Council to continue cannabis retail-location discussion
By Sonora Slater Express staff writer
The Winters City Council meeting on Jan. 21 covered a variety of topics including a lengthy discussion about zoning for a potential cannabis dispensary in Winters. The council has not yet made a final decision, and decided to continue the discussion about whether a dispensary will be allowed within city limits, directing staff to work to set the regulatory groundwork surrounding where it would be allowed to go, the hours it would be allowed to operate at, what kind of security would be required and more.
The topic was previously discussed by the Winters Planning Com-
mission in October and December. The conversation was sparked largely due to a grant that the city received in 2023 from the State Department of Cannabis Control. The grant was intended to be used to reimburse the city for any work performed in establishing licensing requirements and regulations for cannabis retail businesses.
Some part of the grant has been used to reimburse the work done so far by city staff and by the planning commission in exploring the potential of allowing a cannabis retailer, but some of the grant funding is still available and could be used to offset the cost of commercial cannabis licensing, should the city decide to move
forward.
The presentation by city staff included exhaustive details about safety standards, operating standards, enforcement plans, limitations on use and more, as well as showcasing the parcel that the commission recommended the council limit a potential cannabis retailer to. This includes a couple of small parcels on the northwest side of Winters, north of Grant Avenue and close to Interstate 505.
Kate Laddish, a member of the public, said that she hopes the council will reconsider the zoning that the commission settled on to include a couple more areas and make it a little less restrictive.
See CITY, Page 5
Trustee reviews attendance gains, funding impact
Byl
Logan Chrisp Express staff writer
The Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees heard a presentation of an update on the school district’s attendance rates from last year from Parent Engagement Coordinator Humberto Jimenez at the Jan. 16 school board meeting.
Jimenez said “The Every Day Matters” campaign has been ongoing since February 2024, focusing on increasing attendance rates across the district. The campaign employs several strategies to get students in class and
decrease absenteeism: staff outreach and support, coordination of services, the school attendance review board, home visits and banners/ posters.
Jimenez broke down the attendance trends over the last year on a school-byschool basis, highlighting where the district has succeeded or fallen behind in bringing attendance to the 96 percent district-wide goal.
He explained how attendance is calculated based on each class period attended.
“This means that if a student misses one or more classes during the day, they are marked absent for each class period they miss. For high schools, attendance is often tracked in a similar way, where
students are marked absent for each individual class they miss,” Jimenez said. Waggoner Elementary School showed positive trends compared to last year. Across the same fivemonth period, the elementary school showed small improvements across the board, with a strong upward trend in the final month at 94 percent, which is 4 percent higher than the same month last year.
Shirley Rominger Intermediate School and Winters Middle School both started close to the 96-percent attendance goal at 95 percent, but both schools dipped to 94 percent by the fifth month. However, both were 3 percent higher than the previous year.
See SCHOOLS, Page 5
Water spills over the edge of Glory Hole Express staff
Peter Kilkus of Lake Berryessa News reported that as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the Lake Berryessa water level had reached 441.3 feet and water had officially spilled over the edge of the Glory Hole the evening before. “The question is no longer when it will spill, but how high will the lake get,” Kilkus said in a newsletter.
County immigration forum urges public trust in local law enforcement officers
By Sonora Slater Express staff writer
A community forum on immigration was held at the Yolo County Office of Education in Woodland on Jan. 13, bringing together police chiefs and other local law enforcement officials from throughout the county to lead a panel answering questions from the public about the timely topic.
The officers largely focused on explaining the difference between their role as local law enforcement, and border patrol officers’ roles, as set out by the California Values Act.
The law, also known as Senate Bill 54, went into effect in early 2018, and prohibits the use of local and state law enforcement resources in assisting federal immigration enforcement, given that it is neither
their jurisdiction nor responsibility. Laws on collaboration between local and federal law enforcement differ in other states.
The members of the panel included Davis Police Chief Todd Henry, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, Yolo County Sheriff Tom Lopez, West Sacramento Police Chief Robert Strange, Winters Police Sergeant Albert Ramos and Woodland Police Chief Ryan Kinnan. The conversation was centered on trust, and reassuring the community that although local law enforcement will not and cannot legally stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials from coming into Yolo County, they also, in line with SB 54, will not share publicly available information like names or addresses of community
members with ICE. In brief introductory statements, many officers on the panel echoed each other’s sentiments, but Henry put it succinctly.
“If our entire community does not trust us, we are ineffective,” Henry said. “And if people are concerned that their local law enforcement officials are going to be involved in immigration enforcement, we’re going to lose that trust.” Reisig shared a similar perspective, as well as highlighting their office’s diverse Victim Services Program.
“Our No. 1 job is to take care of victims, and I do not care what their immigration status is,” Reisig said. “Six out of seven of the staff of our Victim Services Program have See FORUM, Page 3
The hometown paper of Dawn Martinez
Sonora Slater/Winters Express
Winters Police Srg. Albert Ramos, Woodland Police Chief Ryan L. Kinnan and Yolo County Sheriff Tom Lopez speak as part of a law enforcement panel at the Yolo County Office of Education in Woodland on Jan. 13.
Cherie Felsch/Courtesy photo
Community
Putah Creek salmon numbers see decline
But Putah-hatched fish are back
By Todd R. Hansen McNaughton Media
UC Davis researchers, working with the Solano County Water Agency, counted 170 adult salmon returning this winter to spawn in Putah Creek.
Officials said the number could be as high as 200 as a number of individuals typically escape count, even with the use of a counting weir this year.
Still, the total is down from 735 in 2023.
“As you know, the salmon fishery has been closed the past two years, so it (low numbers) is a statewide thing and not just Putah Creek,” said Max Stevenson, the Putah Creek streamkeeper.
The count started in early October and continued through Dec. 18.
If recent studies hold true, Stephenson added, 5 percent to 19 percent of those returning adults will have started their lives in Putah Creek.
The evidence of a
natal-origin Chinook salmon in the creek has been described as the “holy grail” of research in the waterway, proving the existence of a “Putah Creek race” of salmon.
Researchers, collecting adult carcasses after the spawn, study the otoliths – small ear bones near the brain of the fish – to determine that origin. By sanding and polishing the bones, then placing them in a mass spectrometer, the researchers can learn where those fish were hatched and where they go.
The results have been published in a couple academic journals.
“California’s Chinook salmon populations (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) are undergoing severe and widespread population declines and extirpations, and examples of recovered or restored wild runs of salmon in California are rare,” states a thesis paper by Lauren Grace Hitt and published in 2023 by UC Davis.
“Most salmon returning to California streams are of hatchery origin and have largely replaced salmon of
natural origin. I provide a case history for the dynamics of a Chinook salmon population currently recovering in a dam-controlled stream,” the article states. “Following implementation of a functional flow regime and other restoration actions, spawning Chinook salmon returned to Lower Putah Creek, a tributary of the Sacramento River, for the first time since the waterway was dammed in 1958.”
The paper is titled “Build it and they will come: Evidence of a natal-origin Chinook salmon population reestablishing following stream restoration.”
The vast majority of salmon coming to Putah Creek are hatchery-born fish. However, in 2017, a single fish was identified with a Putah Creek-Feather River origin marker. That ignited the ongoing study to prove fish hatched in the creek are returning to the creek to spawn.
“The application of parentage-based analyses and additional otolith tracers that distinguish Putah Creek from other salmonid streams in the Central Valley, especially from
Get tips on fruit-tree care
By Denise Cottrell Special to the Express
Despite the cold weather, now is the time to plan for planting fruit trees in your garden. There are several factors to consider when selecting the “perfect” tree for your garden, including where to site it in the yard and which variety grows best in our region.
The UC Master Gardeners – Yolo will present a workshop in Winters on Feb. 22 at 11:30 a.m. on The Care and Pruning of Fruit Trees. Join UC Master Gardener, Bonnie Berman, at the Winters Community Library (708 Railroad Ave.) for this free workshop to learn information useful for every gardener with a backyard fruit tree. Fruit tree care begins with tree selection and Master Gar-
the Feather River, will be crucial to continuing the establishment of a self-sustaining Putah Creek Chinook salmon run,” states a January 2021 article in the American Fisheries Society.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Putah Creek Accord, the agreement that changed the future of Putah Creek and, quite assuredly, the survival of salmon in the waterway.
The accord was signed May 23, 2000, during a ceremony at the Putah Diversion Dam.
“They set up tables and chairs,” said Rich Marovich, the former streamkeeper for the Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee and the Solano County Water Agency said in a 2021 interview with the Daily Republic.
“It was like signing a peace treaty on the deck of a battleship and that was as close to a battleship as we had.”
Stevenson said that close to 400,000 eggs were laid during the 2023-24 spawn. How many of those juvenile survived to the ocean is unknown. Researchers
do conduct juvenile counts, too.
The streamkeeper said the work that has been done on the creek has largely been about attracting fish back to Putah Creek and providing good redd locations for the spawn.
More work, he said, needs to be done to help the juvenile get back to the ocean.
“Once they get back to the ocean, they’re OK,” Stevenson said.
One of the ways to improve those chances is to add woody debris to the creek.
“It’s a cover thing: you know, putting logs, stumps in the creek that provide cover for the juveniles,” Stevenson said.
That debris needs to be in place with some frequency, but right now, the creek can go miles without adequate cover.
The problem is, people like the aesthetics of free-flowing streams, so the tendency is to remove the debris.
“We need to put that back in so the baby salmon can get back to the ocean,” Stevenson said.
dener Berman’s talk will provide participants with an overview of the varieties of fruit trees which are best adapted to our climate and area. Knowledge of the variety of tree in your backyard is the first step to undertaking the care your tree requires. Providing the proper care for your tree will increase your harvest and propagate a tree that will grow stronger and live longer. To that end, Ms. Berman will also provide strategies and methods to control pests, in addition to instruction on the pruning of fruit trees. Don’t think about the cold, think about summer fruit and how to care for your fruit trees.
Consider this workshop preparation for the Winters Friends of the Library Annual Fruit Tree Sale
on March 1. The sale starts at 9 a.m. (8:30 a.m. for WFoL Members) with a large variety of trees for sale. What are you looking for? Sale offerings include apple, apricot, cherry, nectarine olive peach plum, and pluot. In addition, a limited supply of citrus, and berry bushes are also available. And of course, UC Master Gardeners –Yolo will be available at this annual WFoL event to answer any of your gardening questions.
The UC Master Gardeners – Yolo aids home gardeners through free publications, classes, plant sales and more. Events are open to the public at no cost. More information about the UC Master Gardeners – Yolo and scheduled events can be found online at http://yolomg.ucanr. edu or contact Jennifer Baumbach via email at jmbaumbach@ucanr.edu.
Practice for WFoL Quiz Show
Special to the Express
Trivia Newton John, the winning team in last year’s Winters of the Library Quiz show is returning this year to defend its title. NIcholas Talbott, Lilian Boisrame, Maya Wildgoose, Camille Baker and Devon Eaton are ready to challenge competitors on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Winters Opera House. Readers can register their teams and get more information at the
Winters Community Library. Two practice nights are planned for Friday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. at the Berryessa Gap Winery’s Downtown Tasting Room on Main Street. Previously used questions will be read in a fun atmosphere to give potential contestants a feel for the competition. This is a fundraiser for the Winters Friends of the Library. For more information, Call Rebecca Fridae at 530-723-0529.
Bird flu detected in backyard flock
Special to the Express Avian influenza, also known as bird flu and influenza A (H5N1), has been detected in a backyard poultry flock in Yolo County, according to the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency and the Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner.
While bird flu has been detected in wild birds in Yolo County
since 2022, this is the first detection of bird flu in poultry in the county. Since 2022, bird flu has been detected in 100 commercial flocks and 37 backyard flocks in California, affecting over 23 million birds.
All birds in the affected backyard flock have died or been euthanized, so there is no ongoing risk to other animals or humans. New birds were introduced into the flock from a source in another county days before the birds began exhibiting symptoms, making it likely that the infection was acquired elsewhere and imported into Yolo County. Yolo County Public Health is
monitoring two people exposed to the affected birds; both remain asymptomatic. For more information about bird flu in California, please visit the California Department of Public Health’s Bird Flu website and the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s) on poultry and dairy infections. CDFA is the lead agency working with poultry and livestock producers across the state to address the current outbreak. Recently, CDFA placed a ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows in order to protect the remaining unaffected herds and flocks across California.
Courtesy photo
The 2024 Winters Friends of the Library Quiz Show winning team, Trivia Newton John.
Courtesy photo
UCCE Master Gardeners – Yolo share fruit and nut tree care tips with people who purchased trees at the Winters Friends of the Library annual fruit tree sale in March.
Eventos hispanos
Ayuntamiento analiza normas y su aplicación para los vendedores de alimentos
Por Sonora Slater
Traducido por Carol Alfonso
La primera reunión del Ayuntamiento de Winters City Council del nuevo año incluyó una discusión intensa sobre una ordenanza propuesta que introduciría nuevas normas para los vendedores de alimentos en Winters, que terminó con la decisión de continuar la conversación en la reunión del 18 de Febrero una vez que se pueda reunir más información.
Parte de la complejidad de la discusión para la comisión de planificación y el consejo municipal se puede atribuir a la confusión sobre la terminología. Básicamente, existen cuatro tipos de vendedores: los que venden desde un carrito, puesto u otro medio de transporte no motorizado y se quedan en el mismo lugar para vender (como el puesto de tamales local), los que venden desde un medio de transporte no motorizado y se desplazan, deteniéndose solo para hacer una venta (como los carritos de helados locales), los que venden desde un vehículo de motor en el mismo lugar, en propiedad privada durante más de cuatro horas al día (camiones de comida) y los que venden desde un vehículo de motor mientras se desplazan por la vía pública (camiones de helados).
La resolución a la
experience in being undocumented or their parents being here illegally, so they understand.”
Henry then further contextualized SB 54, explaining that although it doesn’t prevent ICE from doing its job in enforcing the law, it limits the scale at which ICE is able to carry out operations.
propuesta original establecería dos límites: uno para ambos tipos de vendedores no motorizados, comúnmente conocidos como vendedores ambulantes, y otro para ambos tipos de vendedores ambulantes, comúnmente conocidos como vendedores de camiones de comida. Se sugirió que cada límite se estableciera en ocho, para un total de 16 vendedores de comida en la ciudad. La resolución se presentó previamente ante la comisión de planificación durante dos reuniones en Octubre y Diciembre pasado, donde discutieron un posible límite en la cantidad de vendedores ambulantes y de comida en las aceras y el establecimiento de multas administrativas por violaciones del código preexistente o para vendedores que operan sin un permiso. Después del debate, la comisión recomendó por una votación de 4 a 1 que el ayuntamiento aprobara las multas para una aplicación más efectiva del código, pero descartara el límite.
La concejal Carol Scianna dijo que estaba sorprendida de que la comisión no recomendara ningún límite. La residente Kate Laddish durante el comentario público dijo que le encantaría ver al consejo reconsiderar esa decisión, además de sugerir que consideren el mapa
también incluido en la resolución original que sugería espaciar a los vendedores permitidos en cuatro cuadrantes, para evitar aglomeraciones.
La concejal Jesse Loren compartió una larga lista de preguntas sobre la resolución, desde aclaraciones sobre la terminología, hasta por qué algunos de los vendedores ambulantes de comida que permanecen en un lugar están estacionados en propiedad pública, y si eso está permitido a pesar de no ser una categoría oficial establecida en la ordenanza, si los camiones de comida pagan impuestos de franquicia, quién está a cargo de hacer cumplir las regulaciones de los vendedores, y más. Algunas de estas preguntas se discutieron o se respondieron durante la reunión, mientras que otras se dirigieron al personal de la ciudad con la esperanza de que puedan encontrar las respuestas en las próximas semanas. Según el alcalde pro tempore Bill Biasi, técnicamente no se debería permitir el estacionamiento de vehículos de venta de alimentos en propiedades públicas a menos que tengan un permiso de uso condicional, como lo determinó previamente el consejo. Sin embargo, si bien el código establece que cualquier permiso de uso para vendedores de
alimentos estacionados en el mismo lugar durante un período de tiempo debe pasar por la comisión de planificación para su aprobación, Biasi dijo que solo recuerda que el camión de comida Buckhorn BBQ pasó por este process. Biasi dijo que la comisión de planificación pudo abordar posibles inquietudes específicas de esa ubicación, incluida la obtención de un acuerdo con el cercano Winters Market para que los clientes de Buckhorn puedan usar su baño, exigir que el lugar proporcione botes de basura para evitar tirar basura y prohibir mesas y sillas en el camión para separarlo aún más de los establecimientos de comida para sentarse. Parte de la razón por la que se le otorgó un permiso de uso condicional es también porque estaba “protegido,” ya que había estado en funcionamiento durante más tiempo que cualquiera de los otros camiones.
La asistente del abogado de la ciudad, Joanna Gin, dijo que actualmente hay siete vendedores ambulantes de comida autorizados (camiones de comida estacionados) y uno pendiente en Winters, pero hubo cierta confusión entre el consejo municipal y el personal de la ciudad sobre si ese permiso es lo mismo que un permiso de uso
condicional que permitiría a un camión operar en propiedad pública y, de ser así, por qué no se presentaron a la comisión de planificación antes de ser aprobados. “No recuerdo que se haya presentado ninguna (solicitud de permiso) para ninguno de esos otros camiones y no sé por qué daríamos permisos condicionales a los que están en propiedad pública,” dijo Biasi, después de los comentarios de que había algunos camiones que parecían estar estacionados para vender, en contra del código, en terrenos públicos.
El concejal Richard Casavecchia y el alcalde Albert Vallecillo expresaron su preocupación sobre cómo abordarían la situación, en caso de que resultara que el permiso que los vendedores de comida han adquirido no es el mismo que el permiso de uso condicional que pueden pensar que les permite operar legalmente en propiedad pública. Biasi sugirió adoptar la estrategia de trabajar con los vendedores, en caso de que esto se convierta en un problema, para informarles cómo cumplir con la normativa en lugar de simplemente cerrarles el negocio. Se ordenó al personal de la ciudad que investigara el asunto para tratar de obtener algo de claridad sobre
los detalles de la situación. Aplicación del código para vendedores de alimentos
A lo largo de la reunión, Loren enfatizó su deseo de saber más sobre el proceso de aplicación del código para vendedores de alimentos. La resolución introduce multas administrativas por infracciones como usar un altavoz u otros métodos de amplificación de sonido no permitidos para realizar ventas, proporcionar un contenedor de basura cerca, obtener un certificado de cumplimiento del departamento de salud del condado, tener mesas y sillas al lado de su lugar de venta, bloquear espacios de estacionamiento para discapacitados y una variedad de otras. Estas ya se consideran infracciones del código, pero actualmente no tienen multas establecidas para respaldar la aplicación.
Según la ordenanza propuesta, el administrador de la ciudad o un miembro del personal de la ciudad designado por el administrador de la ciudad y cualquier oficial de policía de Winters son responsables de implementar la aplicación. En cualquier caso, esto se hace a través de citaciones y, con la ordenanza propuesta, multas administrativas. Sin
it is very difficult to get information from school districts,” Strange said. “They protect your kids’ information, and that’s a good thing.”
in order to let the sheriff’s department know what may be happening in their community.
than 170 registered to attend via Zoom, where there was a Spanish translation available. Questions were pre-submitted during the registration process, and a complete recording is available on the Yolo COE’s Facebook page. Officials said that they are certainly open to another type of forum, whether it be a partnership with faith-based organizations in the community or something else, and encouraged attendees to share the information from the forum with their communities themselves. FORUM Continued from Page 1
“The reason why this law is so effective at a state level is because the federal government does not have the resources to carry out immigration enforcement at the scale that the incoming administration has promised,” Henry said. “They would need to rely on state and local law enforcement in order to do so.”
School safety, community education California is known for having a high percentage of undocumented students due to its large immigrant population. All children in the United States have the right to attend public school, regardless of their immigration status, but parents of undocumented children may fear filling out forms with their students’ information for school purposes, out of concern that it could be given to ICE during investigations. However, California schools are not allowed to collect or request information about immigration status, and they are generally prohibited from sharing student information with ICE without parental consent or a judicially reviewed court order.
“I can tell you that
After going through more than 10 pre-submitted questions, the moderator opened it up to the in-person attendees for questions they felt hadn’t been answered yet. Antonio de Loera, the Communications Director for United Farm Workers, asked whether Yolo County officials would be able to send a notification to the public or post on social media if they were given word that ICE officials had plans to be in the county. Panel members had previously specified that they hadn’t received advanced notice like this at any time in recent memory, but that it is common practice
Strange said that although he understood the intention behind the request, he did not think it was likely that anything like this could be implemented.
“We would have a very difficult time making that kind of commitment,” Strange said. “We don’t know exactly why they might be coming. What if by tipping people off, it led to something tragic?”
Another member of the public asked if, beyond the forum, they had other plans for communicating this information to members of the public. According to organizers, more than 130 people registered to attend the event in person, and more
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Gail was born in Winfield, Kansas then moved with her family to California when she was four years of age.
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of our sister Gail who passed peacefully. She was laid to rest in the Kelly family section at the Winters Cemetery in Winters, California on Jan. 31, 2025. She is preceded by her parents Edward Leroy and Cora Etta Kelly, stepmother Iva Dean Kelly, brother Jerry Gordon Kelly and stepsister Susan Carol Fulton.
Gail is survived by her brothers Rickey LeRoy, Lance Irvin, and Martin Edward Kelly, stepsister Charlotte Ann Fischer and stepbrother Jimmy Edward Hyde.
Gail attended Winters grade schools and Winters Joint Union High School, graduating in May of 1969.
Gail was a resident of Kingman, Arizona for the last 14 years of her life.
80 Years Ago
February 9, 1945
Lake Berryessa water levels up
Express staff
The water level of Lake Berryessa went up during the past week by 1.25 feet, with an increase in the storage of 23,322 acrefeet of water, according to Ken Emigh, Solano Project Technician with the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 04, he reported the lake elevation was 438.39 feet above sea level, with water storage behind the Monticello Dam computed at 1,521,024 acre-feet of water. The SID released 53 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 203 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation on the lake averaged 51 acre-feet of water per day.
We who knew and loved her will remember her charming ways and her cheerfulness. Knowing she is now with our Loving Lord, eases the pain and the void in our hearts.
We will miss Gail Lavonn!
The photo shown is Gail’s high school graduation picture.
Gail always dressed up before going out in public even to purchase groceries. Her hair always teased or combed perfectly, and her makeup exact. She wore a matching hat to her “going to the opera” style dress, coat and shoes. On more than one occasion several people would ask if Gail was a model. Gail loved walking arm-in-arm with her brothers, even though our clothing did not compare to hers.
PO Box 520, Winters, CA 95694 530-795-4551
Se habla español.
The Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to First Lieutenant James R. Barker, of Winters, for his “extraordinary achievement” in flying his crippled flakriddled B-17 back to friendly territory after an attack on Magdeburg, Germany. Barbara Jean Graf celebrated her eighth birthday last Friday, February 2, Ground Hog Day, by inviting a group of friends to a party in her home. Guests were Kay Sparks, Carol Lee Stith, Shirley Sattazahn, Bobby Islip, Elizabeth Ann Graf, Eddie Roberts, Barbara Stiles, Marbara Raper, Colleen Clayton, Johnnie Brinck, Glenda Kidder, Mary Lou Kidder, and Pearl Martin.
The Fortnightly Club will observe the annual Escort’s Night Tuesday evening, Feb. 13, in the club rooms. The hostesses are Mesdames C. H. Sackett, L. M. Ireland, W. R. Pugh and
embargo, no estaba claro quién está haciendo este trabajo en la práctica, con qué rigor se aplican actualmente las regulaciones y cómo se rastrean las infracciones. Esto se debe en parte a la ausencia del administrador de la ciudad, Jeremy Craig, quien puede tener un conocimiento más claro de cómo se ha desarrollado la
L. A. Thompson. G. A. Moore closed his shop Tuesday, for a day’s outing with his furloughed son, Lt. J. Foss Moore. They visited Sheriff Joe Moore, and other relatives and friends in Napa and Monticello. Mrs. Jennie Rice received a telegram Tuesday from the War Department that her son, Capt. James Rice, had been wounded in action in Belgium.
Mr. and Mrs. Pat Mahoney have learned from the War Department that their son, Corporal Frank Mahoney is in the hospital in England where he is recovering from shrapnel wounds in his left leg and foot.
45 Years Ago
February 7, 1980
Four volunteer fire-
aplicación del código recientemente, ya que actualmente se está recuperando de un procedimiento médico.
Loren le pidió al personal de la ciudad que hiciera una visualización del proceso de aplicación del código de principio a fin para ayudar a aclarar las cosas, y solicitó más información con el objetivo de poder dirigir las inquietudes sobre posibles violaciones al lugar adecuado y garantizar
men were honored by the Winters Fire Department last Saturday night. The four retired with a total number of years served of 149. J.R. Chapman with 40 years (19391979), Claude Meyer with 43 years (1932-75), Glenn Kidder with 37 years, and George Chapman with 29 years (1950-1979). The men received plaques and a certificate of appreciation. Richard Rominger, head of the State Department of Food and Agriculture, was in Washington, D.C. on Sunday and Monday conferring with the Environmental Protection Agency people there.
Mr. and Mrs. Newton Wallace and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lindeman were part of a group of people who went to Mendocino
que se cumpla con la aplicación en relación con algunas de las inquietudes de salud y seguridad pública expresadas por algunos miembros del consejo y el público. También solicitó que los vendedores de alimentos muestren su certificado del departamento de salud del condado o que los vendedores con certificados se incluyan en el sitio web de la ciudad. El personal de la ciudad tomó nota de los comentarios del consejo para investigar las preguntas y las inquietudes que tenían para responderlas en una reunión future.
Conclusiones
“Aún me gustaría
last weekend to watch the migration of the gray whales down the coast.
The Alberto Ramos family, including Alberto Sr., Melecia, Annette and Alberto Jr., returned to Winters after vacationing in Argentina for a month, visiting sites of interest and getting re-acquainted with Alberto’s family. After spending a few days in Uruguay awaiting visas to Argentina, the family went to Salta, Argentina, where Alberto Sr.’s three brothers and mother live, along with numerous in-laws and cousins. William Edward Cody, a sophomore in business administration and accounting at California State University, Chico, was named to the dean’s honor list for the fall semester, 1979.
ver un límite,” dijo Vallecillo, “pero hay mucha información que no tenemos y que necesitamos tomar algún tipo de decisión al respecto.” Loren expresó una inclinación similar. El consejo decidió por unanimidad continuar su discusión en la reunión del 18 de Febrero, una vez que el personal de la ciudad tenga tiempo para abordar algunas de sus preguntas, brindarles más información sobre la aplicación del código, investigar las posibles fallas en el proceso de adquisición de permisos de uso condicional y aclarar la terminología.
Gail Lavonn Kelly-Custer
Courtesy photo
Picked by Charley Wallace File photo
The 1978 Little League All-Stars are pictured after their presentation at the family picnic and awards program at City Park. Coach John Martin and manager James Baylor are in the background; standing, left to right, Eric Lucero, Armando Hernandez, Jerry Alarcon, Richard Thomas, Angel Corralejo, Gus Leal, Carlos Gonzales, John Graham and Javier Orozco; kneeling, Hector Montenegro, Richard Bishop, John Ramos, Richarrd Harris and Deanne Bauslaugh; not pictured, Scott Petersen, Don Garcia, Danny Allenbaugh and Richardo Rodriguez.
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Winters High School
saw the lowest attendance rates district-wide, hovering close to 96 percent throughout the year, while the Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy saw a 21-percent drop in attendance compared to last year, with a month-five attendance rate of 61 percent. With a small student population of 22, a single absence can significantly impact attendance percentages at Wolfskill CRA.
Jimenez highlighted ongoing efforts, including one-on-one family meetings, new mental-health supports, and Comprehensive School Improvement funding to bolster attendance and engagement.
While some factors — such as sports events and complex schedules — affect attendance, high levels of tardiness often follow absences. Attendance trends showed consistent improvement, with rates rebounding in the fifth month of the school year after a slight dip in months three and four. Fridays emerged as the most frequently missed day, often followed by tardiness on Mondays.
Board members were
“If we want a business of any type to feel like part of our community, starting out by placing them as far away as possible is a rocky way to roll out the welcome mat,” Laddish said.
Angelica Sanchez, the director of government affairs for the cannabis company Perfect Union in Sacramento, attended the meeting as a spokesperson for the company and shared similar thoughts. She said that the parcels chosen don’t have any preexisting buildings that are either unused or likely to be bought out, making it potentially very difficult, if not impossible, for an interested retailer to set up a storefront in Winters.
The planning commission chose these parcels for a few reasons, but it was largely a process of elimination to ensure any potential location was at least 500 feet away from schools, senior centers, daycares and other locations that were deemed vulnerable. Interim city manager Joe Gorton said that should the council want to open up more parcels to the possibility of a retailer, they could shrink the setbacks around
happy to see the upward trends district-wide but expressed concern that independent study forms weren’t being utilized by students and families. While independent study requests have increased at some schools, they remain low at WHS. Assistant Superintendent Phoebe Girimonte said that families might not fully understand the funding implications of independent study and its role in maintaining academic continuity for students.
Winters JUSD has implemented a range of strategies to address chronic absenteeism and promote regular attendance. According to Jimenez, staff have been proactive in reaching out to families through phone calls, emails, and meetings with parents and teachers.
some or all of these areas from 500 feet to something smaller.
Council members Jesse Loren and Richard Casavecchia were amenable to the possibility, given the small size of Winters and suggested that a visual map of the setbacks be created to help the council visualize potential adjustments.
Casavecchia also expressed dissatisfaction with the locations chosen being in industrial areas, rather than areas that already have retail.
“We’re steering them away from the places where we want commercial activity to occur,” Casavecchia said. “I’ve got no interest in being a customer, but I do support anyone who wants to start a business here. If we do this, I would like to see it mesh with retail that we already have.”
Loren called out the planning commission for a seemingly incongruous approach to the issues before them, referencing their desire to “let the market decide” when it came to the issue of food vendors in the city, detailed in a previous article of the Winters Express, but making it near impossible for any retailer to enter the market when it comes to cannabis.
However, some — including members
Staff members who have strong relationships with students are being encouraged to interact with those missing school to foster rapport and engagement.
In addition, the school district is coordinating meetings between various departments to identify barriers to attendance and implement targeted interventions. These efforts include providing academic support, mental health resources, and family engagement services.
The school attendance review board also plays a critical role in monitoring students’ attendance. Comprising administrators, counselors, parents and community members, SARB reviews progress and follows up with families to ensure interventions are effective.
of local resident Jim Hyer — don’t want any area in Winters to be open to cannabis retail. In a public comment, Hyer cited concerns about the potential of increased crime, about the marijuana industry in general and the potential harmful effects of the substance.
“There are only limited benefits of cannabis and many harmful effects,” Hyer said.
Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi said that he, too, is against any form of the cannabis industry in Winters for several reasons, including some studies that he says do show increased crime around dispensaries, concerns that “it would attract the wrong kind of people,” and a belief that it wouldn’t ultimately be financially beneficial to the city.
“I don’t think it’s going to be the cash cow everybody thinks it is,” Biasi said. Other pathways for cannabis
Several council members inquired about the potential of allowing the cannabis industry into Winters in a non-retail capacity, such as growing cannabis (cultivation), transporting cannabis (distribution), making cannabis products (manufacturing), or testing cannabis products (a testing labora-
Finally, the school district staff has placed banners and posters across campuses featuring the slogan “Every Day Matters.” These visuals serve as constant reminders of the importance of daily attendance for both students and their families.
The district plans to host a family engagement night, according to Jimenez, which will include workshops and information sessions about the importance of regular attendance and how it impacts academic success.
P1 attendance trends, funding impact
In addition to Jimenez’s attendance report, assistant superintendent of business services Russell Barrington presented an update on the district’s first principal attendance period (P1) for the 2024–25 school year at the Thursday night meeting.
Barrington said that P1 attendance represents student attendance data from the early months of the academic year, excluding preschool students to focus solely on TK–12 enrollment for funding calculations. He reported an average daily attendance (ADA) of 1,533.29 for the P1 period. ADA plays a key role
tory). Assistant city attorney Joanna Gin said that although this is possible, there are some steps that would need to be taken first.
The draft ordinance presented before the council at the meeting only touched on retail, so any other potential licensing type would have to go back through the planning commission before coming before the council. Gin also said that the grant given to the city was specifically intended to explore the possibility of a retail location for cannabis and that
in determining funding under California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which considers current-year attendance, prior-year attendance, or a three-year average. Based on the P1 figures, Winters JUSD is projected to receive funding based on current-year attendance — a positive outcome for the district.
Barrington emphasized the importance of continuing attendance-focused initiatives to ensure optimal funding levels. The presentation was an information item only, with no action required by the board. New course descriptions approved Trustees approved the Prop 28 courses presented at the previous meeting in December. These courses include an Expository Reading and Writing Course for English 11, Jazz Band, Musical Theatre and Foundations of Music. The ERWC is co-developed by the California State University and University of California systems to prepare students for college-level study.
The board unanimously approved the new course descriptions. They are expected to be offered at WHS for the next school year.
they may want to have staff do some research into whether the grant funds could be used to explore testing, manufacturing, distribution, and so on.
There were also some concerns that if the council does not show progress toward permitting a cannabis retailer, the Department of Cannabis Control could recapture the allotted grant funding, some of which has already been spent by the city.
Loren put forth a motion to continue the discussion until their meeting on Feb.
18, with time to investigate the potential of using the grant funding to explore other aspects of the cannabis industry, talk to police chiefs from nearby cities with dispensaries about their experience with related crime, and create a new map that shows how zoning could be expanded to make the possibility of a dispensary development more feasible. The motion to continue the discussion passed with a 4-1 vote, with Biasi being the lone no vote.
Courtesy graphic
Thursday, February 6
Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://bit.ly/4fwmfHK or www.wintersjusd.org
Thursdays
Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690
Friday, February 7
WFoL Quiz Bowl Practice Session, 6 p.m., Berryessa Gap downtown tasting room (15 Main St.), Visit wfol.org
Saturday, February 8
WHS Library Garden & Plant Sale Capstone, 10–11 a.m., Winters Community Library Teaching Garden, 708 Railroad Ave., Rain or Shine
Monday, February 10
Winters Climate Action Commission Meeting
6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters.org/182/Climate-Action-Commission
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
Wednesday, February 12
Winters Youth Day Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance)
Saturday, February 15
Winters Open Mic Night,
6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Winters Opera House (13 Main St.), Visit wintersopenmic.org
Tuesday, February 18
Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ city-council-meetings_/ 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
WTC Presents "Doubt: A Parable" production, 2 p.m. Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9/7:30 p.m. Feb. 7, 8, Winters Opera House,winterstheatre.org, 530-795-4014
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.)
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, Fridays at 5 p.m., 212 Grant Ave., Sign up at dixiesbookclub@gmail.com or call 530212-5026
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
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.
Community celebrates Toast of Winters honorees
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
he Winters Dis-
Ttrict Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Toast of Winters celebration on Feb. 1, to recognize and celebrate honorees who have made an impact on the community last year and in their lifetime.
Friends, family and community members gathered at the Winters Community Center to honor the 2024 awardees:
• Business of the Year: Mariani Nut Company
• Senior Citizen of the Year: Liz Coman
• Theodore Winters Award: Historical Society of Winters
• Citizen of the Year: Carla Wroten
Each of the honorees was introduced with a spirited welcome that spotlighted their actions and efforts that helped them earn their accolades.
Assembly majority leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry introduced Mariani Nut Company as the Business of the Year and shared the fanfare of their actions to not only support local youth, nonprofit organizations, and community efforts but to also uplift their employees and their scholarship opportunities.
She also pointed out that one wouldn’t know about their com-
mitment to
and
“When you see
Alumni rally support at Find a Cure Night
By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer
On Friday, Feb. 31, the annual Find a Cure night was hosted as part of a legacy Senior Capstone Project to honor Jared Davis, a former Winters High School student who died from a rare blood disease called Aplastic Anemia in 2006.
Find a Cure Night is a student-organized event that has awarded around $35K dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors in memory of Davis since the event was first established in 2007. Davis was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia at the age of 19 and died in August 2006, after graduating from WHS in 2005. This year, senior Diana Sanchez organized and planned the event, nearly doubling the fundraising efforts from the year before.
“This event is so meaningful to our fam-
ily and Diana was the perfect person to take it on for her capstone project,” said Sterling Davis, Sanchez’s mentor and wife of Zach Davis, Jared’s brother. All funds raised from this event go directly towards the Jared Davis Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to a
deserving WHS student each year. Sterling Davis said she wanted to thank the community for their “tremendous support from donations of goods, to monetary contributions and attendance at the event.”
While the WHS girls basketball team won
its game, the halftime show may have been the highlight of the night. WHS alumni, several of whom had the honor and privilege of playing basketball with Davis, showed up in support of their former teammate and participated in the
the community
their employees.
(the
Mariani family), they don’t brag about it — they just do it. And
Sydney Andrade/Winters Express
Winters High School senior Diana Sanchez organized the annual Find a Cure Night to raise money for the Jared Davis Memorial Scholarship as her Senior Capstone Project.
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
At left, Marty and Jack Mariani accepted the Business of the Year award on behalf of Mariani Nut Company at the Toast of Winters awards event on Feb. 1. Liz Coman, right, was honored as the Senior Citizen of the Year.
See TOAST, Page 4
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Carla Wroten, the 2024 Citizen of the Year, speaks at the Toast of Winters awards event on Feb. 1 at the Winters Community Center.
Preparing for an Open House: Tips to impress buyers
An open house is a prime opportunity to showcase your property to potential buyers. A successful event can generate interest, attract offers, and even lead to a sale. Here’s how to prepare your home and make the best impression during your first open house.
Create a welcoming atmosphere
First impressions matter, and curb appeal sets the tone. Start by ensuring your home’s exterior is clean and inviting. Before hosting an open house, remove personal items like family photos or excessive decor. A clean, uncluttered space helps buyers focus on the home’s features and
imagine themselves living there. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and add a few potted plants or seasonal decorations to create a welcoming entryway. A fresh coat of paint on the front door or a clean doormat can make a big difference. Inside the home, aim for a bright, clean, and neutral environment. Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light, and use soft lighting to highlight key areas. Consider adding subtle touches like fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit to make the space feel warm and inviting.
Stage for success
Staging is about helping buyers see the home’s potential. Focus on creating a neutral canvas that appeals to a wide
audience. Remove personal items such as family photos, political memorabilia, or excessive knickknacks. Rearrange furniture to highlight the flow of the space and make rooms feel larger.
Key areas like the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom should be clean, organized, and styled to reflect their purpose. A well-staged home helps buyers visualize themselves living there, which can lead to stronger offers.
Don’t forget the less glamorous spaces. Basements, garages, and closets should be tidy and organized, as buyers will likely explore every corner of the property.
Make It buyer-friendly
On the day of the open house, take steps to create a positive experience for visitors. Provide easy access by
ensuring driveways, sidewalks, and entryways are clear. Keep the temperature comfortable and play soft background music to set a relaxing tone. Make sure the home smells fresh. Avoid heavy air fresheners and opt for neutral solutions like bak-
ing cookies or using mild, clean-scented candles. Remove pets and their belongings to minimize distractions and potential allergens. Leave brochures or handouts with key information about the property, including recent upgrades, square footage, and neighborhood highlights. These materials help buyers remember your home after the open house. Hosting an open house is your chance to make a strong impression. By preparing thoughtfully and presenting your home in its best light, you can attract serious buyers and move closer to a successful sale.
Adobe stock/Courtesy photo
Open houses allowing buyers to explore the home and ask questions. Put in the extra effort to prepare a home to make the best impression during your first open house.
Express Yourself
It’s time to find a warmer place to spend the winter
What happened to global warming? We have a gas fireplace insert that keeps our front room nice and toasty and the rest of the house above 60. Our bedroom is freezing because my permanent tenant likes to have the window open. Luckily, she is a quilter and the bed is comfortable. Somewhere I read that sleeping in the cold is better for you. I would like to believe that to be true because I don’t have a lot of choice in the matter. The fireplace stopped working last week. I called Greg from the Gallery of Fireplaces in Vacaville. He lives in Wild Wings, next to Fliers Club, where we are both members, and I have known him for years. I asked him to stop by and look at our problem on his way home. Over the years we have needed the fireplace serviced, so he knows where we live.
“I have found that if you meet a repairman with a glass of wine, he doesn’t mind working late.”
I have found that if you meet a repairman with a glass of wine, he doesn’t mind working late.
Unfortunately, replacing parts didn’t solve the problem, but he got the pilot light to stay on and told me to not turn it off, just turn the burner up and down until he can get the right part. Both of our children, past temporary tenants, have gas fireplaces in their homes. This is a plug for Valor brand inserts. Neither of their gas fireplaces
See QUICK, Page 4
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),
You’re in the mood to get things done this week, Aries. Your ambition is fueled and it is the perfect time to take charge and tackle overdue projects. Be careful not to rush things.
TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),
Taurus, your focus shifts to personal growth and intellectual exploration this week. You might find yourself investigating travel plans or diving into new hobbies.
GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21),
Money and other resources take center stage this week, Gemini. Whether you are reevaluating your investments or getting your finances in order, you may need to make a few tweaks.
CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22), Cancer, you may find you’re a bit more introspective than usual. Your emotions are running deep, and it is a key time for some self-reflection. Be mindful of insights coming your way.
LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23),
Leo, it is a week of transitions for you. Something in your life may seem like it will come to an end soon, but this closing of one chapter is necessary for personal growth.
VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22), Work and your career take center stage right now, Virgo. Since you’re in a productive phase, you will make great headway on projects that can really boost your resume.
LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23), Think big this week, Libra. Try to see how your efforts can have an effect in the future and not just right now. There is an opportunity to expand your horizons.
SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22), Scorpio, your financial world is looking quite favorable this week. You might have an opportunity to solidify your position on a project or embark on a completely new path.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21), The focus is on you this week, Sagittarius. If you have been feeling stuck or unsure, now is a great time to put new intentions into action. People will be drawn to your energy.
CAPRICORN (ec 22/Jan 20),
The quiet side of life takes over for the week, Capricorn. You might feel the need to reflect on recent experiences or recharge at home alone. Don’t hesitate to take a step back.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), Your social life is booming right now, Aquarius. Networking events, group activities or spontaneous meet-ups are ways to connect with some like-minded individuals.
PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), Pisces, this week you are all about setting goals and following through with your plans. The universe is on your side right now, and you will find it is quite easy to succeed.
there’s many people who will say, ‘Well, what do the Marianis do?’” Aguiary-Curry said. “Look around. They’ve done a lot for our community. You don’t really see their name out there, but I guarantee you, many of the projects that are started in this community are from them.”
Marty and Jack Mariani accepted the award. Marty Mariani called the company an “old school” Winters outlier compared to what is currently going on in downtown Winters and gave praise to the community for all of the recent developments.
“We couldn’t be prouder to do the small part that we contribute to Winters,” he said.
Jack Mariani echoed the sentiment and thanked the chamber for the award. With three generations currently working at the company today, he said the company’s ethos “honors and values the involvement and support” of their employees and growers.
“To be named Business of the Year is something we truly appreciate for our company and our employees. We think it speaks to the positive working relationships we’ve had with the city for the last 50 years and our commitment to supporting everything local and the greater Winters community,” Jack Mariani said.
Dorrie, Vasey and Chaey Coman introduced their mother Liz Coman as the Senior Citizen of the Year. Taking turns,
they shared Liz’s journey and called her a “remarkable woman” for all of the service she has given to not only the community but to students in the Winters Joint Unified School District where she worked as a teacher for 41 years and has continued to support career technical education programs in her “so-called-retirement.”
Liz Coman suggested she thinks the honor should be renamed to “Citizen with Significant Life Experiences” before she shared about her original intentions after high school to not live in Winters, but she ended up returning to teach the majority of her career at Winters High School teaching English, which became a love to her. She also shared about the multiple doors that led to her involvement in community service.
“It’s clear that I grew up with people and spend time with people who give back to their community. Being involved just seems natural for me,” Liz Coman said.
“I find a deep sense of satisfaction in working together with folks to achieve a goal that benefits others, especially if the beneficiaries are students in our schools.”
Vasey Coman stepped up to the podium again to introduce the Historical Society of Winters Japanese Monument committee as the recipients of the Theodore Winters Award.
Gloria Lopez, the historical society President, spoke on behalf of the committee and shared the journey from the historical society’s origins as a “muse-
Legals
um without walls” to where it is today.
Lopez said that 2024 was “an exceptional year” for the historical society as they worked hard to not only enhance the Winters Museum’s “Lost Japanese Community of Winters” exhibit but to honor the Japanese community with a monument.
society’s “crown jewel of 2024” and shared the details about the event, the historical moments of the journey and the meaningful memories that were made that day.
“Tears of sadness, tears of happiness when reuniting with family and friends, the tears of respect for
munity.”
Gabe Esparz paid a heart-felt homage to his younger sister Carla Wroten who was recognized as the Citizen of the Year. He shared that Wroten had demonstrated signs of being a doer and problem solver even as a child when they counted on her
“The respect was long overdue and we think Winters is a better place as we honor those families who were so important, not only in their businesses but also in their contributions to farming and the community.”
Gloria Lopez, Historical Society of Winters
“The exhibit was — and is — one of the most popular. Many descendants of the Japanese families visit, as well as school children who don’t always know about what happened in Winters,” Lopez said.
Lopez called the monument dedication event the historical
our lost Japanese community were abundant that day,” Lopez said. “The respect was long overdue and we think Winters is a better place as we honor those families who were so important, not only in their businesses but also in their contributions to farming and the com-
works as well as our Valor, not even close.
Even if it has needed to be serviced every four or five years, I don’t know what we would do without it. Just a couple of days without it was hard. There is no warm spot in a house with central heating.
When I complained about our cold weath-
to ask waitresses for ketchup when they were out to eat.
“I’m lucky enough to call her my sister, and I can tell you firsthand that the qualities we celebrate in her tonight are the very same ones that I’ve admired about her my entire life,” Esparza said.
er, our son, Robert, sent me a picture of snow in his front yard in Boise. Not visiting there anytime soon, but our granddaughter is a freshman at Arizona State, where the high temperature on Monday was 82. It is only a 12 hour drive to Tempe and I’m sure I could find an early tee time if I left right now. Is it too late to go back to college and maybe get a degree in computer science?
WINTERS AT ITS BEST. The annual Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Dinner is always one of my favorite events. I’ve only
Wroten said she comes from a long line of volunteers and recognized her dad who was also awarded as the Volunteer of the Year in Vacaville this week.
She shared about the Winters Chamber and Downtown Business Association merger this year as well as her motivation and inspiration to start up the Spirit of Winters committee and how she was inspired by how like-minded people want to work to make Winters a better place.
“That for me, it’s about the people here who really want to make it the best community possible to live in and I really think that we’re in the best town possible to do that in because there’s so much potential for positive change — and we’re just starting out in a lot of ways. And I think that if we can get everybody in this room to volunteer for one thing this year it will be a better Winters,” Wroten said.
missed a couple over the years and look forward to it every January, or sometimes February. There is a whole new group of young people in charge, and that is refreshing and reassuring for our future.
There are lots of people who think Winters is a special place, and when you attend recognition diners you tend to agree with them. Small town charm at its best. Again, congratulations to all those who make Winters, Winters.
Stay warm and have a good week.
QUICK Continued from Page 3
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Gloria Lopez (at the podium) speaks on behalf of the Historical Society of Winters Japanese monument committee for its Theodore Winters Award recognition.
Warrior boys on a 3-game victory run
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
The Winters High School varsity boys basketball team won three league games last week. The Warriors shot an impressive 83 percent from the free throw line over the 3-game stretch (33 for 40).
On Monday, Jan. 27, the Warriors took on the Pierce High School Bears on their home court and won with a final score of 56–27.
Varsity head coach Jon Davis said gave praise to his athletes calling it their “best game of the season.”
“Our defense was great. We denied inside passing and right-hand drives, and finished possessions with box-outs and rebounds,” Davis said. “On offense, we shared the ball and got everyone involved. It was fun to watch.”
Lane Brown was the lead scorer with 14 points and 15 rebounds, followed by Koa Branco with 12 points. Miles Mariani, Anthony Matamoros-Mayes, Luke Felsen, Cameron Bermudez, Angel Ascencio, Jayden Clifford and Carlos Ramirez also added points to the board.
“(Anthony Matamoros-Mayes) started and played his best game. His rebounding, effort on defense, and scoring gave us a huge boost,” Davis said.
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, the Warriors squared up with the East Nicolaus High School Spartans
and won with a final score of 60–51.
Brown and Branco led with 17 points each followed by Felsen with 14 points. Ascencio, Sebastian Valadez, Mariani and Matamoros Mayes also contributed points to the win.
The Warriors headed to Paradise High School on Friday, Jan. 31 to take on the Bobcats. The Warriors took another win with a final score of 51–41.
Felson led with 16 points followed by Brown with 14 points. Mariani, Branco and Valadez also put points up for the Warriors.
“(Sebastian) brought incredible energy on defense and hit a huge three and some clutch free throws down the stretch,” Davis said.
“Above all else, I was proud of the way we won. The guys played hard and never backed down, but they also picked Paradise players up off the floor, shook their hands sincerely at the end of the game, and represented our school and our community with the highest integrity. Two different retired Paradise coaches in attendance commented on their class and their effort. I couldn’t be more proud of our team.”
The Warriors headed to Durham on Tuesday and will travel to Willows on Friday, Feb. 7. The community is invited to the team’s Senior Night game vs Colusa High School on Feb. 14.
Wrestlers off to tourney
Express staff
The Winters High School wrestling team had a late start to its season due to the success of the varsity football team.
While its beginning numbers looked good with a full team, it has dwindled from 16 to six athletes.
Head coach Fernando Goncalves said that with the
league on the horizon, the coaches “are excited to see how our returning wrestlers do and our two newest first-time wrestlers perform.”
The Warriors head to compete in Willows this weekend and have their sights set on the upcoming division championship on Feb. 15, and masters on Feb. 2122.
Sports
Girls basketball wins a pair of games
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
The Winters High School varsity girls basketball team touts an overall record of 13–5 following two wins from last week’s games.
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the Warriors traveled to East Nicolaus High School to take on the Spartans. In overtime, they snagged the win with a final score of 45–43.
Head coach Ivan Dodic said the girls had control of the game for the first three quarters, but let the Spartans back in the competition in the second half of the game.
“East Nicolaus
fought back and tied it up to force us into overtime,” coach Dodic said. “To make matters even tougher our starting point guard, Maci Dodic, fouled out on the last play of regu lation. They pressed us hard in the 2nd half which we struggled with but Mia Mariani really stepped up in overtime as she took over the point guard duties to lead us to the win.”
game-saving block at the end of overtime.”
Maci Dodic led with 14 points, followed by Neal with 11 points and Jordan Tucker with 9 points.
Coach Dodic gave kudos to Skyler Neal for playing the “best game of her career” scoring a career-high of 11 points and credited her with “sealing the victory with a
On Friday, Jan. 31, the Warriors took on the Paradise High School Bobcats on the Winters home court. They earned their second win against Paradise, and Maci Dodic tied her career-high
during the game.
“We have employed a new zone defense in preparation for the playoffs, the girls only had one practice to learn it but came out and executed it really well considering their lack of experience with it,” Coach Dodic said. “Maci Dodic scored 17 points which included four three-pointers and Jordan Tucker added 8 along with dominating in the rebounding department.”
The Warriors played Durham High School on Tuesday and will play against Willows High School at home on Friday, Feb. 7.
Willim, a Winters High School junior, is Pisani’s Athlete of the Week. Head wrestling coach Fernando Goncalves said Willim has placed in his last two tournaments and has stacked wins in the Warriors’ match night with other teams in their league. “He’s going into this weekend with high hopes of a topplace finish and moving onto Divisions with hopes of returning to Masters for a second year,” Goncalves said.
Arts & Entertainment
WTC’s ‘Doubt’ a riveting look at truth, conviction
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
John Patrick Shan-
ley’s “Doubt: A Parable” gives theater-goers a theatrical lens to focus on ambiguity, forcing audiences to wrestle with moral uncertainty, gender dynamics and the power of conviction.
The Winters Theatre Company, under the direction of Ally Heatherly, delivers a bold and gripping production that is easily one of the mustsee shows of its 2025 season. With stellar performances and an unsettlingly timely narrative, this production transcends its 1960s Bronx setting to resonate deeply in today’s post-’MeToo’ era.
At the heart of the story is Father Flynn (Luke Michels), a charismatic and seemingly well-intentioned priest accused of inappropriate behavior by the school’s stern principal, Sister Aloysius (Janene Whitesell).
The accusation stems from Sister James (Riley J. Burke), a young and idealistic nun who, after witnessing a few unsettling moments. Sister James finds herself caught in the crossfire between rigid certainty and compassionate doubt.
The stakes are heightened when Mrs. Muller (Kamilah Cable), the mother of the boy at the center of the controversy, enters the already tense
situation and offers a gut-wrenching perspective that challenges preconceived notions of victimhood and justice.
Shanley’s script refuses to hand audiences a neatly wrapped resolution, and Heatherly’s direction leans into that discomfort furthering the audience to re-think everything long after the curtain falls.
The dialogue crackles with tension, and every interaction between the characters is weighted with unspoken implications and moral dilemmas.
The audience will consistently reevaluate their stance and consider their own biases and life experiences in an abstract
exercise on the situation at hand.
The cast delivers powerhouse performances. Whitesell embodies Sister Aloysius with an iron-clad resolve and controlled hysterics. Her conviction is unwavering, but one will question what is the motivation behind it.
Michels crafts an equally complex Father Flynn — warm and persuasive, yet suspiciously defensive, leaving just enough room for doubt to creep in. This is especially true when Sister Aloysius drops a bomb of evidence.
Burke’s Sister James is the audience’s emotional barometer, her internal struggle between faith in authority, compassion for humankind (and her students) and the weight (or lack) of evidence portrayed through subtleties of thought.
Cable makes the most of her single scene as Mrs. Muller as she delivers a powerful performance that is layered with insight into life at home, hints about her child and a mothering
desire to see her son succeed at all costs. Her desire to express her family’s life experiences and “how” they live in the community ups the stakes at play.
What makes “Doubt” particularly resonant today is its exploration of who is believed and why. In an era
where accusations of misconduct are scrutinized through both historical injustices and contemporary reckonings, the play feels more urgent than ever.
The ambiguity at the core of the story forces us to confront our own biases: Are we predisposed to believe certain figures over others? How do power structures influence what we accept as truth? How courageous are we really to make a stand and take action to do the right thing?
Beyond its heavy themes, the production does offer moments of levity, primarily through Flynn’s sermons, which subtly dissect the nature of doubt itself.
These moments provide a brief respite from the mounting tension while reinforcing the play’s central theme: Is doubt truly a weakness, or is it an essential part of human experience?
WTC’s production of “Doubt: A Parable” challenges the audience not to seek easy answers but to embrace the complexities of moral uncertainty. Don’t miss this thought-provoking and expertly crafted production. While you may leave the theater with more questions than answers, you certainly won’t leave disappointed.
“Doubt: A Parable” has one more
Courtesy photo
The cast of “Doubt: A Parable” features Kamilah Cable as Mrs. Muller, Riley J. Burk as Sister James, Janene Whitesell as Sister Aloysius and Luke Michels as Father Flynn. The productions has four more shows left scheduled for this weekend.
Courtesy photo
Sister Aloysius (Janene Whitesell) confronts Father Flynn (Luke Michels) about her suspicious about his supposed conduct with a student.