$1
including tax
Winters FFA heads to County Fair News, Page 6
‘Cross Man’ shares gifts of hope with community Features, Page 1
Volume 139, Number 29 — Locally-owned since 1884
The hometown paper of Nick Thomsic
Winters, Yolo County, California, Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Courtesy photo
Winters Fire Chief Brad L. Lopez has led the fire department as chief since 2019.
Lopez bids farewell after 30 years at Winters Fire By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer After 30 years of service, the Winters Fire Department’s Fire Chief Brad L. Lopez is stepping away from his position to become fire chief at the Suisun City Fire Department. The decision to become fire chief in Suisun City, however, was not easy by any means. He’s never been one to remain static in a comfort zone and constantly seeks out new challenges professionally. To Lopez, moving to Suisun City is an opportunity to take on new challenges and
bolster his growth as a fire service leader. Lopez is scheduled to depart from Winters FD on Aug. 21, with his first day at Suisun City FD effective Aug. 22. Lopez’s departure leaves hearts heavy and eyes laden with tears. Winters City Manager Kathleen Salguero Trepa spoke highly of Lopez’s professionalism and effectiveness as the Winters Fire Chief. “It was wonderful working with Brad. He’s a true partner, a collaborator, he’s dedicated to his profession, public safety, he has a calm demeanor, and he’s a creative
problem solver,” said Trepa. “I’m going to miss our partnership. He’s such an easy-going member of the team and a very effective member as well. It’ll be an adjustment for us when he leaves and he’ll be missed very much.” According to Trepa, the recruitment process to identify the next fire chief will begin after Lopez’s departure. In the meantime, Winters Fire Captain Matthew Schechla will fill in the role of Acting Fire Chief. “Captain Schechla will do a great job juggling shift duties as
Editor-in-Chief
EXPRESS
A fifth candidate’s name appeared on the City of Winters Candidate Informatoin page last week. Richard Casavecchia joined the list alongside Albert Vallecillo, Lisa Baker, Carol Scianna and Michael Olivas. On Aug. 12, the nomination period for candidates, other
than incumbent candidates, in the Nov. 8 Election was extended to Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. The extension applies to the three City Council, full-term seats. As of Tuesday, all five candidates were eligible to appear on the November ballot. A quick link to the Candidate Information page is available on the City of Winters Elecctions page at www.cityofwinters. org/elections. The three seats presently are held by Mayor Wade Cowan, who confirmed with the Express that he
Acting Chief. Together with our excellent team of paid and volunteer fire personnel, the Department will continue its mission of excellence during the Fire Chief recruitment, which should be posted soon,” Trepa said in her Aug. 12 City Manager’s update. Schechla has 22 years of experience
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
will not be seeking reelection, and councilmembers Pierre Neu and Harold Anderson. Anderson was first elected in June 1994, Cowan in June 2012 and Neu in June 2014. The next Winters City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Winters City Council meeting can be attended in-person or virtually via the link on the City Council meeting page. In-person attendees can join at the City Hall Council chambers located at 318 First St.
Winters High School adjusted its bell schedule to align with the early release times of other Winters school sites for the 2022-23 school year. Previously, the WHS bell schedule alternated between their Explore Friday classes and late start Fridays to provide an opportunity for their staff to engage in a professional learning community.
Features ........................ B-1
We at he r Date
Rain
High
Low
Aug. 10
.00
96˚
64˚
Aug. 11
.00
93˚
57˚
Aug. 12
.00
95˚
55˚
Aug. 13
.00
97˚
55˚
Eventos hispanos ....... A-2
Aug. 14
.00
98˚
57˚
Aug. 15
.00
102˚
63˚
Opinion ......................... B-5
Aug. 16
.00
103˚
64˚
Classifieds ................... B-4 Community .................. A-6
Real Estate ................... B-2 Sports ........................... A-2
Reflecting on Winters Although a bittersweet transition, Lopez reflects on his tenure with pride as he
Rain for week: 0.00 in. Season’s total: TRACE Last sn. to date: TRACE Winters rainfall season began 7/1/22. Weather readings are taken at 9 a.m.
In the fall of 2021, both Waggoner Elementary and Shirley Rominger Intermediate schools began providing time for staff to participate in professional learning communities by incorporating early release Fridays into their bell schedules. Winters Middle School soon followed in October 2021. The changes were made to each school site’s bell schedule to ensure the state instructional minutes
By Anne Ternus-Bellamy Applications are now open for $1.2 million in county American Rescue Plan funding available for food security programs. The Yolo County Board of Supervisors approved an initial ARP funding plan in September 2021 that included $3 million for projects falling under the food security priority category. With the first round complete, the county is seeking additional proposals from the community for food
security, nutrition expansion or food system enhancements that serve one or more of three priority populations: seniors, children and agricultural workers. Projects with matching funds or contributions will be prioritized, and partnerships are encouraged. Applications must include the following criteria for consideration: • Memorandums of understanding, letters of support and permission needed from all participating or benefiting agencies
WINTERS AGGREGATE
2 Main St., Winters, CA 530.795.4503 buckhornsteakhouse.com
State Contractor Lic# 864483
putahcreekcafe.com
We deliver friendly hometown service!
Service all makes & models Accept all major credit cards Family owned & operated
27990 County Road 90 Winters, CA 95694 www.pearcehvac.com 1 Main St., Winters, CA 530.795.2682
looks forward to the challenges the future has in store. “I’m going to miss the people of this organization and their dedication. I never saw myself serving in a community I didn’t live in, but here I am,” said Lopez. “I’m excited for
See LOPEZ, Page 3
requirements are still met. Phoebe Girimonte, Acting Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, said the school received feedback from families that the difference in the WHS late start and the other school sites’ early release times was challenging, especially for families who relied on older siblings to help with younger
See FRIDAYS, Page 3
Applications open for $1.2 million intended for food security programs McNaughton Media
Index
as a firefighter, seven years with Winters FD and 15 with the Burney Fire Department. Schechla is the B Shift Fire Captain, Operations & Training at Winter FD.
WHS begins early release Fridays
City identifies five candidates in Council race for November ballot By Crystal Apilado
Courtesy photo
Brad L. Lopez has served as as a firefighter in Winters for 30 years. He is departing from Winters to take on the role of Fire Chief for the Suisun City Fire Department.
116 D Street Davis, CA 95616 530-798-5500
www.smith-funerals.com FD-992
• Fruit Tree Soil • Moss Rock • Bulk Bagged Perlite • Blended Planting Soil • Large Selection of Flagstone
4499 Putah Creek Rd.
(530) 795-2994
or partners • One-time funding needed • Alignment with the Yolo County Strategic Plan • Measurable outcomes The application period closes on Sept 23 and applications will be reviewed in September and early October. The Board of Supervisors will select second-round projects in October, and project funding will begin in November. For an online application, visit https:// tinyurl.com/4pv38etr.
C U ST O M CLEANERS · Dry Cleaning · Laundry · Alterations 184 E. Grant Avenue, Winters (530) 795-1938