Winters Express: Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Council approves retail cannabis ordinance on 3–2 vote

By Sonora Slater Express staff writer

An ongoing, many-month conversation about an ordinance that would allow a single retail cannabis storefront in the city of Winters and set up regulations surrounding location, security measures, operating hours and more, went to a vote during the Feb. 18 Winters City Council meeting, eventually passing with a 3–2 vote.

Mayor Albert Vallecillo and Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi voted no, while council members Richard Casavecchia, Carol Scianna and Jesse Loren voted yes.

This does not, however, conclude the city’s conversation about allowing a dispensary in Winters, given that in order for a retailer to set up shop, city staff would have to be directed by the council to create a process for receiving applications from interested businesses. The council expressed consensus on waiting for an indeterminate amount of time to set up that process. In effect, the vote creates one cannabis retailing permit but does not create a pathway for that per-

In the map, the blue indicates schools, solid green indicates parks, yellow indicates an area adjacent to residential areas and the green arcs indicate the 500-foot buffer from approved zones for a dispensary. The orange indicates the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial and includes zones for areas 1 through 5. The red indicates C-2 Cenral Business District and includes zones for areas 6 through 9.

mit to be issued.

Even if that pathway is created in the future, retail applicants would go through a selection process during which they would be vetted before the council chooses whether to approve or deny a specific retailer’s application.

The zoning approved by the ordinance includes six unofficially numbered C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and C-2 (Central Business District) zones,

(1,2,3,6,7, and 8 on the attached map), concentrated on the east side of Winters on either side of Grant Avenue. Among other reasons, these areas were chosen to ensure any potential location was distanced from homes, schools, senior centers, daycares, and other locations that were deemed vulnerable.

Council, public discussion

Although the council members who

Winters JUSD announces 2025 Hall of Fame inductees

The Winters Joint Unified School District has announced the inductees for the 2025 Winters JUSD Hall of Fame, recognizing outstanding alumni, former employees and community members for their exceptional contributions. Community mem-

bers participated in the nomination process, selecting individuals who have made a lasting impact on the school district and the broader Winters community. The 2025 Hall of Fame class includes:

Alumna: Crystal Apilado, Class of 1999 Employees:

• Laurie Helm (Employed 1988-2022)

• Phyllis Ramos (Employed 1986-2004)

• Laura Smith (Employed 1981-2011) Distinguished Service: Mary Lou Linvill

These honorees have demonstrated a commitment to education, service and excellence leaving a lasting legacy in Winters JUSD.

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in April to formally recognize the Class of 2025. In celebration of these inductees, The Express will publish feature articles highlighting their contributions and the impact they have had on students, colleagues and the community.

Weather

voted yes on the ordinance were in favor of the potential of allowing a cannabis dispensary in the city in the future due to the potential financial benefits and medicinal benefits to Winters residents, and in the spirit of supporting entrepreneurship and new businesses, they had some reservations, which were shared by those council members who voted no, as well as some members of the public.

Police,

By Jacob Hoffman Express correspondent

The use of electric bikes and scooters, or e-bikes and e-scooters, has spread across much of the world in recent times as a quick and convenient means of travel outside of cars and public transportation, and these devices are now firmly a feature of the roads of Winters.

But even as motorists, pedestrians and riders see e-bikes and e-scooters more of-

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

At the Thursday, Feb. 20, Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting, Assistant Superintendent Phoebe Girimonte gave a presentation on how the district is implementing the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), and how the funds for the LCAP are being spent as well as performance indicators from the California School

They did expand the zones where a dispensary would be allowed, based on a conversation during a previous council meeting that covered concerns that the previously allowed locations wouldn’t logistically work well to facilitate a dispensary’s financial success.

Angelica Sanchez, a representative for chain cannabis retailer Perfect Union, who has also offered feedback at previous meetings, said that

she appreciated the council’s work on designating spaces that are more viable for a retail business to function in.

Perfect Union opened up a location in Woodland on Feb. 14, now one of four approved dispensaries in the city, after the Woodland City Council first adopted regulations for zoning of commercial cannabis businesses in December 2017.

ten, it still might not be clear to all what these devices entail, what the laws are using them and how they can keep themselves and their loved ones safe on the roads — especially for the many young people who make use of them.

To begin with, California law defines e-scooters in California Vehicle Code 407.5 (a), which defines them as, “any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding or a seat and footrests in place of the floorboard,” and which can be both, “powered by an electric motor” or “designed to be powered by human propulsion.” In practice, these features which separate them from regular, non-motorized scooters give them separate legal and safety thresholds as well. According to a

Dashboard.

In the expenditure update, Girimonte explained that the budget for LCAP expenditures was $9,773,330, but the total expenditures were only $4,953,903. Aside from the budget the district also shared eleven measurements of school performance from the 2024 California School Dashboard. There were six state measurements used, red, orange, yellow, green, and blue —

red being the lowest performance, blue being the highest. The performance levels were determined by comparing data from previous years to determine the performance, a positive change giving a higher performing color.

This year Winters JUSD improved the graduation rate from an orange rating to a green and the suspension rate from yellow to green.

See LCAP, Page 5

Quiz Show victory leads to Glory

Special to the Express

The trivia team West Side Glory claimed the title of Quiz Show Champs 2025 on Friday by besting the defending champions, Trivia Newton John in the Winters Friends of the Library fundraiser at the Opera House. This was the 16th year of the competition.

Reilly Nolan, Megan and Colin Bettis, and Kathleen and Flavio Gallo seemed to have a wide range of knowledge among them, from TV and film to science and nature to music. Though only in second place going into the final round, they pulled ahead quickly and stayed there. Five teams competed this year for the

$200 prize, and West Side Glory generously donated the prize money back to WFoL. Besides the two finalists, Winters Theatre Company (who has competed in every Quiz Show since it started and won five times,) Kwisatz, and the newcomer team, Quiztina Aguilera used their knowledge, intelligence and wit to keep the competition lively.

The question asked that had the best reaction by the audience was, “Where in town would you still find advertisements for McCarther’s Blacksmith, Citizen’s Bank, and Rummelsburg’s store?” As the teams conferred at their tables, the audience

began to giggle. The answer, which no team answered correctly, was there behind them on the wall of the Opera House, on the antique canvas curtain showcased now as an heirloom wall hanging, displaying the old advertisements from the late 1800s.

Ninety questions were asked from twelve categories. At the end of the night, just over two-thirds had been answered correctly. The audience of about 40 people were enthusiastic and supportive. Occasionally, contestants had disputes about the answers accepted and those were mediated by the judges, Mary Lou Linville,

Jack Young and Margaret Bailey.

A few of the questions are listed below to try your expertise at them:

Gary Oldman has one Oscar for Best Actor, for what film?

Put these events in order from last year, the oldest first: Trump found guilty on all 34 counts, Baltimore Keystone Bridge collapsed, O.J. Simpson died.

What is the connection between the names Michelle, Prudence and Martha?

Which animal is most closely related to the sloth: squirrel monkey, capybara or anteater?

More than $800 was raised by the event which was made possi-

ble by the many WFoL volunteers, willing teams, and an enthusiastic audience. The Quiz Show is a fundraiser for the Winters Friends of the Library but is also meant to celebrate the organization’s commitment to making knowledge and learning fun in the community. All proceeds go to en-

hance library hours and materials at the Winters Branch of the Yolo County Library. Answers in order: Darkest Hour (Winston Churchill); Keystone Bridge collapse, Simpson’s trial, and Trump found guilty; Three women’s names in Beatles’ songs; Anteater.

Yolo County hosting expungement clinic on March 13

Yolo County is as-

residents in

and successful reintegration into society hosting a free Expungement Clinic on Thursday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The clinic, hosted by the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office with support from the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, will

$25 CHANCE TICKET DRAWING

be held at the Yolo County Administration Building Atrium Training Room (B02), located at 625 Court St. in Woodland.

“Expungement isn’t just about erasing a criminal record; it’s about granting individuals the opportunity to redefine their future beyond the shadow of their past mistakes,” said Amberlene Hernandez, senior paralegal with the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office. “Through expungement and other forms of record miti-

gation, the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office is committed to restoring dignity and removing barriers to economic stability, while helping our clients navigate their full reintegration into the community.”

The event will offer free informational resources for individuals with criminal convictions who are seeking guidance on expunging or reducing their records, as well as exploring opportunities for improving their lives. A

criminal history can significantly hinder economic stability, and this event aims to educate residents of Yolo and Sacramento counties on the steps they can take to overcome these barriers.

Organizers will provide information applicable to individuals with various types of convictions, from recent offenses to those dating back several decades.

The clinic will provide valuable informational resources to help individuals with criminal convictions understand their options for improving their lives and opportunities. Attendees can learn about the process of petitioning for expungement, as well as record reduction, early termination of probation, obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation, sealing eligible arrest records, and 290 registry removal for eligible individuals.

For information about the Expungement Clinic and the expungement process, please visit the Yolo County Record Mitigation and Community Reintegration Clinic webpage at www.YoloCounty.gov/ Expungement.

Courtesy photo

Quiz Show organizer Rebecca Fridae (left) presents the trophy to the team, West Side Glory for knowing the most trivia. Members are Reilly Nolan, Kathleen Gallo, Flavio Gallo, Megan Bettis and Colin Betis.

Yolo Supervisors approve new county administrator

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to approve Mike Webb as the new County Administrator.

Currently serving as the Davis city manager, Webb was selected as the top choice among three finalists. He brings nearly three decades of experience to the role, succeeding Interim County Administrator Dirk Brazil.

“I am truly honored to be appointed by the Board of Supervisors to be the next County Administrator,” Webb said. “It is a privilege to lead the organization into the future as we carry out the Board’s vision and priorities with a highly capable and talented workforce. Yolo County provides critical stewardship of resources and services to residents, businesses, and visitors alike. I look forward to working with the Board of Supervisors, the staff team, partners, and the community to serve this great county with professionalism, integrity, and sound governance.”

“After a comprehensive search which resulted in many highly qualified candidates, we have selected Mike Webb to serve as Yolo County’s chief administra-

tive officer. I have been fortunate to work directly with Mike for the last 15 years in numerous capacities as a Davis Planning Commissioner, as a council member (when we first hired him to serve as Davis’ city manager), as mayor of Davis and now as a Yolo County Supervisor,” said Lucas Frerichs, District 2 County Supervisor.

Before he was appointed County Administrator, Webb served as the City Manager for the city of Davis since 2017. His nearly three-decade tenure with the city includes roles such as Assistant City Manager, Director of Community Development & Sustainability, and Principal Planner. He has held leadership positions in key areas such as economic development, land use planning, resource conservation, and organizational and policy development. In these capacities, he oversaw multi-million-dollar budgets, led infrastructure and capital improvement projects, and played a pivotal role in shaping regional policies and collaborations.

“Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and proven leadership in governance at a time when our county needs it. I’m grateful for his demonstrated track record

Land and Labor exhibit honors César Chávez Day

Special to the Express

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors will consider a resolution on Tuesday, March 25 acknowledging César Chávez Day, a federal commemorative holiday since 2014.

On that day, Concilio of Yolo County will host a reception at noon outside of the Atrium Training Room (B02). Simultaneously, the “Land and Labor” Exhibit, dedicated to Chávez, will be displayed inside the Yolo County Administration Building in the Atrium Training Room (B02) from Wednesday, March 19 to Wednesday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit will feature photos, narratives, posters, artwork, and information aimed at raising awareness of the history and culture surrounding land and labor in the region.

The exhibition is organized by the Ethnic Studies Youth Organizing and Leadership Opportunity (YOLO Academy) and sponsored by Yolo County Supervisors Allen, Barajas, Frerichs, and Vixie Sandy, Yolo County Concilio, and YoloArts. It is presented in partnership with UC Davis Archives and Spe-

cial Collections, Yolo County Archives, UC Davis Taller Arte del Nuevo Amanecer (TANA), and community members Elyse Doyle Martinez, Joaquin Galvan Sr., Steven Hiromoto, Hulleah J. Tsinhnahjinnie, NJ Mvondo, and YOLO Academy Curator Adriana Perez with assistance from Adelita Serena. The exhibition is also supported by Dr. Melissa Moreno, Dr. Juliet Maestas, and Former Assemblymember Mariko Yamada.

“Farmworkers and farmworker rights have a long history in Yolo County, and we are proud to acknowledge the impactful legacy of César Chávez,” remarked Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chair, Dr. Mary Vixie Sandy. “We are grateful for the work of UC Davis Library Archives and Special Collections along with Yolo County Archives and Records Center dedicated to this exhibit. César Chávez continues to be an inspirational figure and we are excited to celebrate César Chávez Day and the indispensable work of our farmworker community.”

“Understanding our cultural histoSee CHÁVEZ, Page 6

of success leading the city of Davis and am confident that his extensive network of established relationships, throughout Yolo County and the Sacramento region, will allow him to successfully serve the people of Yolo County when engaging with our partner agencies and community members,” Frerichs said.

“Not only does he already have good relationships with Winters City Manager Jeremy Craig and Winters Joint Unified School District Superintendent Rody Boonchouy, but his long tenure as a City Manager also gives him real insights into the needs of the city of Winters, as well.”

Webb has extensive fiscal

stewardship experience, long-range strategic planning, and intergovernmental collaboration. Webb has been recognized throughout his career for his commitment to ethical governance, strategic planning, and community engagement. He has collaborated with regional partners, including Yolo County, UC Davis, The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) and multiple special districts, to advance innovative policies and programs. His leadership has been instrumental in major initiatives, such as Healthy Yolo Together (the community-wide response to COVID), spearheading multiple housing and affordable housing projects, commercial developments, and promoting agricultural and habitat conservation and sustainability efforts that have received statewide recognition.

Webb holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning from UC Davis and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. He is a Senior Fellow and Board Member of the American Leadership Forum (ALF) Mountain Valley Chapter and an active International City/County Management Association

(ICMA) member.

“The Board of Supervisors is thrilled to welcome Mike Webb as Yolo County’s next County Administrator,” said Board Chair Mary Vixie Sandy. “Mike brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of our community. His proven track record of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to public service makes him the right choice to lead Yolo County into the future. We look forward to working together to advance the county’s priorities and serve our residents with excellence.”

As county administrator, Webb is devoted to upholding Yolo County’s tradition of ethical governance, community engagement, and service excellence. He aims to foster collaboration, integrate solutions to enhance operations and prioritize environmental stewardship. With a leadership approach focused on transparency, inclusivity, strategic planning, and fostering a positive and collaborative organizational culture, Webb looks forward to guiding Yolo County toward a future of continued progress and resilience.

Webb will officially assume his role as county administrator on March 31.

Films feature Japanese American strife during WWII

By Rebecca Wasik McNaughton Media

On June 10, 1943, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution opposing the release of Japanese residents confined at various internment camps in California and throughout the United States.

This resolution was rescinded by the board last year.

Thursday marked the 83rd anniversary of Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, authorizing the forced relocation of Japanese Americans from the West Coast into internment camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

As part of the Yolo County Day of Remembrance, two film showings and Q&As were held at the Veterans Memorial Theater in Davis. The events were hosted by Pattie Fong and Jeff Ogata.

The first film, “One Fighting Irishman,” tells the story of San Francisco civil rights attorney Wayne Collins. Collins represented more than 5,000 Japanese Americans who renounced their American citizenship while imprisoned at Tule Lake.

Following the showing of “One Fighting Irishman,” Sharon Yamato connected with

the audience via Zoom for a Q&A. Yamato directed, wrote and produced the film.

Yamato said making the documentary took her approximately five years and a ton of research. She was incredibly thankful to have audio tapes of Collins since she had no film footage of him, only photos. She also said working alongside Collins’ son, Wayne Merrill Collins was very helpful.

A free screening of the film set for Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, 2401 Riverside Blvd. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with Yamato, Merrill Collins, Tule Lake Committee Chair Hiroshi Shimizu and Tule Lake descendant Sadako Kashiwagi. Superior Court Judge Kara Ueda will be moderating the panel.

The second movie, “Row Don’t Drift,” follows the story of Yoshi Kubo. A California farm owner, Kubo is forced into an internment camp with his family. After refusing to serve in the military, Kubo is imprisoned.

When he returns home, he gets his farm back as the neighbors he left his property with have taken good care of it and remained loyal friends.

Following the film showing, a panel in-

cluding director Karina Turner, Kubo’s son Dan Kubo and immigration attorney Ann Block took the stage to answer audience questions.

This film, including both scripted reenactments and documentary scenes, was shown as a short film, with a full-length version in the works. Turner hopes to have this full version completed in September.

Turner says she was able to bring Kubo’s story to life thanks to his exquisite record-keeping through his journals and notebooks, which his son was willing to share with her.

Dan Kubo says he has been waiting to tell his father’s story but didn’t know how best to do so, as writing a book seemed daunting. When a friend connected his family to Turner, he knew it was meant to be.

“This story has been dying to come out of me,” said Dan Kubo.

Block says that repeating history is a scary prospect when it comes to the new presidential administration. While she encourages people to not panic, she does ask us

all to be aware.

She also encourages everyone to visit https://www.ilrc.org/, where she is a staff member. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center is a national nonprofit resource center that provides immigration legal training, technical assistance and educational materials. ILRC also engages in advocacy and immigrant civic engagement to advance immigrant rights.

Sponsors for the Yolo County Day of Remembrance event included the Davis Human Relations Commission, Davis Asians for Racial Equality, UC Davis Asian American Studies, UCD King Hall — Immigration Clinic, UCD King Hall — Aoki Center for Critical Race and Nation Studies, Episcopal Church of St. Martin — Davis, Davis Phoenix Coalition and the Historical Society of Winters.

For information on “One Fighting Irishman,” visit https:// waynecollinsfilm. com/.

For information on “Row Don’t Drift,” visit https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/rowdontdrift.

City of Davis Media Services/Courtesy photo Mike Webb.

Public Safety Report

of Winters Fire Incident Log

View the Winters Fire Activity and Call Log at https://cityofwinters. org/157/Fire.

Feb. 2: 6:58 p.m., Lincoln Street, EMS call

– excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 3: 11:28 a.m., Owings Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~12:53 p.m., Taylor Street, Person in distress (other)

Feb. 4: 7:48 p.m., Owings Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 5: 6:05 a.m., Fourth Street, False alarm or false call (other)

~10:27 a.m., Russell Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~10:36 a.m., Graf Way, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~11:50 a.m., Canal Lane, Swift water rescue

~8:04 p.m., Railroad Avenue, Smoke scare – odor of smoke

~10:35 p.m., Morgan Street, Vicinity alarm (incident in other location)

Feb. 6: 7:46 a.m., Chapman Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~10:42 p.m., Southdown Court, Emergency medical service (other)

Feb. 7: 1:06 a.m., Railroad Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~3:20 a.m., Highway 128, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~10:48 a.m., High-

Lake Berryessa water levels down

Express staff

The water level of Lake Berryessa went down during the past week by 0.95 feet, with a decrease in the storage of 18,098 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh, Solano Project Technician with the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 25, he reported the lake elevation was 441.37 feet above sea level, with water storage behind the Monticello Dam computed at 1,577,243 acre-feet of water. The SID released 70 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 1,640 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation on the lake averaged 75 acre-feet of water per day.

PO Box 520, Winters, CA 95694 530-795-4551 Se habla español. news@wintersexpress.com

Subscription delivery issues? Call us and leave a message or submit a complaint via our website www.wintersexpress.com.

Crystal Apilado, Editor-in-Chief

Sydney Andrade, Staff Writer Logan Chrisp, Staff Writer Sonora Slater, Staff Writer David DeLeon, Advertising Sales Sara Edwards, Regional Advertising Director T. Burt McNaughton, Co-Publisher Taylor Buley, Publisher-at-Large Charles R. Wallace, Publisher Emeritus

way and Northbound Interstate 505, False alarm or false call (other)

~11:14 a.m., W. Grant Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 8: 7:40 a.m., Highway 128, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~4:52 p.m., E. Baker Street, False alarm or false call (other)

Feb. 9: 2:09 p.m., Railroad Avenue/Russell Street, Hazardous condition (other)

~5:01 p.m., Highway 128, Motor vehicle accident with no injuries.

Feb. 10: 10:45 a.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 11: 7:45 a.m., Karnail Street/Anderson Avenue, Smoke scare – odor of smoke

~4:05 p.m., Russell Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~ 6:52 p.m., Buckeye Road, Unauthorized burning

~10:42 p.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 12: 9:21 a.m., Dutton Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~1:03 p.m., County Road 31, Public service

~9:18 p.m., Rosa Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 13: 12:01 a.m., County Road 25, First Alarm Structure Fire

~6:57 a.m., Anderson Avenue, Heat detector alarm

~7:27 a.m., Anderson Avenue, Fire Alarm

~10:33 a.m., Malaga Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~1:36 p.m., First Street, False alarm or false call (other)

See LOGS, Page 5

95 Years Ago

February 28, 1930

L. A. Islip of Vasey Bros. Pay-an-Take store unloaded a car of smudge pots the fore part of the week for local orchardists.

The Winters Eastern Star lodge celebrated its 26th birthday last Friday evening in the Masonic Hall, with 125 members, visiting members and guests present. Mrs. Arlie Guthrie, worthy matron and Vernon Herold, worthy patron presided over the banquet.

R. A. Fifield has started construction of his Union Oil products super service station on the Mermod property on Railroad Avenue.

Winters High School will observe Arbor Day, Principal George Sanders announced this morning. Trees or shrubs will be planted by each class on March 7.

Herman Meyer, local blacksmith, was elected commander of the Winters Legion at their regular bi-monthly meeting Tuesday evening.

George Chapman spent the holiday weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Chapman, returning to Oakland again Sunday evening.

80 Years Ago

March 2, 1945

Mr. and Mrs. John Siranian have received official notice from the War Department that their son, Corporal Albert Siranian, died in action on September 7, 1944, the day that

YESTERYEAR

Picked by Charley Wallace

BOOK LOVERS at Waggoner School in 1994 were rewarded with a lunch with the principal for meeting their reading goals in the

into A

reading incentive program,

Years Ago

Dispatches from the Express archives.

a Japanese freighter, loaded with prisoners of war from Davao was torpedoed off the western shores of Mindanao in the Philippines.

A deal was completed last week whereby Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hemenway became the owners of the Louis Felosi ranch about two miles north of Ten Mile River and about 11 miles north of Fort Bragg. The ranch contains 960 acres.

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Kidder and daughters, Glenda and Marylou spent a few days last week with relatives in Fairfield.

Born in Sutter Hospital, Saturday, February 24, to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Overhouse, a son, David Harold.

B. F. Chadwick returned during the weekend from Richmond where he and Mrs. Chadwick have been with their daughter, Mrs. Laurence Rice for the past month.

An auto belonging to Royal Pleasants, recently stolen from a parking zone in Vacaville was recovered a few days later, parked in a back street in Fairfield.

45 Years Ago

February 28, 1980

Fay Vasey has now taken over the duties of Heart Fund chairman in the Winters area, a job formerly performed by Ruth Rogers.

Queen Carol Chambers, escorted

by Tom Rojas, was crowned during the halftime of the Varsity game last Friday night. A homecoming dance followed the basketball contest against Colusa. Following a public hearing at Tuesday night’s regular planning commission meeting, commissioners voted 5 to 1 to grant a use permit and variance to the Church of Christ at 211 Fourth St. for a new church structure.

On Feb. 18, the annual FFA project competition was held. Eleven members of the Future Farmers of America competed. The six winners of the contest were as follows: Torie Crowe with swine and crops; Joseph Castro with two pipe trailers and sheep; Joseph Gray with sheep, walnut trees and conservation; Larry Pisani with beef and wheat; Mike Eldridge with wheat and oats; and Sean Eldridge with breeding sheep. The other five contestants were: Cora Johnson with beef, Sam Martin with beef, Randy Higginbotham with swine, Dennis Mariani with a weed sprayer, and Kerry Crowe with bees and crops. Phil Benson, national secretary of the Future Farmers of America, has just returned from two weeks in Japan with the five other national officers, where they were guests of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Japan’s largest trading company.

File photo

“Dive

Good Book”

sponsored by the Winters PTA. Pictured from left are (front) Ramon Del Toro, Nidia Fernandez, KC Pearson and Lupita Quiroz; (middle) Yuliana Loza, Inesita Arce, Alex Henry, Sarah Bean Duncan, Emile Kimble, Juan Zaragoza and Portino Lorza; (rear) Principal Marj Hein and Luz Quiroz.

Girimonte said that both of these indicators are tied to the district’s goal of making a welcome, safe, and inclusive environment for students, “we need students to be at school in order for them to benefit from their education.”

“These positive shifts highlight areas of progress,” Girimonte said. “While our lower rated indicators guide continued efforts and targeted support and improvement.”

The indicators for English language arts, math, and college/ career were orange, chronic absenteeism was yellow, and English learner progress was the only red performer.

SAFETY

Continued from Page 1

statement made by the Winters Police Department on its social media account, “electric scooters may be used only on Class II and IV bike paths (not exceeding 15 mph), require a minimum age of 16 with a driver’s license, working headlights, and helmet for anyone under the age of 18, but do not require license plates.” Importantly, these devices cannot ride on sidewalks and should be ridden in bike lanes. In addition to these legal requirements, Winters PD also stressed the importance of general road safety with electric scooters, including, “stopping at

LOGS

Continued from Page 4

~7:47 p.m., Putah Creek Road, Motor vehicle accident with no injuries.

Feb. 14: 11:01 a.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 15: 7:12 a.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~8:09 a.m., Myrtle Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 16: 5:51 p.m., Grant Avenue, Motor vehicle accident with no injuries.

~10:16 p.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 17: 7:34 a.m., E. Baker Street, Dispatched and cancelled en route

~9:01 a.m., Grant Avenue, Dispatched and cancelled en route

~5:52 p.m., Morgan Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~8:02 p.m., Putah Creek Road, Unauthorized burning

Feb. 18: 5:08 a.m., E. Baker Street, Person in distress (other)

~6:39 a.m., Blue Oak Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~9:23 a.m., Walnut Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~10:33 a.m., Abbey Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~1:22 p.m., Potter Street, EMS call –excluding vehicle

“We believe that we have a really strong English Learner Program in play, and there’s a lot of great leadership in the world of ELD. However, we continue to make adjustments to ensure that students do show and demonstrate growth towards English proficiency,” Girimonte said. The graduation rate was one of the school district’s highest-performing indicators but came close to hitting the highest mark possible.

“We’re actually exceeding the state in this category. Our graduation rate would have been blue if only two more students had graduated,” Girimonte said. “Keep in mind that these are really small cohorts in a district our size and one or two students can

stop signs, using hand signals, yielding to pedestrians,” and extra precautions like wearing bright colors to increase visibility.

E-bikes are slightly different; as written in California Vehicle Code 312.5 (a), an “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power,” and which is broken up into three classes. According to the California DMV, none of these three classes require driver’s licenses, but Class III bikes, which are equipped with speedometers and can reach 28 mph, require that users are 16 years or older, wearing a safety helmet, and cannot transport passengers.

Winters, accord-

accident with injury Police Report Log

To view the Winters Police Department Arrest and Report Logs, visit www.cityofwinters.org/289/Report-Arrest-Log.

Feb. 5: 2:10 p.m., 700th block of Aster Street, Traffic Collision

Feb. 6: 2:09 p.m., County Road 32a / County Road 88, Vehicle Tow

Feb. 7: 8:10 a.m., 1000th block of Washington Avenue, Traffic Collision ~8:16 a.m., 700th block of Niemann Street, Hit and Run

make a difference in terms of the color rating.”

The other highest indicator was the suspension rate. The district decreases by 1.1 percent from 2023.

“Our suspension rate would have been blue if 20 or fewer students had been suspended across the district, Girimonte said. “We continue to look at alternate means to address behavior concerns they arise to pattern with families and support students so they can remain in the learning environment.”

A score of 1-5 is attached to each performance color, with Blue having the highest at 5, and red being the lowest with 1.

The district’s average score across all indicators was 2.6. The average score across

ing to Winters Police Chief John P. Miller, has thus far been relatively lucky with its e-scooter usage. Miller notes only one notable incident involving an e-scooter was a collision caused by the user failing to stop at a stop sign, with no one reporting injuries. However, the greater use of these vehicles in the city, especially among young people, may pose an increasing danger if legal and safety measures are not maintained. The use of electronic scooters and bicycles provides users without access to motor vehicles a great deal of freedom and convenience to move around quickly. This naturally appeals to younger people, those who can’t afford or can’t yet drive cars.

Feb. 10: 6:55 p.m., 700th block of Matsumoto Lane, Outside Agency Assist

Feb. 11: 8:18 a.m., Karnail Street/Anderson Avenue, Traffic Collision

Feb. 15: 7:14 p.m., 100th block of E. Baker Street, Outside Agency Assist

Feb. 16: 5:51 p.m., First block of Grant Avenue, Vehicle vs Structure Collision

Feb. 18: 09:14 a.m., 700th block of Matsumoto Lane, Traffic Collision

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

Yolo County was 3.1, while the average of all districts in California was 2.7.

The presentation detailed which student groups performed best or worst on the 2024 dashboard using the same average scoring system. At the top with 3.3, were White students, towards the bottom end were long-time English learners at 2.1, and at the very bottom were students with disabilities at 2.0.

At the end of the presentation, board president Joedy Michael said that he wanted to explore why the graduation rate’s high performance was an outlier compared to the rest of the indicators at a future meeting.

“That seems like they don’t add up,” said Michael. “I think the dashboards is one

But it’s important to remember that e-scooters and e-bikes are still vehicles regulated by law and must be used safely to ensure their riders, pedestrians, and drivers on the road are also kept safe.

Regarding the law, California law stipulates that users of e-scooters must be 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit, as well as requiring the use of a safety helmet and working headlights. So the use of e-scooters by minors under 16 is strictly prohibited by state and local law, while those under 18 can operate them with proper licenses but still must wear a helmet at all times.

Here in Winters, the leadership of

of the tent poles of the district and we’ve got to understand that more.”

Girimonte gave credit to the College and Career Readiness program efforts and staff for the high indicator score. “I think that’s also connected to the college and career readiness work that’s happening at our high school,” Girimonte said. “We recognize that work happens across the district from the time students enter our system, but there’s a lot of exploration right now about the degree to which our approach and schedule supports for students in demonstrating success and earning credits at the high school level.”

Other business

Later in the meeting,

both Winters PD and the Winter Joint Unified School District have expressed concerns about the use of e-scooters and e-bikes by those under the age of 18, and implore both children and parents to be aware of the law and of all regular road safety precautions with these vehicles.

Winters PD has released a few social media posts explaining the laws around the use of e-scooters, and Miller told the Express that Winters PD, “urge(s) parents and users to be aware of the laws, exercise safety precautions such as wearing helmets, and obey the rules of the road” in order to keep everyone safe. Winters JUSD has made a similar push for greater safety

the board approved the additional proposal. The proposal included a single article stating that the district desires to clarify and streamline the notification language of “layoff/reduction of hours of bargaining unit members.” Superintendent Boonchouy presented an information item that included 16 policies or bylaws that came out of the 2024 legislative cycle. These items will need to be approved by the board at the March 6 meeting and can be viewed on the meeting agenda packet through the GAMUT link at www. wintersjusd.org under the “District Information” tab under “Board Agenda and Minutes” category.

messaging, releasing information in their newsletter to parents and sharing Winters PD safety reminders on social media.

“We remind everyone, particularly our students, that while e-scooters provide a convenient way to travel, safety must remain a top priority,”

Superintendent Rody Boonchouy said in a statement to the Express. “We expect riders to follow all traffic laws, wear helmets when required, and be mindful of pedestrians and other road users. Winters JUSD will continue to work closely with Winters PD to help keep our streets and sidewalks safe for all.”

Bonnie

DOTY CARRERE

Eventos hispanos

Solicitan que la comunidad brinde su opinión sobre cambios en el servicio BeeLine

Por Crystal Apilado

por Carol Alfonso

Traducido

El Distrito de Tránsito de Yolo (YTD) abrió un período de comentarios públicos de 30 días para los cambios propuestos en el servicio BeeLine, el servicio de microtránsito de Winters.

Esta es una oportunidad crucial para que los miembros de la comunidad expresen sus opiniones sobre el futuro del transporte local. Si se aprueba, el nuevo plan de servicio entrará en vigencia después de una votación de la Junta de YTD el 10 de Marzo.

Los cambios propuestos tienen como objetivo mejorar la eficiencia y la accesibilidad de BeeLine.

Las recomendaciones

clave incluyen:

• Ampliar el horario de servicio para operar de 7 a.m. a 7 p.m., de Lunes a Vi-

ernes.

• Agregar un segundo vehículo durante el servicio de los días de semana para satisfacer la mayor demanda de pasajeros.

• Mantener el servicio de los Sábados con un vehículo que funcione de 7 a.m. a 7 p.m.

Historia del transporte público de Winters

Antes de la pandemia de COVID-19, Winters contaba con autobuses de ruta fija (220 y 220C) que operaban de 7 a.m. a 7 p.m. Sin embargo, la pandemia provocó una suspensión total de estos servicios. Cuando se reanudaron los servicios de transporte, YTD introdujo “Your Ride”, un sistema de microtransporte con servicio de llamada telefónica. Más tarde, esto evolucionó hasta convertirse en el actual servicio BeeLine, que

opera de 9:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., de Lunes a Sábado, y presta servicio en Winters, partes de Vacaville y Davis. A pesar de estos esfuerzos, un análisis reciente de YTD indica que el sistema actual no satisface por completo las necesidades de la comunidad. El problema principal se debe a que solo hay un vehículo que presta servicio en toda el área, lo que genera tiempos de espera prolongados y una menor disponibilidad para los pasajeros locales. Por ejemplo, un viaje de ida y vuelta de Winters a Vacaville puede demorar hasta 45 minutos, y los viajes de regreso con frecuencia se realizan sin pasajeros, lo que reduce la eficiencia general. La opinión de la comunidad es importante

YTD está invitando a los

comentarios del público no solo sobre los cambios propuestos en el servicio, sino también sobre las necesidades de transporte más amplias. Se exhorta a los miembros de la comunidad a brindar comentarios sobre:

• La ampliación propuesta de las horas de servicio y un vehículo adicional. -La posible reintroducción de servicios de ruta fija.

• El interés en las opciones de transporte nocturno.

• Posibles conexiones con Amtrak y otros sistemas de tránsito regionales. Los residentes pueden compartir sus comentarios con YTD en un correo electrónico a public-comment@ ytd.org antes del 9 de Marzo (el final del período de comentarios de 30 días).

Jesse Loren, miembro del consejo de Winters y vice-

presidente del Servicio de Transporte del Condado Yolo, dijo que la participación de la comunidad es importante y alentó a todos los residentes a compartir sus comentarios antes de la fecha de decisión del 10 de Marzo. Este período de comentarios públicos representa una oportunidad vital para que los residentes de Winters influyan en la evolución de los servicios de tránsito locales para satisfacer mejor las necesidades de la Comunidad. “Los cambios propuestos tienen como objetivo abordar las ineficiencias en nuestro sistema de tránsito, pero sus comentarios son esenciales. Los comentarios públicos pueden ayudar a dar forma al futuro del transporte en Winters. Asegurémonos de que nuestras voces sean escuchadas,” dijo Loren.

Nueva ley en California podría ayudar a inquilinos que enfrentan desalojo a permanecer en sus hogares

Los defensores de los inquilinos sufrieron una gran derrota este otoño cuando los votantes de California decidieron no ampliar la capacidad de las ciudades para limitar los aumentos de alquiler. Pero una Ley del Estado que entrará en vigor el 1 de enero dará a los inquilinos que se enfrentan al desalojo un poco más de margen de maniobra.

La Ley duplica el tiempo que tienen los inquilinos para responder después de recibir una notificación de desalojo de cinco a diez días hábiles. Los abogados que trabajan con inquilinos dicen que lo que puede parecer un cambio de procedimiento menor podría marcar una gran diferencia para permitir que las personas permanezcan

en sus hogares. Los inquilinos que reciben una notificación de desalojo y no responden por escrito dentro del plazo legal pueden perder su caso por defecto, lo que podría generar sanciones económicas y una mancha negra en su expediente que afecte su capacidad futura para obtener una vivienda. Esto es así incluso si un inquilino tiene una defensa legal válida, por ejemplo, si su propietario aumentó el alquiler por encima de los límites estatales o se negó a solucionar problemas como la falta de calefacción o cerraduras de puertas rotas. Alrededor del 40% de los inquilinos de California pierden sus casos de esta manera, según los investigadores.

“Cinco días nunca han sido suficientes para que un inquilino

encuentre asistencia legal y trate de descifrar la denuncia presentada en su contra, averiguar qué tipo de defensas tiene, completar el papeleo y

llegar a la corte”, dijo Lorraine López, abogada senior del Western Center on Law and Poverty, a CalMatters a principios de este otoño.

El acceso a los servicios legales varía mucho en California. San Francisco garantiza la representación legal a cualquier inquilino que se enfrente a un desalojo, y en otras ciudades como Oakland y Los Ángeles, sólidas redes de abogados pro bono ayudan a los inquilinos a presentar respuestas. Pero los californianos que viven en los llamados “desiertos legales” –a menudo en áreas rurales– deben viajar muchos kilómetros para reunirse con un

abogado. Algunos estudios han demostrado que los inquilinos que cuentan con abogados tienen menos probabilidades de quedarse afuera de sus hogares, aunque menos del 5% de los inquilinos en casos de desalojo en todo el país cuentan con ayuda legal, en comparación con más del 80% de los propietarios, estima la Coalición Nacional por el Derecho Civil a un Abogado. Escrita por el asambleísta Ash Kalra, demócrata de San José, la nueva ley también ofrece algo para los propietarios, a quienes generalmente les gusta que los casos de desalojo

avancen más rápido. Limita la cantidad de tiempo que los abogados de los inquilinos pueden tardar en presentar ciertas mociones alegando errores en la queja del propietario. Los representantes de los propietarios dijeron que los abogados usarían esas mociones para prolongar los casos innecesariamente. El cambio convenció al mayor grupo de presión de propietarios del estado, la California Apartment Association, a permanecer neutral respecto de la ley mientras los legisladores la debatían. Algunos grupos locales de propietarios de viviendas todavía se oponían a la ley.

“Cuanto más tarden estas cosas, más caro será (para los propietarios) y más alquiler se perderá”, dijo Daniel Bornstein, un abogado que representa a los propietarios.

Este artículo fue publicado originalmente en inglés por CalMatters.

Por Felicia Mello CalMatters

Adriana Heldiz/CalMatters

María Vela arma una caja de cartón mientras su familia se prepara para mudarse de su hogar de casi 30 años en el Este de Los Ángeles el 17 de diciembre de 2023

Senior News

I’m moving forward and facing the uncertainty of aging

By Judith Graham KFF Health News

It takes a lot of courage to grow old.

I’ve come to appreciate this after conversations with hundreds of older adults over the past eight years for nearly 200 “Navigating Aging” columns.

Time and again, people have described what it’s like to let go of certainties they once lived with and adjust to new circumstances.

These older adults’ lives are filled with change. They don’t know what the future holds except that the end is nearer than it’s ever been.

And yet, they find ways to adapt. To move forward. To find meaning in their lives. And I find myself resolving to follow this path as I ready myself for retirement.

Patricia Estess, 85, of the Brooklyn borough of New York City spoke eloquently about the unpredictability of later life when I reached out to her as I reported a series of columns on older adults who live alone, sometimes known as “solo agers.”

Estess had taken a course on solo aging.

“You realize that other people are in the same boat as you are,” she said when I asked what she had learned.

“We’re all dealing with uncertainty.”

Consider the questions that older adults — whether living with others or by themselves — deal with year in and out: Will my bones break? Will my thinking skills and memory endure? Will I be able to make it up the stairs of my home, where I’m trying to age in place? Will beloved friends and family members

Navigating Aging

remain an ongoing source of support?

If not, who will be around to provide help when it’s needed?

Will I have enough money to support a long and healthy life, if that’s in the cards? Will community and government resources be available, if needed?

It takes courage to face these uncertainties and advance into the unknown with a measure of equanimity.

“It’s a question of attitude,” Estess told me. “I have honed an attitude of: ‘I am getting older. Things will happen. I will do what I can to plan in advance. I will be more careful. But I will deal with things as they come up.’”

For many people, becoming old alters their sense of identity. They feel like strangers to themselves. Their bodies and minds aren’t working as they used to. They don’t feel the sense of control they once felt. That requires a different type of courage — the courage to embrace and accept their older selves.

Marna Clarke, a photographer, spent more than a dozen years documenting her changing body and her life with her partner as they grew older. Along the way, she learned to view aging with new eyes.

“Now, I think there’s a beauty that comes out of people when they accept who they are,” she told me in 2022 when she was 82, just before her 93-year-old husband died.

Arthur Kleinman,

a Harvard professor who’s now 83, gained a deeper sense of soulfulness after caring for his beloved wife, who had dementia and eventually died, leaving him grief-stricken.

“We endure, we learn how to endure, how to keep going. We’re marked, we’re injured, we’re wounded. We’re changed, in my case for the better,” he told me when I interviewed him in 2019. He was referring to a newfound sense of vulnerability and empathy he gained as a caregiver. Herbert Brown, 68, who lives in one of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods, was philosophical when I met him at his apartment building’s annual barbecue in June.

“I was a very wild person in my youth. I’m surprised I’ve lived this long,” he said. “I never

Reserve a spot at Café Yolo

The relaunch of Café Yolo in Winters marks the final step in Meals on Wheels Yolo County’s return to congregate dining opportunities countywide, which were paused for nearly five years due to the COVID pandemic.

The long-awaited return of Café Yolo Social Dining, a free

weekly group meal experience for aging adults (60 years old and up), at the Winters Community Center returns on Thursday, March 6. The lunch will be hosted every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. while participating in engaging activities hosted by the Winters Senior Foundation, which will continue pro-

Chalk it up to denial or the limits of imagination. As May Sarton, a writer who thought deeply about aging, put it so well: Old age is “a foreign country with an unknown language.” I, along with all my similarly aged friends, are surprised we’ve arrived at this destination.

For me, 2025 is a turning point. I’m retiring after four decades as a journalist. Most of that time, I’ve written about our nation’s enormously complex health care system. For the past eight years, I’ve focused on the unprecedented growth of the older population — the most significant demographic trend of our time — and its many implications.

In some ways, I’m ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

In many ways, I’m not.

The biggest unknown is what will happen to my vision. I have moderate macular degeneration in both eyes. Last year, I lost central vision in my right eye. How long will my left eye pick up the slack? What will happen when that eye deteriorates?

Like many people, I’m hoping scientific advances outpace the progression of my condition. But I’m not counting on it. Realistically, I have to plan for a future in which I might become partially blind.

It’ll take courage to deal with that.

So my husband and I are taking a leap into the unknown.

We’re renovating the house, installing an elevator, and inviting our son, daughter-inlaw, and grandson to move in with us. Going intergenerational. Giving up privacy. In exchange, we hope our home will be full of mutual assistance and love.

There are no guarantees this will work.

But we’re giving it a shot.

Without all the conversations I’ve had over all these years, I might not have been up for it. But I’ve come to see that “no guarantees” isn’t a reason to dig in my heels and resist change.

Thank you to everyone who has taken time to share your experiences and insights about aging. Thank you for your openness, honesty, and courage. These conversations will become even more important in the years ahead, as baby boomers like me make their way through their 70s, 80s, and beyond. May the conversations continue.

—KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF at kffhealthnews. org.

Then, there’s the matter of my four-story Denver house, where I’ve lived for 33 years. Climbing the stairs has helped keep me in shape. But that won’t be possible if my vision becomes worse.

gramming until 3 p.m. Reservations for meals are required to be made at least 24 hours in advance. Aging adults can reserve their spot by sending an email to welcome@ mowyolo.org or calling 530-662-7035. For more details, including menus and additional information, visit https://mowyolo. org/nutrition-access.

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

Courtesy photo

The attitude you have and the ability to adapt to changes as they happen can make a world of difference as you grow older.

Loss of winegrape smoke-exposure researchers criticised

By Todd R. Hansen McNaughton Media

The California wine industry faced nearly $4 billion in damages from the 2020 wildfires – not all from burned wineries and vineyards.

Smoke damage also played a significant part in that damage estimate.

With so much at stake, UC Davis researchers have been working on ways to mitigate the effects of climate change in viticulture, which includes smoke taint, drought-tolerant rootstocks and other ways that grape growers can adapt to warming temperatures.

Now some of that research is at risk of going up in flames due to job cuts by the Trump administration, and even more pointedly, by what critics are calling cuts by the unelected president,

Continued from Page 1

Corinne Martinez, the president of Berryessa Gap Vineyards and owner of two downtown business locations, said that having lived near a dispensary in Seattle years ago, she was concerned about the customers a cannabis company could attract.

“The people outside are not people I want (...) near my businesses,” Martinez said.

“There are real issues and concerns with these types of businesses and what they bring to a community.

I don’t think it adds to the charm of Winters, and I don’t think it’s going to bring in the kind of revenue you think it is. We have a reputation in the region and I would like to see this council protect that.”

Resident Jim Hyer shared a similar opinion and said that if passed, he hopes to gather the support to put the issue of cannabis on the ballot in

Musk.

Elon

Ron Lanza, with Wooden Valley Winery in the Suisun Valley, called the news “concerning.”

“It is very, very important to the growers that we have pieces of equipment or whatever (researchers) come up with to detect ... the level of exposure the grapes have had,” Lanza said.

He said his family’s vineyards have only had “smoke taint” once, that in 2008, but it is an issue that the California Association of Winegrape Growers discuss more and more frequently.

Lanza sits on the association board.

Lanza said growers need to have early detection of whether the grapes have been exposed or risk losing entire crops when the wineries reject the crops. He said that is particularly import-

the fall for the public to vote on.

However, two pre-submitted public comments from Winters residents disagreed, including one who shared that medicinal cannabis was able to help her husband’s quality of life significantly during his six-year cancer treatment.

At the previous January meeting, the council requested that staff reach out to nearby police departments in cities with dispensaries to inquire about increased crime. During the Feb. 18 meeting, Winters Police Chief John P. Miller reported on the answers he received from the Davis and Dixon police chiefs — Todd Henry and Rob Thompson, respectively — to five questions that were given to him by city staff.

Chief Henry reported “no notable increases” in crime either in the city at large or specifically around the dispensary since it opened, and added that although they’ve

ant during crop years like this one when there is a glut of fruit and wineries could use smoke taint as an excuse for not buying the crop even if it has not been exposed.

“Every one of (the winery) contracts have smoke exposure clauses now,” Lanza said.

Moreover, growers need to be able to prove when the grapes have been exposed or risk crop insurers rejecting their claims due to the lack of proof.

“It’s absolutely concerning,” Lanza said.

The wine grape crop in 2023, the fifth largest commodity in the Solano County, had a gross production value of $35.04 million, the annual Crop & Livestock Report states.

“When wildfires rip through our communities, smoke exposure

had some burglaries, they haven’t been more common than those of other businesses. He also said that the dispensary does add more workload to the police department, but said that they did not hire any additional staff as a result, instead assigning the security job to take up onethird of one police detective’s workload. So far as whether their security measures have been shown to work, Millers relayed that Henry said, “Although nothing is foolproof, they definitely mitigate risk.”

Chief Thompson said that Dixon also has not seen an increase in crime, and cited the city’s especially strict security measures. They have not added additional staff as a result of the dispensary and did not report a significantly increased police force workload. He also responded to a question about any additional positives or negatives of the retailer.

“This is a polit-

can destroy millions of dollars of grapes. That’s why I lead a bipartisan group of members every year to secure federal research funds at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service to fund smoke exposure research,” Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, said in a statement. “A better understanding and faster detection process for identifying grapes exposed to smoke is critical for growers’ ability to limit their losses after a fire.”

Thompson blasted “unelected billionaire Elon Musk” for ordering the Department of Agriculture to fire two smoke exposure researchers at UC Davis, stating the action wastes a decade of research and “leaving the largest wine-producing region without anyone to continue this im-

ical question that deserves a political answer,” Miller read from Henry’s written response which he slightly paraphrased during his report. “We have (dispensaries), so we’ll deal with them and reduce risk to community members and patrons of the business itself. It’s a lawful business legally allowed to operate in California, and thus my duties allow said legal business to operate in an environment that stays as safe as I can reasonably make it.”

Contracted City Planner David Storer reminded the councilmembers that the ordinance they were considering lays out strict regulations, and includes a variety of infractions that could result in rescinding an approved permit for a dispensary, should it be necessary.

Could a dispensary succeed in Winters?

Despite some mitigation of security concerns, some councilmembers were doubtful that it would even be profitable for

portant research.”

“In firing the only two smoke exposure researchers in our region, Elon Musk and his Republican enablers are not only throwing out a decade of research progress, they are making it harder for our agriculture producers to recover after wildfires strike. The only waste, fraud and abuse here is that losing this research is a waste. Musk is a government efficiency fraud, and our growers are being abused by this non-transparent process to cripple critical federal services,” Thompson said.

The Winegrape Growers association also lashed out not only against the UC Davis research cuts, but cuts in other areas, too.

“This has been a huge hit for us,” said Natalie Collins, pres-

a cannabis retailer to set up a business in Winters at this time, especially given the high costs of proper security that would be required by the ordinance.

Jim Inglebright, the owner of The Bright Spot dispensary in Fairfield, attended the meeting and chimed in with similar doubts.

“I don’t see anywhere in the city that could support a dispensary based on the map,” Inglebright said. “You have to be pretty good at your job to be profitable in this industry — I’m a dispensary owner and I want to grow, but I don’t know that it works here right now. Maybe it will in the future.”

Biasi, who has expressed a lack of support for cannabis in the City on several occasions, was similarly doubtful about retailers being interested in or successful at setting up shop in Winters.

“I think we’re spinning our wheels and wasting time and mon-

ident of the California Association of Winegrape Growers.

“Firing is happening across all spheres. For (Agriculture Research Service), many scientists ‘probationary period’ was three years, and probationary employees do not have the same protections as tenured employees.”

Alisa Jacobson, cochair of the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force subcommittee on research, echoed Collins’ dismay.

“The WC smoke exposure task force worked really closely with some of the scientists that were laid off. These were some of the smartest and brightest people out there working diligently to help support agriculture and the wine industry. It’s a major setback to the work we’ve been doing,” Jacobson said.

ey with this discussion,” Biasi said. Storer noted that two dispensary representatives, Inglebright and Sanchez, had attended the meeting, demonstrating some level of interest by retailers, despite uncertainties.

“I’m sure there are others who have been watching this process,” Storer said. However, he also reminded the council that they were under no obligation to adopt the ordinance, quelling previous concerns that voting no on cannabis retail would result in the recall of already-spent funds from a State Department of Cannabis Control grant that has so far paid for staff time in exploring the possibility of a retailer. That said, a related inquiry to the DCC at the direction of the council confirmed that they cannot use the remaining grand funds to explore non-retail cannabis business options, such as cultivation or manufacturing.

Reservation Recommended

ZONES

Higher

Thursdays

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

Saturday, March 1

WFoL Tree Sale, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Parking lot at Railroad Avenue and Edwards Street

Tuesday, March 4

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

Wednesday, March 5

Winters Youth Day Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance)

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 Events

Thursday, March 6

Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://bit.ly/4fwmfHK or www.wintersjusd.org

Friday, March 7

Life Skills Capstone Basketball Game, 6–8 p.m., WHS Gymnasium

Library Services

Winters Library Public Hours (School in Session),

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Older Adult Programs

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

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

Ongoing

View the Winters community events calendar at https://bit.ly/WintersCommunityEvents

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

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

Winters Spiritual Living Circle, last Wednesday at 5 p.m., 212 Grant Ave., Sign up at traycee@outlook.com, call 760-688-6302, or just drop in.

Rotary Club of Winters meeting, Thursdays, Noon, The Buckhorn Winters Museum public hours Thursday thru Sunday, 1-5 p.m., 13 Russell St., historicalsocietyofwinters.org

Winters Open Mic, third Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Winters Opera House (13 Main St.).

Metaphysical Book Club, third Friday at 5 p.m., 212 Grant Ave., Sign up at dixiesbookclub@gmail.com, call 530-212-5026 or just drop in.

12-Step Bonfire meeting, third Friday, 6:30 p.m. fellowship, 7 p.m. meeting, LuNita Ranch, 8189 Olive School Ln, Winters, Bring a camp chair.

Kiwanis Club of Winters meeting, fourth Wednesday, 6 p.m., Turkovich Family Wines - Boss Lounge, kiwanisclubofwinters@gmail.com

Democracy Winters meeting, third Saturdays, 10 a.m.Noon, Meeting details in newsletter, contact info@ democracywinters.org Dance Fitness, - first/third Sundays February thru July, 8 to 9 a.m., Winters Community Library. No registration required.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings:

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

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

Heart warrior shares her story

By Abigail Hofland Express correspondent

In her eight years of life,

Charlotte Halley has had much the occasion to be brave.

Through her involvement with beauty pageants, she has delivered remarks on stage and won the title of Young Miss Solano. In cheerleading, she has repeatedly flown through the air and been caught by her team. But the scars on her chest tell the bravest story of all — one of three heart surgeries before Charlotte turned 7 years old.

During a weekday interview at her home, the heart warrior hopped off her couch and lifted her shirt to point out the marks one by one: a primary center incision flanked by circular scars where tubes had been inserted. Then she noticed a horizontal scar beneath.

“I never saw that one,” Charlotte said to her mom, who explained it was from her pacemaker as a baby.

Nicole Jordan learned of Charlotte’s heart condition during her pregnancy.

“I was told my baby was going to die,” Jordan said. “I went into this with, ‘I’m not coming home with a newborn.’”

But thanks to careful research, planning and a skilled medical team, baby Charlotte arrived safely on May 2, 2016. She had open heart surgery at 4 days old, another operation at 7 months, and a third at age 6.

The most recent surgery was “kind of scary and very sleepy,” Charlotte said, clarifying that the sleepy experience was on account of the long car ride to UCSF, not so much the effects of general anesthesia.

About the surgery itself, “I was happy I got to have lots of toys and my Mom and Dad with me,” she said.

Prior to surgery, Charlotte had been prepped with five

Poison

small boxes of toys: one for each day she would spend in the hospital. Since hospital bed trays are not suited to kids’ height, she swapped out hers for a kids’ lap tray. With this lower set-up, Charlotte enjoyed puzzles, bubbles, pinwheels and coloring books.

“I also ate lots and lots of ice cream,” she said.

Her experience in the hospital stuck with her. She remembers a patient’s ever-present alternative to toys — screen time.

“I was so bored watching TV,” Charlotte sighed. “(You know) when you just watch TV

all day and you feel like you want to fall asleep but you really want to play?”

Determined to help other pediatric heart patients avoid a similar fate, Charlotte picked out over 75 toys that pair well with hospital settings and kicked off a virtual toy drive for the purpose of sharing them with kids at UCSF’s cardiac intensive care unit.

Charlotte gave her friend and fellow heart warrior Melissa Valentina Diaz a hospital gown for her second surgery. Mom Rosa Angelica Diaz remembers the impact of that

dart frogs featured at Bohart open house

By Kathy Keatley Garvey

Special to the Express

Live poison dart frogs will be featured at the Bohart Museum of Entomology open house, themed “Venomous vs. Poisonous,” on Sunday, March 2.

The event, free and family-friendly, will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in Room 1124 of the Academic Surge Building, 455 Crocker Lane, and in the hallway.

Neurobiologist and behaviorist Eva Fischer, who joined the UC Davis faculty in 2024 as an assistant professor of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, “will be at the Bohart Museum open house with her poison dart frogs,” announced Tabatha Yang, the Bohart Museum’s education and outreach coordinator. The frogs derive their poisons from a diet of insects, which include ants, mites and termites.

“In addition to being brightly colored and toxic, these frogs are amazing parents, which is what we mostly study about them,” Fischer said. “They are also non-toxic in the lab because they get their toxins from their diet.”

Poison dart frogs belong to the family Dendrobatidae which are native to tropical Central and South America. They are known for their bright coloration and toxicity.

Fischer, who has researched frogs for 10 years, grew up in Colorado. “I moved around the country and the world before

settling in Davis last summer,” she said.

“I’m a neurobiologist and behaviorist by training and came to them because of their many cool behaviors rather than having been a frog lover from a young age. That said, I’ve certainly fallen in love with them now. I’ve gotten to see some of the species in the wild in Central and South America, which was amazing.”

Fischer holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and French (2007) from the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, and a doctorate in zoology (2015) from Colorado State University. She was a National Science Postdoctoral Fellow (2015-2017) at the Center for Systems Biology, Harvard, and a postdoctoral fellow (2017-2020) in the Department of Biology, Stanford University.

Yang said the open house will focus on “the difference between venomous animals and poisonous animals that are arthropods. Monarchs will be featured as they are famously poisonous, but we are excited to share lesser-known animals like Asilid flies or assassin/robber flies, which have venom glands to subdue their insect prey.”

“For fun,” Yang said, “we encourage people to come dressed in their favorite aposematic or warning colors--think yellows, reds and oranges contrasted with blacks or dark browns like black widows, yellowjacket wasps, or monarch butterflies.”

A family arts-andcrafts activity is also planned. Parking is free.

The Bohart Museum, founded in 1946, hous-

es a global collection of eight million insect specimens, plus a live petting zoo comprised of Madagascar hissing cockroaches, stick insects, tarantulas and more. The Bohart gift shop is stocked with T-shirts, hoodies, books, posters, toy stuffed animals, jewelry and insect collecting equipment. Director of the Bohart Museum is Professor Jason Bond, the Evert and Marion Schlinger Endowed Chair in the Department of Entomology and Nematology, and associate dean, UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He is president-elect of the American Arachnological Society. For more information, contact the Bohart Museum at https://bohart.ucdavis.edu or bmuseum@ ucdavis.edu.

Courtesy photo Charlotte Halley and her mother Nicole Jordan are raising awareness and funds for congenital heart defects patients and research.

Eva Fischer/Courtesy photo

Poison dart frogs are found in the wild in Central and South America.

See HEART, Page 6

Elevated mortgage rates drag down January

retreated in

as the effects of

interest rates depressed housing demand to the lowest level in more than a

the California Association of Realtors said today. Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 254,110 in January, according to information collected by CAR. from more than 90 local realtors associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2025 if sales main-

tained the January pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

January’s sales pace fell from the 282,490 homes sold in December and was down 1.9 percent from a year ago when a revised 259,160 homes were sold on an annualized basis. The January sales level was the lowest in 13 months, and the double-digit month-to-month sales decline was the biggest decrease in 30 months. The yearover-year decline was the first in eight months.

Mortgage rates have been trending downward in the past four weeks since reaching their recent peak, which should help improve home sales moving forward. How-

ever, closed sales will likely remain soft in February and March, particularly since the aftermath of the Los Angeles area wildfires will continue to slow market activity in Southern California over the next few months.

The market has been extremely fluid since the wildfires began in the first week of January. Closed sales in the six primary cities affected by the fires (Altadena, La Canada Flintridge, Malibu, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and Topanga) had dropped considerably from nearly 15 per week in the weeks ending Jan. 4 and Jan. 11, to just five over the last two weeks of the month. That represents a nearly 70 percent cumulative decline in weekly sales volume from the

start of January. Winter is typically a slow time for the housing market in general, but this compares with sales that were up 2 percent cumulatively over the second half of January in the rest of the state (i.e., excluding Los Angeles County). With mortgage rates remaining elevated and the negative impact of the fires likely to have an effect in Southern California in the next few months, pending sales could remain soft in the first quarter of 2025. “Home sales slowed last month, impacted by high mortgage rates and the devastating wildfires in Southern California,” said CAR President Heather Ozur, a Palm Springs realtor. “While sales are expected to remain soft this month

and next, it is encouraging to see an uptick in new listings as the market gears up for the spring homebuying season. The improvement in supply conditions will offer buyers more options to choose from and allow some demand to be fulfilled as competition heats up in coming months.”

The January statewide median price decreased from December but continued to climb on a yearover-year basis for the 19th straight month.

a change in the mix of sales. Home prices could moderate further in February but should begin to climb in March as the market gears up for the upcoming spring homebuying season.

“After dipping for the first time in a year in December 2024, new active listings at the state level rebounded with the fastest year-over-year growth in nearly four years. While the number of newly listed properties is still below early 2020’s pre-pandemic levels, last month’s total marked a five-year high for January,” said CAR Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine.

The January median price declined 2.6 percent from $861,020 in December to $838,850 in January and was up 6.3 percent from a revised $789,480 in January 2024. The acceleration in price growth is an indication that further price gain could still be observed in the coming months. The modest January price slip was due partly to seasonality and partly to

“With mortgage rates remaining elevated since late 2022, many homeowners are coming to terms with the fact that 3 percent rates aren’t returning anytime soon. As a result, more sellers are deciding to list their homes on the market.”

Express Yourself

These are the best of times

Don’t you love it when someone tells you “This time it is different.”

History does repeat itself, and with President Trump, it just moves at a little faster pace. It is no secret that I’m not a fan of our president, but I do like that someone is finally trying to do something about the national debt, that my grandchildren will have to pay back. When I was younger, I collected pennies and would get excited when I found a wheat penny, 1909–1958. Our father would try and get us all to collect stuff and would give us proof sets for Christmas and Indian Head pennies, 1859–1909, in our stockings. I have a box with miscellaneous coins on a top shelf somewhere in my office.

A few years ago I took some of the silver coins, before 1964, and the proof sets to a coin dealer. I was surprised at the value of the silver coins and the lack of interest in the proof sets, but they are now in someone else’s bottom drawer.

President Trump has ordered the U.S.

“No

one should be arguing that there isn’t waste and mismanagement in government, but there is an argument that you don’t need to hit things with a hatchet when you could be using a sharp pencil.”

mint to stop making pennies and is trying to lay off thousands of government employees to save money.

No one should be arguing that there isn’t waste and mismanagement in government, but there is an argument that you don’t need to hit things with a hatchet when you could be using a sharp pencil.

See QUICK, Page 4

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),

People are not mind readers, Aries. If you want others to know how you are feeling, you are going to have to give them some sort of indication this week.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),

You may discover that you enjoy a great deal of support from other people right now, Taurus. This includes those who you didn’t realize are on your side.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21),

Even though it can be challenging at certain times, try to see the positives in every situation, Gemini. This may make it easier to overlook some of their faults.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22),

Try to stretch beyond your comfort zone and limits this week, Cancer. This likely will involve meeting new people and asking a lot of questions along the way. You will develop and grow.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23), Leo, this is a great time to communicate with friends and socialize. Put aside any worries and engage in lighthearted activities that will enable you to laugh and smile.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22), The more peaceful and understanding you are this week, Virgo, the more you will get along with the other people in your life. Be the diplomat instead of a warrior this time around.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23),

Libra, this is a good week for cleaning up your space and devising a better organizational system at work. You might be so good at cleaning up that you forget where you put things.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22),

Scorpio, do not feel like you have to change your personality to fit certain situations this week. Just be yourself. Those who want to be around you will naturally gravitate to you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21),

A great deal of information is available if you simply request it, Sagittarius. Word your request in a way that guarantees cooperation from others.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20),

Capricorn, you are so focused on a personal project that you may completely forget about the needs of others. Make a change this week to be more receptive to others’ needs.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), Aquarius, take a look at the bigger picture to identify what you will need for the next few months. Then discuss your ideas with others to see if what you have planned is plausible.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), Your good mood will be elevated for much of the week, Pisces. Don’t fret about a little hiccup along the way. You will bounce back quickly with a smile on your face.

Express Yourself

MELANIE ELLISON

Tree sale supports library There’s nothing like picking and eating fresh, tree-ripened fruit. Here’s the perfect event to make that dream come true. The Winters Friends of the Library is holding its annual Fruit Tree Sale (rain or shine) on Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m. till sold out, at the parking lot on Railroad Avenue between Baker and Edwards Streets. WFoL members can enter the sale at 8:30. Not a member and wish you were? A membership table will be set up at the entrance so you can join on the spot and gain early entry. Featured this year are bare-root fruit trees grown by a premier nursery from the region. Sierra Gold Nurseries of Yuba City has donated the trees, which will be on sale for $20 each. There is a limit of 10 trees per customer. Master Gardeners will be on hand to explain techniques for pruning and planting the trees. Trees include almond, apple, cherry, apricot, peach, nectarine, plum, pluot and olive. This

year we are also featuring citrus, including orange, and mandarin for $30 each, and blackberry and blueberry bushes for $10 each.

To find a more extensive and detailed list of available trees, go to the Winters Friends of the Library website at wfol.org.

Proceeds from the sale of these trees will be used to expand library collections and programs.

LINDA SPRINGER

Winters Friends oF the Library

The h’arts are back

Due to inclement weather, we moved the hearts into businesses in town.

Please visit these businesses to view the h’arts that tell what students of the community love about Winters and what they would love to see in the future in the community: La Mexicana Tienda, Oceans, Putah Creek Cafe, L’Apéro les Trois, The Fine Eye, Ireland Insurance, Belle’s Boutique, Berryessa Gap, Elevate, The Blue Oak and First Northern Bank. These businesses collabo-

Letters Policy

The Winters Express encourages readers to submit letters of general interest to the Winters community. Letters contribute to community discussion. Express Letters to the Editor guidelines:

Letters should not exceed 350 words. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. Non-local names will be edited out. “Thank you” notices containing non-local individuals or businesses must be published as paid advertising to: ads@wintersexpress.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity or clarity, or to reject any letter. Submit letter online at https://tinyurl.com/ syzevywd or visit wintersexpress.com.

Legals

rated with the Winters Rotary, the Winters Joint Unified School District and the Winters Participation Gallery to create this exhibit. The message of LOVE remains on the brick wall where the hearts have been the past two years and reminds us, as do the hearts, of the daily blessings our community brings us.

VALERIE WHITWORTH

Winters

E-Waste Drive March 15

Winters Middle School’s 6th-grade Environmental Education class is hosting an Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Drive on Saturday, March 15 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Winters Middle School Parking lot (425 Anderson Ave.). Drop off your used, broken, not working electronics for free and we will recycle it for you!

Acceptable items include TVs, cell phones, tablets, computers, printers, projectors, hard drives, DVD players, stereo equipment, and power cords. All batteries and ink cartridges must be removed prior to drop-off.

View this link for a complete list of acceptable items: https://bit.ly/ 4i7HCAy.

WMs environMentaL education teacher

Bring plush toy donations to library

The Winters Community Library is looking for donations of clean, gently used stuffed animals for an upcoming community program. If you have any plush animals to donate, please bring them to the front circulation desk at the Winters Community Library. We can accept donations of stuffed animals until March 10.

ASHLEIGH TORRES

Winters coMMunity Library

branch supervisor

Winters Chinese laborer history

Thank you to the Winters Museum for doing the Japanese section in your museum covering the issues they faced. I love the Winters Museum and the people working or volunteering are amazing.

However, I did notice, around May 2024, there was no mention of the Chinese whom were laborers and then went away and the Japanese took over as most of the labor in the late 1880’s and mentioned the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Most or much of the labor at the time in the late 1800s was Chinese but they went away.

Overview message — The reason for this is the Act made it a “fine” and created a consequence of hiring the Chinese that the farmers had to pay, not just that the Chinese had to carry paperwork. The Act created an intentional fear to hire or keep them employed. The Japanese then came more into the state and were hired as laborers. What is important is to include the message above and create space for it. I have found material in the Winters Library, and in Chinese Historical groups in Vacaville with information on that as well. I would have to look for that and books are still there up against the wall of the office on the side of the book sections. One book or the information I had from Vacaville had details about Winters and how one person was quoted about the change out. Having grown up not far from Winters it would be lovely to see this history included in the Museum.

REBECCA WU appLegate, caLiFornia

Celebrating the big, little efforts of staff

By Lisa Dennis Special to

the Express

Employee recognition is a crucial factor in fostering a positive and productive workplace. It creates a culture of appreciation, where employees feel encouraged to perform at their best. Additionally, employee recognition strengthens team relationships and promotes a

Diverse Perspectives

sense of belonging. It’s no secret that Winters Joint Unified School District has the best staff around. We have dedicated individuals across all departments and specialties who take tremendous pride in the work they do. This column will allow us to recognize and celebrate the big things, little things, and all the things in between that our staff do in service to students. Because so much goes on every day across the district, I asked staff to recognize their colleagues via a form that is open to all staff and the questions in the form include the following:

• Why do you want to recognize this person?

• How did they contribute to the achievement of one of our board priorities?

1. Create safe, welcoming and inclusive environments

2. Improve student engagement and access

3. Improve supports for academic and

We do live in interesting times, just like our grandparents did and their grandparents before them. I think all of the head-banging, protesting and lawsuits will be good for newspapers. It is like watching NASCAR, waiting for the next wreck.

I don’t know if our

graduate profile outcomes 4. Organizational operations

So far, we’ve had 32 submissions across the district. Our first classified employee recognition in January is Lili Arredondo Amy Sartin and Chris Marcoux shared the following: Ms. Lili is everything we look for in someone supporting our students. She is positive, energetic, and truly spends the time getting to know each of her students. She understands their unique needs and is always willing to do whatever is necessary to make the curriculum accessible to them. Ms. Lili is always willing to drop what she is doing to lend a hand to her colleagues or other students, especially if she notices someone is having a hard time. I cannot say enough about how thankful I am for her.

Lili is an integral part of Waggoner’s Special Education team! Whether it is helping students with their classwork or

attention span will keep us watching for four more years, but it should be exciting to see how far President Trump can push presidential powers. It isn’t his fault that Congress can’t stop spending money that we don’t have. It doesn’t seem to matter which political party is in charge, they just keep passing new spending bills with no one ever asking where will the money come

jumping into a game at recess, Lili is always willing to do what is needed for students to be successful. Lili can also be found helping out at the Waggoner office in the mornings and filling in for someone in an Expanded Learning classroom in the afternoons. We are so appreciative of all that Lili does for Waggoner. Lili works closely with students requiring specialized support in her role as a Special Education Instructional Assistant. Among Waggoner’s staff, Lili is known for her kind, patient manner and ability to connect with students. The relationships she builds with students allows her to help students realize their full academic potential each day.

Lili truly contributes to each of the board’s priorities, but most of all Priority 1: creating safe, welcoming, inclusive environments. She makes sure that she sets up learning in a way that is inclusive of her students with unique

from. If you bring up fiscal responsibility, both parties get an F. I wish him luck in cutting back government spending, but I do hope that he is just making a big splash so that he can negotiate something more reasonable down the road. He has brought in Elon Musk, one of the richest men on Earth, to help him slash government spending. Musk has experience with laying off thousands of people whenever he buys a new company, like Twitter, now known as X. He built a car company, Tesla, from nothing, and now you can’t drive a mile without seeing one of his electric cars cruising down the road.

The real question is how long will President Trump and Elon Musk get along before their egos collide? Hold on to your hat and enjoy the ride.

Express Yourself

Amid such peaceful pursuits, the war goes on

This is one of a series of letters my uncle Russell Fox Taylor sent home to his wife, Lilla, from the battlefields in France, Belgium and Germany.

After crossing the Roer River on March 2, the “Lucky 38th” Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron was on the move and engaged in daily combat in pursuit of the retreating German Army.

March 10-13 After Action Report entry:

“Following the capture of Altenahr, Germany, the squadron, under secret orders moved a road distance of 406 miles to Marmoutier, France, where we temporarily were attached to VICorps of the 7th Army.

On the first day of the march, 253 miles were covered and the squadron closed at Verdon, France 2400A, bivouacking in woods 6 miles northeast of the city. The second Day of the march (drive) covered 150 miles, and the squadron closed at Marmoutier at 1800A. Each troop was as-

signed a neighboring village for billeting purposes. (Russell’s Troop C was assigned to Knoersheim). This march was marked by the first taste of heavy road dust since Normandy.”

As the squadron never had direct contact with the enemy while in France in March 1945, it must have been disheartening to suffer casualties in circumstances that should have provided relief after months of harsh living in the field.

Excerpts from the March 20 AAR account: “Troop B and C had been billeted in a five-story hotel in Neiderbronn. At 1345A an explosion occurred which blew off one entire end of the building. It is believed that this was caused by a cleverly concealed time charge placed

several days previously by the retreating Germans. A quick check of the troop personnel revealed that there were some 25 men trapped under the debris and work was commenced immediately to dig them out. This work was accomplished under extremely hazardous conditions, as the debris was piled in such a manner that there was constant danger of it shifting and collapsing upon the rescue workers. In the course of one hour all but seven had been removed, given first aid on the spot and evacuated for further medical treatment. Excavation work continued and on March 30 there were still two bodies missing. The results of this tragic explosion were tabulated as 16 WIA (wounded in action), 6 KIA and 2

MIA.”

March 21-23, AAR: “Three days were spent in the same location. Troops B and C spent both days in re-equipping and re-supplying to repair the losses sustained in the explosion.”

Fortunately, Uncle Russell was not injured in the hotel explosion. However, the next, and last letter of this series of letters, will tell of events that will dramatically change Russell’s involvement in the war.

—Respectfully submitted by Gerald Taylor, Winters resident, and Shelley Frost, Russell Fox Taylor’s granddaughter Germany

March 22, 1945

Spring is in the air at last and to say that it is welcome would be putting it so mild that the term is practically non-expressive. It is a wonderful relief from the cold, snow, mud and other factors that have contributed to a miserable winter in Germany. A few warm, sunshiny days have

helped a great deal to revive some of the old spirit.

Besides being a relief from the grips of winter, spring is a lovely time of the year. The trees are budding and I’ve seen two or three beginning to blossom. There are violets in some of the fields and hyacinths in window pots. At one place I saw two long rows of lilies of the valley.

Peasants are in the fields from early to late doing their crude plowing and working in vineyards. It is surprising indeed to see them working with such primitive tools and equipment. Oxen do most of the pulling although occasionally you can see a team of horses and it is not an unusual sight to see a horse and an ox hitched side-by-side or in tandem. They even work their milk cows on the plow and for pulling wagons etc. They still sow their grain by hand, strewing it by a full weeping motion of the arm. Everyone works, young and old. Old women keep the oxen plodding

on by coaxing them with a light whip and by talking to them in a strange tongue that only they and the beasts understand.

Amid such peaceful pursuits, the war goes on. Tanks roll over the newly seeded fields and artillery shells tear great craters in the ground so laboriously smoothed and leveled. The peasants look on in dumb despair and stubbornly begin to repair the damage. It avails them naught to complain. This is their burden. Their ancestors carried the same cross and they must expect to do likewise, using the same tools to rebuild their land and homes, hacking with crude implements, fighting a war, struggling with nature, and praying that their efforts may eke out some kind of existence. I don’t believe they have the remotest hope for a lasting peace. They and their ancestors have never known freedom. I am grateful indeed that my loved ones have never tasted of such a bitter cup. Nor shall they.

—Russell

Grant Avenue: Frogger by another name

By Richard Casavecchia Special to the Express

We need a crosswalk from Morgan Street at Round Table, crossing Grant to Town and Country, but CalTrans does not believe it is necessary.

When faced with environments that are designed for fast driving and no pedestrians, people are going to drive fast and not look for pedestrians.

In April I attended the Strong Towns conference in Cincinnati. Every session was useful and informative. I regret I couldn’t convince the entire council to attend so we as a city could collectively absorb the information from every session offered (multiple sessions of 5 simultaneous talks).

Tactical urbanism wasn’t the most informative of the sessions I attended but it was interesting.

We need a crosswalk at Morgan St. from Round Table to Town and Country for the seniors and other nearby residents who routinely take their lives in their hands and play Frogger to cross Highway 128.

I sketched a crosswalk design that two groups who are experts in crosswalk design (one of which is CalTrans) have reviewed

Continued from Page 4

needs, whether that be creating visuals so they can understand instructions better, or breaking down assignments into small, manageable steps. She makes sure to get to know all the students in her classrooms, greeting each of them by name and getting to know their interests. She helps maintain student and staff safety by maintaining her CPI certification, and often requesting feedback and training so she can improve her own skill set. Thank you for all you do Lili.

The first certificated employee we recognized in January is Courtney Mognis. Ms. Mognis was recog-

and found to be sound. I tried to go through official channels but CalTrans has determined the marked crosswalk is not warranted, at this time.

Their two-day study found that no more than five people cross at that location an hour. Their standard is 20 people an hour for a crosswalk.

This is unacceptable.

However, CalTrans has indicated that once the upcoming sidewalk installation on the Town and Country side of the road is completed, they might be open to a crosswalk to connect the pedestrian infrastructure if the city pays and does the work. So, the fight will go on.

A crosswalk has little impact on traffic if no one uses it. But if someone is in the crosswalk, that sign and paint may save that person’s life from a distracted driver.

CalTrans already has a pedestrian crossing sign before that intersection. But, by the bureaucratic standard, five people an hour isn’t worth laying some paint.

Cars over people. That’s what’s valued by the state standard. It is blunt but

nized by her colleague Jessica Williams.

Courtney is an invaluable part of the AVID elective team at the high school. In addition to being a wonderful teacher, I appreciate the initiative and leadership she takes within the AVID team. She consistently steps up to support the goals of our program and champions the success of our students.

true.

A new housing development will go in on 128. A new grocery store is going in across from the development. Pedestrian and vehicle traffic will increase. Someone will be injured or killed with traffic exceeding 20mph, which is the threshold above which vehicle-on-pedestrian impacts are likely to be fatal. It is HIGHWAY 128 after all. So, I’m giving my design plan to you so people can advocate for it if they are so inclined.

Tactical urbanism is a low-cost, temporary change to the built environment, usually in cities, intended to improve local neighborhoods and city gathering places. It is also called guerrilla urbanism, pop-up urbanism, D.I.Y. urbanism, planning-by-doing, and/or urban prototyping.

Per Wikipedia: Tactical urbanism is often cit-

orous curriculum. She is one of three amazing AVID 9/ 10 teachers who have worked together to create a strong AVID 9/ 10 curriculum designed to help our AVID students become college and career-ready and prepared for any opportunity they choose to pursue beyond high school. Thank you, Courtney. February staff stars

izen-led but can also be initiated by government entities. Community-led temporary installations are often intended to pressure government agencies into installing a more permanent or expensive version of the improvement.

The city of Atlanta publishes a tactical urbanism guide on their website that is a good how-to resource. Newark engaged in this practice on state highways within the city.

The crosswalk design I sketched and submitted to CalTrans would go from the corner of Morgan and Hwy 128 by Round Table, to the triangular dead space next to the right turn slip lane, then straight across to the Town and Country side of the street. This location is far safer than where people are currently crossing from driveway to driveway

where cars turn, but close enough to where people would use it (unlike the roundabout crosswalk which is too far out of the way). I envisioned some crosswalk signs like are in the street on Anderson and Niemann near the schools but CalTrans prefers their own signage.

This design creates protected rest zones for pedestrians and doesn’t impact the flow of traffic by taking any currently used road space away from the vehicles. CalTrans’ only design note was they want raised curbs protecting the safe zones similar to how we have at the roundabout at 128 and Walnut, as well as the crosswalk at Railroad and Carrion Circle. That would be the type of permanent improvement tactical urbanism intends to pressure government to install. A crosswalk in this location will eventually save someone’s life. So, hopefully this empowers someone or a group of someones to advocate for this change to our built environment. Give public comment at City Council, if CalTrans has a contact perhaps voice your support for a pedestrian crossing on Grant to them, there are numerous options. Power always lies with the people.

Courtney contributes to board priorities 1, 2, and 3. She provides a welcoming space for our incoming AVID 9 students and continued support for our AVID 10 students. She is currently piloting and organizing an AVID student shadow program in which our AVID underclassmen will shadow AVID upperclassmen to help prepare and support them in a rig-

This month, our classified employee we’d like to recognize is Jessica Guzman, associate teacher in the Expanded Learning Program. Jessica is an exceptional team member who consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence, giving 110 percent in every task she undertakes. She goes above and beyond in her inter-

actions with colleagues, parents, and students, fostering positive relationships and creating an environment of support and care. Her positivity and dedication are evident in everything she does, and she approaches every challenge with a loving and compassionate attitude. She consistently makes efforts to include every child ensuring an inclusive and supportive classroom atmosphere and this year she has proactively taken the initiative to develop a comprehensive curriculum for the TK students, aligning it seamlessly with the regular school day to provide a cohesive and enriching learning experience. They love her kindness toward the students! Jessica’s remarkable work ethic and interper-

sonal skills make her an invaluable asset to the team. The certificated employee we get to recognize is Charlotte Mehl, a fourthgrade teacher at Shirley Rominger Intermediate School. Charlotte is kind and caring. She makes learning fun and interesting. Charlotte welcomes students every morning with a personalized greeting picked by each child. In her classroom, everyone is made to feel safe, welcome, and included. She emphasizes inclusion and kindness and is very good at engaging students to strive for improvement.

Charlotte is always upbeat and smiling. She truly cares about the kids in her class. She is an awesome mentor and inspiration. STARS

Courtesy graphic

The crosswalk sketch proposal.

Sports

Warriors’ seasons end in second round of playoffs

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

The Winters High School boys and girls varsity basketball squads headed into the first round of the 2025 D4 NSCIF basketball playoffs on Feb. 18 at home.

The boys varsity team took the court first against the Oroville High School Tigers. Boys varsity head coach Jon Davis said it was “a double-overtime thriller with a packed house.”

“It was an electric game. A game none of us will forget,” Davis said. “The whole community — students, families, friends, fans, band members, cheerleaders, former coaches, alumni, teachers and more came out to support our guys, and our guys came to play.”

The Warriors won the first-round game with a final score of 67–60.

The Tigers did not go down easy and forced turnovers and grabbed multiple rebounds on the offense, but the Warriors stuck to it.

Luke Felsen had an incredible night on both sides of the ball. Felsen lead all scorers putting up 30 points and shooting 12 of 17 from the field. He made eight steals.

“He hit huge shots in big moments. However, when you roll back the tape, you’ll see his teammates setting screens and making timely passes to get him those opportunities,” Davis said.

Lane Brown made big efforts and grabbed over half of the Warriors’s rebounds which Davis said was “astronomical, along with being nearly perfect from the free throw line.”

In total, Brown had 17 rebounds and put up 13 points, shooting 7 for 9 from the free-throw line. He had four steals and made two assists.

Miles Miles played almost the whole game. Davis said he anchored their defense and played multiple positions, “boxing out their bigs to help” Brown and other teammates get rebounds.

Koa Branco made 14

simple gift.

“When Melly woke up from the surgery, after (her dad) and me, the first person she asked for was Charlotte,” Diaz said. Soon after, Halley received a video thank you message for the clothes.

Charlotte’s desire to encourage others

points and shot an impressive 83 percent from the field, including 3 for 4 from the three.

“Koa, our freshman, almost shot perfectly from the field – 5 for 6,” Davis said.

Other big contributing plays came from Anthony Matamoros Mayes who had 7 rebounds and made 4 points. Kaimani Ricketts-Mayes, a sophomore who had just been pulled up to varsity, made 2 points which served as the first field goal of the game for the Warriors.

“Everyone’s effort and intensity was incredible from start to finish,” Davis said.

The girls varsity team followed up on the home court, also against the Tigers. They also won their firstround playoff game with a final score of 50–40.

“The girls came out strong with tenacious defense and efficient offense which was too much for Oroville,” said girls varsity head coach Ivan Dodic. “Our defensive press really took the toll on Oroville and caused a lot of

walking this path stems from her own journey through those halls, which was anything but easy.

“She spent a year working on her anxiety control and what to do so she could stay calm,” Jordan said.

In a video of Charlotte getting her lines and tubes removed, she can be heard repeating, “It’s OK,

turnovers.”

The Warriors dominated in the first three quarters, taking the lead with over 20 points as they went into the fourth quarter. However, according to Dodic, they lost some gains as they experimented with different lineups and strategies.

Jordan Tucker dominated the game both in scoring and on the boards. Tucker put up 16 points and made 10 rebounds.

Second round games

Both teams traveled for their second-round playoff games.

On Feb. 20, the girls varsity team headed to Orland High School to take on the Trojans. They lost with a final score of 37 points to Orland’s 42 points.

The Warriors got behind in the first quarter 19–11, and despite playing well they were unable to catch up. Dodic said they also “missed some easy shots which were uncharacteristic of us.”

The Warriors’ defense

it’s OK, it’s OK,” as the nurses steadily encourage her. To the comment, “You are brave,” Charlotte smiled and responded firmly, “I am.”

Despite hospital bed fatigue and atrophied leg muscles, Charlotte eventually walked out of UCSF on her own two feet — and with a newly repaired heart.

On that day, she rang the signature bell that

wore on the Trojans as the game went on and held them to 2 points total in the fourth quarter.

Tucker led the team making 15 points and was followed by Reece Barbosa who put up 9 points.

“We ended our season playing as hard as we could, which was consistent with how we played all of our games this season,” Dodic said. “Reece Barbosa ended her junior season with a career-high 9 points and was absolutely tenacious on defense causing havoc for the opposing point guard. Jordan Tucker was as consistent as ever leading our team in scoring with 15 points and controlling the glass even though Orland was much bigger than us.”

On Feb. 21, the boys varsity team traveled to Redding to play University Prep in their second-round playoff game. They lost with a final score of 44 points to U-Prep’s 63 points.

“U-Prep is a very good

announces a heart warrior is headed home.

Two years out from that experience, hints of it still surface from time to time.

“Every time I go in that thing that scans you for metal at the airport,” Charlotte said, “I always go off.”

February is American Heart Month, and the duo have

basketball team. We turned it over and got down in the first half,” Davis said. In the third quarter, the boys brought their score within 8 points, but it became an uphill challenge in the fourth quarter when two of the Warriors starters fouled out.

“Our guys never stopped fighting, never complained about not getting a whistle, and kept battling until the end,” Davis said. “Nobody wins every game. Sometimes pride is not whether you win, but how you finish. I was proud of how we finished an incredible season. As Coach Wigmore always says, ‘Start to finish…’” Branco led the team making 15 points. He was followed by Felsen who put up 13 points and made four assists. Angel Ausencio contributed 6 points, followed by Brown and Mariani who each made three points and multiple rebounds.

been using it to raise awareness and funds for congenital heart defects patients and research.

Jordan and Charlotte are hosting a virtual toy drive this month to support kids with CHD. All toys purchased via the drive’s Amazon wishlist will be taken to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, where many pediat-

ric “heart warriors” undergo surgery. Any additional funds will be donated to UCSF for research.

Community members can purchase a toy through the Amazon wishlist at https:// bit.ly/HeartWarriors2025ToyDrive or donate monetarily at https://bit.ly/WintersCHDfundraiser25.

Jordan Tucker

Jordan Tucker, a Winters High School senior, is Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. Head coach Ivan Dodic said Tucker ended her stellar high school basketball career by scoring 15 points and she is “always the hardestplaying player on the court, setting a great example for the rest of her teammates.” “Jordan has had one of the best basketball careers at Winters High School and it has been an absolute privilege to coach such a talented and selfless player,” Dodic said.

ad at time of write

HEART

KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo

Mia Mariani sets up to look for teammates to receive a pass for the Warriors girls team.

KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo Luke Felsen brings the ball down the court for the Warriors.

Arts & Entertainment

A moment in time in 10 minutes

Special to the Express Drop into eight different moments over the course of 80 minutes and experience the unique cast of characters, emotions, and stories that will be on stage at the 4th annual Winters Theatre Company 10-Minute Play Festival.

The 10-Minute Festival has continued to gain popularity among the WTC community. This year the festival will feature eight 10-minute plays, without a specific theme, that will make you laugh, cry, sigh and maybe think about things in a slightly different way.

The plays that will be performed are the result of an international call to authors to submit scripts according to established criteria for exceptional 10-minute plays. This year, the board reviewed over 450 submissions from across the country and the globe, resulting in an offering of eight diverse, thoughtful, thought-provoking plays for our audience members.

These plays have been written by both new and established playwrights and they will be brought to life by a team of talented local directors, cast and crew. These pro-

ductions are for mature audiences only due to some adult situations/language.

The 2025 festival features the following selections:

“A Blast” written by Paul Smith (United Kingdom) and directed by Ana Kormos “God on the Couch” written by Dan O’Day (California) and directed by Ana Kormos

“Clipped Wings” written by Mark Edward Smith (California) and directed by

Nancy Whitcomb

“Getting It” written by Leo McElroy (California) and directed by Linda Glick

“A Polar Bear Walks Into This Bar…” written by Leo McElroy (California) and directed by Jim Hewlett

“Itsy Bitsy Spider” written by Tim Cahill (California) and directed by Jim Hewlett

“A Factually Inaccurate Conversation” written by Zachary Mark (Indiana) and directed by Linda Glick

“When the Mice

Are Away” written by Chris Smith (California) and directed by Jim Hewlett

Performances will be at the historic Winters Opera House in downtown Winters — the home of the Winters Theatre Company. Come join us on Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, March 1 for the opening weekend and on March 7-8, at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets or information, visit winterstheatrecompany.org.

Odd Fellows host Ian George Trio for Thursday Live!

Special to the Express

The Davis Odd Fellows Thursday Live! concert series welcomes The Ian George Trio on March 6.

George played at the Odd Fellows Hall last year as part of the duo Fellow Pynins. This time, he’s back with his indie-folk trio — a subtly explosive and peculiarly adventurous band of beautiful, sensitive and thrashing men. The trio delivers the sort of concert you’ll likely dance, sway, sing and laugh to. The performance teems with whimsical,

clever arrangements — interrupted by triumphant tangents — and outlandish solos grounded by George’s emotive and gauzy voice and by the simple strength of a good song.

Expect an engaging and dynamic haul of gentle and not-sogentle folk-rock adventures. The trio has one motive: ALLOW A GOOD TIME.

Atwood Magazine describes the music this way: “Ian George is a fanciful folk troubadour with a rhythmic flow and spirited vision. He’s an Amer-

ican Matt Corby; a heartwarming blend of Iron & Wine’s folk and Vampire Weekend’s frisky energy.

“George’s music is the type to which one would ascribe words like frolic and wandering, but his songs are equally intimate and emotional ... worthy of everyone’s ears, songs we can teach our children, our parents, our grandparents and ourselves.”

The Odd Fellows Hall is located at 415 Second St. in downtown Davis. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Save the date for ‘Songs In Solidarity’

Benefit for L.A. wildfire residents

Special to the Express

On April 4, Winters Open Mic and Winters Theatre Company will present “Songs In Solidarity” a benefit concert at the Winters Opera House to support the people of Los Angeles devastated by the January fires.

Doors and the bar will open at 6:30 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m.

Headlining the show are Yolo County’s own The Big Poppies – Rock ‘n Roll Powerhouse with Danceable Bops, Ballads and Psychedelic Jams. Two other local bands, Putah Creek Crawdads and Island Crew, will open the show.

Proceeds will go to the California Community Foundation, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit which is delivering critical

DMTC puts on the ritz with ‘Young Frankenstein’

Special to the Express

The Davis Musical Theatre Company has been dying to bring Mel Brooks’ comedic masterpiece, “Young Frankenstein the Musical,” to life.

“Young Frankenstein” (underwritten by Suzy Goldschmidt, in honor of David Goldschmidt), opens Friday, March 7, and plays through Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Pena Drive, No. 10, in Davis.

Come on down to the “Happiest Town” in Transylvania to witness the creation of a musical comedy classic that has been electrifying funny bones with all the hits, like “Putting on the Ritz.” Grandson of the infamous

Thursday Live! shows are donation-only, with all money going to the musicians. Donations are encouraged.

Thursday Live! is presented by the Davis Odd Fellows Music Committee with the support of KDRT radio. For more information, or to be added to the email list, contact Juelie Roggli at juelrog@gmail.com.

aid to help families, workers and small businesses including direct financial aid, legal support, mental health services, housing assistance and small business stabilization. More information will be shared on the Winters Open Mic website, wintersopenmic.org and at facebook.com/wintersopenmic.

Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania.

With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors.

Tickets and Reserved Seating are $20 for General and $18 for Students and Seniors (age 55 and up); there is a $2 facility fee added per ticket.

Tickets can be purchased online at dmtc.org or by calling 530-756-3682. Don’t miss out on your chance to have a “Supah Dupah” time at the theater.

Courtesy photo

Actors Rachel Howard Till and Aaron Love rehearse the 10-Minute Play “When the Mice Are Away” directed by Jim Hewlett.

Courtesy photo

Rob Hayes (as the Monster) is brought to life by his creator, J. Sing (as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein), in DMTC’s production of Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein.”

Salsa & Bachata Dance Fridays Salsa Dancing, Bachata Dancing at Dance Fridays, Dance Lessons @ 7:45pm / $16.74-$27.24

This Friday, Early Bird - THE BEST OF SAN FRANCISCO DANCE LESSONS, MUSIC, AND DANCE CLUB DANCING, You're invited to our Epic Salsa and Bachata and Cumbia Bash Dance Party Dance Fridays, 550 Barneveld, San Fran‐cisco. info@dancesf.com, 877398-7025

The Mainliners @ 8pm The Chapel, 777 Valencia St, San Francisco

Emo vs. Pop-Punk @ 9pm / $23.10-$160.09 Brick and Mortar Music Hall, San Francisco

NeuroFest 10th

Anniversary: A Decade of NeuroTech Innovation @ 12:30pm / Free NeuroFest, a one-day, free public event for community members of all ages, brings the exciting world of brain science to the community. UC Davis Conference Center, 550 Alumni Lane, Davis. kpcummings@ ucdavis.edu

Tantra Speed Date®Sacramento! Meet Singles Speed Dating @ 5:30pm / $45-$140 Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! Yoga Shala Sacramento, 2030 H Street, Sacramento. help@ tantrany.com

The Denim Nuns: Musiclandria @ 7pm

The Library of MusicLandria, 1219 S St, Sacramento

Tribute Saturdays Live @ Music City San Francisco @ 7pm / Free Discover new bands and unforget‐table experiences at The Music City Underground! 1355 Bush St, 1355 Bush Street, San Francisco. aprill@ musiccitysf.org

WTC presents 10-Minute Play Festival

Made in the U. S. A @ 3pm / $20-$25 MADE IN THE U.S.A. American Overture for Band Joseph Willcox Jenkins After the Rain Melvin Brito featuring the Solano Winds Woodwind Quintet Blue Shades Frank Ticheli + MORE! Va‐caville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville. director@ solanowinds.org

LBXX: Sweet Tooth: Golden Season Opener

@ 3pm The Stud, 399 9th St, San Fran‐cisco

SPOT: Scott Pemberton O Theory

@ 7pm Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe, 3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe

Inside Voices

@ 7:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco

Total Dysfunction

@ 7:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco

Dance Fitness Classes at Woodland Senior Center @ 10:15am Dance �tness Classes for Seniors Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Wood‐land. tina�tness68@gmail.com

Children's Kung Fu Classes at the Davis Arts Center

@ 3pm Tina Fitness is now offering chil‐dren's Kung Fu classes at the Davis Arts Center! Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. duanke jie68@gmail.com

Flying�sh / Rosegate Ave / Junebug

@ 7pm Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St, San Francisco

MESS in Sacramento, CA

@ 7:30pm / $15-$20 Eight short plays by eight unique playwrights all in one night. Drop into eight different moments over the course of 80 minutes and experience the unique cast of characters, emotions, and stories that will be on stage at the 4th Annual Winters Theatre Compay 10-Minute Play Festival! Winters Opera House home of the Win‐ters Theatre Company, 13 Main Street, Winters. win tersoperahouse@ gmail.com, 530-795-4014

Curling @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Grupo Recluta

@ 8pm El Rancho Restaurant, 1450 Monu‐ment Blvd, Concord

Delta Wires at The Saloon

@ 9:30pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco

Journalist Soledad O'Brien to speak at UC Davis Women & Philanthropy Event

@ 1pm / $12.50 Award-winning journalist, �lm‐maker and bestselling author Soledad O’Brien will headline an inspiring symposium on women, philanthropy and leadership on March 9 at the Mondavi Center. Mondavi Center, 523 Mrak Hall Drive, Davis

UN International Women’s Day with Advocacy and Art!

@ 2pm / Free Join the United Nations Associa‐tion of Davis in celebrating UN In‐ternational Women’s Day with an afternoon of art, advocacy, and in‐spiring stories that highlight the power of women and girls. Interna‐tional House Davis, 10 College Park, Davis. johanna@ihouse davis.org, 530-753-5007 Tantra Speed Date®Reno! (Meet Singles Speed Dating)

@ 2pm / $45-$140

BRUHMANEGOD

@ 7:30pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

�ying�sh with Rosegate Ave, and junebug

@ 8pm / $21.57 Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco

Useless Eaters @ 8pm Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St, San Francisco

Beginning + Intermediate Tai Chi @ 10am Tai chi classes for beginning and intermediate practitioners at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�t ness68@gmail.com

Davis Art Studio Tour Exhibit @ 11:30am Mar 11thApr 20th

Preview art by the Davis

Thursday Mar 13th

Delta Wires at Lucca

Immaterial

Great American Music Hall, 850 O'‐Farrell St., San Francisco

Body Balance Class @ 8:45am New �tness class for adults at the Davis Senior Center: Body Balance Davis Senior Center, 646 A Street, Davis. tina�tness68@gmail.com

Children's Gymnastics Classes at the Davis Arts Center @ 2pm Two gymnastics classes for chil‐dren offered on Wednesdays after school at the Davis Arts Center. Davis Arts Center, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�tness68@gmail.com

Jenny Kerr & Friends Acoustic Happy Hour @ 6:30pm Madrone Art Bar, 500 Divisadero St, San Francisco

The HATED 8New Material Challenge @ 7pm / $13

Professional comedians �rst establish the funny with a hilarious 10 minutes and then come back out and step up to the chal‐lenge with 8 never before seen in a club minutes. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128

Toner

@ 7pm Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento

Still Ruins @ 7pm Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento

The High Road

@ 7:30pm Blue Note Napa, 1030 Main St, Napa

Kelsey Kindall, Liv Belda, Tyler Reese @ 8pm / $22.84

Brick and Mortar Music Hall, San Francisco

Beginning + Intermediate

Tai Chi @ 10am

Irene

Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis, 27074 Patwin Road, Davis. lu annhiggs@gmail.com, 916-600-8872

Candlelight: Rings and Dragons @ 4:30pm / $32 California State Railroad Museum, 125 I St, Sacramento. fever@ eventvesta.com

2nd Friday ArtAbout at the Pence Gallery @ 6pm Explore multiple exhibits and a va‐riety of art during our free, monthly reception! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@ gmail.com, 530-758-3370

Human Body @ 8pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

DJ Dave Paul: All That 90s Party - San Francisco @ 9pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco

ALL THAT 90's PARTY @ 9pm / Free-$6.15 Neck of the Woods, San Francisco

Slushii