Council approves sending liens list to county, MOU on I-505 overcrossing
Public shares public safety concerns
By Crystal Apilado and Raymond Purscell Express staff
On July 16, the Winters City Council met to take action on delinquent accounts on utility and waste charges and to approve an MOU regarding the I-505 crossing project.
Delinquent accounts
Cathy Mathews, Director of Administrative Services, shared information regarding the process of notifying residents who had delinquent accounts for services for solid waste (contracted through Waste Management) and water and sewer (handled through City Hall).
She said that city staff communicates with residents and business owners in multiple ways including letters with details of current and past charges as well as notices published in the Winters Express Waste Management also similarly communicates with account holders by sending out letters.
According to Mathews, customers with delinquent accounts had until July 18, to pay the amount or to contact city staff regarding payment plan opportunities for financial hardships.
“We haven’t rejected any reasonable request to prevent a lien,” Mathews said.
As of the meeting, there were $24,879.62 in delinquent water and sewer utility bills and $25,049 in delinquent Waste Management solid waste charges.
Mayor Pro Tempore Al Vallecillo asked for clarification that “when it’s liened it means that it gets attached to the property tax bill,” which Mathews
confirmed was correct.
Council member Carol Scianna said she appreciated that staff has been working to communicate with residents to create payment plans, which Mathews said had not been happening as regularly in the past couple of years since COVID.
“Hopefully with good communication and some of the changes that we’re going to be implementing — related to the new software that allows for great communication with the community and payment opportunities — we can really improve even more,” Mathews said.
No comments were made during the public hearing session. Council members unanimously approved the staff recommendation to move forward and file the reports with the Yolo County Auditor/Controller office on the delinquent accounts listed for the water and sewer accounts and the solid waste accounts.
Resident concerns about public safety
Two audience members spoke up about their dissatisfaction with how the city council has handled public safety agencies in Winters.
Resident Alexander Mercer spoke on the proposed Prop 218 assessment, saying the “assessment is a direct reflection of the city’s failure to adequately provide for fire protection and life safety for the residents of the city of Winters.”
Mercer referenced the fires from earlier this month at Mariani Nut Company’s property on Buckeye Road, stating that while the Winters Fire crew was able to respond to the incident “in an adequate fashion, the only reason we were able to get it extinguished” was because neighboring fire crews were able to assist.
“At its lowest point, every Winters structural fire fighting apparatus was out of service in this city. We had to rely on our mutual aid partners to loan
See COUNCIL, Page 5
Newest mural focuses on community connections
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
The Winters Participation Gallery and student artists are hard at work on Railroad Avenue painting the new summer mural on one of the Mariani Nut Company’s walls.
This is the eighth mural WPG has organized, led by local, professional artist Jaime Montiel.
“We were looking at emerging artists and trying to figure out how to support them in empowering themselves into being professional artists,” said Valerie Whitworth, past chair and a WPG founder.
One of WPG’s goals is to feature the history of Winters. After a visit to the Historical Society of Winters and with the guidance of Winters High School art teacher Holly Smith, who facilitates the students’ design, students combined their ideas with input from this year’s client Mariani Nut Company to create a design concept. The mural will highlight the family business’s roots within the Winters community and with those who work there.
“The Marianis emphasize their employees, their growers and the community. They didn’t want to see themselves” said Montiel.
The mural consists of two large gears at the center. In one, the employees of the Mariani Nut Company will be represented, showcasing the industrial and
agricultural aspects of the company and community.
Montiel’s father worked at the Mariani Nut Company for 30 years and representing that connection between the company, its employees and the community is a central theme of the mural.
“One of the things we found out interviewing the employees was their sense of community within the company. A lot of them have been here for decades. We interviewed a couple of the
employees who have been here for 40-plus years,” said Montiel. “It is a family-owned company, but the employees feel like family, and their family members work for the company or are from the community.” The other gear will represent the Winters community and the interests of the students working on the mural. FFA, the robotics team, sports teams and other community interests will be represented in
See MURAL, Page 5
Winters man denied parole in 2009 murder
By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media
A former Winters man convicted 15 years ago of killing his wife confessed for the first time last week that he took her life.
Felipe Cruz Hernandez, 54, made the admission during his first parole hearing, where a two-member Board of Parole Hearings panel denied his release, according to
the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office. Although the body of 28-year-old Leticia Barrales Ramos was never found, a Yolo County jury convicted Cruz Hernandez of second-degree murder in connection with her presumed death. He received a state prison sentence of 15 years to life.
Barrales Ramos vanished on Easter Sunday in 2009 af-
ter filing for divorce from her husband, who claimed she left town to handle a family emergency. It was her family, friends and employers who reported her missing. Cruz Hernandez raised authorities’ suspicions when he gave conflicting information about his wife’s whereabouts, saying she was
See PAROLE, Page 5
Yolo County, California, Wednesday, July 24, 2024
The hometown paper of Teri Murphy
Courtesy photo
Student muralists paint boxes along the border of the mural.
Courtesy photo
Student muralists began adding details and the bordering boxes by end of the day on Friday. The 2024 Kate Humphrey Historical Mural Project can be viewed on the side of the Mariani Nut Company’s building along Railroad Avenue between Edwards and Abbey streets.
WTC hosts ‘Catsplay’ auditions, accepting 10-minute play scripts
Special to the Express Winters Theatre Company is hosting auditions for “Catsplay” by Istvan Orkeny on Aug. 6.
“Catsplay” by Istvan Orkeny, is a story from Hungary in the 1960s behind the Iron Curtain. The dramatic comedy is about looking back on life, about refusing to regret but also refusing to look forward. Directed by Andrew Fridae, Catsplay is a grand look at life through a faded photograph, with Ersi, a woman who ‘never’ lies, though her stories rarely match up with her sister’s, or her daughter’s, or nearly anyone else’s. Catsplay asks, “If we are not honest with ourselves, how can we ever know what we want? And if we don’t know what we want, how can anything satisfy?”
The play is for mature audiences.
Auditions will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at the Winters Opera House, 13 Main St. in Winters. Actors 50 years old and older are especially encouraged to attend.
Auditions will consist of a cold reading from the script. For more information email winterstheatre@gmail.com or call 530-795-4014. Script submissions
WTC invites you to submit original scripts for consideration in its annual 10-minute Play Festival to be held the weekends of Feb. 28 through March 1, and March 7 to 8, 2025, in the historic Winters Opera House on Main Street in downtown Winters.
WTC is looking for original submis-
sions (all submissions must come directly from the original playwright/ author) now through Sept. 30. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to submit a script, and there is a limit of two play submissions per author. Every play must be 10-minutes or less.
There is no specific theme for the festival, and all 10-minute scripts are welcome. WTC asks that authors read the guidelines before sending in a submission. All the details are available online at www.winterstheatre.org.
Questions should be sent to the producers, Ana Kormos and Jim Hewlett.
Eight scripts will be selected from the pool of submissions. The final selections will be announced on Nov. 1.
Local Working Group for agricultural producers meets July 29
Special to the Express
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Yolo County Resource Conservation District are hosting a Local Working Group meeting on July 29, via Zoom from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
The USDA NRCS and Yolo County RCD often partner together to provide technical assistance and project funding to implement conservation practices on the working lands of Yolo County. To raise awareness about and help inform that work, the USDA NRCS and Yolo County RCD host Local Working
Group meetings that are open to agricultural producers, private oak woodland landowners or other interests carrying out ag and natural resource conservation in Yolo County.
The Local Working Group on July 29, will feature presentations from NRCS and RCD staff on programs including onfarm conservation, ranch conservation, community wildfire prevention, and irrigation efficiency evaluation. This meeting is an opportunity to meet your partners in conservation in Yolo County and to learn how you can take advantage of programs to imple-
ment conservation practices on your lands.
A key component of a Local Working Group is receiving feedback from local producers about NRCS programming. Attendees are encouraged to complete a short survey before, during, or after the Local Working Group meeting. To fill out the survey, register or view the detailed agenda, visit www.yolorcd. org/local-working-group-meeting-july-2024. Learn more about programs and services available from Yolo County RCD online at yolorcd.org.
Yolo County comfort dog gets Hall of Fame honors
to the Express Aloha, Yolo County’s courtroom comfort dog, was inducted into the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Animal Hall of Fame last week during an awards ceremony at the Pacific Veterinary Conference in San Francisco. Aloha has been a member of the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office since Oct. 4, 2012.
Over the past 12 years, Aloha’s major role has been providing valuable emotional support to many crime victims, including children, who are navigating the legal system. She has sat with victims during court proceedings,
providing them with a calming presence as they testify. An added benefit of her service has been the comfort she has provided to the office’s attorneys and staff, who often work in emotionally charged situations. According to the CVMA, the California Animal Hall of Fame celebrates companion and working animals that “through unselfish and courageous accomplishments (exemplify) the affection, loyalty, security and value of the human-animal bond.” Aloha was nominated by Dr. Keith Rode, a local veterinarian and former president of the CVMA, earlier this year. Aloha’s care has
been provided by Laura Valdes, victim services director for the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office. Valdes attended the induction ceremony and received a plaque commemorating the award.
“I appreciate the years of care Dr. Rode has provided to Aloha, and we are honored that he saw fit to nominate her for this tremendous honor,” Valdes said. “Aloha is heading into retirement a hall-of-famer.” District Attorney Jeff Reisig praised Valdes and Rode saying, “Having a service dog has been a tremendous accomplishment for the District Attorney’s Office and Aloha has benefitted countless people.”
Gardeners invited to free pest management class
Special to the Express
Yolo County gardeners of all experience levels are invited to attend a free class on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., to learn effective methods for managing unwanted critters and bugs in their gardens.
Hosted by the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and taught by Yolo County UC Master Gardeners, the class will focus on Integrated
Pest Management—a cost-effective and natural approach to pest control in gardens and homes.
The event will take place at the Hanna and Herbert Bauer Memorial Community Garden, located at 137 N. Cottonwood Street in Woodland, adjacent to the HHSA Bauer Building.
No prior gardening experience is necessary to participate. Attendees will gain insights into identifying benefi-
cial versus unwanted pests, assessing pest problems and exploring natural control methods. The session will also provide ample opportunity for questions and discussions on prevalent pest issues in our region. This educational opportunity is offered free of charge as part of HHSA’s ongoing commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles through increased access to fresh produce. Registration is required by Aug. 2. To register, contact Nick Gazda at Nick. Gazda@YoloCounty. org or 530-666–8429. Participants are advised to dress appropriately for warm weather and to bring water and sun protection. In case of extreme heat or poor air quality, the class will be moved indoors. For more details about garden activities and upcoming classes, visit www.YoloCounty. org/Garden.
Special
Courtesy photo
Woodland veterinarian Dr. Keith Rode poses with Aloha, the Yolo County courtroom comfort dog recently inducted into the California Veterinary Medical Association Animal Hall of Fame.
Rominger principal presents student achievement goals
By Angela Underwood Express correspondent
Shirley
Rominger Intermediate School
Principal Monica Moreno said it is great to have a plan in place to start the new school year.
The principal presented Rominger’s School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) to the Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees in part of a district-wide presentation from each school site.
The California Department of Education details how the school site council develops the SPSA, which “must be reviewed and approved by the governing board or body of the LEA at a regularly scheduled meeting whenever there are material changes that affect the academic programs for students.”
“We will be able to have a clear focus and use our resources immediately,” Moreno said.
Moreno detailed the 53-page plan that lists five area goals: reading, math, college career readiness, professional development and family engagement.
Eventos hispanos
“Goals one and two stress having all of our students meeting or exceeding grade-level benchmarks in reading in math,” Moreno said, adding measurements to the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CASPP) and i-Ready Diagnostic, which assesses proficiency and growth.
Achieving the two goals entails academic support via reading interventions and differentiated reading instruction in small groups. For math, there is a “45-minute differentiation block daily and after-school intervention,” according to Moreno.
Title 1 funds support both goals, including purchasing a supplemental curriculum that engages students like Newsela, Raz-Kids, and others.
As it sounds, Moreno said goal three is to increase student knowledge of college and career readiness and has allocated funds for field trips and school career assemblies.
The principal broke down each ambition and how to achieve it.
“We will also have our annual career day,” Moreno said.
The fourth goal, professional development, also includes allocated funds for teacher conferences and workshops. The last and fifth goal of family engagement, “to increase homeschool connections and family engagement by fostering an environment of respect and rapport,” concludes the SPSA’s ambitions for the school.
“Creating a safe and welcoming environment is the goal that has the most strategies of all of our goals in our SPSA,” Moreno said.
Under the new goal, which includes supporting committees and a new handbook, campus clubs and cultural events will form. Moreno said the plan also includes allocating funds for “lunchtime” school clubs, “which were a huge success this year.”
The idea is so successful that a garden club will form this year, prompting students to get their hands dirty while learning.
“We are excited to add even more clubs or opportunities for our kids during the school day,” Moreno said.
Yolo County gains new medical psychiatry director
Special to the Express
After conducting a nationwide search, the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency welcomed Dr. Raja Dutta as its new Medical Director of Psychiatry.
In this new role, Dutta assumes overarching authority and responsibility for Yolo County’s psychiatric services. His leadership will include oversight of mental health providers and pivotal responsibilities that support the well-being of the community’s most vulnerable members.
Dutta studied at the University of Malaya, where he was also a lecturer, and at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, where he is a member. He completed his psychiatric residency at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Most recently, Dutta served as a Senior Supervising Psychiatrist for the California Department of State Hospitals. Prior to this, he was the Chief of Inpatient Psychiatry at Sempervirens Psychiatric Health Facility in Eureka and a staff
psychiatrist with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
“Our team was impressed with Dr. Dutta’s passion for his work, his robust experience as a psychiatrist and in leadership positions in the psychiatry field, and his approachability and sense of humor,” said Karleen Jakowski, deputy director of the Yolo County HHSA. “We look forward to working alongside Dr. Dutta to lead behavioral health services.”
The medical director of psychiatry ensures that prescribers, including internal and external psychiatrists and nurse practitioners, receive full support in their efforts to serve the public. Additionally, the Medical Director provides oversight for the development of new and current HHSA programs and services.
“Being appointed to this role in Yolo County fills me with a profound sense of honor and responsibility,” stated Dr. Dutta. “I am deeply committed to leveraging this opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health issues.
de representantes
Comunidad de El Rio Villas
obtiene nuevo parque infantil
Por Logan Chrisp
Traducido por Carol Alfonso
My vision is to create a more accessible, inclusive, and effective mental health care system that addresses the diverse needs of Yolo County’s residents. I am excited to collaborate with a team of passionate professionals and community partners to innovate, improve, and inspire positive change in mental health care practices and policies. This opportunity is a milestone in my career, and I am motivated to contribute my best towards fostering a community where mental health is prioritized, and everyone has access to the support they need.”
Yolo County holds a special place in Dr. Dutta’s journey as it was his initial home in California upon arriving from the East Coast. He is honored to return and serve this community, which he considers his “home.” Dutta has family and friends residing in Yolo County, and during his leisure time, he enjoys exploring the Delta region.
La estructura original fue eliminada hace cinco años. El pasado Miércoles 10 de Julio, funcionarios de la Autoridad de Vivienda del Condado Yolo, la Junta de Supervisores del Condado Yolo, la ciudad de Winters, el Distrito Escolar Winters Joint Unified School District y PG&E se reunieron para cortar la cinta en celebración del patio de juegos recién construido en la comunidad de viviendas de El Rio Villas. El nuevo parque infantil se encuentra en el mismo lugar que el anterior, que fue derribado por razones de seguridad. Durante los últimos cinco años, los casi 100 niños de la comunidad de El Rio Villas no tenían una estructura de juego para trepar. El Director Ejecutivo de Viviendas del Condado Yolo (Yolo County Housing), Ian Evans, detalló por qué la construcción de un nuevo parque infantil tomó tanto tiempo. “Entonces, uno de los desafíos que tenemos como autoridad de la vivienda es que nuestros fondos para viviendas públicas provienen del HUD y recibimos fondos muy limitados para proyectos de mejoras de capital. Entonces tenemos que priorizar esos proyectos. Y es parte de la razón por la que tomó tanto tiempo hacer algo como esto. Porque hemos tenido que priorizar cosas como los reemplazos de HVAC para asegurarnos de que las personas tuvieran refrigeración y calefacción en sus unidades.” dijo Evans.
El mayor obstáculo que había que superar en la construcción del nuevo parque infantil era la financia-
ción. Dado que Yolo County Housing tenía fondos limitados para mejoras en primer lugar, encontrar socios era una prioridad para hacer realidad la nueva estructura de juego. El administrador de Winters JUSD, Everardo Zaragoza, quien creció en la comunidad de El Rio Villas, se comunicó con el supervisor Lucas Frerichs y lo alertó sobre lo que estaba sucediendo en el área. “Después de recorrer el sitio, supe que teníamos que priorizar la financiación de un nuevo parque infantil y que sería de gran beneficio para el bienestar mental, emocional y físico de las futuras generaciones de niños que vivirían allí,” dijo Frerichs. Frerichs y Evans trabajaron para identificar posibles fon-
dos para el patio de recreo. Los dos se reunieron con Clay Merril, representante de relaciones gubernamentales de PG&E en el Condado Yolo. “Hace un par de meses, vine aquí con Tara Thronson de la oficina del supervisor Frerich, Albert Vallecillo e Ian Evans. Me estaban presentando esto, y creo que Ian pensó que solo me lo estaba presentando como empleado de PG&E, pero no creo que se diera cuenta de que también estaba hablando con un padre,” dijo Merrill. “Mientras miraba lo que había aquí, mi corazón se hundió. No podía creer lo que estaba viendo. Que esta comunidad no tiene un lugar para que estos niños vengan a jugar. Así que mi corazón se hundió y dije:
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Rodeado
de la Autoridad de Vivienda del Condado Yolo, la Junta de Supervisores del Condado Yolo, la ciudad de Winters, el Distrito Escolar de Winters
Joint Unified School District y PG&E, y su familia, un joven que vive en la comunidad de viviendas de El Rio Villas cortó la cinta el Miércoles 10 de Julio, para inaugurar oficialmente el nuevo parque infantil.
Vea PARQUE, Página 5
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
El administrador del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Winters, Everardo Zaragoza, quien creció en El Rio Villas, habló sobre la importancia de tener un área de juegos para los niños que viven en la comunidad.
YESTERYEAR
Picked by Charley Wallace File photo
with the other two winners) was given the chance to go into the state competition for higher scholarships. Counselor Howard Hupe presented the bonds to the students at Winters High School, where all the participants were senior students.
Public Safety Report
July 14: 10:17 a.m., Carmelo Way, Authorized controlled burning
July 10: 9:01 a.m., W. Main Street, False alarm or false call –other
July 16: 3:59 p.m., Pear Place, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~6:31 p.m., County Road 29A/Interstate 505, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~8:29 p.m., Putah Creek Road/Railroad Avenue, Unauthorized Controlled Burn
Police Arrest Log
July 12: Creamer, Monica Diana (Age 38), Charges: DUI, Probation violation; Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail
July 13: Sanchez Garcia, Lizbeth Maricruz (Age 25), Charges: False imprisonment, Battery, Damage/destroy wireless communication device, Attempt Robbery; Disposi-
PO Box 520, Winters, CA 95694 530-795-4551 Se habla español. news@wintersexpress.com
Subscription delivery issues?
Call us and leave a message or submit a complaint via our website www.wintersexpress.com.
Crystal Apilado, Editor-in-Chief
Sydney Andrade, Staff Writer Logan Chrisp, Staff Writer Raymond Purscell, Staff Writer David DeLeon, Advertising Sales
Louis Codone, Regional Advertising Director T. Burt McNaughton, Co-Publisher Taylor Buley, Publisher-at-Large Charles R. Wallace, Publisher Emeritus
tion: Transported to Yolo County Jail
~Ray, Deborah A. (Age 68), Charges: Winters PD Warrant, Disposition: Released on Notice to Appear
Report Log
July 10: 10:42 a.m., Dutton Street/E. Grant Avenue, Vehicle Tow
~3:17 p.m., Chapman Street/Ramos Drive, Vehicle Tow
~7:11 p.m., E. Grant Avenue/Morgan Street, Vehicle Tow
July 11: 10:59 a.m., 10th block of E. Main Street, Vehicle Tow
~1:27 p.m., 300th block of Hillview Lane, Vehicle Tow
July 12: 8:25 a.m., 100th block of E. Grant Avenue, Appropriate Lost Property
~7:07 p.m., 100th block of Caselli Court, Verbal Domestic Dispute
~10:39 p.m., 300th block of Railroad Avenue, Vandalism
July 13: 12:49 a.m., 700th block of Dutton Street, Audible Alarm
~3:29 p.m., 300th block of Grant Avenue, Verbal Domestic Dispute
July 14: 10:48 a.m., 300th block of Grant Avenue, Verbal Domestic Dispute
~2:28 p.m., 300th block of Grant Avenue, Grand Theft
~12 a.m., 700th block of Dutton Street, Audible Alarm
July 15: 3:14 p.m., 800th block of W. Main Street, Child Abuse investigation
July 16: 11:06 a.m., 700th block of Ivy Court, Hit and Run
~11:10 a.m., 100th block of Baker Street, Trespassing
For our editorial policy on crime log entries, see winters express.com/unpub lishing-policy.
95 Years Ago
July 26, 1929
Everett McCormick is substituting as nightwatchman at the Winters Dried Fruit Company during the absence of Charles Norton who is on vacation.
The first carload of dried apricots to leave Winters this season was shipped to Rosenberg Brothers, San Francisco on Wednesday of this week. S. A. Campbell is the local agent for this company.
Fong’s Cafe opened this week on Railroad Avenue, next door to Rice Bros. real estate office by Mr. Fong, who has resided a number of years east of Railroad Ave.
Mrs. Thomas Vasey and daughters, Miss Evelyn Vasey and Mrs. L. A. Islip left Tuesday for Benicia where they visited relatives before proceeding to Calistoga.
Mrs. Charles Unger of Sacramento visited at the Frank Wyatt home last week.
Emil A. Sager came up from Oakland Friday to spend the day at the home of his father, G. M. Sager.
80 Years Ago
July 28, 1944
Frank Thompson, Napa stockman is reported to have purchased the 6,000 acre late G. W. Chapman ranch in Rag Canyon, for $36,000.
Misses Mae Mermod and Gloria Riley were hostesses Friday night in the Mermod home at a “blessed event” shower, honoring Mrs. Jack Hayes, Mrs. Jack Burton and Mrs. Charles Graf, Jr.
J. M. Clayton returned the first of the week from Berkeley where he has been for three weeks at teacher’s summer session.
Mermod Bros. have sold the old ice house on Railroad Avenue
expect from us.
Lake Berryessa water levels continue to drop
Express staff
The water level of Lake Berryessa dropped by 0.81 of a foot during the past week, with a decrease in storage of 14,806 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh, Solano Project Technician with the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, July 23, he reported the lake elevation was 434.46 feet above sea level, with water storage behind the Monticello Dam computed at 1,448,415 acre-feet of water. The SID is releasing 588 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 58 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation on the lake averaged 314 acre-feet of water per day.
Years Ago
to Mr. and Mrs.Lester S. Jackson. Mrs. George Scott returned Sunday from two weeks visit with her daughters, Mrs. Roy Polglaise in San Jose, and Mrs. Lois Winderoff in San Francisco.
45 Years Ago
July 26, 1979
Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Dozier observed their 65th wedding anniversary Tuesday at a family dinner party hosted by their son and daughter-inlaw, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Dozier.
A group of 12 students from Brazil, in this country under the auspices of Experiment in International Living, arrived in Winters and Davis last week. Three of the students are with Winters families for the week. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Graf are hosting Norea de Vitto; Mr. and Mrs. Phil Snow have as their guest Joao Luis deSilva; and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Borba are entertaining Nilson de Macedo, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Harris are the parents of a daughter, Gabrielle, born at 1:35 a.m. July 24, 1979 in the Woodland Memorial Hospital. She weighed in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces. The maternal grandparents are John and Bobbie Greenwood of Winters and the paternal grandparents are Kenneth and Kathryn Harris, of Fairfield.
The Winters City Planning Commission, meeting Tuesday evening, approved the site plans for John Harlow to construct a new Ford dealership building on the east side of Railroad Avenue, on land across from his present dealership. The land is to be leased from Southern Pacific. The plans call for a setback to allow for widening of Railroad Avenue and
for a bike path proposed by Caltrans. The Winters School District Board of Trustees, meeting Tuesday evening, gave authorization to District Superintendent Jack Graf to proceed with the staffing at the proposed Continuation School, to be located at the 6th Grade Center. The Continuation High School will be used for those students who for specified reasons are not compatible with the regular high school system. The staffing is contingent on government funding for small high school systems like that in Winters.
Included in the authorization is the hiring of Mary Beth Cassinelli as a halftime counselor, Bill Oser as half-time principal and director, and two full-time teachers.
Sarah Gildart, of Rt. 1, Box 66, has been named to the Dean’s Honor List at Solano Community College for the Spring semester.
On Monday, July 23, Joe and Felicia Diaz and daughter Becky, and Doris Carrick went on a bus trip to Tahoe with the Sunrise Club of Woodland. On a stop before Tahoe the Diazes were surprised with an anniversary celebration by the hosts of the club, Millie and Harold Romero. Anniversary cake and champagne was served to all aboard the bus and Felicia was presented with a baby rose corsage and Joe with a boutonniere.
Jerry and Jan Neil’s 1939 Ford, with 16,000 original miles, won first place at the Vallejo Vintage Motocar Exhibit held last Sunday. The previous week the car received a 3rd place at the Concours d’Elegance de Lafayette. The Neils are only the second owners of the auto.
In the 1977 Elks Lodge competition, held in Woodland, Jim Pisani (left) was awarded a $50 savings bond, Kathy Samuels, a $25 bond, and Phil Benson (along
City of Winters
us engines because we cannot support our fire department and give them the resources that they need to adequately protect our citizens,” Mercer said.
Mercer said that Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III has had to go directly to residents to ask them to help provide funding through the Prop 218 ballot initiative to support fire department staff.
“Your inaction has forced their fire chief to take action and work harder to protect his citizens. Your poor planning and poor leadership has led to a critical strain on the level of service that the fire department is able to provide,” Mercer said.
Resident Stacy McPherson also made a public comment stating that the issues go beyond the fire department and that it includes the police department and city staff.
McPherson said she looked into the data and stated that out of 13 police department staff members hired in the last few years, only two will be left at the end of the month.
She noted that the other 10 staff members had resigned to join other departments and one had retired.
“At some point, you are going to need to invest in your employees, be competitive in the market where you can be, and bring up the services that are needed for your community because what you’re talking about is public safe-
PARQUE Continuado de la Página 3
no podemos decir que no a esto.”
PG&E dedicó
$10,000 al proyecto, además, Winters JUSD asignó $40,000 y Frerichs asignó
$60,000 en fondos del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense.
El costo total del proyecto superó los 160,000 dólares. Los contribuyentes financieros no pasaron desapercibidos para los niños que viven en El Rio Villas y tener una estructura de juego propia, a la que pudieran caminar fácilmente desde la puerta de entrada. “Los parques infantiles son fantásticos por
PAROLE
Continued from Page 1
in Mexico and then North Carolina. And people who knew Barrales Ramos said she’d never leave her young daughter behind.
Winters police, with assistance from the FBI, served a search warrant on the couple’s E. Baker Street apartment as well as Cruz Hernandez’s truck, finding traces of blood that later matched Barrales’ DNA profile.
A Rug Doctor carpet cleaner receipt, found in the apartment, led investigators to search underneath the apartment’s living-room rug, where they found
ty,” McPherson said.
“They’re entitled to it — that’s what their taxes are going for — but I don’t know if you realized how critical it is. It’s not just fire — it’s police and it’s other portions of your city that are actually blending positions trying to accommodate doing multiple classifications and stuff like that.”
McPherson went on to say that she thinks the city can do a better job in supporting city staff and public safety agencies, and they “need to start making efforts to find solutions.”
“We
part of the Consent Agenda, but Council member Jesse Loren and Mayor Bill Biasi said they felt it was important to celebrate it.
The I-505 overcrossing was built in the 1950s as a vehicle-only crossing. However, today there are multitudes of cyclists and pedestrians who cross the bridge regularly to enter Winters. This current overcrossing has unsafe conditions for crossing, despite the addition of a walkway along the side. The city, Yolo County and
have been pushing for this for a really long time. It is a high, a very important safety issue that people cannot walk across or bike across the 128 overcrossing in a safe manner.”
Jesse Loren, council member
“The strain is not just on one portion of your city, it’s across the board on all of your employees and that’s an issue that needs to be seriously looked at and addressed — and it is a larger issue and it will take some time but it needs to be resolved,” McPherson said.
City manager Craig responded that the topic has been brought up during budget discussions. I-505 overcrossing
Councilmembers approved an MOU for the I-505 overcrossing between the city of Winters and Yolo County. The item was
muchas razones: salud emocional, salud mental y salud física. Todas estas razones explican por qué los parques infantiles
CalTrans have been working together on the project.
Loren said in January 2023, the city was notified that $2 million of federal earmark funding was secured for a project to construct a multiuse path, a pedestrian overcrossing over I-505 that will include bicycle and pedestrian safety countermeasures to provide a safe pathway for residents in the El Rio Villas community and neighboring cities to enter the city of Winters. According to the MOU document, the city asked Yolo County to take over the design and construction of the overcrossing
para el desarrollo de los niños al proporcionarles un espacio seguro para la actividad física, que es esencial para su salud
“Ofrecen oportunidades para que los niños participen en interacciones sociales, fomentando habilidades como la cooperación, el intercambio y la resolución de problemas.”
Everardo Zaragoza, administrador
son tan importantes. Por lo tanto, estoy muy agradecido por todos los involucrados y por todos los socios.” dijo Frerichs. “Los parques infantiles son cruciales
four large blood stains — also linked to Barrales Ramos — that had seeped into the padding and concrete underneath.
An FBI special agent testified during Cruz Hernandez’s six-week trial that a person of Barrales Ramos’ size would have had to suffer a 72-percent blood loss to leave those stains.
Cruz Hernandez’s defense attorney tried convincing the jury that Barrales Ramos simply left, introducing evidence of possible sightings of her following her disappearance, including phone calls from a mysterious man who claimed to have seen Barrales Ramos with another man near the Mexico border.
project, expected by Dec. 31, because the city does not have enough engineering staff to handle the subsequent design, right-of-way and construction phases of the Project.
“The success of this project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the City, County, and CalTrans,” city manager Jeremy Craig said.
Loren said that despite it just being an MOU, the move is a milestone considering they have been working on it for years.
“We have been pushing for this for a really long time. It is a high, a very important safety issue that people cannot walk across or bike across the 128 overcrossing in a safe manner,” Loren said.
Biasi said he was 100 percent in agreement.
“We’re going to finish up the part of the project that we have committed to and then the county is going to take it over and hopefully finish the project up and get the improvements done that we’ve been working on for so long,” Biasi said.
Next meeting
The next Winters City Council meeting is on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers Aug. 6 is also the deadline for city residents to return thier ballots on the Prop 218 assessment.
The results of the city of Winters Fire Department Fire Protection and Emergency Response Services Assessment can be viewed at https://bit. ly/463I8e8.
Continued from Page 1
the second gear.
The entire mural will be framed by boxes representing growers from the community. In the center, the Mariani Nut Company’s factory will be depicted with a conveyor of nuts on its way for packaging.
The design team, led by Smith, took a tour of the Mariani facilities, where they took pictures, prepared a slideshow, and talked about what they wanted to include with the client. Mariani officials provided input on what they wanted to see in the mural, and the team was able to narrow down their ideas to the final design.
“They have to work with the building owner, they have to work with the idea of a client, and pleasing them but also pleasing themselves as an artist and how to put all that together,” said Whitworth.
Working with the client is an important aspect of the murals and encompasses WPS’s mission to give students real experience of what it’s like to be a professional artist. After all, being a professional artist isn’t just mixing paint and climbing scaffold-
ing. It’s providing your ideas, but also implementing the ideas of the client.
WPG operates with the help of donations, and without them, it’d be a difficult operation to put on. Montiel and assistant muralist Celestino Galabasa Jr. put in over 100 hours each in the painting of the mural. Smith put in over 20 hours on the mural design efforts.
“Part of our project as a board is to fundraise enough to make sure that there’s a stipend going to the professionals who work with us. We don’t ask them to volunteer. We feel that part of our mission is to show the value of art, both monetarily and in time, and creativity,” said Whitworth.
Mural Map
Aside from the new mural, WPG has created a Mural Map. The digital map hosted on WPS’s website shows the locations of all the murals they’ve funded and organized. The website and social media accounts also show the progress of each mural as they are completed, including the 2024 summer mural. For more information on WPG or to donate, visit www. wintersparticipationgallery.org.
y bienestar. Ofrecen oportunidades para que los niños participen en interacciones sociales, fomentando habilidades como la cooperación, el intercambio y la reso-
The jury didn’t buy it, however, and convicted Cruz Hernandez after two days of deliberations.
At his parole hearing at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad — where his daughter spoke out
lución de problemas. Los parques infantiles también estimulan la creatividad y la imaginación, permitiendo a los niños explorar y aprender en un entorno no estructurado, y alejándolos de los dispositivos electronicos como las tablets,” afirmó Zaragoza. “Tengo la esperanza de que podamos continuar invirtiendo y brindando los servicios a la comunidad, y que sus niños algún día contribuyan a nuestra ciudad y nuestro condado. Y nuevamente, también quiero agradecer al presidente (Joedy Michael) por estar aquí.
“Continuaremos invirtiendo en los niños aquí porque al
against his release — parole commissioners noted Cruz Hernandez’s lack of remorse during his murder confession in denying his release, DA officials said. His next hearing is scheduled for 2029.
menos cien de ellos van a nuestra escuela, por lo que enviarlos felices y en buena forma física solo beneficiará a todos en la ciudad y a la escuela.” Verónica Hernández, residente desde hace cinco años en El Rio Villas y madre de cinco hijos, compartió sus pensamientos para cerrar la ceremonia. “Ahora que tienen
un parque, me alegra que puedan salir a jugar. Y cuando tengamos negocios, ahora podrán venir a jugar con sus primos y amigos. Estoy muy orgullosa de que tengamos algo para ellos. Gracias a todos por hacer esto realidad. Estoy orgullosa de que estos niños puedan aprovechar esto,” dijo Hernández.
MURAL
Courtesy photo
A student artist adds in fine details to the mural.
Keep it cool with regular maintenance
By Angela Underwood Express correspondent
Following spring cleaning comes summer home improvements and maintenance.
The latter entails assuring that your home’s features, including HVAC systems and carpet, are not only up to par but also prepared for the next season.
Both of these highly-used features in the summer call for extra attention. While the HVAC system keeps it cool, the average carpet sees much more use when the kids are home from school.
At the height of summer, Pearce Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. shares vital tips about seasonal care for an HVAC unit. Pearce Office Manager Prestlie Hagar details how to keep it cool and functioning smoothly this summer.
Regular maintenance Hagar gets right to the point when addressing the importance of regular HVAC maintenance before (and during) the high heat of summer.
“Let’s face it, nobody wakes up in the
morning excited to buy a new air conditioner,” Hagar said. “HVAC systems are just like a car — you’ll get the most life out of a vehicle if you perform regular oil changes and replace minor parts as they become worn.”
Said changes and parts include ensuring the unit has a clean air filter, condenser and evaporator coils, and blower
motor, which “go a long way in keeping your system running during the summer months,” according to Hagar. “Often, a dirty system leads to a broken system, especially in the summer when you depend on it the most,” Hagar said. “If you ignore your system, it will likely have major breakdowns much sooner, costing you money in repairs
and shortening the lifespan.”
To-do tasks
For regular maintenance methods, Hagar said the easiest way a homeowner can keep the system clean is by changing the air filter at least every 90 days.
“Additionally, air conditioners are made to be outside in the weather, so feel free to spray the outside of the unit with a hose to help keep See HVAC, Page 7
The vital role of bees in lawns and gardens
A colorful garden in full bloom is an aesthetically appealing sight each spring and summer. The pleasant aromas emanating from such spaces only add to their appeal.
Many variables contribute to a thriving garden, and perhaps none is more important than bees. North America is home to thousands of species of beers, but many of those species are ex-
periencing dwindling populations. According to Scott McArt, an assistant professor of pollinator health in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University, 53 bee species have experienced population declines or range contractions over the last several decades. Individuals accustomed to seeing bees as unwanted guests may wonder why that’s a problem. Though declining bee See BEES, Page 7
Jean van der Meulen/Pexels.com
Many
Upgrade your flooring with new carpet
By Angela Underwood Express correspondent
Tired of the high-maintenance work to keep your floors clean? Consider adding carpet to your home this summer, and keep these maintenance care tips in mind to prevent it from looking worn.
The average carpet sees an increase in wear and tear when the temperatures are hot outside and families have children home during the summer break. Tiffany Casson, owner of Casson & Son Carpet Care, shares tips and guidance homeowners can take to keep carpets clean.
Regular maintenance
When it comes to carpets, Casson said it is essential to keep them clean and maintained in the summer for several reasons.
“The main reason is to keep the warranty valid on your carpet,” Casson said. “Removing the soil from your carpet will prolong its life, and a good reason to do it during the summer is because the carpets dry faster.”
BEES
Continued from Page 6
populations pose a number of problems, perhaps none is more relatable than the link between bees and food production. A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences noted that declines in both managed and wild bee populations raise significant concerns about long-term food security. Authors of the study noted that crop production would be higher if crop flowers received more
the coils clean during the summer,” Hagar said. “For a deeper cleaning, it is recommended for a professional to perform so as not to mess up any electrical components.”
According to Hagar, when it comes to home improvements, an HVAC system is typically the most expen-
Casson recommends vacuuming carpets regularly to keep out dry soil.
“Wear house shoes or socks when walking on your carpet,” Casson said. “I know during the summer season, most people like to go barefoot, but the oils on the bottom of your feet transfer to your carpet and attract particulates in the air.”
Carpets also entail extra effort during the heat, according to Casson.
“All the carpet manufacturers recommend steam cleaning your carpets by your professional cleaning service at a minimum of once a year,” Casson said. “It is best to not use most over-the-counter cleaning products as they will leave a residue behind on your carpet that will attract more dirt.”
Home project
According to Casson, carpet is a good choice for home improvements over other flooring.
“One of the things about Carpet is that it holds the dust and dirt in it until you vacuum it out,” Casson said. “With a hard surface, the dust and dirt sit on the top of it and get disturbed when you walk around putting it back into the air.”
pollination. That’s a significant benefit as the global population continues to increase, but it’s also a notable benefit in the present-day from both a food security and economic perspective. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that commercial production of more than 90 crops relies on roughly 3,600 bee species. Declining bee populations could put that production in serious jeopardy and create a domino effect that impacts food security and individuals’ livelihoods. But all is not lost
sive appliance and uses the most energy during peak months. That is all the more reason to have an expert install a new system or maintain a current system.
“Having an efficient HVAC system in place will help reduce energy costs while keeping the home at a comfortable temperature,” Hagar said, adding only professional, licensed, and insured
Recycling is critical to keeping the environment safe when considering home improvement. Carpet use extends long beyond the room in which it was initially laid out. For example, carpet scraps can be used for cat scratch posts, as padding under exercise equipment or as car mats.
in the fight to restore bee populations. In fact, McArt indicated in a 2019 report that bee populations are thriving in agricultural and natural areas. But bee populations also must thrive in suburban and urban areas. Planting a pollinator-friendly garden is one step McArt suggested gardening hobbyists can take to help restore bee populations. When planting to combat declining bee populations, homeowners should always look for native plants, as they are well-adapted to local climates and unlikely to upset local ecosystems. Local garden
contractors should check systems. “A great contractor will walk the homeowner through the various options available for repair and replacement and allow the homeowner to make the best decision for their home and family.”
To learn more, contact Pearce Heating & Air Conditioning at 530-795-4300 or visit pearcehvac.com.
Since 1990
“You can also put a padded backing and bind the edges of the carpet to use it as a walk-off mat,” Casson said, adding that if there is no use for it, it should be re-
centers can be great resources for anyone looking to plant native species. According to HGTV, the following are just a handful of the many bee-friendly garden flowers and plants homeowners can consider for their gardens:
• Bee balm
• Honeysuckle
• Sunflower
• Cosmos
• Strawberries
• Dahlia
• Butterfly bush
• Crocus
• Pot marigold
cycled at a center. For more information on carpet care and maintenance, Winters residents should call 530-795-0500. For general inquiries, Yolo and Solano County residents can visit www. cassoncarpetcare.com or email cassoncarpetcare@ aol.com.
• Geraniums Bee populations are in decline. If efforts to restore those populations are not embraced, the consequences for future generations could be dire. Homeowners can do their part by planting bee-friendly flowers and plants on their properties.
HVAC
Continued from Page 6
Manufacturers recommend that carpets be steam cleaned by
A California court granted an ag giant a win, which could jeopardize new farm union law
By Jeanne Kuang CalMatters
A California judge has halted a union effort at one of the state’s most powerful agricultural businesses, throwing into question the future of a 2023 law that made it easier for farmworkers to unionize.
The challenge was brought by the Wonderful Company, known for their pistachios, POM pomegranate juices and Halos tangerines.
This spring, the state had certified a union at one of its nurseries that the company contested, setting off a flurry of legal filings.
In a ruling issued Thursday, July 18, Kern County Superior Court Judge Bernard C. Barmann, Jr. wrote that the company was being “forced to comply with a process that is likely unconstitutional.”
The decision halts every union-related proceeding at the company. That includes a weeks-long hearing the state Agricultural Labor Relations Board was holding over the disputed unionization, and over state officials’ allegations that the company illegally persuaded workers to revoke their support for the union. It also includes mediation to impose a collective bargaining agreement, which the labor board ordered last week.
“We are gratified by the Court’s decision to stop the certification process until the constitutionality of (the new law) can be fully and properly considered,” the Wonderful Company wrote in a statement. “It is a victory for farmworkers, who, like all citizens, deserve the basic right to a fair election, a secret ballot, and a process free of fraud.”
While the decision is limited to the Wonderful Co., it’s not yet clear whether it will prompt the state to pause other farmworker union cases, some of which are also being challenged by employers.
The Agricultural Labor Relations Board is “carefully reviewing the ruling and currently has no further comment,” executive secretary Santiago Avila-Gomez said on July 19.
The Wonderful case would have been the third and most prominent victory for the United Farm Workers under the law. They won Gov. Gavin Newsom’s reluctant signature in 2022 by marching to Sacramento and securing President Joe Biden’s public support.
It was hailed as a symbol of the UFW’s resurgence during a post-pandemic period of rising labor activity, after years of membership declines and a stinging 2021 U.S. Supreme Court defeat that made it much more difficult for union organizers to talk to workers on growers’ property.
In a statement, UFW spokesperson Elizabeth Strater said the union hopes an appeals court overturns Thursday’s ruling.
“The ruling ignores 89 years of labor law precedent saying an employer must go through the election objections process before seeking judicial intervention,” Strater said. “There is already a process to address wrongdoing in elections and Wonderful was in the middle of that process.”
Farmworker unionization
Here’s what to know about farmworker unionization in California.
Why did farmwork-
ers and advocates want the new law?
The law allows California farmworkers to form unions using the “card check” method, common for public sector unions, that involves turning in signed cards supporting a union from a majority of workers, rather than by holding an in-person election at work as previously required.
Workers’ advocates
new law works; the labor board this month was still scheduling hearings on formal regulations to implement the law.
Four of the five employers have objected to the new unions, which prompts the board to investigate and hold administrative hearings.
The labor board has dismissed the objections of the first company that unionized,
“The ruling ignores 89 years of labor law precedent saying an employer must go through the election objections process before seeking judicial intervention.”
Elizabeth Strater, spokesperson
argued this protects workers from employer pressure and retaliation, which they say farmworkers often face, especially as more than half are undocumented immigrants. Growers pushed back, arguing there would be little way for employers to check the validity of the signed cards.
How many farms have unionized?
Since last fall, the Agricultural Labor Relations Board has certified five farmworker unions under the new law, board records show, including at Wonderful Nurseries. The rollout hasn’t been smooth.
Growers’ associations have spent millions running advertisements on Spanish radio networks and other platforms discouraging farmworkers from unionizing, the Sacramento Bee has reported. The industry has also objected to what they say is confusion in how the
the tomato packers DiMare Company, though the business is appealing. Hearings were ongoing in the objections of produce grower Ho Sai Gai Farms. The board recently dismissed the objections of Vieira Agricultural Enterprises, a sweet potato farm.
In one case, that of Olive Hill Greenhouses, the employer filed no objections and is bargaining a contract. Both sides have accused the other of misleading and manipulating workers.
The United Farm Workers in February filed a petition showing it had submitted signed cards from the majority of the nearly 600 grapevine and nut tree workers it sought to represent at Wonderful’s site in Wasco.
The company, owned by the billionaire Resnick family, filed objections a week later accusing the union of tricking farmworkers into signing union cards during meetings intended to help
them apply for federal pandemic aid checks. They included signed declarations from nearly 150 workers saying they did not understand they had signed to support a union. Some of those workers also held rallies against the unionization; the company has said they clocked out and weren’t paid for that time.
The labor board certified the union, with officials later saying they were operating under the law’s strict timelines for doing so.
The union filed complaints before the board alleging unfair labor practices.
On April 22, board officials echoed them.
The board’s general counsel Julia Montgomery filed a complaint alleging the company had violated state law by holding mandatory meetings with workers, company human resources officials and a company-hired labor consultant to persuade workers to sign declarations objecting to the union.
The human resources officials, Montgomery wrote, read from a Spanish-language script “firmly” asking workers not to sign union authorization cards and then set up meetings with the consultant who had prepared declarations for them to sign. What does the lawsuit say?
Administrative hearings in all those matters were ongoing when the company sued the state, calling the entire law unconstitutional and arguing its due process rights had been violated.
The company, Wonderful’s attorneys argued, shouldn’t have to be ordered to bargain or sign a contract with a union whose existence it was con-
testing. The state, and the UFW, argued that the labor board was already hearing the company’s challenges and Wonderful could still appeal that decision later.
After a hearing in June, Judge Barmann agreed with the company, writing Thursday that Wonderful had “credibly” argued the union’s certification was made in error.
The suit drew the interest of powerful agricultural companies and national industry groups. The carrot company Grimmway and berry giant Driscoll’s both tried to file briefs supporting Wonderful. The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, a group that files lawsuits seeking to undo unions, represents some of the workers who claim to have been misled in the case.
In an emailed statement, foundation vice president Patrick Semmens wrote that “card check” should not be used at all for union certifications.
The method, in use for decades, is allowed under the National Labor Relations Act for all other private-sector workers — though employers who object can (and often do) prompt an election.
“The situation Wonderful Nurseries workers are facing represents an especially egregious example of why Card Check should be abolished as a method of determining employee support for union affiliation,” foundation vice president Patrick Semmens wrote in an email.
—Jeanne Kuang is an accountability reporter who covers labor, politics and California’s state government.
Wednesdays
Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution Wednesdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue
Thursday, July 25
WFoL Gazebo Concert: Welcome West, 7–8:30 p.m., Winters Rotary Park Gazebo, bring a lawn chair, wfol.org
Thursdays
Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690
Sunday, July 28
Winters Farmers Market
9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Downtown Main Street, discoverwinters.com/farmers-market
Upcoming Events
Thursday, August 1
Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://wintersjusd.diligent.community
Tuesday, August 6
Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ city-council-meetings_/
Tuesday, August 13
Winters Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m.,City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/planning-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.
FBC welcomes new pastor
By Angela Underwood Express correspondent
“Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.”
St. Francis of Assisi’s famous quote fervently falls off the lips of Pastor Lance Smith. As the new leader at First Baptist Church of Winters, the pastor’s life readily reflects the statement. Smith is the first new pastor at the church in 22 years.
Many scriptures come to life when the Vacaville native details his past, beginning with Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
The gospel ran deep in the pastor’s DNA and household from birth. Raised in the faith by “teachers, preachers, and deacons,” Smith said he was called to the Lord at the divine age of seven.
“You were made to witness the gospel,” Smith said. “I definitely came into a family with considerable spiritual heritage.
Like the women of the Bible, his mother, grandmother and sister were his first
teachers in the faith.
“That’s not to leave the men in my family out either,” Smith said, pointing out his father’s example of grace and discipline. “He is a great example of a man who taught me right and wrong.”
There was also another close spiritual leader.
“I had an older brother as well involved in ministry who also had a good influence on me growing up, so, overall, in my family, I had a pretty good launching pad for ministry in a lot of ways,” Smith said.
However, according to the pastor, there is a difference between being raised in church and having a relationship with Providence.
Similar to Luke 6:12, the pastor sought God
Smith said. “I always connected with God through prayer, whether I was attending the body of believers or not.”
The pastor joined a body of believers in
“I definitely came into a family with considerable spiritual heritage.”
Lance Smith, pastor
no matter what, like Jesus, who “went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer.”
“Mostly, I was raised in church, but not always in church,”
2013 after leaving the Bay Area and settling in Oklahoma City. But more than a decade later, he said he felt a stir.
Though he said he was “enjoying how
God was using us there,” the pastor felt his family being called back to the Golden State.
“That was when I noticed the First Baptist Church in Winters opened up,” Smith said. “I applied for the position, and the search committee moved fast to interview me.”
“All things work to the good for those that love God and are called according to his purpose,” (Romans 8:28) reflected the next phase for the pastor, who got the job while still living out of state.
See PASTOR, Page 4
A dreamy production at the park
By Holly Haviland Express correspondent
On a warm Saturday evening at the downtown Winters Community Park, I set up a chair to enjoy a special production of a very familiar play, the classic Shakespearean comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” produced by Mary Lou Linvill with Denise Cottrell. The park is a perfect location for such a production, as the wooden, multi-level stage was built by members of the community with dedication.
The set was designed by Jeff Hesemyer and David Decristoforo and included hand-painted backdrops that contributed to the ambiance. In this rendition, we were given a whimsical performance that takes place in Manhattan in the year 1959. The story begins with an introduction in the courtroom of Duke Theseus (Josh-
ua Masem) speaking to Lysander (Jackson Bronson), Demetrius (Atlas Roehrs) and Hermia (Jax Cooper). Hermia is supposed to marry Demetrius but wants to marry Lysander instead. The lovers run away to the woods, and we meet up with Helena (Julia Little) who is Hermia’s friend, but also struggling because of her feelings. She loves Demetrius, who does not share her feelings. We watch this entertaining spectacle as they get lost in the woods. Unbe-
knownst to them, the woods are occupied by fairies, and we get a glimpse into their world.
King Oberon (George Decristoforo) is mad at Queen Titania (Annabel Loomis). With a hearty laugh, we watch as Puck (Reia Cooper) does the King’s bidding, but not without mistakes. There was excellent use of props and perfectly timed music (composed/arranged by Nicolas Carvajal) so that the audience could enjoy the come-
dic value of the tribulations that the characters go through. I loved all the added touches to the costumes like the flower crown headpieces and the donkey mask. Overall, clothing was on point for the period in this more modernized version and I thought they did a great job with updating some of the lines as well.
Director Nika Ericson kept things flowing along quickly with many transitioning scenes that included dance and music. I felt as if it added a magical touch to the testament of Shakespeare’s work.
It was great to see the enthusiasm not only from the actors themselves during the show but also the loving parents who helped everything come together. The work that the young actors put into this consisted of five weeks which is a substantial chunk of their summer break. You could see their
Courtesy photo
Pastor Lance Smith joined First Baptist Church as the first new pastor in 22 years in June.
Quincy Gibbs as Bottom (left) performs a play within a play with Paula Manners as Snout and Addison Thach as Flute.
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Reia Cooper as Puck, rocks out as George Decristoforo as Oberson puts Annabel Loomis as Titania under a spell.
High mortgage rates continue to hamper home sales
Year-to-date
statewide home sales edged down 0.5 percent
California Association of Realtors
Special to the Express
California home sales remained stagnant for the second consecutive month in June, as the 30-year fixed rate mortgage remained above 7 percent throughout most of May, when most of these sales opened escrow, the California Association of Realtors® (CAR) reported.
Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally
adjusted annualized rate of 270,200 in June, according to information collected by CAR from more than 90 local Realtor® associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2024 if sales
maintained the June pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.
June’s sales pace dipped 0.8 percent from the revised 272,410 homes sold in May and were down 2.7 percent from a year ago when a revised 277,690 homes were sold on an annualized basis. The sales
pace has remained below the 300,000 threshold for 21 consecutive months, and year-todate home sales have fallen behind last year’s level by -0.5 percent through the first half of the year.
“With interest rates coming down to the lowest levels since February and the availability of homes loosening up further in the last few months, the housing market is gearing up for another run in the second half of the year,” said CAR President Melanie Barker, a Yosemite Realtor®. “We could see a pickup in market momentum at the start of the third quarter if rates decline in a more sustainable way in the coming weeks and buyers decide to take advantage of lower costs of borrowing.”
The statewide median price took a step back in June, after
setting record highs during the past two previous months. June’s median price slipped 0.8 percent from $908,040 in May to $900,720 in June, exceeding the $ 900,000 benchmark for the third month in a row.
California’s median home price was 7.5 percent higher than the $837,850 recorded in June 2023. The year-over-year gain was the 12th straight month of annual price increases, albeit the smallest since January. Home prices will likely continue recording positive year-over-year gains in the second half of the year, though the pace of growth could moderate if the rest of the year follows the traditional seasonal pattern.
Stronger sales of higher-priced properties continued to contribute to median price growth, especially since million-dollar home sales in California have been rising more rapidly than their more af-
fordable counterparts in the state. The million-dollar-and-higher market segment rose year-over-year in June by 2.0 percent, while the sub-$500,000 segment declined by 21.0 percent. Sales of homes priced above $1 million now make up 36.3 percent of all sales, nearly the biggest share in at least the last five years.
“Home sales pulled back in June as interest rates remained volatile at the end of the second quarter. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage began to decline since early July though and recently reached the lowest level in five months as the inflation cooling trend continued,” said CAR Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. “While it will take a couple of more reports for the Federal Reserve to begin cutting rates, housing affordability for qualified buyers should begin to see some improvement in the coming months.”
photo June’s statewide median home price was down 0.8 percent from May and up 7.5 percent from June 2023.
Express Yourself
Is it hot enough for you?
Count me in the group of people that would rather be hot than cold, but it is getting a little too warm out there. You can’t start golfing early enough to beat the heat and my motorcycle is parked in the garage until it cools off. Golf courses do have the advantage of having a lot of grass and trees.
The Sacramento Valley is famous for being hot in the summer and this year we are near record highs in both temperature and number of days over 100 degrees. This current heat wave is supposed to be short-lived and not record-setting, but it is still going to be hot.
Winters has always hosted outside events, whether it is Shakespeare in the Park or the Friends of the Library concerts at the gazebo. With the shade structures and picnic tables downtown there are even more opportunities for outside dining and entertainment.
Maybe I just didn’t notice in the past, but I’m meeting more and more Wintersites that are spending time on the coast. I plan on joining them sometime this summer to
“The
Sacramento Valley is famous for being hot in the summer and this year we are near record highs in both temperature and number of days over 100 degrees.”
see what cool afternoon air feels like. Maybe another trip down to San Luis Obispo or Grover Beach is in my future.
When Will Rogers was asked what political party he belonged to, he replied, “I don’t belong to an organized political party, I’m a Democrat.” The Democrats may be in disarray, but it will be fun to watch. Someone was complaining about the fate of the United States recently and I reminded them that we have been here before and we will survive. Whether we
See QUICK, Page 4
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
Aries, show off your true colors and let others see who you are and what makes you tick. You are given the spotlight right now to shine and get noticed even more.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21), The full equation may not be revealed this week until you start to unravel some of the pieces, Taurus. You will need to remain patient as the process plays out.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21), Gemini, you are discovering more people you can trust and who have your best interests at heart. Continue to surround yourself with these winning individuals.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22),
Right now you have to take a leap of faith if you really want to grow, Cancer. Take a trip somewhere you’ve never visited, learn a new language, or make an effort to meet new people.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23), Leo, although you might want to keep your aspirations to yourself, it is helpful if you run your ideas past a few trusted people to see if their enthusiasm mirrors your own.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22), Virgo, you can certainly proceed according to logic, but you might be better off trusting your gut for the time being. It rarely steers you wrong with the bigger things in life.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23), Libra, people from all corners will come together to help you out, just when you need it most. Now you will get to realize those people who truly support you.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22), Scorpio, you may have been sitting on certain information for a while and are not sure when you will reveal it. You’ll know the right time when it comes around.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21), Sagittarius, even if your love life has been a little lackluster, you can rest assured that things will be flowing anew very soon. It’s time to rekindle those feelings of love and affection.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20), Now isn’t a good time to think you can fake your emotions, Capricorn. Others will see right through you and read your mind quite easily. It’s better to be honest and open.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), Someone you haven’t spoken to in a while might be on your mind, Aquarius. This might be the right time to bridge the gap and open lines of communication.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), Pisces, it can be difficult to delegate to others and not handle everything yourself. But you have to trust in others and support them if you want them to learn and grow.
Express Yourself
Inspiration behind Gorgeous Grandma Day
By Wally Pearce Winters Elder Day Council
In 1984, 40 years ago, Alice Solomon, a Wellesley College graduate at the age of 50, created “Gorgeous Grandma Day” to honor women of a certain age —whether they were grandmothers or not. Founded in 1870 as a female seminary, Wellesley College is a private women’s liberal arts institution, in the city of Wellesley, Massachusetts. Between 1875 and 1921, Wellesley employed more female scientists than any other U.S. institution of higher education. After MIT, it was the 2nd college in the United States to initiate laboratory science instruction for undergraduates.
In early 1896, Sarah Frances Whiting, the first professor of physics and astronomy, was among the first U.S. scientists to conduct experiments in x-rays.
In 1984, Alice Solomon believed it was time to recognize a woman’s accomplishments and their abilities because she felt that society viewed women of her age, and older, as irrelevant and less than useful. She decided it
was high time women weren’t discarded by society’s willful ignorance from mostly the male sector, but instead, were openly celebrated by one and all.
She felt that society saw her and other women of her age of 50, or older, as senior citizens, who were no longer useful or relevant. She set out to change that and came up with the idea of “Gorgeous Grandma.” She realized that “grandma” was a term ascribed to older women, regardless of if they were grandmothers or not. She decided to embrace the term, but put “gorgeous” in front of it, which she considered a snappy, “notice me” image.
She then chose the day of July 23 to celebrate older women, to rid the stereotypes surrounding them, and to show there is other measures they can instill. Alice chose July because it signifies the height of summer’s glorious radiance, while in the Southern hemisphere, it’s the middle of winter and a time for meditation and reflection. Either way, Alice believed this month to be a festival of the progressive seasons.
FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE
Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20240505 6/11/2024
Business is located in YOLO County
Fictitious Business: GUICHOS TAQUERIA
Physical Address: 877 FENLEY WAY, WINTERS CA 95694
Mailing Address:
Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s) & Physical Residential
Address, State, and Zip: JUAN PABLO LOPEZ, 877 FENLEY WAY, WINTERS CA 95694
Business Classification: IND IVIDUAL
Date of Business: 6/10/2024
/s/ JUAN PABLO LOPEZ
Title of Officer Signing: INDIVIDUAL
I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original document on file in this office. This certification is true as long as there are no alterations to the document, AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal. Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, State of California, County of Yolo
Published JULY 24, 31, AUGUST 7, 14, 2024 #74322
FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE
Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20240568 6/27/2024
Business is located in YOLO County
Fictitious Business: BEAMER STREET STORAGE
Physical Address: 8 HARTER AVENUE, WOODLAND CA 95776
Mailing Address:
Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s) & Physical Residential Address, State, and Zip: BEAMER STORAGE 2, LLC, 37874 COUNTY ROAD 28, WOODLAND CA 95695
Business Classification: LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHP
Date of Business: 6/1/24
/s/ KENNETH C. STONE Title of Officer Signing: PARTNER
I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original document on file in this office. This certification is true as long as there are no alterations to the document, AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal. Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, State of California, County of Yolo Published JULY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2024 #74021
FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE
Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder
CA 95937
Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s) & Physical Residential Address, State, and Zip: SHANNON'S, LLC 3980 COUNTY RD 99W, DUNNIGAN CA 95937 Business Classification: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Date of Business: 2/4/2020 /s/ SHANNON WINTON Title of Officer Signing: MANAGER SHANNON'S, LLC I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original document on file in this office. This certification is true as long as there are no alterations to the document, AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal. Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, State of California, County of Yolo Published JULY 17, 24, 31, AUGUST 7, 2024 #74217
FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE
Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20240567 6/27/2024
Business is located in YOLO County
Fictitious Business: BEAMER STREET STORAGE
Physical Address: 1572 EAST BEAMER STREET, WOODLAND CA 95776
Mailing Address: Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s) & Physical Residential Address, State, and Zip: BEAMER STORAGE 1, LLC, 37874 COUNTY ROAD 28, WOODLAND CA 95695 Bus iness Classification: LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHP Date of Business: 6/1/24 /s/ KENNETH C. STONE Title of Officer Signing: MANAGER I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original document on file in this office. This certification is true as long as there are no alterations to the document, AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal. Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, State of California, County of Yolo Published JULY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2024 #74020
On July 23, take time and spend the day with your grandma and tell her she’s gorgeous. Take her out for lunch, cook, or bake something with her. If you no longer have a grandmother living, spend the day remembering your grandmothers. Take
their grandchildren are safe and delighted. A grandmother’s love is strong, pure, and absolute. To the world, a grandmother may be just one person, but to her grandchildren, they’re the cosmos. When celebrating, express the unique and special
“In 1984, Alice Solomon believed it was time to recognize a woman’s accomplishments and their abilities because she felt that society viewed women of her age, and older, as irrelevant and less than useful.”
out old photos and share stories with younger relatives who may not have known them. As the name of the holiday suggests, our dearest, cuddliest grandmothers are revered, who endlessly love and treasure their families, and typically have an infectious love for life. Gorgeous Grandma Day recognizes all women, whether they’re grandmothers or not. The relationship between a child and grandparent is special and based on pure unconditional love, respect, and dignity. A devoted grandmother does everything to ensure
place a grandmother holds in your life. Tell grandma that her undying wisdom, kindness, and love, will always play a critical part in life’s greatest treasures.
The best thing to say to your grandma is, thank you for years of love, teaching, and for being a solid foundation. I just want you to know that you’re at the heart of so many of my favorite memories.
Grandmothers can give unconditional love to their grandchildren, which can help make them feel positive about
themselves and their self-esteem. They can be a source of stability and security by guiding them in different situations in which they may find themselves. A grandmother’s natural ability to understand social and ethical norms, and to value family, school, and community — is an asset to be shared. Social awareness requires people to live in the moment — avoiding the clutter in their mind — to practice active listening and seeing skills. In addition, grandparents can positively affect their grandchildren’s social development. Spending time with grandparents can provide children with opportunities to develop good social skills such as communication, empathy, and cooperation with others.
Although Gorgeouse Grandma Day is on Tuesday, July 23, join the Winters Elder Day Council as they raise awareness on the contribution of grandmother’s, not just on the nurturing of a child, but in creating social awareness in the younger generations, including the ability for them to take a constructive viewpoint and understanding of others with diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Surplus Property Auction In accordance with California Education Code Sections 17545-17565, notice is hereby given that the Winters Joint Unified School District will conduct an auction of surplus property. The auction will include various items no longer required for educational purposes.
Items Available: Transforming a remnant of pandemic precautions into a DIY dream! This surplus of plexiglass o nce a staple of COVID-era learning environments, now offers boundless creative potential Whether crafting sleek home decor, innovative office partitions, or imaginative art installations, this surplus serves as a versatile canvas for inventive minds. Let your imagination run wild as you repurpose this resilient material, turning a symbol of past challenges into a beacon of ingenuity and adaptability. Terms and Conditions:
Inspection: Items may be inspected by appointment. Please email Business@Wintersjusd.org and ask to schedule a time to view the items at auction.
Bidding Process: Bids will be accepted online at GovDeals.com.
Payment: Payment will be made at the time of sale through GovDeals.com.
Removal of Items: All items must be removed from the premises within 10 days of the date of sale. No Warranties: All items are sold "as is" and "where is; without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied.
Additional Information: This notice is published pursuant to the requirements of California Education Code Sections 17545-17565. For further information, please email Business@Wintersjusd.org. 7/17, 7/24 #74142
City of Winters
Notice of Public Hearing for Discussion of CDBG Grant Funds and Potential
Re-Application for Proposed Senior Center
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Winters will conduct a public hearing and solicit citizen input on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., at City Council Chambers, 318 First St. in order to discuss the State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and to meet the design phase public hearing requirements in anticipation of the submittal of a new application for a proposed Senior Center, in response to the expected 2024 State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
The Community Development and Economic Development Allocations of the State CDBG program is expected to publish a combined “Notice of Funding Availability” (NOFA) each program year. Eligible cities and counties may submit applications for CDBG funds under the NOFA. The estimated total amount available for 2024 will be approximately $31 million statewide and $3.60 million per jurisdiction for community development activities, per the State HCD 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan. There are four methods of funding distribution-Competitive, Over the Counter (OTC)(First Come First Serve), Colonias Set-Aside and Tribes Set-Aside. The OTC per project application limit shall not exceed $3.3 million and the OTC per program application limit shall not exceed $1.5 million.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES ANTICIPATED IN THE NOFA CONSIST OF: HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE AND HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAMS; PUBLIC FACILITY AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS (INCLUDING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN SUPPORT OF NEW HOUSING CONSTRUCTION); PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS, PLANNING STUDIES, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS ASSISTANCE AND MICROENTERPRISE ACTIVITIES.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES PAID FOR WITH STATE CDBG FUNDS MUST MEET ONE OF THE THREE NATIONAL OBJECTIVES LISTED IN CDBG FEDERAL STATUTES AS FOLLOWS: BENEFIT TO LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS OR PERSONS; ELIMINATION OF SLUMS AND BLIGHT; OR MEETING URGENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEED.
The City of Winters anticipates submitting an Over-the-Counter application under the NOFA published during the next program year for the maximum amount allowed for a Public Facility Activity, which is estimated to be approximately $3,250,000. The City of Winters has or anticipates receiving approximately $1.1 million in CDBG Program Income that must be expended prior to expending awarded grant funds. A public hearing/meeting was held on December 17, 2019, seeking input and approval for submittal of a CDBG grant application and use of Program Income for the construction of a senior center. The grant was approved, but not executed due to COVID. Therefore, the Program Income funds continue to be earmarked for this project, as the City re-applies for a CDB G grant in August/September 2024.
The purpose of this hearing is to review CDBG eligible activities and collect residents’ views on housing and community development needs (which includes services, facilities, and/or infrastructure that will improve livability within the community).
In addition, the public hearing will give citizens an opportunity to make their comments known on the re-application of the Senior Center Project and the use of existing Program Income.
If you are unable to attend the public hearing, you may direct written comments to the City of Winters City at the address above, or you may contact Colleen Brock by phone or email at (530) 7954910 or colleen.brock@cityofwinters.org no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024 to ensure placement in the official record of the hearing. In addition, information related to the project is available for review at the above address between the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on MondayFriday. Note: City Hall is closed each day from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. and every other Friday. If you require specific accommodations to participate in the public hearing, please contact Deputy City Clerk, Sterling Thomas at (530) 794-6702 at least 3 business days prior to the scheduled hearing. The City of Winters promotes fair housing and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, age, religion or disability. Publish Date: July 24, 2024 #74326
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
Submit online at https://tinyurl. com/syzevywd or visit wintersexpress.com.
PASTOR
Continued from Page 1
“Doors would just open things that could have been stalled were working out,” Smith said.
“Things that would have given pause were non-existent or eliminated.”
When a “whole bunch of things” just fell into place, the pastor did not question them.
“It caused us to believe that, yes, this is where God is sending us,” he said of the ultimate move to Winters.
“It’s just like God was opening doors.”
Faithful to his calling, the pastor did not let state lines keep him from starting his ministry in Winters on June 9 with the Be-Attitudes series.
“There was a period while I was still in Oklahoma that we were live streaming,” Smith said, adding he did come down for Easter service and retreat for men.
“Right now we are in a preaching series titled ‘I Wanna Be Blessed and to be a Blessing,’” When it comes down to it, the pastor said he and his family strive to be “a living example of the gospel message of Jesus Christ.” Smith recalled St. Francis of Assisi when asked what influence he hopes to have at First Baptist here.
“Yes, we preach the gospel, and yes, we teach about Jesus,” Smith said. “But we do that even without using words sometimes, just by how we live and how we love.”
QUICK
Continued from Page 3
are talking about local service organizations, city and state government or our federal representatives, when it comes to leadership, we have had worse. Maybe not all in my lifetime, but some of the antics of our politicians is almost beyond belief.
Remember, we have had deadly duels, fist fights on the floor of the senate and corruption that never seems to end.
I just received a call from PG&E reminding me to turn down my thermostat on Tuesday or they may run out of power. They must think that I live in Texas.
Stay cool and have a
Surrounded by pine trees in Belgium
This is a continuation of letters sent home by my Uncle Russell Fox Taylor from the battlefields of France, Belgium and Germany. At the time of this letter, Uncle Russ was located very near the Siegfried Line which lies on the border of Belgium and Germany. It is sometimes referred to as the Westwall.
In this letter Uncle Russ tells of his unit’s entry into Paris, for which the squadron was awarded a Commendation for Meritorious Service. The Commendation reads:
“Employing excellent tactics, the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron entered Paris early on the morning of 25 August 1944, and by so doing became the first American troops to enter the city. By 1400 hours of that day all designated bridgeheads had been successfully and swiftly secured.”
“The division Com-
Did Osama bin Laden Win? Express Yourself
Most people think that the death of Osama bin Laden at his home in Afghanistan at the hands of United States SEALS 12 years ago was the end of the line for him.
But 23 years after he masterminded the 9/11 attacks, and 12 years after a United States SEAL team killed him in Afghanistan, the presence and impact of bin Laden is still apparent. He changed our society. He changed our culture. He ramped up our fear. And despite being dead for more than a decade, his influence remains strong.
We all know well the massive security measures that have transformed a pleasant vis-
mander takes extreme pleasure in commending the officers and men of the Headquarters of the 102nd Cavalry Group and the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron for the accomplishment of a highly difficult and technical task and for the fine spirit of teamwork and cooperation displayed in doing so.” (Record submitted by Shelley Frost, granddaughter to Russell F. Taylor) It is sobering to reflect on the price these gallant men paid for freedom. Since the June 6 D-Day landings on the beaches in Normandy until the liberation of Paris on the 25th day of August, the Allies had suffered in excess of 50,000 casu-
alties.
Respectfully submitted by Winters resident Gerald Taylor in honor of those who fought so gallantly to liberate the world from the tyranny of Nazism.
Somewhere in Belgium
September 12, 1944
There are times when it is impossible to write and others when a state of the nerves is such that I can’t bring myself to putting my thoughts onto paper. I have written twice, however, but before I could get the letters turned in for posting they got so drenched that they couldn’t be sent.
So much has hap-
it to the airport into a nightmare. People under 30 don’t even remember a time without redundant identity checks, shoe and belt removals, long and longer lines, loud, crabby TSA agents, three-ounce liquids inspections, body scanning machinery, and bomb-sniffing dogs. But there is far more to bin Laden’s impact than just our miserable airport experience.
There was a time, prior to 9/11, when almost all public build-
ELECTION NOTICE
NOTICE TO FILE NOMINATION PAPERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the voters of Yolo County, in accordance with provisions of the Education Code of the State of California, that a School District Election Consolidated with the General Election will be held in the below-named district(s) TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 of the Counties of Solano and Yolo, and the State of California. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Candidates to be voted upon at said election may file their declarations for the following office(s):
DISTRICT Yolo County Board of Education-Trustee Areas 3 and 4
OFFICE Member
ELECTED By Trustee Area
NUMBER TO BE ELECTED 1 (One) in each trustee area.
QUALIFICATIONS Registered voter within the trustee area
DISTRICT Solano Community College District-Trustee Area 7
OFFICE Governing Board Member
ELECTED By Trustee Area
NUMBER TO BE ELECTED 1 (One) in Trustee Area 7.
QUALIFICATIONS Registered voter within the trustee area
DISTRICT Winters Joint Unified School DistrictTrustee Areas 1 and 5
OFFICE Governing Board Member
ELECTED By Trustee Area
NUMBER TO BE ELECTED 1 (One) in each trustee area.
QUALIFICATIONS Registered voter within the trustee area
DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY for eligible candidates desiring to file for the elective office may be obtained from the Yolo County Elections Office, 625 Court Street, Suite B05, Woodland, (530) 666-8133 on and after July 15, 2024, through August 9, 2024.
EXTENSION PERIOD TO FILE Declaration of Candidacy shall be extended to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, if the incumbent does not file for such office. The nomination extension period applies to all interested persons except for the incumbent. For further information, contact the Yolo County Elections Office at (530) 666-8133.
INSUFFICIENT NOMINEES , if by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024 (if there is no extension) or on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 (if there is an extension), there are no nominees or only one nominee for any
pened in the past few weeks it will be difficult to relate and I don’t know just where to begin either. Nor do I know which might be the more interesting to you. Perhaps if I just jump around hitting some of the high spots it will do until I can find opportunity to do them more justice.
Right now I have invaded the privacy of a nice private estate in Belgium and am sitting on a bench by a little lake surrounded by pine trees. There are also lawns and flower beds all around. An atmosphere that would be more conducive to writing would be difficult to find.
Most interesting, perhaps, would be about Paris, in which fair city I had more than an ordinary visit and a wonderful time. I feel quite sure in making the statement that I was the first Utahn to enter Paris and words cannot describe or express the tremendous welcome we
steps leading to the substantial and impressive grand lobby, and entered the building – the place where so much significant United States history had been made.
ings were, well, open to the public. And many private buildings also encouraged visitors to enter and explore. But that all changed after the 9/11 attack.
Back in January of 1980, I arrived in Washington, D. C., on the very morning that I learned I’d passed the California Bar exam, qualifying me as a licensed attorney. I walked over to the United States Supreme Court Building, slowly climbed the massive granite
Today, you are not allowed to walk up those huge steps and enter the front doors of the Supreme Court building. Why? Because after 9/11, our government imposed and installed massive security measures to protect thousands of installations, facilities, and buildings from a potential future terrorist attacks. The front door of the United States Supreme Court is no longer open to the public.
To visit the Supreme Court today, you must enter a small door-
office, the supervising authority shall appoint any person to the office who is qualified on the date when the election would have been held, in lieu of election.
NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN to the voters of the City of Winters that a Municipal Election Consolidated with the General Election will be held on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, for the offices of City Council Member. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
OFFICIAL NOMINATION PETITIONS for eligible candidates desiring to file for City Council Member may be obtained from the Winters City Clerk, 318 1st Street, Winters.
The nomination period begins on July 15, 2024, and ends on August 9, 2024. If nomination papers for the incumbent are not filed by the close of the nomination period, the voters shall have until 5:00 p.m. on August 14, 2024, to nominate candidates other than the incumbent. For further information, contact the Winters City Clerk at (530) 794-6702.
DISTRICT City of Winters
OFFICE Member, City Council
ELECTED At Large NUMBER TO BE ELECTED 2 (Two).
QUALIFICATIONS Registered voter within the city of Winters
INSUFFICIENT NOMINEES, if by 5:00 p.m. on August 9, 2024 (if there is no extension) or on August 14, 2024 (if there is an extension) there are no nominees or only one nominee for an elective city office, the city council may decide to fill the office by appointment or proceed with the election.
Dated this 15th of July, 2024
s/ JESSE SALINAS
Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters County of Yolo
ELECTION NOTICE
CITY OF WINTERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Election will be held in the City of Winters, County of Yolo, State of California, to be Consolidated with the General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and at said election, a measure will be submitted to the voters of the said District:
received. No doubt you have read all about it in the newspapers and heard it described by radio and new reels. I was in more photographs and movies than I shall ever be in again. Some of the photographs I may be able to get. At least I have hopes.
Ididn’t get a chance to shop for souvenirs, but perhaps I’ll get another chance. I’d like to be able to get some little thing for each member of the family.
From Paris to here we have literally rolled on a path of flowers. It would not be an exaggeration to say that more than a ton of flowers has been on my own vehicle during this time. We have to discard them by the armful to make room for more at each town we enter. And what flowers! I have never seen such large and colorful blooms. Dahlias nearly a foot in diameter and all those
way on the side of the building, walk to a strict security checkpoint in the basement before you are allowed into the Court building. It saddens me that this building, which perhaps best represents freedom, liberty, and our Constitution, does not allow citizens to use the front door.
The same thing is happening right now at the California State Capitol, in Sacramento. A massive reconstruction project has been underway for several years at the Capitol building, to try and prevent another bin Laden-type terrorist attack. A large underground concrete security entrance is being constructed on the side of the Capitol building, where visitors will walk downstairs, pass through a
varieties which only a florist can name and a botanist can spell. And such a display and waving of flags! Truly, I never expect to see more variation of the American flag. Some are real and correct, but most of them have been improvised from strips of colored cloth and even painted on paper. I have seen them with as few as 5 stripes and 3 stars to as many as 19 stripes and stars as countless as in the heavens.
After seeing these people who have lived under the iron heel of Germany for four years and then to hear their shouts and see their tears of joy at being liberated gives me a new conception of what freedom and personal liberty mean. It is to be guarded and treasured above all else.
I’ll try to write oftener. Please call up the folks or arrange to see them. Tell them I’m well, etc., and that I shall write at the first opportunity.
—Russell
security checkpoint, and enter the actual Capitol through the basement. No longer can you walk up wide stone steps in front of the building and see the monumental stone columns above. As you enter, you won’t see the huge marble and granite columns, the black and white diagonal marble checkerboard floor, or step through to the gold and white rotunda and dome. It’s not only public buildings that are no longer accessible.
One of my favorite memories about visiting Sam Francisco, years ago, was experiencing the grand view from the top floor Observation Deck of the TransAmerica Pyramid — perhaps the best 360-degree view of the City. But if See POINT, Page 6
MEASURE “S”
“To maintain and improve City Services such as 911 emergency response, parks, trails, youth programs; respond to property crimes/thefts/burglaries; retain/ attract local businesses; and for general government use; shall the measure establishing a 1¢ sales tax providing approximately $1,200.000 annually until ended by voters; requiring audits, public spending disclosures, funds locally controlled, be adopted?”
Arguments for or against the measure may be submitted to the City of Winters City Clerk, 318 1st Street, Winters, (530) 794-6702, no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 18, 2024, which has been determined, under the authority of Section 9286 of the Elections Code, to be a reasonable date based upon the time necessary to prepare and submit written verified arguments. No argument shall exceed 300 words in length. The legislative body, or a member or members of the legislative body authorized by that body, or an individual voter who is eligible to vote on the measure, or bona fide association of citizens, or a combination of voters and associations, may file a written argument for or against any city measure.
If more than one argument for or against the measure is submitted within the time prescribed, the City Clerk shall select one of the arguments in favor and one of arguments against the measure for printing and distribution to the voters.
When the City Clerk has selected the arguments for and against the measure which will be printed and distributed to the voters, the City Clerk shall send copies to the authors in favor and to the authors against the measure. The authors may prepare and submit rebuttal arguments not exceeding 250 words. The rebuttal arguments must be filed with the City Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 29, 2024. Rebuttal arguments shall be printed in the same manner as the direct arguments. Each rebuttal argument shall immediately follow the direct argument which it seeks to rebut.
Dated this 15th of July, 2024
Water Warriors outswim the competition
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
On Saturday, July 13, the Winters Water Warriors swim team hosted Beal AFB and DART Solano athletes at the Bobbie Greenwood Swim Center.
The Winters squad swam away with 17 wins across the 19 events, including impressive first places in the 100-yard medley relays in the 10 and under and the 11 and over groups.
With all their placements tallied together, Winters had 16 first-place, eight second-place, and seven third-place finishes across the meet.
“The meet went really well,” said swim coach Lacie Lopez. They continued, “It was extremely fun watching the progress from all the swimmers.”
This meet was the first time that Winters Swim Team athletes competed against swimmers from other schools, and the team rose to the occasion.
“We added relays and additional teams for this meet and our swimmers stepped up to the challenge,” said Lopez.
The first medley of 11
years and older was won by Winters swimmers Timmy Gardner performing the backstroke, Jagger Gajkowski performing the breaststroke, Jack Jordling performing the butterfly, and Michael Luna Castillo performing the freestroke. The group posted an impressive 1:14.53 finish, which was three seconds faster than the second-place group which was also made up of Winters swimmers.
In the 10 and under 100yard Medley, Winters swimmers Aubrey Valentine, Haidyn Billock, Emma Rodgers, and Lilly Leonard set a 1:46.13 for first place, a time 12 seconds faster than the second-place finishers in the event.
“We added relays and additional teams for this meet
“We
added relays and additional teams for this meet and our swimmers stepped up to the challenge.”
Lacie Lopez, coach
and our swimmers stepped up to the challenge,” said Lopez.
Stepping up to the challenge of the added relays were Will Lindfors, Carter Michael, August Holland, and Finn Gajkowksi, who finished first place with a 1:33.28 in the 10 and under 100-yard freestyle relay against the 1:45.87 set by the second place Beal AFB swim team.
Not to be outdone by the younger swimmers, in the 11 and over 200-yard freestyle relay Winters swimmers Jack Jordling, Khloe Gardner, Ellemi Putman, and Timmy Gardner set an impressive 2:13.50 for a first-place finish, which was 19 seconds faster than the second-place finish of 2:32.50 set by the Beal AFB swim team.
In the individual events, the Water Warriors had some stand-out swimmers
Get a good workout outdoors
Getting a gym membership is one of the first things that comes to mind when someone mentions a desire to get in shape. Exercise goals can be achieved at gyms and fitness clubs, but they are not the only locations where people can get on a healthy track. People who turn to the great outdoors for their fitness needs may find nature is an equally, if not exceedingly, effective setting to get in
shape.
The Association for Applied Sport Psychology says as many as 80 percent of people who begin exercise programs do not stick with them. Seeing progress and reaching goals can be great motivators, as can doing something because it is enjoyable. Utilizing outdoor activities to get in shape can improve people’s chances of exercising regularly. Here are a few ideas to kick-start a new routine.
Kayaking and paddle-
boarding: Water sports are perfect warm-weather activities that build good upper body and core strength. Kayaking and paddleboarding also offer cardiovascular benefits by getting the heart pumping. These water activities offer a great way to exercise that doesn’t often seem like exercise at all.
Hiking: Walking for pleasure gained popularity in Europe during the eighteenth century. Hiking involves taking long, vigorous walks on trails or footpaths.
across multiple events.
Jordling set the best times in three events, including the 50-yard backstroke where he finished 4 seconds quicker than the second-place swimmer, the 50-yard freestyle where he set a 29.06, and an impressive 50-yard butterfly in which Jordling finished nearly 10 seconds faster than the Beal AFB swimmer.
Finn Gajkowski also had a fantastic showing at the Saturday meet placing first across three events. In the 25-yard breaststroke, Gajkowski posted a 25.88, 3 seconds faster than second-place Winters swimmer Lilly Leonard. Gajkowski also finished first in the 25-yard butterfly, posting a 22.97, which was 3.81 seconds faster than the second-place Beal AFB swimmer.
Lastly, the 25-yard
The varied terrain is an excellent cardiovascular exercise and can strengthen the lower body.
Park circuit: Many public parks have exercise equipment along trails or walking paths. Individuals can follow a circuit with little to no rest in between. If a park doesn’t have dedicated equipment, one can use kids’ jungle gym equipment to perform pull-ups, incline pushups, lunges, and additional strength-training exercises. Climbing and scrambling: Climbing hills and mountains is a challenging way to get in shape and improve physical fitness. Climbing
freestroke ended in a photo finish, Gajkowski finished first with a 17.22 but was followed close behind by Winters swimmer Aubrey Valentine who finished the event with a 17.75, and DART Swimmer Kira Chev who finished with a 17.89. Clementine Holland set a first-place time in the 25-yard backstroke with a 20.96.
Ellemie Putman was fastest in two events, finishing first in the 25-yard butterfly with a 16.71, and finishing first in the 25-yard freestroke with a 14.82. Timmy Gardner finished first place in the 50-yard breaststroke with a 43.56. Will Lindfors placed first in the 50-yard Kickboard event, finishing with a 1:04.44, a time 18 seconds faster than the second-place swimmer. Khloe Gardner finished first in the 25-yard breaststroke with a 22.34. With only one meet left in the season, the Winters Swim Team looks forward to the Championships that will be held at the Bobbie Greenwood Swim Center on Saturday, July 27.
involves working muscles all over the body. It also requires balance and flexibility.
Sports: Volleyball, baseball, tennis, pickleball, and other organized sporting activities can offer aerobic and strength-training benefits. Sports typically are played among a group, and the sense of companionship and good-natured competition that often develops in such settings can keep participants engaged and having fun.
The great outdoors can be a great place to combine exercise with enjoyable activities.
ing
sense of community is present in the summer youth program, provided by the Winters Friends of the Library.
Be sure to keep an eye out for sign-ups if your child is interested in this program next year at visit www. wfol.org. Winters Shakespeare
is supported by the Winters Friends of
POINT
Continued from Page 5
you’ve never been up there, don’t go now. The Observation Deck — the entire floor — has been closed to the public for more than 20 years. And if you go to see San Francisco’s impressive City Hall building you’ll find that this architectural gem no longer provides and encourages easy access for visitors to experience the grand entryway, the fine marble and granite, and the beautiful dome. If
you want to see any of it, you’ll need to enter from a side street, go through a concrete tunnel and a security checkpoint, before you can walk into the lovely building. I often hear people use the phrase: “we won the battle, but we lost the war.” It seems to apply here. We defeated Osama bin Ladin, but his influence and impact still grips our culture years later. As Mark Antony said, in William Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar,” “The evil that men do lives long after them.”
Timothy Gardner, a 14-year-old on the Winters Water Warriors swim team, is Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. Gardner is a ninth-grader competing this summer. Gardner is always the first swimmer in the water and the last one out. Swim coach Garrett Matheson said Gardner goes above and beyond to improve. “He has attended every meet and is always willing to try something new, even if it is hard,” Matheson said.
Courtesy photo
Julia Little as Helena and Jax Cooper as Hermia argue as the spelled Jackson Bronson as Lysander and Atlas Roehrs as Demetrius fight for Helena’s attention.
Saturday Aug 3rd
Alvie @ 2pm
Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Presidio Theatre and (((Folkyeah!))) Present Second Annual Bliss Festival August 3 And 4 @ 6pm / $15 Outdoor Festival features Ritmos Tropicosmos, ¿Quiensave?, Orchestra Gold, Hectorine, Yea-Ming & The Rumours, Salami Rose Joe Louis, HandsOn DIY Crafts with the Mexican Museum, Food & Drink Presidio Theatre, 99 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco. info@presidio theatre.org
THEMBA @ 7pm Warehouse, San Francisco
Salt+
@ 8pm Gestalt, 3159 16th St, San Fran‐cisco
Sadye: Sophie Powers Glitch Tour
@ 8pm Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission St, San Francisco
Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra @ 9pm The Chapel, San Francisco
Niveles @ 9pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco
Jimmy Carpenter on Sax @ 9pm Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St, San Francisco
Mark Hummel @ 9:30pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco
Terry Hunter @ 2pm San Francisco Gallery, 888 Marin Street San Francisco, San Fran‐cisco
David Harness: Mighty Real & After After Hours Presents Terry Hunter @ 2pm 888, 888 Marin Street, San Fran‐cisco
Anna Laura Quinn: The Page @ 3pm The Page, 298 Divisadero St, San Francisco
Seb Wildblood @ 3pm The Flamingo House Social Club, 2315 K St, Sacramento
Melinda Kausek: TWANG!
@ 4pm Thee Parkside, 1600 17th St, San Francisco
Sweet Undertow: Eddy Solo in Golden Gate Park! @ 4pm Golden Gate Park Bandshell, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Fran‐cisco
The Seagulls @ 6pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
10th Annual Desi Comedy Fest @ 7pm Desi Comedy Fest is the Biggest South Asian Comedy Festival in America. Our missions is to show‐case the funniest South Asian co‐medians from around the world! Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Colum‐bus Avenue, San Francisco. info@ DesiComedyFest.com, 415-6761371
Lord Buffalo @ 8pm The Starlet Room, 2708 J St, Sacramento
Jenny Don't And The Spurs @ 7pm The Starlet Room, 2708 J St, Sacramento The Spurs @ 8pm The Starlet Room, 2708 J St, Sacramento
Rotary Club of Davis Weekly Lunch & Program @ 12pm See website for details. ro‐taryclubofdavis.com Davis Com‐munity Church, 421 D Street, Davis. teainsworth@gmail.com
Abby Govindan: How to Embar‐rass Your Immigrant Parents @ 7pm / $25 Punch Line Comedy Club - Sacramento, Sacramento
Jhené Aiko: The Magic Hour Tour @ 7pm / $59.50-$407.50 Chase Center, San Francisco
Jhené Aiko @ 7pm Chase Center, 500 Terry A Francois Boulevard, San Francisco
Tink @ 7pm Chase Center, 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco
Umi @ 7pm Chase Center, 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco
Tirzah @ 8pm August Hall, San Francisco
Tirzah @ 8pm August Hall, 420 Mason St, San Francisco
Lo Moon @ 8pm Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street, San Francisco
BIT @ 9:30pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco
SUNQ @ 5pm Music City San Francisco, 1355 Bush St, San Francisco
Drew Zingg @ 6pm Boom Boom Room, 1601 Fillmore St, San Francisco
GamperDrums @ 6pm Boom Boom Room, 1601 Fillmore St, San Francisco
and Aus‐tralia. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. 530-752-6567
Karrie O'Neill: Margaritaville South Lake @ 5pm Margaritaville Resort
South Lake Tahoe
Cassie B: St. Helena Summer Concert @ 6pm Lyman Park, 1498 Main St, Saint Helena LUCKI @ 7pm The Masonic, 1111 California St, San Francisco
Off With Their Heads @ 7pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento
Middle-Aged
1233 17th St, San Francisco
Re�ecting Lenses: Twenty Years of Photography at the Gorman Museum @ 11am This exhibition presents photo‐graphic artworks by more than two dozen Indigenous artists from North America, Aotearoa, and Aus‐tralia. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. 530-752-6567
Fauxes: NightLife Remix: Track 2 @ 6pm California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Fran‐cisco
Boca Do Rio @ 7pm 58 Degrees & Holding Co., 1217 18th
Growing
Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco
Pop goes the Garden! Armijo High, Jardin de la esperanza / Garden of Hope @ 9am Join us in sprucing up the garden as we begin a new school year! This is a working garden, outdoor learning space, and mental health space! Garden was started in March 2019. Armijo High School, 824 Washington Street, Fair�eld. sylviah@fsusd.org, 707-853-9388
The BIG Night LIVE and Online Auction @ 9am / $350 Aug 9th - Aug 17th Join us for The BIG Night, a Wine Country Charity Auction bene�ting the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. He‐lena and Calistoga. Support edu‐cation, health, art, and recreation programs for Napa Valley youth. Trinchero Napa Valley, 3070 St He‐lena Hwy, St. Helena. steve@bgc shc.org, 707-909-0627
Re�ecting Lenses: Twenty Years of Photography at the Gorman Museum @ 11am
This exhibition presents photo‐graphic artworks by more than two dozen Indigenous artists from North America, Aotearoa, and Aus‐tralia. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. 530-752-6567
Muusic at Noon Free Concert 8/9 at the Davis UU Church - Cellist Alexandra Roedder @ 12pm Cellist Alexandra Roedder per‐forms Bach Suites 1 and 3 on her Five String 1743 Baroque Cello at the Unitarian Universalist Church's Muusic at Noon second Friday free concert series Friday, August 9! 27074 Patwin Rd, 27074 Patwin Road, Davis. luannhiggs@ gmail.com, 916-600-8872
2nd Friday ArtAbout at the Pence Gallery @ 6pm The community is invited to visit the Pence for our free, monthly art recep‐tion! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis.
Dave Nachmanoff & The Usual Culprits at the Melon Ball
Special to the Express
Dave Nachmanoff will be playing a special “Album Show” on July 26th at Watermelon Music’s Melon Ball featuring his first album “Candy Shower.” The album was released in 1996 and recorded in Sacramento.
One set will feature the entire first album from start to finish. The show will also feature some special guests who played on the original tracks including bassist and Watermelon Music owner Jeff Simons on bass, Sacramen-
to-based singer/ songwriter Natalie Cortez and Stacy Shelton of “Natalie Cortez Band” on backing vocals, and Sacramento-based musician David Houston of “David Houston & String Theory” who engineered and produced the album. Nachmanoff will also be joined by his new band “The Usual Culprits,” featuring Martin Lewis on guitar, Nick Carvajal on bass and vocals and Ryan Davis on drums. They bring Nachmanoff’s songs to life with folk-rock arrangements that
highlight acoustic guitar work from both Lewis and Nachmanoff, and some great vocal harmonies from Carvajal.
The other set will be a variety of songs from Nachmanoff’s other albums, to round the evening out. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at watermelonmusic.com or at davenach.com/ shows.
The Melon Ball at Watermelon Music is located at 1970 Lake Blvd Suite No. 1, in Davis. The concert begins at 8 p.m., with doors opening to the public at 7:30 p.m.
Logos hosts eclectic art show
Special to the Express
Logos Books will display “20 Pieces, 20 Friends: Artful Adventurers” from Aug. 2 through 30 at the downtown book store at 513 Second St.A reception for the 2nd Friday ArtAbout will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9.
The Artful Adventurers include members who reside in Davis, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Greenwood, Lincoln, Natomas, Newcastle, Orangevale, Placerville, Rocklin, Sacramento and Shingle Springs. With so many different communities represented, interests are quite diverse. This show reflects that diversity with a variety of artworks in various media: acrylics, clay, block printing, drawing, felting, glass, oils, pastel, screen printing and watercolor.
Get a look at art from the diverse Artful Adventurers at Logos Books in August. A reception is on Aug. 9 for the
The artists represented in this show are Jerie Butler, Judy Butler, Carrie Ceniseroz, Susie Cowen, Sue Denega, Karen Donaldson, Hilda Fernandez, Maureen Gemma, Wendy Holloway, Roy Lizama, Laurel
Lyda, Sylvia Moore, Maryann Schultz, Karmala Sherwood, Debbie Smith, Jill Steward, MaryLynn Tenenbaum, Mark Tomassetti, Katri Uno and Larry Williams.
Annual wine stroll coming to downtown Winters
The Winters Downtown Business Association is celebrating International Albariño Day with a wine stroll. Participating businesses will offer Albariño or Albariño-inspired cocktails along with Spanish-inspired small bites. International Albariño Day, inspired by the Albariño Wine Festival held in the small coastal town of Cambados, Spain during the first week of August is a celebration of the Albariño grape. Albariño is traditionally grown in Rias Baixas, a wine region in Galicia in northwestern Spain, and produces crisp, acidic white wines ideal for summer evenings and seafood
Variety of experiences offered at first Latin Rock on the Dock Express travels to Rome
Special to the Express
Tickets are selling fast for the inaugural Latin Rock on the Dock music festival Saturday on the Mare Island Waterfront, 850 Nimitz Ave.
Featured festival performers include Ozomatli, Joe Bataan, Puro Bandido, Thee Sinseers and more. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. Music is from 1 to 9:30 p.m.
The event features features music, a wide array of food options paired with regional wines, micro-
pairings.
In Winters, a town rich with Spanish heritage, both local wineries Berryessa Gap Vineyards and Turkovich Family Wines will mark International Albariño Day by sharing their 2023 Albariño wines along with Spanish-inspired small bites. Berryessa Gap Vineyards 2023 Albariño was recently awarded a Double Gold and Best of Class distinction from the California State Fair Wine Competition, and Turkovich Family Wines 2023 Albariño was also awarded Double Gold and Best in Class distinction from the Los Angeles Time Wine Competition. Though the climate of Winters and western Yolo County is quite different to
the coastal region of Spain these grape hails from, the Albariño wines being produced here are showing great promise like other Spanish varietals grown in the Winters Highlands and Dunnigan Hills AVAs in Yolo County. Visitors to Winters who secure a Passport will receive complimentary offerings at seven participating businesses. Wine and drink specials may be available for purchase for both passport holders and the general public. Strolling through charming downtown Winters visitors may also enjoy visiting the Winters Museum, shopping, dining at one of the restaurants in town or staying the weekend.
brews and specialty cocktails, complete with waterfront views along the entire festival grounds.
Formed in 1995 in Los Angeles, Ozomatli is known for incorporating a wide array of musical styles including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, hip-hop and more.
With seven studio albums and legions of fans, the group continues to entertain at venues and festivals all over the country.
Bataan is from New York. Born and raised in Spanish Harlem,
he delivers not only Latin soul, but also R&B, salsa, disco, Latin funk, Latin jazz and more.
Puro Bandido was formed in the Mission District of San Francisco, delivering high energy Latin rock. The band was instrumental in the development of border rock.
Thee Sinseers are the in-demand group for souldies parties up and down the coast. Attendees can bring portable seating for the general admission areas or enjoy an upgraded VIP experience. VIP benefits include free parking in the main parking lot closest to the entrance that allows them to bypass long lines and a shaded seating area with view of stage, close to indoor restrooms.
Premium VIP benefits will include all VIP benefits, the closest seating to the stage, a special gift bag with sponsor merchandise, a complimentary glass of champagne and a premium VIP area with complimentary finger foods.
Daily admission tickets are $102; VIP is $160; Premium VIP is $265 and includes all fees and free parking. Advance purchase is suggested. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit latinrockfest.com.
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Luzangely Martin brought her copy of the Express to Rome. Martin posed in front of the Fontana di Trevi. The Trevi Fountain is an 18th-century fountain in the Trevi district in Rome, Italy.
