Winters Express Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Ample Electric is Small Business of the Year

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer

Ample Electric earned the designation of the SBA’s (Small Business Association) 2023 Small Business of the Year Award for the Sacramento region. Regardless of an organization’s size, Ample Electric proves that small businesses can accomplish big things.

This award-winning business, however, was just a seedling back in 2005 when founder Jose Diaz began his electrical career as an apprentice with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). From there, Diaz partnered with Spears Electric in 2009 and eventually purchased the company in 2011. It was rebranded as Ample Electric, and the rest is history.

“Jose was the president and CEO straight from the get-go when Ample Electric was founded. It’s minority-owned and registered as a small business as well,” said Lead Project Manager

Katie Reineck. “Jose’s portfolio for the company is — let’s say — pretty extensive. He is doing a lot of public works and federal government work along with a lot of agriculture work. We also do commercial and some residential. So, a little bit of everything.”

Essentially, Ample Electric itself is an electrical contractor that facilitates a lita-

ny of services. As broken down by Reineck, the small business can provide design/ build services from cradle to grave. It also specializes in electrical power distribution, electrical vehicle charging stations, good old-fashioned electrical maintenance, troubleshooting and much more.

Ample Electric just finished off a job up at

Winters police investigate downtown altercation, battery on student

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

Winters Police De-

partment fielded reports regarding a stabbing incident in downtown Winters and from Winters Joint Unified School District last week.

On Friday, May 5 at 10 p.m., Winters PD responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the downtown area from a local hospital.

Police Chief John P. Miller said officers arrived at the hospital to interview a victim who had received a non-life-threatening stab wound.

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Plan update

Officers were able to confirm the victim was involved in an altercation with a known associate and was transported to the hospital by another associate. However, Winters PD was unable to obtain any further information regarding the incident or about who the other party was.

“He refused to identify who did it and any further details. He refused to cooperate with authorities,” Miller said.

Upon arrival and treatment at the emergency room, the hospital staff reported filed a mandatory report with Winters PD.

Miller said the victim did say the suspect was someone he knew. Miller said

the incident was considered an isolated incident as the victim knows his assailant and there was no threat to the public.

“This was not a random act. They got into an altercation,” Miller said.

Rominger incident

On Tuesday, May 9 received a report from Winters JUSD that a Shirley Rominger Intermediate School student had been the victim of battery at the hands of a substitute teacher. According to a post on Facebook, Principal Monica Moreno sent a message to students’ families who are in the class in which the substitute was working that day to

See CRIME, Page 6

Lake Berryessa where it rehabbed the electrical infrastructure damaged by the LNU fire. One can see it as another job, or another reason, why Ample Electric is the 2023 Small Business of the Year.

“It all happened really fast. We found out we’d won the award in late April, and the awards banquet

See AWARD, Page 3

The Winters Cemetary District is inviting the community to attend a Memorial Day event on Monday, May 29 at 1:30 p.m. at the Winters Cemetary.

The event will honor 26 local veterans who were killed in action as well as the over 400 veterans who were laid to rest in the cemetery.

It features a local veteran speaker and singing performances. Winters Girl Scouts will lead the pledge.

Paseo Park survey

The city of Winters is asking community members to take a survey to share input on potential elements to be included in Paseo Park. The survey will remain open through May 29. Take the survey at https://tinyurl. com/4jfr5rz4.

Residents will be able to participate in the 2023 Yolo Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update. The Winters public engagement meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7 from 2–3 p.m. in the Winters City Hall’s large conference room, Abbey Street entrance. Community members can view the meeting via Zoom at https://tinyurl.com/ bdd6xe5n.

Seeking commissioners

City Manager

Kathleen Trepa said the city of Winters is looking for residents who are passionate about land use, senior programming, and Hispanic community affairs to serve in a number of commissioner roles. For information, visit https://tinyurl. com/2p8wn7sx.

High school students thriving, seeing success in AVID program

By Jacob Hoffman Express staff writer

During their May 4 meeting, the Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees heard a presentation with information about the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program regarding its successes this school year and its goals for the 2023–24 school year.

Educator Jessica Williams, the AVID High School Coordinator, and Courtney Mognis, an AVID elective teacher collaborated to inform trustees about the program sharing the ethos behind “AVID’s Mission

is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.” Williams added the program seeks to ensure students “have more opportunities ready for them at the end of high school.”

AVID recruits students in eighth and ninth grade and its teaching strategies focus on fives areas of Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR), and measures the success of its program in its ability to improve the instruction, systems, leadership, and culture of the entire school.

One of AVID’s pro-

gram goals is to continue to get 70 percent of WHS teachers to use their WICOR system, including the use of focused notes and collaboration strategies, as well as recruiting tutors from college.  Regarding enrollment, in the 2022–23 school year Williams reported 32 freshmen, 19 sophomores, 16 juniors, and 21 seniors in the program, and for the 2023–24 school year, 30 freshmen, 21 sophomores, 22 juniors, and 17 seniors. During this school year, 79 percent of seniors are A-G eligible, 84 percent have taken at least one AP See AVID, Page 3

County appoints Lindbo as Director of Community Services

Yolo County Special to the Express Yolo County’s Chief Administrative Officer Gerardo Pinedo announced the appointment of Leslie Lindbo as director of the Department of Community Services. Lindbo has served as interim director since the retirement of former Director Taro Echiburu in December 2022.

“My colleagues and I are delighted

to congratulate Leslie Lindbo on this appointment,” said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chair Oscar E. Villegas. “She has earned a positive reputation throughout Yolo County by providing excellent customer service with a strong track record of community engagement and successful collaborations with both industry and stakeholders. Her experience and knowledge will undoubted-

ly continue to have a positive impact in Yolo County for years to come.”

Following an extensive nationwide search, Lindbo was selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. “Leslie has demonstrated a commitment toward upholding Yolo County values,” said Chief Administrative Officer Gerardo Pinedo. “I am confident that she

See COUNTY, Page 3

Courtesy photo

Ample Electric team members Phil Hamilton, Katie Reineck, Jose Diaz, Rosa Diaz and Melissa Atkin show off their Small Business of the Year award and certificates.

Community blood drive hosts new hours starting May 22

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

The Winters Community Blood Drive will be hosted during a new time frame to give the opportunity for more community members to attend.

Winters Lions Club member Karen Benson-Neil said they worked with Vitalant to move the time to later in the afternoon in hopes to give more time for people coming in from work to come to donate blood.

The new start time is effective at the upcoming blood drive on Monday, May 22, beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the Winters Community Center, 201 Main St. The new end time is set at 6:30 p.m.

Community members are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Vitalant, although walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment contact Vitalant at 877-258-4825 and mention blood drive code SMFM164 or visit https://tinyurl.com/ t2yc8fcw.

Lake levels

The water level of Lake Berryessa went down during the past week, with a decrease in the storage of 1,259 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh of the Solano Irrigation District.

On the morning of Tuesday, May 16 the lake level was 430.83

Parent Engagement Coordinator highlights progress points this year

Donors must bring a photo I.D. with them on the day of the blood drive. They are also encouraged to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating. Whole blood donors must be at least 16 years old (16 year old’s need a signed Vitalant parental consent form available online at Vitalant. org), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good general health.

Donors are able to complete a 10-minute Fast Track Health History Questionnaire on the day of the blood drive online at https://vitalant.org/health.

Questions regarding scheduling and donating can be directed to 877-2584825.

This month, all donors will be entered for the opportunity to win one of three gift cards valued at $5,000.

Mark your calendars for upcoming Winters Community Blood Drives on July 24, Sept. 18 and Nov. 20.

feet above sea level, with storage computed at 1,382,652 acre-feet of water. Evaporation on the lake averaged 247 acre-feet of water per day. The SID is diverting 327 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 44 cubic feet per second flowing at the Diversion Dam.

Gifts That Sparkle!

By Jacob Hoffman Express staff writer

The Winters Joint Unified School District’s Parent engagement coordinator shared updates from the school year at the April 6 school board meeting.

Assistant Superintendent Phoebe Girimonte introduced Maricarmen Suárez, the parent engagement coordinator who “works closely with the community to support student success and parent/guardian engagement with a focus on special populations (i.e. English learners, youths in foster care or experiencing homelessness, etc.).”

Suárez began her presentation on the work she’s done over the past months by discussing the development of the Family Resource Center, a facility that provides a number of services to families in the community. This includes an affordable connectivity program that, “gives fam-

ilies some aid so they can have access to affordable internet at home,” as well as translation and interpretation services and applications with jobs and FAFSA scholarships.

Suárez discussed the volunteering process for Winters JUSD, with Suárez saying she “worked with (human resources) to streamline the process and also to centralize the location for volunteering documentation” ensuring documents can be found at every school site and at the district office in both English and Spanish.

Grant funding, translation needs

Suárez talked about working with parents regarding the Growing Strong Learners Grant, meeting with parents at events and with the Preschool Parent Advisory Committee about their thoughts on the topic. She also said she is working with the Parent Insti-

Eventos hispanos

tute for Quality Education (PIQE) working with middle and high school students.

Suárez shared the transitional kindergarten and kindergarten enrollment numbers for the next school year, which are currently 24 for TK and 61 for kindergarten, of which she noted 45 are applying for the Dual Language Immersion Program.

In the discussion of interpretation and translation, Suárez highlighted the “huge need” for these services across the district, from IEP interpretation at school sites to individual translation during meetings with parents.

Regarding chronic absenteeism, Suárez said she has been working with parents of Winters High School students about what they thought could help the situation, reporting that they mentioned:

indocumentados califican para ayuda financiera en California

Estudiantes

Por Carmen González CalMatters

Cuando Deysi Mojica recibió su aceptación en UC Riverside, estaba emocionada. No solo había superado la falta de recursos de su escuela secundaria para ayudar a los estudiantes indocumentados como ella a postularse para la universidad, sino que la universidad estaba ofreciendo un paquete de ayuda financiera que haría posible su sueño universitario.

“Aunque soy indocumentada,” dijo Mojica, ahora estudiante de primer año, “la cantidad de dinero que me dieron era básicamente para cubrir todos mis gastos.”

Pero un cargo inesperado de $13,000 de la universidad justo antes de que comenzara las clases rápidamente convirtió su entusiasmo en confusión, dejándola preguntándose a dónde había ido a parar el dinero que le habían otorgado. Fue solo después de repetidas llamadas a la oficina de ayuda financiera, dijo Mojica, que un servicial asistente estudiantil que también era indocumentado

le dio la información que la salvó de abandonar la escuela: su paquete de ayuda fue retenido porque faltaba una firma en uno de sus formularios de solicitud.

Al igual que Mojica, muchos estudiantes indocumentados carecen de información precisa sobre cómo solicitar ayuda financiera o encuentran el proceso intimidante. California ha permitido desde 2011 que

para asesorar a los estudiantes al respecto y los departamentos del campus no colaborar bien al procesar aplicaciones. Como resultado, dicen, muchos estudiantes indocumentados están perdiendo la ayuda para la que califican.

Solo el 14 por ciento de los estudiantes indocumentados en California reciben algún tipo de ayuda financiera para seguir una educación superior,

“Lo que sabemos es que tenemos muchos estudiantes que están dispuestos y están pasando por el proceso, pero no reciben el apoyo de ayuda financiera.”

Marlene García, directora

los estudiantes indocumentados reciban ayuda financiera del estado y sus universidades públicas si cumplen con ciertos requisitos de elegibilidad. Pero los estudiantes, los defensores e incluso la propia Comisión de Ayuda Estudiantil de California dicen que la solicitud de ayuda desarrollada bajo una ley estatal conocida como la Ley California Dream Act es innecesariamente compleja, no hay suficiente personal universitario capacitado

según un informe reciente de la Comisión de Ayuda Estudiantil de California . De los casi 45,000 estudiantes indocumentados que solicitaron ayuda financiera durante el último año académico, menos del 30 por ciento finalmente se matriculó en la escuela y recibió ayuda.

“Lo que sabemos es que tenemos muchos estudiantes que están dispuestos y están pasando por el proceso, pero no reciben el apoyo de ayuda financiera,” dijo Marlene

García, directora ejecutiva de la comisión de ayuda estudiantil.

“Creo que ese es un punto de partida para analizar que aquí hay un problema.” Uno de los problemas que citó García: Verificar la elegibilidad para la ayuda puede ser engorroso y aterrador para los estudiantes indocumentados preocupados por los riesgos de compartir su información personal. California exime a los estudiantes indocumentados de pagar la matrícula de no residente si pasaron tres años y recibieron un título, diploma o certificado de una escuela secundaria o colegio comunitario de California. Cuando esos estudiantes deseen solicitar ayuda financiera, también deben presentar un documento, también conocido como declaración jurada AB 540, en el campus al que planean asistir verificando que califican para la exención y prometiendo legalizar su estatus migratorio lo antes posible.

La comisión de ayuda estudiantil luego selecciona aleatoriamente al 20 por ciento de los estudiantes para verificar que la información que informaron en sus solicitudes es precisa. Pero los campus individuales hacen la verificación real y no existe un estándar estatal.

Cristina Sánchez, quien brinda asesoramiento sin cita previa a estudiantes indocumentados en Solano College, dijo que comenzó su trabajo justo después de graduarse de la universidad con poco más que una hoja de cálculo de Excel con la información de contacto de los estudiantes. Como el único miembro del personal a tiempo parcial encargado de apoyar a unos 200 estudiantes indocumentados, a Sánchez también le preocupa que los estudiantes a los que atiende no estén recibiendo la información de ayuda financiera que necesitan.

course, and 79 percent have been accepted to a four-year university.  Williams also summarized some of the efforts to improve the college- and career-going culture of WHS, which included visiting college campuses and encouraging events like college fairs and college

T-shirt days.

For next year, Williams broke down AVID’s goals into its four areas of focus, instruction, systems, leadership and culture.

For instruction, Williams said the program will continue to focus on WICOR strategies and encourage staff to be trained in AVID practices, while for systems, they will work to refine the tutoring program and the site team. Regarding leadership, Williams says the program hopes

AWARD

Continued from Page 1

was two weeks after that. So, this is all very fresh. There were three congressional districts — one being Mike Thompson’s office — that gave us certificates acknowledging us which was cool. Just winning this is a huge accomplishment,” said Reineck. “The award comes from the SBA Sacramento Region which is made up of 22 counties. So, this little electrical company in Winters won out of 22

COUNTY Continued from Page 1

she will continue to lead the department with a strong focus on excellent customer service, efficiency and collaboration with our city partners,” Lindbo has over 28 years of public sector experience. She came to Yolo County in 2010 as the director of Environmental Health after working in the same field for both Solano and Placer counties. Since then, she has assumed various leadership positions in the Department of Community Services, including director of

AYUDA

Continued from Page 2

ningún entrenamiento ni nada por el estilo, fue algo así como, ‘Aquí tienes’”, dijo Sánchez. “Así que me ha enseñado mucho a mí mismo o me he esforzado por aprender más, porque no soy indocumentado”.

Sánchez dijo que muchas veces está enviando a los estudiantes a otros consejeros y oficiales de ayuda financiera, creando un juego de papas calientes y posibles fallas en la comunicación entre los departamentos del campus. El fortalecimiento de los centros universitarios para estudi-

to increase vertical and horizontal articulation between sites, and for culture, they hope to increase parent involvement and continue building on events and activities started this school year.

Trustee Sterling Davis asked about the criteria behind recruitment and interviews for potential students, which Williams detailed as “one, you are (a) first generation to go to college, one is you are part of a historically underrepresented race or ethnicity, one is you are part of a historically disadvantaged socio-economic group, and then the fourth is special circumstances,” which

counties of all small businesses, not just electrical and construction. I would say there are thousands of small businesses we were up against.”

To win this award, a business must be nominated. To be nominated, a business has to be doing something right.

community development and chief assistant director. She has established herself as a capable and dedicated leader who is focused on protecting and preserving agriculture, quality customer service and mentoring others to reach their potential.

Lindbo holds a master’s degree in business administration

antes indocumentados podría ayudar a esos estudiantes a persistir y superar las dificultades de ayuda financiera, dijeron estudiantes y consejeros. A pesar de que el personal de los Programas para Estudiantes Indocumentados de UC Riverside no pudo solucionar el problema de ayuda financiera de Mojica, dijo, le dieron la bienvenida al campus, se disculparon por las dificultades que estaba teniendo e incluso la ayudaron a encontrar un trabajo de estudio y trabajo en las redes sociales para un organización de estudiantes indocumentados. Mojica dijo que el apoyo la ayudó a

she says is purposefully “undefined” and “can be any sort of circumstances where a student might need some extra support.”

lege.

Courtney Mognis, teacher

Davis also asked what the experience of the AVID elective actually is, which Mognis elaborated for the freshman-sophomore class as “about helping students be successful in their content area classes” through note-taking and focus improved as well as tools to be an independent learner in a college and career setting, while Williams noted the junior-senior courses are more geared towards college “nitty-gritty” including research, applications, and readiness for col-

For Ample Electric, that ‘something right’ has been top-tier customer service paired with unwavering dependability in the services it provides.

“I feel like we’re able to give our clients the utmost quality. Jose is totally boots-on-the-ground

from UC Davis and a bachelor of science degree in environmental studies and planning from Sonoma State University.

Trustee Joedy Michael inquired about what the “resistances” AVID faces in achieving their goal of 70 percent of teachers using WICOR strategies. Williams replied that there isn’t so much resistance so much as cultural shifts towards new practices that take effort for teachers to implement versus their already-in-use practices.

Trustee Everado Zaragoza commended the AVID program, noting that he was a student in the WHS AVID program himself, specifically the high rate of passing A-G classes among AVID students, and asked what specif-

and hands-on. He babies every project and makes sure every aspect is quality. I mean, he puts his name on it and we have clientele that’s been with us for over a decade because they know Jose is reliable and his work is excellent,” explained Reineck. “It’s also our customer service and past performance of work. What we’ve done in the past builds our portfolio of what we can do in the future. Ample Electric is also super involved in the community. We’re doing a golf tournament

ity of life in our community and I intend to continue to do my part in implementing that mission by leading the Department of Community Services and serving the residents and visitors of Yolo County.”

ically the program was going to see that rate. Williams said that a large part of it likely is due to the emphasis AVID puts on passing A-G courses for college eligibility throughout the students’ high school career, as well as the broader support they receive to encourage that.

Trustee Kristin Trott asked if the switch to an eight-period day would allow AVID students more availability for electives, which Williams confirmed that the eight-period switch will be “a huge benefit, not just to AVID, but to all programs” and noted that there has been a loss of students from freshman to sophomore year because of the lack of electives.

Board President Carrie Green thanked Williams and Mognis for the presentation and commended AVID’s work. Superintendent Rody Boonchuoy

soon as a fundraiser for the WHS sports boosters. We like to do the community givebacks as well. Jose and I did (the) Career Day at the high school a month ago. He used to volunteer our guys’ time to do the Christmas lights downtown. To Jose, community involvement is huge. It’s about giving back our profits and building a better community.”

expressed gratitude for the staff presenting programs to school district leadership and that, along with the Summer Bridge program presentation from earlier in the meeting, are “what’s needed in order to practice the college knowledge” for students and to enact a broader change in the school district’s culture and practices.

Next meeting

At the May 18 Winters JUSD school board meeting, trustees will conduct an equity recap study sessions at 5 p.m. in the Winters JSUD office board room. The regular business meeting will follow at 6 p.m.

“I am grateful for this new opportunity,” said Lindbo. “As a resident of Yolo County, I am honored to serve in the community where I live. I believe in Yolo County’s mission of enhancing the qual-

sentir que pertenecía al campus. “Fueron súper acogedores. Hablaron con mi mamá, comenzaron a contarme sobre nuestra despensa (de alimentos) y sobre los comestibles. Aunque no pregunté, ya me estaban dando mucha información”, dijo Mojica. “Tuvo un gran impacto en mí”.

Mientras tanto, la comisión de ayuda estudiantil está trabajando para abordar algunos de los problemas en el proceso de solicitud de la Ley Dream Act. Ha recomendado reducir el porcentaje de solicitudes que re-

The Department of Community Services’ core functions includes public works, integrated waste management, environmental health, building services, land use planning, natural resources and sustainability.

Lindbo immediately assumes the position of Director of Community Service.

quieren verificación y permitir que los solicitantes de la Ley Dream Act reciban actualizaciones por mensaje de texto sobre el estado de su ayuda.

La comisión también patrocina el Proyecto de Ley de la Asamblea 1540, presentado por el asambleísta demócrata de Los Ángeles, Mike Fong, que permitiría a los estudiantes indocumentados completar una sola solicitud tanto para su ayuda financiera como para su residencia. Actualmente está bajo consideración en el comité de asignaciones.

“(AVID freshman-sophomore class) is about helping students be successful in their content area classes.”

“It’s about giving back our profits and building a better community.”

Katie Reineck, project manager

“As a resident of Yolo County, I am honored to serve in the community where I live.”

Leslie Lindbo, director

Can

145 Years Ago

May 18, 1878

(From the files of The Winters Advocate)

THE PHONOGRAPH

In this bewildering age of new and marvelous inventions, the inquiring mind, as it stops to take breath, asks what next?

The last novelty is the phonograph, an instrument of coils and cranks and springs, into which if one shall speak, his speech and intonation will be so fixed on copper foil, that in after times, at the will of the operator, it will be repeated with the most perfect accuracy, and if wished, in a much louder tone. We don’t know about this thing whether it is going to be a blessing or not.

Already some preachers have their discourses published in several religious papers of different denominations. The first thing we know some ambitious pulpit orator will make arrangements to have his sermons repeated all over the land, and all such churches as desire to “run on the cheap” will readily fall in with the plan, and instead of “hiring a minister” at five hundred dollars a year, will buy a box loaded up with suitable discourses, cart it out to the appointed place, attach a battery, turn a crank, and set it to work dispensing this word of life.

Considered scientifically this new invention may be a great thing; but looking at it from such a stand-

Years Ago

Dispatches from the Express archives.

point as indicated above, we have our doubts.

130 Years Ago

May 20, 1893

Miss Maude G. Ayer who has guided the destinies of the primary department of the Winters public school for the past two terms, took her departure for Oakland last Tuesday. From there she will go East about the first of June, visiting G. E. Shanklin and wife in Missouri, the Columbian fair in Chicago, and her old home in Canada.

The Winters-Putah Canyon road is now in good repair. The workmen and scrapers are working on the old State road that runs through Rag Canyon.

F. N. Wertner shipped two tenpound boxes of Pringle apricots to Porter Bros. Company, Chicago, on Tuesday last. This is the first shipment of this fruit from California for the season of 1893, and places Mr. Wertner in the lead.

Ed Dunnigan came up from San Jose, where he has spent the winter, on Tuesday evening and will remain here this summer, as usual.

95 Years Ago

May 18, 1928

The high school’s new gymnasium is to be dedicated with fitting ceremonies and program next Friday night, May 25.  High school commencement exercises will be held on Friday night, June 8. Miss Patty Baker has won the class honors as valedictorian and Miss Genevie Dexter is sec-

ond as salutatorian.

The Roe L. Judy property on the corner of Baker Street and Railroad Ave. was sold through Rice Bros. this week to Louis H. Richards. It is reported a service station and auto camp is to occupy the property.

The Model Store, C. E. Day, proprietor, is holding a “Forced to Move” sale in the Bank of Italy building. The store room now occupied by Day’s Store has been leased to the Purity Stores, Inc. and Day is to occupy the store room in the same building which fronts on Railroad Avenue.  Miss Mae Ritchie arrived from Los Angeles this week for a visit with her father, A. Ritchie.

City of Winters Fire

May 3: Motor Vehicle Accident 100 Edwards St.

~Hazardous condition 400 block of Morgan St.

May 4: Power lines down 500 block of Edwards St.

May 5: Medical Aid 800 block of Jackson St. ~Investigation

1000 block of Kennedy Drive ~Medical Aid 400 block of Morgan St. ~Medical Aid 400 block of Morgan St. ~Station coverage UC Davis ~False alarm UC Davis

May 6: Public Assist 400 block of First St.

May 7: Medical Aid 400 block of Morgan St. ~Medical Aid 400 block of Morgan St.

May 8: False alarm 900 block of Railroad Avenue ~Medical Aid 400 block of Russell St.

May 9: Medical Aid 100 block of Colby Lane ~Medical Aid 900 block of Railroad Avenue

Police Arrest Log

May 9: Duran, Raul Jose Jr. (Age 42); Charges: DUI, DUI .08 percent or higher, BAC, Violation of Probation, Driving with a suspended license for DUI, Failing to signal turn; Dispo-

Obituary

George J. Castro, 99, of Winters, passed away in his home on April 22, 2023, surrounded by his adoring family.

He was born to parents Antonia Morales Castro and George Garcia Castro, on Sept. 19, 1923, in Redwood City. George graduated from Sequoia High School and was quickly drafted to serve his country, as an airman, in World War II. He fought for his country just as his four brothers Andrew, Edward, Richard and Johnny had.

George served as Staff Sergeant in the 8th Army Air Force 714 Squadron, 448 Bomb Group. After three years of service, George came home and met his beloved Marie M. Fernandez. George and Marie built their first home in Redwood City with their bare hands, they found a knack for renovating and selling homes in the Bay Area.

Fred Gladdis, Special Editor

Sydney Andrade, Staff Writer

Aaron Geerts, Staff Writer

Jacob Hoffman, Staff Writer

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

Charles R. Wallace, Publisher Emeritus

The couple began their family and moved to Winters in 1961 where they purchased Marie’s family ranch. The family immersed themselves in the Winters community and embraced the life of agriculturalists. George was never afraid to jump in and get his hands dirty. He set the standard for his family’s work ethic.

George opened “New Image” barbershop on Main Street in 1971 where he took pride in being the town barber. George

not only served his clients but the needs of his community. He was a charter member of the Olive Pleasant Valley Fire Department, a Winters school board member for over eight years, assisted in the development of the little league baseball diamond, and was a large contributor to local organizations. George was a change maker — he not only supported his community but challenged fellow farmers to do the same.

George was a pioneer — he was the first commander of the Winters Chapter for Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) providing a safe space and encouraging comradery. Comradery was a theme in George’s life — he was an avid golfer and bowler. George bowled in several leagues well into his

sition: Transported to Yolo County Jail

~Luna, Alexis (Age 18), Charges: Under the Influence of a controlled substance, Disposition: Transported to Yolo County Jail

Report Log

May 3: 8:08 a.m., First St./Edwards St., Traffic Collision

~11:26 a.m., 900th block of Ireland St., Criminal Threats

May 4: 8:25 a.m., 700th block of Matsumoto Lane, Indecent Exposure ~11:17 a.m., Dutton St./E. Grant Avenue, Vehicle Towed

May 5: 10 p.m., Unknown — Winters, Assault with a deadly weapon

May 6: 1:46 a.m., 900th block of Railroad Avenue, Verbal Dispute ~8:53 p.m., 600th block of Railroad Avenue, Audible Alarm

May 7: 11:22 a.m., 400th block of Morgan St., APS Referral ~2:42 p.m., first block of Abbey St., Audible Alarm

May 8: 11:37 p.m., 100th block of E. Grant Avenue, Audible Alarm

May 9: 5:13 p.m., 500th block of Niemann St., Battery ~8:35 p.m., 100th block of First St., Criminal Threats

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

90s. At the age of 92, he bowled a perfect game (300) ruining his team’s average as he tells it “he should have thrown the last ball.”

George always put the needs of others before himself. He was a team player, servant community member, farmer, father, grandfather, and devoted husband.

George married his precious bride in 1944 and they lived together happily for 60 years before her passing in 2004. At the end of his life, he told his family he was ready to go home to “mom.”

Marie and George are survived by their children Anita Melville, Nancy Gonnella (Augie Gonnella), Joseph Castro (Stephanie Castro) and their grandchildren Michael Melville, Danielle Poulos, Autumn Alvarado, Raven Castro, Cale Castro, and Nicole Melville.

George’s eldest grandson, Joseph Castro Jr., is waiting for him at heaven’s gates.

George’s picture hangs on the farmer’s wall in Putah Creek Cafe and his memory will forever live in our hearts. He has touched far beyond the agricultural community and left a lasting mark on his small town.

In this undated photo, maybe mid 1970s, Coach John Kammerer is shown giving a sign to one of his players. Pinstripe uniforms with a W on the front should narrow down the year. I’m guessing that this was a J.V. baseball away game with ballboy, John Carbahal, standing, talking to a player on the “bench.”

you imagine a team playing in these conditions today? If you recognize any of the players, let me know.

George J. Castro

Courtesy photo George J. Castro

Courtesy photo George J. Castro

Elder Day Council seeks nominations of local elders

By Wally Pearce Winters Elder Day Council

Annually, the Winters Elder Day Council celebrates elder adults who reside in the city of Winters, applauding each one publicly by hosting them, their families, and friends at the free and festive Elder Day reception.

It’s an amazing learning event where people come and hear compelling stories and witness first-hand historical insights from personal narratives. The community’s help with the success of the Elder Day festivity is needed and greatly appreciated.

One honoree recounted that as a young girl, she was a tomboy, and, according to her, at 96 years young, she still is today. There are so many wonderful stories to share. One honoree was a B-17 pilot during World War II, another

was a local architect responsible for many of the buildings in the city of Winters. One honoree was a United States Congressman, another has over 20 great-grandchildren. Each elder shares a common unity as parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Elder Day

Throughout history, elder adults have achieved much for our families and community. That remains true today and that gives us reason each year to reserve a special day — Elder Day — in honor of all elder adults who are 90 years of age and older or will be 90 years of age before Dec. 31, 2023. Special people, who by their presence, make it self-evident of their importance to us all.

Elder Day — Saturday, June 24 — is set aside each year to lov-

ingly give, and earned respect to every elderly person, via community appreciation by showing these trailblazers, our sincere affection and gratitude for what they’ve so freely given us. This is when the entire city of Winters community will embrace and celebrate the gifted people being highlighted.  Public acknowledgment is for their personal contribution to families, friends, and community. In 2023, the Winters Elder Day Council plans to bring the community together and rejoice in many of our distinguished residents, including rural areas. This is a free community event. Looking for local elders 90 and up

The Winters Elder Day Council is looking to the community to help identify community member who are 90 years of age or older or who will be 90

this year, contact Winters Elder Day Council members Wally Pearce at 707-249-7975 or email to denropro@ gmail.com or Spanish speakers can reach out to Ramon Altamirano by calling 916600-6707 or email Ramon.altamirano@

Strength training for seniors

A balanced diet and exercise, which includes a combination of aerobic activities and strength training, is necessary to maintain long-term health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity is one of the most important things older adults can do to protect their overall health. Exercise helps to delay or prevent many of the conditions that come with age. Adults ages 65 and older should aim for the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, and at least two days of activities that strengthen muscles.

Get started

When it comes to muscle strengthening, seniors can follow these safety guidelines as they embark on their strength-training journeys.

Speak with a healthcare provider first. Get the green light to proceed with an exercise regimen before beginning by having a

discussion with your general practitioner about your fitness goals. Your doctor can recommend strategies that are safe and point out any exercises that may compromise your overall health.

Master basic exercises first. Anyone new to strength training, which is sometimes known as resistance training, can start out slowly, even using just body weight, to provide resistance. Resistance exercises can include squats, crunches, modified pushups, planks, and lunges.

Graduate to resistance bands. When you’re ready to move on to something else, consider resistance

bands as an alternative to free weights. The bands can help you develop good form before introducing weight. Good form is key to avoiding injury. Work with a trainer. Working with a certified personal trainer can help you learn how to use free weights and strength-training machines correctly. A trainer also can create a routine that includes the right number of sets and repetitions to gradually build and maintain muscle mass.

There are multiple personal trainers to consider who are available in the city of Winters. If you decide

If you need medical supplies or have questions about how to navigate difficult conversations regarding them, we would be happy to help you

against hiring a trainer, gym staff members may guide you through equipment and demonstrate proper form.

Exercise with a friend. Strength training with a friend or family member can provide motivation and keep you on target to meet your goals.

Build up gradually. Your first strength session should only last 10 to 15 minutes, according to Tiffany Chag, C.S.C.S., a strength coach at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. This enables you to gauge soreness. Wait until soreness abates before beginning your next session if you are new to strength training.

Strength exercises are a vital part of maintaining health as a senior. Such exercises help maintain muscle mass and also improve balance and bone health.

aol.com.

Save the date

Equally important, please mark your calendars and plan on attending this wonderful, and free, Elder Day festivity on Saturday, June 24, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the

St. Anthony’s Parrish Hall located at 511 Main St. in Winters.

Please join hands with us as we watch personal history being shared. Everyone in the community and honoree’s families and friends are welcome to the free event.

Engaging hobbies for older adults

Metro Special to the Express

The value of hobbies is undeniable. The myriad benefits of hobbies is good news for seniors, many of whom have ample time for leisure activities. The following are some fun and engaging hobbies to fill that free time.

Cooking: Now that there’s more time to embrace one’s inner Emeril, seniors can look to cooking classes or take the self-taught route and purchase a new cookbook filled with delicious recipes. A well-cooked homemade meal can provide a sense of accomplishment and affords seniors an opportunity to control the ingredients in the foods they eat, which can be important for individuals with health-related dietary restrictions.

Gardening: Seniors looking for hobbies

that get them out in the great outdoors need look no further than their own back yards. Gardening can benefit the body in myriad ways. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, gardening can burn as many calories as working out in the gym. In addition, the MCHS notes that individuals who grow their own fruits and vegetables are more likely to include those foods in their own diets, thus saving them money at the grocery store and also increasing their intake of nutrient-rich foods.

Swimming: Swimming is an ideal exercise for seniors, as it’s low-impact but still a great way to utilize the entire body. A 2007 study published in the journal Quality of Life Research found that water-based exercise improves older adults’ quality of life and decreases disability.

Older adults can include strengh training exercises in their weekly schedule in order to maintain their health.

File photo

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Wade Cowan hands 2022 honoree Joe Tramontana a certificate from the city of Winters. Fourteeen local elders were recognized and celebrated at the 2022 Elder Day event.

County invites youths to register for public defenders event

Yolo County Special to the Express

The Yolo County Public Defender’s Office’s Racial Justice Committee announces the return of For the Defenders of Tomorrow — a youth outreach and engagement event related to public defense which will be held on Friday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants in For the Defenders of Tomorrow will be introduced to the positions and teams that make up the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office. They will have a chance to meet attorneys and learn about legal proceedings, legal advocacy and public service within the criminal legal system. Participants will also get to know the role of paralegals, social workers, investigators and administrative assistants, and how their work enables the Public Defender’s Office to provide holistic representation. In addition to observing in-person court proceedings, participants will have the opportunity to speak with a judge, learn the steps one needs to take to become a law-

yer and test their knowledge of constitutional rights through hypothetical scenarios.

After the success of last year’s For Defenders of Tomorrow event, the Public Defender’s Office is excited to open up its doors once more to youth in the community. Last year, 18 youth from around the county attended the event and this year, the plan is to have even more youth participate.

“Many youth may be interested in a career in the criminal legal system, but have never considered working in public defense,” said Deputy Public Defender Jonathan Opet. “If youth are thinking about working in law enforcement, corrections or another forensic profession, it is important for them to know the role of a public defender and how all these professionals come together to form our criminal legal system.”

At the conclusion of the event, participants will have a better understanding of not only public defense but various aspects of the criminal legal system. It is the Public Defender Office’s hope that

this knowledge will not only inspire Yolo County youth to consider a career in public defense but also inspire them to be change-makers both in the criminal legal system and in their communities.

“We hope participants will feel comfortable in sharing their experiences and observations from their own lives and neighborhoods, as well as their thoughts regarding how the Public Defender’s Office can improve our representation,” said Public Defender Tracie Olson. “We aim to be good partners with the communities we serve, so part of the purpose of this event is to listen to the youth.”

For Defenders of Tomorrow is open to local high school students, Brown Issues Ambassadors, transitional-age youths, current/former foster youths, gap-year students and local community college students.

Space in the For the Defenders of Tomorrow event is limited. Those interested are encouraged to sign up by May 26 by contacting Eleni Bonilla at 530-406-4525 or eleni.bonilla@ yolocounty.org.

WTC hosts auditions for ‘Much Ado’

By Linda Glick

Special to the Express

Winters Theater Company is excited to announce auditions for our upcoming production of William Shakespeare's “Much Ado About Nothing.”

This dramedy explores love, deception, mistaken identity, and men behaving badly as two pairs of lovers navigate the ups and downs of courtship.

Auditions will be held on Tuesday, May 23, and Thursday, May 25 at  7 p.m. at the Winters Community Center, 201 Railroad Ave., in Winters. WTC seeks

actors of all genders and backgrounds to bring this vibrant and entertaining play to

life.

Auditions will consist of a cold reading from the script. If you

have a headshot and resume, please bring them to the audition.

Rehearsals will begin on May 30 and will typically run on weeknights in Winters. The performance dates are Friday and Saturday from Aug. 4 through 12 at 7 p.m. at the Winters Community Center amphitheater.

If you have further questions, please call 530-795-4014 or email us winterstheatre@ gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

“transportation, the need for students to feel a sense of belonging, and also having more teachers who are trained or are bilingual.”

Goals

Suárez concluded by laying out her goals for the future, saying that “the Family Resource website needs some work” in improving and centralizing it.

She also hopes to “revamp” the Family Resources Center with workshops on more specific topics, as well as to continue  “to include and encourage a diverse group of parents to participate in the decision making.”

Following the

CRIME

Continued from Page 1

working that day to report that students had shared concerns with her at lunchtime.

Superintendent

Rody Boonchouy confirmed that the substitute had immediately been released from the school district and that the school district had made the mandated report to Winters PD and CPS.

“The Winters JUSD prioritizes student safety and ensures that all school staff comply with legal mandates. This includes notifying the appropriate authorities when outside investigation of student issues is required. We have and will

presentation, Trustee Joedy Michael asked Suárez about the logistics of how school district demographers reach out to underrepresented communities for feedback, as well as if she had noted any particular hesitancies or barriers preventing parents from putting their kids through early childhood education programs.

Suárez said she felt families were “open” to TK, and said she was planning to go to Yolo Housing to reach out to families about the topic.

Assistant Superintendent Girimonte said, “(Suárez) came in mid-year and… she had large shoes to fill, and she has really risen to the occasion.”

continue to fulfill this responsibility. At the same time, the district does not provide public comment on confidential personnel matters,” Boonchouy told the Express in an email.

Miller confirmed the school district had filed the mandatory reporting as required and that Winters PD had conducted an investigation and forwarded the criminal report to the Yolo DA’s office.

“A report was made to the police department, investigated and forwarded to the DA for their review,” Miller said. According to Miller, the DA will review and decide whether to file of charges.

Courtesy photo

Winters Theatre Company is hosting auditions for "Much Ado About Nothing" on May 23 and May 25.

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

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 22

Winters Community Blood Drive, 2:30 –6:30 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

Winters Theatre Company: Auditions — Much Ado About Nothing production, 7 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.)

Wednesdays

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

Upcoming

Thursday, May 25

Winters Theatre Company: Auditions — Much Ado About Nothing production, 7 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.)

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.

The Express is sharing a two-part 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 honored Rob Coman and Jenny Lester Moffitt as alumni inductees in its Hall of Fame Class of 2023 at the end of April.

On April 27, the community gathered to honor five Winters notables for their efforts and contributions to the students and culture at Winters JUSD at the sixth 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 to scholarship, athletics, student activities, career, community service, or to the school community as a whole.

Rob Coman

Coman graduated from Winters High School in the Class of 1969 and was the valedictorian. After high school, Coman graduated from the University of San Francisco with his bachelor’s degree in 1974.

Coman has been a key stakeholder in serving as a historian of Winters history. He has been a member of

Metro areas post price gains in Q1 HOMES, Page 2

allergies, sinus infections HEALTH, Page 6 FEATURES

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Crystal Apilado/Winters Express Rob Coman

the Historical Society of Winters for many years and serves as a curator of the Winters Museum since its 2018 opening.

“He opens the museum every week, Thursday through Sunday in the afternoon, and enlightens visitors to the colorful history of Winters,” Superintendent Rody Boonchouy said.  “He is the most knowledgeable person in Winters when it comes to the founders of the town — many of who are his relatives.”

Coman was credited with his work with the Winters Participation Gallery’s historical mural projects. Each summer he works with participating youth in the program to provide them with the “invaluable historical perspective” that the young muralists use to design each mural.

Additionally, Coman was honored for his volunteer efforts and work to assist four local nonprofits during their Big Day of Giving campaigns. Coman told attendees his volunteer efforts are “ways I can

add value to the community.”

Boonchouy noted that Coman’s induction along with his wife  Elizabeth (Liz) Coman’s induction as an honored Employee in the Hall of Fame Class of 2021 was a milestone for Winters JUSD.

“Liz and Rob are the first duo inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Boonchouy said.

Jenny Lester Moffitt

Lester Moffitt graduated from WHS in the Class of 1998 and was the salutatorian. After graduation she attended Brown University where she studied economics and environmental public policy.

Lester Moffitt embarked on a career with the American Farmland Trust, where she worked to support farmland conversation program across then ations and provided farmers with information on ways to sustain and preserve their land. She returned to Winters in 2005 to help run her family’s organic walnut farm, Dixon Ridge Farms.

Under her leadership, Dixon Ridge Farms received the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for its work with sustainable energy and agricultural practices.

Moffitt was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to serve on the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, while also serving as a board member for the Center for LandBased Learning and the Organic Trade Association’s Policy Advisory Council. In 2015, Lester Moffitt was appointed to serve the California Department of Agriculture as Deputy Secretary. She was later promoted to Undersecretary and reappointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. In 2021 she was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the United States Department of Agriculture and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Changing of the guard at Pacific Ace Hardware

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer

For the past 17 years, Gino Mediati has not only managed Pacific Ace Hardware on Main Street, but has been a helping hand for countless of the community’s DIY projects. Although he’s been transferred to the Pacific Ace Hardware in Suisun, he leaves Winters in good — helping — hands with the new manager, Bianca Aguirre.

Change, of course, is an inevitable part of life. For Mediati, the Pacific Ace Hardware in Suisun needed a manager and he was the right guy with the right experience for the job. Although a bittersweet change, Mediati’s spirits remain high as he reflects on nearly two decades of service to Winters.

“My experience in Winters was great. I was there for 17 years and really felt like the community supported me and the store. We were there at the end of 2006, and not long after that the economy had some issues and the community really supported us through that, too, just like the pandemic,” said Mediati. “It’s just a great community and the McKenzie family we work for really takes good care of us, too. I’m going to miss just about everything, though. All the friendly people, all the contacts I made and of course being close to the breweries.”

For the last 10 years of his 17-year tenure, Mediati’s had the pleasure of working side-by-side with

Winters native and 2009 Wolfskill High School graduate, Aguirre. While it started out as a part-time job for Aguirre, this local mom of two felt at home at Ace Hardware — stuck with it, and officially became store manager on Feb. 14 of this year – which also happens to be her birthday.

“I guess you could say I’m very tomboyish. I like to get my hands on things and learn about things I can improve on. There’s not just one thing I like here either. I just like it all. Gardening, home improvement, you name it,” said Aguirre. “There’s definitely been some challenges since I’ve started this new position. Just being in charge and telling people what to do for one. I’ve never been bossy before, it kind of feels weird but that’s what I’m learn-

ing to do is accept that I’m in charge and have to tell people what to do. I’ve worked with almost everybody here for years and we’ve been coworkers and suddenly I’m in charge. It’s definitely going to be a process for me.”

Another challenge Aguirre faces is having to work without Mediati — someone she’s seen and worked with five days a week for the past 10 years. To her, his personality is what she’ll miss most followed closely by his expansive knowledge of everything encompassing the store. With Shaquille O’Neal-sized shoes to fill, Aguirre is — albeit, a little nervous — ready to take on the challenge of her new managerial role.

“We’re the only hardware store in town and I think we’re super helpful to anybody who comes in.

We go above and beyond to get them everything they need with whatever they’re working on,” said Aguirre. “Gino really got Ace involved with the community and I want to do the same. I also think our customer service is great and all of our employees make people feel welcome.”

Aguirre said that overall, she loves her coworkers and customers.

“There aren’t people like Winters people anywhere else who’re just friendly and know everybody else.”

With a new generation of leadership taking over at Ace, Mediati has nothing but confidence in his old coworker and the bright future lying ahead of Winters’ hardware store.

“It’ll be great having a new perspective

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

The Pacific Ace Hardware team has a new leader in Winters native Bianca Aguirre. Gino Mediate, the previous manager, can still be found on some Fridays at the Winters store.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express Jenny Lester Moffitt

Metro areas post price gains in first quarter

National Association of Realtors Special to the Express

Nearly seven out of 10 metro markets registered home price gains in the first quarter as 30-year fixed mortgage rates fluctuated between 6.1% and 6.7%, according to the National Association of Realtors’ latest quarterly report. Seven percent of the 221 tracked metro areas registered double-digit price increases over the same period, down from 18% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Compared to a year ago, the national median single-family existing-home price decreased 0.2% to $371,200. In the previous quarter, the yearover-year national median price increased 4.0%.

Among the major U.S. regions, the South saw the largest share of single-family existing-home sales (46%) in the first quarter, with year-over-year price appreciation of 1.4%. Prices climbed 2.9% in the Midwest yet slipped 0.1% in the Northeast and 5.3% in the West.

“Generally speaking, home prices are

lower in expensive markets and higher in affordable markets, implying greater mortgage rate sensitivity for high-priced homes,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.

Yun noted that cities in the West like San Francisco, San Jose and Reno saw home prices drop by at least 10% from a

year ago. Conversely, prices rose by at least 10% from the previous year in cities like Milwaukee, Dayton and Oklahoma City.

“Home prices are also lower in cities that previously experienced rapid price gains,” Yun added.

“For example, home prices grew an astonishing 67% in three years in Boise City and Austin through 2022. The latest price reductions in these areas have improved housing affordability and led to some buyers returning given the sustained, rapid job creation in their respective markets.”

Year-over-year prices in the first quarter declined by 13.5% in Austin, 10.3% in Boise and 7.3% in Phoenix.

“Due to the intense housing inventory shortage, multiple offers are returning, especially on affordable homes,” Yun said. “Price declines could be short-lived.”

Inventory in the first quarter averaged 1,630,000 listings at any given time, a 40% reduction from the first quarter of 2019 – a year before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The top 10 metro areas with the largest year-over-year

price increases all recorded gains of at least 11.7%, with three of those markets in Wisconsin and two in North Carolina. Those include Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, Tenn.-Va. (18.9%); Oshkosh-Neenah, Wis. (16.5%); Warner Robins, Ga. (16.2%); Burlington, N.C. (14.7%); Elmira, N.Y. (14.7%); Oklahoma City, Okla. (14.7%); Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Wis. (13.7%); Appleton, Wis. (12.4%); Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, N.C. (12.0%); and Santa Fe, N.M. (11.7%).

Seven of the top 10 most expensive markets in the U.S. were in California, including San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif. ($1,618,400; -13.7%); Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif. ($1,195,500; -5.1%); San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, Calif. ($1,192,600; -14.5%); Urban Honolulu, Hawaii ($1,029,000; -8.8%); San Diego-Carlsbad, Calif. ($880,000; -2.8%); Salinas, Calif. ($863,900; -6.8%); San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif. ($850,200; -3.8%); Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, Calif. ($844,800; -5.6%); Boulder, Colo. ($836,900; -2.6%); and Naples-Immokalee-Marco Is-

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Roughly three in 10 markets (31%; 68 of 221) experienced home price declines in the first quarter.

In the first quarter, housing affordability improved slightly from the fourth quarter of 2022 when mortgage rates eclipsed 7%. The monthly mortgage payment on a typical existing single-family home with a 20% down payment was $1,859. This represents a 5.5% decrease from the fourth quarter of last year ($1,967) but a jump of 33.1% – or $462 – from one year ago. Families typically spent 24.5% of their income on mortgage payments, down from 26.2% in the previous quarter but up from 19.5% one year ago.

First-time buyers found a small measure of relief when looking to purchase a typical home during the first quarter with the quarterly declines in

prices and mortgage rates. For a typical starter home valued at $315,500 with a 10% down payment loan, the monthly mortgage payment fell to $1,825, down 5.4% from the previous quarter ($1,930) but an increase of almost $450, or 32.5%, from one year ago ($1,377). First-time buyers typically spent 37% of their family income on mortgage payments, down from 39.5% in the previous quarter. A mortgage is considered unaffordable if the monthly payment (principal and interest) amounts to more than 25% of the family’s income.2 A family needed a qualifying income of at least $100,000 to afford a 10% down payment mortgage in 33% of markets, down from 38% in the prior quarter. Yet, a family needed a qualifying income of less than $50,000 to afford a home in 10% of markets, up from 8.6% in the previous quarter.

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Express Yourself

Maybe I was wrong about the housing market

As the Federal Reserve Bank kept raising interest rates, I was sure that the housing market would collapse.

Looking at the price of housing in Winters, and the surrounding area, I might just have to throw out my crystal ball. I don’t have exact numbers, but it doesn’t look like new home construction has stopped in Winters like I thought it would

With 30-year fixed home loans approaching 7 percent, I was sure that the price of homes would have to fall, not just a little, but a lot. Looking at Zillow, a housing website that gives you a Zestimate, prices have fallen in the past few months, but only by 10 percent or so. Even at 10 percent, the city of Winters will take a hit on property taxes and new home construction. I’m still waiting for the hammer to drop, but if demand outruns supply, who knows how long high prices will last.

Maybe I’m too early to give up, but the real estate cliff that I saw coming is coasting downhill.

Every year, as the winter blues disappear and warm weather starts, I take a look at my bicycle in the garage. I know that I should be riding my bike to work and around town, but

it just sits there. This week will be the test of whether I get back into the habit of riding my pedal bike, and my other bike, which has a throttle.

No one seems to be talking about downtown parking, but it is pretty obvious that we have lost dozens of spaces to outdoor dining. I like the outdoor feel of our downtown and am pretty sure that it is a permanent look.

Back in the 1970s and ’80s, everyone was talking about making Winters a biking and walking community. When they built the Community Center, there were people who proposed limited car parking in favor of more bicycle parking. Their proposals, luckily, didn’t happen. People still drive to public events, especially in the wintertime.

Even now, including new subdivisions, you don’t see a lot of dedicated bike paths in Winters. You also don’t see a lot of people riding their bikes downtown. Times change and there is always the chance that a new generation will take the advice of old people, walk/bike more, and drive less. Do as I say, not as I do.

So take a few minutes to give your bike a bath, oil the chain and fill up the tires. Helmets are optional. Have a good week.

Come out for Memorial Day service

The Winters Cemetery District is pleased to invite the community to our first Memorial Day Service in four years. It will commence at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 29. Please come to honor our 26 Veterans killed in action as well as our 400-plus Veterans buried here. Any donations to the Service Veterans of Northern California Volunteer Honor Guard (SVNCVHG) will be graciously accepted. Thank You!

JOE BRISTOW

Board Chair, Winters Cemetery District

Community support makes Youth Day a success

I would like to take a few lines to thank the people that helped make the 85th annual Winters Youth Day a big success. The Youth Day Committee is a strong group that took on this huge event and turned it into a day full of fun for everyone. This year’s committee consisted of Bob Williams, Stephen Rohers, Jaci Rohers, Carol McMasters-Stone, Erin Kitchen, Dylan Kitchen, Tawnya Martin, Kayla Guerrero, Crystal Apilado, Jenny Ramos, Jenny Callison, Delaney Holden and myself. It takes a village to continue city traditions and we pulled it off. Thank you to all of our sponsors that allowed this day to happen.

My parade marshals and division leaders were superb this year. The parade was small but behind the scenes, it takes an army. This year’s parade division volunteers were Gerald Taylor, Debra Shaw Hickerson, Bruce Guelden, Jaime Guzman, Steve Caselli, Carmina Caselli, Diane Bosse, Shannon Duey,

NATURE

PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash cashier's check drawn on a state or national bank check drawn by a state or feder al credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty expressed or implied regarding title possession or e n c u m b r a n c e s t o p a y t h e r e m a i n i n g p r i n c i p a l s u m o f t h e note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust with interest and late charges thereon as provided in the note(s) advances under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expen ses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below The amount may be greater on the day of sale

FAME Continued from Page 1

Lester Moffitt currently works with a team of 17,000 federal employees to strengthen markets for American agriculture and

ensure animal and plant health.

Lester Moffitt credited the community for providing her with the opportunity, inspiration and confidence to pursue her vision.

“People in this town taught us to dream

big,” Lester Moffitt said.

The other 2023 Class of Winters JUSD Hall of Fame Inductees included: Distinguished Service inductee: Billie Bishop Employee inductee:

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Pam Scheeline and John Kammerer (In Memoriam)

All five of the inductees names were added to the Hall of Fame plaque that hangs in the board room at the Winters JUSD office building.

be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale

NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction You will be bidding on a lien not on the property itself Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off before you can receive clear title to the property You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by c o n t a c t i n g t h e c o u n t y r e c o r d e r ' s o f f i c e o r a t i t l e i n s u r a n c e company either of which may charge you a fee for this information If you consult either of these resources you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortg a g e o r d e e d o f tru st on the p rop erty NOTIC E TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary trustee or a court pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be m ade available to you and to the public as a courtesy to those not present at the sale If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed and if applicable the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property you may call (800) 280-2832 or visit this Intern e t W e b s i t e w w w a u c t i o n c o m , u s i n g t h e f i l e n u m b e r a ssigned to this case 48073220 Information about postponeme n ts th a t are ve ry sho rt in d u ra ti on or tha t occ ur c lo se i n time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code If you are an "eligible tenant buyer you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction If you are an "eligible bidder," you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call ( 8 0 0 ) 2 8 0 - 2 8 3 2 o r v i s i t t h i s i n t e r n e t w e b s i t e www auction com using the file number assigned to this case

8 0 7 3 2 2 0 t o f i n d t h e d a t e o n w h i c h t h e t r u s t e e s s a l e w a s held the amount of the last and highest bid and the address

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

Track team earns spots at Section Championship

JV girls team are Division 3 Champs

By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer

The Winters High School track and field team performed very well in their Division 3 track meet on Friday, May 12, with the junior varsity girls team coming out at Division 3 Champions.

All of the Warriors 4x100 relay teams took first place at the meet. The junior varsity boys team included Jayden Clifford, Avhin Willims, Maguire Plitt and Amir Jihad. The junior varsity girls team consisted of Violet Tuel, Izmene Taylor, Ava Muir Vickery and Jordan Tucker. Athletes on the varsity women’s team were Makena Driver, Madeline McMahon, Paris Zaragoza and Viridiana Reyes.

JV girls Tucker, Muir Vickery, Tuel and Taylor also placed top spots in other events. Tucker placed first in the

LETTERS

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Richard Ijames and Ryan Buscher. Our barricade volunteers included Donald Sanders, Valerie Whitworth, Revalee Hemken, Amanda Borchard, Angie Mendoza, Dylan Kitchen, Aaron Geerts, John Muller and Mayte Swift and her group of volunteers. Kiddie parade volunteers were Catherine Ahart, Kathleen Gallo and Brandon Villegas. Youth Day table at the park volunteers were Bonnie Roy and Maria Rosa Herrera. Without all of you there would not have been a Youth Day.

A special thank you to Delaney Holden and Holden Events for stepping up and creating the park experience

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there, especially hers. She’s going to improve that store, they’ll be new merchandise and everything. I’ve been saying this for

Warriors shut down Wolves in first round of playoffs

pectations and hit 15 feet, 8.5 inches, and for her triple jump, she hit 33 feet, 4 inches. She is currently ranked top 10 in the section for events.

JV boys

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer

ter and 200-meter.

Muir Vickery took third in the 100m and first in the long jump with a mark of 15 feet. She also placed first in the triple jump with a mark of 30 feed, 4.75 inches. Tuel placed second in the long jump with a mark of 13 feet, 7.5 inches, and second in the triple jump with a mark of 28 feed, 3.75 inches. Taylor placed third in the long jump with a mark of 13 feet, 6.5 inches.

Reece Barbosa also did an exceptional job at the Division 3 meet and took first overall in the long jump and triple jump as a freshman and will move on to the Section Championship for both. In the long jump, Barbosa exceeded ex-

after the parade.

A big thank you to you, Crystal, the Winters Kiwanis Club, and the Winters Express for all of the publicity and for coming to the committee and chairing our Duck Derby fundraiser. To Mariani Nut Company for the use of flatbed trailers for our reviewing stands, to the City of Winters Public Works for the barricades and your assistance, and to Anytime Fitness for the use of their power for the reviewing stand.

We were graced with two fine singers for the National Anthem. Thank you, Rebecca Sarsfield and Winters High sophomore Evelyn Frazier for your great singing voices.

Speaking of voices, thank you to our announcer at City

the last couple years — because she’d fill in for me every time I was gone — I felt like she was better at managing that store than I was,” praised Mediati. “She was just better with managing people, being

The junior varsity boys team also put up some impressive stats. Willims took first place in the triple jump for freshman and sophomore boys with a mark of 34 feet, 8.5 inches. Clifford took first in the 110-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles.

Varsity women

For the varsity women’s team, Driver’s excellent performance earned her a spot in sections for the 4x100, 100m hurdles and the high jump. Driver is currently ranked fourth in the 100m hurdles. A select few athletes from WHS will move on to Section Championship at West Valley High School on Friday, May 19.

Hall, Richard Kleeberg. You did a fantastic job.

Well, after 45 years of serving on the Youth Day Committee, 40 of those years as Parade Chairman, I believe it is time for me to step down as Parade Chairman. It is time for the new generation of Winters residents to step up and help keep our city traditions alive. I will still be around as a consultant and advisor but a new parade chairman will be stepping in.

Finally, a huge thank you to the Winters Community for supporting Youth Day. This 85-year tradition needs to continue for generations to come.

MIKE SEBASTIAN President and Parade Chairman, Winters Youth Day Committee

organized and being focused. She’s also got the ability to grow a lot. The ability, willingness and drive, I would say, to improve that store and build on what we’ve been doing there for the last 17 years.”

Anthony Duran

After a stellar regular season, the Winters High School varsity baseball club locked horns with the Trinity High School Wolves in the first round of the playoffs on Friday, May 12.

With a home-field advantage, the Warriors sent in one of their lethal lefties, Anthony Duran, to pitch — and he did not disappoint.

The Warriors jumped ahead early scoring a run in the first inning. They tacked on two more in the second, one in the third and another in the fourth to take a 5–0 lead.

Meanwhile, Duran mesmerized the Wolves from

the mound, blowing fastball after fastball by them and then buckling their knees with off-speed pitches in between. Duran tallied up 10 strikeouts, with no walks and no earned runs.

The two runs the Wolves did manage to put on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth resulted from a few defensive errors by Winters. Regardless, the Warriors were able to endure and picked up a firstround playoff win.

“We’re still yet to play a complete game in my opinion with a clean sheet and no errors and we were really looking forward to that happening on Friday against Trinity. We did

make some errors, but we were able to overcome the small amount of adversity we faced merely because we had Anthony Duran on the mound who was just absolutely…doing his thing,” said head coach, Austin Calvert. “The guy was mixing pitches really well, mixing speeds and the hitters couldn’t get comfortable. When they did make contact, every ball they hit was right at somebody, even the ones we missed. As a coach, you can’t ask for anything more. But, the moral of the story is, we handled business, did what we had to do, we walked away victorious and it’s onward and upward to Colusa.”

Anthony Duran, a Winters High School junior, is Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. A force on the mound and the plate, Duran has been an integral cog for the varsity baseball club this season. He proved his mettle in the first round of the playoffs. “He’s developed a good, strong mindset and competitive nature that’s propelled us to victory,” said head coach, Austin Calvert. “As important as his 10 strikeouts against Trinity is the fact that he had no walks and no hit-by pitches. No free passes and that’s very impressive.”

How to mitigate allergies, sinus infections

By Aaron Geerts Expresss staff writer

Spring has arrived, and so, too have the dreaded allergies and sinus infections that prove to be the bane of many people’s existence. R. James Stiton, lead chiropractor at Winters Family Chiropractic, breaks down this snot-filled plague and imparts suggestions on how one can handle them.

Essentially, allergies are a reaction of one’s immune system. They host a wide variety of triggers like foods, pollens, pet dander and much more. Allergic reactions can be as minor as a rash, sniffles and watery eyes or as severe and life-threatening as anaphylaxis from a bee sting. While it may seem allergies occur for no other reason than to make one’s life difficult, the science is a bit more refined, according to Stirton.

“Allergies in their full scope aren’t just dietary allergies. They’re in the same realm as the allergies caused by something floating up your nose. When we talk about allergies, they incorporate all these little situations where an antigen, which is this foreign body that’s out of our body, comes and finds a way into our body. And it could be a food or something on the food. It could also be a chunk of pollen on the wind that floats into our nose,” said Stirton. “But, somehow, this antigen has to get into one of our cavities to make contact with us and get stuck and layered onto our surfaces and our insides and outsides.”

Spot notable mental health disorders

Metro

Special to the Express

Mental health disorders are more common than people may realize. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year. In addition, the Canadian Mental Health Association reports one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year. Such data indicates that mental health issues do not discriminate. Indeed, anyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, can experience a mental health problem or illness.

The NAMI notes that mental health conditions are not the result of a single event.

Mental health conditions also can be as different as the people who experience them, which is why it can benefit anyone to learn about some notable disorders and how to spot them.

Anxiety disorders

The NAMI reports that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the U.S., affecting more than 40 million adults across the country. Though there are various types of anxiety disorders, they all share on unique characteristic: a persistent and excessive fear or worry in nonthreatening situations.

Emotional symptoms of anxiety disorder include feelings of apprehension or dread; feeling tense or jumpy, restlessness or irritability; and anticipating the worst and looking out for signs of danger.

Physical symptoms may include a pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath; sweating, tremors and twitches; headaches, fatigue and insomnia; and upset stomach, frequent urination or diarrhea.

According to Stirton, allergies are an immune response to the antigens that are creating an inflammatory response and irritating the membranes wherever they collect. The inflammation is part of the body’s healing process and creates a direction for the body to aim its healing attention.

However, because it’s a foreign body embedding itself in one’s gut or mucus membrane, it creates an inflammatory response that can’t get healed. That’s why if this is occurring in one’s sinuses, it induces a runny nose, increased mucus production and the body begins to create histamines.

“Histamines are

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder produces dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to think clearly. Bipolar disorder causes extremely high (mania) and low (depression) moods. During an episode of mania, a person may rapidly become more irritable and their behavior more unpredictable. As a result, their judgment is impaired, which can contribute to impulsive, reckless decision-making. During a depressive episode, people may have difficulty falling and staying asleep, though some may sleep much more than is usual.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) PTSD affects about nine million people in the U.S., while Statistics Canada reports roughly 10 percent of women and 6 percent of men meet the criteria for PTSD in Canada. Symptoms of PTSD are wide-ranging, but the NAMI notes they are typically classified in these categories:

• Re-experiencing type symptoms: These may be marked by recurring, involuntary and intrusive distressing memories, which can include flashbacks and bad dreams.

• Avoidance: Individuals with PTSD may find themselves avoiding places or objects that remind them of the traumatic event.

what create the inflammation and mucus production in that area. And if it doesn’t flush the antigen out of the area, it’s kind of stuck in a never-ending loop because you’re just piling on more pollens, usually. It just gets worse and worse through the whole allergy season,” said Stirton. “That’s the reason why some people who are plagued with too many allergens in their sinuses and whatnot will take antihistamines. That’s their last-ditch effort to stop the symptoms. So, really, that’s not the best outcome to cover up symptoms. It’s just artificially giving the body something that de-inflames the area. But why is that bad? Well, from what modern science shows and what I’ve seen is that, that doesn’t create a curative effect. It actually can allow an infection to occur in the area because you’ve inhibited your immu-

nity response to that antigen to get rid of the symptoms but not necessarily address the problem. So, chronic allergy sufferers are also suffering from constant sinus infections.”

Stirton is not without remedies or ways to combat this allergic adversity. If one spends much of the day outside, more than likely one will be covered in pollen. This is why Stirton recommends taking showers regularly and using soap to wash away all the pollen. If one doesn’t take a shower, the pollen will simply collect and spread to others, clothing, and bedsheets and continue to be a nuisance.

“Also, pollen will collect on surfaces of your house if you’re not regularly dusting. Beyond that, I’d say spend $12 rather than 12 cents on your air filter in your house because air quality matters too,” said Stirton.

“I’m not a proponent of covering up symptoms with pharmacology and antihistamines because it actually increases the likelihood of worsening the conditions. Believe it or not, I am a proponent of using herbology to help your body’s flushing abilities. Besides rinsing the outsides, you got to rinse the insides too. You also have to be drinking lots of fluids, like lemon water and mineral water. Doing that you’re rinsing the insides and helping flush any irritation or antigens through your gut.”

Furthermore, Stirton also recommends using a neti pot for rinsing those stuffy nostril cavities.

For more information, call Stirton’s office at 530-795-4500 or email him directly at jimstirtondc@gmail. com It’s like the good doctor always says, “If you’re not certain, ask Dr. Stirton.”

How to overcome mental fatigue

Metro Special to the Express

Fatigue and exhaustion are often discussed in terms that characterize the physical effects that they have on the body. However, mental fatigue can be just as draining as physical exhaustion, even if its symptoms are not as evident as achy muscles or tired feet.

The online medical resource WebMD notes that mental fatigue typically arises when individuals focus on mentally challenging tasks for extended periods of time. Many individuals also experienced mental fatigue during the pandemic. Pandemic-related restrictions forced individuals across the globe to confront a number of unforeseen, unexpected challenges, including a sudden shift to remote work and school closures that forced working parents to juggle the rigors of their careers with the difficulties of remote learning. That upheaval contributed to prolonged mental fatigue for many individuals.

Much like athletes need routine breaks from exercise to let their muscles recover, individuals need to look for ways to give their overworked minds a chance to recuperate from fatigue. Each person is different, but these strategies can help people over-

come mental fatigue.

• Take breaks from the news. Overconsumption of news is one potential contributor to mental fatigue. That’s especially so in the digital age, when the latest headlines are never further than a smartphone away.

The Johns Hopkins Women’s Mood Disorders Center notes that limiting news consumption during stressful times can be an effective way to reduce symptoms of stress, including mental fatigue.

• Schedule time to relax. The pressure to feel as if you should always be doing something, whether it’s working, taking care of your family or tackling a to-do list around the house, can contribute to mental fatigue. Schedule time to relax and make a concerted effort to keep that time open. Avoid using scheduled relaxation time to work on household chores or check work emails. Instead, use this time to do something you find genuinely relaxing, even if that activity feels like

you’re doing “nothing.”

• Spot the signs of mental fatigue. Another way to overcome mental fatigue is to learn to recognize its symptoms. Recognition of these symptoms allows individuals to use them as alarm bells that alert them when it’s time to take a step back

and unwind. WebMD notes that mental fatigue symptoms include mood-related issues like increased irritability or anger; difficulty concentrating that makes it hard to finish tasks; zoning out; difficulty sleeping; and engaging in unhealthy behaviors, including overconsumption of alcohol.