Trustees approve staff salary increases, Title IX revisions
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
Trustees approved new federal Title IX regulations and revisions to the two assistant superintendent salaries at the Oct. 17 Winters Joint Unified School District school board meeting.
Salary revisions
Trustees unanimously approved revisions to the
certificated and classified management salary schedules for the 2024–25 school year. Director of Human Resources Lisa Dennis presented the updates, which aim to improve the district’s ability to attract and retain high-quality staff in critical positions. The board approved increases to salary ranges for
DISTRICT, Page 5
Council proclaims Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hears update from VCE
By Sonora Slater Express Staff Writer
The mid-October city council meeting wrapped up in about an hour, featuring a proclamation recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and an informational presentation by not-for-profit electricity provider Valley Clean Energy. Council members — except Mayor Bill
Biasi who was absent — unanimously passed a proclamation that recognized October 2024 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and acknowledged the efforts of Yolo County nonprofit Thriving Pink.
The organization is dedicated to helping the breast cancer community at no charge from the time of diagnosis through survivorship. They have educational workshops, individual financial grants for those going through the illness,
Apilado receives CSBA Golden Quill Award
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees presented Winters Express Editor-in-Chief Crystal Apilado with a California School Boards Association Golden Quill Award at the Thursday, Oct. 17, meeting.
The Golden Quill is given to journalists who demonstrate exceptional commitment to fair, insightful, and accurate reporting on public school news and highlights the essential role journalists play in bettering the communities understanding of the objectives, operations, and accomplishments of public schools like Winters JUSD.
One of nine recipients of the award, Apilado was nominat-
ed by the school district not just for her work in reporting on the going ons of the Winters JUSD, but by developing relationships with the school board, staff and students.
“Her work goes beyond simply covering the news. She has con-
sistently shown dedication to developing a holistic understanding of our school district, its mission, and the complex needs of its stakeholders,” said Board President Joedy Michael. “On behalf of the school board, I would like to thank Crystal for her
dedication to local journalism and meaningful dialogue in our schools.”
Superintendent Rody Boonchouy commended Apilado’s role in maintaining transparency and trust between Winters JUSD and
See QUILL, Page 3
Fire crews quickly stop fire along Hwy 128
By Crystal Apilado
Editor-in-Chief
Despite cooler temperatures in the area, high winds and low humidity forecast for last Thursday to Saturday afternoon prompted local agencies to prepare for potential fires and power safety power shutoff in rural neighborhoods throughout the region.
Weather
Winters Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III said the fire department, alongside neighboring fire agencies, had strike teams and additional hands on deck staffed for the fire conditions. Being prepared paid off when a report of a grass fire along Highway 128 came in on Friday.
Winters Fire responded to a call about a vegetation fire around 4:30 p.m. along Hwy 128 at Putah Creek’s fishing access
No. 5 entry point.
Hwy. 128 was shut down in both directions for about an hour-and-a-half. Units from Winters Fire, the Yolo Task Force and CalFIRE -- including two air crafts and a helicopter -- were able to extinguish the blaze in about two and half hours.
“Fortunately, the winds were pretty calm when we got on the scene. They all did a great job getting it taken care of,” Sny-
der said.
The grass fire burned about 2.5 acres, but no injuries were reported. Cal FIRE is investigating the cause of the fire. According to the fire chief, the initial reports from witnesses said a flare was seen on the side of the road.
Snyder said despite the conditions, there were a few small fires they assisted with in the Woodland area.
Other happenings
A Cal FIRE helicopter made an appearance when it landed in the field across from St. Anthony’s Parish on Friday afternoon around 3 p.m. The helicopter was refueling via another Cal FIRE unit before heading to the Hay Fire in Solano County. The Hay Fire occurred east of Vacaville near Hay Road and Burke Lane, burning about 869 acres.
Logan Chrisp/Winters Express
The Winters Joint Unifed School District Board of Trustees and Superintendent Rody Boonchouy (left) presented Winters Express Editor Crystal Apilado (left center) with a California School Boards Association Golden Quill Award on Oct. 17.
Courtesy photo
A Cal FIRE helicopter landed in the field across from St. Anthony’s Parish on Friday afternoon to refuel before heading to the Hay Fire in Solano County.
Trustees hear updates on attendance, behavior support initiatives
By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
Special Education and Student Services director
Jenny Pinedo presented the updates on the school district’s ongoing efforts to improve attendance and provide behavioral support through the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) strategies at the Oct. 3 Winters Joint Unified Board of Trustees meeting.
Attendance update
Pinedo opened with an update on the district’s priority to create safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students, emphasizing the importance of regular attendance.
“We know that when students attend school regularly, they are more likely to engage in learning and achieve their full potential,” Pinedo said.
Pinedo said the district’s no. 1 priority, was creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. Paramount to this priority is for students to keep up regular attendance.
Family Engagement Coordinator Humberto
Jimenez presented the district’s three key attendance campaign objec-
tives for the current school year: increase overall attendance from 95 percent to 96 percent, raise awareness among families about the importance of regular attendance and to engage community partners in the effort.
Jimenez outlined five strategies to reach these objectives, including a social media campaign, monthly attendance reminders through the district publication platform ParentSquare, in-person events such as back-toschool nights, and giving students with perfect attendance awards and recognition.
“By combining memorable slogans with district-wide outreach, we’re building trust and helping improve attendance across the board,” Jimenez said.
He added that at Waggoner Elementary, regular communication with families has been key, while Shirley Rominger Intermediate School is recognizing classes with perfect attendance in morning announcements. Winters High School and Winters Middle School have also introduced the “Five-Star Program,” a digital platform that tracks both attendance and behavior, incentivizing students with
rewards like school merchandise and participation in special events.
Behavior initiatives
Jennie Hiemke, PBIS coach at Waggoner and Rominger provided updates on how PBIS is being implemented.
“Last year, we created a Tier One PBIS team that included members from both elementary school campuses,” said Hiemke.
She detailed how the PBIS team worked to establish consistent behavioral expectations across both schools, such as being safe, respectful, and responsible. These expectations are reviewed in classrooms and at school-wide assemblies like “Movement Mondays” at Waggoner and “Wednesday Assemblies” at Rominger. The team created an elementary-wide handbook with behavioral guidelines and steps for addressing both expected and unexpected behaviors. This handbook was given to staff at both sites.
“The creation of these school-wide expectations ensures that adults are using consistent language to support student behavior,” Hiemke said, noting that they will continue tracking data to make necessary adjustments.
The elementary schoolwide team will continue to meet with the Yolo County Office of Education to receive professional learning in the area of behavioral-specific praise, to learn how to better award students for exhibiting positive behaviors.
Middle School Principal Jose Bermudez shared that the school has transitioned from using paper-based recognition systems to a digital platform called Five-Star, which scans student IDs and awards points for positive behavior and participation in activities like spirit days. Although WMS is still training staff on the platform, Bermudez said that Five-Star has already allowed the them to provide more structure and track student behavior more effectively. He also noted how important adapting strategies based on student feedback from surveys like the Kelvin Pulse survey that students take twice a year which provides real-time data on school culture and climate.
WHS continues to build on its PBIS framework by focusing on student-faculty relationships and incorporating programs like AVID and FFA to enhance school culture. Pinedo add-
ed that the high school has implemented a tiered attendance support system, with monthly coordination meetings to address students needing additional help. Pinedo said WHS is focusing on student-faculty relationships and incorporating programs like AVID and FFA to enhance school culture.
Pinedo expressed optimism about the district’s progress toward its attendance and behavior goals. “By using a tiered support system, we’re able to address the needs of all students, ensuring that everyone feels supported and valued,” she said. The district plans to continue refining its PBIS strategies with the support of the Yolo County Office of Education and looks forward to further growth in student engagement, behavior, and attendance.
Trustees commended the district’s efforts but raised concerns about chronic absenteeism. While acknowledging that chronic absenteeism remains a challenge, Pinedo emphasized the ongoing improvements.
“We continue to see our average daily attendance rise, and we’re committed to addressing the needs of our students, Pinedo said.
Yolo Elections office, DA warn against electioneering and fraud
Special to the Express
As the Nov. 5, general election approaches, Yolo County Elections and the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office issued a joint statement to underscore the importance of fair election practices and to warn against electioneering, voter fraud, and illegal voting, including double voting. These offenses are serious violations that compromise the integrity of the democratic process. Electioneering, defined as campaigning
or attempting to influence voters near polling places, is prohibited within 100 feet of a polling location in California. Violations can result in penalties.
“We are committed to ensuring that every voter can cast their ballot free from intimidation or undue influence,” said Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters. “We ask voters to report any suspicious activity or violations of election law.” Additionally, double voting is a crime.
Under California Elections Code Section 18560, individuals who attempt to vote more than once or knowingly hand in two or more ballots folded together face potential charges being filed against them. When casting a ballot, individuals must sign under penalty of perjury. Perjury is a felony, and if convicted, individuals have the potential of facing imprisonment of up to three years.
Yolo County Elections actively monitors cases of double voting across several
categories:
• A voter submitting two vote-by-mail ballots in Yolo County at the same time.
• A voter submitting a vote-by-mail ballot in another County and then attempting to vote provisionally in Yolo County.
• A voter submitting a vote-by-mail ballot in Yolo County then attempted to vote provisionally in Yolo County.
• A voter casting a ballot in person at a vote center in another County then attempted to vote provisionally in Yolo County.
• A voter casting a ballot in person at a vote center in Yolo County then attempted to vote provisionally again in another vote center in Yolo County. These actions are not acceptable. Yolo County Elections carefully tracks incidents of double voting and reports them to the Secretary of State (SOS) and the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office for investigation.
not permissible and considered a criminal act,” Salinas added.
“Election integrity is a top priority, and we take every attempt to undermine the process seriously,” said Jeff Reisig, Yolo County District Attorney.
“We work closely with our partners to investigate and prosecute any fraudulent activities.”
“We want to encourage voting in our county but emphasize that double voting is
Any suspicious election-related activities, including electioneering or attempts at double voting, should be reported to 530-6668133 or election.integrity@yolocounty.gov.
It took 16 years, but a Solano County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday introduced
an agriculture mitigation ordinance — the purpose of which was defined in the 2008 General Plan. That purpose is to unequivocally de-
clare agricultural land is valuable to Solano County — and to protect that value.
“The ordinance intends to provide clear, consistent and implementable regulations to mitigate the loss of productive and potentially productive farmland to ensure the viability of Solano County’s agricultural industry, promote the health of the environment, and preserve the agricultural component of Solano County’s cultural heritage,” the staff report
to the board states.
The county is proposing that for every acre of farmland that is lost to other uses, a certain number of acres of ag lands will be protected in perpetuity.
However, more than a few — including Supervisor Wanda Williams, representatives from the agriculture community, and a representative for California Forever — did not think the ordinance was quite ready yet.
The county also received letters from Vacaville and Dixon City Attorney Doug White who called for patience until necessary fixes can be made.
But they were not talking about waiting years, but rather only enough time to “tweak” certain sections of the ordinance.
Most of those changes were about more clearly defining certain terms in the document, clarity on how certain ag land uses and practices are valued, and how the ordinance will impact annexations and other city matters.
In the end, only one significant change was made — the language defining the ratio of land that must be protected.
Instead of a specific ratio — such as the proposed 3 acres to be conserved for every 1 acre of prime farmland lost to another use — a negotiable ration of “up to” 3 acres will be required for each acre of ag lost to a different use. That new ratio also covers farmland of statewide importance, unique farmland or farmland of local importance, as well as grazing land. There was also a fair amount of concern with the county’s “in-lieu fee” for those projects that cannot find land to conserve, and would instead be allowed to pay a fee. Some argued that the fee needed to be higher to emphasize the value of ag land, and reflect that the value of the land would rise faster than the interest paid on it in a bank. The fee would be used by the county to buy land as mitigation, or to partner with other groups for that purpose. There is also a “credit program” for the developers of other uses, something the staff said was supposed to be removed, but behind the objections of Supervisor John Vasquez, was left in the document. Others did not think the county should be in the conservation easement business and should have agencies that specialize in such work, such as the Solano Land Trust, hold those easements. However, the county already acts in that capacity for such projects as the Middle Green Valley development.
The supervisors’ vote was unanimous. The board will take final action on the ordinance in a later meeting.
Eventos hispanos
El proceso de revisión
Por Sonora Slater Traducido por Carol Alfonso
El borrador del informe de impacto ambiental (EIR) del desarrollo propuesto de Farmstead se encuentra actualmente en la fase de revisión pública. Este es uno de los primeros pasos en la preparación del proyecto para presentarse ante el Ayuntamiento (Winters City Council) para una decisión, y en línea con este hito, el planificador contratado para el proyecto, David Storer, hizo una presentación en la reunión del Ayuntamiento del 1 de Octubre pasado, en la que describió el proceso y lo que implicaría el desarrollo, si se aprueba.
El proyecto de 61.9 acres, que se construiría en una parcela de tierra no desarrollada en la esquina sureste de E. Main Street y Grant Avenue, ha estado en proceso durante años. Después de varias iteraciones, los desarrolladores están proponiendo actualmente construir 188 unidades de residencias unifamiliares subdivididas, 57 casas adosadas y un complejo residencial multifamiliar de 84 unidades, además de dedicar 6.9 acres a espacios de parque, 3.3 acres a lotes
the public.
“We all know that it takes a village to raise our students, and we do that best when we coordinate and communicate effectively,” Boonchouy said.
“The press plays a very important role in that — not only to build understanding and awareness of our district but to be an outlet for transparency and trust. Good things happen, and you share it — bad things happen, and you share it. You do so productively and constructively, holding us accountable while amplifying the spirit of Winters.”
Apilado, who has been a steadfast figure in Winters journalism for many years, expressed her deep gratitude for receiving the award.
“I have a lot of gratitude for the school district, who nominated me, and for my community in receiving this award. I truly love my journalism journey and cannot think of anything else I would rather do, even through the most challenging of articles,” Apilado said.
Apilado said she discovered journal-
para el
comerciales, agregar un nuevo canal de drenaje en el lado este de la parcela y prometer mejoras en los servicios públicos, el paisajismo y la calzada, incluidas aceras y ciclovías.
La Ley de Calidad Ambiental de California, o CEQA, requiere que las agencias gubernamentales estatales y locales preparen un EIR para cualquier proyecto que pueda tener efectos ambientales adversos, lo que esencialmente abarca cualquier desarrollo important. El extenso documento tiene como objetivo detallar todos los posibles efectos evitables e inevitables del proyecto y ofrecer soluciones o formas de mitigar el daño. El borrador del EIR para el desarrollo de Farmstead tiene 1,105 páginas y está dividido en varias secciones que incluyen estética, recursos agrícolas, calidad del aire, emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y energía, recursos biológicos, recursos culturales y tribales, uso de la tierra y planificación/población y vivienda, ruido, servicios públicos, servicios de agua/ luz y transport. Las páginas 28 a 64 del documento describen los impactos en cada una de
desarrollo de Farmstead está en marcha
estas categorías, los califican según un rango de importancia, desde “Menos que significativo” hasta “Significativo e inevitable,” y detallan ideas de mitigación para cada partida. Los impactos significativos e inevitables del proyecto que se enumeran incluyen una pérdida de tierras agrícolas de primera calidad y emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. El borrador del EIR se publicó el pasado 13 de Septiembre y estará abierto a comentarios durante un total de 45 días, hasta el 28 de Octubre a las 5 p.m. En ese momento, el equipo de desarrollo comenzará a formular respuestas a cada comentario, agregando sus respuestas a las preguntas o comentarios que envíe el público al borrador final del EIR. Para ver el documento en su totalidad, el público puede hacer lo siguiente:
Obtener una copia impresa del documento en el Ayuntamiento del Winters City Council, en el Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario.
Obtener una copia electrónica del documento trayendo una tarjeta de memoria USB al Departamento de Desarrollo
Comunitario para copiar el document. Para ver el documento en línea, visite cityofwinters. org y busque “Farmstead Development draft environmental impact report.”
Los miembros del público pueden enviar comentarios por escrito al planificador de contratos Dave Dowswell a dave.dowswell@cityofwinters.org. Los miembros del consejo dijeron que planean agregar una página a su sitio web con más información sobre los antecedentes y el futuro del proyecto, pero por ahora, los interesados pueden aprender sobre el proyecto a través del borrador del EIR disponible públicamente o asistiendo o viendo las grabaciones de futuras reuniones del consejo de la ciudad.
El alcalde Bill Biasi dijo que el enfoque actual es el informe de impacto ambiental, no el proyecto en general.
Las reuniones del consejo de la ciudad y la comisión de planificación permitirán una discusión más amplia del proyecto, aunque los detalles aún no se han establecido.
Próximos pasos
Según los desarrolladores, después de que se
ism as a Winters High School student, when she first approached Debra DeAngelo, then editor of Winters Express, to contribute to the paper as there was not a journalism program at the high school.
“That one opportunity opened doors for me and gave me the confidence I was just starting to grasp as a high school student,” Apilado said. Now, as the Express editor, Apilado remains committed to fostering the same opportunity for students in the community by dedicating “efforts to providing students
with the training and opportunity to write for the paper as well as highlighting them in articles.”
“I want them to know that their voices matter and they can make an impact for many in the community through their actions,” Apilado said. “I not only want to give back to the community that helped shape me through experiences but to also be the journalist I dreamed of being. To me, that is giving readers the chance to make up their minds about lo-
cal issues and topics by providing them with the facts and information they need to know, asking the hard questions, and celebrating and highlighting those who are making a difference no matter how big or small.”
prepare el EIR final, lo que podría suceder tan pronto como Noviembre o Diciembre de este año, se enviará a la comisión de planificación para su revisión, junto con los derechos. Para este proyecto, los derechos que se revisarán junto con el EIR incluyen una enmienda al Plan General, una rezonificación, el desarrollo planificado, un mapa de subdivisión tentativo, un plan de vivienda asequible y un acuerdo de desarrollo.
Los miembros del consejo municipal, incluido Jesse Loren, expresaron su deseo de posponer la reunión hasta después de las vacaciones de Navidad para asegurarse de que los miembros del público tengan tiempo para invertir en brindar sus opiniones sobre el proyecto. Esta decisión de certificación no es equivalente a que la ciudad apruebe o no el proyecto. Es simplemente una certificación de que el documento está completo y es adecuado. Si se certifica el EIR, el consejo puede avanzar y tomar medidas para aprobar o no el desarrollo de Farmstead. Si no es así, el EIR puede devolverse para su revisión o el proyecto puede rechazarsepor completo.
Voice your preferences, make a plan to Vote!
The Winters ballot drop boxes is located inside Lorenzo’s Market, 121 E. Grant Ave. Drop your ballot off now through Nov. 4 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or on Election Day, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Winters Voting Center location opns at the Winters Community Library’s Margaret Parsons Room, 708 Railroad Ave., from Nov. 2 to Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Courtesy photo
Crystal Apilado will be recognized as a Golden Quill Award recipient in December at the California School Boards Association conference in Anaheim.
Public Safety Report
– excluding vehicle accident with injury
Oct. 9: 11:59 a.m., E. Main Street, Dispatched and canceled en route
~12:02 p.m., Interstate 505, Grassfire
~1:55 p.m., County Road 31, Authorized controlled burning
Oct. 9: 1:16 a.m., 400th block of Anderson Avenue, Threats ~4:34 a.m., 700th block of Dutton Street, Audible Alarm
~8:20 p.m., 800th block of Dutton Street, Peeking into an inhabited building
For our editorial policy on crime log entries, see winters express.com/unpub lishing-policy.
Lake Berryessa water levels down
Express staff
The water level of Lake Berryessa dropped by 0.43 of a foot during the past week, with a decrease in the storage of 7,668 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh, Solano Project Technician with the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 22, he reported the lake elevation was
100 Years Ago
October 25, 1929
Skaggs Safeway store opens for business tomorrow. This new and finely equipped store is a substantial addition to the business street. The new brick building was erected by Contractor A. R. Gale for Wright and Kimbrough of Sacramento, which is leased to the prominent chain grocery.
The Fortnightly Club held regular session Tuesday afternoon at the City Hall, Mrs. W. A. Brinck, president, in the chair. H. G. Buensing of Sacramen- to, an interior decorator, was the speaker.
C. W. Ish and L. H. Wilson have sold about 50 of their old black walnut trees to a Los Angeles firm who is taking them up for shipment to the southern city for finishing lumber purposes.
Mrs. E. R. Crum was a guest speaker, on Tuesday of this week, at the Priscilla club of the First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Mrs. Crum was a member of this club during her resi-
428.59 feet above sea level, with water storage behind the Monticello Dam computed at 1,342,555 acrefeet of water. The SID is releasing 364 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 50 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation on the lake averaged 174 acre-feet of water per day.
Years Ago
dence in Berkeley. H. L. Johnston, prominent attorney of Napa was a last week-end guest at the home of his brother, J. R. Johnston.
Lawrence D. Bigelow and family of Oakland spent Sunday with relatives. Mrs. Bigelow remained for a week’s visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Graham.
Mrs. Everett Sidwell and son, Jimmy left Sunday for Washington where they will join Mr. Sidwell who is now located in that state.
Mr. and Mrs. Arch Wolfskill, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Erb, Allen Doll and Mark V. Sparks are among the Winters people who will journey to Palo Alto to attend the big game Saturday, Stanford vs. U.S.C.
80 Years Ago
October 27, 1944
Ernestine Hemenway tract north of town on Hemenway Street to Gregorio Machado, of Olive district. With late crops practically all harvested, the elementary school attendance has been reported by Principal J. M. Clayton as 252. Winters Warriors lost to the Davis Blue Devils, 35-0 on October 19th, in front of a large crowd at the Warriors field.
Miss Juanita Thompson was home from Berkeley for a weekend visit with her parents, the G. W. Thompsons.
Miss Helen Salaverria of Berkeley was a weekend visitor with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Blas Salaverria.
Miss Madeline Martin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Martin has gone to San Francisco where she enrolled, Monday, in the Western School of Beauty Culture.
Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Baker and daughter Miss Ermyl returned Sunday from a week’s visit with the C. H. Bakers in Watsonville. PO
Rice Brothers report the sale of the 36-acre ranch of W. W. Cecil on the Davis Road to F. Carmelo Ramos. Also, the Mrs.
Picked by Charley Wallace
mation for the coun-
mentorship programs, wellness and renewal retreats for those who have finished treatment and more.
Leslie Hunter and other volunteers were present to accept the proclamation, including Winters High School students Karen Covarrubias Lopez and Kendra Cabrera, who have made outreach and fundraising for breast cancer awareness the focus of their Senior Capstone Projects. In addition
to planning the Pink Out football game that took place on Oct. 18, they hosted a class on Oct. 21 in Spanish, providing educational resources to Spanish-speaking mothers and daughters as part of Thriving Pink’s Prospa Rosa program.
Vallecillo read and delivered the proclamation to Hunter, recognizing “the outstanding support that Thriving Pink provides to local breast cancer survivors in our community,” and the council took a photo with the Thriving Pink volunteers
the assistant superintendent of educational services and the new position of assistant superintendent of business services.
Dennis said that the district consulted with School Services of California to conduct a market analysis and identified a need to increase the salary range for the assistant superintendent positions, it was determined that certificated and classified management positions should be placed on separate salary schedules to better reflect the responsibilities and qualifications required for each role.
The salary increase for the assistant superintendent of educational services, currently held by Phoebe Girimonte, will have a fiscal impact of $11,366 for the 2024–25 school year, and these changes will take effect on Dec. 1. The classified management salary schedule also includes an adjustment for the unfilled assistant superintendent of business services position, with the exact fiscal impact to be determined once a candidate is hired.
Superintendent Rody Boonchouy provided context as to why the district feels these salary increases are important.
“In recent years, the district has made strides to attract and retain the highest quality staff across all classifications — this is reflected in our compensation agreements and helps ensure organizational stability and sustainability,” Boonchouy said.
He added that the adjustments were part of the district’s broader strategy to enhance operations and maintain fiscal solvency while en-
and students.
VCE update
Executive Director Mitch Sears delivered an informational presentation on Valley Clean Energy. VCE is the locally governed nonprofit electricity provider for Davis, Woodland, Winters, and unincorporated Yolo County, one of 24 such programs in California, created with the goal of helping customers get access to “greener” energy. According to Sears, any customer’s regular energy bill has two pieces: a generation bill and a delivery bill. Typically, PG&E, or the energy provider, would charge both of those — but with community-run initiatives like VCE, the group sources the energy and then uses PG&E’s lines to transmit it to the customer. Residents in the service area are automatically opted into the program, and the energy is generated at the same or lower prices than PG&E’s rates.
Sears said that about 90 percent of eligible customers in the service area stay enrolled with VCE, and when asked about the reasoning given
“In recent years, the district has made strides to attract and retain the highest quality staff across all classifications — this is reflected in our compensation agreements and helps ensure organizational stability and sustainability.”
Rody Boonchouy, superintendent
suring that staffing levels and compensation align with the district’s goals of serving students effectively.
Title IX policy updates
Jenny Pinedo, Director of Special Education and Student Services, presented updates to board policies that align with recent changes to federal Title IX regulations, which took effect on Aug. 1. Pinedo said that the updates, recommended by the California School Boards Association, expand the district’s definitions and procedures surrounding sex discrimination. Key highlights include:
• Broader definitions: The revised policies expand beyond sex-based harassment to include discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender
by those who choose to opt-out, he said it’s mostly a misunderstanding. Customers see the split bills for generation and delivery and think they’re being double-charged for their power, or assume that the VCE rates are higher. Others, he said, simply don’t like to be automatically enrolled in anything.
The group also works on various clean-energy projects in the area, including last year’s installation of electric vehicle chargers behind City Hall, sending price signals to local farmers to allow them to shift their energy use out of high-price hours and an ongoing EV rebate program.
Other business
A planned presentation of the National Fire Academy Managing Fire Officer Program certificate to Fire Captain Matthew Schechla was pushed to a future meeting, due to the fact that Schechla was called to a three-alarm fire in Dixon during the meeting.
During the city council reports, council member Jesse Loren suggested putting together a city procla-
properly handle referrals and complaints.
• Flexibility for schools: The updated regulations offer flexibility to account for the unique needs of different schools, taking into consideration size and student population.
identity, sex stereotypes, pregnancy, or related conditions.
• Increased responsibilities: Schools are now required to respond more promptly to all complaints of sex discrimination and proactively address barriers to reporting such complaints.
• New accommodations: Schools must now provide specific accommodations for pregnant and parenting students and staff, including access to lactation spaces and appropriate class breaks.
• Uniform application of Title IX: The updated procedures apply to all complaints, even if no formal complaint is filed or if the complainant has left the school.
• Mandatory staff training: All staff members will receive training on Title IX reporting and how to
“These changes help ensure that our district remains compliant and continues to foster a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all students and staff,” Pinedo said. She added that the revised policies would improve Winters JUSD’s handling of Title IX complaints and investigations while strengthening protections for students and staff.
The amended policies are as follows:
• BP 0410: Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities
• BP 1312.3: Uniform Complaint Procedures
• BP 4030: Nondiscrimination in Employment
• BP 4033: Lactation Accommodation
• BP 4119.11, 4219.11, 4319.11: Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment
• BP 5145.3: Nondiscrimination/Harassment
• BP 5145.7: Sex Dis-
cil’s second meeting in November to celebrate Police Chief John P. Miller’s service, as he recently an-
“I think this sort of thing really helps knit us together as a community and build trust.”
Kate Laddish, resident
nounced his resignation after eight years with the department. Others agreed and determined to make plans at a later date. In his Friday update on Oct. 18, City Manager Jeremy Craig announced plans for a formal recognition and community reception for Miller at the Nov. 19 city council meeting. Residents are encouraged to share a message for Miller now through Nov. 8, at https://bit.ly/ ChiefMiller24.
“Chief Miller has been a great part of our city, especially in modernizing our po-
crimination and SexBased Harassment
• BP 5146: Married/ Pregnant/Parenting Students
The board unanimously approved the revisions to the Title IX amended policies.
During the public comment section, local parent Katie Skalicky voiced concerns regarding the implications of the new Title IX regulations, particularly concerning shared spaces.
“I want to share some concerns that I have about Title IX and the new obvious rules that have come into play. I did attend the quite controversial Moms for Liberty event at our local library, and it was, it was an event to say the least,” Skalicky stated.
Skalicky, who iden-
lice department,” said mayor pro tempore Albert Vallecillo. “We will miss him.” Community member Kate Laddish spoke during the public comment period, joining in to express her support for the idea of recognizing Miller’s service, as well as thanking the Public Service Committee for the open-house event they recently helped organize. The Winters Fire and Police Departments’ annual joint Public Safety Festival, held on Oct. 12, is meant to support community outreach and education.
“I think this sort of thing really helps knit us together as a community and build trust,” Laddish said. “Plus, we get to see the big trucks. And did I mention the helicopter?”
After public comment, the council unanimously passed the consent calendar, which included a resolution appointing Joseph Kreins as Interim Chief of Police while the department searches for Miller’s replacement, and a resolution approving a license agreement with the family-run beekeeping company Tauzer Apiaries.
tified herself as a member of the Moms for Liberty group, shared an anecdote about something her son experienced.
“My son is on the football team, and he very regularly uses the locker rooms. He himself has been in a position where somebody of the opposite gender walked in, and he felt very uncomfortable,” Skalicky said.
She shared her concerns with shared spaces in schools, especially locker rooms. Skalicky emphasized the need to find solutions that accommodate everyone without leading to discomfort or discrimination, adding, “I think there’s a way to accommodate everybody without discriminating.”
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Mitch Sears, Valley Clean Energy Executive Director, presented an update to council members on VCE’s impact in Yolo County.
Signs your bathroom is due for a renovation
Homeowners know that the work involved to maintain a home is never done. The end of one project has a tendency to roll into the planning of another, and so it goes for years on end. Fortunate are the homeowners who get to choose when to begin a renovation project, but it’s far more common that homeowners spot an issue and then realize it’s time to renovate. When it comes to bathrooms,
which can be among the more expensive spaces to renovate in a home, homeowners can keep an eye out for various signs suggesting the room needs a remodel.
• Mold and mildew: Mold and mildew is perhaps the most glaring sign a bathroom needs to be renovated or remodeled. Mold and mildew pose a notable threat to human health, as the United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that molds can cause allergic reactions. Individuals sensitive
to mold may develop symptoms that mimic reactions to outdoor allergens like pollen, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and dermatitis (skin rash). Mold also can trigger asthma attacks in people allergic to mold who have the condition. Mold can grow in poorly ventilated bathrooms, such as those without a fan or ones in which fans are not working properly. Mold and mildew will return if it’s merely scrubbed away, so See SIGNS, Page 7
Common questions about remodeling a garage
Metro Special to the Express
Homeowners tend to want to maximize all of the space they have in their homes. For some, this may involve turning a garage from a utilitarian space into one that serves multiple purposes.
According to The Mortgage Reports, a home-buying and improvement resource, garage renovations can increase the value of a home and add living space. Garage remodels can create additional storage space, provide an area for a home gym or even create room for a home office. Prior to beginning a garage remodel, homeowners may have some common questions about the process.
How much does the renovation cost?
Several factors will ultimately determine the final price of a garage remodel, but HomeAdvisor says the national average for a garage remodel falls between $6,000 and $26,000. Most homeowners come in at around $15,000 for a total garage conversion. Will I recoup the investment?
if it creates new and usable living space.
The firm Cottage, which pulled together a team of builders, architects and technologists, advises the average garage conversion provides an 80 percent return on investment. That ROI varies depending on location.
How can I upgrade the flooring?
Garages traditionally feature concrete floors. Although durable, concrete floors can feel damp, hard and cold underfoot. Both vinyl plank and epoxy flooring options can elevate the design and functionality of the garage. Can I have the best of both worlds?
A garage conversion adds value to a home
Sometimes a garage needs to serve many purposes. Lofting the garage means a homeowner can still park cars or utilize the
lower space as a living area, all the while items are stored overhead. Some flip this design scenario and have the loft area as a bedroom or finished living space, while the lower portion remains a traditional garage area. Another thought is to finish only a portion of the garage. This works well for two- or three-car garages where there will be room to park a car and the remainder will serve another purpose. What are other ways to improve the garage? Installing more windows or improving on the lighting in the garage can be important. The garage improvement experts at Danley’s say window installation enables people to circulate air in the garage
See FAQ, Page 7
What to know about reseeding or replanting your lawn
Metro
Homeowners undoubtedly have an extensive list of projects on their to-do list this fall, and that may include helping their lawns and gardens recover after the high temperatures from the summer. Unpredictable weather, which can include drought and excessive temperatures and everything in between, can take its toll on a lawn. In certain instances, the best solution may be planting new grass. But homeowners can consider these tips before they begin the process of reseeding
the underlying cause of mold must be addressed to prevent its return.
• Small signs of fading: Stains, peeling paint, cracked paint, and gaps in grout are small signs of fading that indicate a bathroom is in need of renovation if not a complete remodel. These issues also can serve as warning signs of larger issues, such as water issues and structural problems, so they should not be merely written off as minor problems
or replanting their lawns.
• Scarify the lawn. Scarifying a lawn can help to create a clean slate, but the timing must be right. Various lawn and garden experts, including those at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, recommend scarifying in spring or early autumn. But don’t jump the gun when scarifying in spring by scarifying before the lawn has started to grow after a dormant winter. Scarify when the soil is a little wet and the grass is once again actively growing. Scarfiying can remove any lingering weeds from last season and also
or eyesores.
• Rising water bills: Some signs a bathroom could use a little TLC are not necessarily confined to the room itself. If water bills are rising significantly and do not align with price increases or an uptick in water consumption, homeowners may have leaking pipes. Such pipes might be beneath a bathroom sink or behind tiled walls. Discoloration on the walls, peeling paint or wallpaper and/or a musty odor may indicate leaks inside a bathroom wall. If coupled with rising
pull up any moss that might have taken hold over the winter. Without weeds and moss to contend with, freshly planted seeds are in better position to thrive.
• Work with a landscaping professional. Homeowners with manageable lawns can likely scarify their own lawns with a relatively inexpensive plug-in scarifier. However, scarifying can be a strenuous physical activity, particularly for homeowners with large lawns. In such instances, homeowners can benefit from working with a qualified landscaping professional. Such a profes-
water bills, these signs could be indicative of a significant issue that requires immediate attention.
• Issues with tiles: Cracked or damaged tiles in the shower and bathtub or even on the floor are unsightly and also pose a safety hazard. Cracked floor tiles can lead to slips and falls, which can be especially harmful to older residents. And cracked tiles within the shower and tub area can indicate water problems behind the walls or general disrepair. Such issues should be addressed before they esca-
sional can scarify the lawn and subsequently reseed or replant new grass. The latter task is not so simple, as the lawn care experts at Scotts® note that choosing the correct seed is a vital part of reseeding or replanting a lawn. Choosing seed may sound simple, but it’s a potentially complex decision that requires knowledge of the existing grass, including when to plant it. Certain grasses are best planted in spring or early fall, while others are best planted in summer. A qualified landscaping professional can identify the existing grass and
late into something larger.
• A dated vibe: Of course, some issues affecting a bathroom are not necessarily health or safety hazards but more an affront to homeowners’ grasp of current styles and trends. If walking into a bathroom unintentionally feels like stepping backward into a bygone era, then it’s probably time to consider a renovation or remodeling job.
Various signs can indicate to homeowners it’s time to consider a bathroom renovation.
• In stock now
• Lots of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, collards, kale, lettuce, spinach, peas, and much more!
Don’t forget your winter and spring flowers to plant now: pansies, violas, snapdragons, and cyclamen.
plan the seeding or planting around this important detail.
• Prepare to water the lawn. Watering is vital to the long-term success and health of freshly planted grass seed. Scotts® urges homeowners to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist, but not soggy. That requires a daily commitment, and setting a multi-function hose nozzle or sprinkler to the mist setting once per day or more if it’s hot outside can increase the chances grass will grow in thick and strong. Scotts recommends keeping the top two inches of the soil moist until the
without having to open the garage door. Improving the lighting means the garage can still be enjoyed or utilized after dark. Spread out lighting in the garage, and use a combination of overhead and task lighting just as one would in the home itself. How do I deter bugs or other pests?
Insects often want to hunker down in garages, and they may find it easy to get inside a garage. Keeping the garage clean and organized is the best way to
new grass reaches a mowing height of roughly three inches.
Once that benchmark has been reached, watering frequency can be cut back to about twice per week, but now the soil should be deeply soaked instead of misted. The soaking will help roots grow deep into the soil.
Fall is a great time for homeowners in various regions to reseed or replant their lawns. With the right approach, homeowners can enjoy a full and lush lawn come spring.
deter pests and to spot infestations before they become problematic, according to Mosquito Joe pest control company. Reducing water and humidity in the space, weatherproofing at the base of the garage door and other entry spots and utilizing insect repellents to make the garage less hospitable also can decrease the risk of insect infestation.
Remodeling a garage can add value and plenty of usable space to a home. Whether housing cars or hosts game night, a garage renovation can be worth the investment.
New Eagle Scout dedicates outdoor stage
Express staff
Following in the footsteps of many of his family members, Kenneth Matheson officially received his Eagle Scout rank at a Court of Honor ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Winters Community Center.
Hailing from a family of Eagle Scouts, Matheson joined his older brothers Alec and Garrett Mathson in reciting the Eagle Scout Promise. Beside his brothers, other family members who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout include two of his cousins, his grandfather Ronald Matheson and great-uncle Kenneth H. Matheson.
During the ceremony, Alec Matheson recognized his grandfather and great-uncle as being there “in spirit” to celebrate with the family following their passings this year.
His Scout Master Matt Latham; Duke Hughes, commissioner of the Yolo Solano District, other local Boy Scout of America members and Scouts from Troop 152 were present and took part in the ceremony to honor Matheson’s achievement.
Matheson has been part of the BSA since he was young, originally a member of Troop 998 in Winters before it dissolved, and completed his Scouts journey with Troop 152 in Dixon.
Matheson completed all of the requirements for his Eagle Scout service project (and his Winters High School Senior Capstone project) with the completion of rebuilding the outdoor stage behind the Winters Community Center last December. He graduated in May in the WHS Class of 2024.
Stage dedication
The project held special meaning outside of achieving the Eagle Scout rank. In June, Matheson hosted a grand opening of the stage to the theatrical legacy of Howard Hupe at the Winters Youth Day Duck Derby event.
On Sunday, the family unveiled a plaque on the stage officially naming it the “Howard Hupe Outdoor Performing Arts Stage.” Howard’s wife Germaine Hupe was in attendance for the stage dedication.
Matheson said he chose to rebuild the stage following the last two Shakespeare Under the Stars performances. In the Summer 2022 production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the WTC company had to make minor repairs to the stage so it would be in working
Express staff
Tuleyome is offering a Certified California Naturalist course in early 2025. Instruction focuses on the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument region while providing participants with skills and resources that are applicable anywhere to increase their knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of the natural world.
The Certified California Naturalist course is presented by Tuleyome in partnership with the University of California extension program.
This 10-week course is offered from January to March in 2025, with classes occurring on ten consecutive Fridays plus at least three field trips. Friday classes will be held at the UC Davis campus.
No advanced degrees or previous naturalist experi-
ence is required. The course details, related-course dates and registration fees are available at www. tuleyome.org/certified-california-naturalist.
The UC California Naturalist Program introduces Californians to the wonders of our unique ecology and engages the public in study and stewardship of California’s natural communities.
The program uses a science curriculum, hands-on learning, problem-solving, citizen science, and community service to instill a deep appreciation for the natural communities of the state and to inspire individuals to become stewards of their local resources.
In addition to in-person instruction, students are required to attend field trips in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument region.
condition to hold the play. However, by this summer when it came time to host “Much Ado About Nothing” the condition of the stage was in such a diminished state that it had to be held indoors.
“It had come to the point that it wasn’t safe for actors to be on the stage. It hadn’t been used for any other activities or events since the theater,” Matheson said. “I thought it would be really nice if I could take it on and replace it. Make it a little better.”
Hupe was passionate about theater, Shakespeare and literature. He and his wife Germaine were among the founding members of the Winters Theatre Company and during his tenure with WTC, he directed almost 100 plays. Hupe died on July 19, 2017, following a struggle against ill health.
Field trips consist of low-impact walking trips and auto-tours, so they are suitable for all fitness levels. Impromptu walks are also often provided by the instructors as time permits to give participants even more experience in the field. Questions about the
course should be directed to Nate Lillge at nlillge@tuleyome. org.
Funding available from state farmland soil program
The California Healthy Soils Program is accepting applications for another round of healthy soils projects for growers in Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Solano and Yolo counties.
The Healthy Soils Program provides financial assistance to implement conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Managing soil health allows producers to work with the land by reducing erosion, maximizing water infiltration, improving nutrient cycling, saving money on inputs, and improving resiliency of working lands.
Eligible conservation practices funded under this program include (but are not limited to) mulching, composting, cover crops, reduced tillage, riparian, herbaceous, and woody plantings, windbreaks, filter strips, and whole orchard recycling. This grant is competitive, meaning all applications submitted by the deadline will be considered. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers are prioritized, and all interested growers are encouraged to apply.
This round of applications for the Healthy Soils Program is part of a regional block grant administered by the Solano County Farm Bureau and funded by the California Healthy Soils Initiative.
Courtesy photo
Above, Germaine Hupe (left) and Kennth Matheson stand with the newly installed Howard Hupe Outdoor Performing Arts Stage plaque.
Courtesy photo
Kenneth Matheson (left) recites the Eagle Scout Promise led by Scout Master Matt Latham (right). His brothers Alec (center) and Garrett Matheson and others who have achieved the Eagle Scout rank rededicated to the promise with him.
Express staff
Nate Lillge/Courtesy photo
Students get up close to nature during Tuleyome’ Certified California Naturalist Course.
Thursdays
Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690
Friday, October 25
Harvest Festival – Downtown Music & Activities , 5 –10 p.m., Downtown Main Street
Saturday, October 26
Harvest Festival – Downtown Events, 10 a.m. –3 p.m., Open Air Street Market, 6–9 p.m., Classic Car Show, Country Band, & Children's Trick-or-Treat Trail
Sunday, October 27
Winters Spooktacular Fun Run & Costume Contest, 6:30–10 a.m., Rotary Park, E. Main Street First race begins at 8 a.m., https://bit.ly/4ffnj2R
Winters Farmers Market (End of Season), 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Downtown Main Street, discoverwinters.com/farmers-market
Wednesdays
Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution
Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue Upcoming Events
Tuesday, November 5
Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ city-council-meetings_/
Thursday, November 7
Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://wintersjusd.diligent.community 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.
Metaphysical Book Club, Fridays at 5 p.m., 212 Grant Ave., Sign up at dixiesbookclub@gmail.com or call 530212-5026
12-Step Bonfire meeting, third Friday, 6:30 p.m. fellowship, 7 p.m. meeting, LuNita Ranch, 8189 Olive School Ln, Winters, Bring a camp chair.
Kiwanis Club of Winters meeting, fourth Wednesday, 6 p.m., Turkovich Family Wines - Boss Lounge, kiwanisclubofwinters@gmail.com
Democracy Winters meeting, third Saturdays, 10 a.m.Noon, Meeting details in newsletter, contact info@ democracywinters.org
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.
Students gain bike-safety skills
By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer
The Winters Combined Parent Teacher Association has been working hard to implement biking and walking road safety in local schools. Wendy Rash, a local parent, has been named the “fearless leader” of this endeavor and her efforts are finally paying off.
“I observed the complicated traffic situation at the school when I rode my bike with my son to school so I went to a Wellness Committee meeting to discuss the possibility of promoting safe and active commuting for kids. This would be a way to reduce traffic and air pollution, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and increase physical activity for kids,” Rash said.
After attending the Wellness Committee, Rash learned about a program called the Air Quality Educa-
Tuleyome
By Diana Drips Certified California Naturalist
For many, the autumnal equinox brings a sense of hope and the promise of relief from the heat. For others, it is a reminder that spooky season is inching closer, one cobweb at a time. As the days shorten and the weather cools, we will indeed begin to see more spiders in their webs, and one spider takes center stage when it comes to the infamous western black widow. They are one of the most feared spider species and one of the most misunderstood. You have no doubt heard horror stories about them lurking in garages and woodpiles, waiting for an opportunity to jump out and bite you. Very spooky indeed, but spoiler alert, they can’t jump, and they only bite under very specific circumstances. More on this later. While I love a scary story at Halloween, I think this villain deserves a bit of a rebrand. So, allow me to reintroduce you to one of our fascinating and misunderstood neighbors.
The western black widow, Latrodectus
tion grant program from the Yolo Community Foundation and began researching active commuting resources and came across the Safe Routes to School Partnership.
“I got in touch with the PTA as the group that could accept and manage the grant funds, and they were more than happy to take on the project,” said Rash.
In February, the Winters PTA applied for and received a grant through the Yolo Community
Foundation to start a Safe Route to School program in Winters with the ultimate goal of getting more kids walking or biking to school safely. According to the Safe Routes to School website, the ultimate goal of this program is to get more kids walking and biking to school safely.
Last month, Winters PTA brought a bike skills course to Waggoner Elementary School. On Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept. 27, second-grade students at Waggoner
were taught how to ride their bike or how to use their bikes to complete an obstacle course designed to teach them about road safety.
“Carol Scianna, a member of the city council, has been involved in the Safe Routes project since we wrote the grant application. She brought me together with Maria Contreras Tebbutt, who leads the Bike Campaign, a nonprofit associated with the Bike Garage in Davis,” said Rash. Tebbutt developed a turn-key program for working with students in grades second through fifth to learn to ride and to improve bike handling and safety skills.
The bike garage in Davis played an instrumental part in making the bike skills course at Waggoner a success. They brought a fleet of bikes, bike helmets and visibility vests for each child to
A spooky black widow story
hesperus, is a species of spider native to western North America and is one of 32 known species of Latrodectus spiders worldwide. Females are identifiable by their shiny black exoskeleton, bulbous abdomen and red hourglass on their underside, growing up to 1.5 inches in length. In contrast, males are light brown or gray with white and orange markings and are only about half the size of females.
Female black widows can live up to three years, but a typical lifespan is one year. Males, in con-
trast, live only 1 to 2 months after reaching adulthood. Females will not venture more than a foot or two from their web during their lifetime. This makes for interesting nature watching. If you know where one lives, you can pretty much be guaranteed to find her again tomorrow evening and the evening after that. If she survives the winter, she will come out in the same spot in spring. They make their irregular, messy webs about 1 to 2 feet off the ground, and unlike spiders that make new webs daily, Latrodec-
tus hesperus works on the same web throughout their lives, often eating damaged parts of the web to reuse the silk. During web maintenance we can really see their beauty, as they seem to dance, pirouetting upside down as they strengthen their web. Being primarily nocturnal, they have very poor vision, using their eyes to sense motion and light. They are, however, highly perceptive to the slightest movement and have tiny cracks called slit sensilla
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Second-grade students at Waggoner Elementary School participate in the Safe Routes to School program to learn the basics of bike riding.
Ian Alexander Levin/Courtesy photo
A female black widow (Latrodectus hesperus).
Tale:
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Advanced student bike riders learned how to use hand signs while riding and how to correctly check for vehicles.
Since Aug. 17, changes in real estate MLS policies and commission rules have been implemented, introducing new guidelines designed to enhance transparency in home transactions. The updated regulations, which focus on clarifying financial obligations and formalizing agreements between buyers and brokers, have been met with both anticipation and uncertainty within the industry. But despite the adjustments, the real estate market remains active, with agents and clients continuing to navigate this evolving landscape.
The new rules require buyers to sign agreements with their brokers, a move intended to
create clearer distinctions regarding who is responsible for what during the transaction. While this may seem like a major shift, the goal is to bring more transparency to the process and ensure all parties are fully informed from the outset. It also aims to minimize potential misunderstandings between agents, buyers and sellers.
Recently, I attended virtual sessions from the California Association of Realtors’ annual convention in Long Beach, where the topic
dominated much of the conversation. I was a bit surprised by how many agents expressed concerns about the increased paperwork and the challenges of explaining these new requirements to clients. While some in the industry are feeling overwhelmed by the added complexity, the overall sentiment remains positive as the professionals adapt to the changes.
and have questions about how these changes may affect you, feel free to reach out.
In my own team’s experience, now having guided six transactions into escrow since these rules came into effect, I can confidently say that
the new commission structures have not caused significant disruptions. We have kept our upfront conversations regarding commissions, and negotiations continue to occur on both sides of the transaction, allowing deals to progress smoothly. Our team has maintained a strong
focus on clear communication and a client-first approach, ensuring that these transitions feel seamless for homebuyers and sellers alike. Are there more changes on the horizon? It’s not clear yet, but as this shift continues to unfold, I’ll be keeping a close eye on its local impact. If you’re considering buying or selling a home
INTERESTED IN SELLING?
— 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
Taking a few weeks off recharges your batteries
My permanent tenant and I don’t seem to be traveling as much as we did before COVID-19, but we are trying to get back into the travel habit. Sherri turned 70 on the 12th, so we planned a road trip on the East Coast to see the fall colors. I’m not sure seeing leaves turn color was on my bucket list, but I can scratch it off anyway.
We flew to Newark, New Jersey, and rented a car to drive up the coast through Maine to Nova Scotia, Canada. They have trees on the East Coast, not like our acres of farmland and rolling golden hills. I’ve joked before that if those trees were worth something they would cut them down, but luckily there are thousands of acres of trees to see.
The rolling hills have a mix of pine trees and deciduous hardwood trees that have leaves that turn bright yellow, orange and red. I was worried about the timing, so I planned to drive in a large circle to make sure we had the opportunity to see what everyone was talking
“Road trips give you opportunities to stop in small towns for a coffee break or lunch.”
about. We covered just over 2,300 miles during our 12-day adventure.
From Acadia National Park, which was nice, but we stayed one day too long, to Nova Scotia and on to Quebec City, the colors were amazing. We took hopon-hop-off tour buses to see what visitors are supposed to see. The London double-decker bus will drop you off at interesting stops along the way and you can jump back on every 20 minutes or so to continue the tour. Walking around old downtowns is always a favorite of mine. Road trips give you opportunities to stop in small towns for a coffee break or lunch.
See QUICK, Page 6
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
You’ll feel a strong urge to take initiative, especially in areas related to your career or personal projects, Aries. However, be careful to avoid overextending yourself.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),
Taurus, you might find yourself evaluating your spending habits or considering new ways to increase your income. It’s a good time for financial planning and budgeting.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21), Gemini, be open to new information and perspectives, as they could lead to valuable insights. Social interactions may be particularly rewarding, so make time for friends.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22), You may find yourself reevaluating your work-life balance, Cancer. It’s a good time to establish healthy habits and set realistic goals for self-improvement.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23), Romantic relationships may experience a boost this week, so it’s a great time for connection and fun, Leo. Just be mindful of avoiding overindulgence and don’t stray from your principles.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22),
Virgo, it’s a good week for practical projects that enhance your daily life. Think about what you can change around the house to be more efficient with your actions and time.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23), Libra, engage in activities that stimulate your mind and encourage personal growth. Pick up a new skill or engage in thought-provoking conversations with loved ones.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22), Scorpio, explore your deeper values and how they align with your financial goals. Embrace this opportunity to make strategic decisions that will benefit you in the long run.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21), Personal goals and self-improvement are on your mind this week, Sagittarius. You may feel a surge of motivation to pursue your ambitions or start new projects.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20), Capricorn, set aside time this week to work on personal goals and address any unresolved issues. Quiet activities and solitude can provide valuable insights and inform your next steps.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), You may find yourself drawn to group activities or collaborative projects, Aquarius. It can be challenging to cede control, but you can learn from others as you go along.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), Pisces, you might feel a stronger sense of responsibility in your work if you switch up your tasks. If you feel the work is getting stale, figure out what you can change.
Express Yourself
The ripple effect of change when you volunteer
In Winters, the spirit of volunteerism has long been a cornerstone of community life. From organizing seasonal festivals to running food drives, our volunteers have shaped the fabric of our society, ensuring that no neighbor is left unsupported. However, a troubling trend has emerged — volunteerism is down.
This decline not only impacts the wide array of programs offered by our local nonprofit organizations but threatens the ethos of community engagement and resilience that makes our town unique.
Nonprofit organizations are often the first responders in times of need. They provide essential services ranging from educational programs for our youth to food assistance for families facing hardship. Yet, as volunteer numbers dwindle, the impact of these organizations is being hindered. Without a solid base of volunteers, programs
Special to the Express
This column is written by the Master Gardeners of Yolo County each month. It provides answers to selected questions that recently came into the UCCE Master Gardener – Yolo County Help Desk.
Bug identification help
Q: There are some rather large bugs on my pomegranates that have a flattened section on their hind legs. What are they?
A: These are undoubtedly leaf-footed bugs (Leptoglossus var.) Their identifying feature is the noticeable flattened “leaf-like “section of the hind legs. They are “true” bugs. Yes, “bug” is a scientific term. All true bugs have piercing/sucking mouthparts and two sets of wings with the outer set forming a triangular-shaped shield on their back. The adults of leaf-footed bugs are from one-half to one inch long. These bugs feed by inserting their piercing-sucking mouthparts into plant tissues to extract juices. You often find them on the fruits of trees or vegetables such as your pomegranates, tomatoes or summer squash but they will also feed on the plant itself. Damage to landscape plants is generally negligible. Their feeding can cause cosmetic damage to fruits although that is generally not severe and is tolerated by most backyard gardeners. Having said that, it is still a good idea to manage the pests so that their population does not increase significantly. The prevalence of leaf-footed bugs seems to have increased over the past decade possibly because of warmer winters allowing more adults to survive into the spring to reproduce. Eggs of leaf-footed bugs are relatively easy to identify since
shrink, and essential services become at risk of being cut altogether.
Why is volunteerism experiencing this downturn? Factors such as increased work commitments, the rise of social media distractions, and a lack of awareness about available needs in our community contribute to the challenge. In an age where convenience often trumps community engagement, fewer people are stepping forward to offer their time and talents. This is a call to action for those of us who still hold dear the value of giving back. Importantly, we must recognize that volunteering comes in many forms, and there is a fit for everyone. Not everyone wants to commit to being a
leader of a project, but there are other ways to contribute that can fit into any schedule or skill set. For some, it may be arranging to bake a dozen cupcakes for a fundraiser or participating in a few hours of hands-on service. For others, it might involve designing flyers to promote upcoming events or sharing a social media post to spread awareness about a program in need. Each contribution, no matter how small, is vital in sustaining our community’s pulse.
Moreover, involving diverse skills would enrich the volunteer experience. Local artists can create promotional material that enchants onlookers, tech-savvy individuals can assist with website management, and seasoned orga-
nizers can mentor newer volunteers in best practices. By allowing various levels of engagement, we can create an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone to play a part in enhancing our community.
Nonprofit organizations often rely on a strong base of volunteers who ignite passion and demonstrate dedication to a cause larger than themselves. By investing even a small amount of time, we can uplift the great work these organizations do and, in turn,
the supplies they need for their students, clean up our highways and parks, help students with homework, garden and refresh plantscapes, ensure our elders are recongnized and have the basic necessities, serve as first responders and support our public safety teams, host parades and community events, celebrate the history, paint murals and mentor youth, keep our creek habitats thriving — and that’s just a small sampling of how nonprofits add value to our town.
“Each contribution, no matter how small, is vital in sustaining our community’s pulse.”
strengthen the bonds within our community.
In Winters, volunteers coach youth sports teams, provide free books for babies and the community, ensure teachers have
Imagine the impact we would make within Winters if every individual contributed to some kind of task. The collective effect could be transformational — yet it starts
with recognizing and embracing the variety of ways we can engage.
It’s time to rekindle that spirit of volunteerism that has long sustained our community. If not you, then who? No matter how big or small our contribution, and ensure that our town remains a thriving place where services are plentiful, and every individual feels seen, valued and supported. We can also flip the intent and leverage social media to spread the word, but in a way that emphasizes community spirit. Instead of just posting event details, share personal stories or your personal “why” for supporting that particular effort. Highlight how these moments have created lasting friendships, fostered personal growth and strengthened our community. By showcasing the joy of coming together, we can encourage and inspire our newest residents to join in.
bugs on fruit tree, questions about fertilizer
they are joined together in a line rather than the more common cluster or single eggs. Finding and destroying these hidden on the underside of leaves is a good first step towards population control. Once the eggs hatch, the young are called nymphs. Unlike insects such as butterflies or beetles that begin life as larvae (caterpillars or grubs) that look much different from their parents, nymphs look quite a lot like small adults. In the case of leaf-footed bugs, the nymphs are easily recognized because they are bright red.
The first approach to control of leaf-footed bugs is physical. Nymphs can be brushed into a bucket of soapy water. Hand-picking and depositing into soapy water is also possible with adults although they are more elusive. They do not bite. A hand-held vacuum is a useful tool for sucking up unwanted insects and will work well here. It is important to identify leaf-footed bugs as unwanted pests and eliminate them as early as possible. If you let them settle in and reproduce, the problem gets bigger. You should also try to clean up any piles of yard debris or overgrown areas since these provide places to hide and over winter. Insecticides are a last resort and should be used only when the population is large and damage unacceptable. If chemical control is used, the most effective insecticides against leaf-footed bugs are broad-spectrum, pyrethroid-based insecticides, such as permethrin. Insecticidal soap or organic insecticides, such as neem oil or pyrethrin, may
provide some control of young nymphs only. However, all of these products are quite toxic to bees and other beneficial insects. Spot-treating affected areas is preferable. Apply insecticides early in the morning or late in the evening when beneficial insects are less active.
Here is a link to additional information on managing these pests: https://ipm. ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74168.html
Fertilizer tips
Q: What is the best time to fertilize nectarine and apple trees? What type of fertilizer should I use?
A: On the surface, these two questions seem simple and straightforward. Yet the answers can be a bit complicated. For instance: are the trees still in their “prebearing” years, or are they mature now and bearing fruit? To keep things simple, let’s assume that your trees are mature and already bearing fruit.
You may already know that fertilizers are classified into two main groups: Organic and inorganic (or non-organic). Organic fertilizers come from plant, animal or other naturally occurring materials, while inorganic fertilizers are derived from any number of chemical sources and processes. Fortunately, our plants can’t tell the difference between the two types, so the decision about which type to use comes down to personal preference.
What about those three letters N-P-K, each with an associated number on the boxes and bags in the garden store aisles? These represent the amount of the three main nutrients included in the fertilizer in question. These nutrients are Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potassium (K).
For example: A box of a popular brand of “Tree and Shrub Food” shows the numbers 7-2-2, which means that the fertilizer contains seven percent Nitrogen (N), two percent Phosphate (P), and two percent Potassium/“Potash” (K). The rest of the percents are comprised of other organic and inorganic ingredients that round out this particular fertilizer recipe.
This is just an example from a fertilizer sold to backyard gardeners. Nitrogen is often the nutrient most lacking in our valley soils, while Potassium and Phosphorous deficiencies aren’t usually problems. Short of soil testing, and unless your trees look unhealthy and are bearing poor fruit, you can probably assume that a fertilizer high in N and lower in P and K is a safe bet. Mature nectarine trees will likely need just Nitrogen fertilizer, starting with the Spring blooming season in early March. Apply at the amount listed on the container. Continue fertilizing once a month, “watering in” the fertilizer, through the summer growing season. Though the exact nutrient needs of your apple trees might be a bit different from the nectarines — for
example, mature apple trees can sometimes actually benefit from a slight nitrogen deficiency—the same fertilization schedule can apply. Depending on the number of trees you have, fertilizing adequately enough to grow good fruit could mean applying many pounds of fertilizer over the course of the growing season. If this becomes too expensive, Nitrogen, the nutrient most likely needed by your nectarine and apple trees, can be obtained through many “free” organic sources, including composted rabbit, cow and chicken manure. If you use these sources, you will need to look up the probable nitrogen content of each type of composted manure and the amount of nitrogen needed. These sources will likely have a lower concentration of nitrogen than a commercial
fertilizer. Composted cow manure, for example, generally has about three percent Nitrogen. You should apply seventy-five pounds of this compost to each mature tree during the course of the growing season. For more detailed information, including how to tell if your trees are suffering from Nitrogen or Potassium deficiencies, refer to the online resources below:
• Fertilization – The California Backyard Orchard (ucanr.edu) • https:// homeorchard.ucanr. edu/Fruits_&_Nuts/ Nectarine/
If you have a gardening question, contact the Master Gardener Help Desk at 530666-8737. Or send an email, with information regarding watering, sun exposure, details about your problem, and photos when possible, to mgyolo@ ucdavis.edu.
Courtesy photo Above: The leaf-footed bug’s identified by the flattened “leaf-like “section of the hind legs.
Left: Nymphs (young leaffooted bugs) are bright red in color.
Courtesy photo
Help with upcoming museum exhibit
The Winters Museum is asking the community for help in gathering photos, artifacts and stories about current and past businesses. Our next exhibit is scheduled for January 2025 but we are developing it now!
Businesses come and go in Winters as they do everywhere. Many businesses have survived through multiple generations. Some downtown buildings have a rich history of housing various types of businesses.
Our new exhibit (as yet untitled — suggestions?) will include restaurants, car dealerships, banks, bars, insurance companies, service stations, antique stores, barbers/ hairstylists, bakeries and more! Do you have any photos, artifacts, and stories that you can contribute? We can scan photos so you keep the originals, artifacts can be on loan, and your stories can be printed and shared.
At present, we are planning to span many decades but we will see what our research turns up and perhaps we will concentrate on specific decades (50s and 60s?) and/ or buildings (Greenwoods for example).
If any of you would like to join our exhibits committee and help with this exhibit, please let us know! Contact the Winters Museum at historicalsocietyofwinters@ gmail.com to let us know what you have to offer or how you would like to help. Thank you.
GLORIA LOPEZ Historical society of Winters Gazebo Makeover project update
I wanted to write to say thank you to everyone who came out and supported the first Gazebo Makeover fundraiser. We had a wonderful night and raised a good amount of money towards our goal (about 4K). I had some questions that I wanted to clarify. The project is already scheduled to start on Nov. 4. We are maintaining the original look of the Gazebo while updating the electrical, new columns made from a composite that will last, new handrails, roof repair, painting
and masonry. We do have a sense of urgency to raise the funds. We did have people who had wanted to support the project so there are still opportunities to do so. We will continue to sell raffle tickets which are $100 each. You have a chance to win a basket worth $1,000 or one of two $500 baskets. We are only selling 200 tickets. We are also selling T-shirts for $30. You can purchase one in person at our Harvest Fest and Salmon Festival booths or online at http://bit.ly/4eDcyYb or scan the QR code on fliers around town. Any amount helps. Thank you again to our sponsors MB Construction, Rotary Club of Winters, Winters Friends of the Library, Spirit of Winters, WeCare4Yolo, Mariani, Buckhorn, Putah Creek Cafe, Hooby’s, Stocking Real Estate and Steady Eddys.
Thank you to the city of Winters for their 10K donation and to the City Manager, Jeremy Craig, for making this project possible. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
KELLI
VILLANUEVA Winters
Local support for breast cancer
As the newly appointed chair of Thriving Pink, a Yolo County nonprofit supporting breast cancer patients and survivors, I am honored to be part of an organization dedicated to helping those impacted by breast cancer thrive through a compassionate network of support and resources.
My personal journey with breast cancer has been filled with uncertainty, fear, and challenges. In the U.S., about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Almost everyone knows someone affected by this disease.
Business Classification: Corporation Starting Date of Business: 1/1/980 / 3/23/2010 /s/ ANN L
If you, or someone close to you, ever faces this diagnosis, know that Thriving Pink is here to help. As a volunteer-driven nonprofit, we focus on ensuring no one goes through breast cancer alone. We believe in the power of community, where education, mentorship, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.
In the past eight years, Thriving Pink has:
• Provided $301,300 in financial grants to 229 individuals,
• Hosted more than 190 professionally led workshops, and
• Offered peer mentoring to over 50 individuals.
Breast cancer
T.S. No.: 2024-00406-CA
touches lives across all demographics, and early detection is crucial. I urge everyone to take proactive steps to protect their breast health, whether through self-exams or scheduling mammograms. Please consider donating or volunteering to help our community thrive. Visit www. thrivingpink.org/donate.
GAYLE BARRY
cHair, tHriving Pink Board of directors Election event invitation
Carol and I always need to be around others to watch the election results coming in. This year we are pleased that we will be able to do that at our Winters Opera House
at 13 Main St. We hope that all the results will be as we expect, but need shoulders to cry on if not. So please pop in or stay through the good and the bad between 7:30 to 11 p.m. on Nov. 5. We can watch the broadcasting of the results on TV and perhaps some winners will show up. We have two local bands who will help keep us going as the news comes in. We will enjoy potluck finger food. Drinks will be BYOB with care. Come join us for what we believe will be a happy evening arranged by the West Yolo Democratic Club.
Regards
DICK HOLDSTOCK treasurer, West yolo democratic cluB
A.P.N.: 027-690-045-000
Property Address: 1626 FARNHAM AVENUE, WOODLAND, CA 95776
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE
PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE § 2923.3(a) and (d), THE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION
REFERRED TO BELOW IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE RECORDED COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT BUT ONLY TO THE COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR.
NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED 注：本文件包含一个信息摘要
NOTA: SE ADJUNTA UN RESUMEN DE LA INFORMACIÓN DE ESTE DOCUMENTO
Business Classification: Corporation
Starting Date of Business: 1/1/2014 /s/ MYRA BYARD Title of Officer Signing : PRESIDENT, CONSUMERS GUIDE
Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, State of California County of Yolo Published OCTOBER 23, 30, NOVEMBER 6, 13, 2024 #76416 FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20240816
TALA: MAYROONG BUOD NG IMPORMASYON SA DOKUMENTONG ITO NA NAKALAKIP LƯU Ý: KÈM THEO Đ Y LÀ BẢN TRÌNH BÀY TÓM LƯỢC VỀ THÔNG TIN TRONG TÀI LIỆU NÀY
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER:
YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 01/07/2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.
Trustor: RAMON DURAN AYALA, a married man as his sole and separate property Duly Appointed Trustee: Western Progressive, LLC Deed of Trust Recorded 01/25/2005 as Instrument No. 2005-0003892 in book ---, page--and of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Yolo County, California,
Date of Sale: 11/21/2024 at 12:45 PM
Place of Sale: AT THE REAR (NORTH) ENTRANCE TO THE CITY HALL BUILDING 1110 WEST CAPITOL AVENUE, WEST SACRAMENTO, CA 95691
Estimated amount of unpaid balance, reasonably estimated costs and other charges: $ 415,070.72
THE TRUSTEE WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, A SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE:
All right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described as:
More fully described in said Deed of Trust.
Street Address or other common designation of real property: 1626 FARNHAM AVENUE, WOODLAND, CA 95776
A.P.N.: 027-690-045-000
The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above.
The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $ 415,070.72.
Note: Because the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.
The beneficiary of the Deed of Trust has executed and delivered to the undersigned a written request to commence foreclosure, and the undersigned caused a Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located.
NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on this property.
the Solano County Zoning Administrator will hold a PUBLIC HEARING to consider Minor Use Permit application MU-23-08 to establish a Special Events Facility (Small/ Medium), located three (3) miles southwest of the City of Winters in the Exclusive Agriculture 20acre minimum (A-20) zoning district at 3695 Vickrey Lane APN 0101-090-550 The project has been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Project Planner: Travis Kroger, 707-784-6765) The hearing will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 10:00 a m in the Department of Res
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (866)-960-8299 or visit this Internet Web site https://www.altisource.com/loginpage.aspx using the file number assigned to this case 2024-00406-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction, if conducted after January 1, 2021, pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (866)-960-8299, or visit this internet website https://www.altisource.com/loginpage.aspx, using the file number assigned to this case 2024-00406-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid, by remitting the funds and affidavit described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code, so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you
Sports
Varsity football finishes season strong
By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer
The Winters High School varsity football team won its game against East Nicolaus High School on Friday, Oct. 18, by a score of 48–0, keeping its perfect season alive.
“East Nic is one of the best football programs in our section and it is always a big game for us. This game was more than just a league game, we were playing for playoff seeding and possibly home-field advantage throughout the playoffs,” said varsity head coach Daniel Ward.
The Warriors continued success is largely in part of the well-balanced talent on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
While several players contributed to the score Lane Brown led the Warriors with 91 rushing yards and a touchdown on only nine carries, while also throwing for 219 yards and a touchdown.
“This was supposed to be a game between the best dual quarter-
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Most of our stops were full of tourist and tourist-related shops. If you heard that antique shops are a thing of the past, not true. Not only were there lots of shops, people were buying stuff.
We even walked into an old brick opera house and asked if we could see the, roped-off, upstairs hall. People like to show off and talk about their towns and it usually doesn’t take much to get them started. The opera house was a little larger than the Winters Opera House, but not by much. It had recently been restored and there were volunteers to show us around. You could hear the pride in our host’s voice as she talked about the progress they had made and the work that still needed to be done.
backs in the league, but I think Lane showed that he is in a league of his own,” said Ward. Gio Jimenez, is another player that put in the work Friday night with 12 carries and two touchdowns on 82 rushing yards. Jimenez also recorded 51 receiving yards for the Warriors.
“Gio was our workhorse and still seems like he is very fresh which is a great sign for him this late in the season, especially for a player who has over 275 carries and 2,700 yards in his career,” said Ward. Sebastian Rodriguez, another key offensive player, earned 311 all-purpose yards for the Warriors. He made 101 rushing yards, 88 receiving yards, 122 yards in punt returns and two touchdowns.
“(Sebastian) is just so fast and explosive that at times, it is almost not fair,” said Ward.
Other players to recognize on the offensive side of the ball include Jesse Madsen, Sebastian Valadez and Miles Marinai. Madsen add-
Halifax and Quebec City are big cities with small-town charm. They all have stories to tell and beautiful buildings to show off. They also have cruise ships that fill up the streets when they are in port. Our tour guides warned us when the next boat was docking and that we should plan our walks accordingly.
We had a couple of long driving days on this trip, but I’m lucky that I still think I can drive forever. I know that there will come a time when that isn’t true, but until then I’ll keep planning more trips.
I usually joke that nothing changes in Winters, but I take a few weeks off and the Police Chief quits, El Pueblo and Adry’s close and people passed away.
Try to travel more and have a good week.
ed 49 receiving yards and a touchdown to the Warriors’ score. while Mariani earned a total of six points in the game on field goals alone giving the Warriors an extra advantage in the game. Valadez earned 31 rushing yards for the Warriors. On the offense, he was also an instrumental player making two pass deflections keeping East Nicolaus from gaining the yardage they were working for all night long.
While Winters was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 341 rushing yards, their defense consistently shows they are one of the best in the league and maybe one of the best Winters has seen.
“The numbers they are putting up are out of this world. Our team has scored more touchdowns than first downs our defense has given up in the last two weeks and that is mindblowing and shows how dominant our defense is,” said Ward.
Last week against Colusa, they gave up five total yards and zero first downs. This
week, against a very physical offense, they only gave up 51 total yards and one first down.
Jimenez and Nathan Apodaca led the Warriors in tackles with eight recorded tackles each. Julian Herrera followed them closely with seven recorded tackles. Ricky Garcia made six record tackles and Jayden Blackburn made five.
Anthony Matamoros Mayes once again put immense pressure on the East Nicolaus quarterback and was able to make it through their line for a sack. Macguire Plitt added another interception to his stats and not only gave his team the advantage but also earned them 20 yards on the play.
Unfortunately, the Warriors varsity athletes will not play on Friday. The Willows varsity folded its season, so the junior varsity team is the only one playing on Friday. The game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. in Willows.
“We are excited for them to be able to play under the lights in a big atmosphere and we are excited to rest up and get a head start
utilize during the skills clinic.
“We were able to work with the second-grade teacher team at Waggoner and Principal Chris Marcoux to schedule the two-day training and then the kids were grouped according to ability and comfort with biking,” said Rash.
During the bike safety course, the more experienced bikers learned safety skills like biking in a group, braking with a hand brake, hand signals, and looking over their shoulder for cars while riding. The less experienced students
on their legs that allow them to sense movement and soundwaves, prompting scientists to compare their legs to ears. Fascinatingly, spiders’ webs have been theorized to be a sort of external mind, an extension of the spider’s sensory experience.
You may have heard the distinct crackling
on getting ready for Paradise and Pierce and finishing the season strong,” said Ward.
In other news, the Warriors have earned recognition in the Sacramento Bee as one of the top 25 football teams.
worked simply on gaining confidence in biking using the Balance Bike method.
The bike skills course was the first step of the Safe Route to School program.
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, the Winters PTA helped to coordinate the Walk and Roll to School day with the school district.
While the bike training course and Walk and Roll to School are great platforms for this program, it is only the start.
Rash, with the support of the Winters PTA, is hopeful that these two events will help bring awareness to the Safe
sound of a black widow web being broken, a sign of the unique strength of their silk among spiders. Their silk is stronger than steel by weight. Highly effective predators, they use their powerful web to capture insects like mosquitos, flies, wasps, cicadas, and even cockroaches, helping to keep our ecosystem in balance.
While they are fierce predators, they are otherwise quite
“Quite the accomplishment for a school under 500 students. We are the smallest public school on that list,” said Ward.
Route to School program and that parents will begin to feel more comfortable with the introduction of a walking school bus.
“The walking school bus program in Winters would allow students to meet in groups and walk or bike to school with adult guides,” Rash said.
The Winters PTA is eager and ready to get the walking school bus going and they have the resources to get the program off the ground. For updates, follow its social media page at facebook.com/winterscombinedpta or visit www. winterspta.com.
docile. For spiders, it is nearly always better to flee rather than fight when faced with a threat. Their telltale red hourglass is meant as a silent warning to potential predators to keep our distance. Venom a precious resource used to immobilize prey, it is rarely used for defense.
Like many tall tales told around Halloween, the truth is much less spooky when we learn the details. I
hope that when you see a beautiful western black widow this fall, you think twice about squishing her and that you maybe even compliment her on her fabulous dance moves and thank her for keeping our fly numbers in check.
— Diana Drips is a Certified California Naturalist. Tuleyome is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in WoodlandGo to www. tuleyome.org.
Aylin Ochoa
Aylin Ochoa, a inters High School junior, is Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. Ochoa is a base on the WHS varsity cheer squad and pushes herself and her stunt group to achieve new skills week after week. “She proves that in stunting, size doesn’t matter. Her determination, strength and attitude are what matters most,” said coach Sterling Davis. “In addition to her stunting, Aylin is a gifted and captivating dancer. Even out of 35, she is one you are drawn into watching because she is expressive and engaging when she dances.”
KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo Warrior Gio Jimenez goes up to catch a pass from quarterback Lane Brown.
Funcheap SF Presents: #HellaFunny Comedy Night @ 10pm / $25.25-$35.25 Cobb's Comedy Club, San Fran‐cisco
Somatic Stroll @ 9:30am A facilitated nature stroll, with pauses for somatic practices and meditation. Fair�eld Cordelia Li‐brary, 5050 Business Center Drive, Fair�eld. ldetomaso@ solanocounty.com
Brenda Mallory: In the Absence of Instruction @ 12pm In the solo exhibition, Brenda Mal‐lory includes prints, multi-media and installation artworks to con‐sider the complex relationships and structures of power and iden‐tity. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. cngorman@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-6567
Artist Talk with Alejandro Rubio @ 2pm Join us at the Pence for a free Artist Talk by Alejandro Rubio! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@gmail.com, 530-758-3370
MoAD and SFJAZZ present August Lee Stevens @ 2pm Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St, San Francisco
Los Cochinos: Dia de los Muertos Vacaville 2024 @ 4pm Andrews Park, 614 E Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville Adrian West Band at Sudwerk Brewing @ 4pm The �ve-piece Adrian West Band returns to Sudwerk for another rousing two hours of acoustic rock & jazz ! Enjoy �ne food and awe‐some live music outside in Sudw‐erk's lovely beergarden! Free show! Sudwerk Brewing Co., 2001 2nd Street, Davis. info@sudwerk brew.com, 530-756-2739
West Coast Premier of Rogues @ 5pm / $25 West Coast Premier of "Rogues" A play by Charlotte Higgins, Directed by Lori Russo The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane, Suite E-1, Cameron Park. stageatburke@ gmail.com
Chris Baron Music: ChrisBaronMusic @SouthOfNorthBrewingCo @ 6:30pm South of North Brewing Co., 932 Stateline Ave Suite B, South Lake Tahoe
California Symphony: Brahms Odyssey @ 7:30pm / $25-$95 California Symphony journeys through the orchestra with music by Benjamin Britten, former Resi‐dent Composer Mason Bates, and Brahms. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. info@californiasymphony.org, 925943-7469
West Coast Premier of Rogues @ 12pm / $25 West Coast Premier of "Rogues" A play by Charlotte Higgins, Directed by Lori Russo The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane, Suite E-1, Cameron Park. stageatburke@ gmail.com
Brenda Mallory: In the Absence of Instruction @ 12pm In the solo exhibition, Brenda Mal‐lory includes prints, multi-media and installation artworks to con‐sider the complex relationships and structures of power and iden‐tity. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. cngorman@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-6567
Victor and the Callers Show @ Lakeside Village @ 1pm Landside Landing, 2504 Ocean Ave, San Francisco
California Symphony: Brahms Odyssey @ 7:30pm / $25-$95 California Symphony journeys through the orchestra with music by Benjamin Britten, former Resi‐dent Composer Mason Bates, and Brahms. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. info@californiasymphony.org, 925943-7469
Taylor ShinesThe Laser Spectacu‐lar @ 6:30pm Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street, Sacramento
9th Annual Slap Frost Tour @ 8pm The Golden Bear, 2326 K St, Sacra‐mento
2024 @ 8pm The Golden Bear, 2326 K St, Sacra‐mento
Killgurls @ 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
SFM-Steve Fulton Music: An Acoustic Evening With John Hiatt + Steve Fulton Music @ 8pm Crest Theatre, 1013 K St, Sacra‐mento
Phora @ 8pm Harlow's, 2708 J Street, Sacra‐mento
Mateo Briscoe @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
INTICA @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Phora w/ Tyla Yaweh @ 8pm Harlow's, Sacramento
Justin Nozuka @ 8pm The Chapel, San Francisco
Ripe (21+ Event)
@ 8pm The Independent SF, 628 Di‐visadero Street, San Francisco
Zinadelphia @ 8pm Cafe Du Nord, 2170 Market Street, San Francisco
Splendid Torch @ 8:15pm The Lost Church San Francisco, 988 Columbus Ave, San Francisco
11/05
JourneyDay Music @ 6pm Napa Palisades Saloon, 1000 Main St #100, Napa
Pro Am Comedy Showcase @ 7pm / $5 New comics and seasoned pros share the stage at Laughs Unlimited to bring you the funny. Laughs Un‐limited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laugh sunlimited@gmail.com, 916-446-8128
Tracy Cruz Music: Tracy Cruz Duo LIVE at Music City SF @ 7pm Music City San Francisco, 1355 Bush St, San Francisco
GENEVIEVE STOKES @ 8pm
Brenda
Wed 11/06
the complex relation‐ships and structures of power and identity. Gor‐man Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. cngor man@ucdavis.edu, 530752-6567
Club 87 Blue & White Post Election Party w Mercury Rising, Cyah Envy, and DJ
Rotten Robbie @ 6:30pm / $6.67-$19.74
Blue Note Napa, Napa
GamperDrums FunkJazz @ 7pm Black Cat, 400 Eddy St, San Fran‐cisco
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard @ 8pm The Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
Labrats @ 8pm The Starlet Room, 2708 J St, Sacramento
Sunking @ 8pm The Starlet Room, 2708 J St, Sacramento
Billy King & The Bad Bad Bad: San Francisco, CAKilowatt @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Noah Rinker @ 8pm Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St, San Francisco
Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club, 39 Fell St, San Francisco
Brenda Mallory: In the Absence of Instruction @ 11am In the solo exhibition, Brenda Mal‐lory includes prints, multi-media and installation artworks to con‐sider the complex relationships and structures of power and iden‐tity. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. cngorman@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-6567 Pence
Gallery Holiday Market @ 11:30am Nov 8thDec 24th
Make holiday shopping easy by visiting the Pence's annual Holiday Market! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pence socialmedia@gmail.com, 530-758-3370
Muusic at Noon Free Concert - 11/8/24, Jia-mo Chen, cellist; John Cozza, pianist at the Davis UU! @ 12pm Jia-mo Chen, Cellist, and John Cozza, pianist, perform works of Bach, Beethoven, and Shostakovich at the Second Friday Free Concert Series, Muusic at Noon, November 8, 2024! 27074 Patwin Rd, 27074 Patwin Road, Davis. luannhiggs@gmail.com, 916-600-8872
JourneyDay Music
@ 4pm Be Bubbly Napa Valley, 1407 2nd St, Napa
Brenda Mallory: In the Absence of Instruction @ 11am In the solo exhibition, Brenda Mal‐lory includes prints, multi-media and installation artworks to con‐sider the complex relationships and structures of power and iden‐tity. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. cngorman@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-6567 Dia de los Muertos "Swirl & Slice":
Landry @ 7pm Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front St, Sacra‐mento
Hello It's Me - Adele
Tribute @ 8pm Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street, Sacramento
Club 90s Presents Pink Pony Night - Chappell
Roan (18+ With ID) @ 8pm / $17 Ace of Spades, Sacramento
Die Mad/ 4199/ The Great Other/ Eleventeen @ 8pm / $12.33 Neck of the Woods, San Francisco Dueling Pianos at Johnny Foley's: Dueling Piano Show @ 9pm Johnny Foley's Irish House, 243 O'Farrell St, San Francisco Rohlffs
Arts & Entertainment
Winters Spooktacular returns Oct. 27
The event is a fundraiser benefiting Winters public schools’ sports programs. Grab your costume and running shoes and join in the fun. Sunday, Oct. 27. Sign up online at http//runsignup. com/RaceCA/WintersSpooktacularFunRun
Spirit of Winters launches new community calendar
After much anticipation, the Spirit of Winters committee is proud to announce the launch of a new community-wide events calendar.
For years, we’ve seen the need for a shared platform where residents and organizations can stay informed about everything happening in town. With the work of community volunteers, that vision has become a reality.
This calendar is designed to serve as a central hub, offering a place where anyone can find information about a variety of events— whether it’s sports sign-ups, city of Winters meetings, school district or local festivals. The
SOW committee’s goal is to make it easier for residents to engage with the events and activities that make the community special. While volunteers recognize that many organizations already maintain calendars on their websites, the Winters Community Events Calendar is unique because it gathers everything in one shared space. It’s a resource by the community, for the community! To ensure the calendar is always up-to-date, two dedicated volunteers will check submissions and emails twice a week. Local leaders of local nonprofits and community groups are encouraged to take
advantage of this resource and submit their events directly for inclusion. Submit an event for the calendar at https://bit.ly/SubmitWintersEvent. View the Winters Community Events Calendar at https:// bit.ly/WintersCommunityEvents. Questions can be emailed to winterscommunity95694@ gmail.com. The Spirit of Winters committee is dedicated to strengthening the local community by creating solutions that make a difference. Members believe in the power of collaboration and are thrilled to offer this new calendar as a tool to foster more connection and local engagement.
Community celebrates spawning Chinook salmon
Special to the Express
The Winters Salmon Festival, which began in 2016 to celebrate the return of Chinook salmon in the lower reaches of Putah Creek, will be celebrated for the seventh time this November. This year’s theme is Sea to Stream: The Journey of the FallRun Chinook Salmon.
The theme highlights the journey of salmon migrating back to their spawning grounds. The salmon that return to Winters, journey from the Pacific Ocean to the lower reaches of Putah Creek.
The event features family-oriented programs including live music, local food trucks, children’s activities, educational programming and more. The Festival is free to the public and will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Rotary Park located in downtown Winters.
This year’s festival will include various local bands including Muddy Waters, Red Dog Ash and Ryman Brothers. Food will be available via a number of favorite local purveyors including Buckhorn BBQ & Grill and Cousins Maine Lobster.
Other highlights to look forward to include guided educational walking tours, local vendors and nonprofit booths, local student artwork, and numerous raffle items donated by local artists and businesses.
People who have participated in the education, enhancement, and restoration of Putah Creek will be in attendance along with local city officials. Coordination of the Festival is through the City of Winters, U.S Bureau of Reclamation, Solano County Water Agency, Solano and Yolo Resource Conservation
Districts, Putah Creek Council, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, as well as local businesses and interested citizens.
Festival history
Following several years of absence, fallrun Chinook salmon returned to the lower reaches of Putah Creek in December of 2012 where they could be seen spawning from the car bridge and Winters Putah Creek Park. Their return can be attributed to a myriad of initiatives including the removal of the Los Rios check dam, increased flows from the Putah Diversion Dam, and enhancement of the riparian and spawning areas within the waters of Putah Creek. These restoration efforts reflect the work of the City of Winters, Solano County Water Agency, Winters Putah Creek Committee, Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee, Putah Creek Council, local landowners, and many more. Visit the Winters Salmon Festival website or Facebook page for additional event information.
Trick-or-Treat in Winters
Special to the Express Winters children can attend multiple trick-or-treating events in addition to Halloween evening. All events are free to attend.
Winters PTA Winters Combined
PTA is hosting its annual Trunk-or-Treat event on Friday, Oct. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. on the Waggoner Elementary School blacktop. Harvest Festival A Trick-or-Treat Trail is happening on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at local businesses downtown. Winters FFA
The annual Winters FFA Trunk-or-Treat event is scheduled on Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31) from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Winter High School Ag Site, 401 Niemann St.
