Community voices concerns over updates to North Winters Specific Plan concept
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
About 70 community members gathered at the Winters Community Center to review potential updates to the North Winters Specific Plan, also known as the “Winters 183 Project,” following a previous open house in November 2022. With multiple design concepts and a revised site plan on display, many residents voiced frustration. Representatives from DAHLIN Architecture led the main presentation, using the original slides from 2022 with a few updates. Justin Doull, a senior planner at DAHLIN, said the team reviewed the original boards and notes and met with city officials to identify feedback that could be incorporated after the project’s pause.
Doull highlighted one major suggestion from the city’s transportation plan: incorporating curves to make Main Street a continuous loop throughout town.
“It’s the idea that Main Street creates a continuous loop and it’s been extended as part of the Highlands on the west side of town and it is planned to come up in the Farmstead on the west side of town,” Doull said. “And that was one thing that we haven’t really baked into our concepts previously. We’ve taken some of the positive feedback from
elements that we’ve heard, like a single central park was more functional and had more usability for not just this neighborhood but this city as a whole.”
“We looked at a way that a main axis could kind of continue through the site and tie back into the loop on both sides and really complete that part of the vision that the city has had for decades to actually create this idea of a Main Street loop through town and not
Weather
to take too much time to dwell on the details of the plan. Otherwise, a lot of it’s the same.”
The presented plan features a variety of housing types, grouping roughly 800 units throughout the development. Portions of the back housing parcels incorporate the existing almond orchard into residents’ backyards, preserving Winters’ agricultural heritage — a request originally made in 2022.
See PROJECT, Page 5
Spanish immigrant stories are focus at museum, conference
New exhibit Museum showcases a century of Spanish immigrant’s impact on the community
By Sonora Slater Express staff writer
Gloria Lopez’s 11th exhibit for the Winters Museum is one that’s been on her mind for quite a while — but she wanted to wait for the right moment to put it all together.
“The board kept asking me, ‘When are you going to do an exhibit about the Spaniards in Winters?’’” Lopez said. “I kept putting it off, because this one is very near and near to me. I felt a lot of pressure, because I wanted to do it right.”
The exhibit, titled “The Journey from Spain to Winters: Stories of Hard Work, Strong Families, and Good Food,” is open now and includes stories and photos from the many Spanish immigrants and descendants who have called Winters home over the past 100 years. Many of these third, fourth and fifth generation Spaniards are now pillars of the Winters community and business landscape, from the Martinez family’s Berryessa Gap Winery, to the Lorenzo family’s grocery store, to Lopez herself.
So what made this the right moment for the exhibit to finally come to life?
In part, it was the Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association’s Inaugural International Academic and Cultural Conference, held the weekend of Sept. 6-7 on the UC Davis campus. More than 300 people attended, all descendants of the 8,000 Spaniards who left their country between the year of 1907 and 1913 on ships to Hawaii, seeking work on sugar cane plantations. When work there dried up, many of these immigrants left behind their lives again to travel to San Francisco, and eventually dispersed across California, including many who found employment in the fertile hills of Vacaville and Winters.
Of course, not all of the Spaniards in California came through Hawaii — others came later through Ellis Island, or took other paths. But the history of Spanish Hawaiian immigrants is a little more niche, and part of the goal of the conference was to gather stories that have been passed down through generations to fill in some of the gaps in our knowledge of who those people were and what their experience was like.
“Winters really is small, and it’s my whole world,” Lopez said during a panel discussion at the conference. “Doing all this research, I’ve found there’s a whole other world outside Winters, and a whole lot of Spaniards who are part of all these connections and threads. We all have a piece of that mosaic, and we’re filling in these pictures now.”
The Winters Museum’s newest exhibit, timed to coincide with the conference, in-
See SPAIN, Page 4
Aerial survey of Putah Creek produces ‘virtual reality’ data
By Todd R. Hansen McNaughton Media
A fixed-wing Cessna Cargomaster, for five days in January, flew over the full 32-mile stretch of Putah Creek, capturing Lidar images and data that Streamkeeper Max Stevenson said is like having a “virtual reality simulation” of the stream channel.
So vivid are the images, tread marks from tractor tires can be seen in the neighboring farmlands,
also captured by the aerial survey.
The purpose of the $120,000 project, however, was to map out the channel floor and slope — from the Monticello Dam to the toe drain in West Sacramento – something the older lidar technology could not do because it did not adequately penetrate the water surface.
Lidar, or Light Detection and Ranging, uses pulsed laser light “to measure distances and create
See CREEK, Page 5
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
The revised Product Allocation Plan shows the groupings of proposed housing types.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
The revised site plan concept shows the update to include the future Main Street loops and a central park space.
‘Trashure Hunt’ comes to Putah Creek, Lake Solano
Express staff
On Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, Winters residents can join their neighbors in protecting our waterways during California Coastal Cleanup Day — the largest volunteer event in the state. For the first time, the annual cleanup will feature a fun scavenger-style “trashure hunt,” with site captains hiding prizes such as tote bags, gift cards, and even a grand prize of two season passes to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
Winters will host two local cleanup sites at the Putah Creek Nature Park and Lake Solano.
Putah Creek Nature Park: Putah Creek Council will lead volunteers in cleaning both the north and south sides of the Railroad Bridge, along with the stretch of Putah Creek Road above the park. This is a key focus area where Putah Creek Council has already removed more than
1,000 pounds of litter and debris over the past year in partnership with the City of Winters and Solano County Water Agency. Volunteers should meet at Rotary Park at 9 a.m. before heading into the cleanup zones.
Lake Solano Park: Solano County Parks staff will lead a cleanup around Lake Solano, another important site for local families and outdoor recreation.
This year, Putah Creek Council is also hosting a new “Hike & Clean” event at the UC Davis Riparian Reserve. Volunteers will clean along Putah Creek from the Old Davis Road Trailhead to the Brooks Road Trailhead.
This is the first time in years that the Council has hosted a cleanup at this location, and the effort is made possible thanks to collaboration with Riparian Reserve staff. Volunteers should meet at the Old Davis Road Trailhead parking lot at 9 a.m. Parking is limited, so carpooling
or biking is encouraged. Participants at all sites are encouraged to bring gloves, buckets, trash pickers, and reusable water bottles. Limited supplies will also be available. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult, and all volunteers must sign a waiver (with guardian signatures for minors). Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Solano County supervisors uphold approval of area event facility
By Todd R. Hansen McNaughton Media
The Solano County supervisors on Tuesday let stand a decision by the zoning administrator approving a special events facility near Winters.
The facility is planned for 3695 Vickrey Lane, 3 miles southwest of Winters, in Solano County. The applicants are Rhonda and Mike Petrillo. Matthew Flaherty, of neighboring Sun-
light Horse and Cattle LLC, appealed the decision, contending that the zoning administrator “did not adequately consider public safety, infrastructure and accessibility issues” when making his decision.
The fate of a special events facility fell into the hands of the supervisors after the county Planning Commission recently deadlocked 2-2 on the appeal of the use
permit, which was approved by Allan Calder, sitting as the zoning administrator, on June 19.
Many of the concerns centered on wildfires, and because of noise and lighting. Traffic on Putah Creek Road, Pleasants Valley Road and Vickery Lane, a private road, had also been raised.
The board denied the appeal on a 5–0 vote.
Keeping trash out of Putah Creek and Lake Solano helps protect local wildlife and recreation areas, while also preventing litter from reaching the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean. In 2024, food and beverage packaging made up more than a third of debris collected statewide.
Winters’ efforts are part of a broader statewide push coordinated by the
California Coastal Commission. Last year, Putah Creek Council brought together 75 volunteers for the cleanup and hopes to see even more community members this year.
Event registration, information
Putah Creek Cleanups: Register at putahcreekcouncil.org/events or contact Maddie Galal at maddie@putahcreekcouncil. org.
Lake Solano Cleanup: For questions about the area, visit solanocounty.com/ parks or contact Jamie Fussell at jmfussell@solanocounty.gov.
The Solano County Coastal Cleanup effort is made possible by the cities and County of Solano, local wastewater agencies, and the Solano Resource Conservation District. For a full list of cleanup locations across Solano County, visit cleanupsolano.org or http://bit.ly/42odtHR.
Registration open for basketball program
Registration is officially open for the Winters Youth Basketball Program, which welcomes students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Space is limited in each age division, so families are encouraged to register early.
Registration fees are $75 for kindergarten athletes and $105 for first through sixth graders. Division capacities and full program details are available on the registration page. Once divisions reach capacity, a waitlist will be created and athletes will be added in the order they registered. After registration closes, organizers will review participation numbers to determine whether additional athletes can be accommodated.
take place on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Winters High School Gymnasium. This event is required for all players except kindergarteners. A makeup evaluation will be offered in December. Program coordinator Zach Davis said the goal of the player evaluations is to create balanced rosters so teams are as “fair and equitable as possible.”
will be split into two parts: skill development in the first half, followed by 4-on-4 or 5-on-5 scrimmages against other grade-level teams. These teams will be coached by Winters High School varsity basketball players.
The registration links are available on the city of Winters website at www.cityofwinters.org/171/Winter-Youth-Basketball. Registration closes on Nov. 22.
The first Player Evaluation Day will
Program details Kindergarten teams (60 minutes): Skills clinic only. Sessions will focus on age-appropriate skill development, with controlled scrimmages added as the season progresses. Transitional kindergarten students are not eligible; participants must currently be enrolled in kindergarten. Parent volunteer coaches are needed for this division. First through sixth grade teams (90 minutes): Each session
Games are scheduled to begin on Saturday, Jan. 3, and run through Feb. 28, 2026. No weekday practices will be held. Games are held on Saturdays only.
In addition to volunteer coaches for kindergarten, Davis is also seeking volunteers to assist with the scoreboard, game clock, and Kiddy Hoop setup and reset. For questions, email WintersYB@gmail. com. Updates are also shared on the Winters Youth Basketball Program’s social media pages: facebook.com/ WintersYouthBasketball and instagram. com/winters_youth_ basketball.
Yolo County seeks input on animal services
Special to the Express
Yolo County seeks interested organizations, including local nonprofits, to respond to a Request for Information to provide professional services for animal care operations within Yolo County.
The county is exploring opportunities to strengthen and enhance animal services, including shelter management, animal intake and care,
redemption and adoption services, rescue and foster programs, spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, veterinary services for small and large animals, humane law enforcement, community education, volunteer coordination, fundraising and special event production.
“This exploratory process will help us identify qualified organizations that may be strong partners in
promoting and protecting the health and welfare of both animals and residents within Yolo County,” said Angel Barajas, Yolo County Board of Supervisors and the County’s representative on the Animal Services JPA committee. “We look forward to better understanding what opportunities may exist to enhance animal services in Yolo County.”
This RFI is intended strictly for information-gathering purposes. It will help the county and its partner cities of Davis, West Sacramento, Winters and Woodland to evaluate potential approaches for improving animal welfare and better understand opportunities for other partnerships. No contract will result directly from this process. Information received through this RFI will assist in assessing future
Courtesy photo
Volunteers helped to pick up trash at different sites around Lake Solano.
Express staff
Regional News
Woodland funeral home accused of gross misconduct
By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media
The Yolo County District Attorney’s consumer fraud division announced Wednesday its filing of a civil enforcement action against a longtime Woodland funeral and mortuary business, accusing its owners of regularly overcharging clients between January 2020 and June 2024, the losses totaling more than half a million dollars.
Those allegations are contained in a 34-page complaint filed Aug. 29 against McNary’s Chapel, Kraft Brothers Funeral Directors, and the businesses’ owners, Paul and Lailene Villaret Wiggins, who, according to the actio,n “took advantage of grieving individuals and families in nearly every single one of their transactions over the course of at least four years.”
Prosecutors estimate the alleged fraud affected more than 1,000 families, including some who faced the additional burden of laying their loved ones to rest during the height of the COVID pandemic.
“The death of a family member can be among the most trying times in a person’s life. People charged with making final arrangements for a deceased loved one are entitled to do business in a fair and ethical
marketplace,” the complaint says. “Yet two of the Yolo County businesses that provide funeral and cemetery goods and services chose to flout California law as a matter of course.”
Prosecutors say the Wigginses violated client trust — and California’s socalled “death-care industry” laws — by overcharging for its services, adding fraudulent fees and engaging in “routine misconduct” in their sale and administration of insurance for pre-paid future funeral expenses.
“Combined, these unlawful practices amount to gross misconduct and unprofessionalism pervading nearly every aspect of Defendants’ business,” the complaint says. “The People bring this action to put a stop to Defendants’ abuses, to obtain restitution for Defendants’ hundreds of victims, and to hold Defendants accountable as provided under California law.”
A phone message left with an employee of the McNary’s Chapel answering service seeking comment about the allegations was not returned. An attorney listed in court documents as representing the Wigginses also could not be reached for comment.
According to the com-
plaint, Kraft Brothers was first established in 1862, more than a century before McNary’s Chapel opened in 1969. Both have been owned by the Wigginses since 1998.
McNary’s is located at 458 College St. in Woodland. The Kraft Brothers building, at 175 Second St., was listed for sale just over a year ago and has a current asking price of $870,000.
In a news release issued Wednesday announcing the civil action, Deputy District Attorney Clara Morain Nabity said the case stemmed from complaints filed by local families alleging mistreatment by the defendants.
“Investigation of those complaints led to a broader inquiry into Defendants, which revealed evidence of pervasive violations of consumer protection laws,” Nabity said.
Those alleged violations included:
• Overcharging “nearly every single customer” over the 4-1/2 year period, the complaint says, by including false and misleading statements on its general price list (GPL) and other pricing documents, and failing to provide copies of those documents to clients;
• Misrepresenting certain charges as “cash advances” — costs for third-party goods and ser-
Solano supervisors shine light on Hispanic Heritage Month
Express staff
The Solano County supervisors on Tuesday adopted a resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month.
“The United States of America has drawn strength and insights from Hispanic writers, scientists, soldiers, doctors, entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders in labor and government. Our collective culture has been enriched by the rhythms, art, literature, and creativity of Hispanic peoples,” the resolution states.
The celebration runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Supervisor Wanda Williams made the presentation.
“The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30day period,” the resolution states.
“The day of Sept. 15 is significant because it is the day that five Latin American countries celebrate their independence from Spain, to include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Honduras. Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16 and Chile celebrates its independence on Sept. 18 ... In addition, Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day, or Día de la Raza, in mid-October, falls within this 30-day period.”
The proclamation was presented to the Solano County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“We are here to lift the Latino-owned businesses on the county, but we work with a lot of other small businesses,” said Leo Callejas. vice president, Benicia-Vallejo, adding that the economic power of Latinos in the country would make it the fifth largest in the world.
In other action, the board:
• Reappointed Anthony E. McDonald and Jules Darian “J.D.” Hatchett to the Behavioral Health Advisory Board for terms to end on
organizational models for animal services in Yolo County.
Interested organizations must complete the Vendor Response Form and submit electronically through Beacon at https://tinyurl.com/YoloAS or by email at Proposals@yolocounty.gov.
Submissions will be accepted until
Aaron Rosenblatt/McNaughton Media
Members of Danzantes Unidos de Vacaville prepare for their performance during the Dia de los Muertos celebration at Andrews Park in Vacaville in 2023.
Sept. 30, 2026, and Denise Coleman for a term to end Nov. 30.
• Recognized Sept. 7 as World Duchenne Awareness Day in Solano County. Supervisor Wanda Williams had two sons who died of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a disease that has no cure.
• Recognized Sept. 9 as California Admission Day, honoring the 175th anniversary of California statehood, and celebrate Solano County as one of the state’s original 27 counties.
• Recognized September 2025 as National Recovery Month in Solano County.
• Recognized September 7-13 as National Suicide Prevention Week in Solano County.
• Recognized September 14-20 as National Forensic Science Week in Solano County.
• Recognized September 14-20 as National Security Officer Appreciation Week in Solano County.
• Approved a $500 contribution from the District 1 (Cassandra James) General Fund account to benefit the Vallejo Heights Neighborhood Association.
• Accepted the Solano County Treasurer’s Quarterly Report for April 1 through June 30.
Thursday, Oct. 23. To view the Vendor Response Form, visit https://www.yo-
locounty.gov/home/ showpublisheddocument/85663/ 638925822461529952.
vices — including allegedly inflated crematory and refrigeration fees;
• Knowingly overcharging sales tax in some cases, adding a quarter-percent to Woodland’s 8 percent sales tax during the relevant period;
• Charging fraudulent administrative, credit-card, notary, transportation and mailing fees;
• Failing to honor the terms of pre-need insurance policies, such as guaranteed pricing and crediting the full policy benefit amounts, requiring families to pay out of pocket — in one cited case, more than $3,000 — for expenses that should have been covered.
The complaint cites numerous examples of the alleged fraud.
According to prosecutors, McNary’s charged the family of “M.L.T.” $1,140 to transport her body following her death, despite the business’ listed charge of $475, as well as a $1,935 funeral director fee when no funeral was held.
In another case, the family of “D.T.” reported that Lailene Wiggins falsely told them their desired cemetery did not hold Saturday funerals when she collected more than $7,200 for McNary’s services. When the cemetery told them otherwise, they
scheduled the funeral for a Saturday, at which point Wiggins demanded an additional $690 for the weekend service ($55 more than presented on the pricing list).
“At the time of the funeral, Defendants, through two employees, demanded payment of the inflated Saturday fee and threatened to refuse to lower (D.T.’s) casket into the grave unless they paid,” the complaint says. Although they did lower the casket, “the threat to leave (D.T.’s) casket hovering over his open grave, suspended on a crane, caused significant emotional suffering for a widow and children laying their late husband and father to rest.”
Other unlawful conduct, the complaint says, included submitting false dates of disposition — burial or cremation — to the Yolo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, failing to register individuals’ deaths within eight days after their passing, and forging customers’ signatures on documents without their authorization.
Members of the public who have information about potential consumer fraud, including this case, may contact the DA’s Consumer Fraud and Environmental Protection Division at 855-496-5632 or District. Attorney@YoloCounty.gov.
Master Gardeners host fall plant sale
Special to the Express
The Fall 2025 Master Gardener Plant Sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, in the Agriculture Wing at Woodland Community College, 2300 E Gibson Road, in Woodland. The sale will be held for one day this fall. You will find California native cool-season annuals and Mediterranean cool-season annuals, both of which are well suited to our climate. Also for sale will be drought-toler-
ant, California native ornamental garden perennials that attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
Quart-sized pots will be $5 each, gallon pots will be $7 each and 4-inch pots will be $3 each, plus tax. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. Proceeds benefit the UC Master Gardener Program; they are not tax-deductible.
Parking is free at the college on Saturdays; no parking permit required.
The mission of the
UC Master Gardener Program is to deliver pioneering UC research directly into the hands of people who share a passion for gardening and environmental stewardship.
Learn more about Yolo County master gardener events on our website, where you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, The Yolo Gardener. And you can find more gardening tips and news by following them on Facebook or Instagram.
Solano County honors prisoners of war
Express staff
FAIRFIELD – More than 81,000 American military personnel and civilians remain unaccounted for from times of war dating back to World War II.
The Solano County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a resolution recognizing Sept. 19 as National POW/MIA Recognition Day in Solano County.
“Since 1973, the (Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency) has accounted for nearly 1,000
American service members from World War II, over 450 from the Korean War and more than 1,000 from the Vietnam War.”
Additionally, nearly 30 current or former Solano County residents have been identified as prisoners of war.
The full resolution can be read at file:///Users/news/Downloads/A%20-%20POW%20MIA%20 Resolution.pdf
The resolution was part of the board’s consent agenda. No comments were made.
includes these stories and more, attempting to capture all the variety in the stories of Spanish immigrants to Winters.
Lopez had a head start on the research, having gathered photographs and interviews from more than 80 Winters residents for her book “An American Paella: A century of memories and experiences of becoming American and staying Spanish in Winters, California,” released in 2007. This exhibit is in some ways a continuation of that work, further documenting the history of Winters, but now with even more photos, stories, and even recipes. The exhibit covers everything from why these immigrants originally left Spain, to how they got from Hawaii, to California, to Winters, to the challenges they faced.
“Most of us here have achieved the American Dream,” Lopez said, looking at the exhibit that she carefully curated and arranged from its entry point, where you can see a colorful, vibrant array of names, photos, and flamenco dresses on display. “We have jobs, homes. These people left everything, sometimes to never see their families again, and worked their way up. I wanted to honor them well.”
A brief history of
Spanish immigrants to Winters In early 1900s Spain, high unemployment, low wages, drought and famine were a deadly combination that left many starving, desperate to find work and food — even if that meant leaving the only home they’d ever known.
Sugarcane plantations in Hawaii were searching for workers, after Japanese planters had nearly all left the island in protest of poor work conditions and insufficient pay. Immigrants from Southern Spain and Portugal were recruited, and came over on ships to work as indentured servants, with the promise of land ownership waiting for them after they’d served their contract. The promised land never came. So Spaniards, again desperate for work and food, got on ships to San Francisco, where there were some jobs in canning and cigar factories. But work was still scarce, so some trickled southward toward the Central Valley, with many finding that the area in and around Winters reminded them of home, with a similar climate, fertile land and ample water for farming.
Helen Corlett’s parents were two of those 8.000 people who embarked on the journey from Spain in the early 1900s — and their oldest daughter, one of Corlett’s sev-
eral sisters, eventually found a new life for herself in Winters with her almond farmer husband, Emilio Martin, who you can see pictures of on the walls of the exhibit.
Corlett’s mother came to Hawaii on a ship from Spain when she was approximately 16 years old, eventually marrying her husband (Corlett’s father) when she was 18 — although Corlett says she doesn’t remember much of Alejandro Ramon, given that her mother (“A strong woman,” Corlett recalled) threw him out of the house after he was cruel to one of her siblings. Corlett attended the conference with enthusiasm. Diane Howard, one of Corlett’s more than 40 nieces and nephews, said that as the last of her 13 siblings, this conference was an important and exciting opportunity for 88-year-old Corlett to share the stories of her generation.
“She’s never had this kind of floor to speak before,” Howard said.
Much like Corlett, each attendee brought their own family history to share. And much like Lopez discovered in the process of putting together the exhibit, conference-goers quickly found that despite each having unique experiences, there were a myriad of common threads connecting their stories and the stories of their Spanish ancestors.
Some of these common threads include the similar challenges that
YESTERYEAR
Picked by Charley Wallace
first and second generation immigrants faced, from language barriers, to culture shock and difficulty finding work. But other points of connection included their culture, and how they’ve kept it alive through generations.
“If you study immigrants, it takes about three generations to fully assimilate into a new culture,” Lopez said. “The first thing you lose is the language. The last thing is the food.”
And that’s held true in Winters — Lopez said some families still make chorizo sausage themselves, while others cure hams, or plant Spanish peppers each year from the same strain that was brought over decades prior. Many still make generations-old family recipes, some of which are included in the exhibit, which Lopez noted are essentially an heirloom in themselves.
Lopez’ pitch for why Winters residents should come see the exhibit, beyond possibly discovering a new favorite recipe? It’s an opportunity to better understand their hometown.
“If people want to know about Winters, want to understand it, this is a large part of that,” Lopez said. “Just like how you need to know about the Japanese community of Winters, or how you need to understand our agricultural history. It’s all a piece of the jigsaw puzzle. Everyone has a role in making up our history and who we are. This included the Spaniards, and it still does.”
Lake Berryessa water levels down
Express staff
The water level of Lake Berryessa decreased by 0.47 feet over the past week, resulting in 8,466 acre-feet of water storage, according to Cristian Tejeda, Solano Irrigation District – Putah Diversion Office. On the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 9, he reported that the lake elevation was 430.96 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,384,990 acre-feet. The SID released 421 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 33 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 188 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.
Obituary
Evelyn David
On June 22, 2025, Evelyn Mae (Brandt) David passed away in Coos Bay, OR at 106 years and one week old. Evelyn was born June 14, 1919, in Freedom, NE to Henry Francis Brandt and Emma Kuhlman Brandt. She graduated from Cambridge High School (NE) in 1937. Evelyn moved to Omaha, NE to work at the Glenn L. Martin Company at what is now Offutt Air Force Base. The Martin Company produced B-26 Marauders and Boeing B-29 Superfortress aircraft for the defense of the US and allies during World War II. On July 1, 1946, Evelyn married Habib (Hap) David in Carson City, NV. They owned and operated David Restaurant Supply in Klamath Falls, OR until the business was sold in 1965.
In 2016, Evelyn moved to Winters, CA. She was an avid reader and enjoyed a wide variety of subjects from architectural design to science and history. She also enjoyed, sewing, quilting, word and jigsaw puzzles.
Evelyn is survived by her daughters, Barbara McKiddy (Coos Bay, OR), Margaret David Bailey and son-in-law, Bruce Bailey (Winters, CA), grandsons Alexander David (Littleton, CO), Paul McKiddy, Robert and granddaughter-in-law Michelle McKiddy (Coos Bay, OR) Harrison Bailey (Winters, CA), David Bailey and fiancé, Jamie Odle (Parker, CO); and great grandchildren, Brenton and Marisa McKiddy (Coos Bay, OR). Evelyn will be laid to rest at Klamath Memorial Park in Klamath Falls, OR alongside her beloved husband, Hap (Jan. 27, 1975), stillborn daughter, Patricia Marie, (Dec. 24, 1952) and son, Michael Alexander (Sept. 30, 2017).
The public safety logs from Winters Police and Fire Departments will return next week
You don’t have to travel far for
All the attributes you expect of a good neighbor – personal consideration, understanding, and consistent support – you can expect from us.
Courtesy photo
SPAIN
Jorge Villalobos/File photo
The members of the new Winters Sports Soccer Team in 1995: Arturo Garcia, Rafael Gonzalez, Ricardo Peña, Ernesto Torres, Serafin Hernandez, Ruben Bernal, Rafael Prado, Rodrigo Gutierrez, Antonio Murillo, Ernando Pedraza, Gulmaro Molina, Alvaro Santana, Magdaleno Mascorro, Juan del Prado, (entrenadores) Ramior Torres and José Ochoa.
Designers also expressed a desire to establish a theme reflecting the community. Plans included a potential dog park, smaller gathering spaces, a community garden, and affordable housing apartments.
The commercial zone remains along Railroad Avenue, though discussions continue on whether to maintain a downtown focus or create a new business area.
Tiffany Marshall, project manager at Stonefield Home, reminded attendees that all presented designs are conceptual and have not yet been submitted to the city.
Next steps
Doull said the team will continue gathering input from local stakeholders and groups to better understand community needs.
The project will also undergo required studies and environmental reviews to provide data that could impact the design. Once feedback and data are collected, Doull said the team could produce a “more precisely detailed plan,” potentially within a year.
“There’s a large component of environmental reviews that’ll be done. It will look at different impacts and study traffic impacts, and it will look at intersections and what needs to be done to really consider the impacts of the development,” Doull said. “That will be a city-led process that we’ll be starting this
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precise, three-dimensional models of the environment.” It works by emitting laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for the reflected light to return to a receiver, which is then used to calculate distances.
It is commonly used in the creation of 3-D maps.
The very clear and low water level at the time, NV5 — a technical engineering firm headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, but with an office in Sacramento — did the survey also helped with the success of the survey.
“So basically it was the perfect nonstorm. The conditions couldn’t have been any better,” said Stevenson.
Stevenson said
fall, where an environmental firm will be retained and they will study what these impacts are.”
“This was just the first step in the process of this potential development, and further public meetings will be held in the future to continue the conversation,” City Manager Jeremy Craig said in his Friday update.
Public response
Several residents shared concerns about the proposed designs.
Corinne Martinez expressed disappointment that the plans had seen little change since 2022, including requests to reduce the number of units and increase open green space.
“It’s just really disappointing because this community deserves better than this. I was expecting to come back tonight and see some revisions that took into account our feedback, not just nibbling around the edges,” Martinez said. “And what I’m hearing is some of these little things, sort of like you’re mimicking open space when really you’re not providing open space and useful open space for broad activities.”
Martinez also noted that the city is “not very good at asking for open space,” making it difficult to ensure residents’ needs are communicated and met.
“I’m really disappointed that I came here tonight, three years later, and didn’t see any movement on some of what I thought were really critical issues,” she said.
the older technology worked great to capture the effects of higher water flows, but not the ecology of the low flows needed to better understand the creek habitats.
“The last time we did it was 2005, and we just ignored what was below the water because we didn’t think it mattered,” Stevenson said.
Now for the first time, Stevenson emphasized, the Solano County Water Agency has mapped the full Putah Creek channel from its start to its finish.
The Solano County Water Agency board recently received a presentation on the 44-page technical report, Stevenson said will be a critical tool in managing the creek and for developing restoration and enhancement projects. It is already being
One resident raised concerns about planning for schools, noting that if each new home brought in one child, the school district could see a 25 percent increase in
“The developments that we’ve already done, we really, really let down our kids. There have been tiny little parks and green spaces that are not operable for sports. I’m
“I’m really disappointed that I came here tonight, three years later, and didn’t see any movement on some of what I thought were really critical issues.”
Corinne Martinez, resident
enrollment. Danielle Smith and others stressed the need for more infrastructure, including fields and open spaces for youth activities.
“We have a severe lack of facilities, severe,” Smith said.
utilized for three projects, one of which was the nexus for getting the state Department of Fish & Wildlife grant that paid for half of the survey. The water agency paid the
talking to multiple soccer fields, multiple baseball fields.”
Traffic safety and congestion along Neimann Street and Railroad Avenue were another frequent concern. Residents noted that traffic is already
to restore 32 acres of wetlands along the south fork of Putah Creek near Old Davis Road, and will assist with the Nishikawa Restoration Project on Putah Creek, near
“The last time we did it was 2005, and we just ignored what was below the water because we didn’t think it mattered.”
Max Stevenson, streamkeeper
other $60,000. That project studies how to improve flows so salmon can better navigate around the Los Rios Check Dam. Past issues have led to great loss to the fish returning to the creek to spawn. The survey results, Stevenson added, also aid the efforts by Davis and UC Davis
Pedrick Road, in the UC Davis Riparian Preserve. Being able to share the information, Stevenson said, helps with what he considers the most important aspect of Putah Creek management and improvement — partnerships, whether with private landowners or public agencies.
heavy for families heading to Shirley Rominger Intermediate School, and drivers often ignore speed limits.
“So please take that into consideration. It is hard enough on the street to get out, and add how many more cars to it – this is going to be worse,” said Amy Roberts.
Affordable housing was also discussed, with questions about which phase would include units and whether they would truly be affordable to those in need.
A resident also suggested that the development team consider annexing the parcel west of the project. Such a move would require a special ballot vote under the terms of Measure S, approved by the Keep Winters Winters
Understanding water flows and the physical nature of the creek are vital, too.
He said that due to gravel mining and other creek area uses, a number of ponds have been created in the creek channel. The lidar survey showed that those ponds have pretty flat surfaces at the bottom, so it will be easier and less expensive to carve meandering channels through those areas.
The survey will also let the water agency better understand sediment transportation within the creek, as well as groundwater simulation modeling and eventually recharging efforts.
While the manage-
movement.
Kate Laddish expressed concern that plans for signage and other efforts to create a distinct identity for the new development did not align with the town’s character and charm.
“I get nervous when I start seeing something about signs and fences and walls to placemake this development … because we’re in Winters. We’re pretty clear that we’re all in this together, and we put a lot of emphasis on that,” Laddish said. By the end of the event, 16 residents had offered feedback, and representatives from all involved companies offered attendees the opportunity to speak one-on-one to address specific concerns.
ment plan for the Solano County Basin does not yet include a recharge plan, there are two key areas that have been discussed — one of which is using the Putah Creek area as a recharge site.
The water agency is also looking at ways to capture stormwater in high-water years that have caused flooding issues in Dixon and northern Vacaville and recharge what is known as the Northwest Focus Area, the only area of any real concern for groundwater levels in the Solano basin. A lack of infrastructure to move the water is the biggest challenge.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
The community was able to view concept design plans and the revised maps, as well as leave feedback and comments for the project planning team on post-it notes. The project was brought back to the community after a 3-year pause.
Eventos hispanos
Registros del condado revelan avisos sobre sitio de fuegos artificiales en Esparto
Por Lauren Keene Traducido por Carol Alfonso
Las autoridades de construcción del Condado Yolo sabían que había negocios relacionados con la pirotecnia operando en una propiedad de Esparto años antes de la explosión e incendio del 1 de Julio que causó la muerte de siete personas, según documentos publicados por el condado. Estas revelaciones se encuentran en una serie de correos electrónicos escritos entre el 2021 y 2022 por empleados de la División de Construcción del Condado Yolo en relación con la propiedad en la carretera County Road 23, propiedad de un teniente del Sheriff del Condado Yolo y su esposa, quien también trabaja para la Oficina del Sheriff.
“La División de Construcción informó de inmediato de estos hallazgos al liderato del departamento y también al Departamento de Cumplimiento del Código del Condado. No se tomaron medidas adicionales, y el personal de la División de Construcción no regresó al sitio ni tomó otras medidas relacionadas con los fuegos artificiales después de mediados de 2022,” declaró la Junta de Supervisores del Condado Yolo en un comunicado escrito que anuncia la publicación de los archivos de permisos de construcción y los registros relacionados.
“La evidencia de las imágenes del mapa de Google Earth y los informes de los medios de comunicación sugiere que el almacenamiento y la manipulación de fuegos artificiales para exhibición aumentaron considerablemente después de mediados de 2022,” continúa el comunicado. “Sin embargo, ni la División de Construcción ni la Oficina de Cumplimiento del Código recibieron informes ni quejas sobre dicha actividad.”
El comunicado señala que el condado divulgó los registros con la autorización de la Fiscalía del Condado Yolo, que lleva a cabo una investigación criminal en relación con el incidente mortal conocido como el Incendio de Oakdale. El Davis Enterprise presentó previamente al condado una solicitud de la Ley de Registros Públicos para obtener los documentos pertinentes.
La Oficina de Bomberos del Estado de California (Cal Fire) continúa investigan-
do la causa de la explosión. La oficina anunció el 22 de Agosto pasado que revocaría las licencias de pirotecnia de los dos negocios vinculados a esa propiedad: Devastating Pyrotechnics LLC y su propietario, Kenneth Chee; y BlackStar Fireworks y su propietario, el bombero voluntario de Esparto, Craig Cutright.
Señales de alerta Funcionarios del Condado Yolo confirmaron previamente que la propiedad de Esparto, con direcciones en el 26450 y 26454 de la carretera County Road 23, estaba zonificada exclusivamente para uso agrícola y no contaba con permisos, licencias ni otras aprobaciones que autorizaran el almacenamiento y la manipulación de fuegos artificiales o explosivos. Sin embargo, ya en Agosto del 2021, casi cuatro años antes de la explosión, Cutright envió correos electrónicos a Stephanie Cormier, planificadora del condado, describiendo sus planes de construir una casa, un taller y varios contenedores para almacenar fuegos artificiales en un lugar diferente, aunque finalmente no compró la propiedad.
“Construiría inmediatamente en la propiedad y sería residente permanente,” escribió Cutright. “La ATF (Oficina Federal de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos) nos exige que supervisemos los productos regularmente, por lo que requiere mi presencia antes de mover cualquier cosa al lugar.”
Añadió: “Envié el mismo sitio que les proporcioné al Distrito de Protección contra Incendios de Esparto para obtener su opinión. Curtis Lawrence, actual jefe de bomberos, no tiene problemas con la presencia de producto en ese lugar y considera que es totalmente justificable en caso de incendio forestal.”
Cormier reenvió el correo electrónico al funcionario jefe de construcción del condado, Scott Doolittle, indicando que la propiedad de Esparto se encuentra en una zona de responsabilidad estatal (SRA) con riesgo moderado de incendio.
“Estoy considerando obtener una Licencia de Ocupación/ Negocio Rural y requeriría una Revisión Menor del Plano del Sitio,” escribió. “Sin embargo, antes de re-
sponder, quería conocer su opinión sobre el tema de la SRA: ¿debería intervenir Cal Fire, aunque Curtis (supuestamente) diera su aprobación?
¿Ve alguna señal de alerta?”
Doolittle respondió:
“Dado que la excepción no está en nuestro código, la consideraría más bien una política aplicable a la agricultura o fines similares, y no a materiales peligrosos. Los fuegos artificiales requieren específicamente un permiso según el Código de Incendios. Aplicamos los requisitos de construcción de la interfaz urbano-forestal (UIF) que se aplicarían debido a que se trata de una SRA moderada, pero estos requisitos se cumplirán fácilmente con los requisitos de alto riesgo destinados a prevenir la ignición accidental de los fuegos artificiales.
“Esta es una Ocupación de Alto Riesgo H-1 y tiene regulaciones muy espe-
energía muy limitado, y este es nuestro primer indicador de que el uso en el edificio no es compatible con una estructura exenta de la ley agrícola. Es una señal de aviso que debe alertarse lo antes posible.”
Doolittle envió un correo electrónico de seguimiento a la mañana siguiente, el 2 de Junio. “Solo quiero avisarles que esta tarde iré a un sitio para la liberación del medidor,” escribió Doolittle. ¿Por qué es noticia? Recibí un aviso de que el sitio se está utilizando para un negocio de pirotecnia. Se informa que agentes del sheriff, posiblemente incluyendo agentes con los que trabajamos, están involucrados en el negocio. Están utilizando un edificio exento de impuestos agrícolas y 25 cajas Conex para la operación.
“Voy a reunirme con (la inspectora de edificios) Angelina (Espinoza) allí para la inspección de lib-
“Dado que la excepción no está en nuestro código, la consideraría más bien una política aplicable a la agricultura o fines similares, y no a materiales peligrosos.”
Scott Doolittle, jefe de construcción del condado
cíficas. Dependiendo de las cantidades, pueden tener requisitos de retranqueo bastante amplios. Requerirá una revisión cuidadosa del plan, pero parece que están preparados para tomar las precauciones necesarias,” dice el correo electrónico.
“Actuare con cautela hoy”
Meses después, el 5 de Mayo del 2022, la División de Construcción recibió una solicitud del teniente Sam Machado, del Sheriff del Condado Yolo, para instalar un panel eléctrico en un almacén de 418 metros cuadrados (4500 pies cuadrados) en la propiedad de County Road 23.
Doolittle expresó su preocupación por la solicitud en un correo electrónico enviado el 1 de Junio del 2022 a varios de sus colegas.
“Esta solicitud de servicio eléctrico… propone proporcionar un servicio de 200 amperios a una estructura exenta de la ley agrícola,” escribió.
“Las estructuras exentas de la ley agrícola solo tienen permitido un suministro de
Esa noche, Doolittle envió otro correo electrónico diciendo que había hablado con Lawrence, jefe del Distrito de Protección contra Incendios de Esparto, “y él confirmó que el negocio pirotécnico cuenta con licencia de la ATF federal. Seguiremos contactando para obtener las regulaciones locales, pero espero la cooperación del negocio pirotécnico. Curtis también afirmó que los 25 contenedores agrupados son fuegos artificiales seguros y funcionan como centro de distribución, mientras que los otros grupos más pequeños de contenedores contienen los materiales más peligrosos y parecen cumplir con los requisitos de separación contra incendios, pero necesito verificarlo.
namiento “declararon sistemáticamente que el nuevo edificio en construcción se utilizaría únicamente para fines agrícolas,” como el secado de almendras recién cosechadas.
Machado y su esposa Tammy, secretaria legal y supervisora, permanecen en licencia administrativa de la Oficina del Sheriff mientras se llevan a cabo las investigaciones.
“No se observaron fuegos artificiales ni otros materiales peligrosos durante la visita de la División de Construcción a mediados del 2022”, indica la declaración, que también señala que, a mediados del 2022:
eración del medidor para recopilar más información y verificar los informes, pero actuaré con cautela hoy. Luego podemos hablar sobre cómo proceder,” dice el correo electrónico.
Esa tarde, Doolittle envió otro correo electrónico informando que “parece haber dos negocios” en la propiedad de Esparto: un granero exento de impuestos agrícolas de 4,500 pies cuadrados, casi vacío, con características que “no concuerdan con la ordenanza de exención agrícola ni con el acuerdo firmado por el propietario, Sam Machado, como parte de la solicitud de exención agrícola.”
El segundo negocio, escribió Doolittle, era una “casa de pirotecnia” (según el ocupante, no veo licencia) donde se colocan 25 contenedores de envío Conex en una larga fila para almacenar los fuegos artificiales utilizados en grandes exhibiciones municipales. El ocupante declaró que los contenedores están vacíos. No verifiqué esa declaración.”
“Cualquier operación que implique reempaquetar o procesar los materiales se realiza al aire libre para simplificar las regulaciones que deben cumplir para obtener su licencia de la ATF”, escribió Doolittle. La cadena de correos electrónicos llegó a Moushumi Hasan, especialista de la unidad de materiales peligrosos de la División de Salud Ambiental del Condado Yolo, quien, el 3 de Junio del 2022, respondió que “si la instalación maneja fuegos artificiales nuevos o de desecho en cantidades reportables o superiores, debe presentar un Plan de Negocios de Materiales Peligrosos” que, de aprobarse, se someterá a una revisión anual con una inspección de la instalación cada tres años.
Nunca se presentó ningún plan, confirmó el Viernes pasado el abogado del Condado Yolo, Phil Pogledich. El condado inicia revisión
Según la declaración de los supervisores, Machado, propietario de la propiedad, y su contratista para el proyecto de almace-
• Los fuegos artificiales de exhibición se almacenaban en contenedores de envío autorizados por la ATF. Los registros disponibles no identifican la ubicación de estos contenedores a mediados del 2022, pero podrían haber sido los contenedores ubicados en el lado oeste de la propiedad en el momento del incidente. Dichos contenedores no estuvieron involucrados en el incidente y Cal Fire incautó y retiró su contenido después del incidente.
• Según el representante del propietario, a mediados del 2022, se almacenaron ocasionalmente fuegos artificiales “seguros y sensatos” en unos 25 contenedores de envío en el lugar del incidente, con procesamiento y reempaquetado ocasional de acuerdo con las regulaciones de la ATF.
La declaración de los supervisores indicó que el condado “ha iniciado una revisión interna de sus procesos, procedimientos y personal de cumplimiento del código. Las conclusiones y recomendaciones se presentarán a la Oficina del Administrador del Condado y se informará públicamente a la Junta de Supervisores para su consideración y posible acción.”
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Agricultural News
Report assesses how farms adapt to labor shortages
Farm labor scarcity is a growing challenge for farmers, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s goals for mass deportations.
A new report from the University of California Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics suggests that labor shortages may prompt some California farmers to alter their production and labor management practices by raising wages, changing cultivation practices, implementing labor-saving technologies and using farm labor contractors.
If immigration enforcement targets undocumented farmworkers, California farmers are expected to adopt similar strategies, the report said.
Using results from a survey sent to more than 1,000 California Farm Bureau members in 2019, the report looks at how farmers might adapt if there are widespread deportations in California’s farming sector.
The UC economists analyzed how California farmers have already adjusted to labor shortages and rising costs to highlight the likely effects of removing undocumented farmworkers from California.
Responses came from 671 farmers in 37 counties who
completed the entire survey. Crops include winegrapes, tree nuts, citrus fruits, vegetables, avocados and nursery or floral products. The survey collected information on farmers’ experiences with labor shortages and production and labor management practices between 2014 and 2018.
During the sample period, the percentage of farmers who experienced some degree of labor shortage nearly tripled — from 14 percent in 2014 to 40 percent in 2018.
The results show that farmers who face labor shortages in the current growing season were 21 percent more likely to raise wages. Those who were short on labor were 9 percent more likely to change cultivation practices relative to those who were able to hire as many workers as they desired, and they were 3 percent more likely to use farm labor contractors.
The report indicates the effects persisted into the following year. Farmers who experienced labor shortages in the previous season were 9 percent more likely to raise wages, 5 percent more likely to adopt labor-saving technologies, 5 percent more likely to change cultivation practices and 4 percent more likely to hire farm labor contractors.
For farmers who produce labor-intensive crops
without mechanical harvest options, the study found the effects of labor shortages were generally larger. Labor shortages in the current year were associated with a 28 percent increase in the probability of increasing wages, a 9 percent increase in changing cultivation practices and a 9 percent increase in the likelihood of adopting labor-saving technologies.
When labor shortages occurred in the previous growing season, farmers with labor-intensive crops were 10 percent more likely to raise wages and 7 percent more likely to change cultivation practices in the current season, survey results showed.
The report said many farmers warned that their capacity to raise wages is limited, with 30 percent of those surveyed saying they delayed or reduced harvest in response to labor shortages. This could have significant implications for production and farm income, as agricultural activities are highly time sensitive, the report said.
Mechanization is another common strategy growers who face labor constraints adopt. However, recent economic analyses suggest that many available technologies such as robotic fruit harvesters are not a perfect substitute for hand labor, study authors pointed out.
Survey responses suggest the need for strategies to ensure an alternative to hand labor or a stable labor supply. One option is the development of labor-saving technologies. Expanding incentives for research, development and adoption of mechanized agricultural practices could help ease labor pressures while maintaining productivity, the report said.
Tax credits, subsidies and financial assistance could help farmers, particularly smaller operations, invest in these innovations, the UC economists added. However, technological solutions take time to develop and are unlikely to fully offset the immediate impacts of labor shortages, particularly for highly perishable and labor-intensive crops, they pointed out.
Alternatively, policies could aim to secure a stable and legal workforce via the H-2A program, which allows farmers who anticipate labor shortages to be certified and employ legal guest workers, the UC economists suggested. The H-2A program has so far been used primarily by vegetable and strawberry farms in California’s coastal counties, reflecting the complexity of regulations and the need to provide H-2A workers with housing at no cost, they pointed out.
To make the program
easier and less expensive for other farmers, the H-2A program could be modernized by streamlining application procedures, expanding eligibility to include year-round positions and easing barriers such as the requirement that employers provide housing, the report said.
Any rapid reduction in the undocumented farm workforce could leave many growers unable to adapt quickly, leading to significant disruptions in production, the study found. Such a scenario could lead to reduced production of labor-intensive crops, further consolidation of fruit, vegetable and horticulture production among large-scale operations, increased costs for processing and distribution, and a rise in consumer prices, the authors of the study said.
Labor market disruptions resulting from deportations may reduce the domestic availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, increase dependence on imports, limit seasonal variety and constrain consumer choice, the authors added.
This article was originally published in the Aug. 27, 2025, issue of Ag Alert, and is reprinted with permission of the California Farm Bureau.
UCD: Bacterial work-around aims to reduce farm pollution
By Trina Kleist
UC Davis News
Scientists at UC Davis have developed wheat plants that stimulate the production of their own fertilizer, opening the path toward less air and water pollution worldwide and lower costs for farmers.
The technology was pioneered by a team led by Eduardo Blumwald, a distinguished professor in the Department of Plant Sciences. The team used the gene-editing tool CRIPSR to get wheat plants to produce more of one of their own naturally occurring chemicals.
When the plant releases the excess chemical into the soil, the chemical helps certain bacteria in the soil convert nitrogen from the air into a form the nearby plants can use to grow. That conversion process is called nitrogen fixation.
The study was published online in Plant Biotechnology Journal.
In developing countries, the breakthrough could be a boon for food security.
“In Africa, people don’t use fertilizers because they don’t have money, and farms are small, not larger than six to eight acres,” Blumwald said. “Imagine, you are planting crops that stimulate bacte-
ria in the soil to create the fertilizer that the crops need, naturally. Wow! That’s a big difference!”
The breakthrough in wheat builds on the team’s earlier work in rice. Research also is underway to extend
duces nitrous oxide, a potent climate-warming gas.
The work-around: Protect the fixer
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria produce an enzyme called nitrogenase, the “fixer” in
“For decades, scientists have been trying to develop cereal crops that produce active root nodules, or trying to colonize cereals with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, without much success.”
Eduardo Blumwald, professor
this technology to other cereals.
Worldwide, wheat is the No. 2 cereal crop by yield and takes the biggest share of nitrogen fertilizer, using about 18 percent of the total. Globally, more than 800 million tons of fertilizer were produced in 2020 alone, according to figures from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. But plants take up only about 30 to 50 percent of the nitrogen in fertilizer. Much of what they don’t use flows into waterways, which can create “dead zones” that lack oxygen, suffocating fish and other aquatic life. Some excess nitrogen in the soil pro-
nitrogen fixation. Nitrogenase is only located in the bacteria, and it can only work in environments with very little oxygen.
Legumes such as beans and peas have root structures, called nodules, that provide a cozy, low-oxygen home for nitrogen-fixing bacteria to live.
Unlike legumes, wheat and most other plants don’t have root nodules. This is why farmers use nitrogen-containing fertilizer.
“For decades, scientists have been trying to develop cereal crops that produce active root nodules, or trying to colonize cereals with nitrogen-fixing bacteria,
without much success. We used a different approach,” Blumwald said. “We said the location of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria is not important, so long as the fixed nitrogen can reach the plant, and the plant can use it.”
To find a workaround, the team first looked at 2,800 chemicals the plants produce naturally. They found 20 that, among other jobs useful to the plant, also stimulate bacteria to produce biofilms. Biofilms are a sticky layer that surround the bacteria and create a low-oxygen environment, allowing nitrogenase to work. The scientists determined how the plant makes those chemicals and which genes control that process.
Then, the team used
the gene-editing tool CRISPR to modify wheat plants to produce more of one of those chemicals, a flavone called apigenin. The wheat, now with more apigenin than it needs, releases the excess through its roots into the soil. In experiments they conducted, apigenin from the wheat stimulated bacteria in the soil to create the protective biofilms, allowing nitrogenase to fix nitrogen and the wheat plants to assimilate it.
The wheat also showed a higher yield than control plants when grown in a very low concentration of nitrogen fertilizer.
Farmers could save billions
Farmers in the United States spent nearly $36 billion on fertilizers in 2023, according
to U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates. Blumwald calculates that nearly 500 million acres in the U.S. are planted with cereals.
“Imagine, if you could save 10 percent of the amount of fertilizer being used on that land,” he pondered. “I’m calculating conservatively: That should be a savings of more than a billion dollars every year.”
Other authors include Hiromi Tajima, Akhilesh Yadav, Javier Hidalgo Castellanos, Dawei Yan, Benjamin P. Brookbank and Eiji Nambara. A patent application has been filed by the University of California and is pending. Bayer Crop Science and the UC Davis Will Lester Endowment have supported the research.
Karl McHugh @ 7:30pm Music City San Francisco, 1355 Bush St, San Francisco
Aggressive Monks LIVE at Savoy Tivoli! @ 9pm The Savoy Tivoli, 1434 Grant Ave, San Francisco
Corrine @ 9:30pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco
Danny Delorean @ 9:30pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco
iamsu! @ 8:30am 605 Main St, 605 Main Street, Su‐isun
Coastal Clean-up Day @ 9am Join us on Saturday, September 20th from 9:00AM-12:00PM for the annual California Coastal Clean-up Day! Rotary Park, 201 East Main Street, Winters. peyton@ putahcreekcouncil.org
ABAS Bonsai Show and Sale, Shepard Garden and Arts Center, McKinley ParkSacramento, September 20, 1P @ 1pm Large, live auction and sale featur‐ing the sales of Bonsai and related items. Beautiful material nurtured by our bonsai practitioners some of whom have been nurturing bon‐sai for decades. McKinley Park, 3330 McKinley Boulevard, Sacra‐mento. abasbonsaiclub@ gmail.com
Tribute Gala
@ 5:30pm / $50-$7500 Welcome to San Francisco AIDS Foundation Tribute Gala, an extra‐ordinary evening to celebrate the remarkable �ght against HIV and AIDS and the journey to health jus‐tice for all. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, 757 Market Street, San Francisco. eventinfo@sfaf.org, 415-487-3025
Tantra Speed Date®Sacramento! Meet Singles Speed Dating @ 5:30pm / $45-$140 Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! Yoga Shala Sacramento, 2030 H Street, Sacramento. help@ tantrany.com
Art in Action: Beautiful Beaded Plants @ 1pm / $10 Our Art in Action family art workshops are back monthly! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pence socialmedia@gmail.com, 530-758-3370
Jiinto Daybreak Covidsafer Tour "Stellar Zero" @ 4pm The Backyard Off Broadway, 2122 X St, Sacramento
KillBill Sax: Private Event @ 6pm Private Event, Napa
Mr. Washington @ 7pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco
niko rain @ 7pm Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St, San Francisco
SMART BOMB x SF JAZZ with Mark de Clive-Lowe, Melanie Charles & more @ 7pm SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 11:30am Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 11:45am Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion Air - Art you can feel @ 12pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
The
Wednesday
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The Meaty Ogres @ 6pm Five Suns Brewing, 701 Escobar St C, Martinez
Audio1 @ 7pm SPIN San Francisco, 690 Folsom St #100, San Francisco
Dead Boys, Total Chaos, Guns For Sick Children @ 8pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco
KILIMANJARO @ 10am W San Francisco, 181 3rd St, San Francisco
Grease Sing-a-long @ 2pm Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street, Sacramento
Tantra Speed Date®Reno! (Meet Singles Speed Dating) @ 2pm / $45-$140 Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! The Studio, 1085 S Virginia St, Reno. help@tantrany.com
GGP Whale's Tail - Peter Lindman Solo @ 2:45pm Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 12:15pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 12:30pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
The Saloon - Peter Lind‐man Duo with Mike Groh @ 4pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco
Mo Dotti @ 7pm 4 Star Theater, 2200 Clement St, San Francisco
Ryan McMullan @ 8pm The Chapel, 777 Valencia St, San Francisco
Vulture Feather @ 8pm
9/23
Data Defense Forum: Protection Strategies From Policy To Perimeter @ 10am Join leading CISOs and security in‐novators as they share strategies to tackle AI risks, insider threats, and the future of data protection. Featured Speakers: Marc Varner — CISO, Lowe’s Rinki Sethi San Fran‐cisco.
209923-1303
An Evening with a Mentalist :: Jay Alexander's Mind Tricks Live @ 6:30pm / $55 Sep 26th - Sep 28th Escape the ordinary and step into the San Francisco Magic Theater, where Mentalist Jay Alexander guides you through an evening of wonder. You’ll laugh, gasp, and leave with a story you’ll tell forever San Francisco Magic Theater (w/ Jay Alexander) at the Marrakech, 419 O'Farrell Street, San Fran‐cisco. mar@jayalexander.com, 415-305-6893
Thursdays
Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690, https://yolofoodbank.org/find-food
Friday, September 12
Capstones at WHS Football Game, Gold Out Game and Musical Band Performance, 5:30 p.m., Dr. Sellers Football Field, Grant Avenue
Saturday, September 13
Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution, Saturdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue
Sunday, September 14
Winters Sunday Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Downtown Main Street
Monday, September 15
Winters Natural Resources Commission Meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters. org/187/Natural-Resources-Commission
Tuesday, September 16
Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/city-council-meetings_/ Entertainment
Friday, September 12
Bart Vogle, 6 –8:30 p.m., Downtown Main Street
Sunday, September 14
Philip Summers , 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Downtown Main Street
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
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.
Walking Meditation, third Sunday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Meet behind the Winters Community Center, 201 Railroad Ave. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings: » St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 Main St. (back entrance) Tuesdays, 7-8 a.m. and Fridays, 7-8 a.m.
» Yolo Housing office building, 62 Shams Way: Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m.
Smart tips for co-signing HOMES, Page 2
Putah Creek: The heart of Winters
Editor’s Note: This is Part One of a two-part series on Putah Creek in Winters. Today, we explore the creek’s history, ecological significance, and the 25-year legacy of the Putah Creek Accord. Part Two will follow, highlighting ongoing stewardship, collaboration, and the challenges facing this vital waterway.
By Angela Underwood Express correspondent
Native Justen Cole can’t imagine the city of Winters without Putah Creek. The local, now the Vacaville Utilities Director and Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee (LPCCC) Board Member, spent many afternoons growing up swimming and exploring the waterway.
“It’s truly a gem of the region,” Cole said. “I’m proud to be part of a committee that actually helps protect it.”
Cole is one of dozens of conservationists who care for Putah Creek, with Max Stevenson, the streamkeeper, at the helm. The Solano County Water Agency employee also serves as the executive director for the LPCCC, detailing the importance of the 32-mile ecological corridor in Yolo and Solano Counties, with sections through Winters and Davis.
“It is different from all the other traditional Spanish salmon spawning areas,” Stevenson said of the local natural asset important for the statewide recovery of salmon.
“We’re on the coast range and we don’t have any snowpack or snow melt, so our cold water comes from Lake Berryessa.”
The Putah Creek Council (PCC) is one of the stream’s strongest advocates, with Executive Director Phil Stevens noting riparian, i.e., streamside forests, are among the most ecologically important environments in California.
“Unfortunately, more than 95 percent of the Central Valley’s riparian habitat has been lost to urban development and agriculture,” Stevens explained, adding the creek’s riparian woodlands host a large diversity of plants and animals that cannot survive in agricul-
tural or urban environments.
“So the creek serves as a critical refugium for these species,” Stevens said. “Furthermore, creeks and their associated woodlands are natural migration corridors for everything from coyotes and deer to salmon and flycatchers.”
As the streamkeeper, Stevenson said if there is a forest fire on the Feather River or in the far north of Sacramento, “the last smaller populations of the salmon get hurt or can’t spawn.”
All Putah Creek advocates look to the Putah Creek Accord, a pact that has helped restore the channel’s natural shape.
“Putah Creek Council initiated a lawsuit in the early 1990s to require the water management agencies to allow enough water to escape down the creek to keep the plants and animals that depended on it in good condition,” Stevens said.
That lawsuit resulted in the signing in the year 2000 of the Putah Creek Accord, an agreement between the Solano County Water Agency, the Solano Irrigation District, and the three plaintiffs — Putah Creek Council, the University of California, Davis, and the city of Davis.
The Accord guarantees that the creek will always have an adequate flow of water to keep it healthy. The Accord also stipulated that the Solano
Step into a mini world at the library
Express staff
There’s a miniature universe waiting to delight visitors of all ages in the Winters Community Library lobby display case.
Since 2011, the Itty-Bitties, a Sacramento-area miniatures club, have been enchanting library patrons with their intricate, tiny creations. Building on a rich tradition of Northern California miniaturists dating back to the 1970s, local interest in the craft has grown, giving rise to two new clubs. This year, Sac Valley Miniatures and NorCal Miniature Guild will debut their club creations to the public for the very first time.
The display runs now through Saturday, Sept. 27, during normal library hours, showcasing a dazzling variety of handmade, often scratch-built small worlds. Visitors can explore booknooks, roomboxes, and even tiny scenes inside hollow craft pumpkins. Miniatur-
ists are not just creators — they’re collectors, too — so keep an eye out for special examples of other artisans’ hand-crafted masterpieces. Miniatures are far more than toys for children. They offer joy and inspiration to adults of all ages and backgrounds, whether through the sheer pleasure of exploring tiny worlds or the challenge of crafting one’s own. And you don’t need a dollhouse to participate — modern miniaturists have em-
braced trendy display formats like roomboxes and booknooks, alongside traditional designs.
The hobby attracts a broad spectrum of creative interests: history enthusiasts, sci-fi and fantasy fans, gamers, interior decorators, design aficionados, paper artists, woodworkers, sewists, painters, sculptors, 3-D printing enthusiasts, and more. Scrap scavengers, problem solvers, and retro or kawaii trendsetters alike will find inspi-
ration in these miniature realms. There truly is something for everyone. To celebrate the local miniatures community, the library is also hosting its first annual mini-workshop on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Margaret Parsons Room. Open to all ages and skill levels, the workshop includes a Miniaturist Meet & Greet, raffle prizes and a mini Jack-O-Lantern workshop — all designed to spark creativity in the tiniest of scales. For those eager to dive deeper into the miniature world, learn more on Facebook through the Sacramento Area Miniaturist group or visit The Elegant Dollhouse at 1120 Fulton Ave., Sacramento. Whether you’re a longtime hobbyist or simply curious, the Winters Community Library is your gateway to a tiny,
izing universe
that proves big
ders can come in the smallest packages.
mesmer-
— one
won-
Express file photo
Putah Creek winds through Winters, a vital waterway protected under the Putah Creek Accord, which ensures the creek maintains enough flow to support its plants, animals, and surrounding communities.
Express photo
A miniature Book Nook by Fran Bigler is on display at the Winters Community Library, showcasing the intricate artistry of the local miniatures community.
See PUTAH, Page 5
Express file photo
Riparian woodlands along Putah Creek provide essential habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, serving as a critical refuge in the Central Valley where much of this ecosystem has been lost.
Co-ownership agreements: Buying a home with friends or family
Legal, financial and lifestyle tips for co-ownership
Homewise
Special to the Express
With home prices steadily climbing in Yolo County — and Winters continuing to attract buyers looking for small-town charm near urban job centers — more people are teaming up to purchase property. Whether it’s siblings, parents and adult children, or longtime friends, co-buying can open doors to homeownership that might otherwise feel out of reach. But buying together isn’t just about pooling funds — it requires careful planning, trust, and clear agreements.
Plan like business partners
Start with open,
honest conversations about money, responsibilities, and longterm goals. Consider questions such as:
• Who will live in the home full-time?
• How will the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and repairs be divided?
• What happens if someone can’t pay their share or decides to move out? A written co-ownership agreement is essential. It should outline:
• Percentage of ownership for each person
• How monthly costs and future profits will be split
• Rules for using, renting, or maintaining the property
• What happens if someone wants to sell their share or leaves unexpectedly Without a plan in writing, even strong relationships can be tested by misunderstandings.
Financing considerations
Not all lenders work with non-married co-borrowers, so talk to a mortgage broker early. Everyone applying will need to qualify based on credit and income. Keep in mind: all parties are equally responsible for the mortgage, even if one person moves out.
In competitive markets like Winters, where listings often move quickly, having financing pre-approved is especially important for co-buyers.
Title, taxes and exit strategies
How you take the title matters. The most common options are:
• Joint tenancy (equal ownership, right of survivorship)
• Tenants in common (ownership can be divided unevenly, and shares can be sold separately)
Each has legal and tax implications. A real estate attorney can guide you through what best fits your situation.
Key takeaways
• Decide how you’ll hold title before you close.
• Put everything in writing with a co-ownership agreement.
• Talk to a lender, attorney, and accountant before making an offer.
Buying local Winters’ historic downtown, strong schools and proximity to both Davis and the Bay Area have made it increasingly attractive for buyers — which also means competition can be stiff. Co-ownership can help families and friends afford larger homes, rural properties, or multi-generational living arrangements that might otherwise be out of budget.
Taxes also deserve attention. While each owner may qualify for certain deductions, any rental income or profit from selling the property could be taxable. Consulting an accountant early can help avoid surprises. Plan for life changes. Marriage, children, or job relocations can shift priorities. Your co-ownership agreement should include exit strategies so you’re not scrambling if someone needs to cash out.
Done right, buying with others can offer both financial relief and shared joy. With clear expectations, respect, and strong legal groundwork, co-ownership in Yolo County can be a smart way to put down roots in a place you love.
Courtesy photo
Clear co-ownership agreements can help friends or family successfully purchase and share a home, outlining responsibilities, financial commitments, and exit strategies.
Express Yourself
Strengthening youth basketball program
As the Program Coordinator of the Winters Youth Basketball Program, my goal is to grow and strengthen the girls’ side of our program while continuing to build on the strong success of the boys’ divisions. Since I took over two years ago, after three years of no youth basketball in our community, the boys’ program has thrived, maintaining consistent and strong numbers. I am incredibly thankful for the continued growth and enthusiasm we see on that side of the program.
The girls’ divisions are still building, but the progress has been inspiring. Last season, we had 28 first and second-grade girls participate, an amazing step forward. We also had a smaller, but equally important, third and fourth grade group that brought so much energy to the court. I can confidently say that the families of the girls who participated had a positive experience, and our youth coaches worked hard to make sure the season felt meaningful and unique. While I hope every girl returns this year, my top priority is to continue building momentum and opportunities for them.
I am determined to create a separate fifth and sixth grade girls division this season, as it has not been offered during the previous two seasons. This will be a challenge, but it is a necessary step if we want to give our young athletes the best possible experience. Boys and girls both deserve the chance to play in environments where they feel comfortable, supported, and confident. While co-ed basketball at the recreational level can certainly be a positive experience, separating divisions allows girls to develop their skills at their own pace, build confidence, and form strong connections with their peers.
On a personal note, this undertaking is extra special to me. I currently serve as an assistant coach for the Winters High School varsity girls basketball team, and I am also the father of two young daughters in second and third grade. Two years ago, I made the decision to shift from coaching boys to coaching girls. My reason was simple: I want my daughters to see that they deserve the same opportunities as the boys, and that their community will support them if they choose to play. Whether my daughters continue with basketball or not, I want them, and every young girl in Winters to see that the door is open for them.
In addition, a young man I am mentoring for
See LETTERS, Page 5
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20)
You might be anxious to say what’s on your mind this week, Aries. Words are on the tip of your tongue and you aren’t afraid of letting them fly. Expect some feedback from others.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21)
Make sure you are taking care of yourself as well as you are taking care of others, Taurus. Handle any tasks that require a lot of brain power first, then move on to something fun.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21)
Do your thing this week and don’t worry about how others feel about it, Gemini. Take control of an issue when you see that something needs to get done.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22)
You are thinking clearly this week, Cancer. Do your best with the tools you are given right now. You might need to direct others, but generally let them do their own thing.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23)
You do not need an invitation to speak your mind, Leo. Express yourself how you see fit and give others plenty of opportunity to have their say as well. The conversation will flow.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22)
Virgo, there is a great deal of power behind your thoughts, so use it wisely. Take this energy to work and see if you can channel it to your professional benefit.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23)
Libra, you are not going to meet new people if you stay indoors all of the time. Get out there and try something new. You can bond with others over an activity or a hobby.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22)
Scorpio, don’t waste your time this week by tiptoeing around. Throw caution to the wind and engage in activities that will provide solid opportunities for growth.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21)
A powerful force is guiding your actions this week, Sagittarius. Utilize this as motivation to complete an important task.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20)
Be confident in your thoughts and actions, Capricorn. If you don’t believe in what you are saying, how can you convince others to back your efforts?
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18)
Aquarius, someone is bound to say something meaningful to you if you keep an open ear to all conversation around you. Speak less and listen more for the time being.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20)
Pisces, ideas and influences from others can transform your thinking. That can help propel you out of the pattern of actions that may be holding you back.
Express Yourself
Every community has a story to tell
One of the nice things about a road trip is the chance to see how other towns have changed with the times. Some have transformed themselves into tourist destinations, like Winters, while some are just shadows of their former selves.
Location has a lot to do with a town’s destiny, but some of it is just luck, having the right people living in your community. I think Winters has both. We have an active volunteer base, a good business climate, while located next to large population centers, but not too close.
We were lucky when they moved Highway 505 to its present location. A few of us remember when Highway 505 was Railroad
Avenue. As kids, we would sit on the curb and use hand signals to get the truck drivers to honk their air horns as they sped by. Great entertainment, at the time. The only stop sign was at Railroad and Grant, and in 1967, a blinking red light was added. The blinking red light lasted until 2005, when we added one that changed colors.
The whole town showed up to watch the new, three colored light being installed. The high school band played as a chorus sang a song about the
new light. Sacramento TV stations broadcast the big event live that sunny afternoon.
I tried to have the city give me the blinking red light in 2005, but John Donlevy told me that I wasn’t a “real museum” and put it into storage at the corporate yard. Last year, Public Works Director Eric Lucero was cleaning out the shop and asked me if I still wanted the blinking red light? I got so excited that I almost dropped my phone. It is now proudly blinking in the museum.
We spent the week-
end in McCloud, about a three-hour drive north, just off Highway 5. McCloud was once a thriving lumber town, but has been losing population for decades. It has about 900 people living in an unincorporated area of Siskiyou County. The 2010 census had a population of over 1,100.
Iwas there because the quilt cult was meeting in McCloud. This is the second year that we have spent a long weekend in the rustic town. We rented a small cabin in an RV park and decided that next year we would spend a couple more days there so we could explore more of the county. We took a walk to a couple of falls and drove to the upper falls. Pret-
ty country, and there were plenty of campgrounds along with trails, and both tents and RVs. Mount Shasta is nearby, but without its usually snow-covered peak. This is an area that survives on tourists, but I wouldn’t want to live there in the winter. There is a nice nine-hole golf course near McCloud that I played while Sherri was busy at her sewing machine. There are plenty of opportunities to hike and fish in the area. It could use a few more restaurants, but I’m not sure what they would do in the winter. Probably why there aren’t more restaurants.
The McCloud museum is a must-see if you are passing by.
It seems larger than ours, and the display cabinets and displays are permanent. While talking with one of the docents, I mentioned that we have a nice museum, too. I was looking at an addressing machine and told her that I had used one similar to theirs. She was curious because she didn’t know what it was. I’m not sure she believed me when I told her how it worked and that it was for addressing newspapers.
There are a lot of towns like McCloud where people take pride in their communities. I just wonder how they will adapt in the coming decades? Same things that I worry about for Winters.
Have a good week.
Political friction percolates over California housing policy and workers comp payouts
By Dan Walters CalMatters
This commentary was originally published by CalMatters.
Conflict between California’s state officials and its nearly 500 cities and counties — especially over money — is nothing new.
However, relations between state and local governments these days are arguably the worst in living memory, as illustrated by a couple of issues percolating in the final week of the 2025 legislative session.
Senate Bill 79, the latest of many state efforts to force local governments to accept high-density housing projects, is one point of contention. It would essentially exempt such projects that are within a half mile of public transit services from local oversight, regardless of the building site’s local zoning.
“This is exactly where we should be building more housing, right by our highest quality transit,”
says state Sen. Scott Wiener, the bill’s author.
It has drawn heavy criticism from local officials, who would lose their ability to oversee such projects, and from residents of single-family neighborhoods that could be affected. Opponents even include the Los Angeles City Council, dominated by Wiener’s fellow progressive Democrats. The council voted 8-5 to oppose the measure, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed on, saying cities with state-approved housing plans should be exempt.
“While I support the intent to accelerate housing development statewide, as written, this bill risks unintended consequences for LA,” Bass said.
Housing and homelessness have been especially sharp issues in relations between state and local governments ever since Gavin Newsom became governor in 2019. While campaigning for the office, Newsom pledged to jump-start
housing construction and reduce the state’s large population of homeless people.
Newsom has signed numerous bills meant to spur housing construction by reducing local land use authority, and his administration has cracked down
the czar. As homelessness levels remained high despite the state spending more than $20 billion, Newsom shifted blame to local officials for, he said, not being aggressive enough in cleaning up encampments and sheltering their in-
“It has drawn heavy criticism from local officials, who would lose their ability to oversee such projects, and from residents of single-family neighborhoods that could be affected.”
on cities that fail to designate enough land to meet state housing quotas. However, the state still falls very short of its declared level of needed housing production.
Newsom also promised to appoint a homelessness czar who would oversee programs to reduce homelessness and, after being prodded by reporters, he finally declared himself to be
habitants.
“I’m not interested in funding failure any longer,” he said at one point. “So I’m going to speak for myself, just one guy that’s got three more appropriation cycles in front of him. I want to see results. Everybody wants to see results.”
After threatening to cut off direct aid to local governments for homelessness programs, he signed
a budget in June that suspends funding for at least a year. Local officials contend that getting one-year appropriations, without guarantees of continuity, makes it impossible for them to establish ongoing housing projects and services.
Thus, the issue is a stalemate that could continue until Newsom vacates his office 16 months hence.
In addition to these high-profile points of contention between state and local officials, there is a spate of relatively minor issues, one of which is Senate Bill 487. Sponsored by a raft of police and firefighter unions, the measure would limit the amount of money public employers could recover from their employees’ lawsuits for on-the-job injuries.
Local governments opposed the bill, saying it could potentially increase their worker compensation costs. Their opposition turned to bitter denunciation last week after state government was exempted from its impact.
“This is classic state do-as-we-say-not-aswe-do hypocrisy,” said Graham Knaus, CEO of the California State Association of Counties. “It’s a clear indication that lawmakers know this is terrible public policy, but they’re fine forcing local governments to live with it.” — CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to Commentary.
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 Servies”
Arts & Entertainment
Discover local talent at Winters’ Art & Wine Stroll
Special to the Express
On Saturday, Sept. 13, from 2 to 6 p.m., art lovers and wine enthusiasts are invited to experience the charm of downtown Winters during the next Second Saturday Art & Wine Stroll.
Throughout the afternoon, businesses along Main Street and Railroad Avenue will transform into pop-up galleries showcasing the work of talented regional artists. Guests are encouraged to slow down, explore each stop, and connect with the artists, many of whom will be on site for meet-and-greets and demonstrations. Participating venues will also feature wine or drink specials, making it a perfect way to sip, stroll, and celebrate creativity. This month introduces a new location at the Yolo 365 Artisan Market, expanding the art-filled route.
Rosanne will be on site for a demonstration and Meet & Greet, with her artwork available for purchase.
1st Street Studio Gallery
Winters Opera House presents Jaeger & Reid
Special to the Express
Look for the white “Art Stroll” flags at each participating location and follow a self-guided map to enjoy all the stops.
Featured artists and galleries
Patio 29 Spirits Co.
Mary Neri King is a former Winters schools art teacher and longtime regional artist whose work spans painting, mixed media, and printmaking. With decades of experience exhibiting locally and regionally, Mary’s pieces reflect a dedication to craftsmanship, storytelling, and creative exploration. She will be on site for a Meet & Greet, and her artwork will be available for purchase.
Yolo 365 Artisan Market (new location at 7 E. Main St.)
Rachel Van Sloten of RVS
LETTERS
Continued from Page 3
his Senior Capstone project, via the Winters Youth Basketball Program will be visiting both Shirley Rominger Intermediate School and Winters Middle School to speak with kids about signing up to play basketball. His goal is to encourage more children to give the game a try and to help grow the sport that I and so many in our community love.
Separating boys and girls divisions is about more than just numbers on a roster. It’s about ensuring that all kids in Winters, boys and girls alike, have the chance to grow in environments that support their confidence, development, and love for
Pottery creates functional and decorative pottery using a variety of techniques, including wheel throwing, hand sculpting, carving, sgraffito, and layered glazing. After retiring from a career in law enforcement, Rachel turned to pottery as a way to heal, grow, and bring beauty into the world. She will be on site for a Meet & Greet, and her work will be available for purchase.
Winters Museum Mona Biasi, a retired architect, focuses on acrylic landscapes, occasionally working with pastels and pencil. Inspired by California scenery near her home, Mona also creates commissioned pet portraits and shares her skills with the community through classes for seniors. She will be present for a Meet & Greet.
Turkovich Family Wines Tasting Room
Rosanne Seitz, a Winters native, paints plein air watercolors inspired by Yolo County’s orchards, ranches, and pastoral landscapes. With decades of teaching and artistic experience, her “Stories of Yolo County” series captures the essence of local rural life.
the game. Strengthening the girls’ side of our program doesn’t take away from the boys’ side. In fact, it strengthens basketball in our community as a whole. By investing in both, we create a culture where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to play. I am committed to making this a reality, and I am hopeful our community will continue to support the growth of girls’ basketball in Winters.
If anyone has questions or would like more information about the Winters Youth Basketball Program, I welcome them to contact me directly at WintersYB@gmail. com.
ZACH DAVIS Coordinator, Winters Youth BasketBall Program
Dennis Wilson brings over 50 years of experience to a curated display of paintings spanning portraits, landscapes, and slightly surreal works, often incorporating architectural elements that invite viewers into the story. Dennis will be on site for a Meet & Greet, and his artwork will be available for purchase.
Berryessa Gap Vineyards Downtown Tasting Room
The River City 10 Critique Group, a collective of professional artists, presents a dynamic wall of work in painting, sculpture, and mixed media. From hyper-realism to abstract, this group offers an array of creative styles. Artists may not be present, but their work will be available for purchase.
Additional artwork will also be on view at Putah Creek Café and Fine Eye Art Gallery, rounding out a vibrant afternoon of discovery.
Maps will be available at each location to help guests navigate the self-guided route. Most venues will offer themed drink specials, and visitors are encouraged to take their time, meet the artists, and shop for original works.
The Second Saturday Art & Wine Stroll is free to attend and runs monthly from May through October, celebrating the region’s vibrant community of local artists and smalltown charm.
County Water Agency create the position of Streamkeeper, whose primary responsibility is to ensure that the flows set out in the Accord are maintained.
“The original Streamkeeper, Rich Marovich, focused his energies primarily on restoring natural form and function
Judi Jaeger and Bob Reid will take the stage at the Winters Opera House on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. Jaeger and Reid discovered their perfect musical harmony at a local music jam in 2015, and the spark was instant. Their collaboration quickly caught the attention of those around them, and Jaeger & Reid was born.
Judi Jaeger (pronounced Jay-ger) grew up near Montreal, Canada, surrounded by music — her mother and brother sang and played guitar, while she immersed herself in the sounds of Leonard Cohen, Peter, Paul & Mary, Pete Seeger, and more. Jaeger began her career as a performing songwriter as an expression of grief after her mother’s passing and has written songs supporting her local domestic violence prevention organization.
Bob Reid, a fourth-generation Californian, also grew up steeped in music. His mother performed in coffeehouses in the 1960s, and his father was a gospel concert promoter. Reid has performed at the United Nations in New York, at festivals across the U.S., and as a California Arts Council Artist-in-theSchools. His original songs have been performed by Pete Seeger, Bill Harley, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, and others. Selected by the Seeger family to perform at memorial concerts for Pete and Toshi Seeger, Reid’s music reflects a deep appreciation of nature, social causes, and the power of song to inspire. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of Jaeger & Reid live! Join us at 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Winters Opera House, 13 Main St., Winters. For tickets, visit winterstheatre.org (Eventbrite is the official ticket vendor — please do not purchase from other sites). For questions, email winterstheatre@ gmail.com or call 530-795-4014.
to the stream channel itself,”
Stevens said. “That focus resulted in several successful projects, including the restoration of the creek as it runs through the city of Winters.” Stevenson is now honored to operate the post. “While I do a lot of work on the stream itself, I’m kind of managing all the different people interested in the creek — from farmers that want to move water around to engineers that want
to do groundwater recharge studies,” he said.
This November, Winters will acknowledge the 25th anniversary of the Putah Creek Accord during the annual Salmon Festival, celebrating more than two decades of restoration from detrimental gravel mining, flood control plans, sewage pond excavation, and recreational bulldozing.
Courtesy photo Judi Jaeger and Bob Reid will perform live at the Winters Opera House on Sunday, Sept. 14, bringing their unique blend of folk, storytelling, and social consciousness to the stage.
Courtesy photo
Kick off the Second Saturday Art & Wine Stroll at Yolo 365 Artisan Market, 7 E. Main St., and grab a map to visit all other participating venues.
Sports
Warriors overcome slow start to defeat Rio Vista
By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer
On Friday, Sept. 5, the Winters High School varsity football team came away with an impressive 34–15 victory over Rio Vista High School, with a 2–0 start on the season.
While it was a solid win for the Warriors, the result was a lot different from last year’s 77–0 game against Rio Vista and Winters knew it would be.
“We knew coming into the game that this was one of the better Rio Vista teams that they have had in recent years and they are always very well coached. We are always going to struggle against bigger teams, and Rio Vista had a very big and physical line on both sides of the ball,” said varsity head coach Daniel Ward.
The game was off to a rocky start for the Warriors with the score still at a very uncomfortable 6–3 midway through the second quarter. It wasn’t looking good for the Warriors as Rio Vista appeared to have all the momentum as they drove deep into Warrior
territory. Some of the parents and fans even admitted that the Warriors really had them worried for a while there.
“We weren’t playing very well, and we had a lot of calls that didn’t go our way, but it was good for us to struggle a bit and face some adversity,” said Ward.
Luckily for the Warriors and fans, the boys real ly stepped up and were able to make some big, game-changing plays on both sides of the ball, which led to two quick touchdowns, giving Winters a 20–3 halftime lead.
Offensively, it was once again senior quarterback Lane Brown who really pulled through for the team. He delivered yet another outstanding performance, completing 13 out of 17 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns, while also racking up 171 rushing yards and two additional touchdowns on just 13 carries.
to fix that and get more balanced, especially by getting our running backs more involved,” Ward said. While Brown’s perfor-
for 33 yards, Aidan Baylor had one catch for 18 yards and a touchdown and EJ Cruz also had one catch for 16 yards.
varsity football team will face Gridley High School this Friday, Sept. 12, at Dr. Sellers football field. Kickoff time will be 5:30 p.m. for junior varsity and 7:30 p.m. for varsity. While not a league game, this matchup may be one of the most anticipated games in the section this year.
“Gridley is probably the best team we’ll see all season. They’re extremely big, physical, and fast. They’re one of the favorites to win the section championship at the Division 3 level,” said Ward.
“Lane has been pretty much a one-man show so far. We need to find a way
the scoreboard, the passing game also stood out for its balanced distribution, with five different receivers making catches. Anthony Matamoros Mayes and Nate Apodaca led the way with four receptions each. Apodaca had 44 receiving yards while Matamoros Mayes had 38 yards and a touchdown. Luke Felsen contributed three catches
Winters High volleyball shows grit in back-to-back battles
By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer
Last week, the Winters High School varsity volleyball team faced two highly competitive teams, taking on Rio Vista and Live Oak high schools. Despite back-toback losses, the girls showed resilience, growth and plenty of potential for the season ahead.
On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Warriors came out strong against the Rams, winning the first two sets by 25–19 and 25–17. It wasn’t until set three that Rio Vista battled back to win the next three sets with the scores of 22–25, 22–25 and 1–15, which ultimately resulted in a loss for Winters.
Despite the loss, the Warriors showed real competitiveness throughout the match. While Coach Wayne White noted that the team’s inexperience showed in the final set, he emphasized their steady improvement
“We’re learning and growing every time we step on the court.”
Winters coach Wayne White
and praised several strong individual efforts.
Looking at individual efforts Mia Borges, Ava Muir-Vickrey and Lexis White all tallied up seven aces each for the Warriors. Maci Dodic had two. While Dodic didn’t lead in saves, she did lead her team in kills with 11. White followed closely with eight kills and Muir-Vickrey tallied three. As for assists, Idaly Lopez Sanchez led the team with six. In their second match of the week, Winters traveled to Live Oak. The Warriors won the first set in a close 26–24 win,
and forced a fifth set after a strong fourth set performance, winning 25–20. However, the team once again fell in the final frame with a 2–15 score, resulting in a 3–2 loss.
Coaches praised the team’s determination and noted that each game is an opportunity to gain experience and confidence.
“Each match teaches us something new. We’re learning and growing every time we step on the court,” Coach White said.
While this may have been a hard week for the Warriors, success is possible with the potential and talent they have on the team. The girls will face off against Paradise on Tuesday and East Nicolaus on Thursday.
The Warriors will host Thursday’s game against East Nicolaus at the Winters High School Gymnasium. Junior varsity starts at 5 p.m. and varsity starts at 7 p.m.
sacks, and a forced fumble.
“He’s just so fast and strong coming off the edge, which makes him extremely hard to block,” said Ward.
Linebackers Ricky Garcia, Apodaca, and Jake Woods also performed extremely well on defense, combining for 27 tackles, five tackles for loss, and an interception. The Winters High School
Gridley’s size and athleticism present a significant obstacle for the Warriors. Ward went on to explain how Gridley has two Division 1 athletes on their team and averages 250 pounds along their line.
“We will see if we can slow them down a bit. We are excited for the opportunity. It should be one of the best and most anticipated non-league games in the section this year,” said Ward.
Warriors battle through adversity
By Hawk Selleck Express sports correspondent
On Thursday, the Winters High School junior varsity football team traveled to Redding to play Shasta High School, ending in a 23–7 loss for Winters.
“We knew Shasta was going to be tough; they are a Division 2 football program and we are Division 4,” junior varsity head coach Rudy Baylor said. “They took the lead right away with an opening drive field goal and our boys didn’t put their heads down. They battled back with a pass from Chris Rodriguez to Anton Ogando, putting us at the 1-yard line for Isaiah Redmon to run it in.”
Even though the game ended in a loss, there were some highlights that took place for the team. Jacob Valadez made a 60yard kick return. Wide receiver Ty Mariani highlighted his efforts, “Valadez had to play a different position this week on defense and made a bunch of tackles at middle linebacker,” Mariani said. Mariani also highlighted Xavier Chavez, who was a main part of the defensive line, helping stop multiple running
The Warrior Report
plays from Shasta’s offense.
“We were ahead 7–3 going into the second half, so our defense was playing really well the first half of the game,” Baylor said.
One of the main challenges that Coach Baylor pointed out was the number of injuries the team had to deal with.
“We have several spots to fill due to injuries, and getting players to learn a whole new position to fill in a week is a challenge,” Baylor said.
Even with the number of injuries the Warriors are currently dealing with, the team is playing its part to make sure that they can all help each other. “We have moved safeties to linebackers, receivers to linemen, linemen to running back, and even though they don’t know the position, they jump right in to try and help the team,” Baylor said. “Every player on the team has been very versatile and has to learn four to five different positions because you never know what may happen on a Friday night. We have a lot of players who
have minimal experience but are up to the challenge of learning several positions and giving it everything they’ve got.”
I also asked what the strategy heading into the game against Gridley would be.
“Gridley runs a veer offense that is a smash-mouth type of offense,” Baylor said, meaning that it is very reliant on a running game over a passing game. “They also have a pretty good size and just try to overpower you, so our boys are going to have to be very physical this week.”
Next week, the Warriors are at home to take on Gridley, hoping to bounce back from a loss against Shasta. Gridley is currently 1–0, coming out of a 48–0 win against University Prep on Friday. Winters will try to secure a second win, with a current record of 1–1. If you would like to watch the game, it will start right at 5:30 p.m. to try to secure a win against the Bulldogs.
—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. He enjoys music, baseball, and track and field.
A sweet twist on a classroom project
For full transparency, last month I wrote about needing to eat healthier. I’m still on that journey. But sometimes, choices have to be made — and this was a choice I absolutely needed to make.
Earlier this month, my 9th grader came home with a class project for Intro to Ag: find a recipe and connect as many agricultural jobs as possible to the ingredients. She had chosen lumpia — and then dropped the bonus-point bomb: “If I bring some in, I can get extra credit. So… can we make it?”
Of course, I said yes — on the condition that she help me roll them, and she gets up early the day they were due to cook them.
Before you get too excited, this isn’t a column about making lumpia (though if enough of you ask, I’ll happily share the recipe). Instead, this month’s feature is a dessert I whipped up on the fly.
When rolling lumpia, you almost always end up with a few extra wrappers. I hate wasting them. My usual fallback is turon, a deep-fried Filipino dessert made with bananas and brown sugar (jackfruit is optional). But that week, I was out of bananas — and no jackfruit in sight.
After rifling through the fridge, I decided to make a fried dessert with apple pie filling and sweetened cream cheese. And friends, it was so good I had to share.
Lumpia wrappers are thin, delicate sheets of flour and water, sometimes with a
“Hot apple pie wrapped in golden crispiness plus creamy vanilla? Yes, please.”
touch of salt or cornstarch. They’re more tender than the sturdy egg roll wrappers common in Chinese-American takeout — almost paper-thin — yielding a light, crisp texture when fried. Unlike rice-based spring roll wrappers, which cook up chewy and translucent, lumpia wrappers stay opaque and shatter into a satisfying crunch, letting the filling shine while holding it all together. Filipino cooks may debate which wrapper reigns supreme. I have my favorites; ask me sometime. You’ll typically find them in the spring roll freezer section at most Asian markets.
For this dessert, you’ll also need Granny Smith apples and cream cheese.
First, beat the cream cheese until spreadable. Sweeten it with powdered sugar — or honey or date syrup if you prefer. Chill it briefly so it firms up a bit; you want it soft enough to spread but not runny.
Next, peel your apples and prepare the filling like you would for apple pie: brown sugar (or a monk fruit substitute), cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of cloves. I
prefer Granny Smith because tart apples balance sweetness and hold their shape, keeping the filling lively and structured. But hey, your kitchen, your call — use whichever apple you like.
Once cooled, spread the sweetened cream cheese onto the wrapper, top with apple filling, and roll per the wrapper instructions. I froze mine briefly before frying, but you could cook them immediately. While I’ve experimented with air-frying lumpia, nothing beats the golden color and crisp crunch of deep-frying—despite my ongoing fried-food-reduction efforts.
I only had six extra wrappers, and between my oldest son, my husband, and me, they were gone in minutes. Next time, I’ll make a bigger batch — and maybe serve them with vanilla ice cream. Hot apple pie wrapped in golden crispiness plus creamy vanilla? Yes, please.
Apple cream
cheese Lumpia
Apple pie filling ingredients 2 tart apples, peeled, cored and chopped
2 tbsp butter
1 1/2 c water
2 tbsp to 1/4 c cornstarch (to thicken mixture)
3/4 c sugar
1 tsp cinnamon 1 tbsp lemon juice
Sweetened cream cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/3 c sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
A package of lumpia wrappers Putting it together
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with a hand blender to further soften the mix. Add in the sugar, lemon juice and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Put the mixture in the refrigerator to slightly stiffen up.
In a small bowl, coat the apples with the sugar and cinnamon. In a cup, mix the cornstarch into cold water and set aside.
In a saucepan, saute the coated apples in
butter until they begin to soften. Add in the cornstarch water mix and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and let cook until the sauce thickens. Allow the mixture to cool.
Once cooled, beat the egg in a bowl. Place a lumpia wrapper on a flat surface and smear a tablespoon or two on the inside of the wrapper, near a corner. The amount is your preference. Spoon about a tablespoon of the apple mixture on top of the cream cheese. Roll the corner up, tuck the sides of the wrapper toward the center and continue to roll up. Put some of the beaten egg on the last corner to help seal it.
Once all have been rolled, deep fry in hot oil until golden brown or put in the freezer, uncooked, until you are ready to cook them.
Perfect pairings
Ididn’t connect with local businesses this month, but I did experiment in my own kitchen with a cocktail pairing: a French 75 featuring a Winters twist, using local spirits and wine.
A classic French 75 blends gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine. Locally, you could use Patio29 Yolo County Craft Gin — or L’Apero les Trois Lemon Meyer apéritif for a citrusy twist. For sparkling, I recommend either Turkovich Sparkling Rosé or Berryessa Gap Blanc de Blanc. Both are delightful (and what I had on my bar top). I’m sure Corinne Martinez of Berryessa Gap Vineyards or Luciana Moreno Turkovich of Turkovich Family Wines would have other recommendations.
Here are two recipes to try: French 75 with Patio29 Spirits
1 ounce Patio29 Yolo County Craft Gin
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste)
3 ounces dry sparkling wine
Lemon twist for garnish Putting it together
Combine gin, lemon, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, strain into a chilled flute, top with sparkling wine, and garnish with a twist of lemon. French 75 with Lemon Meyer apéritif
1 ounce L’Apero les Trois Lemon Meyer apéritif
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice (optional)
1/2 ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste)
3 ounces sparkling wine Lemon twist for garnish Putting it together
Shake apéritif, lemon (if using), and syrup gently with ice. Strain into a chilled flute, top with sparkling wine, and garnish. Whether you roll up lumpia for school projects or improvise a dessert with leftover wrappers, it’s all about creativity — and sometimes, indulgence. And pairing it with a little local spirits and bubbles doesn’t hurt either.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Golden, crisp, and filled with sweet cream cheese and spiced apple pie filling, these fried lumpia desserts are a quick twist on a classic Filipino treat — perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
