WTC hosts auditions for The Miracle Worker

By Linda Glick Special to the Express

Winters Theatre Company planned to put on a production of “The Miracle Worker” three years ago. However, in March 2020, the curtain was about to go up on the opening night for this production, but it was suddenly closed as the pandemic erupted. WTC is bringing this show back with most of the original cast. Some of the original youth cast members have since aged- out of their original roles they were cast for.

“The Miracle Worker” will open on Nov. 10 and runs on the weekends through Nov. 26 at the Winters Community Center, located at 201 Railroad Ave.

Auditions for unfilled roles will be held on Sept. 5 and 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Winters Community Center.

Auditions will consist of cold-reading from the script.

The unfilled roles for “The Miracle Worker” include:

• Helen Keller (aged 10–12)

• James Keller (Helen’s brother, teen to early 20s)

• Boy (aged 10–12)

• Three young girls who are blind (aged 8–11) More information and contact information can be found online at winterstheatre.org.

Community members can find updates from WTC on Facebook atfacebook.com/ winterstheatre.

McNaughton Media staff

Yolo County announced this week that it will receive a grant of $4.16 million from the California State Transportation Agency for the environmental and design elements of the County Road 32A Crossing Relocation and Grade Separation Project. This project aims to enhance safety, improve transportation efficiency and boost economic growth in our region, according to the county.

The County Road 32A Crossing Relocation and Grade Separation Project will address the existing crossing with the Union Pacific Railroad Martinez Subdivision. Currently, the crossing’s geometry poses safety and operational challenges, as it intersects with a rail line that carries freight and passenger trains daily. By relocating and grade-separating the crossing, the county will significantly reduce conflicts between trains and those using the roadway.

“This project is a top priority for Yolo County,” Yolo County Supervisor Jim Provenza said. “Having a grade-separated railroad crossing will significantly reduce the danger posed to cyclists, cars, and trains traveling on Road 32A. These improvements will not only benefit our local commuters but also strengthen our regional economic competitiveness.”

Union Pacific has pushed for change for years, filing an application with the California Public Utilities Commission in October 2017 seeking to move, alter or close the crossing. The railroad argued that the road configuration at the location — where Road 32A and a bike path meet Road 105 — is the primary cause of accidents. Road 32A runs parallel to I-80 on the freeway’s north side, connecting Mace Boulevard to the Yolo Causeway. But at the Road 105 intersection, drivers traveling in either direction on the frontage road must make a right turn, cross the railroad tracks, then make a left turn to continue along. ty of the current road configuration. Following mediation among all of the participants, Union Pacific agreed to put its PUC application on hold while the city and county researched options for moving the crossing closer to the causeway.

Union Pacific contended that too often, motorists overshoot the turn in the road because of speed, inattention or failure to comply with traffic signs. They lose control, leave the road and come to rest on the right-of-way near, and sometimes on, the tracks.

The funding provided by the Transportation Infrastructure Rail Capital Program positions this project to be eligible for future federal and state funding programs.

Yolo County officials plan to leverage the grant to secure additional resources toward the total estimated cost of $46 million. The county will request a letter of no prejudice to expedite the process, with the goal of completing the funded phases by 2026.

But simply closing the crossing to motor vehicle traffic — which essentially closes Road 32A — is not an option, according to the city, county and local farmers.

In addition to its use by commuters seeking to avoid traffic on I-80, farmers use it to move heavy vehicles from the south side of the freeway to the north and vice versa.

Shortly after Union Pacific filed its application with the PUC, a number of local agencies joined together to fight the effort, including the city of Davis, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, the Yolo County Farm Bureau, and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments.

Bike Davis, a local advocacy group, later joined the proceedings as well, as Road 32A is used by cyclists traveling between Davis and Sacramento via the causeway. Many of those cyclists have their own concerns about the safe-

“We applaud Yolo County’s efforts to address safety issues at grade crossings by seeking new funding opportunities at the state and federal level,” said Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) Managing Director Rob Padgette. “This project will not only improve safety at this location, but also improve the reliability of Capitol Corridor service. Our top priority is for the safety of our passengers, our crews, and the community.”

“Yolo County is immensely grateful for the support and recognition from CalSTA in awarding this grant,” the county said in a news release. “The county would like to assure community members that this funding will directly benefit them by improving safety, reducing travel disruptions, and contributing to our region’s economic prosperity. This is one example of the county’s commitment to promoting transportation equity, sustainability, and the overall well-being of our residents.”

County launches free human-resources hotline

Express staff

Yolo County businesses now have a valuable resource at their fingertips with the launch of the Human Resources Advice hotline. Developed in collaboration with YoloWorks!, the California Employers Association, and the Yolo County Workforce Innovation Board, this hotline offers essential support to employers seeking to maintain compliance, implement effective human resource solutions, and enhance their workforce.

The Human Resources Advice hotline, available in English and Spanish, provides unlimited phone support with seasoned human re- sources experts, ensuring businesses receive the guidance they need. It operates Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be accessed by calling 1-888-9007791.

Through this service, businesses can access a plethora of online resources, addressing key areas that can impact their operations:

• Best Practices for Hiring and Termination

• Understanding Paid Sick Leave Laws

• Navigating Wage and Hour Laws

• Developing Effective Employee Handbook Policies

• Ensuring Human Resources Compliance

• Creating Workplace Accommodations

“This initiative is part of YoloWorks!’s commitment to support our local business community and foster a thriving workforce,” said Erica Johnson, HHSA Manager at Yolo County.

“By providing this free Human Resources Advice hotline, we aim to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed.” YoloWorks! is a collaborative partnership between the Yolo County Workforce Innovation Board, the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency, and the American Job Centers of California (YoloWorks Career Centers). The hotline is just one of the many programs offered by YoloWorks! to strengthen businesses and the community at large.

For more information on the Human Resources Advice hotline and other YoloWorks! Programs, contact Erica Johnson at erica.johnson@yolocounty.org or visit yoloworks.org. Alternatively, reach out by calling or texting 530631-2289.