Winters Fire crews respond to fires, rescues
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
Winters firefighters have been busy responding to heat-related emergencies and multiple fires across the region. As of Tuesday, that includes a water rescue, two hiker recues and sending crews to assist in grass and structure fires.
On Tuesday morning, Winters Fire Department announced a crew of three had been deployed as part of a strike team to the Apache Fire in Butte County. Winters Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III said over the last few weeks, Winters Fire assisted in grass fires and commercial structure fires in Zamora, Dunnigan and Solano County.
“It’s burning everywhere around us,” Snyder said. According to Snyder, two Winters Fire trucks are out of commission and it has posed a challenge.
Rescues
Winters Fire assisted the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol to rescue of a family whose kayaks capsized in Putah Creek west of Winters last Wednesday.
According to Snyder, the family of four (the parents and two juveniles) were each in a separate kayaks in the creek when they encountered brush and vegetation in the water, overturning their kayaks
close to 11 a.m. on June 19.
A CHP helicopter was called in to the scene and lowered a basket to lift the family to safety. All four individuals were wearing life vests, which Snyder said was a big factor to note. There were no injuries reported from the incident.
Snyder said the majority of water rescues Winters Fire crews respond to are people form out of town who are not familiar with the layout of the area. Putah Creek’s terrain and foliage were impacted by high waters that flowed down
Police prepare for fireworks event
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
Winters Police Department is gearing up for the annual July 3 fireworks show with an updated traffic control plan, and a reminder that residents and homeowners found to set off illegal fireworks could face a $1,000 fine under the Winters Municipal Code.
July 3 traffic control
Police Chief John P. Miller said as soon as the fireworks show begins, eastbound
Grant Avenue traffic will be prioritized:
• The traffic control signal lights at Grant and Railroad Avenues will be placed on flashing red lights, and traffic control will be established.
• All left turn lanes in this intersection are restricted to avoid cross traffic.
• The roundabout at Grant and Walnut Avenues is restricted to eastbound and westbound traffic only to avoid cross traffic.
All other cross traffic, turns, and merges are under normal “rules of the road” Miller said.
Grant Avenue experiences heavy traffic with traffic delays up to one hour after the event. Attendees are
highly encouraged to utilize alternate routes that include northbound Railroad Avenue (County Road 89) to County Road 29A — which has onramps to I-505 — and westbound Hwy. 128 to Pleasants Valley Road.
Reporting illegal fireworks
Miller told the Express that Winters Police are relying on residents to help report illegal firework usage.
In May 2022, Winters City Council approved a resolution ordinance and added a municipal code that gives law-enforcement
See SAFETY, Page 5
Weather
Council approves cannabis growth ordinance, adds sales tax increase to ballot
By Amelia Biscardi Express staff writer
With a cold blast of air conditioning, the Winters City Council met on June 18 with a long agenda and significant discussion.
The council approved a resolution allowing personal cannabis growth, started the process of potentially raising sales tax, declared some lots a nuisance with weeds and heard a Winters Senior Center update.
Cannabis ordinance
Council member
Jesse Loren said that she felt over-prepared for the discussion of outdoor cannabis growth for personal use. Loren even noted that she conducted research by visiting a dispensary in Humboldt with her son, armed with questions for the employees, and brought copies of her findings.
The council approved the resolution with a 4–1 vote, with Mayor Bill Biasi as the singular “no” vote. The resolution
was brought up due to concerns brought up by Paul Meyers as the scent of a neighbor’s personal cannabis was, according to Meyers, impeding his enjoyment of his property.
Loren brought back specific verbiage for the council to adapt, explaining that in the cannabis plant terpene is what produces the odor. Due to this, the wording of low terpene was added to the resolution.
There limit of six plants grown per individual remains, this can be indoor or outdoor.
A concern brought up by Biasi was growth near schools.
However, Police Chief John P. Miller said that there have been no reported issues with cannabis being stolen out of yards. Sales tax increase
In the continuation of discussing the city’s budget, city manager Jeremy Craig brought a few options before
Trustees approve superintendent pay increase, LCAP plans
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
On Thursday, June 6, the Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees approved multiple items during the last school board meeting of the 2023–24 fiscal and academic year.
In closed session, trustees voted unanimously to approve a satisfactory evaluation of Superintendent Rody Boonchuoy for the 2023–24 year. With this satisfactory evaluation approved and per his contract, the superintendent could receive a base salary increase of 3 percent.
Chief Business Officer Jonathan Feagle later presented the approval of this base salary. Along with the 3 percent increase, the Oct. 6, 2022 contract also states the superintendent is entitled to a 2.5 percent increase in pay which was previously negotiated with the school district. Trustees voted unanimously to approve the salary increase, bringing Boonchuoy’s base salary to $218,646, a $14,260 increase from his previous year.
In addition, the superintendent had five
extra work days approved by the board per Section 6 of the Superintendent’s Employment Agreement. This agreement states that the superintendent may work up to five additional days at his regular daily rate. His total working days for the previous academic year was 230.
LCAP
Assistant Superintendent Phoebe Girimonte presented data on locally collected data by Winters JUSD. Five local indicators are used to measure the progress of Winters JUSD, local control and to provide information so that local challenges can be met head-on by the school district. This data is then used for the Local Control and Accountability Plan drafting and revision process. These five local indicators include Basic Services and Conditions, Implementation of Academic Standards, Parent and Family Engagement, School Climate, Access to a Broad Course of Study. These indicators are then assigned a “met,” “not met” or “not met for two years” by the Lo-
cal Education Agency. For the 2023-2024 academic year each of the 5 indicators was assigned a “met” by Winters JUSD. During the presentation, the standard and the metric in which the indicators are measured were shown and then Giromonte talked about how Winters JUSD is meeting these standards. The results of the data collection on the five indicators can be found on the California School Dashboard website by searching for Winters Joint Unified. Girimonte followed this presentation with the LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plan). The LCAP is a three-year plan that outlines the goals, actions, services and expenditures to support positive student outcomes that address the state and local priorities. The LCAP was previously presented during the June 6 school board meeting as an informational item and was presented to trustees again for approval on Thursday with any submitted alterations.
According to Girimonte, aside from
Courtesy photo
Firefighter Andrew Love-Fields, Fire Captain Jesus Marquez and Fire Engineer Aaron Mendoza were deployed as part of a strike team to the Apache Fire in Butte County on Tuesday morning.
Public Health confirms Yolo County measles case
Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency’s Public Health Branch has confirmed that two residents who recently returned from international travel are infected with measles. These are the 10th and 11th people diagnosed with measles in California during 2024. The last measles case in Yolo County occurred in 2015.
The children, who were not vaccinated against measles, have mild illnesses and are recovering at home.
Measles is highly infectious, spreading through the air over long distances and through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Contact tracing done by Public Health indicates that the individuals visited healthcare facilities in Sacramento County while they were infectious and may have exposed patients, visitors, and healthcare providers at the following venues:
• Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Emergency Department, 6600 Bruceville Rd., Sacramento; June 12, between 3:30
a.m. to 5 a.m.
• Kaiser Permanente
Downtown Commons Pediatric Clinic, 501 J St., Sacramento; June 12, between 10:23 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
• Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Emergency Department, 6600 Bruceville Rd., Sacramento; June 14 to 15, between 10:20 p.m. to 2:10 a.m.
• Kaiser Permanente
Downtown Commons Pediatric Clinic, 501 J St., Sacramento; June 17, between 10:48 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kaiser Permanente has identified and contacted patients and employees who may have been exposed by being in close proximity to the persons with measles. However, there may have been visitors also exposed who have yet to be identified. Individuals who were at the above locations during the dates and times listed may be at risk of developing measles and are advised to contact Kaiser Permanente or Sacramento County Public Health’s Communicable Disease Program at (916) 875-5881, or Yolo County Public Health’s Communicable Disease Program at (530) 490-3953. A special-
ized team is available to determine whether residents are at risk and whether preventive measures, such as vaccination with MMR, are recommended.
“If you weren’t at the Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Emergency Department or Kaiser Permanente Downtown Commons Pediatric Clinic during the dates and times listed, there is no risk of getting measles from these individuals,” said Dr. Aimee Sisson, Yolo County Public Health Officer. “However, this case highlights the risk of getting infected with measles during international travel, especially if you aren’t vaccinated. If you are planning a trip overseas, please make sure you and the people traveling with you are up to date with measles vaccinations.”
Measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) or a measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine (MMRV). They are administered in two doses (typically given at one year and four to six years old) and are highly effective: two doses are 97% effective
WTC makes last call for 2025 Season Directors proposals
By Alexis Velasquez
Winters Theatre Company is extending an invitation to anyone interested in being a future director and is accepting applications now through June 30.
WTC strongly encourages those interested to submit an application as soon as possible to give the board adequate time to review the proposal. The invitation is applicable to all interested in bringing stories to life in the Winters community. Many individuals have come from across many towns and cities in California to perform and direct for Winters.
“Being downtown, and closer to the downtown business district, has given us an opportunity to feel more a part of the community. There’s been stronger collaboration and sharing of resources and ideas. And we can support each other in more concrete ways,” said Linda Glick, WTC board member. “We’ve cre-
ated a Friends of the Opera House Group, which has expanded our reach into the community even further. With some fresh paint, some repairs and a little help from our friends, we’re creating a beautiful new home for WTC and a wonderful space to share music, theater and special events.”
The call is being put out to expand and invite adults over 18 years old, to present their ideas as a potential candidate for WTC’s 2025 season.
“Winters Theatre Company’s goal is to give directors the opportunity to bring a show that they are passionate about to life on our stage. Director submissions will be curated by the Company to select a balanced, entertaining 2025 Season of shows for the community,” said Bridget O’Flaherty, WTC board member.
The application is free to submit, although due to the nature of directing for a theater company WTC will need to know the estimated
financial details of the intended show. Some of these include licensing of production rights for the presented show, estimated budget for production, and any requirements for set construction and costumes.
If an individual’s proposal is considered, the WTC Play Selection Committee will schedule interviews for those who have been selected as a possible candidate for the 2025 season. Interviews will take place in July and August 2024, with interviews via Zoom provided if in-person is not viable. Applicants should familiarize themselves with which company or entity holds the production rights for the desired show they want to perform.
Winters Theatre Company is located at the Winters Opera House on 13 Main St. in Winters. Contact WTC by mail at PO BOX 728, Winters, CA 95694, by email at winterstheatre@ gmail.com or call 530-795-4014.
in preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective. Globally, vaccinations against measles fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, and cases of measles have surged in many countries. Public Health encourages all residents, especially those planning international travel, to confirm their measles vaccination status. If they have not had measles in the past (every person born in the U.S. before 1957 is assumed to have had measles) and are not up-to-date with MMR vaccination, they are at risk of contracting measles if they are exposed and should contact their healthcare provider for vaccination. Children between six months and one year old can get an early MMR dose before travel, as can children between one and four years old.
People typically develop symptoms 8 to 12 days after exposure to measles. Measles symptoms begin with fever, cough, red and watery eyes, and a runny nose, followed by a rash three to five days later that starts on the head and spreads downwards. Measles can result in serious compli-
cations and even death for young children and vulnerable adults. Exposed people with symptoms should stay home and away from others and contact Public Health immediately. Persons needing care for their measles symptoms should call their healthcare provider’s office in advance, rather than visit an office directly, so that the facility can take measures to prevent exposure to others. Nearly all health insurance plans are required to cover the cost of MMR and MMRV vaccines. Insured persons should check with their healthcare provider or local pharmacy to see what vaccines are offered. Uninsured or underinsured children and adults can access free or low-cost vaccines at clinics enrolled in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs. For a list of clinics that offer free or low-cost immunizations for persons who are uninsured or underinsured, call 2-1-1 or visit: www.YoloCounty.org/ImmunizationClinics For more information on measles, visit: www.CDC. gov/Measles.
Eventos hispanos
Departamento
de Bomberos y el Ayuntamiento abordan riesgos de incendios locales
A medida que el clima continúa calentándose, Winters y las áreas circundantes están oficialmente en temporada de incendios. Con el paisaje seco, los escombros, la basura y la maleza creciendo, la ciudad envió avisos a las propiedades en Abril pasado y las parcelas restantes que no cumplieron tuvieron un turno para hablar en la reunión del Concejo Municipal de Winters del pasado 18 de Junio. El jefe de Bomberos Jack S. Snyder III, explicó que con los fuertes vientos recientes, las advertencias de incendio con bandera roja y los incendios, la ciudad y el Departamento de Bomberos de Winters (Winters Fire Department - WFD) están en alerta.
El Ayuntamiento escuchará y considerará los casos de quienes hayan recibido un aviso de reducción. Después de la reunión, las propiedades con alto contenido de maleza, basura y desechos de tierra que ya hayan sido recibidas serán declaradas como molestia. Los propietarios de parcelas de terreno tendrán hasta el 19 de Junio, a menos que el consejo determine lo contrario, para cortar las malas hierbas y eliminar la basura. Según Snyder, los miembros de la comunidad han estado enviando activamente quejas para identificar propiedades que
no cumplen.
“La aplicación de nuestro código está haciendo un trabajo muy diligente para asegurarnos de que identificamos nuestras parcelas de terreno, pero cualquier cosa que tenga riesgos potenciales
pies alrededor de la casa libres de maleza y ramas de árboles. “(El espacio defendible) es un asunto muy, muy enorme. Un poco de preparación será de gran ayuda,” dijo Snyder. Synder también
“La aplicación de nuestro código está haciendo un trabajo muy diligente para asegurarnos de que identificamos nuestras parcelas de terreno, pero cualquier cosa que tenga riesgos potenciales de incendio.” Jack Snyder, jefe de bomberos
de incendio,” dijo Synder. Para los residentes preocupados por sus propiedades o las de otros, Synder recomienda comunicarse con la oficina de cumplimiento de códigos de la ciudad o con la línea que no es de emergencia del Departamento de Bomberos. Snyder explicó que esto reduce los riesgos de incendio y es especialmente importante en los campos y que esta medida preventiva en caso de emergencia puede ser vital. “Si algo comienza, no tiene la oportunidad de despegar, hacerse grande y ganar mucho impulso,” dijo Snyder. Específicamente, Snyder señaló que los propietarios de viviendas y propiedades deben tomar medidas para garantizar que su espacio tenga un espacio defendible, lo que consiste en mantener 30
agregó que, además de garantizar el espacio defendible de 30 pies, otras buenas herramientas de prevención son cortar el césped por las mañanas, cuando la velocidad del viento suele ser más baja, así como limpiar las canaletas. El administrador de la ciudad, Jeremy Craig, agregó que Winters está especialmente consciente de la temporada de incendios. “Creo que definitivamente estamos más en sintonía con esto después de los incendios (...) es básicamente algo de lo que somos muy conscientes,” dijo Craig. “Y (nosotros) definitivamente queremos que las autoridades intenten trabajar con los propietarios para asegurarse de que esas áreas sean cuidadas porque pueden ser cortafuegos muy importantes si algo sucede.”
Por Amelia Biscardi Traducido por Carol Alfonso
Special to the Express
The 1978 Little League All-Stars are pictured after their presentation at the family picnic and awards program held at the City Park. Coach John Martin and manager James Baylor are in the background; standing, Eric Lucero, Armando Hernandez, Jerry Alarcon, Richard Thomas, Angel Corralejo, Gus Leal, Carlos Gonzales, John Graham and Javier Orozco; kneeling, Hector Montenegro, Richard Bishop, John Ramos, Richard Harris and Deanne Bauslaugh; not pictured, Scott Petersen, Don Garcia, Danny Alenbaugh and Richardo Rodriguez.
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
June 13: Solorio, Aurelio Jr (Age 44), Charges: Winters PD Warrant, Disposition: Released on Notice to Appear
June 14: Torres Jimenez, Jhonny Jaczon (Age 27); Charges: DUI, DUI with BAC over .08 percent, Driving without a driver’s license, Failure to stop at a stop sign, Crossing double yellow lines; Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail ~Cortes, Gerardo (Age 54), Charges: Winters PD Warrant, Disposition: Released on Notice to Appear ~Duran, Raul Jose Jr (Age 43); Charges: Violation of Probation, Drunk in Public; Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail Report Log
June 12: 5:51 p.m., Railroad Avenue/ Main Street, Hit and Run Traffic Collision
June 13: 2:34 a.m., 100th block of Main Street, Audible Alarm
~2:53 a.m., Yolo Avenue/Plainfield Street, Outside
Agency Assist
~11:35 a.m., Dutton Street/E. Grant Avenue, Vehicle Tow
~12:07 p.m., Dutton Street/E. Grant Avenue, Vehicle Tow
~8:49 p.m., 200th block of Railroad Avenue, Vehicle Tow
June 14: 6:52 a.m., E. Grant Avenue/ Matsumoto Lane, Vehicle Accident
June 15: 3:36 p.m., 400th block of Grant Avenue, Audible Alarm
~5:56 p.m., 20th block of Main Street, Audible Alarm
June 16: 8:35 p.m., 60th block of Shams Way, Outside Agency Assist
June 17: 8:03 p.m., Russell Boulevard/ Fredericks Drive, Vehicle Tow
June 18: 2:28 p.m., 400th block of Railroad Avenue, Vehicle Theft
~3:04 p.m., 100th block of E. Baker Street, Lost Property
~6:30 p.m., 40th block of Main Street, Audible Alarm
~11:17 p.m., First block of E. Main Street, Audible Alarm
June 19: 5:26 a.m., First block of E. Main Street, Audible Alarm
For our editorial policy on crime log entries, see winters express.com/unpub lishing-policy.
PO Box 520, Winters, CA 95694 530-795-4551 Se habla español. news@wintersexpress.com
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Crystal Apilado, Editor-in-Chief
Sydney Andrade, Staff Writer Amelia Biscardi, Staff Writer Logan Chrisp, Staff Writer David DeLeon, Advertising Director T. Burt McNaughton, Co-Publisher Taylor Buley, Publisher-at-Large Charles R. Wallace, Publisher Emeritus
YESTERYEAR
Lake levels dropping
Express staff
The water level of Lake Berryessa dropped by 0.48 of a foot during the past week, with a decrease in storage of 26,925 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh of the Solano Irrigation District.
On the morning of Tuesday, June 25, he reported the lake elevation was 436.90 feet above sea level, with water storage behind the Monticello Dam computed at 1,493,242 acre-feet of water. The SID is releasing 535 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah
95 Years Ago
June 28, 1929
Clement M. Hartley passed away at his home in Vacaville Tuesday. He has been a prominent citizen of the Solano city for many years and is survived by his widow, Kathryn M. Hartley, a daughter, Helen, and a son, C. M. Hartley Jr.
The hiring of next year’s high school faculty has been completed and the list is as follows: George Sanders, principal; Clif-ford Harrington, William Pugh, Alice Carter, Christine Putnam, Sarah Dadman, Virginia Sparks, Florence Veall.
Mrs. Rose Geller and children arrived from Santa Rosa early this morning. They plan residing at Winters. Mrs. Geller is a school teacher.
Thirty pupils graduated from Winters Grammar school and will enter high school this fall, according to Principal Mrs. Belle Dunnagan. They are as follows: Bud Hollar, Clif- ton Perkins, Lottie Berg. Lena Scott, Lavinia Niemann, Charlie Pearse, Lorene Spurlin, Relve Tay- lor Margaret Walker, Marie Walker, Ruth Fong, Mary Rose, Edith Thornberry, Jack Bigelow, John Dutton, Louie Forden, Irene Meyer, Buell Sackett, Francis Scott, Jean Brinck, Herbert Crouch, Jim Rice, Russell Dunsmore, Nancy Griffin, Wayne Ireland, Alan Wehrman, Dwight Raver, Bruce Grover, Howard Coombs and Laura Lee Davis.
Bobbie Niemann of Sacramento is enjoying a visit with his grandmother, Mrs. Mary E. Sanborn.
The Solano County Board of Education has issued diplomas of graduation from the
Years Ago
Dispatches from the Express archives.
eighth grade of Olive School to Miss Mary Tanigo and Joe Rodriguez.
Some of the Winters people visiting Samuels Springs last Sunday were William Emery and, family Misses Bertha and Doris Conner, Gwendolyn Brayden, Violet Sidwell, Ray and W. Overhouse, Mrs. E Clegg, Mrs. I. Murphy and William Scott.
85 Years Ago
June 30, 1939
Lloyd Lowrey, instructor in mathematics and physical education at Winters High School has accepted a position with the Marysville High School faculty. Lowrey has been with the local school for seven years.
According to Manager George Weeks the new cabins at the migratory camp will be ready for occupancy in a month.
An overheated oven in a coal oil stove was the cause of a blaze in the kitchen and rear of the W. A. Young residence Monday morning.
Miss Duane Northrup of Alameda has been selected by the high school board of trustees to fill the vacancy occasioned by the departure of Mrs. Reginald Bryce who resigned at the end of the last semester after 11 years of continuous teaching in the local school. Miss Northrup will be an English instructor. At the regular meeting of Winters Post
South Canal, with 48 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation on the lake averaged 263 acre-feet of water per day.
On June 18, Emigh reported the lake elevation was 437.38 feet above sea level, with water storage at 1,502,167 acre-feet of water. The SID was releasing 538 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 43 cubic feet into Putah Creek. Evaporation on the lake averaged 311 acre-feet of water per day.
242, American Legion Tuesday evening, Kay Bourland was named commander for the 1939-40 year. Other officers are: first vice commander, William O. Wright; second vice commander, Ray Murray; adjutant, Ernest Rice; chaplain, C. S. Culton; finance, Gregory Vasey; service, Chas. Graf; historian, Joe Doll; sergeant-atarms, Sam Cheney. Rev. Alec Nichols, former local pastor visited briefly in town last week en route home to Glendale from conference of United Methodist churches.
50 Years Ago
June 27, 1974
Third Class Petty Officer Steven Slikker graduated June 21 from the Nuclear Power School on Mare Island in Vallejo as an electronics technician. Steven has been living with his grandmother Mrs. Florence McLaughlin in Winters since last fall and attending the school. He is the son of Mr. Joe Slikker of Eugene, Oregon and Mrs. Marilyn Collins, of Bend, Oregon, both former Winters Residents.
Steven left Winters for Eugene, Oregon where he will be married June 29 to Pat Smith of Eugene, Oregon. Mrs. McLaughlin will be leaving on June 27 to see her grandson’s wedding.
Mr. and Mrs. Clinton K. Jones and their children Tim and Christine returned on Friday evening, June 21, from an 11-day trip to Oregon and Washington. Lt. and Mrs. Clifford Jones and their son Matthew also made the trip. Highlights of the trip were backpacking at Mount Hood, camping, and trout fishing.
Rich Chiles, a former Winters High
School athlete now playing baseball for Hawaii in the Pacific Coast League hit two home runs Tuesday night in making his debut before a number of hometown fans. The Sacramento Solons won the contest. The Hawaii team will be in Sacramento for games tonight, Friday and Saturday and a number of Winters friends of Chiles are planning to take in the games.
Julie Bolar celebrated her fifth birthday last Monday, June 17 with a birthday party. She invited Jenny Sarvary and her brother Ian Sarvary, and siblings Wilma and Eddie Callison.
Jennie Reasoner was hostess for members of the Froman Reasoner family, relatives, and friends on Saturday, June 22, They met at the old family home on North East Street to pick fruit and to visit. Since there was so little fruit to pick, most of the day was spent visiting with each other.
Little League Majors baseball: June 18, The Reds retained their first-place position in the second-half standings as they rolled past the Tigers by a score of 7 to 5. While both teams exhibited excellent baseball, the Reds seemed the stronger of the two, receiving a powerful pitching performance from pitching ace, Jeff Ingles and a strong team performance at the plate. The Reds were paced by Brad Graf, who smashed two doubles in the exciting contest. Ron Scalf, Steve Montenegro, and Matt Brickey each ripped two one-sackers for the victors, while Joe Campos and Jeff Ingles each poked a base hit for the Reds. The Tigers were led in the hitting department by Raul Corrales, who towered a double in the fifth, and by George Lizarraga, who punched three base hits in the losing cause. Jim Basinger and Ben Geerts each added two singles for the Tigers. Jeff Ingles was the winning pitcher, while Scott Panzich was nailed with the loss.
the council, which voted 4–1 to place on the ballot a raise in sales tax. Councilman Richard Casavecchia was the lone “No” vote. Among the options, the two addressed were raising sales tax 1 percent, which would bring the 7.25 percent to 8.25 percent and raising the assessment district from $82.50 to $147.
The council discussed both options but decided doing both would be too much on the taxpayers.
Loren said that over the past few years, especially with staff turnover and difficulties hiring, the council has kicked budgeting and exploring revenue sources down the road.
All of the council members voiced frustration in
SAFETY
Continued from Page 1
officials the ability to issue administrative citations to residents for the use of illegal fireworks on their property. Under the ordinance, law enforcement would be able to issue an administrative citation to property owners at a later time and not be required to view the incident.
In the city of Winters, “Safe and Sane” fireworks are allowed. Miller said they are trying to target illegal and dangerous fireworks and, in particular, aerial fireworks that are often seen in the sky over neighborhoods.
Safe and Sane fireworks are not explosives, not aerially launched, and are tested and approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Under the ordinance addition, property owners can be held liable for illegal fireworks that are set off at a gathering or party they are hosting on their property. This is similar to
FIRES
Continued from Page 1
the creek, and some areas are difficult to access.
Grasses and brush in the water can also pose as dangers, and can entangle oars, limbs and water crafts. Additionally, while parts of the creek seem calm, there are quick-moving rapids that can catch those in kayaks and canoes off guard.
High temperatures were causes behind the rescue of hikers along the ridges. Recently, Fire Captain Cheyne Baumgart was lowered in a harness by a CHP helicopter into the hills by the Monticello Dam to rescue a distressed hiker.
According to Snyder, the last three rescues tended to hikers who experienced heat exhaustion and had not brought enough water for the duration of the hike.
“While not a regular occurrence, our crews do prepare for collaborations such as this one to be ready to assist anyone in an emergency in any location, no matter how remote,” City Manage Jeremy Craig said in a
considering raising taxes but also agreed that — especially with inflation — something has to be done.
Casavecchia brought up concerns about the proposed timeline being too fast.
“At some point, we’re going to start cutting things,”
Mayor Pro Tem Albert Vallecillo said. “Waiting till 2026 is too far.”
An alternative option would be to have a special election for the sales tax to be raised, allowing for an election after this election cycle and before 2026. However, that would cost the city around $250,000, which the council agreed was not feasible.
Winters resident Kate Laddish also added her concerns for the situation as a whole.
“I think we have so much more to lose, 2026 is too far
other social host ordinances including alcohol and noise.
The administrative citation can be given by police officers, firefighters and city code enforcement officers at a later date to the property owner. Miller noted there have been challenges in attempting to address the issue face-to-face at a gathering when attendees have been consuming intoxicating materials.
Miller said law enforcement will be able to utilize evidence in the form of video, photographs or other evidence presented in the form of a citizen’s report. Residents do not need to sign a citizen’s arrest.
The use of illegal fireworks can be sent to Winter PD via the tips email or called into the regular dispatch (non-emergency) line at 530-795-4561. When reporting, Miller said it’s important to provide accurate identification of people, an address and a date timestamp on photos that show evidence of illegal firework usage.
Friday update.
Prop 218 Ballots were sent out for all property owners within the city of Winters to vote on a Prop 218 Benefit Assessment. Snyder said the assessment is a temporary solution to provide the fire department with sustainability to provide the community with the best customer service. It will also provide funds to provide responders with the proper equipment for emergencies and fund staffing to ensure both the community and responders are safe during emergencies.
An informational town hall will be scheduled for mid-July so property owners can ask questions and share feedback. More details will be announced once they are confirmed. The ballots are due by Aug. 6. More information is available on the Winters Fire social media page www.facebook. com/WintersFire. Residents can also contact the Winters Fire Department with questions about Prop 218, the assessment process and more.
and a special election is not viable,” Laddish said.
Fire concerns
Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III brought up the annual weed abatement process, explaining the necessity for properties unkempt with weeds, rubbish dirt and other flammable material to be managed otherwise there are high fire risks.
The council approved a list of identified properties, unanimously declaring the weeds a nuisance. The approval allows the city to go in to clear the properties and charge the owners.
Some of the public discussion included two neighbors voicing their concerns about the empty lot near Olive Grove. These neighbors are especially concerned about fire risks
“The more information they are able to provide, the more likely we’ll be able to follow up,” Miller said.
Property owners can get “an out” of the $1,000 fine if they themselves call to report the use of illegal fireworks on their property or attempt to take action to put a stop to it, according to Miller. This includes contacting public safety officials to help stop or remove an individual who is setting off illegal fireworks on the homeowner’s property.
Miller said the community should be aware that under the ordinance, the threshold of required evidence has been lowered and officers do not have to view it in action to enforce the Firework Social Host Ordinance.
Additionally, Winters Municipal Code section 8.24.010 covers the sale and discharge allowed for fireworks in Winters. “Safe and sane fireworks,” as defined in Health and Safety Code 12529, may be sold and discharged within the city of
SCHOOLS
Continued from Page 1
some technical changes, the LCAP has not been substantially changed from the version that was presented at the June 6 meeting. The JUSD Board unanimously approved the LCAP as presented.
Prop 28
Girimonte presented an information item on Prop 28. This proposition states that local education agencies with more than 500 students, like Winters JUSD, must ensure that 80 percent of the Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee
as well as long-term difficulties getting the property owners to fix things.
Public Works Director Eric Lucero said that his team could go out to the lot and have it completed a few days after the meeting.
Assistant City Attorney Martin de los Angeles and council members expressed a desire to find a plan to resolve the issue sooner in future years.
“Let’s put an end to this. That’s just a disaster waiting to happen,” said Vallecillo.
Senior Center update
The Winters Senior Center is continuing to take steps toward the direction of shovels in the ground. Recently, an architecture firm was selected and the council unanimously approved it.
Lucero said that the firm,
Winters during the period beginning at Noon on June 28 and ending at Noon on July 6 each year.
2023 stats
Last year, Winters public safety officials said they saw an influx of fireworks usage that resulted in two fires within city limits.
Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III said Winters Fire responded to a fire in the evening on July 3. A palm tree had caught on fire on Main and Aster streets. According to Snyder, the fire had been extinguished prior to their arrival and was most likely caused by a firework.
The second fire sparked near the E. Grant Avenue and Railroad Avenue intersection. The fire appeared to have started on the E. Grant Avenue side of the property and burned through the fence into Double M Trucking, Inc.’s side.
“Illegal Fireworks are extremely dangerous. The unintended consequences of setting them off are rarely considered. The vegetation is very dry out now, despite all the rains we had
be used to employ teachers who are able and certified to provide arts education and instruction.
Prop 28 also mandates that a report is made detailing the following information: The number of full-time equivalent teachers, classified personnel, and teaching aides, the number of pupils served and the number of school sites providing arts education programs with AMS funds.
That report has been posted to the AMS website and the Winters JUSD website. However, the report states that
NJA Architecture had already been asking questions, and was at one of the lower bids submitted at $338,750.
During the process of choosing a firm, Lucero had a lot of bids and interested firms throughout the process.
“What’s really surprising is the amount of people that know where Winters is,” Lucero said. Loren noted that she recently had meetings with multiple residents discussing the project.
“This community is really hungry for a senior center,” Loren said.
Winters resident Karen May, a member of the Winters Senior Center Foundation, added her excitement for this project encouraging the city to “get this done.”
over the winter. Leave the fireworks to the professionals and don’t put yourself in jeopardy of starting a fire that can damage your property or others and cost you a lot more than what the illegal firework cost you,” Snyder said.
Miller said eight administrative citations for illegal fireworks usage under the Social Host Ordinance were given out in 2023 and five citations were issued in 2022.
Last year’s July 3 fireworks show brought in the largest crowd Winters PD seen at an estimated 10,000 people. According to Miller, illegal firework usage prior to the city event was lower than normal but saw an influx closer to the holiday. From Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4, the Winters PD responded to 31 calls for service regarding illegal fireworks.
Miller said some of the citations last year were issued on-site, while the rest were issued as follow-up to reports submitted by community members.
Winters JUSD has not funded any arts and education programs with Prop 28 because this year was used as a planning stage.
“This year Winters Joint Unified School District did not utilize the Prop 28 allocation as we were engaged in planning and determining the most appropriate use for those funds. Staff
intend to bring subsequent school site expenditure plans to the board of trustees in December 2024 which will prepare us for hiring season,” said Girimonte. The next Winters JUSD Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Aug. 1. There are not any planned regular school board meetings during July.
Projects to elevate the backyard experience
Metro
Special to the Express
Chances are no one wants to replicate the side effects of the global pandemic anytime soon. Despite all of the upheaval it brought to so many people’s lives, there was at least one silver lining to the pandemic: a newfound appreciation for back yards and other outdoor living areas. Back in 2021, OnePoll, on behalf of the landscaping company TruGreen, found survey participants reported spending 14 hours outside every week, which marked a three-hour increase than before the pandemic hit.
Outdoor spaces like patios, decks, yards, and even front porches remain popular places for homeowners and their loved ones to congregate. Various studies have shown that those who spend more time outside in nature have lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Being outside is strongly associated with improved mental
and physical health.
Homeowners who want to maximize the potential of their outdoor spaces can look to these ideas to take back yards up a notch or two by considering the following things and combining different backyard experiences.
Establish a gathering spot
A well-designed yard has one or more dedicated gathering spots, particularly areas that enable comfort underfoot. Homeowners can give consideration to hardscape that enables individuals to spend time outdoors without standing in soggy or buggy situations.
Whether they’re traditional decks, platform decks, concrete or paver patios, or areas separated from the lawn with pea gravel or another type of rock, homeowners can make the yard more useable through these spaces.
Outdoor furniture for these areas should be considered as well.
Invest in an outdoor cooking area
Grilling, smoking and even making brick oven pizzas outdoors is a major component of backyard entertaining. Outdoor kitchens can increase the convenience of prepping, cooking and serving food outdoors. Grills and other cooking gear can be built into weather-resistant counters and cabinetry.
Install a pergola
A pergola or another structure is the perfect way to add privacy to a gathering spot and create more shade and weather protection when Mother Nature does not want to cooperate. Consider different types of materials to use, as well as what you intend to use the pergola for. Some homeowners include pegolas in home gardening ventures while others are looking for
potential shade.
Think beyond the summer season
When making backyard improvements, homeowners can incorporate ideas that make the yard more functional during different seasons. For example, a fire pit or outdoor fireplace can be a spot for making summer s’mores or sipping mulled cider in the fall. An enclosed three-season room offers the opportunity to see nature and en-
joy it without bearing the full brunt of chilly temperatures. Do it right
Important things to keep in mind are to ensure you put in the right permits and applications before breaking ground on any big project. Cities have their own sets of ordinances and zones and homeowners can avoid the risk of having to backtrack — and a potential fine — by heading into their local city hall first.
Keep an AC unit running strong
Metro
Special to the Exress Air conditioners are a lifeline come the dog days of summer, when soaring temperatures make a well-cooled home a welcome respite from the outdoors. The following are some steps homeowners can take to keep their AC units in tip-top shape this summer. Replace the air filter on the unit. Dirt, dust, debris, and pollen can quickly fill the filter on an AC unit. Replacing these filters prior to summer can make the unit operate more efficiently and keep cool air circulating throughout the house all summer. Homeowners can first identify which type of unit they have and then find an online tutorial to see how to replace the filter. Some filters are more expensive than others, but the cost is still low and the energy savings can be substantial. Schedule annual maintenance on the unit. Routine maintenance performed by a local HVAC technician is another way to ensure an AC unit is running at peak capacity when it’s most needed. Such maintenance is perhaps most
effective in spring, as that ensures the unit is running strong from the first heat wave of the summer all the way through Labor Day. HVAC technicians can identify problems and recommend services that homeowners may not recognize they need until it’s already hot out. Annual maintenance appointments also give HVAC professionals a chance to assess a system compared to the previous year, which can help them identify if a unit is nearing its end. That can ensure homeowners are not caught off guard when the unit needs to replaced. Help the unit make it through the summer. Whether it’s a typical summer or one marked by a handful of heat waves, AC units can use a little help to get through the season. Closing curtains throughout the house on hot afternoons is a natural way to keep a home cool during a heat wave, and that can cut back on home cooling costs and protect a unit from being overworked. Ceiling fans also can be installed to keep rooms cool and circulate air, which also makes a hot summer a little less taxing on an AC
unit.
Use a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to set the temperatures inside their homes throughout the day. If no one is home during the afternoon, there’s no reason to have the AC cranking. Program the thermostat so the house is comfortable when people are home, but raise the desired temperature when no one is around. That gives the AC unit a break during the day and can help to dramatically reduce the cost of cooling the home. AC units will not last forever, but some simple maintenance can improve their life expectancy and keep homes comfortable throughout the summer.
Is your lawn getting enough water?
Special to the Exress
A healthy lawn thrives with the right amount of water and nutrients. Lawn care is a year-long process. That water requirement multiplies when higher temperatures lead to increased evaporation. Many times precipitation will take care of all of a lawn’s water needs. But in times of drought or infrequent rain, it’s up to homeowners to provide the water a lawn requires. If homeowners ask a dozen lawn experts what they recommend in terms of watering, they’re likely to offer 12 different answers. The type of soil and grass affects how frequently a lawn needs to be watered. According to the lawn care company Organo Lawn, it’s better to do a deep watering two or
three times a week to promote strong grass roots and maintain a healthy microbial composition in soil than to water the lawn daily, which leads to shallow roots and can wash away nutrients. But it is important for homeowners to recognize when their lawns are not getting ample water.
Here are some signs a lawn needs a drink.
• Visible footprints: Elasticity of the grass blades decreases when the lawn is not getting enough water. If you walk on the lawn and footprints do not bounce back in a short amount of time, you likely need to water.
• Gaps between lawn and sidewalk: Lawn Pride says that the soil can shrink in drought conditions. This may be visible where the lawn abuts a driveway, sidewalk or even planting beds. If you walk along the perimeter
of a lawn and notice a gap between the grass and hardscape, it is time to water.
• Clumps of grass: It is a sign of drought stress when grass grows in clumps rather than uniformly across a lawn.
• Presence of dollar spot fungus: Grass can become susceptible to this fungus, which also is called ascochyta leaf blight. It only develops in lawns with shallow grass roots caused by improper lawn watering.
• Slow growth: A lawn that doesn’t seem to be growing well, or doesn’t need to be mowed as frequently, likely isn’t getting enough water. Adequate watering can help a lawn develop strong roots and maintain grass health. Homeowners who have questions about their lawns and watering can consult with a landscaper or a lawn care service.
Courtesy photo
Maintaining an AC unit ensures it will be there to keep everyone cool.
Metro
Courtesy photo
Lawns require care year-round, especially as temperatures rise in the summer.
Local News Briefs
Express staff
Battle of the Badges blood drive
The Winters Fire and Police Departments are teaming up with Vitalant to host a Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The battle, between firefighters and police officers, is to see which department can get the most donations in (both uniformed and civilian).
The Winters Fire and Police departments announced an adjustment to the hours of the blood drive event. The updated hours are from 2 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26 at the Winters Public Safety Facility Training/ EOC room inside of the lobby.
When you donate blood, make sure to tell them whether to count your donation for the police or fire department.
For donor eligibility requirements, visit www.vitalant.org/eligibility. Potential blood donors who are 16 to 18 years old need a signed parent permission form available on the Vitalant website or at the Winters Police Department.
The next Winters Community Blood Drive is scheduled for Monday, July 8. Vitalant and the Winters Fortnightly Club will share more information closer to the event.
Pool schedule changes
The Winters Swim Team home meet, which was scheduled for June 21, has been rescheduled to Friday, June 28. Residents should check the pool schedule for updates on open and lap swim hours.
The new Pool Hours start on June 30.
Visit the city’s website for program hours and details, www.cityofwinters. org/169/Swim.
Elder Day celebration
The community is gathering to celebrate local elders at the Winters Elder Day event on Saturday, June 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall. Anyone in the community is invited to attend, whether or not they know an honoree. The event is free and there will be music and refreshments available.
The Winters Elder Day celebration is an opportunity to highlight the lives and experiences of the honorees. The honorees are 90 years or older and answer questions about their life including reminiscing about their education and career experiences, their memories growing up and more. The Winters Elder Day Council is asking for your help to identify community residents who are 90 years young or will be 90 years young before Dec. 31, 2025, to be honored for next year’s event.
To nominate someone, contact Wally Pearce at 707.249.7975 or email denropro@ gmail.com. For our Spanish-speaking community contact Ramon Altamirano at teléfono 916-6006707 or at email ramon.altamirano@ aol.com.
Send your news tip
Want to share important information about a community event? Send us your news tips to news@wintersexpress.com. Include all of the important details about the event.
Master Gardeners give support, information for summer gardening
By Denise Cottrell UCCE Master Gardener – Yolo County
Are you giving away zucchini because you have harvested more than you can eat? Or maybe your vegetable garden is being overtaken by white flies, aphids or an insect you cannot identify? An edible garden is not “plant it and leave it” landscaping. It requires a gardener to keep a close watch and inspect at least once a day. A watchful eye will help to avert watering issues or catch garden pests before those tomatoes you were waiting a day or two to pick have been eaten by tomato worms. There are challenges, questions and decisions every gardener faces when tending to an edible garden.
The UCCE Master Gardeners of Yolo County (UCCE MGs –Yolo) offer free monthly workshops that focus on the edible garden and the issues one may face from too much produce to when one should use shade in a garden. Kitchen Garden Chat and Gardening for YearRound Meals meet monthly and provide research-based information on the care and maintenance of your edible garden. Kitchen Garden Chat meets monthly on Zoom, at https://ucanr.zoom. us/j/98028723763. Join Master Gardener Treva Valentine, on Saturday, July 13, from 10 to 11 a.m., for an informative talk focusing on topics gardeners face during July. Learn how to identify and handle garden pests and how to store your garden bounty. In addition, the talk will also cover summer fruit tree pruning and abiotic issues in tomatoes. And no, it is not too early, the discussion will also provide information on the winter edible garden.
Gardening for YearRound Meals meets regularly on the second Saturday of each month, from 11 a.m. to Noon, at Grace Garden, located behind the United Methodist Church at 1620 Anderson Rd., in Davis, near the back of the parking lot.
Join Master Gardener Karen Slinkard for this month’s discussion on Saturday, July 13. Learn how to help your plants thrive in the heat, and ideas for using and storing your garden bounty. Although we are still in the throes of the heat of summer, this talk will also provide information on how to assess your garden and plan for the next season. Do you know what a gardener can learn from a visit to the Farmers Market? Attend this talk to find out.
The UCCE Master Gardeners – Yolo and the Yolo Library will hold its regular semimonthly Gardening Workshops in July on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month via Zoom.
On July 11, from 3 to 4 p.m., Master Gardener Mike Kluk will talk about “Berries, Berries, Berries.” Learn about selecting and caring for a variety of berry plants
in your garden including cane berries (blackberries and raspberries), strawberries, blueberries and a few less common such as gooseberries and serviceberries. The Zoom link is https://ucanr.zoom. us/j/98037467782.
On July 25, from 3 to 4 p.m., Master Gardener Deborah Sorrill will present “Using Climate Ready Plants in Your Landscape.” Do you want a beautiful California garden that survives despite our fluctuating weather? This class explores drought-tolerant plants, water-saving techniques, and flood mitigation strategies to create a resilient landscape for your home. Learn to design with nature’s extremes in mind. The Zoom link is https:// yolocounty.zoom. us/j/82609575591.
Unable to attend a workshop or discussion? UCCE MGs –Yolo are available to answer your questions at their “Questions and Answers Desk” located throughout Yolo County.
On Saturdays from 8 a.m. to Noon, the Master Gardener table at the Davis Farmers Market, is located between the Rose Garden and the Sensory Garden. The Davis Farmers Market is
held at Central Park, located at 4th and C Streets.
In West Sacramento, the UCCE MGs – Yolo will be available to answer your gardening questions at their twice-monthly gardening Questions and Answers Desk, held at Lowes, 2250 Lake Washington Blvd., on the first and third Saturday of the month. You will find them ready to answer your gardening questions on July 6 and July 20, from 10 a.m. to Noon.
In Woodland, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to Noon, the UCCE MGs –Yolo will be available to answer gardening questions at the Woodland Farmers Market, located on First Street across from Woodland Public Library. Learn more about the UCCE Master Gardeners of Yolo Co. at http://yolomg.ucanr. edu. For additional information about UCCE MGs-Yolo events contact Jennifer Baumbach at jmbaumbach@ ucanr.edu or call the UCCE Yolo County Master Gardeners help line at 530-6668736. For information about a specific garden issue please call or email the Master Gardeners at mgyolo@ ucdavis.edu or call 530-666-8736 and leave a message.
Gardeners need to keep a watchful eye on their edible garden to prevent pests from devouring the bounty and to avert watering issues before the damage is done.
Wednesday, June 26
Battle of the Badges Blood Donation Challenge, 3– 7 p.m., Winters Public Safety Facility (700/702 Main St.)
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
Saturday, June 29
Winters Elder Day Celebration, 2–4 p.m., St. Anthony's Parish Hall (511 W. Main Street)
Sunday, June 30
Winters Farmers Market
9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Downtown Main Street, discoverwinters.com/farmers-market
Tuesday, July 2
Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ city-council-meetings_/
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, July 3
City of Winters Fireworks Show, Dr. Sellers Football Field
5 p.m.: Gates open to public 9:15 p.m.: Fireworks start
Monday, July 8
Winters Climate Action Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters. org/182/Climate-Action-Commission Library Services
Winters Library Open to Public (No School in Session), Winters Community Library, Mon/Wed: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 12–8 p.m., Fri/Sat: 1–5 p.m. Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library
Bilingual Storytime (ages 0-5), Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Winters Community Library
Virtual English Conversation Group, Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m., One time registration required: Contact Nancy Pacheco 530-666-8019 or nancy.pacheco@ yolocounty.org
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
Winters Friends of the Library meeting, first Monday, 7 p.m., Winters Community Library, Margaret Parsons Room, wfol.org
Winters Fortnightly meeting, second Tuesdays (September through April), 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, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Paseo Park, Main Street.
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.
Lucero soars toward Junior Olympics gold
By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer
A10-year-old Winters resident, Alaka’i Lucero, has qualified for the Junior Olympics in Track and Field. He heads off to North Carolina this summer to compete against other highly ranked young athletes in the long jump event.
Lucero began his journey with Solano Elite Track Club, under the direction and expertise of coach DeShawn Seymour Sr. in November 2023. He was initially interested in pursuing training with Seymour to further develop his speed in preparation for football, however since working with him, Alaka’i has discovered a true love and respect for the sport.
“In his single season with my club, Alaka’i has demonstrated the core values of our ELITE program. He’s extremely coachable, applies instruction and corrections handed down to him from his coaches and never shows frustration when being corrected,” said Seymour who is an AAU, USATF and NFHS Certified Track and Field coach with a degree in kinesiology.
Lucero isn’t taking this opportunity for granted and while he is excited that he has qualified in the long jump he is working harder than ever for his upcoming competition in Reno this Thursday, June 27, in hopes that he can also qualify in the 100m, 200m and/or 400m runs.
“The competition in Reno is a big qualifier for the 100m, 200m and 400m. Alaka’i will be competing against athletes from Washington, Oregon and Los Angeles and will
need to make it into the top eight to qualify for these events,” said his mother Leslie Lucero.
To prepare for his competitions Lucero is doing everything he can to perform his absolute best. He attends his track and field practices, does corrective exercise and strength training with his mom Leslie, who is a certified personal trainer and fascia stretch therapist and pays close attention to taking care of his body in other ways, such as stretching, eating a healthy and well-balanced diet and staying well hydrated.
While Lucero is excelling in his competitions with a personal record of 30.4 for the 200m race, 1 minute and 9 seconds for the 400m race and 14.17 meters in the long jump, he has also seen a lot of growth in his independence, ability to face adversity and learning how to cope with and come back from downfalls.
“I am so proud to see
already placed in several events and gone on to win gold medals, and is just so happy to
“He’s extremely coachable, applies instruction and corrections handed down to him from his coaches and never shows frustration when being corrected.”
DeShawn Seymour Sr., coach
his growth and watching him navigate himself through the competitions and be independent. Track is very different for him because it’s not a team sport so he is having to learn to depend on himself and be his own cheerleader,” said Leslie Lucero.
Lucero has been practicing and competing alongside teammates who have
have already qualified for just one of the events that will allow him to participate.
Despite Lucero’s success, confidence and excitement for participating in this year’s Junior Olympics, it may be hard for Lucero to grasp the magnitude of what he is about to do.
“Qualifying for the
National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships is a huge deal for several reasons. For starters, of the thousands of athletes that compete in a given region of youth Track and Field, only five athletes per event qualify for the Junior Olympics. Secondly, one cannot get by with merely being naturally gifted like in other sports. In Track and Field, skill sets, technique and training are the only ways one can advance to the big stage,” said Seymour. Competing in the National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships is something that only a select few can say they’ve accomplished in their lifetime of sports. Luceo will be selling musubi and lumpia starting the first week of July to help fundraise for this olympic opportunity.
Pacific Coast sand cliffs may help bees fight pathogens
By Kathy Keatley Garvey Special to the Express
Microbes found in the immature stages of a solitary bee that nests in sand cliffs along Pacific Coast beaches may be helping the bee defend itself from pathogens and protect it from cold stress, according to newly published research led by microbiologist Shawn Christensen of the Rachel Vannette Lab, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology.
The solitary, ground-nesting digger bee, Anthophora bomboides standfordina, is sometimes called the “Stanford bumble bee digger” because its subspecies name, “stanfordiana,” refers to a 1904 Stanford University collection. It mimics the yellow-faced bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenskii, native to the west coast of North America.
The research publication, “Symbiotic Bacteria and Fungi Proliferate in Diapause and May Enhance Overwintering
Survival in a Solitary Bee,” appears in the current issue of the journal, International Society for Microbial Ecology and is posted on the National Library of Science website.
“Contrary to what has previously been assumed and found in other systems, we found that dormant –also called diapausing – bees have more abundant symbiotic bacteria and fungi,” said Christensen, who studies microbial interactions/symbioses with plant-pollinator systems and their evolutionary traits in the Vannette lab.
Scheduled to re-
ceive his doctorate in microbiology from UC Davis this summer, he is the 2024 recipient of the Merton Love Ecology and Dissertation Award, an annual award that celebrates the university’s most outstanding doctoral dissertation in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology.
“We suspect that this may indicate a stage-specific symbiotic relationship, where the microbes could be helping the dormant bee defend itself from pathogens and protect from cold stress during this particularly vulnerable
stage,” Christensen said. “Working with an undergraduate researcher in the lab, Sriram Srinivas, we found that a symbiotic bacteria – Streptomyces – from the developing bees was able to inhibit the growth of bee pathogens.”
The six-member research team, including colleagues from Cornell University, UC Riverside and the University of Arizona, also found “that the microbiome of this solitary bee is very consistent – the same taxa appear in most brood cells, in similar proportions,” Christensen said. “This is uncommon in solitary species, which normally have variable microbiomes due to lack of social transmission. We are still exploring this unique aspect!”
The bee is commonly found at such sites as the seaside cliffs of the Marin Headlands, a hilly peninsula in southern Marin County; the sandy cliffs of Bodega Head, Sonoma County; and at See BEE, Page 7
Courtesy photo
Alaka’i Lucero, a local 10-year-old, qualified for the Junior Olympics Track and Field event.
Kathy Keatley Garvey/Courtesy photo
A digger bee, Anthophora bomboides standfordina, returns to her nest on the sandy cliffs of Bodega Head.
Highest mortgage rates since late 2023 dampen state home sales
Mortgage rates that surged to their highest levels since late last year hampered California home sales in May on both a monthly and an annual basis, while the statewide median home price exceeded $900,000 for the second straight month to set another record-high, the California Association Of Realtors® (C.A.R.) said today. Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 272,410 in May, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local Realtor® associations and MLSs statewide.
The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2024 if sales maintained the May pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.
May’s sales pace dipped 1.1 percent from the revised 275,540 homes sold in April and were down 6.0 percent from a year ago, when a revised 289,860 homes were sold on an annualized basis. The sales pace remained below the 300,000-threshold for the 20th consecutive month, and year-todate home sales were flat.
“California home sales stalled in May as mortgage rates reached the highest level in five months
and may have contributed to the slowdown in market activity,” said C.A.R. President Melanie Barker, a Yosemite Realtor®. “However, a moderation in interest rates in the past couple of weeks and recent improvements in housing inventory could create an opportunity for motivated buyers to reenter the market before the homebuying season peaks.”
tight housing supply conditions will continue to put upward pressure on home prices in the coming months.
The statewide median price set another record high in May, edging up 8.7 percent from $835,280 in May 2023 to $908,040 in May 2024, exceeding the $900,000-benchmark for the second month in a row. California’s median home price was 0.4 percent higher than April’s $904,210. The year-over-year gain was the 11th straight month of annual price increases for the Golden State. Seasonal factors and
Stronger sales of higher-priced properties continued to contribute to solid median price growth, especially since million-dollar home sales in California have been rising
more rapidly than their more affordable counterparts in the state. Sales in the million-dollar-and-higher market segment rose 15.5 percent year-over-year in May, while sales in the sub$500,000 segment declined by 12.2 percent. Sales of homes priced above a $1 million now make up 36.6 percent of all sales — the biggest share in at least the last five years.
“A persistent shortage of homes for sale, particularly in the
more affordable market segments, continued to push up California’s median home price to new record highs over the past couple of months,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. “With mortgage rates coming back down from their recent peaks and market competition heating up, the statewide median price may have more room to grow before the summer ends.”
INTERESTED IN SELLING?
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Express Yourself
It is time to talk about the weather, fire season
It is hard to turn on the television and not see some sort of weather disaster.
When you travel to the East Coast all they talk about is our earthquakes. They don’t believe you when you tell them that they are rare and not that devastating. When you bring up flooding, hurricanes and tornados, they just shine you on, but who would want to live where it floods every few decades?
If you watched the weather channel a couple of weeks ago, half of Iowa was under a tornado watch and one small town was cut in half. The pictures were a lot worse than any earthquake I’ve seen. They looked almost as bad as our fires.
As I was chasing a little white ball between the trees at Yolo Flier’s Club, I noticed that it is heating up. I like to play early, but I’m not sure you can play early enough to beat this heat wave. But, it is a dry heat. I’ve only been on the East Coast a few times, but their heat is different. At 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity, it is miserable. I’ve
“I like to play early, but I’m not sure you can play early enough to beat this heat wave.”
played golf in Texas and it was hot, but not quite as humid as the East Coast, but maybe June is better than August.
Our granddaughter, Jenna, is heading to Arizona State this fall. I’ve never been to Tempe, but this Wednesday it is going to be 108 there and next week it is going to be 110. Winters is heading to 105 next week, so maybe there isn’t that much difference between here and there. We both have dry heat. I’m OK until it gets to 104, then it is time to find some air conditioning. This is the last chance for rain before our season ends. I’ll start looking for the entries to this year’s rainfall contest
See QUICK, Page 4
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
It will be difficult to ignore an urge to snoop in someone else’s business, Aries. If that person wanted to confide in you, he or she would have already, so it’s best to stay out of things.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),
Taurus, aspire to grow more comfortable with the important people in your life, as you are going to be seeing them more often. Perhaps start planning outings you all can enjoy.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21),
Gemini, put in as much effort as you can muster this week so that you can stay on top of all of your chores. This will free up time later in the week for some R&R.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22), Cancer, you deserve to enjoy yourself at a function without any guilt. However, a nagging worry about your workplace will not leave your mind. Try to ignore it.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23), Leo, rest is just what the doctor would advise for you this week, particularly if you have been under the weather. Curl up on the couch and binge on some television shows.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22), Keep your eye on the ball, Virgo; otherwise, you may lose track of things that need to get done. If it helps, use a notetaking app or set reminders so you can check things off the list.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23), Libra, this could be a rather lucrative week for you if you act quickly. When someone gives you a tip on how to earn a few extra bucks, it is something you have to get done right away.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22),
This is the perfect week to pamper yourself, Scorpio. Everyone may have a different idea of what that involves, but it could be a picnic for one or an afternoon getting a massage.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21), Sagittarius, you can take it easy for a few days and slow down in your daily activities. You’re quite ahead of the game and can use the downtime for something fun.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20), Capricorn, you may not realize it, but right now you are part of something big that involves a number of people working together toward a common goal. You’ll just need to figure out your part.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), Aquarius, it is your turn to prove to others that you have what it takes to take on more responsibility. It may be a while before a few more jobs come your way.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), Your desire to do something new is becoming an obsession, Pisces. That means it could be prime time to finally take action. Then you’ll be able to move on to other thoughts.
Candidacy announcement
City of Winters Residents, It is my great honor to serve you on Winters City Council, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for my third term as your City Council Member. I am deeply proud of this town and remain committed to being a champion for the best little town in Yolo County. Also, I know how to get things done! I believe I am the most qualified candidate, with the time and energy to continue ensuring that Winters thrives.
Over the past eight years, Winters has faced many challenges, and it has been my privilege to represent our town on various committees. Through these many roles, I have worked collaboratively with other cities to enact regional changes that directly benefit Winters residents. I have been a tireless leader. Within Winters, I
have always championed the rights of the majority, fiscal sustainability and close collaboration with the Winters School District. I would like Winters to be the best place to grow up and grow old. To achieve this, we need to implement a College Savings Account program to provide all students with a ‘nest egg’ t for their future education, whether that be college or trade school. Additionally, our highest commitment to seniors should be realized by building a Senior Center and offering outstanding programs tailored to their needs. Creating a safe community for families is also a top priority, and my experience equips me to make this a reality. I am honored to have earned your support, and I humbly ask for your continued support in the upcoming election. Together, we can keep Winters thriving.
Warm regards,
JESSE
LOREN City of inters CounCilwoman
Letters Policy
The Winters Express encourages readers to submit letters of general interest to the Winters community. Letters contribute to community discussion. Express Letters to the Editor guidelines: Letters should not exceed 350 words. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. We accept “thank you” letters naming local individuals and businesses only. Non-local names will be edited out. We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity or clarity, or to reject any letter. Letters must be legibly signed by the writer. We reserve the right to determine legitimacy. Submit online at https://tinyurl.com/ syzevywd or visit wintersexpress.com and select the “Submission Forms” category.
of business: SCHOTTMAN ENTEPRISES 6025 RIBBON GROVE LN, ROSEVILLE CA 95747 PLACER The business was conducted by: CORPORATION I declare that all information is true and correct (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime ) Registrant Signature: GLENN SCHOTTMAN Published JUNE 12, 19, 26, JULY 3, 2024 #73218
Express Yourself
Dreary weather makes letter writing difficult
This is a continuation of letters sent home by my uncle Russell Fox Taylor from the battlefields in France, Belgium and Germany. His military unit the 38th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day plus six. This letter was written after a month of fierce nonstop combat against dug in German defenses. St. Lo and Cherbourg had been liberated about this time. The difficulty faced by Allied forces in the hedge rows of Normandy is best described in an online documentary titled “The Battle of Normandy: 85 Days of Hell.”
—Gerald Taylor, Winters resident and Express columnist
Still somewhere in France
July 10, 1944
It is now more than a month since “D” day and the only thing that has punctured my hide so far has been fleas and mosquitoes. If I can keep it to that I’ll be happy though itchy. I am also aware that I have only written twice since
QUICK
Continued from Page 3
and announce the winners next week. Joe the Weatherman reports that we have had 23.29 inches of rain, so far, this year. Not as much as I would like, but I’ll take anything over our average of 21.94 inches per year.
landing in France. The weather here is partly responsible for that. It seems that every time I get enough free time to write it rains and having no shelter under which to have enough light or enough room to write it just doesn’t get done. During those periods I think of home and all the folks.
“Poppies
real problem. Getting enough water is hard enough but then having to perform the ablutions in a little tin hat is where the fun begins. If this letter sounds a little blue to you it’s only because I got up on the wrong side of the world again this morning.
All the country here is divided up into small
grow wild almost everywhere … even the wheat fields are polka-dotted with them.”
Sgt.
Russell Fox Taylor
The weather here is anything but pleasant. There has really been only one or two days that have been nice. Usually it rains three to six times during each 24 hours. This damp and cold keeps us still clothed in winter underwear, woolen shirts and trousers, and field jackets on the outside. Taking a bath is a
Lake Berryessa is full and there are hundreds of boats passing through Winters looking to escape the valley heat. I’ll start watching to see if any of them stay at the hotel on their way home. Not to worry, we have plenty of parking. Stay cool and have a good week.
irregular lots separated one from the other by barriers of earth and brush and thorns. They call them hedge rows but they are like a dike or earthen wall and from four to eight feet high. Topped with tree and matted brush and thorny vines they are difficult to penetrate. It is into or under these hedgerows we usually
dig in or burrow a hole to sleep in with the rest of the hedge hogs. Poppies grow wild almost everywhere … even the wheat fields are polka-dotted with them. In England it was wild daffodils about the countryside in the early spring. Because of the too frequent rains everything is green and in the moments of sunshine this natural verdure is beautiful. The farm houses and yards are generally a conglomeration of cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese and donkeys that wallow at will through the dung piles and seem to also enjoy the privileges of the family hearth. The wooden-shoed, ill-clad people appear to infest rather than inhabit these houses together with the rest of the animals and miscellaneous vermin. Perhaps it always has not been thus, but it surely isn’t a hell of a lot to fight for now. I don’t think I remembered to thank you for the $5 dollar money order. Haven’t been able to get it cashed yet. In fact I haven’t been able to spend as much as one franc yet. Before we left England we were furnished with 200 francs invasion money and it is still intact.
—Russell
June fun facts
By Wally Pearce Winters Elder Day Council
Some fun and important facts relevant to the history of the month of June.
The month of June, named after the Roman goddess Juno, the wife of Jupiter, is the 6th month of the year in the Georgian and Julian calendars. Juno was known as the patron of marriage and was responsible for the well-being of women.
The weather during the month of June in the Northern Hemisphere mild days and have the longest daylight hours. In fact, it’s the seasonal equivalent to December in the Southern Hemisphere. The extended hours provide more time for wedding planning and squeezing in more ceremonies.
Due to the precession of the equinoxes, June begins with the
sun in the astrological sign of Gemini and ends with the sun in the astrological sign of Cancer. There is no other month on the calendar that begins on the same day of the week as June. Also, the day of the week the sixth month ends on is the same day of the week as March every year.
The birthstone for the month of June is the pearl. The pearl represents friendship, loyalty, faithfulness, purity, and modesty. Pearls are also representative of enhancing personal integrity and are thought to have healing properties that relate to heart. Stomach, intestines, ulcer, and spleen problems.
The flower for the month of June is the rose which symbolizes love and beauty. The name “Rose” is delivered from
See JUNE, Page 5
Express Yourself
Growing up with the greatest: Willie Mays
Ihad several sports heroes when I was a young kid. But none captured my respect and regard anywhere as much as Willie Mays, No. 24, the spellbinding Centerfielder for the San Francisco Giants Major League baseball team.
When I was in elementary school, just about every boy revered Willie Mays. I remember one summer day when three friends and I were playing baseball at the end of our cul-desac with a plastic ball and bat. We suddenly got the idea to all run home and find a black marking pen, and write a number on the back of our plain white T-shirts, just like the professional players had on their uniforms. Ten minutes later we were all back on the street — and all four of us had chosen to write “24” on our T-shirts.
I was about 8 years old, in 1961, and at a Giants game at Candlestick Park. Before the game, the Giants players came to the edge of the field to meet the kids who had come down to see them. I shook hands with Willie Mays! And 63 years later, it is still one of the most breathtaking moments of my life. When a fly ball was hit towards Willie Mays, he’d catch it with a style unlike anyone else — with his glove at his waistline, palm facing up, he’d make a “basket” catch. He made it look so easy that all of us kids tried doing the basket catch. But every time we tried, the ball would bounce up off our glove and smack us in the chest or face. We quickly learned that he was Willie Mays, and we were certainly not! Mays could do everything, and do it all superbly. He could hit, hit with power, throw, run the bases with great skill, and he played centerfield like a gazelle. Nobody had ever seen a player quite like him. Baseball fans also noticed the electrifying charisma of Willie Mays. He had a child-like enthusiasm and an
ever-present smile; he just glowed like a Fourth of July sparkler. He was a natural leader, admired by fans around the country, and by the players, too.
Willie Mays made his professional debut in 1948, at age seventeen, with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro League. Although he was just a junior in High School, Mays led the Barons to the Ne-
“I shook hands with Willie Mays! And 63 years later, it is still one of the most breathtaking moments of my life.”
gro League Championship.
Willie Mays entered Major League Baseball in 1951, among the first group of black baseball players who followed Jackie Robinson, who had integrated baseball only four years earlier. Mays was subjected to intense racism in the early part of his career, despite his impressive performance on the field. Even after he had won both the league MVP and World Series title in 1954 with the New York Giants, in many cities
Mays was not allowed to stay at the hotels or eat in the restaurants with the rest of his teammates. When the Giants moved West in 1957, Mays tried to buy a house in an upscale neighborhood in San Francisco. But a protest petition from local residents who did not want a Negro neighbor caused the seller to back out of
the deal. Only direct intervention by the Mayor of San Francisco allowed Mays to buy the house, after a four-month delay.
The last time I saw Willie Mays, in person, was in July of 1970. My sister’s boyfriend (and now her husband of 53 years), and I went to Candlestick Park, knowing that Mays was just one hit short of reaching 3,000 base hits.
The night before, we had listened to the Giants game on the radio, as Mays got base hit 2999; a three-run home run that won the game in the last inning. Base hit No. 3,000 was less dramatic — it was a ground ball that just managed to squeeze between two infielders and roll into left field. But for the two of us, sitting in the left field bleacher seats, that base hit was awesome. We saw Mays join a very exclusive club: he became only the tenth player to reach that 3,000-hit milestone. In his career, Mays hit over 600 home runs, and stole more than 300 bases, and had a career batting average over 300. He is the only player ever to accomplish all three.
Willie Mays died last week, at age 93. Thank you, Mr. Mays, for being such a great role model and a significant part of my childhood.
—Read more from Richard Kleeberg at JustThePoint.com. Contact him at: Starbase27@gmail.com.
JUNE
the Latin rosa, an Etruscan form of Greek Rhodia meaning “Rhodian,” originating from Rhodes. Rose comes in an array of colors and each color is used to convey personal thoughts and meanings:
• Red means passion, desire, true love.
• White means loyalty, platonic love, worthiness, heavenly.
• Orange means secret love, pride.
• Pink means enhancement, majesty, opulence.
• Yellow means jealousy, sympathy, domestic happiness, and friendship. The month of June also brings laughter, joy, and excitement. A time where the energy integrates toward unity and compassion, a time of fertility. Please take the time to reflect on the month of June because it also signifies the end of the first half of the year 2021.
Lastly, the month of June is important
because it’s when Elder Day is celebrated in the city of Winters. The festivity is a free event and it’s on Saturday, June 29, held at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, Parrish Hall, 511 Main St. in Winters. This free event is from 2 to 4 p.m. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending and enjoying a wonderful informative time. Stay tuned for June 2024, as with every annual month, June promises to offer a very interesting learning experience.
Dated:
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WINTERS AMENDING SECTIONS 17 04 140, 17 205 010, 17 205 020, AND 17 205 030 OF THE WINTERS MUNICIPAL
AND ADDING SECTION 17 205 040 TO THE WINTERS
Notice
Cultivation for Personal Use The
Senior News
Celebrating the impact of our local elders
History is something I have always been fascinated with. I’ve always enjoyed reading historical fiction novels, watching documentaries focusing on incidents and people, looking at all of the captions under photos in museum exhibits, and – most of all – listening to elders share their life experiences.
The Years Ago section of the Express is a labor of love. I have gotten to the point where the previously scanned sections are dwindling and I have to physically pull them from the archives. I asked Charley if there was a method to the madness and he told me to pull snippets of whatever interested me and to look at the society pages.
The challenge is that it all interests me. My curiosity gets the best of me every time and I find myself reading
through absolutely everything in the archives. From a rat that started a vehicle fire to recognizing names of notable families and founders. I also read through each of the editor’s editorials to see if I could learn more about who they were and how they chose the news for that week.
Reading through small-town news it seems some things haven’t changed, while other perspectives have come a long way in just a few decades.
The history of our small town, while documented in over 100 years of Express archives, is more exciting to learn about (in my opinion) by listen-
ing to our locals tell about the inspirations and incidents that happened between Point A and Point B. However, as more of our local community members have died, we lose a little bit of the knowledge of not only our roots but their roots as well.
At the June 6, Winters City Council meeting, Woody Fridae and Sharon Pearce invited the council and community to the upcoming Elder Day celebration on Saturday, June 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall. They both shared two important points about not only the event but the meaning and intention behind it.
Nine local elders will be honored at the celebration on Saturday with a 10th potential honoree. According to Sharon Pearce, as of the 2024 event, the Winters Elder Day Council will have honored 60 people who shared their life experiences and we learned about the impacts they’ve made both locally and
to the schools and to the education and to the community and all different ways,” Sharon said in her public statement. Continuing, she noted that our community has lost of lot of the people who have been honored as well as many residents who died before having a chance to be recognized at the event.
“How many times have you been to a Celebration of Life of somebody who has passed and you’ve wondered ‘Why didn’t we honor this person when they were alive?”
Woody Fridae
worldwide.
“Some of them have spent their whole lives in this town and they created and contributed a great amount
Woody Fridae asked, “How many times have you been to a Celebration of Life of somebody who has passed and you’ve
wondered
‘Why didn’t we honor this person when they were alive?” Woody’s perspective is that the event is the opportunity “to do that very thing for our elders, now before they’ve passed. When they can hear it from us and get the appreciation that we have for them.”
Our actions may not seem significant now, and many of the honorees may not think that their life experiences make an impact. But we have much to gain by listening to them share their stories and life experiences. I encourage all of our community to come down to the Winters Elder Day event this Saturday, whether you know any of the honorees or not. It’s an opportunity to meet and connect with others and to experience a storytime of a good proportion of our community and history.
Older women’s health is woefully understudied
By Judith Graham Special to the
Express
Medical research has shortchanged women for decades. This is particularly true of older women, leaving physicians without critically important information about how to best manage their health.
Late last year, the Biden administration promised to address this problem with a new effort called the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. That inspires a compelling question: What priorities should be on the initiative’s list when it comes to older women?
Stephanie Faubion, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health, launched into a critique when I asked about the current state of research on older women’s health.
“It’s completely inadequate,” she told me.
One example: Many drugs widely prescribed to older adults, including statins for high cholesterol, were studied mostly in men, with results extrapolated to women.
“It’s assumed that
“It’s assumed that women’s biology doesn’t matter and that women who are premenopausal and those who are postmenopausal respond similarly.”
Stephanie Faubion, director
women’s biology doesn’t matter and that women who are premenopausal and those who are postmenopausal respond similarly,” Faubion said.
“This has got to stop: The FDA has to require that clinical trial data be reported by sex and age for us to tell if drugs work the same, better, or not as well in women,” Faubion insisted. Consider the Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi, approved by the FDA last year after the manufacturer reported a 27% slower rate of cognitive decline in people who took the medication. A supplementary appendix to a Leqembi study published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that sex differences were substantial — a 12% slowdown for women,
compared with a 43% slowdown for men — raising questions about the drug’s effectiveness for women.
This is especially important because nearly two-thirds of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease are women. Older women are also more likely than older men to have multiple medical conditions, disabilities, difficulties with daily activities, autoimmune illness, depression and anxiety, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and osteoarthritis, among other issues, according to scores of research studies.
Even so, women are resilient and outlive men by more than five years in the U.S. As people move into their 70s and 80s, women outnumber men by significant margins. If we’re concerned
If you need medical supplies or have questions about how to navigate difficult conversations regarding them, we would be happy to help you
about the health of the older population, we need to be concerned about the health of older women.
Heart disease
Why is it that women with heart disease, which becomes far more common after menopause and kills more women than any other condition — are given less recommended care than men?
“We’re notably less aggressive in treating women,” said Martha Gulati, director of preventive cardiology and associate director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai, a health system in Los Angeles. “We delay evaluations for chest pain. We don’t give blood thinners at the same rate. We don’t do procedures like aortic valve replacements as often. We’re not adequately addressing hypertension.
“We need to figure out why these biases in care exist and how to remove them.”
Gulati also noted that older women are less likely than their male peers to have obstructive coronary artery disease — blockages in large blood vessels —and more likely to have damage to smaller blood vessels that remains undetected. When they get procedures such as cardiac catheterizations, women have more bleeding and complications.
What are the best treatments for older women given these issues? “We have very limited data. This needs to be a focus,” Gulati said.
Brain health
How can women reduce their risk of cognitive decline and dementia as they age?
“This is an area where we really need to have clear messages for women and effective interventions that are feasible and accessible,” said JoAnn Manson, chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at
Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and a key researcher for the Women’s Health Initiative, the largest study of women’s health in the U.S.
Numerous factors affect women’s brain health, including stress — dealing with sexism, caregiving responsibilities, and financial strain — which can fuel inflammation. Women experience the loss of estrogen, a hormone important to brain health, with menopause. They also have a higher incidence of conditions with serious impacts on the brain, such as multiple sclerosis and stroke.
“Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just start at the age of 75 or 80,” said Gillian Einstein, the Wilfred and Joyce Posluns Chair in Wom-
professor of psychiatry at UCLA and past president of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, suggests several topics that need further investigation. How does the menopausal transition impact mood and stress-related disorders? What nonpharmaceutical interventions can promote psychological resilience in older women and help them recover from stress and trauma? (Think yoga, meditation, music therapy, tai chi, sleep therapy, and other possibilities.) What combination of interventions is likely to be most effective?
Cancer
How can cancer screening recommendations and cancer treatments for older women be improved?
“This is an area where we really need to have clear messages for women and effective interventions that are feasible and accessible.”
JoAnn Manson, preventive medicine chief
en’s Brain Health and Aging at the University of Toronto. “Let’s take a life course approach and try to understand how what happens earlier in women’s lives predisposes them to Alzheimer’s.”
Mental health
What accounts for older women’s greater vulnerability to anxiety and depression? Studies suggest a variety of factors, including hormonal changes and the cumulative impact of stress. In the journal Nature Aging, Paula Rochon, a professor of geriatrics at the University of Toronto, also faulted “gendered ageism,” an unfortunate combination of ageism and sexism, which renders older women “largely invisible,” in an interview in Nature Aging.
Helen Lavretsky, a
Supriya Gupta Mohile, director of the Geriatric Oncology Research Group at the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester, wants better guidance about breast cancer screening for older women, broken down by health status. Currently, women 75 and older are lumped together even though some are remarkably healthy and others notably frail.
Recently, the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force noted “the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older,” leaving physicians without clear guidance. “Right now, I think we’re underscreening fit older
See HEALTH, Page 7
North America’s largest freshwater fish gains state protection
By Rachel Becker CalMatters
Killed by algae blooms and dwindling from dams and droughts, the largest freshwater fish in North America is at risk in California. Today, wildlife officials took the first major step toward protecting it under the state’s Endangered Species Act.
White sturgeon, which can live longer than 100 years, historically reached more than 20 feet long and weighing almost a ton. Facing an array of threats, this shark-like, bottom-feeding fish with rows of bony plates, whisker-like sensors and no teeth has declined — and their numbers will likely keep dropping.
California’s Fish and Game Commission unanimously approved white sturgeon as a candidate for listing, which launches a review by the Department of Fish and Wildlife to evaluate whether it is in enough danger to warrant being declared threatened or endangered. The review is expected to take at least a year.
In the meantime, white sturgeon will be protected under the California Endangered Species Act until the commission makes a final decision whether to list it as threatened or endangered. Harming or “taking” a species with any kind of project — such as water diversions — or activity such as fishing is “prohibited for candidate species the same as if it was fully listed,” said Steve Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the fish and wildlife agency. Permits and exemptions, however, can be granted in certain situations, he said.
The decision comes in response to a petition filed by a coalition of environmen-
Moss Beach cliffs, San Mateo County.
The females form turreted nests.
Vannette, a community ecologist, Chancellor’s Fellow, and an associate professor and vice chair of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, is a principal investigator of a National Science Foundation grant that funded the project.
“Previous work on bee-microbe interactions has shown how gut bacteria benefit honey bees and other corbiculate social bees but these microbes are limited to social bees,” Vannette
tal groups and the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance for the species to be listed. They await a verdict on a federal petition, as well.
“This is an ancient lineage … they’ve withstood everything that Mother Nature had to throw at them, which makes it particularly poignant that they’re having trouble surviving us,”
Jon Rosenfield, science director of San Francisco Baykeeper, one of the four groups that led the petition, told commissioners today.
California’s wild white sturgeon migrate between San Francisco Bay and the rivers of the Central Valley, largely the Sacramento River. They successfully reproduce only every six to seven years — typically during wetter years when more water flows out of the Delta.
Back-to-back algal blooms in the San Francisco and San Pablo bays killed large numbers of sturgeon during the past two summers. Nearly 870 carcasses were recovered in the summer of 2022, and at least 15 last summer. Experts believe thousands more likely died and sank to the bottom of the bays.
Overfishing for sturgeon eggs — caviar — and smoked fish drove the species to near-extirpation in California by the turn of the 20th century. For more than 100 years, commercial fishing of white sturgeon has been banned.
Under current restrictions, recreational fishing of the fish is limited to one fish per year no longer than 4 feet long. Photo via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association California’s emergency rules for the recreational fishery, adopted in 2023, already reduced the maximum size limit of harvested
said. “We wondered if solitary bees also associate with beneficial microbes and uncovered this previously undescribed partnership between bees, fungi and bacteria. This study opens up new questions in bee ecology and host-microbe interactions: how do solitary bees maintain specific associations with bacteria and fungi? What chemistry are Streptomyces using to suppress fungi? Does this association benefit bees? We think it is likely but ongoing work will examine these questions.”
Vannette, a leader in microbial ecology, researches interactions between plants, insects and microbes.
fish from 5 feet to 4 feet, and cut the annual catch total from three fish to one.
Now the sturgeon’s temporary status as a candidate for listing will ban recreational fishing, unless the commission later grants an exemption sought by fishing groups.
Many aquaculturists who farm domesticated sturgeon for caviar and meat raised concerns at the meeting, and commissioners reassured them that the regulation would not affect them. Indoor-farmed white sturgeon are included on lists of fish that experts consider sustainable and recommend for consumption.
Environmental groups said that without more protection, the fish will become even more imperiled as climate change squeezes water supplies, fishing continues and major projects planned for the region, such as the Delta tunnel, deplete more freshwater flows.
The die-offs during the past two summers “exacerbated…an already unsustainable level of fishery exploitation of White Sturgeon into a crisis situation,” wildlife staff wrote in a report for the Fish and Game commissioners. “In order to protect the surviving population of White Sturgeon and maintain a recreational fishery into the future, immediate steps were necessary.”
Sturgeon ancestors date back to the Cretaceous Period more than 120 million years ago, making them the most prehistoric and primitive of all bony fish. Instead of teeth, they have a long snout like a vacuum cleaner used to scrounge for bottom-dwelling shellfish, worms and mall fish to swallow whole. Today the largest ones grow to 10 feet
HEALTH Continued from Page 6
women and overscreening frail older women,” Mohile said.
The doctor also wants more research about effective and safe treatments for lung cancer in older women, many of whom have multiple medical conditions and functional impairments. The age-sensitive condition kills more women than breast cancer.
“For this population, it’s decisions about who can tolerate treatment based on health status and whether there are sex differences in
and 400 pounds. The rivers of the Central Valley, primarily the Sacramento River system, are among the few places where white sturgeon reproduce in the wild. Others include the Fraser River in British Columbia and the lower Columbia River in Oregon and Washington. Their numbers in California are dropping, plummeting from a historical abundance of 200,000 harvestable fish to a recent five-year average of about 33,000, according to the Fish and Wildlife department. The threats are many: Over the centuries, the Sacramento and San Joaquin River watersheds and San Francisco Bay have been fundamentally replumbed. Now water diversions for farms, cities and hydropower sap flows and dams limit migration. Pumping kills fish; introduced predators eat the young. Contaminants taint the waterways and poachers illegally harvest wild fish for their eggs.
A coalition representing water users in the Delta contested data pointing to long-term declines but commissioners dismissed that concern.
The Department of Water Resources, which operates the major water project funneling water south from Northern California rivers, will now need to apply to the state wildlife agency for a “take” permit for operations and fish screens at pumping facilities.
“We’ve already begun that process in anticipation of the candidacy being reached today,” said Lenny Grimaldo, environmental director of the State Water Project. He said the project takes “takes relatively low numbers of white sturgeon in any given year.” State officials working on
tolerability for older men and women that need investigation,” Mohile said.
Bone health, functional health, and frailty
How can older women maintain mobility and preserve their ability to take care of themselves?
Osteoporosis, which causes bones to weaken and become brittle, is more common in older women than in older men, increasing the risk of dangerous fractures and falls. Once again, the loss of estrogen with menopause is implicated.
“This is hugely important to older women’s quality of life
the proposed Delta tunnel project also are evaluating impacts to white sturgeon and plan to investigate how sturgeon respond to fish screens and river flows, Grimaldo said. Before today, white sturgeon were considered a “species of special concern” — meaning it had no protection but that continued population or habitat declines could qualify it as threatened or endangered. Green sturgeon, California’s other sturgeon species, are already listed as threatened under federal law.
Chris Shutes, executive director of the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, one of the organizations that signed the petition, said it was a difficult decision to call for more protection.
He said California’s sport and commercial fishing industries are already reeling from the cancellation of salmon fishing for the second year in a row. Losing the ability to fish for white sturgeon adds to the burden.
“Many party boat skippers feel it’s going to affect them — that people won’t want to fish, if there’s not some chance that they can take a fish home,” Shutes said.
Still, he added, the goal is to get ahead of population declines before it’s too late to reverse them.
“Sometimes, I think we only see crises in retrospect, when we should have seen them sooner. And I think that we’re at that point — and it’s time to do something.”
—Rachel Becker is a journalist reporting on California’s complex water challenges and water policy issues for CalMatters.
and longevity, but it’s an overlooked area that is understudied,” said Manson of Brigham and Women’s.
Jane Cauley, a distinguished professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health who studies bone health, would like to see more data about osteoporosis among older Black, Asian, and Hispanic women, who are undertreated for the condition. She would also like to see better drugs with fewer side effects.
Marcia Stefanick, a professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, wants to know which strategies are
most likely to motivate older women to be physically active. And she’d like more studies investigating how older women can best preserve muscle mass, strength, and the ability to care for themselves.
“Frailty is one of the biggest problems for older women, and learning what can be done to prevent that is essential,” she said.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
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City announces Winters July 3 fireworks event details
Express staff
The city of Winters will host its annual fireworks show on Wednesday, July 3 at Dr. Sellers Football Field. The fireworks will be displayed over the baseball fields.
Three entrance gates are available to the public which open at 5 p.m.. Gate One is on Grant Avenue. Gate Two (near the stadium bleachers) and Gate Three (closer to the baseball field) are along Hemenway Street. Gate Two is the designated ADA drop-off location. Access to the field is not available through the Winters High School campus.
Music, food trucks and vendor tents will be available to the community at the event. Food trucks will be located on Hemenway Street. Vendor pop-up booths will be set up behind the football stadium home bleachers.
The fireworks show is anticipated to begin at 9:15 p.m. and can be viewed from multiple points across the city. The public may also set up and picnic
on the football field. Guests will not be permitted to sit on the track or in the “Safe Zone” which is designated on the baseball field. The WHS varsity baseball field will be closed to the public during the event. A map of the gates and designated Safe Zone area is available on the city’s Community Events page or visit https://bit.ly/3zqV6q4.
Parking
Attendees will not be able to park along either side of Hemenway Street from Grant Avenue to the bend (718 Hemenway St.), to allow space for vendor trucks, vendor parking and the ADA drop-off location.
Paid parking lots will be available along Railroad Avenue at both Mariani Nut Co. parking areas and the Winters Community Library parking lot. The parking fee is $15 at all five designated lots. Lot One and Lot Two are credit card payments only. Lots Three, Four and Five are cash payments only.
Monies from park-
ing will go toward supporting the fireworks show fund. The following paid parking lots are designated at:
• Lot One: WHS student parking lot (no alcohol allowed if tailgating)
• Lot Two: Library parking lot (no alcohol allowed if tailgating)
• Lot Three: Dirt lot at Railroad and Grant Avenues
• Lot Four: Dirt lot
Bonanza King perform July 4
By Diane Cary Special to the Express
Celebrate Independence Day with some fine live music on a summer evening!
The Winters Friends of the Library 2024 Summer Concerts at the Gazebo series kicks off with Bonanza King playing Western swing, old country, and blues on Thursday, July 4, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Rotary Park, Main Street at Railroad Avenue in downtown Winters. Powerhouse singer Kari King fronts the band, backed by top-notch guitar, bass, drums, and steel guitar players. There might even be a patriotic singalong!
Learn more at www. facebook.com/bonanzakingband. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs or sit on the grass. The concerts are free, but donations will be gratefully accepted. Cold drinks and tasty refreshments will be for sale, along with quality used books. All proceeds will benefit the Winters Community Library. This year’s series is sponsored by Waste Management and Oates Country Store. For more information, visit wfol.org.
SUNDAY - THURSDAY, 4PM - 6PM
between E. Baker and E. Edwards Streets
• Lot Five: Dirt lot between E. Edwards and E. Abbey Streets
Parking attendants will open parking at 5 p.m. in Lots One, Three, Four and Five. Lot Two at the library is open for event parking beginning at 6 p.m. The library is open to the public that day and only library visitors will be allowed to
park there until 6 p.m.
Event rules
Rules and guidelines for this year’s event include:
• Alcohol, glass, tobacco or personal barbecues are not permitted at the event location. Any alcohol or glass bottles will need to be disposed of in order to enter. Bags will be checked at the gate entrance.
• No personal fire-
works are allowed on the track, in the Mariani parking lot or at the event.
• Attendees are asked to throw out trash in garbage cans that will be staged around the field and at the field exits. Restrooms are available near Gate 2 at football field and in Rotary Park. Portable toilets will be set up near Gate 3.
Going on a trip? Don’t forget to bring your newspaper for an Express Travels photo! Snap a photo of you holding up the front page of the Express at your favorite vacation spot and send it to us at news@wintersexpress.com
DMTC takes you under the sea
Special to the Express
Davis Musical Theatre Company (DMTC) presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Underwritten by Suzy Goldschmidt, in honor of David Goldschmidt) from Friday, June 21, through Sunday, July 14, at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Pena Dr., No. 10, Davis. Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems,
and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. This fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” Disney’s The Little Mermaid is directed by Steve Isaacson, and choreographed by Lauryn Roy, with music direction from Jacob Fenell. The cast features Julia Hixon as Ariel. Marie Campbell as Ursula, Lucas Dunn as Prince Eric, Erik Catalan as Sebastian, Carter Medlin as King Triton, Maya Clossick as Flounder and Carolyn Poutasse as Scuttle. Disney’s Little Mermaid plays on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. June 21 through July 14. All performances are at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Pena Dr. in Davis. Tickets are $18 for General, $16 for Students and Seniors (55 and over) and $14 each for groups of 10 or more. (There is a $2 facility fee per ticket on purchase, whether cash, charge, phone, internet, or in person.) Purchase tickets at https://dmtc.org. For additional information, please visit dmtc.org or call 530756-3682.
Courtesy photo
Bonanza King kicks off the Winters Friends of the Library Summer Concert Series at the gazebo on July 4.
Courtesy graphic
The Fireworks Show event map is available on the city of Winters website on the Community Events page.
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Elizabeth Perez (as Flotsam), Felicia Dunn (as Jetsam), Ursula (played with pure evil by Marie Campbell) convince Ariel (played by Julia Hixon) to trade her voice to become human, in Davis Music Theatre Company’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.