Winters Express: Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Bridge is 2024 Educator of the Year

please!

The 2024 Youth Day Educator of the Year is Sue Bridge. This year, the Winters Youth Day committee included staff nominees from across the Winters Joint Unified School District staff, and sent out ballots for students to cast a vote. Of the 433 students who voted, a notable 235 (54.3 percent of the vote) said they wanted to see Bridge earn the honor of Educator of the Year. “It feels great,” Bridge said of the honor. “Since I am retiring this year, it is the perfect send-off.”

The Winters Middle School physical education teacher boasts praise from the highest up. Superintendent Rody Boonchouy called Bridge “a beloved member of the Winters Joint Unified School District” for serving Winters students for 37 years. “She is respected by her peers and trusted by her students, and she has ensured that generations of our community have been kept in shape in her PE classes,” Boonchouy said. “We know that teachers like Sue make a lifelong impact on students, which is why it’s important that we honor her.”

Winters Farmers Market opens season Sunday

Express staff

The Winters Sunday Farmers Market officially launches its second season this Sunday along downtown Main Street.

The Farmers Market is scheduled to run every Sunday now through Oct. 27 on downtown Main Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event features goods and produce from local farms and vendors in Yolo and Solano Counties.

Ahmad (Simba) Baratti of Simba’s Heirloom Farm will continue to coordinate the event. Baratti has experience and knowledge in organizing farmers markets, and Winters DBA will work to market and rally the community to participate and attend. Members of the Winters Downtown Business Association will continue to help market the events. “We are thrilled

Duck Derby postponed, Opening Ceremonies still planned for Friday

Service Project. Following the stage dedication, the Youth Day committee will recognize Sue Bridge as the 2024 Educator of the Year, pay tribute to the memory of Mike Sebastian

Council rescinds 1942 resolution, Plans to apply for Senior Center funding in fall

By Amelia Biscardi Express staff writer Winters

City Manager Jeremy Craig had to fight with an old safe to find an ordinance passed in 1942. Getting the safe open and finding the safe was not a one man operation, as Craig needed to make a couple phone calls to track the 82-yearold document down.

While resolutions are more about making a public statement and not something that carries legal precedence, at the April 16 city council meeting Craig said the council felt the need to do something.

The original minutes showed the 82-year-old Resolution 2-42, unanimously adopted by the Winters City Council on Feb. 17, 1942, urged the “removal of all Japanese from California” and demanded that “immediate steps be taken by the constituted authorities to see that all such enemy aliens be placed in concentration camps and that the land and/or property owned or operated by such aliens be placed under government supervision for the duration of the

war.” Additionally, the resolution further requested that “all schools taught in enermy-axis language be immediately closed” and not be allowed to re-open for the duration of the war.

Council member

Jesse Loren who worked on Resolution 2024-27 to rescind the 82-year-old ordinance explained its purpose.

“I think that government doesn’t alway take responsibility when they get it wrong,” Loren said. “But government sometimes gets things wrong ... and I think tonight that government

got it wrong. And we would like to rescind that decision.”

The proclamation explained that Japantown was a part of Winters from 1888 to 1945, noting that after 1942 when the Japanese people of Winters were forced to move to concentration camps in Arizona and Colorado.

While they were gone, the high school burnt down and the city decided to take over the Japanese school, sending belongings left there to the concentration

By Angela Underwood Express correspondent Drum roll,

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express Winters Middle School physical education teacher Sue Bridge is the 2024 Youth Day Educator of the year.

Amelia Biscardi/Winters Express Winters City Council members and residents celebrate the rescindation of an 82-yearold resolution calling for the removal of Japanese citizens.

Teens are rockin’ out with Shakespeare this summer

Fideicomisarios

Directiva

Distrito Escolar Unificado

Actors and dancers will work with outstanding professional director Nika Ericson. Davis musician Nicolas Carvajal will be musical director, arranger, and composer for the show. Teaching Artist Megan Abbanat will lead actor’s training.

Dancing, and fencing coaches from Winters and UC

See SUMMER, Page8

From slapstick to heartbreak to rock ‘n’ roll, teens can do it all this summer in the five-week summer acting camp, Winters Shakespeare Workshop. This year, WSW is free to students enrolled in the Winters Joint Unified School District, thanks to a generous grant from the Winters JUSD Extended Learning Opportunity Program. Teens, ages 13 to 19, can sign up now for roles in WSW 24. Preteens, ages 8 to 12, can sign up for the WSW 24 Dance Team. Winters Shakespeare Workshop is open to all. Both actors and dancers will develop performing skills in this five-week camp which will end with a complete production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with music. This summer’s workshop/production will include: singing, physical comedy, stage combat, special effects, and more! As always, music will be a big part of this show. There will be opportunities to sing, and dance, as well as to develop acting skills.

School district announces 2024 Hall of Fame honorees

Express staff

Winters Joint Unified School District announced the inductees for the 2024 Winters JUSD Hall of Fame. Community members nominated a poll of individuals for the categories of alumni, former employees, and distinguished service. The 2024 Hall of Fame class includes:

• Alumni: Barbara Thomas and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

• Employee: Kate Humphrey (in memoriam) and Everardo Arellano

• Distinguished Service: Russ Lester The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to honor the 2024 Class will be held on April 25. For more information, contact the school district office at 530-795-6100.

Lake Berryessa water levels down

The water level of Lake Berryessa went down during the past week by 0.03 feet, with a decrease in the storage of 566 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh of the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, April 23, the lake level was 439.88 feet above sea level, with storage computed at 1,549,027 acre-feet of water. Evaporation on the lake averaged 176 acre-feet of water per day. The SID is diverting 153 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 122 cubic feet per second flowing at the Diversion Dam.

WTC hosts auditions for Romeo and Juliet

Winters (Winters Joint Unified School District — Winters JUSD) aprobó un nuevo cronograma para brindar más flexibilidad para apoyar a los estudiantes de la Escuela Intermedia de Winters Middle School (WMS) con oportunidades de intervención y enriquecimiento y la oportunidad de participar en una clase electiva elegida. El director de WMS, José Bermúdez, y otro personal de WMS compararon el modelo actual y las diferencias que traería el nuevo horario FLEX en la reunión de la junta escolar del pasado 2 de Abril.

El horario FLEX agrega un bloque de 25 minutos para todos los niveles de grado, entre tres o cuatro días a la semana después del segundo período. FLEX se ofrecerá los Lunes, Martes, Miércoles y los Viernes de salida temprana programados. En el calendario actual de WMS, las clases se imparten en un modelo trimestral y todos los estudiantes tienen una clase sobre ruedas. Los estudiantes que necesitan apoyo de intervención son asignados a una clase taller en lugar de una clase optativa y, a veces, se les retira durante la clase para recibir apoyo individual y especializado.

“Las escuelas no pueden permitirse modelos insuficientes de prestación de servicios, y cuando me vino a la mente FLEX se trata de esa prestación de servicios. Y es una entrega ... Cuando hablamos de intervenciones siempre pensamos en los estudiantes que tienen dificultades, estudiantes que necesitan apoyo.”

José Bermúdez, El director de WMS

Special to the Express The Winters Theatre Company is seeking actors for its upcoming Shakespeare production of “Romeo and Juliet.” Forbidden love is not ancient history. William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is a tragic love story where the two main characters, Romeo and Juliet, are supposed to be sworn enemies but fall in love.

Auditions will be held on Tuesdeay, May 21 and Wednesday, May 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Winters Opera House, 3 Main St. Callbacks are scheduled for Thursday, May 23.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. The performances are scheduled from Aug. 2 to 11, on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. For more information visit winterstheatrecompany.org or call 530-795-4014.

El calendario FLEX propuesto: Cambiará el modelo trimestral de la escuela intermedia a un modelo semestral para alinearse con la experiencia en la escuela secundaria de Winters High School. Reemplazará el actual descanso de cinco minutos después del segundo período y la clase de asesoramiento con una sesión FLEX de 25 minutos para todos los estudiantes. Proporcionará oportunidades para que todos los estudiantes elijan clases optativas. Permitirá que los estudiantes de educación especial reciban apoyo especializado durante la sesión FLEX. Brindara oportunidades de enriquecimiento para que otros estudiantes

amplíen sus intereses y los impulsen al siguiente nivel. Según Bermúdez, California requiere que los estudiantes reciban un mínimo de 54,000 minutos de instrucción en un año escolar y enfatizó que “cada minuto importa.” “Las escuelas no pueden permitirse modelos insuficientes de prestación de servicios, y cuando me vino a la mente FLEX se trata de esa prestación de servicios. Y es una entrega ... Cuando hablamos de intervenciones siempre pensamos en los estudiantes que tienen dificultades, estudiantes que necesitan apoyo. Pero las intervenciones también son para estudiantes que están en el nivel de grado que necesitan ser empujados y avanzados a ciertos grados también,” dijo Bermúdez. El personal de WMS utiliza la herramienta de diagnóstico iReady, administrada tres veces al año, para obtener datos sobre las necesidades de aprendizaje individualizadas de cada estudiante. Sin embargo, solo muestra dónde se encuentran los estudiantes en ese momento y no cómo les está yendo entre una prueba y otra. “Cuando hablemos de cómo ubicamos a los estudiantes, cómo los apoyamos, cómo los hacemos avanzar, serán más datos de la vida real en lugar de esperar hasta el final del semestre,” dijo Bermúdez. Emma Brown, consejera de WMS, le dijo a los miembros de la junta directiva que el “por qué” detrás del cambio de horario propuesto es que no hay una solución única para todas las necesidades de los estudiantes. “No todos nuestros estudiantes necesitan intervención, pero hacia eso está orientado nuestro modelo actual. Algunos de nuestros estudiantes, como mencionó el Sr. Bermúdez, también necesitan enriquecimiento y actualmente no tienen esa oportunidad en nuestro calendario actual. Nuestro modelo actual no permite la flexibilidad que necesitamos ni la elección de los estudiantes,” dijo Brown. La sesión FLEX ofrece una rotación grupal cada 10 a 12 semanas. Los grupos fluctuarían según las necesidades de enriquecimiento o apoyo de los estudiantes. Los estudiantes de WMS han compartido comentarios con el personal a través de encuestas diciendo que quieren más opciones. Brown dijo que el horario FLEX brindará al personal “una oportunidad regular de ajustar las necesidades de los estudiantes durante todo el año escolar.”

“Algunas de las razones detrás de esto es que incorporar el apoyo educativo específico en el cronograma ayuda a garantizar que se satisfagan las necesidades individuales de los estudiantes durante el día escolar y esto se hace de manera consistente y también nos permite alinear nuestros servicios especializados en un entorno de educación general y brinda la flexibilidad para ajustarnos y evitar el riesgo de seguimiento (rendimiento de los estudiantes) en nuestras clases principales,” dijo Brown. Madeline Castro, maestra de educación especial de WMS, dijo que el horario FLEX beneficia a los estudiantes de educación especial al brindarles apoyo individualizado y permitirles seleccionar clases optativas. “Con FLEX, podemos crear modelos push-in y apoyar más a los profesores en el aula. En lugar de sacar (a los estudiantes) de clase o perder esa materia optativa... podemos sacarlos durante ese tiempo FLEX y trabajar con ellos en ese momento,” dijo Castro. Bermúdez aseguró a los fideicomisarios que se realizó la colaboración del

Courtesy photo

Some of the cast and crew members from last summer’s production of “Twelfth Night.” Winters Shakespeare Workshop is a summer youth program of Winters Friends of the Library, supported in part by a grant from the Winters school district.

145 Years Ago

April, 1879

[From the files of The Winters Advocate]

The question of cutting the Isthmus of Panama in two by a canal that will connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans has come up again for discussion, and has been more earnestly considered than for many years. The French people, to whom the Suez canal is largely due, seem to be interested in the Panama canal, and hold a congress in Paris early in May, at which M. de Lesseps will preside.

Mr. E.J. DePue, of the firm of DePue & Co., is in town taking orders for their Illustrated Historical Atlas of this county.

Henry Craner, formerly of Madison, has opened a general merchandise store in Winters, in the building formerly occupied by Mr. Terrill. Mr. Craner is well known in this vicinity, having sold goods in Buckeye in 1860, and been in Yolo County the most of the time since.

We had a pleasant call on Thursday morning from Mr. J.P.M. Frazer, historian for Wood, Alley & Co., who are getting up a history of Solano county. He stopped with Mr. Wolfskill one day, and secured many valuable notes in regard to the early settlement of Solano.

Bob Spaulding is having a corral made in the rear of his store, which is to be 16 feet high. It is made strong, so as to hold the elephant which he pur-

Bob Spaulding is having a corral made in the rear of his store, which is to be 16 feet high. It is made strong, so as to hold the elephant which he purchased while at the Bay.

April 1879

chased while at the Bay.

130 Years Ago

April 28, 1894

F.W. Penn shipped about seventy pounds of strawberries to San Francisco on Tuesday. Principal Crane is still engaged in the school room notwithstanding the fact that the public school closed last week. He is going on with the 9th grade class in order that it may be in better shape when the examination for graduation takes place next month. The invitation hop given by C.W. Sinclair and wife, in Seaman’s Hall, last Saturday night was a very enjoyable affair. All present said they had a good

time and expressed the hope that Charley would give another soon. The music was good and up to date.

The entertainment given in the Opera House on Wednesday and Thursday nights, by the Oliver Musical Comedy Company was good, and to say more was the best show that has been in Winters for years.

There will be a union Sunday school picnic in the grove near Mrs. M.A. Wolfskill’s on Tuesday next May day.

The closing exercises given by the high school students on Thursday and Friday evenings of last week was a complete success. It is estimated that there were 800 people present the last night.

95 Years Ago

April 26, 1929

A number of Legion members went to Sacramento Tuesday night to hear Paul V. McNutt, of Indiana, National Commander of the American Legion. Those from Winters in attendance were

Mr. and Mrs. T.K. Willard, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Underwood, Mr. and Mrs. Buell Ish; Mesdames Ernest Harris, Jennie Lepley, Sam Cheney, Charles A. Elliott, Mary E. Sanborn, Miss Clara Sager and Messrs. Vernon Johnston, Joe Doll, Shelven Lepley and Carroll Ish. Messrs. Chester and Theodore Roth of Woodland and Miss Ramona Roth, student at San Jose high were week-end visitors at the home of their mother, Mrs. E. Roth. All motored to Davis Saturday to attend the Farm Picnic.

Harold Phillip Ritchie joined the Winters Band Monday evening, and will be a valuable addition to the Alto section.

Miss Ruth Mermod and brother, Leon came up from Stanford University to spend the week-end with their mother, Mrs. L.M. Mermod.

Miss Lillis Chapman is home from school for a week-end visit at the W.R. Chapman home.

All of Alex. Ritchie’s children except Walter Ritchie of Salt Lake City, and Mrs. Edith Gregory of Fresno were present at a family reunion and birthday party at his home on Grant Ave. Sunday. The celebration was in honor of Mr. Ritchie’s 82nd birthday anniversary.

80 Years Ago

April 28, 1944

Buckeye Lodge, F.& A.M. is engaged in celebration of the 75th year of the organization, which occurred in October 1869, and varied social activities are being scheduled. Thursday afternoon of last week a delegation from Yolo and Solano counties appeared before the Highway Commission at Sacramento and asked that the construction of Dunnigan-Vacaville shortcut road be made a part of the post war

highway building program. Lt. Herman A. Meyer is having an extended furlough with Winters, Napa and Sacramento relatives. According to information from the War Department, 1st Lt. George E. Merchant, Jr., who received his DDS degree from U.C., graduated April

20, from the Medical Field Service School, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, after completing six weeks of intensive training. Andy Anderson of Placerville is coming to fill the position vacated by Walter Stark in the Bank of America force. Anderson has fifteen years banking experience behind him.

Obituary

Services will be held, Friday May 10, 2024, at 3 p.m. Mass at St Anthony Catholic Church, 511 W. Main St. in Winters, with memorial and reception after.

For all who have been touched by his love and zest for life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Gofundme to support his family at https://gofund. me/ec6a9010.

Ben Lucero, born in Los Angeles, longtime resident of Long Beach and most recently of Winters, passed away April 3, 2024, enduring cancer with vigor and faith. He is survived by husband Jesse Lucero and children Michael Angel (5) and Joshua Josiah (3). He is the first born to Angel Lucero (d) and is survived by his mother Frances Griffith and siblings Rose, Lisa, Delores, Valinda and Tom. Brother Michael Ruben Lucero and stepmother Maimu Lucero proceeded him in final rest. Ben Lucero left an everlasting impact of love and compassion on many, who attest to his work ethic, service and love for people modeling one day at a time for over 37 years. His love for God, family and fellowship was experienced by many at Long Beach Memorial Hospital and where he was recently employed at Huron Consulting Group for Adventist Hospitals, where he dedicated his knowledge, skill and integrity as a Hospital Administrative Director.

Ben Lucero

Courtesy photo Ben Lucero

to bring the Sunday Farmers Market back to Winters starting Sunday, April 28, through Oct. 27. With spring in full swing, we’re eager to reconnect with our community and support our local farmers,” Baratti said. “We have a new addition to the market this year, Alemaya Farm out of Capay Valley. We are excited to welcome back Riverdog Farms, Rainwater Ranch, Winters Fruit Tree, Upper Crust Bakery, Ciarlo Fruit & Nut and more.”

Starting in May, attendees can peruse the Winters Arts and Craft Market in Paseo Park. The Arts and Craft Market will continue to take place the last Sunday of every month through October.

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host

of the

Youth Consulate members. Students from Shirley Rominger Intermediate School will be featured in a Talent Showcase to round out the evening of events. At Friday’s events, residents can purchase ducks for the rescheduled Duck Derby and the 2024 Youth Day t-shirt and register to participate in the inaugural Michael Bazan Jimenez and Noah Lichwa Me-

personal durante todo el proceso de creación del cronograma FLEX. Además de las reuniones de personal, también se reunió con cada maestro individualmente y con diferentes grupos focales. El calendario original de Power Hour propuesto se modificó debido a esos comentarios. La decisión de suspender la oferta de la clase de asesoramiento se tomó porque el personal dijo que sentían que las lecciones ofrecidas se podían realizar a través de la sesión FLEX. Eliminar el aviso también aumentaría los minutos de clase y complementaría los días mínimos.

Brown dijo que esperan brindarles a los estudiantes más opciones para elegir para su aprendizaje a través del horario FLEX. Si se aprueba, WMS agregaría más opciones de clases electivas y permitiría a los estudiantes que necesitan apoyo adicional asistir a una

Agricultural-related vendors who would like to apply to have a booth at the Winters Farmers Market should contact Barratti at simbasheirloomfarm@gmail.com or call 415-996-8179.

Live music will continue at the Sunday farmers market events, starting with Thick As Thieves on Sunday, April 28.

Seasonal road closure Winters City Council approved the seasonal road closure of Main Street at the Railroad Avenue and Main Street intersection down to the mid-Main Street crosswalk. Once the market has concluded and vendors have broken down their areas, the barricades will be removed and Main Street will open back up to traffic on Sunday afternoons.

morial Fun Run. The 5K fun run/walk event is scheduled to be part of the annual Winters Youth Day festivities on April 27 at 8 a.m. at 5 E. Abbey St. (Abbey and Railroad Street). For more information about the 5K fun run or about how to donate to the cause, visit https://bit. ly/3TqEyEZ. For information about Youth Day happenings, visit www. wintersyouthday.com or read the official Youth Day special publication inserted in the April 24 edition of the Winters Express.

clase electiva y tener apoyo en lugar de simplemente tener una clase de apoyo. El cambio de horario también le daría al personal la oportunidad de equilibrar mejor la cantidad de estudiantes en clases requeridas como ciencias, matemáticas e Inglés.

Brown dijo que el cambio significaba que más estudiantes “recibirían más tipos de apoyo en grupos más pequeños, por lo que también una mayor calidad de apoyo.”

Antes de la votación, Bermúdez compartió comentarios de los estudiantes sobre qué tipo de lecciones les gustaría, incluidas actividades culinarias, agrícolas, artísticas y relacionadas con el fitness, como Zumba y oportunidades de meditación de bienestar.

Los fideicomisarios aprobaron por unanimidad cambiar WMS al cronograma FLEX propuesto. Se prevé que el cambio se implementará para el año escolar 2024-2025.

“This recognition validates the experiences of students who have been positively influenced by the teacher’s efforts,” said WMS Principal Jose Bermudez. “It demonstrates to students that their opinions about their educational experience are valued and taken seriously. It demonstrates that teachers genuinely care about their students’ opinions and well-being, which fosters trust and rapport.” The students’ vote is all Bridge wants.

“I have worked really hard for 37 years — This acknowledgment from the students of Winters Joint Unified School District is truly an honor,” Bridge said. “I am very appreciative.”

As Bridge’s direct supervisor, Bermudez lists more than a half dozen attributes that set Bridge apart as an educator, beginning with zeal.

“Sue is passionate about the subject and teaching itself,” Bermudez said. “This enthusiasm is contagious and fosters a positive learning environment.”

Next, Bridge’s knowledge and expertise, including “a deep understanding of the subject matter she teaches and staying updated with developments in the field,” also make the physical education teacher worthy of the yearly Youth Day accolade, according to the middle school principal.

“Sue can convey complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner, catering to diverse learning styles among students,” Bermudez said, adding, “Sue is flexible and can adjust her teaching methods to accommodate the needs and abilities of different students.” Bridge said that gaining students’ respect is key to her teaching style.

“While cultural differences are real and important, in my opinion, it is relationships that truly matter,” Bridge said. “When you pay at-

tention to people with genuine respect and humility, relationships flourish; when students feel valued, they try harder.”

When trying harder, Bermudez said “teachers who go the extra mile, often sacrificing their time and energy to support their students,” should be acknowledged.

“Recognizing outstanding teachers serves as inspiration for their colleagues and aspiring educators, and it sets a standard of excellence and encourages others to emulate their dedication and innovative practices in teaching,” Bermudez said.

Lastly, Bermudez said “empathy and understanding” add to Bridge’s unique teaching style, noting “Sue empathizes with her students, understands their challenges, and provides support and encouragement when needed.” Ironically, Bridge said her students have educated her in nearly four decades of her academic career.

“I have learned quite a lot about myself in my teaching career,” Bridge said. “My capacity for care and compassion has increased because of the students, families, and staff I have worked with these last 37 years.”

Bridge’s best advice to students upon her departure is to “desire and try to be the very best version of yourself” and to recall educator Rita Pierson’s quote,

“Every child deserves a champion — an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and who insists that they become the best they can possibly be.”

Bermudez knows this personally.

“She was my teacher, and to this day, she still can connect with all students, support them, and guide them in their educational journey,” Bermudez said. “Sue still has the fire and passion and supports students’ personal development. She will be dearly missed by our community.”

camps where they could be used. Additionally, on a day celebrating the end of World War II, a fire of unknown origin burnt down Japantown.

Many did not return to the community after being allowed to leave the concentration camps.

At the April 16 meeting, stories and memories were shared. Longtime resident Howard Kato expressed his appreciation and shared that he had family members looking forward to coming and visiting the monument unveiling.

Spearheaded in large part by the Historical Society of Winters, on May 4, there will be multiple events including the revealing of a monument in remembrance of Japantown.

Council members unanimously voted to rescind the 1942 resolution.

Senior Center project set back

Craig outlined that it was not possible to make the grant deadline for the Winters Senior Center project and receive that money. The bankruptcy of the architecture firm used, resulted in the loss of the plans for the Senior Center and an outdated environmental report created more challenges.

Craig and Mayor Bill Biasi reached out and met with Assembly Majority Leader (and former Winters mayor) Cecilia Aguiar-Curry to see if she could assist in getting a grant deadline extension. However, they were unsuccessful.

Craig laid out three options before the council to consider. The first option was to eliminate the project, the second to get ready over the next four months aimed for preparedness for the August grant application and the third option being trying to get the grant without an architecture design.

Taking into account rising construction costs, Craig presented the project may land in the $5 million-to-$5.5 million range with the grant only able to cover a maximum of $4 million.

The council unanimously approved to direct staff to follow Option 2.

Local residents expressed their concerns to the council, as well as concern that the fundraising some had done would need to be returned to donors.

Marlene Bell

we have reached this point. I’m concerned that the city may lose credibility in its potential failure. We hope that credible and serious measures can be taken.”

Marlene Bell

explained that she and a handful of others realized that the grant didn’t fund fixtures within the senior center. In 2021, the Winter Senior Center Equipment Fund committee began fundraising efforts, and were able to raise around $225,000.

“We are saddened beyond belief that we have reached this point,” Bell said. “I’m concerned that the city may lose credibility in its potential failure. We hope that credible and serious measures can be taken.”

Another issue brought up was that some senior residents were concerned that they had to find out about this from the agenda. Karen May explained how after all the communication that the Winters Senior Foundation had made with the city, they would have liked to get a heads up.

“Nobody was courteous enough to give us the call,” May said, “and say, we are having problems. I don’t know, I cannot do this again.”

Ideas were floated around between council members and Winters residents. One of the main ones was creating a community center with classes to pay for the project. However, Loren explained that that has been considered in the past and the cost estimate would be three times the amount as just a senior center.

Another idea was to have a citizen committee to begin the exploration process of projects like this and take the work off of city staff.

“I, for one, see only one way forward and that’s Option 2,” Vallecillo said. “I appreciate the idea of doing another concept but if you realize what that would take to step back, you’re really talking about five years at the minimum …. We’re close to it right now. We’re as close as we’ve ever been.”

FLEX Continuado de la Página 2

By Don Shor Special to the Express

Summer gardening isn’t just about tomatoes! It’s time to plant peppers, eggplant, and other heat lovers. All of these are best planted in May or early June. Here’s a quick review of some of these popular summer vegetables and fruits.

Beans

Best production is in the cooler ends of the seasons.

The “bush” types of green beans can be planted every few weeks for steady harvest. Pole beans yield more per square foot so long as you are consistent about picking them. If not, they stop producing. Avoid Kentucky Wonder variety, as it isn’t heat tolerant.

Preferred varieties: Blue Lake, Tenderpod, Royal Burgundy. Yardlong or asparagus beans are entirely different, subtropical plants that thrive on heat.

Peppers and eggplant

warm soil, grow rapidly, and yield heavily late in the season. You need two plants as they don’t pollinate themselves. A tomato cage keeps the plants more compact.

The cucumber family Cucumbers, muskmelons, pumpkins, squash, and watermelons.

like cukes. Very, very vigorous vines, never bitter, but very mild flavored.

You can continue to plant cucumber seedlings through mid-summer. Avoid drought stress.

Melons

Squash

Preferred varieties: Gypsy, Jimmy Nardello, Italian Long Green, Yolo Wonder. Hot peppers that we use fresh, such as jalapeño and habañero, may be picked green as early as June. Left to ripen, they will turn red and get sweeter, though still quite hot.

Those we grow for drying, such as cayenne and Thai peppers, yield large quantities in late summer and into October and early November.

Some moderately hot peppers: Anaheim, Jalapeño, Fresno, Garden Salsa, Hatch.

Very hot peppers: Habañero, Cayenne,

Bell and other sweet peppers, planted now, will yield heavily from August through October. All sweet peppers will turn red as they ripen on the plant and get sweeter as they do so.

Thai. Eggplants take longer than peppers to yield. The plants are bigger (3 feet tall and broad). The narrower and smaller fruited types yield more heavily and earlier.

Preferred varieties: Black Beauty, Rosa Bianca, Millionaire, Ichiban. Peppers and eggplant benefit from light fertilizer applications during the growing season and should not be drought stressed.

Tomatillos and ground cherries

These are the key ingredient of salsa verde; ground cherries are their sweet cousins that are used for pies and sauces. They love

Rambunctious vines, some of which we grow on the ground, others up on fences or trellises. Cucumbers start producing just a few weeks after planting. All the others take 2 to 3 months.

Preferred varieties of cucumbers: I don’t recommend the standard green ones, because they get bitter.

• Persian cucumbers are very productive and sweet flavored. Diva has become very popular, and for good reason.

• “Burpless” cucumbers have small seed cavities and very thin skin. They’re very easy to grow and new hybrids are very productive.

• Lemon cukes are sweet, productive, and easy to grow, but don’t yield as long through the summer as newer types.

• Armenian cucumbers are popular because they’re very easy. They’re a type of melon but are used

The muskmelon I would not be without is Ambrosia, a type of cantaloupe. The flavor is, well, ambrosial! Nothing compares with it. It is very softfleshed and ripens rapidly. Plant some honeydew melons with your muskmelons for longer harvest. Watermelons require lots of room. Plant 2 to 3 plants together and give them a six-foot circle, for a yield of 2 to 3 fruit after 80 to 85 days. Modern hybrids are sweeter with better texture. Crimson Sweet and Sangria are two of the best I’ve grown. For a compact grower, look for Sugar Baby.  Check the label for the ‘days to harvest’ and mark your calendar for that harvest date when you plant the seedling in the ground. Watermelons look ripe a couple of weeks before they are.

Pumpkins

There are lots of types of summer squash, and many yield better here than zucchini. I find Patty Pan, or gourmet varieties like Tromboncini, more satisfactory.

Of the zucchinis, Gold Rush has the advantage of being visible down in the leaves (the yellow fruit stands out in the green foliage), so you can see to harvest them while they are still small. It is more tender than standard green zucchini.  Winter squash refers to the hard-skinned types we grow in summer and store for use in fall and winter. Well-known types include Hubbard, acorn, butternut. Sweet Meat has large fruit and especially fine-textured flesh, great for baking and for pies. Give them room: they will run across your garden!

Sweet corn

Easy and fast but takes lots of room and plenty of water. Turn in lots of manure or some other source of nitrogen as corn is a heavy feeder. Plant corn in blocks, not rows, to allow the wind to scatter the pollen from the tassels to the silks.

… take a lot of space, growing twenty feet or more, but it can be fun to watch them run all around your back yard. I suggest pie types for more fruit in a small area.

Courtesy photo

By Penny Lorain Special to the Express

Winters and our surrounding communities are ideal for outdoor living this time of year. The mild weather and longer days beckon us to spend time outdoors nearly every day, whether relaxing, cooking or enjoying a meal.

Outdoor living spaces have evolved from simple patios with free-standing barbecues and folding chairs to sophisticated outdoor kitchens, weather-proof dining tables and chairs for small and large gatherings and comfortable outdoor lounge areas where we can take in the beautiful weather while enjoying some well-deserved down time.

Outdoor kitchens are an excellent investment for homeowners looking to enhance their property’s value and their quality of life.

These spaces can be designed to be fully functional cooking areas, equipped with sinks, refrigerators, built-in outdoor grills, side burners, and even pizza ovens. They offer a unique way to entertain guests or spend time with family while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Storage and prep areas of outdoor kitchens can rival your indoor kitchen with generous, beautiful countertop areas that can make food prep, barbecuing and food plating easy and efficient.

The best cabinets for outdoor use stand up to hot and cold temperatures season after season, offer

an array of storage options for cooking utensils, grilling trays and servingware and stay cool to the touch even under direct sun.The key is to create a functional space with everything you need conveniently close, reducing trips inside and out while cooking.

Dining outdoors is an enjoyable option we should take full advantage of as often as possible. Sitting down at a dining table surrounded by the smell of fresh air, the sound of rustling leaves and a view of your own private garden and backyard landscaping is a delight for an intimate dinner, families with chil-

dren and social get-togethers alike. Traditional teak and

aluminum table and chair options are the classic outdoor furniture choices, with outdoor wicker and colorful weather-proof wood-look furniture gaining in popularity because of their comfort and fresh color palettes. The climate in our area allows residents to take full advantage of these outdoor spaces. The gentle breeze and warm sunshine provide the perfect backdrop for cooking and dining daily, not just on the weekend or on special occasions. Outdoor spaces give us an opportunity to disconnect from technology and the demands of a busy lifestyle, if only for a mealtime. Whether it’s a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or a lively dinner party under the stars, outdoor living spaces provide a versatile setting for both relaxation and socialization. Creating an outdoor living space is more than a home improvement — it’s a lifestyle enhancement. As more people seek to incorporate wellness and relaxation into their daily routines, outdoor living spaces have become cherished spaces for many homeowners. They offer a sanctuary where one can unwind, entertain, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to step outside and breathe in the beauty of our surroundings.

— Penny Lorain is CEO and Project Manager of Lorain Design Associates in Davis.

Winters Joint Unified School District announced that the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) originally scheduled for April 24 has been moved to Wednesday, June 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The meeting will take place in Portable Four at the John Clayton Center, 200 Baker St. Attendees should enter through the gate at the corner of Third and Baker Streets. Childcare and dinner will be provided. Youth Day fundraiser

dates,

Sign-ups are live now through May 26 on the Winters Shakespeare Workshop at wfol.org. Actors will read for parts on Sunday, May 26, at 3 p.m. in Wesley Hall at Pioneer Church (corner of Secnd and Russell Streets.

For teens and preteens not enrolled in Winters JUSD, the fee for this summer’s workshop/production is $250 for actors and $100 for the Dance Team. Scholarships are available upon request. Actors rehearsals take place starting June 16 through July 20, Sundays to Thurs-

days from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Dance Team rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., plus the final tech week of dress rehearsals and performances.

Some second year Dance Team members may have additional acting and singing opportinities, and may attend some evening rehearsals. Free public performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream are scheduled fo Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, starting at 8 p.m. on the Winters Park Playground Stage. Sign up online at wfol.org. For more information, call 530204-7601 Winters Shakespeare Workshop is a summer youth program of Winters Friends of the Library.

Hooby’s Brewing is hosting a Youth Day Cornhold Tournament

on Saturday, April 26, starting at 1 p.m. at Hooby’s, 9 E. Main St. Social and competitive tournaments are scheduled and split into lower and upper divisions. Registration fee is $20 a player, and proceeds will benefit the annual Youth Day event and high school leadership scholarships. ProspeROSA program

In recognition of Mothers’ Day, Thriving Pink’s ProspeROSA program is hosting a special event celebrating Spanish-speaking breast cancer patients and survivors. The Celebrando las Madres Guerreras event is scheduled for Sunday, May 19 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Casa Del Pan, 512 Main St. in Woodland. To RSVP or ask questions, call 530205-3004 or visit thrivingpink.org.

Master Gardener host local May events

By Denise Cottrell UCCE Master Gardener–Yolo

The month of May brings warm weather and the impetus to garden. However, once in the garden are you overwhelmed by were to start or how to care for struggling plants? The UCCE Master Gardeners of Yolo County provides gardeners with research-based information and support with the Question-and-Answer Hotline, events, and workshops to support you in your gardening endeavors.

All events are free and open to the public. Events, talks, and workshops for May are listed below. For additional information about UCCE MGs–Yolo events contact Jennifer Baumbach at jmbaumbach@ucanr.edu or call the UCCE Yolo County Master Gardeners help line at 530-666-8736.

May brings Mother’s Day and UCCE MG–Yolo, Jim Schulte will help you prepare with Flower Arranging for Mother’s Day at the Woodland Community and Senior Center (2001 East St.,

Woodland) on May 3 at 1:30 p.m. One must register in advance to attend this workshop. Register by calling 530-661-2001 or drop by the Center to sign up.

Kitchen Garden Chat will meet on Saturday May 4, from 10 to 11 a.m., on Zoom https://ucanr.zoom. us/j/98028723763.

Kitchen Garden Chat meets monthly and provides tips for the edible garden. In addition to providing information on general edible garden care for the month of May, this month’s talk will also provide tips for succession planting. In addition, as you plant your garden and are curious about how to incorporate hot weather greens, attend this “chat” to find out which greens will survive and thrive in the summer heat. Attend this workshop if have a question about edible gardens. UCCE Master Gardener Treva Valentine, always provides time for a question-and-answer period during her talks.

The UCCE Master Gardeners–Yolo and Yolo County Library

hold regular semimonthly Gardening Workshops on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month on Zoom. On May 9, from 3 to 4 p.m., join City of Davis Conservation Coordinators Dawn Calciano and Jennifer Gilbert for Sustainable Landscaping and find out how to look at gardening through a sustainability lens. Learn ways to create and maintain a sustainable landscape by optimizing your water use, choosing the right plants, keeping rainwater onsite, cultivating healthy soils, reducing waste, and managing yard materials. For the Zoom link, contact Joan Tuss at Joan.Tuss@ yolocounty.org.

Did you know that there are benefits to pruning fruit trees in the summer? Join experienced UCCE MG–Yolo Bonnie Berman for Summer Fruit Tree Care and Pruning and learn the reasons for and the “how to” of pruning in the summer. This second monthly UCCE Master Gardeners–Yolo and the Yolo Library Workshop will be held on Thursday, May 23 from 3 to 4 p.m. via Zoom. For the Zoom link, contact Joan Tuss at Joan. Tuss@yolocounty.org.

Gardening For YearRound Meals meets on the second Saturday of the month and provides information on year-round gardening. Attend this workshop on May 11, from 11 a.m. to noon, at Grace Garden located at the United Methodist Church (1620

Anderson Rd., Davis) to learn about a wide variety of gardening tips and information.

In May, UCCE MG–Yolo Karen Slinkard will lead this monthly talk and provide savvy tips for edible garden. Topics for the month of May include what to plant now and how to care for it, and how to establish a water schedule for the coming hot weather.

In addition, if you are curious about how to incorporate and enjoy fresh herbs and edible flowers in your meal, this is the workshop to help get you started.

On Saturday, May 11 from 8 a.m. till noon, the UCCE MGs–Yolo will also be available at the Waterwise Landscape Tour in Woodland. This free tour will begin at City Hall in Woodland at 300 First St., upstairs in the Council Chambers. There is an elevator or stairs going to the second floor. After 30 minutes of two presentations, tour participants will be directed downstairs where they will be given a brochure to do a self-tour of homes with “waterwise landscape” from 8:30 a.m. to noon. This is a lot of fun and gaining interest and getting better each year.

Learn more about the UCCE Master Gardeners of Yolo County at yolomg.ucanr. edu. For information about a specific garden issue please call or the Master Gardener hotline at 530666-8736 and leave a message or email mgyolo@ucdavis.edu.

SUMMER

Wednesdays

Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution

Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue

Thursdays

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

Friday, April 26

Winters Youth Day Opening Ceremonies, 7 p.m., behind Winters Community Center

Saturday, April 27

Rotary Pancake Breakfast, 7–9:30 a.m., Winters Community Library

Inagural Michael Bazan Jimenez & Noah Lichwa Memorial Fun Run, 8–10 a.m., 5 E. Abbey St. (Abbey and Railroad Street)

Youth Day Kiddie Parade, 8:45 a.m., Registration 9:45 a.m., Kiddie Parade starts down Main Street

Youth Day Main Parade, 10 a.m., parade route starts at Fourth and Main Street. goes down Main Street, and turns left at First Street. The route ends at Edwards Street.

Youth Day Park Activities, 12–4 p.m., Kiddie Faire, Little League field 12–4 p.m., Food and Crafts, Winters City Park

Youth Day Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser, 1 p.m., Hoobys Brewing, 9 E. Main St., Suite J

WHS Alumni Baseball Game, 1 p.m. at WHS varsity baseball field

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

Winters Library Public Hours (School in Session), Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. , Sat: 1–5 p.m.

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

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

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

Mangonada Monday (ages 6-12), fourth Monday, 3:30 p.m. Tech Thursdays, Thursdays, 2-7:30 p.m., call 530-6668005 to schedule an appointment. Bilingual sessions available upon request.

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

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

Older Adult Programs

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

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

Ongoing

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

Winters Fortnightly meeting, second Tuesdays, 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

Walking Meditation, third Sunday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Meet behind the Winters Community Center, 201 Railroad Ave.

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings:

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

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

Aguiar elected as FFA region president, earns another state champion title

By Angela Underwood Express correspondent

Allison Aguiar has an undeniable drive for excellence.

Not just because her agriculture teacher touts said force but because the Winters High School student continues to come out on top.

In the last couple of weeks, Aguiar was selected to serve as the 2024–25 Central Region FFA President and earned the state championship title for the FFA Prepared Public Speaking contest with her speech about the current state of the California Nut Industry.

“It’s hard to describe exactly what sets Allison apart from other students,” Kayla Mederos, WHS agriculture teacher and FAA advisor, said.  Mederos said that once the high school junior “sets her sights on a goal” there is no stopping her, but “it’s not just dedication and hard work that has gotten Allison to where she is.”

“Her ability to connect with anyone is uncanny,” Mederos said, adding Aguiar’s ability to strike up sincere conversations comes naturally. “This has helped her get elected to offic es because she makes people feel cared for and listened to.”

The young diplomat will represent the FAA Central Region, the sixth and larg est area in California from Merced to Esarto, home to over 80 FFA chap ters. Though Aguiar was raised on a walnut farm, she admits her love of agriculture did not sprout until high school.

“One of the most eye-opening experiences for me that led to my passion in ag and ag education/literacy was in teracting with those who had no idea where their food comes from,” Aguiar

said. “This realization motivated me to help people understand the industry and help bridge the gap between agriculturally centered communities and more urban settings.”

Tenacity, intelligence, and a curious nature also set Aguiar apart, according to Mederos, who added, “She loves to learn, and she has an amazing ability to comprehend both sides of agricultural issues.”

That comprehension and her desire to educate the public led Aguiar to her first election as the Winters FAA secretary when she was a sophomore. She then promoted to vice president, which led her to the top of the ladder.

“The way regional, and many other, elections work is that following usually an application and an interview, you are placed on a slate and depending on how many run,” Aguiar said, adding 41 students ran for office this

cess, I was slated for president by the current Central Region officer team against another individual.”

Mederos said holding a leadership position and serving on a team teaches high school students how to work with others to succeed in an organization.

“Serving as an officer in the FFA is unique because you are truly serving your chapter and community,” Mederos said. “Students don’t serve as officers to better themselves — They choose to serve as officers because they want to be part of something greater than themselves and help provide other students with opportunities for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.”

Aguiar already listed some of her goals for the presidency, including “creating connections with as many members of our very large region.”

“I want to be a personable individual who members can feel welcome and heard by,” Aguiar said. “I know the impact one conversation can have, and I hope to provide that to someone.”

Aguiar detailed how vital it is for students to become involved in agriculture to increase literacy for the next generation. She said, “In a time where climate change is ever-pressing” students should grow up understanding how important it is to protect farmers.

“I think many live under the assumption that farming is a huge cause of climate change, but at the end of the day, it is a lot more nuanced than that,” Aguiar said. “Farmers want more than anybody to protect the land because the land provides them with their livelihood.” Adolescents must also pay more attention to food insecurity, according to

Volunteers celebrate Earth Day early with Putah Creek clean up

By Amelia Biscardi Express staff writer

Two bright yellow Dollar General shopping carts, a mattress, an umbrella, a book, two empty diesel fuel containers, a pink plastic crate, the top of a grill, too many cigarette butts and at least 65 pounds of trash were found on Sunday, April 21, during a cleanup at Winters Nature Park along Putah Creek.

With sunhats abound and volunteers of all ages, the Putah Creek Council had an early Earth Day celebration with a cleanup. Sent off into teams, armed with trash grabbers, buckets, bags and boots, volunteers brought back their trash and piled it in the back of a trailer.

With one group doing cleanup on the road, the rest spread out along the creek, only to find that the creek’s swollen sides gave them less space to work.

Maddie Galal, stewardship coordinator of the PCC, explained that trash especially affects fish and plants.

“The first step to restoring the creek would be to pick up all the trash out of the area,” Galal said. “There’s no sense in planting things and that kind of stuff if you’re just gonna plant it in a pile of trash, so it’s kind of like step one, and also just routine maintenance.”

A welcome addition to the group was Louise Conrad, a parent at Davis’ César Chávez Elementary School. Conrad explained that part of the curriculum for students is volunteering.

Conrad utilized PCC’s website and the

education coordinator was able to come out and talk with the sixth grade students about the importance of being involved.

One SignUpGenius later and Rotary Park was filled with around 15 students. “I think the kids get a lot more out of it when they do it together,” Conrad said. “It was not hard to convince kids to show up. They knew all their friends were going to be here. So it’s a positive peer pressure.” Galal explains that especially getting students involved is important for the future of the creek as well as

the environment.

“If no one’s like, hey, we need to go out here and pick up the trash or plant these plants or care about the beaver,” Galal said. “Then they’re just not gonna know or be aware even so for the future.”

For others it is beginning to become a regular thing to volunteer for PCC events.

Joan Sheenan and Albert Yonan have been volunteering for a few years now, coming to Winters from Vacaville. For then it’s the love of supporting the environment.

Yonan explained that while it was good that the creek has a lot of water, getting access to some parts of the creek was a challenge.

And for Sheenan it all started when she and her granddaughter came to their first event.

I brought my granddaughter and we really didn’t have it was kind of like a lot of work and then there was poison oak, but after it was over it changed our lives,” Sheenan said. “You never look at the land quite the same way.”

Amelia Biscardi/Winters Express

Shopping carts were among more than 65 pounds of trash that was found during a cleanup of Winters Nature Park on April 21. See

California home sales lose steam in March

price hits sevenmonth high California Association of Realtors Special to the Express California’s housing market lost momentum in March as sales fell on a year-overyear basis for the first time in three months after registering backto-back increases in January and February. Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 267,470 in March, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local Realtor associations and MLSs statewide. The

statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2024 if sales maintained the March pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

March’s sales pace fell 7.8 percent from the revised 290,470 homes sold in February and declined 4.4 percent from a year ago, when a revised 279,700 homes were sold on an annualized basis. The sales pace remained below the 300,000-threshold for the 18th consecutive month. On a yearto-date basis, home sales still exceeded the level experienced in first-quarter 2023 by 0.7 percent, but the gain continued to shrink in March. “While home sales

lost momentum in March, the housing market remains competitive as we’re seeing the statewide median home price reaching the highest level in seven months, and homes selling quicker than last year,” said C.A.R. President Melanie Barker, a Yosemite Realtor.  “On the supply side, the market continues to improve with an increasing number of properties being listed on the market as more sellers begin to accept the new normal.”

of annual price increases for the Golden State. March marked the 11th time in the last 12 months that the median price for an existing single-family home was above $800,000.

The statewide median price recorded a strong year-over-year gain in March, climbing 7.7 percent from $793,260 in March 2023 to $854,490 in March 2024. California’s median home price was 6.0 percent higher than February’s $806,490. The yearover-year gain was the ninth straight month

Sales of homes priced at or above $1 million dollars in California have been holding up better than their more affordable counterparts in the state in the last few months. The $1 million-and-higher market segment continued to grow yearover-year in March by a decent clip (9.9 percent), while the sub-$500,000 segment declined again mod-

estly (-2.4 percent). The change in the mix of sales continued to provide upward support to the statewide median price and was partly responsible for the solid increase in year-overyear growth rate at the end of the first quarter. “With mortgage rates reaching the highest levels since mid-November 2023, the housing market struggled to build on the momentum exhibited in the first two months of this year,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. ”While sales could be hindered by higher rates in the coming weeks, the uptick in recent months suggests that we could see a bounce back in housing activity when the market digests the latest inflation report.”

Other key points from C.A.R.’s March 2024 resale housing report include:

• At the regional level, unadjusted raw sales decreased on a year-over-year basis in all major regions except the Central Coast. The Central Valley region experienced the biggest drop from a year ago at a decline of -9.6 percent, followed by Southern California (-7.8 percent), the San Francisco Bay Area (-5.4 percent) and the Far North (-4.0 percent). The Central Coast (+7.2 percent), on the other hand, recorded a solid sales increase from last March as sales in two of the four counties in the region surged on year-over-year basis by double-digits.

• Thirty-three of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. recorded a sales decline from a year ago, with 21 counties dropping more than 10 percent yearover-year and eight of those counties falling more than 20 percent from last March. Tuolumne (-39.2 percent) registered the biggest sales decline, followed by Tehama (-37.5 percent), while sales in Siskiyou and Yuba both dropped

Youth Day is almost here, thank goodness Express

Youth Day is this Saturday, and I’m looking forward to Sunday morning. I try not to worry about the Rotary Pancake (sausage) Breakfast, but I do. The food is ordered, thanks to the Buckhorn and Café, the fire department’s mobile kitchen is available and the Community Center has been booked. Rotarians know their assignments and most are seasoned pros when it comes to pancakes, eggs and potatoes.

We had a problem with making coffee faster than people drank it last year, but I think we have a solution. We have two 50-cup coffee makers and we wasted one last year making decafe coffee. This year we are just going to get a pot, or two, of decaffeinated coffee from Steady Eddy’s and use our two coffee pots to make leaded coffee for the rest of us. Steady Eddy’s donates all of our coffee beans so we should be okay. It could be worse. I can’t imagine how nerve wracking it is to run the parade and functions at City Park. Getting parade entries gets harder every year and who knows who will show up at the park? I would probably just offer $1,000 for the best car in the parade and hand out

entry forms. The oldest Corvette would be my odds on favorite to win the check and I would call it a good day.

Once the first sausage is off the barbecue I’ll feel better. All I need to do is find a pancake, a little syrup and breakfast is served. No plate required. It is amazing how filling four or five of pigs in a blanket can be. Wash that down with real coffee and I’m good to go until noon. Now, if I could just get everyone to join me, we could skip the fruit, eggs and potatoes.

I’m spending the rest of this week looking for old photos for the Express. I’m back in 1979 looking for people that still live here, or at least that people might remember. I try to do a month or two at a time, but it seems that I’m always scrambling to find a photo at the last moment. Having to live by real deadlines is a problem. When I was in charge, I only had to mumble that I would be done in a few minutes, over and over again. It worked most of the time. Crystal is pretty easy on me, but I know her deadlines are shorter than what they used to be. See you at the breakfast.

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20) You can get your spark back with some help from friends, Aries. You may have been struggling in one form or another, but others can provide the perspective needed.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21) Taurus, you are a dependable rock and that comes with a lot of responsibility. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed, and in those instances feel free to delegate some tasks.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21) Too much joking around may strike a nerve of someone close to you, Gemini. Feel out every situation before you start communicating in such a laid back and jovial way.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22) Cancer, like it or not, you have to stand by a promise or a commitment you made to someone, even if you no longer feel like doing so. Once it is finished, you can go your separate ways.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23) Leo, if others have underestimated you or written you off in the past, you will have an opportunity to prove them wrong this week, even if you already know the truth.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22) Your keen eye for detail has you pointing out a mistake that may have cost someone a lot of money, Virgo. Your reward could be a promotion or another commendation.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23) Making room for your needs right now is challenging as others seem to require all of the attention, Libra. You will have a chance to balance the scales soon enough.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22) Right now you may be reluctant to commit or comment on an issue that is affecting some in your circle, Scorpio. You can get involved once you dig further and do your own research.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21) Sagittarius, when you hang out with friends, you may be tempted to spend more than is in your budget at the moment. Set a limit, and perhaps leave your credit cards at home.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20) Capricorn, you are ready to move forward, but others in your orbit may be holding you back. Know when to cut loose and do things according to your bigger vision.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18) Thinking about all of the things in your life that may not be going to plan could have you feeling down, Aquarius. Flip the perspective and start focusing on the right things.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20) Pisces, you are known for being a dreamer, but right now you have to come down from the clouds and develop a solid plan of action. There will be time for fanciful ideas later.

Urban camping and Winters-greens

By Richard Casavecchia

It has been a while but the City Council finally took up some issues that are worth an update here. I am slightly limited in what I can write about and what I can say, but hopefully I’m not too rusty with my composition.

During the March 19 meeting we discussed two issues that got a lot of attention: camping on public property, and commercial cannabis.

Camping ordinance

The camping ordinance came out of a discussion about

homeless people harassing folks downtown and damaging the habitat in the creek. If you haven’t seen it, there are five to six homeless people who have taken up residence in the creek on the Solano County side. They are on city of Winters-owned land, but outside city limits so the police have no jurisdiction to enforce the laws they break there.

Public works and the Fire department have encountered boobytraps at ankle and neck level when responding to smoke and trash in the creek. The people living in

the tents are also relieving themselves in the creek and their trash is ending up in the water. Both result in contaminated water that is unsafe for people to recreate in, and hazardous to the salmon who come to spawn. There has also been a net setup to capture the salmon during spawning season.

We heard testimony that homeless individuals have exposed themselves to people downtown, slammed their fists on doors and plate glass windows, spread trash from the sidewalk trash cans around the street and sidewalk,

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block owner access to private property, and create a feeling of an unsafe environment for the Winters youth that work early mornings downtown. The intent of the ordinance we passed is not to criminalize being homeless. It is to reduce and eliminate the crimes and behaviors I just mentioned, and protect the Putah Creek environment.

Since the state is essentially cite and release for misdemeanors, arresting people for those offenses is ineffective as they are rarely prosecuted. The ordinance creates time and place

restrictions on camping on public property but does not ban it entirely. A activist judge in the 9th circuit has effectively created a right to camp on public property if you are homeless and the government is unable to provide a free shelter bed. That precedent is currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court in a case that may be resolved by this summer.

Commercial cannabis

During the same meeting we discussed exploring commercial cannabis being allowed within city limits. This could materialize as cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, retail without a public storefront, or traditional retail. Most people assume this would result in a cannabis dispensary in town. Having never been in a dispensary, I did visit one in Davis prior to the meeting and was surprised to see that it looked more

• 37.0 percent from the same month of last year. Twenty counties posted a sales increase from last year, with Plumas (220.0 percent) gaining the most year-over-year, followed by Mono (120.0 percent) and Mariposa (56.3 percent).

• At the regional level, all major regions registered an annual increase in their median price from a year ago. The San Francisco Bay Area experienced the biggest price jump on a year-over-year basis, increasing 15.5 percent from last March. Along with Southern California (11.1 percent), they were the only two regions with a double-digit price gain from a year ago. The Far North (5.6 percent), the Central Valley (5.2 percent), and the Central Coast (3.0 percent) also posted an increase in their median price from a year ago, but their growth rates were relatively mild compared to the aforementioned regions.

• Home prices continued to show yearover-year improvement in many counties, with 39 counties across the state registering a median price higher than what was recorded a year ago. Mono (66.7 percent) registered the biggest increase in price in March, followed by Siskiyou (45.8 percent) and Santa Barbara (32.0 percent). Thirteen counties recorded a decline in median price from last year, with Mendocino dropping the most at -23.9 percent, followed by Trinity (-16.3 percent), and Lake (-10.3 percent).

• Unsold inventory statewide decreased 13.3 percent on a month-over-month basis but increased from March 2023 by 23.8 percent. The Unsold Inventory Index (UII), which measures the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate dipped from 3.0 months in February to 2.6 months in

like a very nice gas station than the stereotypical head shop we often see in movies. All products were on hooks on the wall behind the counter, encased in colored packaging. The merchandising reminded me of how snacks and chips are sold in ARCO.

The only action we took was to direct the city staff to continue to use consultants to gather information and draft options for potential rules, regulations, and process if we choose to allow commercial cannabis.

No decision has been made on if it will be allowed.

Concerns have been raised about the potential for cannabis businesses being targeted by criminals.

Hearing reports of previous crimes, my gut is that crime rates are more related to how common crime is in the city the dispensary is in rather than

March. The index was 2.1 months in March 2023.

• Active listings at the state level increased on a year-over year basis for the second consecutive month, and the increase for the current month was the largest in 13 months –an encouraging sign that housing supply could be heading in the right direction as the market enters the spring homebuying season. That said, mortgage rates could reach a four-monthhigh in coming weeks and they are expected to remain elevated longer than previously anticipated, which could delay some potential sellers in putting their house up on the market.

• Active listings declined from a yearago in two counties in March. Glenn posted the biggest yearover-year dip at -4.0 percent, followed by San Francisco (-3.4 percent). Forty-eight counties recorded a year-over-year gain, with Solano jumping the most at an increase of 98.7 percent, followed by Santa Barbara (96.3 percent) and Sacramento (70.3 percent). On a monthto-month basis, five counties recorded a drop in active listings last month while 47 counties recorded a monthly increase in for-sale properties in March. Marin (42.1 percent) registered the largest monthly increase of all counties for the second time in a row last month and Kings (-4.4 percent) had the sharpest decline.

• New active listings at the state level increased from a year ago for the third consecutive month by double digits as more sellers listed their homes on the market ahead of the spring home buying season. The jump in new housing supply, along with a modest slowdown in housing demand last month, contributed to an improvement in the overall active listings.

• The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 19 days in March and 24 days in March 2023. HOMES Continued from Page 2

Ask a Master Gardener: Growing citrus, avocados in Yolo County

Q: Our orange tree used to give a fair amount of fruit but this last year we only had one orange, what could be the cause?

A: There are a number of reasons citrus may not produce in a given year. Your issue may be caused by one or maybe multiple reasons.

Oranges will sometimes fall into alternate year bearing. This is less likely with oranges as with some other fruit trees because oranges will often “selfthin” by dropping some fruit during early development if pollination was heavy. If you had a particularly heavy crop the year before, this could still be the cause of your lack of production. If this is the reason, it is unlikely to repeat next year. You should try to pick the crop entirely before the tree blossoms in order to reduce the chance this will happen.

Another reason citrus may not produce fruit is a lack of direct sun. It sounds like this is a mature tree that has done well in years past but it is always possible that a new structure or neighboring trees that have grown are now shading it. Citrus needs at least eight hours of sun to produce well.

Inadequate irrigation can also affect orange production. If you are using drip irrigation, make sure that the drippers are still functioning as they were designed. Regardless of the type of irrigation you use, a mature tree should be watered every four to six weeks in Valley soils depending on temperatures. Enough water should be applied to wet the soil up to three feet deep in an area that extends out beyond the edge of the tree canopy by another half the distance from the trunk to the canopy edge. In Valley clay loam, this will require three to four inches of water over the entire area. The other side of that is too much water. Because of the wet winter we had last year, your tree could have had too much water during bloom and fruit set especially if it is in a low-lying area. That can cause the tree to shed immature fruit. Citrus also requires regular fertilizing to produce well. If you have not been fertilizing regularly, it is possible that the soil has

become depleted. If you buy a bagged fertilizer for citrus, follow the directions for frequency and amount to apply. A mature tree will need mostly nitrogen, one to one and a half pounds per year. If, for example, you use a fertilizer that is 10 percent nitrogen, you would apply a total of ten to fifteen pounds. This should be divided between four applications, the first in February and the others at intervals of four to six weeks.

Oranges are self-fertile and do not need bees to pollinate and set fruits, but fruit set will be improved considerably if bees are present to pollinate the blossoms. We had a long, wet spring last year which could have affected bee activity during the bloom. This could have had some impact but is unlikely to be the sole cause of a complete failure of production.

Here is a link with more information: https://ucanr. edu/blogs/slomggarden/ blogfiles/4259.pdf.

Good luck next year.

Q: Do avocados grow well, and produce fruit in Davis? Would we need two trees?

A: First, the good news: Yes, you can grow avocados in Davis. The bad news? To grow them successfully and produce avocados, you’ll need an adventurous spirit and a willingness to devote more tender loving care to

the trees than if you were growing them in other locations.

The avocado (Persea americana) is a medium-sized evergreen tree in the laurel (Lauraceae) family. Native to Central America, it’s now grown primarily in Chile, Mexico, and Southern California. The fruit, alias the alligator pear, is actually a large berry containing a single seed. Evolutionary biologist Daniel H. Janzen proclaimed the avocado an “evolutionary anachronism” in that the fruit was adapted for an ecological relationship with now-extinct large mammals like giant ground sloths and elephant relatives. Currently, there is no living native animal large enough to disperse avocado seeds as those Pleistocene megafauna originally did: by eating the fruit whole and excreting the pit (seed) in their droppings.

In our area, your avocados won’t do well if nighttime temperatures get too cold or daytime temps get too hot. On cold nights, a protective covering or string of incandescent lights might be needed, while in the daytime you may need to protect the trees beneath a shade cloth. When planting avocado trees in our Northern California climate, make sure to plant the trees in the warmest microclimates

on your property.

While it’s possible to get fruit from only one tree, the more trees you have, the better your chances of getting a decent crop, especially if bees help with the cross-pollination. There’s not enough space here to fully get into the weeds of avocado pollination, but if you have at least two avocado trees, one Type A and one Type B, you should find some level of success. Also, you’ll have to carefully select the variety of avocado you’re going to grow. For instance, you probably won’t have any luck growing the famous Hass avocado, which thrives in Southern California. Some varieties that should do well in Davis include ’Stewart,’ ‘Pinkerton,’ ‘Mexicola,’ ‘Jim,’ and ‘Zutano.’ After planting, you can expect fruit in three or four years. Keep in mind that all parts of the avocado tree, along with the fruit, are toxic to many animals, including pets. Have fun growing avocados, the official fruit of California. Here’s a link for more information: https:// ucanr.edu/sites/alternativefruits/files/151223.pdf

If you have a gardening question, contact the Master Gardener Help Desk at 530666-8737. Or send an email, with information regarding watering, sun exposure, details about your problem, and photos when possible, to mgyolo@ucdavis.edu.

Invitation to Senior Capstone Showcase On behalf of the students and staff at Winters High School, we would like to invite the community to “Senior Capstone Showcase” May 15 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the high school gym. Senior Capstone is a student-selected project where they commit a minimum of 30 hours over the course of the school year to work and learn something they have not learned before. During the Showcase portion exhibits will feature the many projects completed by Winters High School seniors. Families and community members are invited to enjoy the projects on display, seniors will be on hand to discuss their projects and answer questions. If you are interested in listening to seniors give a formal speech about their project prior to the Showcase please consider volunteering to be a judge. This portion of the event runs from 1:45 p.m. to around 5 p.m. To sign up please call the school at 530-7956140 or email ahurst@ wintersjusd.org. Please join us to see the many wonderful projects completed by the class of 2024. ANDREA HURST WHS Senior Capstone Coordinator Love your library Please join Winters Friends of the Library and LOVE YOUR LIBRARY on the Big Day of Giving. This year the Big Day of Giving will be on Thursday, May 2. Since 2014, WFoL has had over $250,000 in donations. These donations have helped to increase our library collection, including ebooks, audiobooks, and other online resources. Improvements in library facilities have included the garden, the teen area, and now plans are underway to improve the circulation desk and replace worn furniture. There are some amazing programs occurring at our library that include storytime, ESL classes, summer

Continued from Page 4

than the dispensary itself causing an increase in crime. However, I did ask that we request data from the other cities in Yolo County to see if crime at dispensaries is more common than crime at other similar businesses in the same city (ie: gas stations, liquor stores, convenience stores, etc).

Dispensaries do have a lot of cameras inside and out, and at least in Davis, some of them allow the police on request to examine their external footage

to help solve unrelated crimes. From that perspective, dispensaries may actually help solve or deter crime in the direct vicinity. I do question if a dispensary would get enough customers to be profitable enough to stay in business. But if someone wants to open a business in Winters I don’t think we should tell them no. We are all limited by the boundaries of our own imaginations and someone may have an idea for a business that we wouldn’t think of that might become an asset for the town. The unsaid part

is that we would approve rules on when and where businesses could be open. The details of those rules would be based on the information we receive from the consulting process.

Even though many

people view commercial cannabis as a source of revenue for the city, I don’t think that amount would be very significant. As with all businesses in town, the problem will be how many customers come in the door, and we are a very small town.

So far, the support for commercial cannabis has exceeded opposition. It was interesting to learn that winters residents voted 75 percent in favor of legalizing cannabis when it was on the statewide ballot in 2016. This topic will be continued, there will be multiple future opportunities for public input and you can always email any of us with your thoughts, desires or concerns.

Courtesy photo

Orange blossoms do not guarantee fruit in the future.

Courtesy photo

Avocado trees can be grown in our area with some tender loving care.

Focus on creating meaningful connections

By Wally Pearce Winters Elder Day Council

Each May, the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month is recognized and the theme for 2024 is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and wellbeing.

Sixty-one years ago, in 1963, the Older Americans Month was established. Only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Today, more than 17 percent of the population are senior citizens.

Passed into law in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was part of President Johnson’s “Great Society” initiative with the goal of supporting older Americans to live at home and the community with dignity and independence for as long as possible.

The OAA funds programs and services that enable senior citizens to enjoy a healthy, and independent life and was the first federal-level initiative aimed at comprehensively address-

ing the need for community social service for senior citizens. The act supports a range of essential homeand community-based services with particular attention to lower-income older adults, members of minority communities, those living in rural areas, people with limited English proficiency, and older adults.

Older Americans Month is a time for communities like the city of Winters, to acknowledge the contributions of past and current senior citizens gave to our country, including those who defended our society.

Each year in May, we commemorate Older Americans Month to encourage and recognize the countless contributions that older adults make to our communities. Their time, experience, and talents enrich the lives of those around them.

The 2024 Older Americans Month theme “Powered by Connection” recognizes the opportunity for all of us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities to:

• Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation.

• Created by engaging in activities that promote

learning, health, and personal enrichment.

• Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.

Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, and particularly those who defended our country when it was needed, and they were asked.

Senior citizens are important because they also volunteer; in fact, many organizations would be hard pressed to function without their older volunteers. Seniors also give generously — they make more charitable donations per capita than any other age group.

Senior citizens are also the ideal mentors. From all the experiences they have ac-

cumulated over the years, they can judge a situation and give constructive advice to their children. They play a key role in solving disputes and play an important part in our lives. Communities that embrace older adults are stronger and a better place to live and raise a family. By strengthening behaviors towards older adults that they play a key role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, social-networks, and daily lives, we all benefit. It’s equally critical that we learn how to understand the other person’s perspective and feelings. Communication can help older people feel that they’re being listened to and valued as partners. Join the Winters Elder Day Council as we promote

the benefits of connecting with others. Here are some ways to participate:

• Share facts about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection and how it contributes to overall well-being.

• Promote resources that help senior citizens engage, like community events, social clubs, and volunteer opportunities.

• Connect senior citizens with local services, such as transportation, that can help them overcome obstacles to achieving or maintaining meaningful relationships.

• Encourage partners to host a connection-centric event or program focused on senior citizens mentoring youth, peer-to-peer support, or similar efforts.

• Challenge professional and personal networks to prioritize meaningful social connections and share the benefits.

Everyone benefits when every person participates.

We at the Winters Elder Day Council encourage you to connect, create, and contribute for a stronger and more diverse community this May — throughout the rest of 2024 — and for the decades to come.

How nutritional needs change with age

Healthy eating is important at any age and can set the course for a life of vitality and wellness. Sufficient nutrition can help prevent chronic illnesses and make sure that growing bodies develop properly. As one ages, various changes take place in the body, making healthy eating even more essential. According to Healthline, nutritional deficiencies can effect aging individuals, which can decrease quality of life and lead to poor health outcomes. Individuals should pay attention to their vitamin and mineral intake at various ages so they do not miss out on important nutrients. As a person ages, here are some approaches to consider.

• Consume fewer calories: According to Connie Bales, PhD, RD, associate director of the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center at Durham VA Medical Center, people need fewer calories every decade. That’s because individuals are moving around less and have less muscle. This causes a decline in metabolic rate.

• Include more nutrient-dense foods: Even though caloric needs go down with age, it’s important to pack as much nutrition into the calories a person does consume. That means finding nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, nuts, beans, vegetables, fish, and lean cuts of meat.

• Consume more lean protein: Muscle loss and loss of strength can develop as a person ages. Healthline says the average adult loses 3 to 8 percent of their muscle mass each decade after age 30. Eating more protein could help aging bodies maintain muscle.

• Eat fortified cereals and grains: The ability to absorb vitamin B12 can decrease as one gets older and with the use of certain medicines. Many health professionals recommend patients get more vitamin B12 by consuming foods enriched with this vitamin. Vitamin supplements may be needed in addition to food.

• Drink more fluids: Health.com says sensation of thirst declines with age. Drinking water and other fluids becomes a priority to stay hydrated. It also helps with digestion.

• Prioritize bone health: Osteoporosis is a concern for older adults, particularly women who have reached menopause. Osteoporosis occurs when bones become brittle and can break from only the slightest bump or fall, says the Mayo Clinic. Vitamin D and calcium help strengthen bones, and older adults may need more of these nutrients. Individuals should speak with their health care providers and nutritionists for further insight into their changing nutritional needs. Such professionals can help customize diets to address specific health concerns.

Adobe/Stock photo

Individuals should pay attention to their vitamin and mineral intake at various ages so they do not miss out on important nutrients.

Baseball brings home three wins

By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer

On Tuesday, April 16, the Winters High School varsity baseball team won its home game against East Nicolaus High School by a score of 1–0. It was a very close game with the score sitting at 0–0 in the bottom of the sixth inning. It wasn’t until Anthony Duran put an immense amount of pres sure on the East Nicolaus pitcher as he aggressively led off third base, causing a balk which automatically allowed him to advance across home plate.

dou-

While runs may have been hard to come by, the Warriors played one of the best defensive games they have played all season. The Warriors had zero errors on the day and executed two beautiful double plays. Miles Mariani pitched a full game, striking out three East Nic batters, walking four and giving up five hits and zero runs. Jordan Calvert, first baseman, was put to work with 11 putouts. Sebastian Rodriguez followed Calvert with three putouts while Ashton Baylor, Isaiah Pazmino and Gio Jimenez each secured two putouts each for the Warriors. Everett Beason, Julian Herrera, Jimenez and Mariani also contributed defensively with two assists each.

On Wednesday, April 17, the Warriors won their away game against Pierce High School by a score of 18–4.

The Warriors took the lead very early on in the game after Rodriguez singled, scoring two runs. Derrick Olson and Lane Brown also singled, scoring one run each and Beason drew a walk scoring a run. Winters added to its lead in the third inning when Pazmino

libraries, summer concerts, Winters Shakespeare Workshop, the Family Holiday Festival, and author talks.

So Love Your Library and donate. You don’t need to wait until May 2 because early donating began on April 18. For more information, go to wfol.org.

LINDA SPRINGER Winters Friends of the Library Youth Day Opening Ceremonies Friday

Although the Duck Derby has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 15, there are still plenty of

bled and Duran singled, each scoring one run. The Warriors then scored six runs on two hits at the top of the fourth inning. Beason once again contributed to the score with a single, scoring one run, while Pierce handed over the other five runs by walking Jake Woods and hitting both Olson and Calvert. Brown hit a beautiful double in the fifth inning driving in two runs for the Warriors. While runs were hard to come by in the game against East Nicolaus, the Warriors dominated at the plate against Pierce. Brown led the team with two hits in five at bats and three RBI’s. Olson and Rodriguez also battled at the plate, each driving in three runs for the Warriors. Beason and Pazmino played a smart game at bat and took three bases on balls each putting themselves in optimal positions to score.

In addition to a great day at bat, Brown was also utilized as the starting pitcher for the Warriors where he struck out six batters, walked one and allowed five hits and four runs over the span of five innings.

Jake Woods led the team defensively with four putouts and one assist. Followed by Mason Stoops with three putouts. Calvert, Baylor and Olson

activities to come out and enjoy to help kick off the Youth Day festivities on Friday evening.

Kenneth Matheson, Winters High School senior, will be holding an official stage dedication for his Senior Capstone and Eagle Scout Service project.

also contributed two putouts each for the Warriors.

On Friday, April 19, the Warriors won their second game of the week against East Nicolaus High School by a score of 4–0.

Baylor got his team on the board in the first inning with a hard single, driving in a run. Beason led the Warriors at bat with two RBI’s. Olson, Pazmino and Rodriguez also collected one hit each for the Warriors.

Calvert stepped in as starting pitcher for the Warriors and pitched an excellent game. Calvert allowed only two hits over seven innings, striking out five and walking five. Duran led the Warriors with seven putouts at first and one assist. Baylor followed closely behind the plate with six putouts. Pazmino contributed five putouts in the outfield, while Beason, Rodriguez and Jordan Wojan each had one. Calvert and Olson also contributed defensively with a combined five putouts. While the Warriors played another impressive defensive game, there was a standout moment in the fourth inning where Pazmino, Beason and Baylor prevented East Nicolaus from scoring and holding the score at a shutout. Pazmino recovered a hard hit to center field, quickly threw it to Beason at short who made a perfect throw to Baylor at home plate who was in the perfect position to make a perfect tagout, cutting off the East Nic base runner before they could make it across home plate.

The Warriors face off against Willows on Thursday, April 25, at 4 p.m. at the Winters High School varsity baseball field.

Day.

the Nor

Small Schools Invitational. The Warriors put their talents and skills to the test and represented Winters as one of the 29 schools competing.

The girls varsity team placed fourth out of the 29 with 46 points, just 8.5 points behind Golden Sierra in third place. The boys junior varsity team placed fifth with 26 points. The girls junior varsity team placed eighth with 14 points, while the boys varsity team tied ins 14th place with East Nicolaus and Paradise Adventist Academy with eight points each.

Girls varsity

The girls varsity 4x100 Relay maintained their reign as top competitors with a first place finish in their heat. Sophomores Violet Tuel, Varenna Terronez, Ava Muir-Vickrey and junior Jordan Tucker finished in 53.58, just 0.22 ahead of Golden Sierra's second-place time of 53.8.

Senior Lucie Obrist brought it out on the track and scored two topfive spots. Obrist took second in the 100-meter hurdles at 18.74 and fifth in the 300-meter hurdles a 54.84.

AGUIAR

Continued from Page 1

Boys teams

Junior Jesse Madsen also earned a second-place spot in the 100-meters race for the boys varsity team. Madsen came in at 11.84, with a difference of 0.05 behind a Redding Christian athletes first place finish of 11.79.

Sophomore Avhin Willim took a third place spot for the boys junior varsity team in the 400-meter race with a final time of 1:00.11.

Field events

The Warriors earned more points for Winters in field events.

For the girls varsity team, Muir-Vickrey took second in the long jump with a distance of 14 feet, 9 inches and fourth in the triple jump at 28 feet, 7.5 inches.

Sophomore Varenna Terronez took sixth in the long jump at 13 feet, 11.5 inches.

Tuel showed up for the junior varsity team earning second place in the junior varsity long jump at 14 feet and third in the triple jump at 28 feet, 2 inches.

On the boys junior varsity team, sophomore Ramon Lopez took two second place spots in events. Lopez placed second in the shot put at 40 feet, 8.5 inches and in the discuss at 107 feet, 7 inches.

Willim took fifth place in the triple jump at 33 feet, 7 inches.

skills that will reach into every aspect of their lives and help prepare them for their future,” Aguiar said. “This organization has given me so much that I am incredibly grateful for it, and I encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunities FFA provides.”

The Winters Youth Day committee will recognize Sue Bridge as the 2024 Youth Day Educator of the Year and a tribute for the Winters Grand Marshall Award in Memory of Michael Sebastian. The committee will also host the coronation of the new Royal Youth Consulate members as we continue the transition of engaging youth in meaningful ways in the planning of Youth

Ducks sales and last-minute registration for the inaugural Michael Bazan Jimenez & Noah Lichwa Memorial Fun Run will be available to the community. Students from Shirley Rominger Intermediate School will also help to revive the youth talent show through a showcase of their top talent performers.

This Youth Day celebration is about honoring the legacy of Mike Sebastian and celebrating youth of all ages. We hope to see you there.

CRYSTAL APILADO and CAROL MCMASTERSSTONE Winters Youth Day Committee board members LETTERS Continued from Page 6

Aguiar, who said, “Providing students with the skills and knowledge of how food is produced gives them opportunities for what they can do in their own communities to help provide access to fresh fruit or vegetables.”

Aguiar clarifies that agriculture education is “much more than just raising livestock.”

“It provides students with

“Allison is a oncein-a-career type of student,”  Mederos said. “I feel so lucky I get to work with her because she truly makes those who know her better, and her impact will be felt for years.

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In March, Winters FFA members competed in the Central Region Prepared Public Speaking Contest. Allison Aguiar won second place.

Family fun at Lynch Canyon Kite Festival

Lynch Can-

The Kite Festival, which takes place on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lynch Canyon Open Space, is a free event open to everyone. Lynch Canyon is an open space park owned and operated by Solano Land Trust that has hiking trails and rolling hills, making it the perfect place to fly a kite, as the wind comes over the hills and moves around the valleys.

We invite you to bring your own kite, or you can purchase one at the festival from Old City Kites. You’ll also see the gigantic kites trucked in by Central Valley Kite Flyers soaring over the hills.

For lunch, the DogFather food truck will be selling gourmet hot dogs, or you can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. Please also bring water as there is no available drinking water at the park. Make sure to bring weather protection and boots or sturdy closed-toed shoes as parts of the ground may be uneven.

The Lynch Canyon Kite Festival is open to all ages and abilities, so please bring friends and family and enjoy the Saturday outside! Learn more at solanolandtrust. org/event/annual-lynch-canyon-kite-festival. Please note: There are no dogs allowed at Lynch Canyon to protect wildlife, rare

DMTC delights with fractured fairy tales

Special to the Express Davis Musical Theatre Company presents “Into the Woods,” underwritten by Sharon Joyce, from Friday, April 26, through Sunday, May 19, at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Peña Drive, No. 10, in Davis.

An ambivalent

Cinderella? A bloodthirsty Little Red Riding hood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? They're all among the cockeyed characters in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's fractured fairy tale centered around a childless baker and his wife whose only wish is to lift the family curse and live happily ever after. Thus, what begins as a lively, irreverent fantasy becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories

we tell our children. In addition to the stories, the music of Stephen Sondheim (who passed away in 2021) an American composer and lyricist.

He is regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century musical theater and is credited with reinventing the American musical.

Steve Isaacson will direct and choreograph with musical direction by Montana Moncell. The cast features Victor Barajas as the Baker, Rachele Wurr as the Baker’s Wife, Morgan Bartoe as the Witch and Sean Savidge as the Narrator/Mysterious Man.

“Into The Woods” plays on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from April 26 through May 19. All performances are at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Peña Drive in Davis.

Tickets are $18 general, $16 students and seniors (55 and over) and $14 each for groups of 10 or more. (There is a $2 facility fee per ticket on purchase, whether cash, charge, phone, internet or in person.) Purchase tickets at dmtc.org. For additional information, visit dmtc.org or call 530756-3682.

America, a jury of men and women are locked in a room to decide the fate of a teenager accused of killing his father. Before they reach an unanimous decision, they journey through their own biases, prejudices and insecurities. This play is based on the 1954 teleplay “Twelve Angry Men.”

Come and experience the drama, tension, and excitement of “12 Angry Jurors” in person at the Winter Opera House, the new home of the Winters Theatre Company! Purchase tickets now by visiting the Winters Theatre Company’s website, www. winterstheatre.org.

The production is scheduled to run from May 10 to 19 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m.

Special to the Express

The Davis Odd Fellows Thursday Live! concert series features Back pOrchEstra on May 2. The Odd Fellows Hall is located at 415 Second St. in downtown Davis. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. These shows are donation only with all money going to the musicians. Back pOrchEstra plays a wide variety of American Roots music: country blues, roots rock, Cajun, Western Swing and American. The band features players from Commander Cody & His Western Airmen, Etta James, Tommy Castro, John Lee Hooker, NRPS, Norton Buffalo and others. Their "Voices In My Head (Genre Whiplash)" album made the Top 100 Albums at Alt.Country Specialty Chart. (The Official Site for Alt Country)."It's one fine album. So well-crafted as Mr. Eschliman has assembled a wonderful cast of Bay Area musicians to achieve this downhome sound ... a very timely reminder of how rich the musical community of the San Francisco Bay Area is," said Ben Fong-Torres (Rolling Stone, Almost Famous) It started out as a back porch thing, just resonator guitar and drums. and when the violinist was added, it was jokingly referred to as an orchestra... it then kept growing as the pandemic allowed...to the point where the name actually makes sense. This mostly acoustic band is genre-busting, or more accurately ... genre-fusing, blending their own influences together to manifest what might be their own musical landscape. They draw from new, original material as well as reworked classics by Taj Mahal, Dan Hicks, Big Bill Broonzy, Bob Wills, Bobby Charles, Fats Waller, Hank Williams, Albert Lee and Commander Cody & His LPA.

Back pOrchEstra is Tim Eschliman (vocals & resonator guitar, worked with Etta James, Commander Cody, New Copasetics, the Nick Lowe-produced Moonlighters, Norton Buffalo, Christmas Jug Band), Bowen Brown (drums, John Lee Hooker, Tommy Castro, Rhythmtown-Jive), Candy Girard (violin, Delaney Bramlet, Tanya Tucker, Clint Black and with Jerry Garcia on his album "Cats Down Under the Stars") Paul Olgiun (Macy Starr, Shana Morrison) and Gary Potterton (guitar, NRPS, Texas Chainsaw).

The bar will be open selling beer, wine, and other beverages.

For more information, or to be added to the Thursday Live! email list, contact Juelie Roggli at juelrog@ gmail.com.  Thursday Live! is sponsored

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The Youth Day legacy of Mike Sebastian

By Angela Underwood Express correspondent

Last spring, Mike Sebastian called Carol McMasters-Stone to grant her the honor of being the grand marshal of the 2023 Winters Youth Day Parade.

But this year, the long-time chairman of the notable community parade is not here to pass on the honor to the next grand marshal since passing away before the year ended in December 2023. Instead, the Winters Youth Day committee is honoring his legacy by naming him the Honorary Grand Marshall in memoriam.

Sebastian’s voice will both be missed on the phone and leading the 87th annual procession, according to McMasters-Stone, who has served two decades on the Youth Day Committee.

“Mike will not be announcing the parade this year,” McMasters-Stone said. “That’s probably the hardest part of all of this. He had a distinctive voice, and I’ll miss hearing him describing the parade.”

The Youth Day Board of Directors posted a tribute to Sebastian on the annual parade website, calling the former president the “heart and soul” of the procession.

“This year marked Mike’s 46th year of remarkable commitment,” the tribute reads. “The void left by his absence will undoubtedly make navigating this year particularly challenging.”

Though Sebastian will not be present, his presence will still be felt on Main Street.

“There will be a memorial float for Mike in the parade, a plaque for his family, and we have named our parade sweepstakes the Michael Sebastian Parade Sweepstakes award,” McMasters-Stone said of the no-entry-fee pa-

rade, welcoming anyone to join.

Sebastian’s literal labor of love is also missed, with McMasters-Stone saying, “We all have to work harder because we don’t have him to help out.”

“He was also really good at working through any conflicts we might have and smoothing over the edges,” McMasters-Stone said. “Anyway, we want this to be the best Youth Day it can be, so we’re pulling out the stops, and the entire committee is working really hard to get things done.”

Founded in 1933 by Reverend Charles P. Barkman and Dr. A.M. Herron, Winters Youth Day teaches young people about the aspects of city government by giving them a week of hands-on experience with their elected city officials. Adolescents get elected adoration with a parade at the end of the week with the spotlight on them and them only.

“Youth Day’s primary mission is to familiarize students, hopefully our future

“I became friends with his daughter, Katie Sebastian, while we were in the 4th grade. Ever since I first met Mike, he treated me like one of his girls. Always loved having me over at his house. He would always call me daughter and I would call him dad. He is very much missed. Never forgotten.”

Angela Otte

leaders, with City government and how it operates,” McMasters-Stone said.

The 2024 event marked a milestone for the Youth Day festivities. After talking with the school district and the city, Sebastians dream of seeing the Youth City Council and civic engagement was finally set to be re-introduced in a new model.

Crystal Apilado, Express editor and Youth Day board member, took over the reigns to planning to revive the Youth City Council and Civic Engagement Day at City Hall event on April 18.

“I was really inspired last year when Mike and I began brainstorming ways to bring this tradition back. I was able to participate in it when I was in high school and it’s still one of those very memorable experiences,” Apilado said.

“After Mike died, a fire was lit under me and I was motivated to ensure that this became a reality — not just for Mike’s sake but to bring value and meaning back to the experience for local youth.

Winters Youth Day inevitably brings families together on the sidelines as they cheer on the faux officials and decorated floats. Not to mention the Kiddie Parade, which welcomes the youngest Winters citizens to get involved. Children get creative with categories at the corner of Fourth and Main, including decorated bikes, costumes, wagons, pets, groups, and mini-floats.

“When we can get people together in a family-friendly, fun environment, that’s good for the community,” McMasters-Stone said. “Getting out, seeing old friends, and catching up and meeting new people helps a community connect.”

Another one of Sebastian’s goal was to see students work on floats to enter in the Main parade. He got the ball rolling, and with help and collaboration from the new Winters High School Youth Day Club and Winters school district staff there will be a handful of student-created floats making an appearance in the parade this year.

McMasters-Stone welcomes all of Winters to “come on out and play some games, eat some great food, and have a good time” at the parade, which awards cash prizes,

trophies, and ribbons. Immediately after the parade, participants and families continue the fun at the Youth Day Vendor Fair, where booths line the lawn and food trucks serve excellent local fare.

According to McMasters-Stone, the large-scale event welcomes volunteers who help keep the strong tradition alive. The only time Winters Youth Day has not been celebrated since 1933 was during World War II and COVID-19 pandemic because Sebastian never gave up making it happen.

“He loved the history and tradition and tried to keep everything going,” McMasters-Stone said. “He honestly cared about people and he cared about Youth Day and all the other activities he was involved in, which made it easy to volunteer with him because he was good at what he was doing.”

Community remembers

Mike Winters residents shared some of the Youth Day memories of Sebastian with the Express.

Angela Otte said he was like family.

“I became friends with his daughter, Katie Sebastian, while we were in the fourth grade. Ever since I first met

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/Courtesy photo Michael Sebastian hands out a parade award.

Mike, he treated me like one of his girls. Always loved having me over at his house. He would always call me daughter and I would call him dad. He is very much missed. Never forgotten,” Otte said.

Jude Kratzer said the community needs “more Mike Sebastians in this town.”

“I helped out with the Youth Day setup for about five years back in the day. I remember Mike Sebastian as being pretty mellow and always personable with stories of youth day past. He knew the ins and outs of the steps to create a successful Youth Day event for all the town to enjoy,” Kratzer said. “Mike definitely put his heart and soul into the civic duties he took on. Whether it was “assisting’ Santa during the city tree lighting, hearing his voice during the multiple local sporting events, or announcing the parade entries that brought joy to this small town.”

One of Kratzer’s vivid memories about Sebastian was how he would show appreciate for parade volunteers.

“One of my simplest mem-

ories of Mike with the Youth Day setup was you could always count on him to be in front of City Hall with two dozen donuts first thing the day of the parade, giving treats to us that set up the barriers and prepped for the parade stage to be ready to give the town another suc-

cessful Youth Day memory,” Kratzer said.

While no one can fill Mike Sebastian’s shoes, what can be promised is every foot that marches in the parade this year is truly in honor of the man who made it happen for decades.

Editor’s note

I cannot fully express my gratitude for the opportunity to work with Mike Sebastian on all things Youth Day. From serving as the Youth Judge in 1999 to working with him again as an adult to market the event in the newspaper — his passion to engage students and celebrate youth and one’s inner youth was like no other.

I joined his efforts to bring youth back into the spirit of Youth Day and provide a civic engagement opportunity, and I told him I would fiercely support the effort to make it a reality.

After the revival of the Youth City Council meeting and the inaugural Youth Civic Engagement Day at City Hall on April 18, it is bittersweet to have experienced it without him.

This Youth Day special edition is dedicated to Mike Sebastian, as well as the entirety of the 2024 Youth Day event.

The Youth Day committee wanted to embody his Youth Day legacy and we all agreed to rename the Parade Sweepstakes award in his honor. We are also going to dedicate the last duck in the Duck Derby in his memory as well.

There are a lot of Youth Day traditions on the schedule, as well as some new ones and some revived ones that you can enjoy.

I hope you’ll join us in celebrating him this Youth Day, and will join us in the efforts for the next Youth Day event.

— Crystal Apilado, Editor-in-Chief

2024 Youth Day Events Schedule

Friday, April 26

The 10th Annual Duck Derby is being rescheduled to Saturday, June 15. More details to follow.

Youth Day Opening Ceremonies

• 7 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater stage behind Winters Community Center

• New stage dedication with Kenneth Matheson

• Grand Marshal and Educator of the Year honorees

• Royal Youth Consul coronation ceremony

• Shirley Rominger Intermediate School Talent Show Finalists Showcase

Saturday, April 27

Rotary Pancake Breakfast

• 7 to 9:30 a.m. at Winters Community Center

Michael Bazan Jimenez & Noah Lichwa Memorial Fun Run

• 8 to 10 a.m. at 5 E. Abbey St. (Abbey and Railroad Street)

Kiddie Parade

• 8:45 a.m. Kiddie Parade Registration

• 9:45 a.m. Kiddie Parade starts down Main Street

Main Parade

• 10 a.m. This year’s parade route starts at Fourth and Main Street. It will go down Main Street, and turn left at First Street. The route ends at Edwards Street.

Kiddie Faire

• 12 to 4 p.m. at Little League field

• Food and Crafts in the Park

• 12 to 4 p.m. at Winters City Park

Stage Schedule I

• Noon to 1:30 p.m.

• Diaper Derby

• Hula Hoop competition

• DJ Freeze Dance

• Red Light, Green Light

• Donut Eating Contest

Youth Day Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser

• 1 p.m. at Hoobys Brewing, 9 E. Main St., Suite J

WHS Alumni Baseball Game

• 1 p.m. at WHS varsity baseball field

Parade Awards

• 2 p.m. on Winters City Park stage

Stage Schedule II

• 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Fashion Show (crepe paper)

• Karaoke Singing contest

Courtesy photo

Mike Sebastian had been involved in Youth Day since high school.

Bringing value to Youth Council, Royalty roles

The 2024 Winter Youth Day event is a pivotal point in its history. The Winters Youth Day committee began meeting with representatives from Winters Joint Unified School District and the city of Winters to collaborate on ways to get youth involved again. From building floats with crepe paper and paper flowers to reviving the youth civic engagement tradition from years past – Youth Day President Mike Sebastian had big goals.

Student apathy was at an all-time high regarding running for the Youth Council or riding in the parade in the royal court. The 2023 Council and Royal Court experienced last-minute cancellations and absences. Plus efforts to build floats were

considered too extra in the scheme or testing, projects and other extracurricular activities.

With support from Superintendent Rody Boonchouy, City Manager Jeremy Craig and Council Member Carol Scianna, the Winters Youth Day committee began rethinking what the youth involvement portion could look like and ideas began to take root and bloom.

Youth Council

Winter Youth Day was originally founded to teach young people about city government.

The event was started in 1933, by Reverend Charles Barkman and Winters High School Principal A.M. Herron to teach high school students how a city and elections operate.

For the first 50 years, students ran an election at the high school to begin to elect youth to local government positions on the Youth Day Council by their peers. The elected students would spend time during the school day to shadow their

counterparts on the Winters City Council for a week and in later years, would run a council meeting and pass resolutions. Then, on the final Saturday of April, the youth council members would be honored by the parade, where they would ride

alongside the city council. The practice of shadowing their counterparts and running a Youth City Council meeting had come to a stop at some point in the early 2000s. Instead, the

See

ROLES, Page 12 Vidali Ceja, acting City Manager, Atlas Roehrs, City Attorney, and Julian Bermudez, middle school Council Member.

Crystal Apilado/ Winters Express

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2024 Youth Council and Royalty

JAPANTOWN MONUMENT DEDICATION DAY EVENTS

MAY 4, 2024

11 AM

1:30 PM

2 PM

BUDDHIST SERVICE AT THE WINTERS CEMETERY

TAIKO DRUM PERFORMANCE AT ROTARY PARK

JAPANTOWN DEDICATION AT ROTARY PARK GAZEBO

THE WINTERS MUSEUM (13 RUSSELL ST.) WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM, FEATURING THE LOST JAPANESE COMMUNITY EXHIBIT

Our family and our employees are proud to have supported Winters Youth Day for over 84 years.

Winters

Continued from Page 6

Youth Council would attend a luncheon with their counterparts and on occasion take a trip to the state capitol.

In 2023, Boonchouy and Sebastian met and began discussing how to shift back to the original intention of getting students more involved in a civic engagement experience and allowing them to interact with local government officials.

Unfortunately, Sebastian died in December 2023 and the group worked to keep the momentum going.

Winters High School students formed a Youth Day Club and began taking over some of the tasks from the WHS student leadership class including the Youth City Council and royalty elections. Working with Winters Express Editor-in-Chief Crystal Apilado, they finalized a listing of expectations and a list of activities the Youth City Council and Royalty would perform in their roles. They also began working to include Winters Middle School leadership students.

The new revamped Youth City Council featured Mayor Eden Miller, Freshmen Council Member Vanessa Gonzales, Sophomore Council Member Aylin Ochoa, Junior Council Member Sariah Soriano, WMS Council Member Julian Bermudez, City Attorney Atlas Roehrs, City Manager Mikenzie Hapworth-Eldridge, City Clerk Aydarri Seth, Police Chief Serena Husted, Fire Chief Mayra Borges, Public Works Director Jackson Bronson, Community Development Jordan Skaggs and Treasurer Vidali Ceja.

Although the trip to the state capitol was nixed due to an injury of the school district staff member who was

going to accompany them, the Youth Council did get to participate in the inaugural Youth Civic Engagement Day at City Hall on Thursday, April 18.

The Youth Council learned about the interworkings and roles of city staff members, observed some demonstrations at the City Corporation Yard, and conducted a Youth City Council meeting in the Winters City Council chamber.

The agenda topics discussed included a collaboration between city public safety officials and the school district to educate students about the dangers of fentanyl and drugs and to create a more transparent method for community members to report potholes and other pavement emergencies.

At the meeting, the royal representatives helped sit in for the Sophomore Council Member and Community Development roles. Additionally, Treasurer Ceja served as the Acting City Manager in the absence of the Youth City

Manager at the meeting and announced the 2024 Youth Day Educator of the Year.

For the first time, WMS leadership students were invited to participate in making public input statements at the Youth City Council Meeting. Paula Manners, Carmella Wroten, Sophia Dreyer, Giselle Murillo and Bubba Hernandez made multiple statements on different agenda items, as well

Youth Day Sweetheart tradition was revamped in 2005 when Winters High School students elected Piedad Junoz as the first Sweethunk, in addition to the Sweetheart.

Each WHS Class would nominate a Prince and Princess to represent their year on the Royal Court. From those eight candidates, a Sweetheart and a Sweethunk are chosen. The Royal Court is recognized in a coronation at the Opening Ceremony the Friday before Youth Day, and they would ride in the Main Parade.

For the 2024 event, a discussion was had about whether or not to discontinue the Royalty tradition since it was simply a title and had no civic engagement involved. However, concerns were expressed that if the Royalty option was removed it would exclude students who would otherwise not participate in the Youth Day opportunity. Apilado said she had an interest in turning the Royalty roles into a Youth Day marketing opportunity. The 2024 royalty experience was switched up. Any WHS student could apply for a royalty role, regardless of grade level or gender. The Royalty would work with the Winters Express to help create videos, photos and other marketing-related efforts.

as non-agenda items. Mayor Bill Biasi also joined in and made a public statement about Youth Day traditions and thanked the group for helping to lead the way.

Royalty

The Youth Day Royal Court had been a long-standing tradition since the second Youth Day celebration in 1934 when Mildred Clark was honored as the first Sweetheart. The

Although the marketing piece wasn’t fully completed for the 2024 event, the Royal Court was renamed the Royal Youth Consulate, with the first two Royal Consul members being Karen Covarrubias and Alison Gamboa.

The Royal Consuls attended the youth civic engagement event with the Youth City Council. Covarrubias filled in as a council member on the dais and engaged in discussion on agenda items, while Gamboa in the Community Development role and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

ABOVE: Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III shares about his role and how it impacts the community.

BELOW: Assistant City Attorney Martin de los Angeles gives Youth Attorney Atlas Roehrs tips for the meeeting.

Rotary Pancake Breakfast connects locals, supports community

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

The Rotary Pancake Breakfast is a staple of the Winters community and serves as a community favorite start to the Winter Youth Day festivities on Saturday morning. Held at the community center for nearly six decades, the Rotary Pancake Breakfast is where members of the community can once again come and reconnect.

Whether you’ve been a longtime member of the Winters community or a newcomer, the Rotary Pancake Breakfast is an amazing event for the whole town to celebrate the beginning of Youth Day.

“It brings the community together, and it is where people see and talk to people they haven’t seen in a while (...) people look forward to the Rotary Breakfast and it gives them time to relax, meet old friends and then walk down to the parade,” says Charley Wallace, a Rotary Club of Winters member and longtime volunteer for the event.

Wallace has been running or volunteering for the event for the past seven years. He has been connected to the annual pancake breakfast, as well as Youth Day, since his early years.

“I grew up in Winters and was the Youth Day mayor when I was a senior in high school, so I’ve always gone to the breakfast. After I joined Rotary, I became more involved,” says Wallace.

The Rotary Pancake Breakfast facilitates old and new community members to meet every year. What better way for the community to connect than over a plate of freshly made pancakes and coffee?

However, it’s no easy task

to run the Rotary Pancake Breakfast. It takes a small army of volunteers to prepare, cook, and serve the food. It’s not just pancakes at the event, after all. Sausages, eggs, fruits and drinks are also served to over 625 people who show up every year for the Rotary Breakfast, so lots of helping hands are needed every year.

It takes over 30 volunteers to put on the annual breakfast event, consisting of a mix of Rotarians and Winters firefighters who work with alongside each other every year to make the breakfast happen.

“A few years ago, former (Fire) Chief Brad Lopez initiated the Department’s involvement in the Pancake Breakfast with the help of a couple of volunteers and a trailer full of supplies to aid with cooking,” says Tyler Hagly, the Association Presi-

dent of the Firefighter Association.

“What started with a few volunteers has grown, most notably being last year’s Pancake Breakfast in which seven members of the Winters Fire Department were helping out, and then three more joined after responding to an incident that morning,” Hagley continued.

It’s thanks to community members like Hagly and Wallace who take time out of their busy schedules to make the breakfast come together, as well as local businesses like Putah Creek Cafe and Buckhorn Steakhouse, who help donate supplies for the breakfast.

“Most of the credit goes to the Buckhorn and the Putah Creek Cafe for getting their suppliers to donate a lot of the food,” said Wallace.

The Rotary Pancake Breakfast, after all, doesn’t

Anderson and others, and as Harold got older, I took over more and more of the responsibilities. John Donlevy helped me for years, especially running the fire department’s mobile kitchen. Jack Vickrey is a big help, and other Rotarians step up to make sure everything runs smoothly,” said Wallace.

The Rotary Pancake Breakfast has always been a way to bring the community together in one place, as well as celebrating what makes our town great.

just serve as a way to get together to kick off the Youth Day festivities. Since the inaugural Pancake Breakfast, it’s been a way for the Winters Rotary to raise money for the community.

“The money raised is divided between Rotary and the firefighters, depending on how many volunteers show up. The Rotary Club of Winters uses the money for community projects and scholarships,” says Wallace. So when you’re buying that ticket for breakfast, it is not just for a plate full of fluffy pancakes. It’s also giving back to the Winters community.

The Rotary Pancake Breakfast is a staple for Youth Day, an event that has lasted for so long because of how it serves the community, and because of stalwart community members who ensure it happens every year.

“At first, I helped Harold

“The festivities are not limited to the youth, with people from the entire community of Winters partaking in the Breakfast, watching the parade with friends, and enjoying the variety of vendors among the other things offered,” says Hagly. “Within that lies the importance of both the Breakfast as well as Youth Day as a whole – it is a time to celebrate with our entire community. As for the Winters Fire Department, Youth Day gives us another way of providing service to the people we love and respect in our beautiful town.”

Those who are brand new to Winters should consider attending the Rotary Pancake Breakfast as a way to connect with longtime community members. And longtime locals can come down and chat over a big plate of pancakes and coffee and connect with other members of the community who make the town special.

The pancake breakfast will be held at the Winters Community Center on Saturday, April 27, and runs from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Email WintersRotary@gmail.com to order tickets, or stop by the Winters Museum during business hours and ask to speak with Charley Wallace.

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/Courtesy photo

The Rotary Club of Winters has hosted the annual pancake breakfast for nearly six decades.

Winters Youth Day history — year by year

Express staff

History of Youth Day as compiled by students in the late 60s and provided to the Express by parade officials. The summaries for Winters Youth Day between 1968–1990 and 2011–2018 were compiled by Mike Sebastian. Express staff have served as historians since.

1933

Back in 1933 Rev. C.P. Barkman, local Presbyterian pastor, and Dr. A.M. Herron, high school principal had a consultation. They discussed a lot of ideas and held some conferences. The observance of the first Youth Day began on April 29, 1933. These professionals believed that youth should have some training for future civic, business and so-

cial obligations. They also had heard the adage about all work and no play, etc. The two founders incorporated support for a parade, competitive games, a bountiful picnic luncheon and general sociability along with a citizenship program to accomplish their aims. They enlisted business and social organizations’ help.

1934

Modes of conveyance were used in various forms, with the horse and buggy much in evidence. There were single and double rigs, horseback riders, buggies, and surreys in the trappings of the Gay ’90s; baby buggies of yesterdays and toy wagons. The parade was said to be a halfmile long. Union District School took first prize. Doc-

tor Ira. B. Cross, head of economics at the University of California, was speaker, and Anack Carando was mayor. Councilmen were Bill Sale, Bill Duncan, Burt Scribner, Philip Ritchie and Roger Riesbeck; clerk was Millicent Burge; treasurer was Martha Fenn; and judge was Vernon Hannon.

1935

Fifty entries took part in the parade and for the first time neighboring towns entered floats. Bill Duncan was mayor and Judge Grant Burton gave a speech on citizenship and America.

1937

Lt. Governor Hatfield was the speaker, and the mayor was Herman Meyer. Councilmen were: Goodwin Horigan, Alicia Conard, Willie Guthrie, Douglas Fenley, Jack McKenzie and Herbert Connor Jr.; clerk was Barbara Gwartney; treasurer was Elda Button; and judge was Rene Rossi.

1938

1936

Governor Frank Merriam was the guest speaker on the Possibilities of Youth. The governor remained for the night show. Eddie Baker was mayor.

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It rained that year, but a thousand people attended. Rev. Barkman had departed to another field of labor, and Dr. A. M. Herron took over the general chairmanship. For the first time, guest mayors were chosen from other schools. They were among

the guests on the platform at the citizenship hour. Oscar Holmes was acting mayor and Dr. T. W. McQuarrie, head of San Jose Teachers’ College, was the speaker, Councilmen were: Mildred Thomson, Laura Gale, Bettymae Niemann, Violet Siranian, Jack Muro and Wayne Sharp; Jean Wehrman was clerk; Wayne Clark, judge; Jean Griffin, treasurer. Elwin Martin was chairman of the evening show.

1939

A new attraction and one in which many were interested was the model airplane contest, directed by W. R. Pugh. Jack Mermod was mayor and Judge John Pullen gave a fine speech about Youth in the Changing World. Councilmen were:

1940

Administering civic affairs for the day were Don Clark, George Pede, Claire Peterson, Dorothy Martin, Alfonso Carrion, Bert Coman and Elmer Scott. A new feature was the SCAL track meet that drew many spectators in the afternoon. Edgar Yarberry was the mayor for the day.

1941

A record crowd of 2,500 was present. The last pre-

the mumps, his good friend, Charley Graf, stood in for him that day.

1946

A monster parade and program full of events marked the first observance in five years. Henry Church was mayor. Officials were Albert Koolhoff, Donald Rominger, Marilyn Vasey, Kenneth Farnsworth, Marian Cecil, Bob Gardner and John Griffin. Henry Votaw, the representative sent by Governor Earl Warren, gave a brief message.

1947

The crowd was estimated at between 5,000 and 6,000 people. Lloyd Islip was may

Robert Gale, Edgar Yarberry, Alfonso Carrion and Boyd Hall; clerk, Bert Coman; Henry Gutierrez, treasurer; and Harry Fredericks, judge.

The VFW Post 11091 presents the flags in the 2017 Youth Day Parade.

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/ Courtesy photo

Herman

Ramos was Youth Day mayor; Anna Reiff was judge and Bob Draper, city clerk. Officials were Pat Biasi, Wanda Henley, Jean Ramos, Jim Snodgrass, Keith Farnsworth, Manuel Ramos, L.

Craft

Welch, L. Warren, Eugene Gale and M. Clark. For the first time since 1936, Winters was honored by having the governor of California, Earl Warren, for Youth Day. Aerial bombs, two of them, heralded the start of the day.

Five thousand people attended.

1950

Juliann Burket, Youth Day sweetheart, and Larry Warren, Youth Day mayor were the dignitaries for the day.

Newton Wallace was general chairman. Peter Knoles spoke; he was vice president of Sacramento Junior College. Governor Warren was the honored guest, and the parade was an estimated four miles long. About 7,000 people attended Youth Day, and 2,500 were at the night show. The date for Youth Day that year was April 28.

1951

The general chairman was Bob Johnson and Jean Frank was secretary. The mayor was Doyle Pinkston. Sam Fernandez was judge. Patsy Conner was clerk, Elsie Griffin was treasurer. Roger Deas, research secretary to Governor Earl Warren, was the speaker at the citizenship program. The Youth Day sweetheart was Rosemarie McKenzie. There was a baseball game and the parade route was changed to keep Railroad Avenue open for highway traffic.

1952

Angie Biasi was unanimously chosen as sweetheart in 1952. Mike Ireland won the Youth Day slogan contest with “Today’s Youth.”

John Carbahal was chosen mayor. Dorothy Watterson was city clerk; Ira Day, city treasurer; and the city councilmen were Pat Rohenkohl, Jim Kozen, George Burket and John Brinck. The attendants were Lona Cody, Anita Ramos, Edwin Potter, Nelda Bur-ket. The kiddie parade tradition was started this year. Robert R. Gros, manager of the advertising and publicity of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, was the speaker at the citizenship program. This was the sixth year that Tony Koester of KFBK broadcast the citizenship program.

1953

The mayor was John May-

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Parents work to coax their babies to race to them first in the Diaper Derby event.

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/ Courtesy photo

hew and the sweetheart was Sharon Goetze. The general chairman was Lloyd Adams. Max Baer, former world heavyweight champion, was the master of ceremonies at the evening program. The University of California at Berkeley’s 65-piece band gave a concert on the high school grounds after the citizenship program. They were directed by James Berdall.

1954

The population of Winters was 1,300 and 3,000 people attended the night show. Carl Ramos was chosen mayor. Carmen Cuberos was Youth Day sweetheart. Joe Verducci, director of athletics at San Francisco State, was the speaker at the citizenship program. Patsy Speeder, champion baton twirler, was chosen as the main attraction at the night show.

1955 Pearl Martin was chosen

sweetheart. The theme was “Count Your Blessings,” entered by Linda Owings. The mayor was Ray Johnson. The master of ceremonies at the night show was Jack Burton. Some 2,200 people turned out for the program.

1956

The theme was “Storyland.” The sweetheart was Ann Martin, and the mayor was Dale Corbett. The judge was Jean Schroeder, clerk was Bob Kozen, treasurer was Daphine Constant. The master of ceremonies of the night show as Eddie Bartell. A hobby show was held in the high school library. An estimated 8,500 people attended Youth Day, one of whom was Rev. Barkman, Youth Day founder.

1957

The Mayor was Jim Hyer and the Sweetheart was Isabel Rojo. The attendants were Gloria Molina, Janet

Martin, Alice Guerard and Lynn Gaddini. The theme was “Youth is Golden.” Some 5,000 people attended the festivities. Don Frisbee was general chairman. There were 10 bands in the parade. Fran O’Brien was emcee for

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the night show.

1958

The general chairman for this year was William E. Duncan. Russell Arms was the grand marshal for the parade. There were an esti-

mated 5,000 people who participated in the Youth Day activities. Knox Kirkland announced a magnificent horse show. Linda Owings was the sweetheart, and David Sparks the mayor.

City Council and Youth Council members ride in a Winters Fire Truck in the 2022 Youth Day Parade

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/ Courtesy photo

1959

Ian MacKenzie was the general chairman. James West was elected mayor. In the parade, which was dampened by showers, the Youth Day officials rode in a horseless carriage furnished by the Sacramento Horseless Carriage Club. Sweetheart Janet Martin was accompanied by her four lovely attendants, Elaine Martin, Darla Guthrie, Charlene Rice and Betty Ann Carrion. Some 4,500 people participated in the day’s events.

1960

Girl Scouts in Troop 2361 ride in the parade holding signs of possibly careers in the 2014 Youth Day Parade.

The Winters youth were placed in charge of Youth Day this year, under the guidance of Miles Wemp, high school counselor. The Chamber of Commerce no longer ran Youth Day, but continued to contribute financially to the enterprise. The first youth to have the honor of general chairman bestowed on him was Robert Young. The Youth Day mayor was John Martinez and the sweetheart was Lynn Gaddini, along with Anna Manas, Pat Allsip, Judy Allsip and Roulou Reeves as sweetheart attendants. The council invited Governor Edmund G. Brown to attend the festivities, but unfortunately, he was unable to do so.

1961

The Youth Day General Chairman was Gene Ramos. The Mayor was George Duncan and Juanita Estepa was chosen sweetheart, along with Joanne Martinez, Geraldine Martin, Janet Watterson, and Carol Perkins, attendants. Winters had a parade that consisted of nine divisions. Dr. A. M. Herron, youth founder, was chosen to be the Grand Marshal.

1962

General Chairman was Steve Meyer. The Mayor, Jim Thomas, chose Joe Young, Douglas Baldridge, Byron Randolph, and Leland Jeffery as his councilmen. The sweetheart, Betty Carrion, was accompanied by Dannie Greenwood, Barbara Holmes, Geraldine Diaz, and Janet Watterson. “Tomorrow’s Future Through Today’s Youth” was the Youth Day theme. It was left up to the youth to choose a desir-

We

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/ Courtesy photo

able theme for this festive event.

1963

Bob Chapman was chosen to be Mayor and alongside him stood Geraldine Martin as sweetheart. Robert Harris was the General Chairman for this year. The three councilmen chosen were Wilson Wallace, Dick Graf and Don Schroeder. Some 6,000 persons were on hand at the day’s activities.

1964

Don Schroeder was the General Chairman. Don Dote represented Winters High School as Youth Day Mayor, with Barbara Holmes as sweetheart. Her attendants were Joan Chapman, Diana Storz, Linda White, and Beverly Diaz. Winters was proud to have Congressman Robert Leggett attend Youth Day. Dr. Max Rafferty, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was also present.

1965

David Wemp was General Chairman this year. Tommy Ramos was chosen Mayor. Gaylene Ichtertz was chosen sweetheart and her attendants were Nancy Button, Carol Gomez, Ann Buck-master, and Dannie Greenwood.

1966

Joe Martinez was General Chairman. Mayor Floyd Shimomura escorted Sweetheart Deanne Gomez. Deanne’s attendants were Karen Humphrey, Lorraine Rominger, Kim Greenwood, and Rosanne Turkovich.

1967

General Chairman was Peter Hunter. Rudy Rodriguez was Mayor, and on his council were Bill Young, Jim Fredericks, and Stan Clark. Claudette Maxim reigned as sweetheart, and beside her were Kathy Roberts, Virginia Roberts, Lola Ra-

mos, and Susan Shimomura, attendants. The parade was improved with 120 entries, which made for a unique parade size. A Greased Pig Contest was added to our list of events.

1968

General Chairman Joe Ramos and Parade Chairman Tony Turkovich saw that the day ran smoothly. Stan Kato was elected Mayor, with Joyce Warren as Sweetheart. City Council members included Beverly Atherton, Ray Clark, David Storz, Linda Martinez and John Hart. The First Youth Day Kiddie Show took place for talented kids 13 and under. An estimated 7,000 people enjoyed the events this year.

1969

Charley Wallace was elected Mayor, with Candy Trafican as Sweetheart. City Council members for the day were Robert Kayton, John

Martin, Eva Adams, Ernie Frost. New events scheduled were a skydiving exhibition and a street dance. 7,500 People were in Winters for the festivities, according to General Chairman Bill Martin and Parade Chairman Howard Kato.

1970

Mayor Archie Humphrey presided over Youth Day with his council Pat Taylor, David Carrion, Bill Harrington, Gloria Lopez Andrea Kammerer and Rhonda Williams. Other officers included Ken Galloway, Judge: JoAnn Pitts, Treasurer and Larry Fisher, Clerk. The 1970 Sweetheart was Patty Hoskins. Her court included Gail Holabird, Sheila McGuire, Margie McGuire, and Veronica Roybal.

1971

Ellen Kammerer reigned as Youth Day Sweetheart with her court of Susan Re-

imers, Pam Lopez, Dana Duncan and Bernice Ramos.

Richard Soto served as Mayor and Stan Tufts was General Chairman. Events added to the schedule included a watermelon eating contest. A large crowd of 7,000 attended this year.

1972

Randy Washabaugh was elected Youth Day Mayor. Selected as his council was John Carbahal, Ricky Baker, Danny Martinez, Cecilia Aguiar and Patty Rominger. Mr. and Mrs. Elwin Martin were chosen as Grand Marshals for the Parade which 7,000 people watched. Debbie Gomez was crowned as Sweetheart.

1973

Joe Zaragoza took the place of City Mayor Losoya for the day. The Sweetheart was Sheila Pinkston, with her attendants Linda Keith, Glenda Estes, Ilda Garcia

and Cheryl Lorenzo. General Chairman Michael Smyth estimated crowds at over 7,000.

1974

Retired Winters Ag Teacher Lindsay Jewett led the Youth Day Parade as Grand Marshal. Joe Rominger served as General Chairman with Rene Mayes as his assistant. Ralph Rosas was elected Mayor, and Pilar Jimenez was Sweetheart. Her attendants included Glenda Tucker, Kathy Martin, Margie Shugart and Cindy Izzo. A record crowd of 700 people ate at the annual Rotary Club Breakfast.

1975

Tim Snow was elected Mayor, with his council Mike Biasi, Jesse Lizarraga, Paula Ramos, Ed Carbahal and Cyndi Garcia. The 1975 Sweetheart was Connie Javier. Her attendants included Diana Rubio, Rosie Rojas, Jennifer Franke and Stephanie Smyth. New events scheduled were a Live band and two baseball games. Jack Vasey, WHS Class of 1908, and his sister Mary Walters, WHS Class of 1907, rode as Grand Marshals of the Parade, of which 6,500 people watched.

1976

Darla Humphrey was crowned Sweetheart, with her court Patti Biasi, Kathy Graf, Sandy Wolever and Litza Thanos. Randy Jordan took top honors as Mayor. His Council included Tim Geerts, Andrew Skaggs, Lynn Brickey, Manuela Collado and Nancy Thomas. Manuela Collado also served as General Chairman, with Bill Cody her assistant. A crowd of over 7,000 was estimated for the day.

1977

Tim Geerts was elected Youth Day Mayor and Debbie Rojo was chosen Sweet-

heart. City Councilmen for the day were Clay Walker, Kelly Figy, Sarj Singh, David Snow, Keely Graf, Jeff Ingles, Ramon Lopez, Fred Turkovich, Diane Sawyer and Dan Rominger. Sweetheart attendants included Susan Martin, Lisa Ramos, Jody Graf, and Sherry Donaldson. Longtime Winters auto dealer E.J. Graf served as Parade Grand Marshal. Word was also received that the first Youth Day Mayor Bill Poppe had passed away.

1978

Bob Pisani took charge as General Chairman with Keri Graf his assistant. Levada Russell was the chosen Sweetheart with Melicia Ramos, Jennifer Muller, Wendy Gale and Keri Graf as attendants. The 1978 Youth Day Mayor was Andrew Skaggs. His council included Grace Rosas, Shannon Martinez, Jack McDowell and David Lane. High School Athletic Director John Kammerer rode as Parade Grand Marshal. A record crowd of 900 people jammed the City Hall lawn for the Rotary Pancake Breakfast.

1979

Keri Graf was a very busy person. She was elected Sweetheart as well as running Youth Day as General Chairman. Sam Biasi Jr. served as Mayor. Council members were Ed George, Ed Cody, Manuel Montenegro, Rob Warren, Britt Busby and Rex Mayes Jr. Sweetheart attendants included Gail Losoya, Helen Hemenway, Heather Konkle and Kathy Carrion. Corinne Martinez was Assistant General Chairman, in preparation for next year’s chairmanship.

1980

Mayor Mark Webster and Sweetheart Helen Hemenway took top honors this

1982

Sweetheart Carol Baylor reigned over Youth Day, with her attendants Robin Swigert, Kristen Smith, Karen Whalen and Linda Jimenez. Richard Warren was elected Youth Day Mayor and appointed the following council: Jim Borba, John Lucero, Noel Carbahal, Gary Lambeth, Mickey Johnston, Jim Barbosa and Mike Randsdell. Other elected officials were City Clerk Cyndi Griffin, Judge Sean Eldridge, and Treasurer Veronica Carrasco. Michael Delbar served as General Chairman, with Patty Thomas as his Assistant.

1983

year. Helen’s attendants were Nikki Rojo, Carol Chambers, Rhonda Spurling and Dawn Harris. Appointed City Councilmembers were George Griffin, Ben Geerts, Rex Mayes, Jeff Ingles, Mike Pisani and Scott Panzich. General Chairman Corinne Martinez was assisted by Andra Sawyer. The Youth Day Parade has 145 entries; one of the largest in quite a few years.

1981

Andra Sawyer served as General Chairman with Michael Delbar her assistant. Matt Brickey was elected Mayor and Jennifer Muller was crowned Sweetheart. Other elected officers included John Singh, clerk; Mike Sebastian, Treasurer; and Sean Eldridge, Judge. Sweetheart attendants were Sharon Wright, Stacy Stewart, Lisa Adams, and Claudette Adams. A special show, “This is your Life” was done for longtime Winters Music Teacher Lloyd Adams. The 1st annual Lloyd Adams Music Award was introduced and was given to Outstanding Senior Musician Michael Sebastian.

sen as Adult General Chairman with Tecy Philbrook the Student Assistant. Mayor John Campos and Sweetheart Charmaine Capps reigned over the festivities. Marion and Julia West rode as Parade Grand Marshals, with over 140 entries following behind. The largest parade in years was chaired by adult Mike Sebastian and student Kristen Smith. City Councilmembers elected for the day were Laurie Gray, Yolanda Delgado, Louanne Strom, Jenny Nicholson, and Cami Dandini. The Sweetheart attendants were Schell Philbrook, Nicole Ramos, Candace Lunsford and Chrissy Hill.

1985

Due to Dwindling interest at Winters High School, Youth Day was taken over this year by the Winters Chamber of Commerce. The whole format will stay the same, with the Chamber handling the organizational part of Youth Day. Chamber President Mel Norman served as Adult General Chairman, and Patty Thomas was student assistant. Youth Day was extended to a three-day event to accommodate a Carnival. The Carnival is a big financial booster for Youth Day. High school students elected to City offices were Ralph Gonzales, Mayor; City Clerk Dawn Harris, Judge Daniel Lares, and Treasurer Martha Zarate. Cara Hill was chosen Sweetheart with her court Julie Underwood, Carol Taylor, Nicole Ramos and Tammy Lambeth. Doctors Corbin and Ernie Young were chosen as Parade Grand Marshals, but sadly Corbin was killed in a plane crash the week after being selected. Ernie still rode as Grand Marshal, with a moment of silence being held for Corbin.

1984

Gilbert Sebastian was cho-

Brian Duncan was elected Mayor, making him a third-generation Youth Day Mayor. His father George was Mayor in 1961, and his grandfather Bill Duncan was Mayor in 1935. Brian’s council included Rosalynd Atherton, Elizabeth Cushman, Tania Burr, and Christy Laukkanen. Sweetheart Eva Leal was crowned, with her court Ellen Hale, Isabel Campos, Lidia Rodriguez and Jenny Ramos.

1986

Youth Day celebrates its Golden Anniversary. Due to the cancellation of Youth Day during the World War II years, we now celebrate its 50th Anniversary. Gilbert Sebastian served as General Chairman once again with his assistants Denise Ehnat and Michelle Delbar. Elected as Mayor was Richard Nitzkowski. His council included Rob Paschoal, Cliff Paul and Juan Vasquez. Sweetheart was Isabel Campos, with her court Kerrie Carner, Christina Vasquez, Teresa Rodriguez and Crystal Reid. Parade Grand Marshals

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/Courtesy photo Winters Friends of the Library dressed as book fairies in 2017.

were Marge Singleton and Mary Lee Pokrywka, daughters of Youth Day Co-founder Dr. A.M. Herron. Due to the special nature of the 50th Anniversary, there were honorary Grand Marshals as well. They were 1933 Police Chief Earl Washabaugh, 1935 Youth Day Mayor Bill Duncan, Felicia Diaz, Howard and Germaine Hupe and the Winters Volunteer Fire Department.

1987

Tom Martin took charge as General Chairman with his student assistant Wendy Pierce. Enrique Jimenez was elected Youth Day Mayor and Lidia Rodriguez was Sweetheart. City Council members were Dan Martinez, John Aguiar, Rob Paschoal, Leticia Garcia, Wendy Pierce and Virginia Rosas. Sweetheart attendants included Julia Reid, Christina Vasquez, Yasmin Fragoso

and Lupe Barrera. Retired Winters Fire Chief Vernon C. Bruhn was Parade Grand Marshal. A Bike Race was added to the list of events.

1988

Winters Youth Day saw its first female Youth Day Mayor. Julia Reid was elected to the city’s top post for the day. Her council included Jennifer Snyder, Sonia Cortes, Jennifer Smith and Virginia Snyder. Jenny Ramos was crowned Sweetheart, with her attendants Christy Lozano, Molly Mariani, Debbie Carrion and Alejandra Herrera. David Faustino from television’s Married...With Children, and his brother Michael (Touchstone Pictures’ Monster Squad) were the featured guests at the Parade and the Opening Ceremonies.

1989

Virginia Rosas takes top honors this year as May-

or, with her council Estela Rosas, Maria Cerros, Lupe Morales and Lupe Barrera. Sweetheart Carolyn Garcia was crowned, with her court Elvira Ochoa, Lupe Barrera, Laini Nance and Jennifer Snyder. Tom Martin was General Chairman and Carnival Chairman with Gloria Marion as his assistant, taking charge of all other events except the Parade. The Parade Chairmen were Mike Sebastian and Jim Marion. Retired Winters School Bus Driver Dorothy Becker rode as Grand Marshal.

1990

Citing their many years of involvement with youth and sports, the Youth Day council selected Rudy and Linda Rodriguez to be co-marshals for the parade on April 28. Members of the City Park Playground Committee were chosen to ride in the parade as honorary grand mar-

shals. General Chairman of Youth Day was Jim Marion, and Mike Sebastian, parade chairman. Annette Connelly served as mayor with council members Rita Guzman, Art Mendoza, Marla Larson, Shannon Kent and Ana Espinoza. Sweetheart Heidi Erickson reigned over Youth Day with her court of attendants: senior, Jennifer Smith; junior, Yesenia Espinoza; sophomore, Maria Rodriguez, and freshman, Evelyn Fischer. Four dignitaries from Winters sister city, Almogia, Spain, (Mike Ruiz, Angel Rubio, Cristobal Torre Blanca and Manuel Garrido) were guests of the city on Youth Day weekend.

1991

Youth Day opened officially Friday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m., following a rally for returning troops from Desert Storm, organized by Duane Barb and held at

Rotary Park. Introduced at opening ceremonies at the Community Center were Youth Day sweetheart Rita Guzman and her court: senior Alma Rodarte; junior Allie Harrington; sophomore Lisa Olson, and freshman Barbara Havens. Jonah Lindeman, Youth Day mayor, council members Jason McKinney and Tom Nelson, and all other Youth Day officials were introduced. This year’s general chairman was Jim Marion, assisted by Youth chair Yvonne Martinez. The parade chairman was Mike Sebastian, assisted by Dawn Branscum. The theme for the day was “Today’s Youth — Tomorrow’s Peace.” After eight years of having a carnival, Youth Day returned to the basics with a more traditional format, with major sponsors being the Winters Chamber of Commerce, City of Winters, Mariani Nut Co., But-

ton Transportation and First Northern Bank. Before the Winters High School-Alumni baseball game, the varsity field was dedicated and named for Hugh Randolph, a former teacher and varsity coach. Jenny Lester was the Youth Day poster winner, with a cash prize of $25. The first Kids Faire was held. Approximately 8,000 people attended the festivities.

1992

The 1992 Youth Day was blessed with blue skies, sunshine and all of the things that make Youth Day the event of the year in Winters: parades, food, music and a new feature, the kiddie fair. The event was dedicated to Jim Marion, the general chairperson of the event, who suffered a heart attack in the early morning on Youth Day. Happily, Jim recovered and continues to be active in the community. An-

other highlight was a tribute to Judy Montgomery during the Friday evening opening ceremonies. Montgomery, who taught dance in Winters for many years, was honored with a dance performance from her students. Each student presented Montgomery with a red rose and a hug. Montgomery, who served as the 1992 parade marshal, passed away later that year on Oct. 2.

On Saturday morning, the Rotary Pancake Breakfast attracted about 640 people. The kiddie parade drew in 350 youngsters. The main parade had 115 entries, with the usual fare of horses, floats and vintage automobiles. Following the parade, the city park was filled with people who were treated to a reenactment of an oldtime western shoot-out, live bands and tons of food. The kiddie park had singers, games and a puddle of blue

corn-starch goop that was a hit with the Pampers crowd. For those with competitive spirits, there was a horseshoe tournament and a lipsync contest. Pedro Garcia and Efrain Del Toro took first place with the horseshoes and Jonathan Pardee won first prize in the lip-sync contest. Youth Day 1992 was a success thanks to the many citizens who volunteered their time and effort, as well as the Winters Chamber of Commerce, First Northern Bank, Mariani Nut Company, Button Transportation, the Buckhorn and the city of Winters.

1993

Balmy weather and sunshine were the order of the day for the 57th annual Youth Day. The Grand Marshals were Steve and Cindy Baker. The sweetheart was Lisa Olson. The day began with the traditional Rotary

pancake breakfast, kiddie parade and main parade. The main parade had over 100 entries. The horseshoe tournament drew 64 players, with Dan and Clyde Benner of Galt taking first place. The Swan Brothers circus provided free entertainment for the youngsters, courtesy of the Winters Chamber of Commerce. Armando Del Rio and Bernard Henry won first place for their rendition of “Jump” in the lip sync contest. The high school baseball team edged out the alumni team in the alumni baseball game with a final score of 11–8. Youth Day ‘93 was coordinated by Jim and Gloria Marion, assisted by many volunteers from the community.

1994

Temperatures were in the upper 70s for Youth Day 58. Many started the day at the Rotary pancake breakfast.

The little ones started off the festivities with the kiddie parade. The floats in the main parade reflected the theme “Youth-Our Ageless Resource.” Marching bands, including the Winters High School Band and 1st place winners, the Cal Aggie Band, put on impressive shows. At the high school baseball diamond, the alumni team trampled the high school team, 11-2. The lip-sync contest was a popular event, drawing a large crowd. Jennifer Morris, Amy Lad and Lynn Sanders won first place with their rendition of “My Boyfriend’s Back.” Evening entertainment included free concert at the Winters Opera House, a youth dance at the high school gym and a Soroptimist dance at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall.

1995

Kristina Knabke was both Youth Day Mayor and

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Sweetheart as the students took over the management of the city for a day. Youth Day council embers included Sarah Hamilton, Melissa Ramirez, Amber Foster and Cody Thomson. Erin Autry was named city manager while adult Mike Sebastian and student Jenne Ehnat were parade co-chair men. The weather was perfect and the parade had over 120 entries with hundred of children participating in the kiddie parade.

1996

Big winds were the order of the day for Youth Day ‘96. The Grand Marshals were Frank and Juanita Ramos, honored for their many years of service to the community. Erin Autry was the Youth Day sweetheart and Todd Ramos served as Youth Day mayor. The big day started with the traditional Rotary pancake breakfast, kiddie

parade and main parade, and continued with activities in the park for youth. The Kid Fair provided a selection of activities for elementary and middle school students as well as craft and art tables. Katie Solorio, Katelyn Cummings and Melanie Cortez won the lip-sync contest with their rendition of a Blues Brothers song. Paul Gilpin was the winner of the chess tournament, and first place horseshoe tournament honors went to Steve and Earl Kynard. The alumni baseball team nosed out the high school team for a 7-5 victory. The evening wrapped up with a street dance, with CRB and Todd Bolton providing the music.

1997

Blue skies and sunshine made the 61st annual Youth Day parade more fun for the thousands who turned our to watch. The Grand Mar-

To commemorate the day we will be cooking fresh carnitas outside, plus everyone’s favorite Youth Day meals: tamale plate, tacos, gorditas and churros! Come and say hi! Thank you for all your continual support.

43 Main Street, Winters (530) 795-3450

elpueblomeatmarket.com

Open Daily 8am-8pm

shal was Larita Salek, who was honored for her work volunteering in the community. The morning began bright and early with the traditional Rotary Club pancake breakfast. The Kiddie Parade started things off with brightly decorated bicycles, floats and children in costumes. The main parade started at 10 a.m., with prancing horses, fancy cars and high school class floats. The 1997 Sweetheart was Jenne Ehnat, with her court, Gabrielle Harris, Cara Inns and Maegan Ireland. Inns also took on the duty of Youth Day Mayor. After the parade, crowds gathered at City Park for a variety of food choices, a Kids and Middle Ages Faire, and chess and horseshoe tournaments. Opening ceremonies were held the night before at the Community Center. Talent show winners included Gabrielle Harris, who took first

place for her dance number, The Senate, who took second place for their musical number, and the Wednesday Morning Jazz Ensemble, who took third placed for their jazzy number. The day was a success, made even better by cooperative weather.

1998

It was another windy morning as crowds braved the gusts to watch the Kiddie  Parade and main parade travel down Main and First Street. The year’s Youth Day Grand Marshal was Jay Shepard, honored for his involvement on behalf of the community’s youth. The Youth Day Honorary Grand Marshal was Ray Epling, Winters resident and 24 year teacher in the Winters School District. Brandy Alvera was the Sweetheart, who also served as the Youth day Mayor and for to spend some time learning from her

The people at Berryessa Sporting Goods are getting ready to help you have a great Youth Day. “We have everything you need to entertain family and friends,” said John Lorenzo. “If you’re going fishing or hunting, we have everything you’ll need, from bait to clothing. We have a large selection of liquor, wine and beer, all reasonably priced, with weekly specials on your favorite brands,” John added. L-R:

real-life counterpart Mayor Harold Anderson. There were more than 120 entries in the 1998 Youth Day Parade, which took more than two hours to travel down it’s route. Activities throughout the afternoon included the horseshoe and chess tournament at City Park. Other items of interest were the human bowling game and the rock climbing wall, which sees long lines of people, anxious to test their skills. Junk food galore was sold, including hot dogs, nachos, pizza and snow cones.

1999

Mother Nature was in a good mood for Youth Day 1999, with plenty of sunshine on tap. Opening Ceremonies were held at the Community Center, with perennial parade chairman Mike Sebastian presenting plaques to Grand Marshal Dr. Bill Davis and Honorary Grand Mar-

106 Main Street, Winters (530) 795-0338

Open Daily 8am-8pm

shal Dale Brewer. The 1999 Sweetheart was Adrienne Solorio, who also served as the Youth Day student general chairman. The Youth Day Mayor was Anna Inns. The talent show featured first place dancers Heather Halk and Diego Lopez, who also took second place. Third place went to rock group Vertigo, who performed an original hard rock song. Residents started the day at the Rotary Club pancake breakfast, getting their full of sausage, pancakes and eggs. Afterwards, the Kiddie Parade and main parade wound their way around Main and First streets. After the floats and bands passed by, Winters residents headed for City Park for a day of sunshine, games, and food. Businesses and residents

A mellow mood and sunny weather made Youth Day 2000 one of the best. After Opening Ceremonies held the night before, Win-

ters residents flocked to the Rotary Club pancake breakfast at the Community Center. When their hunger was satisfied, Youth Day revelries headed for the parade route along Main and First streets to watch their favorite children march in the Kiddie Parade. The main parade followed, complete with marching bands, floats and high stepping horses. Grand Marshals Jeff Hesemeyer and Dianne Beaton, Honorary Grand Marshal, Jack Graf and Youth Day Educator of the Year Pam Scheeline took their places of honor in fancy cars. The sweetheart float, with a Peter Pan theme, carried 2000 Sweetheart Natalia Franco and her court. The Youth Day mayor was Heather Halk. At City Park, the Kids Faire beckoned the young and the young at heart, while the climbing

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/Courtesy photo Rubber ducks race down Putah Creek in the 2022 Duck Derby.

wall challenged the brave. There was enough food to satisfy even the largest appetite, and cold drinks to wash it all down. Horseshoes clanged and ice cream melted in the sun. Little League games provided a little sport and families picnicked under the shade of the trees. Youth Day 2000 opened the way for a new century of fun.

2001

A cool breeze died down to a warm whisper just in time for the 65th annual Youth Day festivities. Youth Day Sweetheart Edith Rodriguez and her court, as well as Grand Marshal Germaine Hupe, Honorary Grand Marshals Richard and Evelyne Rominger and Youth Day Educators of the Year, Jack Delbar and Gary Pitek were presented at opening ceremonies. Youth Day city officials included mayor Jimmy Ramos, council mem-

bers Joie Rodofda , Krystal Majorvas, Jennie Little and Brandi Vigil, judge Mike Paschoal, city clerk Jenaye Shepard, fire chief Jessie Svozil, city manager Jill Fox, police chief Jordan Romney, treasurer Christina Lopez, Chamber of Commerce representative Adam Mills, city attorney Liliana Aredondo, community service director Melanie Stocking, and public works representative Elaine Medina.

2002

With a temperature in the 60s, this Youth Day was a cool one. Opening ceremonies saw plaques awarded to chairman Mike Sebastian, Grand Marshal Frank Ramos and Educator of the Year, Laurie Helm, and Sweetheart Jenaye Shepard. Students who participated in a city council meeting included Mayor Brandi Vigil, city council members Sara

King, Beth Curry and Amanda Balough, city attorney Krystal Majorvas, city manager Elaine Medina treasurer Joie Rodolfa, city clerk Jenaye Shepard, judge Chris Majorvas, police chief Jordan Romney, fire chief Jose De La Cruz, community services director Jill Fox and public works director Jessie Svozil, who all discussed city beautification, the state of the high school parking lot and sports funding.

2003

Even though rain was forecast, it stayed away on Youth Day and left beautiful weather in its place. 660 people had pancakes at the annual Rotary-sponsored Pancake Breakfast, with an estimated 1,400 pancakes flipped. Youth Day officials included Mayor Maggie Brewer, city clerk Krystal Majorvas, treasurer Richard Atherton, judge Sabrina Brunning, po-

lice chief Jacob Nelson, fire chief Chris Carrion, city attorney Jessie Svozil, community services director Megan White, city manager Katelyn Cummings, public works director David Wentling, and city council members Joie Rodolfa, Marissa Garcia, Flavio Guimaraes and Mike Sellers. Youth Day Grand Marshal was Harold Anderson, Honorary Grand Marshals Kay and Al Graf and Educator of the Year Polita Gonzales were honored at the opening ceremonies.

2004

A “record” amount of pancakes were served at the annual pancake breakfast sponsored by the Rotary Club on a beautiful Youth Day morning, according to member Charles Wallace. Grand Marshal Susan Southworth, Honorary Grand Marshal Phil “Flip” Ritchie and Sweetheart Beth Curry were

honored at the opening ceremonies. Kent Benson was Educator or the Year. City council members included city council members Jordan Shugart, Jackie Correa, Kaely Romney, Marty Sackett and Megan White, city clerk Mallory MacLaughlin, judge Kristin Lucero, treasurer Richard Atherton and mayor Chad Stocking.

2005

The weather was balmy and beautiful for Youth Day 2005. The day was filled with dancing flowers and colorful crops as Winters celebrated the “Garden of our Youth.” At Opening Ceremonies, high school students Leticia Rodriguez and Piedad Junoz earned the titles of sweetheart and sweethunk respectively. Guillermo

Figueroa dazzled the judges and crowd and won the Youth Day talent show. Gloria Marion was honored as

this year’s Grand Marshal for her involvement in Winters community events. Educator of the Year was Liz Coman, a teacher of the Winters High School English Department. The Youth Day mayor was senior Kaely Romney, with council members Sarah Warren, Jackie Correa, and Sarah Cooper. The Winters Cub Scout Pack 600 won the Sweepstakes Award for their amazing float.

2006

After weeks of rain, spring turned just in time for the annual Youth Day celebration. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Youth Generation by Generation.” Opening ceremonies began with the talent show, away from which Katie Hill came victorious with her rendition of “Chain of Fools.” The 2006 Sweetheart was Jackie Stocking and Sweethunk was Jacob Thorne. John Lopez was honored as Youth Day Grand Marshal, Peg Dozier was named Honorary Grand Marshal, and Vickie Catalan earned the title of Educator of the Year. The Youth Day Mayor was Tyler Cross. Youth Day council members included Ozzy Arce, Sarah Warren, and Savannah Waldron. The next morning, the annual Rotary Pancake Breakfast fed nearly 750 people, and there were more than 100 entries in the parade. Winters Friends of the Library went home with the Sweepstakes Award.

2007

Youth Day 2007 was one for the books with sunshine and warm temperatures. Opening Ceremonies were held at the Community Center, beginning with the Youth Day talent show. Taking first place were Ashley Jordan and Mattie Long. Jordan sang the Christina Aguilera song, “Beautiful,” accompanied by Long on the

piano. Kelsey Fox and Mat Catalan earned the titles of Sweetheart and Sweethunk respectively. Gloria McCreary, a teacher at Winters High School, was Educator of the Year. This year’s Grand Marshal was Mike Sebastian, who was honored for his involvement with Winters Youth Day. Mae Martin, who witnessed the 1st Youth Day, was Honorary Grand  Marshal. Youth Day activities lasted all day, from the Rotary Club pancake breakfast in the morning, through ongoing entertainment and booths at City Park. The Sweepstakes Award for best float went to First Northern Bank for their grand pirate shit that followed the theme, “Youth Ahoy!”

2008

The 72nd Youth Day was wild, fitting with the theme “Safari to Success. A highschool boy band, “Green River,” took home the gold at the annual Youth Day talent show. The band, compromised of Joey Sanders, Steven Lanfranco, and Nick Hawley, won for their rendition of “Crossfields of Gold.” The Sweetheart was Ari Ruiz and Sweethunk was Cody Campos. Educator of the Year went to high school teacher, Diane Grimard. Karen Benson-Neil

was named Grand Marshal for her dedication to child development and youth success, and Kathy Skaggs was named Honorary Grand Marshal for her support of the Winters Fire Department. The Main Parade featured an extra-special entry: a carriage carrying a night in shining armor who proposed to his girlfriend in front of an adoring crowd. The Sweepstakes Award went to the Winters High School Class of 2010 for their float featuring youth dressed like zebras, giraffes, and lions with “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” from “The Lion King” playing in the background.

2009

There were blue skies, sunshine, and temperatures in the low 70’s for Youth Day 73. The Grand Marshal, Manuel Garcia, was honored at Friday night’s Opening Ceremonies. Garcia has dedicated years of service to multiple Winters Youth Baseball programs. The title of Honorary Grand Marshal was awarded to Peggy Narducci, who rode her black and white paint horse in many Youth Day parades. The Youth Day Mayor was Jameson Shugart, and Sweetheart and Sweethunk were Anna Solorio and Robby Emery respectively. Jim Stark earned the title of Ed-

The 2009 Royal Youth Day court waves to the crowd in the Main Parade.

ucator of the Year. Talent show winners Christyna Lopez and Raenne Ramos dazzled the judges with their rendition of “A Thousand Miles.” The Main Parade featured Sweepstakes Winners, Moms on Cowpeds and the Winters High School Class of 2010, for their entries that followed the theme “Wild West Youth.”

2010

Youth Day 74 featured picture perfect weather. Opening Ceremonies were held at the Community Center, with parade chairman Mike Sebastian presenting plaques to Grand Marshal Bruce Rominger. Rominger was honored for his exceptional service to the Winters community as a farmer, philanthropist and mentor. Juanita Skaggs was also honored as Honorary Grand Marshal. Winters Parent Nursery School won the Sweepstakes Award for their float that followed the theme, “Let Your Youth Shine Through.” After the parade, Buckhorn celebrated their 30th anniversary downtown with live music and specially priced menu items. Bryan-Braker Funeral Home debuted the Bryan-Baker Railroad, a model train for children to ride.

2011

This Year’s parade was led by Winters Business owners and philanthropists John Pickerel and Melanie Bajakian.  They were honored for many years of service to the Winters Community.  Youth Day Mayor Polette Gonzales led the festivities with City mayor Woody Fridae.  Youth City Councilmembers were Alexandra Balasek, Brandon Masteller, and Elliot Herrera.  Youth Day was honored with a proclamation from Assemblywoman Lois Wolk and County Supervisor Mariko Yamada for the years of service to the Winters Community.

2012

Winters Music Director Lynne Secrist led the 76th Youth Day Parade, being chosen for her dedication and energy put into the School District program over many years.  City Mayor Woody Fridae and Youth Day mayor Kevin Lane led the council delegation.   The 2012 Youth Day Sweetheart was Katie Clark and the Sweethunk was Isaac Asak.  Fun fact: 91 year old Vickie Southwick visited for the first time since she was in the first Youth Day Parade in 1933.

2013

The 77th Youth Day Parade was led by Grand Marshals Don and Tracy Calvert, longtime community volunteers.

Winters Mayor Cecilia Aguiar-Curry introduced the Youth Day Mayor Nicholas Muldong.  Youth City Council members were Ka’eo Drumright and Paola Calderon.  The Youth day Royalty were Sweetheart Yvette Valadez and Sweethunk Ty Spalding.  The Youth Day Parade was chosen to host the 2013 California State Horseman’s Association (CSHA) Championship Parade, attracting horse entries from all over California.  The parade had

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/ Courtesy photo

75 entries total.

2014

The 78th Youth Day Parade was led by Winters Little League Mega-volunteers, Chris, John and Mark Rodriguez.  They have led Winters Little League that was started by their father Rudy Rodriguez.  Youth Day

Mayor Fernando Cortes and city Mayor Cecilia Aguiar-Curry welcomed everyone with Youth City Council members Ignacio Ochoa and Micaela Tweedt.  This year’s Youth Day Sweetheart was Alex Cushman and the Sweethunk was Jake Ivory.  This year’s theme “May the Youth Be with You” brought out a fleet of Storm Troopers to the Parade.

2015

Youth Day honored Tawnya McCracken martin as Grand marshal for the 79th Parade.  She is a longtime volunteer for FFA and 4-H, and many other organizations.  Winters mayor Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and Youth Day Mayor Edgar Chavez ushered in Councilmembers Emily Ferreira, Mariah Castillo, Brooke Little and Sarah Hagy.  This year’s Youth day Sweetheart was Isabel Angel and the Sweethunk was Chris Kays.  The parade had 60 entries this year.

2016

The 80th Anniversary celebration was a huge success.  The Youth Day Parade was led by Grand Marshals, The Thomas Sisters.  They have been a huge part of the  Winters Community from Swim Team to Grad Nite Chairpersons.  City mayor Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and Youth day Mayor Emily Ferreira kicked off the 80th Anniversary parade with Council members Mariah Castillo, Jolie Cintas, Nataly Hernandez and Valeria Serratos.  This year marked the

retirement of Mike Sebastian as Parade Chairman, a position he held for 35 years.

2017

The 81st Youth Day Parade was led by Winters Junior Warriors founders Rudy and Shelly Baylor.  Their contributions to the Junior Warriors and Little League programs could not go unnoticed.  Winters mayor Wade Cowan and Youth Day Mayor Emily Ferreira led the Council Delegation.  Other council members were Nataly Hernandez and Andrea Gonzales.  The Sweetheart was Kenya Gallo and Sweethunk Devon Muldong. This year’s parade marked 75 appearances by the Yolo Post 77 American Legion Color Guard.  It was also the final parade for announcer and former Chairman Gilbert Sebastian, retiring after 45 years as announcer. The parade had 58 entries in 2017.

2018

The 82nd Youth Day Parade was led by a special group of volunteers, 2018 Grand Marshals, The Project Playground Committee.  The City Council was represented by Mayor Wade Cowan, Youth Day Mayor Andrea

bias, City Clerk Itzel Rodriguez, Police Chief Celeste Garcia, Fire Chief Jackie Ayala, Treasurer Ian Lopez and City Councilmember Jorge Luis Fernandez.

2020

2022

Gonzales and Council members Nataly Hernandez, Ian Lopez, Itzel Rodriguez and Kyle Gardener.  The Youth Day Sweetheart was Karina Del Toro and Sweethunk was Moises Garcia. Former Parade Chairman Mike Sebastian celebrated 40 years as Parade Announcer and Committee member. The Autos for Autism Car Show was added to the City Park Festivities this year.

2019

Superheroes of all ages celebrated on a sunny Youth Day in 2019, when the theme was “Super Youth – The Heroes of the Future.” The Duck Derby was postponed to May due to high water levels in Putah Creek. The Winters JUSD Hall of Fame float took first place with inductees Patty Rominger, Germaine Hupe, Gloria Lopez and Tom Pearse. The Parade Chairman was Mike Sebastian and the Grand Marshall was Winters Elementary School Principal Greg Moffitt. The Youth Day Council included Mayor Andrea Gonzalez, Mayor Pro tempore Nataly Hernandez, Secretary Victor Angel, City Manager Yolanda Covarru-

Amid the coronavirus pandemic and with state and county mandates not allowing events, the Youth Day committee made the tough decision to cancel the 84th Youth Day celebration. Since the first Youth Day in 1933, this was the first time since World War II that it was canceled. With the goal to keep the focus on youth and as a way to keep the spirit of Youth Day going the committee awarded four $500 scholarships to Winters High School Class of 2020 seniors.

2021

Although the plans were to come back strong in 2021, the Youth Day committee opted to cancel the Youth Day celebration, again. The committee cited local and state mandates not only caused great challenges in planning for the gathering but many small businesses and vendors were struggling or had gone out of business due to the pandemic. As a way of keeping Youth Day going, they awarded four $500 scholarships to members of the Winters High School Class of 2021.

WHS honored the annual tradition of nominating a Sweetheart Court. The 2021 WHS Youth Day Sweetheart was Liliana Balderas and the Sweethunk was Jesus Chavez. The Sweetheart Court included Kimberly Garcia (Class of 2024), Madeline MacMahon (Class of 2023) and Celeste Garcia (Class of 2022).

The Winters Express launched Family Fun Week to keep the spirit alive and hosted a family movie night and downtown duck hunt.

Following a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the 84th Winters Youth Day celebration was revived in 2022. The chosen theme was Youthfully Ever After. The celebration kicked off on Friday, April 29 with a Downtown Winters Duck Hunt and the Duck Derby.

The opening ceremonies followed across the creek Green River Brewing & Taproom where Youth Day Committee President Mike Sebastian honored Jenny Ramos as the Grand Marshal. Donnie Whitworth was recognized as the Educator of the Year. Brooklyn Mariani was the Sweetheart and Atanacio Garcia Jr. was the Sweethunk. The 2022 Youth Mayor was Lupita Tovar, and Youth City Manager Lexi Hellinger.

Saturday, April 30 brought the return of the Rotary Pancake (sausage) Breakfast, the Kiddie and Main Parade, events at the Park and the WHS Alumni Baseball Game.

2023

The 85th Winters Youth Day celebration almost didn’t happen due to a lack of volunteers in the initial planning stages. However, several community members stepped up to assist the Youth Day Committee and the Kiwanis Club of Winters took on organizing the annual Duck Derby event. The theme was Grow Youthful.  Youth Day Committee President Mike Sebastian honored Carol McMasters-Stone as the Grand Marshal. Winters High School teacher Andrea Hurst was recognized as the Educator of the Year. Serena Husted was the 2023 Sweetheart and Luca Navarette was the Sweethunk. The 2023 Youth Mayor was Lupita Tovar and the Youth City Manager was Angelica Michel.

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/Courtesy photo Winters State Preschool students and staff in the 2014 Main Parade.

Shawn Collins/Winters Express map ToLake Berryessa& LakeSolano

parades in Nor thern California and a day full of fun and festivities. The 86th Youth Day Parade will again march down historic Main Street in the City of Winters on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Main Street.

• Parade horse trailer park ing on Cody Street.

• Horses line up on Haven Street.

• Humans line up on Main Street westward from City Park .

Want to join the Kiddie Parade?

Be at the corner of 4th and Main at 8:45 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Pre -judging of entries begins 9:45 a.m. Kiddie Parade heads down Main Street Parade

Bringing back Youth Day traditions, creating new ones

By Amelia Biscardi Express staff writer

While the annual Winters Youth Day event is gearing up with loads of excitement, for those who have been to previous Youth Day events, this one is bittersweet after the loss of longtime Youth Day organizer Mike Sebastian in December.

And a way for members of the Youth Day committee to honor all the years of help from Sebastian is through the creation of a float in memorial of him. Eden Miller from Winters Youth Day Club at the high school explained that that was a way they were able to help with the floats creation.

Carol McMasters-Stone has been volunteering as Youth Day Committee treasurer for around 18 years now and McMasters-Stone explains that without Sebastian it has been an adjustment period.

“This go round is tough, because Mike handled all the parade stuff, you know?”

McMasters-Stone said. “This would have been his 46 years (helping with Youth Day). And so, to him, it’s almost a bio rhythm.”

McMasters-Stone said that it helped that he wrote up the process of planning and timeline of the parade.

As Winters has grown, so has Youth Day. And one of the things that disappeared for a time but has come back is the youth civic engagement portion where the Youth City Council members shadow local government officials.

“The purpose is to introduce what we hope are the future leaders to a kind of civic responsibility and knowledge,” McMasters-Stone said. “This is targeting local government, how local

government works and what it looks like and who these people are in your town.”

Councilmember Carol Scianna explained that her joining the Youth Day committee was because she felt that the city and committee needed to reconnect.

“I kind of joined some of the planning meetings to try to get the council more involved and to try to bring back some of the youth civic engagement activities that used to happen,” Scianna said. “They’d kind of gone by the wayside.”

Eden Miller, Winters High Schooler, founder and pres-

ident of the Winters Youth Day Club, said she hopes her fellow classmates gain something from the shadowing experience.

“I hope my class can take away more of how our government on the local level works,” Miller said. “I hope they understand like not only that only a day we’re celebrating kids are around here and growing up here but we’re also trying to grow them as leaders and have them see how things could be if they just step up and help plan these things around town when they’re older.”

Miller explained that in

previous years, the student leadership class (ASB) had assisted with Youth Day by going to a couple meetings and she and her friend Serena Husted decided to take things a step further.

Both girls decided to create the Winters Youth Day Club together. The club has eight to nine members and they hope it continues to grow. But for now, they want to continue to help with Youth Day and get students more and more involved.

One of the things the girls are looking forward to in the shadowing is a mock city council meeting. After students complete their shadowing they will take the positions of those they shadowed and discuss issues and vote on what to bring to the Winters City Council during their next meeting.

As well, Husted is getting the Winters Middle School leadership students involved in the parade and assisting them with

“I started going to the adult board meetings,” Miller said. “Every chance that I could I’d be like, Oh, we can take that on, do that. Just jumping in whenever I could.”

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

April 18 was the first Youth City Council meeting since the early 2000s. Four of the five Winters City Council members attended it.

creating a float. The hope is to continue to invite more youth more and more into the Youth Day planning process.

“To also be like, giving me the skills to go out into the world,” Husted said. “Like it’s all volunteer, it’s like, it’s pretty casual. But like, giving me the skills to be able to write an email to the head of a city. It’s given me a lot of new skills. I feel like and it’s taught me a lot.”

Growing up in Winters, Husted has many memories of Youth Day. She remembers fondly going to her Girl Scout Troop with her mom and making flower crowns, and her troop selling cookies and just general fun.

Miller has fond memories of cousins coming up from Reno as every other year Youth

Day would fall on her grandma’s birthday. Miller was so excited once she could finally beat her cousins up the rock wall.

And for Scianna, her favorite thing is always finding her spot to watch the parade.

“If you’re with a family, take your kids and yourself to the park,” Miller said. “We have vendors there for everybody to enjoy if you’re a teen or adult, we have a cornhole tournament this year that you can partake in. And we also encourage people to go downtown and just visit the local stores if they have time.”

“It’s like the fair kind of except, you know, there’s not the big twirly rides and all that but everybody ends up sticky and happy,” McMasters-Stone said.

“I kind of joined some of the planning meetings to try to get the council more involved and to try to bring back some of the youth civic engagement activities that used to happen. They’d kind of gone by the wayside.” Councilmember Carol Scianna

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