Winters Express: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

YOUTH SOCCER FEST

Winters JUSD unveils new adult living skills classroom

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

Community mem-

bers and Winters

Joint Unified School

District staff gathered at the Winters High School campus for the ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony of the district’s new adult living skills classroom.

Adrian Laughter, director of special ed-

ucation and student services, welcomed guests to the launch of Winters JUSD’s adult living skills program.

“This event marks the beginning of an important journey, one focused on empowering our adult learners with the practical skills they need to live a more independent life, contribute to their community, and lead fulfilling lives here in the community that they grew up in today. It is about celebrating

laboration,

See PROGRAM, Page 3

Community meeting scheduled for North Winters project plan

Express staff

The city of Winters will host a community meeting for residents to learn about and ask questions regarding the North Winters specific plan project on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Winters Community Center.

The meeting will provide an update on the project, also known as the “Winters 183 Project,” incorporating feed-

back from a previous open house held in 2022. Residents will have the opportunity to review new concept plans and speak directly with city staff and project representatives. The North Winters project involves a 183-acre parcel located north of Moody Slough, within city limits. Existing zoning on the See PLAN, Page 5

Council approves tax-exempt bonds for NorthBay Healthcare

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

On Aug. 14, the Winters City Council held a special meeting to approve Resolution 2025-49, authorizing the issuance of California Municipal Finance Authority revenue bonds for NorthBay Healthcare’s urgent care facility at 101 Main Street.

The resolution passed unanimously, 4–0, with Council Member Carol Scianna absent and Mayor Albert Vallecillo attending virtually due

to illness exposure.

Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi facilitated the meeting. The resolution allows HealthCore Winters, LLC, to issue CMFA revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $6 million. The funds will be used to finance or refinance costs associated with the acquisition, construction, expansion, remodeling, furnishing and equipping of the healthcare facility. NorthBay

See BONDS, Page 5

City announces fall swim programs

Express staff

In his Friday update, City Manager Jeremy Craig announced that the city of Winters is offering fall swim programs at the Bobbie Greenwood Swim Center through the end of the swim season on Oct. 31. The fall programs include both a swim team and private lessons. Fall swim team

A five-week program will run from Aug. 25 through Sept. 25. Practices are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. New swimmer evaluations can be scheduled by emailing dartsolanoswim@gmail. com.

Private swim lessons

Lessons are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, depending on instructor availability. Saturday lessons are offered from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday lessons are offered from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the shallow side of the pool. Registration for both programs opened on Aug. 11. For more information or to view the swim program schedule, visit www. cityofwinters.org/169/ Swim.

Community

Local man sentenced for sexual assault on flight

By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media

A Winters man received a 30-day prison sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty to a federal charge of sexual assault in the United States’ special aircraft jurisdiction.

According to a U.S. Attorney’s Office news release, the incident occurred on Aug. 9, 2024, when

a 20-year-old woman sat between the defendant, Jeff Lorenzo, 40, and his coworker on a flight from Seattle to Sacramento.

“During the flight, Lorenzo willfully and repeatedly touched the woman without her consent,” the news release said, noting that Lorenzo’s coworkers reported he had a history of

inappropriate behavior. “He grazed her leg with his hand, put his head near her crotch under the guise of picking up his dropped phone, and pressed his arm into her breast multiple times throughout the flight.”

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Dessert pop-up fundraiser set for Fourth Fridays

Special to the Express

The Class of 2026 Grad Nite Parent Group will host a pop-up style dessert fundraiser on the Fourth Friday of August, September, and October, featuring handcrafted creations by the Winters High School Culinary Program.

The pop-up will be set up in the pocket park between Pacific Ace Hardware and Yolo Pharmacy.

This Friday, Aug. 22, the featured desserts include salted caramel

cupcakes and macarons, available in convenient to-go boxes.

Sales will run from 5 to 6 p.m., and the group encourages the community to indulge their sweet tooth and kick off the evening with dessert. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit both the Class of 2026 Grad Nite event and the Winters High School Culinary Program.

Cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, and Venmo will be accepted.

Highway 50/I-80 interchange gets new layout

Special to the Express

Caltrans is notifying motorists of a new traffic configuration that went into effect on Friday, Aug. 15, on westbound U.S. Highway in Yolo County as part of the ongoing $280 million Interstate 80 and US 50 Pavement Rehabilitation Project.

The traffic split begins west of Jefferson Boulevard and the No. 1 and No. 2 will be restored to through lanes across the Yolo

Causeway. Motorists should stay to the right of the split for access to the Harbor Boulevard and EB I-80 exits.

After the 50/80 interchange, WB I-80 traffic will merge into the No. 3 lane near Enterprise Boulevard. The No. 4 lane will exit at West Capitol Avenue.

The new striping configuration will maintain three through westbound lanes to the Causeway.

This project includes $47 million from Senate Bill (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. SB 1 provides $5 billion in funding annually.

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

Invites you to... CELEBRATE WINTERS BUSINESSES OF THE PAST

The Winters Museum invites you to help celebrate business that have served Winters over the years

AUGUST 26TH • 7:00PM

WINTERS MUSEM • 13 RUSSELL STREET

Bring the Family and participate in a fond farewell to our exhibit featuring businesses that have served Winters over the past years as they are an important part of the fabric of our town. There will be a panel of Winters' residents discussing growing up in a family business in Winters. Attendees are encouraged to do the same as well and tell stories about businesses that are part of Winters' history.

City seeks to fill climate commission

Express staff

The city of Winters is seeking applicants to fill an opening on its Climate Action Commission. The Commission serves as an advisory body to the Winters City Council and acts as a support resource for city staff in the areas of climate impacts and sustainability programs. Members also help develop and implement public information initiatives related to climate programs.

Climate Action Commissioners meet monthly in informal, discussion-focused sessions and often review documents to prepare for topics such as environmental impact reports, sustainability initiatives, and transportation projects.

Chair Ken Britten said the Commission recently reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the

Farmstead subdivision, focusing on climate considerations, collaborating with the Natural Resources Commission, and offering recommendations to the Planning Commission.

Commissioners also actively support local projects that promote sustainable transportation and community engagement. Recent initiatives include securing a grant through the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District to fund new downtown bike parking racks and an electronic map of safe cycling routes.

The Commission has sponsored annual bike-related events, such as the Bike Rodeo at Waggoner School, which provides bike training, repair services, and helmet giveaways. Additionally, the Commission has helped

Public Safety Report

dent with injury

Aug. 6: 4:27 p.m., Northbound Interstate 505, Grass fire

Aug. 7: 7:14 p.m., Main Street, Special type of incident (other)

Aug. 8: 9:37 p.m., Southdown Court, Lock-out

Aug. 9: 12:18 p.m., Vasey Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~1:32 p.m., Griffin Way, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~10:59 p.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle acci-

Aug. 10: 2:34 p.m., Russell Boulevard, Good intent call (other)

~2:38 p.m., Purtell Court, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~4:50 p.m., Railroad Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~5:40 p.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Aug. 11: 11:01 a.m., Railroad Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~4:33 p.m., Interstate 505 / RUSSELL Boulevard, Grass fire

REMEMBER WHEN...

• You bought your gym clothes for PE at Greenwood’s.

• You signed for your groceries and paid at the end of the month.

• Nuts and bolts were sold by the piece or pound at the hardware store.

• You were certain to munch on a cold hot dog from the friendly butcher while your Mom grocery shopped.

• The drug store had a counter where you could buy lunch or a caramel sundae.

• The grocery clerk was well into her 70’s and shouted “box for car” when she was nished.

• Your family doctor was down on the eld with the team at Friday night home games.

• Everyone went out to the A&W near the new highway after the swim meet.

bring the Winters Criterium, a downtown cycling race, to the community.

“The Commission’s work is a mix of thoughtful preparation and community engagement. It’s rewarding to see projects like the Bike Rodeo and new bike infrastructure come to life,” Britten said.

Residents interested in serving on the Climate Action Commission can apply online with the city’s application form. Access the form directly at https://www.cityofwinters.org/FormCenter/City-Hall-5/Applicationof-Interest-to-Serve-in-Appo-99 or visit www. cityofwinters.org, select “Forms” on the homepage, go to the “City Hall” section, and choose “Application of Interest to Serve in Appointed Position.”

~4:34 p.m., Interstate 505 Highway and Wolfskill Rd, Grass fire ~5:40 p.m., Morgan Street, False alarm or false call (other) ~6:09 p.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~11:30 p.m., Karnail Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Aug. 12: 9:17 a.m., Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~10:17 a.m., Owings Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

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

Police Report Log

Aug. 6: 6 p.m., 400th block of Edwards Street, Fraud Aug. 8: 9:17 a.m., 100th block of E. Baker Street, Found Property

Aug. 10: 3:17 a.m., 800th block of Walnut Lane, Verbal Domestic Dispute

Aug. 11: 6:10 p.m., 400th block of Main Street, Death Investigation

Aug. 12: 2:24 p.m., 700th block of Main Street, APS referral ~10:13 p.m., 200th block of Railroad Avenue, Traffic Collision – Hit and Run View the Winters Police Department Arrest and Report Logs, visit www. cityofwinters.org/289/ Report-Arrest-Log

Eventos hispanos

El Consejo debate sobre la gestión del tráfico y la seguridad peatonal

El Consejo debate sobre la gestión del tráfico y la seguridad peatonal

Por Sonora Slater

Traducido por Carol Alfonso

La reunión del Consejo Municipal de Winters, celebrada el pasado 5 de Agosto, se centró principalmente en una presentación especial sobre la gestión del tráfico en el vecindario. Esta presentación dio lugar a un debate entre el consejo y el público sobre cómo abordar las quejas de tráfico, qué métodos de gestión del tráfico son los más eficaces en Winters y cuándo se debe dar prioridad a los ciclistas y peatones sobre los conductores, o viceversa. La presentación, dirigida por Alan Mitchell, ingeniero municipal, y Eric Lucero, director del departamento de obras públicas, tenía como objetivo ofrecer al consejo una visión general de sus opciones en materia de medidas para moderar el tráfico y ayudarles a empezar a formular un proceso coherente para aceptar y revisar las quejas relacionadas con el tráfico.

“Si lo formalizamos, seremos coherentes con nuestra respuesta,” declaró

PROGRAM Continued from Page 1

and the power of education to open doors and create opportunities,” Laughter said.

In his remarks, Superintendent Rody Boonchouy described the opening as a proud moment for the Winters JUSD community, underscoring the school district’s commitment to “provid(ing) equitable, inclusive and personalized learning experiences for all of our students.”

“We created a program for students who live here who are transitioning to the workforce, transitioning into independence, and will ultimately contribute back to our community,” Boonchouy said.

“Over the years, we’ve outsourced much of this programming throughout the region. Earlier this year, we asked ourselves, ‘What would it take to bring this program back so we can support our Winters students who live here?’

This is one of the reasons why we’re super proud of this work.”

Boonchouy added that in recent years, Winters JUSD has focused on strengthening its special education program, not only through the creation of the new adult living skills program but also by collaborating closely with parents via the newly established Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC). This partnership allows the district and families to combine their expertise to better support students.

He also noted that the district has worked with Asparta to provide local services for students in West Yolo County, reducing the need for long-distance travel to access necessary programs.

Kim Spalding, education specialist, shared detailed information about the

Mitchell. “Estas han sido algunas de las quejas anteriores.”

¿Cómo podría ser la respuesta a una queja de tráfico?

Según Mitchell, varía bastante: los primeros pasos suelen ser cosas como una reunión vecinal o una mayor presencia policial para hacer cumplir las leyes de velocidad, y de ahí se pasa a colocar señales de límite de velocidad de 25 millas por hora para recordar a los conductores la velocidad máxima predeterminada en los vecindarios, desplegar radares que muestran la velocidad de los conductores en tiempo real o instalar reductores de velocidad o bandas sonoras. Si el problema persiste, se pueden considerar cambios estructurales más permanentes, como reducir el ancho de carril, añadir una mediana o una rotonda, pero solo si su necesidad está justificada por los datos reales de velocidad o tráfico.

El jefe de policía, John P. Miller, afirmó que los cambios de ingeniería o estructurales, como los reductores de velocidad, son soluciones mucho más permanentes, mientras que la aplicación de la ley policial solo funciona en gran medida cuando hay agentes presentes en una zona. Mitchell recomendó que el consejo designe un pun-

to de contacto único para las inquietudes y quejas sobre el tráfico, y que determine qué medidas son las más adecuadas para los diferentes tipos de vías. También señaló que conviene tener en cuenta el posible impacto de las medidas de ralentización del tráfico en el tiempo de respuesta del personal de emergencia, como la policía y los bomberos: las calles más estrechas pueden ralentizar a los residentes, pero también pueden tener la consecuencia imprevista de ralentizar los servicios públicos.

El concejal Richard Casavecchia afirmó que, en su opinión, cualquier política estándar debería definir qué tipo de transporte tendría prioridad en el diseño de una vía cuando exista un conflicto entre, por ejemplo, la eficiencia del conductor y la seguridad de los ciclistas.

Los concejales Carol Scianna y Jesse Loren apoyaron priorizar a los peatones de todo tipo e incorporar sus comentarios en los planes de seguridad vial. El alcalde Albert Vallecillo coincidió, pero indicó que políticas como esta probablemente dependerán del tipo de calle; por ejemplo, en algunos lugares se podría priorizar un carril para bicicleta, mientras que en otros, el espacio para estacionamiento en la

calle podría ser más valioso para la comunidad. El debate volverá eventualmente al consejo como un punto de acción. Lector Automático de Matrículas aprobado

Los Lectores Automáticos de Matrículas (ALPR) son una herramienta que permite tomar fotos de vehículos y sus correspondientes matrículas para que las fuerzas del orden resuelvan delitos locales. Para ello, cruzan los datos recopilados y determinan quién entraba o salía de la ciudad en el momento del delito. El software ALPR alerta automáticamente a las fuerzas del orden locales cuando entran en su jurisdicción vehículos robados, buscados y asociados con alertas estatales, como las Alertas Amber. En Mayo del 2020, el Departamento de Policía de Winters adquirió un ALPR móvil, pero cinco años después, esta tecnología se ha quedado obsoleta. Con la esperanza de encontrar una alternativa más sostenible, el Departamento de Policía de Winters ha recurrido a la empresa Flock, especializada en ALPR, para un contrato de alquiler de dos años. Este contrato les permitirá alquilar el equipo ALPR e instalarlo en cada uno de los cuatro puntos de entrada y salida de la ciudad.

program’s vision. She described it as a long-standing personal and professional goal.

“This program represents a long-standing personal and professional goal of mine to provide our young adults who exit the high school program with a high-quality, meaningful, and practical educational preparation for a productive, engaging, and independent adult life after their high school experience,” Spalding said.

“It is also personal for me, because my son, Tynum, is a 2015 graduate of Winters

High School and had access in the region to a strong adult living skills program,” she continued. “Today he is a person with autism who lives independently with some support in an apartment in Davis, and he is a true example of how, through supports, these young adults can fulfill their true potential.”

From her professional perspective, Spalding has long believed that Winters could provide a high-quality transitional adult living program for local students.

“We live in a com-

passionate and caring community that embraces and supports these students, and locating the program here allows the students to remain in their community and to be more readily and successfully integrated into the life of this community as adults and potential employees,” Spalding said.

“This program will equip them with the

De esta forma, si la tecnología de Flock mejora, se reemplazará y mejorará la del Departamento de Policía de Winters. El coste anual del alquiler es de $23,800 dólares. Flock también está siendo utilizado por muchas agencias vecinas, como Woodland, Vacaville, Dixon, West Sacramento y otras. Los miembros del consejo expresaron cierta preocupación sobre el intercambio de datos y la privacidad, especialmente para los miembros de la comunidad indocumentada. Miller afirmó que las jurisdicciones locales a veces comparten datos de matrículas, pero dado que su fuerza policial está alineada con el Proyecto de Ley Senatorial 54, no compartirán datos de los ALPR con agencias federales ni grupos de trabajo. La propuesta fue aprobada por unanimidad. Otros asuntos En otras noticias de la ciudad, el consejo aprobó un acuerdo con California Consultant Inc. para servicios de redacción de subvenciones, y Loren transmitió las solicitudes de un grupo de estudiantes de secundaria con los que se reunió recientemente para la instalación de rociadores de agua para enfriar el parque Three Oaks y un campo deportivo en Winters.

necessary knowledge and practical skills to manage their lives by teaching areas in household management, financial literacy, social interaction, job training, and accessing essential services.”

Students in the program will not only gain valuable adult living skills but also participate in running student business enterprises.

“These opportunities will teach important job skills that showcase these amazing young adults in our community and among our businesses. Additionally, before they exit this program, we will help the families and young adults

develop a viable transitional plan for them to continue into their adult lives,” Spalding said.

Some students in the adult living skills program told the crowd that they enjoy the staff and fellow students, as well as field trips, cooking, and shopping. Following the ceremony, students and staff cut the ribbon, and attendees toured the classroom, which is designed to mimic a small living space. The classroom features a washer and dryer set, a kitchenette, a living area with a table and seating, as well as desks and whiteboards for instructional activities.

YESTERYEAR

Picked by Charley Wallace

Obituary

July 31, 1940

– May 25, 2025

Mike Kimes was born in San Diego, California, on July 31, 1940. He was the second child of Leonard and Mary Aileen Kimes (nee Pond,) and as his father was in the US Navy, the family moved around quite a bit during his childhood. After spending time in the Bay Area, Seattle and Florida, among other places, the family settled in National City, a suburb of San Diego.

Mike met his future wife, Janet Louise Poore, in 1953, and they became childhood sweethearts who have been together ever since. Mike graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1959, and he and Janet were married later that year. Mike and Janet lived in Lakeside, California, for a time, where they began their family. Their daughter Vonda was born in 1960, and their son Matthew was born in 1963. In 1968, Mike and his family relocated to Northern California for a job as the Yolo County Trapper, living first in Winters, then Esparto, and later back to Winters. In 1977, Mike and Janet bought and ran the ACE Hardware store in Winters. They ran the store together for 28 years, where they made long-lasting friendships as well as employing community and youth, including many of their children

and grandchildren. Mike became an expert in all aspects of running a hardware store, helping customers with any project or repair, always educating while helping to get the job done right. Mike was active in Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Circle of Singers, Winters Theater and Yolo County Concert Band, as well as having a family band for a while. He enjoyed biking and hiking, completing many sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. He was a very generous and resolute member of his community, giving freely of his time and talents. He was always teaching someone something. He taught music and saxophone to the family, and hiking, while educating everyone with his extensive knowledge of flora and fauna. Mike and Janet enjoyed traveling the world, spending several months a year at their

home in Green Valley, Arizona, and spending time with their growing family and many friends.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Vonda Fernandes and son-inlaw, Les Fernandes; son Matt Kimes; and his four granddaughters, Jenell Blickle and husband Matt, Janet Wehr and husband Jared, Sarah Perry and husband Nate, and Hannah Dungey and husband Micah. Mike is also survived by his six great-grandchildren, Jens Blickle, Ruth Blickle, Hunter Blickle, Maggie Wehr, Adalee Wehr and Holt Wehr.

He will be remembered by his family and friends as an educator, analyzer, fixer, good listener, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and great-grandfather, and someone who would always be available for those in need. Mike will never be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to know him. Services will be held at the Winters Cemetery on Sept. 1 at 10 a.m.

130 Years Ago

August 24, 1895

R. L. Stephens has moved his family into his new cottage on his place adjoining William Baker’s and is now a resident among us.

Uncle Ben Ely and family, Mrs. J. B. Griffin and Jos. Griffin and wife returned Thursday from their camping trip.

Miss Myrtle Cooper will leave today for Elmira where she will begin her duties as assistant teacher in the public school next Monday.

T. J. Crane, principal of the Winters grammar school, returned last Saturday from his summer vacation, much refreshed physically by his outing. He says he is now prepared to grapple with the problems of school life with renewed interest and vigor.

Napoleon Viau shipped a lot of fine Barlett pears to his aged parents in Montreal, Canada, through the Earl Fruit Co. on Saturday last. John Cradwick returned Wednesday evening from a twoweek’ trip through Napa, Lake and Sonoma counties.

J.A. Lichleiter has had an addition built onto his machine shop this week, for use as a blacksmith shop.

The Winters school house has been put in repairs, and the broken glass has been put in, prior to the opening of school on September 2.

The public school trustees Monday, elected Mrs. J.W. Lamme to teach the primary department of the public school,

Lake Berryessa water levels down

Express staff

The water level of Lake Berryessa decreased by 0.52 feet over the past week, resulting in 9,869 acre-feet of water storage, according to Tim Gerard of the Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 19, he reported that the lake elevation was 432.35 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,410,073 acre-feet. The SID released 440 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 37 cubic feet flowing into Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 254 acre-feet of water per day. To view the latest updates from the Solano Irrigation District, visit www.sidwater.org.

Years Ago

Dispatches from the Express archives.

in place of Miss Dexter, who resigned to take a place in the Woodland schools.

95 Years Ago

August 22, 1930

Two of the fairest girls from the Winters High School have been chosen to act as hostesses at the Yolo County booth on the opening day, Aug. 30. The young ladies to be honored and who will represent the county on that day are Misses Betty Lynne Waggoner and Lavina Niemann.

Peach shipping in Winters closed this week. The McKevitt company shipped over 70 cars to various points in the United States, with the W. H. Peyton company billing out over 30 cars to Los Angeles. Miss Mildred Pleasants has returned to business college in Sacramento.

Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Stark arrived home Monday from their week’s vacation at Capitola.

Mr. and Mrs. Buell Ish and children, Margaret and Arthur returned Saturday from a month’s vacation at Long Beach.

Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Campbell and son, Kenneth Lee, Mrs. Nan Campbell and Fred Campbell were Sacramento visitors Sunday.

Mrs. Bertha Young announces that the Wolfskill grammar school will open Sept. 8. Shirley Baker, who has been employed in San Francisco

this summer, will arrive in Winters next week, in preparation to leaving for his second year at Harvard School of Law and Business.

Mrs. Mary Sanborn and daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Niemann returned Wednesday from Sacramento, where they attended the American Legion and Auxiliary convention.

45 Years Ago

August 21, 1980

Following an executive session at Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Police Chief Bill Lane was given a part-time consulting contract with the city and Police Sergeant Mike Paul was named as acting police chief until the council hires a new chief. Lane submitted his resignation, originally effective on Dec. 31, 1980, but recently moved up to Aug. 20, 1980. A major processor-handler early this week offered $1.75 a pound for No. 1 dried Blenheim apricots, according to the Federal-State Market News Service. The offer for Tilton’s was $1.65 a pound. Current estimates on dried apricot tonnage in California is between 3,200 and 3,500 tons. Vernon Johnston celebrated his 90th birthday anniversary last Saturday at a reception held for him at Wesley Hall.

A large number of local and out-of-town guests attended the celebration.

Regional News

Newsom’s plan to redraw the state’s election maps

This story was originally published by CalMatters.

By Alexei Koseff CalMatters

The fight over redistricting is about to hit overdrive in California.

As the Legislature returns to Sacramento today for the final month of session, Democrats are racing to finish a plan that could tilt the state’s congressional map in their favor — and thrust California into another confrontation with President Donald Trump.

Republicans, who stand to lose more than half their seats in the state, decry the scheme as a self-serving power grab. But supporters, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, contend they are saving democracy by stopping Trump from rigging the outcome of the 2026 midterms.

Ultimately, California voters will likely decide in a special election this November.

Here’s what you need to know.

Wait, what is Newsom trying to do?

The governor is leading the charge for the Democratic response in a burgeoning partisan showdown that could effectively determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives before a single vote is cast next November.

This kicked off thousands of miles away from Sacramento — in Texas. Earlier this year, Trump began pressuring Republican leaders there to redraw its congressional lines to shore up the GOP’s narrow majority in the House. As his approval rating sinks, the president is worried Democrats could win back Congress in the 2026 election and disrupt the final

PLAN

Continued from Page 1

two years of his term.

Even as dozens of Democratic members have fled the state in protest, the Texas Legislature is advancing a new map that could flip five Democratic House seats to Republican control. Other conservative states, including Ohio, Missouri, Indiana and Florida, are considering similar actions.

So, channeling the anger of Democratic voters, Newsom has launched California into a retaliatory redistricting that would offset the Texas map with five new Democratic-leaning seats.

“Donald Trump, you have poked the bear and we will punch back,” Newsom said during a rally last week formally kicking off the campaign. “Don’t mess with the great Golden State.”

How would it work?

It’s complicated!

Unlike Texas, where the Legislature determines congressional lines, California voters in 2010 gave

that power to a bipartisan citizen commission. The commission draws a new map once each decade, after the U.S. Census, to ensure each congressional district has roughly an equal number of people. It last did so in 2021.

Newsom is proposing to temporarily override the commission and create districts more favorable to Democrats until after the 2030 Census. That requires going to the voters for their approval.

Democratic officials already drew a new map in secret, which they finally shared publicly on Friday. The Legislature, where three-quarters of members are Democrats, plans to vote before the end of this week to put that map on the ballot in a statewide special election on Nov. 4.

“Voters will see the maps and have the final say,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, a Salinas Democrat, said in a statement. Why the rush?

California’s primary election is in June, so work backwards from there. The deadline for candidates to declare is in early March.

Those who want to collect signatures to qualify, instead of paying a filing fee, can start in December. That means new congressional lines need to be in place by the end of the year, so candidates actually know which voters they need to reach.

Newsom is eyeing Nov. 4 for the special election to consolidate it with municipal elections across the state that day. State law requires elections officials to mail a ballot to every voter starting 29 days before the election, and to military and overseas voters 45 days before, which means ballots must be ready by late September.

The secretary of state’s office has said the Legislature must act by Friday to leave enough time for local elections officials to meet those deadlines for a Nov. 4 election. Even then, the next month will be extremely busy for them.

How much will this cost?

The state has promised to cover the expenses counties incur running this unexpected election, which won’t be cheap. The last state special election, an unsuccessful recall of Newsom in September 2021, cost about $200 million.

Newsom has said consolidating the election with already scheduled local elections on Nov. 4 could save money. But early estimates from counties — up to $4 million in Fresno and up to $16 million in Riverside — are higher than they were for the recall.

“No price tag for democracy,” Newsom told reporters last week following the

kickoff rally. Will this plan succeed?

Democrats feel good about their chances, but it’s a heavy lift.

A Politico poll found that nearly two-thirds of California voters prefer retaining the state’s independent redistricting commission over returning authority to the Legislature to draw congressional lines. That is not exactly what Newsom’s plan would do, however. His messaging has emphasized that the commission would only be sidelined temporarily because of what he calls a Trump-induced political emergency. It’s reflected in the name of the measure: the Election Rigging Response Act. Internal polling shared with lawmakers put support, when framed along those lines, at 52 percent.

While that’s enough to win in November, it may not be enough to withstand an intense campaign this fall that is expected to draw hundreds of millions of dollars in spending. Charles Munger, Jr., the longtime Republican donor who poured more than $12 million into the campaign to pass independent redistricting, has said he will open up his wallet again to defend it.

“Citizens, not politicians or partisan party insiders, should not only hold the power at the ballot box but also the power to draw the lines,” Amy Thoma Tan, a spokesperson for Munger’s campaign committee, said in a statement.

The National Republican Congressional Committee said in a statement that it was prepared to “fight Gavin Newsom’s illegal power grab in the courts and at the ballot box.”

BONDS

Continued from Page 1 property is a mix of residential, parkland, commercial, and quasi-public uses. Property owners approached city staff regarding the potential development of the site. Because the parcel lies within both the city limits and the urban growth boundary, the Measure A process, approved through the efforts of Keep Winters Winters, is not required.

Community members further discussed potential impacts on local schools, including the possible need for additional classroom space, and requested a balance of residential and commercial development to strengthen neighborhood resources, support local businesses, and accommodate older adults and residents with disabilities.

City officials said the upcoming meeting will provide an opportunity to revisit these topics and explore how the proposed development could contribute to the community’s overall growth and vitality.

Residents are encouraged to attend to review the updated plans and share their input.

During the 2022 community discussion, residents expressed a range of questions and concerns. Topics included water availability, the need for low-income and affordable housing, and housing for educators to support anticipated student growth. Public safety capacity, traffic impacts, evacuation planning, and preservation of farmland were also raised.

Healthcare seeks to buy out prior financing provided by California Forever to bring the clinic fully under NorthBay ownership and control.

City Manager Jeremy Craig explained the city’s role in the process, noting that NorthBay opened the urgent care center next to City Hall with third-party financing. He said the healthcare provider now wants to use tax-exempt bonds through the California Municipal Finance Authority to buy out that partner and take full ownership of the property, taking advantage of tax benefits because the facility serves a public health purpose.

“The unique thing

with that is the city, as the local authority, has to give the authority for those bonds to move forward. There’s no commitment by the city for anything. We’re not responsible for these bonds,” Craig said.

Craig also discussed a financial benefit to the city through the bond issuance process

“There is a nice wrinkle in it, that part of the issuance costs route through a charity or come back to a foundation, and that foundation remits a certain percentage of those issuance costs back to the city’s general fund that will help offset the cost of us putting everything together tonight for the meeting, but also have some funds available for whatever would like to spend

those funds off,” he said.

“I had a question on whether we were being reimbursed for the city staff time on it, and that was answered, and we’re going to be; we expect that a portion of the issuance fee will come to the city through the CMFA. So that covers that concern I had,” Biasi said.

The CMFA, created in 2004, helps cities, nonprofits, and businesses raise money for projects that benefit their communities. In this case, the bonds issued for NorthBay’s urgent care center in Winters will be fully the responsibility of NorthBay and its partners. The city of Winters or the State of California will not be responsible for paying back the bonds. The NorthBay urgent care center, which opened last month, following a partnership with California Forever, provides urgent care services to Winters residents.

The city council’s approval allows the bond process to proceed, but does not create any fiscal, legal, or moral responsibility for the city. Any portion of issuance fees granted back to Winters will be deposited into the city’s general fund for discretionary use.

Mudrooms that add value, style

The basics of window replacement projects

Windows in a home are easily taken for granted. Even though residents look through their windows every day, it’s only when issues arise that people tend to give the windows much thought.

As the name implies, mudrooms are entire rooms or areas near entryways of homes where muddy shoes and other items can be stored. By having a set space for messy shoes and

coats, homeowners do not need to worry about dirt and other debris being tracked throughout the home. Mudrooms also can provide a welcoming space for guests. Homeowners who have adequate space to add an entirely new room may have no difficulty putting in a mudroom. A mudroom addition is a job best left to a professional. Ideally, this new mudroom can be adjacent to an entry by the garage, or a side or back door. The footprint of the

mudroom needn’t be too large, either. All it requires is a small amount of space to place a bench, coat hooks and shoe storage. According to This Old House, homeowners also can convert a porch, create a mudroom by expanding into an adjacent room or closet, or even repurpose space in an attached garage. U.S. News and World Report indicates that a well planned and executed mudroom has

See MUDROOM, Page 7

Even if windows may not be foremost on the minds of homeowners, they are a notable component of every home. New windows also can be an expensive addition to a home, so it benefits all homeowners to gain an understanding of window replacement projects before they start shopping around for new windows.

• Windows are more complex than new homeowners may realize. Homeowners will need to choose between three commonly available window materials when picking new windows for their homes. Vinyl windows typically are the most affordable option, and opinions vary considerably regarding these products. Some tout their resistance to moisture, but others feel they lack the aesthetic appeal of costlier alternatives like fiberglass. Vinyl windows also can’t be painted,

which some homeowners may find problematic. Fiberglass windows can be painted and are known for their strength and durability. Aluminum windows are strong and durable as well, but they may not provide as much thermal protection as some other options. Each window type has its own unique pros and cons, and homeowners are urged to do their homework to determine the best fit for them.

• Consider variables unique to your home. Climate is an important consideration when choosing

windows, and that of course is unique to each homeowner. How hot or cold the local climate can be will affect how well windows insulate a home, so a window that’s best for one particular region may not be ideal for another. Homeowners are urged to investigate which window materials are best suited to their local climates. All windows protect against the elements, but some might provide more adequate insulation, which can help keep utility bills

See WINDOWS, Page 7

Remedies for creaky floors

Metro

Special to the Express

Hardwood floors are coveted features in many homes. The National Wood Flooring Association says wood floors are the most environmentally friendly flooring options available. In the United States, the hardwood forests that provide flooring products are growing twice as fast as they are being harvested. Furthermore, wood floors can last for many generations and require fewer raw materials to produce than other flooring options. That means less waste may end up in landfills.

Hardwood floors can endure for decades in a home, but over time those same floors may need some tender loving care to keep them looking good and working as they should. Squeaky floors are a common nuisance that homeowners may experience. Squeaking is often caused by movement and friction between floorboards. Treating the problem involves identifying the underlying issue.

Loose hardware

Squeaky floors may be due to the loosening of the hardware holding the floor in place, says The Home Depot. When nails or

screws no longer are secured tightly, the boards can rub together. The noise heard is the sound produced by rubbing. Tightening or replacing the hardware can help reduce the squeaking. Counter-snap kit method

This Old House says this kit method is a great way to fix squeaks without damaging the floor.

Once the source of the squeak is located, drill a 3/32-inch pilot hole through the hardwood flooring. Then insert a screw through the kit’s depth-control fixture and into the pilot hole, and drive it until it automatically snaps off below the wood surface. Follow this up by filling the hole with wood putty that matches the floor color. Once the putty is dry, lightly sand the area to blend.

Use a shim or shims Sometimes the floor may squeak because of a gap between the joists and the

subfloor. Filling the gap with a small piece of wood called a shim can help alleviate the gap or gaps.

Drive up screws

If a squeak is just in one spot, The Home Depot says that you may be able to drive short screws from below into the subfloor.

Small gaps

For small gaps between boards, sprinkle talcum powder or powdered graphite between squeaky boards to reduce friction. Wood filler applied with a putty knife also may work. For larger gaps, use a liquid filler designed for wood floors. Homeowners also can visit their local home improvement center for other hardware solutions designed for underfloor repairs to remedy squeaks. Many work from underneath the floor and involve mounting plates or brackets to sure up the floor.

MUDROOM Continued from Page 6

has the potential to increase a

the average cost of a mudroom project ranges from $2,500 for a simple porch conversion to $30,000 when a new foundation is needed and the build-out is extensive. Budget-conscious homeowners can create a mudroom in an existing foyer or another entryway. Adequate storage is essential for any mudroom, and should include coat racks, hooks, a bench to facilitate removing shoes

WINDOWS

low and everyone inside a home more comfortable.

• Homeowners may need to decide between replacement windows or new construction windows. The window experts at Pella note that new construction windows are the primary option for newly constructed homes or room additions. Replacement windows are typically installed when homeowners need new windows but do not want or need to remove existing exte-

safely, shoe storage, and additional considerations, like shopping bag storage or umbrella holders. Creating a door from the outside into an existing laundry room can enable homeowners to use the space as both a mudroom and laundry area with minimal changes necessary. There are some extra considerations for mudrooms that homeowners should think about. The flooring, walls and furniture/ storage used in the mudroom should be durable and easily cleaned. As wet and dirty shoes and clothing will be in the space, it’s essential to make clean-up a

rior cladding or trim. Replacement windows tend to be considerably less expensive than new construction windows, but the latter option merits consideration before making a final decision.

• It can be budget-friendly to replace more than one window at a time. Some, though not all, window installation companies charge a non-negotiable project fee, so it can be more financially savvy to replace more than one window at a time. Replacing windows piecemeal may require homeown-

breeze. Look for nonslip flooring so entering the mudroom safely is not an issue. Although a mudroom is a utilitarian space, creature comforts can be added to integrate the space with the rest of the home. Cover a storage bench with indoor-outdoor fabric that coordinates to the colors used in a home. Add some decorative drawer pulls and cabinet hardware to elevate the space. Washable throw rugs also can add some design appeal to the room. Mudrooms can be useful spaces that add function and value to homes.

ers to pay the project fee for each installation, whereas homeowners who replace multiple windows at the same time will only incur that fee once. If homeowners know many windows in their home are in need of replacement, it can be financially advantageous to replace all that need it at once rather than breaking the project up and paying multiple project fees. Window replacement projects require careful consideration so homeowners identify the best products for their home.

Why sleep matters for students’ academic achievement

Research shows that consistent, quality sleep plays a vital role in learning, memory and classroom performance.

Metro

Special to the Express

Students and sleep are not always the best of companions. While college students are notorious night owls, even younger children often resist going to bed on time during the school year. For parents, that nightly bedtime routine can feel like an uphill battle, especially when they’re trying to ensure their children get the amount of rest experts recommend.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, school-aged children

between 6 and 12 should get nine to 12 hours of sleep each night, while teens are advised to aim for eight to 10 hours. Falling short can have real consequences in the classroom.

Research has repeatedly shown that insufficient sleep affects learning and memory. A 2023 study led by Carnegie Mellon University and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that negative outcomes quickly added up for college students who slept fewer than six hours a night. The study pointed to earlier animal research showing that sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating memories formed during the day. Without adequate rest, students were more likely to forget what they had learned. For humans, the impact was clear: grade point averages declined noticeably when students consistently got too little sleep.

Most school-aged children get more than six

hours of sleep, but that doesn’t mean they’re meeting the AASM’s guidelines. Even falling short by a couple of hours on a regular basis can hinder focus, memory, and overall academic performance.

The good news? Parents can take steps to help their children establish healthier sleep habits:

Stronger, healthier hair starts with these everyday habits

Metro

Special to the Express

Hair is one of the most visible features of a person’s appearance. When hair loss occurs — whether from illness, medical treatment, or heredity —it can be difficult to face. While self-worth should never be defined by outward appearance, thinning, unhealthy, or balding hair can still affect self-esteem for both men and women.

Feeling good about your hair can help boost overall confidence. Although genetics play a major role in hair loss and health, there are many everyday habits that can promote stronger, healthier hair.

Tips for healthier hair

Know your hair type. Understanding your hair type is the first step toward proper care. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) notes that hair can be categorized as curly, straight, fine, coarse, or by number/letter systems ranging from fine, straight strands to tightly coiled textures.

“While self-worth should never be defined by outward appearance, thinning, unhealthy, or balding hair can still affect self-esteem for both men and women.”

Shampoo only as needed. Shampooing removes dirt and oil, but overwashing can strip natural oils. Frequency depends on your hair and scalp. According to the AAD, those with dry, textured, or curly hair may only need to shampoo once every two to three weeks, while those with oily scalps and straight hair may need several washes a week. Eat nutrient-rich foods. The same nutrients that support overall health also benefit your hair. Foods such as salmon and nuts provide protein and essential fatty acids that promote a healthy scalp. Avoid crash diets. Rapid weight-loss diets can deprive the body of nutrients, leading to brittle hair or hair loss. A balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals is key to hair health. Handle hair with care. Wet hair is fragile. Use a wide-tooth comb in the shower or after conditioning, starting at the ends and working up to the scalp. Avoid tugging, rough drying, or frequent heat styling.

Try treatments. Conditioners smooth hair but don’t repair damage. Protein-based masks can penetrate the hair shaft and help restore strength. Skip the “100 strokes.” The idea that hair should be brushed 100 times a day is a myth. Excessive brushing can break strands. Use a soft, ball-tipped brush only as needed, and be gentle. Select products wisely. Expensive isn’t always better. Consumer Reports has found that many budget-friendly shampoos work just as well as high-end brands. Choose based on your hair type, not the label. See a dermatologist. If you’re experiencing unusual hair loss or scalp issues, a dermatologist can recommend personalized solutions. With the right care, your hair can look and feel healthier — helping you feel more confident in your everyday life.

• Stay consistent with bedtime. Keeping a firm and predictable bedtime reduces disruptions to the body’s natural rhythms. While a little weekend flexibility is fine, late nights that push bedtime back by hours make school-night transitions much harder.

• Encourage a calming bedtime routine. A wind-

ing-down period helps signal to kids that it’s time for rest. Avoid high-energy play or screen time before bed; instead, opt for quiet activities like reading or laying out clothes for the next day.

• Avoid confrontation. If children are calm but not immediately asleep, let it be. Quiet reading in bed is okay—eventually, their bodies will catch up. Battles at bedtime only make the process more stressful for everyone.

• Create a restful environment. Bedrooms should feel inviting and peaceful, but the rest of the home matters, too. Kids who hear a lively household outside their door may resist sleep. Keeping the evening atmosphere calm helps reinforce bedtime.

Sleep and school success are deeply connected. By prioritizing healthy sleep routines, parents give their children the best chance to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially throughout the school year.

Men’s mental health needs more than awareness months,

cent of all emergency room visits due to self-harm. That number should stop us cold.

By Ayo Banjo Special to CalMatters

Every summer, a few headlines remind us about Mental Health Awareness Month. And then, just as quickly, we move on.

But the truth doesn’t go away. For people whose lives have been impacted by it, neither does the grief.

I’m a 26-year-old Black man and a project director of a youth-led mental health initiative in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. I’ve been doing this work for years. But I started living this work when I was 12, the year I lost a sibling to suicide.

I didn’t have the language for it then — only the silence that followed. That silence is still killing us. In California, youth and young adults ages 10 to 24 make up just 21 percent of the population — yet they account for 57 per-

And for young men in that group — especially Black and brown men — the pressures are even sharper. We’re over-policed and under-protected, told to be strong but never safe, and expected to endure pain without language or rest.

Too often, the conversation around men’s mental health gets hijacked, either to justify violence or to dismiss vulnerability. The algorithms favor rage. The headlines flatten the story. And influencers push a version of masculinity rooted in control, not clarity. What we call masculinity in America is often just unprocessed grief in a fitted cap.

Through my work with young people across California, I’ve seen what happens when we offer real space to feel. I’ve watched boys start to breathe when they realize emotions are not liabilities but sig-

hashtags

nals. They’re clues. They’re a map back to themselves. But healing requires more than hashtags. It requires safety. It requires tools. And it requires the cultural permission to pause. What we need in California is emotional literacy taught in schools, not just trauma response after harm. We need culturally grounded healing spaces not filtered through law enforcement. We need prevention strategies rooted in belonging, not just diagnoses. We need a statewide narrative that treats emotional safety as a part of our infrastructure. This is about design. We don’t need another awareness month. We need a future where emotional safety is a right — not a luxury. A future where no boy learns to hide his grief because no one ever taught him how to name it.

Men aren’t broken. We’re just long overdue for a new kind of strength.

Thursday, August 21

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

Saturday, August 23

Winters Criterium – Masters District Criterium Championship, 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Winters

Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution

Saturdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue

Winters Soccer Fest, 4–7 p.m. Winters Rotary Park Gazebo

Sunday, August 24

Winters Sunday Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Downtown Main Street

Tuesday, August 26

Winters Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m.,City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/planning-commission/ Entertainment

Thursday, August 21

Mae McCoy, 7 –9 p.m., Winters Rotary Park Gazebo

Friday, August 22

Fourth Friday: According to Bazooka, 7 –9 p.m., Downtown Main Street

Sunday, August 24

Eugenio Geiken, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Downtown Main Street

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.

Saturday Matinee, First Saturday, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library All You Need is Love Romance Book Club, Second Saturday, 4 p.m., Hooby’s Brewing

Older Adult Programs

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

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

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

Metaphysical Book Club, third Friday at 5 p.m., 212 Grant Ave., Sign up at dixiesbookclub@gmail.com, call 530-212-5026, or just drop in 12-Step Bonfire meeting, third Friday, 6:30 p.m. fellowship, 7 p.m. meeting, LuNita Ranch, 8189 Olive School Ln, Winters, Bring a camp chair.

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

Democracy Winters meeting, third Saturdays, 10 a.m.Noon, Meeting details in newsletter, contact info@ democracywinters.org

Dance Fitness, - first/third Sundays February thru July, 8 to 9 a.m., Winters Community Library. No registration required.

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

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

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

From Taiwan to Winters

Teachers unite to strengthen bilingual classrooms

By Sonora Slater Express staff writer

On the morning of Aug. 6, just days before school kicked off throughout the Winters Joint Unified School District, close to 75 teachers gathered in a room for their own class of sorts, learning how to better guide bilingual classrooms.

But the majority of these teachers weren’t from Winters at all — instead, they were visitors from Taiwan, in California for three weeks as part of the biggest teacher training program in their country.

The program, part of Fulbright Taiwan’s teacher-training initiative in partnership with UC Davis, sends active, well-established teachers to American universities for three weeks to receive classroom instruction in dual-immersion teaching techniques

and observe local school districts’ dual-immersion programs.

Teachers apply by videotaping themselves speaking about the difficulties they’ve faced in teaching multilingual classrooms and what they’re hoping to learn, and eventually take what they learn back to their classrooms to more effectively teach English as a second language.

One of the universities that regularly partners with Fulbright Taiwan is UC Davis, and in years past, Winters schools have hosted program participants, allowing them to shadow during the first few days of school.

But the panel, hosted in the multipurpose room at Shirley Rominger Intermediate School before classes began, was new this year.

“We’ve done observations before, but the participants usually want to talk to teachers and ask them questions,” said Waggoner Elementary School Principal Chris Marcoux. “Which is hard when school’s in session. So that’s why we did

a Q&A panel this time.”

Several teachers from Waggoner served as panelists, all of whom have experience teaching in a school program where two languages — English and Spanish — are being taught simultaneously, to a diversity of students with different language backgrounds. They outlined their process, gave advice, and answered questions from attendees.

“Our community wanted to see a program that helped students learn both languages and understand both cultures,” said Delia Espinoza, English learners specialist, who is a key player in developing the curriculum and language learning plan for Winters. “We wanted to add another language versus subtractive bilingualism, where a student eventually loses the original, and help them maintain both.”

Practically, this led to the split in language of instruction that the school has in place today. In Kindergarten, students are taught 90 percent in

Decade of conservation at Berryessa Snow Mountain

By Bryan Pride Special to the Express

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument celebrated its 10th anniversary on July 10, a milestone that showcases what becomes possible when communities unite to protect irreplaceable landscapes.

The monument’s designation in 2015, followed by its expansion to include Molok Luyuk in 2024, stands as a testament to grassroots conservation success in the heart of Northern California’s inner coastal range.

Spanning 344,476 acres, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument holds exceptional biodiversity and ecological integrity that ranks among the top 5 percent of all United States Forest and Bureau of Land Management properties in the contiguous United States. The ancient serpentine soil of the Monument is the foundation of the vast landscape, creating one of California’s most unique ecosystems.

These distinctive soils nurture rare plant species found nowhere else on Earth, including the delicate adobe lily (Fritillaria pluriflora) and the scythleaf onion (Allium falcifolium). Such botanical treasures represent thousands of years of evolutionary adaptation, harboring genetic diversity that,

if lost, can never be recovered. The specialized ecosystems that serpentine soils support have evolved in isolation, creating rare biological communities.

But the monument’s significance extends far beyond its botanical rarities and unique soils. It holds a deep history of indigenous culture and heritage. This landscape has witnessed 20,000 years of documented cultural change and development.

The monument served as a key connector and trade route used by indigenous communities. Historic trail networks once connected Patwin, Pomo, Lake Miwok and Wappo people, positioning this area at the center of extensive trade networks that linked the Clear Lake Basin with the

Sacramento Valley.

Beyond the ecological and cultural significance, the same serpentine geology that creates the Monuments’ unique biodiversity also shaped early California history. From the 1860s through the 1970s, the Sulphur Creek mining district extracted mercury that was used for gold mining throughout the Sierra Nevada and regional mines.

Miners and their families established the Sulphur Creek village during the midto-late 1800s, creating communities and infrastructure that led to the broader economic development of California during the Gold Rush era.

The geological foundation weaves together the Monument’s environmental treasures, Indigenous heritage, and Gold Rush history into a

singular narrative of place, demonstrating how landscape, ecology, and human story interconnect across millennia.

Today, the monument represents a new chapter in conservation leadership. Co-stewardship agreements between the Bureau of Land Management and indigenous communities create a powerful model for partnerships in land management, directly supporting federal and state mandates to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into land management practices.

The Monument’s protection also contributes significantly to California’s ambitious 30x30 initiative, aiming to protect 30 percent of land and waters by 2030. These efforts address the biodiversity crisis

Housing affordability remains near record low in California

California Association of Realtors

Special to the Express

Elevated interest rates and higher home prices curbed California housing affordability in the second quarter of 2025, the California Association of Realtors said today.

Fifteen percent of the state’s homebuyers could afford to purchase a median-priced, existing single-family home in California in the second quarter of 2025, down from 17 percent in the first quarter of 2025 and up from 14 percent in the second quarter of 2024, according to CAR’s Traditional Housing Affordability Index (HAI). Housing affordability in California remained near its alltime low and continued to be a challenge for both buyers and sellers.

The second-quarter 2025 figure is less than a third of the affordability index peak of 56 percent in the second quarter of 2012. CAR’s HAI measures the percentage of all households that can afford to purchase a median-priced single-family home in California. CAR also reports affordability indices for regions and select counties within the state. The index is considered the most fundamental measure of housing well-being for home buyers in the state. After increasing for two consecutive quarters, the effective interest rate declined from both the previous quarter and the second quarter of 2024. The average effective interest rate decreased to 6.90 percent in the second quarter of 2025 from 6.93 percent in the first quarter of 2025

and was down from 7.10 percent in the second quarter of 2024. Mortgage rates fluctuated in the first half of this year as economic uncertainties induced

by tariff concerns continued to linger. Rates have moderated since late July.

Over the next six months, rates are expected to ease

We

further as recent signs of weakness suggest that the economy will continue to slow in the third quarter of 2025 and possibly into the fourth quarter of 2025. However, with the average effective tariff rate sharply higher than what it was late last year and at the highest level since

1933, consumer prices will likely increase further, and inflation will become a bigger issue in the second half of the year. As such, the Federal Reserve could face a challenge between controlling inflation and boosting job

See HOMES, Page 4

Express Yourself

Honoring Winters’ business legacy

The Winters Museum invites you to help us celebrate businesses that have served the Winters community over the years. We have a panel who will share their experiences of growing up in a small business in Winters.

We hope the community will join us on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Winters Museum, 13 Russell St., to add their stories. We will have our esteemed videographer at the gathering to record our conversations. Please come, bring the family, and participate in this fond farewell to our exhibit featuring businesses that have served Winters over the years and are such an important part of the fabric of our town.

The business exhibit will be taken down on Sept. 1 to make room for our newest exhibit, which will tell the stories of the many Spanish immigrants who came to our country and made Winters their home. Look for a special event to kick off this important exhibit, “The Journey from Spain to Winters: Stories of Hard Work, Strong Families and Good Food.”

Do come visit, we are open from 1 to 5 p.m., Thursday to Sunday. But we especially want to welcome you on Aug. 26.

VICKI JACOBS

on behalf of the historical society of Winters

Take action on climate now

We have an opening on the Climate Action Commission, and I would like to invite interested Winters citizens to apply. I think of our work as a good example of the old adage, “Think globally, act locally.” While climate change is a global challenge, it has important local effects. Heat waves threaten our health and the health of our crops. Winter floods destroy houses and disrupt lives. Droughts hurt agricultural livelihoods, increase fire risk, and raise food costs for everyone.

The Commission is charged with doing whatever we can to reduce local impacts and increase our individual and collective resilience to these changes. We try to get the word out about things we personally can do to help, like riding a bike to the store instead of taking a car, or buying a heat pump instead of a gas heater. Also, through our role as advisers to the Winters government, we help the city to identify

See LETTERS, Page 4

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20)

This week you are unstoppable, Aries. Your confidence will be shining brightly for all to see, and the right people are bound to take notice. Expect to tackle some projects.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21)

Taurus, small comforts will bring big happiness to you this week. Plus, your natural charm will draw others in. A surprise in your home life will make your heart soar. Enjoy the moments.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21)

Gemini, your words will be magical this week whether you’re pitching ideas or chatting with friends. There’s not much you can’t say that people will not hear and take to heart.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22)

Cancer, this week you may be building something meaningful, whether it is in love or work. All of the steps you are currently taking will help establish security and happiness in your life.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23)

Your creativity is on fire right now, Leo. People are drawn to your warmth and charisma. This is a great time to start something new or share a talent with others.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22)

Something that felt out of place begins to align perfectly right now, Virgo. You might be tapping into your inner wisdom, and it’s guiding you toward some much-needed success.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23)

Libra, new connections will be coming your way, meaning that you may have different avenues for social connections. Get out and meet people as much as you can.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22)

Your drive is unmatched right now, Scorpio. Whatever goals you have established you are pushing through faster than would seem possible. Stay focused, but celebrate your progress.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21)

Adventure is calling, Sagittarius. You might be planning a trip or diving into a new study subject. This week a fire will be lit and your optimism is contagious.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20)

Capricorn, a breakthrough in your life may be brewing. You are increasingly making smart choices that can offer long-term dividends. Stay open and trust the process.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18)

Connections with others are a primary focus for you this week, Aquarius. Whether you are exploring love, friendship or new business opportunities, fresh energy comes into play .

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20)

You are in your element this week, Pisces. A creative idea or unexpected kindness makes the week extra special. Focus on some self-care and keep giving off positive vibes.

Express Yourself

What did you say?

There are times when I just can’t hear what people are saying, especially women. It is not that I don’t care what they have to say; I just don’t catch every word in the conversation. I know, some people think I don’t want to hear what they have to say, but I don’t mind hearing opposing views.

My father was probably legally deaf. He had no hearing in one ear and only about 5 percent in the other.

My permanent tenant would mention that when my father walked into the room, everyone raised their voice so that he could hear. Toward the end of his life, we were writing him notes, having given up on him hearing us. He had a headset to hear his TV, otherwise, his neighbors would know which station he was watching.

His best line, after spending $2,800 on

a hearing aid, was “I haven’t heard a conversation worth $2,800, yet.” Over the years, I’ve noticed that I was having a problem hearing

that they bought their hearing aids from Costco, so I canceled my hearing appointment. I was in Costco several months ago and

“His best line, after spending $2,800 on a hearing aid, was ‘I haven’t heard a conversation worth $2,800, yet.’”

some conversations.

If Sherri wasn’t looking at me, I couldn’t hear what she was saying. Lately, it has gotten worse. I made an appointment with my doctor last January, and he referred me to an audiologist. Everyone told me

Have something to say? Send in a Letter to the Editor at https://bit.ly/3NvbkTz

decided that I would talk to their audiologist. The sign said I needed an appointment, so I left.

Idon’t know if my hearing suddenly got worse, or I just started noticing that I was missing more conversations, but I finally called for an appointment. I pick up my hearing aids next week.

When I was at

LETTERS

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climate-informed choices. If you care about these sorts of problems, we’d love for you to join us. We are particularly interested in increasing the representation of people most affected by climate change, like young adults, agricultural workers or oth-

Costco, Michelle, the one who tested my hearing, had me try on a couple of different types of hearing aids. Then she had me walk out of her soundproof office and into a shopping aisle. She called it white noise, but it was interesting to hear the overhead fans, the refrigerators running and shopping carts going by. Who knew the store was so noisy? My hearing loss didn’t happen overnight. I’ve noticed for years that I was asking people to repeat themselves. I’ve wondered what caused my hearing loss. Was it riding motorcycles my whole life, shooting guns without ear protection, being around printing presses, or just getting older? When I asked my doctor, “probably a combination of all of the above.”

If you see me next week, I expect you to justify my spending $1,659 to hear what you have to say. Have a good week.

ers bearing the brunt of its effects. For details and information about applying, see the recent update from City Hall: https:// www.cityofwinters. org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=126. If you have questions, feel free to email me at khbritten@ucdavis.edu.

KEN BRITTEN Chair, Winters Climate aCtion Commission

HOMES

Continued from Page 2

growth in the coming months. While dipping below the previous quarter and the like quarter a year ago, mortgage rates continued to stay elevated, keeping borrowing costs near their all-time highs. The monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home (including taxes and insurance) jumped 6.6 percent from the previous quarter but slipped 1.9 percent from the second quarter of 2024 as the effective mortgage rate dipped 20 basis points from a year ago. A minimum annual income of $232,400 was needed to qualify for the purchase of a $905,680 statewide median-priced, existing single-family home in the second quarter of 2025. The monthly payment, including taxes and insurance (PITI) on a 30-year, fixedrate loan, would be $5,810, assuming a 20 percent down payment and an effective composite interest rate of 6.90 percent. The statewide median price of an existing single-family California home jumped 6.9 percent quarter-to-quarter, partly due to seasonal factors. On a yearover-year basis, California recorded its first price decrease in eight quarters, as slower demand and improved housing

supply led to softer home prices. As the market transitions out of the spring homebuying season, home prices are expected to moderate further as market competition cools. With more price declines expected in the months ahead, housing affordability could see a slight improvement in the next couple of quarters.

More California households (25 percent) could afford a typical condo/townhome in the second quarter of 2025, rising from 24 percent in the first quarter of 2025 and 22 percent in the second quarter of 2024. An annual income of $172,000 was required to make the monthly payment of $4,300 on the $670,000 median-priced condo/townhome in the second quarter of 2025.

Compared with California, more than one-third (34 percent) of the nation’s households could afford to purchase a $429,400 median-priced home, which required a minimum annual income of $110,400 to make monthly payments of $2,760. Nationwide, affordability declined from 37 percent in the first quarter of 2025 but increased from 34 percent a year ago. In the second quarter of 2025, the nationwide minimum required annual income was less than half that of California’s for the ninth consecutive quarter.

Express Yourself

Silence leaves decisions to others — Your seat at the table is waiting

As a smaller community, we have a unique opportunity: we can make change happen at the local level. And I don’t just mean by showing up when we’re opposed to something or frustrated — though Winters has always been good at rallying for our neighbors and supporting one another. Our city agencies, school district, and even the county host community meetings, town halls and open houses to present ideas and invite feedback from residents. Sometimes a lot of people show up. Sometimes only a handful. And occasionally, no one comes.

I understand why. We’re busy. We work, we juggle families and responsibilities, we’re tired. And we

wonder, Will my opinion matter? Why should I care?

But here’s what I’ve seen firsthand — when neighbors speak up, leaders listen. The recent revisions to the Farmstead housing development prove the power of community voices in shaping Winters’ future. The original proposal raised concerns from residents nearby and from community members who wanted to ensure the project reflected the wellness of our city. People logged into Zoom, attended Planning Commission meetings, and

spoke up.

It may not have been a large crowd, but those who did participate made a difference. They asked for adjustments that better reflected the needs and values of Winters. And it worked. The plan that returned to the Planning Commission last month was more thoughtful, more responsive — a design shaped by community input.

That’s how the process should work. Development is inevitable, but how it takes shape is up to us. The key is being proactive. Speaking up while

plans are still in development — before council votes, before projects are locked in — is when change truly happens. That’s where, as the saying goes, the sausage gets made.

And that’s why it’s important for all of us to keep showing up.

In November 2022, many residents attended the first meeting for what was then called the Winters 183 Project. They voiced concerns about preserving our agricultural heritage, public safety, affordability and the needs of educators. At that time, no formal development applications had been submitted, and no planning work had begun with the city.

Now, that project is returning under new developers and a new name — the North

Winters Specific Plan. On Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Winters Community Center, the city will host an Open House to share updated concepts. According to our city manager, the comments from 2022 were taken seriously, and this presentation will show how community feedback has been incorporated.

This is another chance for us to listen, to learn, and to continue shaping the vision for how Winters grows. Yes, growth can feel overwhelming. Many of us want our town to keep its smalltown character, and change can be unsettling with all its unknowns. It’s natural to feel discouraged when projects stall, outcomes don’t match

our hopes or feedback feels overlooked. But Farmstead reminds us that when we speak up together, our voices truly shape the future. Posting on social media has its place, but what truly drives change is taking those concerns into the public process — bringing them to meetings, putting them on the record and speaking them out loud. That’s how ideas move from chatter to action.

As Winters explores growth — in housing, in business, in programs and amenities — let’s remember that silence leaves decisions to others, but speaking up ensures our community’s values remain at the center.

Our community is strongest when we all take part in the process.

The risky bet behind California’s latest gerrymander push

Diverse Perspectives

By Dan Walters CalMatters

Gov. Gavin Newsom and his fellow Democrats in the Legislature are steering California onto a unique political course with an unpredictable outcome.

By gerrymandering the state’s 52 congressional districts to produce at least five more Democratic members, they claim to be protecting democracy from President Donald Trump’s power grab. Trump is pressing Texas and other red states to rearrange their congressional districts to protect the paper-thin Republican congressional majority in next year’s elections.

“Wake up, America,” Newsom said Thursday at a Los Angeles rally launching the campaign for the redistricting effort.

“Wake up to what Donald Trump is do-

ing. Wake up to his assault. Wake up to the assault on institutions and knowledge and history. Wake up to his war on science, public health, his war against the American people.”.

Newsom’s three-bill package is almost certain to pass this week, placing the gerrymander on a Nov. 4 special election ballot. If approved by voters, the new maps would be in place for three election cycles but the state’s independent redistricting commission would redraw them again after the 2030 census — or at least Newsom promises it would.

Since no one can predict how all of this will turn out, the situation invites exploring potential scenarios.

For example, Newsom says California’s gerrymander would occur only if Texas does it first, but that’s not what Assem-

bly Constitutional Amendment 8 actually says. The proposal would become operative, ACA 8 says, “only if Texas, Florida, or another state adopts a new congressional district map that takes effect after Aug. 1, 2025, and before Jan. 1, 2031, and such redistricting is not required by a federal court order.”

In other words, if the Texas or another red-state gerrymander does not occur for whatever reason, California’s could still be activated if any other state, including another blue state such as Illinois, also rearranges its districts. It’s a loophole big enough to drive a semi-truck through.

Let’s assume that the gerrymander is activated for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 election cycles, and gives Democrats at least 48 of the state’s 52 congressional seats. Would Democrats actually be willing to shift redistricting back to the independent com-

mission after the 2030 census?

Due to relatively stagnant population growth, California is destined to lose as many as four seats after the census. Democrats who win gerrymandered districts in 2026 would be reluctant to give them up. There could be immense pressure to protect them by returning to redistricting via the Legislature, the system in place for many decades prior to creation of the commission process in 2008.

Were the House as closely divided in 2030 as it is now, Democrats

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters.

By Venkates Swaminathan Special to CalMatters

Tstudents not only bring skill and ambition — they bring real dollars to California.” This commentary was originally published by

“Although the ballot measure said the new taxes would be temporary, another union-sponsored ballot measure four years later kept the higher income taxes in effect for an additional 12 years until 2030 and the same interests are planning to seek another extension”

also would have every reason to offset the shrinkage of California’s congressional delegation by once again minimizing Republican seats.

The precedent for such a bait-andswitch maneuver is what happened after voters agreed to raise state taxes 2012. Although the ballot measure said the new taxes would be temporary, another union-sponsored ballot measure four years later kept the higher income taxes in effect for an additional 12 years until 2030 and the same interests are

planning to seek another extension.

Finally, although it appears certain that the package, which also includes Assembly Bill 604 to detail the new districts and Senate Bill 280 to call the special election, will gain legislative approval this week, voter endorsement is decidedly uncertain.

Polling shows lukewarm support at best and Republicans will mount a well-financed drive for rejection, given that House control may be at stake. Rejection would be a black eye for Newsom, who obviously sees the maneuver as improving his national political standing and probably his chances of becoming the Democratic candidate for president in 2028.

— 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.

Immigrant students shape California’s future

Diverse Perspectives

he first time I got on a plane was for a flight from Delhi, India, to JFK Airport in New York. I came to the United States as a student, first to the University of Illinois, and after earning my master’s degree, to California, where I’ve lived ever since. I’ve built businesses, hired people and created a life here.

My story is the story of countless others who came to America to study, work and build. My roommate in graduate school, Arvind Krishna, is now the CEO of IBM. Millions of others have come to California and gone on to create lives and opportunities.

To be sure, international students aren’t the only — or biggest

— immigrant community. Earlier this summer, I attended my niece’s graduation from UC San Diego and visited Chicano Park, where large murals adorn an outdoor cathedral to community activism, celebrating millions of immigrants whose labor and creativity built California. That’s what makes today’s news so hard to watch. As the founder of a college counseling service, I have a front-row seat to a wave of recent federal policies reshaping education. Recently the Supreme Court let the U.S Department of Education lay off thousands of employees, causing delays in processing financial aid, slowing civil rights investigations and presenting challenges for communities.

That’s just the latest blow. There have been

cuts to research funding, a wave of new visa hurdles and efforts to dismantle diversity and inclusion initiatives that help underrepresented students. And, of course, recent ICE raids have disrupted long-settled immigrant communities in cities like Los Angeles.

I’ve seen the ripple effects in my work. Some international students are afraid to apply to college, afraid to leave for a distant campus or afraid to come to the U.S. at all.

Many of the students I counsel are immigrants or the children of immigrants. One college-bound student’s mother is from Vietnam and worked in a nail salon in Oakland. The student, while still in high school, handled the family’s taxes, filled out forms and held down a job. She also earned a full scholarship. After she finishes her edu-

cation, I’m confident she’ll make a remarkable contribution to the world.

One student, whose parents emigrated from India, went to UC Berkeley on a schol-

“International

arship after developing an app to detect “forever chemicals” in their community’s water supply. Another student, whose parents came from Mexico to build a life in Southern California, is now in a nursing program at Cal State Fullerton. There are thousands of these stories across the state. Each young person holds the potential to shape our future, to become the next great leader, innovator or healer. International students not only bring

skill and ambition — they bring real dollars to California.

The roughly 141,000 international students in California spent $6.4 billion in 2023, supporting 55,000 jobs, according to the NAFSA Association of International Educators. At public universities like UC and CSU, these students’ higher tuition helps fund financial aid and services for residents.

More broadly, immigrant households contribute $715 billion, or about a third of the state’s gross domestic product. Undocumented Californians alone pay about $8.5 billion a year in state and local taxes.

Much of the com-

mentary about recent policy changes rightly focuses on the cruelty, but these measures harm all of us.

California’s strength comes from its immigrant communities.

Our leadership in science, technology, agriculture, and the arts depends on students, scholars, and workers from around the world.

To protestors fighting to preserve immigrant rights and opportunity, your fight is our fight. To those who think this doesn’t affect you, I promise it will. It touches your economy and your children’s future. And to leaders advancing these policies in Washington and elsewhere — stop before California and America lose the very strengths that built them.

— Venkates Swaminathan is the CEO of Santa Rosa-based LifeLaunchr, a college admissions coaching service

Record participation marks successful summer swim season

Fall swim program launches

By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer

The Winters summer swim team was a huge success this summer, with an impressive 120 swimmers in the program, one of the largest groups in recent years. The energy and participation remained high throughout the entire season.

“Last year, we saw our numbers drop off after the Fourth of July, but this summer, swimmers stayed committed through the entire season, which was really great to see,” said the team administrator, Ricky Silva.

Led by head coach Lacie Lopez, one of the main goals this year was to get more swimmers involved in meets. To help achieve this goal, the league implemented two in-practice time trials, which proved to be a huge hit.

“It was extremely fun and all the swimmers loved it,” said Silva.

The team also competed in the Davis Summer Meet earlier in the season, featuring fun relays and strong participation from all age groups. The Winters swim team program also held a Winters Champs Meet, where the home team turned out in full force; you could hear the cheering all the way from Dr. Sellers’ Football Field.

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and climate change by safeguarding critical habitat corridors and carbon storage capacity.

Perhaps most importantly, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument proves that conservation enhances public access rather than restricts it. The monument provides improved trail management and diverse recreational opportunities, including OHV use, mountain biking, and hiking, welcoming visitors to experience these protected landscapes responsibly.

As we celebrate this 10th anniversary, the monument stands as proof that grassroots organizing and local advocacy can achieve federal conservation action. Community voices influenced

national policy and secured permanent protection for the Berryessa Snow Mountain landscape. Demonstrating how our public lands are cherished by recreationists, Indigenous communities, scientists, and nature lovers alike.

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument showcases that when communities come together around shared values of protection and stewardship, remarkable conservation victories become possible. Its first decade marks not an ending, but the beginning of a conservation model ready for replication across California and beyond.

— Bryan Pride is policy director for Tuleyome, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization based in Woodland. For more information, visit www.tuleyome.org.

Being that the summer season was such a success, the Winters swim team is thrilled to be launching an extended fall team for the first time.

“We’re hoping the fall

The season concluded with a strong showing at the Solano Champs Meet, capping off a successful summer.

program keeps kids in the water and helps build momentum for an even stronger team next summer,” said Lopez.

More information on the Fall Swim program can be found online at www.dartsolanoswim.org.

Spanish, and 10 percent in English. In second grade, it’s 80 percent Spanish and 20 percent English, and so on until instruction is split 50/50 for fourth and fifth graders.

Many in the Winters community remember a time when students focused on learning English while losing touch with Spanish. Now, children in the school district are learning both languages, gaining the invaluable gift of multilingualism.

As far as how to teach a group of students who don’t fully understand the words you’re saying? Winters teachers say there are all sorts of creative techniques they use, from incorporating visuals into their curriculum, using lots of gestures and hand models, repetitive chants to learn vo-

cab or other vocabulary games, pointing out Spanish-English cognates (words that sound similar), and telling stories to use new words in context.

They also encouraged the Taiwanese teachers to incorporate group work and continue trying to create a safe space in their classroom where students feel safe to make mistakes, ask for help, or look to their peers for guidance.

“You could be the most knowledgeable person in the world, but if you don’t form connections with students, they won’t want to do work for you,” second-grade teacher Shawn Tufveson said.

After the introduction, visiting teachers had time to ask questions. They asked about advice for teaching students with ADHD or other mental or behavioral differences, as well as on motivating kids to read more. Winters

teachers suggested giving students options for what they feel comfortable with, and reminded the Taiwanese teachers not to take it personally. As for reading? Beyond letting students read whatever is interesting to them to encourage a true love of reading, the teachers acknowledged that bribing students to read with candy is also pretty effective.

Mag Chen, one of the teachers participating in the exchange program, shared a little bit about what she hopes to take back to her classroom from her experience in California.

“There are some cultural differences,” Chen said. “I want to be patient — in Taiwan, sometimes it’s too fast, like you’re trying to win a competition. I’m trying to slow down, because I want my students to feel safe.”

Arts & Entertainment

Enjoy live tunes in downtown Winters

Special to the Express

The Winters District Chamber of Commerce invites residents and visitors to enjoy free live music at the Rotary Park gazebo on Downtown Main Street.

These concerts are part of an ongoing series designed to bring the community together, celebrate local talent, and encourage everyone to enjoy the charm of downtown Winters.

Kicking off the week at the Thursday Gazebo, Mae McCoy performs on Aug. 21, at 6 p.m. Known for her soulful vocals and heartfelt performances, McCoy delivers an intimate and engaging experience that sets the tone for a week of music in downtown.

Next Thursday, Crescent Moon takes the gazebo stage on Thursday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. This local guitar and violin duo blends rock, folk, country, and a touch

of blues, creating a “magic sound” that resonates with audiences.

Friday evenings feature two more performances this month.

On Fourth Friday, Aug. 22, According to Bazooka brings retro-pop, Americana, folk, rock, and jazz influences to the stage from 6:30 to 9 p.m., offering a lively and eclectic set.

On Friday, Aug. 29, No Reason To Cry delivers a high-energy

tribute to the iconic sounds of Eric Clapton and Linda Ronstadt.

The Sunday Farmer’s Market concerts continue the tradition of live music in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. On Aug. 24, Eugenio Geiken will perform alternative folkrock with introspective lyrics, creating music that resonates with all listeners.

On Aug. 31, enjoy live music from Eddie Davis, a seasoned musician blending jazz,

Crescent Moon takes the Rotary Park gazebo stage in Downtown Winters on Thursday, Aug. 28, 6 to 8 p.m., with their signature blend of rock, folk and blues.

Courtesy photo

R&B, pop, and blues, bringing his swinginfused style to the market from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating and to support local businesses while visiting downtown.

For more information on upcoming concerts and events, visit www.discoverwinters. com/events.

Classic Car and Truck Show returns to Yolo on Aug. 23

to the Express

Join the Yolo County Library and the Friends of the Yolo Branch Library for the Cruisin’ into the Next Chapter Classic Car and Truck Show on Saturday, Aug. 23,

from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will be held around the new Yolo Branch Library located at 37750 Sacramento Street in Yolo, just a five-minute drive north of Woodland. This free, family-friendly event is

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open to all and will showcase a diverse collection of classic cars and trucks. Highlights include a youth lowrider bike show, antique fire trucks, tractors, and engine displays. Attendees can enjoy a variety of delicious food options while listening to music provided by a live DJ from Rockwell Sound & Lighting. There will be free face painting, books and activities for children. Participants will also have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance to win various prizes, browse vendor stalls, and purchase event T-shirts and Yolo souvenirs.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Yolo Branch Library and

Yolo County Library, all proceeds from the event will benefit the Yolo Branch Library, serving the communities of Yolo, Zamora, Dunnigan and surrounding areas.

Support for this event is generously provided by the Yolo Fire Protection District, Miguel Vasquez, Yolo Market, Cache Creek High School and dozens of other local businesses and residents.

For more information about this event, visit www.FriendsOfYoloLibrary.org, write to YoloCarShow@gmail.com or call Meg Sheldon at 916-837-9171. For more information about the Yolo County Library, visit www.YoloCountyLibrary.org or connect with the Library on Facebook @YoloCountyLibrary.

Tap into music at Hooby’s this weekend

Special to the Express

Hooby’s Brewing brings live music to its patio and farm locations in Downtown Winters this weekend, offering community concerts for residents and visitors. These performances provide a lively way to enjoy local craft beers, good food and the sounds of talented musicians.

On Friday, Aug. 22, Beer Scouts take the patio stage from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Known for their energetic indie rock with catchy melodies, Beer Scouts are sure to get the crowd moving.

Saturday, Aug. 23, features two concerts on the patio. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Nerdy performs upbeat pop-rock with a playful and engaging style. Later, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Randy

Sykes brings a mix of blues, soul, and folk to the evening.

On Sunday, Aug. 24, Cast Iron Shoes performs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., delivering Americana and folk-inspired tunes that highlight rich harmonies and heartfelt lyrics.

Hooby’s Brewing also hosts live music at Hooby’s Farm on Saturdays from 4 to 7 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 23, the Rhythm Method Trio will perform, offering a smooth blend of jazz and funk. The following Saturday, Aug. 30, Jeremy Settles brings his singer-songwriter style, blending folk and contemporary acoustic music to the farm stage.

For a complete lineup, visit www. hoobysbrew.com/ live-music.

Performers’ Circle features Roggli

Special to the Express

Come hear solo acoustic guitar by local acoustic guitarist Kurt Roggli at the Village Homes Performers’ Circle on Aug. 26, hosted by the Davis Odd Fellows Hall at 415 Second St. in downtown Davis. Roggli has been

a member of many local bands such as Akimbo!, Waiting for Bruce, Brother G, Davis Odd Stars, Me and Him and Biscuits and Honey. He performs regularly at the Village Homes Performers’ Circle and enjoys the welcoming and warm reception this venue gives to all the performers, from first-timers wanting to express their budding talent to more seasoned players wanting to try something new or innovative in front of a receptive and attentive audience.

In this spirit, Roggli will share a selection of songs (some originals) on acoustic guitar, conveying both his love for the instrument and some of his favorite picking styles.

The Village Homes Performers’ Circle is a free event that welcomes performers of all levels as well as audience members who simply come to enjoy the performances. No tickets or reservations are required. It is held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except December.

The event begins with an open mic from 7 to 8:15 p.m. and concludes with the featured performance from 8:30 to 9 p.m.

Signups begin at 6:45 p.m.for the short performances (less than five minutes per act).

Chris Pilon is this month’s emcee. Masks are welcome. For information, visit facebook.com/ villagehomesperformers.

Stand Up Comedy Show! Friday August 15th, 8pm in Cameron Park CA. The Stage at Burke Junction @ 8pm / $28 Stand up comedy show at The Stage at Burke Junc‐tion in Cameron Park CA. Your favorite returning headliner, Phat Joe only at The Stage August 15th 8pm. The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane, Cameron Park. stageatburke@gmail.com

Nibling Rivalry Birthday Show! @ 9pm / $12 Nibling Rivalry is a high-energy, fast-paced, long-form clap-in im‐prov show that will take you on the comedy equivalent of a midway ride at a kitten rodeo. (No kittens will be harmed.) Sacramento Com‐edy Spot, 1050 20th Street, Sacra‐mento. mickey@saccomedys pot.com, 916-444-3137

Manny Maldonado - Live Comedy @ 9:30pm / $29 Aug 15th - Aug 16th Funny, Energetic, those are some of the words to best describe funny man Manny Maldonado! Manny was born in Modesto Cali‐fornia, and raised in an even smaller town called Ceres Ca. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128

Volunteer Workday at Bird Entry Park

@ 8:30am Join us for a volunteer workday at Bird Entry Park in Davis! Together, we'll be completing tasks such as trimming, weeding, cleaning up, and adding mulch to native shrubs. Bird Entry Park, Davis. peyton@ putahcreekcouncil.org

Paul Oneto: Live at Bazan Cellars @ 1pm Bazan Cellars Tasting Room, 1300 Main Suites, Napa Magic Nostalgia at Amélie Wine Bar

@ 6:30pm Amelie San Francisco, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco

The Endless Summer @ 7pm Crest Theater, 1013 K Street, Sacramento

Cole Bettles: Manny’s Living Room SetsSongwriter Night @ 7pm

Manny’s, 3092 16th St, San Fran‐cisco

Sudwerk Brewing in Davis. Sudwerk Brewing Co.,

2nd Street, Davis. adrian@adrian

-

7pm / $10

Francisco, 1355 Bush Street, San Francisco. andrea@musiccitysf.org Caddyshack - Film @ 7pm Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street, Sacramento The Connor Morrison Band, Used to Be Valen‐tines, Right Proper, and The Etiquette at O'Reillys

WTC presents Murder on the Nile @ 7:30pm / $21.05-$23.18 Class, money, and reputation are at stake on a Nile River cruise where deceit, theft, and murder make waves in this suspenseful Agatha Christie whodunit full of mystery and drama. Winters Opera House home of the Winters Theatre Com‐pany, 13 Main Street, Winters. win terstheatre@gmail.com

Jos Eckert: Sofar Sounds –San Francisco @ 8pm Marina District (secret location), San Francisco

Myriah Monet and the Little Fridays: at Yolo County Fair, Derby Night @ 9pm Yolo County Fairgrounds, 1250 Gum Ave, Woodland

Reggae Fest @ 11:30am / $35 Reggae Festival in Napa Valley The Yard by Feast it Forward, 728 1st Street, Napa. info@feastitfor ward.com, 707-819-2403

Roots Man Project at Reggae Fest by Feast it Forward, Napa @ 11:30am The Studio by Feast it Forward, 1031 McKinstry St, Napa

WTC presents Murder on the Nile @ 2pm / $21.05$23.18 Class, money, and reputa‐tion are at stake on a Nile River cruise where deceit, theft, and murder make waves in this suspenseful Agatha Christie whodunit full of mystery and drama. Winters Opera House home of the Winters The‐atre Company, 13 Main Street, Winters. wintersthe atre@gmail.com

Better By the End @ 2pm / $25

A community workshop to create a safe shared space and grow to‐gether 1738 Pomona Dr, 1738 Pomona Drive, Davis. wildish.hap penings@gmail.com, 415-2253075

Love Supreme @ 2pm The Chapel, 777 Valencia St, San Francisco

Jay Wilcox: Magic Moonlight Band @ 6pm The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St, Placerville

R.O. Shapiro @ 6:30pm House Concert, San Francisco

Paris Chansons @ 6:30pm Blue Note Napa, 1030 Main St, Napa

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

Rayito Colombiano

@ 8pm El Billar de Concord, 2395 Monu‐ment Blvd, Concord

Mon 8/18

Rotary Club of Davis Weekly Lunch & Program

@ 12pm See website for details. ro‐taryclubofdavis.com Davis Com‐munity Church, 421 D Street, Davis. spshoe@mac.com

Echo Beach Jazz Band: Jazz concert at Fulton Plaza

@ 2pm Fulton Street Plaza, 147 Fulton St, San Francisco

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

Aly Rowell 2025 Coastal Folk Tour - Bay Area

@ 6:30pm Kinoko | San Francisco Bay Area Realtors, 592 3rd St, San Francisco

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

Blush @ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Avara @ 8pm Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco

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

Kali Uchis @ 8pm Chase Center, 500 Terry A Francois Boulevard, San Francisco

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

Clay Bell Live: PRIVATE EVENT NAPA

Saturday Aug 16th

Paul Steward @ 6:30pm

Dave Nachmanoff & The Usual Culprits Outdoor House Concert at The Blue Rose in Woodland @ 7pm 504 Walnut St, 504 Walnut Street, Woodland. mrbear records@gmail.com, 571-438-2939

Dave Nachmanoff & The Usual Culprits will bring heartfelt folk-rock songs to life with rich harmonies and vibrant energy at an outdoor house concert at The Blue

Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St, San Francisco

Pro Am Showcase - Live Comedy @ 7pm / $8

New comics and seasoned pros share the stage at Laughs Unlim‐ited to bring you the funny. Get your tickets NOW! Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsun limited@gmail.com, 916-446-8128

Brody Price @ 7pm 4 Star Theater, 2200 Clement St, San Francisco

Israels Arcade @ 7pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco

Pete Danger @ 7:30pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco

A Way With Words/ Pete Danger/ A November Morning/ Camp Crystal @ 7:30pm Neck of the Woods, San Francisco

Perfect Person: The Dial Tone Tour @ 7:30pm Cobb's Comedy Club, San Fran‐cisco

Israel's Arcade @ 8:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco

Nasser AlRayessSpecial Comedy Event @ 7pm / $35

Syrian-American come‐dian Nasser Al-Rayess, popularly known as @naw_sir and the “Shawarma King,” has rapidly risen as a dynamic force in the comedy world. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128

Kat Heart: Stardust Lodge - Feral Heart duo @ 7pm Stardust Lodge, 4061 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe

David Graham and The Eskimo Brothers @ 7pm The Hotel Utah Saloon, 500 4th St, San Francisco

Locals Night Featuring : Inner State 80s @ 7:30pm Blue Note Napa, Napa

Leah Rudick

@ 7:30pm Cobb's Comedy Club, San Fran‐cisco

Vetiver @ 8pm Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento

AIGEL in San Francisco

@ 8pm Roccapulco, 3140 Mission St, San Francisco

Kyle Smith @ 8pm Gold�eld Trading Post, Sacramento

Sam Burch�eld @ 8pm Cafe Du Nord, 2170 Market Street, San Francisco

Carquinez Village Presents: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia @ 10:30am Carquinez Village Speaker Series will address the topic, “Under‐standing Alzheimer’s and Demen‐tia” Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, Benicia. jhanley@car qionezvillage.org, 707-297-2472

John Elliott @ 3pm Fulton Street Plaza, 147 Fulton St, San Francisco

Crowd Control

@ 6:30pm Gold�eld Trading Post Sacramento, 1630 J St, Sacramento

Downtown Pleasant Hill Announces FREE Summer Concert Series @ 7pm / Free Downtown

RNBX

Chris Cauldron: Eli & Fur Dreams at Dusk @ 4pm Aracely Garden, San Francisco

Residents Bash 2025 @ 6pm / $15 Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington Street, Yountville

Love and Honey: Love + Honey Duo @ Tom's Watch Bar @ 6:30pm Tom's Watch Bar, 414 K St Suite 180, Sacramento

Michael Turner - Live Comedy @ 7pm / $29 Aug 22nd - Aug 23rd

Michael Turner is a stand up co‐median and digital creator, he has gained a following online from stand up clips as well as videos from NFL tailgates with his series called Mike’d Up. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laugh sunlimited@gmail.com, 916-4468128

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

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

FlipABeatClub Presents: WAV Forum 4th Fridays at Neck of the Woods SF @ 8pm Neck of the Woods, San Francisco J. Jaxx at Pocha House @ 9pm Pocha House, 1910 Q St, Sacra‐mento

Michael Turner - Live

@ 9:30pm / $29 Aug 22nd - Aug 23rd

Turner is a stand up co‐

and digital creator, he has

a following online from stand up clips as well as videos from