Winters Express: Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Community gathers to celebrate Japantown monument dedication

By Amelia Biscardi Express staff writer

Thanks to a May shower, the Winters Community Center was full with limited standing room as the community, descendants of local Japanese families and beyond gathered for the Japantown Monument Dedication on Saturday, May 4.

The community center was transformed for the celebration with the deep drums of the Taiko Drums, paper cranes, Koinobori (carp streamers), and floral arrangements.

The crowd hardly murmured as children were occupied with coloring books and adults intently listened to the many speakers.

With multiple books in tow Shimomura detailed some of the history of Winters’ Japantown. He shared some of the history explaining that after the Pearl Harbor bombing, those of Japanese descent were forced into internment camps in Arizona and Colorado and most did not return afterwards. With Putah Creek serving as the diving line between Yolo and Sola-

no Counties, families were sent to one of the two camps based on which side of the creek they lived on. Shimomura said that most didn’t return to Winters due to backlash from some of the community. This all culminated in a fire of “unknown origin” that burnt down most of Japantown. For those who returned, they didn’t face an easy road back.

Vasey Coman, Winters resident shared an essay she wrote

Winters, Esparto school districts collaborate on special education

By Angela Underwood

Express correspondent

“None of us is as smart as all of us.” — Ken Blanchard Leadership author Ken Blanchard’s quote is the foundation of the new partnership between Winters Joint Unified School District and Esparto Unified

School District to collaborate on their special education programs for students.

Winters JUSD Director of Special Education Jenny Pinedo said leveraging the two school districts’ collective strengths provides a more comprehensive and adaptive support system, ensuring all students receive successful, personalized, and supportive education.

“This synergy not only boosts our capacity to serve stu-

dents with special needs but also enriches the educational experience for all our students by fostering a more inclusive and supportive community environment,” Pinedo said.

EUSD Director of Special Education and Student Services Javier Macias said school district sharing enables each to identify and adopt best practices from the other while learning from each

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

On Thursday, April 25, Governor Gavin Newsom visited a Winters solar farm and battery storage facility to celebrate California’s energy storage milestone.

Newsom visited Putah Creek Energy Farm with Valley Clean Energy board members, Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Senator Bill Dodd, California Public Utilities, California Energy, and the California Air Resource Board commissioners to celebrate California now having over 10,000 megawatts of battery energy storage.

The solar farm and storage facility, Putah Creek Energy, located in Winters, can produce 3 megawatts at its peak generating time and then discharge it to some 600 homes after the sun goes down.

Roadwork on CR 31, Russell starts May 13

Express staff

Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerich announced that road maintenance work would begin on Country Road 31 and Russell Boulevard next week at the County, city of Winters 2x2 meeting on Wednesday.

The Yolo County Department of Community Services’ Public Works Division will begin maintenance work on sections of CR 31 and Russell Boulevard outside of Winters city limits from May 13 through June 14, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The road work schedule is subject to change.

Motorists and residents in the area are advised to be prepared for intermittent lane closures during this period. Depending on the task at hand, some sections of the road may require a full road closure for workers to safely complete the job.

The specific work locations include:

• CR 31 between CR 93A and CR 98

(road closures are likely to occur between CR 95 and CR 98)

• Russell Boulevard between Interstate 505 and CR 93A

Motorists should be aware of noted detour signs to travel around the road closures and should anticipate delays and consider alternative routes. The county asks motorists to adhere to all construction signs and directions from flaggers, and to reduce speed of travel when going through the work zones. Local access to properties and businesses in the area will be maintained throughout the construction process.

The work being done will help to prepare sections of the roads for a fullwidth road resurfacing treatment scheduled for later this year.

Residents can stay informed at www.YoloCounty. org/Road-Closures or by calling t 530666-8811 with any questions.

The facility consists of 19 acres of solar panels on landowner Dan Martinez’s 31-acre property.

Valley Clean En-

ergy has been operating since 2018 with the goal of providing 100 percent renewable energy to all its customers by 2030. VCE is a Community Choice Aggregation program, or CCA/CCE. CCAs purchase electricity and then use the already existing utilities, in VCE’s case PG&E, to distribute that electricity to its customers. VCE provides energy to Davis,

Woodland, Winters and Unincorporated Yolo County. Of that 10,000 MW of battery energy storage, 50 percent comes from CCA contracting.

“In 2019, California had 770 megawatts of battery storage and in 2024 we surpassed 10,000 megawatts of battery storage. We were honored that Governor Newsom

hometown paper of Dennis Hiramatsu

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Yo Osumi, Consul General of Japan, Harumi March and her nephew Floyd Shimomura celebrate during a break in the rain with other Winters Japanese family members at t he Japantown Monument unveiling ceremony in Rotary Park on Saturday, May 4.

Courtesy photo

Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry; David Hochschild, chair of the state Energy Commission; Davis Vice-Mayor Bapu Vaitla, vice chair of the Valley Clean Energy board of directors; Gov. Gavin Newsom; state Sen. Bill Dodd; Scott Murtishaw, executive director of the California Energy Storage Alliance; Karen Douglas, California public utilities commissioner; Liane Randolph, chair of the state Air Resources Board and Winters city council member Jesse Loren, VCE board director.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Siblings Gina and Howard Kato and Gina’s daughter Tanya Kato (right) accepted a Congressional Record from Lucy Brazil, District Representative for Congressman Mike Thompson, at the Winters Museum on May 2.

Special to the Express

The Winters Fortnightly Club and Vitalant are hosting a Winters community blood drive on Monday, May 13, from 1 to 4:45 p.m. at the Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.).

This month, Fortnightly is aiming to reach the goal of receiving 23 donors and 27 units of blood.

Although walk-ins are welcome, blood donors are encouraged to make an appointment and will be given priority at the blood drive. To make an appointment, visit donors.vitalant.org and search by “Blood Drive Code.” To register for the Winters blood drive, use blood drive code SMFM164 or call Vitalant at 877-2584825 or local 530-2430160, and mention the blood drive code.

Every year, about 219,000 units of blood and platelets are needed to help patients experiencing women’s health issues, including about 1 of every 83 births. Leading up to and after this Mother’s Day, Vitalant is highlighting that need. Blood

donors have the opportunity to save the lives of moms in need and keep families together.

Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are vital to always maintain a robust blood supply for patients, from emergencies to ongoing medical treatments.

Heather Hoffman, a local blood donor before delivering twins, received more blood after childbirth than she had in her entire body. “It’s shocking to realize how much blood can be needed by just one person,” Hoffman said. “It will take me well over two years to give back just what I needed. It’s important to me to give back so whoever else needs it will have it when the time comes.”

Hoffman is well on her way to giving back what she needed to survive and to be a mom to her thriving children.

Eligibility

Whole blood donors must be at least 16 years old (with a signed Vitalant parental consent form available online at Vitalant.org; at the

bottom of the page, find Resources/Donor Forms), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be in general good health and bring a photo I.D.

Other donation types have specific eligibility criteria. Visit vitalant.org/Donate/ Donate-Blood-Overview for more information.

Things to know:

• Donors should arrive well-nourished and hydrated.

• The donation process is one hour long (add 20 minutes for a double red cell donation).

Donors can complete the Fast Track health questionnaire online before arriving at the drive. The questionnaire must be completed the same day as the donation and the barcode needs to be presented at the drive or can be completed at the drive. Fill out the Fast Track questionnaire at https://www. vitalant.org/donate/ health-history-questionnaire/fast-track.

For general questions about this blood drive or to make an appointment, call Vitalant at 877-258-4825.

WMS students host e-waste drive

Special to the Express

The Winters Middle School Environmental Education class is asking residents to save their e-Waste for their upcoming community service project. The students are hosting a free, community-wide E-Waste Collection Drive on Saturday, May 25, at the Winters Middle School parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps is sponsoring the event and will recycle collected e-waste. SRCC is a California state

approved Collector of Electronic Waste. Students are asking residents to share about the event with friends, neighbors and local area businesses that might be looking to recycle e-waste products. They will accept: monitors, televisions, desktop and notebook PCs, VCRs, stereo equipment, speakers, keyboards, mice, PDAs, digital cameras, zip drives, telephones, cell phones, printers, copiers, laser and multifunction scanners and fax machines and small

household appliances such as mixers, blenders and microwaves. They cannot accept: large household appliances (i.e. refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.) furniture, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, heat sources that use coils (i.e. heating units, toasters, blow dryers, etc.) hazardous household waste including batteries, solar panels, car batteries, paint, pesticides, used oil, cleaning supplies, fluorescent light bulbs, water heaters, tires, etc.

City pool ready for swim season

Express staff

With swim season around the corner, work on the Bobbie Greenwood Community Swim Center is officially done.

The city of Winters hired local business Professional Pool Service to replace the edging for safety measures, apply new plaster and tiles, and make the steps in the shallow end ADA compliant with correct step dimensions and new railings.

Other new additions from Professional Pools efforts include new signage along the edge of the pool and on the fencing, and new safety equipment Swim season

In his Friday update, City Manager

Jeremy Craig announced the pool will open on Monday, May 13, for lap swim, open swim and the swim team pre-season.

Swim Team registrations are still open. Families can register a child online at https://www. gomotionapp.com/ team/saseaotters/ page/about/registration.

Swim Lesson registration opened on April 29. A limited number of spots are still available. Families can view availability and register a child for swim lessons at https:// wintersswimteam. godaddysites.com/ swim-lessons. In an attempt to provide timely updates and reminders during the swim season, the city has cre-

California propone ampliar subsidios de seguros de salud a todos los inmigrantes adultos

By Jasmine Aguilera KFF News

ated a Winters Lap

Swim Notify Me at: https://www.cityofwinters.org/list.aspx. On the webpage, residents can register their email and/ or phone number for text alert preference on the Winters Lap

Swim Notify item to automatically receive updates about hour changes or any unforeseen pool impacts as soon as the information is posted.

Craig shared the pool hour schedule: Spring Pool Hours (May 13 to June 2)

Monday through Friday

• Lap swim 4:30 to 8:45 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday

• Lap Swim 8:45 a.m.

Marisol Pantoja Toribio se encontró un bulto en el pecho a principios de enero. Sin seguro y viviendo en California sin papeles, y sin su familia, la normalmente despreocupada mujer de 43 años se dio cuenta pronto de lo limitadas que eran sus opciones. “Yo dije, ¿Qué voy a hacer? …. ,” recordó emocionada. Inmediatamente le preocupó que pudiera tener cáncer. “Iba y venía: tengo [cáncer], no tengo, sí tengo, no tengo.” Y si estaba enferma, agregó, no podría trabajar ni pagar el alquiler. Al no tener seguro de salud, Pantoja Toribio no podía pagar para averiguar si tenía una enfermedad grave. A partir de este año, Medi-Cal, el programa de Medicaid de California, se amplió para incluir a los inmigrantes que no tienen residencia legal, algo que podría haber funcionado perfectamente para Pantoja Toribio, que ha vivido en la ciudad de Brentwood, en el Área de la Bahía, durante tres años. Pero su solicitud de Medi-Cal fue rechazada rápidamente porque, como trabajadora agrícola que gana $16 la hora, sus ingresos anuales de unos $24,000 eran demasiado altos para calificar para el programa.

California es el primer estado en ampliar Medicaid a todos los adultos que reúnan los requisitos, independientemente de su estatus migratorio, una medida celebrada por los activistas de la salud y por líderes políticos de todo el estado. Pero muchos inmigrantes sin estatus legal permanente, especialmente los que viven en zonas de California donde el costo de vida es más alto, ganan demasiado dinero como para calificar para Medi-Cal.

El estado paga la factura de la expansión de Medi-Cal, pero la ley federal prohíbe

a los que llama “indocumentados” recibir subsidios de seguros u otros beneficios de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio (ACA), dejando a muchos empleados, sin opciones viables médico.

Ahora, los mismos activistas de salud que lucharon por la expansión de Medi-Cal dicen que el siguiente paso para lograr la equidad en salud es ampliar Covered California, el mercado estatal de ACA, a todos los inmigrantes adultos mediante la aprobación de la AB 4. “Hay personas en este estado que trabajan y son la columna vertebral de tantos sectores de nuestra economía y contribuyen con su trabajo e incluso con sus impuestos … pero están excluidos de nuestra red de seguridad social,” dijo Sarah Dar, directora del Centro de Política de Inmigración de California, una de las dos organizaciones que patrocinan el proyecto de ley, denominado #Health4All. Para calificar para Medi-Cal, una persona no puede ganar más del 138% del nivel federal de pobreza, que actualmente es de cerca de $21,000 al año para un individuo. Una familia de tres miembros tendría que ganar menos de $35,632 al año.

Para las personas que superan esos umbrales, el mercado de Covered California ofrece varios planes de salud, a menudo con subsidios federales y estatales, con primas tan bajas como $10 al mes. La esperanza es crear lo que los activistas llaman un “mercado espejo” en el sitio web de Covered California para que a los inmigrantes, independientemente de su estatus, se les pueda ofrecer los mismos planes de salud que serían subvencionados sólo por el estado. A pesar de la mayoría demócrata en la Legislatura, el proyecto de ley podría tener dificultades para ser aprobado, ya que el estado se enfrenta a un déficit

presupuestario previsto para el próximo año de entre $38 mil millones y $73 mil millones. El gobernador Gavin Newsom y líderes legislativos anunciaron un paquete de $17 mil millones para empezar a reducir la brecha, pero parece inevitable que se produzcan recortes significativos en el gasto. No está claro cuánto costaría extender Covered California a todos los inmigrantes, según el miembro de la Asamblea Joaquín Arambula, demócrata de Fresno que presentó el proyecto de ley. El Centro de Política de Inmigración estima que la creación del mercado costaría al menos $15 millones. Si el proyecto de ley se aprueba, los patrocinadores tendrían que asegurar la financiación de los subsidios, que podrían ascender a miles de millones de dólares anuales.

“Es un momento difícil para pedir nuevos gastos,” señaló Dar. “El costo de la puesta en marcha del mercado espejo es una cifra relativamente baja. Así que tenemos esperanzas de que aún esté dentro de lo posible.” Arambula dijo que es optimista en cuanto a que el estado continuará liderando en la mejora del acceso a la salud para los inmigrantes que no tienen residencia legal.

“Creo que seguiremos adelante, ya que estamos trabajando para hacer de ésta una California para todos,” expresó. El proyecto de ley fue aprobado por la Asamblea en julio pasado en una votación de 64-9 y ahora falta la acción del Comité de Asignaciones del Senado, según la oficina de Arambula.

Se calcula que unas 520,000 personas en California podrían optar por un plan de Covered California si tuvieran un estatus legal, según el centro de investigación laboral de la Universidad de California-Berkeley. Pantoja Toribio, que emigró sola desde México huyendo de

Vea SUBSIDIOS, Página 5

Hiram Alejandro Durán/El Tímpano

Marisol Pantoja Toribio, fuera de las oficinas de Hijas del Campo, en Brentwoo, en febrero.

Suspect arrested in Winters standoff

By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media

A standoff with an armed man had a Winters neighborhood sheltering in place Saturday night until officers were able to take the suspect into custody.

It began with a 9:36 p.m. 911 call reporting a fight underway in the 1000 block of Adams Lane, according to a Winters Police Department social media post.

“The subject fled prior to the arrival of officers,” the post said. “Officers were informed by the victims that the subject had a handgun and had brandished the weapon. The subject also pointed the handgun directly at

one of the victims and threatened to kill them.”

Identified as 42-year-old Jose Gonzales of Winters, the man wound up at a house in the 700 block of Apricot Avenue, where relatives said he texted them threats to turn his gun on himself, police said. With the assistance from the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office and a Woodland Police Department K-9 unit, Winters police established a perimeter around the house and advised nearby residents to shelter in place via the Everbridge alert system. Officers then established communication with Gonzales, who surrendered after a half-hour of

negotiations, police said. Officers recovered two handguns and two rifles from the residence before lifting the shelter-inplace order.

Gonzales was booked into the Yolo County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, child endangerment, brandishing a firearm and resisting or obstructing an officer.

On Monday, Winters PD reported they looked into the Everbridge system alert after nearby residents notified police they had not received information about the incident.

“The operator of the Everbridge system mistakenly activated and sent information

to residents in the immediate area of the 1000 block of Adams Ln., where the incident started, not the 700 block of Apricot Lane,” the Winters PD social media post said. “The public was not in any immediate danger and the request by law enforcement was for residents within a geofenced 100 yards of the incident to be notified to stay inside and await further instructions.”

Residents are highly encouraged to subscribe to Everbridge to receive vital public safety information. More information about Everbridge can be found online at https://bit.ly/4ahZbtK. Crystal Apilado contributed to this article.

VCE accepting applications for Advisory Committee vacancies

Special to the Express

Valley Clean Energy (VCE) is accepting applications for consideration for two vacancies: the city of Davis and unincorporated Yolo County as well as At-large positions for the Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC is comprised of volunteers who reside in Woodland, Davis Winters or unincorporated Yolo County, and acts as an advisory body to VCE’s Board of Directors and staff, providing feedback on agency policies, procedures and decisions.

“It’s rewarding to be a part of the CAC. VCE has had a significant positive impact on the

SWIM Continued from Page 2

to 10:45 a.m.

• Open Swim Noon to 5 p.m.

Swim Team PreSeason (May 9 to 28)

• Tuesday/Thursday 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

By Todd R. Hansen McNaughton Media

The White House announced last Thursday that President Joe Biden will expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

The administration also announced its plans to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

In all, 119,615 acres of “of culturally, ecologically, and historically important lands in California” will be further protected, while offering more outdoor access and activities for local and visiting residents.

Reps. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, attended the White House announcement.

“I worked to designate the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a national monument in 2015, and I’ve worked to expand it ever since,” Thompson said, while Garamendi noted that “conserving California’s natural beauty has been a lifelong passion throughout my tenure in the state legislature, as Deputy Secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, and now as a member of Congress.”

Of the nearly 120,000 acres, 13,696 will be added to Berryessa Snow Mountain.

Police arrest Winters ax-wielding teen

By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media

An attempted axe attack Friday morning led to a Winters teen’s arrest on felony assault charges, Davis police said.

Lt. Mike Munoz said the arrest stemmed from a 2:15 a.m. report of a suspicious person knocking on a door in the 2500 block of East Eighth Street.

An 18-year-old male at the residence told officers he and the female suspect engaged in a dispute via text earlier that night, and she traveled from Winters to Davis to continue the argument in person, according to

Munoz. Munoz said the woman arrived at the residence with an axe, which she swung at the victim’s head several times before he was able to wrestle her to the ground and take control of the weapon. When he took the axe inside his residence, the woman knocked on the door and demanded it back, Munoz said. That’s when police arrived on the scene and took her into custody. Elaina Rain Horse, 18, was booked into the Yolo County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

community and I’m excited to share my expertise in helping to make Yolo County even more sustainable.” Rahul Athalye, CAC Chair representing the city of Davis.

“The CAC is such a valuable resource for the VCE Board of Directors and staff,” noted Mitch Sears, VCE’s Executive Officer. “CAC members pair a passion for meaningful engagement on local energy issues with a solid business sense, adding important community input to VCE’s decision making.”

Applications are due Thursday, May 16, by 4 p.m. and may be submitted via email to Alisa.Lembke@ValleyClean

Summer Pool Hours (June 3 to July 26)

Monday through Thursday

• Swim Team: 8 to 11:45 a.m.

• Open Swim: noon to 3:45 p.m.

• Swim Lessons/ Swim Team: 4 to 5:40 p.m.

“We thank President Biden for expanding the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and protecting Molok Luyuk, an area steeped in thousands of years of rich history and profound meaning to the Patwin people, whose traditional territory stretches south from these hills to the shores of San Pablo Bay and east to the Sacramento River,” Yocha Dehe Tribal Chairman Anthony Roberts said in a statement. “Elements of the natural landscape on the ridge have traditional cultural significance to us. We look forward to the day when condors fly over Molok Luyuk once again.”

Molok Luyuk, Patwin for “Condor Ridge,” is the new name for the stretch of foothills on the Lake-Colusa counties border, formerly known as Walker Ridge.

Yocha Dehe, which has strong and active ties to Solano County – including its work with the Solano Land Trust on the Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park –has been the lead in the years-long effort to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain. It has taken local, state and federal support to get the project done. “The sacred lands

Energy.org, or via mail to Valley Clean Energy, 604 2nd Street, Davis, CA 95616.

Additional information and the application may be found at the bottom of the page at valleycleanenergy.org/cac-meetings. Applicants must be 18 years of age or over. Applicants in underserved communities, or who speak English as a second language are encouraged to apply.

Please be aware that all applications and accompanying documents are considered public information and may be disclosed/released pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

• Lap Swim: 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Friday

• Open Swim: noon to 4:30 p.m.

• Lap Swim: 4:45 to 6:45 p.m.

• Night Swim (Family Night): 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday/Sunday

within and around the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument are central to thousands of years of indigenous origin stories,” U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla said. “For over 11,000 years, dozens of tribes have called Molok Luyuk home, and it is our duty to protect the abundant natural resources and the rich history of the land for future generations. I am grateful to President Biden for heeding our calls to ensure that the unique tribal knowledge, history, and cultural practices entrenched at Molok Luyuk will forever be a part of the national monument.”

State Sen. Bill

• Lap Swim: 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

• Open Swim: noon to 5:30 p.m. Craig said the schedule is subject to change based on staff training and Swim Team meets. The city will update as more information is made available.

Dodd, D-Napa, added, “Berryessa Snow Mountain is one of the most scenic and diverse landscapes in all of Northern California, and the president’s expansion of the monument greatly enhances this public treasure. It was essential to include this additional piece, which was home to native tribes for thousands of years. By doing so, we recognize the land’s cultural significance while protecting it for generations to come.”

Biden, using the Antiquities Act of 1906, expands an existing 330,780 acres of public land administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest

Annual Garage Sale of the Rich and Famous

The annual ‘Winters Garage Sale of the Rich and Famous’ will once again be held on Mother’s Day weekend. This year it will be on Saturday, May 11th. The City Park on Main Street will not be available this year. Instead, citizens are encouraged to have their own private garage sale at their house and/or within their neighborhood

There will be postings on social media and in several newspapers promoting this citywide event. If you have any questions, you may contact the organizers at 530-795-4919.

Express staff

The Centers for Disease Control issued a food safety alert Tuesday regarding organic walnuts that may have been sold and purchased in Davis.

CDC officials reported receiving reports of 12 people from two states being infected with E. coli. Almost all purchased organic walnuts from bulk bins at food co-ops or natural food stores in California and Washington, including the Davis Food Co-op on G Street, according to a list compiled by the FDA.

None of the illnesses resulted in deaths, although seven people were hospitalized, according to the CDC.

The Food and Drug Administration determined that Gibson Farms, Inc. sup-

Service to the Berryessa Snow Mountain footprint, which stretches from Napa County in the south to Mendocino County in the north, and includes parts of seven counties, including Solano, Yolo, Lake, Colusa and Glenn. It also includes the Cache Creek Wilderness Area.

President Barack Obama designated the area a national monument in 2015.

Popular recreation activities on these lands include hiking,

plied and later recalled the walnuts, which had expiration dates between May 21 and June 7, 2025. The CDC recommends the following actions:

• If you bought organic walnut halves and pieces from bulk containers, see if yours might be part of the recall.

• Check your pantries, refrigerators and freezers for walnuts. If you can’t tell if it’s part of the recall, it’s safer not to eat them.

• Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the walnuts using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

• Call your healthcare provider if you have any severe E. coli symptoms, which can include stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

mountain biking, photography, camping, horseback riding and off-highway vehicle use on designated routes.

Biden is adding 105,919 acres to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, located near Los Angeles and encompassing parts of the Angeles National Forest and the San Bernardino National Forest. Obama designated the original 346,177-acre monument in 2014.

Public Safety Report

City of Winters

Fire

The Winters Fire Log will return soon. Check for updates at https://cityofwinters.org/157/Fire.

Police Arrest Log

April 27: Ochoa Nunez, Osvaldo Salvador (Age 25); Charges: DUI, DUI over 08 percent BAC, Driving with a suspended license for DUI, Yuba City PD Warrant; Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail ~Clarke, Tanya Marie (Age 36), Charges: Winters PD Warrant, Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail Report Log

April 24: 11:48 a.m., 800th block of Jefferson Street, CPS Referral

~12:15 p.m., 200th block of Creekside Way, CPS Referral

~4:04 p.m., 500th block of Karnail Street, Assault April 25: 4:59 p.m., 20th block of Main Street, Vehicle Code Violation

~5:12 p.m., 20000th block of County

Road 90, Audible Alarm

April 26: 9:30 a.m., 100th block of Grant Avenue, CPS Referral

~10:49 a.m., 100th block of E. Baker Street, Theft

~2:46 p.m., 200th block of E. Baker Street, Stolen Vehicle

~11:03 p.m., 100th block of Purtell Court, Outside Agency

Assist

April 27: 9:12 a.m., 300th block of Abbey Street, Traffic Collision

April 28: 1:01 a.m., 30th block of E. Main Street, Verbal Domestic Dispute

April 29: 12:26 a.m., 100th block of Wolfskill Street, Verbal Domestic Dispute

April 30: 9:30 a.m., 900th block of Ireland Street, Forgery

~6:12 p.m., 2000th block of County Road 90, Audible Alarm

~10:43 p.m., 200th block of Lenis Avenue, Miscellaneous Incident Report

For our editorial policy on crime log entries, see winters express.com/unpub lishing-policy.

145 Years Ago

May 10, 1879

(From the files of the Winters Advocate)

The new state constitution has been approved. A total of 211 votes were cast here. The vote in Winters stood, For, 135; against, 76.

The gravel trains were delayed twice on Wednesday by heated wheels.

Election day passed without a single fight in Winters.

Every morning the train takes away a car loaded with vegetables for the San Francisco market from the ranches on Putah Creek and in Pleasant Valley.

Hon. Geo. W. Baine, of Kentucky, lectured on the subject of Temperance to a large audience at the Christian Church, Winters, on Thursday evening last.

Thos. Murphy, our tonsorial artist, has sold his business to a man from Sacramento, who will take charge next week.

The Champions of the Red Cross gave a picnic at Madison yesterday which was well attended.

The temple of justice has been removed to the Donnelly building, near the Advocate office.

130 Years Ago

May 12, 1894

A Chicago dispatch of May 7th says, “The Earl Fruit Company received today the first shipment of apricots of the season. They were from the fruit gardens of G.W. Hinclay of Vacaville and Winters, Cal. The price realized was about $6 for about seven pounds of apricots.”

Col Sam Taylor received a gas engine from San Francisco on Tuesday night’s freight train, which he will use in pumping water on his farm south of town.

Years Ago

Dispatches from the Express archives.

Saturday night while Ed Baker was driving home, and while crossing the bridge opposite G.M. Gray’s residence, his horse suddenly began kicking, and before Ed could get him under control, one of the wheels was minus several spokes.

The steam merrygo-round started up last Monday evening, and the proprietor has been gathering in the nimble nickel this week in goodly numbers.

S.B. Dunton, Ed Rucker, J.F. Russell and J.C. Kennedy were elected delegates to the Populist county convention which meets in Woodland this afternoon, at the club meeting held in the old school house last Saturday night.

While coming home from Monticello on Thursday, D.O. Judy killed a rattlesnake alongside the road. The snake was about four feet long, and had eight rattles and a button.

“Uncle” Ben Ely has been in Tehama county this week, on a business trip.

Walter Hemenway’s photograph parlors are well under way, but it will be a week or ten days before he is ready for business.

95 Years Ago

May 10, 1929

Mrs. Fred Barker was elected president of the Winters Parent-Teacher Association at the final meeting of the organization for the year, held Tuesday afternoon at the grammar school.

Chief N.A. McArthur of the local volun-

Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Gale. Shady and Fred Campbell are visiting this week with their brothers Henry and John at Long Beach.

80 Years Ago

May 12, 1944

teer fire department appeared at Tuesday evening’s meeting of the Town Board and discussed the fire alarm siren which was installed at the city hall last week. The purchase or non purchase was referred to the fire and water committee for their recommendation.

Eleven more carloads of lambs left Winters yesterday. This shipment contained 2000 lambs, 8 cars for Chicago and 3 for San Francisco. Over 80 cars have gone out from here so far and likely the number will reach or pass the 100 mark by the season’s close.

Cashier W.W. Stark of the Winters National will have Frank Judy, formerly of the Bank of Italy, as his assistant cashier.

Grant Avenue, the main east and west thoroughfare through town is to have a coating of light grade oil to settle the dust.

The dump grounds recently purchased by the town are now open for use. The Town Trustees desire that all who haul to the dump grounds be careful not to let their garbage fall from their trucks and string along the highway.

Miss Florence Gale, a graduate nurse at Alameda Sanitarium is home for a month’s visit with her parents,

A bulletin from headquarters, Armored School office at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, states that Pvt. Kenneth B. Donaldson was one of a picked group of technicians from all over the country, recently enrolled in the Armored School for a course in tank mechanics.

William McCalmont took up residence this week end in the Presbyterian manse and will be there permanently after the close of college, May 17.

Tony Martinez, hospital apprentice 2nd class, U.S. Navy, has completed his course of instruction in the Hospital Corps unit, and has been awarded a certificate of graduation by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, USN, Washington, D.C.

At 10:30 Sunday a.m., May 14, the following class will received first Communion at the local Catholic church, Father Joseph Madden officiating: Elizabeth Ann Graf, Barbara Jean Graf. Joan and Lucille Rominger, Tommie Pearse, Billie Biasi, Gary Mayer and Rita Ruiz.

Doris May Conner of Winters received the Master of Nursing degree from Yale University School of Nursing at the graduation exercises in New Haven last week.

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Kidder and daughters spent the weekend with relatives in Fairfield.

The water level of Lake Berryessa went down during the past week by 0.10 feet, with a decrease in the storage of 1,885 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh of the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, May 7, the lake level was 439.67 feet above sea level, with storage computed at 1,545,068 acrefeet of water. Evaporation on the lake averaged 187 acre-feet of water per day. The SID is diverting 260 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 50 cubic feet per second flowing at the Diversion Dam.

Picked by Charley Wallace

These Winters High School students will be spending their summer abroad under the American Field Service foreign exchange program. Pictured (from left) are: Mary Claire Purtill, who will go to Torino, Italy; George Griffin, who will go to San Ramon, Costa Rica; Rita Arnold, who will go to Juiz de Fora, Brazil; and Armida Rosas, who goes to Istanbul, Turkey. The four got together for a farewell luncheon at George’s home before they took off June, 1979, for their various destinations.

other’s mistakes and successes, ultimately leading to improved programs in both districts.

“By learning from successful programs in one district, the other district can learn how best to improve student outcomes,” Macias said. “Sharing programs will increase the individuals available for staff to collaborate with, allowing for cross-pollination of ideas from diverse perspectives and approaches to education.”

The move will give Winters primary-aged special education students the opportunity to attend classes in Esparto vs being bussed to Woodland or further schools. Esparto’s secondary-aged special education students will travel to Winters for classes.

Pinedo told Trustees that families who wish to remain in their children’s schools will be able to do so because the school district doesn’t intend to force any students to attend classes in Esparto.

Macias said EUSD offers Winters JUSD a strong foundation built on curriculum structures and inclusive practices, benefiting Winters’ students who need additional support.

“Additionally, students from Winters and Esparto will be working together, building strong social skills, communication abilities, and emotional regulation from an early age,” Macias said. “Esparto’s special education program provides resources, strategies, and comprehensive support for students with diverse needs.”

Pinedo said the cornerstone of the partnership is maintaining regular and open communication, noting she and Macias “believe that keeping each other informed about progress, chal-

ENERGY

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came to Winters to mark this state milestone,” said Jesse Loren, VCE board member and Winters City Council Member.

Valley Clean Energy purchases 100 percent of the electricity generated from the Putah Creek Energy Farm as part of VCE’s goal. Putah Creek Energy Farm is 1 of 6 energy storage projects planned to supply electricity to Yolo County customers in the next 12 months.

Gibson Renewables is another storage project set to be finished in Q2 of 2025. Once completed, this facility will cover 147 acres 1.2 miles east of Esparto and produce 20 MW from solar and store up to 6.5 MW.

Both Putah Creek Energy Farm and Gibson have 20-year contracts in which VCE will procure 100 percent of the output from both projects.

“Battery storage will play an essential role in meeting (or in VCE’s case, exceeding) California’s goal of reaching 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045. Putah Creek Solar Farm is one of VCE’s six active and planned battery storage contracts. With the cost of battery storage continuously dropping, we see it as a big part of the

lenges, and decisions is essential for smooth operations and timely interventions.”

Both directors said timing and coordination will be key in streamlining processes and increasing efficiency in the partnership, which is why they have set up a “robust system for evaluation and feedback,” according to Pinedo.

“This will allow us to monitor the effectiveness of our combined efforts and make necessary adjustments, ensuring that our programs meet the needs of our students,” Pinedo said.

Lastly, the two education directors plan to host joint training sessions and professional development programs, an initiative that will not only standardize educational practices across both districts but also enhance the capabilities of our staff to ensure all students receive the highest quality of support.

Pinedo said one of the new partnership’s most “critical aspects” is pooling resources, noting that “by sharing tools, materials, and expertise, we can ensure optimal service delivery and extend the best possible support to every student.”

Ultimately, when you bring students together, you also bring families, according to Macias, who said that by working together to develop and support students, Winters and Esparto help create a culture of acceptance and inclusivity within the two communities.

“Informally, friendships between staff, students, and families will create bonds beyond the classroom,” Macias said. “This sends a message that every individual, regardless of their differences, deserves access to a broader community, founded in acceptance.”

solution in keeping the grid safe, clean, and reliable. What is very important to note is that Putah Creek Solar Farm, led by Dan Martinez, was one of the earliest storage facilities built in our region and it literally supplies the grid on the west side of Winters. Mr. Martinez is truly a cutting-edge farmer and partner in innovation,” says Loren.

VCE shares the Governor’s goal of ensuring Californians’ grid is run on 100 percent renewable energy. In May 2023, Newsom announced California’s Clean Energy Transition Plan, which lays out the plan to invest billions of dollars into getting California to being 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. Solar farms and battery storage like the Putah Creek Energy Farm are a key part of that plan. “In just five years, California has increased its battery storage capacity more than tenfold. Our energy storage revolution is here, and it couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment as we move from a grid powered by dirty fossil fuels to one powered by clean energy. We’re in the midst of one of the biggest transformations of our time — and California is once again leading the way,” Newsom said at the event.

when she was 16 about a story of her great-grandfather Jack Vasey. Comas said that a Japanese woman and her child had made their way into town only to have the mob chase them. Jack Vasey protected them in his store and got them help.

“So Jack called Yolo County Sheriff Forrest Monroe,” Coman said. “Sheriff Monroe drove out to the store, went in, got the woman and her child loaded them in his car, told the mob to act like American citizens and took the pair back to the ranch.”

Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs noted the importance of the government acknowledging past mistakes.

“And I think it’s so important to recognize a number of these really tragic mistakes of the past,” Frerichs said. “Especially considering that some of the same themes that were occurring in the 1940s again occurring today. There is definitely an increasing amount of ‘othering’ going on in our society.”

In February, Winters city council member Jesse Loren was invited to help the committee. Loren felt honored to take over and write the proclamation that was read at the city council meeting on April 16 rescinding a 1942 resolution that urged the “removal of all Japanese from California” and demanded that “immediate steps be taken by the constituted authorities to see that all such enemy aliens be placed in concentration camps and that the land and/ or property owned or operated by such aliens be placed under government supervision for the duration of the war.”

Both Shimomura and Loren pointed out that when looking at the monument, you are viewing the area where the photo was taken where Japantown and its business district originally stood.

Another secondhand story shared at the event was that of Sumiko Higaki who was 12 years old when her family found out they had gone to an

LOCAL

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Patio29’s Yolo

Brother’s Straight Bourbon Boone shared the recipe for readers to make at home.

New York Sour

From Patio29 Spirits Co. Ingredients

2 ounces Yolo Brothers Straight Bourbon (or whiskey of choice)

1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

¾ ounce simple syrup

1 to 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

½ ounce egg white (optional) ½ ounce red wine (he

internment camp. Higaki’s granddaughters Kristen and Kiku Yasukawa shared her story telling how her family had to sell many of their belongings.

Higaki’s father tried to keep his daughter’s spirits high by spinning it as a trip. But Higaki explained that they had to leave behind farm equipment, their apricot crops and their pregnant family dog and cat.

Winters resident Howard Kato explained to the crowd the importance of educating oneself on this matter and not just ignoring this part of Winters and American history.

“The monument is an educational tool that teaches a part of US history that most Americans do not know about,” Kato said. “The monument is even educational for my generation, the Sansei (third-generation Japanese Americans), because our parents hardly or never talked about what happened.”

Resolutions from US Congressman Mike Thompson and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry were on display alongside resolutions from the Winters City Council and the Yolo County Board of Supervisors acknowledging

the importance and valuable contributions the Japanese community brought to the Winters area.

The dedication program ended with a benediction from Rev. Matt Hamasaki of the Sacramento Buddhist Church. A Buddhist service was scheduled earlier that morning at the Winters Cemetery near where many of the Japanese families were buried.

Afterwards, the monument was unveiled showcasing a picture of around 150 people at the Nishida funeral in 1930.

Floyd Shimomura invited his 98-year-old aunt Harumi March, who was featured in the photograph in the arms of her mother at 3 years old and is the last person in the photo who is still alive today, to take the cover off of the monument with the assistance of some of the family’s children in the crowd.

Many descendants and different generations were able to make the event and families of three and four generations took pictures next to the monument.

“It’s very gratifying and I’m really pleased and satisfied that so many descendants came,” Shimomura said.

“Because right now they’re probably only

about five Japanese Americans that live in Winters.”

The journey of the Historical Society of Winters from creating the “Lost Japanese Community of Winters” exhibit to having the monument created and placed was a long process.

According to Gloria Lopez, a Historical Society volunteer, they began discussing an exhibit just before the COVID-19 pandemic. As the committee started asking for stories or photos, they didn’t get anything at first.

“Then one person finally said, I have this photo,” Lopez said. “The floodgates open and they just really contributed, you know, the members of the Japanese community just started contributing all these photos and stories and — so we had the exhibit.”

And the flow of mementos and photos continues as Lopez said she just printed out a story last week.

“This is one of the most beautiful events I’ve ever experienced in Winters,” Loren said. “It has been a manifold event of a deep connection and sorrow and a painful past and bringing people together and acknowledging the great sacrifice of the Japanese in regard to our own people, our residents.”

The Winters Museum brought back the “Lost Japanese Community of Winters” exhibit for the occaision. The public can see new photos and items on display during the museum’s public hours Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. and see more photos from the monument dedication event online at www.historicalsocietyofwinters.org.

recommends a bold red from Turkovich Family Wines or Berryessa Gap) Maraschino cherry garnish Putting it together Into a shaker, add bourbon, lemon, simple, bitters, and egg white (optional). If using egg white, dry shake without ice for 15 - 20 seconds. Add ice to the shaker and shake for 15 to 20 seconds, until thoroughly chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Slowly pour the red wine around the edges of the glass, so that the wine floats on top. Garnish with maraschino cherry and enjoy.

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una relación abusiva, dijo que tuvo suerte. Se enteró de las opciones alternativas de atención médica cuando hizo su visita semanal a un banco de alimentos en Hijas del Campo, una organización de defensa de los trabajadores agrícolas del condado de Contra Costa, donde le dijeron que podría calificar para un plan que ayuda a personas de bajos ingresos a través de Kai-

ser Permanente. Pantoja Toribio aplicó, justo antes que se cerrara el plazo de inscripción a finales de enero. Gracias al plan, supo que el bulto que tenía en el pecho no era canceroso. “Diosito me oyó,” exclamó. “Gracias a Dios.”

Esta historia fue producida por KFF Health News, que publica California Healthline, un servicio editorialmente independiente de la California Health Care Foundation.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Tammy Hamakawa-Iseri, the granddaughter of Mojiro Hamakawa, points out a family member to Harumi March.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Multiple generations of the Shimomura family pose around the monument.

Spinach and feta — a winning combination

With a cup of Steady Eddy’s coffee resting in my minivan’s cupholder, the “Bakery Open” sign outside of Upper Crust Baking called to me on my way home. Nothing pairs quite as nicely with a hot cuppa as a pastry. The thing about Upper Crust Baking is that walking in is like sorting through your stocking on Christmas morning, you just never know what amazing thing will catch your fancy. Most of the time, I’m looking forward to the scones. And, I get one sweet and one savory to split in half to share with my husband. However, on Monday morning the most delightful thing was in the case.

A spinach and feta bistro was displayed in all its savory glory.

I had some restraint and I only ordered one, because I wanted to clear it all out. But that seems rude when there are so many others in town who may want to enjoy one too. And, enjoy it I did. Buttery layers of pastry set the foundation for a filling of spinach and creamy feta. The top formed a lattice and the mixture peeped out between the openings. I warmed mine up slightly in the toaster oven to make the inside melty and the outside slightly crispy. Each bite was divine. Flaky pastry,

creamy decadent filling, rich and hearty flavor – One would have thought it was dessert the way I cleaned up every crumb. Even my pastry-loving cat Pablo Catoval kept trying to nose his way into getting a taste. He was denied, and my pastry was finished way too soon. And, my coffee was forgotten and had to be reheated. It was Monday after all and there were articles to edit through. I debated whether to go back to get more. I may head back in the morning. If you beat me there, please save one for me.

Bright flavors of chimichurri

Growing up around Filipino food meant there was a lot of vinegar. Today I still prefer sauces and dressings with vinegar over cream and mayonnaise-based ones. When trying to meal plan for the week, a recipe for chimichurri meatballs caught my eye.

When I worked for a publishing company in southern California, one of my favorite places to go for lunch was an Argentinian restaurant just a few blocks away. While most folks hit up nearby fast food and sandwich shops, I took full advantage of my lunchtime and often enjoyed a chimichurri steak bites dish paired with crispy fries.

The chimichurri sauce I grew to love had fresh parsley and oregano mixed in with chopped garlic and red wine vinegar. The fresh, bright flavors paired with meaty steak melted in my mouth. The crunch from the crispy fries was the icing on the cake.

So naturally, the idea of homemade chimichurri sauce over grilled steaks pushed its way to the top and the meatball portion of the recipe was nixed.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have crispy fries. But the recipe I based our meal on was everything I remembered and more – especially considering the fresh herbs were straight from our gar-

Although my children did not partake in the chimichurri, my husband and I did. Which meant there was more for us.

The recipe I have is from themodernproper.com, but with some slight deviations that I’ll share with you.

I didn’t have a shallot, so I substituted in a purple onion. I also used about four or five cloves of garlic (I lost count in the process).

I didn’t pulse the mix in the blender.

In fact, I didn’t use a blender at all. Instead, I chopped and minced everything with a knife. I wanted my chimichurri chunky and I wanted to taste that bite of garlic and parsley in each bite. My last deviation from the below recipe is that I let my chopped onion and garlic sit in the red wine vinegar mix while I chopped up the fresh parsley and oregano. I don’t know if it actually did anything, but in my head, it seemed like the right idea.

For the steaks, we used thin carne asada cuts seasoned with salt and pepper and then grilled for just a few minutes on each side. I asked for mine to be as close to medium rare as possible. Thicker steak cuts probably would have been ideal, but sometimes you get what you have in your fridge and you don’t throw a fit.

I layered chimichurri sauce on top, and for good measure scooped additional sauce in a small bowl so I could add more as needed. The only thing missing was the crispy fries, but the combination of grilled steak and tangy, fresh chimichurri tasted just the way it was supposed to.

Chimichurri recipe

Adapted from themodernproper.com Ingredients

1 small shallot, cut into wedges ¾ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves 2 garlic cloves

1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves

1½ teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup red wine vinegar,

plus more to taste ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Putting it together

In the base of a food processor, combine the shallot, parsley, oregano, garlic cloves, salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined, but still slightly chunky. (Or be like me and chop it all up with a knife.) Transfer the mixture to a small bowl. Add the olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and serve over the grilled meat of choice. Store the sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Perfect pairings

This month, Turkovich Family Wines, Berryessa Gap Vineyards and Patio29 Spirits Co. answered my request for what adult beverages to pair with it.

Luciana Moreno Turkovich, winemaker at Turkovich Family Wines, said there was nothing better to pair it with than the Turkovich Malbec.

“Malbec is an icon wine for Argentina — is a complex wine with smooth tannins. For that reason, it will go perfectly with a Chimichurri sauce,” Moreno Turkovich said.

Nicole Salengo Lee, winemaker at Berryessa Gap Vineyards, recommended pairing the dish with Berryessa Gap’s 2019 Estate Zinfandel.

“The medium body of the wine and the fruit-forward flavors will stand up to the garlic and other stronger flavors in the dish. The acid in this wine will complement the vinegar in the sauce and the spicy in the wine will help enhance the bold spicy flavors of the dish,” Salengo Lee said.

Patio29’s Eric Boone suggested pairing the chimichurri with the New York Sour cocktail. The cocktail takes a classic whiskey sour up to the next level by adding a red wine float.

“The result is an exceptionally complex cocktail — both in looks and taste — that pairs perfectly with a nice fatty steak and chimichurri,” Boone said. He

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Upper Crust Baking Company’s spinach and feta bistro.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Homemade chimichurri sauce over grilled steaks.

Gifts for Mother’s Day

ing love and showering praise on mothers, step-mothers and any other figure in one’s life who has taken on a motherly role.

It is customary to lavish extra praise on moms come Mother’s Day, and that often involves gift-giving. The following are five gifts that can ensure Mom knows her efforts and unconditional love have not gone unnoticed.

Motivational can-do

candles

A little aromatherapy can treat any mother to an uplifting or relaxing fragrance in her special place in the home. But these inspirational candles from Bianchi Candle Co. feature names like “bravery,” “joy” and “gratitude” and a motivational message. Purchase at bianchicandleco.com.

Inspirational coffee table book

Author and educator Natalie Friscia Pancetti wrote, “This Too… Life-Isms to

Savor the Sweetness of Life and Calm You Through the Storms” to pay homage to her parents, particularly her father, who was fond of the phrase, “this too shall pass.” Pancetti says people often relate the phrase to rough patches in life, but it also can refer to cherishing all the moments that are fleeting. The book offers many inspirational passages and lessons that can be applied to all aspects of life. It can be a touching gift for a mom, grandmother or another special woman. Available at www. nataliefrisciapancetti.com.

Relaxing home spa experience

Many people have turned their bathrooms into home spas, particularly empty nesters who now have more time to relax and pamper themselves. Spending time in a relaxing shower is a way for Mom to clear her mind and unwind, and Shower Steamers from Body Restore can set the ideal environment. Purchase on Amazon and include alongside additional home spa necessities like

loofahs or a bathrobe. Prompt mindful thinking

The cards from Sunny Present Empowering Questions Cards pose questions to prompt meditation, journaling or simply to practice mindfulness during the day. They are a great way to encourage positive self-talk. Each of the 52 cards feature a door in the Estonian city of Tallinn. Available through www.sunnypresent.com.

Ancestry exploration

Foster greater bonds in the family by giving Mom an opportunity to further trace her heritage. Popular genealogy companies include Ancestry. com, MyHeritage.com and 23andme.com, enabling anyone to enjoy a look back at the lineage that helped shape who they are today. These companies can help trace ancestors and even connect people with distant relatives.

Mother’s Day gifting can revolve around inspirational and heartfelt gifts that show special mothers how much they are appreciated.

This recipe makes for a great breakfast in bed

Metro Special to the Express

There may be no better way to start Mother’s Day than serving Mom some breakfast in bed. A homemade meal before Mom even gets out of bed can set the right tone for a day that celebrates all mothers have done and continue to do for their children.

There’s no shortage of breakfast in bed options to serve Mom this Mother’s Day. If Mom loves a traditional hearty morning meal, this recipe for “Mixed Berry French Toast” courtesy of Taste of Home (tasteofhome.com) is sure to please.

Mixed Berry French Toast

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 6 large eggs

1¾ cups fat-free milk

1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cubed

1 package (12 ounces) frozen unsweetened mixed berries

2 tablespoons cold butter

⅓ cup packed brown sugar

Confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup (optional)

Putting it together

Whisk together the first 6 ingredients. Place bread cubes in a 13 x 9-inch or 3-quart baking dish coated with cooking

spray. Pour egg mixture over top. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove berries from freezer and French toast from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake French toast, covered, 30 minutes. In a small bowl, cut butter into brown sugar until crumbly. Top French toast with berries; sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with syrup.

Adobe/Stock photo

If Mom loves a traditional hearty morning meal, this recipe for “Mixed Berry French Toast” courtesy of Taste of Home is sure to please.

Arnez J: Punch Line Sacramento - 9:15PM @ 9:15pm Punch Line Sacramento, 2100 Ar‐den Way Ste 225, Sacramento

Janne Tavi @ 9:30pm Monarch, 101 6th St, San Fran‐cisco

Cira @ 9:30pm Monarch, 101 6th St, San Fran‐cisco

Budino @ 9:30pm Monarch, 101 6th St, San Fran‐cisco

Juliet Fox @ 10pm Temple Nightclub, 540 Howard St, San Francisco

DJ HVFF: The Good Stvff Party @ Madarae @ 10pm Madarae, 46 Minna St, San Fran‐cisco

Rosalyn Kahn, TEDx speaker @ Toastmasters Hybrid Open House @ 10:30am / Free Open House with TEDx speaker Rosalyn Kahn and interactive Team Building exercise sponsored by North Bay Speech Masters Toast‐masters. Cogir of North Bay, 2261 Tuolumne Street, Vallejo. presi dent-3038@toastmastersclubs.org

Watercolor Integration with Chinese Ink & Oil Pastels with Qinqin Liu @ 11am / $220 May 18th - May 19th Register now for this upcoming workshop with Qinqin Liu on May 18 & 19! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@ gmail.com, 530-758-3370

Spring Flower Festival at The Academy @ 1pm / $25 Celebrate Spring with an abun‐dance of beautiful bouquets at The Academy SF's 2nd Annual Flower Festival! Enjoy complimentary bubbles and a self-guided tour through their indoor-outdoor space. The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street, San Francisco. info‐@academy-sf.com, 415-624-3429

San Francisco Boys Cho‐rus Spring Concert - Heav‐enly Voices - Saturday May 18 - Calvary Presbyterian

@ 2pm / $30-$52 Saturday, May 18th, hear the boys' radiant voices performing excerpts of the French composer Maurice Duru��'s works, his exquisitely beautiful Requiem and more. Guest organist Robert Huw Mor‐gan. Calvary Presbyterian Church, 2515 Fillmore Street, San Fran‐cisco. contact@sfbc.org, 415-8617464

Adrian West Band at Sudwerk Brewing (Dock)

@ 6pm The Adrian West Band is excited to return to Sudw‐erk Brewing for a rollick‐ing 2-hours of live acoustic rock music (plus a little jazz) to go with Sudwerk's �ne food and warm community vibe. Sudwerk Brewing Co., 2001 2nd Street, Davis. adrian@adrianwest.com, 510-428-1035

Matt Jaffe

@ 6:30pm Mare Island Brewing Co. (Ferry Taproom), 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Jazz Gitan Trio at the Wine Smith in Placerville CA

@ 7pm The Wine Smith, 346 Main St, Plac‐erville

Jason Movrich & Friends

@ 8pm Top of the Mark, 999 California St, San Francisco

Auguste

@ 9pm Madarae, 46 Minna St, San Fran‐cisco Huge Multi-Street

Joybound Around Town May 19 Broadway Plaza Walnut Creek (Formerly ARF's Animals on Broadway)

@ 10am Joybound Around Town, formerly ARF's Animals on Broadway, is a community celebration of the spe‐cial bond between pets and peo‐ple, and the happiness and well‐being it brings to families and com‐munities. Broadway Plaza, 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek. so cial@joybound.org, 925-256-1273

Zach Waters Band @ 1pm The Boardwalk, 9426 Greenback Ln, Orangevale

Babylon Gypsies @ 1pm The Boardwalk, 9426 Greenback Ln, Orangevale

DJ Lex @ 3pm Darling Aviary, 712 K St, Sacra‐mento

J.S. Bach: St. John Passion @ 4pm / $15-$40 Join Artistic Director Magen Solomon and the SF Bach Choir, with the Jubilate Baroque Orches‐tra and soloists for one of music history's �nest choral master‐pieces. Calvary Presbyterian Church, 2515 Fillmore Street, San Francisco. info@sfbach.org, 855473-2224

Mr. Washington @ 7pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

Trencher

@ 7:30pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

Pluie

@ 8:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco

Antlion @ 8:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco

Rotary Club of Davis Weekly Lunch & Program @ 12pm See website for details. ro‐taryclubofdavis.com Davis Com‐munity Church, 421 D Street, Davis. dawsonlaw@cal.net, 530-758-4500

Passion Pit @ 7pm August Hall, 420 Mason St, San Francisco

ALEXSUCKS @ 7:30pm Gold�eld Trading Post Sacra‐mento, 1630 J St, Sacramento

Abhorrency @ 7:30pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

Charlotte Day Wilson @ 8pm The Regency Ballroom, San Fran‐cisco

Ouri @ 8pm The Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco

Charlotte Day Wilson @ 8pm The Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco

Memory Keepers with Formika Treehouse and Mango Soda at Kilowatt

Bar @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

BIT @ 9:30pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

Healing Arts One-Time Workshop @ 2pm / Free

We are offering a one-time Healing Arts workshop on May 21! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pence socialmedia@gmail.com, 530-7583370

GamperDrums: Gamper Funk Jazz - Tuesday Residency at the Boom Boom Room SF @

Bluegrass @ 7pm The Hotel Utah Saloon, 500 4th St, San Francisco

Tomato Flower @ 7pm Gold�eld Trading Post Sacramento, 1630 J St, Sacramento

Shaggy 2 Dope @ 7pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

HeathenSun @ 7pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco

Re�ecting Lenses: Twenty Years of Photography at the Gorman Museum @ 11am

This exhibition presents photo‐graphic artworks by more than two dozen Indigenous artists from North America, Aotearoa, and Aus‐tralia. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. 530-752-6567

"Purrlates" - Pilates with Cats @ 5pm / $38

Each class lasts around 30-40 minutes, giving you time to mingle with cats, sip on a glass of sparkling wine (Fridays Only), or shop in our cat-centric gift shop for the remainder of the hour. 1266 Valencia St, 1266 Valencia Street, San Francisco. support@kit teasf.com, 415-325-5510

Miranda Love: Speakeasy

Love

@ 6:30pm Social House Speakeasy, South Lake Tahoe

Alex Jimenez Music: Alex Jimenez (Album Release) & Lily Holbrook (Bon Voyage SF!) @ 7:30pm The Lost Church San Francisco, 988 Columbus Ave, San Francisco

Radio Veloso @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Shortstop

@ 8pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento the juniper berries @ 8pm Knockout, 3223 Mission St, San Francisco

Frail Body @ 8pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

Windser @ 8pm Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 1710

San Francisco

Karrie O'Neill: Margaritaville South Lake @ 5pm Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe

The Vocal Art Ensemble presents 'Irre‐sistible Music - the beauty that dances through everything' @ 7:30pm The Vocal Art Ensemble presents 'Irresistible Mu‐sic - the beauty that dances through every‐thing' United Methodist Church, 1620 Anderson Road, Davis. traciabarbieri @gmail.com, 530-2202012 heydukeyousuck @ 8pm Gold�eld Trading Post Sacra‐mento, 1630 J St, Sacramento Human Body @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

J. Espinosa @ 9pm Monarch, 101 6th St, San Fran‐cisco

9pm

Mission St, San Francisco Re�ecting Lenses: Twenty Years of Photogra‐phy at the Gorman Museum @ 11am This exhibition presents photographic artworks by more than two dozen In‐digenous artists from North America, Aotearoa, and Australia. Gorman

Donovan Plant Music: Civic Center Soundtrack @ 4pm UN Plaza, 355 McAllister St, San Francisco

FEATURES

Wednesdays

Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue

Thursdays

Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690

Friday, May 10

WTC Presents "12 Angry Jurors" Opening Night, 7:30 p.m., Winters Opera House (13 Main St.), winterstheatre.org

Sunday, May 12

Winters Farmers Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Downtown Main Street, discoverwinters.com/farmers-market

Monday, May 13

Winters Community Blood Drive, 1 –5 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.), Register at Vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825 with code 'SMFM164'

Winters Climate Action Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters. org/182/Climate-Action-Commission

Tuesday, May 14

Waggoner Elementary Open House, 5:30 –7 p.m., Waggoner Elementary School

Upcoming Events

Thursday, May 16

Winters JUSD School Board Meeting,

6 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check https://wintersjusd.diligent.community

Tuesday, May 21

Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ city-council-meetings_/

Tuesday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 22 WTC "Romeo and Juliet" Auditions, 7 –9 p.m., Winters Opera House (13 Main St.), winterstheatre.org

Library Services

Winters Library Public Hours (School in Session), 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.)

Winters Senior Foundation Social Gathering Thurdays, 1-3:30 p.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.)

Ongoing

WTC Presents "12 Angry Jurors," May 10-19: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m./Sundays at 2 p.m., Winters Opera House, winterstheatre.org

Winters Friends of the Library meeting, first Monday, 7 p.m., Winters Community Library, Margaret Parsons Room, wfol.org

Winters Fortnightly meeting, second Tuesdays, 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. Winters Open Mic, third Thursday of the month (January thru March), 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Winters Opera House, 13 Main St. 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

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.

Laney College dedicates field to Tom Pearse, honors John Martinez

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

On Friday, April 26, Laney College held a ceremony to honor longtime coaches and Winters High School graduates Tom Pearse and John Martinez.

The event featured longtime friends and players of both Pearse and Martinez, including Steve Howard and Gary Pettis, brother of major leaguer Gary Pettis. During the ceremony, Laney College renamed its field to Tom Pearse Field and named the bullpen after longtime assistant coach John Martinez.

“It’s a wonderful honor,” said Pearse.

Pearse graduated from WHS in 1953. His tenure at Laney College began in 1978. Pearse led Laney to seven Golden Gate Conference Championships and six finals before his final year in 1993. Pearse now resides in Winters with his wife of 66 years, Justine. Martinez graduated from WHS in 1960 and was inducted into the California Community College Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2002. Martinez is known for his work to develope catchers in the sport of baseball and served as the assistant coach. Pearse and Martinez remain friends after all their years together.

“I was there for 17 years. Oh yeah, we’re good friends. We’ve worked together for 26, 27 years,” said Pearse.

Pearse’s legacy can be felt not only at the university baseball level, where he coached

over 300 players to four-year universities, including Arizona State and former Eagle Gary Alexander, who threw a complete game against Florida State to win the 1986 College World Series. Of the many players Pearse coached over his 15 years at Laney, over 50 were drafted by Major League Baseball affiliates, including eight who reached the major leagues.

“Oh yeah, the players, you can’t believe it. Once in a while, he’ll get a call from some kid that lives somewhere else, and they thank him for what he did for them,” said his wife Justine.

One of the players Pearse coached who made it to the Major Leagues was Gary Pettis, a two-time World Series champion with the Houston Astros and five-time Gold Glove winner. Pettis had called Pearse to congratulate him on the honor. Pettis’ brother attended the ceremony. Both Pearse and Martinez have positively affected the lives of so many throughout their careers. In naming the field and bullpen after Pearse and Martinez, respectively, Laney College honors two important members of the community that Winters is proud to call their own.

Ample Electic receives citizenship accolades

By Angela Underwood

Express correspondent

There is good business and corporate citizenship — local business Ample Electric, Inc. is both.

This year’s Sacramento Business Journal Corporate Citizenship Award applauds Jose Diaz and his business in the category “Corporate Champion for Neighborhoods” for all they do outside their 1000 Railroad Ave. headquarters. SBJ’s Corporate Citizenship Awards was hosted on April 4 at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for their communities.

“Corporate citizenship is promoting employee and corporate engagement that focuses on organizations which positively impact those involved,” said Katie Reineck, vice president of operations.

Positively impacting those around Ample Electric comes easy due to its regular contributions to Winters, beginning with a set of golf clubs and an auction bid card.

“Our annual charity golf tournament is an example of our ongoing and future efforts to raise money for organizations,” Reineck said.  “Ample Elec-

tric’s culture encourages and supports initiatives that better children and the community we live in.”

The yearly competition hosts nearly 150 players and 18 sponsorships, with the 2023 tournament raising almost $10K for Winters High School Athletic Department. Reineck said the 2024 tournament and live auction will benefit the Winters FFA program and invites the community to tee it up.

“We would greatly appreciate it if anyone in the community would participate in the tournament on June 8 or provide donations for the live auction,” Reineck said.

Ample Electric continues to grow its service in Winters and Northern California when not being the ideal corporate citizen.

“Our electrical team focuses on agricultural, commercial, industrial, government, multifamily and Electric Vehicle charger installations,” Reineck said. “The Ample Electric Underground civil crew is supporting PG&E undergrounding initiatives.”

As for landing a spot on Sacramento Business Journal’s short list of winners for 2024, Ample Electric humbly accepts by shining the light on others.

“Winning an award such as this helps promote peers to invest back into our neighborhood and better the quality of life in the community,” Diaz said. “Receiving recognition from the Sacramento Business Journal motivates our team to outdo the prior year’s community service promotion.”

Reineck said the recent accolade created a surge in Ample Electric’s giving, with the local company wanting to make “a larger scale impression.”

“Our team is looking for bigger and better ways to raise funds for charities we are excited to benefit,” Reineck said. “We will continue to engage with volunteering and charitable giving that provides a positive impact.”

This is not the first time Ample Electric has been recognized for its efforts. In 2023, Ample Electric earned the designation of the Small Business Association’s Small Business

Year Award for the Sacramento region. For more information on the 2024 Ample Electric Golf Tournament on June 8, email katie@ample electric.com.

of the

Courtesy photo

Ernan Rodriguez, Grant Bradford, Melissa Atkin, Katie Reineck and Phil Hamilton received Ample Electric, Inc.’s Corporate Citizenship Award on April 4 at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel.

Courtesy photo

Laney College hosted a field dedication ceremony on Friday, April 26, to unveil the new names of Tom Pearse Field and the John Martinez bullpen.

Laney College baseball athletes hold up a sign celebrating the new field name.

Courtesy photo

Playing the long game — ‘flipping to yourself’

Imagine you buy an investment property that seems ready to rent but soon discover it only had a superficial renovation, the “lipstick on a pig” kind — quite the unwelcome surprise, right? This all-toocommon scenario underscores the importance of thorough due diligence or the risk of falling for a deceptive quick fix. What if there was a better way? A shift in our core philosophy and adjustments to our investment strategy discussions have led us to adopt a concept I call “flipping a property to yourself.” This method contrasts sharply with traditional house flipping or the buy-to-rent model, focusing instead on long-term value and sustainability. This method also helps

increase margins in a high-cost-of-entry state like California.

Rehabilitation vs. turnkey properties

Investors entering the real estate market often choose between turnkey properties, which are ready to move into, and rehab properties, which need work. While rehabs require more initial effort and come with a lower purchase price, they offer strategic advantages, particularly for newcomers or those looking to expand their portfolio without significant capital.

Flipping to yourself concept

Typically, investors buy a property, renovate it, and sell it for a profit. Another common strategy is to purchase a nearly movein-ready home and rent it out. However, “flipping to yourself” involves retaining the property post-renovation, allowing you to refinance and extract equity, effectively recycling your investment while still benefiting from property ownership. This approach offers key advantages:

• Profitability: You control the renovation, increasing the property’s value and rental appeal, potentially at

a lower overall cost.

• Long-term rental profits: Quality renovations attract reliable tenants and reduce turnover costs, often the biggest drain on profitability.

Recycling equity

By holding onto the property and refinancing, investors can withdraw equity, freeing up capital to reinvest in new projects without additional outlay, thus potentially amplifying portfolio growth.

Traditional house flipping drawbacks

Traditional flipping carries risks like the need to significantly enhance property value quickly, potentially high tax liabilities on profits, and the cyclical nature of restarting with each new property.

Holding for cash flow benefits

On the other hand,

holding properties post-renovation offers multiple revenue streams: ongoing cash flow, potential appreciation, and tax benefits from depreciation. Plus, having tenants help pay down the mortgage creates what can be seen as a “secret equity bank account” enhancing returns over time.

Strategic considerations for successful rehabbing

manage a rehab. Using tools like a “Rental Remodel Checklist” and understanding costs of major components can guide investments toward enhancements that significantly boost rental and resale value. For those interested in exploring this further, I recommend a consultation to discuss how this approach can align with your investment goals.

To maximize returns when rehabbing for rental, strategic planning is vital. This also takes a bit of stretching one’s tolerance to

— Joedy Michael is a local real estate agent based in Winters. To inquire about market insights or more, reach out to him at Joedy.michael@exprealty.com.

Express Yourself

Life is supposed to be slowing down

It has been a hectic two weeks, with Youth Day and the Japanese Monument dedication, but life should be returning to normal. In the past when things were spinning out of control, I would joke that I needed a vacation. When you are semi-retired you shouldn’t need a vacation, just a better balance between volunteering, puttering around the office and relaxing.

I’m not the only one who is glad to make it through the past few weeks. The Historical Society of Winters organized the Japanese Monument ceremony with a luncheon for almost 200, a cemetery service and speakers before the unveiling of the new monument. The museum docents had help, but Gloria Lopez looked relieved when the last chair was put away. It didn’t help that it rained on Saturday, but the luncheon was already planned to be inside the Community Center, so adding as many chairs as would fit along the walls wasn’t that big a deal. I was wondering what the capacity of the center is but figured they wouldn’t have more chairs than were legally allowed. I didn’t count the people standing in the

doorways. The monument dedication was a great success and everyone seemed to enjoy what looked like a family reunion. A touching moment was when an older woman looked at the picture on the monument and said, “That’s my grandfather.” The picture is from a 1933 funeral in front of Japan Town and the monument builder, Ruhkala Granite and Marble Co. Inc., did an amazing job of reproducing the picture in baked ceramic. The next time you are downtown, take a moment and walk over to Rotary Park and see the monument.

John Pickerel once told me that for every hour of driving to get to Winters and home, you need two hours of entertainment. For those coming from Sacramento that means that we need to provide a couple of hours of something to do in Winters. We have added a couple of wine tasting rooms, a brewery, creek walk and restaurants. With the addition of a monument, we just added another 15 minutes to our tourist time clock. Enjoy the sunshine and have a relaxing week.

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20) Aries, it’s challenging for you and a romantic partner to get together this week and that may lead to stress. Over time you will be able to reconnect and get things back in sync.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21) Taurus, normally you are very open, but all of your communication channels seem to be blocked of late. Don’t be too hard on yourself as things will return to normal soon enough.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21) Gemini, if a family member has been in a bad mood or is feeling unwell, it is up to you to get to the root of the situation. Provide whatever assistance you can.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22) Cancer, you may feel like you don’t want to get involved if a friend or colleague is in trouble. But this person can really use your help at the moment and you should step up.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23) Don’t let your career get sidetracked by gossip and office politics, Leo. You should stand up for yourself if others are speaking poorly about you. Avoid getting involved in gossip.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22) Virgo, what seems to be bad news about your financial situation may not be as bad as it once appeared. Double-check the details before you become panicked.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23) Libra, you may be inclined to protect loved ones from the truth this week, but they need to hear all of the details in this instance. Break any news to them gently.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22) Scorpio, you are a workaholic by nature, but when fatigue hits you this week, you’ll need to step back and give yourself time to rest. There’s a lot coming your way soon enough.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21) A person who is no longer in your life may be on your mind a lot these days, Sagittarius. Cherish the fond memories you have of this person and don’t worry about being preoccupied.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20) Capricorn, misinformation may be spreading around you and it can be tempting to add your own input to the discussions. Make sure your contributions can be backed up.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18) You are finally putting some of your longstanding plans in motion, Aquarius. However, this week you may receive some information that might delay progress.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20) Someone may try to mislead you with some inaccurate information this week, Pisces. Conduct your own research and you’ll get all of the details you need for to draw your own conclusion.

Community insight on skate park

We have an idea and are curious what the community thinks. We’d like to propose a skate park be built in the empty lot owned by the school district next to Shirley Rominger Intermediate.

One reason we think Winters would benefit from a skate park is because we don’t have one yet, and people have to drive to another city to use one. This driving releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that contributes to Global Warming, and we want to help reduce global warming as much as we can.

A skate park would provide a fun and safe space where people can practice riding bikes and skateboarding, instead of practicing on the streets with cars. With a safe space to practice these skills, members of our community, especially kids, may increase their confidence on bikes and skateboards. This may help increase the number of students biking and skateboarding to school, rather than driving.

Not only is it fun and safe, but biking and skating gets people fit and outside in the fresh air.

When people spend time together doing something fun, positive relationships can develop. We believe a skate park would be a place where this would happen

Letters Express Yourself

in Winters. In conclusion, we are advocating for a skate park to be built in the empty lot next to Shirley Rominger. Dixon, Vacaville and Davis all have skate parks. We think Winters should have one, too!

SEBASTIAN BERMUDEZ, CODEY GOFORTH and BENTLEY YOUNG Winters Middle School sixth-graders

Results from income tax submissions – Winters

AARP Tax-Aide Foundation has provided free income tax preparation and e-filing for Winters’ citizens for several years. This volunteer organization just completed another successful season and I wanted to share some aggregated results of this effort. All returns were prepared by IRS certified volunteers at Winters City Hall.

The following reflect data for federally accepted returns only. No California data is included. Moreover, they do not include paper returns, any returns we did for taxpayers who needed prior year returns completed, or amended returns, so these numbers understate the success of the program.

Overall, 81 federal returns were submitted in Winters — refunds to local taxpayers totaled $49,212 and earned income credit to taxpayers was just shy of $10,000. It’s reasonable to assume that some of these

refunds were spent in our local communities, which hopefully provided a boost to local businesses and their employees.

Overall in Yolo County, our four sites processed over 1,200 electronic federal returns and our taxpayers received over $1,000,000 in refunds.

Next year, AARP hopes to return to Winters to serve local taxpayers. Appointments may be scheduled in January 2025. Interested taxpayers can arrange an appointment at that time on our website, http://www. yolotaxes.org or by calling 530-207-0055.

Finally, special thanks to our host site, Winters City Hall, for allowing us to use the conference room.

BOB POLKINGHORN Tax Counselor, AARP Foundation tax-aide

WMS celebrates Bike Month

“May Is Bike Month” is a national campaign where we celebrate our local bike culture and encourage new and experienced riders to replace their car trips with bike trips.

This year, May is Bike Month is being hosted by the sixth grade Environmental Education class at Winters Middle School with activities all month long. The pinnacle event happens May 15 with a Bike Rodeo from 12:30 to 1:20. WMS students will learn about bike safety from the police depart-

ment, bike repair tips from the Winters Climate Action Commission, and participate in a bike obstacle course that challenges their agility and bike handling skills. Throughout the month, lunchtime activities include a Slow Bike Race, where the person who finishes last wins, and a mini Tour de France to challenge biker endurance. In addition, Wesley Summerfield will create bike-themed chalk murals around campus, and daily incentives will be given to students who ride, bike or scooter to school. Meadow Davis, Anna Williams, and Brooklyn Baylor are hosting fundraising bake sales during the school day to raise money to buy used bikes for students who don’t have one.

Biking helps the Earth because it is a sustainable form of transportation. Bikes don’t produce fossil fuels so they are better for the environment than driving gas-powered cars. At WMS, we hope that our May Is Bike Month activities will help get people excited about biking. We also hope that our bike giveaways encourage more biking to school.

ANTHONY DYE Winters

Grad Nite goal achieved With gratitude, we’d like to thank the community of Winters, local business

Legal Advertising

and families who support the Class of 2024 Grad Nite efforts. There was a lot of funding raised whether buying pies and poinsettias, “Schooling” neighbors and friends, “Love a Senior” campaign, supporting via family dinners from Putha Creek, business sponsorship, attending Senior “Sunday Funday” event at Hooby’s Brewery or a straight donation, together we have successfully raised the funds needed to provide an once in a lifetime experience for the graduating Class of 2024! The money will be used for Winters High School Graduating Seniors to participated in a Safe & Sober Grad Nite. Safe & Sober Grad Nite is held on the night of graduation and is important for the Safety of our Graduates. The event keeps our children safe and sober in a drug and alcohol-free environment as they celebrate their accomplishments together with their classmates. We look forward spending the next 30 days focusing on our more than 100 seniors, ensuring they have a fantastic evening of fun as they make forever memories and enjoy one last evening together as Winters High School, graduating Class of 2024. With full hearts, LISA BROWN and the WHS Grad Nite Parent Group

Express Yourself: Grande shares story of resilience

By Luzangely Martin Special to the Express

On April 3, the International Latino Book Award-winning author, Reyna Grande, came to visit and talk about her memoir

“The Distance Between Us” with the high school students at the Winters Community Library.

I, like many other students, came to her talk because we’ve read or started reading her book in our English and Spanish classes, thanks to a generous donation from the Winters Education Foundation.

Her book talks about some of the struggles Mexican immigrants face during their journey to the Unit-

It’s a story that will make you appreciate the little things in life, and it just might make you realize there is something out there that you can do to make a change.

ed States, even after establishing themselves.

She spoke about using her writing as a way to advocate for equality. Her love for writing began when she realized there weren’t many books written by Latino authors. As a result, she felt like an outsider, as a Spanish speaker, Mexican and immigrant.

She wants readers to know that literature

is her way of bringing people together, especially in a world that makes us think about how we are different from each other. She writes about her struggles when she’s leaving her family behind, but also wanting to not be separated from her father. In the process, she experienced a lot of trauma, which she advises us to acknowledge, as a way to learn and overcome it.

Sometimes it’s difficult, but it’s one of her tips as a mother and an adolescent at heart that she’s used, since walking to the United States at 9 years old. She hopes that with her writing, she can inspire someone out there to share their story and to not be afraid of what the world will think of them. It’s a story that will make you appreciate the little things in life, and it just might make you realize there is something out there that you can do to make a change.

Grande’s book can be found in any local library, including our library here in Winters, and her Young Readers Edition can be checked out, too.

A perspective on community lifestyle

As the spring blossoms bloom here in Winters, it is imperative to acknowledge the vibrant spirit of the times. I had the pleasure of basking in this spirit throughout my life, growing up in Winters. As a fifth-generation resident, the city’s value is deeply connected to history. My family immigrated here from both Spain and Mexico in the early 1900s, growing stonefruit for years, fostering Winters’ unique historical value.

Today, I am excited to announce my new monthly column, Christian’s Corner. This new writing venture is to showcase the vibrant spirit of the times. From the rich tapestry of lifestyle, travel, and much more, I am excited to share ‘Christian’s Corner’: a lifestyle column with my community.

A little about me. A creative visioneer, photographer and travel enthusiast. I find myself basking in the creative culture and zeitgeist, no matter where I am. I started my creative venture at the age of fourteen, starting my photography business, Christian Duran Photography; from there, doors opened that I would never have imagined. I am blessed and fortunate to have had this experience at such a young age. As a teen entrepreneur, I opened a storefront

of my store, Christian’s Corner, a lifestyle boutique in downtown Winters, when I was 17. This column is an ongoing nod to Christian’s Corner.

As we step into this spring weather, Winters holds a special kind of magic that those who’ve experienced it can understand. The abundant land that agriculture holds, the seasonal fruit and vegetables, and the wildflowers begin to spring. With the landscape bursting into life and color, our city blooms

into life. As a reflection of the cycle of seasons, local eats come to life with vibrant plates filled with locally grown goods.

A favorite of mine is the local restaurants we have here in Winters. Given the changing weather, the warmer months offer a unique dynamic space for events within Winters. A few favorites of mine are Fourth Fridays in Downtown Winters or the Winters Farmers Market! Celebrating the seasons continues to inspire within the rich tapestry of the colorful sunsets and rich views of the Berryessa gap.

I had someone ask me, “What does Winters mean to you?” and as I reflect on this question, the impact of Winters is anything short of three words: community, value, and connected. Community plants a deep

endowment of resilience. This resilience in terms of community offers a different perspective to smalltown living. Winters value the culture and arts, which brings in being connected in the community. Growing up in Winters, connectedness within the community continues to inspire me. A great example is Youth Day in Winters. These are just a few of my favorite things about Winters. The continual growth will keep the spirit of Winters alive, making it more than just a place to live, but a place to belong and thrive. As we embark on the new journey of “Christian’s Corner,” I am filled with anticipation for what it has in store. I invite you to join me monthly in my writing, fostering the history of Winters, sharing stories, and providing insightful reads.

Learn the facts about skin cancer in May

By Wally Pearce Winters Elder Day Council

Every year since 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) publishes its Cancer Progress Report. AACR is the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research with its mission to prevent and cure cancer.

Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has helped to make almost every major cancer breakthrough possible. Subsequently, it has invested over $5 billion in successful cancer research.

National Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a commitment to finding an effective way to improve the quality of life for people facing skin cancer, including their families in our community and across America.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a key time for all of us to speak up about the real dangers of skin cancer and share the facts about efficient sun protection and early detection to help save lives.

The purpose of Skin Cancer Awareness Month strongly encourage people in our society to get a

proper cancer medical screening, which will increase the likelihood of early diagnosis. Catching this dreadful and feared disease in its initial stages may result in more effective cancer treatment because cancer will not have as much time to grow, spread, and metastasize. May’s annual awareness month focuses on advancing the consciousness of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and educating the public about the effective ways available to help prevent skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun is one of the main causes of skin cancer, and skin cancer is one of the most preventable categories of cancer.

Some skin cancer facts:

• It’s the most common type of cancer in America and world-

wide,

• 1 in 5 Americans develop skin cancer by the age of 70,

• It’s estimated that every day about 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with this cancer,

• More than two people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour,

• Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for skin cancer known medically as “melanoma,”

• When detected early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent. When caught and treated early, skin cancer is highly curable. The early stages of skin cancer development are the best time to medically check the symptoms because it’s easy to see skin changes. Self-exams are a simple way to look at yourself with a dedicated concentration that can save

lives. That’s why it’s recommended that people check their skin, from head to toe, at least monthly. Individuals who are unsure about how to do a skin check or about what to look for should talk to their treating physician for help.

A medical referral from a treating physician to a dermatology practitioner will help conduct a thorough skin check, including proactive skin-cancer education, such as broad-spectrum of effective sunscreens, clothing, and sun avoidance during peak hours, which are key to reducing rates of skin cancers. Understanding a patient’s perspectives concerning UV risks can help treating physicians formulate prompt medical interventions for patients.

Please join the Winters Elder Day Council as we spread aware-

ness around the fact that skin cancer is serious and bust the myth that skin cancer is no big deal. The read-

ers of this article can also help amplify this important message to others. Remember, if you’re ever unsure of any questionable skin condition, please secure proper cancer screening from your treating physician, because over 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year in America. Skin cancer is America’s most common cancer and therapeutically detected in time, positive medical results can be delivered.

EMPLOYMENT

WINTERS CEMETERY DISTRICT is looking to hire a new District Manager. The position will be 40 hours per week M-F. This is an “At Will” exempt position working directly with a five-member Board of Trustees. This is a one-person office responsible for all matters relating to sales, scheduling of burials, computer mapping, implementing and adhering to policies and procedures, preparing Board meeting agendas and minutes, preparing fiscal year budgets, processing cash receipts and invoices prior to inputting into the County General Ledger system, also the hiring of grounds staff. Further information regarding job description, requirements, salary, benefits and the application are available to access on the Winters Cemetery website at www.winterscemetery.org under Job Announcement. Or you can email the District Manager at sheila@winterscemetery.org or call (530) 795-2475 to request the additional required information and application. The final date to receive resumes with applications is May 31, 2024, no exceptions!

Courtesy photo Winters High School student Luzangely Martin and author Reyna Grande at the Winters Community Library on April 3.

Youth Day 2024 Parade winners

The results are in from the Winters Youth Day parade chair. Here is the line up of winners from the 2024 Winters Youth Day kiddie and main parades.

Kiddie Parade

Bikes

• First: Owen Mantor

• Second: Rhett Hoskins

• Third: Cassidy Carter

Costumes

• First: Mieka, Lilly, Kira, Aldoy, Pamela and Emily

• Second: Christian Mariscal and Sicilia

White

• Third: Alex and Maple Sangermano

Wagon

• First: Isaiah Parson

• Second: Finnegan, Audrey, Charlee, Leo and Julian

• Third: William Dietrick

Group

• First: Alessandra Garcia, Cesar Garcia, Max Sanchez, Mila Durksen, Rylie Durksen and Bryan Durk-

sen

• Second: Winters

State Preschool

• Third: Winters Parent Nursery School

Mini Float

• First: Michol, Bryan Ramirez-Pedro

• Second: Adom and Aven Arias-Dunlop

• Third: Ana Arias-Dunlop

Main Parade

Senior Marching

Napa Pepperettes

Senior Baton Corps

Junior Marching

• First: Napa Pepperettes Junior Baton Corps

• Second: Winters Jr. Warriors

Commercial Hooby’s Brewing

High School Float

• First: Winters High School Varsity soccer team

• Second: WHS Musical - Youth Council

Other Schools Float

• First: Winters Middle School Club Live

• Second: WMS Youth Day Royalty float

• Third: Rooted in Excellence

Local Organization Float

• First: Winters Combined PTA

• Second: Yolo County Sheriffs Boat Patrol

Classic Automobile

• First: 1929 Model A

• Second: 1970 Camaro Pooper Scoopers

Super Scoopers

High School Band

• WHS Band

• Middle School Band

• WMS Band

Other Band

Winters Friends of the Library Band

Novelty Vehicle

Cibara Motor Corps

Marching Units

• First: Golden Retrievers Marching Drill Team

• Second: Winters Friends of the Library

Horse Units

Rowan and Oreo (Junior)

Horse Sweepstakes Rancho Tres Potrancas —Family Mounted Group

Michael Sebastian Sweepstakes Award

Winters Combined PTA

Fire prevention event offers home-protection resources

By Susan Hiland McNaughton Media

The rolling hills in Solano County are green and lush at the moment, but throughout Pleasant Valley are scars of the LNU fire in 2020, which burned 363,220 acres, destroyed 1,491 structures and damaged 232 more before finally being stopped.

The valley is recovering with homes being rebuilt, businesses starting over and many husks of trees being removed.

Altogether, it is a new start for the area and the focus is safety in the valley.

About 31 organizations came to Lake Solano Park on Saturday for the Solano County Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, an opportunity for lo-

cal residents to learn about the resources in the area to help get ahead of the fire season. The drizzle of rain

kept many from attending but Robyn Rains, emergency service manager for the Solano Office of Emergency Services and an

Eloise Anderson, with her 3-yearold search-andrescue dog Journey of the Solano County Search and Rescue team, talks with a vendor during the Solano County Wildfire Community Preparedness Day event at Lake Solano Park, Saturday, May 4.

Susan Hiland/ McNaughton Media

organizer of the event, was happy to see all the types of help available for those who need it.

The Solano Fire

Safe Council is part of the services in the valley helping people prepare their homes to be as resistant to burning as possible.

Its mission is to promote fire resiliency within the county by providing a forum for communication, collaboration and education.

“This is about working at developing resilience in fire prevention,” Rains said. “Our hope was to give the community a chance to meet the first responders, the businesses and nonprofits that are here to help.”

Firefighters Aaron Mix and Sebastian Segura from the Napa area realized as they approached a fire that they could judge how their efforts would be best utilized at a home by the area around the house.

“If there is a lot of stuff right against the home, that all has to be removed to protect the home and that can take

15 minutes to move,” Mix said. “That’s not a good use of time. We might have to just move on to a home that doesn’t have those things on the outside of the building.” Mix and Segura realized they had skills they could share with others so that homeowners or businesses in the valley could better prepare for a fire. They started their own business, Firebreak Design. Their mission is to create a defensible space between the house and the fire.

“We bring the perspective of a firefighter to the situation and can immediately assess the threats,” Mix said. “We can protect homes before anything happens.”

For anyone looking for more information on creating defensible space around their home, the Solano Fire Safe Council can also be of assistance. Visit https://solanofsc.org.

Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs and US Congressman Mike Thompson wave to the crowds.

Crystal Apilado/ Winters Express

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

The girls varsity soccer team float snagged a win.

Courtesy photo Kiddie sweepstakes winners Cesar Garcia, Mila Durksen, Alessandra Garcia, Max Sanchez (front) Bryan Durksen and Rylie Durksen dressed as characters from the movie “Sing.”

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

ABOVE: The Winters Combined PTA’s Wizard of Oz themed float won the inaugural Michael Sebastian Sweepstakes Award.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

ABOVE: High school Principal Justin Young waves from the Rooted in Excellence bus.

RIGHT: The Winters Middle School band performs in the Main parade.

BELOW: Winters Club of Rotary made the Mike Sebastian memorial float.

Baseball sweeps Paradise, Heads to playoffs

The Winters High School varsity baseball team swept the Paradise High School team in the last two league games. On Tuesday, April 30, the varsity team played their first game against Paradise and came out with a huge win of 11–1 over the Bobcats. Although the Bobcats scored first off a sacrifice fly, the Warriors were relentless in the bottom of the second when five runs came in across the plate for Winters. A double from Anthony Duran was a driving force that brought two runners home.

The Warriors brought in another run in the bottom of the fourth and five more runs off of three hits in the bottom of the fifth. Sebastian Rodriguez, Julian Herrera and Isaac Lopez all hit in a run, while Jordan Wojan and Isaiah Pazmino drew in a run each off of an earned walk.

Winters showed off their

base running skills with a total of nine stolen bases around the diamond. Duran, Herrera and Wojan each stole two, and Derick Olsen, Pazmino and Jordan Calvert each stole one.

On the mound, Duran only allowed one hit, two walks, and one run over three innings and struck out seven. Miles Mariani came in to relieve Duran and helped keep the Bobcats at bay.

The Warriors celebrated their four senior athletes Duran, Olson, Pazmino and Ashton Baylor. All four players were brought up to the varsity team as freshmen under then-coach Jeff Ingles and have played as full-time starters since.

The Warriors faced off against Paradise again on Friday, May 3 when they traveled to Bobcat territory for the last league game of the season. WHS athletes brought their all and won with a final score of 16–2.

A bulk of their score came during the fifth inning where the Warriors brought in 15 runs. Everett Beason, Pazmino, Olson and Mariani brought in one run each off of their efforts at the plate. Herrera and Wojan brought in two runs each off of hits. Rodriguez also drove in a run after being hit at the plate. Baylor led the Warriors at

the plate going 3-for-4.

The Warriors stole four bases in this round against Paradise. Rodriguez stole two and Olson and Pazmino each stole one.

Calvert started the game on the mound and only allowed four walks, two hits and two runs over five innings. He struck out seven. The Warriors head to the playoffs on May 10. Find game details on the WHS calendar at whs.wintersjusd.org or on the WHS Athletics social media account at facebook.com/wintersathletics.

Weight training for beginners Recreational sports that

A well-rounded fitness regimen is made up of various components, including strength training. Strength training can be mischaracterized as an activity best suited to individuals looking to bulk up. However, strength training is about much more than just maxing out on the bench press.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, muscle-strengthening activities reduce the risk of falls and fractures, which is a notable benefit for adults of all ages, and particularly so for adults nearing an age where they might experience mobility issues. The National Institute on Aging notes that studies indicate as many as three in 10 individuals over age 70 experience mobility issues that affect their ability to walk, get up out of a chair and climb stairs. Adults in middle-age, and even those for whom retirement remains decades away, can prevent such issues by incorporating strength training into their workout regimens. Novices who want to do just that can heed these tips to avoid injury as their bodies acclimate to strength training.

Work with a personal trainer Fitness facilities typically have highly trained and knowledgeable personal trainers who can teach members the proper techniques in regard to various strength-building exercises. Many facilities offer one or two free personal trainer consultations to new members, and it’s best that people of all ages take advantage of such

benefits. Even if sessions are not complementary, working with a personal trainer is a great way to learn proper form, which is vital to avoiding injury.

Warm up before weight training

The Mayo Clinic notes that cold muscles are vulnerable to injury, so individuals should never begin weight training sessions without a pre-workout warmup. The fitness experts at Gold’s Gym note that 10 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise on a treadmill, stationary bike or elliptical machine before strength training can increase range of motion, decrease risk for injury and help to create more change in muscles. If necessary, include a foam roll and stretch exercise in your warmup, targeting the muscles that will be used during the ensuing weight training session and any muscles that seem particularly tight. Foam rolling each muscle for 20 to 30 seconds can help to loosen them in advance of a workout.

Start with light weights

The adage “Rome wasn’t built in a day” is certainly applicable to weight train-

ing. Initial weight training sessions should involve light weights as the body acclimates to a new workout and individuals master the form for each exercise. Weight can be gradually increased as individuals acclimate to lifting weights, a process that the Mayo Clinic suggests can unfold over two to four weeks. However, each individual is different, so if it takes longer than four weeks to add weight, so be it. The key in the early days is to master the form and help the body adjust.

Lift slowly

The Mayo Clinic notes that using momentum during a set can lead to injury, as the goal is not to swing or lift the weights as quickly as possible. Slow repetitions that take about two seconds to lift the weight and four or more seconds to lower it can reduce injury risk and also activate muscle fibers in the targeted muscles, which makes strength training more effective over the long haul.

Rest and take pain seriously

Rest is a vital part of a successful weight training regimen, and it’s especially important for novices to rest in between sessions. The Mayo Clinic recommends resting muscles for at least 48 hours. Do not ignore sharp or shooting pain or assume it’s a natural byproduct of the transition to strength training. Cease performing any exercise that causes such pain and consult your physician about what to do.

Weight training promotes long-term health, and beginners need not be intimated by hitting the gym to build strength.

make for a great workout

Metro Special to the Express

Billions of people across the globe share a passion for sports. Whether it’s youngsters playing on sandlots, adolescents competing in scholastic sports or even professional athletes locking horns at the highest level, there’s no denying that sports appeals to people of all ages.

The thrill of competition undoubtedly compels many athletes to engage in sports, but playing a sport also makes for great exercise. That’s even the case for various recreational sports, which many athletes look to after their more formal playing days have ended. In fact, the following recreational sports are not only fun, but also make for a great workout.

Pickleball

Perhaps no recreational sport has enjoyed a surge popularity as significant as pickleball in recent years. The 2023

Topline Participation Report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association indicates participation in pickleball grew by 159 percent between 2019 and 2022. Pickleball is something of a hybrid sport that combines

elements of tennis and ping-pong to form a fun activity that’s also great exercise. An ongoing examination of pickleball by Apple has found that participation in the sports helps players reach moderate to vigorous heart rate zones, which cardiologists note can improve cardiac fitness. In addition, a 2023 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that pickleball players enjoyed significant improvements in happiness, life satisfaction and personal well-being after taking up the sport.

Golf

The serene setting of a typical golf course can make it easy to see the sport as fun but not necessarily a great workout. But that’s a misconception, as a round of 18 can make for great exercise. A 2016 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine noted that golf can be a useful ally in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as heart attack, stroke, certain cancers, and diabetes, among other conditions. Walking the course, as opposed to renting a cart during a round, makes for excellent cardiovascular exercise as well.

The Warriors celebrated senior athletes Ashton Baylor, Derick Olson, Isaiah Pazmino and Anthony Duran on April 30.

Courtesy photo

Adobe/Stock photo

Novices can heed these tips to avoid injury as their bodies acclimate to strength training.

DMTC presents ‘Madagascar’

Special to the Express

Davis Musical Theatre Company (DMTC) presents its Young Performers’ Theatre production of “Madagascar — A Musical Adventure Jr.,” from May 4, through May 26, at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center (607 Pena Dr., No. 10) in Davis.

“Madagascar — A Musical Adventure Jr.” is a musical based on the 2005 Universal Pictures animated film “Madagascar” which featured the voice talents of Sacha Baron Cohen, Chris Rock, Ben Stiller and Cedric the Entertainer.

The story starts with Alex the lion, the king of the urban jungle, the main attrac tion at New York’s Cen tral Park Zoo. He and his best friends — Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo — have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them.

Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets

his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape — with the help of some prodigious penguins — to explore the world. They travel from New York to the island of Madagascar. Will life outside of the cage be all they had hoped, or will they miss the life of luxury they have taken for granted?

Either way, it is sure to be one “crack-a-lackin’” journey that will make the old and young want to “move it, move it!”

Alex is played by Sage Greenwood, Marty by Maya Clossick, Gloria by Emma Nason and Melman by Alex Richmond.

Jan Isaacson directs and choreographs, with

Montana Monroe providing musical direction.

“Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr” plays on Friday, May 24 at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. (May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25), and Sunday, May 26 at 2 p.m. All performances are at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Pena Drive in Davis. Tickets are $8 for all ages. They can be purchased online at dmtc.org or by calling 530-756-3682. (There is a $2 facility fee per ticket on a purchase, cash, charge, phone, internet, or in person.)

For additional information, visit dmtc.org or call 530-7563682.

Join Sage Greenwood (Alex the Lion), Maya Clossick (Marty the Zebra), Emma Nason (Gloria the Hippo) and Alex Richmond (Melman the Giraffe) in their breathtaking adventure to return home to Madagascar, in DMTC’s Young Performers Theatre production of Madagascar Jr. May 4 to 26.

WTC opens ‘12 Angry Jurors,’ seeks pitches

Special to the Express Winters Theatre Company is seeking applications from directors interested in directing a production for its upcoming 2025 season.

WTC is excited to hear proposals for all types of productions including drama, musical, comedy and more. Applications will be accepted through June 2024.

The 2025 Season Selection guidelines are available at www. winterstheatre.org.

The 2025 season performances will be selected from director submissions.

Night of drama Step into the jury box for a night of drama and suspense starting Friday, May 10. Opening weekend

for “12 Angry Jurors” directed by Rodney Orosco kicks off this weekend. In 1969 America, a jury of men and women are locked in

a room to decide the fate of a teenager accused of killing his father. Before they reach a unanimous decision, they journey through their own biases, prejudices and insecurities. This play is based on the 1954 teleplay “Twelve Angry Men.”

Experience the drama, tension, and excitement of 12 Angry Jurors in person at the Winter Opera House.

Purchase tickets online at www.winterstheatre.org.

The performances are from May 10 through 19 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m.

Auditions

WTC is hosting auditions for its upcoming Shakespeare production “Romeo and Juliet.”

Auditions will be held on May 21 and 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Historic Winters Opera House in downtown Winters, 13 Main St. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. The performances are scheduled for August 2 through 11, on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Opera House.

For more information visit winterstheatre.org or call 530-795-4014.

Jaeger & Reid perform at Winters Opera House

Special to the Express Winters Theatre Company invites the community to join in for a night of music with the talented Jaeger & Reid, a folk music duo from Oakland, known and loved for their beautiful harmonies and meaningful lyrics.

For the past eight years, Jaeger & Reid (Bob Reid and Judi Jaeger) have performed their intimate, engaging music across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Israel and France. Reid performed concerts with Pete Seeger, including at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Jaeger is

an accomplished singer-songwriter who was raised in Quebec and British Columbia. She inherited her mother’s love of singing and her rich voice. Her vocal presence and harmonies are a memorable addition to any musical occasion.

Jaeger & Reid perform at the Winters Opera House, 13 Main St., Winters, on Saturday, June 29, at 7 p.m.

Doors open to the public at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at https://bit. ly/4dxvszx or www. winterstheatre.org. For more information, visit the Jaeger & Reid website at jaegerreidmusic.com.

Register at Lake Solano for World Environment Day

Special to the Express

The 14th annual Solano County World Environment Day cleanup begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Lake Solano County Park. The morning promises activities for all participants: trash removal from Lake Berryessa, native vegetation planting, creation of takehome seed packets, and a delicious, free picnic lunch. Registration for the event is required and can be completed at cleanupsolano.org.

Everyone who registers by May 30 will also receive a free World Environment Day event t-shirt.

Drew Gantner, Supervising Water Resources Specialist for Solano County Water Agency, said the Putah Creek Watershed, including Lake Berryessa and Lake Solano, is an essential water system for Solano County.

“This watershed not only provides Solano County with high-quality drinking and irrigation water, but it also provides a beautiful place for recreational op-

portunities. Taking good care of it is important for everyone who uses the water. Careless discards of trash degrade water quality, harm fish and wildlife, impact water system functionality and create hazards to boaters and recreators.” Nailah Souder, Environmental Manager at Anheuser-Busch in Fairfield adds, “We hope everyone will join us in volunteering at the June 1 Lake Berryessa Cleanup to help care for the natural resources we all rely on.”

World Environment Day builds global awareness of the environment, draws political attention to environmental issues, and supports individual and community projects. Lake Berryessa is the seventh-largest reservoir in California. It delivers high-quality drinking water to around 500,000 Solano County residents. Lake Berryessa is also the primary source of irrigation water for regional growers and companies like Anheuser-Busch and the Jelly Belly Factory.

Boys and Girls 2016-2011 May 13th-15th 2010-2007 May-20-22nd Your Legacy Begins Here

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

“12 Angry Jurors” actors Spencer Alexander, Rachel Howard-Till, Cullen Smith, Chris Taloff and Shane Robert rehearse for opening night on Friday, May 10.

Courtesy photo