Winters Express: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Winters Fire gains new local responsibility areas

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

Last Monday, Cal Fire released updated fire hazard severity zone maps for multiple counties across California, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Napa, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus and Yolo.

According to Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder, the latest updates extend the Winters Fire Department’s Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) to include regions along Putah Creek up to Pleasant Valley within the Winters Fire Protection District. However, the city of Winters itself remains free of LRA-designated fire risks within its municipal limits.

Earlier this month, the California De-

partment of Forestry and Fire Protection released updated maps for 16 other Northern California counties. Additional updates are scheduled for release on March 10, covering Amador, Calaveras, Sacramento and other counties. The fourth phase, set for March 24, will address fire hazard severity zones in Southern California counties.

Snyder noted that while these map updates were initially scheduled for release in the fall, ongoing wildfire activity in Southern California delayed their publication to allow for further evaluation.

With the expansion of LRAs, the Winters Fire Department will undertake a comprehensive assessment of these newly designated areas.

“Winters Fire will proactively evaluate these regions to identify fire risks and determine effective mitigation strategies,” Snyder stated. “Our approach will include assessments for risk reduction, se-

curing grant funding, implementing vegetation management, and reinforcing defensible space.”

The department will collaborate with the Yolo Fire Safe Council to explore grant opportunities and other initiatives aimed at reducing fire hazards in highrisk areas.

Homeowners within the Winters Fire Protection District can contact the fire station at 530-7954131 to schedule an assessment of their property or inquire about fire safety measures.

“We are committed to providing educational resources and on-site assessments to help residents better understand and address fire risks,” Snyder added. As additional information becomes available, updates will be shared with the public.

To determine whether your property falls within a fire hazard severity zone, visit https://bit.ly/3Xsr9iJ and enter your address.

Weather

Trustees hear latest Youth Truth survey results

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

Youth Truth Survey data was presented to the Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees on Thursday, Feb. 20. The data provides insights into the experiences, perceptions and needs of students, staff and families across the district.

The Youth Truth survey is a tool used to understand how students, staff and families perceive the school environment. Previously, the district has used the California Healthy Kids survey, but Youth Truth offered a more robust approach, according to assistant superintendent Phoebe Girimonte.

“It allows us to look at a lot of different strands and to receive very tailored feedback in the form of comments from staff, family and students,”

Girimonte said.

The survey covers six key areas: academic challenge, school culture, student engagement, relationships, belonging, and college and career readiness. These categories serve as lenses to examine the overall student experience and how they relate to behavioral outcomes, such as proficiency rates and absenteeism.

“By looking at both those perceptions and the measurable data, we can better understand how those experiences are impacting student success,” Girimonte said.

Director of special education and student services Jenny Pinedo, who was unable to attend the meeting, collaborated with Doug Caliper, a Youth Truth consultant, to analyze survey participant feedback. Girimonte gave the presentation on Thurs-

day night in Pinedo’s place.

In total, 1,022 Winters students participated in the optional survey. In 3rd–8th grades, over 90 percent of students participated, while in ninth to 12th grades, only 67 percent were heard from.

Family members were also encouraged to complete the survey, but only 17 percent of family members participated, as well as 64 percent of staff members.

According to Pinedo’s report, parents are encouraged to complete the survey for each school site where they have a child enrolled.

“This allows us to gather site-specific feedback, providing a clearer picture of the experiences at each school rather than a generalized district-wide

Planning commissioners elect new leadership

By Sonora Slater Express staff writer

A few items were addressed in quick succession during the Feb. 25 Winters Planning Commission meeting, including the nomination and election of a new chair and vice chair, now that the commission is up to full staffing for the first time in more than a year with the addition of Commissioners Matt Stone and Erik Dye.

Resident Kate Laddish shared her support for Commissioner Lisa Baker to take on the role of chair.

“I think we are really lucky to have someone in Winters who has such a deep knowledge of proce-

dure and the subject matter we’re dealing with here,” Laddish said. “It keeps things running really smoothly.”

Commissioner Ramon Altamirano officially nominated Baker, who accepted the nomination.

“I have enjoyed being Vice Chair for many years, and I think I’ve had good training by good chairs,” Baker said. “If supported, I would be more than proud to represent the commission.”

Commissioner Judith Arce nominated chair Gregory Contreras to continue in his position, saying that she’s enjoyed his style of running meetings and found it to be effi-

cient and fair, but Contreras was in favor of Baker taking over the role. Ultimately, Baker was unanimously confirmed as chair. Arce was then unanimously confirmed as vice chair.

Multifamily zoning, other discussion

During the meeting, an ordinance that shifts local law to align with state guidance on multifamily housing units was passed unanimously. The change was spurred by a letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HDC), which advised that the city needed to change

See CITY, Page 5

Werner Ingeborg

Sonora Slater/Winters Express

Greg Contreras officially hands the gavel and the role of chair off to Lisa Baker.

See SURVEY, Page 5

Regional News

Thompson picks Liu as county Woman of the Year

By Rebecca Wasik McNaughton Media

Each year, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, recognizes one woman from each of the districts he represents as ‘Woman of the Year’.

All of the honorees were celebrated at a reception at Trinchero Winery in St. Helena on Sunday, March 2, including this year’s Yolo County Woman of the Year, Mary Yin Liu.

“I am truly humbled and honored,” said Liu. “I first met congress member Thompson nearly three decades ago when I graduated law school and moved to Northern California to work as a deputy district attorney.”

Liu has lived in Davis for 23 years with her husband Harris and two adult sons, who are alumni of Davis High School.

“Mary Yin Liu has gone above and beyond in serving our community, both as a founder of a local

nonprofit, and a leader in charitable organizations,” said Thompson. “Her wisdom, leadership, and dedication to serving others make her such an excellent leader.

I am honored to recognize her as Yolo County’s Woman of the Year.”

She has served as Vice President of the Solano County Women Lawyers Association; on the Yolo County Planning Commission; is a McDonald’s Franchisee with 21 restaurants in Yolo, Solano and Sacramento counties and was the first minority and female President for the Northern California Operators Association.

Liu also founded Davis non-profit, Thriving Pink. Thriving Pink is dedicated to helping those impacted by breast cancer thrive through free mentor programs, financial assistance, support groups, educational workshops and other valuable resources.

“The Pink Team is incredibly inspiring,” Liu said. “We have all been part of a loved one’s journey to fight this disease, and many of our volunteers are breast cancer survivors or thrivers themselves.”

CC and Regina Yin, Liu’s parents, founded the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), of which Liu is now CEO. APAPA is a non-profit organization that advances leadership and civic engagement in Asian Pacific Islander communities.

“APAPA will be entering its 25th year silver anniversary next year, and there is so much to celebrate,” remarked Liu. In her role at APAPA, Liu has expanded the non-profit’s internship program and led the APAPA team to organize the inaugural California Asian American Advocacy Day at the state capitol last year. This year’s Advocacy Day will be held on April 28.

“There are so many incredible trailblazers who have come before us, and who will come after us,” said Liu. “I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community, and I look forward to working with and seeing the next generation of leaders make an even greater impact.”

In 2024, Liu was recognized as a Top 20 AAPI Change Maker by The Sacramento Bee. In 2022, she was selected as Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Jim Cooper.

A complete list of Thompson’s 2025 winners include:

• Wilda Shock – Lake County Woman of the Year

• Norma Ferriz de Massaro – Napa County Woman of the Year

• Lisa Hilas – Solano County Woman of the Year

• Thea Hensel – Sonoma County Woman of the Year

• Mary Yin Liu – Yolo County Woman of the Year

Solano supervisors look to take over 3 rural fire districts

Todd R. Hansen

McNaughton Media

Pleasants Valley rancher Liann Stubblefield on Tuesday urged the Solano County Board of Supervisors to appoint board members to the rural fire districts — specifically the Vacaville Fire Protection District.

She wanted to know why it was taking the county so long, noting that some appointments have been held in abeyance since December 2023.

The supervisors, at their next meeting, could do just that.

Board Chairman Mitch Mashburn, in an interview following

the very brief meeting, said the supervisors will consider appointing themselves as the governing boards of the Vacaville, Suisun and Montezuma fire protection districts. Since the Cordelia Fire Protection District has contracted for service with the Fairfield Fire Department, it is no longer part of the consolidation efforts by the county.

However, Mashburn was careful to note that next week’s board item is not about the consolidation of the districts, which must go through the Local Agency Formation Commission, nor does it change any of the

Eastbound Highway 50 closing March 7 to 11

Special to the Express

Caltrans issued a reminder of an upcoming extended weekend connector closure for the ongoing Yolo Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50 Pavement Rehabilitation Project.

Construction work will include a full closure of eastbound Highway 50 after it crosses the eastbound I-80 Yolo Causeway from Davis in Yolo County. Caltrans urges motorists to plan for additional travel time. The closure is scheduled to last from 9 p.m. Friday, March 7, to 5 a.m. Tuesday, March 11.

Local traffic heading to West Sacramento can use Enterprise Boulevard (Exit 81) or continue to eastbound I-80 and use Reed Avenue (Exit 83).

The work zone is from just west of the Yolo Causeway along I-80 and Highway 50 in West Sacramento. The speed limit has been reduced to 55 miles per hour all day for the safety of workers and motorists. Work is scheduled to begin as listed but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather conditions, availability of equipment or materials, and construction-related issues.

The extended lane closures will help to minimize the duration of the work and

improve workers’ safety.

This $280 million project includes $47 million from Senate Bill (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually, shared equally between state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects partially funded by SB 1. To view the latest news and information on state and federal infrastructure investments, visit RebuildingCA. ca.gov, which contains data on state and federal funding. Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.

The department will issue updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic information, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play.

Air district has $3M available through grant programs

Special to the Express

The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District will accept applications for nearly $3 million in funding to reduce emissions across the region.

district management structures.

There was no immediate response from the LAFCO office on the status of the consolidation efforts.

The county taking over is something Stubblefield feared was behind the appointment delays.

The Pleasants Valley Fire Safe Council board member, speaking as an individual, did invite Mashburn and Supervisor John Vasquez — the board points on the ongoing consolidation negotiations — to a Safety Council meeting to update the organization.

The council’s next meeting is the day before the supervisors meet.

Stubblefield told the board she had been fully behind the consolidation, but that support has waned because of the work acting Chief Dave Kuntz has done while at the helm of the Vacaville rural district.

She noted that Kuntz has organized the district, including dispatching old equipment, and reached a mutual aid agreement with Winters, which has helped with fire service response.

That is critical because of the pressure residents in the Vacaville district are under by insurance companies to harden their homes and make other property improvements to safeguard against wildfire.

That pressure has only increased since the LNU fire raged through the Pleasants Valley area in 2020.

Stubblefield, in an interview, said she did not lose her home, but the fire blackened the whole of the cattle ranch. She recently received a letter from her insurance carrier that she is being dropped, though it was rescinded for what she called a “technical issue.”

Through the District’s Clean Air Funds program and its 2025 Solicitation for grant funding, financial support is available for projects focused on clean vehicle upgrades, alternative transportation and public education.

“We’re excited to kick off the 20252026 funding cycle and continue our efforts to improve air quality within the District,” Executive Director Gretchen Bennitt said. “These grants empower communities to reduce emissions and help raise awareness on the importance of clean air.”

The Clean Air Funds program encourages private businesses, non-profit organizations, and public agencies to implement cost-effective projects that reduce mobile source pollution within the

District. There are four qualifying project categories: Clean Vehicle Technology, Alternative Transportation, Transit Services and Public Education. Previous funded projects include EV charging infrastructure in Vacaville, a zero-emission police motorcycle in Winters, a sidewalk extension in Rio Vista and a bike fleet for The Bike Campaign’s Bike Skills Training Program in Woodland schools. For the District’s 2025 Clean Air Funds Grant program there is $439,000 available for projects. The program is highly competitive, and grants are awarded by the District’s Board of Directors. The application deadline for the 2025-2026 Clean Air Funds Program is 4 p.m. on April 18. To apply, visit: ysaqmd.org/CAF.

The District has more than $2.3 million available in funding available for 2025 through the Carl Moyer, Community Air Protection (CAP) Incentives,

See GRANT, Page 3

Courtesy Photo/Mike Thompson

Mary Yin Liu was recognized by Rep. Mike Thompson as the 2025 Yolo County Woman of the Year at Trinchero Winery in St. Helena on Sunday, March 2.

Thompson answers questions on federal budget cuts at town hall

By Sonora Slater Express Staff Writer

Rep. Mike Thompson of California’s fourth district hosted a town hall at the Woodland Community and Senior Center in late February, alongside two fellow elected officials: state senator Christopher Cabaldon and state Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry.

The event was one of a series of town halls Thompson recently hosted throughout his district, with others taking place in Santa Rosa and Napa.

According to a Facebook post by Thompson, more than 400 people attended the town hall in Woodland, either in person or online. All three politicians gave short speeches and then answered questions from the audience.

Thompson’s intro focused on concerns about the Trump administration’s recent proposed budget cuts, such as to certain educational institutions and research projects, and other executive orders, and a broad overview of the California legislature’s plan to combat some of these federal decisions.

“The division in Congress right now is worse than I’ve ever seen it, and it affects all of us,” Thompson said. “The question I get all the time is, ‘Well, what are you doing about it?’”

He divided the work of the state’s Democrats into three “pillars,” including Congress, the court of law, and the court of public opinion. Thompson says the state of California has filed or joined dozens of lawsuits this year against the federal government, including one to block the end of birthright citizenship in

GRANT

Continued from Page 3

the United States, one to block a freeze on all federal grants, one to block DOGE from accessing certain data deemed “sensitive,” and others. He also referred to the re-hiring of many National Park seasonal workers after public outcry against their sudden firing in mid-February as an example of “the court of public opinion.”

Aguiar-Curry and Cabaldon emphasized the role of the legislature in their agenda, with the former justifying a somewhat controversial recent bill that allocated $25 million to the Department of Justice for lawsuits against the federal government. Votes were split largely along party lines, with critics saying the allocation took away time that could’ve been spent working on wildfire relief following the LA fires in January. Backers of the bill say that it’s an important protection for California’s progressive policies.

“They are doing exactly what we expected them to do, and they know that California and communities like ours are the most important buttresses to stop them,” Cabaldon said. “And so California is in the crossfire.”

Constituents concerns

Among the question askers at the town hall were several who talked about how recent federal funding and job cuts have affected them and asked Thompson and the others to try and remediate these issues.

One of these is an assistant professor at UC Davis studying chronic pain, who said her funding may be cut if university research-overhead funding from the National Institute

of Health, which is currently in limbo, is significantly decreased. The goal of the potential policy move has been stated as ensuring as many funds as possible go toward direct scientific research rather than administrative overhead, but there is an extensive ongoing conversation about the necessity of overhead funding in the research process. These cuts are currently on hold by a judge’s order for an indeterminate amount of time.

John Newman, a research scientist at UC Davis for USDA, commented on the federal administration firing thousands of probationary federal workers, some of whom were new employees, while others were recently promoted or had otherwise recently shifted into a new position. Many of the workers were fired on the basis of inadequate performance in impersonal letters.

“The way the termination for probationary workers unrolled was unfair and illegal,” Newman said. “The people they let go were not poor performers — their supervisors didn’t support this and weren’t contacted about this ahead of time.”

On March 4, follow-

ing a lawsuit that alleged the Office of Personnel Management, which is a federal agency, does not have the authority to direct specific agencies to terminate employees, the administration revised its guidance on probationary workers to recognize agency power in hiring decisions. Although it will likely vary from agency to agency, some of the recently terminated employees could be reinstated in the coming weeks in light of the revised guidance.

Jen Boschee-Danzer, the executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Yolo County, said that their organization recently had to cancel a Spanish-speaker version of their ‘Family-to-Family’ class, a free educational program designed to help family members who are living with someone critically affected by mental health issues build skill sets and coping mechanisms, after all but one of 12 families signed up dropped out. Boschee-Danzer said that this is because they were afraid to attend, possibly because of their immigration status.

“I think it’s critically important to continue to share these on-the-ground stories

of how [federal policies] are impacting our communities,” Boschee-Danzer said.

“This might only have been 12 families, but it was 12 families that needed help.”

Backlash

After initial enthusiasm and cheering, there was some backlash from the crowd against certain question responses, including comments from Thompson about Israel and about collaborating with state Republicans to avoid a government shutdown, and there were also complaints that Democratic Party messaging has been disjointed and ineffective.

In response to a question about military aid to Israel, Thompson noted that the $95 billion legislative package passed in April 2024, in addition to $16.9 billion in military aid for Israel, also included humanitarian aid for those in both Israel and Gaza, as well as aid for Ukraine’s war effort. He also reminded the crowd that Israel is a long-time ally of the United States.

Winters resident Kate Laddish asked Thompson to commit to voting against any bill that would cut down Medicaid funding. Thompson said that although this is certainly a priority, he can’t commit to refusing negotiations, given that cuts or funding for one party’s agenda is typically tied to cuts or funding for another party’s agenda.

“I believe that our Democratic leadership in the House will work seriously and effectively to ensure that we don’t lend any Democratic votes to any bill that doesn’t help Democrats,” Thompson said. “There might be some

trade-offs to keep the government going — I’m not for shutting down the government because that’s a big, big hit to everybody.” Cabaldon expanded on this, talking about the “moral dilemmas” involved in being part of a bipartisan government and reminding the audience that functioning government often involves compromising on certain agenda items in order to achieve others.

“It’s so easy to be a Yelp reviewer on other people’s moral choices,” Cabaldon said. “We’re going to face a lot more [complex moral situations] in the coming years.”

As the meeting began to wrap up, many attendees began to yell out questions, including some asking Thompson why he can’t arrest President Donald Trump or Elon Musk for recent allegedly illegal actions, to which Thompson responded that beyond them first needing to be officially charged with a specific crime, he is not a law enforcement official and wouldn’t have that power regardless.

“You’ve got to work within the process,” Thompson said. “I know Trump is not, and I think that’s why the courts have opined against him several times.”

Part of that process for the Democratic Party, according to Thompson, is working toward flipping certain congressional seats in the 2026 elections, describing certain House seats as “reachable.” Cabaldon reminded the audience that “the most effective messages will be from the most unexpected constituencies,” emphasizing the importance of bipartisan rallies on specific issues.

The application dead-

Targeted Airshed Grant (TAG) and AB 923 programs. These grants support projects such as replacing heavy-duty diesel-powered fleet and emergency vehicles, upgrading off-road equipment and installing charging infrastructure. Eligible entities must operate within the District’s jurisdiction. If demand exceeds available funding for the 2025 Solicitation, a random drawing will be held to select recipients.

line for the Solicitation is 4 p.m. on May 2. To apply, visit: ysaqmd.org/incentives/2025-solicitation.

To help potential applicants navigate the process, the District will host an informational webinar at 10 a.m. March 26 via Zoom. The session will offer a comprehensive overview of the available grants and the application process. Register here.

The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District’s mission is to protect human health and property from the harmful effects of air pollution.

For more information, visit ysaqmd.org. Connect with the Air District via Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Nextdoor.

As a public health agency, the district is responsible for safeguarding air quality and overseeing air pollution control in Yolo and northeastern Solano counties.

Sonora Slater/Winters Express

State Sen. Christopher Cabaldon (left) listens to Winters resident Kate Laddish at the Town Hall event.

Public Safety Report

Horseshoe, EMS call –excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 19: 10:40 a.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~4:22 p.m., Railroad Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~4:39 p.m., Jefferson Street, False alarm or false call (other)

Feb. 20: 3:41 a.m., Walnut Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~8:04 a.m., Lupine Way, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~10:43 a.m., Abbey Street, Ring or jewelry removal

Feb. 21: 7:23 p.m., Highway 128 and County Road 87/The

~7:43 p.m., Highway 128 and Monticello Dam Road, EMS call –excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 22: 9:26 a.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~5:25 p.m., Hoover Street, Oder Investigation

~8:57 p.m., Grant Avenue, Vehicle accident no injury

~9:44 p.m., Matsumoto Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 23: 11:15 a.m., Niemann Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~6:17 p.m., Highway

Lake Berryessa water levels down

Express staff

The water level of Lake Berryessa went down during the past week by 0.49 feet, with a decrease in the storage of 9,302 acre-feet of water, according to Ken Emigh, Operations with the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, March 4, he reported the lake elevation was 440.88 feet above sea level, with water storage behind the Monticello Dam computed at 1,567,941 acre-feet of water. The SID released 68 cubic feet per second of water in the Putah South Canal, with 1,064 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation on the lake averaged 100 acre-feet of water per day.

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128 and Monticello Dam Road, EMS call –excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 24: 3:03 p.m., E. Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~6:25 p.m., Fredericks Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~7:22 p.m., Buckeye Road, Person in distress (other)

~11:30 p.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Feb. 25: 10:26 a.m., E. Grant Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~10:36 a.m., E. Grant Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~6:31 p.m., Washington Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

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

Police Report Log

Feb. 22: 8:57 p.m., 100th block of Grant Avenue, Traffic Collision

Feb. 24: 10:26 a.m., 700th block of Main Street, Found Property

Feb. 25: 12:52 p.m., 700th block of Main Street, Outside Agency Assist

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

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

130 Years Ago

March 9, 1895

The train was two hours late yesterday. The section gang is at work extending the side track at the depot used by the Earl Company last summer, northward and putting in a switch. Another fruit shed is to be built on the same track this season.

Mrs. J. L. Martin has returned from San Francisco, where she purchased the largest stock of spring millinery ever brought to Winters.

J. A. Lechleiter put a couple of men at work Monday, digging a ditch to extend the water main up Main Street to Second and along Second to Abbay. He will run a main along Edwards Street, west, as far as First, and maybe to Second, in the near future.

J.N.B. Wyatt went up to Esparto on Monday morning last, to plow the orchards there belonging to his sons and T. E. McFall. He expected to be absent all this week.

Miss Mamie Mefford, who had been visiting Miss Lulu Wyatt for a week previous, returned to her home in Capay on Monday’s train.

80 Years Ago

March 9, 1945

The fire department answered two calls this week to blazes started in some way undetermined from oil heaters. A fire thus started Monday at the Winters Growers packing plant was checked before the arrival of firemen. Tuesday evening,

YESTERYEAR

Picked by Charley Wallace

OUTSTANDING ATHLETES: Students in Woody Fridae’s fifth grade class were honored with Presidential, National and Participant physical fitness awards at an awards assembly at Waggoner Elementary School on June 10, 1993. From left (back row) are Jose Villegas, Brian

and

Years Ago

Dispatches from the Express archives.

the department was called to the lower flat in the stone house at the corner of Main and Second streets, where they extinguished a blaze that started from the heater that was burning the carpet and floor surrounding the stove.

Jack Baker, who has enlisted and been accepted in the U.S. Navy, was honored in a farewell compliment Tuesday night at the Winters Recreation Center.

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Heinz were dinner hosts Sunday in compliment to three birthday milestones. Honorees were hostess’ father Clyde Mitchell, cousin, Dewey Neel, and hostess herself.

A fellowship dinner following the Presbyterian Sunday worship hour, honored the March milestone of the student-minister, William McCalmont.

John A. Young, graduate of Hastings Law School, San Francisco, plans to become associated with A. G. Bailey, Woodland attorney.

45 Years Ago

March 6, 1980

Arbor Day ceremonies are being planned, under the chairmanship of David Hudson, at the Waggoner Elementary School on Friday, March 7, beginning at 1 p.m. Representatives from four classes will talk briefly on the importance of tree planting, and a tree will be planted in front of the school.

Four juveniles

were cited on Feb. 26 by the Winters Police Department, three for selling marijuana and one for possession of less than one ounce of the substance. The juveniles were apprehended at Winters High School and as a result, were suspended for five days each and their parents were called in for consultation.

At the Community Social held Saturday night at Wesley Hall, A. L. Vaughan of the Winters post of the American Legion told of the work of that organization, both nationwide and in Winters. He made the talk before post commander Tony Garcia presented a check for $5000 to Cecil Padilla, representing the Community Center design committee, of which he is chairman. Members of the Fellowship Guild of the Pioneer Presbyterian Church met on Feb. 19 to hear American Field Service student Rita Romagnoli talk of the differences between the school systems in Italy and the United States. Rita is spending the year in Winters as a senior at Winters High School, living with John and Sandy Vickrey and their son Chad. Marie Borchard, senior at Winters High School, was chosen by the Winters Soroptimist Club as their candidate for the Youth Citizenship Award. Marie received $25 from the local club and will now go on to compete at the district level.

Debra Ramos/Express file photo

Button, Sergio Prado, Miguel Guerrero

Andrea Mayes; (front row) Omar Kazin, Tawny Carbahal, Natasha Lopez, Rosalinda Martinez and Paul Gilpin. City of Winters

California wants oil companies to pay for climate disasters

By Alejandro Lazo CalMatters

Big Oil faces mounting lawsuits as extreme weather worsens, with California leading efforts to make fossil fuel giants pay billions of dollars for the climate damage they have long denied.

Across the country, states, cities, tribes and environmental groups have filed dozens of lawsuits against oil companies alleging that they misled the public about the dangers of their products. These cases share a core argument: Oil companies knew fossil fuels were driving climate change and lied about it.

California and other plaintiffs are recycling a legal strategy deployed during the 1990s, when states alleged that tobacco companies knew cigarettes cause cancer. Four large companies settled the cases by paying billions to fund states’ anti-smoking campaigns and other efforts. The manufacturers also must make annual pay-

the zoning details of a 6.01-acre parcel of land to allow for multifamily residences by permitted use in order to adhere to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation plan.

The parcel, which is on the south side of E. Grant Avenue, was previously recognized as one of four sites that could be rezoned by the city to accommodate an additional 70 lower-income housing units. It was rezoned to a C-2 Central Business District site in 2024, which typically consists of mixed-use construction, and allowed multifamily dwellings by conditional use only, rather than by permitted use.

In effect, permitted use projects don’t require any special approval to go forward, and are sim-

perspective. Understanding the unique strengths and challenges of each site helps school leaders tailor improvements and initiatives to better meet the needs of students and families,” Pinedo told the Express in an email.

One key finding from the 2024 survey is the noticeable improvement in the sense of belonging and school culture, which emerged as the highest-rated themes, especially at the middle and high school levels.

An anonymous quote from a ninthgrader reflected these positive perceptions, “Everyone knows everybody and most people are all friendly with each other. There is not much bullying that happens and it is a safe environment overall. “ While these improvements are encouraging, the results also revealed areas for growth. Academic challenge at the middle school level and engagement at the elementary and high school levels were identified as areas where students feel there is room for improvement. Some students expressed concerns about the rigor of their coursework, with one eighth-grader commented, “Our school definitely already has ways that can help us get ready

ments to the states as long as they sell cigarettes in the United States.

The settlement set a powerful precedent for using litigation to hold industries accountable for public harm caused by deceptive practices.

“All of these (climate) cases are fundamentally deception cases,” said Benjamin Franta, a professor of climate law at University of Oxford and leader of its Climate Litigation Lab.

For decades, climate cases leaned on environmental laws and regulations rather than corporate accountability, Franta said. But with deception cases, “you can go directly after the private companies,” he said, and “the damages could be enormous.”

But while tobacco lawsuits proved corporations can be held accountable, legal experts say taking on Big Oil presents bigger hurdles.

Michael Gerrard, an environmental law expert at Columbia Law School, said the oil industry, un-

like the tobacco industry, is actively supported by government policies, from subsidies to infrastructure investments, that promote oil consumption.

“There are a lot of lawsuits pending, but so far, not a single court in the world has held fossil fuel companies financially responsible for greenhouse gas emissions,” Gerrard said. “It’s highly uncertain whether these cases will ultimately succeed.”

Oil companies say holding them accountable for climate change makes them responsible for an entire economy that depends on their products — a defense that has found traction in some state courts.

“It’s not the oil and gas companies that are actually the direct polluters,” Gerrard said. Liability may have to be assigned along a vast supply chain, from refiners to power plants — even consumers who buy the gasoline, plastics and other products produced from fossil fuels, he said.

Also, while the con-

nection between climate change and fossil fuels has been clearly documented by scientists, the evidence is less definitive linking fossil fuels to specific extreme weather events such as droughts or wildfires. And climate-warming greenhouse gases are global in scope and emitted by a variety of fossil fuels and other sources, not just gasoline and other products manufactured by the oil industry.

In one closely watched climate case in Hawaii, 20 states, including Texas, Wyoming and Alaska, threw their weight behind the oil industry, which asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. The court in January denied that request.

Oil companies say holding them accountable for climate change makes them responsible for an entire economy that depends on their products — a defense that has found traction in some state courts.

Still, climate liability efforts are gaining traction in some areas, especially in

ply treated as landowners using their property how they want, so long as they are acting within the law. Meanwhile, conditional use requires a project to go before the planning commission for review and approval. Although the state

for our future such as AVID, I just think that throughout this whole time, the teachers have been giving work for students that’s too easy and won’t get students used to the work in high school.”

“This reflects on the need to make sure that all students access rigorous learning experiences in their academic program, and helps us to evaluate ways that we can make students feel more challenged and supported,” Girimonte said.

Family feedback also highlighted significant improvements in school culture and communication. Many families noted stronger relationships between staff and students, with an elementary parent sharing, “Teachers are kind

cannot, in this case, mandate that the land in the parcel be used for building multifamily residences, they want to make the process of doing so as easy and quick as possible — hence the push for permitted use.

Contreras voted yes on

and show that they really care about my child’s progress and success in school.”

At the high school

the resolution, but commented that he wished the state would let them go about issues of local zoning in their own preferred manner.

“We care about our particular community more than they do,” Contreras

for students struggling with Spanish in the bilingual program, not just in English.”

The staff feedback,

“Additionally, schools use this information to celebrate areas of success and develop strategies for areas needing growth, ensuring that feedback leads to meaningful change.”

Jenny Pinedo, student services

level, however, families raised concerns about communication and feedback, especially around how well they were kept informed about their child’s learning experience. An elementary parent said, “I would love an intervention

while positive in many areas, reflected a need for greater support and professional development (PD).

The survey highlighted a desire for more tailored, high-quality professional learning opportunities.

A comment from

California, following January’s devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

State Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco, introduced a bill in January that would give homeowners and insurance companies new rights to sue oil companies for climate disasters.

Sen. Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat from Van Nuys, reintroduced a version of a bill that failed last year, requiring companies to pay for the damage greenhouse gas emissions have caused in California since 1990. A test case in Honolulu Climate plaintiffs recently notched a win in January when the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request by the oil industry to intervene in the Hawaii lawsuit, allowing cases in state courts to move forward for now. The city and county of Honolulu filed suit in 2020 seeking unspecified damages from Sunoco LP, Exxon Mobil and other oil companies.

See PAY, Page 7

said. “I understand that there is a good reason behind this, but part of me says I really wish they’d just let us do our thing here.”

Contract city planner David Dowswell said that part of the reason the state is pushing them to accelerate affordable housing development could be timeline delays on the Farmstead Development, which has been presented as part of Winters’ long-term plan to accommodate low-income housing.

Dowswell also reminded the commission and members of the public that the draft Environmental Impact Report for the Farmstead Development is currently available for viewing or downloading on the city of Winters website, and noted that the project will likely be returning to the commission soon for consideration.

an elementary teacher underscored this need: “Because we need more access to high-quality professional development opportunities. We don’t get enough training. There should be a survey about the trainings that we need/ want and have them be made available.”

Despite these areas for growth, the data indicates that the district is making strides in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. However, challenges remain, especially in the realm of professional development for staff and ensuring all students feel academically challenged and engaged. Comments from students are being relayed to teachers and faculty in a summarized data form in order to inform schoolwide discussion and initiatives, Pinedo told the Express “Administrators and site leaders work with teachers to analyze the data and identify actionable steps to improve the student and family experience,” Pinedo said. “Additionally, schools use this information to celebrate areas of success and develop strategies for areas needing growth, ensuring that feedback leads to meaningful change”

Sonora Slater/Winters Express

The addition of Eric Dye and Matt Stone means the Winters Planning Commission has a full board for the first time in a long time

Last Bird of Prey Hike is Saturday; spring fun follows

Special to the Express

The final Bird of Prey Hike at Rush Ranch is scheduled for Saturday, leading into the Solano Land Trust spring season of activities.

The hike is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is held in partnership with West County HawkWatch. Solano County birding legend Larry Broderick will be honored as part of the event.

The spring activities kick off with the Jepson Prairie Wildflower & Critters Walks.

The docent-led walks are held each Saturday and Sunday, starting on March 15 and running through May 11. The tours start at 10 a.m. and end at noon.

Other activities include:

• The 35th Open House at Rush Ranch is set for April 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It includes vendors, exhibitors, entertainment, and wagon rides, and the outfitters and blacksmith shops will be open, too.

• Earth Day Cleanup on April 26, 9 a.m. to noon, along Grizzly Island Road in rural Suisun City.

• Lynch Canyon Kite Festival on May 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Fly kites, bring a picnic and enjoy Lynch Canyon in Fairfield,” the Land Trust stated.

To register or for more information on these and other activities, go to https:// solanolandtrust.org/events/ month/2025-02.

UCD Vet Med hosts bilingual equine health symposium

By Monica Stark McNaughton Media

Horse owners, riders, equine professionals and students passionate about horses — anyone interested in the equine industry

— can attend Saturday’s Equine Health Symposium presented by the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Large Animal Clinic in conjunction with the Equine Medicine Club.

Morning lectures from 9 a.m. to noon include emergency preparedness with Dr. Briana Hamamoto, assisted reproduction techniques and placentitis with Dr. Pouya Dini, wounds street nails and trauma injuries with Dr. Isabelle Kilcoyne, preventative medicine with Dr. Jennifer Cassano, colic with Dr. Sandra Valdez, and foals with Dr. Gary Magdesian.

After an hour-long lunch break, the symposium continues with interactive demonstrations (intramuscular injections, distal limb anatomy, and foaling) until 4 p.m.

The symposium will include a wet lab for intramuscular injections using life-sized horse models with foam pads on their necks, allowing the use of needles and syringes.

Additionally, a reproductive foaling lab will feature a placenta for participants to observe what a normal placenta looks like after delivery. Abnormalities may indicate a cause for concern.

There will be a lower-limb anatomy lab with plastinated specimens formerly being horses. These preserved specimens allow for detailed examination, showcasing bones, ligaments, tendons, and even joint pouches in vibrant colors to illustrate the anatomy beneath the skin.

While similar events often focus on continuing education for veterinary professionals, the Equine Medicine Club of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine organized this public event to reach a wider audience, including Spanish-only speakers.

Spanish-speaking veterinarians from UC Davis will teach three one-hour lectures in the morning for the Spanish-speaking portion. The Latinx Veterinary Medical Association Chapter will manage registration and communication in Spanish.

In the afternoon, at least

two wet labs will be primarily in English but will allow for Spanish as needed, with one lab having translators available. The Latinx club will also provide student volunteers to assist with translations.

Launched in 2022, LVMA is “one of the school’s newest student organizations. It was created to form a community of Latinx excellence in veterinary medicine,” according to the club’s description on the vet school’s club list.

“It’s wonderful to have everyone share a common passion and participate in lectures and wet labs. I wish I had these opportunities when I was a member of the public, so it feels great to give back in this way,” says Annika Bram, president of the Equine Medicine Club and DVM candidate, class of 2026.

She explained that the event used to be annual until COVID-19 forced a pause. Last year was the

first time back, with 150 to 200 attendees. Bram said surveys indicated approval of the attendees’ ability to choose from the morning lectures and participate in practical wet labs in the afternoon, where they could practice skills like intramuscular injections and learn about lower leg anatomy.

Highlighting the bilingual approach in their programs, Bram said members of the Spanish-speaking community often serve as key caretakers for horses. She said it’s essential to include a bilingual approach so everyone can participate.

“We’re excited to offer services in Spanish and have many fluent veterinarians as well,” she said.

“Spanish speakers play vital roles in various disciplines, including as grooms, feeders, stall cleaners, and owners. Throughout my experience in the horse community, I’ve seen their contributions across all areas, and we’re committed to supporting them in their important work,” she said.

The UCD Equine Medicine Club boasts about 50 members, primarily veterinary students, with an undergraduate extension available. It works to enhance equine education at UCD, where the first two years focus on small animals like dogs and cats.

Overall, the club aims to keep equine education

Courtesy photo

Brush up on horse health at UC Davis’ Equine Health Symposium on Saturday. See EQUINE, Page 7

Eventos hispanos

La policía y escuelas exhortan a usuarios de transportes eléctricos a conocer las leyes

Por Jacob Hoffman Traducido por Carol Alfonso

El uso de bicicletas y patinetas eléctricas, conocidos como los ‘e-bikes’ y los ‘e-scooters,’ se ha extendido por gran parte del mundo en los últimos tiempos como un medio de viaje rápido y cómodo al margen de los coches y el transporte público, y estos dispositivos son ahora una característica indiscutible de las carreteras de Winters.

Pero aunque los automovilistas, peatones y ciclistas ven bicicletas y patinetas eléctricas con más frecuencia, puede que todavía no esté claro para todos qué implican estos dispositivos, qué leyes los rigen y cómo pueden mantenerse a sí mismos y a sus seres queridos a salvo en las carreteras, especialmente para los muchos jóvenes que los utilizan.

Para empezar, la ley de California define las patinetas eléctricas en el Código de Vehículos de California 407.5 (a), que los define como “cualquier dispositivo de dos ruedas que tenga manubrio, una plataforma diseñada para que uno se pare sobre ella al conducir o un asiento y reposapiés

In its appeal to the Supreme Court, the oil industry, supported by 20 states, maintained that federal law precludes states’ rights to seek damages from greenhouse gases, which are emitted worldwide. The states, led by Alabama, said Honolulu is violating their rights by “asserting the power to enact disastrous global energy policy via state tort law. Among their demands is that major energy companies stop ‘promoting the sale and use’ of their fuel products.”

The Biden administration argued that the Supreme Court should let the Hawaii proceedings play out in state court.

After surviving multiple dismissal attempts, Honolulu’s lawsuit is the furthest along of any state climate lawsuits. The case is entering full discovery, meaning oil companies could soon need to turn over documents and sit for depositions that could be illuminating about their role in climate change, said Corey Riday-White, a managing attorney at the Center for Climate Integrity, which supports efforts to challenge oil companies in court and sponsored Wiener’s legislation.

If a jury delivers a big verdict in the Honolulu case, the pressure to settle will mount, experts say. But the case would almost certainly be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where many justices are seen as favorable to corporate interests. President Donald Trump’s Justice Department is likely to support oil companies.

One major hurdle for climate suit plaintiffs is the industry’s push to move cases to federal courts, where judges have been more inclined than state courts to dismiss them, legal experts said. State courts also have

en lugar de la plataforma,” y que puede ser tanto “impulsado por un motor eléctrico” como “diseñado para ser impulsado por propulsión humana.”

En la práctica, estas características que las separan de las patinetas normales, no motorizadas, también les otorgan umbrales legales y de seguridad separadas. Según una declaración realizada por el Departamento de Policía de Winters (Winters PD) en su cuenta de redes sociales, “las patinetas eléctricas solo se pueden usar en ciclovías de Clase II y IV (que no excedan las 15 mph), requieren una edad mínima de 16 años con licencia de conducir, luces delanteras que funcionen y casco para cualquier persona menor de 18 años, pero no requieren placas de matrícula.”

Es importante destacar que estos dispositivos no pueden circular por las aceras y deben circular por los carriles para bicicletas. Además de estos requisitos legales, el Departamento de Policía de Winters también destacó la importancia de la seguridad vial general con las patinetas eléctricas, que incluye “detenerse en las

dismissed some recent cases.

California has played a major role in the litigation. In 2023, California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, Chevron and the American Petroleum Institute, alleging that they misled the public about climate change. The suit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, seeks unspecified damages, penalties and the establishment of an abatement fund to cover future costs. If successful, these cases could set a precedent similar to the tobacco cases, ultimately holding fossil fuel companies accountable.

The American Petroleum Institute did not respond to a request by CalMatters for comment, but in 2023 called California’s lawsuit “meritless” and “politicized,” adding that climate policy should be legislated in Congress and not decided in the courts.

Last year, a judge approved a request by Bonta to coordinate with multiple other California jurisdictions that had sued the oil industry on similar grounds.

Evidence of industry deception

Plaintiffs argue that oil companies misled the public about climate change, and there’s strong evidence they did. But proving those deceptions influenced consumer behavior — or that a better-informed public would have acted differently — is far from

señales de parada (Stop), usar señales con las manos, ceder el paso a los peatones” y precauciones adicionales como usar colores brillantes para aumentar la visibilidad. Las bicicletas eléctricas son ligeramente diferentes; como está escrito en el Código de Vehículos de California 312.5 (a), una “bicicleta eléctrica” es una bicicleta equipada con pedales completamente operativos y un motor eléctrico que no exceda los 750 vatios de potencia,” y que se divide en tres clases. Según el DMV de California, ninguna de estas tres clases requiere licencias de conducir, pero las bicicletas de Clase III, que están equipadas con velocímetros y pueden alcanzar 28 mph, requieren que los usuarios tengan 16 años o más, usen un casco de seguridad y no puedan transportar pasajeros.

Según el jefe de policía de Winters, John P. Miller, hasta ahora Winters ha tenido relativamente suerte con el uso de patinetas eléctricas. Miller señala que solo un incidente notable que involucró una patineta eléctrica fue una colisión causada por el usuario que no se detuvo

straightforward.

“Would they have stopped filling their tanks if a sign at the gas pump said, ‘This fuel contributes to climate change?’” Gerrard asked.

Many experts mark the wave of climate litigation as beginning in 2017, when San Francisco, Oakland and other California municipalities sued major oil companies for deceptive practices, marking a shift from earlier, largely unsuccessful federal claims.

For years, plaintiffs filing climate cases relied on environmental laws and regulations . But now they are focusing on allegations of deception.

Internal documents reveal that by the 1960s, oil companies began predicting fossil fuels could drive catastrophic climate change. Yet, in later decades, as scientists increasingly came to the consensus that burning fossil fuels caused climate change, oil companies ran ads, filed reports and lobbied lawmakers to spread the opposite message — that climate change wasn’t real or wasn’t a big deal.

en una señal de parada, sin que nadie reportara heridos. Sin embargo, el mayor uso de estos vehículos en la ciudad, especialmente entre los jóvenes, puede suponer un peligro creciente si no se mantienen las medidas legales y de seguridad. El uso de patinetas y bicicletas eléctricas proporciona a los usuarios sin acceso a vehículos de motor una gran libertad y comodidad para moverse rápidamente. Esto naturalmente atrae a los jóvenes, aquellos que no pueden permitirse o aún no pueden conducir automóviles. Pero es importante recordar que las patinetas y bicicletas eléctricas siguen siendo vehículos regulados por la ley y deben usarse de manera segura para garantizar la seguridad de sus conductores, peatones y conductores en la carretera. En cuanto a la ley, la ley de California estipula que los usuarios de patinetas eléctricas deben tener 16 años y tener una licencia de conducir válida o un permiso de aprendizaje, además de exigir el uso de un casco de seguridad y luces delanteras que funcionen. Por lo tanto, el uso

suits focusing on deception also paved the way for lawsuits against other large industries, including opioid manufacturers, big banks after the housing crash and chemical companies for polluting water with “forever chemicals.”

Heat waves, wildfires

In the meantime, the science that links climate change to specific effects has evolved rapidly, now churning out real-time assessments of how much climate change has worsened a given disaster.

The science has changed from one of uncertainty to precise statements like a specific hurricane’s “rainfall was made 40% worse by climate change,” said Kristina Dahl, vice president for Science at Climate Central, which works on quantifying how much climate change is worsening extreme

In the 1970s, Exxon had internal climate research predicting today’s global warming with stunning accuracy. By the early 1980s, the industry knew what was happening, how severe it would be and that fossil fuels were the cause. A pivotal moment came in 2015 when investigative journalists exposed what the industry knew.

Tobacco industry

de patinetas eléctricas por parte de menores de 16 años está estrictamente prohibido por la ley estatal y local, mientras que los menores de 18 años pueden manejarlos con las licencias correspondientes, pero deben usar casco en todo momento. Aquí en Winters, los líderes del Departamento de Policía de Winters y del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Winter (JUSD) han expresado su preocupación por el uso de patinetas eléctricas y bicicletas eléctricas por parte de menores de 18 años, e imploran tanto a los niños como a los padres que conozcan la ley y todas las precauciones de seguridad vial habituales con estos vehículos. El Departamento de Policía de Winters ha publicado algunas publicaciones en las redes sociales que explican las leyes sobre el uso de patinetas eléctricas, y Miller le dijo al Winters Express que el Departamento de Policía de Winters “insta a los padres y usuarios a que conozcan las leyes, tomen precauciones de seguridad, como usar cascos, y obedezcan las reglas de tránsito” para mantener a todos a salvo.

weather. Because of the evolving science, some cases are also getting more specific. In Oregon’s Multnomah County, a lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp. and other oil and gas companies zeroes in on the Pacific Northwest’s devastating 2021 heat wave, attempting to link its deadly impact to climate change and seeking $1.55 billion in damages and a $50 billion abatement fund.

Connecting wildfires to fossil fuel companies is particularly difficult, since fires are often ignited by identifiable parties, such as utilities or arsonists, who can be held directly liable.

Former California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has spent years trying to get the insurance industry to acknowledge the financial risks of climate change. But while insurers are

quick to pull out of high-risk areas and raise rates, they’ve been far less willing to hold oil companies accountable for the disasters their emissions are fueling.

The insurance industry is facing an existential crisis, Jones said. Wildfires, hurricanes and even newly emerging threats like severe convective storms are making it harder to insure homes and businesses.

Insurance companies are still heavily invested in the industry driving it. According to Jones, U.S. insurers have over half a trillion dollars tied up in fossil fuels.

If oil companies are held financially responsible for disasters, Gerrard of Columbia Law School warned that equity firms or foreign companies with even less concern for climate issues could swoop in.

Vacaville Winters

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

Winters Chamber Mixer, 4:30 –6:30 p.m., Hotel Winters, www.winterschamber.com

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, March 7

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

Monday, March 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

Wednesday, March 12

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

Saturday, March 17

WMS E-Waste Drive, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Winters Middle School, 425 Anderson Ave.

Winters Open Mic Night, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Winters Opera House (13 Main St.), Visit wintersopenmic.org

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 May), 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

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.

High school students gain experience in financial skills

By Crystal Apilado

Editor-in-Chief

Financial literacy is an essential life skill, yet many young people enter adulthood without the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.

To bridge this gap, Travis Credit Union partnered with Winters High School to host its Generation Wealth program, a rebranded version of its youth financial education initiative, formerly known as Mad City Money, which was hosted at the high school last fall.

The revitalized program made its debut at WHS to seniors and Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy students on Friday, Feb. 28, marking a significant step in empowering students with real-world money management skills.

Since its inception in 2009, over 13,000 students have participated in TCU’s financial literacy programs. Generation Wealth aims to continue this legacy by providing high school students with immersive,

hands-on experiences that simulate real-life financial scenarios. Students navigate situations involving jobs, salaries, bills, families, and credit scores, all within a safe and supportive environment where they can practice making responsible financial decisions.

The Generation

Wealth program is structured around the four pillars of financial wellness:

• Plan: Creating a financial roadmap to make informed choices, stay on track, and prepare for the unexpected.

• Save: Setting and achieving savings goals while maintaining control over per-

sonal finances.

• Spend: Utilizing financial tools to manage everyday expenses effectively.

• Borrow: Understanding how to secure the lowest interest rates and stay within a budget.

The program consists of two key components. The first is an informational session that educates students about essential financial concepts, such as distinguishing needs from wants and setting realistic financial goals.

The second part is an interactive simulation where students apply what they’ve learned by managing a household budget. Volunteers play a crucial role in this session, acting as sales representatives, financial advisors, and business owners to offer students various financial options — sometimes even attempting to upsell them to test their decision-making skills. Real-world financial choices

During the simulation, students visit

Courtesy photo

A group of Winters residents took a copy of their Winters Express on their travels through South America. Leslie Allen, Laura Harper, Randy West and Shep Harper pose with the Express at the end of the road in Patagonia. Reaching this point marks the end of drivable road access in the region.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Volunteer Jean-Marc Leininger assists students in need of financial guidance at the credit union booth. The Generation

Wealth program is part of the Travis Credit Union’s financial workshop series for youths.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

Volunteers Jason Jurado and Aaron Caruso help students navigate purchasing a vehicle.

See SKILLS, Page 5

Winters housing market heads into spring

With spring around the corner, mortgage rates continue to shape the housing market, influencing both buyer activity and inventory levels. While California saw a surge in new listings at the start of the year, Winters has experienced a more measured pace, with only six new homes listed in February. Inventory remains tight, increasing slightly to 19 active listings, while 14 homes are currently pending, and 13 have closed since the start of the year.

As this is written, 30-year FHA loans are currently at 6.15 percent, the lowest in months. However, the Federal Reserve’s slow action and the decent job market are keeping rates elevated and some buyers cautious despite im-

proving affordability. Although there are ongoing affordability problems, buyers are engaging with the market again. The average number of days on the market has dropped from 108 to 74, signaling increased demand. Additionally, homes in Winters are selling at an average of 99 percent of their list price, demonstrating continued market strength. While mortgage applications remain flat year over year, steady buyer interest suggests that wellpriced, well-marketed homes in good

condition are still attracting strong offers. Unlike larger markets, which have seen a decline in new listings but an increase in overall inventory, Winters remains in a low-supply environment. This dynamic presents opportunities for both buyers and sellers. For sellers, limited competition means that attractive, well-positioned homes continue to move efficiently. For buyers, while choices remain scarce, pricing stability and fewer bidding wars may make now a favorable time to secure a home before

competition heats up further in the spring. The coming months will show whether Winters follows the state’s broader trend of rising inventory or continues to see measured, incremental increases. Economic policy uncertainty and mortgage rate fluctuations will play a role in shaping buyer confidence and activity. For those considering a move, staying informed and having a wellplanned strategy will be key in navigating the evolving real estate landscape.

— Joedy Michael is a local real estate agent based in Winters. To inquire about market insights or more, reach out to him at Joedy.michael@exprealty.com or connect with him on Instagram @joedymichael_realestate.

Metro Special to the Express

The phrase “bigger is better” has endured for quite some time. Though it may be impossible to pinpoint precisely who coined the phrase, its lesson that larger things tend to be more valuable than smaller alternatives is applicable in numerous situations. But no adage is applicable to every situation, and in some instances people may find that bigger is not better.

Downsizing is an approach many individuals consider after turning 50. Parents who are empty nesters and others nearing retirement may wonder if the time is right to downsize from their current homes.

Though that’s a strategy millions of people have adopted over time, the decision is not always so simple. Individuals over 50 who are trying to determine if downsizing is right for them can consider a host of factors before making a decision. • Monthly housing expenses: Before downsizing their homes, individuals should determine just how much they’re currently spending on housing. Individuals who have fixed rate mortgages likely know the amount of their monthly mortgage payment, but what about maintenance? Home maintenance expenses fluctuate, but a careful examination of the previous 12 months’ expenditures can give homeowners an idea of just how much they’re spending to maintain their properties. The number may be eye-opening, as Thumbtack’s “Home Care Price Index” released in the third quarter of 2024 revealed that the average annual cost to maintain a single family home reached an all-time high of $10,433. If such expenses are preventing

Express Yourself

There is an East Coast bias

When you learn about the founding of North America, you learn about Christopher Columbus and then the English settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.

The Spanish were in St. Augustine, Fla., in 1565,

My permanent tenant and I just got back from a week in Oaxaca, Mexico, founded in 1532. By 1542, the Spaniards were off the coast of California, so I wonder why the English get credit for being the first settlers in North America. Maybe they wrote the history books that we still use today?

Sherri was a high school summer exchange student in Oaxaca when she was 16. If you want to do the math, that was 54 years ago. She would often talk about her time in Oaxaca and that it was the beginning of her Spanish language learning adventure.

Over the years, we have talked about going to Oaxaca and visiting her host family, but we waited too long. Sadly, her host brother passed away sev-

“Oaxaca has kept its culture and traditions alive and people still enjoy a lifestyle to be envied.”

en years ago and she didn’t get the chance to meet him again. There is a lesson to be learned here.

The city of Oaxaca is in southern Mexico and is a different experience from the border towns that we usually visit. Oaxaca has kept its culture and traditions alive and people still enjoy a lifestyle to be envied.

Sherri said that there were a lot of changes since her last visit, which made me laugh. She mentioned that there were more downtown restaurants, but the Zócalo was still the center of the community.

We were lucky to have a local guide, Wence Martinez, who is a friend of a friend,

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Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20),

You might feel like you have extra energy to chase goals and take bold actions this week, Aries. Your natural drive will be strong. Find opportunities to assert yourself in new areas.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21),

You may feel compelled to slow down and nurture your inner self this week, Taurus. Take time to reflect on your values and personal goals. If you have been feeling overwhelmed, get some rest.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21),

You are in a social mode this week, Gemini. Your communication skills will take center stage, and it’s a good time to collaborate or share ideas with others.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22), Cancer, your focus could shift toward long-term career goals in the next few days. Work to identify a clear vision of where you want to go and the path to get there.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23), Leo, this week brings an adventurous energy that implores you to expand your horizons. Consider travel, new experiences or educational pursuits to make the most of your time.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22),

You may find yourself dealing with intense emotions this week, Virgo. You might realize that time is running out on something and you really need to make a move.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23),

Relationships are especially important to you right now, Libra. Whether it is friendship, romance or business, your interactions with others are bound to be intense.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22), Scorpio, this week requires heightened focus on daily routines and personal health. It’s a good time to prioritize self-care and improving your habits. A shift in your environment might help.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21), Sagittarius, your creativity and passion are elevated this week. You feel ready to pursue personal projects since your inspiration is booming.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20), Family matters takes precedence and garner your attention this week, Capricorn. You may feel a desire to create a sense of stability in your personal space. That may translate to redecorating.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18), Aquarius, communication is key this week, whether it’s in social circles, at work or at home. You will engage in good conversation and exchange interesting ideas. Learn all you can along the way.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20), Finances come into focus this week, Pisces. You may wonder how you can improve your financial situation and make smarter choices when it comes to money.

Express Yourself

Trees are one of our treasures

By Melanie Ellison and Carol Scianna

City of Winters Climate Action Commission

Trees provide a huge benefit to our homes, neighborhoods and environment. One of the more obvious benefits is providing shade and cooling to our homes and streets. Trees make our neighborhoods more aesthetically pleasing, with healthy mature trees increasing property value up to 10 percent. Trees also sequester carbon from our air and thus improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gasses.

This is the perfect time to plant treescool, moist soil gives trees an opportunity to establish a healthy root system before the onset of hot weather. Did you know that the city of Winters will reimburse you up to $75 to plant a tree in your front yard? The Residential Tree Re-

DOWNSIZE

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homeowners from building their retirement nest eggs, then it might be time to seek alternative housing.

• Real estate prices: Real estate prices have skyrocketed in recent years, which can be both good and bad for current homeowners considering downsizing. Many people who downsize look to move from a single-family home into a condominium, where maintenance tasks are typically handled by a homeowners’ association (HOA). Such communities typically charge HOA fees, which can be minimal or considerable. In addition, the price of condominiums has risen in recent years, with the lender New American Funding reporting in early 2024 that the median sale price of a condo reached $341,000. So homeowners who want to downsize their homes may end up taking most of the

bate Program provides this incentive to homeowners who add more trees to their home. You will need to select a tree from the city’s Master Tree List and plant it within 15 feet of the sidewalk in your front yard. Here’s the link for more information: https://bit.ly/ 3DfCN9R, to help your trees thrive into maturity, new plantings need a slow, deep watering once or twice each week during hot weather.

Our local schools are making it a priority to improve our climate and our school landscapes by planting more trees. This year, students at Winters Middle School and Wolfskill Career Readiness Academy partnered with Tree Davis, a nonprofit

profit from selling their current properties and reinvesting it in a costly condo. Some may deem that worthwhile, while others may find the cost savings of downsizing in the current market are negligible.

• Emotional attachment: Downsizing may be considered with cost savings in mind, but it’s important to consider your emotional attachment to your current home. Many homeowners over 50 raised their families in their current homes, and letting go of a property where so many memories were made can be difficult.

Homeowners who are not prepared to move on from properties that are meaningful to them and their families can consider additional ways to downsize their financial obligations.

Downsizing is something many homeowners over 50 consider. Any decision regarding downsizing is best made after considering a range of variables.

tree advocacy group, to plant 14 trees on the Winters Middle School property. Thank you, students, for improving our environment!

In addition, 50 valley oaks were recently planted along the Putah Creek Nature Park trail by a local scout troop supported by Winters Rotary. This was a massive undertaking that promises shade and carbon sequestration for future generations in Winters.

What trees will you plant this year?

— Through “The Climate in Town,” members of the Winters Climate Action Commission share information with local residents about opportunities to help make Winters a greener and more livable city, and, hopefully, save money at the same time.

Crafts are a lucky bet for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

Metro Special to the Express

While it certainly can be fun to visit a pub and raise a pint in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, such efforts are not necessarily a family-friendly way to commemorate the patron saint of the Emerald Isle. Thankfully, there are plenty of activities for children and adults that focus less on imbibing and more on hands-on fun so everyone can be involved equally. Crafting often fits that bill.

Many of these projects include items you may already have around the house.

Shamrock key chain

Find your favorite salt dough recipe and use a shamrock cookie cutter to cut out the shape of a lucky clover. Poke a hole at the top where you can connect a key ring. When the shamrock is dried and hardened, paint it in a vivid shade of green. Attach keys, a school ID or anything else to the key ring, or simply hang it from a

Letters

Support Class of 2025

In less than three months, the Class of 2025 will be graduating from Winters High School, and we want to make sure their celebration is unforgettable!

The WHS Grad Nite Parent Group, a dedicated non-profit community organization, is working hard to raise funds for a Safe and Sober Grad Nite event, and we need your help!

A Safe and Sober Grad Nite is a FREE event for ALL WHS Seniors. This alcohol-free celebration allows our seniors to safely enjoy this milestone. However, we can only make this happen with support from our community.

Currently, we are hosting a Chance Ticket Fundraiser, which has been key to funding the event in the past and the Class of 2025 is thrilled to bring it back! This is a reverse drawing, where the last ticket standing will win a grand prize of $2,000! To support this cause, you can purchase a Chance Ticket by using the

QUICK

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show us around the area. He is a weaver, and if I heard him correctly, he said he is a 5th-generation weaver. He is of Zapotec heritage and is a pretty famous weaver if you want to look him up. Some of his weavings are in the Smithsonian and the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. Nothing seemed to bother Wence, even when we ended up on a dirt road heading to see some petroglyphs

backpack.

Leprechaun hats

With a little green paint, green card stock and construction paper in black and gold, anyone can create miniature leprechaun hats. Paint the toilet paper tube green, then wrap the bottom in a strip of black and place a gold “buckle” made out of a rectangle of gold or yellow paper. Glue the tube to a round of green card stock, and voila, you have a perfect leprechaun hat for decorating a room or table.

Easy rainbow craft

Grab some fruity

O-shaped cereal and let kids sort the colors into red, orange, yellow, green, and purple. Glue rows of these colored cereal rings onto a piece of white cardstock to make the rainbow. At the base of the rainbow, glue some cotton balls to serve as the clouds.

Beaded bracelets

Visit a craft store and stock up on small green, white and gold

QR code in the ad in this issue of the Express or by emailing us directly at whsgradnite@ gmail.com for more details.

The Chance Ticket drawing will take place during our Corn Hole Tournament on Sunday, March 30, at Hooby’s, starting at 1 p.m. You do not need to be present to win! The tournament will have competitive and social brackets, with prizes for both! This event promises to be an afternoon full of fun, friendly competition, and a chance to support a Safe and Sober Grad Nite. To sign up, visit scoreholio.com or email us at whsgradnite@gmail.com.

We hope to see you there for a day of great fun and community spirit. Please come out to support the event, try your luck with the Chance Tickets, and enjoy the exciting atmosphere at Hooby’s.

We appreciate any support you can provide to make this a truly unforgettable, safe event for our seniors.

ANDREA HURST,

(ancient rock paintings). When he asked for directions, they told him to continue straight but asked him why he was on this road. As a family, when we make a wrong turn, we call it a Wallace loop. I explained the term and we started to call our eighthour journey one long Martinez loop. There were three couples on this trip, one that we have traveled with before, Doug and Deanna, and another couple from Kansas City; Howie, a retired architect and his wife, Debbie, a retired lawyer. How-

beads, as well as some bracelet wire or poly string. Spend a few hours making bracelets that everyone can wear with their green attire for St. Patrick’s Day. The bracelets also can be given as gifts.

Shamrock slime

Those who can find green glitter glue and shamrock confetti can turn their favorite slime recipe into one worthy of St. Patrick’s Day.

Rainbow cereal bars

Incorporate some of the marshmallows from a favorite “lucky” cereal brand into the mix of rice cereal treats to give them a rainbow-inspired upgrade.

Pots of gold

If you have leftover plastic witches’ cauldrons from Halloween, paint them gold and use them to store foil-wrapped chocolate coins. Otherwise, tie green helium-filled balloons to the cauldron to make a perfect centerpiece.

LAURA MARIANI, JILL AGUIAR AND RHONDA DRIVER

WHS Grad Nite PareNt GrouP Board

Letters Policy

The Winters Express encourages readers to submit letters to encourage community discussion. Express Letters to the Editor guidelines: Letters should not exceed 350 words. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. We accept “thank you” letters naming local individuals and businesses only. 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. Letters must be legibly signed by the writer. We reserve the right to determine legitimacy. Mail letters to: The Winters Express, PO Box 520, Winters, CA 95694, submit online at https://tinyurl.com/syzevywd or visit wintersexpress. com.

ie and Debbie have been spending their winters in Oaxaca for almost a decade and picked out great places to eat and hidden coffee shops. Oaxaca is famous for its food and we weren’t disappointed. I worry about spending a lot of time with new people. Sometimes, my sense of humor doesn’t always come across in a positive light. After a few hours with Howie, I realized that he made me look good. We were staying in a nice downtown hotel and were within walking distance of a

church where there were multiple weddings. As the newlyweds would come out of the church, there were large puppets (12 feet tall), bands playing, people dancing and someone pouring mezcal. As soon as Howie saw the mezcal, he pulled a small cup out of his pocket and headed for the wedding party. He repeated this several times that Saturday. When I asked him if he had no shame, he just smiled and said, “No.”

Enjoy our weather and have a good week.

Express Yourself

State uses gimmicks instead of addressing heart of budget problem

By Dan Walters CalMatters

One of the many gimmicks that California’s governors and legislators employ to paper over budget deficits, thus avoiding real spending cuts or increasing taxes, is to assume some level of savings from making state agencies and programs more efficient.

They will plug arbitrary numbers into the budget from such supposed efficiencies, then, along with other gimmicks, declare that the budget gap has been closed and pat themselves on the back for the feat.

The 2024-25 budget is a prime example of such political expedience. As enacted last June it totaled $297.9 billion, of which $211.5 billion was general fund spending. But the budget assumed that the state would receive $207.2 billon in general fund revenues, so it had a gap to bridge.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and

Diverse

legislators turned to a series of gimmicks and indirect loans to close the gap, including $2.9 billion from assumed efficiency savings in state agencies and state universities.

However, when Newsom unveiled a 2025-26 budget proposal in January, the plan acknowledged that while the universities met their relatively tiny savings goal of $200 million, other agencies would reduce spending by just $800 million, or less than a third of their $2.7 billion goal.

The new budget also revealed that 2024-25 general fund spending had ballooned to an estimated $232 billion — $21 billion more than the final version had assumed — and while projected revenues had also increased to $217 billion, the 2024-25 deficit would widen to $15 billion.

Last month, the Legislature’s budget analyst, Gabe

Petek, reported that his staff was having difficulty getting accurate information from the administration about the underachieving efficiency decree.

“We have tried to get information from some of the larger departments to better understand what types of operational changes are being implemented to achieve the identified savings,” Petek wrote. “As we discuss in greater detail later, we have received limited information thus far.”

This venture into the weeds of state budgeting generates two observations: One, that gimmickry is an integral part of the current process, and second, that the state faces chronic gaps between income and outgo, a condition dubbed a “structural deficit.”

It is an ongoing mismatch between what the state’s tax system can produce in revenues and what current law says must be spent. The problem dates back to 2022 when Newsom declared

that the state had a $97.5 billion surplus, based on surging revenues.

He and legislators raised spending sharply on that assumption, but it proved to be an illusion, resulting in the income and outgo gap that will continue at least for the remainder of Newsom’s governorship — unless he and legislators make real spending cuts or increase taxes.

Moreover, the destructive and deadly wildfires that swept through Los Angeles will impact both the revenue and spending sides of the state’s ledger, more than likely increasing the structural deficit.

Newsom and legislators have already approved a $2.5 billion appropriation for fire-related costs, which would increase the deficit even more unless he can persuade President Donald Trump to send federal aid. Even with a federal bailout, however, Newsom is likely to leave his succes-

sor, whomever that might be, with a fiscal headache. Newsom surely hopes to skate through without either deep spending cuts or increasing taxes, while continuing to cover the chronic gaps with gimmicks such as arbitrary efficiency savings, direct and indirect loans and creative bookkeeping.

He has even increased spending in some categories despite the sluggish revenues, most spectacularly — and most irresponsibly — jacking up state subsidies for the Southern California film and video industry.

Sending more money to Hollywood while telling state universities to tighten their belts, potentially impacting enrollment, would seem to be the height of misplaced priorities. — CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to Commentary.

Future of cancer coverage uncertain for women federal firefighters

By Kylie Mohr KFF Health News

It took nearly three years to win presumptive workers’ compensation coverage for breast, cervical, and other cancers that firefighters who work for federal agencies may develop because of hazardous exposures on the job.

Now, just weeks after the Labor Department added coverage for those illnesses, firefighters worry the gains may be in jeopardy after the Trump administration deleted information about the expansion of coverage for cancers that mostly affect women and transgender firefighters from a federal webpage and ducked questions about whether it will uphold the policy change made in the waning days of the Biden administration.

“It’s really important to continue to focus on ensuring that those who devote their lives to protecting the public and communities continue to receive coverage through the special claims unit,” said Pete Dutchick, a federal firefighter and volunteer with the advocacy group Grassroots Wildland Firefighters.

The Labor Department’s special claims unit, established in 2022, processes all federal firefighter claims and provides a streamlined path for those with covered conditions. Wildland firefighters and advocacy groups representing them celebrated that year when federal officials moved to expedite workers’ compensation coverage of cancers tied to their jobs. It was recognition that the dangers of battling wildfires extend long after a blaze is extinguished.

The list of cancers federal officials tagged for streamlined claims processes through the Labor Department’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs included esophageal, colorectal, prostate, testicular, kidney, bladder, brain, lung, thyroid, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, mesothelioma, and melanoma.

But that initial jubilation soured when it became clear that breast, ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers were excluded, creating a coverage gap for more than 2,700 people, or about 16% of the more than 17,000 federal wildland firefighters working for the Forest Service and the Interior Department. These are firefighters who are dispatched to federal lands, like in national forests and national parks, and some-

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different financial stations that represent real-life expenses. At the clothing and grooming booth, for example, they choose between high-end fashion, department store purchases, discount shopping or thrift-store finds. The next step asks students to make tough choices about how often they can afford haircuts and beauty products within

Diverse Perspectives

times assist county and state crews, as they did when fires swept into Los Angeles in January.

“At first glance, we were ecstatic,” Dutchick said. “And then we’re like, ‘Well, where are the female cancers?’”

Dutchick, who has an 8-year-old daughter, was upset. “I certainly want her to have equal protections when it comes to health if she chooses to get into a field of public service,” he said.

Then this year, as the Biden administration wound toward a close, federal officials addressed the exclusion, adding the cancers to the list in a last-minute change before Donald Trump took office.

“This policy change acknowledges the unique occupational hazards faced by women firefighters and ensures they receive the care and support they deserve,” Christopher Godfrey, the now-former director of the workers’ compensation office, said in a Jan. 6 statement on the Labor Department’s website.

In a statement to KFF Health News four days later, Godfrey said the policy change resulted in immediate action for firefighters with new claims.

But in the early days of the Trump administration, the January press release announcing the cancer coverage expansion was deleted from the Labor Department website. When asked whether claims were still being processed for the four recently added cancers, a spokesperson for the workers’ compensation office, Frances Alonzo, told KFF Health News, “We do not have any additional updates regarding your inquiry.”

Formalizing the policy change through rulemaking will take months and support from Congress.

Kaleena Lynde is among a generation of women firefighters who developed cancer before streamlined coverage for workers’ compensation claims existed. In 2006, Lynde, then 22, was diagnosed with small cell ovarian cancer during her third fire season on the Shasta Lake Hotshots, an elite crew of firefighters in Northern California. Doctors removed a 5.4-pound tumor almost immediately that year. She’s now cancer-free, but only after multiple surgeries, chemotherapy,

their budget. For many participants, the experience is eye-opening. One student, after opting for premium grooming choices, realized she had only $200 left for the month —before paying for utilities and groceries. Another student who eagerly splurged on a luxury vehicle quickly learned the impact and later had to opt to downgrade to a used car. Volunteers shared stories of students struggling with childcare costs and having to rethink

and an additional cervical cancer diagnosis three years later. Lynde has since gone on to work various jobs for the Forest Service, including 16 years at Eldorado National Forest doing fire investigation, fire prevention, and dispatch center jobs. She now coordinates wildfire apprenticeships for the agency’s Pacific Southwest region.

A friend recently sent her a link to the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, a database tracking the prevalence of diseases among all firefighters, both structural and wildland. It made Lynde wonder — could her cancers be connected to her work on the fire line?

Seeking to fix the omission, more than 15 wildland firefighter advocacy groups, representing Hotshot crews, smokejumpers, and others, signed a September letter to Julie Su, the acting labor secretary at the time. They pointed out that other countries, including Australia, already included presumptive coverage for cervical, ovarian, uterine and breast cancers.

The Labor Department implemented policy changes that eased the requirements for covering wildland firefighters’ cancer-related workers’ compensation claims in April 2022 through a Federal Employees’ Compensation Act bulletin. The rules were codified in December 2022 when President Joe Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act.

To qualify, firefighters must have worked for at least five years and be diagnosed within 10 years of their last exposure. Those with unlisted cancers could still file claims through a special unit but wouldn’t receive the same streamlined adjudication for compensation. By September 2024, the workers’ compensation office had received 91 claims for qualifying cancers and heart and lung conditions.

Rachel Granberg, a wildland firefighter in Washington state, said streaFmlined processing and reimbursements are important. “It really gives people more bandwidth to worry about how they’re going to manage their life after a cancer diagnosis, rather than just fighting for basic health care.”

Too often, firefighters end up crowdsourcing for financial support after cancer diagnoses, she said.

George Broyles, retired firefight-

their spending priorities when faced with financial constraints.

Community collaboration Bringing Generation Wealth to life required a collaborative effort. In true Winters fashion, the Kiwanis Club of Winters (of which this editor is the President) worked alongside the local school district to recruit volunteers who staffed each financial station. These volunteers, many with professional

er and Forest Service researcher, said that health risks are too often seen as part of the job. “Hazard pay is not going to stop cancer,” he said. Broyles wants federal firefighting agencies to be honest about cancer risks when hiring young workers and then educate them on ways to protect themselves.

The recent policy change meant claims for federal wildland firefighters with ovarian, breast, or uterine cancer were immediately directed to the special claims unit and expedited processing.

The Labor Department’s decision to change course and expand presumptive coverage to female reproductive cancers was sudden. In December, the agency released a statement to KFF Health News saying such a change was unwarranted.

Three weeks later — without pointing to any new published research — the agency changed course, citing additional consultation with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and with Steven Moffatt, a doctor who specializes in firefighter illnesses. The agency conducts periodic reviews to consider adding new conditions to its coverage.

Recent research contributed to the agency’s inclusion of female reproductive cancers, Godfrey said. In 2023, a study determined a link between perfluorononanoic acid, a type of PFAS, and uterine cancer. PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a category of chemicals that a recent study found in the protective gear worn by wildland firefighters. Additional research has also linked PFAS exposure to an increase in melanoma. A study published in September identified 12 chemicals that firefighters are exposed to on the job linked to breast cancer.

But now, it’s unclear whether the Trump administration will roll back the new coverage, leaving some federal firefighters unsure whether exposures on the job will leave them scrambling for care.

— KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth 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 at www.kff. org.

experience in finance and business, helped guide students through their financial decision-making process, ensuring they gained a well-rounded understanding of budgeting and money management.

Locals Sandy Vickrey of Realty World Camelot Winters and Carla Wroten of Steady Eddy’s Coffee House shared their experiences as business owners with students to help round out the event. Generation Wealth will

expand its reach with an upcoming session designed specifically for eighthgrade students at Winters Middle School. Scheduled for Friday, March 14, this event will introduce younger students to foundational financial principles, preparing them for the financial responsibilities they will soon face. For those interested in volunteering, a few spots remain available. To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/WintersGW2025.

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

Winters Theatre Company’s fourth annual 10-Minute Play Festival opened on Friday, Feb. 28, at the Winters Opera House on downtown Main Street.

The festival showcased eight distinct productions, each featuring two to three cast members, offering audiences a series of quick yet immersive theatrical experiences.

While one might think that such brief performances could struggle to make an impact, each play successfully pulled the audience into its world, evoking a spectrum of emotions.

However, it is worth noting that not all of these emotions were warm and fuzzy — some plays tackled mature themes and included occasional profanity and playful innuendo, making them best suited for an audience comfortable with a bit of edge.

One of the standout productions of the evening was “God on the Couch” by Dan O’Day, directed by Ana Kormos. Perhaps due to my background in catechism and religious studies, I am always delighted when biblical stories are infused with humor.

Greg Lanzaro portrayed God, seated on his therapist’s couch, grappling with existential angst and sleepless nights. Mark Donnelly played the therapist, challenging the Almighty’s insecurities and referencing God’s autobiographical accounts as evidence. The recurring refrain of “You had to be there” highlighted the absurdity of justifying divine decisions while cleverly hinting at the deeper human challenge of selfreflection and ac-

Arts & Entertainment

countability. The play will leave the audience pondering how we, too, rationalize our past choices.

Another personal favorite was “When the Mice Are Away” by Chris Smith, directed by Jim Hewlett. As a parent raising six children, this play hit home in more ways than I was ready to admit.

Aaron Love and Rachel Howard-Till starred as Roger and Emily, a couple who finally have their house to themselves for the first time in six years. While Emily is eager to do something “wild,” it soon becomes evident that their definitions of “wild” differ drastically. Roger’s idea of breaking routine involves minor neighborhood mischief, while Emily’s suggestions flirt with outright delinquency.

Their discussion over how to inject “joy instead of meh” into their night together

was both hilarious and relatable, touching on everything from the perils of cacti to the thrill of a city council meeting. In the end, they settle on their version of excitement, savoring their rare time alone before the inevitable early-morning soccer run.

“A Blast” by Paul Smith, directed by Ana Kormos, delivered an unexpected twist. The play featured Manny Lanzaro as George and Mark Donnelly as Maurice, two men engaging in peculiar small talk on a park bench. Their conversation, combined with a suspicious transaction, kept the audience

guessing, allowing personal biases and life experiences to shape interpretations of what might be unfolding. The surprise ending defied expectations, earning this production a well-deserved spot in my top four.

“A Factually Inaccurate Conversation” by Zachary Mark, directed by Linda Glick, was another highlight. Bridget O’Flaherty as Jamie and Trent Beeby as Joe, are two job candidates awaiting an interview. As Joe attempts to complete his paperwork, Jamie enthusiastically bombards him with conspiracy theories spanning a range of outlandish topics. The play humorously skewered modern discourse, inviting laughter at the characters’ eccentric perspectives. I found myself laughing out loud more than expected, particularly as I pondered whether Jamie truly subscribed to a $50-a-month conspir-

acy vault or if it was all a calculated ploy to gain an advantage in the job race.

It should be noted that my selection of favorites does not diminish the quality of the remaining plays — each had moments that resonated deeply.

“Clipped Wings” by Mark Edward Smith, directed by Nancy Whitcomb, and “Getting It” by Leo McElroy, directed by Linda Glick, both provided poignant glimpses into the struggles of relationships in turmoil. While some moments may have been uncomfortable, the actors delivered powerful performances that made these emotional explorations compelling.

“Getting It” particularly struck a chord. Bernadette Mello as Ellen and Trent Beeby as Anthony began their scene as an aging couple discussing evolving friendships, but the conversation soon spiraled into a tension-filled whirlwind. Anthony’s remark, “Grandma, what sharp teeth you have,” initially steered my expectations in one direction, only for the narrative to take a dramatic turn.

By the play’s conclusion, I found myself breathing through the emotional intensity, reminding myself that it was, indeed, just a performance — a testament to the actors’ skill. As a writer, I’ve often been told that evoking strong emotions is a sign of success, and this production certainly succeeded in that regard.

“The Itsy Bitsy Spider” by Tim Cahill, directed by Jim Hewlett, offered a fresh take on the classic nursery rhyme, while “A Polar Bear Walks Into a Bar…” by Leo McElroy, also directed by Jim Hewlett, provided a lighthearted and humorous look at the unpredictable nature of online dating.

The Winters Theatre Company’s 10Minute Play Festival continues for one more weekend at the

Opera House. Don’t miss

Courtesy photos

Greg Lanzaro (left) portrays God, grapples with existential angst and talks it through with Mark Donnelly, his therapist, in “God on the Couch” by Dan O’Day, directed by Ana Kormos. The production is one of eight featured in Winters Theatre Company’s 10-Minute Play Festival. Below, Trent Beeby as Joe and Bridget O’Flaherty as Jamie are two job candidates awaiting an interview in “A Factually Inaccurate Conversation” by Zachary Mark, directed by Linda Glick.

Express staff

Winters High School is expanding its athletic offerings this spring with the introduction of a golf team, giving students a fresh opportunity to compete on the greens.

The inaugural season will feature matches against regional opponents, with the first tee-off Sacramento Valley League match scheduled for March 27, vs Willows High School at Noon on the green at Glenn Golf & Country Club in Willows.

As excitement builds, students and supporters are encouraged to come out and cheer on the team as they make their debut on the fairways.

Other match dates include:

• April 1 at Noon vs Maxwell at Colusa

Golf and Country Club

• April 9 at noon vs Colusa at Colusa Golf and Country Club

• April 14 at noon vs Pierce at Arbuckle Golf Club

• April 17 at noon vs Paradise at Table Mountain Golf Course

• April 29 at noon vs East Nicolaus at River Oaks Golf Club

• May 8 at noon vs Durham. The location will be announced.

The Northern Section CIF playoffs are scheduled for May 12 and the championship for May 19. match details will be announced.

WHS spring sports schedules for baseball, softball and track and field are available on the WHS Athletics department page at whs.wintersjusd.org under the “Student Life” tab.

How to avoid overdoing it with youth sports participation

Metro

Special to the Express

Youth sports are wildly popular. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, approximately 61 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 17 participated in a total team sport at least once per week in 2023.

Participation in sports can pay many dividends for children. Youngsters who play sports are physically active, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted can lower the risk for disease and decrease the likelihood children are overweight or obese.

Sports participation also encourages social interaction, which can help children develop their interpersonal skills and provide opportunities to build lifelong friendships.

With so much to gain from participating in sports, it’s no wonder that parents often encourage their children to get involved in local athletic leagues. But it’s important that parents recognize how easy it can be to overdo it when it comes to youth sports.

Some youth sports leagues now offer travel teams for children as young as 6, and such leagues may require kids and their parents to commit several days per week to practice and games. That might be

too much for some young athletes, and the following are some strategies parents can employ to ensure their children are not overdoing it when it comes to sports participation.

• Delay starting children in organized sports: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until children are fully ready before starting them in organized sports. That time may be different for all kids, even siblings. But the AAP recommends parents wait to enroll children

in organized sports until around age 6. Free play, which is not governed by rules the ways organized sports are, can be just as effective as team sports at helping children develop their muscles, bones and balance.

• Allow youngsters’ ages to guide training time: The AAP suggests a good rule of thumb is that youths should not train more hours each week than their age.

Under that guideline, an 8-year-old should not be spending more than eight

hours per week practicing and playing a sport.

• Avoid focusing on a single sport: Sports specialization is a term now used to describe intensive training or competition in a single organized sport for more than eight months per year by children who are 12 years old and younger. The AAP advises against sports specialization.

According to the sports medicine experts at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, children who specialize in playing one sport early

Sports participation also encourages social interaction, which can help children develop their interpersonal skills.

on have an increased risk of overuse injuries, which can develop due to intensive training. Such youngsters are also more likely to experience burnout and stress from playing the sport.

Mixing up sports throughout the year reduces the risk for burnout and overuse injuries, as children likely won’t grow bored and will be exercising in unique ways for each sport they play.

• Take time off: Time off is another way to avoid overdoing it with young athletes. The AAP advises young athletes to take at least two to three months off from organized sports participation each year. Time off can be divided into one-month increments. Sports are fun, and young athletes may want to keep playing all year long. However, parents must take steps to protect young athletes’ bodies and avoid overdoing it with sports throughout the year.

Courtesy photo

The inaugural season for the Winters High School golf team tees off on March 27.

Courtesy photo

Families of young athletes should take steps to ensure their children do not overdo it in their extracurricular activity participation.

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Redbloom @ 10pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

POLLINA‐TOR GARDEN TOUR @ 11am Learn about drought tolerant, cli‐mate appropriate and na‐tive plant species to at‐tract pollinators of all kinds The HIVE Tasting Room + Kitchen, 1221 Harter Avenue, Woodland. thehive@zspecialty food.com, 530-668-0660

Artist Talk with Ronald Peetz @ 1pm Enjoy a free artist talk with Ronald Peetz at the Pence! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocial media@gmail.com, 530-758-3370

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Enjoy some daytime fun at the Biggest St. Patrick's Day Party in San Francisco. Mayes Oyster House, 1233 Polk Street, San Fran‐cisco. info@crawlsf.com, 415-8521027

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The Unauthorized Rolling Stones Residency @Music City San Francisco

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Phil Grif�ths: Don't Tell Comedy in Cow Hollow @ 8pm TBD - San Francisco, CA, San Francisco

Michael Liu

@ 9pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

Lindsay Everly @ 5pm Music City San Francisco, 1355 Bush St, San Francisco

Gaucho at Brenda's @ 5pm Brenda's French Soul Food, 652 Polk St, San Francisco

Disciple in Vacaville, CA

@ 6pm Journey Downtown, 308 Main St, Vacaville

The Rockers @ 6pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco

Nilo Ayele– Live at Music City SF | Free Entry! @ 7pm / Free Brazilian rhythms of Samba, Forró and Axé 1355 Bush St, 1355 Bush Street, San Francisco

California State Railroad Museum, 125 I St, Sacra‐mento. fever@ eventvesta.com

Mr. Washington @ 7pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

Francesca Fiorentini and Matt Lieb @ 7pm / $25.25-$35.25 Punch Line Comedy Club - Sacra‐mento, Sacramento

PUNKADELICK feat. Mike Dillon, Brian Haas, Nikki Glaspie @ Lakeview Ballroom at the Beach Retreat and Lodge @ 8pm Lakeview Ballroom at the Beach Retreat and Lodge, South Lake Tahoe

Rotary Club of Davis Weekly Lunch & Program @ 12pm See website for details. ro‐taryclubofdavis.com Davis Com‐munity Church, 421 D Street, Davis. teainsworth@gmail.com

Dust in My Coffee: 36 Handles Taphouse @ 2pm 36 Handles Public House, 1010 White Rock Rd Ste 100, El Dorado Hills

Children's Kung Fu Classes at the Davis Arts Center

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The Of�cial St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl @ 6pm / $25 The Of�cial St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl will take place on Saturday, March 17. Get ready for the biggest St. Paddy's Day party in the city! Mayes Oyster House, 1233 Polk Street, San Francisco. info@crawlsf.com, 415-852-1027

The Rubinoos Make-Out Room Residency - St. Patrick's Day w/ Chime School

@ 7pm Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco

DJ Rotten Robbie @ 8pm Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St, San Francisco

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

The Dandy Lions @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Watercolor Painting with Misuk Goltz (6-Sessions) @ 10am / $190 Mar 18th - Apr 29th Sign up now for our next 6-week watercolor painting workshop with Misuk Goltz! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@ gmail.com, 530-758-3370

The Test Dream @ 7pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento Indrid Cold @ 7pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd,

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Mona Lisa Smile Film Screening @ 5pm Fair�eld Cordelia Library, 5050 Business Center Drive, Fair�eld. ngomez@solanocounty.com Join in the celebration of Women's History Month through a screening of Mona Lisa Smile! Snacks are included at the event, which is being held at the Fair�eld Cordelia Library.

Sulaiman: ESAF Nite to Unite Gala

@ 8pm The Conservatory at One San‐some, One Sansome St, San Fran‐cisco

M81 Presents: Immortal Girlfriend, Holy Water, Puppet, Vick Vapors, Night Ritualz @ 8pm Knockout, 3223 Mission St, San Francisco

Grayson Jenkins @ 8:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco

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Connor Morrison: Songbird Sessions @ 6:30pm Lucca Bar & Grill, 439 1st St, Benicia 4 All the Marbles @ 7pm / $11.30 Brick and Mortar Music Hall, San Francisco

Phil Hanley Spellbound Tour @ 8pm / $37.25-$62.25 Cobb's Comedy Club, San Fran‐cisco

Phil Grif�ths: Cheaper Than Therapy at the Shelton Theater @ 8pm Cheaper Than Therapy, 533 Sutter St, San Francisco

Spencer Kilpatrick & The Sand Gators w/ nightbrain at Torch Club @ 8:30pm Torch Club, 904 15th St, Sacra‐mento

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JUCA @ 9:30pm Public Works, 161 Erie St, San Francisco

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Alex Acosta: IMAGINACastro Edition @ 10pm Beaux, 2344

Mitch Woods @ 6:30pm