Winters Express: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

ANNUAL YOUTH DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST

City council reviews animal services model

By Sonora Slater Express staff writer

A presentation by the Yolo County Animal Services Joint Powers Authority kicked off the April 7 Winters City Council meeting, outlining various governance structures for animal services to the council and the public.

The discussion follows public dissatisfaction with the current system of animal services in the county, as well as a 2024-25 Yolo County civil grand jury review of the Yolo County Animal Services volunteer program, which raised concerns about volunteer safety and program quality.

The city of Winters currently has an agreement with Yolo County Animal Services that is renewed annually. The shelter and services are located in Woodland, making it a considerable trip for Winters’ pet owners.

Alternatives to continuing the city’s contract with the county include creating a self-sufficient network of animal services, contracting with one or multiple nonprofits to provide

services, or adopting a hybrid model.

The presentation noted operational costs for regional peers that operate under different models and found that none of the alternatives would necessarily be cheaper, though they may be more effective or provide higher-quality services at a similar cost.

“You can either get handed a bill from the county and they will tell you what services you receive, or you can form an operational JPA and decide what services are relevant to you,” said Lisa Gaynes, a member of the public. “The numbers may be the same, but the services are not.”

Some nonprofits expressed willingness to provide services — UC Davis, for example, was willing to offer a limited number of spay and neuter procedures — but operating fully through nonprofit services appeared to be a tenuous solution at this time.

Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi said he wants to know which services the people of Winters want, and which they would like to have local control over, including foster programs, sheltering, spay and neuter services, and

See ANIMALS, Page 5

Students vote Ward as 2026 Educator of the Year

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

For 2026, Winters High School Athletic Director and physical education teacher Daniel Ward has been named Educator of the Year.

The longtime coach is no stranger to awards; his varsity football program is fresh off its first state championship in school history. While Ward is proud of the trophies he and his teams have earned over the years, he cherishes something more than any accolade.

“Awards and trophies are great, but they just collect dust over time,” Ward said. “What really matters is the impact you have on others and the relationships and memories that you make along the way.”

The Winters Youth Day Educator of the Year award is a recognition of a different sort. This award is not decided by points at the end of four quarters, but by the votes of students across Winters Joint Unified School District sites.

“We have so many amazing teachers within Winters JUSD. It’s an honor just to be nominated, but to win is pretty darn cool,” Ward said. “It’s always been about relationships for me, so to

Weather

know that I am making a connection with our students and that I am having a positive impact on their lives is what means the most to me.”

It’s hard to believe that someone like Ward, who has woven himself into the fabric of the community in so many ways, didn’t always see himself staying in Winters permanently.

After graduating from Winters High School in 1999, Ward followed his baseball dreams. He played for Butte College, then the University of North Carolina, where he earned a degree in exercise and sports

science. A physical education teaching position happened to open up around the time he graduated, and Ward took the opportunity.

“I didn’t realize it as a kid growing up here, or even as a young adult, but now that I am older and have a family of my own, I am lucky to call Winters my home,” Ward said. “I truly believe that Winters is the greatest place to live in the world.”

When he returned to Winters, Ward got to work alongside his former high school teachers, who he considered the best mentors he could have

asked for at the start of his career. He even got to teach and coach his younger brother, a dream come true.

Family has never been far from Ward throughout his time as a Winters teacher and athletic director. While being a football coach is a major time commitment, Ward credits his wife and children for allowing him to pursue his passion.

“I have an amazing wife who not only allows me to do what I am passionate about, but is also my biggest supporter,” Ward said.

“There is a quote that has always resonated with me: ‘If you truly love your job, then you never have to work a day in your life.’ That is me in a nutshell. I consider myself the luckiest man in the world. I have a great family and a job that I absolutely love.” Ward has found ways to make football a family affair as his children have gotten older, involving them with the team either on the field or on the sidelines.

“Declan (9) and Kellen (7) are the water boys and absolutely idolize the football players and are lucky to have 40 of the best big brothers there are,” Ward said.

See WARD, Page 5

Esparto blast defendants make first court appearances

By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media

In a courtroom largely filled with the families of their alleged victims, five of the eight people indicted in connection with last summer’s deadly Esparto fireworks explosion appeared before a Yolo County judge Monday, answering to felony charges stemming from a nine-month grand jury criminal investigation.

They included Sam Machado, 45, whose jail-issued scrubs now replace the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office uniform he wore for more than two decades.

The former lieutenant faces a litany of charges, including seven counts of second-degree murder — one for each of the employees who perished in the July 1, 2025, blast

See COURT, Page 5

Art & Wine Stroll seeks local artists

Special to the Express

The Winters Art & Wine Stroll will return in May with updated hours and an expanded call for local and regional artists interested in participating in the seasonal downtown event.

Beginning this season, the stroll will take place on the second Saturday of each month from May through October, 3 to 5 p.m., with the exception of the Winters Museum, which will open earlier to accommodate additional programming and visitors.

This year’s stroll will feature 10 participating locations throughout downtown Winters, including: Patio 29 Spirits Co.; Hotel Winters Third Floor Gallery; Turkovich Family

Wines Downtown Tasting Room; Yolo 365 Artisan Market; The Blue Oak; Berryessa Gap Winery Downtown Tasting Room; 1st Street Studio Gallery; Fine Eye Gallery; 2nd Chance Furnishing Gallery; and the Winters Museum.

The monthly event transforms downtown spaces into pop-up galleries and gathering places, connecting artists, businesses and the community through visual art, demonstrations and shared creative experiences.

The Winters Art & Wine Stroll committee is currently seeking local and regional artists to be featured at participating locations. Selected artists will have the opportunity to display and sell their work, and

may also host meetand-greets, demonstrations or workshops, depending on venue space and programming.

“Each month offers a chance to highlight new artists and creative voices from our region,” organizers said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming both returning and new artists into this season’s Stroll.”

Artists interested in being considered for participation can submit an application through the online form: https:// forms.gle/1aNHfhZSJ6FkyAQKA.

The Winters Art & Wine Stroll committee will follow up with all submissions.

For information, artists can contact the committee through official event channels.

Kindness Scholarship seeks support in Winters

WTC opens call for season directors

Special to the Express Winters Theatre Company is announcing its annual call for directors for the upcoming 2027 season. The company invites prospective directors with a passion for bringing entertaining theatre to the local stage.

“We are excited to welcome back directors who have put on amazing productions for our community in the past, as well as hear from directors who are new to our company,” said Bridget O’Flaherty, WTC board member. “We can’t wait to hear what ideas you have for our 2027 season.”

WTC directors should have a strong vision for their production, strong communication skills and a passion for theatre. The company values collaboration, creativity and a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Expe-

rience directing plays, musicals or other theatrical works is a plus, but not required.

Interested prospective directors can learn more at winterstheatre.org/directors. Applications may be submitted online through the website, or applicants may email a resume and a detailed description of their proposed production to wtcplays@gmail. com. The submission deadline is May 31.

Winters Theatre Company is a community theatre company in Winters, California, that has been producing high-quality, engaging theatre since 1980. For more than 45 years, the company has staged hundreds of works, including thought-provoking dramas, musicals, Shakespeare comedies, holiday favorites and more. Over the years, it has welcomed directors and performers from throughout the region.

In 2024, WTC took up

occupancy at the historic Winters Opera House in downtown Winters.

“Being downtown has given us a wonderful opportunity to collaborate and share resources and ideas with downtown businesses. Support from the local business community, the Friends of the Opera House group and the community at large has been invaluable. The Opera House is a wonderful space to share music, theatre and special events,” said WTC board President Linda Glick.

WTC also welcomes volunteers interested in participating in upcoming productions in areas including sound, lighting, set design and building, and costuming. Interested volunteers may visit the Winters Theatre Company website and complete a volunteer registration form.

For information, visit www.winterstheatre. org or call 530-795-4014.

City pool opens for lap-swim season Express staff

The Kate Humphrey Kindness Scholarship at Winters High School is seeking community donations this spring after a key annual fundraiser was canceled.

For the past three years, the Winters High School Art and Music Department has hosted an Art, Music and Library Garden Show during National Kindness Week to support the scholarship, which honors a former art teacher. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the art department is unable to participate this year, leaving the scholarship fund short.

National Kindness Week is observed annually from Feb. 14 to 20 and culminates with Random

Celebrating our community's youth from the past to the present, “Youth Around the World” special tabloid will be published on Wednesday, April 22nd. It will be mailed to all Winters’ households and distributed throughout the community with 5,000 printed copies and on-line edition. Festivities begin on Saturday, April 26th with fun for the whole family. Be a part of this community wide section with your advertising message.

Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17. Donations will be accepted through May 1 at the Winters High School office. Contributions may be made by check payable to Winters High School, with “Kate Humphrey Kindness Scholarship” written in the memo line. Graduating seniors from Winters Joint Unified School District may apply for the scholarship. Applications are available in the counseling office, and completed forms are due by Friday, May 1.

Teachers Olivia Rodriguez, Holly Smith and Mike Williams are helping raise awareness in the community this year. Organizers said they are close to their fundraising goal but remain about $200 short.

The Bobbie Greenwood Community Swim Center has opened for the 2026 aquatics season, with adult lap swim now offered seven days a week.

City officials said an early-season equipment issue delayed full heating of the pool, but the problem has been identified and addressed.

“We apologize for the cold start to the year, but we have identified the issue and are repairing it,” said Jeremy Craig. “In short, a control piece designed to protect the pool system shorted out, preventing the heater from turning on. We have found a workaround for that issue, and the heater is running now as we speak.”

Craig said swimmers may notice cooler water initially, but conditions are expected to improve quickly.

“The pool will still be a little chilly this evening, depending on how quickly the heater brings up the temperature, but the heater company said we should have it fully heated overnight and stable going forward,” he said.

Lap swim hours for April are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Fees remain unchanged from last year, with a $54 monthly pass, $5 daily admission and a $43 10-visit punch card.

Pool manager Ruby Rodriguez said entry

Express staff

Canton Davis, a branch of the Davis Odd Fellows, will host its next Universal Justice speaker series event on Monday, April 20, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Nicole Kirkaldy of the Yolo County District Attorney’s Restorative Justice Partnership will present

and exit times will be strictly enforced at the start of the season.

“You will be permitted to enter the facility at the beginning time listed. The lifeguards will clear the pool at the end time listed (i.e. 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. on weekends). Patrons will need to be completely cleared out of the facility 15 minutes after the program time ends, and the gate will be promptly locked,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said lifeguards will remain on duty, supervising the area as patrons finish up and exit the facility.

The pool is on Instagram at @WintersCityPool, and updates are posted on its Facebook page. The full schedule, is available on the city’s website.

“Restorative Justice: What It Is and How It Works.” She will be joined by Alannah Tomich of the nonprofit Yolo Conflict Resolution Center.

The Universal Justice speaker series is held at the Davis Odd Fellows Hall, 415 Second St., downtown Davis. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

A Party of Thanks

This is an invitation to the first responders who were on duty during the LNU fire

This is an invitation to the community members who brought aid and comfort after the fire. Please come and gather for music, games, good food and drink.

Where: Winters Community Center

When: Saturday April 18th, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. LNU Appreciation Dinner email: public5596@yahoo.com

Regional News

California salmon fishing finally poised to reopen

By Rachel Becker CalMatters

After three years of unprecedented closures that devastated California’s fishing industry, commercial salmon fishing is poised to reopen this spring.

The return comes with a catch: Regulators at the interstate Pacific Fishery Management Council will strictly constrain fishing dates and impose harvest limits for both commercial and recreational fishing to protect the threatened California Coastal Chinook. The council is set to finalize the details this weekend.

It’s not the season the fleet had hoped for after years of closures. But those who survived the shutdowns fear a graver threat: state and federal decisions could reshape California’s water systems and rivers.

“Water policy in California is about to change drastically and irreversibly, and nobody has the energy to pay attention to that,” said Sarah Bates, who fishes commercially from San Francisco. “I am concerned that salmon is going to be (commercially) extinct in our lifetimes.”

For the first time since 2022, Bates was preparing her century-old boat, the Bounty, docked at Fisherman’s Wharf. She ticked off the boat’s needs: an oil change, a hydraulics check, a run-through of the steering system, the anchor. Her fading fishing permit, now four years out of date, still clings to the outside of the cabin.

“Pay no attention to my paint job,” Bates said. “Try not to make my boat look bad.”

Looking at its cracking paint and tangled ropes, Bates — who wrestles waves and weather for a living and uses a fishing float dented by a massive shark bite — seemed a little daunted by the tasks ahead.

Without income from salmon, Bates allowed critical upkeep to lag. “There’s been a lot of deferred maintenance,” she said.

“I’m actually a little worried about everybody charging out into the ocean in May to go fishing.”

‘A tremendous, avoidable hit’ Salmon is king in California. It’s what keeps the markets and restaurants buying, the industrial-scale ice machines running, the tourists booking charter boats and visiting the coast.

managers cancelled commercial salmon fishing for an unprecedented three years in a row, and barred recreational fishing for all but a handful of days last year.

The financial damage was severe. California estimated the closures cost nearly $100 million in lost coastal community and state personal income during the first two years alone.

The fishing industry says these numbers vastly underestimate the economic and human costs: Boats went to the crusher, tourists took their money to other states, suppliers went out of business and fishers fled California or the industry altogether.

“This was a tremendous, avoidable hit. We have survived droughts throughout recent history, but none had impacts this drastic,” Vance Staplin, executive director of the Golden State Salmon Association, said in an email.

California has requested disaster assistance from the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. But federal aid has come slowly, and fallen short. The U.S. government has released only $20.6 million, and only for the 2023 closure.

“The entire framework for fishery disasters has to be totally redone,” said U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, a California Democrat and ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “We need something that is much faster, that is less political, that doesn’t depend on all the vagaries of multiple federal agencies and congressional appropriations.”

Rain, but little respite

The rains returned in 2023 — bringing the flows and cool water young salmon need to survive and complete their ocean migration.

Now, the Pacific Fishery Management Council projects that roughly 392,000 Sacramento River fallrun Chinook salmon are swimming off the coast. These are the mainstay of California’s salmon fishery — and the forecasts are better than last year’s, though still a fraction of the millions that returned historically. But the limited fish-

“It’s iconic,” said retired charter boat captain John Atkinson. “We have people who will fish every week for salmon. And for the other species, they come out once.”

But dams, water diversions, low flows and poor ocean conditions have driven decades of decline.

California experienced its driest three year stretch in history from 2020 through 2022 — worsening that burden and causing populations to plummet. Interstate fisheries

ing season is not the respite that the industry had counted on.

“We’re happy to get some fishing this year,” Staplin, of the Golden State Salmon Association, said, “but if we want to preserve the businesses and families that define California’s coastal and inland salmon economies, we need a little compromise and balance in prioritizing water during droughts.”

A plan or a patch?

Two years ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom released a plan aimed at protecting salmon from climate change.

The plan received mixed reactions.

Some scientists and members of the fishing community credited state agencies and the Newsom administration with concrete efforts like hatchery upgrades and cutting-edge genetic fish tagging. One$58 million state and federal effort — the Big Notch Project — connected salmon and other fish to prime floodplain habitat in the Yolo Bypass through seasonal gates.

“Anything that can be done is a help right now,” Atkinson said.

But others say that the strategy papers over policies that rob salmon of the cold water they need. California is built around nature-defying engineering that funnels vast amounts of water away from rivers to supply cities and the state’s $60 billion agricultural economy.

“As soon as it stops raining or snowing, we’re going to be back in the same situation with the salmon season closing,” said Jon Rosenfield, science

director at The San Francisco Baykeeper. “If we don’t protect river flows and cold water storage, then we’re not protecting salmon.”

Some of the fiercest fights are over the contentious Delta tunnel and Newsom’s controversial deal with major water users, backed by $1.5 billion in state funding, to overhaul how farms and cities take water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the rivers that feed it.

Carson Jeffres, a senior researcher at the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences, takes a more moderate view — the effect on salmon will depend on how California agencies manage these projects, but the status quo isn’t an option.

“I just don’t see a world where the salmon are prioritized over human water needs — and I think we should plan for it,” he said. “Then that might be a more sustainable place.”

On top of state policies is a Trump administration that called for “Putting People over Fish” and adopted a plan in December to send more Northern California water to Central Valley farms.

State wildlife officials said at the time that Trump’s actions “run counter” to California’s efforts to improve salmon populations, “harming the California com-

munities that rely on salmon for their livelihood.”

California Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot acknowledged the state’s finite water supply can’t satisfy everyone’s priorities.

“There’s no shortage of finger pointing by some groups who argue that not enough water is remaining in our rivers for salmon and aquatic habitat, and other groups that suggest that not enough water is being diverted for California communities and agriculture,” Crowfoot said.

“Water management in California,” he said, “involves balancing water across these needs.”

Last year, the Newsom administration announced that nearly 70% of the salmon strategy’s action items were underway, and more than a quarter were already complete.

That’s “crazy math … What is your outcome measure?” said Bates. “For us, our outcome measure is enough fish to go fishing.”

Adapting to survive

In the absence of enough fish, the industry has been piloting new strategies to survive.

Back at Fisherman’s Wharf, a few rows over from Bates, Captain Virginia Salvador was getting ready to take a group out to troll for halibut and striped bass. Her French bulldog, Anchovy, wandered the deck between the ropes.

Salvador started her charter boat business, Unforgettable Fishing Adventures, during the salmon shutdown — and had to quickly expand her offerings.

Now, she runs barbecue and barhopping cruises around San Francisco Bay and takes passengers to McCovey Cove during Giants games. Sheteams up with food influencer Rosalie Bradford Pareja to offer a chef experience. And she still holds down a second job working in a hospital

pathology laboratory.

“When you rely on a natural entity for your income, you have to learn how to deviate, pivot, expand,” Salvador said.

Where the front row of charter boats line the street like storefronts, Bates’ row at Fisherman’s Wharf has the feeling of a neighborhood. One fisherman clambered down the ladder to Bates’ boat, where they swapped great white shark stories. Bates hollered to another neighbor every time a tourist wandered down the dock, bucket in hand, looking to buy fresh crab.

This neighbor, a tattooed and lanky and exhausted fisherman named Shawn Chen Flading, had been out all night. His 12 hour mission to retrieve crab pots turned into a 26 hour ordeal when his throttle cable broke.

At the time Flading bought his boat, before the shutdowns, it looked like a pretty good living.

“A lot of people — the older generation — put their kids through college, bought their homes. And it just disappeared,” Flading said. “I lost basically half my revenue for the past three years straight.”

He tries to fill the gap by advertising on social media and selling Dungeness crab directly off his boat. But the crab season, too, he said, has been disappointing. Now, salmon fishing is once again on the horizon.

“Whatever limited opportunity we have for salmon, at least we’re getting the ball rolling,” Flading said to Bates across the water between their boats, over the San Francisco mix of cars, construction and seagulls.

“Without that, we’re just stuck.” Bates, leaning on the railing of her own boat, agreed. “I really understand why people are upset,” she said. “But also, I’m so excited to catch some fish. Even though it’s not enough. It’s not even close to enough.”

Steve Godden and Larry Justice are shown cooking pancakes at the 1994 Rotary Youth Day Pancake Breakfast. Standing behind them is Bill Nichols. Note that Steve is wearing a Dean’s Frostie hat, owned by his wife’s uncle, Doyle “Dean” Pinkston. You won’t see Steve, Larry, Bill or Doyle working this year’s breakfast, but you can still run into them around town, from time to time. Maybe they will make the breakfast this year, as valued customers, April 25 from 7 a.m. until 9:30, Winters Community Center.

130 Years Ago

April 18, 1896

F.M. Hawkins, George Wurth and George Shaw will take their horses to Dixon to enter them in the saddle horse race on May Day.

Mrs. S.J. Kinsey having tendered her resignation as librarian of the Winters Free Library, the Board of Directors will receive applications for the position up to Monday next, April 20.

A.R. Ransch has opened a jewelry store in Humphrey Bros. building, and will keep a select stock of clocks, watches, jewelry, etc.

While working at his anvil last Wednesday, A.R. Bruhn was hit in the eye by a piece of iron which flew up from a blow of his hammer, and he now has a “beautiful black eye,” and a scab on his nose.

Born in Winters, April 17, 1896, to the wife of Thomas Veasey, a daughter.

Years Ago

Dispatches from the Express archives.

95 Years Ago

April 17, 1931

It looks very much as though the Madison and Guinda stations are to be closed, as the Railroad Company books show a loss on both stations throughout the past two years.

The Poppy benefit show put on by the high school freshman class drew a fair house. Romeo and Juliet as given by Zenji Tsuji and Karl Forden “brought down the house.”

At a meeting of growers and shippers of Vaca Valley held at Vacaville Monday of last week, the wage for experienced, ordinary labor was set at 25 cents per hour.

Public Safety Report

Apr. 2: Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

The Fortnightly Club elected officers for the next year at their meeting Tuesday. Mrs. J.L. Crouch is the new president. Lawrence Parker began work at the S.P. depot last Friday, after a winter spent in Martinez.

Joe Chulick was the honored guest at a party given by his sister, Mrs. Henry Johnston at her home Sunday. The occasion was Joe’s birthday anniversary.

80 Years Ago

April 19, 1946

Lester M. Ireland was reelected mayor of the City of Winters by unanimous vote at a meeting of the city council held here

injury

Apr. 4: Walnut Lane, Smoke investigation

Tuesday night.

YESTERYEAR

Picked by Charley Wallace

City jail records disclosed that 18 arrests were made this week within the city of Winters. Three were arrested for indecent exposure, one for making threats with an open knife and the remaining 14 were taken on charges of drunkenness.

Ed Baker and son, Dr. E.A. Baker, and Harold Hansel attended the Fig Growers’ Association meeting held in Fresno Wednesday.

City engineer Jim McCoey estimates that the required repairs and the labor for installation of the boards in the Putah Creek Dam will cost about $125. Farmers and other persons who benefit from the project will be solicited for the necessary funds.

Bill Duncan and Vernon Bruhn each took delivery this week of a new Chevrolet pick-up from the Stith Garage.

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ramos and sons, Richard and Chris, and Mr. and Mrs. Julius Mayer and sons, Delbert and

Rain increases lake levels by 0.01 feet

Express staff

The water level of Lake Berryessa increased by 0.01 feet over the past week, resulting in a difference of 188 acrefeet of water storage, according to Cristian Tejeda, Solano Irrigation District – Putah Diversion Office. On the morning of Tuesday, April 14, he reported that the lake elevation was 438.84 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,529,458 acre-feet. The SID released 168 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 68 cubic feet flowing into lower Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 126 acre-feet of water per day.

Gary, spent Sunday at the Capay rodeo.

Mrs. Edward Halley of Sonoma, former resident of Winters, visited here this week with her sons Norman and Bob Halley.

Mrs. Geneive Vehrs, local high school instructor, left Thursday by plane to visit relatives in Los Angeles during Easter vacation.

45 Years Ago

April 16, 1981

Alex Hirshberg had donated a flag in memory of Dudley D. Mitchell to the Winters Community Center. The flag was given to Mr. Mitchell by the United States government for his service in World War I.

Marcella Gildart was elected president of the Winters Friends of the Library on Monday night, April 6, and will be replacing Wayne Hagen in that post. Dagney Huillade will replace Elizabeth Coman as vice-president, and Theresa Sackett will replace Dagney Huillade as

secretary. Vicky Panzich was re-elected treasurer. Ashley Jeffery volunteered his tractor and post hole digger on Saturday for the Chamber of Commerce project of setting up the sign outside of Winters on State Highway 128 to be seen by drivers traveling west. The sign will be given a new foundation and spruced up.

Sunshine Branscum won first place for her oil painting entitled “My Tulips Three,” entered in the 4-7 year old category for the Winters Gallery display of children’s art.

David Hyer, Winters High School senior, won the Reserve Grand Champion, the FFA Champion and the Breed Champion awards at the Cow Palace Junior Grand National Livestock Exposition, held last weekend in San Francisco. Hyer showed a Keneia Angus cross and received a silver tray for his efforts, along with $4 per pound for the 1,230-pound steer.

vehicle accident with injury

Apr. 3: Overhouse Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Colby Lane, Person in distress (other)

~East Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with

~Colby Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Plum Place, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~E. Baker Street, Person in distress (other)

~Anderson Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Apr. 5: Luis Place, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Highway 128, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Taylor Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Ivy Court, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~East Street and E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Apr. 6: Owings Court, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Roosevelt Avenue, EMS call – excluding

~E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Mermod Place, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Carrion Circle, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Apr. 7: Grant Avenue and Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Abbey Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Canal Court, Mutual Aid Grass Fire

~County Road 32A and County Road 87, Smoke investigation View the Winters Fire

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

Police Report Log

Apr. 4: 12:01 a.m., Railroad Avenue, Traffic collision without injury (violation)

~8:45 a.m., 10 block of Anderson Avenue, Battery on a person (misdemeanor)

~8:50 p.m., 200 block of Railroad Avenue, Disorderly conduct/ under the influence of a drug (misdemeanor) Apr. 7: 9:50 p.m., Grant Avenue and Main Street, Driving under the influence (misdemeanor) View the Winters Police Department Arrest and Report Logs, visit www. cityofwinters.org/289/ Report-Arrest-Log

“Madison (3) already has her pom-poms and dreams of being a cheerleader someday.”

Aside from being the coach he’s always dreamed of being, Ward takes his responsibility as a teacher seriously.

“I try my best to be a positive role model, not just for high school students, but all the youth of Winters,” Ward said. “It’s hard to be a kid these days. I want to make sure that they all know that they have someone in their corner, someone that cares about them as a person and who is here for them no matter what.”

Ward has clearly succeeded in being that supporter for his students, not just because of the Educator of the Year award or the state championship. After 23 years of teaching and coaching, he is still greeted by former students and athletes as if he were still their coach.

blast that prosecutors say was triggered by a combination of unlawful volatile explosive materials and shoddy working conditions present on the Machado property.

Also appearing on murder charges Monday were Jack Lee, 65, and Douglas Tollefsen, 55, associates of Devastating Pyrotechnics

LLC owner Kenneth Chee, 48, who awaits an extradition hearing this week in Florida. Lee is Chee’s uncle, according to court documents.

Former volunteer firefighter Craig Cutright, 61, also a one-time Chee associate who operated his own business, BlackStar Fireworks, on the Esparto property, appeared in court on multiple counts of conspiracy and explosives-related violations.

None of the four entered a plea Monday; their arraignments were postponed until Thursday morning while at

ANIMALS

Continued from Page 1

enforcement. He also asked whether animal control services would fall to the Winters Police Department under a local-control model, which appeared possible.

“That’s not a burden we should even consider putting on our police department with everything else that’s already on them,” Biasi said.

Other council members shared similar views, expressing support for local control but only if Winters has the infrastructure and staffing to support it

“I

want to make sure that they all know that they have someone in their corner, someone that cares about them as a person and who is here for them no matter what.”

Daniel Ward

graduates from Winters High School go off and accomplish all these amazing things is pretty special.”

The athletic director, physical education teacher, weights teacher and football coach carries many titles and hours dedicated to being “coach” in more ways than just on the field, but it’s something he knew he wanted to do since he was a sophomore in high school.

least two of the defendants, Lee and Tollefsen, sort out their legal representation.

Both saw their existing attorneys withdraw from the criminal case, indicating the men lack the financial resources to retain them.

The only defendant to enter a plea was 46-yearold Tammy Machado, a former sheriff’s legal secretary whom the Yolo County grand jury indicted separately on charges of mortgage and tax fraud, child endangerment and animal cruelty.

She remains out of custody on bail. Her husband, Lee and Tollefsen are held on no-bail status, while Cutright’s bail is set at $500,000.

Chee also faces murder and numerous other charges, as does his half-brother and associate Gary Chan Jr., 43, who is scheduled for arraignment in Yolo Superior Court on Tuesday afternoon.

In Orlando, Fla., where he reportedly was taken into custody during a family outing to Disney World,

without overburdening employees. They also called for more information on community priorities and what services nonprofits could provide and at what cost.

Mayor Albert Vallecillo requested staff prepare a “services menu” outlining the types of services typically included under animal services to help guide community feedback.

The item will return to the council at a later date after further research and public input.

Fire Department updates

Winters Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III pre-

“One of the most rewarding experiences for me as an educator is running into former students all these years later and still being called coach,” Ward said. “To see the type of husband, wife, father or mother they’ve become… that is the most rewarding part for me.”

Ward believes an educator’s job is to prepare students for life after high school, “and to see all these

Chee made his first court appearance last Friday morning.

“You have a fugitive from justice arrest warrant out of Yolo, California, and you have no bond on that case,” the judge informed him during the brief hearing, a video of which was posted online. “The extradition team should come see you in about a week, OK?”

An eighth defendant, 30-year-old Ronald Botelho III, is expected to be transferred to Yolo County from Del Norte County, where he was arrested in connection with the case in December. Prosecutors say he was affiliated with Cutright’s fireworks business.

The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office announced the eight arrests Friday at a news conference, describing the defendants’ alleged conduct as “a decade-long conspiracy … to construct a massive and illegal fireworks explosives and fireworks operation here in Yolo County,” District Attorney Jeff Reisig said.

sented the Winters Fire Department’s 2025 annual report, detailing call volume, initiatives, and staffing updates. Call volume was down for the year, allowing firefighters more time for community engagement and training. That contributed to a 66 percent increase in advanced training hours compared to 2024.

Fire Captain Matt Schechla earned his Fire Officer Designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, making him one of only 1,007 na-

“I had a P.E. teacher and coach who was a huge mentor and father figure in my life, and becoming a P.E. teacher quickly became my dream job,” Ward said. “I would say that by my sophomore year, I knew that I was going to be a high school P.E. teacher and coach. Not many people get to live out their childhood dreams.”

That conspiracy “turned the (Esparto) property into the Northern California hub for an illegal enterprise that imports and sells illegal explosives on the black market” under private labels, with about one million pounds of fireworks and weapons-grade materials stored on site on the day of the explosion, Deputy District Attorney Clara Nabity added. Prosecutors also say Sam Machado used his trusted sheriff’s lieutenant position to shield the expanding fireworks operation, which they say had imported some 11 million pounds of explosives and related materials, kept inside unlicensed storage containers on property zoned only for agricultural use.

The number of containers kept on the property at County Roads 23 and 86A grew from 13 in 2015, when the Machados took ownership of the land, to more than 50 in 2025, according to prosecutors.

Late last month, a civil grand jury released a

tionwide. Snyder also earned his National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer credential, one of 406 in the state.

In community risk reduction efforts, the department conducted 57 health checks during visits to Winters senior meetings and provided handson CPR and fire extinguisher training to nearly 60 participants.

The department also deployed to four major California fires in mutual aid responses.

Snyder said one of his biggest points of

Ward credits the teachers and role models he had growing up in Winters for inspiring him to become the educator he is today. Ward will be formally recognized with other Youth Day honorees during the 88th Youth Day Opening Ceremonies on Main Street in downtown Winters on Friday, April 25.

scathing report that said nearly a dozen Yolo County officials, from code enforcement employees to people within the Sheriff’s and County Counsel’s offices, had knowledge of a prohibited fireworks business at the rural Esparto property — which was zoned for agricultural use only — but took no remedial action.

Following an eight-month investigation comprising more than 30 interviews and reviews of hundreds of pages of documents, the grand jury also found that “the Board of Supervisors over the years fostered a culture of tolerance of code violations that percolated through the county bureaucracy,” foreperson Richard Zeiger said. Yolo County officials have not yet responded to the civil report but have 90 days from its issuance to do so. Reisig, the district attorney, said last week that the criminal investigation remains ongoing, with additional indictments and arrests possible.

pride from the year was the hiring of new full-time staff, including two fire engineers and one firefighter.

“Morale is high,” Snyder said. “Staff can take vacations now and do training.”

The department also reduced its average city response time to two minutes, 55 seconds.

Other discussion

The council voted to

move the second reading of an ordinance establishing an Entertainment Zone in downtown Winters off the consent calendar and into discussion.

After significant discussion — which will be covered in more detail in a future edition of the Winters Express — the council continued the item to the May 5 meeting.

Stevenson Bridge rehabilitation project to begin in May

Special to the Express

Solano County, in partnership with Yolo County, is moving forward with the rehabilitation of the historic Stevenson Bridge, a 298-foot, multi-span arch bridge spanning Putah Creek between the two counties.

While both counties are served by the bridge, Solano County was originally established as the agency responsible for its maintenance. Yolo County contributes to half of the ongoing maintenance costs for the structure.

At more than 100 years old, Stevenson Bridge is designated as a historical landmark and serves as a critical transportation link connecting Solano and Yolo counties. According to the California Department of Transportation, the bridge “is a rare example of a reinforced concrete through tied arch in California and is the oldest bridge of this

type in California and possibly the United States.”

Often referred to locally as “Graffiti Bridge,” it is the only remaining concrete double arch span bridge of its kind from its era.

The comprehensive rehabilitation project will preserve and strengthen the historic structure while improving safety and extending its lifespan. Planned improvements include scour protection, seismic retrofitting, roadway realignment, new foundations and concrete repairs throughout the bridge.

“The crossing of Stevenson Bridge is an important route for many modes, including bicyclists, and this temporary closure will present an inconvenience for those who frequently use this path for recreation and commuting,” said District 2 Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs.

“Yolo County will continue to perform monthly street sweeping and vegetation

Aaron Rosenblatt/McNaughton Media photo

Construction on the rehabilitation of Stevenson Bridge is scheduled to begin Friday, May 1, as Solano and Yolo counties work to preserve and strengthen the more than 100-year-old historic crossing over Putah Creek while improving safety and extending its service life.

maintenance along County Road 31 to improve bicycle safety for those using this alternate route more frequently due to the temporary construction closure of Stevenson Bridge.”

Solano County has contracted with A&B

Rural issues take center stage at District 4 Candidate Forum

Special to the Express

Close to 100 community members gathered in person and via Zoom on April 13 for the first candidate forum in the Solano County District 4 Board of Supervisors race, where all three candidates addressed a wide range of rural and agricultural concerns.

The forum marked the first opportunity in the election cycle for voters to hear directly from those seeking to represent District 4 and focused heavily on issues impacting Solano County’s rural residential

and farming communities.

The event was co-hosted by the Pleasants Valley Agricultural Association (PVAA), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving agricultural heritage and advocating for responsible land use, and the Pleasants Valley Fire Safe Council (PVFSC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on wildfire risk reduction and community safety.

Moderated by PVAA President Gaul Culley and PVFSC President David Stevens, the discussion

centered on issues directly affecting landowners, farmers and rural residents. Questions were curated to reflect concerns raised within the community.

Topics included the protection of agricultural land and rural zoning from high-density development pressures, the need to streamline and reduce the cost of rebuilding in the aftermath of the 2020 fires, and growing concerns over the placement of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and data

Construction to complete the project for a bid price of $8,341,926. Each county’s share of the project cost will total approximately $1.65 million, with the majority of the funding provided through the federal Highway Bridge Program.

Preliminary mobilization activities, environmental mitigation, and construction signage installation are already underway. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in May.

The active construction phase will require a temporary closure of Stevenson Bridge Road in Solano County (between Putah Creek Road and the bridge) and County Road 95A in Yolo County (between the bridge and Russell Boulevard).

Bridge closure is scheduled to begin Friday, May 1, and is expected to continue through October, with the goal of completing the work within a single summer construction season. Detours will be in place during this period. Local access to properties and businesses within the closure areas will be maintained throughout construction.

Plan ahead for 30-day quarantine

Express staff

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is adjusting operating hours at Lake Berryessa beginning April 20 as the reservoir transitions into the peak summer recreation season, when visitation from Winters, Capay Valley and surrounding communities typically increases.

Winters serves as the primary gateway for many boaters and visitors traveling to the lake.

As temperatures

rise, the Bureau of Reclamation is encouraging visitors to plan ahead for updated day-use hours, boating requirements and mandatory watercraft inspection rules designed to protect the lake from invasive species.

Summer day-use hours

Beginning May 3, the North and South Oak Shores Day Use Area will operate on the following schedule:

• 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday • 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays

Beginning May 23, ahead of the Memo-

rial Day weekend, hours will expand at multiple sites, including North and South Oak Shores and the Smittle Creek Day Use Area: • 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday • 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week Boaters must complete a 30-day quarantine

All vessels entering Lake Berryessa are required to undergo a free 30-day quarantine before launching, part of ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels. Boats already

Eventos hispanos

El Ayuntamiento reconsidera Zona de Entretenimiento tras oposición de residentes

Por Sonora Slater Traducido por Carol Alfonso

La propuesta de la Zona de Entretenimiento genera debate sobre ruidos, seguridad e impacto en los negocios

Como parte del esfuerzo continuo de la ciudad por atraer clientes a Main Street y a los comercios del centro o Downtown de Winters, el Ayuntamiento presentó el marco legal para una “Zona de Entretenimiento,” donde los establecimientos con licencia podrían vender bebidas alcohólicas para consumir al aire libre durante ciertas horas. La idea se presentó durante la reunión del Ayuntamiento de Winters del pasado 3 de Marzo, y la primera lectura tuvo lugar en la reunión del 17 de Marzo.

La ordenanza presentada el 3 de Marzo establece las normas y los límites propuestos para los negocios que decidan participar en la zona de entretenimiento. Una vez en funcionamiento, la zona permitirá que cualquier bebida alcohólica comprada en un establecimiento con licencia se lleve en envases que no sean de vidrio ni metal, compostables o reutilizables, siempre que la persona que la consuma lleve

LAKE

Continued from Page 6

una pulsera estandarizada que acredite su mayoría de edad. No se permitirá el consumo de alcohol del exterior y seguirá estando prohibido fumar en toda la zona, excepto en los callejones, según la normativa municipal vigente.

La zona de entretenimiento, que estaría claramente señalizada si se estableciera, estaba delimitada originalmente por las calles First Street, Edwards Street, Railroad Avenue, Abbey Street, Elliott Street, E. Main Street y Russell Street.

Durante la segunda lectura en la reunión del 7 de Abril, se presentó un nuevo mapa que modificaba el límite de la zona para que terminara principalmente en Abbey Street en lugar de Edwards, con una excepción para el futuro emplazamiento de la gasolinera Yolo Fill Station.

El mapa revisado busca excluir las áreas parcialmente residenciales, ya que algunos residentes podrían no querer que sus viviendas se incluyan en la zona. La ciudad aún no se ha comunicado directamente con estos residentes sobre el plan. La ordenanza, actualizada para reflejar el nuevo mapa, estaba original-

Launch planning deadlines

mente en el orden del día de asuntos de trámite. Los concejales la trasladaron a la sección de debate del orden del día, lo que permitió a varios miembros de la comunidad expresar sus inquietudes.

Susan Hamilton, propietaria de la tienda de antigüedades The Blue Oak, afirmó que siente que la zona prioriza los negocios de comida y bebida sobre otros establecimientos del centro. Expresó su preocupación por el ruido, señalando que los clientes que consumen alcohol suelen ser ruidosos y perturban el ambiente tranquilo que ella cultiva en su tienda. “Seguiré presentándome y quejándome mientras no se haga nada,” dijo Hamilton. También sugirió que los negocios que se benefician de la zona contraten seguridad privada para complementar los servicios del Departamento de Policía de Winters.

Según el plan de seguridad pública actual, la policía responde a llamadas específicas como de costumbre. Las tendencias de quejas se revisarán durante las evaluaciones periódicas de la zona, donde el consejo considerará y abordará los problemas recurrentes.

La ordenanza actualmente exige una revisión de los informes policiales cada dos años, pero algunos concejales sugirieron ajustar esto a evaluaciones anuales durante los primeros años. También recomendaron incluir comentarios de los negocios aledaños sobre los éxitos y desafíos de la zona.

El concejal Jesse Loren propuso crear un proceso de quejas para que los negocios no participantes puedan recabar opiniones durante todo el año. El consejo decidió recabar más opiniones de la comunidad antes de proceder y continuó la discusión en la reunión ordinaria del 5 de Mayo.

playing a Lake Berryessa green seal, vessels with proof of prior decontamination, and non-trailered or non–petroleum-powered vessels are exempt from the quarantine requirement.

More information on inspection sites, seal installation locations and decontamination procedures is available through the Solano County Water Agency’s Lake Berryessa Mussel Prevention Program page at scwa2.com/ lake-berryessa-mussel-prevention-program.

Boaters planning trips around major summer holidays are advised to schedule inspections and seal installations well in advance.

Key deadlines include:

• Memorial Day (May 25): last day to install seal April 24

• Juneteenth (June 19): last day to install seal May 19

• Father’s Day (June 21): last day to install seal May 21

• Independence Day (July 4): last day to install seal June 3

• Labor Day (Sept. 7): last day to install seal Aug. 7

Paid decontamination services are available at designated locations, including Putah

Canyon, Pleasure Cove, Markley Cove and Lake Solano. Officials note that decontamination is the only way to launch immediately without completing the full 30-day quarantine period.

The Bureau of Reclamation says the seasonal changes are intended to balance increased recreational demand with resource protection as Lake Berryessa remains one of Northern California’s most heavily used summer boating destinations.

For more information, visit the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Lake Berryessa field office page at www.usbr.gov/mp/ ccao/berryessa.

Regional Public Health Laboratory honored for workplace wellness

Express staff

FORUM

Continued from Page 6

centers on productive farmland.

Candidates also addressed questions regarding the California Forever proposal and its potential impact on agricultural land and the Suisun Marsh region, as well as the future of fire safety and emergency services, including governance, consolidation and enforcement challenges in high-risk areas.

important to create a space where our rural and agricultural communities could be heard early in the process,” said PVAA President Gaul Culley.

“The level of engagement shows how much is at stake for our land, our safety and our future.”

PVFSC President David Stevens added, “We’re proud to help lead the conversation on issues that directly affect wildfire safety and responsible land stewardship across our region.”

The regional public health laboratory serving Napa, Solano, Yolo and Marin counties—a jointly operated facility based in Solano County that provides disease testing, monitoring and other public health laboratory services across the four-county region— has received the national Healthiest Laboratory Award from the Association of Public Health Laboratories.

BRIDGE

Continued from Page 6

Stevenson Bridge is a vital link for residents, agricultural operations and emergency services. Solano County is committed to restoring access for emergency response vehicles as early as possible during construction; however, the bridge will remain closed to regular vehicle traffic for the duration of the project.

County staff will continue coordinating closely with local agencies, emergency responders,and community stakeholders to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions.

Rehabilitating Stevenson Bridge is essential to preserving one of California’s most unique historic transportation structures. Addressing the bridge’s structural

The Napa-Solano-Yolo-Marin County Regional Public Health Laboratory was recognized for its commitment to staff wellness, laboratory safety and environmentally responsible practic-

needs will ensure its continued accessibility, safety, and historical significance for generations to come.

Solano County and Yolo County both appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as this important infrastructure and preservation effort moves forward. For more information about the Stevenson Bridge Rehabilitation Project, please contact the Solano County Department

es, the county said in a statement.

“We thank our laboratory staff for their continued dedication to maintaining a safe and supportive work environment,” said Beatrix Kapusinszky, laboratory director, in the statement.

The award recognizes laboratories that demonstrate strong

of Resource Management at 707-784-6765 or speak with County inspectors on-site during construction.

For a map of Yolo County road closures and major maintenance projects, please visit www.YoloCounty.gov/road-closures. The public is reminded to slow down and obey all posted construction signs and directions from flaggers when traveling through work zones.

efforts to promote employee wellness, safety culture and environmental stewardship.

Formal recognition will be at the association’s annual conference in May in Baltimore.

Emphasis was also placed on how each candidate plans to remain accessible and responsive to the rural and agricultural communities they seek to serve.

“This being the first forum, it was

The event concluded with an opportunity for attendees to meet the candidates directly, fostering continued conversation and community connection.

California youth are going without vision care

By Kristen Hwang CalMatters

This story was originally published by CalMatters.

When Kekoa Gittens was 3, his preschool teacher told his mother he was a problem. He couldn’t sit still.

He didn’t participate. When other children learned the alphabet, he didn’t pay attention.

The next year, Kekoa’s classroom problems worsened. His mother, Sonia Gittens, took him to his pediatrician, who referred the boy to an eye doctor.

That doctor looked at the back of Kekoa’s eyes and diagnosed him with myopic degeneration, a dramatic form of nearsightedness.

“They are too little. They don’t know how to express themselves and say ‘I cannot see it, teacher,’” said Sonia Gittens, who lives in the Marin County town of Corte Madera.

Today, Kekoa is a successful high schooler, but too many children don’t get their eyes checked until they’re far behind in school.

Vision problems, particularly nearsightedness, have grown more common among American children. Roughly one in four school-age children, or 25 percent, wear glasses or contacts, a proportion that increases as children get older, according to 2019 federal survey data.

In California, too few children on Medi-Cal like Kekoa are getting their eyes checked, and the problem is growing worse. Just 16 percent of school-age children on Medi-Cal saw an eye doctor between 2022 and 2024 for first-time eye exams, continuing vision checkups or glasses, according to a report commissioned by the California Optometric Association. That’s down from 19 percent eight years earlier. The report, based on two years of Medi-Cal data, suggests the state is moving in the wrong direction even as eye problems become more prevalent among children.

Medi-Cal provides insurance for low-income Californians and those with disabilities.

“Every day when I see these children, it is always a surprise to me that the children are not getting the care they need,” said Ida Chung, a pediatric optometrist and an associate dean at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona.

The trend indicated in the report is alarming, Chung said. In her clinic, where about half of children are on Medi-Cal, it’s common for children with congenital vision problems to visit for the first time when they’re in first grade or later. That indicates to Chung that many children don’t have enough access to eye care.

Though children might be getting basic vision screenings

at school or from a pediatrician, some eye problems are still overlooked. “It’s something the child had before they were born,” Chung said.

Eye exams decrease statewide

Colusa County, a rural farming region north of Sacramento, saw the sharpest drop in children’s eye doctor appointments in the state — from 20 percent between 201516 to just under 2 percent between 2022-24.

Nearly all counties — 47 out of 58 — performed worse on vision care than they did in the past, the report shows, with some, like Colusa, declining significantly.

Fewer children are receiving eye care in almost every county

The proportion of school-age children receiving vision services, such as eye exams and glasses, saw a notable decrease statewide, according to a report from the California Optometric Association. The report, which compared the number of children who saw eye doctors in 2015 and 2016 to 2022 through 2024, found that only 15.8 percent did so, while population estimates indicate at least 25 percent of children need glasses.

Most of the severe declines happened in rural areas, although urban counties like San Francisco and Los Angeles also saw decreases. Only seven counties improved the rate of children receiving eye exams or glasses. Four counties were excluded for comparison in the report because the numbers were too small.

“The decline in performance here is so widespread that something really needs to happen,” said David Maxwell-Jolly, a health care consultant who authored the report and the former director of the Department of Health Care Services, which oversees Medi-Cal. “These numbers are way lower than what you would expect to be seeing if we’re doing a good job of detecting children with treatable conditions.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health Care Services said in an email the state could not confirm the accuracy of an external report, noting that vision services can be difficult to track because “not all encounters are captured in a single, comprehensive dataset.”

For example, many initial vision screenings take place in the pediatrician’s office during well-child visits, which include eye and hearing screenings as well as immunizations and developmental checks. State data shows about half of children with Medi-Cal receive well-child visits. Still, experts say the low numbers tell a real story: If children were reliably getting follow-up care from initial screen-

ings, the share who get comprehensive eye exams and glasses would be closer to 25 to 30 percent — in line with the known prevalence of vision problems among children — rather than the 16 percent found in the optometric association’s report.

Maxwell-Jolly said the analysis he conducted replicated an internal, unpublished department report tracking vision services between 2015 and 2016. His analysis, based on data obtained through a public records request, updated the results for more recent years.

The state’s most recent Preventive Services Report, which measures how well Medi-Cal delivers preventive care to children, shows the rate of comprehensive eye exams for children and young adults ages 6 to 21 is similar to the optometric association’s analysis at 17 percent.

Contra Costa County experienced the third-largest decline in children’s eye care in the state. A spokesperson for Contra Costa Health Plan said Medi-Cal health plans are not required by the state to track vision benefits and that it would take time to understand the data.

The state, however, does track vision services internally, according to the Department of Health Care Services.

A bill sponsored by the optometric association and authored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, a Democrat from Cupertino, aims to require the state to establish vision benefit quality measures and report performance data publicly. The goal of the legislation is to track where children do not have enough access to vision services and to ensure that Medi-Cal providers are improving services.

Rural challenges

Amy Turnipseed, chief strategy and government affairs officer for Partnership HealthPlan of California, said rural parts of the state struggle to find enough providers. The nonprofit health insurer provides Medi-Cal for 24 Northern California counties, including Colusa and Modoc.

In Modoc County, which borders Oregon and Nevada, one optometrist serves a 90-mile radius. Part-

nership has worked closely with that optometrist to ensure they continue accepting Medi-Cal patients, Turnipseed said.

“In rural counties with lower populations, losing even one provider can exponentially impact access to services for families,” Turnipseed said. “In the past few years, we’ve seen vision providers reduce or limit their Medi-Cal, which makes it harder for families to see providers.”

Modoc is one of just seven counties where more children have received vision care in recent years, according to the report. Providers frequently cite low reimbursement rates from the state as a reason for not accepting Medi-Cal patients. The California Optometric Association estimates only about 10 percent of its members accept Medi-Cal. The reimbursement rate for a comprehensive eye exam is about $47, said Kristine Shultz, the association’s executive director.

“Our reimbursement rates haven’t increased in 25 years. Imagine getting paid what you were paid 25 years ago,” Shultz said. Schools check children’s vision, but follow-up is spotty

State law requires schools to periodically check children’s vision starting in kindergarten. Those screenings are a good bellwether for whether a child is struggling to see in class, said Chung. The problem is getting the children

who fail the screening to an eye doctor.

Chung runs an academic optometry clinic that works with local schools in Pomona. Each year, up to 35 percent of students fail the screening, meaning they likely have a vision problem. But based on conversations with school nurses, Chung said only about 7 percent of those children then go to an eye doctor and come back to school with glasses.

Chung, who chairs the children’s vision committee for the California Optometric Association, said colleagues who work with school districts around the state report similar experiences.

“If a high number of those children are not getting the follow-up care, we may just be fooling ourselves and checking a box,” Chung said. “We’re in compliance with the law in California, but are we really helping the children?”

For some families, the answer is no. That’s what happened to Kekoa when he was 3. The school checked his eyes and said he might have vision problems, but his mother waited. Her son was still learning his numbers and letters. How would he be able to read an eye chart, she reasoned? It wasn’t until his problems got worse that she took him to an eye doctor.

Now 15, Kekoa wears contacts and enjoys athletics. He needs to see to compete in capoeira and surf on the weekends, his mother said.

Many parents lack the resources to take their children to the doctor or simply wait. Notes from school nurses flagging that a child failed a vision screening may also get lost in a backpack on the way home, educators say. The California Department of Education does not track the results of school vision screenings.

Vision To Learn, a nonprofit, created a mobile eye clinic to help bridge the gap between children failing school vision screenings and getting glasses. The group brings an optometrist to campus, meaning children who need an eye exam can get one the same day and go home with a prescription and ordered glasses.

Damian Carroll, chief of staff and national director, said Vision To Learn’s numbers tell a similar story. About one-third of students screened are unable to read the eye chart, but very few of those children have adequate glasses.

In the California schools where the program operates, around 70 percent of children who have been prescribed glasses did not own a pair. Another 20 percent had glasses with outdated prescriptions, according to internal data, Carroll said.

And that gap can drastically affect learning outcomes or behavior in school.

“First- and second-graders who try on glasses for the first time are blown away because they just thought that’s how the world looked,” Carroll said. “They can see the leaves on the trees and the math on the board, and it’s shocking to them.”

Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.

—Kristen Hwang is a health reporter for CalMatters covering health care access, abortion and reproductive health, workforce issues, drug costs and emerging public health matters.

Thursday, April 16

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

Thursdays

Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690, https://yolofoodbank.org/find-food

Friday, April 17

Library Event: Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros, 2:30 p.m., Winters Community Library, yolocountylibrary.org/locations/winters/

WHS Theater Presents "The Addams Family the Musical" Opening Night, 6 p.m., Wesley Hall – Pioneer Church (205 Russell St.)

Saturday, April 18

Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution, Saturdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue, https://yolofoodbank.org/find-food

WHS Theater Presents "The Addams Family the Musical" shows, 2 p.m./6 p.m., Wesley Hall – Pioneer Church (205 Russell St.)

Winters Open Mic Night, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Downtown Main Street, Visit wintersopenmic.org

Tuesday, April 21

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

Winters Library Open to Public (School in Session)

Winters Community Library, Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. , Sat: 1–5 p.m.

Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 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.

Movie Matinee, Fourth Friday, 2-4 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.)

Cafe Yolo Social Dining, Thurdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.), Reservations required 24 hours in advance at 530-662-7035 or welcome@mowyolo.org

Winters Senior Foundation Social Gathering, Thurdays, 12:30-3 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.)

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 thru 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

Saved & Sober program Thursdays, 7p.m., The Rock Church West, 201 Main St.

Winters Open Mic, third Saturday, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Downtown Main Street, Visit wintersopenmic.org

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

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.

A wildflower that changed my work

How alkali

milkvetch shaped decades of conservation in Yolo County and beyond

Dr. Glen Holstein

Special to the Express

Icame to UC Davis for grad school with a passion for saving nature, honed by seeing sprawl destroy so much of it in Southern California.

Soon, that got me on TV news for the successful campaign to save Bannon Island at the Sacramento–American River confluence just north of Discovery Park from becoming a marina. Soon, I worked with then-UCD Chancellor James Meyer to create Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural Reserve, with then-California Resources Secretary Huey Johnson to create the Cosumnes River Preserve, with Nature Conservancy leader Steve McCormick to make Carrizo Plain the first national monument dedicated to wildflowers, and with Eva Butler to create the Mather vernal pool preserve and its Sacramento Splash environmental education program.

These efforts and others brought me the Environmental Council of Sacramento Environmentalist of the Year Award in 2013 and the Sierra Club Mother Lode Chapter Conservationist of the Year Award in 2018.

But there were heartbreaks as well. Field botanist Marianne Showers mapped an area in central Yolo County as dominated by alkali milkvetch (Astragalus tener var. tener) that likely contained many thousands of individuals. It is a beautiful small wildflower endemic to California, meaning it occurs nowhere else. Even in California, it is endemic only to alkaline vernal pools, mostly in the urban corridor between Sacramento and the Bay Area, a difficult place for its survival. Consequently, while not officially endangered, it is

in the same maximum agency endangerment class as plants that are.

The alkali milkvetch population Showers found was the largest then known in Yolo County and possibly the entire world, but unfortunately, it was destroyed by an infrastructure project. Losing so many rare wildflowers brought sadness, but also an analysis of why it happened. An important factor was that many of my environmental allies were across the Sacramento River. More

were needed here in Yolo County.

Then I heard former Tuleyome leader Bob Schneider speak inspiringly about the need to make part of Cache Creek a wild and scenic river. It was such a good idea that we communicated with the thenGov. Arnold Schwarzenegger about it, and he soon surprised many by making much of the creek officially wild and scenic.

Bob invited me onto the Tuleyome board, and I was soon working with the organization

See TULEYOME, Page 4

Wines for the Farmers Market bounty

By Jeremy Craig

Special to the Express

Spring has arrived, and the farmers’ markets are back in business, bringing the season’s first fruits and vegetables to your kitchen.

Nothing says spring like a quick, fresh salad built around asparagus.

Here is a tried-and-true recipe:

Take a pound of fresh asparagus and cut it into 2-inch pieces, then blanch in boiling water for 4 minutes to keep them crisp.

Immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking.

Next, make a simple dressing of three tablespoons of red wine vinegar, one-third cup of olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, and salt and pepper to taste.

Whisk well to combine and set aside. Thinly slice a red onion and halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes. Place the asparagus, red onion, and cherry tomatoes in a bowl and toss with the dressing.

Right before serving, add onethird cup each of blue cheese crumbles and almond slivers.

Enjoy this simple, fresh salad on its own or as a starter to any meal.

However, this is a wine column, so let’s talk about what to drink with your beautiful salad!

There are three pairing challenges at work here. First, asparagus is notoriously tricky with wine due to its vegetal, chlorophyll-driven flavors. Second, red wine vinegar’s sharp acidity can throw wines out of balance, making whites taste flat and reds seem too tannic. Third, blue cheese is bold, pungent, and fatty.

Together, these elements rule out most oaked whites and most reds, but they point us to-

ward wines with high acidity and fresh, unoaked character. Here are some wines that will fit that requirement. Sauvignon Blanc is our easy first choice because its grassy notes pair well with the asparagus, but its lemon, grapefruit, and green apple notes will brighten the fresh vegetables. Sauvignon Blanc’s high acidity will cut through the fat of the blue cheese and complement the red wine vinegar’s acidity. It is an obvious choice for many summer vegetable salads and a versatile wine to have on hand.

The good news is that you can find very good, affordable Sauvignon Blanc from France, New Zealand, and California, so there are plenty of options to fit your favorite flavors. Your next option isn’t as obvious and a little harder to find, but Grüner Veltliner from Austria has a remarkable natural affinity with asparagus; a pairing that feels almost like it was designed by nature! Grüner offers an unusual flavor profile, with mineral and white pepper notes that pair

WINES, Page 4

Existing-home sales decline amid tight inventory

National Association of Realtors

Special to the Express

Existing-home sales decreased 3.6 percent month over month in March, according to the National Association of Realtors’ Existing-Home Sales Report. The report provides the real estate ecosystem—including agents, homebuyers and sellers—with data on home sales, prices and inventory.

“March home sales remained sluggish and below last year’s pace,” said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. “Lower consumer confidence and softer job growth continue to hold back buyers.”

Month over month, sales fell in all four regions. Year over year, sales rose in the South and West and declined in the Northeast and Midwest.

“Inventory remains a major constraint on the market,” Yun said. “The inventory-to-sales ratio, or supply-to-demand ratio, is below historical norms. An additional 300,000 to 500,000 homes for sale would help bring the market closer to normal con-

ditions and allow consumers to make purchase decisions without feeling rushed.”

“Because inventory remains limited, the median home price rose to a new record high for the month of March,” Yun added. “That price growth has helped the typical homeowner accumulate $128,100 in housing wealth over the past six years.”

NAR also revised its 2026 housing forecast. Due to rising mortgage rates, NAR now expects existing-home sales to increase 4 percent this year, down from its previous projection. New-home sales are now expected to remain flat, a downward revision from the prior forecast of a 5 percent gain. The median home price forecast remains unchanged, with prices still projected to rise 4 percent in 2026.

“Mortgage rates have been rising, and that has led us to trim our home sales outlook for the year,” Yun said. “Even with a more modest pace of sales growth, home prices continue to steadily increase due to minimal inventory growth.”

National Snapshot

Total Existing-Home Sales for March

• 3.6 percent decrease month over month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million

• 1.0 percent decrease year over year Inventory in March

• 1.36 million units: Total housing inventory, up 3.0 percent from February and 2.3 percent from March 2025

• 4.1-month supply of unsold inventory, up from 3.8 months last month and 4.0 months one year ago

Median Sales Price in March

• $408,800: Median existing-home price for all housing types, up 1.4 percent from one year ago ($403,100), marking the 33rd consecutive month of year-over-

year price increases

Housing Affordability in March

The Housing Affordability Index fell to 113.7 in March, down from 117.5 in February and up from 104.2 one year ago

Year over year, affordability improved across all regions:

• Northeast (4.1 percent)

• Midwest (5.3 percent)

• South (10.0 percent)

• West (12.7 percent)

Single-Family and Condo/Co-op Sales

Single-Family Homes in March

• 3.5 percent decrease month over month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.63 million, down 0.3 percent from March 2025

• $412,400: Median home price, up 1.3 percent from last year

Condominiums and Co-ops in March

• 5.4 percent decrease month over month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 350,000, down 7.9 percent from last year

• $371,500: Median price, up 2.3 percent from March 2025

Regional Snapshot for Existing-Home Sales in March

Northeast

• 8.5 percent decrease month over month to an annual rate of 430,000, down 12.2 percent year over year

• $494,500: Median price, up 5.7 percent from March 2025

Midwest

• 4.2 percent decrease month over month to an annual rate of 920,000, down 3.2 percent year over year

• $315,500: Median price, up 4.9 percent from March 2025

South

• 3.1 percent decrease month over

month to an annual rate of 1.86 million, up 2.2 percent year over year

• $362,600: Median price, up 0.8 percent from March 2025 West

• 1.3 percent decrease month over month to an annual rate of 770,000, up 1.3 percent year over year

• $613,400: Median price, down 1.3 percent from March 2025

Realtors Confidence Index for March

• 41 days: Median time on market, down from 47 days last month and up from 36 days in March 2025

• 32 percent of sales were first-time homebuyers, down from 34 percent in February and unchanged from one year ago

• 27 percent of transactions were cash sales, down from 31 percent last month and up from 26 percent one year ago

• 18 percent of transactions were individual investors or second-home buyers, up from 16 percent last month and 15 percent one year ago

• 2 percent of sales were distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales), down from 3 percent last month and one year ago

Mortgage Rates

6.18 percent: Average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in March, according to Freddie Mac, up from 6.05 percent in February and down from 6.65 percent one year ago

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20)

Aries, you have a certain energy that is building this week. Momentum increases the second you stop overthinking, so jump into whatever you were planning to do with two feet.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21)

Something cozy, such as a hobby, recipe or routine could turn into something surprisingly productive, Taurus. Don’t dismiss passion projects this week when comfort meets opportunity.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21)

Gemini, your words equal magic this week. Conversations open doors and can help clear up confusion about important topics, even about budding relationships.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22)

Peace will look good on you this week, Cancer. You will be exuding quiet confidence. It is a good time to organize your space or schedule a spa session. Relax as stress levels drop.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23)

The spotlight is yours, Leo, even when you are not trying to be in it. This is a great week to share ideas, pitch something creative or post fun content on social media.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22)

A small, healthy habit or tweak to your lifestyle can change your whole week, Virgo. Tiny improvements will produce a huge payoff that you will enjoy.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23)

A random invite or chat leads to a helpful connection, Libra. Say yes to invitations to go out, as it is time to be a social butterfly for the foreseeable future.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22)

Scorpio, you are giving off quiet power vibes this week. Your focus and follow-through is all based on trusting your instincts. Someone in your circle is noticing your efforts.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21)

Sagittarius, going on an adventure doesn’t have to necessarily mean traveling. This is a good time to try a new class, go to a show or experiment with new cuisine.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20)

Capricorn, you are building something solid behind the scenes. It may take a lot of time, but steady effort now will likely lead to bragging rights.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18)

Collaborations sparkle for you this week, Aquarius. All of those ideas that you think are unusual will turn out to be genius. It’s all about perspective and looking at things the right way.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20)

Your inner world could intersect with the outside world this week, Pisces. Expect a few days of creative, dreamy and intuitive moments where you daydream on purpose.

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Living Features

Small steps can extend a car’s life expectancy

Metro Creative Special to the Express

Vehicles continue to get more expensive. Automotive experts at Kelley Blue Book report the average American car buyer paid $50,080 for a new vehicle in September 2025, the first time the average new-car price topped $50,000. More drivers are looking for ways to push their current vehicles past the 200,000-mile mark to save money. According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of a vehicle on the road hit a record 12.8 years in 2025. Although major mechanical failures concern drivers of older vehicles, it is often smaller issues that affect vehicle longevity. Small actions can significantly extend a car’s life.

• Use caution on cold starts. When a vehicle sits, oil settles at the bottom of

TULEYOME

to create Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in 2015 and add the important Molok Luyuk missing piece in 2024. Eventually, I got a call that alkali milkvetch was present on Woodland city land proposed for a shopping mall. There were only dozens there instead of the many lost that Showers mapped, but there was more palmate bird’s-beak (Chloropyron palmatum), a federally listed endangered plant. Although it took some persuasion and time, Tuleyome made protecting this place its first conservation campaign in the Cen-

WINES

Continued from Page 1

well with asparagus, but it also has green apple, lime, and sometimes apricot flavors that brighten a salad’s vegetable flavors. It is worth a try and can become your go-to white for salads containing green vegetables in the future. Finally, off the beaten path is a French wine called Muscat

the engine. To help reduce potential damage, drivers can wait about 30 seconds before shifting into gear, allowing the oil pump to circulate lubricant to the upper valve train and help prevent extra engine wear. Modern fuel-injected engines warm up more quickly and safely when driven gently rather than idling in place, says Smart Motors

tral Valley. Finally, on May 17, 2025, at the new Woodland Regional Park and Preserve’s grand opening, speakers, including Yolo Habitat Conservancy founder Petrea Marchand, Tuleyome President Lyndsay Dawkins, Yolo County supervisors Mary Sandy and Lucas Frerichs, and state Sen. Chris Cabaldon, as well as many others, all acknowledged the victory for conservation it represented. Despite such victories for nature, I still felt sadness for the thousands of lost alkali milkvetch that once brought me to Tuleyome. Then, like a miracle, an EIR prepared for a group considering building houses at a site

d’Alsace. A dry Muscat smells like spring itself, with delicate aromas of honey, pear, and peach that harmonize beautifully with the salad’s fresh, green character, a true celebration of the season. Just be sure to grab a dry Muscat, not a sweet one (which is lovely on its own but would be disastrous with this salad)! This

Routine maintenance and mindful driving habits can help extend a vehicle’s lifespan and reduce long-term repair costs.

Courtesy MetroCreative Connections

Toyota. In fact, long idling can strip away oil.

• Treat fluids wisely. According to EngineeringCivil.org, checking and replacing fluids is cheaper than replacing hardware. Recent data suggests consistent oil changes can add 50,000 to 100,000 miles to an engine’s lifespan. Follow the vehicle’s manual for time-based fluid replace-

just north of Davis found a previously unknown population of more than 1,000 alkali milkvetch. But the EIR also found that toxic groundwater from an adjacent former dump lies immediately below the site’s surface. Since groundwater levels are not fixed but sink in withdrawal zones and rise in recharge zones that irrigating lawns and gardens of planned new homes would create, the potential for toxics to reach the surface is concerning, especially since disturbance during construction could increase underlying soil porosity. It is unlikely the environmentally respected group that ordered the EIR relished what

could be your ace in the hole for a surprise pairing that most people love once they discover Muscat in their wine journey.

Happy Spring! I hope you try the recipe and make it your own. Swap in whatever looks best at your market that day. Any

ment intervals, not just mileage.

• Drive faster on occasion. Oil will not get hot enough to evaporate internal condensation in vehicles used primarily for short trips under 10 miles. Every few weeks, drivers should take at least a 20-minute drive at highway speeds to help remove contaminants.

• Drive smoothly. Aggressive driving not only burns more fuel; it also creates heat that can reduce longevity. According to Kia, hard braking generates heat that can warp rotors and stress suspension bushings. Likewise, smooth acceleration is important.

Rapid acceleration forces the transmission to downshift abruptly, increasing wear. Reports from The Zebra, an insurance comparison company, indicate that mindful driving can reduce mechanical strain by up to

it found. Fortunately, however, they have an alternative to houses. The May 17 Woodland Park opening could be a model for the site, which even has a large newly found population of the federally listed endangered vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi), as well as outstanding habitat for many threatened species such as Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni). It is not too much to imagine a day when an event honors those who ordered the EIR and then became environmental heroes by responding smartly and bravely to its unexpected findings by helping create a nature park for the people of Davis, much

of these three wines will make it even better, and each one tells a different story about spring. Cheers!

—Jeremy Craig, a WSET Level 3 certified wine enthusiast, shares his wine journey on Instagram at www.instagram.com/findurwine.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CV2026-0719 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: PERSEPHONE ADRIAN DENISE JOHNSONMCGOWAN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name PERSEPHONE ADRIAN DENISE JOHNSON-MCGOWAN to Proposed name ADRIANA DENISE JOHNSON-BUCHMAN

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated be-

the petition should not be granted If no written objection is timely filed the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 4/28/2026 Time: 9:00 a m Dept 11 Room: The address of the court is Yolo Superior Court 1000 Main Street Woodland CA

30 percent.

• Fight corrosion. Rust can end a car’s life before the engine fails. In areas where roads are treated with salt in the winter, use a winter car wash that includes an undercarriage spray. Auto Recycling World says road salt can damage brake and fuel lines. Applying wax twice a year can also help protect the clear coat, which shields the metal body from the elements.

• Address engine lights promptly. CarMD says addressing a “check engine” light immediately is 20 percent cheaper than waiting until the vehicle develops a drivability issue. For example, ignoring a $150 oxygen sensor can eventually lead to a $1,500 catalytic converter replacement. Small habits can help extend a vehicle’s lifespan and save drivers money.

like the one now so loved by the people of Woodland.

I hope you enjoyed this brief tale of my work conserving nature. Its experiences and views are solely mine, rather than those of any organization.

Tuleyome is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit conservation organization

based in Woodland. For more information, go to www.tuleyome. org.

—Dr. Glen Holstein is a long-term volunteer and Tuleyome board member. His local expertise and experience in a wide array of topics in our region have earned him several prestigious awards.

Express Yourself

There are risks in life

here is chro-

Tmium-6 in our water. Some non-elected, non-scientific committee in Sacramento has decided that water with more than 10 parts per billion (ppb) is unsafe to drink. The rest of the world, and the rest of the United States, uses either 50 ppb or 100 ppb as the standard.

The city of Winters is required to let us know that our water has between 16 and 24 ppb every three months until we pay millions to fund a solution to the naturally occurring problem. Are you still drinking our tap water? I am, but I’m still riding motorcycles and bicycles, too.

There are risks in life. Walking across the street, driving to the airport or breathing can be hazardous to your health. Is coffee good for you, or will it cause cancer? Can you eat eggs or should you avoid them?

There are some risks that you should not take, like smoking or excessive drinking, but people still do both. Driving while texting is now considered the same level of risk as drinking and driving while your tired.

Speaking from experience, jumping

off roofs is not a good idea, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Seeing how fast a motorcycle will go still seems like a good idea to me. I’m a printer by choice and printing involves presses, solvent, ink and lead. In years past, casting machines had asbestos and lead and lots of moving parts that would smash your fingers if you weren’t careful. Paper cutters have sharp blades that leave scars if you aren’t paying attention. Sometimes we don’t think about the risk while doing something that seems stupid after the fact. We all make decisions on how we live our lives, and some of us are less risk-averse than others. I still see people wearing masks in public or while driving their own car. I think if you are overly cautious, it will negatively affect your life. You can’t be afraid of your own shadow.

I think people who don’t get vaccinated are foolish, but they will probably disagree with me. But do we really want to risk bringing back polio

Seeking community volunteers

Winters High School is excited to invite community members to participate in one of our most meaningful traditions, Senior Capstone presentations. We are currently seeking volunteers to serve as panelists and listen to our seniors share their projects, reflections, and plans for life after high school.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with local students, celebrate their accomplishments, and support them as they prepare for their next chapter. Panelists play an important role in providing encouragement and feedback, helping make this experience both authentic and impactful.

Capstone presentations will take place on April 29 from 1:45 to 5 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Winters High School at 530-795-6140 or email ahurst@ wintersjusd.org.

Our Senior Capstone program thrives because of the generosity and involvement of our community, and we are truly grateful for your continued support.

ANDREA HURST

Senior CapStone Coordinator, WintreS HigH SCHool

Concerns over Entertainment Zone

I was alarmed to read in last week’s Express that the city council is prepared to approve “drinking zones” downtown where individuals are encouraged to roam around outside with drinks in hand, rather than seated and served with a meal. We all know that alcohol is a drug that produces impairment among users. The surgeon general and the AMA have advised that no alcohol is good for you, but if you choose to drink, limit yourself to one drink per day for a woman and two for a man. Surely the zone policy is intended to encourage over consumption and will create the atmosphere of a “party town”—not a good look for our community. What I object to is the idea that we can finance city government by encouraging individuals who just want to experience small-town life and have a good time to drink more alcohol. What happened to the wholesome family fun atmosphere that has been promoted lately at several downtown events? We already attract more out-of-town business to our small community, with limited parking and public services resources, than we can manage.

KATHY POLKINGHORN

WinterS

Yolo leaders who back Ryan Davis

For many of us, public service is not abstract. It is personal.

We serve as elected officials, educators, and advocates in Woodland, Davis, West Sacra-

Gubernatorial candidates should focus on key issues

By Dan Walters, CalMatters

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters.

or other preventable diseases? I don’t, and I don’t want to risk other people’s health by not getting vaccinated. Sure, there is a risk of being vaccinated, but having an adverse reaction is close to a million to one.

It is risky to walk on sidewalks in Winters. This is something that we can fix, but for some reason don’t seem to be in any hurry to solve the problem. Davis paid out millions to a woman who tripped on their sidewalks, and now is changing their laws to make landowners responsible for fixing sidewalks. Sacramento already requires landowners to repair their sidewalks.

Winters is working on scheduling repairs, but I still like my idea of hiring high school students during their summer break and teaching them to pour concrete. Concrete isn’t that hard to pour. When someone asks me how good I am at doing concrete work, I tell them it is always gray and hard when I’m finished. Have a safe week.

Eric Swalwell’s abrupt departure from the campaign for governor due to revelations about sexual transgressions leaves nine men and women remaining as serious contenders for spots on the November ballot.

So far their campaigns have produced a scattershot of positions and promises that have only occasionally touched

on California’s real world issues. However, by sheer coincidence, there’s been a recent flurry of think tank reports and articles on those issues that should be required reading for would-be governors and moderators of forums to question the candidates.

In no particular order:

Schools

The Public Policy Institute of California delved into the worrisome lack of ac-

ademic achievement among in California’s public schools. It notes that in state tests just 49 percent of students met or exceeded state standards in English language and 37 percent in math. Results of federal tests were even less satisfactory, with only 29 percent of fourth-graders and 28 percent of eighth-graders proficient in reading and 35 percent and 25 percent, respectively, in math.

See ISSUES, Page 6

California’s crisis in rural health care is a chance for transparency

By Julie Gill Shuffield Special to CalMatters

This

California’s rural hospitals face multiple steep challenges in providing patients access to care. Glenn Medical Center in Willows, located about 75 miles north of Sacramento, is at the center of this access crisis. Although it shuttered in October 2025, Glenn Medical has since restored

Letters

mento, and Winters. Together, we share a commitment to fairness, opportunity, and a justice system that reflects the people it serves. Every day, we hear from residents navigating real challenges—families in crisis, workers struggling to make ends meet, and individuals trying to find fairness in systems that can feel overwhelming. In those moments, the courts matter deeply.

That is why we are proud to stand with Ryan Davis for Yolo County Superior Court Judge. As a Court Commissioner, Ryan is already doing the work of a judge. He presides over challenging family law cases with extraordinarily high stakes. He brings preparation, patience, and a commitment to applying the law fairly.

Ryan’s career has been built on public service, from representing individuals as a public defender to handling complex cases as a Deputy Attorney General. He has seen the justice system from multiple perspectives. That breadth of experience matters. It informs how Ryan listens, how he evaluates, and how he decides.

In our roles as local leaders, we understand that experience and judgment are essential. The decisions made in the courtroom are not theoretical. They affect children, families, and futures. But for us, this decision is about more than qualifications alone.

It is about trust.

Across Yolo County, we have worked to make our institutions more responsive and more inclusive. We have pushed for better schools, stronger neighborhoods, and a government that reflects the people it serves. That same expectation applies to our courts. People must feel heard. They must feel respected. And they must believe that the system works for them.

Ryan understands that.

We also know Ryan as a member of this community. He grew up here. Ryan is raising his family here. He has served in local roles that connect him directly to the people of Yolo County. Those roots matter because they shape how someone approaches service.

We are often told that justice should be blind. But justice should never be disconnected. It must be grounded in an understanding of the community it serves.

At this moment, Yolo County needs a judge who combines experience, integrity, and a deep respect for every person who enters the courtroom. We believe Ryan Davis is that person. We, the diverse leaders of Yolo County, are proud to support Ryan Davis.

DR. VIGDIS ASMUNDSON, ANGEL BARAJAS, LAURA BRUBAKER, TANIA GARCIA-CADENA, MARTHA GUERRERO, JOE DINUNZIO, VICKY FERNANDEZ, LU-

its status as a “critical access” facility through congressional action. That is only the beginning of the discussion about how to keep the struggling rural hospital’s doors open. Undoing the closure is complicated and will require short-term funding. As decision-makers grapple with the challenge, it is important to examine which programs are

working and which require greater oversight and transparency. One key area of focus is the federal 340B program. The 340B program was created in 1992 with the intention of benefiting the most vulnerable, underserved patients who cannot afford health care. Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to sell

See HEALTH, Page 6

CAS FRERICHS, BIBIANA GACIA, RICH LANDSBURGH, JESSE LOREN, DAVID MORENO, DR. MELISSA MORENO, DONNA NEVILLE, STEVE NYHOLM, DR. CIRENIO RODRIGUEZ, GLORIA PARTIDA, JIM PROVENZA, DON SAYLOR, KAREN URBANO, RAMON URBANO, BAPU VAITLA, JAKE WHITAKER, MAYRA VEGA, SHELTON YIP, AND DEBORAH BAUTISTA ZAVALA Yolo CountY leaderS

I wonder

I’m struggling to remember how life felt before Trump. It’s like during the Covid Pandemic: it became hard then to remember the before, as well.

Somehow, I came across the translation for desire from Latin: to be separated from our star.

For decades our government has led the way in the age of cosmic discovery. And now, The Atlantic magazine tells me that Trump is slashing NASA’s budget. He says his aim is to reduce spending (especially in blue states) and to open up opportunities for private enterprise. Science for science’s sake is being attacked and profiteering is muscling in.

I wonder if he ever rode a bicycle or floated on his back in a lake. Has he ever been outside on a moonless night and wished upon a star? I wonder if he has ever wondered.

And I wonder what happened to him. I’ve never met a bully who hadn’t been abused or deprived himself. Was he abused? Was he deprived? Was he ever really loved? Has he always felt left out of the wonder? Has he always been separated from the stars?

Oh, Edwin Hubble! You surveyed the stars and discovered a universe! A universe beyond our own Milky Way, a galaxy unto itself that we now call Andromeda. Oh, James Webb! You found the way to observe the very creation of the first galaxies in the Cosmos!

I wonder how all this will end.

DEBORAH SHAW HICKERSON WinterS

Send us your

letter

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

Warriors dominate Pierce Bears, 13–0

By Traci Calvert

The second week of league play took the Warriors to Arbuckle to face the Pierce Bears, where the Winters High School varsity softball team quickly took care of business.

Ava Estepa threw a one-hit shutout in the Warriors’ 13–0 victory. Although Winters finished with just six hits, the Lady Warriors capitalized on several walks, two errors and aggressive base running to break the game open. The performance highlighted Winters’ speed on the bases as a key factor in the win.

Riley Nelson, Isabelle Bermudez, Teagan Garcia and Abbey Carrion each collected hits for Winters. Friday’s game was

drugs at discounted prices to health care organizations that serve large numbers of uninsured and low-income patients, including critical access hospitals in rural areas.

However, the program’s lack of transparency has left it vulnerable to use by large players in the health care system, including hospitals and major insurers.

As the program has expanded, it has become a flashpoint in the debate over rising drug costs and their impact on hospital budgets. Without stronger congressional oversight, the program will continue to fall short for the patients it was designed to serve.

The 340B program’s concept is simple: hospitals are able to leverage drug discounts on behalf of medically underserved populations.

One would expect that medication costs would decrease for these patients.

But often the savings do not reach patients. In many cases, hospitals participat-

postponed due to rain and is scheduled to be made up next Thursday.

Don’t miss out: Save the date for the upcoming Winters’ softball games:

• April 17 – vs. East Nicolaus*, JV/V, 4 p.m.

• April 21 – at Durham*, JV/V, 4 p.m.

• April 27 – vs. Durham*, JV/V, 4 p.m.

• April 28 – vs. Willows*, V, 4 p.m.

• May 1 – at Willows*, V, 4 p.m.

• May 5 – at Paradise*, V, 4 p.m.

• May 6 – vs. Colusa, JV, 2/4 p.m.

• May 8 – vs. Paradise*, V, 4 p.m.

• May 16 – NSCIF playoffs, Round 1, TBA

• May 20 – NSCIF playoffs, Round 2, TBA

• May 24 – NSCIF championship, TBA

ing in the program purchase deeply discounted prescription drugs and instead charge patients and insurers inflated prices, keeping the difference.

Amid the national debate over 340B, Minnesota in 2023 became the first state to implement reporting requirements for participating hospitals. Its Legislature recently received the first 340B report, which showed that qualified pharmacies used by hospitals purchased drugs at discounted rates, then billed patients the full cost.

In 2024, those qualified pharmacies spent $1.53 billion purchasing drugs and billed private insurers and government programs $3.04 billion, resulting in excess revenues of about $1.34 billion.

The intended savings are instead lining hospital pockets.

As regional hospitals continue to close, care is becoming increasingly concentrated in the hands of a small number of large health systems. This consolidation reduces the number of providers available to treat patients

Sports

Solano College baseball splits busy conference stretch with Napa, Yuba

Express staff

The Solano College baseball team split its recent Bay Valley Conference stretch, taking a series from Napa Valley before rebounding with a series-clinching win over Yuba College.

Solano won the first two games of its series against Napa Valley, 7-4 on April 1 and 7-1 on April 2, before Napa Valley avoided the sweep with a 12-4 win on April 3 at Solano.

The Falcons are now 13-18 overall and 8-4 in the Bay Valley Conference following the series.

Michael Rivera, DeAngelo Ashley, Jace Parkinson and Isaiah Pazmino each recorded hits in the loss. Cayne Hill drove in two runs, while Teo Copp and Parkinson each had an RBI. Kai Koizumi took the loss after allowing six hits and six earned runs with three walks over three innings. Zach O’Reilly, Joey Graziano,

and underscores a troubling reality: the discounts intended to support vulnerable populations are often not reaching them. In fact, only 35 percent of 340B hospitals are located in medically underserved areas. Yet the remaining 65 percent continue receiving the discounts, while many low-income communities across the country see little or no benefit.

Addressing the rural health care crisis will require greater transparency in how these discounts are used, ensuring that savings are directed to facilities that actually serve medically underserved communities.

There has been progress in uncovering the many factors driving health care’s rising costs and widening disparities. Taking a closer look at the complex web of funding streams is long overdue. Rural Californians need help now. Their health and lives depend on it.

—Julie Gill Shuffield is executive director of Patients Come First-California, a consumer advocacy organization.

Martin Rosales and Sam Fierro all pitched in relief.

The Falcons bounced back Monday in a makeup game after Saturday’s rainout, salvaging the final game of a series against Yuba College with a 3-1 win at home.

Solano had dropped the first two games of that series, 14-6 and 9-5, before Koizumi and Amari Bryant helped steady the pitching staff in the finale. Koizumi earned his third win of the season, going six innings and allowing six hits, one earned run, one walk and striking out five. Bryant earned his fifth save, throwing three scoreless innings with one hit allowed and four strikeouts.

Rivera led the offense with two singles and a double against Yuba College. Parkinson added two hits, while Sean Moffett doubled and drove in a run. Dylan Snider also doubled, and Copp and Pazmino each drove in a run.

Across both series, Solano

Continued from Page 5

Mississippi, long a laggard in academic skills, got serious about raising reading comprehension by adopting phonics. California, after years of political debate, finally semi-adopted phonics, although not completely requiring it. An article in Atlantic magazine reveals that in Mississippi, just adopting phonics was not enough; statewide mandates, coupled with state oversight, were needed to make phonics work — a suggestion maybe California needs to follow suit.

Jobs

Outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom loves to brag about California’s $4 trillion economy but rarely mentions the darker side — several years with virtually no job growth. The Public Policy Institute of California digs into that stagnation and reports, “Job gains have been limited to a few key sectors like health care and local government, while stock market gains have been driven by AI. Unemployment has not increased much in the past two years, though it remains higher than in 2022 and above almost all other states.

“One major chal-

continued to lean on pitching depth and timely hitting to stay competitive in Bay Valley Conference play. Koizumi anchored the rotation with a win over Yuba College, while Bryant provided stability out of the bullpen with his fifth save of the season.

Rivera remained one of Solano’s most consistent offensive threats, collecting multiple hits in both series, including a three-hit performance against Yuba College. Parkinson also contributed across both matchups, while Moffett, Snider, Copp and Pazmino provided key hits and RBI production to help the Falcons generate offense in key moments.

Solano opened its next Bay Valley Conference series Wednesday at home against Mendocino College. The teams were scheduled to play Thursday at Mendocino before returning to Solano for a 1 p.m. game Friday.

lenge for the next governor will be providing expensive services like health care to a growing older adult population while the share of workers shrinks,” PPIC says.

The conservative Pacific Research Institute plows the same economic ground in a report. “The data shows that California’s economic challenges are no longer theoretical — they are measurable and worsening,” said Wayne Winegarden, one of the report’s authors. “The state’s weak job growth and shrinking private sector signal that California is at a crossroads. Without meaningful policy reforms, the gap between California and the rest of the country will continue to widen.”

One aspect of California’s economic sluggishness is an outflow of workers due to its sky-high living costs. Another report from the Public Policy Institute of California says the state has seen a net loss of nearly 1.3 million people since 2020. The outflow, coupled with a record low birth rate, makes California especially reliant on immigration for new workers, which in turn is affected by turmoil in federal immigration policy.

Homes

A study by UC-Berkeley’s California Policy Lab delves even further into the state’s loss of population to other states, citing high living costs, especially for housing, as the prime factor.

It notes that “in 2012 the state’s median household income was roughly sufficient to qualify for a mortgage on a mid-tier home, but it now falls substantially short of the level needed to qualify for even a bottom-tier home.”

However, those who abandon California more easily become homeowners due to much lower prices and see improvement in their overall financial wellbeing.

This is not an exhaustive catalogue of California issues that the campaigns for governor should address. Water supply and homelessness also need attention, as well as the insurance crisis and the state’s chronic budget deficits. But these reports are a good start for serious debate.

— 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.

Art & Entertainment

Local band opens George Strait tribute

Special to the Express

Winters student

band Olive School

Lane will take center stage Saturday, April 18, opening for “Amarillo by Morning,” a tribute to country legend George Strait, presented by Winters Live at the Opera House.

The afternoon matinee will kick off with Olive School Lane, a rising group of Future Farmers of America students from Winters High School who recently earned top honors at the California FFA Got Talent competition. What began as a group of friends playing music together has quickly grown into an award-winning act, performing in front of thousands and gaining recognition across the state.

Blending elements of rock, country, folk and bluegrass, the band represents the Winters FFA program and highlights the strength of local youth talent. Following the open-

Courtesy photo

Olive School Lane band members Derek Green, Jack Jordling, Cole Coker and Henry Girimonte, all Winters High School FFA students, will open at the 3 p.m. matinee for the George Strait tribute show “Amarillo by Morning” on April 18 at the Winters Opera House.

ing set, audiences will experience “Amarillo by Morning,” a high-energy tribute show led by Grammy-nominated vocalist Rowdy McCarran. The performance brings to life George Strait’s catalog, featuring hits such as “Amarillo by Morning,” “All My Exes Live in Texas” and “Check Yes or No.”

The matinee begins with Olive School Lane at 2:30 p.m., fol-

lowed by “Amarillo by Morning” at 3 p.m.

Doors open at 1:45 p.m.

Winters Live will present two shows: a 3 p.m. matinee and a 7:30 p.m. evening performance. Olive School Lane will perform only at the matinee. Tickets are available at WintersLive. com. For more information, visit the website or email WintersLive9@gmail.com.

Rustic Ramble back in Capay Valley

Special to the Express

A farm and garden tour highlighting local agriculture, food

The Capay Valley in Yolo County will open its farms and gardens to the public for the Rustic Ramble on Sunday, April 26.

The self-guided tour, organized by Capay Valley Grown, allows visitors to travel between participating farms and gardens, meet growers and sample seasonal foods while exploring the agricultural landscape of the region.

“This event is about reconnecting people to the source of their food,” said Alexa McCarthy, an organizer of the Rustic Ramble. “Capay Valley is one of the most agriculturally rich regions in the state, yet many people in Northern California have never experienced it up close.”

Participating sites include farms, orchards, gardens, wineries and plant sales throughout the valley. Locations listed by organizers include Polestar Farm, Capay Hills Orchard, Durst Organic Growers, Grumpy Goats Farm, Vitis & Ovis

Farm, Capay Valley Lavender, Suntracker Farm, Guinda Grange Native Plant Sale, Luna Lavender Farm, Full Belly Farm, Pasture 42, Good Humus Farm and Taber Ranch Winery, among others.

A “Taste of Capay” picnic will be held at Polestar Farm, featuring dishes prepared with local ingredients. Participating vendors include Wind Dancer Ranch, Lucy’s Café, Quail Cache Ranch, Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, Full Belly Farm Kitchen and the Esparto High School culinary program. The event will include live music by Viramundo.

Capay Valley, northwest of Sacramento, is known for its organic produce, almonds, olives, heritage grains and diversified small farms. Organizers say the tour is intended to give visitors an opportunity to meet farmers directly and learn about seasonal agricultural practices.

Proceeds from the event benefit Capay Valley Grown and its efforts to support small farms through marketing, community events and agritourism programs.

Performers’ Circle features According to Bazooka

Special to the Express

The public is invited to hear roots-rock Americana band According to Bazooka on Tuesday, April 28, at Odd Fellows Hall in Davis.

The band performs original music that blends folk, rock and Americana influences, with harmonies and songwriting shaped by more than a decade of collaboration. According to Bazooka has released four albums and is working on a fifth.

The group includes Richard Urbino (guitar, vocals), René Martucci (keys, accordion, vocals), Daphna Rahmil (violin), Jamie Knapp (upright bass, vocals) and Don Johnston (drums). The band began as a folk duo and has grown into a full ensemble.

According to Bazooka has received multiple Sacramento News & Review nominations, including best folk and country band and best singer-songwriter. More information about the band is available at www. accordingtobazooka. com.

Performers’ Circle is a free, monthly event open to performers of all levels and audience members. It is held the fourth Tuesday of each month, except December, at Odd Fellows Hall, 415 2nd St., Davis.

Each evening begins with an open mic from 7 to 8:15 p.m., followed by a featured performance from 8:30 to 9 p.m. Signups begin at 6:45 p.m. for short performances of up to five minutes. George Haver will serve as emcee.

Masks are welcome. More information

at

Niko Rubio @ 8pm Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St, San Francisco

JANE HANDCOCK @ 8pm The Independent, 628 Divisadero St, San Francisco

Strength & Balance Class @ 1:15pm Strength & Balance class at the Davis Lutheran Church Davis Lutheran Church ELCA, 317 East 8th Street, Davis. tina�tness68@ gmail.com

The Saloon - Peter Lindman and Felix Bannon @ 4pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco

Tantra Speed Date®Reno! (Meet Singles Speed Dating) @ 6:30pm / $45-$140 Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! The Studio, 1085 S Virginia St, Reno. help@tantrany.com

Bella White w/ Sam Gelband @ 7pm Folsom Ho‐tel, 703 Sutter St, Folsom 42nd Street, a classic Broadway musical presented by Solano College Theatre! @ 7:30pm / $10-$24 42nd Street celebrates Broadway, Times Square and the magic of show biz with wit, humor, pizzazz, and a whole lot of TAP DANCING! Come be stunned by color, whimsy, dancing, singing, and starpower! Solano College Theatre, 4000 Su‐isun Valley Road, Fair�eld. SCT@ solano.edu, 707-864-7100

Carnival of Psychos

@ 8pm / $25 Carnival of Psychos is a one-act opera with silhouettes and circus. Great Star Theater, 636 Jackson Street, San Francisco. hiss@sam sonyhiss.com, 510-927-4477

Remember Sports

@ 8:45pm Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco

Maya Hawke @ 9pm The Chapel, San Francisco

Crossing Autumn: Spring Arts & Crafts Fair

– Historic Folsom (Doug Solo Performance)

@ 10:30am Folsom Historic District, 915 Sutter St #110, Fol‐som DJ Sep: Crucial Reggae Sundays: Reggae in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

@ 12pm Golden Gate Park Bandshell, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Fran‐cisco

Art in Action: Woven Fairy House Wall Hangings @ 1pm / $10

Our next family art workshop is perfect for the spring season! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@gmail.com, 530-758-3370

Often Easy: Noechella @ 1pm Noechella, 22nd St, San Francisco

Clay Bell Live: Dungeness Crab Feast @ 4pm Domaine Chandon, 1 California Dr, Yountville

JourneyDay Music @ 4pm Andaz Napa - A Concept By Hyatt, 1450 1st St, Napa

Carter Sampson @ 7pm Ace Of Spades, 1417 R St, Sacra‐mento

Children's Dance Classes After School at the Davis Arts Center @ 4:15pm Tina Fitness offers children's Dance classes after school at the Davis Arts Center. Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�t ness68@gmail.com

San Francisco Board of Supervisors, District 2 Candidate Forum @ 6pm / Free The race for San Francisco Super‐visor, District 2 is on — and this fo‐rum gives you the chance to hear directly from the people asking for your vote. Calvary Presbyterian Church, 2515 Fillmore Street, San Francisco. lwvsf@lwvsf.org

Salsa Dance Classes - Be‐ginning and Intermediate Salsa Dance Lessons with Salsa Bachata Dance Party @ 6:30pm / $30 Learn to Salsa Dance plus an AWESOME Salsa Bachata Dance Party. We’re Back, THIS Monday! https://salsamon‐days.eventbrite.com Join us for SalsaCrazy Mondays - where you can learn to Salsa dance Neck of the Woods, 406 Clement Street, San Francisco. info@dancesf.com, 877-398-7025

GamperDrums Presents: ZinggFlower - Mondays at Biscuits & Blues @ 6:30pm Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St, San Francisco

Fantastic Planet @ 7pm The Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St, San Francisco Throwing Muses @ 8pm The Chapel, 777 Valencia St, San Francisco

Karrie O'Neill: Licence To Chill Bar @ 5pm Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe

Citizens: Acousti‐cathedral

@ 7pm Lifepointe Church, 1616 West St, Woodland

Jackson Dean: Live in the Vineyard Goes Country 2026

@ 7pm Live in the Vineyard, Napa

Chipper Lowell - Comedy Magician: CHIPPER LOW‐ELL LIVE! - Where COMEDY & MAGIC Collide!

@ 7pm The Loft Theatre-Lounge-Dining, 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe

Ladě @ 8pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

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

Children's Gymnastics Classes @ 2pm Two types of gymnastics classes for children offered Wednesdays at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Center, 1919 F Street, Davis. du ankejie68@gmail.com

Masood Boomgaard

@ 7:30pm Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Colum‐bus Ave, San Francisco

Christina's

Saturday Apr 18th

UC Davis OLLI presents A Visit to the Western

Museum @ 9am An all-inclusive excursion to visit and tour the West‐ern Railway Museum and ride the Wild�ower Train through the hills of Solano County. 202 Cousteau Pl, 202 Cousteau Place, Davis. caseychris6465@ gmail.com, 530-559-4394

Beginning and Intermediate Tai Chi

@ 10:15am Tai chi classes suitable for begin‐ning and intermediate practitioners Davis Arts Center, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�tness68@gmail.com

Shannon Shaw: Rolling Stone's Musicians on Musicians @ 7pm The Clift Royal Sonesta San Fran‐

cisco, 495 Geary St, San Francisco

Live From the Bay At Brick & Mortar ж (San Francisco, Ca)

@ 7:30pm Brick & Mortar Music Hall, San Francisco

Of What Remains

@ 8pm Knockout, 3223 Mission St, San Francisco

The Cosmo Alleycats: Mr. Tipple's - Late Show

@ 8:30pm Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club, 39 Fell St, San Francisco

Intermediate Tai Chi @ 9am Tai chi classes offered at the Woodland Community & Senior Center Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Woodland. tina�tness68@ gmail.com

Garden Art Sale @ 11:30am Apr 24th - May 3rd

Don't miss this year's Garden Art Sale, which will be indoors & over a week long! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@ gmail.com,

/ $10-$24

42nd Street celebrates Broadway, Times Square and the magic of show biz with wit, humor, pizzazz, and a whole lot of TAP DANCING! Come be stunned by color, whimsy, dancing, singing, and starpower! Solano College Theatre, 4000 Su‐isun Valley Road, Fair�eld. SCT@ solano.edu, 707-864-7100

Pop Rocks @ 10pm Dan's Irish Sports Bar, 1524 Civic Dr,, Walnut Creek

Winters

Youth Day: “Youth Ahoy!” @ 9:45am