the soil should be fairly dry again.
A 3- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone helps conserve soil moisture and reduce heat stress. Keep mulch six inches away from the trunk to prevent crown rot. In winter, rainfall often provides enough moisture, so supplemental watering is usually unnecessary unless there is a prolonged dry spell. But in a winter drought, even established trees will need irrigation. Pay attention to the warning signs of under- or over-watering. When trees are underwatered, leaves wilt, curl, or brown at the edges, the canopy thins, and premature leaf drop occurs. Overwatering is accompanied by yellowing leaves, dieback at branch tips, or soggy soil around
learning, and growth with her consistent use of AVID strategies and engaging lessons. Additionally, she’s created a strong partnership between the high school and middle school, which has improved the effectiveness of vertical articulation and collaboration, ensuring clear pathways for students as they navigate from the middle school to the high school.
Thank you, Courtney, for all of your hard work and support of our students, staff, and community.
believe it should be us.”
The stream’s legacy “appears to have an outsize significance in the hearts and minds of Winters residents,” according to Stevens. Take Cole, for example.
When not governing utilities in Vacaville, he enjoys the creek with his children.
“I’m what you would call the third generation, and my kids are the fourth,” Cole said, noting that while he has seen the town grow up, he’s watched the creek evolve. “It’s really a cool place; if you’ve never been there, you should go.”
roots. “Overwatering” is more often caused by too frequent watering rather than too large a volume of water at any one time.
In summary, set up a routine of deep watering about every 2–3 weeks through the summer, adjusting based on heat and soil moisture. Aim for slow, thorough soakings that reach at least two feet deep, supported with mulch to keep roots cool and moist. This steady schedule should keep your trees well hydrated and healthy.
Here is an article for additional information: https://ucanr.edu/blog/ over-fence-alameda-county/article/watering-landscape-trees-and-shrubsgood-and-bad
If you have a gardening question, contact the UC Master Gardener Help Desk at 530-666-8737. Or send an email with information regarding watering, sun exposure, details about your problem, and photos, when possible, to mgyolo@ucdavis.edu.
Robinson Kuntz/McNaughton Media photo
A salmon swims up Putah Creek near Winters in December 2022.
Robinson Kuntz/McNaughton Media photo
Landscape trees provide many benefits, but must be irrigated.
Sports
Winters defense locks down Durham in 32-8 victory
By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer
On Friday, Sept. 26, the Winters High School varsity football team kicked off its league season with a hard-fought victory over Durham High School after a slow start. While the early minutes may have left a few fans unsure of the final outcome, the Warriors quickly settled in and got back in the game.
“We have to find a way to get off to a faster start. Besides the Dixon game, we haven’t played well in the first quarter. We’ve only scored 13 points in the first quarter over the last four games,” said varsity head coach Daniel Ward.
Playing from behind is a risky trend that’s become far too familiar for the Warriors in recent weeks. But if slow starts are becoming a pattern, so is something else — dominant finishes.
After a rough first quarter, the Warriors’ defense stepped up and managed to hold their opponent scoreless for the final three quarters of the game.
“We didn’t give up a single yard, let alone a first down,
after that first score. We held Durham to 42 yards of offense on the night,” said Ward. The Warriors’ defense was led by the Garcia brothers, Ricky Garcia and Anthony Garcia, who seemed to be in on every tackle and were a force behind the line of scrimmage. Jayden Blackburn and Anthony Matamoros Mayes also played great defensive games. Blackburn was marked for nine tackles and two for a loss. Mayes logged 7 tackles, two for a loss and a sack.
Aidan Baylor and Luke Felsen also deserve some defensive recognition. Baylor had an impressive pass deflection, and Felsen made his contribution with a beautiful interception.
While defensively the Warriors played another great game, the Warriors continued to struggle with running the ball, earning just 116 rushing yards in the game, which is the lowest
total in the last three years.
The Warriors won with a final score of 32–8.
“The good news is that
we threw the ball really well, and (Lane Brown) did a great job spreading the ball around. We had 10 dif-
ferent players catch a pass, and that is a crazy stat.” said Ward.
The Warriors are looking forward to having both Sean Wojan and Mark Gano suited up for their game against Colusa. Wojan is returning from an injury, and Gano is a transfer from Vacaville High School who is now eligible to take the field.
The Warriors are heading to Colusa next week and the team is taking this next match-up very seriously.
“We don’t look at last year at all. Every year, there is a new team. Colusa is just one year removed from backto-back section championships and a state title in 2023. They always play a tough game and we’re expecting a great game,” said Ward.
If Winters can find a way to start as strong as they finish, they’ll be an even more dangerous team to go up against throughout the league season.
Juniors snatch win in Powderpuff nail-biter
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, Winters High School hosted the annual Powderpuff match, where the Class of 2026 (Seniors) and the Class of 2027 (Juniors) played a close game, but in the end, the Juniors took the win from the previous champions with an upset score of 18–19.
For those who may
not know, Powderpuff is a tradition at WHS where the roles of a typical football game are reversed: the girls play flag football while the boys cheer. The game is played in two 20-minute halves instead of the standard four 15-minute quarters. There are also a few rule changes — it’s 7-on-7 rather than 11-on-11, and
there are no kicking teams. Instead, teams attempt one- or twopoint conversions from the 5- or 10-yard line, depending on how many points they want to go for.
In the first half of the game, Maci Dodic received an interception that she ran for a touchdown, bringing the score to a quick 6–0 with 13 minutes to go in the first half. Ava Muir Vickery gave the Seniors a touchdown to tie the game at 6–6, with 8 minutes to go. Dodic brought the Juniors back to lead with a touchdown, and the team also scored a 1-point conversion to bring the score to 13–6 at the end of the first half.
In the second half, the seniors immediately gained a turnover, which cost the Juniors as Muir Vick-
ery scored a touchdown to bring the score to 12–13. Dodic once again scored the Juniors another touchdown, adding on to their lead and bringing the score to 19–12. Nearing the end of the half, Skyler Neal gave the Seniors one last touchdown to help bring the score to a close 18–19, but the team unfortunately failed to score a conversion, thus being the final score of the game.
Upsets aren’t uncommon. Last year, the current seniors won in an upset against the Class of 2025, which means the junior class has taken home the win two years in a row.
Next Homecoming, the Class of 2027 (juniors, soon to be seniors) will take on the Class of 2028 (sophomores, soon to be juniors) in Powderpuff, — Hawk Selleck is a senior at Winters High School. He’s a sports enthusiast and participates in the school band, and many other things on campus.
and track and field.
REALTY WORLD-CAMELOT
Jayden Blackburn Jayden Blackburn, a senior at Winters High School, is the Realty World – Camelot Winters Athlete of the Week. The Warriors’ leader in tackles rarely comes off the field, making a big
He enjoys music, baseball,
KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo
Anthony Garcia (center) and Jayden Blackburn (left) point down the line as Ramon Lopez (right) sets for the snap.
KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo
Senior Ava Muir Vickrey (left) and junior Ava Coker share a smile on the field during the annual Winters High School Powderpuff game.
KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo
Junior Maci Dodic (left) powered the Class of 2027 to victory with several touchdowns.
Arts & Entertainment
Winters Museum hosts mother-daughter art showcase
Special to the Express
Local artists Nancy Button Young and Erin Elizabeth will be the featured artists at the Winters Museum during the Second Saturday Art Stroll on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Visitors can experience the unique styles of this artistic duo, from vibrant, small-town-inspired contemporary works to modern, soulful paintings influenced by a creative journey in Namibia.
Nancy Button Young grew up on a ranch outside Winters and pursued her love of art through studies in graphic design and illustration.
After a career in advertising and raising a family, she spent 16 years teaching art to high school students in Stockton. Returning to Winters six years ago, she began exploring loose, colorful acrylic paintings in a modern impressionistic style. Button Young will exhibit works in acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, and pastel. As a board member of the Winters Participation Gallery, 100 percent of her sales will support the Summer Historical Mural Project. Her daughter, Erin Elizabeth, will showcase paintings that celebrate the beauty of nature, ranging from modern florals
to abstract landscapes. Highlights include a series inspired by a trip to Namibia, with minimalist paintings evoking calm and desert-inspired abstracts capturing the wind’s movement. Her contemporary animal paintings reflect the pure beauty of wildlife. Elizabeth has collectors worldwide and has led art therapy workshops across California, including programs for incarcerated youth and young adults within the justice system.
The artists will be on hand for a Meet & Greet, with works available for purchase. Light refreshments will be served.
UCD Symphony features Beethoven, Barber
By Michael G. French Special to the Express
The UC Davis Symphony Orchestra opens its 2025-26 season with a program featuring masterworks by Ludwig van Beethoven and Samuel Barber and a contemporary work by a doctoral composition student.
Conducted by Christian Baldini, music director and professor of music,
the concert is Oct. 25 at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts and begins at 7 p.m.
The evening features a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, which is widely recognized by the ominous four-note opening motif — often interpreted as the musical manifestation of “fate knocking at the door” — that
recurs in various guises throughout the composition.
Known as the “Fate Symphony,” the work is one of the bestknown compositions in classical music and one of the most frequently played symphonies, and it is widely considered one of the cornerstones of Western music.
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The concert includes Barber’s Adagio for Strings, which was originally the slow movement of the composer’s String Quartet. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for students and youths.
Tickets are available at the Mondavi Center Ticket Office in person or by calling 530-7542787 between noon and 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Tickets are also available online at Tickets.MondaviArts.org.
Inaugural Winters Holiday Home Tour benefits Meals on Wheels Yolo County
Special to the Express
The magic of the holidays comes to life in Winters this November with the first-ever Winters Holiday Home Tour, presented by Winters Collective and benefiting Meals on Wheels Yolo County.
Guests are invited to tour some of Winters’ most beautifully decorated homes and experience the spirit of the season. Each stop will showcase unique holiday décor and creative inspiration, offering a festive way to kick off the holidays while supporting an important local cause.
Event details:
• Friday, Nov. 21: 4 to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 22: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We’re thrilled to bring the community together through this festive event,” said Meika Ogando, owner of Winters Collective.
“The Holiday Home Tour is not only a celebration of Winters’ holiday spirit, but also a way to give back to an organization that makes such a differ-
ence for our seniors.”
Tickets are now available for this special event on the Winters Collective website at https://winterscollective.com/collections/home-decor.
Proceeds will directly benefit Meals on Wheels Yolo County, a program dedicated to delivering nutritious meals and providing vital support to seniors in the community.
“In this challenging season for sustaining all of the seniors currently nourished with our meals and front-door visits, innovative events such as the Winters Holiday Home Tour are both welcomed and important,” said Joy Cohan, executive director of Meals on Wheels Yolo County.
“Nearly 125 Winters seniors depend on our meal deliveries — out of more than 1,200 older adults countywide — and the wait list is growing. Every community member who buys a ticket makes it that much less likely that we will have to disappoint a senior in
Winters or anywhere in Yolo County who needs meals and visits to age safely and healthily at home.” Winters Collective, a locally owned mercantile shop in the heart of Winters, showcases the work of local artisans and vendors. The shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of goods and serves as both a shopping destination and gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Meals on Wheels Yolo County has been serving seniors since the 1970s, growing from a small church program into the county’s only provider of freshly prepared, ready-to-eat meals for those unable to shop or cook for themselves.
By 2028, the organization aims to serve up to 1,800 food-insecure seniors — nearly 500 percent growth since 2022. While supported by public partnerships, the program relies heavily on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and corporate donors to ensure its continued impact.
Special to the Express Antsy McClain, known for his hilarious, heartwarming performances, will bring his Halloween Bash to the Win-
ters Opera House on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Whether performing solo or with his band, the Trailer Park Troubadours, McClain blends humor, story-
telling, and soulful music that celebrates love, family, and friendship.
Fans can expect a mix of laugh-out-loud antics and touching moments, a style McClain calls “humor with heart.” His shows combine playful theatrics — complete with big hair, plaid pants and band shenanigans — with heartfelt songs that remind audiences to cherish life and loved ones.
McClain’s music is set in the semi-fictional Pine View Heights, inspired by his own upbringing in trailer parks with a truck-driving father and Avon-selling mother. Many of his fans, who call themselves Flamingoheads, embrace the sense of community and fun that McClain fosters, often jokingly calling themselves his “cousins.” Over 20 albums showcase his storytelling talent, mixing comedic and sentimental elements to create memorable, emotional performances.
The Halloween Bash begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Winters Opera House, 13 Main St., Winters. Tickets are available at www.winterstheatrecompany. org or by calling 530795-4014. Don’t miss an evening of laughter, music, and heartwarming stories from one of America’s most beloved performers.
Courtesy photo
Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours will perform a Halloween Bash at the Winters Opera House on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Antsy McClain puts on Halloween show
Vacaville Winters