Winters students to receive free meals
Express staff
Winters Joint Unified School District will continue to provide free meals to students enrolled at all Winters school sites for the 2024–25 school year. Patricia Jimenez, Director of Nutrition Service, confirmed that Winters JUSD announced the policy to provide free meals is under the National School Lunch/ School Breakfast Program. All students will be served lunch and breakfast at no charge at Winters State Preschool, Waggoner Elementary School, Shirley Rominger Intermediate School, Winters Middle School, Winters High
School and Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy.
For additional information, contact Jimenez at 530795-6700 ext. 8004 or piimenez@wintersjusd.org. Mail can be sent to Attn: Winters Joint Unified School District, Patrictia Jimenez/ Nutrition Services, 909 West Grant Ave., Winters, CA 95694.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at www.usda.eov/ sites/default/files/ documents/ad-3027. pdf, call 866-6329992, or by write a letter addressed to USDA.
Video footage debunks couple’s assault report
By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media
A couple who reported being attacked and nearly robbed of their scooter in Winters allegedly fabricated the story to avoid a domestic violence arrest, the Winters Police Department reported this week.
The pair reported the robbery on the evening of July 25, after officers responded to reports of a man and woman arguing in the 100 block of E. Grant Avenue, police said in a social media post.
“Both parties reported that an unknown Hispanic male in his 20s, wearing all black, approached them and attempted to take
their scooter from them by force,” the post said. According to their story, the man struggled over the scooter with the suspect, who then threw the woman to the ground before fleeing the scene.
Officers searched the area but couldn’t find anyone matching the suspect’s description. An investigation ensued, leading police to obtain surveillance video from a nearby business last Friday.
“The video showed the couple was involved in a physical altercation, with the male half of the couple throwing the female to the ground, then straddling her and placing his hands over her mouth while holding her down,” the post said. “There were no other subjects in the video. Based on the video evidence, it was evident that an
Community celebrates newest US citizens
Express staff
On July 30, 55 community members gathered to celebrate a group of new US citizens at a citizenship celebration at the Winters Community Library.
Yolo County Library, Winters Hispanic Advisory Committee and Winters Community Corazón partnered to host the citizenship celebration to honor 20 individuals who recently achieved their citizenship.
Revalee Hemken, a volunteer who has been coaching the group through their studies opened the event with high hon-
ors for the newest citizens’ efforts and dedication.
“These fine people have worked hard and sacrificed much to realize their own American Dreams. I am so proud of them for persevering to earn their citizenship,” Hemken said.
The Winters HAC and Winters Community Corazón regularly work to provide annual two-part workshops or citizenship clinics to help immigrants get started on their journey to become American residents. These efforts provide an opportunity to meet with attorneys to begin work on the adminis-
trative aspects and fill out all of the required forms.
After the paperwork is done, candidates begin their studies to prepare for the test.
“Sometimes it’s easy, but sometimes it takes learning US history, and both reading and writing in a short window of time. It’s hard to pass the test,” Jesse Loren, Corazón board member and Winters city council member said in a community announcement.
The journey to earn their citizenship was supported by many volunteers and organizations. According to Hemken, Winters Friends of the Library
supports the programming put on by the Winters Community Library, while WFoL and library volunteers help candidates prepare for their interviews.
“These new citizens will inspire future candidates to begin their own journey to citizenship. Yes, it can be done,” Hemken told attendees.
For more information about upcoming events or to inquire about assistance through an upcoming citizenship clinic, send an email to info@winterscorazon.org or visit www. winterscorazon.org.
Waggoner hosts Spirit of Winters mural
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
The colorful Spirit of Winters inspired at mural at Waggoner Elementary School was completed on May 20, after many weeks of hard work from multiple young artists. Six high school students assisted over 100 Waggoner students who had worked on the mural, under the leadership of professional muralist Jamie Montiel.
The mural was planned, funded, and executed with the collaboration of several Winters groups including the school district, the Spirit of Winters community group and the Winters Participation Gallery.
Weather
“The mural is based on what students feel is special about Winters. There was a lesson done with all K through 5th-grade students where they were read a book and then drew or wrote about what was special about Winters. The high school students took those drawings to develop the mural,” said Jill Aguiar, Expanding Learning and Opportunity Program Coordinator. The book used for inspiration was “My Papi Has a Motorcycle” by Isabel Quinte-
ro. The story is about how a young girl explores her hometown with her dad one evening. In the story, the main character reminisces about all the familiar landmarks that make her town so special. Aguiar had the students write down their reactions to the story and hired high school students to create sketches used to design the mural.
Much like the painters, the design of the mural is quite spontaneous.
“I love that the students were the people who decided what would be on the mural through the assignment that they did. And then the high school students took what they said and, you know, designed it into that mural. The elementary kids
The Spirit of Winters mural features iconic Winters landmarks, such as the city of Winters’ water tower and the Rotary Park gazebo, as well as images that reminded the young painters of their town and community, such as tractors, playgrounds, sunflowers and a rainbow symbolizing the green river itself, Putah Creek.
Courtesy photo
Fifty-five community members gathered at the Winters Community Library to celebrate 20 people who recently earned their American citizenship on July 30. The event featured featured speakers and stories from honorees.
Courtesy photo
think is special about
WTC hosts auditions for ‘Robin Hood the Musical’
Accepting 10-minute play scripts
Special to the Express
Winters Theatre Company is hosting auditions for its upcoming production of Robin Hood the Musical on Aug. 20 and 21, at 7 p.m. in the historical Winters Opera House, 13 Main St. WTC is looking for male and female actors, singers and dancers who are ages 12 and older.
The auditions consist of a cold reading from the script. A resume and headshot are suggested, but not required. The audition will include some singing and dancing. It is strongly suggested to prepare to perform 16 to 20 bars of a song from a musical.
Callbacks are scheduled for Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. at the Opera House.
Rehearsal dates start Oct. 7 and will be Monday through Thursday with some Saturdays and Sundays. Music and dance rehearsals will be announced in September.
Play background
In 1977, The Bad Actors of the Davis old Palms Playhouse performed a musical version of Robin Hood. It opened to rave reviews and later came to be its signature show.
In 2020, with the Bad Actors as inspiration, Winters Theatre Company wrote its own original Robin Hood story. It, too, is a musical. It blended some of the songs from the Bad Actors Production with new musical additions. WTC players originally planned to present “Robin Hood the Musical” for their annual May Dinner Theater at the Palms Playhouse in Winters. Due to COVID restrictions, all was put on hold. The show was rewritten
and performed on Zoom during the pandemic.
But now, WTC is thrilled to announce that “Robin Hood” will be performed live at the Winters Opera House on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting Nov. 22 through Dec. 1. For information on available roles for “Robin Hood,” visit www.winterstheatre.org/auditions. For questions or more information, email winterstheatre@gmail.com or call 530-795-4014.
Accepting script submissions
Winters Theatre Company 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 8, 2025, at the historic Winters Opera House on Main Street in downtown Winters. Now through Sept. 30, WTC is looking for original submissions (all submissions must come directly from the original playwright/author) for the festival. Authors must must be 18 years of age or older to submit an application, 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 so all 10-minute scripts are welcome. WTS asks authors to read the guidelines before sending in a submission. All details are available on the WTC website, www.winterstheatre.org. Questions should be emailed producers, Ana Kormos and Jim Hewlett. WTC looks forward to receiving and reading your submissions, and selecting the eight scripts that will be performed. The final selections will be announced on Nov. 1.
County unveils new playground at Esparto Community Park
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
On Wednesday, July 17, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the newest playground constructed at the Esparto Community Park.
More than 150 attendees turned out for the ribbon cutting, showing the community interest in not just the replacement of the old playground, but the community involvement in the entire project. At the event, many services and programs were offered by the Esparto Regional Library, children’s mental health services, and Yolo Child Welfare RFA (Resource Family Approval) program.
The old playground structure had been unchanged for over 25 years and was beginning to show not just the wear and tear of many years of play, but no longer met current safety standards. A lack of ADA-inclusive design ideas left the community wanting a playground structure more inclusive of children of different physical abilities.
An investment of $228,000 was allocated from the state’s Proposition 68 Parks Program to fund the construction of the new playground.
“The voters of California supported the parks bond (Prop. 68 in 2018), and we’re grateful for the investment of state bond funds in this amazing new community amenity,”
Lucas Frerichs, Yolo County District 2 Supervisor and board chair, said at the ribbon cutting. “This new playground is also so important for physical, emotional, and mental health and well-being for all the families and kids in the Esparto community.”
On July 11, 2023, District 5 Supervisor Angel Barajas and the Yolo County Parks Department gathered the community for an event to vote on three different designs for the new playground structure. All three designs shown to the community featured inclusive activities based on the Seven Principles of Inclusive Playground Design. The final de-
sign received 53 votes from the community at this event. Barajas highlighted how important the community’s involvement was in the decision-making process.
“Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a significant milestone for Esparto Community Park and highlights the incredible power of community involvement. The enthusiastic turnout and support from our residents show just how important this new playground is to our town. We are proud to unveil this ADA-compliant structure chosen by the community for the community,” said Barajas.
Middle school focuses on three goals for student achievement plan
By Angela Underwood Express correspondent
Winters Joint Unified School District takes student’s futures very seriously.
How?
Every school implements School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSA) programs. Winters Middle School Principal Jose Bermudez was
the third school leader to present his SPSA to the Winters JUSD Board of Trustees in June, beginning by noting the School Site Council’s responsibility in developing it.
According to the California Department of Education, a School Site Council must have 10 members, with equal representation from
school staff, including the principal, teachers, and personnel and five community members.
“This year, we had a strong and collaborative site council,” Bermudez said of the meetings members participated in simultaneously in person and over Zoom. “We had about 15 to 20 people showing up.”
Echoing Assistant Superintendent Phoebe Girmonte’s words, “the SPSA is a living document,” Bermudez said.
“It can be updated and changed at any time,” Bermudez said, noting that is the case with the middle school.
WMS has three SPSA goals of college and career readiness, conditions of learning, and a safe, welcoming environment.
According to the principal, students will be assessed for each goal during the first few weeks of school to see where they stand.
“Some lose things over the summer, and some gain things over the summer as well academically,” he said. However, it is not just up to the teachers — it will be “student choice for the most part,” Bermudez added. In part of the new FLEX curriculum, rotating 10-week-long support classes will be available for specific needs and will not necessarily involve reteaching subject matter.
“In addition, we definitely want to continue growing our student clubs,” Bermudez said of the rise from three to eight groups. “(Students) would also like more after-school support.” He said up to 60 percent of students requested more than just a “homework club,” after-hours intervention support groups, or a combination of the two.
According to the
See WMS, Page 5
Courtesy photo
Yolo County Supervisors Oscar Villegas, Jim Provensa, Mary Vixie Sandy (back), Lucas Frerichs and Angel Barajas celebrate the newest playground in
Courtesy photo
Yolo County Supervisors and the Esparto community gathered on July 17, as Supervisor Angel Barajas cut the red ribbon to officially open the new playground structure for local children to play on at the Esparto Community Park.
Yolo County announces nut-buying period
Express staff
Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner Humberto Izquierdo announced that the nut-buying period would begin Aug. 1, and run through April 1, 2025, following the county’s nut-theft ordinance.
On May 13, 2014, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors adopted a nut theft ordinance to address the issue of nuts being stolen from orchards and sold illegally. The declaration of the nut buying period, and related proof-of-ownership requirements, assist the department in enforcing the ordinance through compliance checks at places where nuts are sold.
During this period, people in possession of unprocessed almonds, walnuts or pistachios will be required to show proof
of ownership. Under probable cause, the agricultural commissioner or any peace officer may inspect the commodity and request proof of ownership. Proof of ownership shall contain the following information:
• Name, address, telephone number and signature of the seller
• Name, address, telephone number and signature of the buyer
• The vehicle license plate number of the seller
• The driver’s license number of the seller
• The weight of the “nut” commodity purchased
• The date and time of the transaction
• The variety and condition of the “nut” commodity
• Specific identification of the source of the commodity being sold. If the seller is the grower of the commodity,
Public Safety Report
Fire
July 24: 8:04 p.m., Taylor Street, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
~8:44 p.m., Buckeye Road/County Road 31, Rescue, EMS incident, other July 25: 11:17 a.m., Main Street, Gas leak (natural gas or LPG)
~7:43 p.m., E. Grant Avenue, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
~9:02 p.m., Grant Avenue, Power line down
July 26: 6:05 a.m., Highway 128, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
~8:21 a.m., Walnut Lane, Medical assist, assist EMS crew
~1:36 p.m., Grant Avenue, False alarm or false call, other
~4:50 p.m., Main Street, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
~7:33 p.m., Taft Court, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
July 27: 12:29 a.m., Edwards Street, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
~1:58 a.m., Myrtle Drive, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
~11:30 a.m., Walnut Lane, Medical assist, assist EMS crew
July 28: 8:59 a.m., Riverview Court, EMS call, excluding
vehicle accident with injury
~1:43 p.m., Russell Street, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
~2:01 p.m., Myrtle Drive, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
~10:21 p.m., E. Baker Street, False alarm or false call, other July 29: 8:50 a.m., Orchard Lane, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
~10:40 a.m., Myrtle Drive, Medical assist, assist EMS crew
~10:54 p.m., Myrtle Drive, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
July 30: 8:03 a.m., Mermod Place, EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
~6:10 p.m., Edwards Street, Medical assist, assist EMS crew
Police
Arrest Log
July 25: Clarke, Tanya Marie (Age 37), Charges: Two Winters PD Warrants, Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail
July 29: Shaw, Ryan Thomas (Age 34), Charges: Winters PD Warrant, Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail ~Kristensen, Ashley (Age 29), Charges: Winters PD Warrant, Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail
this shall mean the address at which the commodity was grown. If the seller is not the grower of the commodity, this shall mean the name, address and phone number of the person from whom that seller obtained the “nut” commodity, and if known, the address where the commodity was grown.
The proof of ownership shall be retained with the nuts to which it pertains while the commodity is in any person’s possession. Proof of ownership forms may be obtained from the Yolo County Agriculture Department, 70 Cottonwood Street in Woodland, or at the Yolo County Farm Bureau, 69 W. Kentucky Avenue in Woodland. Additionally, the proof of ownership form is available online at www.YoloCounty. org/NutTheft.
Report Log
July 25: 8:27 a.m., 800th block of Jackson Street, Vehicle Tow
~2:33 p.m.400th block of Main Street, APS Follow up
~7:33 p.m., 100th block of E. Grant Avenue, Robbery
July 26: 5:02 a.m., 20000th block of County Road 90, Audible Alarm
~7:04 a.m., 100th block of E. Grant Avenue, Audible Alarm
~10:16 a.m., 700th block of Aster Street, Rape
~4:16 p.m., Creekside Way/Redbud Lane, Vehicle Tow
July 28: 7:56 a.m., 200th block of Railroad Avenue, Domestic Violence
~8:02 p.m., 200th block of Railroad Avenue, Audible Alarm
~9:19 p.m., 20th block of E. Edwards Street, CPS Referral
July 29: 11:25 a.m., Russell Boulevard/ Northbound I-505, Vehicle Tow
~3:40 p.m., 900th block of Kennedy Drive, ID Theft
July 30: 8:03 a.m., 800th block of Mermod Place, Death Investigation
~10:18 p.m., 40th block of Main Street, Audible Alarm
~11:27 p.m., E. Main Street/East Street, Outside Ageny Assist
July 31: 3:45 a.m., 400th block of Grant Avenue, Traffic Collision
California finalmente
podría permitir dar subsidios al servicio celular de inmigrantes indocumentados
Por Alejandra Reyes-Velarde CalMatters
La Comisión de Servicios Públicos de California emitió una propuesta de decisión la semana pasada según la cual todos los californianos deberían tener acceso a un programa estatal de subsidio de servicios de telefonía celular, incluso si no tienen un número de Seguro Social o no pueden proporcionar uno de inmediato.
A principios de este año, CalMatters informó que la aplicación LifeLine todavía solicita números de Seguro Social, a pesar de que la comisión dijo en febrero que había implementado su decisión de 10 años de dejar de usarlos.
Cinco meses después, si bien la aplicación aún no se ha actualizado, podríacambiará tan pronto como a fines de noviembre, luego de un período de comentarios y votación el próximo mes, dijo Ashley Salas, abogada del grupo de consumidores The Utility Reform Network.
“Esta es realmente una gran noticia para todos los californianos porque lo que proponen hacer no sólo beneficiará a los consumidores con un número de Seguro Social, sino también a aquellos que lo tienen,” dijo Salas.
“Tener un teléfono es fundamental para tener acceso a todos los demás beneficios públicos. El nombre lo dice todo. Es un salvavidas. Si no tienes un teléfono, será muy difícil acceder a WIC, CalFresh y otros servicios.”
Lena Silver, directora
Como informó CalMatters, defensores como Utility Reform Network y Neighborhood Legal Services del condado de Los Ángeles expresaron su preocupación cuando se dieron cuenta de que, a pesar de que la comisión afirmó que todos los californianos deberían tener acceso al programa, ese no era el caso. En realidad, los solicitantes sin un número de Seguro Social todavía enfrentaban obstáculos 10 años después de esa decisión.
“Esta es realmente una gran noticia para todos los californianos porque lo que proponen hacer no sólo beneficiará a los consumidores con un número de Seguro Social, sino también a aquellos que lo tienen.”
Ashley Salas, abogada
Eso puede incluir a personas sin vivienda a quienes les podrían haber quitado sus documentos durante una redada en el campamento, personas que huyen de la violencia doméstica, jóvenes en hogares de acogida que no tienen sus certificados de nacimiento, por ejemplo, dijo Lena Silver, directora de políticas y defensa administrativa de Neighborhood Legal Services Los Ángeles.
La comisión ha propuesto actualizar sus formularios de solicitud y renovación para eliminar el texto que requiere números de Seguro Social y permitir a los solicitantes presentar documentos de identificación adicionales además de una licencia de conducir y un pasaporte. Los solicitantes también podrán presentar documentos de identificación vigentes de gobiernos extranjeros.
Además, la decisión propone el uso de True ID, una aplicación que los solicitantes pueden utilizar para verificar su identidad tomándose una fotografía.
Los defensores de los residentes de ba-
jos ingresos todavía temen que muchas personas indocumentadas o sin vivienda de bajos ingresos tengan problemas para acceder a una identificación gubernamental vigente en sus países de origen. Aparte de las preocupaciones de privacidad que tienen con respecto a la aplicación True ID, los defensores dicen que los californianos que soliciten el subsidio del servicio celular tendrán problemas para acceder a un dispositivo celular para usar la aplicación.
“Tener un teléfono es fundamental para tener acceso a todos los demás beneficios públicos. El nombre lo dice todo. Es un salvavidas. Si no tienes un teléfono, será muy difícil acceder a WIC, CalFresh y otros servicios,” dijo Silver. Silver dijo que la organización continuará abogando para que LifeLine se alinee con otros programas importantes de beneficios públicos que son más flexibles en cuanto a los documentos de identificación que aceptan. Se alentaría a las personas que tienen números de Seguro Social a proporcionar esa información, ya que desbloquearía fondos adicionales del programa federal Lifeline. El fondo estatal cubriría todos los costos de quienes no tienen un número de Seguro Social. El programa estatal LifeLine se financia mediante un recargo mensual sobre el servicio telefónico existente. El presupuesto informado del programa para el año fiscal 2022–23 fue de $274,4 millones.
City of Winters
a
YESTERYEAR
Picked by Charley Wallace File photo
Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Stephen Armstrong, who left us far too soon on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Steve was a beacon of love and joy in the lives of all who knew him.
For 48 years, Steve shared a deep and enduring love with his beloved wife, Carole. Their bond was a testament to the beauty of a life lived together with unwavering devotion and mutual respect. Together, they built a family filled with warmth and cherished memories.
Steve was a proud and loving father to his three children and their spouses, Corrin and Pedro, Jayme and Josh and Joe and Brianna, and a doting grandfather to his four precious grandchildren, Christian, Anthony, Hudson and Ariana. His greatest joy came from spending time with them, creating moments of laughter and learning that will forever be treasured.
A man of many passions, Steve found im-
mense joy in fishing, hunting ducks and deer, an activity he pursued with great enthusiasm and skill. His love for cooking was equally profound, and he took great pleasure in preparing delicious meals for family gatherings and special occasions. Steve was also extremely proud to have earned the honor of being an Eagle Scout. Beyond his personal interests, Steve was deeply committed to giving back to his community. His generosity knew no bounds, and he dedicated countless hours to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether through his volunteer work or simply lending a helping hand, he exemplified the spirit of kindness and service.
Steve was also known for his vibrant friendships, and he treasured the time he spent making memories with those he loved. His presence was a source of joy and his laughter, a balm to those around him.
Though his time with us was cut short, the legacy of love and joy he leaves behind will continue to inspire and comfort us.
Steve is survived by his beloved wife Carole, his children, Corrin and Pedro, Jayme and Josh and Joe and Brianna, and his grandchildren, Christian, Anthony, Hudson and Ariana. He is also survived by his sister, Carla Armstrong Schafer. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Donna Armstrong. He is also remembered with fondness by a host of friends and extended family.
A memorial service celebrating Steve’s life will be held on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 5 p.m. at T-L Ranch outside of Esparto, 25260 County Road 25 Esparto, where we will gather to honor his memory and share stories of a life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Winters Little League, as he served on the board and as President for many years. Rest in peace, Steve. Your love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know you.
80 Years Ago
August 11, 1944
Private First Class Bernard V. Lopez, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Lopez of Winters, has reported at the Third Air Force bomber base at Gulfport, Mississippi for an intensive training course as a gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Riley have purchased the A.H. Owens property on the creek bank at the end of Third Street.
Mrs. F. W. Herold has reportedly sold her ranch home north of town to Johnnie Ramos of the Wolfskill district.
Miss Doris Connor arrived in Sacramento Saturday from New Haven, Connecticut and came to Winters Monday for a two weeks’ visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Connor. Messages came this week from Jack Djubek, U.S. Navy, in the Central Pacific. He said that he was well and working hard for a higher rating.
Chief of Police G. A. Crowder left Tuesday for his annual vacation. J. M. Robinson is on duty during his two-week’ absence.
Mrs. John Chulick and little son have returned from a three weeks’ visit with relatives in Menlo Park.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. R. Pugh and sons, Dick and Billie left Sunday for their annual vacation in San Jose and coast cities.
Mrs. W. A. Armstrong and daughter, Rosemarie left Friday for a vacation visit with the former’s mother, Mrs.
Lake water levels drop by 0.57
Express staff
The water level of Lake Berryessa dropped by 0.57 of a foot during the past week, with a decrease in the storage of 10,364 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh, Solano Project Technician with the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 6, he reported the lake elevation was 433.27 feet above sea level, with water storage behind the Monticello Dam computed at 1,426,751 acre-feet of water. The SID is releasing 538 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 306 acre-feet of water per day.
For more information about services from the Solano Irrigation District or to view the latest updates, visit www.sidwater.org.
Years Ago
Dispatches from the Express archives.
W. C. Foster in Chico, planning to return home this weekend.
45 Years Ago
August 9, 1979
Mrs. Alice Delwiche, of Davis, and Maria Rodarte and Dolores Lopez, of Winters, attended the July 14 wedding in Oakland of Julia Gibbs and Steven Snyder. A reception followed at the Highlands Country Club. Julia had been a PROBE student from UCD at the Waggoner School.
Gus Allenbaugh and children Denise and Danny returned to Winters on Monday, July 30 from Pueblo, Colorado where they had been visiting with Mr. Allenbaugh’s sister, Maude Mattarocci.
Four Winters 4-H members are attending the State Leadership Conference being held this week from August 6-9 on the University of California at Davis campus. Bryan Laughlin, Mike Delbar and Joseph Gray are attending as leadership development award winners, and Bruce Laughlin is attending as a delegate.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter R. Jorgensen were surprised ‘Sunday, August 5, when their daughter and son-inlaw, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Williams of Folsom, and grandson and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Jewell of Sacramento, arrived with a complete dinner and presents to celebrate the Jor-
gensen’s 32nd wedding anniversary, which occur- red on August 6.
David Snow, a Winters High School graduate and end on the championship football team, will play in the 23rd annual Optimist AllStar football game on Saturday, August 11, at 7:30 p.m. at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento.
District Superintendent Jack Graf told the Winters School District Board of Trustees Thursday evening that funding for the proposed Continuation High School has tentatively been slashed from legislation pending in Sacramento. The continuation school, to be located at the 6th-grade center, was to have been funded with $125,000 in state monies, but Graf was told at a State Department of Education workshop on the upcoming “bailout” bill for local school districts that new continuation schools are not going to be funded.
More than 100 firefighters fought a stubborn blaze in the English Hills southwest of Winters Saturday afternoon and evening before bringing it under control. The fire covered about 235 acres. No structures were damaged, but firemen guarded the Brown Ranch on Central Lane. Winters Fire Chief Vernon Bruhn said that about 75 buildings were within 25 minutes of the sweeping fire.
Stephen Armstrong
Courtesy photo
Julia West was presented with the Winters Citizen of the Year award at
Chamber of Commerce dinner in 1977. One of the surprises of the evening was the presentation of her family, who had come from far and near to congratulate her. In those days, the honoree was a surprise, with only a few people knowing who the winner was. Pictured left to right, standing, are her husband M. C. West; son Randy from Chico; daughter Beth from Davis; her father Elston Randolph of Dunedin, Florida; daughter Judy Peterson of Hopkins, Missouri; the honoree, and the previous recipient, Betty Lindeman, who made the presentation. Sitting on the left is Charles Wallace (Sherri Wallace was cut out of the picture), an unknown person and Barbara Cody.
Yolo County launches text message campaign for employment, farmworker services
Special to the Express
The Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency, YoloWorks!, and the Yolo County Workforce Innovation Board are excited to announce the launch of a new text message campaign. This initiative is intended to enhance residents’ access to farmworker and employment services. By simplifying the way community members access information, the campaign ensures the community receives timely and relevant information.
Chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, Lucas Frerichs, emphasizes the importance of this new campaign, stating, “Increasingly, we all rely on our phones for access to information, and as an agricultural county, it makes a lot of sense for us to integrate text messaging into county employment services that are aimed at our agricultural workers. This tool will enhance accessibility, and we hope it will foster greater engagement in our employment initiatives. I am grateful to our county staff for implementing this tool and I hope it proves to be valuable for our residents, too.”
Residents can now easily access information on employment, career services, training
opportunities, and upcoming events by texting “Career” to 888777. If you’re looking for de-
“This tool will enhance accessibility, and we hope it will foster greater engagement in our employment initiatives.”
Lucas Frerichs, supervisor
tails on farmworker services, including events, resources, and job leads, simply text “Agricola” to 888777.
Employment services: By texting “Career” to 888777, individuals will receive information on job openings, career fairs, training programs, and other employment-related services available in Yolo County through YoloWorks!
Farmworker services: By texting “Agricola” to 888777, farmworkers will gain access to resources and support tailored specifically to their needs, including information on resources, services, and
community programs.
“Yolo County’s text message campaign represents an important step in ensuring that the public and in particular the farmworkers, have immediate access to the resources they need and deserve,” said Yolo County District 5 Supervisor, Angel Barajas. “The Board of Supervisors will continue supporting employment and service initiatives geared towards building a better and healthier county. We are excited to launch this one-of-a-kind campaign.”
This campaign is a key part of Yolo County’s ongoing efforts to enhance communication and support services for its residents. By utilizing modern technologies, the county is improving the quality of life for our community, particularly for those who face barriers to accessing traditional communication channels.
For additional information about this campaign and farmworker services, please contact Rodrigo Lopez at Rodrigo.Lopez@YoloCounty.gov or by phone/text at 530-702-1790.
For inquiries related to employment or career services, please reach out to Faisal Alfatly at Faisal.Alfatly@YoloCounty.gov or by phone/text at 530-341-6022.
Solano County seeks centenarians for celebration
Special to the Express Solano County is gearing up for its annual Centenarian Celebration.
Any centenarian, or anyone who knows someone who is 100 years old or older, or who will turn 100 by the end of the calendar year, is asked to contact the county so that person can be part of what will be the 18th annual event.
For the past 17 years, the Solano County Board of Supervisors has recognized and honored centenarians. The commemoration serves to capture and share the stories of some of Solano County’s oldest residents,
principal, students also want to leave the campus more.
“Teachers did a good job of taking students to places, but it was limited,” Bermudez said. “We want to ensure there are more opportunities to go out.”
Bermudez said the Advanced Via Individual Determination (AVID) is the most important of all the plans in place. Though there are only two trained AVID teachers currently, four more are being trained over the summer to implement AVID all year for both seventh and eighth grade and offer it as an elective in sixth.
while bringing attention to some of the issues facing the senior population. The commemoration includes a video
an interview are still encouraged to submit information, including a biography and photographs to help tell their stories.
“We can never say thank you enough to our centenarians for we continue to learn from them.”
John M. Vasquez, supervisor
presentation sharing the lives of the centenarians. A videographer comes to the centenarians’ homes, or place of their choosing, to conduct the video interview. Centenarians who wish not to conduct
“I’ve often said that honoring the county’s centenarians is the best thing the Board of Supervisors does,” Solano County Supervisor John M. Vasquez said in an email announcement. “Our resident centenari-
“We want to ensure there are more opportunities to go out.”
Jose Bermudez, principal
Moving onto goal two, conditions of learning entail educator training with the Professional Growth Cycle (PGC) outside of Winters in Vacaville or Woodland. Lastly, goal three: a safe and welcoming environment includes attendance. Some Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) include the honor roll, students of the week, and Five Star and SOAR Raffles. “We foresee having an assembly every month led by our leadership class that will focus on these things,” Bermudez said. The Wellness Center will have a rotating schedule of counselors and monitors available every day of the school year.
Bermudez detailed the counseling team having more than 800 30-minute sessions in 2023–24.
“They ran three counseling groups, and on average, 11 students were seen,” Bermudez said of
ans are not just the longest living, but they are war heroes, Rosie the Riveters and members of the Greatest Generation who contributed so much to their communities. We can never say thank you enough to our centenarians for we continue to learn from them.”
The information needed for the honorees is name, address, phone number and best contact email address. The deadline to respond is Sept. 13.
To contact the county, send an email to centenarian@solanocounty.com or call 707-784-3004.
No date has been set for the celebration.
the groups, which covered topics such as friendship, anger, and decision-making.
The WMS SPSA is available under the “School Information” category at www.wms. wintersjusd.org.
All of the Winters school site SPSAs and other programs and resources can be viewed on the Winters JUSD website on the “Educational Services” page at https:// wintersjusd.org.
Regional prescribed fire training kicks off this month
Special to the Express
The Yolo Prescribed Burn Association (PBA), in partnership with Solano PBA, Napa PBA, and UC Cooperative Extension will offer a free, introductory prescribed fire training series consisting of two, virtual trainings (offered via Zoom) and one in-person field day. The training will cover prescribed fire basics like fire behavior, local fuel types, burn windows, burn planning, ignitions, and other topics to equip attendees with the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively participate in prescribed burns.
In 2023, the Yolo County Resource Conservation District (RCD) formed the Yolo Prescribed Burn Association, a collaborative of landowners and community members to increase prescribed fire capacity in Yolo County. Prescribed burning is an effective land management tool that can be used to treat invasive weeds, manage vegetation and fuels, and enhance ecosystem health.
To increase regional prescribed fire capacity, Yolo PBA has teamed up with regional PBAs to host this training series which consists of two virtual training nights on Monday, Aug. 19, and Thursday, Aug. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom and one in-person field day.
REPORT Continued from Page 1
attempted robbery had not occurred as reported.”
When contacted by investigators, the couple admitted to their altercation and said they fabricated the story to avoid the man’s arrest on domestic-violence charges, which he’d faced before, police said. Christopher Ray
The virtual training will be recorded and posted on Yolo County RCD’s website for folks who cannot attend, but will need to be reviewed prior to the in-person training day. One in-person field day will be offered in each of the three counties. Folks are welcome to attend any in-person field day that fits their schedule, regardless of county affiliation. The in-person field day in Yolo County will be on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Esparto.
To see other field day options or to register for the virtual sessions and one of the three in-person field days, visit www. yolorcd.org/rxfire-training-2024. This training series will not feature any live fire demonstrations and does not offer certification. This training is intended for folks with little to no prescribed fire experience or anyone who needs a refresher on prescribed fire basics. The training is open to anyone interested in participating in or conducting prescribed fire including oak woodland landowners, ranchers, prospective volunteers, and the public. For questions, please reach out to Bailey Adams, Yolo PBA Coordinator, at adams@ yolorcd.org or call the RCD office at 530-661-1688.
Boswell, a 30-year-old transient, was booked into the Yolo County Jail on charges of domestic violence, battery with serious bodily injury, false imprisonment, violation of a domestic-violence restraining order and filing a false police report. Police said that they also have requested that the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office file false-report charges against the woman.
Wednesday, August 7
Winters Joint Unified School District First Day of School, Minimum Day, See specific school site bell schedules for times.
Wednesdays
Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue
Thursdays
Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690
Sunday, August 11
Winters Farmers Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Downtown Main Street, discoverwinters.com/farmers-market
Monday, August 12
Winters Climate Action Commission Meeting
6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters. org/182/Climate-Action-Commission
Tuesday, 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/
Upcoming Events
Thursday, August 15
Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://wintersjusd.diligent.community
Tuesday, August 20
Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ city-council-meetings_/
Library Services
Winters Library Open to Public (School in Session), Winters Community Library, Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. , Sat: 1–5 p.m. Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library
Bilingual Storytime (ages 0-5), Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Winters Community Library
Virtual English Conversation Group, Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m., One time registration required: Contact Nancy Pacheco 530-666-8019 or nancy.pacheco@ yolocounty.org
Mangonada Monday (ages 6-12), fourth Monday, 3:30 p.m. Tech Thursdays, Thursdays, 2-7:30 p.m., call 530-6668005 to schedule an appointment. Bilingual sessions available upon request.
Saturday Matinee, First Saturday, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library
All You Need is Love Romance Book Club, Second Saturday, 4 p.m., Hooby’s Brewing
Older Adult Programs
Winters Senior Foundation Chair Yoga Class for Seniors, Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.)
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.
Working to conserve the natural, working lands of Yolo County
In this multi-part series, the Express explores the programs and opportunities the Yolo County Resource Conservation District offers to our region.
By Angela Underwood Express correspondent
The Yolo County Resource Conservation District (RCD) has its roots in the soil. Yolo County RCD is a special district founded in the 1940s in response to federal legislation to mitigate the Dust Bowl crisis, which damaged millions of acres of farmland throughout the US due to drought and erosion. Today, Yolo County RCD has programs that address locally relevant conservation issues beyond soil health like onfarm resource conservation, wildfire prevention, and habitat restoration.
Executive Director Heather Nichols, discussed the RCD’s overall mission with the Express to conserve the natural and working lands of Yolo County, including the City of Winters.
Yolo County RCD uses primarily state and federal funding to get “on-the-ground” work done. Core to its mission, the RCD is a non-regulatory public agency that implements community-based projects in collaboration with local government, non-profit partners, private landowners, and the agricultural community.
The RCD is also involved in local and regional planning efforts related to natural resources and climate adaptation. “(Yolo County) is right in the middle of finishing the Yolo County Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Our job was to coordinate the Natural
and Working Lands Technical Advisory Committee which worked to include land-based solutions for carbon sequestration such as compost and cover crop applications and on-farm hedgerows and riparian restoration” Nichols said. “We’re not working on policy; we’re working on bringing the policy down to the ground in a way that makes sense for Yolo County.”
Additionally, the RCD is busy year-round implementing its three main programs: the Farm and Ranch Technical Assistance Program, the Community Wildfire Resilience Program, and the Open Lands Management Program. Looking ahead, Nichols detailed Yolo County RCD’s strategic five-year plan, which focuses on current natural
See CONSERVE, Page 6
Celebrating Elder Day honorees Marg Graf, Lola Morgan
By Wally Pearce Winters Elder Day Council
Marg Graf
Marg Graf, 91, was born in Newman, California, on Wednesday, June 7, 1933.
Growing up
As a young girl, her parents moved to Monterey California, a wonderful place. Marg could go to the beach and play. She also liked being part of the girl’s club. Monterey was her favorite place to live. Marg had two brothers, Jim and Stuart. She said her older brother Stuart would tease her all the time.
Marg recemembers that while living in Monterey during World War II, her family experienced regular air-raid-bomb drills. Marg remembers that whenever
she heard a plane flying over, she would pray that no one would be injured.
Marg graduated from her high school and then later from Santa Rosa Junior College.
Marg met her husband Jack Graf in San Francisco. She and Jack were married in 1952 and were together for 70 years. She said Jack was a wonderful husband and father. Marg has six children: Patty, Peggy, Peter, Kathy, Jody and John.
Notable thoughts
Marg said she is proud of her willingness to help people in need. When someone is homebound, she said you should visit and talk with them to make them feel better. Marg believes her parents to be the most influential people in her life, especially her father.
One of her notable memories is once after church, they would have communion and there would be little glasses of something to drink. One day she went in the back and drank all of what was in the little glasses. When her father went to retrieve the glasses, they were empty. Her father was very upset with her.
Marg said that whenever she was upset, she would take a walk and work things out.
Life reflections
Marg’s philosophy of life is to love yourself, love each other and to give of yourself to people who you know need help them due to illness or who are in need of your help because they want medical care and may not have access to transportation.
The advice Marg gives to younger people is to be smart in
school and do what the teachers tell them.
Marg also believes that one of the most important pieces of advice she could offer to the younger generation is lifelong learning and maintaining curiosity. Continual learning enriches life, keeping the mind sharp and the spirit engaged. It opens doors to new experiences and opportunities, regardless of age. Marg would like to be remembered as someone that gave herself to people when she was needed. “I always wanted them to know that if you’re not feeling well, call me and I’ll help them,” she said.
Marg said she always sets aside her ego and did good because she was motivated to do so.
Courtesy photo
Woody Fridae/Courtesy photo
Lola Morgan
Woody Fridae/Courtesy photo
Marge Graf
Real estate industry faces two major shifts
The real estate industry is bracing for two significant changes in the coming weeks and months: potential interest rate cuts and regulatory changes.
First, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s recent remarks suggest that the Fed may cut interest rates before inflation hits the targeted 2 percent mark. This decision, aimed at broader economic stability, has significant implications for the real estate market. Historically, the Federal Reserve has used interest rate adjustments to manage inflation and stimulate economic growth. Powell’s indication that the Fed won’t wait for inflation to drop to 2 percent before cutting rates sig-
nals a more flexible approach, balancing inflation control with economic growth and potentially preventing a recession. Even the hint of lower federal interest rates has already led to a decline in mortgage rates. Lower rates increase buyers’ purchasing power and demand, especially among first-time homebuyers. As buyer demand rises, sellers may see higher property prices, quicker sales, and higher returns. Investors also benefit from cheap-
er financing, making real estate investments more appealing and encouraging investments in rental and commercial properties.
The Fed’s potential rate cut comes at a time when the housing market has shown strength in the first half of the year. However, it’s crucial to monitor how these economic decisions play out. While lower rates can boost the market, they can also lead to higher home prices, which may eventually cool down buyer enthusiasm if prices rise too quickly.
In addition to po-
tential interest rate changes, the real estate industry is undergoing significant adjustments due to a settlement by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in March. From updated forms and best practices to clear communication and client-focused planning, I have logged countless hours to these changes.
Two key changes from the NAR settlement include:
• Elimination of compensation offers in MLS: Starting Aug. 17, MLSs will no longer display offers of compensation from listing brokers to buyer brokers. Buyer agents will need to negotiate their compensation directly with their clients or through other means, such as seller concessions.
• Mandatory buyer
agency agreements:
Beginning this month, buyer agents will be required to have signed agreements with their clients before showing properties, ensuring transparency and clear terms of engagement from the outset. These changes will impact the real estate transaction process in several ways:
MLS. This may impact the attractiveness of your listing to buyers, so strategic pricing and marketing will become even more crucial if you choose not to offer any concessions.
How these changes will exactly play out is yet to be seen, but as the industry moves towards greater transparency and lower interest rates, the market is set to change. I will continue to provide expert market knowledge, skilled negotiations, and personalized service for an elevated real estate experience. I’m dedicated to guiding people through these changes with unwavering support. Please reach out with any questions.
• Buyers: It’s important to understand the additional costs related to your buyer agent’s commission, which could be negotiated as a percentage, fixed fee, seller concession, or another arrangement. Lenders are increasing the amount of credits sellers can provide to cover buyer agent commissions, introducing flexible loan programs, and exploring bundling fees into mortgages to adapt to the new compensation structures.
• Sellers: You will no longer be able to offer compensation to buyer agents through the
— Joedy Michael is a local real estate agent based in Winters. To inquire about market insights or more, reach out to him at Joedy.michael@exprealty.com or connect with him on Instagram @joedymichael_realestate.
Express Yourself
A story of attitudes and approaches
There have been a lot of transitions going on in our community. New leaders, new officials, new neighbors as well as new perspectives, new projects, new journeys and more.
The Express has been no exception.
Since mid-May I have learned how to take on the pagination of the newspaper without assistance, worked with other colleagues who are also learning new tasks to bring the Express to your mailbox (or inbox) each week and trained new staff writers in their pursuit to be a career journalist in an intergenerational, small community.
When it rains it pours and it was getting starting to pile up. I could hardly think straight and with school starting up I wanted to enjoy some quality time
with my family. I gave myself a timeout this last weekend when my family went on a vacation to San Diego. It was much needed and I don’t feel bad about not checking my email past Wednesday. No only did it give me the opportunity to refresh my energy, I had a chance adjust my attitude about a few things. Mainly how to approach new challenges head on and preserving my own mental wellness.
One’s attitude makes a significant impact to how things are experienced. A notable and vivid memory is walking across the Western Michigan University campus in the middle of an intense snowfall. I remember thinking “What am I doing here?” as I snuggled down into my
See ATTITUDES, Page 5
Charley is taking the week off
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
Aries, keep moving forward when you find yourself in a tough situation. It’s best not to linger, but to find an path forward. Wait for the dust to settle before getting involved.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),
Taurus, you have a tendency to go overboard at times. Perhaps take a more middle-of-the-road strategy this week when a task falls in your lap. Give it time before acting.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21), Gemini, you have a lot going on in your life right now to keep you busy. With so much happening, try not to worry about what is going on with others. Stay in your lane.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22), Family matters may be causing you some strain this week, Cancer. While it is nice to get together, it also can cause some stress. Space out visits so you can recharge in between.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23),
Leo, don’t worry if you can’t see the path forward too clearly right now. Things will be revealed in due time and you’ll have all the information you need to proceed.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22),
Virgo, when a difficult arises, your first response is to get right in the middle of it and try to work things out or force it to go away. That isn’t always the most effective approach.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23), Libra, when it comes to your personal passions, you are full speed ahead and very regimented in the path you take. Put those skills to the test this week with a new venture.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22),
Scorpio, if anyone assembled a crack team of experts to get through tough times, you certainly would be included. You’ll help a loved one with a last-minute problem soon enough.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21),
You have a natural curiosity and zeal for life, Sagittarius. These traits may cascade over others and inspire them to try new things this week. Join along in the fun.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20),
Someone from the past could come back into your life, Capricorn,. He or she could provide some answers you have been looking for. Stay tuned and be a good listener.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), You soon get the opportunity to hang out with someone you haven’t seen in awhile, Aquarius. You may stay up late catching up on all of the moments you have missed lately.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20),
A mistake that someone else made will be a learning experience for you, Pisces. This experience could serve as a cautionary tale of how to approach life or similar situations.
Read the Legals, It’s good for you
Letters Express Yourself
Learn about the sales tax proposal In Winters, we are struggling to provide services for parks and park maintenance, trails, youth programs, expansion of local businesses, and police services. The city is struggling to hire and retain key positions in town. The city is proposing to raise the sales tax by one cent per dollar, which is already far behind all the other jurisdictions around us. The key thing to note is that while we only get a small fraction of the current sales tax, we
would get the entire amount by this one-cent increase. By raising our sales tax from 7.25 percent to 8.25 percent, it would more than double our tax revenue, and we would still be the lowest sales tax in our region. If you would like to learn more about this issue, Rebecca and I will be hosting a coffee at our house on Saturday, Aug. 17. We will have more information available and a local expert available to answer questions. Please RSVP by calling 530204-8563.
WOODY FRIDAE
Former mayor oF Winters
Submit a Letter to the Editor
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. Letters must be legibly signed by the writer. Submit online at https:// tinyurl.com/syzevywd or visit wintersexpress.com.
Exploring, people-watching in Paris
This is one of a series of letters that were sent to home to Lilla, the wife of my uncle Russell Fox Taylor from the time he landed in Normandy on D-Day plus six. Since then, he and his military combat unit had been in battle through the hedgerows of Normandy, the liberation of Paris on Aug. 25, 1944, and the fierce combat on the Seigfried Line on the border of Belgium and Germany. His last letter told of the “tremendous welcome” his unit received in Paris and of the flowers heaped upon his vehicle in each town they drove through. In this letter, he continues telling of his interesting experience while on his short stay in Paris.
— Respectfully submitted by Winters Resident Gerald Taylor in memory of Uncle Russell and in honor of all those with him who fought so gallantly to defeat the tyranny of Nazism.
Somewhere in Belgium
September 24, 1944
Today being Sunday calls for more thoughts of home and all that goes with it. Merely being the Sabbath does not mean that the war ceases and
everyone goes to church. In fact, I would not have known it was Sunday If I hadn’t heard someone mention it.
A couple of days ago I received a package from Mother. It was mailed on August 17th. I heard from Jess and Claire and wrote to them. Also, I wrote to the folks thanking them for their package. Probably you would be interested in some of the dope about Paris so I will begin by relating some of the places I saw there. Of course, the most prominent feature was the Eiffel Tower which we could see from quite a distance before entering the city itself. The Arc de Triomphe was just a few blocks up the avenue from where we were in bivouac and I had occasion to walk beneath this magnificent structure wherein lays the tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal fire burning at its head. We were right on the avenue Champ Elysees in the heart of the city so we didn’t miss much of the goings on. We saw the big parade with Generals deGaulle and
LeClerc, the main attractions for both civilians and snipers alike. Also saw Notre Dame Cathedral and the National Academy and it is truly magnificent. Most of it is of heroic size and the work of many great masters. I saw many of the smart shops in which you would have had a veritable holiday. Famous names which are copied and used to decorate the storefronts of many Sons of Abraham back home. I suppose these of Parisian versions are the original models.
Imet some very interesting people too, and only wish I could have accepted some of their invitations to get better acquainted. Among them were a Baron and Baroness at whose apartment I had the pleasure of dining ‘pot-luck’ as it were. In as much as I was the first American they had seen for some time they practically adopted me and insisted on calling me “son.” Never a day passed without them coming around to look me up. An attorney of
quite some internation-
al fame also became very friendly with me and we enjoyed some lengthy conversations at our camp where he would come to see me.
Of course, the people spoke English else I would have been put to some effort to carry on any kind of conversation.
If only we had stayed in Paris for a little longer I could have seen much more. I had invitations to go to the Follis Bergere and the Bal Tabarin but the theatres were all closed at the time and had been so for a week before we got there. The reason being no lights, power or fuel.
I did enjoy a few brief moments at a couple of these smart side-walk cafes where the elite gather to sit and converse over a couple of cool drinks and still not miss anything passing along the avenue. The people in this section of Paris still dress very smart and from some of the things I saw, Paris must still be the fountain-head of creations for what the well-dressed person should wear. Not being a fashion reporter, I am at a loss for words to describe some of them but I’ll bet my last two franc notes that you wouldn’t have missed the tiniest detail.
—Russell
‘Back to school’ photo call out
‘Tis the season and most families are celebrating as they send their students back to school!
Send us your “Back to School” photos and we will publish some of our favorites in an upcoming edition of the Express We don’t just want to see students, we want to see staff celebrating the return of students and families enjoying or reveling in the send off.
Send your photo(s) in an email to news@
wintersexpress.com. In the submission include a photo title, your name and contact information, and the names of who is in the photo.
Only original photos will be accepted. Photos with photo filters or stickers will not be published. One photo will be published per person. The contest is open to California residents age 14 and older. Entries must be received by noon on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. The Express editorial team will select the winner from all qualified entries. The chosen photographs will be printed in the paper.
Yolo County residents can get a WE print and digital subscription combo for $30.
Express Yourself
California forges ahead with social media rules despite legal barriers
By Mark Kreidler KFF Health News
California lawmakers are pursuing legislation aimed at protecting children from the dangers of social media, one of many efforts around the country to confront what U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and other public health experts say is a mental health emergency among young people.
But California’s efforts, like those in other states, will likely face the same legal challenges that have thwarted previous legislative attempts to regulate social media. The tech industry has argued successfully that imposing rules regulating how social media operate and how people can use the online services violates the free speech rights of the companies and their customers.
A previous effort at confronting the issue, the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act in 2022, now rests with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. A tech trade association sued to block the law and won an injunction from a lower court, largely on First Amendment grounds. The appeals court heard
midwestern-purchased coat and manuevered around snowdrifts and ice puddles.
Later that evening, back at home under the warmth of an electric blanket, I was scrolling online when I came across the following:
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right,” from Henry Ford
And it made all the difference that week. With all the chang-
oral arguments in the case on July 17. “At the end of the day, unconstitutional law protects zero children,” said Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel for NetChoice, which argued for the tech giants before the federal appellate court.
Like the design code act, the two proposals now working their way through the California Legislature would reshape the way social media users under 18 interact with the services.
The first bill, by state Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), prohibits sending push notifications to children at night and during school hours. Skinner’s measure also requires parental permission before platforms can send social media offerings via algorithms, which are designed to offer feeds that children didn’t ask for but might keep them looking at their phones longer, rather than the traditional chronological feeds of those they follow on the app.
The second measure, by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), would amend California’s privacy laws to prohibit businesses from collecting,
es going on, I could certainly stew in my self-made misery and feel overwhelmed and like an imposter in my role. That attitude likes to pop its head in now and then for kicks and giggles. However, over my vacation I decided that I could change my attitude about it and head into the work week with a changed mindset. I may not be able to control how a staff writer handles an assignment, but I can ensure that I’m providing them with good training and constructive feedback. I may not be able to
using, selling, or sharing data on minors without their informed consent — or, for those under 13, without their parents’ approval.
Both bills have bipartisan support and are backed by state Attorney General Rob Bonta.
“We need to act now to protect our children,” Bonta said earlier this year, by “strengthening data privacy protections for minors and safeguarding youth against social media addiction.”
The harmful effects of social media on children are well established. An advisory from Surgeon General Murthy last year warned of a “profound risk of harm” to young people, noting that a study of adolescents from ages 12 to 15 found that those who spent more than three hours a day on social media were at twice the risk of depression and anxiety as nonusers. A Gallup survey in 2023 found that U.S. teenagers spent nearly five hours a day on social media.
—This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
control if City Council meeting, community events and whatnot happen on a Tuesday. But I can assign those opportunities out or I can watch the video and follow up later that week when I have the time if I just don’t have available staff.
I can feel the frustration and overwhelming circumstances and then I can choose to wallow in it or I can stand tall and make decisions that will propel me forward out of it.
I see a lot of grumblings going down on social media posts, but how many of those
Warriors gear up for fall season
Volleyball
Tuesday, Aug. 20, at St. Helena: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
football and cheer, volleyball and the swim team.
Monday, Aug. 26, at Esparto: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 27, vs. Dixon: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Football
Friday, Aug. 16, at Amador, 5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 30, at Dixon, 5 p.m./7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 6, vs. Rio Vista, 5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13, at Gridley, 5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20, vs. Live Oak, 5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27, at Durham*, 5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 4, vs. Colusa*, 5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11, Bye
Friday, Oct. 18, vs. East Nicolaus*, 5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 25, at Willows*, 5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 1, at Paradise*, 5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 8, vs. Pierce*, 5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 15, NSCIF Playoffs- Rd. 1, TBA, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 22, NSCIF Playoffs- Rd. 2, TBA, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 27, NSCIF Championships, TBA, 7 p.m.
folks take their grumblings to a city council or school board meeting? How many folks reach out to have a meeting with a city or school district official. How many of those folks come out to an Express Coffeehouse Chat to ask questions and share concerns in constructive way?
I’ve seen quite a few lately. I have truly enjoyed seeing folks come out to our Coffeehouse Chat to ask questions and share their concerns and thoughts.
I was inspired by the public speakers at the last city council meet-
Thursday, Aug. 29, at Williams: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 3, vs. Rio Vista: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Maxwell: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 5, vs. Live Oak: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 10, vs. Durham*: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 12, vs. Colusa*: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 17, vs. Paradise*: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 19, at East Nicolaus*: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Willows*: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 26, vs. Trinity Christian: V, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 1, vs. Pierce*: JV/V, 5 p.m./6
p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 3, at Durham*: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Colusa* Colusa: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 10, at Paradise*: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 15, vs. East Nicolaus*: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17, vs. Willows*: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 22, Bye
Thursday, Oct. 24, at Pierce*: JV/V, 5 p.m./6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 29, NSCIF - Rd. 1: V, location and time TBA Thursday, Oct. 31,
ing. Public hearings are held for the specific purpose of allowing the public to share thoughts, concerns and to encourage the community and city officials to consider something. Same goes for a letter to the editor. Each one of us has a choice in what attitude we bare when we confront a challenge. And, we each have the choice to come with an open mindset or a closed one. We can also vote yes or no on something at the ballot box, but we have to put in the effort to do the research, ask
NSCIF - Rd. 2: V, location and time TBA Tuesday, Nov. 5, NSCIF - Rd. 3: V, location and time TBA Saturday, Nov. 9, NSCIF - Championship: V, location and time TBA
Swim team
Wednesday, Sept. 4, BVL Meet #1, at Durham, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 11, BVL Meet #2, at Orland, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 18, BVL Meet #3, at Gridley, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, BVL Meet #4, at Paradise, 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, Nor Cal Invite, at Anderson, TBA Wednesday, Oct. 9, BVL Meet #5, at Oroville, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, BVL Meet #6 at Winters, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, BVL Championships, at Durham, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, Div. II Championships, at Shasta, TBA Saturday, Nov. 2, NSCIF Championships, at Shasta, TBA Digital tickets
WHS utilizes the digital ticketing platform GoFan for entrance to sporting events. Attendees can choose from the allsports season pass for the school year, a season pass by sport or an individual ticket by game. They can download the app or visit the WHS GoFan page to purchase tickets. Spanish instructions are included. QR codes will also be displayed along the fence line for attendees who want to purchase tickets on-site at Dr. Sellers Field. For more information, visit the WHS
questions and actually fill out that ballot — and not wait until after the fact to air one’s grievances.
I’m very much an advocate for exercising one’s First Amendment rights. (I may be a little biased in that statement.)
I hope that as we go into the upcoming election season — and other community-related happenings — that more residents will come out of the social sphere to voice their concerns, appreciation or ask the questions burning most on their mind.
Will Lindfors
Will Lindfors, an 8-year-old on the Winters Water Warriors swim team, is Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. Lindfors is a third-grader competing this summer. Swim coach Garrett Matheson commended Lindfors for his 25-yard freestyle performance at the first inter-squad meet and his excitement in learning new strokes. “He exceeds expectations consistently. Will is a role model and sets a great example for the rest of the team,” Matheson said.
Art and history at the Winters Museum
Visit Downtown Winters on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 2 to 6 p.m., for a chance to meet local and regional artists during the Winters Second Saturday Art Stroll.
Twelve locations are participating and hosting art collections, artist meet-andgreets, or art demonstrations. Most of the locations are offering an Art Stroll wine or drink special for guests.
Participating locations are indicated by a white “Art Stroll” flag out front. Below is a list of Art Stroll locations and featured
artists. Art by Winters resident Valerie Whitworth will be featured at the Winters Museum during the Second Saturday Winters Art Stroll.
Whitworth will have watercolors on display from Aug. 8 to 11, during the Winters Museum’s regular public hours from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission to the museum is free.
The Winters Museum’s exhibits include: “Remembering Montincello,” “Lost Japanese Community” and “Look Back at Winters History.”
For more informa-
tion about current and past exhibits or to learn more about how to volunteer as a docent at the Winters Museum, visit www. wintersmuseum.org.
Experience the mystery of ‘The Secret Garden’
Special to the Express
Sutter Street Theatre presents “The Secret Garden” adapted by Jerry Montoya and based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The production is directed by Allen Schmeltz.
“The Secret Garden” runs from Aug. 10 through Sept. 8 on Saturdays and Sun-
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days at 1 p.m. The Saturday, Aug. 24, show is at 4:30 p.m. After Mary Lennox is orphaned, she becomes the ward of an uncle in England she has never met. As she adjusts to her new life at secluded Misselthwaite Manor, Mary discovers a secret garden. If she can uncover the mys-
terious circumstances behind the garden, she might be able to save her sickly young cousin and melt the heart of her emotionally distant uncle. A touching coming-ofage story, based on the classic novel. For reservations, visit www.SutterStreetTheatre.com or call 916-353-1001.
Save the Date
The next Express Coffeehouse Chat is on Friday, Aug. 16 at 8 a.m. Join the Express editor, the city manager and superintendent for a conversation about the Winters Community
CONSERVE
resource priorities and partnering with critical stakeholders. The RCD Board of Directors consists of local farmers and individuals interested in conservation in Yolo County and
currently incluldes Mark Cady, Mike Turkovich, Miranda Driver, Eric Willson, Anya Perron-Burdick and Jake Campos. “Our work is very people-oriented because we are working with the community, often on private prop-
erty,” Nichols said of the relationships she has formed within what she calls the “grassroots” effort.
The Yolo County RCD office is located at 221 West Court St., Suite 1 in Woodland. For more information, visit www. yolorcd.org.
Explore the county with Solano Land Trust
Special to the Express
The docents and staff of Solano Land Trust offer a bevy of events to explore the outdoors and see more of Solano County.
The calendar for August includes:
• Community science volunteer opportunity: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday and Aug. 16. Native Plant Garden work at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park. Bring water and sun protection. All levels welcome.
• Astronomy Nights at Rush Ranch: 8 to 10:30 p.m. Friday. With astronomer Jon Pannier. Participants are urged to wear layers as Rush Ranch can get chilly when the sun sets. Mosquito repellent is also encouraged. Guests are welcome to bring their own telescopes they are familiar with. Vis-
HONOREE
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Lola Morgan
Lola Morgan, 90, was born on Wednesday, June 13,1934, in Burley, Idaho. She has lived in the city of Winters for over 75 years.
The day Lola was born her mother was picking strawberries and started to experience contractions. She was rushed to medical treatment and soon welcomed into the world, her daughter, Lola.
Lola said her firsst vivid memory was of the home she lived in along with her parents and siblings. She has three brothers and four sisters.
Lola’s neighborhood was in the country where she played with her family and friends.
When Lola’s father was drafted into the military during World War II. He left behind his wife and six children, but safely returned home after the war uninjured.
it solanolandtrust. org/events for more information.
• Trail crew volunteer opportunity: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. In partnership with Solano County Parks, work on trails and projects at Lynch Canyon Open Space. Projects include improving trails, fixing fences, weeding and more.
• Get the Rush! at Rush Ranch: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 17. It’s a series of fun, free activities for the whole family. Guests can try blacksmithing at the forge, explore pop-up shops and exciting exhibit tables, and take guided hikes through the marsh. Access Adventure will offer accessible wagon rides. In celebration of National Picnic Month, guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Those who do will
Growing up
Lola attended Wolfskill Elementary School. She registered herself and later informed her parents. Her grandmother cooked for the school.
Growing up, Lola’s family lived on a farm and always had animals like dogs, cats and even horses. Lola, however, did not like horses.
As a young girl, Lola was always an inquisitive person who went her own way. Once her mother told her to stay away from the old wringer washing machine. Lola ignored the warning and accidentally got her arm stuck in the rollers and sustained a serious injury to her right arm when it was caught in the rollers.
Lola said she really enjoyed her childhood. She was a 4-H member, loved to dance, and played with her friends.
Notable thoughts
Lola remembers once while playing baseball on her farm, her mother was pitching. The hitter hit the ball and it stuck her
be entered in a name drawing for a private docent-led hike and picnic for four at one of Solano Land Trust’s properties. The Marsh Walk begins at 10:30 am. The park is open until sunset. Registration for the Marsh Walk is recommended.
• Lynch Canyon Open Space Nature Hike: Aug. 24. It’s a 5-mile hike at a moderate but even pace over uneven ground. There are steep climbs over several hills. There is a $5 parking fee. All events, except Rush Ranch Open House, require advance reservations. For information on meeting locations, directions and registration, visit the events page at solanolandtrust. org/events. For more questions, call Di Holokahi at 707-4201041.
mother in the face, knocking her out. Her mother woke up while their dog licked her face.
Lola said she cut fruit during summer vacation from school so she could make some money. She enjoyed playing tennis and would attend various school sponsored matches at numerous local schools in the area.
Lola said she met her husband while living in California. She is a published author writing a book about her life.
Life reflections
Lola said she has considerable trust in her daughters, Cindy and Gale. For Lola, the whole world of things may go wrong, but her arms are always open for her daughters. Their loving relationship is unique and a bound that they are good companions, good friends, and partners in crime. Lola said her daughters are her anchor, and she will always support them. For Lola, life is everlasting. Lola’s philosophy of life is “the best way you live here will depend on your next life.”
Lola wants to be remembered as “Grandma Gay” and as someone who made a positive difference.
The Winters Express is featuring all eight 2024 Elder Day honorees. To see the full list of honorees, visit https:// bit.ly/3XYdVeM.
Yolo
Courtesy photo Watercolor art by Valerie Whitworth will be on display at the Winters Museum.
Jorg Fleige/Courtesy photo
A view at the Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi open space, which is managed by the Solano Land Trust.