Winters Express Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Winters police investigate potential gun violence threat

Editor-in-Chief

On the morning of Friday, Sept. 22, Winters Joint Unified School District placed the Winters High School campus under a shelter-in-place as Winters Police Department investigated a threat of potential gun violence between two groups of students who had been involved in ongoing incidents since the beginning of the school year..

Winters JUSD initially issued the Shelter-in-Place status at WHS at 8:42 a.m. on Friday. A message sent to school district families said the move was a

precautionary measure due to an active investigation.

The announcement started off by noting that “Your student is safe,” and that, “Instruction will continue but students and staff must remain in the classrooms while administration and law enforcement gather additional information.” The post confirmed that none of the other Winters JUSD school sites were impacted by the investigation.

Superintendent Rody Boonchouy told the Express that due to confidentiality, the school district could not disclose

See INVESTIGATE, Page 5

Council approves censure of council man, introduce acting

By Amelia Biscardi Express staff writer

The Winters City Council took on multiple agenda items and recognized the efforts of the city manager before her retirement last Tuesday.

Censure approved Council member Richard Casavecchia was censured by the Winters City Council with a 4-0-1 vote on Sept. 19. Additionally he was removed from his committee assignments for a period of six months.

The agenda item was originally included under the Consent Calendar agenda on request of Casavecchia at the Sept. 5 when he voiced he would voluntarily waive his right to a hearing. However, at Tuesday’s meeting, City Manager Kathleen Salguero Trepa said they would pull it off of the consent agenda for further discussion.

This process of censurship is due to the two misdemeanors

Emergency agency updates

alert notification system

Express staff

The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services announced it is updating its notification system, and on Oct. 1 it would be deleting contact information entered prior to January 2023.

The message sent to accounts currently in the system said the changes would allow them to “maximize the benefits of the new system and reduce over-notifying our community” and would only impact accounts that were entered prior to Jan. 1 of this year.

Users who signed up prior to Jan. 1 who want to continue to receive emergency and community alerts should visit www.

sacramento-alert. org to create or update their account. Accounts with an address added onto the profile ensures they will only receive alerts that are relevant to that area.

“It will also help our office better assist you in the event of an emergency,” the message stated.

Users were also encouraged to download the Smart911 app to their smartphone.

that Casavecchia took a plea deal on regarding California gun laws.

Trepa explained to the council and public what the place of the city council was in this situation.

the apparent power, right and authority to censure an individual council member,” Trepa said. “The council does not have the authority to remove

Robinson Kuntz/McNaughton Media UC Davis researchers collect fish samples from a rotary screw trap on Putah Creek, near Winters, on May 25, 2017.

Efforts encourage early salmon spawning this fall

Express staff

Actions to bring spawning salmon into Putah Creek will start earlier than ever this fall. Plans are to pull the Los Rios Check Dam boards on Oct. 18.

“This is the earliest since we started doing the (salmon) pulse flows in 2000,” said Max Stevenson, the streamkeeper for the Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee and the Solano County Water Agency.

“The salmon are

starting to show up in October, and really start coming into the system by mid-October,” Stevenson said.

By pulling the boards early, the fish are not just waiting around and can get to the spawning grounds on the creek.

That could give the Nov. 4 Salmon Festival in Winters a good showing of fish.

Additionally, an early start will allow five farming operations to put the boards back in for a one- or two-

week period in late November for rice straw decomposition operations, but then take them out for the remainder of the the winter.

Another possible benefit is that the salmon eggs could hatch earlier, depending on water temperatures, which could allow the juvenile fish returning to the ocean to take advantage of higher water flows and have a better

See SALMON, Page 5

Courtesy photo

Alex Garcia, Albert Mora, Aleni Valadez, Ben Wandschneider and Kenneth Matheson proudly show off their purple class color pride at the traditional powder puff game on Wednesday, Sept. 20. See page B1 for more updates and photos from the Winters High School homecoming week festivities.

WHS students celebrate homecoming

RISE hosts farmworker event

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

RISE, Inc. is inviting local farmworkers and their families to attend a farmworker appreciation event in Winters at the end of October. The free event connects attendees with resources and services as well as an opportunity to connect with each other over a meal.

Adrian Solis, Latino promotore at RISE, said he has hosted two similar events in Esparto, and wants to bring it to Winters for convenience of farmworkers in the area.

Solis said he invites agencies from around Yolo County that support farm workers through resources and services including mortgage assistance, farmworker rights and more.

“It’s a way for farmworkers in the Winters community to come together and learn about what kind of help that exists and can be of assistance to them,” Solis said. “It is also an opportunity for farmworkers to be recognized for all of the efforts they provide to the community.”

“It’s a way for farmworkers in the Winters community to come together and learn about what kind of help that exists and can be of assistance to them .... It is also an opportunity for farmworkers to be recognized for all of the efforts they provide to the community.”

The event is family-friendly and a meal will be provided at no charge. During the meal, agencies will share information with attendees about what their mission is and what types of services they offer. Each agency will also have an informational table set up so attendees can learn more or ask specific questions.

Celebra Cultura y Comunidad en la Biblioteca Comunitaria de Winters

Biblioteca Comunitaria de Winters

For the Record

Correction

In the Sept. 20 edition of the Express, the article about the Winters Robotics Tournament listed the incorrect dates. The correct dates of the VEX Robotics Competition are from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 at the Winters High School gymnasium. High school teams compete on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Middle school teams compete on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The article about the extended dates of the Winters Farmers Market listed the incorrect end date. The correct last date of the farmers market extension is Sunday, Oct. 22. We regret the error.

In his role at RISE, Solis provides outreach and advocacy for farmworkers in the Winters, Esparto, Madison and Capay Valley communities by connecting them to county based organizations.

“I go out to the farms and do outreach presentations on RISE services and collaborate with other agencies. We go out together to do a collaboration presentation and help them become aware of what support is available for farmworkers,” Solis said.

The event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the new Winters RISE office location at 417 Haven St. Solis said there is not a registration element and he encourages interested community members to show up and be open to learning more about what’s out there.

Questions can be directed to Solis at 530-787-4110 ext.210 or sending an email to adrian@riseinc. org.

Adrian Solis, Latino promotore at RISE Get a WE print and digital subscription combo for $30.

Este mes de octubre, la Biblioteca Comunitaria de Winters presenta Cultura y Comunidad, una serie de programas bilingües diseñados para celebrar la cultura y el patrimonio de la comunidad Latinx y promover la salud y el bienestar de la comunidad. Visite la Biblioteca Comunitaria de Winters, ubicada en 708 Railroad Avenue en Winters, todos los jueves y sábados de octubre para disfrutar de una variedad de actividades, actuaciones culturales, clases de Zumba, una feria de recursos de salud, presentación de serigrafía y mucho más. Los eventos bilingües semanales ofrecerán oportunidades para el debate, la reflexión y la celebración.

Todos son bienvenidos a participar en estos programas Gratuitos, divertidos y educativos: • 5 de octubre: Feria de recursos para la

salud, as las 6 p.m. Visite a varias organizaciones de la comunidad para aprender sobre los recursos disponibles para usted y su familia. Habrá comida y actividades para niños (hasta agotar existencias).

• 7 de octubre: Folklorico Juvenil Danzantes Unidos de Vacaville, a las 5 p.m. Disfrute de la presentación del grupo de danza tradicional azteca Kalpulli Xihuacoalt, seguida por una demostración de danza, así como la historia de la Danza. Después de la actuación se ofrecerán actividades de intercambio cultural y también postre.

• 12 de octubre: Zumba y autocuidado, a las

6 p.m.

Participe en una clase de Zumba de una hora con la instructora Mayra Loza. Después de la clase, disfrutaremos de una merienda saludable y una actividad de autocuidado.

• 14 de octubre: Kalpulli Xihuacoalt, a las

5 p.m.

Disfrute de la presentación del grupo de danza tradicional azteca Kalpulli Xihuacoalt, seguida por una demostración de danza, así como la historia de la Danza. Después de la presentación se ofrecerán actividades de intercambio cultural y también postre.

• 19 de octubre: Presentación de serigrafía

Vea

Márquez es el nuevo capitán de bomberos

Por Aaron Geerts Traducido por Carol Alfonso

Art Mendoza dejó grandes zapatos que llenar al retirarse del Departamento de Bomberos de Winters (Winters Fire Department), sin embargo, Jesús Márquez ha encajado en el papel. Márquez fue ascendido a capitán de bomberos y todavía rebosa la misma ambición y ética de trabajo que tenía cuando comenzó como voluntario de Winters Fire hace años.

Márquez ocupó el cargo de capitán de prevención de incendios de Mendoza durante varios meses mientras estuvo fuera de servicio por razones médicas. Tras el retiro de Mendoza, el liderazgo del departamento de bomberos hizo permanente el estatus de capitán provisional de Márquez el 31 de Julio pasado.

Oriundo de México, Márquez y su familia se mudaron a los Estados Unidos cuando él tenía 6 años. Creció en Suisun City, luego vivió en Vacaville

durante varios años antes de finalmente mudarse a Winters en el 2023.

Aunque él y su esposa son residentes recientes de la ciudad, comenzó su carrera en Winters Fire en el 2015 como voluntario incondicional.

“Tomé una clase de introducción a la extinción de incendios en la universidad

y eso requirió que fuéramos de paseo. Entonces, fui a la ciudad de Vacaville y participé en uno durante 12 horas y fue la mejor experiencia que he tenido. Era un grupo muy unido que hacía todo juntos y sabía que eso era lo que quería hacer,” dijo Márquez al explicar la chispa de inspiración

CULTURA, Página 3

Vea MARQUEZ, Página 5

Foto cortesía

El jefe de bomberos Jack Snyder (derecha) ascendió a Jesús Márquez (izquierda) al puesto de capitán de bomberos a finales de Julio. Márquez había ocupado previamente el puesto de capitán de bomberos interino.

School district responds to grand jury findings

By Angela Underwood Express correspondent

The Winter’s Joint Unified School District (Winters JUSD) Grand Jury

Response for 2022–23 has seven recommendations for the school district, and they agree with some, but not all.

Director of special education and student services Jenny Pinedo gave school board members a brief summary of the report’s findings and responses to the “ARE WE THERE YET? On the Road to School Safety” plan at the Aug. 3 Board of Trustees meeting.

“As a school district, we are doing very well,” Pinedo said.

Pinedo recalled last year’s report, saying the district has implemented many recommendations.

Calling the present information more of a “checkup or update,” Pinedo said many of the recommended measures made last year by the grand jury are resolved, and those that are not are being implemented.

Those recommendations and responses below show a clear-cut path to what Winters JUSD needs to improve and what they are doing to make that happen.

Finding one

The grand jury finds a discrepancy in site security cameras since some schools have them and some do not. Also, low

fences allow intruders, and some school gates re main open, unlocked or in disrepair.

The school district agreed, assuring the grand jury cameras exist in some areas and that they will add more throughout the year. Winters JUSD is undergoing a vulnerability audit with the Winters Police Department, implementing further safety enhancements in the Facilities Master Plan, and training teachers and students on protective measures.

Finding two

Before the 2024-25 school year starts, the grand jury recommends developing a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound) plan to encourage all students to complete the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS).

Winters JUSD’s response is it partially agrees with this finding, noting the school district is utilizing the CHKS and the Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) Survey this year and next.

Finding three

The grand jury response notes that some Yolo County schools’ central office locations need clarification, specifically at Davis, Winters and Woodland school districts.

The school district partially agrees, noting visitors must enter the campus through an office in at least three out of four sites. Additionally, Winters is working with the Winters Police Department on a community traffic study, including traffic safety signage and campus navigation.

Finding four

The grand jury emphasized this finding by noting the tragedy at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where a mass shooter killed 19 children and two adults on the school grounds. They point out that while each school district uses a web-based third-party provider for safety training modules, Davis, Esparto, Washington and Woodland do not.

Winters JUSD neither agreed nor disagreed with this finding; instead, it in-

Council approves Walnut 10 improvements

By Amelia Biscardi

Express staff writer

Walnut Lane 10

(Walnut 10) — a sub division in Winters with 54 lots — has taken one step closer to being ready for occupation.

Walnut 10 had off-site improvements, mainly regarding flooding prevention, unanimously passed at the Aug. 1 Winters City Council meeting.

City engineer Megan Buche explained to council members that the site improvements are more general and

CULTURA Continuado de la Página 2

del Día de Muertos, a las 6 p.m.

Únete al Taller Arte del Nuevo Amanecer (TANA) para una presentación sobre el Día de Muertos, sus orígenes y su relevancia en el arte y la cultura chicana contemporánea seguida por una demostración de serigrafía y artesanía. Visite TANA en www. tana.ucdavis.edu para más información.

• 21 de octubre: Zumba y autocuidado, a las 5 p.m. Participe en una clase de Zumba de una hora con la instructora Mayra Loza. Después de la clase, disfrutaremos de una merienda saludable y una actividad de autocuidado.

• 26 de octubre: Demostración práctica de cocina y presentación sobre la prevención de la diabetes con Winters Healthcare, a las 5:45 p.m.

Aprenda a preparar deliciosos platos saludables con una demostración práctica de cocina, seguida de una presentación sobre la prevención de la diabetes. Se ofrecerán actividades para niños.

• 28 de octubre: Caminata comunitaria por Putah Creek Nature Park Trail, a las 10 a.m.

Vamos a dar un paseo por Putah Creek

will get more site-specific later in the process.

“The primary phase of the off-site improvements is to support the home developments,” Buche said. “When the plans are submitted for the on site development, each home, will have a separate grating plan.”

The lots themselves are in a floodplain, but Buche and Meritage Homes Corporation plan on utilizing things such a grates and swales. Swales are an indent in the

Nature Park Trail y a visitar el Jardín Comunitario de Winters Healthcare. Nos reuniremos afuera de la biblioteca a las 10 de la mañana. Lleven ropa y zapatos cómodos, y agua para la caminata. *Si el clima lo permite

Este proyecto fue posible con el apoyo de California Humanities, un asociado sin

land to provide a runoff during the wet winters.

One of the things that mayor Bill Biasi brought up was the concern that residents would fill in the grates and swales.

“It is on our radar to check and communicate that with our developer,” Buche said.

The current game plan is the developer will make it clear to new owners that they are going to need to maintain the swale and not remove it.

fines de lucro del National Endowment for the Humanities. Visite www.calhum.org. Las opiniones, resultados, conclusiones o recomendaciones expresadas en este programa no representan necesariamente las de California Humanities, la National Endowment for the Humanities o el Estado de California.

Gifts That Sparkle!

formed the grand jury the school district is working with law enforcement to provide active in-person active shooter training.

Finding five

The grand jury found Esparto and Woodland assess school safety training effectiveness by survey, but Davis, Washington and Winters school districts have not.

The school district disagrees, noting while the Yolo County Grand Jury’s recommendation focused specifically on using surveys to assess effectiveness, it is important to note that there are multiple methods to gather feedback and evaluate training outcomes.

Winters JUSD gathers feedback through direct communication channels. Need be, they adjust training needs accordingly. As long as Winters JUSD’s communication effectively addresses training objectives and continues to improve, the district deems “our alternative method of assessing effectiveness through direct feedback should be recognized and considered.”

Finding six

The grand jury finds all school districts’ providers, except Washington, reach 90 percent or more of their student’s parents or guardians through email, text, app, or voicemail.

The school district neither agrees nor disagrees, simply stating it reaches 99.4 percent of Winters JSUD families while striving for 100 percent contact in case of an emergency.

Finding seven

Lastly, the grand jury finds some high school students in the Davis, Esparto, Winters and Woodland school districts are allowed to go off campus during lunch break, creating a gap in communication in an emergency.

The school district disagrees, and Pinedo made that clear. The school district defends its stance, saying Parent Square is evidence they have the safety issue covered. Through Parent Square, notifications are sent directly to students’ phones via email or the app, ensuring they receive timely information even if they are off campus during lunch break. Pinedo ended her presentation by stressing the importance of safety at Winters JUSD.

“We acknowledged the findings and conclusions presented by the grand jury on its comprehensive first report for school safety within Yolo County,” she said. “We are making sure, should an emergency occur, that everyone knows exactly what they need to do so there is no delay in making sure we can support our staff and students in keeping them safe.”

Lake Berryessa water levels down

Express staff

The water level of Lake Berryessa went down during the past week by 0.37 feet, with a decrease in the storage of 6,389 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh of the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 26, the lake

level was 423.13 feet above sea level, with storage computed at 1,246,701 acre-feet of water. Evaporation on the lake averaged 186 acre-feet of water per day. The SID is diverting 306 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 21 cubic feet per second flowing at the Diversion Dam.

City of Winters

Fire

Sept. 13: 12:16 p.m., County Road

91A, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

~1:15 p.m., County Road 24 (Woodland), Dispatched and canceled en route

~7:13 p.m., Main Street (Woodland), Dispatched and canceled en route

Sept. 14: 3:21 a.m., Owings Court, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

~10:32 a.m., Main Street, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

~1:12 p.m., Apricot Avenue, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

~5:21 p.m., Baker Street, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

Sept. 15: 8:33 a.m., Dutton Street, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

~1:17 p.m., Grant Avenue, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

~2:38 p.m., Grant Avenue, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

Sept. 16: 3:37 p.m., Highway 128 (Winters), EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

Sept. 17: 11:52 a.m., Main Street, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

~1:49 p.m., Mumma Road (Arbuckle), Dispatched and canceled en route

~4:06 p.m., Morgan Street, False alarm or false call (other)

~4:18 p.m., Highway 128 (Winters), Outside rubbish fire (other)

Sept. 18: 9:35 a.m., Madrone Court, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

~3:22 p.m., Morgan Street, EMS call — excluding ve-

hicle accident with injury

Sept. 19:

2:35 a.m., Railroad Avenue/ Wolfskill Street, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

~3:08 a.m., East Street, False alarm or false call — other

~10:26 a.m., Hillview Lane, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

~8:37 p.m., Baker Street, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

~9:09 p.m., Jefferson Avenue, EMS call — excluding vehicle accident with injury

Police Arrest Log

Sept. 17: Camilo Sotero-Ortiz (Age 36); Charges: Driving under the influence of alcohol, refusal to take a chemical test, possession of controlled substance, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle; Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail

Report Log

Sept. 14: 2:09 a.m., 100 block East Grant Avenue, Audible alarm

~7 a.m., 10 block East Main Street, Verbal domestic dispute

~10:11 a.m., 100 block of Grant Avenue, Physical dispute between juveniles

~5:24 p.m., 800 block of Jackson Street, Verbal domestic dispute

Sept. 17: 6:10 p.m., 800 block of West Grant Avenue, Vehicle collision

Sept. 19: 2:07 p.m., 400 block of Abbey Street, Vehicle tow

~3:44 p.m., 700 block of Valley Oak Drive, Abandoned property

~8:28 p.m., 100 block of East Baker Street, Animal Control incident

For our editorial policy on crime log entries, see winters express.com/unpub lishing-policy.

The Winters Senior Center is seeking funding for equipment and programming. Mail checks payable

145 Years Ago

September 28, 1878

(From the files of The Winters Advocate)

Passed to higher life: HOOK. At the residence of Mr. John Wolfskill, Mr. S. E. Hook, aged 46 years 8 months and 10 days.

G.B. Stevenson is to work in earnest with his train hauling dirt, and teams plowing and scraping, and hauling gravel, filling win the track preparatory to the building of a new bridge.

Dr. Bell, in getting into his buggy, on Tuesday morning last, slipped from the step and strained his spine so that he was unable to go to Woodland whither he was bound.

I see that S. Hook has gone “the way appointed for all living,” leaving but a solitary individual living of the unfortunate Donner party, of 1852 (sic), from which Donner Lake takes its name.

For those who are inclined to do the fair thing, to open a store in Winters, one or two stores of that class will help retain and bring back the custom of many of our able farmers, who have transferred their business to Woodland, and some of them say that they are going to have their mail changed too, so they will have no excuse to come here where the very air is pregnant with rascality.

130 Years Ago

September 30, 1893

J. Gage has had charge of the passenger train on this branch this week, in place of C.A. Stevenson, who has been taking a rest.

Henry Seaman and wife left last Wednesday for Chicago to visit the World’s Fair.

Alex Ritchie has built a dwelling for A.A. Conger on his place in the Wolfskill 1,000 acre tract.

Far from ordinary. Close to you.

Staff Writer

Amelia Biscardi, Staff Writer

Aaron Geerts, Staff Writer

David DeLeon, Advertising Director Taylor Buley, Publisher-at-Large

Charles R. Wallace, Publisher Emeritus

Dispatches from the Express archives.

Years Ago

Two carloads of hogs went down in the train on Tuesday afternoon. The porkers came from Madison and vicinity.

Dr. H.P. Stipp writes the Express that he has decided to locate in Winters, and will be here with his family about the middle of October.

H.P. Cooper has taken a contract to cut 1,000 cords of wood for Samuel Taylor, and has begun operations. Mr. Cooper will have an engine and run a circular saw for cutting the wood up after chopping it into lengths to be handled.

Miss Edna Stilts, teacher of the Cooper district school, near Elmira, spent Saturday, and a portion of Sunday in Winters.

95 Years Ago

September 28, 1928

S.P. Agent E.L. Bryan reports that 910 cars have left the Winters station so far this year. Fresh fruits made up the largest portion of the carloadings.

The Union Oil Company has purchased an acre of the R.F. Reasoner property in the northern part of town and just east of the railroad track on which the construction of an oil station has already begun.

The entire business section of Maxwell was destroyed by fire Saturday afternoon. The explosion of a kettle of doughnut grease in the Ferguson bakery started the blaze which is estimated to have done $125,000 damage.

You don’t have to travel far for extraordinary service. All the attributes you expect of a good neighbor – personal consideration, understanding, and consistent support – you can expect from us.

The annual swim of the Golden Gate staged by the Olympic Club took place Sunday. Beaar Sackett was one of the 141 who plunged in to win the one-and-ahalf-mile race across the channel. Beaar covered the distance in 65 minutes, coming out No. 11. September 28, 1928

Rev. J.A. Heetebry, for the past four years at Galt, comes to the local Methodist church to succeed U.G. Reynolds who has been assigned to Chowchilla.

The annual swim of the Golden Gate staged by the Olympic Club took place Sunday. Beaar Sackett was one of the 141 who plunged in to win the one-and-a-half-mile race across the channel. Out of the crowd 83 finished. Beaar covered the distance in 65 minutes, coming out No. 11.

Floyd “Pete” Scott, brother of Mrs. Charles Graf, plans to return to Yolo County as soon as the big league season closes. Scott is with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Harvey Hemenway and Blake Cooper of Berkeley left Monday on a two weeks’ hunting trip, which will be spent in Trinity County.

Herold & Niemann delivered a Pontiac Sport sedan to Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Chambers and a Chevrolet sedan to Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Day this week.

The Winters Farm Home Department met Wednesday at the home of Mrs. Geo. D. Cooper. An interesting session was held.

80 Years Ago

October 1, 1943

Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Gustafson, for 36 years residents of the Wolfskill district, left on Thursday to make their home in Burlingame, having sold their ranch home to their sons Carl and Adolph.

Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Baker entrained at noon Monday in Davis for an eastern trip. They planned a brief visit with Baker’s niece, Mrs. Patty Baker Karnopp and family in Chicago. A visit with their son E.A. Baker in St. Louis, Missouri, is the main object of the outing. and they will possibly visit Baker’s relatives in Missouri also.

Albert Siranian, enlisted February 1940, previously reported as “missing in action” has written his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Siranian, that he is a Japanese prisoner in the Philippines.

Parents have word from Pvt. Chris. Martinez. He is at Camp McCain, Miss., and reports enjoying his experiences, and has frequent visits with Laverne Leggett at the same camp.

Newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. James Barker visited the F.C. Barkers during the week.

Picked by Charley Wallace

Debra Ramos/Courtesy photo

ACTING UP: Participants in the summer youth theater class, “Acting Up,” practice some of the acting skills they have learned over the summer. From left are: (front) Erin Delorefice and Matt Stone; (back) Brian Skaggs, Shayna Taylor and Carlos Leon. The group performed four vignettes and a production called “The Devious Coings of Oozley Mudslime” just before school started in 1994, at the Winters Community Center.

information about the reporting parties, but that Winters JUSD received reports that resulted in the implementation of the school district’s safety protocol.

At 9:45 a.m., Winters Joint Unified School District lifted the shelter-in-place order initiated at Winters High School earlier on Friday morning. A message sent out to families said Winters Police Department had been investigating a threat of potential violence between two groups of students and had deemed the situation safe.

Sergeant Albert Ramos told the Express that Winters police officers conducted their investigation by contacting all involved parties regarding a statement involving gun violence.

COUNCIL

Continued from Page 1

a council member from the city council. That right resides with the public, the public elects council and the public can remove.”

Public commenters wondered about the process of a recall of a council member and city clerk Ellena Branson shed light on how such a process could work. Signatures would start through the city clerk’s office and be published with residents’ addresses in the local newspaper. Branson said a resident had interest in starting the process of a recall, but had concern about having addresses published and chose to not move forward.

According to Branson, it would take around 60 signatures to initiate the process. Once the 60 signatures are certified, the formal ballot process requires 1,000 signatures which would need to be compiled within a specific time frame as spelled out in the elections code.

Acknowledging Trepa

The Winters public made it apparent that Trepa has gained support over her three year period of time working for the city. While Trepa does not retire until the end of Oct. she will be primarily doing behindthe-scenes city clerk

SALMON

Continued from Page 1

chance of surviving the trip.

The hope, of course, is that some of those fish that do make it out to the Pacific will return to Putah Creek in three years or so, creating the ultimate goal of a Putah-specific species of the fallrun Chinook salmon.

Another project in the works is to construct a fish weir upstream of Road 98 in Yolo County, which

“Student safety comes first. We felt it was best to keep everyone in place to determine if it was credible or not,” Ramos said. “We did everything we felt we could do. We contacted the families and the students involved and were able to determine it wasn’t a credible threat.”

According to Ramos, once Winters police determined there were no credible threats to the statement made, Winters JUSD removed the shelter-in-place protocol.

Boonchouy confirmed to the Express there has been

work and bringing Joe Gorton take over the reigns as acting city manager.

With comments from Mayor Bill Biasi, seven members of the community praising Trepa’s work over the years, multiple bouquets of flowers and a bottle of wine Trepa’s has clearly made an impact.

Karen May, Winters resident and member of the Winters Senior Center Fundraising

an ongoing conflict between several students on campus and their families in the community. “While the report is related to this dispute, the measures we are taking prioritize the safety of all students, staff, and our school community,”

dividual students.

Anyone who has more information regarding the incident can contact WHS Principal Justin Young or Assistant Principal Dawn Strange by calling the WHS office at 530-795-6140. Ramos said tips can also be reported to the Winters PD 24-hour dispatch center at 530795-4561.

Boonchouy said. “We take all threats seriously. We followed our internal protocol and contacted the Winters Police Department to collaborate on an investigation.”

According to Boonchoy, due to privacy policies, he could not report further disciplinary actions for in-

to see the (Winters) DBA fighting against Trepa after she pointed out that our local restaurants, wineries and use of the public pergolas are not in compliance with state laws about alcohol consumption,” Cogdell said. “If something tragic happens involving alcohol in the public areas without proper signage and permits, the city and our wineries and restaurants are liable

Out of caution, Boonchouy told the Express the traditional downtown rally and homecoming dance scheduled for Friday would be postponed and rescheduled at a later date. The homecoming football game and other planned festivities went on as planned with increased security measures in place and police presence. Ramos said they did not anticipate anything to happen at the game based on their investigation.

proposed candidates.

Meritage reimbursement

At the beginning of the meeting, Trepa announced that the agenda had been amended to remove item 9a – Consideration of Extension of Period of Refusal to Issue Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy to Meritage Homes of California, Inc.

Trepa said Meritage Homes of California has paid their reimbursement of $2,153,880 to the city of Winters, now allowing them to have building permits and occupation certification approved.

que lo llevó a una carrera como bombero. “Desde que me uní en el 2015, siempre quise crecer dentro de las filas de Winters Fire. En el 2020, me contrataron a tiempo completo como ingeniero, luego conseguir un ascenso aquí en el 2023 es algo por lo que mi esposa sabe que he estado trabajando durante mucho tiempo y que ahora está llegando a buen término.”

de su carácter que simplemente busca ser un ingeniero, un capitán y un líder en la comunidad.”

Committee joined in on sharing her experience with Trepa.

“Kathleen has really put in the time for us,” May said. “She’s taught us a lot of what we can do and what we can’t do. And we really appreciate it, her input. So on behalf of all the seniors, I want to thank Kathleen for taking care of the senior center and helping getting it going.”

Christina Cogdell, Winters resident, shared her support for Trepa despite the recent conflict with the Winters Downtown Business Association.

“I therefore am sad

would give researchers at the University of California, Davis a better count of fish returning to the creek. The project is funded by the Solano County Water Agency.

About the festival

Following many years of absence, in December 2012, fallrun Chinook salmon returned to the lower reaches of Putah Creek where they could be seen spawning from the car bridge and Winters Putah

for losses and lawsuits.”

Kate Laddish, Winters resident, joined via Zoom expressing gratitude for Trepa.

“I am here to join the chorus of people thanking Kathleen Trepa for her time, effort, and dedication during her time as city manager,” Laddish said.

Interviews for the new city manager happened on Sept. 13 and Sept. 18 and there are three final candidates at this time.

Biasi reported they had narrowed the list of candidates down from the original 10

Creek Park. Their return may be attributed to significant restoration initiatives in Lower Putah Creek which include scarification projects and the enhancement of the riparian and spawning areas within the waters of Putah Creek.

The first Winters Salmon Festival was hosted in 2016 by several organizations and interested mem-

This reimbursement is a portion of the cost of storm and sewer drains needed for the Winters Highlands Subdivision. This payment was made before the meeting, allowing for the discussion item to be removed altogether from the agenda.

In January 2022, Meritage notified the city and HBT of Winters Highlands, LLC that it did not intend to pay the reimbursement costs.

After Trepa announced this at the meeting, multiple members of the public cheered and some left thereafter.

Trepa said that the city would begin the process of finalizing building permits with Meritage on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

bers of the community, celebrates the return of fall-run Chinook salmon to its waters in the years since 2012.

In addition to family-oriented activities, there are also a host of educational opportunities from local agencies ranging from clean water efforts to clean air.

More information can be found at www. cityofwinters.org/winters-salmon-festival.

A raíz de la promoción, Márquez da amplio crédito a los muchos mentores que ha tenido desde que se unió a Winters Fire, incluidos Mendoza, los capitanes de bomberos Cheyne Baumgart y Matthew Schechla, el ex jefe de bomberos Brad L. López y el actual jefe de bomberos Jack S. Snyder III. “He estado aquí poco tiempo, pero desde el primer día me di cuenta de que había algo especial en él. Tenía cualidades de liderazgo que no se verían en una persona en su posición desde el principio, pero tenía todo lo que buscábamos en un líder. Desde la actitud emprendedora hasta la capacidad de manejar situaciones difíciles y pensar con rapidez dentro y fuera de la caja. Además, tenía hambre y quería mejorar el departamento y la comunidad misma y buscar diferentes formas de hacerlo,” dijo Snyder. “Jesús siempre ha sido alguien que da un paso adelante. Él no se queja, siempre viene listo para prestar servicio a la comunidad y siempre busca hacer más. Siempre viene y pregunta: ‘Hola, jefe, ¿Tiene algo para mí hoy?’ Y eso habla mucho

Después de soportar una gran cantidad de trabajo duro y responsabilidades para llegar a donde está ahora, todavía hay una tormenta con la cual lidiar ahora como capitán, y nadie lo espera con más ansias que el propio Márquez. “Antes, como ingeniero, solía asegurarme de que la flota estuviera en buen estado y sin nada fuera de servicio. Si hubiera algún problema, los arreglaría y me aseguraría de que todo esté listo para responder a cualquier cosa que sea necesaria en cualquier momento. En este nuevo puesto, espero capacitar y gestionar las tripulaciones. Realmente disfruto el aspecto de capacitación del trabajo y dedicar horas a prepararnos para cualquier situación,” dijo Márquez. “No creo que puedas entrenar lo suficiente o saber lo suficiente en una carrera como esta. El aprendizaje nunca termina, y cuando crees que lo sabes todo, es cuando serás puesto a prueba y humillado.”

Aunque a Márquez le encanta el trabajo duro, está igualmente cautivado por lo conectado que está Winters Fire con la comunidad. Desde estar presente y listo para responder en los partidos de Fútbol los Viernes por la noche hasta el Día de la Juventud (Youth Day) y el Desfile de Tractores Navideños (Tractor Parade), este nuevo capitán de bomberos siente tanta pasión por la “W” como por el “FD” en el Departamento de Bomberos de Winters.

“Student safety comes first. We did everything we felt we could do”

Sgt. Albert Ramos, police officer

“So on behalf of all the seniors, I want to thank Kathleen for taking care of the senior center and helping getting it going.”

Karen May, resident

UCCE Yolo Master Gardener plant sale events

By Denise Cottrell UCCE Yolo Master Gardener

Fall is the perfect time to establish new plants in your garden for the following spring. Do not miss the opportunity to plant in the fall for spring garden color. Attend The UCCE Master Gardeners – Yolo Plant Sale at Woodland Community College, 2300 E. Gibson Road, on Saturday, Oct. 7 and Oct.14 from

9 a.m. until 1 p.m. This sale will feature a variety of plants, including bulbs, rhizomes, California natives and succulents. Find the plant you need at this cash or check only sale with friendly prices. Quart sized plants are $5 and gallons are $6.

On Sunday, Oct. 1, from Noon to 2 p.m., the UCCE MGs–Yolo will host “Family Cactus & Succulents Day,” in the parking lot at

Lenise’s, 3250 Jefferson Blvd., West Sacramento. Feel the need for more succulents or are you curious about adding cactus to your garden? Master Gardeners will be giving out cactus and succulents slips and will provide information about how to grow and care for them.

Attend Kitchen Garden Chat, to learn all tips and tricks to get the most out of your edible garden. This

regularly monthly meeting, will be held on October 7th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., in the Leake Room of the Woodland Public Library, located at the corner of Court and College, in Woodland, CA, and via Zoom, at https://ucanr. zoom.us/j/98028723763.

This informative discussion, led by UCCE MG-Yolo Treva Valentine, will answer your questions about caring for your edible gar-

den in the fall. UCCE MGs-Yolo are available to answer questions by phone or email. For a specific question about any plant or garden care call Master Gardener hotline at 530 666-8736, email mgyolo@ucdavis. edu or visit yolomg.ucanr. edu. For further information about any of the listed events, contact Jennifer Baumbach at jmbaumbach@ucanr.edu.

Davis police chief announces expanded probe

Sixth bomb threat made Tuesday

By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media

As authorities continue their investigation into a series of bomb threats targeting the Davis branch library and local schools — including a sixth threat Tuesday morning — Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel says the probe has expand to encompass potentially harmful social media activity.

Specifically, police have forwarded a number of posts to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office for suspected “doxing” — defined as the online publication of someone’s private or identifying information, typically with malicious intent.

According to Pytel, the posts have targeted individual Davis teachers over transgender and LGBTQ+ issues, their content including photos of their classrooms,

“Although there is currently no evidence pointing to any involvement between local (Moms for Liberty) members and the threats, the correlation between the two cannot be ignored as part of the overall criminal investigations.”

their email addresses and home phone numbers, “which makes it easy to determine a home address.”

“We will continue to work with the District Attorney to determine whether there is criminal culpability and take appropriate action if there is,” Pytel said in a lengthy statement released Monday. “Regardless, there is no place for the type of toxic communication that is occurring.”

Pytel’s statement followed an emailed threat Monday — the city’s fifth in just over a month — that claimed bombs were planted at the Davis Joint Unified School

District offices, the Davis School for Independent Study, King High School, North Davis and Birch Lane elementary schools, and the Davis branch library.

A sixth threat reported to police at about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday named all three Davis high schools, rural Fairfield Elementary School and the Davis branch library, as well as the homes of two Holmes Junior High School educators targeted in yet another threat last week.

Pytel said police searched all locations and declared them safe.

“You are groomers,

child abusers, child predators and pedophiles. You will die,” says Monday’s email, a copy of which was obtained by the Winters Express’ sister paper The Davis Enterprise It goes on to use profanity and an epithet regarding sexual orientation before ending with “we’ll see you in hell.”

Pytel said the most recent emails went to California agencies such as the Sacramento Police Department, Department of Cannabis Control and the Public Employees Retirement System, as well as The New York Times.

He also noted the email’s language is “very similar” to that used in a string of threats targeting the Davis library last month.

Those emails, three in a week’s time, followed a contentious Aug. 20 meeting involving the conservative political group Moms for Liberty and a group of protesters, which made national news after library staff shut down the event, advertised as a forum on transgender participation in women’s sports.

A fourth threat last week expanded to include local schools and the Holmes educators’ residences.

“Although there is currently no evidence pointing to any involvement between local (Moms for Liberty) members and the threats, the correlation between the two cannot be ignored as part of the overall criminal investigations,” Pytel’s statement said. “While the First Amendment protects certain types of speech, there is certainly speech involving criminal threats and bomb threats that are criminal in nature.”

“It is clear that the sender is attempting to terrorize and disrupt this community to advance their particular hateful ideology, which in itself is outrageous and has no place in Davis or any other city,” Pytel added.

“While the First Amendment protects certain types of speech, there is certainly speech involving criminal threats and bomb threats that are criminal in nature.”

‘No way to track’

As he told The Enterprise last week, efforts by police and the FBI to determine the source of the emails has proven difficult, with internet protocol addresses being disguised to trace back to far-off locations like Nigeria and Ukraine.

“In some cases, separate emails are sent to senders in other countries so the email does in fact originate in another country,” Pytel added Monday. “There is no way to track the initial emails sent to these foreign countries and, because the internet is not controlled by any government entity, it can be used virtually autonomously.”

Pytel also reiterated that Davis is not alone in this trend, with cities across the country being affected by similar anonymous threats.

“The Davis Police Department has been working with intelligence experts to further evaluate the credibility of these types of threats to help guide future responses should they continue,” Pytel said. “Additionally, we will continue to work closely with the Davis Joint Unified School District on response protocols. …While bomb threats are rarely credible, the officers will continue to respond and take each incident seriously.

Anyone with information regarding the threats is urged to contact the Davis Police Department by email at policeweb@ cityofdavis.org or call 530-747-5400. Tips may remain anonymous.

Pytel ended his statement by calling for the Davis community to “stand firmly against hate and to

continue to denounce those who have placed Davis in harm’s way by placing their ideology on the national stage and bringing these threats to our community.

“While the actual threats are likely intended to only cause fear, anxiety and disruption, they may certainly incite actual violence, which must be guarded against and prevented,” Pytel said. “If physical harm does result, any causation between the local communications and any physical harm will not be ignored and instead be fully investigated to the letter of the law.”

Officials in Yolo County, which oversees the library, also released a statement Monday:

“The County of Yolo unequivocally condemns hate crimes and incidents that have cast their shadows over our vibrant community. Yolo County supports a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, where understanding and kindness are exemplified and compassion, respect, and empathy are the cornerstones.

“We want to reassure everyone who calls Yolo County home that our community will continue its dedication to justice and cohesiveness. We must recognize that as a community, we stand stronger when united and that our commitment to fostering an environment that values and respects everyone will not waver.

Hate crimes and incidents have no place in Yolo County.”

Chief Pytel’s full statement can be read on The Davis Enterprise website at https://tinyurl.com/mrjt3y8y.

County offering enrollment sessions for WIOA program

Express staff Yolo County announced this week that enrollment sessions for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Program are open to all who are interested in learning about available funding and resources for vocational training.

WIOA provides

Joe Trotter Financial Advisor

#7 East Main Street, Suite E Winters, CA 95694 530-795-3929

employment training to low-income adults, dislocated workers, justice-involved, and youths who meet eligibility requirements. By joining an enrollment session, interested individuals will connect with a WIOA Case Manager to learn more about the program and how it can support them in achieving their career goals.

WIOA services are provided to eligible applicants on a caseby-case basis with

See PROGRAM, Page 8

Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel

Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel

By Wally Pearce Winters Elder Day Council

Celebrate International Day of Older Persons CHP shares information for

older adults

The World Senior Citizens' Day 2023 theme for this year is “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World.” Digitalization has revolutionized our living criteria. Older people are far behind in the usage of these modern digital technologies.

On Dec. 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish Oct. 1 as the International Day of Older Persons as recorded in Resolution 45/106. The holiday was observed for the first time on Oct. 1, 1991. The observance is a focus of aging organizations and the United Nations Program on Aging.

This year, Sunday, Oct. 1, we’re fortunate to have older people around us, whether they’re family, friends, or just general acquaintances. Older people are fonts of wisdom, experience, and storytelling. They can inspire us to continue striving — or warn us of dangers we're unaware of. International Day of Older Persons recognizes and respects the contributions the elderly makes to society and development and that their rights should be protected and promoted.

Globally, there were 703 million people aged 65 or over in 2019. The region of East and Southeast Asia was home to the largest

number of older people (261 million), followed by Europe and Northern America (over 200 million).

Over the next three decades, the number of older people worldwide is projected to more than double, reaching more than 1.5 billion people in 2050.

All regions will see an increase in the size of the older population between 2019 and 2050. The largest increase (312 million) is projected to occur in East and Southeast Asia, growing from 261 million in 2019 to 573 million in 2050.

The fastest increase in the number of older people is expected in Northern Africa and Western Asia, rising from 29 million in 2019 to 96 million in 2050 (an increase

of 226 percent). The second fastest increase is projected for sub-Saharan Africa, where the population aged 65 or over could grow from 32 million in 2019 to 101 million in 2050 (218 percent). By contrast, the increase is expected to be relatively small in Australia and New Zealand (84 percent) and in Europe and Northern America (48 percent), regions where the population is already significantly older than in other parts of the world. Among development groups, less developed countries excluding the least developed countries will be home to more than two-thirds of the world’s older population (1.1 billion) in 2050. Yet the fast-

est increase is projected to take place in the least developed countries, where the number of persons aged 65 or over could rise from 37 million in 2019 to 120 million in 2050 (225 percent).

Several national organizations consider those who’ve attained the age of 55 as older persons, while others define the age at 60 years and above. Nationally, many ministries, departments and private agencies adopt 60 years as the age at which one is classified a senior citizen, and someone to celebrate on Oct. 1.

Please join hands with the Winters Elder Day Council as we celebrate World Senior Citizen Day this coming Sunday, Oct. 1.

Winters Senior Foundation Special to the Express

If you find yourself getting a little jumpy driving I-80, where 80 seems to stand for the minimum speed limit, the Winters Senior Foundation invites you to its upcoming community meeting on Oct. 19 where California Highway Patrol public information officer Rodney Fitzhugh will lead a presentation on Senior Drivers — Age Well, Drive Smart.

The free presentation will be held at the City Hall downstairs conference room, Abbey Street entrance, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19.

The Age Well Drive Smart class is an education program specifically designed to help older adults evaluate their driving skills, refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road, learn about physical changes related to age and how they affect driving ability. This program gives attendees an opportunity to take a self-assessment to identify these changes and provide possible corrective options.

For more information or to ask questions, contact the Winters Senior Foundation by email info@wintersseniorfoundation.org or call 530-794-6067.

When you think about your health, don’t forget your eyes

By Bernard J. Wolfson KFF Health News

I vividly remember that late Friday afternoon when my eye pressure spiked and I staggered on foot to my ophthalmologist’s office as the rapidly thickening fog in my field of vision shrouded passing cars and traffic lights. The office was already closed, but the whole eye-care team was there waiting for me. One of them pricked my eyeballs with a sharp instrument, allowing the ocular fluid that had built up to drain. That relieved the pressure and restored my vision.

But it was the fourth vision-impairing pressure spike in

nine days, and they feared it would happen again — heading into a weekend. So off I went to the emergency room, where I spent the night hooked up to an intravenous tube that delivered a powerful anti-swelling agent.

Later, when I told this story to friends and colleagues, some of them didn’t understand the importance of eye pressure, or even what it was. “I didn’t know they could measure blood pressure in your eyes,” one of them told me.

Most people consider their vision to be vitally important, yet many lack an understanding of some of the most serious eye diseases. A 2016

study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, based on an online national poll, showed that nearly half of respondents feared losing their eyesight more than their memory, speech, hearing, or limbs. Yet many “were unaware of important eye diseases,” it found.

A study released in July, conducted by Wakefield Research for the nonprofit Prevent Blindness and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, showed that one-quarter of adults deemed at risk for diseases of the retina, such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, had delayed seeking care for vision problems.

“There is significantly less of an emphasis placed on eye health than there is on general health,” says Rohit Varma, founding director of the Southern California

Eye Institute at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center.

Because eye diseases can be painless and progress slowly, Varma says, “people get used to it, and as they age, they begin to feel, ‘Oh, this is a normal part of aging and it’s OK.’” If people felt severe pain, he says, they would go get care.

For many people, though, it’s not easy to get an eye exam or eye treatment. Millions are uninsured, others can’t afford their share of the cost, and many live in communities where eye doctors are scarce.

“Just because people know they need the care doesn’t necessarily mean they can afford it or that they have the access to it,” says Jeff Todd, CEO and president of Prevent Blindness.

Another challenge, reflecting the divide between eye care and general health care, is that medical insurance, except for

children, often covers only eye care aimed at diagnosing or treating diseases. More health plans are covering routine eye exams these days, but that generally does not include the type of test used to determine eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions — or the cost of the lenses. You may need separate vision insurance for that. Ask your health plan what’s covered.

Since being diagnosed with glaucoma 15 years ago, I’ve had more pressure checks, eye exams, eyedrops, and laser surgeries than I can remember. I should know not to take my eyesight for granted. And yet, when my peepers were filling with that vision-threatening fog last March, I felt oddly sanguine. It turned out that those serial pressure spikes were triggered by an adverse reaction to steroid-based

Celebrate Cultura y Comunidad

This October, the Winters Community Library will present Cultura y Comunidad (Culture and Community), a series of bilingual programs designed to celebrate the culture and heritage of the Latinx community and promote community health and well-being.

Visit the Winters Community Library, located at 708 Railroad Ave. in Winters, every Thursday and Saturday in October to experience a variety of activities, cultural performances, Zumba classes, a health resource fair, printmaking presentation and more! The weekly bilingual events will provide opportunities for discussion, reflection, and celebration.

All are welcome to participate in these free, fun and educational programs:

• Oct. 5: Health Resource Fair, 6 p.m.

Visit with various community organizations to learn about the resources available to you and your family. Children’s activities and food will be provided (while supplies last).

• Oct. 7: Folklórico Juvenil Danzantes Unidos de Vacaville, 5 p.m.

Enjoy a performance by Folklórico Juvenil Danzantes Unidos de Vacaville, followed by a dance demonstration and the history of Ballet Folklórico. Culture

PROGRAM

Continued from Page 6

priority of service provided to recipients of public assistance and other low-income individuals for intensive and training services. Veterans and eligible spouses continue to receive priority of service among all participants for all Department of Labor funded programs.

sharing activities and dessert will be provided after the performance.

• Oct. 12: Zumba & Self Care, 6 p.m.

Participate in a onehour Zumba class with instructor Mayra Loza. After the class, we will enjoy a healthy post-workout snack and engage in a self-care activity.

• Oct. 14: Kalpulli Xihuacoalt, 5 p.m.

Enjoy a performance by traditional Aztec dance troupe Kalpulli Xihuacoalt, followed by a dance demonstration and history of Danza. Culture sharing activities and dessert will be provided after the performance.

• Oct. 19: Dia de Muertos Printmaking Presentation with TANA, 6 p.m.

Join Taller Arte del Nuevo Amanecer (TANA) for a presentation on Dia de Muertos, its origins, and its relevance in contemporary Chicano/a art and culture. A live silk screen printing demonstration and crafts will follow. Visit TANA at www.tana.ucdavis.edu for more information.

• Oct. 21: Zumba & Self Care, 5 p.m.

Participate in a onehour Zumba class with instructor Mayra Loza. After the class, we will enjoy a healthy post-workout snack and engage in a self-care activity.

The WIOA Program offers the following to those who meet its eligibility requirements:

• Funding of up to $7,000 for eligible training and education programs

• Leads on employment opportunities and events

Career and interview preparation

• Referrals to support services

Enrollment sessions take place every Thursday

• Oct. 26: Hands-on Cooking Demonstration & Diabetes Prevention with Winters Healthcare, 5:45 p.m.

Learn how to make delicious healthy meals with a hands-on cooking demonstration, followed by a diabetes prevention presentation. Children’s activities will be offered.

• Oct. 28: Community Walk along Putah Creek Nature Trail, 10 a.m.

Let’s go for a walk along the Putah Creek Nature Park Trail and take a tour of the Winters Healthcare Community Garden. Meet outside the library at 10 a.m. Bring comfortable clothing, shoes, and water for the walk. *Weather permitting

This project was made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, California Humanities, and the State of California through the California State Library. Visit www.calhum. org. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of California Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, or the State of California.

Connect with Yolo County Library on Facebook at www.facebook.com/yolocountylibrary.org and on Instagram and TikTok at @ yolocountylibrary.

from 10 to 11 a.m., at 25 N. Cottonwood St. in Woodland (Clarksburg Room) and at the YoloWorks! Career Center, 500 Jefferson Blvd., Suite A, in West Sacramento. Register in advance at www.yoloworks.org or https://forms.gle/dTdePJJtN4epqi7d6. For information, contact the WIOA program directly at WIOAprogram@yolocounty.org or 530-661-2710.

eyedrops prescribed to me following cataract surgery. My ophthalmologist told me later that I had come “within hours” of losing my eyesight.

I hope my brush with blindness can help inspire people to be more conscious of their eyes.

Eyeglasses or contact lenses can make a huge difference in one’s quality of life by correcting refractive errors, which affect 150 million Americans. But don’t ignore the risk of far more serious eye conditions that can sneak up on you. They are often manageable if caught early enough.

Glaucoma, which affects about 3 million people in the U.S., attacks peripheral vision first and can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve. It runs in families and is five times as prevalent among African Americans as in the general population.

Nearly 10 million in this country have diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes in which blood vessels in the retina are damaged. And some 20 million people age 40 and up have macular degeneration, a disease of the retina associated with aging that diminishes central vision over time.

The formation of cataracts, which cause cloudiness in the eye’s natural lens, is very common as people age: Half of people 75 and older have

African American or part of another racial or ethnic group at high risk for certain eye diseases.

And don’t forget children. Multiple eye conditions can affect kids. Refractive errors, treatable with corrective lenses, can cause impairment later in life if they are not addressed early enough.

Healthful lifestyle choices also benefit your eyes. “Anything that helps your general health helps your vision,” says Andrew Iwach, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and executive director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco. Minimize stress, get regular exercise, and eat a healthy diet. Also, quit smoking. It increases the risk of major eye diseases.

And consider adopting habits that protect your eyes from injury: Wear sunglasses when you go outside, take regular breaks from your computer screen and cellphone, and wear goggles when working around the house or playing sports.

The Prevent Blindness website offers information on virtually everything related to eye health, including insurance. Other good sources include the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s “EyeSmart” site and the National Eye Institute.

So read up and share what you’ve learned.

“When you get togeth

Wednesday, September 27

Winters JUSD Wellness Committee Meeting, 2:30 p.m., School District Office - Board Room (909 W. Grant Ave)

Winters Youth Day Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Round Table Pizza (196 E. 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

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, September 30 Festival de la Comunidad — Carnitas Festival, 3:30–6:30 p.m.: Carnitas Cookoff 4:30–10:30 p.m.: Entertainment/Activities, More info at www.winterscorazon.org

Upcoming

Tuesday, October 3 Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ city-council-meetings_/

Thursday, October 5

Cultura y Comunidad: Health Resource Fair, 6 p.m., Winters Community Library (708 Railroad Ave.)

Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://bit.ly/ WintersJUSDBoardAgendaCommunitySite

Saturday, October 7

Cultura y Comunidad: Folklórico Juvenil Danzantes Unidos de Vacaville, 5 p.m., Winters Community Library (708 Railroad Ave.)

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 Farmers Market, Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Main Street – downtown Winters, discoverwinters. com/farmers-market

Winters Friends of the Library meeting, first Monday, 7 p.m., Winters Community Library, Margaret Parsons Room, wfol.org

Winters Fortnightly meeting, second Tuesdays, 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 Saturday of the month, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5 p.m.), Downtown Main Street.

Kiwanis Club of Winters meeting, fourth Thursdays, 6 p.m., Hooby's Brewing

Democracy Winters meeting, third Saturdays, 10 a.m.Noon, Meeting details in newsletter, contact info@ democracywinters.org

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings:

» St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 Main St. (back entrance) Tuesdays, 7-8 a.m. and Fridays, 7-8 a.m.

» Yolo Housing office building, 62 Shams Way: Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m.

Students celebrate homecoming

By Crystal Apilado and Sydney Andrade Express staff

Winters High School students and staff celebrated the annual homecoming festivities in a week full of spirit days and events.

Class spirit

Students and staff celebrated a series of spirit days and decked out the WHS hallways with ocean themed decor. From hallways to classroom doors, students didn’t hold back on decorations featuring pirates, Bikini Bottom residents, jellyfish and more. This year’s homecoming theme was voted as “Under the Sea” and each class was designated with a fun ocean-related theme. The senior Class of 2024 was SpongeBob SquarePants, junior Class of 2025 was Finding Nemo, sophomore Class of 2026 was the Pirates of the Caribbean and the freshman Class of 2027 was Bubble Guppies.

Powderpuff game

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, the WHS senior and junior class carried on the beloved homecoming tradition of the powderpuff game. Both teams put forth their best efforts but it was ultimately the senior class athletes who took home the victory. Coached by Ashton Baylor and Cameron Higgins, the seniors were truly unstoppable with a final score of 26–6.

Emily Dodic was amazing on both offense and defense, scoring several touchdowns for the senior team and stopping the juniors’ attempts at scoring.

“She would definitely be our MVP if I had to pick,” senior

Alondra Molina and Fernando Herrera were crowned as the Homecoming Queen and King.

KS Winters Photography/ Courtesy photo

coach Baylor said. Defensively, there were a few standouts, including Alondra Molina, Anel Martinez and Hailey Landazuri.

“Alondra was very good at denying any ball that was thrown and Anel did a great job at preventing the juniors from gaining that yardage they needed”, said Baylor. Although the seniors did come out on top both teams played great games and most importantly kept one of the most cherished traditions alive.

Homecoming royalty

Despite the postponement of the downtown rally and dance due to events that led to a shelter-in-place on Friday morning, the homecoming tradition of football and crowning a homecoming king and queen continued on.

Alondra Molina and Fernando Herrera were crowned as the 2023 Homecoming Queen and King between the junior varsity and varsity games on Friday, Sept. 22.

See HOMECOMING, Page 8

Kountry Kitchen remains local staple

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer

Businesses and restaurants have come and gone over the years, however, Kountry Kitchen stands as a constant staple Winters can rely on for delicious Mexican and American cuisine. A tasty pit stop for Winters Warriors and residence alike, the restaurant nestled neatly in the corner at 11 Grant Ave. is a true representation of the town it serves.

Originally, the Kountry Kitchen was a storefront that whipped up some good old-fashioned American grub, but it wasn’t until 1998 that — now owner — Lorenzo Arce and his brother shifted gears and turned it into a restaurant. MOre than 20 years later, Arce’s recipe for success remains as savory as ever.

“I’m the youngest in my family and I learned a lot of how to cook from my mom. I always told myself one day we’ll open a restaurant. Then one day an opportunity opened at the spot we’re at now. Of course, we kept things on the menu that were there before like the omelets and biscuits and gravy. But we transformed the American breakfast into our American burrito,” Arce explained. “We put hashbrowns in it, carne asada, beans, avocado and mix everything into it and people love

it. We’ve also been selling burgers since we started, chicken strips, American style bacon and eggs, French toast, pancakes and a lot of traditional Mexican breakfast plates like chorizo, chilaquiles and just have a little bit of everything on the menu.”

Arce is also proud of the fact that many of the staff members in Kountry Kitchen hail from different small towns — like Winters — in Mexico. All bringing their own culinary know-how and traditions of cooking

to help create food that’s as delicious as it is authentic.

While Kountry Kitchen is a restaurant on paper, it’s far more than that metaphorically speaking. Nothing short of hard work has kept this ship afloat for over 20 years and the combination of Mexican and American cuisine is a flavorful representation of the folks who’ve called Winters home for generations.

“I see the young kids when I first started now bringing their own kids and they ask, ‘Hey, do you still

do the cheese fries? Do you have the bean, cheese and rice burritos?’ I see generations coming in here and I’ll hear people say, ‘Oh, my grandpa brought me here when I was little for breakfast,’ and I just remember the faces of these little kids that are now grown up. It’s really nice and I love that part of what I do,” said Arce. “It’s really important because we’re in the heart of the town. We’ve been close to the high school and

See KITCHEN, Page 5

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express Kountry Kitchen, located at 11 Grant Ave. is a true representation of the town it serves.

KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo Members from the senior (purple) and junior (green) cheer squads work together to perform a stunt during the Powder Puff halftime performance.

Emily Dodic runs the ball for the senior Class of 2024 in the Powder Puff game.

KS Winters Photography/ Courtesy photo

Median home price reaches highest level in 15 months

California Association of Realtors

Special to the Express

Rising mortgage rates and a continued shortage of homes for sale hampered California home sales for the third straight month in August, while the statewide median home price registered its biggest year-over-year gain in 14 months.

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 254,740 in August, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local Realtor associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2023 if sales maintained the August pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically

influence home sales.

August’s sales pace was down 5.3 percent on a monthly basis from a revised 268,940 in July and down 18.9 percent from a year ago, when a revised 314,270 homes were sold on an annualized basis. Sales of existing single-family homes in California remained below the 300,000-unit pace for the 11th month in a row. The monthly decline was the third consecutive decrease, and the annual decline was the 26th straight drop.

“Despite persistently high mortgage rates and availability of homes remaining extremely tight, there’s still solid interest from prospective buyers,” said C.A.R. President Jennifer Branchini, a Bay Area Realtor. “The highly competitive housing market continued to provide support to home prices, with the statewide median price steadily improving since early 2023.

Jean Deleonardi

As California housing prices continue to stabilize, buyers and sellers on the sidelines will get back into the market once interest rates begin to moderate in the fourth quarter.”

Home prices rose again from the yearago level for the second straight month, as the statewide median price recorded the biggest year-over-year gain in 14 months. California’s statewide median price climbed 3.3 percent from July’s revised $832,400 to $859,800 in August and rose 3.0 percent from $834,740 a year ago. August’s median price was the highest in 15 months and the highest since California reached its peak price of $893,200 in May 2022.

“A reacceleration of interest rates since April, combined with tight housing inventory pushed down California home sales to a seven-month low in August,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. “While rates may remain elevated for a little longer, macroeconomic fundamentals are expected to soften starting in the last quarter of this year. Mortgage rates should begin to

ease, albeit gradually, in the next couple months, and provide a much-needed boost to both the supply and the demand sides of the housing market.”

Other key points from C.A.R.’s August 2023 resale housing report include:

• At the regional level, all major regions recorded double-digits sales declines in August on a year-overyear basis, with four of the five major regions dropping more than 15 percent from a year ago. The Central Valley region recorded the biggest sales drop of -19.0 percent from last year, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area (-18.3 percent), the Central Coast (-17.9 percent) and the Far North (-15.7 percent). Southern California (-13.9 percent) was the only region that experienced a decline of less than 15 percent.

IRELAND AGENCY INC.

• Forty-three of the 52 counties tracked by C.A.R. experienced sales decreases from a year ago in August, with 36 counties declining more than 10 percent year-over-year and 20 counties posting drops of more than 20 percent from last August. Mono (-42.9 percent) recorded the biggest sales drop, followed by Marin (-36.0 percent) and Siskiyou (-31.9 percent). Nine counties registered sales increases from last year, with San Benito (76.2 percent) gaining the most yearover-year, followed by Tuolumne (20.5 percent) and Trinity (16.7 percent).

• At the regional level, three of the five major regions experienced home price gains from a year ago.

The median price in the San Francisco Bay Area (5.0 percent) improved in August on a year-over-year basis for the first time in 14 months and was the region recording the biggest annual gain. Two out of nine counties within the region posted an annual gain, with Santa Clara registering a double-digit gain of 12.3 percent from the prior year. Southern California (4.4 percent) and the Central Valley (3.2 percent) also posted median prices increases from last year, while the Central Coast region remained unchanged.

The Far North region (-2.4 percent) was the only region that posted a median price decline from last August.

• Home prices continued to stabilize across the state, with 19 counties experiencing year-over-year median price decreases in August, compared to 27 counties in July and 37 in June. Trinity posted the biggest price decline, dropping -19.9 percent from last August, followed by Siskiyou (-15.1 percent) and Marin (-11.9 percent). Thirty counties recorded an increase in median price from last year, up from 21 in July.Mono posted the biggest price jump at 21.6 percent, followed by Kings (18.9 percent) and Santa Barbara (16.4 percent).

• Housing supply in California continued to shrink from a year ago in August as mortgage rates remained elevated. The statewide unsold inventory index (UII), which measures the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate, was 2.4 in August 2023 and 2.8 in August 2022. The statewide unsold inventory index was down 14.3 percent on a year-overyear basis. The index also slipped slightly by 4.0 percent from the prior month, but the month-to-month decline was due primarily to seasonal factors.

• Active listings at the state level have fallen from a year ago for five months in a row, and the year-overyear decline in each of the last four months all registered more

See HOMES, Page 4

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Call Jean for more information.

“Committed to building strong client relationships based on trust, respect and hard work.”

Sandy’s Corner on the

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SUPER CLEAN custom home just east of Winters on

6.5 acres. HUGE shop. A piece of paradise. Call for more info. Offered at $1,295,000.

SMALL COTTAGE STYLE HOME on 55+/- acres of English walnuts. Great location and great soil. $1,399,000.

Sale Pending

Walk right in and make yourself at home! The kitchen features new appliances and there is lots of storage in this home. Both bathrooms have been remodeled. You’ll fall in love with the backyard and it features a potting station and 3 out of sight storage units. Sit and relax and enjoy your own oasis or soak in the hot tub. $554,900.

I’m never too busy to help your friends and family with all their real estate needs!

or boat storage. East side of property fronts 476’ on busy Airport Road. Well suited location surrounded by businesses and housing. Just minutes from Hwy 12 and core of down town Rio Vista. Water and PGE at property line. Priced reduced to $1,130,000. OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS IN NORTH VACAVILLE! 6 lots with separate APN numbers. Final map was approved however map has expired. Lots located in area of million-dollar (+) homes. Seller owns 31 water rights so possibility of adding more lots. Call today for more details! Priced at $1,199,000.

Sold! 5 ACRE, 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS with a nice horse set 3 stall barn with tack room,

5.85 ACRES OF WALNUTS in between Winters and Davis off Russell Blvd. County says you can build on it! Offered at $550,000. Call for details.

38 ACRES! Beautiful Chandler Walnut orchard. Located just outside of Winters off Putah Creek Road. Very well taken care of. Great producer, Excellent soil, solid set sprinkler system with an ag well. Would make for an awesome building site! Offered at $1,095,000.

SUPER CLEAN & FRESHLY PAINTED. 5 bed, 3 bath home, walking distance to beautiful downtown Winters. Low maintenance front and backyards. Offered at $695,000. Call for details. IN WOODLAND. 4 bed, 2 bath. Large lot. Great location. Offered at $549,925

SALE PENDING

IN NATOMAS. Super clean 3 bed, bath. Offered at $560,000. Call for details!

Express Yourself

Not just the weather that is changing

There are rumors around town that a committee, appointed by the city council, has picked a new city manager.

I haven’t heard anything about him/her, but I’m hoping that our new city manager moves here for more than just a few years.

Our current city manager, Kathleen Trepa, will be taking her last vacation, Oct. 1 and not coming back. She was in charge of Winters only for a couple of years or so. She will be just a short paragraph in our history. City Manager John Donlevy was the exception in that he moved to Winters, then stayed to raise his family. He will have at least a page in the book, if not two.

There is something going on with the gas pipelines that go through Winters. I’m not sure if they are adding another pipeline or replacing one of the two that we already have. Hopefully you will read something about it in the Express. If it has already been in the paper, my bad.

The Visitor Center is moving from my space to Main Street. Not sure exactly when they will open inside the Farmer’s Closet, 9 Main St., but it will be soon. The Winters

Museum is expanding into their old office space and plans to have permanent displays for both the Lost Japanese Community of Winters and the town of Monticello.

My office has been a mess since the day I moved in. I didn’t throw enough stuff away when we made the move to the old library building more than eight years ago. Truth be told, I didn’t throw anything away. I’ve been trying to clean out filing cabinets and display cases, but haven’t been consistent. I’ll have a few weeks where I toss everything away, and then I’ll find some more items to put on display.

There is a new wall in the museum that I thought would hold most of my treasures, but after filling it up I don’t notice any more floor space. I need to meet with a counselor and get over my fear of throwing out something that I might need someday. An example: when my pressman was at an auction and bought 20 gallons of hand cleaner, I stored it in a corner for years. One day I decided to throw it away. It was alcohol based and I didn’t have a dispenser for it. Six months later, COVID hit and

See QUICK, Page 4

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20) There is nothing wrong with a bit of self-indulgence, Aries. But you do not want to go overboard with your treats and other must-haves. Moderation is key in everything.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21) You have a no-nonsense bearing that immediately has people drawing close to you and trusting you, Taurus. Put that out in full force as you try to win favor on the job this week.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21) Gemini, don’t let your quest for excitement pull you in too many different directions right now. You need to stick to one plan for a certain amount of time and see things through.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22) Everyone wants a piece of you right now, Cancer. It is equally flattering and exhausting. You’ll have to be choosy regarding where and with whom to dedicate your time.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23) Listen to the messages swirling around in your head right now, Leo. Your intuition has been on target so there is no reason to doubt yourself now. Keep moving forward.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22) Virgo, is a particular relationship getting too intense for you? It might be the time to ease up a bit and take a step back. Distance could provide the clarity you need.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23) Libra, you do not need to struggle if you simply call in a few favors. Reach out to your network of people and figure out how you can make things work.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22) Scorpio, do not chase people down, simply wait for them to come to you with your natural magnetism. You don’t want to exert energy this week unnecessarily.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21) Sagittarius, rather than showing people all of your cards, hold some information close to the vest and maintain a bit of mystery. Others likely will be intrigued.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20) Capricorn, you may find that things are very profitable for you this week. If you are an entrepreneur, business will be solid. If you perhaps sell on the side, money will flow.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18) Aquarius, for quite some time you have been focusing on everyone but yourself. You have to change your ways if you can get the rest and healing that you need right now.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20) There is no doubt that you’ve earned a few commendations, Pisces. But this week you need to accept congratulations without being boastful. Exhibit both humility and pride.

Express Yourself

The giving side of Winters

By Ramon Altamirano

Special to the Express

Over the years I’ve been amazed and aware of Winters’ ability to give. There are several fundraising events going on at various times of the year, literally involving thousands of participants.

From church-centered events to local residents dealing with real, immediate and extreme weather calamities.

A raging fire caused untold damage a few years ago. A thunder swell of energy filled our greater community, a whiplash of sorts as many community members quickly gathered the critical mass of operatives.

Soon, there were template forms to fill out and responsible community members managing the inflow of donations. Clothing was hanging, ready to wear along with blankets and sundry items. The media was interviewing community members.

A complete apparatus was formed when days before we didn’t have any emergencies on the horizon or any assigned crisis management teams.

City and city management quickly facilitated city personnel, and county leaders quickly led the way with personal and county donations.

Residents gathered and the challenge was subdued.

No one was looking to take credit. Collectively we understood the suffering, the loss and reacted as we tend to do.

More recently, I’ve been working locally giving out food at the Winters High School parking lot every Wednesday. As lines of cars snake through in anticipation, volunteers sign drivers in and start the process of welcoming them for the weekly distribution.

A crew of 15 to 20 helpers prepare stations and start staging the food we are handing out.

Bins of edibles are filled with bags sorted for each family. Some bags are prefilled at Yolo Food Bank’s warehouse. Usually heavy with vegetables. Bags with a mix of apples, bananas, tomatoes, zucchini, sprouts and bread; sometimes fresh meat and milk.

We also offer boxes of canned foods, pasta and an untold va-

riety of edibles.

It is simply amazing.

This article is to salute the volunteers, businesses and organizations along with the variety of participants. The average volunteer’s age is north of 65.

They show such energy and vitality as huge bins are moved around and food is re-bagged.

Very proud volunteers of all ages speaking different languages work together; sometimes even volunteer groups from Amazon.

In addition, the food providers are supermarkets and local farmers which contribute an amazing amount of food. Leading the charge is the commendable work of the volunteers at Yolo Food Bank, organizing the food delivery.

This is in addition to other food distribution events organized by other organizations such as RISE in Winters and Esparto. We serve everyone in the community, directly to families and indirectly to those unable to visit our distribution site, again, served by volunteers.

Express Travels: Poppys take on Olympia

Express staff

“The Poppys" ( named after the Winters High School “Poppy” yearbook) gathered in Olympia, Washington, for their annual trip.

Poppy Cami Vernoy (left) hosted the annual gathering at her home. Poppys

Jenny Ramos, Karen Neil and Charmaine Morris traveled up north for the celebration and made sure to bring a copy of their Express.

Have a trip scheduled? Be sure to bring a copy of the Winters Express and snap a photo of it on your travels. Send the photo and details of who is in the photo to news@ wintersexpress.com.

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than 20 percent. On a month-over-month basis, active listings improved slightly from July to August as fewer listings were taken off the market due to the slowdown in closed sales in August. An increase in newly added for-sale properties from July to August was another contributing factor to an improvement in the overall level of active listings last month.

• Nearly two-thirds of counties recorded a decline in active listings from last year, and 44 counties posted double-digit, year-over-year drops. Alameda (-54.0 percent) dropped the most, followed by Mono (-50.9 percent) and Contra Costa (-48.5 percent). Nineteen counties recorded a year-overyear gain, with Mariposa registering the largest yearly gain of 71.4 percent, followed by Del Norte

QUICK

Continued from Page 3

you couldn’t find hand sanitizer, anywhere. Where was my gold mine?

Down the drain.

It was a family tradition not to throw anything away, but I’m realizing that no one wants to clean up my mess, so I’ve given myself a deadline, Friday, Oct. the 13. I’m already running out of time, but I have great hope that I can make the place presentable before our open house. Remember to mark the day on your calendar, 5 until 7 at the museum. It is a fundraiser, so bring your wallet.

When we moved

(59.1 percent) and Marin (27.5 percent).

On a month-to-month basis, eight counties followed the statewide trend, while 45 counties remained on an upward trend and continued to post month-overmonth increases.

• The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 18 days in August and 23 days in August 2022.

• C.A.R.’s statewide sales-price-to-listprice ratio* was 100 percent in August 2023 and 98.4 percent in August 2022.

• The statewide average price per square foot** for an existing single-family home was $417, up from $404 in August a year ago.

• The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 7.07 percent in August, up from 5.22 percent in August 2022, according to C.A.R.’s calculations based on Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage survey data.

to Russell Street, I had no idea how busy a street it was. Russell doesn’t have many stop signs, so people use it instead of Main Street. The only advantage is that if I want to get rid of something, I just put it out by the fire hydrant, and within hours, or a few days, it is gone. There is a filing cabinet out there right now, and no, I didn’t put it there, but I plan on putting out several more in the next few weeks. If you need a couple of filling cabinets, just give me a call, 530-304-0508. It would help if you take the contents, too. Have a good week.

Courtesy photo

Mateo’s story and assisted-living journey Express Yourself

By Wally Pearce Winters Elder Day Council

Born in 1923 in Puerto Vallarta, Mateo grew strong, just like the banana plantations advancing around him. Mateo lived there until he was 11 years old, then, with his working-class family, he arrived in America settling with his family in rural Yolo County.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, 1941, soon after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Germany and Italy joined with Japan to declare war on America … and became fully engaged in World War II. With America now at war with the Axis powers, shortly after his 18th birthday, Mateo joined the Marines to become an infantryman, eventually assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Division. All had been trained but only a few have been tested in battle.

Mateo could only wonder what war was and where he was going to find it. Mateo’s first eyewitness to war came on Friday, August 7, 1942, when, with other infantrymen, he headed for “Hell on Earth” in the Pacific “island hopping” campaign fought between Allied forces and Imperial Japan. With his “band of brothers,” Mateo edged across unforgiving terrain, dense jungles and sharp coral reefs that ripped apart clothes and skin.

KITCHEN

serving the students for years. Sometimes kids will come in and families don’t have a lot of money and keeping prices low is my way to help the people here. Sometimes people don’t like coming in when the students are here, but they’re part of us and what we do. So, I’ll just say to come back when they’re gone and we can serve you.”

Springboarding across the Pacific, a relentless, fanatical adversary brought Mateo and his infantrymen flesh-ripping gunfire, the enemy launched hand grenades designed to kill everything within its blast radius with hot, sharp pieces of metal, causing extreme injuries from the explosions. Like a burning-hot sledgehammer, heavy gunfire tore apart tissue, organs and bone.

Intense artillery shelling produced lifeless, remains of bullet-marked and fractured combat helmets, that lay like crushed walnut shells, nesting in an eerie silence atop the landscape, with humanity’s eternal hush.

Baked into war’s spectacle were suffocating heat, humidity, food and water shortages, dysentery and malaria. Mateo’s path in war throughout the Pacific marked a journey of agony, yet echoing the promise to defeat fascism and imperialism, and secure an open and free democracy absent of fear and want.

In the fall of 1944, with Mateo’s life forever altered by wartorn scars, his quiet return to Yolo County was like other battle-weary soldier and decorated veteran.

Mateo returned to his life. He integrated back into his community, worked in agriculture, married, bought property and

He was proud of, and valued, working his 67-acre ranch, but he mostly enjoyed caring for Soledad’s little garden, which together they seeded years ago.

raised a family.

Married to his beloved Soledad for more than 60 years, her 2006 death transformed Mateo’s daily life. Years later, his family worried about Mateo’s failing health and thought maybe relocating him to an assisted-living environment might be a benefit. Mateo firmly resisted. He was proud of, and valued, working his 67-acre ranch, but he mostly enjoyed caring for Soledad’s little garden, which together they seeded years ago.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level,” placing greater control over life gives dignity, liberation and comfort that only home can supply.

The National Center for Assisted Living declares that the average cost in the United States in 2021 was about $4,500 per month. Based on California’s available data, the average monthly cost ranges from $3,450 to $7,048,

Continued from Page 1 “I see generations coming in here and I’ll hear people say, ‘Oh, my grandpa brought me here when I was little for breakfast,’ and I just remember the faces of these little kids that are now grown up. It’s really nice and I love that part of what I do.”

Lorenzo Arce, Kountry Kitchen owner

while in Yolo County it’s approximately $3,562 per month.

In 2023, California will provide a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) supplement of about $578 per month to eligible residents of assisted living communities. Because Social Security oversees the enhancement benefit for California, recipients will receive a combined federal and state aid monthly payment.

To qualify for SSI assistance, a person must be age 65 or older, totally, or partially blind, or have a medical condition that prevents that person from working and is expected to last at

In the Limelight: Carrion earns business degree

Express staff

From the generational customer base that have shown up for breakfast every morning for years to the Warriors simply passing through for cheesy fries, burger or burrito — or all of the above — Kountry Kitchen puts the ‘serve’ in service to the community.

To taste some Winters tradition, one can head to Kountry Kitchen at 11 Grant Ave or call at 530-7952833. To stay up to

date with deals and food offerings, simply check out their

front windows, look at the posters and see what’s cooking.

least one year or result in death. Individuals must also have little or no income and limited resources. Interested people can check their eligibility by calling 800772-1213.

Aging in place comes with a price tag because some senior citizens may need to modify their homes to make them physically safe and livable, and maybe have a need to hire an in-home caregiver to assist with daily living. According to the National Institute on Aging, senior citizens who elect to age in place often save money on care costs and live a safe and independent life for as long as they’re able.

The appreciation of one’s home outweighs its monetary worth because senior citizens value their own space. For Mateo still lives at his rural home caring for Soledad’s little garden.

Anthony Carrion of Winters has earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration from The University of Alabama. UA awarded more than 1,257 degrees during its spring commencement ceremonies.

The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service.

The university provides numerous opportunities for service and growth to help prepare future generations through its educational, cultural and social experiences.

— Do you know of someone who has won an award or accomplished something noteworthy? Email it to news@ wintersexpress.com

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NOTICE OF COURT HEARING REGARDING ABANDONED INTERMENT PLOTS

Notice is hereby given that the Winters Cemetery District has filed a petition with the Yolo County Superior Court (Case No. CV-2023-1894) for the abandonment of 129 interment plots at the Winters Cemetery identified below. The Superior Court will hold a hearing on November 2, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in Department 14, located at 1000 Main Street, Woodland, California 95695, to determine whether to declare the interment plots abandoned pursuant to Health & Safety Code § Interested parties may participate in the hearing by either filing an objection in advance of the hearing, or appearing at the hearing to object to the abandonment of any plot. Interested parties may appear at the hearing in person or remotely via Zoom. Information on how to appear at or observe the hearing remotely can be found at www.yolo.courts.ca.gov or by contacting the Court Clerk at (530) 406-6704. Individuals who believe they may have an ownership interest in any of the plots identified below should contact District Manager Sheila Carbahal by mail at 415 Cemetery Dr., P.O. Box 402, Winters, CA 95694, by phone at (530) 795-2475, or by email at Sheila Carbahal sheila@winterscemetery.org.

Alpacas make impression at annual Farm Days

By Susan Hiland McNaughton Media

Up a small incline in rural Vacaville is Menagerie Hill Ranch. The farm usually doesn't allow visitors without calling ahead for a tour, but this weekend was the exception.

The annual National Alpaca Farm Days was a chance for visitors to get up close with alpacas and learn about the sweet animals. This is the 14th year for the event.

A couple of cria (baby alpacas) stayed close to their mommas as visitors watched and fed them. Some people brought lawn chairs to sit outside and enjoy the cooler weather.

Lucas Doughty, 4, of Vacaville, had never been out to the farm before. The alpacas caught his attention, as dad and other family members looked on.

"My mom found an ad for it," dad Kenneth Doughty

said. "We thought why not? I mean it's close to where we live."

Matilda Stirling, 9, of Dixon, sat down and learned to spin alpaca fibers into threads.

"I wanted to come see the alpacas for the first time," she said.

Her mother Victoria Rose was loving the event.

"This reminds me of our family farm up in Washington," she said. "This has been really a fun event."

Deb Galway and Kirk Howard, owners of Menagerie Hill Ranch, have been raising alpacas for years. The farm in the hills is also home to other critters like goats, dogs, pigs and other livestock.

“We have been busy all weekend,” Galway said. "It has been a really good turnout this year."

Galway's goal is to get the word out about the alpacas and give people a chance to

learn about the beautiful creatures. She has a humble shop on the property where she sells a little bit of goat soap, shawls, scarves, gloves and more to visitors.

"I also sell them online, although not all the products are online," she said.

"The nice thing about this event is also that it is free, not much is free anymore."

If people missed the weekend event, they can check out the farm during the year by making an appointment to tour the ranch for a fee.

"It's because of my busi-

ness license I can't have more than 10 customers a day," she said. "But that is actually a good thing because it enables me to manage my time on the farm and with the shop." For more information, go to www.menageriehillranch.com.

Visitors feed alpacas during National Alpaca Farm Days at Menagerie Hill Ranch in rural Vacaville, Sunday.

Susan Hiland/ McNaughton Media

Lucas Doughty, 4, of Vacaville, pets one of the alpacas during the annual National Alpaca Farm Days at Menagerie Hill Ranch in rural Vacaville, Sunday.

Susan Hiland/ McNaughton Media

Homecoming features cheer alumni, win over Williams

By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer

On Friday, Sept. 22, the Winters High School cheer squad brought the spirit as the football team went up against Williams High School for its homecoming game.

High spirit

The current WHS cheerleaders were joined by 24 cheer alumni spanning from 1971 to 2022. Rayanne Roberts, a senior on the cheer squad, invited past Warriors cheerleaders to take part in the homecoming celebration as part of her Senior Capstone Project.

“I wanted to keep cheer at the center of my capstone and I thought that meeting people who did the same thing I love would be so much fun,” said Roberts.

The Cheer Alumni Night was the perfect addition to the WHS homecoming event and will become a cherished tradition for the cheer program.

Cheerleaders are the spirit of the game. Their primary job is to engage with the crowd and get them on their feet to hype up the players on the field, and that is exactly what they do each and every week.

Cheer alumni were invited to cheer with the squad, participate in a choreographed performance or to support from the sidelines based on their comfort level.

Football dominates

The varsity football team won its game against Williams by a score of 42–0.

The varsity team played a great game all around. Offensively, Lane Brown led the team as quarter-

back the majority of the game until he was relieved in the third quarter by Ashton Baylor.

“This is the second straight week where we have posted a shutout, which hasn’t been done since I have been here, and also the second straight week where we have scored 42plus points in the first half,” said head coach Daniel Ward.

Brown played another impressive game with 102 rushing yards, 65 passing yards with two touchdowns received by Sebastian Valadez. Gio

Jimenez scored two touchdowns with 92 rushing yards, while Ricky Garcia and Deigo Casillas also each scored a touchdown.

Sebastian Rodriguez led his team with 105 yards gained which included, 37 yards in punt returns, 41 rushing yards and 27 yard in interceptions returned. Miles Mariani also played a huge role in the score with six extra points on the touchdowns.

“While the offensive team played a great game, I have

to give credit to our line. They dominated the line of scrimmage all night and created huge holes for our backs,” said Ward.

Cameron Higgins, Davin Perez, Victor Diaz, Nathan Figueroa and Robert Maggenti all played amazing. Sophomore Elijah Mayes proved to be a great addition to the varsity team making several tackles and blocks in the back.

“They have a chance to be one of the best lines that we have had,” said Ward. Baylor, Isaac Lopez, Jordan Wojan and Albert Mora also played great defensive games. Baylor made an interception return of 25 yards and made several tackles.

Wojan stripped the ball and forced a fumble, which was recovered by Mora. Lopez made several tackles, preventing Williams from gaining much-needed yardage, and also made a fumble recovery.

“We were excited to play Williams be-

LEFT: Winters High School cheer squad alumni cheered and performed with the WHS cheer squad at the Sept. 22 Homecoming game in part of a senior capstone project.

cause they are the first Northern Section team that we have played this year and they are also a divisional opponent. Ultimately, we were just too fast and too physical for them and put the game out of reach early,” said Ward.

XC competes at Black Butte invite

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer

The small band of Warriors comprising the Winters High School cross country team hit the road on Friday, Sept. 22, to take part in the Black Butte Cross Country Invitational. Although illness took out a teammate, the remaining athletes laced up to compete nonetheless.

In the mens junior varsity 2.1 miles, freshman Henry Girmonte was able to finish in 14:29.18, which was good enough for 16th place out of over 100 runners competing.

“We had a small

team as half our runners were out sick. The course at Black Butte Recreation Area was all hills with less than 200 feet level over the two miles,” said head coach William Davis.

“Henry finished 16th out of 112 freshman boys. Both Henry and

Rodney (Randall) ran their best races so far this season.”

The cross country team returns to league competition on Wednesday, Sept. 27, and will host a league race on Oct. 11 at the Putah Creek Nature Trail in Winters.

Ahtzire Figueroa

Ahtzire Figueroa, a Winters High School junior, is Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. This fall, Figueroa is competing on the volleyball team and serving in a leadership role. “Ahtzire is a team captain who the team can rely on. She is an amazing athlete,” said head coach Mari Chavez. “I have challenged her with her setting and she has been doing excellent. She began jump serving and is consistent with her serves.”

BELOW: Rayanne Roberts organized the Winters High School Cheer Alumni Night as her Senior Capstone Project. Courtesy photos

KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo

Ashton Baylor steps in to recover starting quarterback Lane Brown.

Eccentric Addams world comes to life at Woodland Opera House

Express staff

“The Addams Family, A New Musical” is a comical feast embracing the wackiness in every family, running from Oct. 6 to 29 at the Woodland

Opera House, 340 Second St. in Woodland.

It features an original story … one of every father’s nightmare.

Wednesday Addams, the ulti-

mate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a young man from a good family. If that wasn’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father (Gomez) begging him not to tell her mother (Morticia). Gomez must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his wife.

The production brings to life the delightfully macabre and eccentric world of the beloved Addams Family in a fresh and captivating stage show that includes a hauntingly beautiful score.

Set in the iconic Addams Mansion, the story follows the timeless characters as they navigate the challenges of love, acceptance, and the ever-present allure of the dark and mysterious.

To drive home the mood, the Opera House put out the following content advisory:

“The Addams Family Musical” is a laugh-

out-loud extravaganza that may cause fits of uncontrollable giggles. Parental guidance is suggested for its wickedly funny humor, adult innuendo, scenes that involve hilariously twisted torture, and ghostly apparitions. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained and leave with a smile that lasts for days. Side effects may include sore cheeks, a newfound love for all things Addams, and the urge to snap your fingers. Performances are set for Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. All seating is reserved, ticket prices are $30 for Adults, $28 Seniors (62-plus), and $15 for children under 17. Balcony pricing is Adults at $18 and Children at $9. Buy tickets online at www.WoodlandOperaHouse.Org and at the box office 530-6669617. Box office hours are: Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

Los Tres de Winters performs at Hispanic Heritage celebration

Express staff

Hispanic Heritage will be celebrated in downtown Dixon from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30. Local band, Los Tres de Winters will perform at Pardi Plaza (corner of S. 1st Street and East A Street).

The trio plays Norteño-style music, with José Luis Echeverria on accordion, Adolfo Valenzuela on

bajo quinto (a large guitar with five courses of doubled-steel strings) and Rafael Echeverria on bass.

The group's music is a hybrid of Mexican and Spanish vocal traditions with waltzes and polkas brought to Mexico by Czech and German immigrants in the mid-19th century. There will be food trucks and vendors. Admission is free.

HOMECOMING

Continued from Page 1

Other members of the 2023 royal court included class king and queen nominees Ben Wandschneider and Bianca Dyer-Gonzales (Class of 2024), Cali Padilla (Class of 2025), Buck Boykin (Class of 2026) and Isaiah Pazmino and Aleni Valadez

(Class of 2027). Molina was the Class of 2026 queen nominee and Herrera was the Class of 2025 king nominee. The 2023 homecoming court princes and princesses were Aiden Baylor and Aylin Molina (Class of 2027), Gavyn Moore and Alani Lopez (Class of 2026), Sebastian Rodriguez and Alexia Aceves (Class of 2025).

Artery presents fiber showcase

Express staff

The Artery presents “ThreadsZ 2,” a stunning fiber exhibit showcasing the work of long-time Artery members, Sharon McCallum and Lucy B. Della Rosa. The show extends from Sept. 29 to Oct. 23, with the reception on Friday, Oct. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Lucy and Sharon have created artistic hats and scarves using a variety of techniques — weaving, felting, knitting and crochet. These unique

pieces of wearable art, with their luscious hues, would enhance any autumn ensemble, even if you were caught singing in the rain. The Artery, 207 G St. in Davis is open seven days a week — Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

The Artery will be open from 7 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 13, for the reception of ”Threadz 2” to coincide with the Davis Second Friday ArtAbout.

Courtesy photo

Local favorites Los Tres de Winters will play Norteñostyle music on Saturday in Dixon.

Joshua Wheeler/Courtesy photo

Catch Omar Huerta as Uncle Fester in the Woodland Opera House's production of “The Addams Family, A New Musical.”

Courtesy photo

Felted hats by Lucy B. Della Rosa on display at The Artery.

Courtesy photos

Students decked out the halls of Winters High School in their assigned class ocean themes.