Winters Express: Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Fun Run Capstone benefits memorial scholarships

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

Two Winters High School seniors are working to revive the Youth Day Fun Run and honor the memories of their friends by supporting memorial scholarships honoring them.

Seniors Derick Olson and Wes Coker are hosting the inaugural Michael Bazan-Jimenez and Noah Lichwa Memorial Fun Run as their Senior Capstone Project. The event is scheduled to be part of the annual Winters Youth Day festivities on April 27 at 8 a.m. The event is a 5K fun run/walk event.

Winters teens Noah Lichwa and Michael Bazan-Jimenez died from injuries sustained in an ATV accident on June 9, 2022. Since then, multiple awards and memorial scholarships have been set up to honor their legacy by supporting graduating students.

“We are bringing back this Youth Day Fun Run not only to raise money to benefit students at the local high school but also to remember and honor the boys we lost that day,” Olson and Coker wrote on the Fun Run registration page.

“I chose this project because we don’t want

Michael and Noah to be forgotten and also want to help out the ’24 class,” Olson wrote in a social media post promoting the event.

All funds raised from the event will be distributed between the Michael Bazan-Jimenez Memorial

Celebrating National Ag Week

Local News Briefs

Express staff

Prop 218 Survey deadline

Property owners in the city of Winters and Greater Winters areas received a survey from the Winters Fire Department in mid-February regarding a potential Prop 218 initiative. Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III said if voters approved the propositions the funding would support staffing and the purchase

of needed equipment. Surveys must be received by March 25 to give Winters Fire an idea of what property owners think of the initiative. The survey results will give them direction on how to move forward. Snyder said property owners who have questions or who would like to learn more about it can reach out to him at jack.snyder@wintersfire.org, call/text 530-490-3620, or stop by the fire station.

City seeks pool staff

In his latest Friday update, City Manager Jeremy Craig said the city of Winters is seeking a pool manager and lifeguards for

the upcoming swim season. Those who are interested can apply online at https://www. governmentjobs.com/ careers/CITYOFWINTERS.

Planning Commission discussion

The upcoming Winters Planning Commission meeting on March 26 will include a discussion on outdoor cannabis cultivation and a potential rezoning of a property on Hwy 128. The agenda will be posted this week online at cityofwinters.org/189/Planning-Commission.

Fall Prevention class

The Winters Senior Foundation is sponsoring a Fall Prevention and Education Class on Thursday,

Scholarship and the Noah Lichwa Memorial Scholarship. The scholarships will be awarded to Winters High School graduates at the end of the school year. The goal is to continue hosting the memorial Fun Run each Youth Day. Registration for the Fun Run is now live online at https://bit.ly/3TqEyEZ. An opportunity to register in-person registration will take place on Friday, April 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. during the Duck Derby and Youth Day Opening Ceremonies events behind the Winters Community Center. All participants who

register by Friday, April 12, will be guaranteed a commemorative Michael Bazan-Jimenez and Noah Lichwa Memorial Fun Run t-shirt to mark the first event. Participants who register after that will receive t-shirts as supplies last, on a first come first serve basis. Community members who prefer to make direct donations can do so on the Fun Run registration page. A “Donation” button can be found on the top right corner of the page online at https://bit.ly/3TqEyEZ. They can also attend the in-person registration event on April 26 to donate.

Police department rolls out new patrol vehicle

By Amelia Biscardi Express staff writer

From the wear and tear police put on brakes and tires, to a major backlog on vehicles, to the months it takes to retrofit a patrol vehicle once it’s acquired, filling out a department’s fleet is not simple. However, Winters Police Department has added to its patrol vehicle fleet. Police Chief John P. Miller

March 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Saint Anthony Parish Hall. WSF President Jerry Lowden said the fall prevention event will include vital information, like how to get up after falling. The event features an occupational therapist. All seniors are welcome to attend the free event.

Pool renovation update

Craig reported that work continues at the Bobbie Greenwood Community Swim Center. Workers have been setting tiles and correcting rust in some areas of the pool deck and steps. April 1 is the expected completion date for the entire replaster project.

explained that there are difficulties acquiring vehicles once an existing one ages out is a challenge.

And a big part of this difficulty in acquiring vehicles has been the residual COVID backlog, especially of chips for cars.

“There’s very, very limited vehicles that are available that are what are called pursuit-rated,” Miller said. “It’s not like we just take any car off

the line.” Miller said that for vehicles to be considered pursuit-rated, there have to be adjustments to the car.

Some of this includes adapting the brakes and suspension.

“They’re big heavy vehicles, right,” Miller said. “What we do is slow stop, turn, turn slow, stop, accelerate. You just tear through tires and brakes.”

Future subscriber: Jack Thomas Franco

Courtesy photo

Jaime and Christine Franco of Winters announce the birth of their son, Jack Thomas Franco. Jack arrived at 5:46 a.m. on Feb. 13, 2024, at the Kaiser Hospital in Vacaville. He weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces, and measured 21 inches at birth. He joins big sister Makayla (3). Jack’s maternal grandparents are Lori Bazemore and Thomas Avellar. His paternal grandparents are Jaime and Ilda Franco.

Police arrest woman identified on suspicious activity call

Express staff

Winters police responded to a call of suspicious activity which ended in an arrest and confiscation of illegal substances on Tuesday morning.

On March 19, Winters Police Department received a call about suspicious activity occurring in a vehicle in the parking

lot near Starbucks and the Fairfield Inn in the 700 block of Matsumoto Lane at 10:23 a.m.

After arriving on site, a Winters police officer approached the vehicle and observed the driver inhaling from a balloon and from industrial-sized tanks of nitrous oxide that the driver tried to cover

up inside the car. The officer detained Kelly Ann Riehm, a 33-yearold resident of Anderson, California.

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were conducted and Riehm was placed under arrest for being in control of a vehicle while intoxicated. The officer searched

Courtesy photo Noah Lichwa

Courtesy photo Michael Bazan-Jimenez

Native Plant Sale returns March 23

Special to the Express

Solano Resource Conservation District’s annual spring plant sale is back on Saturday, March 23 from noon to 4 p.m. Join Solano RCD staff and local partners for our native plant sale at Berryessa Brewing Company, 27260 Highway 128 in Winters.

Solano RCD will have a wide selection of California native plants available that are drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and appropriate for fire-scaping. In addition, Morningsun Herb Farm will be selling herbs, vegetables, and landscape plants, and Putah Creek Council will be selling a selection of native trees and shrubs propagated from local watersheds.

Information on fire-wise landscaping will be provided at booths staffed by Yolo County RCD, Pleasant’s Valley Fire Safe Council, and Solano RCD.

Several free workshops will be offered throughout the event, including workshops on wildfire safety and fire-scaping at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and a workshop on installing Monarch butterfly habitat at 2 p.m.

For those interested in helping Monarch butterflies, special “Waystation” kits will be available. These kits contain the perfect mix of 36 flowering

Courtesy photo

Solano RCD will have a wide selection of California native plants available that are drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and appropriate for fire-scaping.

plants to nurture both Monarch butterflies and caterpillars on your own backyard!

Finally, please help the hosts create a more sustainable event by bringing your own box for your new plants. There will be a limited supply of cardboard boxes and trays for use. Parking and admission for this event is free. Forms of pay-

Yolo employers can enhance communication skills at free training

Express staff

Yolo County employers are invited to a free training opportunity to learn about the rules and tools for business professionals to communicate effectively.

YoloWorks!, the Yolo County Workforce Innovation Board and the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency have partnered with the California Employers Association to provide a series of free informational webinars for Yolo County businesses. The third webinar in the series, “Communicate Like a Leader”, will take place virtually on

Thursday, March 21 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Leaders need a firm foundation in listening mechanics and conflict resolution. Every leader must develop these communication skills, or face considerable hardship navigating organizational life, its stressors and the unique demands inherent in leading others. Yolo County employers can register online at http:// tinyurl.com/YC321 or by visiting www. YoloWorks.org. The training, which is an approved webinar

for 1HCRI or 1SHRM credit, features the following learning objectives:

• Define, distinguish, and formulate crucial active listening skills

• What does respect have to do with communication

• What are the expectations of a multi-generational workforce

• Define leadership styles of communication

• Identify methods for dealing with difficult people and resolving conflict on the job

Additionally, employers countywide are encouraged to mark their calendars in advance for the fourth installment of the webinar series ‘What is ChatGPT and Why Should I Be Paying Attention?’

on Tuesday, April 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. Interested attendees can find details and register in advance at http://tinyurl.com/ YC43024. For more information, contact Workforce Innovation Board Director, Erica Johnson by emailing Erica.Johnson@yolocounty.org, by visiting www.YoloWorks.org or by calling/texting 530-631-2289.

ment accepted for the plant sale include card, cash or check. Beverages will be available to purchase separately from Berryessa Brewing. For more information on this event, visit solanorcd.org, call 707-678-1655 ext. 3 or email info@solanorcd.org. Event flyers and our plant list can also be found at solanorcd.org/ events.

Bike For Trykes raises funds for adaptive trikes for disabled children

Special to the Express

Bike For Trykes, the fifth annual bikeathon to benefit NorCal Trykers, will take to the road to raise funds for adaptive trikes for children with disabilities on Sunday, April 28. Cyclists will follow 50K and 100K routes from Davis to Winters and back starting at the Stonegate Country Club.

Bike For Trykes is this all-volunteer group’s major fundraiser. The entry fee is $125 and includes a

lunch buffet, support vehicle and a commemorative gift.

Since 2017, NorCal Trykers, a nonprofit organization, has provided at no charge adaptive trikes to more than 300 families in Northern California, including Yolo, Solano and Sacramento counties. Each year it has expanded and, in 2023 alone, some 80 trikes were distributed. To participate or donate, please visit www. eventcreate.com/e/ bikefortrykes.

Rustic Ramble tours Capay farms, gardens

Special to the Express

Take a delightful Rustic Ramble through the beautiful Capay Valley on the April 28, Capay Valley Farm and Garden Tour.

The valley is home to a wonderful variety of farms and gardens. You will visit many of the valley’s unique offerings including a ranch that specializes in equine facilitated learning, private gardens planted with drought tolerant California natives, a 10acre floral production field and farms producing organic fruits and vegetables.

Attendees will get the opportunity to visit animals and partake

Eventos hispanos

Trabajos en carreteras del Condado hasta el 29 de Marzo

Por Crystal Apilado Traducido por Carol Traducido El Distrito de Conservación de Agua y Control de Inundaciones del Condado Yolo (Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District), en colaboración con la División de Obras Públicas del Departamento de Servicios Comunitarios del Condado Yolo (Yolo County Department of Community Services - Public Works Division), están trabajando para reemplazar varias tuberías de alcantarilla en deterioro a lo largo de Russell Boulevard y County Road 89 alrededor de la ciudad de Winters. Los contratistas comenzaron las mejoras de la infraestructura el pasado 18 de Marzo y está previsto que continúen hasta el 29 de Marzo. Se espera que la construcción de la carretera funcione de Lunes a Viernes, entre las 8 a.m. y las 3:30 p.m. Las obras viales estarán activas simultáneamente en ambos lugares y están sujetas a las condiciones climáticas.

Se recomienda a los automovilistas y residentes de las áreas que anticipen cierres intermitentes de carriles durante el período. El control del tráfico estará a cargo del personal de Mantenimiento

Vial de la División de Obras Públicas en ambos lugares

in olive oil and wine tasting, peruse plants and local crafts for sale, and enjoy fields of spring flowers. A box lunch of locally sourced ingredients will be available for purchase in advance. The tour includes many locations where you can stop and enjoy your meal.

All proceeds go to the preservation of the historic Western Yolo Grange Community Hall located in Guinda. Built in 1909, the Community Hall continues to serve the people of the Capay Valley and beyond.

Tickets and information are available on March 20 at https:// westernyologrange. org.

de trabajo.

Los sitios de obras viales incluyen:

• Russell Boulevard, media milla al este de la Interestatal I-505 y justo al este de Fredericks Drive • County Road 89, en la intersección de County Road 27 Cada una de las secciones de County Road 27 que se acerca a la intersección con County Road 89 podría cerrarse en ocasiones debido a los esfuerzos de trabajo.

Los automovilistas deben esperar retrasos y se les recomienda buscar rutas alternas dentro y fuera de Winters. Se han organizado desvíos para guiar a los automovilistas alrededor de los cierres totales de carreteras. Durante la construcción se mantendrá el acceso local a propiedades y negocios a lo largo de estos tramos de carretera.

Se recomienda a los automovilistas que tengan precaución, respeten las señales de construcción y respeten las instrucciones de los señalizadores cuando viajen por las zonas de trabajo.

El esfuerzo de colaboración apoya el servicio de riego de la región y mejora las capacidades del drenaje pluvial.

Para ver el mapa de cierres de carreteras del Condado Yolo, visite www. YoloCounty.org/ Road-Closures.

County seeks applicants for Community Services Action Board

Express staff

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors is seeking applications for openings on its Community Services Action Board.

The Community Services Action Board’s mission is to combat poverty by promoting the health, safety, stability and self-sufficiency of low-income persons residing in Yolo County. The board is advisory to the Board of Supervisors with the following primary functions: Convening bi-monthly meetings to evaluate local progress towards combating poverty in Yolo County.

Conducting a biannual community needs assessment to identify critical gaps in Yolo County’s social service system.

Overseeing the provision of services using Community

Services Block Grant funds by reviewing projects and project outcome measures to identify program success rates and gaps in services to make recommendations to the Executive Commission on Homelessness.

Serving as advocates for Yolo County residents living in poverty.

The Board currently has the following vacancies:

• Two vacancies for Representatives of community-based organizations

• One vacancy for Representatives of Low Income Residents

Those interested in serving may complete an application found at www.YoloCounty. org on the “Government” tab, click “Advisory Bodies” page.

For more information, contact Kerrie Covert at Kerrie.Covert@yolocounty.org.

Artwork for Congressional competition being accepted

Express staff

High-school students can now enter the 2024 Congressional Art Competition.

The Congressional Institute sponsors the nationwide visual art competition “to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.”

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

“The Congressional Art Competition is one of my favorite programs of the year

because it highlights the excellent artistic talents of students from across our district,” Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, said of his 4th District participation. “I look forward to seeing all of the incredible submissions this year and I encourage all high school students to submit their artwork before the deadline.”

To enter, students should contact the offices of their Congressional representatives and submit the release form and other required materials that can be found in the rules.

The release form can be found at www. house.gov/sites/default/ files/2024-02/2024_Student_ Release_Form_.pd.

The rules for students and teachers can be found at www.house.gov/sites/ default/files/2024-02/2024_ Rules_for_Students_and_ Teachers.pdf.

The deadline to submit the artwork is April 15, to the district office of the student’s representative. Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each piece can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, including the frame. Framed artwork cannot weigh more than 15 pounds. Acceptable mediums include:

• Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.

• Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed).

• Collages: must be two-dimensional.

• Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints.

• Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.

• Computer generated art.

• Photographs.

Sip and Paint benefits Make It Happen

Special to the Express

Local residents are invited to Sip and Paint, a wine and painting fundraiser at the Pence Gallery in Davis on April 6 to benefit Make It Happen for Yolo County.

The local nonprofit works with transition-age youth ages 16 to 24 across Yolo County, many of whom have been in foster care or experienced homelessness. Funds raised will help the local nonprofit provide furniture, household goods, cleaning supplies and essential items needed to establish a first home.

Sip and Paint guests will enjoy wine, beer and other beverages as they create a painting guided by Davis artist and teacher Joanne Andresen from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Small bites also will be served. Cost per ticket is $75, and tables of four are available for $300. Seating is limited, and tickets can be purchased at MIHYolo.org.

“We are excited to bring the community together for this fun event that will ensure we can serve even more under-resourced transition-age youth in Yolo County who are moving out on their own this year,” said Cathi Schmidt, executive director, Make It Happen for Yolo County. “We hope to meet new friends and raise awareness as we gather for an after-

noon of wine and painting with the incomparable Joanne Andresen. Everyone will go home with a beautiful painting in hand and a warm heart knowing that they have invested in the future of this particularly vulnerable population that is often overlooked.”

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Make It Happen for Yolo County receives furniture donations from the community and purchases new appliances and household items to help transition-age youth referred from Yolo County child welfare services, mental health and probation divisions, as well as the UC Davis Guardian Scholars program and other local groups involved with this population. Since its founding in 2014, Make It Happen for Yolo County has helped more than 250 transition-age youth. To make a financial or furniture donation, visit MIHYolo.org.

California Duck Days celebrates nature

Yolo sheriff’s officials warn of ‘missed jury duty’

phone scam

By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media

The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning last week about a recent phone scam making the rounds locally.

In it, callers impersonating sheriff’s officials claim their targets missed jury duty and demand payment to rectify the error.

“Remember, we never call about jury duty or request fines,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post. “We have no involvement in jury selection. Don’t be fooled — stay vigilant and report any suspicious calls!”

To report scam attempts, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 530-668-5280.

Special to the Express

Yolo Basin Foundation is hosting California Duck Days, Northern California’s wetlands and wildlife festival, on Saturday, April 27. This family-friendly event will take place at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters and will include live animals, wetland-themed arts and crafts, environmental education activities, hourly tours of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and much more.

Whether kids help build Wood Duck boxes to create nesting opportunities, dissect owl pellets to learn about owls or borrow rubber boots to explore the invertebrate life living in wetland

ponds, there will never be a dull moment at the festival for those curious about the natural world. The exhibitor area will host more than 20 local environmental organizations providing information about their missions and offering interactive, hands-on activities. Animal ambassadors will include baby ducklings, large raptors, and ambassador bats. Food vendors will be on site.

The festival is on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters at 45211 County Road 32B (Chiles Road), in Davis. Admission is $20 per vehicle. Dogs are not permitted at the festival.

“Theater” by Katherine Dowling was the 2023 grand prize winner from District 4. Courtesy image

the organizers said.

Draft regulations call for all single-use plastic to be recyclable by 2032

Express Staff

California is launching new recycling regulations, reforms and funding to reduce single-use plastic waste.

The state has released draft regulations for the country’s strongest requirements for producers to cut single-use plastic waste and ensure the packaging on products they sell is recyclable or compostable.

The state also will soon enter formal rule-making for another law to expand beverage-container redemption.

“For decades, plastics have been falsely advertised as recyclable – while really being designed to be thrown away,” Yana Garcia, California’s secretary for environmental protection, said in a press release.

“This growing source of trash ends up in our landfills or, too often, polluting our most vulnerable communities. That’s why California is taking nation-leading action to hold plastic producers accountable, protect our environment and communities, and build solutions to deliver on the promise of recycling.”

Packaging makes up more than 50 per-

cent of what California throws away.

California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act institutes the nation’s strongest requirements for producers to cut disposable plastic packaging and food ware, then recycle the rest.

This law requires that by 2032, industry must:

• Sell 25 percent less single-use plastic packaging and food ware in the state.

• Make all single-use packaging and plastic food ware recyclable or compostable.

• Recycle 65 percent of single-use plastic packaging and food ware.

The law also creates a fund that will raise $5 billion from industry members for the state to address plastic pollution in communities most impacted by plastic pollution.

CalRecycle, which will receive public comments on the rules for a minimum 45-day period, is underway.

CalRecycle will also hold a hearing for public comments on the draft regulations.

For more information and updates, visit www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/listservs/ subscribe/153.

Trophy winners at the Yolo County Science Fair in Woodland, held in March 1983, were (from left) Cindy Overholtzer, representing Jean Dodson’s fourth and fifth grade combination; Andy Pignataro, who received a PG&E energy trophy; and Robert Walker, representing Marti Vinson’s second grade class. All the students are from Waggoner School, which was well represented at the fair. An additional trophy was won by Marjory Hein’s fourth-grade class. Her students were on a field trip when the picture was taken.

145 Years Ago

March 22, 1879

(From the files of the Winters Advocate)

On Saturday last quite a number of young people visited Putah canyon on a fishing and picnic excursion. One party of four, consisting of H.M. Goin, Principal of the Winters School, George Woods, Miss Lillie Edwards and Miss Victorine Harlan, attempted to ford Putah Creek in a spring wagon, when the horses got beyond their depth. The current being swift, swept them swiftly down stream, and after being in a perilous position for a few moments, finally reached terra firma. The wagon was completely under water for a time, with the exception of the seats, and the party, in addition to their scare got a considerable wetting.

Messrs. Bibler and Brandenburg, who left Winters last week for Bodie, arrived at that place on Saturday last. Bodie now has between three and four thousand buildings, with a population of about 7,000.

Pike are caught in Putah Creek that weigh as high as 7 pounds, and the creek is full of them.

The first green peas of the season, from Mr. North's ranch, Mount Glenwood, were shipped from Winters on the 18th inst., for San Francisco.

Mr. Bush Stevenson

Years Ago

Dispatches from the Express archives.

and Uncle Ben Ely made us a pleasant call on Wednesday last. Mr. Stevenson says that as soon as the weather settles he will commence filling his contract for furnishing gravel for the Benicia railroad, and will run two gravel trains per day from the pit at Madison.

130 Years Ago

March 24, 1894

Sam Hoy has thirteen horses in training at his track near town. Joe Griffin's Trixy is said to be the coming horse, and will make a great showing this season.

Prosper Bertholet and Leo Nering are at the Midwinter Fair.

Carpenters are at work on W.J. McArthur's blacksmith shop on the corner of First and Abbay streets.

Dr. C.R. Blake who has been in practice here for a year and a half, left Thursday to take his father's place in San Francisco, who had to give up his practice on account of ill health. Dr. Blake is a bright young physician, and the Express wishes him every success.

P.S. Chiles of Davis-

ville passed through Winters Wednesday, on his way to Chiles Valley, Napa county.

95 Years Ago

March 22, 1929

School trustees elections next Friday, the 29th. P.W. Thornberry has been prevailed upon to accept the job if it is the wish of patrons of the grammar school. There is no other candidate. No candidate at all filed for the vacancy on the high school board.

Green pea shipments for the foothill section will begin the first of next week.

Everett Sidwell attended the meeting at Davis Wednesday called by George Dawley of Arbuckle to organize a baseball league of the towns of this part of the valley. Delegates from the six towns of Winters, Arbuckle, Davis, Dixon, Vacaville and Woodland were present at this meeting.

Mrs. Charles Erb and children are down from Idaho for a visit at the H.R. Bowman home.

Henry McArthur spent the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. N.A. Arthur. He has accepted a position with the American Press Association to be located in San Francisco.

The Fortnightly Club will meet in the new Fortnightly Club rooms, in the City Hall, Tuesday, March 26. Mrs. Alpha Sullivan will tell about her sister's experience in the

Express seeks Youth Day memories of Sebastian

Express staff

The Express is partnering with the Youth Day Committee to celebrate and honor Mike Sebastian’s legacy in part of the annual Youth Day event traditions.

The Express is asking community members to share their favorite memories of Youth Day or of Sebastian to be featured in the Youth Day special edition and to be in-

cluded in a float dedicated to him and his undeniable love for Youth Day.

Youth Day memories or photos can be submitted online now through April 1 at https://bit.ly/3P7UdrJ.

If you would like to volunteer to help build the float, fill out the Volunteer Form at linktr.ee/wintersyouthday. Write in “Mike’s Float” in the “Other” field.

Public Safety Report

City of Winters

Fire

Isthmus countries. Mrs. Victor Guthrie will talk on the Philippine Islands.

Adrian Overhouse visited with his father, W.D. Overhouse the first of the week. Adrian is now employed at Salinas.

Miss Jennie Reasoner is substituting for Miss Hannon on the grammar school faculty. Miss Hannon is off duty with an attack of the flu.

80 Years Ago

March 24, 1944

J.D. Griffin who now conducts a cafe on Railroad Avenue has stated that he is enlarging his kitchen equipment and expanding dining room quarters in the hotel building with a view to accommodating larger numbers than the present capacity.

Fire Monday night destroyed the 50room hotel and eight other frame buildings that composed the Napa Soda Springs resort, famed for numerous springs of curative waters. The loss was estimated at $200,000.

Vernon Bruhn ended his 20-day furlough Sunday to return to Coast Guard service in Alaska.

Helm D. Pleasants is expected on furlough visit this week, from Corpus Christi, Texas, where he is an instructor at U.S. Navy Air Training station.

The W.C.T.U. met Friday with Mrs. Carl Roeber and 14 participated in the program and social hour that followed.

Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Ish of Alameda were Sunday visitors with relatives in Olive and Apricot districts.

Mrs. Joe Diaz of Wolfskill section reports that she has collected and turned in at Dixon $404.50 as her district's contribution in the Red Cross roll call drive.

The Winters Fire Log will return soon. Check for updates at https://cityofwinters.org/157/Fire.

Police Arrest Log

Mar. 6: Mack, Amber Nicole (Age 44), Charges: Winters PD Warrant, Disposition: Released on Notice to Appear ~Boswell, Christopher Ray (Age 30); Charges: One Winters PD warrant, Two Yolo County Warrants, One Solano County Warrant; Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail Mar. 11: Alcala, Salvador Granados (Age 55); Charges: DUI, DUI with BAC over .08 percent, Driving without a license, Headlamps, Driving the wrong way; Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail

Mar. 12: Clarke, Tanya Marie (Age 36), Charges: Winters PD Warrant, Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail Report Log

Mar. 6: 9:22 a.m., 200th block of Almond Drive, Stolen

Vehicle ~4:11 p.m., 700th block of Main Street, CPS referral Mar. 7: 2:09 p.m., 100th block of Riverview Court, Lost Property ~4 p.m., 100th block of Westwood Court, Fraud Mar. 8: 4:34 p.m., 1000th block Hemenway Street, Traffic Collision Mar. 9: 9:15 a.m., 300th block of Railroad Avenue, Found Property Mar. 12: 1:40 a.m., 400th block of Railroad Avenue, Audible Alarm ~1:10 p.m., 300th block of Rosa Avenue, Petty Theft

Lake Berryessa water levels up

Express staff

The water level of Lake Berryessa went up during the past week by 0.33 feet, with an increase in the storage of 6,205 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh of the Solano Irrigation District.

On the morning of Tuesday, March 19, the lake level was 439.37 feet above sea level, with storage computed at 1,539,418 acrefeet of water. Evaporation on the lake averaged 158 acre-feet of water per day.

The SID is diverting 90 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 75 cubic feet per second flowing at the Diversion Dam.

Obituary

church in Winters and then Fairfield before moving to Utah with her daughter Laura.

All who knew Janet

are welcome to her memorial April 13, 2024 at 3 p.m. at Rockville Presbyterian Fellowship, Suisun Valley Road in Fairfield.

Police seek info on wrong-way crash with CHP vehicle

By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media

Last week’s head-on collision between a wrong-way driver and a California Highway Patrol vehicle in Davis was an intentional act, according to the CHP, which took the suspect into custody.

That person’s name has not been disclosed pending his release from the hospital and booking into jail,

Woodland CHP Officer K.C. Asvitt said Monday.

Two CHP officers were hospitalized as a result of the March 13 incident, which occurred along the shoulder of eastbound Interstate 80 west of the Mace Boulevard exit around 3:30 p.m.

The two officers had just completed an unrelated traffic stop and remained parked on the roadside when

the westbound driver, traveling at a high rate of speed, struck the CHP cruiser head-on. A passing motorist’s dashboard camera captured the incident, which caused the CHP vehicle to spin clockwise and the suspect’s vehicle to become airborne and overturn.

“Acts of violence like this against our officers will not be tolerated,” CHP Assistant Commission-

er Ezery Beauchamp said in a video message released the following day, along with footage from the crash. “To the two involved officers, we wish you the best in a speedy recovery.”

The collision remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Woodland CHP office at 530-702-6250.

Dodd legislation clears committees

McNaughton Media staff

A pair of bills by state Sen. Bill Dodd this week cleared their first committee votes.

The first, Senate Bill 1384, would allow wheelchair users "the right to have their own equipment repaired, eliminating delays that could leave them immobilized while reducing costs to one of California’s most vulnerable populations," a statement released by Dodd's office said.

It passed the Senate’s Business and Professions Committee Monday on a unanimous vote.

“Enhancing the quality of life for people with mobility issues is the focus of this bill,” said Dodd, D-Napa. “The proposal allows power wheelchair users to get their wheelchairs fixed in an efficient and timely manner when things go wrong. Ultimately, it ensures those who rely on wheelchairs can be operating as soon as possible.”

Currently, power wheelchairs manufacturers are

not "required to provide information or replacement parts directly to consumers or independent repair shops."

The second bill, SB 1003, on Tuesday passed the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee on a unanimous vote. It's next stop is with the Appropriations Committee.

The legislation "would help ensure electrical utilities are pursuing the fastest and most cost-effective infrastructure improvements, safeguarding the public from future wildfires and saving money for ratepayers forced to cover the cost of more expensive repairs," a separate Dodd statement said.

"Recently, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a $13.5 billion rate increase requested by PG&E to pay for the undergrounding of 1,230 miles of electric utility lines over the next three years. This is a fraction of the more than 10,000 miles of undergrounding PG&E proposes for the next de-

cade in hopes of reducing the risk of its utility infrastructure sparking wildfires. The cost per mile is estimated at $3 million," the statement said.

Dodd contends there are other alternatives such as insulating existing utility cable, which costs an estimated $800,000 per mile, "and in certain circumstances may be as effective in preventing wildfire ignitions as undergrounding, and achievable in far less time," the statement said.

“With utilities making upgrades to keep us safe from wildfire, we must ensure they identify projects that have the biggest impact and can be completed in the shortest amount of time for the least amount of money,” Dodd said. “We need the biggest bang for the buck when they do projects. It means we’ll be protecting our communities from wildfires sooner and avoiding unwarranted rate increases as we’re forced to absorb the cost of these improvements.”

ARREST

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the vehicle and recovered three nitrous oxide tanks, marijuana, and suspected ecstasy as well as suspected LSD. Riehm told the officer she was on her way home from San Francisco.

Riehm was booked at Yolo County Jail for misdemeanor DUI, possession of controlled substances, possession of

drug paraphernalia, and illegal possession of nitrous oxide.

“A special thanks to the alert reporting party for bringing this dangerous behavior to our attention. Riehm would have undoubtedly continued her intoxicated journey endangering not only herself, but everyone else on the road,” stated the post on the Winters PD social media page.

California voters are skeptical that more money is answer to homelessness

By Angela Hart KFF Health News

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s expensive ballot-box attempt to tackle the mental health and addiction crisis on the state’s streets is leading by a razor-thin margin, a week after the March 5 election. The close vote reflects growing skepticism among voters that he can effectively address the state’s homelessness epidemic.

Proposition 1 would fund thousands of new housing units and treatment beds with a $6.4 billion bond and by redirecting $3 to $4 billion in existing mental health tax revenue.

It is the latest in Newsom’s arsenal of policy ideas to attack homelessness and marks the most aggressive push in the nation to get people off the streets, into housing, and connected with health care.

Newsom argues the measure is key to gaining control of the public health crisis, in part by aggressively addressing the drug and alco-

POLICE

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Two of the department’s vehicles had major repairs needed. One with an engine issue and the other with a transmission issue, in both cases, according to Miller, the cost was well over the vehicle’s current value of $10,000.

One of the vehicles is being replaced, and the second will be replaced in two to three months.

Even acquiring the vehicles was a stroke of luck according to

hol addiction that prevents so many homeless people from getting into stable housing.

Yet Newsom, a two-term Democratic governor with national ambitions, has struggled to convince voters that California can responsibly use the money to address the epidemic.

As of March 11, Proposition 1 had a very slight lead in balloting — 50.4 percent for vs. 49.6 percent opposed.

Tallying the final vote could take weeks, though Newsom advisers said they’re confident the measure will ultimately prevail.

Health and policy experts say the tight race reflects public skepticism over pouring billions more into homelessness interventions that critics argue aren’t making a visible difference.

“There’s been a ton of money going into homelessness with very little progress; the crisis is just getting worse,” said Dan Drummond, executive director of the Sonoma County Taxpayers Association. He

Miller. A larger department ordered five vehicles but ended up only taking three and thanks to the relationship with the vehicle dealer, Miller was alerted that two vehicles were up for grabs. “When other departments heard we got a car, they were like, how did you do that,” Miller said.

Coffee with COP

On March 12, Miller hosted the very first of his series of Coffee with the COP (Chief of Police) at Steady Eddy’s Coffee House. The event began at 9

said he is a lifelong Democrat and voted for Newsom but has lost confidence that Newsom — and state government — can handle the crisis, so he voted against the measure.

Tents and plywood leantos are crowding streets and sidewalks from rural Northern California to San Diego.

More than 181,000 people are homeless in California, according to the most recent federal tally, and thousands who can’t afford housing are living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions, exposed to extreme cold or scorching heat. Often, they struggle with drug use and untreated mental illness.

Newsom has risked enormous political capital on the issue. During a campaign blitz in early March, Newsom promised 11,150 new housing units and treatment beds and broader mental health reforms, including ongoing money for permanent supportive housing and addiction treatment.

No other state has tried

a.m. and continued an hour longer than expected as Miller met with residents. With residents explaining issues in their neighborhood

as hard as California to attack homelessness. Newsom created an initiative to convert hotels and motels into permanent housing for homeless people. He is asking the Biden administration for permission to provide six months of free rent for homeless people. He launched a Medicaid initiative to provide other social services and housing supports for those on the streets or at risk of becoming homeless. The governor has spearheaded new laws to mandate treatment for those with serious mental health conditions.

So far, Newsom has plowed more than $20 billion into the crisis, with billions more for health and social services. Newsom says at least 71,000 people have gotten off the streets, yet the public health crisis is worsening. Homelessness has risen 20 percent since he took office in 2019, and addiction and mental illness are more rampant, experts say.

“It is very hard to sit here

and some just coming to thank Miller, the event allowed Miller to meet one-on-one with residents and get a pulse on Winters. The series will con-

and tell you that I think we’re solving the problem, or that Prop. 1 will solve the problem, even with the billions and billions we are spending,” said Stephen Manley, a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge who routinely rules on cases involving homeless people facing mental health- and drug-related misdemeanors and felonies.

“I’ve got people stuck in jail even though I’ve ordered them released because there’s no beds or housing available, and numbers on the streets just keep rising,” he said.

The missing piece, Newsom said while campaigning for the initiative in the Coachella Valley, is Proposition 1. He argued the state desperately needs the infusion of money to fund new treatment beds and housing, complemented by social services to help people get healthy and stay housed.

“All of this is considered part of this larger mosaic, but the beds are foundational,” Newsom said.

tinue at Steady Eddy’s from 9 to 10 a.m. the first Tuesday of every month. Some past community engagement events the police department

has hosted are Burger with a Cop, Taco with a Cop, and Otter Pop with a Cop. Miller said that during winter, outreach can be quiet because of fewer town events.

Courtesy photo

A screenshot from a dashboard camera shows a wrongway driver crashing into a parked California Highway Patrol vehicle last week on Interstate 80 in Davis. Two officers and the suspect, who is under arrest, sustained injuries.

Courtesy photo

Winters police recovered three nitrous oxide tanks, marijuana, and suspected ecstasy as well as suspected LSD from a car along Highway 505 on Tuesday morning

Hands-on experiences vital to a career in agriculture

By Logan Chrisp Express Staff Writer

What pathways do agricultural industry experts recommend for young people who’d like to pursue farming? Chris Turkovich of Turkovich Family Wines and Bruce Rominger of Rominger Brothers Farms shared what they believe to be the best pathways and programs young individuals should take advantage of to have the best success in the agricultural industry.

Bruce Rominger is a fifth-generation farmer and co-owner with his brother Rick Rominger of Rominger Brothers Farms. Rominger is the chairman

of the board of the California Tomato Growers Association.

Chris Turkovich has been a farmer since he was a child, growing up on his family’s farm, he’s been inundated in the world of agriculture since the beginning.

Both Turkovich and Rominger come from families of farmers. That experience lends itself to being successful.

“Starting to be your own farmer is difficult. Being a farmer on a real small scale is financially a precarious thing. In my opinion, on a large scale, it takes a lot of capital and most people can’t just get going like that,” says Rominger.

“It’s just harder and harder as there’s fewer and fewer people involved in agriculture that leads to fewer kids that have their parents working in agriculture,” says Turkovich.

Those with an interest in getting into the agricultural industry without family experience are faced with more challenges. To help, students should take advantage of the programs they have access to in middle and high school, like FFA and 4-H.

“On the youth side, that’s where 4-H and FFA are great programs. I went through 4-H ... and then just getting out there.

New program pairs new farmers with experienced mentors

The term food security no longer applies to just economically depressed regions or even families.

Dr. Amrith Gunasekara said this notion is a reality, which is why the science and research director for the California Bountiful Foundation is announcing the Expanding Our Roots:

Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Mentorship Program.

The foundation, a science, research, and education nonprofit, is part of the California Farm Bureau, which works on behalf of more than 26,000 California members to protect family farms and ranches.

“Mentoring the new generation of farmers and ranchers by experienced farmers and ranchers will ensure agriculture and food security is sustained into the future,” Gunasekara said, adding the mentoring program was requested by the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program at the California Farm Bureau.

“This request, along with the fact that many of our farmers and ranchers are nearing retirement age, meant there was a need for this program now,” Gunasekara said. The program allows 200

beginning farmers to be paired with mentor ranchers with more than 10 years of experience.

“To our knowledge, this program is the first of its kind in California, if not the country,” Gunasekara said. “We hope the program will encourage farmers to work collaboratively to solve agricultural issues and navigate the intense regulatory pressures in this state.”

According to the director, dealing with California mandates and a plethora of environmental regulations is challenging, especially for beginning farmers and ranchers.

“The learning curve is very steep, and the risks are high,” Gunasekara said. “With the Expanding Our Roots mentoring program, we want to lower the learning curve and help reduce the risk of farming in California.”

According to the director, reduced risk means a great chance of agricultural sustenance in the future and “mentor growers have already taken risks by trying new things and by sharing this information with mentees.”

Mentors will receive $50 per hour for up to six hours of mentoring. Half of the program participants must

See

There’s a lot of opportunity because there’s so few people involved in agriculture,” says Turkovich.

High school students should focus on getting experience through programs like FFA that help students learn more about agriculture.

“Ideally, you get exposed to as much agriculture as you can early on, which starts in high school. FFA and summer jobs are a good way to learn if it’s really something you want to do. There’s tremendous number of opportunities in agriculture. A lot of them need a college education. After that, there is further training like apprenticeships and the Center for Land-Based Learning,” Rominger said.

The Center for Land-Based Learning is another option open to our local community.

The Center for Land-Based Learning has several programs that allow volunteers to see various areas of agriculture and farming. One youth program is the FARMS (Farming, Agriculture, and Resource Management for Sustainability) Leadership program. According to the program’s webpage, it “introduces, trains and recruits high school students for college and career opportunities in agriculture and environmental science.”

The FARMS Leadership program helps participants see what is really happening at these agricultural businesses. Through this program, students can learn what they find interesting in agriculture. The FARMS program also helps get students internships at these same agricultural business-

es and farms. One of FARMS leadership programs’ goals is to demonstrate to those that aren’t familiar with modern agriculture just how broad the industry can be and how science and technology are key parts of the industry today.

Experience is key. Someone who has family experience in farming not only has some “capital” to leverage in their career, but also experience. Experience is one of the most important things someone can acquire to supplement their career. That experience can come from programs like FFA, 4-H and the FARMS Leadership program, and also getting experience over the summer break or though an agricultural focused Senior Capstone Project at Winters High School.

“All of that helps, absolutely. All of that helps to get you, you know, there’s just this massive amount of knowledge that you need and any exposure you can get to anything in the agricultural field helps you,” says Rominger.

Going to college can broaden the possible careers open to someone. Many universities in California offer degrees in agriculture. While Rominger recommends agricultural degrees for those that want to have a career in farming, he says that it isn’t required.

“To be a successful farmer, you need to be part scientist because we need to know a lot about chemistry and soil science and things like that to understand what we’re doing out here,” says Rominger.

The agricultural industry is so broad and multifaceted that there’s many opportunities in both career and study. So no matter what someone’s interests are, whether it’s science based or mathematics, a career

is out there in agriculture.

“Math, science, all of that is important because there’s all aspects of that in agriculture and then kind of some experience, and that kind of depends on what portion of the ag industry people want to go in, whether it’s farming, ranching, horticulture, aquaculture, aquaponics, there’s so many different areas,” says Turkovich.

Speaking to both farmers, it becomes clear that the demographics need to change to keep our food systems healthy. The current demographic of farmers isn’t getting younger and soon, a new younger generation of farmers will need to take the older generations place.

The USDA Census of Agriculture reported that the average age of the American farmer was 58 in 2022. With various barriers to entry for young people, like the cost of land and housing, young people are having trouble entering the industry. The current agricultural industry is aging out, and there needs to be a new wave of young, motivated farmers to take up the reins.

“It’s been a problem in agriculture for a long time about too many old farmers. We need young farmers. So I try to encourage people by telling them there’s tremendous opportunities in agriculture and lots and lots of jobs. And we need them. We need new blood.” says Rominger.

New blood, as Rominger says, is needed to supplement the aging demographic of the agricultural industry. With the current experienced farmers aging out, a new generation is needed. That generation will need to take advantage of the programs and schools available to them in order to succeed.

MENTORS

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be specialty crop growers. Under program funding requirements, priority consideration will be given to socially disadvantaged farmers and military veterans in farming and ranching.

Ranchers will learn about financial incentives and resources from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and UC Cooperative Extension. They will also learn market access, production management, and business aspects of California farming.

“Farmers and ranchers are business people, and without these skills, there is a greater chance of the farm not being sustained into the future,” Gunasekara said.

Ranchers will also get schooled on climate change and unpredictable weather patterns, new challenges due to agricultural food production inherently linked to the weather.

“The state has Climate Smart Agriculture grants, including grant opportunities that can help them fund conservation management practices and climate-smart agriculture,” Gunasekara said.

Grant funding for this project was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

“Establishing new programs is costly, and until recently, there were no funding opportunities for this program or anyone to take the lead in seeking funding,” Gunasekara said.

Additionally, the director said the USDA National Resource Conversation Service offers grants for growers to implement conservation management practices.

Farmers are enrolling in the program now.

“We hope the program will help sustain agriculture into the future,” Gunasekara said. “We hope that beginning farmers and ranchers will be able to farm into the future past ten years and become mentor farmers one day.”

To learn more about the program or enroll, click here or visit https://bit.ly/4adfDfD.

Daily activities can influence longevity

By Angela Underwood Express correspondent

How long do you want to live?

Really, think about it. Because your answer matters. If you want to live a longer life, than it is possible. And if you don’t that is fair as well. But no matter what your figure comes out to be, consider that you do not have to be your age according to epigenetics.

While drinking his morning coffee with his two toddler-aged sons in the background, Dr. James Stirton — the head chiropractor at Winters Family Chiropractic — explained the grave difference between chronological age verses biological age.

“Longevity is in our genetics,” Stirton said.

Stirton said that while yes, you are your genetic hereditary DNA, your specific gene expression can be altered by behavior and environment.

However good it

Special to the Express Health is a multibillion dollar industry. People who may be short on time may look to the most efficient routes for maintaining health and wellness.

For some, that could mean turning to supplements to ensure they are consuming the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals. But is supplementation the best way to fuel the body? According to MyProtein.com, a supplement and nutrition company, the average American spends close to $56 per month on supplements, which include protein powders, vitamins and more. Those expendi-

sounds; it is not the reality for most who dismiss the importance of gene expression. If not understood and reversed, lifespans will continue to shorten, according to Stirton.

“That means my sons’ lives will statistically be shorter than mine, something that any human would champion against and defend practices to reverse that shortened life expectancy,” he said.

With his passion comes personal research he directly applies to his patients, who, in a lineup, appear as a team of multi-aged athletes ready to compete in a triathlon or strongman competition.

“The new idea in science is no longer what you’re compared to as far as your actual

tures are in addition to their other health spending, which may include gym memberships and meal plans. However, leading health experts point healthy individuals in the direction of getting their vitamins and minerals from eating nutrient-rich foods instead of taking supplements. According to VNS Health, a New York-based home and community health care organization, people in good health are better off getting the majority of their daily nutrients from food. Harvard Health seconds that advice, saying vitamin and mineral supplements cannot match all of the biologically active compounds available

physical age is concerned,” Stirton said. “Your biological age can be younger than your actual age based on the epigenetics or the expression of your genome.”

While Stirton said, “Everyone’s interested in living longer, healthier lives,” the growing trend is nothing new to him since he’s already attended clinics on gene expression and longevity. In layperson’s terms, Stirton said tiny markers on the helix of DNA in cells determine what you will look and be like.

The bad news is that poor gene expression results in impaired metabolism, functionality and development, which directly affect longevity.

“These are the people that are surprisingly dying at age 50,”

through a varied diet. There are 13 vitamins in total, and eight belong to the B group. Together with minerals, these nutrients are essential for bodily functions like wound healing, regulating hormones and fighting infection. Nutrients that are consumed through foods are often easier for the body to absorb. Furthermore, it is much less likely one will experience toxicity from getting too many vitamins and minerals through diet alone, whereas it can be easy to go over the recommended daily values when using supplements. Although vitamins and minerals consumed via a balanced diet are generally the best bet, there are some instances when supplementation may be necessary. A health care provider

and you say, ‘Huh? How did that happen?’” Stirton said.

The good news is that you do not have to live your actual age by changing behaviors and environment, beginning with chiropractic discipline. Studies back good news, according to the doctor, who said, “Your most productive years are after 50, not 20 to 30.”

“After 50, you have more experience, you’re less afraid of taking risks, and you have more drive because you have less time,” Stirton said. “But yet these 50-plusyear-olds are dying and are too unhealthy even to get there.”

He says his chiropractic model of care’s ultimate goal with longevity is not to help heal what is broken but to improve organ system function and alter the expression of genes to be the best version of oneself.

“If you ask most people if they would like to be the best version of themselves, everyone will say yes to

porosis or age-related macular degeneration also may find supplementation or eating fortified foods can be advantageous.

Individuals should keep in mind that many supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or oth-

the very end,” Stirton said, adding it takes effort. “One of the newest sciences in genetics is this can change based on your activities of daily living.”

Like the connection between daily lifestyle and longevity, diet is also a pillar of epigenetics and longer life, according to Stirton; however, outdated U.S. diet recommendations and the public’s lack of correct knowledge keep the masses blind.

While Stirton said he is grateful for his double-digit career, it is the privilege of caring for the fittest members and athletes locally that matters most. He says he offers insight into longevity and wellness that less-informed and experienced doctors in mainstream healthcare lack.

“I want to reverse the downward spiral our health outcomes in America, starting with my local city. I work in and out from there,” Stirton said.

In doing just that,

er countries’ government regulators. Such products may contain hidden ingredients or vitamins and minerals in levels not deemed safe. Also, some supplements can interact with medications. Again, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider before sup-

the good doctor’s desire for his community’s wellbeing and growth, begins with his sons. Since having their children, Stirton said he and his wife stay up late researching optimum growth and development, excited to implement proven successful findings.

It’s said that late nights have Stirton sipping coffee on his day off to share how we can all live better. The icing on the cake is the tiny voices in the background asking questions and laughing.

Stirton said he is excited to share more scientific evidence behind epigenetics and longevity in his upcoming series.

To learn more about Winters Family Chiropractic and its services, check out americanriverchiropractic.com/index.php/winters-family-chiropractic. The doctor says, “If you’re not certain, ask Dr. Stirton.” One can call 530-795-4500 or email him directly at jimstirtondc@gmail.com.

plementation to find out if it is necessary. People concerned about their vitamin and mineral intake should first turn to food to get all of the nutrients they need, and then discuss supplements with their physicians if they still have deficiencies.

Now Open

FEATURES

Wednesday, March 20

Winters Youth Day Committee Meeting, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance, https://linktr.ee/ wintersyouthday

Wednesdays

Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution, Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue

Thursday, March 21

Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check https://wintersjusd.diligent.community

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, March 23

Brake Light Repair and Community Table, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Winters Health Care parking lot (172 E Grant Ave.), Enter WHC parking lot through the roundabout off Grant Avenue/Hwy 128

Library Event: Craft Your Heart Out, 2–4:30 p.m., Winters Community Library, yolocountylibrary.org/locations/winters/

Monday, March 25

Library Event: Family Game Night, 5–7 p.m., Winters Community Library, yolocountylibrary.org/locations/winters/

Tuesday, March 26

Winters Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m.,City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/planning-commission/

Upcoming

Monday, March 25 thru 29

Winters Library Public Hours (No School in Session), Mon/Wed: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 12–8 p.m., Fri/Sat: 1–5 p.m.

Monday, April 8

Winters Climate Action Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters. org/182/Climate-Action-Commission

Library Services

Winters Library Public Hours (School in Session)

Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 8–8 p.m., Fri: 8–5 p.m., Sat: 1-5 p.m. (Mask Only 1–3 p.m.)

Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library

Bilingual Storytime (ages 0-5), Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Winters Community Library

Virtual English Conversation Group, Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m., One time registration required: Contact Nancy Pacheco 530-666-8019 or nancy.pacheco@ yolocounty.org

Mangonada Monday (ages 6-12), fourth Monday, 3:30 p.m.

Tech Thursdays, Thursdays, 2-7:30 p.m., call 530-6668005 to schedule an appointment. Bilingual sessions available upon request.

Saturday Matinee, First Saturday, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library

All You Need is Love Romance Book Club, Second Saturday, 4 p.m., Hooby’s Brewing

Older Adult Programs

Winters Senior Foundation Chair Yoga Class for Seniors, Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.)

Winters Senior Foundation Social Gathering, Thurdays, 1-3:30 p.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.)

Ongoing

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

Winters Fortnightly meeting, second Tuesdays, 1 p.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.)

Rotary Club of Winters meeting, Thursdays, Noon, The Buckhorn

Winters Museum public hours Thursday thru Sunday, 1-5 p.m., 13 Russell St.

Winters Open Mic, third Thursday of the month (January thru March), 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Winters Opera House, 13 Main St. Kiwanis Club of Winters meeting, fourth Wednesday, 6 p.m., Hooby's Brewing, kiwanisclubofwinters@ gmail.com

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.

How AI affects homes, real estate HOMES, Page 2

WHS track & field takes top spots

SPORTS, Page 3

Winters seems to be changing OPINION, Page 4

Thriving Pink, Winters Healthcare partner to provide breast cancer resources

By Amelia Biscardi Express staff writer

Thriving Pink received a $64,000 grant from Dignity Health. This grant is specifically for its ProsperROSA program which is collaborating with the Winters Healthcare clinic to provide support for women in the area.

Thriving Pink is a Yolo County nonprofit agency that focuses on supporting breast cancer fighters and survivors. Its ProsperROSA program focuses on education, screening and supporting the Latina community.

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, every two minutes a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the most common cancer.

One of the ways that ProsperROSA helps is by identifying women within communities like Winters who are considered high risk for breast cancer. Then they can get those considered high-risk earlier screenings and even genetic testings. Thriving Pink provides these genetic tests in collaboration with UC Davis Health.

Rosa Gutierrez, a Population Health Coach at Winters Healthcare, explained how breast cancer hit closer to home for her.

“We lost someone very close to us — like a cousin of mine — a couple of years ago to breast cancer. She was so young, she was 40,” Gutierrez said. “That kind of was an awakening for my family and we kind of all (...)

made the effort to go get screenings and our genetic testing done.”

Gutierrez has been volunteering and helping with Thriving Pink for a while now and started helping at a mammogram event. She notes that those who aren’t aware of the reality of breast cancer don’t always realize how important screenings can be.

“I understand that sometimes patients may not know or may not know the power that education is or like, the power of screening and the importance of it,” Gutierrez said. “Sometimes just educating them on what they are being tested for. And also encouraging them to go get their screenings.”

Thriving Pink prioritizes outreach in the local communities

in a myriad of ways. Jodi Rubin, Chair of Thriving Pink’s Board of Directors, shared insight on working within Winters.

“We do outreach in Winters and generally around breast cancer,” Rubin said. We (have) worked with some of the students at the high school. We did their capstone project on breast cancer. So you know, we do outreach in the community and we have a relationship with Winters.”

One of the ways the two organizations have been working together is through a provision from Thriving Pink of their comfort bags.

“Honestly, the moment when someone is diagnosed like you’re telling them for the first time that they have breast cancer, it’s big,” Gutierrez said.

“It’s a big thing to take in. (...) There’s just so many emotions going through their mind in the moment and you show up with this cute little bag and there’s all these little nice resources in there, reminding them that they’re not alone.”

Winters Healthcare uses Promotoras to reach the Hispanic community. Promotoras are community members trained in health care education who work to get the word out. Thriving Pink plans to support that with their grant and community assistance.

One of the things the Promotoras can do is encourage early screenings. Additionally, they support those who are uninsured with resources to get medical care paid for.

Rubin said they encourage women to get mammograms and act as a connector to get them tested.

“We identify women who need mammograms, we can connect them either with mammogram clinics or with Every Woman Counts California,” Rubin said. “(It) has funding for mammograms for women. So we will try to identify people who have not been screened.”

For Gutierrez, who ended up getting tested early — it was a big deal.

“I remember being terrified to find out. I thought about that test forever,” Gutierrez said. I didn’t want to do it. But like, when I realized, how important it was for us to be educated, and

See PINK, Page 8

Wellderly Day encourages seniors to focus on present wellness

By Wally Pearce Winters Elder Day Council

On April 1, 2001, Well-Elderly Day, known as Wellderly Day, was created by M.D., Dr. Dale Anderson. Wellderly Day’s promotes health benefits for senior adults.

National Wellderly Day celebrates and promotes healthy lifestyle changes to ensure longevity and a fuller life while considering the number of years the elderly have left to enjoy, as opposed to the years already lived. This paradigm shift helps to maintain physical and mental health, because being well and a senior citizen need not be mutually exclusive.

Wellderly Day is observed starting on the third week of March (2024), and it’ll be commemorated for six days starting on March 18 to March 23, where families and local communities can celebrate our senior citizens every day by designating observations for their well-being. People often hear that age is just a number, but what that figure signifies varies widely because a life filled with purpose

and meaning makes all the difference.

Wellderly Days encourages families and community members to join hands and help senior citizens live their lives to the fullest. During this celebratory time, senior citizens are encouraged to take up an exercise program, pursue hobbies, and follow a passion — that includes physical, mental, emotional and financial status.

According to the World Health Organization, anyone over the age of 65 is considered a senior citizen, and of course, this number has changed since 1875, when someone 50 years of age was considered elderly.

The World Health Organization introduced healthy aging, offering four main areas of intervention:

1. Creating a health system that’s focused on the elderly,

2. Developing a health system that delivers long-term and sustainable care services,

3. Creation of friendly environments for the elderly, and

4. Improving the assessment, monitoring, and research of senior

adult ailments. For many senior citizens, their retirement years identify an opportunity to develop interests that may have been shelved during a person’s working era.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-P) recommends that adults aged 65 and older should aim for an exercise regimen that is atleast 30 minutes a day of moderate activity such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of relevant outdoor activity, hiking, or jogging in place.

The CDC-P also suggests yoga as an exercise regimen. However, when engaged in a physical activity, such as yoga, the CDC-P offers a few cautions to avoid potential harm, such as, the yoga teacher should have completed a yoga teacher training course that covers safe physical postures, meditation, breathing movements, yoga philosophy, anatomy, physiology, and how to teach.

According to the National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), yoga is generally considered a safe form of physical activity for

healthy people when performed properly, under the guidance of a qualified instructor, even still, an individual can sustain injury. Senior citizens may need to be particularly cautious when practicing yoga. According to NCCIH data, the rate of yoga-related injuries treated in emergency departments is higher in people aged 65 and older than in younger adults.

The most common yoga injuries are sprains and strains, knee, lower leg or lower back. Clients may need to avoid or modify some yoga poses and practices. Some preexisting injuries that may call for yoga modifications are hip injuries, lumbar spine disease, severe high blood pressure, balance issues, and even glaucoma.

To reduce the risk of potential injury, always practice physical activity such as yoga, under the guidance of a qualified instructor. Even when a professional teacher temporarily hands any exercise course over to an aid, that assistant should be equally com-

Courtesy photo

Maria Gonzalez and Kelly Currywood provided outreach at the Almond Festival last month.

Courtesy photo

Katie Curran of Dignity Health, Tracy Olsen the Yolo County Public Defender CARES, Joni Rubin the Thriving Pink board chair, Phoua Moua of Dignity Health and Jesse Salinas the Yolo County Assessor/Clerk/Recorder were on site to award the grant to Thriving Pink.

How AI affects homes, real estate

Special

ated various aspects of our lives, and the

of real estate and home innovation is no exception. In recent years, AI-driven technology has been harnessed to make homes more energy-efficient and user-friendly. From intelligent climate control to personalized home automation, the role of AI in real estate and home buying/ sales has become increasingly significant, ushering in a new era of smart living.

Energy efficiency

One of the most notable contributions of AI to the residential sector is its role in enhancing energy efficiency. AI-driven smart home systems can optimize energy

consumption by learning and adapting to residents’ preferences and daily routines.

Thermostats, lighting systems and even appliances equipped with AI algorithms can intelligently adjust settings based on usage patterns, weather forecasts and energy prices.

For instance, a smart thermostat can learn when residents are typically at home and adjust the temperature accordingly, leading to energy savings without compromising comfort. This level of automation not only contributes to reduced energy bills but also aligns with the global push for sustainable and eco-friendly living.

Home automation and user-friendly living

The integration of AI

in home automation has revolutionized the way homeowners interact with and control various aspects of their living spaces. Voice-activated assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, powered by AI, enable residents to manage lights, thermostats, security systems and more through simple vocal commands.

Moreover, AI-driven systems can learn individual preferences over time, creating a personalized and adaptive home environment. From adjusting lighting based on personal preferences to anticipating security needs, AI-powered home automation enhances user experience and simplifies daily living.

Real estate transactions

has become a valuable selling point. Homebuyers are increasingly attracted to properties equipped with intelligent automation systems that offer convenience, efficiency, and a touch of futuristic living.

curate property valuations, helping sellers set competitive prices and aiding buyers in making informed decisions. This has been an improvement over the previous use of just neighborhood comparisons.

home-buying process.

Predictive analytics, another application of AI, enables real estate professionals to forecast market trends, helping buyers and sellers make strategic decisions based on data-driven insights. This level of sophistication in data analysis has elevated the efficiency and precision of real estate transactions.

The Motley Fool reports that generative AI has been contributing to the creation of 3D models of properties that people can access from their smartphones, tablets or computers. It was a practice that started during the pandemic and has continued to grow in popularity.

In the real estate market, this user-friendly technology

AI has played a transformative role in streamlining real estate transactions and enhancing the home buying/selling process. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to provide ac-

Virtual assistants powered by AI can handle routine inquiries, schedule property viewings and provide information on properties, streamlining communication between buyers, sellers and real estate agents. Chatbots on real estate websites can engage with potential buyers, answering questions and guiding them through the initial stages of the

As technology continues to advance, we can anticipate further innovations in AI-driven solutions for homes, offering a glimpse into a future where our living spaces are not just places of shelter but intelligent environments that adapt to our lifestyles while prioritizing sustainability and efficiency.

Adobe/Stock image

Track and field takes top spots in Oroville

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

The Winters High School track and field team headed out to Harrison Stadium in Oroville to compete at the Sac Valley League’s Jerry Johnson Mid-Week Classic on Wednesday, March 13.

The Warriors came out strong, placing in the top five spots in multiple events in both the varsity and junior varsity competitions. At the competition, many athletes set new personal records and seasonal bests early in the season.

In his first track team appearance, junior Jesse Madsen proved he’s a Warrior to keep an eye on. Madsen earned multiple top-place spots, including second place in both the varsity boys 100 meters with a time of 11.49 and the 200 meters with a time of 23.96.

In the boys junior varsity competitions, freshman Chase Gibson took first place in the 200 Meters with a time of 24.85 and placed second in the 100 Meters with a time of 12.07.

Sophomore Macguire Plitt placed third in the junior varsity 200 Meters with a time of 26.03.

Freshman Henry Girimonte placed third in the 1600-meter event with a time of 5:46.40 and fourth

in the 800-meter event with a time of 2:39.91.

Sophomore Avhin Willim placed fourth in the 110-meter hurdles (36 inch-

Softball beats Rio Vista

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

The Winters High School varsity softball team had a disappointing week, going 1–3 — Winning against Rio Vista, while losing two against St. Helena and Woodland Christian.

On Tuesday, March 12, Winters played against the St. Helena Saints at home, losing 8–4.

St. Helena batters overpowered Winters, with Saints players Tahlia Smith and Olive Filippini each smashing home runs. Altogether the Saints had 11 hits on the day, compared to the Warriors' six.

Ahtzire Figueroa had a positive day behind the plate for Winters, going two for three with one triple and scoring two runs. Jayle Jimenez, Allison Aguiar, Bayla Garcia and Neveah Gutierrez recorded a base hit each.

On Thursday, March 14, the Warriors fared much better on the road against the Rio Vista Rams in a dominating 23–8 victory.

Izabella Bermudez

started on the mound for Winters, throwing two innings and allowing two runs. Taking over in the third, Garcia threw three innings, striking out three batters, and allowing six runs. Rio Vista scored eight runs on two hits, which can be attributed to the six errors committed by the Warriors. Winters dominated at the plate, getting 14 hits on the day and stealing 10 bases. Bermudez had an equally impressive day at the plate, hitting a triple for the second consecutive game and scoring two runs.

Aguiar and Jimenez had amazing games at the plate on Thursday. Aguiar made a single and a double, and stole two bases, scoring four runs. Jimenez hit two doubles, stole three bases, and batted in four runs.

On Friday, March 15, Winters had a rough day all around, losing 4–16 against the Woodland Christian Cardinals.

On the mound, both Bermudez and Garcia

See SOFTBALL, Page 8

es) with a time of 24.02.

On the girls varsity team, senior Lucie Obrist placed first in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 18.70

and fourth in the 100-meter race with a time of 14.25.

Junior Mahalia Lanfranco also scored a fifth-place spot for the Warriors in the varsity 100-meter hurdles with a time of 20.40.

The girls varsity 4x400 relay team of juniors Celeste Reyes, Evelyn Frazier, Stefany Hernandez and Lanfranco took third place with a time of 4:30.93.

The girls junior varsity team brought the competition out to the track. WHS sophomores took six of the top seven spots in the 100-meter race.

Varenna Terronez placed first with 13.30. Not far behind Ava Muir-Vickrey was second at 13.95 and Reece Barbosa in third at 14.13. The fifth through seventh spots were claimed by Ismene Taylor (14.40), Violet Tuel (14.42) and Lilliana Borchard (14.42).

The WHS junior varsity 4x100 relay team of sophomores Tuel, Taylor, Varenna Terronez and Muir-Vickrey placed first at 55.01.

Freshman Angelina Passantino placed first in the 800-meter event at 2:57.68. Lanfranco followed up snagging fifth at 3:19.29.

Passantino also smoked the competition by 10 minutes and placed first in the junior varsity 1,600-meter event at 6:19.38.

Borchard placed third in the junior varsity 200-me-

ter race with a time of 32.12 and fifth in the 1000-meter hurdles (30 inches) at 22.05.

In field events, Madsen placed fourth for the Warriors varsity boys team in the long jump event at 18 feet.

The boys junior varsity team scored two first-place spots thanks to sophomore Ramos Lopez. Lopez took first in the junior varsity shot put at 38 feet, 2 inches and in the discus event with a mark at 103 feet, 7 inches.

Sophomore Gavyn Moore also placed Winters on the board in the junior varsity discus event with a fourthplace spot launching the disc 74 feet, 9 inches.

Willim placed second in the Triple Jump event at 34 feet, 2 inches and fourth in the High Jump at 4 feet, 2 inches.

WHS girls junior varsity team athletes took top spots in the long jump and triple jump events.

For the junior varsity long jump, Muir-Vickrey placed first at 13 feet, 7.5 inches. Tuel placed third at 13 feet, 4 inches and Taylor placed fifth at 12 feet, 6.5 inches.

In the triple jump, Muir-Vickrey took first again at 29 feet, 8 inches. Close behind, Tuel placed second at 29 feet and Barbosa in third at 28 feet, 2 inches.

Baseball wins two of three

By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer

The Winters High School varsity baseball team had a much better week on the field, winning two out of the three games for the week.

On Tuesday, March 12, the varsity baseball team won its home game against St. Helena High School by a score of 8–2.

Isaiah Pazmino started off the game pitching for the Warriors with one strikeout, one walk and only allowing three hits and one run over almost four innings until he was relieved by Jordan Calvert. Calvert finished the game strong with two strikeouts and one walk and only allowed three hits and one run for the remaining innings of the game. Pazmino and Calvert were backed up by a strong infield and outfield with zero errors. Anthony Duran was heavily utilized getting his hands on the ball 12 times throughout the game.

The Warriors had a better game at the plate, tallying 11 hits. Ashton Baylor led the Warriors as the number seven-hitter in the lineup with two runs batted in. Jake Woods also had an impressive day at bat, col-

lecting three hits in four bats and scoring two runs for the Warriors. Duran and Derick Olson also collected two hits for the Warriors. Pazmino, Duran, Jordan Wojan, Olson, Isaac Lopez and Sebastian Rodriguez made it across home plate for the Warriors securing the win.

On Thursday, March 14, the varsity team made its way to the River Cats

stadium at Sutter Health Park where they defeated Rio Vista High School by a score of 6–4. It took a while for the Warriors to find their rhythm, taking the lead in the fourth inning and securing their victory in the fifth inning when Baylor stole home and Julian Herrera grounded out, each scoring a run.

See BASEBALL, Page 8

Isaiah Pazmino

Isaiah Pazmino, a Winters High School senior, is Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. So far this season, Pazmino has regularly appeared on the mound for the

Courtesy photo

Jesse Madsen placed fourth for the Warriors varsity boys team in the long jump event with a mark of 18 feet.

KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo

Isaiah Pazmino throws in a pitch from the mound at the Rivercats home stadium in a game against the Rio Vista Rams.

Express Yourself

Winters seems to be changing

Maybe it is my age, but Winters does seem to be changing

When I look around Winters, I’m seeing more and more new faces. Our 7-year-old grandson, Lukas, and his parents, from Boise, were visiting this week. He always wants to play on our wooden park so off we went.

I didn’t recognize a single person, while Sherri stopped to talk to a few people. She still substitutes from time to time and stays connected to young people.

This was Sunday afternoon and the park was full of young people enjoying the structure’s many features. From the merry-goround, swings to the zip line, everyone was sharing and smiling. Having perfect weather didn’t hurt.

Visiting the creek is a different story. If you walk along the Solano side of the creek the homeless seem to be multiplying. Winters doesn’t offer many, if any, services for the homeless, so I’m at a loss as to why they are here. When I talked to a Solano County Sheriff he said they had just served them a notice to vacate. Where do they go next?

The Yolo County Master Gardeners are busy working on the Japanese Memorial Gar-

den. With new plants, trees and irrigation system, and soon to be monument, this will be another bright spot in downtown Winters. I might add that the funding for the memorial and garden came from donations to the Historical Society of Winters, Rotary Club of Winters and our public works crew’s labor. Everyone needs goals, or deadline, and the upcoming dedication of the Japanese Memorial on May 4, has motivated me to clean up my space. It has been eight years since we moved into the old library building from our Railroad Avenue office. Moving should have been an opportunity to throw everything away, but we just moved piles of stuff from one building to another. We’ve added more shelving to display our treasures and my goal is to get everything off the floor so people can see what we have to offer. There were boxes of antique bottles, retrieved from the old privy that was behind the Express, that now fill several shelves. There are stacks of old newspapers that I’m just moving from one spot on the floor to the shelves. I have a couple of old school presses that now have a new

See QUICK, Page 4

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20) Aries, this week you need to get back to business, especially if hobbies or other interests have been taking up much of your time lately. Avoid distractions at all costs.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21) You may be excited about new prospects that are on the horizon, Taurus. With so much change coming, it can be exciting to see what lies in wait.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21) Gemini, you may discover that you are devoting a lot of attention to others of late, sometimes cutting into your own needs. Be attentive and caring, but pay attention to your own needs as well.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22) Cancer, if you check the calendar lately you are bound to find a number of dates are filled. You may want to consider slowing down; otherwise, you may prematurely burnout.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23) Leo, if expenses and finances have been troubling you of late, you can breathe a sigh of relief when things lighten up this week. Right now you are in a good spot financially.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22) Virgo, you will need to uphold your end of the bargain for the time being as others are counting on you delivering. You cannot dodge any responsibilities right now.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23) Libra, over the next few days you may receive some offers from employers or entrepreneurs that seem very appealing. Before you jump into something new, do your homework.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22) Scorpio, it will become obvious how others rely on you for advice and to get jobs done correctly. All of that responsibility can put extra pressure on you, so take it all in stride.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21) This week you may discover that people are flocking to you left and right, Sagittarius. You will not have trouble making new friends if you so desire.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20) Capricorn, take ownership of any actions that may have put you into a strained relationship with those close to you. Admitting mistakes is the first step in mending fences.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18) Aquarius, you may only now be getting to those resolutions you made a few months ago, but better late than never. Focus on projects around the home that will revitalize your spaces.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20) Physical activity can do wonders for you, Pisces. If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or even tired, take a walk or hit the gym for some exercise that can alleviate many symptoms.

QUICK

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new home behind my

presses.

There is an old lithograph stone, from the 19th century, that exists only because there is a spelling error on the stone — “IT’S A BEAUTIEUL DAY.” These were hand-painted on limestone and the artist must have kept it as a reminder to be more careful in the

future. Did I mention that it is heavy, maybe 40 pounds or so? I can’t remember how many times I’ve moved it in my lifetime, but I’m hoping this is the last time. Give me another month or so, and I should have my side of the museum ready for tourists. I’ve been saying that for more than eight years, but it might happen. Enjoy the weather and have a good week.

Do your part for Winters

With leaf-blower in hand and broom and dustpan nearby, Dylan Rivas, from Bella Boutique was seen cleaning up the properties, tables, benches, sidewalk of his business as well as Yolo pharmacy and Serendipity. Thank you Dylan for caring about Winters. Let’s all take a page from Dylan’s book and help get the City beatified for the spring. Please pick up trash and debris anywhere you may be walking. At your home, do a spring clean up in the front yard and include

the fall leaves that may still be in the gutter. If your neighbor is unable to do their cleanup, lend them a hand. Include the street gutters of any property across from you if there are no residents. Plant some pots or garden areas with colorful flowers. Winters is a destination for many to enjoy a day out, to sample wines and enjoy meals at our many fine restaurants, coffee with friends and take the kids to the parks. The city public workers can only do so much so let’s lend them a hand

around town. If visitors to your businesses park in the lots, owners and staff, get together and come up with a plan to clean the lots. Clean from your door to the middle of the street and fan out to keep everything tidy. If you see something that needs to be repaired, leave a word for the crew at City Hall. Let’s do this for the entire town of Winters. In the meantime, enjoy the sun, laughter of children playing, the birds singing, as YOUR city comes alive with events and festivals.

KAREN MAY

By Don Shor Special to The Enterprise

One of the most useful suggestions made to me aas a young gardener was to keep a journal. Note what did well, what didn’t, how the seasons differed from year to year (2013: “42 watermelon plants are more than any human needs to grow….”). You’ll notice consistent performers and erratic

ones over time. Especially with tomatoes, the number of varieties to choose from can be overwhelming, so keeping records of performance can help guide your choices in spring.

How was 2023 in the vegetable garden?

• The heaviest producing variety for me, once again, was Juliet tomato. I decided to track the numbers

and stopped counting at 400 fruits, and I picked another hundred in late October as I cut the plant down to make room for winter vegetables.

• For sauce tomatoes it was a close race between San Marzano and Rugby, a new contender that has much larger, meatier fruit. For a regular medium-size red tomato, long-time favorite Early Girl was great

as usual, but New Girl out-yielded her for the second year and the flavor was outstanding.

• There’s always a surprise. I always grow some heirloom tomato varieties despite their capricious yields. Most heirloom tomatoes, selected as regional favorites in our midwestern states, aren’t well adapted to our hot, dry summers. But each summer one surprises me. In 2022 it was Cherokee Purple, a 100-year-old variety said to have originated with the Cherokee Nation. It’s not actually purple, more of a dusky brown red, with dark red flesh. Usually I get 25 – 30 fruits on this one, but two years ago it produced about 80 fruit! In 2023 the surprise was Pineapple, a rich-flavored heirloom variety with very large fruit. It’s a beautiful yellow-orange fruit with streaks of red in the peel and flesh. Most years I get a half-dozen fruit. Last summer it produced about 15, each at least a pound and a half.

• I always grow something weird, just for fun. Last year it was Reisetomate, a strangely mutated tomato whose fruit resembles a red cluster of grapes. Tart, seedy, but exceptionally flavorful, it yielded pro-

digiously and made outstanding sauce. Is there a truly purple tomato? Conventional breeders have been working to increase the anthocyanin content of tomato fruit for years, with several varieties that have dark blue, indigo, or even almost-black skin. But no tomatoes bred conventionally have had purple flesh. Enter Norfolk Plant Sciences with their Purple Tomato, whose rich purple flesh was created by inserting a gene from purple snapdragons. For the first time in the US,

genetically modified vegetable seeds were available to home gardeners this year. They sold the seed online at $2 each, but sales closed March 17. Keep it simple!

I get a lot of new gardeners who just want to know “what are the best tomatoes to grow here?”

• My standard advice: diversify your portfolio.

• Grow a couple of hybrids for reliable yield and disease resistance. Early Girl or

See GARDEN, Page 7

Continued from Page 6

New Girl, Better Boy, or Champion, all the Chef’s Choice varieties (especially Chef’s Choice Orange), and Ace are among many proven varieties for this area.

• Grow at least one small-fruited type such as Sun Gold, Sweet 100, or Juliet. Cherry tomatoes are foolproof and great for beginners. They produce hundreds of fruit under good conditions, and at least dozens even under marginal conditions.

• Sauce tomatoes are generally outstanding here (canning tomatoes are still Yolo County’s #1 crop).

Roma is popular and is a compact grower, but there are lots of new options in this category.

• If you want to grow heirloom tomatoes, try locally tested types such as Mortgage Lifter or Pineapple. Stay away from Brandywine and Beefsteak, which don’t yield well here.

• Try something new to your family: an heirloom Italian type such as Costoluto Genovese, or the compact little Principe Borghese that’s great for sun-drying. Look for some of the Wild Boar Farms varieties that were developed locally by farmer Brad Gates, or something that grumpy old guy says is the “best tomato you’ll ever eat.” You may find new varieties to add to your must-grow list. When to plant?

The arrival of plants in hardware stores and garden centers isn’t an indication of

planting time. Many start to stock early for those intrepid gardeners who like to shelter their plants from cold nights or transplant them to grow them along for later planting. Tomatoes like to go into warm soil, and peppers and eggplants need really warm soil.

For best results, we plant tomatoes in April and peppers and eggplants in May. All can be planted through May and even into June. We have a very long growing season here.

Soil temperatures should be at least 60 degrees for tomatoes and 70 degrees for the others.

What can we plant now, and what’s the planting sequence?

Green beans are tolerant of colder soil and not very tolerant of high summer

temperatures. My journals indicate best harvest of green beans in June from plants or seeds planted in late March or April, and in October from August planting. Mid-summer beans grow but tend not to set well. Potatoes are also planted in March.

By late April you can also plant your tomatoes, older types of corn, summer squash, cucumbers, and sunflowers.

May is really our most active vegetable gardening month.

In early May we can start planting sweet and mildly hot peppers and eggplants. With soil warmer it’s okay to plant the extra-sweet corn varieties, and you can continue planting corn every couple of weeks through June. Basil loves heat and is best planted starting in May.

In late May to early June, we plant winter squash (a confusing name applied to squash types that are picked in late fall and stored into the

winter), musk melons and pumpkins. These take a lot of space! At the end of May and into June we plant watermelons and okra, both of which need very warm soil.

This is when the super-hot peppers such as habañero and ghost peppers go in; they cannot tolerate cold soil.

Don’t fret if your neighbor’s garden is planted before yours is. I have had very good results planting all the way through June.

GARDEN

Pineapple is an aptly-named heirloom variety as it has a rich flavor with a lot of tang. Fruit are very large, up to two pounds.

Courtesy photo

Yourself

Express Yourself: Cannabis — Right or wrong?

By Rhonda Petrillo

Special to the Express

Cannabis is being considered for our beautiful city of Winters.

Schizophrenia, psychosis, meth addicts — what do all three have in common?

Cannabis. Before you object to what I say, take a look at this article from the National Institute of Mental Health: https://tinyurl.com/ mtux3c8n.

Cannabis is a gateway drug. In the elderly it causes heart attacks and strokes. In youth is causes brain damage.

According to numerous studies much of the mental health issues we see on the rise in our society are caused by cannabis. If this is so then why would we EVER condone a cannabis dispensary in our city?

I guess we don’t believe it for what other reason might there possibly be? Money?

We all know there’s money in drugs and lets just call THC what it is — it’s a drug. Do we know what it does? Here is a drug that we widely accept yet has such potential for destruction of

PINK

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and yeah, education is power, right? It’s a big tool.”

While the grant is new and Thriving Pink is working on the groundwork, they plan on continuing their mission to support those who have had or who are at risk for breast cancer.

Gutierrez recommends any member of the community who is worried about breast cancer top come in and make an appointment at Winters Healthcare.

“Feel free to ask questions, it doesn’t hurt really to get the information,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez also notes that a lot of Winters Healthcare staff are bilingual and hopes that makes Spanish speakers more comfortable there. Winters Healthcare public hours are

the brain and other organs with prolonged use, even cancer.

Anxiety or irritability are a common residual. What I read in one of the studies is effects can last up to 10 years. Why doesn’t anyone tell us this stuff? Each time you use THC you are running the risk of an episode that could cause brain damage.

If we do a cannabis dispensary in town it could mean a couple million to the city coffers annually. Is it worth quality of life for some? Let’s not forget there are fringe victims to psychosis (and remember the definition of psychosis anywhere from clinically insane to irritability or aggression) — children of user parents, spouses, society when a divorced spouse with children ends up raising her/his children on her/his own and needs financial support. Are we ensuring the quality of mental health, physical health, relational health in the families of our community? We need to be teaching our kids to abstain from ALL drugs. By putting a cannabis dis-

pensary in our community that children are raised around it becomes no big deal to them. Their norm. Most likely they will become users. Take aways from studies:

• “Teens who smoke pot at risk for later schizophrenia, psychosis” Harvard Health: https://tinyurl. com/4y8x3933

• The teenage brain is still a work in progress. Between the teen years and the mid-20s, areas of the brain responsible for judgment and problem solving are still making connections with the emotional centers of the brain. Smoking marijuana may derail this process and so increase a young person’s vulnerability to psychotic thinking. Scientific America: https://tinyurl.com/2warebaz and National Institute of Health: https://tinyurl. com/3mzpt275

• “Young adults who live in neighborhoods with a higher number of medical marijuana dispensaries use pot more frequently than their peers and have more positive views about the drug”, according to a study

“Our vision is that no one goes through breast cancer alone. We’re super committed to making sure that we are out and connected.”

Jodi Rubin, Chair of Thriving Pink’s Board of Directors

available online at wintershealth.org/contactus.

“When you go into a facility and you see a familiar face, or you see someone who speaks your language, it helps,” Gutierrez said. “And it helps you feel more comfortable and like, you open up more, right? So that’s our hope with our patients that they see someone who speaks their language and we can help them navigate the resources.”

Rubin said they can support those with breast cancer with a

myriad of resources.

“Our vision is that no one goes through breast cancer alone,” Rubin said. “We’re super committed to making sure that we are out and connected.”

Some of the other resources Thriving Pink provides for those with or recovering from breast cancer are workshops, both in person and over Zoom as well as events and support groups.

For more information, send an email to prosperosa@thrivingpink.org or info@thrivingpink.org.

released by the Rand Corp. Los Angeles Times: https:// tinyurl.com/mtjjbn9y

• ”Youth who frequently use cannabis are more likely to experience negative consequences such as increased risk of mental and physical health problems, school drop-out, relationship problems and motor vehicle accidents”, according to the Rand researchers.”

• ”Using cannabis to cope was linked to experiencing more negative consequences like having trouble remembering things, difficulty concentrating.” UC Davis Health News: https:// tinyurl.com/ytw5x4ch

• “Casual cannabis use puts teens at risk for problem behaviors, including poor grades, truancy, and trouble with the law, which can have long-term negative consequences that may keep youth from developing their full potential in adulthood.” Columbia University: https://tinyurl.com/ yc8kanpx

• “Exposing developing brains to dependency forming substances appears to prime the brain

WELLDERLY

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competent in the sequence and level of instruction to ensure client safety. Remember, some injuries are not always immediately recognized and could become cumulative and appear over time. No matter what exercise routine is selected, it’s very important that before it begins, please visit your pri-

SOFTBALL Continued from Page 3

had rough outings. Bermudez pitched until the third, giving up six runs on six hits and only striking out one batter. Garcia took over for Bermudez, allowing 10 runs

for being more susceptible to developing other forms of addiction later in life,” said senior study author Frances R Levin, MD, Kennedy-Leavy Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia and addiction psychiatrist, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.”

As it stands cannabis is listed as a Schedule 1 drug — that means the highest objection. Cannabis has been a political “puppet” and in many states it has been approved as a legal substance. However, the WHO (World Health Organization) has even listed it as a Schedule 1 drug. Why?

Well, I believe because they know it leads to the demise of society and quality of life.

Finally, if you are thinking you don’t agree with a cannabis dispensary — and it doesn’t stop there — what about growing within city limits and distribution?

I would encourage you to voice your opinion because I can tell you that your silence is being perceived as you are wanting cannabis businesses in Winters.

mary doctor, and determine what workout program is best for you.

Additionally, California and insurance experts recommend that all fitness professionals, whether they’re presenting a workshop or teaching ongoing classes, carry general liability insurance.

Please join the Winters Elder Day Council in its celebration of Wellderly Day and

on seven hits, also only striking out one.

The only standout performance behind the plate for Winters this week was Figueroa, who batted in three runs with one double.

The Warriors played in a dou-

encourage senior citizens to pursue a passion, take up a new hobby, exercise, and do what makes them happy. Retirement years are an opportunity to develop interests that may not have been available to pursue before a person’s retirement. Wellderly Day promotes healthy aging and recognizes the contributions of senior citizens to families, communities and society.

bleheader at home against Durham on Tuesday, March 19. Looking ahead, they play next against Gridley at home on Wednesday, March 20, at 4 p.m., and an away game against Dixon on Friday, March 22, at 4 p.m.

BASEBALL Continued from Page 3

Pazmino pitched another excellent game on the mound and earned the win for the Warriors, striking out six batters, walking one, and giving up zero hits and one run over three innings. Calvert and Lane Brown both stepped in to relieve Pazmino. Calvert kept the momentum going with seven strikeouts and two walks, allowing only three hits and one run. Brown fin-

ished the game strong pitching one inning allowing zero hits, striking out two with zero walks.

Pazmino not only stole the show on the mound but also had a great game behind the plate collecting one hit, one RBI and stealing multiple bases. Duran, Gio Jimenez and Jordan Wojan also collected one hit for the Warriors each. Herrera made an RBI in the game driving in another run for the Warriors.

On Friday, March 15, the varsity baseball team lost its second home game of the week against Woodland Christian High School by a score of 0–13. Ultimately the Warriors couldn't keep up and critical errors in the third inning allowed Woodland Christian to get on the board, scoring three runs.

Miles Mariani started the game off on the mound for Winters. Mariani pitched four innings allowing six runs on four hits, striking out one and walking five. Jimenez and Brown both stepped in as relief pitchers but were unable to close the gap.

Pazmino, Calvert, Wojan and Olson were the only four Warriors to get a hit in the game, making it impossible for the Warriors to capitalize on anything.

The Warriors will start playing league games this week.

KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo

The Winters High School varsity baseball game played the