Winters Express: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 by mcnaughtonmedia

Youth of One collecting toys for local children

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

Local organiza-

tion Youth of One is hosting its first toy donation drive, aiming to bring holiday joy to children in the community. With two more drop-off dates on the calendar, founder Art Garcia is urging the community to pitch in and help make this event a success.

Inspired by large-

scale drives he witnessed in Los Angeles, Garcia is determined to create something special for Winters.

“What caught my eye was a line of kids excited to get a toy. I’ve always wanted to do something like this in my hometown,” said Garcia. “I’m already involved in the community, and I wanted to continue to be involved for the kids.”

Youth of One, established by Garcia in 2021 for for youths ages 7 to 16, focuses on providing Winters children with opportunities to build self-esteem, confidence, and social skills through exercise and team-building activities. This toy drive is one of Garcia’s latest initiatives to give back to the community.

See TOYS, Page 3

Missing teen reunited with family

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

After some time of uncertainty, 15-yearold Kymani Borja Sherman has been reunited with her family. The news was confirmed by her brother, Korian Sherman Jr., in a heartfelt social media update on Dec. 8. Sherman Jr. first turned to social media on Nov. 29, posting a photo of her and asking for the community’s help to locate his missing

sister after she was reported missing as a runaway to Winters Police Department on Oct. 2, The post quickly gained traction, with many sharing the plea to keep an eye out for her. On Dec. 8, Sherman Jr. shared the update the community had been hoping for.

“Kymani is now home safe with her family. Thank you to each and every member, of all communities, that have been able to come together for my sister. I cannot stress enough how grateful that I am, we have been able to safely communicate with and get her home,” he shared in the social meda post.

Winters Police Detective Thomas Letterman confirmed to the Winters Express that Borja Sherman had been located and was now safely with her family.

The search for Kymani had rallied support from across the region, with countless individuals sharing posts, spreading awareness, and offering assistance to the family.

The circumstances surrounding her whereabouts and recovery have not been disclosed. However, Sherman Jr. expressed deep gratitude to everyone who helped bring his sister home.

Thousands gather for 10th annual Holiday Tractor Parade

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

The 10th annual Winters Holiday Tractor Parade and Festival brought an estimated 5,000 visitors to the Northern California town this past weekend, showcasing the community’s unique holiday spirit.

The two-day event, held Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, featured a mix of family-friendly activities, live music, and a huge assortment of tractors, big and small, adorned with thousands of lights. Organized in collaboration with Bay Area Pop-Up Events, the festival promised — and delivered — a safe, joyous atmosphere.

Kicking off on Friday, the festivities began with the 5h annual Elf Hunt and Cocoa Crawl, a crowd favorite. With passports in hand, participants left no store unchecked or cocoa unsipped as they searched for hidden elves while sampling hot cocoa from local businesses. Meanwhile, Rotary Park was transformed into a bustling holiday marketplace, with unique crafts and gifts for sale.

Winters Middle and High School bands performed holiday classics at the newly renovated Rotary

Due to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on Wednesdays, the Winters Express’ content deadlines are being adjusted for the Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 editions.

To be considered for publication, all editorial content must be delivered by the following dates:

• For the Dec. 25

Gazebo. To top off the evening, the Winters Tree Lighting Ceremony featured Winters Mayor Bill Biasi leading the onlookers in the countdown to illuminate a tree adorned with over 6,000 lights. Saturday capped off the festivities in a big way. The Holiday Tractor Parade was the main attraction as always and was as spectacular as ever. Adorned with intricate light displays and festive decorations, the parade entries included familiar favorites and new surprises. Highlights included a massive tomato harvester covered from tire to ramp in lights, a drum line performing nonstop in the back of a trailer, and a dance class performing down Main Street, The Center for Land-Based Learning passed out seeds to the crowd. Each of the 50 entrants showcased their brilliant ingenuity and creativity. Turkovich Family Wines and Balloon Yolo joined together to close the parade in blazing style. A Turkovich tractor, adorned with a hot

See PARADE, Page 3

Express holiday deadline changes

edition, editorial content is due on Friday, Dec. 20 by 3 p.m.

• For the Jan. 1 edition, editorial content is due on Friday, Dec. 27 by 3 p.m.

This includes, but is not limited to, press releases, op-ed columns, letters to the editor and photo submissions. Questions can be emailed to news@ wintersexpress.com.

The advertisement deadlines to reserve

space have also been adjusted:

• For the Dec. 25 edition, reserve space requests are due on Friday, Dec. 20 by 10 a.m.

• For the Jan. 1 edition, editorial content is due on Friday, Dec. 27 by 10 a.m.

Questions regarding display ads should be sent to david@wintersexpress.com and for legal ads to legals@ wintersexpress.com.

Logan Chrisp/Winters Express

This year marked the 10th annual Holiday Tractor Parade.

Logan Chrisp/Winters Express

A burst of flames marks the end of the Holiday Tractor Parade as the Turkovich Family Wines and Yolo Ballooning Adventures float entry delights parade attendees.

Courtesy photo

Youth of One volunteers collected toy donations last Wednesday for the first Christmas Toy Drive event. Two more donation dates are happening this week.

Express staff

Community

City shares ADA self-evaluation, launches report form

Express staff

The city of Winters Public Works department hosted an ADA workshop last Wednesday and announced that a complaint form was now live on the city website.

Eric Lucero, the city public works director of operations and maintenance, was designated as the city’s ADA coordinator and can be contacted for ADA-related issues and questions.

The city completing a self-evaluation of American with Disabilities Act compliance in all city

streets, parks and facilities.

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Lucero and Sally Swanson of Sally Swanson Architects, Inc. hosted a public workshop that went over the details of the self-evaluation, the process and shared maps of some of its findings.

Self-evaluation process explored 12 categories: the transition plan, Participation policies, Communication systems, Auxiliary aid provisions, Emergency access, Disability awareness, Modification requests, Public meetings,

St. Anthony’s Parish to host Christmas Mass celebrations

Special to the Express

St. Anthony Parish invites the community to join in its Christmas Masses to celebrate the birth of our savior.

The Mass times on Christmas Eve at St. Anthony Parish are 5 p.m. for English family mass and 10 p.m. for a bilingual mass.

The Christmas Day Masses at St. Anthony Parish are 10:30

a.m. for English mass and 12:30 p.m. for Spanish mass.

The Mass time on Christmas Eve at St. Martin Mission in Esparto is 7 p.m. for Spanish Mass.

The Christmas Day Mass time at St. Martin Mission in Esparto is 8:30 a.m. for English Mass.

If you have any questions, you can call the Parish office at 530-795-2230.

Get a WE print and digital subscription combo for $30.

HR programs, Construction policies, Staff training and Drug policies.

Swanson’s team also detailed the Public Rightof-Way prioritization criteria and shared maps of the finalized findings of sidewalks, curb ramps and pedestrian signals from around the city.

Lucero said that now that the Public Works department had an extensive look at the city’s needs and tasks, they would be able to plan and begin to take care of issues. The challenge is the limited amount of public works staff

members means they will only be able to take on the tasks as quickly and as often as their staff is able to outside of their regular job duties to keep the city running smoothly.

However, residents are encouraged to contact the city regarding ADA-related issues and with questions using the city’s Grievance/ Customer Complaint form which is now available online. The form can be filled out online and downloaded and emailed in to the public works department or dropped off at City Hall.

The Grievance/Customer Complaint form is located on the Public Works page at https://www.cityofwinters. org/216/Public-Works.

Mayor Bill Biasi asked Lucero and Swanson to present their findings officially at an upcoming Winters City Council meeting. The date of the meeting presentation will be announced once it is schedule.

The city’s ADA self-evaluation presentation is available for the public to view on the city website or by visiting https://bit. ly/49CEmu3.

Musical happenings at the Opera House

Special to the Express

Mark your calendars because exciting events are happening at the Winters Opera House in December.

Christmas Jug Band

Join in for a festive night of music and fun at the Winters Opera House on Dec. 15. The Christmas Jug Band — the kings of acoustic folk-skiffle-swing holiday highjinks — will be performing live, bringing their unique blend of holiday tunes and jug band music. Get ready to sing along, dance, and get into the holiday spirit with friends and family. Don’t miss out on this special event — it’s sure to be a jolly good time!

The show is Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $20 and tickets at the door will be $25. Purchase tickets ahead of time by visiting www.winterstheatre.org.

Special to the Express

Dirty Cello New Year’s Eve show

Come rock out with Dirty Cello on New Year’s Eve for a night of fun music that ends at a reasonable hour. The show is from 8 to 10 p.m. at the beautiful Winters Opera House in Winters.

This is a casual event. Come have fun,

Thriving Pink’s ProspeROSA program will offer a special Zoom workshop in Spanish designed to support breast cancer guerreras during the holiday season. This interactive Holiday Emotional Wellness Talk session focuses on selfcare and emotional well-being and will take place on Dec. 17, at 5:30 p.m.

The workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to share experiences, discuss challenges, and learn techniques to prioritize their

and skip all the hype. From Iceland to Italy, and all over the U.S., San Francisco-based band Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues, rock, and Americana. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never

well-being. Joni Rubin, Thriving Pink’s outreach committee chair, emphasized the importance of creating supportive spaces for breast cancer warriors during this time of year.

“The holidays bring joy, but they can also add stress to our lives. For those of us diagnosed with breast cancer, the season can evoke feelings of sadness and uncertainty. This workshop offers a chance to build resilience, share experiences, and focus on nourishing ourselves during this special time,” Rubin said.

The session will include

heard before. From down-home blues and rock with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin’ Americana, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping! Tickets for this show are $35 and can be purchased online at www. winterstheatre.org.

practical strategies for relaxation, mindfulness, and coping with holiday stress. Open to anyone impacted by breast cancer — whether newly diagnosed or in survivorship — the event will create a community of mutual understanding and support. Participants can access the Zoom meeting using the following details:

• Meeting ID: 89120889926

• Passcode: 795930

For more information or to submit questions, email prosperosa@thrivingpink.org or visit www.thrivingpink.org.

Winters Annual rainfall ends on June 30 Watch the Express for weekly and yearly totals

Name Address

guess (in inches)

the deadline is Dec. 16, 2024

ProspeROSA hosts holiday self-care workshop in Spanish

Courtesy photo

The Christmas Jug Band returns to the Winters Opera House with its acoustic seasonal skiffle, Santa-swing and jingle bell rockabilly sounds on Sunday Dec. 15.

Sunday is last day to nominate for Toast of Winters awards

Special to the Express

The last day to nominate community members and businesses for the Toast of Winters awards is coming up on Dec. 15. The awards will be presented at the annual Toast of Winters event on Feb. 1, 2025. The Winters District Chamber of Commerce encourages the community to nominate a person or business that has gone above and beyond for the community. The award categories are Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and the Theodore Winters Award The Citizen of the Year is chosen by previous Citizen of the Year recipients. The remaining awards are chosen by the Winters Chamber’s Board of Directors. Submit nominations online at https://bit.ly/ToastNomination2024. Nominations can also be emailed to winterscham-

ber95694@gmail. com. Nominations sent by email must include details about why the person or business is being nominated for it to be considered.

Citizen of the Year

A Citizen of the Year is someone who has made significant contributions to the betterment of the Winters community. The ideal candidate will have served the community and gone above and beyond the capacity as a volunteer. This is a person who is involved in a variety of activities and has been dedicated to the community for a long period of time. The activities would have required a considerable selfless expenditure of time and energy. The Citizen of the Year is selected by a committee of the past Citizens of the Year.

Theodore Winters Award

Candidates for the Theodore Winters Award have also made a significant contribution to the

Public Safety Report

City of Winters

Fire

Nov. 27: 1:14 p.m., Grant Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~7:35 p.m., Hemenway Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Nov. 28: 6:21 a.m., Morgan Street, False alarm or false call (other)

~11:55 p.m., Russell Boulevard, Dispatched and canceled en route

~2:24 p.m., Abbey Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~2:56 p.m., Valley Oak Drive, False alarm or false call (other)

~4:54 p.m., Kennedy Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~5:30 p.m., E. Grant Avenue, EMS call –excluding vehicle accident with injury

~6:03 p.m., E. Baker Street, Hazardous condition (other)

Nov. 29: 3:09 p.m., E. Grant Avenue, Dispatched and cancelled en route

~5:17 p.m., Purtell Court, False alarm or false call (other)

~7:21 p.m., Mermod Road, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~10:22 p.m., Main

betterment of the Winters community. The candidate’s contribution would span a shorter timeframe, however. Candidates would be involved in one or two activities in which the person has given generously of his/her time and energy.

Business of the Year

The Business of the Year award is awarded to a business that has been a community leader and has made unselfish contributions to the Winters community. The recipient is regarded as a “role model,” enhancing the relationship between the business community, nonprofits and local residents.

Senior Citizen of the Year

The Senior Citizen of the Year is awarded to an elder who volunteers and who has made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for the Winters community and its residents.

Continued from Page 1

How to help

Youth of One still seeks toy donations, particularly for children aged infant to 12 years old. There is a specific need for toys for girls to ensure a wide variety of options for children to select from.

The next toy dropoff dates are:

• Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Both will take place in the Kountry Kitch-

Continued from Page 1

en parking lot at 11 Grant Ave.

In addition to toys, Garcia is also seeking volunteers to assist with the distribution day to help ensure the event runs smoothly.

“The first day was huge. Thank you to everyone who donated the first day. We can continue to give to the kids in the community,” said Garcia.

Distribution Day details

The children will be able to pick out their toys on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Kountry

Kitchen parking lot.

While details are still being finalized, Garcia hopes to include additional activities for the kids to enjoy during the event.

Garcia’s vision is to make this toy drive an annual tradition. “I want to make it big and give the kids something to look forward to each year,” Garcia said. For more information or to volunteer, contact Youth of One at youthofonewinters@gmail.com or follow its Facebook page.

Street, Public service assistance (other)

Nov. 30: 4:23 p.m., Buckeye Road, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Dec. 1: 9:45 p.m., Railroad Avenue, False alarm or false call (other)

Dec. 2: 7:52 a.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~10:42 a.m., McArthur Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~11:07 a.m., Morgan Street, False alarm or false call (other)

~11:19 a.m., Grant Avenue, EMS call –excluding vehicle accident with injury

~9:35 p.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Dec. 3: 9:32 a.m., Abbey Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~4:09 p.m., E. Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Police Arrest Log

Nov. 27: Woodland Juvenile (Age 15), Charges: Disorderly conduct/trespass on private property, Disposition: Released on notice to appear Nov. 29: Ricketts, Leah Ann (Age 41), Charges: Two Sola-

no County Sheriff misdemeanor bench warrants, Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail

~Clarke, Tanya Marie (Age 37), Charges: Two Winters Police Department misdemeanor bench warrants, Disposition: Released on notice to appear Nov. 30: Johnston, Andrew Travis (Age 26), Charges: Oakland Police Department misdemeanor bench warrant, Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail Report Log

Dec. 1: 2:14 p.m., 500 block of East Street, Vehicle tow

Dec. 2: 12:35 p.m., 900 block of Apricot Avenue, Vehicle tow ~12:40 p.m., 900 block of Apricot Avenue, Vehicle tow ~5:23 p.m., 100 block of E. Baker Street, Adult Protective Services Investigation For our editorial policy on crime log entries, see winters express.com/unpub lishing-policy.

air balloon burner fired massive jets of flame sending heat waves across the excited crowd. The flame-throwing tractor was led by Santa Claus himself and Mariani Nut Company’s legendary pack of 10 forklifts, adorned with reindeer seemingly flying through the air as the forklift operators moved the pallets up and down.

Despite the chilly weather, the crowd’s enthusiasm remained high, with thousands lining Main Street to enjoy the parade’s charm.

Interim Winters Police Chief Joseph M. Kreins praised the event’s organization and crowd behavior, attributing its success to detailed pre-planning and teamwork among city departments.

“Our traffic management strategies worked as well as they could, given the size of the crowd and limited routes out of the city,” Kreins said. “Public safety personnel, including our police officers, fire department, and public works staff, did an extraordinary job keeping everyone safe.”

Winters PD received

“We’ll continue to make adjustments to ensure everyone can safely enjoy this beloved tradition.”

Joseph

Kreins,

interim police chief

only a few calls for service, mostly involving separated groups, all of whom were quickly reunited. Kreins also noted the support of Davis Police Department officers and Yolo County Sheriff’s deputies in supplementing public safety efforts.

As the community reflects on another successful festival, organizers and city officials are already considering improvements for next year, such as enhanced communication about road closures and alternative routes.

“This event is a wonderful celebration of

Winters’ community spirit,” Kreins said.

“We’ll continue to make adjustments to ensure everyone can safely enjoy this beloved tradition.” With its blend of holiday cheer, community engagement, and spectacular sights, the Winters Holiday Tractor Parade and Festival remains a must-see event for residents and visitors alike. As the lights fade and the streets return to their usual quiet, the memories of this year’s festivities are sure to linger, setting a high bar for next year’s celebration.

TOYS

PARADE

Courtesy photo

Youth volunteers hold up signs along Grant Avenue on Dec. 7, encouraging the community to donate toys for the Youth of One Christmas Toy Drive.

95 Years Ago

December 13, 1929

With heavy hearts, we announce that Patricia Anne Risser passed away on Dec. 4, 2024, in Millville, Utah, at the age of 86. She was a beloved wife and mother and a supportive and guiding presence to many. Devoted to numerous endeavors, she cherished helping develop the potential of young people.

The first of four children, Pat was born Oct. 30, 1938, to Charles Olin Finney and Mildred Huff-Finney. Her childhood was marked by sports, outdoor activities and education. Dear to her were her days at Lake Couer d’Alene’s Camp Sweyolakan, where she spent many formative summers. This upbringing inspired Pat to pursue a career in education.

After graduating from the University of Idaho with degrees in Physical Education and Counseling, she worked as an educator and guidance counselor for nearly 40 years. Pat was proud of spending many great years at Winters High

School as the counselor and the founding swim coach. Pat believed in community, service and connecting with others. She was frequently found volunteering as a judge for USA and Paralympic Swimming as well as local swim meets, Soroptimist functions and any activity supporting the youth of her community.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years Oakly, her two children Krista (Melani) and Erik, her sister Judy, her brother Bill, and five grandchildren. Her parents and her sister Sandy preceded her in death.

Pat’s wishes were to be cremated and a family celebration of life will be held in her happy place.

PO Box 520, Winters, CA 95694 530-795-4551 Se habla español. news@wintersexpress.com

A total of 2.62 inches of rain fell during the past week and last night the gauge at Putah Creek registered 17 feet.

Voters of West Plainfield district will vote on Dec. 20 to decide whether they shall form a fire district.

Mr. and Mrs. W. I. Baker leave Monday evening from Sacramento on the eastbound train for Harvard. They plan to spend their Christmas with their son, Shirley, who is attending the Harvard School of Business Administration.

The Sophomore Poppy Benefit last Saturday night was a very successful performance. The play, “Yes George” was very interesting with Harry Sackett and Juanita Thompson as leading characters.

Word was received this morning that Roy Haven formerly of this city has been promoted to the position of engineer on the Southern Pacific Lines. Haven is now living in Oakland.

Miss Margaret Snodgrass arrived home last Thursday evening from Los Angeles where she has been employed and is now enjoying an extended visit with her father, W. D. Snodgrass and brothers, Rupert and Walter.

80 Years Ago

December 15, 1944

Fred Hemenway

YESTERYEAR

Lake Berryessa water levels unchanged

Express staff

The water level and storage of Lake Berryessa has not changed during the past week, according to Ken Emigh, Solano Project Technician with the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 10, he reported the lake elevation was 432.05 feet above sea level, with water storage behind the Monticello Dam computed at 1,404,648 acre-feet of water. The SID released 40 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 40 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation on the lake averaged 40 acre-feet of water per day. For more information about services from the Solano Irrigation District or to view the latest updates, visit https://www.sidwater.org.

Dispatches from the Express archives.

Years Ago

announced that the Winters Express has been sold to fellow townsman Walter W. Stark who will get out the next issue. The present Express employees have been asked to continue on with the new owner E. F. Udell at the Linotype and all-round printer with many years experience in the shop, and Mrs. N. A. McArthur, news reporter and proofreader, likewise many years in this shop.

Mrs. City Attorney Carl Rodegerdts, when called upon to say a few words at the Service Club meeting Monday night, gave a convincing discussion on the advantages of proper zoning for a community. He said the subject had been discussed to some extent at Town Council meetings.

E. W. Florence, PG&E district manager, told the Service Club Monday night that his company plans to bring natural gas service to Winters after the war is over.

In a recent letter to Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Sullivan, Sgt. Sebastian Lopez wrote of receiving an air medal two months ago, and recently he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Lopez told

of a chance meeting with his former high schoolmate, Lt. Robert Gale, whom he had not seen in three years.

Marine Private Ben G. Stephens, Jr., 25, son of B. J. Stephens of Winters, has graduated from the infantry school at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, and is awaiting assignment to a Marine combat unit.

45 Years Ago

December 13, 2024

The Community Center building fund committee chose Lavinia Young as the chairman for the coming year, with Camellia Branscum, this year’s chairman, to serve as liaison to the city council and any state agencies that may be involved in securing the building.

Cecil Padilla, design committee chairman, reported that the building fund account as of Nov. 6, totaled $43,080.72, all raised by local efforts. Harvest Days recorded a $1,200 profit, and the cookbook has brought in $736 to date toward the printing costs of $1000. The committee expects to make a profit of $1,000 when all the cookbooks are sold.

Gail Sullivan attended the National Agricultural Library conference in Washington, D.C. from November 26–28. She remained in the Wash-

ington area to visit cousins there and in Delaware. During her stay, she met Jamie Wyeth and his mother, Betsy, at Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, where the artist and his family have their studio and home. The power outage in Winters which occurred on Monday evening from 10:17 to 10:45 p.m. was caused by tree limbs getting in the wires at Anderson and Railroad Avenues on the west side of the street, PG&E manager Cecil Padilla told the Express Rod Baker, owner of Day’s Pharmacy, had been elected chairman of the Winters Merchants for the coming year. He succeeds Mike Kimes. Baker was installed into office at the annual Merchants Christmas dinner held Tuesday evening in the Top Hat Restaurant. Winters Rotary has a project to build an attractive barbecue pit on the grounds of the future Community Center. Jim McClish, John Lindeman and Mike Jones constitute the Rotary committee to work with the architect and begin construction of the pit this coming year. The pit will be heavy-duty construction, made with native rocks and big enough to accommodate large groups. A bronze plaque will be permanently mounted on the structure to commemorate the late Jack Vasey.

photo

Picked by Charley Wallace

In 1983, Winters High School counselor Pat Risser and Winters High School principal Frank Pignataro handed out diplomas to the graduates. For almost 40 years, Pat guided students during high school and pointed them in the

Eventos hispanos

Buckhorn Steakhouse fue el objetivo de un robo

Por Crystal Apilado

Traducido por Carol Alfonso

En las primeras horas del pasado Martes 3 de Diciembre, los ladrones rompieron el vidrio de la puerta principal del restaurante Buckhorn Steakhouse y se llevaron las dos cajas fuertes. El incidente marca exactamente dos meses desde que la cafetería Steady Eddy’s Coffee House sufrió un robo similar. Según el jefe de policía interino de Winters, Joseph M. Kreins, el restaurante Buckhorn fue asaltado entre la medianoche y las 6 a.m. del Martes. La policía recibió el informe aproximadamente a las 6:30 a.m. Los sospechosos se llevaron dos cajas fuertes, pero no parecía que se hubieran llevado nada más.

La pérdida total de efectivo aún se está determinando y la investigación continúa en curso.

El pasado 8 de Octubre, Steady Eddy’s Coffee House fue un objetivo similar. Los ladrones abrieron a la fuerza las puertas principales y las imágenes de seguridad captaron a dos sospechosos jóvenes que vestían pantalones tipo mahón (jeans) y sudaderas con capucha que les cubrían el rostro. Se llevaron una caja de efectivo en ese incidente. Sin embargo, el video era demasiado borroso para identificar a los sospechosos, lo que dejó el caso sin resolver.

Un comunicado publicado en las cuentas de redes sociales del Buckhorn

Steakhouse confirmó que las fuerzas del orden están revisando las imágenes de seguridad de tres personas que usan sudaderas con capucha y máscaras. Las autoridades instan a cualquier persona que tenga información a que se comunique con la línea de despacho del Departamento de Policía de Winters al 530795-4561 o envíe un correo electrónico a tips.winters@ winterspolice.org.

Kreins enfatizó la importancia de las medidas preventivas para las empresas locales.

“Recomendamos encarecidamente que todas las empresas locales inviertan en un sistema de alarma y un buen sistema de cámaras de video para proteger mejor sus propiedades,” dijo Kreins. “Estos sistemas pueden disuadir el crimen cuando está claro que una propiedad está bajo vigilancia y las alarmas alertarán inmediatamente a la policía.”

Una similitud notable entre los dos incidentes es el conocimiento específico que los sospechosos parecían tener sobre las empresas. En ambos casos, apuntaron a elementos clave (depósito de efectivo) sin causar daños adicionales ni llevarse otros objetos de valor. Kreins dijo que esto ha llevado a los investigadores a considerar la posibilidad de que los sospechosos puedan ser empleados actuales o anteriores.

Kreins dijo que no ha

habido un aumento más amplio de robos. Los residentes y dueños de negocios han informado de un comportamiento sospechoso en el centro de la ciudad, que involucra específicamente a algunas personas sin hogar conocidas. Un incidente ocurrió el 2 de Octubre pasado, cuando Rhonda Petrillo, propi-

Youth of One recoge juguetes para los niños de la zona

Por Crystal Apilado

Redactor jefe

La organización local Youth of One organiza su primera campaña de donación de juguetes, con el objetivo de llevar la alegría navideña a los niños de la comunidad. Con otras dos fechas de entrega en el calendario, su fundador, Art García, insta a la comunidad a que colabore y ayude a que este acto sea un éxito. Inspirado por las campañas a gran escala que presenció en Los Ángeles, García está decidido a crear algo especial para Winters.

“Lo que me llamó la atención fue una fila de niños emocionados por conseguir un juguete. Siempre he querido hacer algo así en mi ciudad,” afirma García. “Ya estoy implicado en la comunidad y quería seguir haciéndolo por los niños.” Youth of One, creado por García en 2021 para jóvenes de 7 a 16 años, se centra en proporcionar a los niños de Winters oportunidades para fomentar la autoestima, la confianza y las habilidades sociales a través del ejercicio y las actividades de formación de equipos. Esta campaña de recogida de juguetes es una de las últimas iniciativas de García para devolver algo a la comunidad. Cómo ayudar Youth of One sigue buscando donaciones de juguetes, especialmente para niños de entre 1 y 12 años. Hay una necesidad específica de juguetes para niñas a fin de garantizar una amplia variedad de opciones para que los niños puedan

Foto de cortesía

Voluntarios de Youth of One recogieron donaciones de juguetes el pasado miércoles para la primera campaña navideña de recogida de juguetes. Dos fechas más de donación están sucediendo esta semana.

elegir. Las próximas fechas de entrega de juguetes son

• Sábado 14 de diciembre, de 10.00 a 15.00 horas.

• Miércoles 18 de diciembre, de 5 a 7 de la tarde.

Ambos tendrán lugar en el estacionamiento de Kountry Kitchen en 11 Grant Ave.

Además de juguetes, García también está buscando voluntarios para ayudar con el día de distribución para ayudar a asegurar que el evento se ejecuta sin problemas.

“El primer día fue enorme. Gracias a todos los que donaron el primer día. Podemos seguir dando a los niños en la comunidad,” dijo García.

Detalles del día de la distribución

Los niños podrán escoger sus juguetes el sábado 21 de diciembre, de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m., en el estacionamiento de Kountry Kitchen. Aunque aún se están ultimando los detalles, García espera incluir actividades adicionales para que los niños disfruten durante el evento.

La visión de García es hacer de esta colecta de juguetes una tradición anual.

“Quiero hacerla grande y dar a los niños algo que esperar cada año,” dijo García.

Si desea más información o ser voluntario, póngase en contacto con Youth of One en youthofonewinters@ gmail.com.

etaria de la villa vacacional The Queen on Main, alertó a la policía de que una persona había intentado abrir la puerta principal del edificio. Ella compartió la experiencia en una publicación en las redes sociales diciendo que su alarma de timbre Ring la alertó a las 3:40 a.m. de que alguien había girado el pomo de la puerta. “Caminó por toda mi casa y en mi patio. La policía llegó en un minuto. Me estremezco al pensar qué habría sucedido si hubiera tenido éxito,” dijo Petrillo. Kreins dijo que los oficiales continúan abordando las preocupaciones de los dueños de negocios y los residentes.

ProspaROSA organiza una charla del bienstar emocional en diás festivos

Por Redacción del Express El programa ProspeROSA de Thriving Pink ofrecera un taller especial por Zoom en español, diseñado para apoyar a las guerreras del cáncer de mama durante la temporada navideña. Esta charla interactiva sobre bienestar emocional en las fiestas se enfocará en el autocuidado y el bienestar emocional, y se llevará a cabo el 17 de diciembre a las 5:30 p.m.

El taller brindará una oportunidad para que las participantes compartan experiencias, discutan desafíos y aprendan técnicas para priorizar su bienestar.

Joni Rubin, presidenta del comité de alcance de Thriving Pink, destacó la importancia de crear espacios de apoyo para las guerreras del cáncer de mama.

“Las fiestas traen alegría, pero también pueden generar estrés en nuestras vidas. Para quienes hemos sido diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama, la temporada puede despertar sentimientos de tristeza e incertidumbre. Este taller ofrece una oportunidad para fortalecer la resiliencia, compartir experiencias y enfocarnos en cuidarnos a nosotras mismas,” comentó Rubin. La sesión incluirá estrategias prácticas

para la relajación, la atención plena y el manejo del estrés navideño. Abierto a cualquier persona afectada por el cáncer de mama, ya sea recién diagnosticada o en etapa de supervivencia, el evento creará una comunidad de comprensión mutua y apoyo. Las participantes pueden acceder a la reunión de Zoom con los siguientes detalles: • ID de la reunión: 89120889926 • Código de acceso: 795930

Para información o para enviar preguntas, escriba a prosperosa@thrivingpink. org o visite www. thrivingpink.org.

Una cinta policial bloquea la entrada durante una investigación tras el robo de dos cajas fuertes en el Buckhorn Steakhouse en la madrugada del 3 de diciembre.

Foto de cortesía

Arts & Entertainment

Mid-Winter Cabaret celebrates unity, music

By Sonora Slater Express staff writer

It was quiet in Winters on the night of Dec. 8 — some might even call it silent — with sparkling decorations lighting up the dim path to the Grand Prince Odeum.

But as you approached, the soft notes of childhood Christmas songs rang out. Though still a few weeks away from the holiday, one group in town was beginning their festive traditions early: The Center for Spiritual Living Yolo was hosting its fourth annual Mid-Winter Cabaret.

CSL says that they believe that, “We are living in a spiritual universe whose sole government is one of harmony.”

The focus is on finding unity and connection with others, and within themselves.

The concert included a mix of holiday songs, from traditional Christian hymns to Santa-and-reindeer holiday classics to Hanukkah-themed original tunes and much more, and featured both members of CSL and professional guest performers.

Ticket proceeds went to the CSL to be used for its music and youth programs, and attendees were also encouraged to bring a canned food item for a Yolo Food Bank donation drive.

Reverend David Clark, opened the evening with a prayer to a spiritual force and then spoke on his thoughts about the power of music.

“No matter who we are and where we come from, we all love music,” Clark said. “We can connect there.”

Billy Larkin kicked off the musical portion of the evening. Larkin, CSL’s music director, performed a solo as well as accompanying nearly all of the other performers throughout the evening on a keyboard.

Larkin described the first act of the twopart show as the “Island of Misfit Toys,” referencing the Rudolph claymation film

with his description of the exceptionally varied singer-songwriter’s original performances and cultural song choices that introduced the show.

Highlights included Larkin’s own performance of a Charlie Brown Christmas medley, which brought with it a strong sensation of nostalgia for simple childhood Christmases at home, Kentucky native Erika Cefalo’s self-written duet with Larkin “Holiday in Davis,” Marcia Jacomo’s bilingual performance of Silent Night in English and Portuguese, and Gary Weinberg’s entire hilarious, irreverent set.

Weinberg began his portion of the show with a song he says is “dedicated to the kids

on the naughty list,” opening with “Santa Claus ain’t comin’ tonight, He thinks I’m not living right,” and featuring such lyrical gems as, “Someone put tequila in the holy water, Then got biblical with the preacher’s daughter.” He also sang the self-written “It’s Christmas. I’m a Jew,” which Clark later referred to as a bit of a Mid-Winter Cabaret tradition.

Weinberg did add a more serious song called “Someday” to his setlist, which talked about finding internal peace in the midst of external chaos.

Erika Cefalo’s song choices were much more somber, including self-written songs about missing people during the holidays and hoping for bet-

ter in the upcoming new year, and Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.” During intermission, she explained the intentionality behind these choices.

“I love sad Christmas songs,” she admitted. “The holiday season is a time where we reflect, because it’s the end of the year, and winter is also a time of change. I’ve always thought there’s beauty in the melancholy.”

During the intermission, Clark explained that the upcoming second act would be much more thematically structured, and featured seasoned guest performers from throughout the region — but the hodgepodge of musical acts in the first portion was what Vacaville resident and CSL attendee Patricia Ahlquist most appreciated about the show, specifically referencing Jacomo’s performance.

“I liked hearing the song that was in a different language,” Ahlquist said. “My first language was Spanish, and my son is deaf. So I grew up learning to sing songs in Spanish and now I learn songs in sign language — this made me remember my childhood.”

The second act consisted of four professional singers Carrie Hennessey, Darrick Lawson, Andrea “Andee” Thorpe and Heather Clark — tak-

ing turns performing both solo and in various combinations of duets to round out the show with powerful and soaring songs from Christmas movies and tradition.

Lawson and Clark sang a beautiful rendition of the Christian and Catholic advent classic “O Holy Night,” Thorpe graced the crowd with “Where Are You Christmas?” — a song about Christmas not feeling the same as it once did, but finding a new version of it for yourself, and Clark and Hennessey dueted an extra-sassy version of “Sisters” from the classic film “White Christmas.”

Hennessey later stunned with a moving performance of “Breath of Heaven,” a storytelling lyrical song about the birth of Jesus from Mary’s perspective, singing, “I am waiting in a silent prayer, I am frightened by the load I bear, In a world as cold as stone, Must I walk this path alone?, Be with me now.”

The show closed with an upbeat sing-along to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” but the song that was perhaps the most representative of the show came shortly before when Lawson sang “The Christmas Song.”

“Although it’s been said many times, many ways,” Lawson crooned. “Merry Christmas to you.”

Sonora Slater/Winters Express

Thursday, December 12

Rotary Gazebo Makeover Event, 5:30 p.m., Rotary Park, Main Street

Thursdays

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

Saturday, December 14

WFoL Family Holiday Festival, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.), wfol.org

Youth of One Toy Drive Drop Off, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Kountry Kitchen parking lot (11 Grant Ave.)

Monday, December 16

Winters Natural Resources Commission Meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters. org/187/Natural-Resources-Commission

Tuesday, December 17

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

Wednesday, December 18

Youth of One Toy Drive Drop Off 5-7 p.m., Kountry Kitchen parking lot (11 Grant Ave.)

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 Meeting

Thursday, December 19

Winters JUSD Board Organizational 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.), Winters Opera House (13 Main St.).

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.

Smart homes are impacting sales HOMES, Page 2

Send your rainfall guess to Charley OPINION, Page 3

Football team’s season ends SPORTS, Page 5

STEAC expands food packs program to Winters students

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

In November, STE-

AC (Short Term Emergency Aid Committee) introduced its Food Packs for Kids Program to students in the Winters Joint Unified School District after-school program. The initiative, which has been operating in Davis for several years, is now distributed in Winters thanks to a collaboration with local organizations and volunteers.

This marks the second consecutive month that STEAC and volunteers have assembled food packs consisting of shelf-stable, child-friendly snacks and lunches, ensuring food-insecure children have something to eat over the weekend. The goal is to address the “68 hours of hunger”— the period between students’ last meal at school on Friday and their next meal on Monday morning.

“It’s potentially 68 hours of less food,” said Debra Denton, STEAC president. “The idea with these kids’ packs is to provide two breakfasts, two lunches and snacks to hold them over.”

“We try to gear these packs specifically

to kids,” said Liane Moody, STEAC’s executive director. “There are a lot of other food distribution programs in Yolo County that cater to households. We try to fit the needs of kids’ palates. So there are things like applesauce and granola bars to provide sustenance to carry students over the weekend. That’s how we gear our program. We distribute to schools later in the week, and then they’re handed out to kids on Friday.”

Each food pack costs $5.32 to assemble, is nut-free and designed for children, although students are welcome to share the contents with family members.

STEAC staff credited Pioneer Church and its volunteers for making the program’s expansion to Winters possible.

“We love partnering with good local nonprofits,” said Bruce Chapman, pastor of Pioneer Church. “STEAC is a great program. We have the facility, we have the volunteers, and we love our partnership.”

On the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 3, about 20 volunteers, alongside STEAC staff, filled Pioneer Church’s Wesley Hall building forming an assembly line to fill packs with food and carting them to a van for distribution.

“We’re really excited about this partnership in Winters,” Moody said. “Pioneer Church has been awesome and very communicative. We’re grateful for their support.”

So far, volunteers for the packing events have been members of Pioneer Church or STEAC. However, STEAC is eager to involve even more Winters residents.

“If there are any community members interested in helping out at the packing events, please have them contact steac@ steac.org.,” said Hana King, STEAC food

See

EXPRESS TRAVELS

Letters

Community safety is top priority

Recently, law enforcement leaders throughout California have been hearing community concerns related to local immigrants and the potential for mass deportations.

We understand that many of our community members, especially those community members without legal documentation, might feel anxious, uncertain, or worried about their status and that they may have questions about potential changes, or fear of mass deportation. We would like to address those fears directly.

Law enforcement leaders throughout Yolo County, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the State of California are committed to preserving community safety and holding those who commit crimes accountable. In accordance with the California Values Act (SB 54), state law, and our Winters Department policies, we are prohibited from and do no initiate any action to determine a person’s immigration status. Our officers do not detain, question, or arrest someone solely to determine whether they are undocumented. An individual’s immigration status is not relevant to criminal investigations, nor does it impact the mission of our local law enforcement jurisdictions.

These longstanding laws and policies are in place to make sure that everyone in our community — including those community members without legal documentation can come to us to report crimes or ask for help without the fear of

being detained, deported, or arrested.

As your Police Chief, I recognize that our ability to maintain and improve community safety is contingent upon keeping the trust and confidence of all our community members. I encourage anyone who has witnessed or been the victim of a crime to report it to us, without worrying about their immigration status. Your safety, the safety of your family, and the safety of our entire community are always our top priority. We are a community that values diversity and inclusivity; we strive to welcome everyone in our community. We will continue to work together to ensure that everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect, just as we will continue to police our community by protecting the vulnerable from harm and ensuring that everyone has equal protections under the law. I am proud to be a part of the City of Winters Team where we have strong city values that further reinforce these concepts and commitments to our entire community.

I, along with the other law enforcement leaders of Yolo County who make up the Yolo County Law Enforcement Administrators Coordinating Council – Chiefs Association (LEACC), have collectively discussed these issues, and we are a committed and unified voice on this important issue. LEACC includes the four Police Chiefs – Winters, Davis, Woodland, and West Sacramento, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Yolo County Probation Department, and the Yolo County District Attorney.

JOSEPH M. KREINS Winters interim Police chief

Joel Hood/Courtesy photo

The Godinez Jepsen family visited friends in Chicago over Thanksgiving week. They bundled up and walked all over the city with their Winters Express. Eric Jepsen, Anders Jepsen, Alden Jepsen and Sonya Godinez pose with their copy of the Express in front of the famous Bean, also known as Cloud Gate. Some of Sonya’s students recommended she visit it.

Logan Chrisp/Winters Express

Volunteers from Pioneer Church and STEAC pack food packs in Wesley Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

STEAC, Page 5

Smart home features are changing home sales

Homewise

Special to the Express

The rise of smart home technology is transforming the real estate landscape, affecting how buyers view properties and how homeowners live in their spaces. From energy-efficient thermostats to fully integrated security systems, smart homes offer convenience, security and savings. Here’s how smart home technology is influencing real estate and what to expect in the future.

Attracting tech-savvy buyers

Today’s buyers are increasingly tech-savvy, and many are actively seeking homes that include smart features. Smart thermostats, lighting systems and voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google

Home are becoming must-haves for many homebuyers. These technologies not only offer convenience but also demonstrate that a home is modern and up-to-date. In competitive markets, smart home features can set a property apart and attract more offers.

Energy efficiency, cost savings

One of the most ap-

eras and motion-activated sensors that can send alerts directly to a homeowner’s smartphone. These systems provide peace of mind and allow homeowners to monitor their property from anywhere. The added layer of security can be a selling point for buyers, especially in urban areas or neighborhoods where safety is a concern.

Voice control, integration

climate — through a single device are seen as cutting-edge and desirable. Looking to the future Looking ahead, smart home technology will likely continue to evolve and expand.

scious buyers. Homes with smart features may be perceived as more valuable due to the potential for longterm cost savings.

Advanced security options

pealing aspects of smart home technology is its ability to improve energy efficiency. Smart thermostats can learn your schedule and adjust heating and cooling settings accordingly, while smart lighting systems allow you to control lights remotely or set them to turn off automatically when not in use. These energy-saving technologies can reduce utility bills and are particularly attractive to eco-con-

INTERESTED IN SELLING?

New Listing! PRISTINE 3 BEDROOM,

Security is a top priority for many homebuyers, and smart home technology offers advanced options for keeping a property safe. Smart security systems include features like remote-controlled locks, doorbell cam-

Voice control is becoming increasingly popular in smart homes, with systems like Amazon Echo and Google Nest allowing users to control everything from lighting to entertainment with a simple command. As homes become more integrated with technology, buyers are looking for properties where these systems are already in place. Fully integrated homes that allow seamless control of multiple systems — like security, entertainment and

Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning could lead to even more personalized home experiences, while advancements in green technology may integrate with smart homes to create ultra-energy-efficient living spaces. As technology becomes more accessible, smart home features will become standard in new builds and renovations, making them an expectation rather than a luxury. For homeowners and buyers alike, the future of smart homes is bright. Investing in smart technology can enhance comfort, security and efficiency, while also increasing a home’s value and appeal on the real estate market.

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a home stand out.

Express Yourself

It was a great season, even if it ended poorly

You have to tip your hat to this year’s varsity football team. Sometimes you just don’t have your best game or you meet someone that is just bigger and stronger than you are. Winters has a young team with a junior quarterback, Lane Brown, and should be back to compete for a championship next year. The Arcata Tigers also have a junior quarterback, so maybe we will see a rematch next December. There was a good crowd at last Friday’s game. I don’t go to enough games, but I was impressed with this team. Even when they were down, they didn’t give up and fought to the end. They just couldn’t stop the Tigers, especially their quarterback, Luke Lemke. I’ll be rooting for Arcata to win the state championship this Saturday when they travel to Southern California and play Portola High School in Fullerton.

Rainfall contest

I would like to report

“Even when they were down, they didn’t give up and fought to the end.”

that entries are pouring in for the rainfall contest, but they are not. I’m hoping that there is another entry form in this issue of the Express to remind everyone that there is free money to be had, $100, for the lucky winner, $125 if you are a subscriber. There was a form in last week’s paper, so I’m crossing my fingers that it makes it two weeks in a row.

If you don’t find an entry form, just write down your name, address and contact information and send it or drop it through the mail slot, to: Charley Wallace, 13 Russell Street, Winters, CA 95694. You only have until Dec. 16

See QUICK, Page 6

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),

Your pioneering spirit is in full swing this week, Aries. Embrace new challenges and don’t hesitate to get out front and take the lead. You just might inspire others with your confidence.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),

Make finances a priority this week, Taurus. A bit of budgeting could ease some of the financial stress that has been affecting you lately. Indulge in a small luxury as a reward for hard work.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21), Conversations could be interesting this week, Gemini. You’re curious about what others do when they are home behind closed doors. Don’t pry too much.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22), Cancer, nurture your relationships this week, particularly if work has garnered most of your attention of late. Pay attention to your own needs, too, and enjoy some relaxation.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23),

Employ your natural charisma to forge new connections and network at upcoming events, Leo. You are good at sharing ideas and expressing yourself with confidence.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22),

Tackle one job at a time and focus on what is important to get done this week, Virgo. It can be easy to get side-tracked by side projects. Or that might be your way to procrastinate.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23), Libra, surround yourself with positive influences this week. You want others supporting you at every turn while you take on an important project that comes up.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22),

Use your intense focus and attention to detail to delve into projects that require those specific skills, Scorpio. In fact, someone may ask you to work on a project for these traits alone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21),

Embrace the unknown this week. Let yourself get led off in different directions from those you normally travel, Sagittarius. Who knows what you may find along the way?

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20),

Revisit your goals and make a plan for the future, Capricorn. Remember to take the people closest to you into consideration. Do not trample them in the process of getting ahead.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18),

Aquarius, collaborate with like-minded individuals who are ready to think outside the box. It is amazing what you can accomplish when you multiply your power.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20),

You might need to warm up before the creative energy starts to flow, Pisces. Don’t worry, once you have the right inspiration, things will begin moving at a rapid pace.

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AT PRIVATE SALE

The Estate of Naoto Imamura Decedent

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, subject to confirmation by this court, on January 1, 2025, or thereafter within the time allowed by law, Yolo County Public Administrator, as personal representative of the estate of the above-named decedent, will sell at private sale to the highest and best net bidder on the terms and conditions stated below all right, title, and interest of the decedent at the time of death and all right, title, and interest that the estate has acquired in addition to that of the decedent at the time of death, in the real property located in Yolo County, California.

2. The property commonly referred to as 35800 Willow Avenue, Clarksburg, CA 95612, assessor’s parcel number 043-230-019-000, and is more fully described as follows: Parcel One:

Beginning at the Southeast corner of Lot 28, as said lot is delineated and so designated on that certain map entitled “Holland Land Co. Subdivision No. 9A, Yolo County, California”, which said map was filed for record in the office of the County Recorder of Yolo County California, on May 10th, 1923 in Volume 3 of Maps, at page 48; thence along the Southeasterly boundary of said Lot 28, S 60° 23’ 30” West, 71.37 feet; thence leaving said Southwesterly boundary N. 60° 23’ 30” East 458.99 feet to the Northeasterly boundary of said Lot 28, being also the center line of Willow Avenue; thence along said Northeasterly boundary, S. 27° 39’ 30” East 71.41 feet to the point of beginning and being the Southeasterly 1/2 of said Lot 28.

Parcel Two:

All that portion of Lot Number Twenty-nine (29) which lies Northwesterly of a line drawn parallel to and distant at right angles Sixty-five (65) feet Southeasterly from the Northwestern boundary line of Lot numbered Twenty-nine, as said lot is so designed on that certain Map entitled “Holland Land Co. Subdivision 9-A, Yolo County, California”, which said map was on May 20, 1923 recorded in the office of the County Recorder of Yolo County, California in Map Book #3, page 48. APN: 043-230-019-000

3. A one-half (1/2) undivided interest in the property commonly referred to as 35750 Willow Avenue, Clarksburg, CA 95612, assessor’s parcel number 043-230-018-000, and is more fully described as follows:

The land described herein is situated in the State of California, County of Yolo, unincorporated area, described as follows:

Beginning at the Northwest corner of Lot No. 28, as said lot is delineated and so designated on that certain map entitled “Holland Land Co. Subdivision No. 9-A, Yolo County, Calfornia”, which said map was filed for record in the office of the County Recorder of Yolo County, California, on May 10, 1923, in Map Book No. 3, at page 48: thence along the Southwesterly line of said Lot No. 28, South 29° 36’ 30” East yo.y feet; thence leaving said line, North 60° 23’ 30” East 458.99 feet to the Northeast line of said Lot No. 28; thence along said Northeast line North 27° 39’ 30” West 71.01 feet to the most Northerly corner thereof; thence along the Northwest line of said Lot No. 28, South 60° 23’ 30” West 461.41 feet to the point of beginning.

4. A one-third (1/3) undivided interest in the property commonly referred to as 35850 Willow Avenue, Clarksburg, CA 95612, assessor’s parcel number 043-230-020-000, and is more fully described as follows:

The land described herein is situated in the State of California, County of Yolo, unincorporated area, described as follows: Lot 29 of Holland Land Co. Subdivision No. 9-A, according to the Official Plat thereof, filed for record in the Office of the Recorder of Yolo County, California, on May 10, 1923 in Book 3 of Maps, at page 48.

EXECPTING THEREFROM the Northwesterly 65 feet measure at right angles from and parallel to the Northwesterly line of said Lot 29, as described in Deed from Cyril B. Dodson to Naoto Imamura, et al, dated November 22, 1949 and recorded in Book 311 of Official Records, at page 397.

APN: 043-230-020-000

5. Undeveloped agricultural real property of approximately 36.4 acres commonly known as 35565 JEFFERSON BLVD CLARKSBURG, CA 95612 legally described as follows:

The land described herein is situated in the State of California, County of Yolo, unincorporated area, described as follows: Lot 21, Holland Land Co. Subdivision No. 5, filed January 19, 1921 in Book 3 of Maps, page 36, Yolo County Records.

APN: 043-210-017-000

6. The property will be sold subject to current taxes, covenants, conditions, restrictions, reservations, rights, rights of way, and easements of record, with any encumbrances of record to be satisfied from the purchase price.

7. The property is to be sold on an “as is” basis, except for title.

8. Bids or offers are invited for this property and must be in writing and can be mailed to the office of Dylan P. Hyatt, attorney for the personal representative, at 1555 River Park Drive, Suite 108, Sacramento, CA 95815 or delivered to Dylan P. Hyatt personally, at any time after posting of this notice and before any sale is made.

9. The property will be sold on the following terms: Cash, or part cash and part credit, the terms of such credit to be acceptable to the undersigned and to the court, 10 percent of the amount of the bid to accompany the offer by certified check, and the balance to be paid on confirmation of sale by the court.

10. Taxes, rents, operating and maintenance expenses, and premiums on insurance acceptable to the purchaser shall be prorated as of the date of recording of conveyance. Examination of title, recording of conveyance, transfer taxes, and any title insurance policy shall be at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers.

11. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids.

12. For further information and bid forms, contact Dylan P. Hyatt, 1555 River Park Drive, Suite 108, Sacramento, CA 95815.

Dated: 11-25-2024

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AT PRIVATE SALE The Estate of Betty Imamura Decedent

2. An undivided one-third (1/3) interest in the real property commonly referred to as 35850 Willow Avenue, Clarksburg, CA 95612, assessor’s parcel number 043-230020-000, and is more fully described as follows:

Lot 29 of Holland Land Co. Subdivision No. 9-A, according to the Official Plat thereof, filed for record in the Office of the Recorder of Yolo County, California, on May 10, 1923 in Book 3 of Maps, at page 48.

EXCEPTION THEREFROM the Northwesterly 65 measured at right angles from and parallel to the Northwesterly line of said lot 29, as described in Deed from Cyril B. Dodson to Naoto Imamura, et al, dated November 22, 1949 and recorded in Book 311 of Official Records, at page 397.

APN: 043-230-020-000

3. The property will be sold subject to current taxes, covenants, conditions, restrictions, reservations, rights, rights of way, and easements of record, with any encumbrances of record to be satisfied from the purchase price.

4. The property is to be sold on an “as is” basis, except for title.

5. Bids or offers are invited for this property and must be in writing and can be mailed to the office of Dylan P. Hyatt, attorney for the personal representative, at 1555 River Park Drive, Suite 108, Sacramento, CA 95815 or delivered to Dylan P. Hyatt personally, at any time after posting of this notice and before any sale is made.

6. The property will be sold on the following terms: Cash, or part cash and part credit, the terms of such credit to be acceptable to the undersigned and to the court, 10 percent of the amount of the bid to accompany the offer by certified check, and the balance to be paid on confirmation of sale by the court.

7. Taxes, rents, operating and maintenance expenses, and premiums on insurance acceptable to the purchaser shall be prorated as of the date of recording of conveyance. Examination of title, recording of conveyance, transfer taxes, and any title insurance policy shall be at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers.

8. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids.

9. For further information and bid forms, contact Dylan P. Hyatt, 1555 River Park Drive, Suite 108, Sacramento, CA 95815.

Dated: 11-25-2024

Meissner Joseph Ruggles, Inc.

DYLAN P. HYATT Attorney for Yolo County Public Administrator

12/11, 18, 25 77608

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AT PRIVATE SALE

The Estate of Shizuko Imamura Decedent

2. An undivided one-half (1/2) interest in the residential real property commonly referred to as 35750 Willow Avenue, Clarksburg, CA 95612, assessor’s parcel number 043-230-018-000, and is more fully described as follows:

Beginning at the Northwest corner of Lot No. 28, as said lot is delineated and designated on that certain map entitled “Holland Land Co. Subdivision No. 9-A, Yolo County, California, on May 10, 1923, in Map Book No. 3, at page 48: thence along the Southwesterly line of said Lot No. 28, South 29° 36’ 30” East yo.y feet; thence leaving said line, North 60° 23’ 30” East 458.99 feet to the Northeast line of said Lot. No. 28; thence along said Northeast line North 27° 39’ 30” West 71.01 feet to the most Northerly corner thereof; thence along the Northwest line of said Lot No. 28, South 60° 23’ 30” West 461.41 feet to the point of beginning.

APN: 043-230-018-000

3. An undivided one-third (1/3) interest in the residential real property located at 35850 Willow Avenue, Clarksburg, California 95612, in State of California, County of Yolo, unincorporated area described as follows:

EXECPTING THEREFROM the Northwesterly 65 feet measured at right angles from and parallel to the Northwesterly line of said lot 29, as described in Deed from Cyril B. Dodson to Naoto Imamura, et al, dated November 22, 1949 and recorded in Book 311 of Official Redocrds, at page 397.

APN: 043-230-020-000

4. The property will be sold subject to current taxes, covenants, conditions, restrictions, reservations, rights, rights of way, and easements of record, with any encumbrances of record to be satisfied from the purchase price.

5. The property is to be sold on an “as is” basis, except for title.

6. Bids or offers are invited for this property and must be in writing and can be mailed to the office of Dylan P. Hyatt, attorney for the personal representative, at 1555 River Park Drive, Suite 108, Sacramento, CA 95815 or delivered to Dylan P. Hyatt personally, at any time after posting of this notice and before any sale is made.

7. The property will be sold on the following terms: Cash, or part cash and part credit, the terms of such credit to be acceptable to the undersigned and to the court, 10 percent of the amount of the bid to accompany the offer by certified check, and the balance to be paid on confirmation of sale by the court.

8. Taxes, rents, operating and maintenance expenses, and premiums on insurance acceptable to the purchaser shall be prorated as of the date of recording of conveyance. Examination of title, recording of conveyance, transfer taxes, and any title insurance policy shall be at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers.

9. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids.

10. For further information and bid forms, contact Dylan P. Hyatt, 1555 River Park Drive, Suite 108, Sacramento, CA 95815.

Dated: 11-25-2024

12/11, 18, 25

Sports

Football playoff run ends with loss to Arcata

By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer

On Friday, Dec. 6,

over 1,200 parents, community members and Warrior fans showed up to cheer on the Winters High School varsity football team as they fought against the Arcata High School Tigers for the title of Regional Champions.

“I want to personally thank the community of Winters for showing up not just Friday night, but every Friday night throughout the year. It was more than just a football game

— It was a community celebration and one of the many reasons I am so proud to call Winters my home.

We definitely felt the love, just wished we would have played better for them,” said varsity head coach Daniel Ward.

Sadly, the final result ended in Arcata’s favor, and the Warriors took their first loss of the season with a final score of 35–14.

“They may have

been a bigger school and definitely had some big kids but I don’t feel like they were the better team. Football is truly a game of inches and they won those inches,” Ward said. This year the Warriors’ defense has outperformed their opponents time and time again, with six shutouts on the season it was hard to watch them struggle to stop Arcata’s quarterback, “We have been historically good on defense all year and definitely had our worst game tackling-wise. Hats off to Luke Lemke though. He was the best player we saw all year and was ultimately the best player on the field Friday. We knew the key was stopping him on the ground and we just could not tackle him,” said Ward.

Despite the Warriors not performing their best defensively they still fought hard to stay in the game making some big plays on both offense and

defense. Lane Brown and Gio Jimenez both performed very well against Arcata and made every effort to pull out a win for their team. Brown threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns while Jimenez gained 128 total yards and a touchdown in the game.

Jesse Madsen, Sebastian Rodriguez and Sebastian Vala-

dez contributed significant yardage and momentum in the game. Madsen ended the night with 51 receiving yards and a touchdown, Rodriguez earned 65 rushing yards and seven receiving yards and Valadez made 51 receiving yards in the game.

“We had the ball inside the five-yard line

Girls basketball comes in hot to open season

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

With a majority of the Winters High School boys basketball team still finishing off a run for the championship title on the varsity football team, the girls basketball team forged forward on the court proving their mettle early on.

On Monday, Dec. 2, the WHS girls varsity basketball team headed to St. Helena High School where they beat the Saints 30–23.

Although the athletes had a rough time sinking shots, they came out victorious in their season opener. Senior Jordan Tucker led the team with 16 points, followed by sophomore Maci Dodic with 5 points.

“With this being our 1st game of the season I expected to see some rust, and boy did I. We had a hard time making shots but our defensive intensity and pressure kept us in control for most of the game,” said head coach Ivan Dodic. “Jordan Tucker really came through for us in the second half scoring 12 of her 16 points in that half. Although it wasn’t pretty it was great to get a win to start the season.”

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, the Warriors played in the first home game against Woodland High School. The Warriors beat the Wolves 38–27.

The Warriors found their groove on the court and the defense was on fire.

On the offense, junior Lilli Borchard led with 12 points, followed by senior Luz Martin with 9 points.

“We brought tremendous defensive intensity which allowed us to be in control for the entire game. I feel like Lilli had a breakout game scoring 12 points which is a career high for her, the points show up in the scorebook but her energy and intensity was the catalyst for her great game,” Dodic said. “Luz Martin absolutely found her shooting touch which will be huge for us moving forward, we need her shooting to extend the defense and allow us to be a threat from inside the paint as well as outside.”

The Warriors finished the first week off against Woodland’s Pioneer High School Patriots on Thursday, Dec. 5 at home. Known as a team that plays a physical game, Dodic said he challenged the Warriors to “either back down and lose

or match their physicality and potentially win.”

With two wins already on their card, the girls chose the latter and came out with a 42–39 win over the Patriots.

“We played the most physical game we have played since I have been there and that was the key to us getting the victory,” Dodic said.

Tucker gave her all and led her team by putting up 18 points for the Warriors, followed by Martin with 9 points in the second half that proved to be critical game points. Jordan and senior Allison Aguilar gave vital defensive rebounds throughout the game. However, it was sophomore Mia Mariani’s last-minute efforts that helped to secure the win for the Warriors.

“The unsung hero of the game was Mia Mariani because she had ice in her veins as she went 4 for 4 from the free throw line in the last 90 seconds of the game to take the lead for good,” Dodic said.

Tickets to upcoming boys and girls basketball games are available on the WHS GoFan page at https://gofan.co/app/school/CA8082.

twice and came away with no points and had a couple game-changing plays on defense that we just didn’t make,” said Ward.

Regardless of what the score indicated, Jimenez and Julian Herrera were all over the place and played incredible defensive games. Herrera led the Warriors with 18 tackles, Jimenez with

program coordinator.

“We’d enjoy having anyone interested on board either on an ongoing or one-time basis.”

The second packing event saw more volunteers than the first, but more are always welcome.

“We always have so many volunteers who want to sign up that we have to say we’ve got enough. It’s a good problem to have,” Moody said.

Rody Boonchouy, Winters JUSD superintendent, expressed gratitude for the partnership.

“This collaboration is important to us and has made a positive impact on our students. We look forward to ongoing efforts with community-based organizations to ensure all student needs are met so that they can engage, learn and be healthy.”

Founded in 1967 in response to devastating floods that left many agricultural workers without income, STEAC has a long history of addressing food insecurity in Yolo County. Since 2016, the organization has collaborated in Winters with the RISE, Inc. Beyond food pro-

14 and Ricky Garcia was right behind them with 10 recorded tackles.

“Gio and Julian finished their high school career as possibly the best line backer duo that we have ever had,” Ward said.

The 2024 football season has officially come to a close. The loss against Arcata was a tough one but making it to a regional game is a huge accomplishment, a great experience and a first in the history of WHS football.

“Now that we got a taste of it we can’t wait to go back. I have been doing this for a long time now and this was the most fun I have ever had coaching a group of kids,” Ward said. “They are great football players but even better young men and they make you look forward to coming to work on a daily basis and it was an honor to be called their coach.”

grams, STEAC also provides financial assistance for qualifying Yolo County residents, including help with rent, bills, legal fees, work attire and more. To learn more about STEAC, visit steac.org.

People who seek assistance can contact RISE, Inc., which partners with STEAC to guide applicants through the process. RISE, Inc. has office locations in Winters and Esparto and its contact information is available online at riseinc.org.

Families in need of food assistance can contact a Winters JUSD school administrator about receiving food packs.

Funding for the program is bolstered by business sponsors, who contribute at the start of the school year. This year’s sponsors included Davis Odd Fellows & Davis Rebekah Lodge, MAK Design + Build, Davis Ace Hardware, Davis Food Co-op, Windermere (formerly Lyon) Real Estate, Lyon Cares Foundation, and Travis Credit Union. For people who are interested in donating to the Kids Pack program or other STEAC initiatives, more information can be found at steac.org/donate.

Nate Apodaca, a Winters High School junior is Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. Apodaca switched from a backup linebacker to a starting defensive line after the first game of the year.

“Although he was the smallest lineman on the field every Friday, his quickness and toughness was unmatched and he terrorized opposing offenses all year long,” head coach Daniel Ward said. “He was our team in a nutshell. We were never the biggest team on the field, but we played with incredible effort and I felt like he embodied that more than anyone else.”

STEAC

KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo

Senior wide receiver Jesse Madsen celebrates after making a touchdown for the Warriors in Friday’s playoff game against Arcata.

White wine adds flavor to pan braised pork chops sauce

Looking in our freezer for this month’s recipe I settled on braising pork shops in wine.

We are big fans of using wine in a lot of the meals that we cook.

Allowing it to simmer down often adds a rich flavor to the sauce or gravy.

When I reached out to local wineries to see what kind of white wine they would suggest I use, Berryessa Gap Vineyards’ Corinne Martinez suggested to use a chardonnay as the dry white wine.

“Chardonnay often has characters of apple and what goes better with pork chops than applesauce,” Martinez said.

But in a fun turn of events, she also suggested considering combining L’Apero les Trois’ Homestead Quince aperitif with the chardonnay about half and half) in the recipe.

“The Homestead Quince aperitif base wine is chardonnay and quince is also classically paired

Continued from Page 3

to get your guess into my office.

What a weekend

I don’t think many small communities can boast of a better weekend than we had.

From the Christmas Tree Lighting, Bar Crawl (for adults), Elf Hunt and Cocoa Crawl (for children and adults), Santa, a championship football game and the Tractor Parade. We had perfect weather, large crowds and

with pork,” Martinez said. “Try sauteing sliced quince, apples and onions in butter with a splash of Homestead Quince to serve with your pork chop.”

Excited to try this fun twist, I looked in my collection for a bottle of the Homestead Quince. Unfortunately, of all the aperitif bottles I had the quince was not there. So I settled to using a bottle of chardonnay.

Corinne was not wrong, the chardonnay did the recipe justice. I first browned the pork chops with a light dusting of salt and pepper until it had a slight crust on both sides. I added some more butter to the pan to saute diced onions.

Once carmelized, I added minced garlic and sliced mushrooms with the chardonnay to bring up any bits

smiling people. To all the people that made the weekend happen, thank you.

A couple showed up at the museum from New Jersey, with their daughter, Rebecca, who lives in Winters. When they asked when they should visit, Rebecca told them to come the first weekend in December so that they could see the Tractor Parade. I don’t know if that is a record, but that is a long way to travel to watch a parade. I saw them on Main Street waiting for the parade to

of the pork shop crust on the bottom that the onions hadn’t already brought up.

I served it with mashed potatoes and the meal was a family-hit, even my 7-yearold ate everything.

Corinne’s suggestion did remind me of a time when I made risotto and discovered that I was out of white wine. Fortunately, I had plenty of L’Apero’s Meyer Lemon apéritif.

My husband agreed with me that it was the perfect alternative and we decided that we would be using it every time we made risotto going forward. We’ll have to check to make sure we have a bottle available or we’ll probably be sad. Risotto without it just isn’t the same.

If you decide to make the pan-braised pork

start, but didn’t get a chance to see if they thought the trip was worth it? I’m sure they will come next year, even if Rebecca is out of town.

Friday the 13th

A quick reminder, there is a Friday the 13th this week at the museum. It Is a good opportunity to meet old and new friends, enjoy a beverage of your choice and a snack or two. Doors open at 5 p.m. and lights go out around 7. The next Friday the 13th is June 2025. Have a good week.

chops and you use the Homestead Quince aperitif, please let me know how it goes. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe again with it for a future dinner.

Pan-braised pork chops with herb-wine sauce

Ingredients 4 to 6 pork boneless pork chops, at least 1-inch thick, patted dry

Coarse salt and ground black pepper to season

Extra virgin olive oil or butter

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 to 4 large garlic clove minced 1 container of sliced mushrooms (or less if you prefer)

1/2 cup dry white wine

A few sprigs of fresh thyme

A tablespoon of parsley sprigs

1 cup broth/stock of choice

Putting it together

Generously sprinkle the tops of all the pork chops with salt and pepper. Set a large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat until hot, but not smoking. Cook the pork chops in the hot oil for about a minute or two per side. After about another

the pork chops to a large plate or platter to rest. They should be browned on both sides, but are not cooked through at this point.

Turn the heat to medium-low and add another tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan, followed by the onions. Cook until the onions are softened and carmelized, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and mushrooms and stir just until fragrant, about a minute or less. Add the wine to the

to high. Scrape the pan with a wooden spatula as the wine boils and the browned bits are released from the bottom of the pan. Simmer the sauce until the wine is reduced by about half, about 2-3 minutes.

Turn the heat to medium-low and add the pork chops back to the pan, turning them briefly in the sauce. Add the thyme and parsley, with some on top of the chops and some in the sauce. Add the broth or stock. Simmer with the lid on and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning the chops halfway through, and adjusting the heat as needed to maintain the gentlest of simmers. This will keep the pork chops from drying out. Test the chops for doneness either with an instant-read thermometer (145 degrees Fahrenheit) or by removing one to a cutting board and cutting into it. The meat should be a very faint pink. If needed, cook for 2 to 4 minutes with the lid on, then test again. If the sauce seems to be drying out (unlikely), add a splash of water or more broth. Transfer the chops to a serving platter. Carefully remove any herb sprigs from the sauce, then pour it over the pork chops and serve.

Perfect Pairings

This month, Berryessa Gap Vineyards answered my request for what wines to pair with with pork chops. Martinez suggested pairing the meal with Berryessa Gap Vineyards, Her Majesty.

“Her Majesty is a barrel-selected estate cuvée of Petite Sirah with Zinfandel, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. The subtle spices and layered tannins of this elegant blend will nicely

plement the

juicy chops,” Martinez said.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Chardonnay is the secret to adding rich flavor to this herb sauce.

Courtesy photo

Berryessa Gap’s Her Majesty’s spices and layered tannins will complement the flavor of the pork chops.