Winters Express Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Council approves city fee increases

By Jacob Hoffman Express staff writer

The Winters City Council approved proposed fee increases for a number of city-provided services at its May 2 meeting.

City Manager Kathleen Trepa laid out the affected fees, scheduled A–F, and how much each will increase.

Schedules A–building permits fees, B–planning fees, D–Police, E–Fire, and F–recreation, will be increased by 6.5 percent, while Schedule C–Engineering and Public Works, will increase by 5.3 percent.  Regarding the history of this change, in 2017 the city contracted Matrix Consulting to ana-

lyze the city’s fees, coming back with,“a comprehensive study of user fees, and these are fees that are used to cover the cost of Winters’ staff providing services to either applicants or the community.”

“According to previous council action and authorization,” Trepa explained. “Most of these fees we recommend are updated annually, and that would be updated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all consumers from December to December, year over year. So the year-overyear change for CPI was 6.5 percent, and that 6.5 percent has been applied to the majority of fees from Schedules A, B, D, E,

Trustees approve new middle school principal, staff promotions

and F.”

Regarding Schedule C, Trepa said that fee was updated “using the annual Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index for the San Francisco area…and those are tied to the construction industry, and that adjustment for December to December was 5.3 percent.”

Trepa also noted that swim fees are adjusted by SASO, and are not subject to any changes by the city.

“Probably the biggest change that we’re recommending this evening,” Trepa continued, “is to convert the Planning fees from a fixed fee to See FEES, Page 3

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

The Board of Trustees approved a new principal for Winters Middle School at its May 4 meeting.

Lisa Dennis, human resources director, broke down details of the search at the Winters Joint Unified School Board meeting, noting that of the eight applications received, two candidates were selected to interview in front of a panel of WMS teachers, parents, and Winters JUSD classified staff and leadership as well as with the Winters JUSD Cabinet Team.

Of the two finalists, Jose Bermudez was selected. Bermudez is a Winters High School graduate from the Class of 2001. He has 17 years of experience in education, with eight of them in school administration.

“Mr. Bermudez is

Robotics team finishes top 3 percent worldwide

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer

Team 39599A of the Winters Robotics Club recently returned from their trip to the 2023 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas. Although they didn’t win, this smalltown team proved they’re more than

worthy of battling it out with the best of the best on a global stage.

The team’s championship week began when it touched down in Dallas on Monday, April 24. Regardless of the butterflies in their stomachs, the team woke up bright and early the following day and stepped into the lion’s den of competition.

“We checked in Monday and our nerves definitely started up then. Tuesday was our

skills challenge day and our robot would run autonomously, but we also had some troubles then which definitely rattled us a little. It was just a warm-up round for the real competition the next day,” said Kiana Miller, team member and Winters High School senior.

“Wednesday was our first round of competition and qualifying matches. We won four matches and lost three that day. Then we came back

See WORLDS, Page 3

a student-centered leader who prides himself on building relationships with staff, students, parents and the community. An engaged Winters resident, Mr. Bermudez understands the Winters community and is committed to ensuring that every student is afforded the opportunity to succeed,” Dennis said.

“The Winters Middle School team wanted someone who was

supportive of teachers and students, collaborative, and invested in the community. We are confident that Mr. Bermudez will be a great fit at Winters Middle School and a tremendous asset to Winters JUSD.”

Superintendent Rody Boonchouy said they “were thoroughly impressed with the leadership and the background” as well

See HIRES, Page 3

City Council sets priorities, seeks to keep key employee

By Jacob Hoffman Express staff writer

The Winters City Council took two strides towards ensuring city projects get closer to completion by approving the city’s list of priorities as well as making a request for a key employee to continue working with the city at its May 2 meeting.

City Manager Kathleen Trepa recapped that council members previously met in March to discuss and identify goals and priorities, which were then compiled by city staff into the list presented to the council for their approval.

“During that goal setting,” Trepa explained, “staff presented information from the major functional areas, police,

fire, community development and public works. The council reviewed the six focus areas that had been previously adopted earlier in 2021” with the focus areas being “fiscal stability, community development and placemaking, community engagement and transparency, economic development, organizational excellence, and environmental sustainability.”

Trepa presented to the council all the active projects on the city’s docket related to these focus areas and based on their priority to the council members, the full list of which can be found on the city council May 2 meeting agenda packet (beginning on page 54) which can be accessed on the

city of Winters website at https://tinyurl. com/3md97esc.

Mayor Bill Biasi summarized the work the council had done in arranging this project list, saying “we went through all these items (Trepa) mentioned tonight and the council voted on ranking them either priority 1, priority 2 or priority 3, and that’s where that priority ranking came from, so we’re going to focus on all the priority 1s as much as we can first.” Trepa noted that if grant funding presents itself for a priority 2 or 3 the city may take it, but otherwise “we will be focusing in order of priority.”

Biasi noted that the list is “ambitious” and the city likely won’t See GOALS, Page 3

Coffee partnership brings Hawaii to town

By Jacob Hoffman Express staff writer

Steady Eddy’s Coffee House will be providing Winters with a taste of Hawaii in the form of the newly stocked Kona coffee bean, which will be launched on May 13. Owner Carla Wroten spoke to the Winters Express to tell us about Kona coffee, why Steady Eddy’s has decided to sell it, and what customers can

expect.

Wroten explained that Steady Eddy’s will be getting its Kona coffee from Greg and Susy Stille of Monarch Coffee, which she said “is located on the cool slopes of Hualalai, in the Kona District of the Big Island of Hawaii” the “famous, 20mile stretch of land is the only place in the United States where authentic, gourmet 100 percent Kona coffee is grown and culti-

vated.”

Wroten says that getting to this decision to sell Kona coffee “all started by chance” when her husband Jamell (Mel) met the Stille’s son Josh outside Ficelle three years ago, as the Stille family are Yolo County natives.

“Mel told me later that it was definitely a surprise to hear a young kid know so

See KONA, Page 6

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express Jose Bermudez will serve as the new Winters Middle School principal for the upcoming school year.

Courtesy photo

Luca Navarrete, Jesus Cruz, Kiana Miller, Madeline Archibeque, Julian Garcia, Ben Nelson (back) Miles Mariani and Jack Tuel represented Winters Robotics Club Team 39599A in the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas in April.

Baseball heads to playoffs

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer

The Winters High School varsity baseball team wrapped up its regular season last week starting with an away game in Paradise on Tuesday, May 2.

The first inning was a 1-1 draw with the Paradise High School Bobcats. In the second inning, however, the Warriors surged ahead putting up six runs to take a 7–1 lead. They coughed up two runs in the third but maintained a 7–3 lead going into the sixth where the Warriors would tack on three more runs themselves.

Although WHS managed to score two more runs in the top of the seventh to take a commanding 12–3 lead, the Bobcats went down scratching and clawing with a five-run rally. Eventually, the Warriors would drive back home with a 12–8 vic-

tory on their record.

Miles Mariani took the mound for the Warriors and pitched six innings while tallying up eight strikeouts for his team.

Meanwhile, Anthony Duran, Derick Olson, Justice Madsen and Jordan Calvert all combined for six hits against the Paradise pitchers.

The following day, the Warriors hit the road again for a non-conference game against a familiar foe, Gridley High School. The Bulldogs took a one-run lead in the second inning, but the Warriors responded with three of their own in the third. Unsatisfied, the squad scored again in the fourth, fifth, and again in the seventh inning.

Try as they might, the Bulldogs couldn’t crack the code of the Warrior defense, only managing to put up one more run in the fifth. When the dust settled, the Warriors

won the game 6–2. Duran took the bump for the Warriors against Gridley, allowed only two hits, one earned run and struck out nine Bulldogs. While Duran took care of business on the mound, the Warrior bats remained red-hot as Pignataro, Duran, Madsen, Isaiah Pazmino and Isaac Lopez combined for nine hits in the winning effort.

Friday’s home game for the Warriors was a different story, unfortunately, as they hosted Paradise in their last regular season game.

The game itself was 0-0 going into the third when the Bobcats managed to put up four runs. The Warriors responded with three runs of their own and would continue battling it out with their opponents with neither team scoring for the next three innings.

Paradise put up two runs in the top of the seventh inning to put the Warriors in a three-run deficit. Although the Warriors have come back from worse, costly errors in key points of the game waylaid them from victory and they ended up losing 6–3.

“We definitely beat ourselves last

Head coach

Austin Calvert

Friday. But overall during the week, we had some good moments we can learn from and take into playoffs. We also had some lows we can really learn from and make sure we don’t let happen again when it matters the most which is the playoffs,” said head coach Austin Calvert. “I’m excited that we have the opportunity to play in games like the one we’ll have this Friday — the start of the playoffs. They only make you better, it’s exciting and you don’t get a lot of moments like this in life so we’re going to try to make the most out of it.”

Details for the Friday playoff game will be announced by the WHS Athletics department when the information is confirmed.

Prescribed Burn Association hosts demonstration burn

Yolo County Resource Conservation District

Special to the Express

The Yolo Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) is hosting its May Meeting on Thursday, May 18, from 4–6 p.m. at the Esparto Community Hall located at 17020 Yolo Ave. in Esparto.

The Yolo PBA May meeting will feature a presentation from California Certified Burn Boss Phil Dye about the first Yolo PBA Demonstration Burn. The Yolo PBA’s first Demonstration Burn will likely take place in early June 2023 on a private ranch in Capay and will allow PBA members, volunteers, and the community to participate in or observe a live prescribed fire.

In preparation for the upcoming demonstration burn, the May Meeting will feature a presentation from California Certified Burn Boss Phil Dye about the first Yolo PBA Demonstration Burn. Dye will provide an

Lake levels

Express staff

The water level of Lake Berryessa remained level during the past week, according to Ken Emigh of the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, May 9 the lake level was 430.90 feet

overview of the burn objectives, fire ecology, and insights on what to expect during a prescribed burn.

The Yolo Prescribed Burn Association is a newly formed community group with the common goal of reintroducing “good fire” into the ecosystem to manage for invasive weeds, mitigate extreme wildfire, and promote a healthy ecosystem. Prescribed Burn Associations create partnerships between neighbors, members of the public, and relevant agency officials to build capacity and training about how to properly and safely use prescribed fire as a land management tool. Unlike high-intensity wildfires, prescribed burning is the controlled application of fire under preplanned management objectives and precise environmental conditions. In addition to managing wildfire risk, prescribed

See BURN, Page 5

above sea level, with storage computed at 1,383,911 acre-feet of water. Evaporation on the lake averaged 77 acre-feet of water per day. The SID is diverting 234 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 44 cubic feet per second flowing at the Diversion Dam.

Eventos hispanos

Trepa anuncia planes de jubilación

Por Crystal Apilado

Traducido por Carol Alfonso

La ciudad de Winters pronto comenzará la búsqueda de un nuevo administrador de la ciudad.

En su actualización del pasado Viernes 28 de Abril, la Administradora de la Ciudad, Kathleen Salguero Trepa, anunció sus intenciones de retirarse.

“He decidido jubilarme en otoño, una vez finalizado el plazo de mi contrato para pasar más tiempo con mi familia que se encuentra dispersa por todo el país y en España,” dijo Trepa.

El Concejo Municipal de Winters (Winters City Council)

“He decidido jubilarme en otoño, una vez finalizado el plazo de mi contrato para pasar más tiempo con mi familia que se encuentra dispersa por todo el país y en España.”

Kathleen Trepa, administradora de la ciudad

celebró una sesión cerrada para discutir la planificación de la sucesión para el puesto de Administrador de la Ciudad. Trepa dijo que el objetivo es crear “la menor interrupción posible para la organización y, por extensión, para

la comunidad” mediante la creación de un aterrizaje suave como parte de la transición para quien sea contratado para el puesto de Administrador de la Ciudad.

Los planes y detalles para la próxima búsqueda de un nuevo Administrador de la Ciudad se compartirán en una futura reunión del Concejo Municipal.

Los concejales designaron a Trepa como Administradora de la Ciudad de Winters en Octubre del 2020 y su fecha oficial de inicio fue el 9 de Noviembre del 2020.

En ese momento, Trepa llegó a la Ciudad de Winters con casi 25 años de experiencia en el gobierno local y seis años en el sector privado. Se había desempeñado como administradora adjunta de la Ciudad de Concord durante más de tres años y anteriormente había trabajado en las ciudades de Goleta, Claremont, San Marcos y San Juan Capistrano. Trepa fue contratada luego de la renuncia de John W. Donlevy, Jr., quien anunció que había aceptado el puesto de Administrador de la Ciudad de Auburn en Junio del 2020.

They only make you better, it’s exciting and you don’t get a lot of moments like this in life so we’re going to try to make the most out of it.”

be able to get to all of them as much as the city would like to.

CalPERS request

The council also approved a request by the city for CalPERS to waive their 180-day waiting period so the city can hire a retiring annuitant working on the Senior Center Project.  Colleen Brock has been working with the city on organizing and managing grant funding related to the Senior Center Project, while also working other jobs, including at Yolo Housing Authority and CalPERS.

Brock has been a key

on Thursday and lost all three qualifier matches, which didn’t help us, and we ended with a record of four wins and six losses. It was all right, though, we had a great time talking with teams from all over the world the rest of the time.”

Even though the team took 52nd place out of around 80 teams — which comprise the top 3 percent of robotics teams around the globe — the event was as much a competition as it was an opportunity to network, meet new people and make friends from around the globe. Along with WHS robotics teacher, Dianne Halsey’s challenge of meeting three teams outside of the US every day, the team theme of cowboys and dinosaurs made it easy to mingle with international students — especially as they rode around the venue on inflatable T-rexes.

“My favorite part of the whole experience was meeting all the people,” said Ben Nelson, team driver and WHS junior.

“Even though not winning isn’t ideal, you do

HIRES

Continued from Page 1

as Bermudez’s “deep familiarity with Winters.”

“Not only do we want to welcome him to the team but we’d also like to welcome him home,” Boonchouy said.

The fiscal impact of the hire is an annual compensation of $144,473.

Trustees approved Bermudez’s placement unanimously.

Bermudez was present at the meeting, and proudly sported a WMS T-shirt under his blazer. He told trustees he grew up in Winters and was active in the community through his children’s activities. He said, “Given the opportunity to apply now is a

part of the Senior Center Project without whom the project may be unable to move forward, as she is the only one with knowledge regarding a specific copyright dispute keeping the project static. She has recently ended her employment with CalPERS, and is now willing to work with Winters as a retired annuitant part-time to continue on the Senior Center Project.

But, as Trepa explained “CalPERS… has a requirement that retirees wait 180 days before accepting interim or extra help assignments from a CalPERS agency. The city can request an exception to this 180day waiting period,

as supported by a resolution from the City Council.”

“Yolo Housing doesn’t have anyone of Colleen’s experience on staff anymore,” Trepa said, “so they’re not able to provide services that they provided previously, and they’ve also indicated that they are slowly getting out of the business of providing regional services, which leaves the city with finding a way to manage its grants and keep this project moving.”

Thus, city staff requested the council to make a formal request of CalPERS to waive the waiting period so Brock can continue her work with the city right away.

The $4.3 million grant funding Brock is helping organize will expire next June unless the city requests an extension from the grant provider, but an extension can only be made once construction has begun. Without Brock’s assistance for 180 days, the city may not meet that deadline. However, Trepa said that, with Brock’s help, staff are “confident that we can continue to move the Senior Center Project forward, I’m confident that we’ll be able to get it done within the time allocated.”

The council approved both the strategic initiatives and the CalPERS request.

dents that were student ambassadors. What that is, is there’s an application they fill out and only the kids from the robotics honor society can fill it out. They write these essays and are chosen to be an ambassador at worlds. It’s a very high honor to be chosen as an ambassador,” explained Halsey. “Kiana Miller was one and also Miles Mariani, Jack Tuel and Julian Garcia. They all had a luncheon with industry CEO’s and government officials, gave them a VIP tour everywhere and talked to them. I got some feedback from one of the higher-ups in VEX and he said, ‘Hey, your ambassadors did a really good job!’”

FEES

Continued from Page 1

a deposit-based fee, which is how we manage the services related to engineering services, and that’s because, for the larger permits and applications that are submitted, the amount of time the Senior Planner spends on those can vary wildly…and so to better capture costs that more accurately represent the work…we’re recommending that most of the Planning fees be converted to a deposit based system.”  Council members sought clarification on some of the details of the fees, in-

cluding the addition of a Trestle bridge fee for the private use of the bridge.

Mayor Bill Biasi commented, “As much as I hate to see our fees go up, I think it’s a necessary evil, because as we’ve seen inflation is up, costs for everybody are up, including costs for the city that we have to incur…I think it’s unfortunately appropriate to do it.”

Following this, the council members approved the update to city fees unanimously.

The extensive list of the 2023 fee schedule update can be viewed online at https:// tinyurl.com/p75zv4f9.

Annual Garage Sale of the Rich and Famous

The annual ‘Winters Garage Sale of the Rich and Famous’ will once again be held on Mother’s Day weekend.

have a lot of fun and meeting all these new people and sharing this whole experience makes up for that. Everyone there has an interest in building robots, it’s what we all love to do. So, it’s just fun to nerd out on robots and it was like a universal language there.”

very humbling experience and opportunity and I look forward to all of the challenges” coming his way at the WMS.

WMS principal Dawn Delorefice will be returning to the classroom for the 2023-24 school year. In the fall, Delorefice will step into the role of a WMS teacher. Delorefice first joined Winters JUSD as the Winter High School Assistant Principal in 2019. She shifted roles to serve as WMS principal in 2021.

Delorefice will continue in his role as the WMS principal for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year.

Bermudez’s first day is expected to be in July, however, Dennis confirmed that the date had not been confirmed as

Although the robotics team took a loss on paper at the championships, it didn’t leave Dallas without a few wins. Besides expanding their social circles, another win included a few of the robotics team members being selected as student ambassadors.

“We had four stu-

of the meeting. Other business

Trustees also approved the promotion of Omar Murillo from the computer support specialist to senior technology support specialist. Murillo began working at Winters JUSD in 2020.

“In the past three years, we have watched Omar’s professional growth as he supports all staff technology challenges, manages Chromebook maintenance and repair, and steps up to handle any challenges that may arise,” Dennis said.

The fiscal impact effective

The attending Warriors who went to Dallas include Team 39599A which includes Jesus Cruz, Madeline Archibeque, Kianna Miller and Ben Nelson. Along with them were teammates Miles Mariani, Jack Tuel, Julian Garcia and Luca Navarrete.

They ended their week by attending a major-league baseball game before heading back to Winters — and discussing plans for next year’s competition all the while.

May 1 is $57,340.

Oscar Jacobo, maintenance and operations supervisor, was also approved to be promoted to the role of director of facilities and maintenance.

Jacobo began working at Winters JUSD in 2016 where he served as the lead maintenance technician before stepping into his current role in 2019.

According to Dennis, Jacobo recently expanded upon his leadership skills by completing courses at North Bay Schools Supervisor Academy.

The fiscal impact effective May 1 is $90,229.

This year it will be on Saturday, May 13th. The City Park on Main Street will not be available this year. Instead, citizens are encouraged to have their own private garage sale at their house and/or within their own neighborhood There will be postings on social media and in several newspapers promoting this citywide sale.

If you have any questions, you may contact the organizers at 530-795-4919.

Courtesy photo

Miles Mariani takes an inflatable T-rex on a spin around the venue to represent the team’s theme.

City of Winters

Fire

April 26: Medical

Aid, 900 Block Railroad Avenue

~Motor Vehicle

Accident, CR 29

Cross CR 92e

~Medical Aid, 20000 block CR 29

~Medical Aid, 100 Block of Caselli Court

~Medical Aid, 800 block of W. Grant Avenue

~Medical Aid, 20000 block of CR 34

~Medical Aid, 100 block of Main Street

~Medical Aid, 400 block of Morgan Street

April 27: Medical Aid, 900 Block Railroad Avenue

~Medical Aid, 400 block of Morgan Street

~Medical Aid, 400 block of Morgan Street

~Medical Aid, 300 Block of Peach Place

April 28: Medical

Aid, 700 Block of Matsumoto Lane

April 29: Medical Aid, 400 block of Morgan Street

~Fire, 300 Block of Niemann Street

~False Alarm, 300 block of Main Street

~False Alarm, 400 block of Main Street

~Medical Aid, Hwy 128

April 30: Medical

Aid, 200 block of Rosa Avenue

May 1: Medical Aid, 600 block of Myrtle Drive

~Structure Fire, Mutual Aid Solano County

~False Alarm, 20000 Block of CR 87d

~False Alarm, Hwy 128

~Service Call, 100 Block of Caselli Court

Police

Arrest Log

April 26: Duran, Raul Jose (Age 42);

Charges: Public Intoxication, Violation of Probation; Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail

Report Log

April 13: 8 a.m., 100 block of E. Baker Street, Theft of Credit Card

April 26: 8 a.m., 800 block of Dutton Street, Credit card

fraud ~8:24 p.m., 700 block of Dutton Street, Audible Alarm

April 27: 11:01 a.m., 300 block of East Street, Vehicle

Towed ~11:40 a.m., 800 block of W. Main Street, Vehicle Towed ~1:27 p.m., 1000

block of Railroad Avenue, Recovered Stolen Vehicle

~2:20 p.m., 400

block of Cottage Circle, Sexual Assault Investigation ~10:51 p.m., 400 block of Anderson Avenue, Missing Person (Located)

April 28: 11:37 a.m., 900 block of Wyatt Lane, Vehicle towed ~9:15 p.m., 200

block of Railroad Avenue, Hit and Run

April 30: 4:21 p.m., 700 block of Lupine Way, Audible Alarm

May 1: 12:19 a.m., 300 block of Grant Avenue, Domestic Dispute ~2:34 a.m., W. Main Street/Chapman Street, Outside Agency Assist ~6:17 a.m., 500 block of First Street, Vehicle Burglary ~9:15 a.m., 900 block of Railroad Avenue, Stolen Vehicle Report ~9:31 a.m., 100 block of Edwards Street, Vandalism

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

The Winters Senior Center is seeking funding for equipment and programming. Mail checks payable to Winter Senior Center Fund to: Yolo Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1264, Woodland, CA 95776

100 Years Ago

May 11, 1878

(From the files of The Winters Advocate)

Born in Winters, May 5, 1878, to J. Jeans and wife, a daughter.

Eight wagons of emigrants passed through town on Sunday bound for Washington Territory.

Farmers are picking up men every day to summer-fallow and hay, at $35 and $40 per month.

The Dixon Brewery man appeared on our streets Thursday with a $400 wagon.

Petitions signed by everybody is in circulation asking the Board of Supervisors to construct a good substantial wagon bridge at this place across Putah Creek. Something that is much needed.

Dr. Bell’s new residence is now ready for occupancy.

A fortune awaits the man or company that utilizes the Putah Creek water for irrigation purposes; we understand it is now vacant.

130 Years Ago

May 13, 1893

The Winters Driving Club will give two day’s racing, over the Winters race track, on Friday and Saturday, June 23 and 24.

Among the names of the graduates from the Hastings College of Law, University of California, we notice that of Hart H. North. He passed the bar examination last May, but kept up his studies in the college after admission to the bar, and has now graduated with honors.

The Express is informed that a move is being made here to organize and incorporate a company to develop and operate the iron mines located in Napa county near Knoxville. The Company will be com posed mostly of Win ters men. The ore after

Dispatches from the Express archives.

Years Ago

being mined will be brought here by teams and shipped below for reduction.

Principal Crane has announced that the following scholars will graduate from the Winters Grammar School this year: Josie Schuster, Clara Best, Minnie Babcock, Stella Frey, Lucy Rucker, Mary Ritchie, Essie Morrison, Edna Rust, Nannie Hayes, Mabel Jeans, Mary McArthur, Fannie Cooper, Lee Campbell, Alex Ritchie, Ed Hansen, Chas. Moody, Elmer Humphrey, John Burrows and Arthur Cooper.

Work has begun on the town well, which is being sunk by direction of the W. C. T. U. in front of T. W. Willis’ shop, on Wednesday last, and the well is now pretty well along toward completion.

It is reported that A. R. Ranch of Willows will remove to Winters, and open a jewelry store here. He will probably occupy the Campbell building on Main Street recently occupied by H. L. Beaven’s variety store.

95 Years Ago

May 11, 1928

Winters high school baseball team won its fifth straight game by defeating Dixon 13 to 1. Perkins pitched for Winters and let Dixon down with one hit and struck out ten. Perkins had three hits in four trips to the plate. Holmes continues to lead the team in batting with a percentage

ment of apricots this season left Winters

wagons of emigrants passed through town on Sunday bound for Washington Territory.

yesterday consigned to New York. It was a five crate lot, the Wiggins variety, grown by H. Roy Brinck and shipped through the California Fruit Exchange.

Mrs. E. R. Crum has just returned from Cleveland, Ohio, where she has been attending the convention of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.

William Brinck Sr., 78, a native of Bichweiler, Alsace, France, prominent orchardist of the Winters section, passed away suddenly at his home west of town Sunday morning.

J. O. Smith and two children from Kansas are guests at the Levi Smith home. J. O. and Levi are brothers and having their first visit in 39 years. The visitors are hoping to get located here in the west.

Walter Snodgrass, who is located at Vacaville was a visitor in town the first of the week.

Shirley Baker, who is home from U. C. for the summer vacation, has accepted a position in Vasey Bros. store.

The store room in the First National Bank Building now occupied by The Model Store has been leased to the Purity Stores, Inc., a chain grocery concern. Mr. Day will be given several weeks in which to secure another location.

80 Years Ago

May 14, 1943

At the May 3rd meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Solano county, District Attorney Lynch was instructed to prepare a resolution setting

forth the board’s opposition to the return of Japanese from internment camps to Solano county.

Dr. H. G. Potter, after a year’s service in the U. S. Army Medical Corps has been promoted to a captaincy, according to word received here. Captain Potter is stationed at Stoneman, Pittsburg, and his family is living at Isleton.

Herbert Connor Jr. left Wednesday a.m. for Salt Lake City where he will be in Air Corps service. Mrs. Connor and sister, Mrs. Bertha Bird accompanied him to Sacramento.

Thursday of last week, May 6, the high school student body voted for their next year’s student body officers; John I. Ramos was elected president, Jean Hoskins vice president, Sara Lopez, secretary, and Arlean Ichtertz, treasurer.

Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Gregory of Fresno were week-end guests and Mrs. L. H. Gregory returned with them to Fresno for an extended stay. Mrs. W. A. Sale visited last week with her daughter, Mrs. Arthur Bogart and family in Hemet.

Miss Mae Holmes of Dos Palos and Oscar Holmes Jr. of Stanford were Sunday visitors with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. C. Holmes.

Rev. E. E. Zimmerman conducted a service Sunday p.m. following his S. S. hour at the Labor Camp, for the men of the Forestry Department. Thirty men who are employed in the rubber planting project were present, and the plan is to have the service each Sunday.

Picked by Charley Wallace

Officer Mike Paul (left) is shown receiving a POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) certificate in 1983 from Winters Police Chief Steve Godden. Both have long since retired after serving most of the working lives in law enforcement.

Eight

BURN Continued from Page

burning is a cost-effective management tool that can be used to maintain and generate desired native vegetation and benefit rangeland.

The Yolo PBA May Meeting is a chance for landowners, potential PBA members and volunteers, and the public to learn about the logistics and planning for the June 2023 Demonstration

Burn. This is an excellent oppor-

tunity to ask questions and learn from experts about how prescribed fire can be used as a land management tool in Yolo and the surrounding counties. People of all professional backgrounds and experience levels are invited to attend the meeting.

The Demonstration Burn, expected to take place in June 2023, will allow PBA members, volunteers, and the community to participate in or observe a live prescribed fire.

Courtesy photo

Crafts lead the way for Mother’s Day gifts

Metro

Special to the Express

Mother’s Day is a special time for children to show their appreciation for their mothers, grandmothers and the other special women in their lives. Older children typically are capable of designing their own Mother’s Day crafts or even shopping for gifts for Mom, while younger children will likely need some help from an adult.

Youngsters may not be able to take charge of Mother’s Day festivities alone, but they certainly have the energy and enthusiasm to chip in. Handmade craft gifts are a thoughtful way for young kids to show their love for Mom. Here are a few ideas that can occupy even the youngest of hands.

Metro/Stock photo

Handmade craft gifts are a thoughtful way for young kids to show their love for Mom. Here are a few ideas that can occupy even the youngest of hands.

All that is necessary for this craft is a printed photograph of the child’s face, paper, scissors, glue, and

finger paints. The child should dip hands into the paint and make four handprints on paper in some preferred colors. When dry, cut around the perimeter of the handprints. These

will serve as the “wings” of the butterfly. Glue the picture of the child’s face in the middle of a piece of paper or card stock. Draw a butterfly body underneath it (or print out a stock image to use). Draw antennae sticking out of the child’s head and attach the handprints around the head and butterfly body to make the wings.

Heartfelt masterpiece

Children can draw and color all over a large sheet of construction paper or another durable paper. An adult can then use another sheet of paper to make a frame mat of sorts, cutting out a heart shape from the middle. Both pieces of paper are then trimmed to the dimensions of a photo frame. The artwork is placed first and then the heart matting on top so

that the artwork will show through the heart shape. Frame everything together for a lasting memento.

Fuzzy flowers

Kids can make Mom a bouquet of flowers that will never wilt. Print a photo of the child’s face and attach it to a piece of circular card stock that is roughly six inches in diameter. Have the child paint a popsicle stick green, and then attach that to the back of the round card stock. The child then glues small fuzzy pom poms to the card stock surrounding the picture to make a flower. If desired, attach a magnet to the back of the flower so it can be secured to the refrigerator. Crafts are a great gift option for young children looking to give something special to Mom on Mother’s Day.

How to ensure a relaxing day for Mom this Mother’s Day

Metro

Special to the Express

The unconditional love and undying patience moms exhibit as they raise their children is worthy of more than just a single day of appreciation in May. Moms do a lot for their families, and though that’s something to celebrate every day, Mother’s Day merits upping the ante in regard to showing Mom how much she’s loved and appreciated.

This year, families can work together to ensure this Mother’s Day is a day for Mom to relax and bask in all the extra attention she deserves.

Serve breakfast in bed Mom might be on breakfast detail on hectic weekday mornings, but Mother’s Day marks the perfect time for spouses and kids to take over those responsibilities. This year, keep the cereal in the pantry and go the extra mile by preparing a homemade breakfast and serving it to Mom in bed. Present the meal with a small bouquet of flowers and some reading material and

then let Mom eat in peace and quiet if she so prefers.

Turn the en suite into a spa

Nothing complements a relaxing breakfast in bed better than a subsequent dip in Mom’s own private spa. Transform the en suite or another bathroom into Mom’s personal soaking space. Clean the bathtub, light some candles around the tub and bathroom, turn on some relaxing music, dim the lights, and then invite Mom in to soak in a freshly drawn hot bubble bath.

Keep Mom out of the kitchen

Keep the relaxing vibe going by making sure Mom doesn’t have to lift a finger in the kitchen. Make sure all the dishes are washed before Mom comes downstairs for the day and let her know you’ve already ordered lunch from a local restaurant. Even if Mom loves to cook, a day off from kitchen detail can make Mother’s Day that much more relaxing.

Book some time in the great outdoors

If the weather allows, visit a nearby park as a family and go for a walk. Nature has its own way of helping people relax, so some time outdoors in the spring air can keep the peaceful vibe going into the afternoon. If the family includes young children, choose a park with a playground so Mom can relax and watch the kids play from a nearby bench.

Book a dinner reservation

It might require some advance booking, as Mother’s Day reservations can be hard to come by, but a night at Mom’s favorite restaurant can be the perfect conclusion to a relaxing day. If Mom’s more of a homebody, whip up a homemade meal and let Mom relax with a glass of wine as you prepare a feast.

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to plan a day of relaxation for mothers who do so much for their families throughout the year. Some simple planning can ensure Mom gets the R&R she deserves.

Families can work together to ensure this Mother’s Day is a day for Mom to relax and bask in all the extra attention she deserves.

Metro/Stock photo

Handprint butterfly photo card

much about coffee and asking so many questions. Mel asked if his parents were around and he quickly discovered they own ed a Kona Coffee Farm,” Wroten said.

Since then, Wroten says she and Mel have “embarked on a new coffee journey this past year” which included visiting

Monarch Coffee in Kona

last summer and plan on visiting them again during their October harvest. She says they also work with Monarch’s roaster and the Stilles daughter, Abby, who is “a known expert coffee consultant” and is working with the Wrotens “closely on special projects/business goals throughout the year.”

Wroten says she hopes the addition of the

Monarch’s Kona coffee will be “another exciting coffee offering for our community” as well as a chance to celebrate the Stilles and

Monarch Coffee.

“We are all about experiences at Steady Eddy’s and this is just one more example where we are trying to

celebrate coffee as well as the producer. We want the family to come out and enjoy our event. We will have our shop fully open plus some specials,” Wroten said.

The launch will be Saturday, May 13, at a special event at Steady Eddy’s between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., which will include stories from the coffee farm, coffee samples and drink specials.

Great gifts for moms from all walks of life

Metro

Special to the Express

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to show moms how much they’re loved and appreciated. Though many moms may insist they don’t want anything beyond spending the day with their children, gifts are a big part of Mother’s Day.

No two moms are the same, and though standards like flowers and greeting cards will always have a place on Mother’s Day, the following are some gift ideas that can put smiles on the faces of moms from all walks of life.

Bookworm

There’s no end to the gift options for mothers who love to curl up with a good book. Of course, some new books may delight Mom, but gifts that can improve the reading experience also merit consideration. For example, an ergonomic backrest reading pillow can make bedtime reading sessions more comfortable

life.

and ensure Mom’s neck and back get ample support as she reads the latest page-turner. A nightstand book holder also can be ideal for moms who can’t seem to keep track of their bookmarks.

Fitness enthusiast

Some moms simply love

to get in a good workout. Shoppers whose mothers or wives love to break a sweat might want to look into home gym equipment, as many fitness enthusiasts transformed part of their homes into exercise areas during the pandemic. If that sounds like the mom on your shopping list,

then a suspension training system won’t take up much room but can provide an intense, full-body workout. A new yoga mat, some wireless Bluetooth headphones or a compression stretching mat are some additional gifts that might make exercise-loving moms smile this Mother’s Day.

Traveler

Moms whose children still live under the same roof may not have much opportunity to travel, but empty nesters and grandmothers might. For such moms, a foldable, hanging travel bag can make it easy and convenient for mom to carry all of her toiletries and access them without taking up what’s often minimal hotel room counter space. For moms who want to document their excursions, a leather travel journal encourages them to note their experiences and gives them something they can revisit for years to come. Of course, some new luggage can make the

perfect gift for newly retired moms who can’t wait to start visiting places on their travel bucket lists.

Businesswoman

Millions of moms manage to juggle the obligations of family life with a challenging career. Mother’s Day can be a great time to recognize that balancing act. A self-heating coffee mug can ensure Mom’s morning cup o’ joe doesn’t go cold as she traverses her way through a hectic morning routine. Another great gift is a charging mouse pad that can charge all of Mom’s devices even while she’s working. If you want to help Mom remain calm as she navigates her way through a day filled with personal and professional obligations, an essential oils diffuser can create a sense of relaxation on the most hectic of days. No two moms are the same. Fortunately, great gifts can be found for moms from all walks of life this Mother’s Day.

Metro/Stock photo

Some gift ideas can put smiles on the faces of moms from all walks of

KONA Continued from Page 1

“We are all about experiences at Steady Eddy’s and this is just one more example where we are trying to celebrate coffee as well as the producer.”

Carla Wroten, co-owner

Thursdays

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

Monday, May 15

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

Tuesday, May 16

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

Wednesday, May 17

Winters Senior Commission on Aging Meeting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), check www.cityofwinters .org/winters-senior-commission-on-aging

Wednesdays

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

Upcoming

Thursday, May 18

Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 5 p.m. - Trustee Study Session, 6 p.m. - Business Meeting, School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://bit.ly/ WintersJUSDBoardAgendaCommunitySite

Monday, May 22

Winters Community Blood Drive, 1 –5 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.), Register at Vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825 with code 'SMFM164'

Tuesday, May 23

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

Tuesday, May 30 Yolo County/Winters City 2x2 Meeting, 4 p.m., ,City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/2x2

Library Services

Winters Library Open to Public (School in Session)

Winters Community Library, Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. , Sat: 1–5 p.m.

Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 13:30 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, Second Thursday, 2-7:30 p.m., call 530-666-8005 to schedule an appointment

Afterschool Adventure (ages 6-12), Third Thursday, 3:30 p.m., Winters Community Library

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 Wide World of Sports exhibit, Thursday thru Sunday, 1-5 p.m., Winters Museum, 13 Russell St. Winters Friends of the Library meeting, first Monday, 7 p.m., Winters Community Library, Margaret Parsons Room, wfol.org

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

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

Winters Open Mic, third Saturday of the month, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5 p.m.), Downtown Main Street. Kiwanis Club of Winters meeting, fourth Thursdays, 6 p.m., Hooby's Brewing

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings: » St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 Main St. (back entrance) Tuesdays, 7-8 a.m. and Fridays, 7-8 a.m. » Yolo Housing office building, 62 Shams Way: Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m.

Hall of Fame 2023 honorees share gratitude for community

The Express is sharing a twopart series in celebration of the five inductees of the Winters Joint Unified School District’s Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

Winters Joint Unified School District celebrated the honorees in their Hall of Fame Class of 2023 at the end of April.

On April 27, members of the community gathered to honor five Winters notables for their efforts and contributions to the students and culture at Winters JUSD at the 6th annual Hall of Fame ceremony.

Hall of Fame recognizes Winters JUSD graduates, former employees, and exceptional community volunteers who have distinguished themselves by their individual contributions in scholarship, athletics, student activities, career, community service, and/ or to the school community as a whole.

The 2023 Class of Winters JUSD Hall of Fame Inductees included:

Distinguished Service inductee: Billie Bishop

Employee inductee: Pam Scheeline and John Kammerer (In Memoriam)

Alumni inductees: Rob Coman (Class of 1969) and Jenny Lester Moffitt (Class of 1998) Billie Bishop

Bishop graduated from Winters High School in the Class of 1962, however, he was recognized as the Distinguished Service inductee for the impact he made through countless volunteer hours working with students on developing their reading skills.

Also known as “Uncle Billie” to many Winters youths, Bishop first began working in

educator Kristie Oates’ kindergarten classroom in 2000. For 20 years, he worked with students at different school sites, following Oates as she moved to teach different grades, and eventually working with other teachers. Winters Middle School is the last school he volunteered at.

In his introduction, Superintendent Rody Boonchouy said that Bishop “worked with children of all reading abilities, encouraged them, and had positive words for each child daily. Every child who worked with Bishop had the opportunity to learn juggling and recite the alphabet backward. Some students would learn how to read upside down. Mr. Bishop understands the importance of engaging students in learning. His mottos were ‘read, read, read’ and ‘try, try, again.’”

Bishop said he dedicated his award to those who helped him on his journey whom he called “stars” including family members, Winters teachers and community members.

Pam Scheeline Assistant superintendent

LEFT: Billie Bishop was recognized as the Distinguished Service inductee for working with students on developing their reading skills.

BELOW: Pam Scheeline was one of this year’s employee inductees.

Phoebe Girimonte encouraged audience members to try and keep track of all of the different roles Pam Scheeline, one of the employee inductees, held within Winters JUSD. Scheeline worked for Winters JUSD from 1970–2007 when she first retired. However, Scheeline did not really know how to retire and in 2008, she came out of retirement and worked once again until

PIQE program gives families tools to support children’s education journey

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer

Winters Joint Unified School District (Winters JUSD) offers the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) program so families are given the opportunity to not only take a handson approach to their child’s education but learn about the variety of ways they can help prepare them for their future.

In March, 28 parents graduated from the Winters Middle School PIQE program and 33 parents graduated from the Winters High School PIQE program.

The PIQE program was created in 1987 by Rev. Vahac Mardirosian and Dr. Alberto Ochoa. They partnered up with San Diego Unified School District Superintendent, Tom Payzant to discuss the struggles and challenges parents were facing. Shortly thereafter, the PIQE program was formed and is currently in over 130 school districts across California and in 14 different states — as well as being offered in 16 different languages, including Spanish.

To date, PIQE has served more than 750,000 families and positively impacted 2.2 million students across California.

“The overall mission of the PIQE program is to have families gain the knowledge and tools and skills to ensure their children can reach their full potential

and advance to higher education. Or, offer that support for whatever they decide to do after they graduate,” explained PIQE communication specialist, Shai Garcia-Mays. “But it’s about being that support system while they’re in school learning about GPA, learning about what their child’s learning and understanding the American school system.”

Essentially, the PIQE program is a nine-week, online class for middle school and high school parents to take once a week on Thursdays. For participating WHS familes, it’s not only a comprehensive overview of what their

children are learning in school but a schooling on how to help their children out on every step of their educational journey and beyond.

Maricarmen Suarez, Winters JUSD Parent Engagement Coordinator, detailed out the lessons that start with an orientation where participating parents receive a book that will guide them through what they’ll be learning in the program. According to Suarez, the first two lessons touch on social/emotional learning, academic achievement and academic standards. The last two lessons explore universities and pathways to

secondary education, as well as financial aid options.

“The parents that I’ve spoken to have been very happy with this program. A lot of them maybe didn’t go to college and their kids are the first generation that will be going to college. So, they’re very grateful to learn about these steps and pathways to college so they can help their kids,” Suarez said.

Since its implementation at Winters JUSD, the PIQE program has made a positive impact on the community’s families.

“In my graduation speech, I talked about how hard it was with my first child to get her different kinds of financial aid because I didn’t know what was out there or what the programs were. For me, it was so amazing to learn what was out there through the PIQE program. Now with my son going through high school, I feel like I’m ready to be there for him when he’s ready to graduate and continue with a career and help get him the funds he needs,” said Maria Elena Campos, a WHS parent PIQE participant. “I loved being able to meet other parents in the program. My other favorite part is that there’s a lot of support for the parents and the kids as well. And I think parents should do this program because they’ll learn a lot. Like how to get help when

Courtesy photos

ABOVE: Winters High School Principal John Barsotti (center) and Superintendent Rody Boonchouy congratulate a Winters High School PIQE parent graduate.

BELOW: Family members show off their certificates at the Winters Middle School PIQE graduation ceremony.

Crystal Apilado/ Winters Express

Key points from March resale housing report

California Association of Realtors

Special to the Express

Key points from C.A.R.’s March 2023 resale housing report include:

• At the regional level, all regions except the Central Valley (-27.7 percent) continued to record annual sales declines of more than 30 percent, with the Far North dropping the most at -38.9 percent. Sales in four of the six counties in the region dipped more than 40 percent from a year ago. The San Francisco Bay Area followed closely behind with a sales decrease of 35.5 percent from a year ago, while Southern California (-33.8 percent) and Central Coast (-31.2 percent) both declined sharply from last March.

• All but one of the 51 counties tracked by C.A.R. experienced a sales drop from a year ago in March, with 35 counties dropping more than 30 percent year-over-year and five counties plummeting more than 50 percent from last March. Extreme weather conditions throughout the

state in the past few weeks had a negative impact on the housing market, which contributed to sharp sales declines in some of these counties. Plumas (-77.3 percent) had the largest sales drop in March, followed by Mono (-70.6 percent) and Glenn (-52.9 percent). Amador was the only county with an annual sales increase, with a year-over-year gain of 6.4 percent. The market is gaining momentum, however, as it enters the spring homebuying season.

All but one county tracked by C.A.R. posted a sales gain on a month-over-month basis, while sales in 23 counties grew more than 50 percent from February.

• At the regional level, median home prices dropped from a year ago in all major regions, with prices in three of the five regions declining more than 10 percent yearover-year in March.

Home prices in the San Francisco Bay Area continued to drop the most of all regions, even though it was no longer the only region with a double-digit decline. With prices in

five counties falling over 10 percent yearover-year, the median price for the Bay Area region was down 12.8 percent from March 2022. The sharp decline is attributable partly to the base effect, as prices surged a year ago when many homebuyers tried to close transactions before rates climbed further. Central Coast (-12.1 percent) and the Far North (-10.1 percent) were the other two regions with a double-digit loss from a year ago, followed by Central Valley (-8.4 percent) and Southern California (-4.0 percent).

• More than four out of five counties experienced year-overyear price declines in March, with 18 counties falling more than 10 percent on a yearover-year basis. Santa Barbara (-40.8 percent) had the biggest drop of all counties, followed by Mono (-31.8 percent), and Tehama (-29.5 percent). Six counties registered an increase in their median prices from last March, with all but one county growing less than 10 percent. Glenn had the biggest gain in price of all counties with an increase of 15.6 percent, followed

by Kings (9.2 percent) and Humboldt (4.7 percent).

• Following its typical seasonal pattern, housing inventory in California dipped on a monthly basis for the second straight month from 3.2 months in February to 2.2 months in March, the lowest level since May 2022. The statewide unsold inventory index (UII) in March 2023, nevertheless, continued to increase from a year ago, jumping 37.5 percent on a year-overyear basis. The surge in UII was due primarily to low housing demand as existing home sales remained below the annualized 300,000 benchmark level.

• All price ranges posted an increase in UII from a year ago by 28 percent or more,

with the $1 million and up gaining the most (50 percent), followed by the $500,000 - $749,000 price range (25.0 percent), the $750,000$999,000 (23.5 percent) and the sub $500,000 (16.7 percent).

• With sales remaining 30 percent or more below last year’s level for more than half of the counties in California, active listings continued to surge yearover-year in March. Twenty-one counties recorded a double-digit, year-over-year gain in March as compared to 43 counties in February. Marin registered the largest yearly growth of 52.5 percent, followed by Kings (50.7 percent) and Riverside (46.3 percent). Meanwhile, 20 counties recorded a decline in active listings from a year ago as sales growth outpaced the gain in new active listings in some of these counties.

Mono (52.9 percent) had the biggest yearover-year decline in March, followed by Alameda (-45.3 percent) and Contra Costa (-43.2 percent).

• Despite the increase in overall active listings in March, housing inventory is much tighter than what the yearly growth suggests. While new active listings added in March improved 27.9 percent on a monthto-month basis from the prior month, the figure also declined 30 percent year-over-year from the same month in 2022. The drop in new active listings, in fact, was the largest dip since May 2020 when the pandemic shutdown took place.

• The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 19 days in March and 8 days in March 2022.

• C.A.R.’s statewide sales-price-to-listprice ratio was 99.1 percent in March 2023 and 103.9 percent in March 2022.

• The statewide average price per square foot for an existing single-family home was $388, down from $418 in March a year ago.

• The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 6.54 percent in March, up from 4.17 percent in March 2022, according to Freddie Mac.

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Express Yourself

Letter

Express Yourself

I just finished the “Express Yourself” page (May 3, 2023 edition) and really enjoyed reading the column from Gerald Taylor (The stomp) and the article from Helen Hemenway (Just another perspective). Particularly kind and loving family viewpoints. Thank you.

LINN MYER

And the rain just keeps on coming

This is a column that should be written by Joe the Weatherman, but he is shy and might be waiting to write to us at the end of our rainfall season, June 30. Joe reports that he has recorded over 37 inches of rain, so far, this rainfall season. That is not a record, but with cool weather and maybe a little more rain in the forecast, the drought should be considered over.

I haven’t looked at the entries for the rainfall contest, but I would imagine that whomever guesses the highest will win. For the past several years the lowest guesses received checks from Taylor. We lucked out with great weather on Youth Day, but it is a tradition that it doesn’t rain on our parade. I can’t remember the last time it rained on Youth Day, and even if I could remember it raining, in only happened once or twice in my lifetime. We hosted visitors from Poland last week and took them to see the Glory Hole. The water level is getting closer to the top, 440

feet above sea level, but I don’t think it will overflow the spillway this year. It looks like it is short by about 10 feet. It takes a lot of water to fill the dam to its maximum capacity. I like to compare the lake to a champagne glass, with a wide rim. It is easy to fill the stem, but it takes a lot to reach the edges.

I’m not sure if the lake impressed our guest, but they did like the pictures that I showed them in the museum. Not quite the same as watching the water flow over the Glory Hole, but I’m hoping that they got the feel for what it must be like.

We should all be proud of the amount of money that was raised on the Big Day of Giving, May 4. Over $88,000 went to 10 local nonprofits with one of my favorites, The Winters Museum, collecting over $25,000 followed by the Winters Friends of the Library with over $15,000. It is never too late to donate, so if you missed the Big Day of Giving, just contact your favorite charity and they will help you help them.

Have a good week.

May is Older Americans Month

By Wally Pearce Winters Elder Day Council

In 1963, there were only 17 million living Americans that had reached their 65th birthday, and about one-third of older Americans lived in poverty where few programs existed to meet their needs. In April 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens designated May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.”

Nationwide, including locally, Older Americans Month is a time for communities like the city of Winters, to acknowledge the contributions of

past and current older people to our country, families, and communities, including those who defended our society. The 2023 theme is “Aging Unbound,” offering an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes.

When President Kennedy issued a formal Older Americans Month proclamation, many communities across the country held ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities. Unfortunately, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to temporarily restrain some of the prior public celebrations.

See OLDER, Page 4

OLDER

PIQE

Continued from Page 1

Continued from Page 3 they need it with their kids, they’ll be more involved with them and they’ll also learn how to read grades and progress reports and tests. PIQE has made a big difference.”

With a focus on the overall success of the district’s students, staff and families, Winters JUSD Superintendent Rody Boonchouy said he is delighted at the boon the PIQE program is to that success.    “It’s important that we help our families understand the complexities of navigating the school system and the journey towards higher education. PIQE provides workshops on topics like the importance of attendance, communication with teachers, principals or counselors; how to read report cards, or to understand course scheduling and the A–G system to become eligible for colleges and universities. Ultimately, programs like this help parents and educators become better partners in supporting students to be successful in school, college, career and life,” said Boonchouy. Information about the next opportunity to participate in the PIQE program at Winters schools will be shared with families soon.

The 2023 theme, Aging Unbound, is an 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.

• Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.

• Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others. Here are a few ways to share and connect:

Look for joy in the everyday Celebrate small moments and ordinary pleasures by taking time to recognize them. Start a gratitude journal and share it with others via social media, call a friend, or family member, to share a happy moment or to say thank you.

Reach out to neighbors

Even if you can’t get together in person right now, you can still

connect with your neighbors. Leave a small gift on their doorstep, offer to help with outdoor chores, or deliver a home-cooked meal.

Build new skills

Learning something new allows us to practice overcoming challenges. Take an art course online or try a socially distanced outdoor movement class to enjoy learning with others in your community. Have a skill to share? Find an opportunity to teach someone, even casually.

Share your story with family members and others in your community

There’s a reason storytelling is a time-honored activity. Hearing how others experience the world helps us grow. Interviewing family, friends, and neighbors can open new conversations and strengthen connections.

While raising families and building careers, older Americans also gave back to their communities in a variety of ways. In their lifetime, times have changed, and they continue to

volunteer and serve their neighborhoods in their own ways. Whether they mentored children, volunteered at a soup kitchen, or served their country, each one deserves recognition for their commitment.

Older Americans Month also serves to raise awareness concerning elder abuse and neglect. As we age, the risk of abuse and neglect increases. We must be sure resources are in place to protect our older population from the risks of abuse and neglect. One way is to maintain involvement in community activities and social activities. It helps to maintain our overall health and vitality.

Communities that encourage the contributions of older adults are stronger! By engaging and supporting all community members, each one of us can recognize that older adults play a key role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, networks, and daily lives. Everyone benefits when everyone participates.

Strength is built and shown not only by bold

acts, but also by small ones of day-to-day life — a person-to-person, or telephone conversation shared with a friend, working in the garden, trying a new recipe, or taking time for a cup of coffee or tea on a busy day. When we share these activities with others — even virtually or by talking about the experience later — we help them build resilience too.

When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and talents share experiences — through action, story, or service — together we help build a stronger community. And that’s something to celebrate! We at the Winters Elder Day Council encourage you to connect, create, and contribute to a stronger and more diverse community this May, and throughout the rest of 2023 and for decades to come. Please join the Winters Elder Day Council in strengthening our community and celebrating Older American Month with your families and friends.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Sybill Jane Anderson aka Sybill Anderson aka Sybil J Anderson

CASE NO PR-1990-19733

To all heirs beneficiaries creditors contingent creditors and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both of: Sybill Jane Anderson, aka Sybill Anderson, aka Sybil J Anderson

A Petition for Probate has been filed by: Eric Anderson in the Superior Court of California County of: Yolo

The Petition for Probate requests that: Eric Anderson be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval Before taki ng certain very important actions however the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action ) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority

Surprising sippers

Winters continues to be recognized for its amazing food scene. There is no doubt about it, from Grant Avenue (Hwy 128) down Railroad Avenue to Main Street (and don’t forget about out outliers Patio29 Spirits Co. and Green River Brewing & Taproom) there is something for everyone.

But there is also real charm — and delight for tastebuds — in our small-business scene as well.

On Sunday, I rallied some fellow mom friends who never make time to do nice things for themselves, either, to go on a Mom’s Day out with Yolo365 Tours & Tastings. Lynda and Tori really treated us to an experience, and I found myself trying things I normally wouldn’t have thought to try.

The first surprise was the cocktail sipper we were served at Park Winters. The Garden Sippers feature rose gin, amaretto, coconut milk and wildflower honey. Now, normally I avoid any cocktail with gin because there was this one time that I had too many Sapphire Bombays.

However, I’m not one to dismiss an opportunity to at least have a little taste. I owe it to my children who I tell they have to have one bite of something new. It also looked tempting with a dried rose bud floating atop the pink liquid.

To my astoundment, it was delicious. It might have been the almond flavor of the amaretto (I used to drink amaretto sours a lot). It might have been the sweetness of the honey. The coconut milk definitely made a positive impact. The flavor

combinations created a dessert-like, creamy drink that was perfect for walking through the gardens. I was a little disappointed when it was gone.

The second big surprise was when we rode up outside of L’Apéro les Trois and I saw Chris and Pat Calvert of Ciarlo Fruit

“Eddy’s”Hawaiian pulled pork sandi is dandy

So, my editor, Crystal — who happened to be featured on the latest and greatest episode of “The 795” — told me recently that Steady Eddy’s Coffee House has a brand spanking new Hawaiian pulled pork sandwich. Although I’ve had my fair share of pulled pork sandies over the years, I never need my arm twisted to stuff my fat face with another. And boy howdy, I’m sure glad I did with this one because just gazing at this Hawaiian pulled pork sandwich made me squeal “Aloha” to this week’s FLAVOR FAVE!

& Nut setting up a table with little cups of olive oil. I had never done an olive oil tasting before. And while I knew California was serious about its olive oil standards, I didn’t know about all of the different factors or flavors that olive oil

Albeit, I was a little underwhelmed at the size of the sandwich, but everybody knows not to judge a sandwich by its size — that would be rude. This sandwich had character, though, starting off with a deliciously sweet and mildly crunchy role that acted as the bed for the succulent pulled pork and tangle of stringy red onions to rest upon.

Good ol’ Steady Eddy’s tossed in a side of coleslaw that I slathered into the sandwich as well. Why? I mean, why not? I thought this

was America.

After that was eatin’ time and every part of that sandwich came together in a juicy and savory crunch at the first bite. They did it again in the

second, third, and all the way to the last. It was at this point I did, indeed, judge the size because I wanted this sandwich to be at

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Steady Eddy’s Coffee House has a brand spanking new Hawaiian pulled pork sandwich.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

The Garden Sippers featuring rose gin, amaretto, coconut milk and wildflower honey at Park Winters.

finally retiring in 2014.

Scheeline worked as a teacher for 20 years. In 1990, she was the principal at John Clayton Kinderschool. When she came out of retirement she served as the principal at Winters Middle School and then moved over to serve as the principal at Shirley Rominger Intermediate School and Waggoner Elementary School.

Many of Scheeline’s contributions to Winters JUSD can still be seen today. They include the facilitations of the playhouse and the loft area in Room 4 at Waggoner, implementing the peer tutor class with then WHS principal Paul Fawcett, and the establishment of the ROAR (Reach Out and Read) readers program at Waggoner. This is a small sampling of the impacts Scheeline

TASTE

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could give off.

made during her tenure at Winters JUSD. “This has been a wonderful journey for me. It has been very rewarding and very exciting,” Scheeline said. Scheeline also gave gratitude to fellow educators she worked with, and credited them for their efforts in engaging Winters students with opportunities and support in their education.

John Kammerer

On behalf of the Kammerer and the Carbahal families, Manny Carbahal accepted the employee inductee award in memoriam for his father John Kammerer.

“Sadly he passed away 15 years before, but if he were here tonight, he would have been so grateful and humbled by your generosity and support... Even more important, he would have been surprised that he was even nominated,” Carbahal said. “Our

Olive oil tasting is a lot like wine tasting, except that it’s better for your liver and you’re not going to get tipsy from drinking too much. Chris and Pat shared their olive oil wisdom with us, and I feel like a new person. I’m not sure if this acquirement comes with age or just experience — but I now have higher standards and expectations from my olive oil. Shopping for extra virgin olive oil will never be the same.

I didn’t know olive oil could have different flavor profiles. After sipping on four different Ciarlo olive oils, I walked away knowing that my favorites were the Ciarlo Estate and the Golden Bear olive oils. We

father would have felt so honored and appreciative to be standing alongside other academic inductees here tonight.”

Kammerer began

working at WHS in 1955, and during his 32-year career taught and coached nearly all of the sports offered at the high school and served as the athletic

director. Boonchouy said Kammerer was “a dedicated and respected member of the Winters community who positively touched the lives of many of its youth.”

Outside of school, Kammerer served as the city of Winters Summer Recreation Program Coordinator and Winters Little League Coordinator. He also served as a Winters City Council member and as vice mayor.

Carbahal said his father “was a true leader” and he adopted the 1950s quote “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” as his mantra.

“It was clear from the beginning what he expected from you,” Carbahal said.

Both Carbahal and Boonchouy spoke about Kammerer’s recognition that not all student-athletes were able to travel beyond city limits,

and he arranged trips to Lake Tahoe, Fort Bragg, Florida and Hawaii in order to open up the world to his athletes. He also arranged for athletes and their families to visit historical, cultural and travel attractions on these trips. Carbahal said Kammerer “wanted to open up the world to students who may not be able to leave town.”

“He gave students hope and the confidence that they needed to be successful,” Carbahal said.

“Kammerer instilled lifelong values in his athletes and his own children. He commanded respect and embodied the values of loyalty, action, ambition, and overall compassion for everyone in the community. What happened off the playing field was as important, if not more important, than what happened on the field,” Boonchouy said.

FAVES

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got to take home almonds in olive oil and sea salt.

It’s one of my new favorite snacks.

I also didn’t know that I was going to enjoy sipping on balsamic vinegar. Now, dipping bread in a blend of roasted garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar is one thing. But sipping on fig balsamic vinegar is a whole new experience and I will never be the same. I didn’t know what to think when Pat first began sharing about their bal-

samic vinegar. I thought of all the dinners and Brussels sprouts I could drizzle with it. And when the little cups of fig balsamic vinegar were passed out, I was ready for anything.

It was delicious. And the blackberry balsamic vinegar was just as delicious. I excitedly ensured one bottle of each balsamic vinegar went home with

Roasted almonds with olive oil and sea salt and a spoonful of balsamic vinegar from Ciarlo Fruit & Nut.

Crystal Apilado/ Winters Express

me (sorry friends who were behind me — but I bought the last bottle).

What I learned from trying new things: not all ginbased cocktails are going to send my stomach into turmoil, not all olive oils are created (and processed) equal, and the right balsamic vinegar can be enjoyed sipped out of a shot glass.

least 30 feet long. It is a little pricier than I’d like, but when it comes down to it, it’s something new, tasty, and another opportunity to support local – plus the paper comps my flavor faves, so I really don’t have anything to complain about.

At the end of the day, the only prescription that can cure Christopher Walken’s fever is more cowbell. Fine, keep the cowbell. When I get a fever from meat sweats, the only prescription for me is more Steady Eddy’s pulled pork Hawaiian sandwich.

[S]ipping on fig balsamic vinegar is a whole new experience and I will never be the same.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express Manny Carbahal accepted the employee inductee award in memoriam for his father John Kammerer.