$1
including tax
Waggoner puts plans into practice News, Page 2
Let nature take the lead Features, Page 1
Volume 143, Number 29 — Locally-owned since 1884
The hometown paper of Jose Ramirez
Winters, Yolo County, California, Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Welcome to Winters
Look for your copy arriving in the mail this week. Celebrating the people, places and connections that make our region home.
• and the •
— CAPAY VALLEY —
Rep. Mike Thompson (second from right) presents a check for Ag Site improvements. From left are Board President Joedy Michael, educators Kayla Mederos and Donnie Whitworth, and Superintendent Rody Boonchouy. Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Winters firefighters train to maneuver Truck 26’s 109-foot aerial ladder along the roofline of the Buckhorn Steakhouse during training last Wednesday.
New ladder truck gives Winters Fire a new view of local hazards By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
EXPRESS
Winters firefighters spent several hours training with Truck 26 last Wednesday, maneuvering the department’s new aerial ladder truck through downtown and practicing aerial placement near the Buckhorn and other local structures. The 109-foot truck is the first aerial ladder apparatus in the Winters Fire Department’s fleet. The training also provided an opportunity for the truck’s manufacturer
to photograph it in its new hometown. Purchased with impact fee funding, Truck 26 arrived in Winters in spring 2026. Before it responds to emergencies, however, Winters Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III said his priority is making sure every firefighter is confident and competent operating it. “My goal is to make sure they’re confident and competent before it goes into service,” Snyder said. “We’re doing the citizens’ right; we want to make sure our guys are 100 percent confident on
Weather
it before we put it into service.” Firefighters have been taking every opportunity to train with Truck 26, spending at least two to four hours on it during each shift. Training includes driving and maneuvering the apparatus, aerial operations, pump familiarization and learning its mechanical systems. For Winters Fire, the truck represents a major expansion of the department’s capabilities. Truck 26 is the first aerial ladder truck the department has ever owned, giving local firefighters the ability to reach rooftops and elevated areas that previously required assistance from neighboring
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Rain for week: 0.00 in. Season’s total: TRACE Last sn. to date: 0.00 in.
See TRUCK, Page 5
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Community .................. A-2 Eventos hispanos ....... A-4 Opinion ......................... B-4 Real Estate ................... B-2 Sports ........................... B-5
Winters rainfall season began 7/1/26. Weather readings are taken at 9 a.m. daily by local weatherman Joe Bristow.
Federal funding adds $850K to ag site modernization plans By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief The Winters Joint Unified School District is moving forward with plans to modernize and expand the Agriculture Career Technical Education facilities at Winters High School, with $850,000 in newly secured federal funding now being considered as part of the project’s overall financing plan. Rep. Mike Thompson presented the $850,000 check to the district to support the Agriculture Site Modernization and Deferred Maintenance Project. The funding is expected to help address long-standing facility needs at the
Ag Site, which has served Winters students for more than 50 years. The district is also pursuing state funding for a larger expansion of its agriculture program. Last year, Winters JUSD participated in a competitive statewide CTE funding process and scored high enough to advance to the funding stage. That project includes construction of a new two-classroom modular building to provide additional instructional space for the Agriculture CTE program. The district is now working to secure approximately $3 million
See FUNDS, Page 5
Trustees weigh $47 million in proposed facility projects By Jacob Hoffman Express correspondent On Aug. 20, the Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees met for its regularly scheduled board meeting. During the meeting, the board and staff celebrated the start of another school year, provided updates on the site-based Education Innovation Plans and school facilities, and passed a pair of resolutions. Board President Joedy Michael began the meeting with a quick introduction, noting recent district events such as the ribbon-cutting at the Winters Middle School kitchen and the staff kickoff breakfast, as well as expressing the board’s gratitude to staff. “Thanks to all the staff for a wonderful start to the school year,” Michael said, “There’s still a lot to do, we are here to support as well.” Superintendent Rody Boonchouy also welcomed back staff
and families to the new year. “Welcome back, here we are, beginning of another year,” Boonchouy said, “It’s so great to see our students, their smiling faces, and all the squeals of laughter. It’s great to have them back, and to see our colleagues as well.” Boonchouy also talked about Measure B, the school bond being placed on November’s ballot. “Winters JUSD is placing a school facilities bond on the November ballot. Measure B would address a range of facility needs including aging roofs, classrooms, restrooms, plumbing, and other school facilities. More information will be shared in the coming months.” Concluding his update, Boonchouy expressed excitement over the Education Innovation Plans that were going to take up a good part of the rest of the
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A2 — Winters Express, Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Community
Waggoner puts its Innovation Plan into action By Jacob Hoffman Express correspondent During its Aug. 20 meeting, the Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees was presented with an Education Innovation Plan update for each of the four school sites in the district. As Phoebe Girimonte, assistant superintendent of educational services, explained, these plans chart “what the initial 30 days of school will look like at each of their schools, and how they are shifting strategies to improve student outcomes and align practices with Graduate Profile competencies.” Girimonte described the Graduate Profile as “our vision, it’s our north star,” and these plans serve to demonstrate how each site will seek to achieve the vision laid out by the profile with clear, actionable goals. “We recognize that it is the educators in classrooms that bring these competencies to life every day. And in service of that, our professional learning approaches have to align with that vision,” Girimonte said. Additionally, each site’s principal spoke with the trustees about their immediate goals for the beginning of the school year, as well as summarizing the professional learning days
held Aug. 4-6. With the new school year underway, Waggoner Elementary School staff are now putting the plan into action. Speaking before the board, Waggoner Principal Chris Marcoux explained that Waggoner will be focusing on expanding its approach to play-based learning, with a special emphasis on fostering mathematics skills in students. “Children learn best when they are engaged in hands-on activities that connect with their understanding of the world, so that is really what is behind our play-based learning approach,” Marcoux said. He also said that this approach “provides us with the opportunity to support the whole child, academic, social, emotional, even physical aspects while also teaching necessary math skills that they need to learn in their primary years so that they can be successful as they travel through their academic career here in Winters Joint Unified.” During the Aug. 4-6 professional learning days, Waggoner educators met to discuss how to turn this guiding idea into an actionable goal. Marcoux said he was happy to report that they had “nearly everybody on our teaching staff to be there.”
Hands-on learning is at the heart of Waggoner Elementary’s efforts to put its Innovation Plan into action. Crystal Apilado/ Winters Express
Day one of professional learning focused on the practicalities of play-based learning. “What is this going to look like, feel like, sound like in our classrooms?” Marcoux asked, and continued, “what are the concrete goals that we’re going to hold ourselves to?” The goals developed by the Waggoner staff are twofold. The first is, “by the end of Trimester 1 2026, students will have learned math game routines, how to play with manipulatives,
Volunteers needed to clean Lake Solano, Putah Creek Express staff Local residents can help protect two of the area’s waterways on Saturday, Sept. 19, when volunteers gather at Lake Solano and Putah Creek as part of Solano County’s annual Coastal Cleanup Day. The three-hour cleanup will run from 9 a.m. to noon, giving residents an opportunity to spend a Saturday morning outdoors while helping remove litter from local waterways. The local cleanups are among 34 sites throughout Solano County participating in the 42nd
annual event. Last year, volunteers countywide collected more than 21,827 pounds of trash and 903 pounds of recyclable beverage containers. Organizers hope to top those numbers this year and are encouraging residents to bring friends and family. “We have 34 sites around the county, and our site captains are energized,” said Robyn Slater, coordinator for Solano County’s cleanups and education coordinator at the Solano Resource Conservation District. “The more
See CLEAN, Page 4
and establish norms (i.e. turn-taking, appropriate noise levels, etc.). These routines will be reviewed each trimester.” Setting dates and data-driven milestones were a priority for the Waggoner educators in order to be able to measure the success of these efforts. “We need to set dates in concrete … (to have) the ability to establish those routines and norms here, and then revisit those then across the year.” The second goal stated,
“by January 2027, students in TK-Second Grades will be able to successfully engage in 2 or more math activities with 90% accuracy.”
Marcoux stressed again the importance of providing data for these goals, which took up much of the first day of the professional learning days. “Our teacher teams really got into developing the goals that I touched on, developing how we’re going to collect data around that, some
See WAGGONER, Page 4
New hours take effect at Greenwood Swim Center Express staff With students back in class, the Bobbie Greenwood Community Swim Center is adjusting its schedule to give Winters residents several opportunities to swim, stay active and enjoy the pool after school and throughout the week. The new schedule is in effect Aug. 15 through Aug. 31. Afternoon lap swim will be offered
Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:45 to 8 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the pool will offer swim lessons from 4:15 to 5:40 p.m., swim team from 5 to 6 p.m., water fitness from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. and afternoon lap swim from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays will include lap swim from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m., followed by family night swim from 6 to 9 p.m. Swim team, water
fitness and family night swim sessions will share pool space with other programs. Lap lanes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A daily entry fee or pass is required to use a lap lane.
Residents can find the full schedule and additional information on the city of Winters' swim page at cityofwinters.org/169/ Swim.
Winters celebrates National Night Out Express staff Community members came together
at the El Rio Villas housing development on Tuesday evening, Aug. 4, for National
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Night Out, an annual community-building event that brought local organizations and families together for an evening of fun and connection. Ian Evans, executive director of Yolo County Housing/New Hope CDC, said it was a great evening, with strong participation from residents and several community partners. The event drew an estimated 30 to 40 households from the housing community, with at least seven or eight community partners participating. Winters Joint Unified School District was among those on hand, distributing nearly 50 backpacks to local children as they prepare for the new school year. Face painting was also a popular activity, giving younger residents a chance to add some color to the evening. Empower Yolo participated as well, bringing its clothing closet to the event so residents could browse and take home clothing items. The evening provided an opportunity for residents to connect with their neighbors while meeting organizations and community partners available to support local families.
Jiley Romney /Express file photo
Contestants in the 1998 Mr. Warrior were, from left, (front) Victor Montejo, Daniel Schrupp and Brian Porter; (middle) Aaron Gurecki, Daniel Ward, Ryan Child and Brett Autry; (back) Christian Bjerrum, Jason Baylor, Rudy Valencia and Jason Elwell. (Not pictured: Chad Holbrook, Eddie Marquez and Matt Flaherty). Christian Bjerrum was the winner, with Daniel Ward voted most Mr. Congeniality. I don’t think Coach Ward’s current football players got a vote.
Public Safety Report City of Winters
Fire Aug. 12: Interstate 505 and Putah Creek Road, Mutual aid ~Grant Avenue and First Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Riverview Court and Russell Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury Aug. 13: Wyatt Lane and Niemann Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Hemenway Street and Anderson Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Aster Street and Lupine Way, False alarm or false call (other) Aug. 14: Westwood Court and Russell Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Morgan Street and Caselli Court, Person in distress (other) ~Grant Avenue and Fourth Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury Aug. 15: E. Baker Street and East Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~E. Main Street and Main Street, Animal rescue Aug. 16: Adams Lane and Taylor Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Orchard Lane and Almond Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Creekside Way and Blue Oak Lane, Person in distress (other) ~Almond Drive and Walnut Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~East Street and E. Edwards Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury Aug. 17: E. Baker Street and East Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Valley Oak Drive and Highway 128, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Roosevelt Avenue and Hoover Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~1st Street (Dixon), Station coverage ~E. Baker Street and East Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury
~Interstate 505 and Russell Boulevard, Grass fire ~Roosevelt Avenue and Taft Court, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Baker Street and Fourth Street, Electrical hazard Aug. 18: Griffin Way and Moody Slough Road, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Edwards Street and Fourth Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Ivy Court and Lupine Way, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury ~Tubbs Road and McCune Road, Mutual aid Aug. 19: Apricot Avenue and Cottage Circle, Motor vehicle accident
View the Winters Fire Activity and Call Log at https:// cityofwinters.org/157/Fire.
Police Report Log Aug. 15: 7:24 a.m., 200 block of Railroad Avenue, Trespassing/ occupying property without consent (misdemeanor) Aug. 17: 8:19 p.m., 100 block of Grant Avenue No. 4, Child abuse with possible great bodily injury (felony) Aug. 19: 7:53 a.m., Anderson Avenue, Traffic collision with injury (violation)
View the Winters Police Department Arrest and Report Logs, visit www. cityofwinters.org/289/Report-Arrest-Log
Picked by Charley Wallace
YESTERYEAR
Winters Express, Wednesday, August 26, 2026 — A3
130 Years Ago August 28, 1896
The Woodland races have proved to be very attractive this week and have more than fulfilled reasonable expectations. Today, Winters is well represented. Buck Hawkins has a fine two-year-old entered for the last event — a running race for $250. Leonard DeVilbiss of Winters authorizes the Express to announce his candidacy before the Democratic County Convention for the nomination of assemblyman. The biggest melon we have seen this season is one weighing 59 pounds, raised by the Cooper brothers. Mrs. E.A. Humphrey and Miss Mattie Humphrey left Thursday for Lytton Springs, Sonoma County. Mrs. L. Moody and Homer Moody and family are camping with friends at Gray’s Bend, on the Sacramento River. Salmon are running now.
95 Years Ago August 28, 1931
L.A. Islip and family motored to Camp Richardson, Lake Tahoe, Monday. The A.R. Gale family is home after a
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Subscription delivery issues? Call us and leave a message or submit a complaint via our website www.wintersexpress.com. Crystal Apilado, Editor-in-Chief Sydney Andrade, Staff Writer Logan Chrisp, Staff Writer Sonora Slater, Staff Writer David DeLeon, Advertising Sales T. Burt McNaughton, COO Charles R. Wallace, Publisher Emeritus
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Lake Berryessa water levels down Express staff The water level of Lake Berryessa decreased by 0.49 feet over the past week, resulting in a difference of 8,821 acre-feet of water storage, according to Cristian Tejeda, Solano Irrigation District – Putah Diversion Office. On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 25, he reported that the lake elevation was 430.80 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,382,112 acre-feet. The SID released 433 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 45 cubic feet flowing into lower Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 291 acre-feet of water per day.
Years Ago Dispatches from the Express archives.
few days’ vacation in Oakland and the Bay Cities. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Haven came up from Oakland Sunday to spend the day with his mother, Mrs. Viola Haven. Mrs. Charles Erb visited last week in Oakland. Joe Chulick is putting in part of his time at the Crockett shop of the company. John Chulick takes his place in the Winters shop. Miss Evelyn Niemann left this week to begin her second year’s work at Sacramento Junior College.
80 Years Ago August 30, 1946
Dr. and Mrs. A.M. Herron, who for the past 14 years have called Winters their home, plan to leave today for Taft where Dr. Herron will teach Latin classes at the high school and junior college. W.G. Stone, manager of the transportation and industrial department of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, was in Winters Wednesday in the interests of the Sacramento-Yolo Deep Water Channel project. Bob Barriskill has sold his milk route to Harry Gravink of Woodland and is now associated with Milford E. Good in the power spray painting business. Fred Lee has taken over the management of the Hotel Cafe, formerly operated by the Ratliffs.
45 Years Ago August 27, 1981
Larry Pisani received a grand champion rating for his 1,090-pound steer, which he sold last Saturday at the Yolo County Fair. Steve Benito, owner of Benito Oil Company, paid $3,488 for the animal at auction. The Winters Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday evening gave the goahead to J.W. Vickrey Inc. of Dixon for a proposed subdivision, the Dry Creek Subdivision, adjacent to Major Vista Subdivision, which calls for a maximum of 148 single-family dwellings to be built within the city limits over the next five years. George Crum, local rancher and almond grower, has returned from two trips to Washington, D.C., to get approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for an allocated reserve of 25 percent of this year’s bumper almond crop. Sunset Magazine took pictures of four different Winters-area homes on Tuesday to show how they handle the valley heat. Homes visited were those of Jon and Dannie Lindeman in the Wolfskill district; Betty and Jack Lindeman, whose adobe home is located north of the city limits; Leslie and Stan Barth of rural Esparto; and Richard and Evelyne Rominger of the Union district.
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Eventos hispanos Winters enfrenta proyecto multimillonario para tratamiento de cromo hexavalente
fecha límite fija en Oc- evaluar la financiación construyera viviendas hasDurante el proyecto, La ciudad de Winters una tubre del 2027. mediante bonos y otros me- ta el punto de que los pozos Craig indicó que Winters “Esa fecha es lo que hace canismos de financiación actuales ya no pudieran debe mantener informado detallo su plan de que esto sea urgente: la para que la carga no recai- proporcionar un caudal al estado sobre los resultano tiene margen ga completamente sobre de agua adecuado,” afirmó dos del monitoreo, los incumplimiento ante ciudad de maniobra; tiene una los usuarios. Craig. “En ese caso, el cos- cumplimientos y la planifecha límite fija que debe Según Craig, el proyecto to de la Fase II probable- ficación del cumplimiento, la proximidad de la cumplir a contrarreloj,” de tratamiento inicial, o mente correría a cargo del al tiempo que busca acogCraig, y agregó que los Fase I, tiene un costo es- promotor inmobiliario que erse a las protecciones que fecha límite del 2027 dijo ingenieros hidráulicos es- timado de entre $15 y $20 construyera las viviendas ofrece la Ley SB 466 para
Por Angela Underwood Traducido por Carol Alfonso
Nota del editor: Winters Express presenta esta cobertura en dos partes para ayudar a los lectores a comprender mejor tanto el proceso inmediato de notificación del análisis del agua como la respuesta a largo plazo de la ciudad. La primera parte explicó por qué los residentes recibieron el aviso reciente sobre los niveles de cromo hexavalente. La segunda parte detalla el plan de cumplimiento de la ciudad, los costos proyectados y las opciones de financiamiento.
El administrador municipal de Winters, Jeremy Craig, afirmó que el tiempo es crucial, ya que la ciudad trabaja para cumplir con el nuevo estándar estatal de cromo hexavalente en el agua potable. La construcción de una nueva infraestructura para tratamiento del agua puede llevar años, lo que deja a la ciudad con
tán implementando el plan por fases. El Plan de Cumplimiento de Cromo Hexavalente de la ciudad consta de cuatro pasos. La primera consiste en instalar un sistema de tratamiento en la boca del pozo número 8, actualmente en construcción, para eliminar el cromo hexavalente en la fuente. La segunda consiste en utilizar los pozos que la ciudad ya cuenta con la normativa vigente para satisfacer la demanda diaria mientras se diseña y se construye dicho sistema de tratamiento. La tercera consiste en realizar un estudio de tarifas de agua y alcantarillado, incluyendo el aviso público y el proceso de audiencia de protesta requeridos por la Proposición 218, para determinar cómo se financiará el proyecto. La cuarta consiste en
millones de dólares. Un posible proyecto de Fase II podría costar entre $20 y $35 millones de dólares adicionales en el futuro. “Actualmente, solo se requiere la Fase I para satisfacer nuestras necesidades actuales de agua,” afirmó Craig. “Aún no contamos con los fondos para la Fase I, pero estamos trabajando con la junta estatal del agua (SWRCB) para solicitar asistencia financiera, ya sea mediante una subvención o un préstamo, para financiar el tratamiento.” Craig explicó que si el proyecto se financia con un préstamo, el costo total se cubriría con las tarifas del agua. La Fase II estaría vinculada al crecimiento futuro, en lugar de las necesidades actuales del cumplimiento de la ciudad. “La Fase II solo sería necesaria si la ciudad
adicionales.” Craig señaló que este proyecto de inversión plurianual no es una solución rápida, y la ciudad considera el plazo del 2027 como una limitación inamovible en el cronograma. “Un proyecto de esta magnitud es difícil de asumir por sí solo para un sistema con la base tarifaria de Winters,” concluyó Craig. Para ayudar a paliar la carga financiera, la ciudad está solicitando asistencia financiera a través del Fondo Rotatorio Estatal de Agua Potable y otras fuentes de financiación estatales. Parte de este esfuerzo implica que Winters colabore con la División de Agua Potable y la División de Asistencia Financiera de la Junta de Aguas de California en materia de cumplimiento normativo y financiación.
CLEAN
WAGGONER
Continued from Page 2
Continued from Page 2
volunteers that come out, the more litter and recyclables we can collect!”
observation tools that we’ll be expanding upon here as the year progresses, and then creating a 30 day action plan.” Days 2 and 3 were spent partnering with UC Davis educators, like Diana Zaragoza, on their math project, providing teachers with activities and information that they can then bring into the classroom for their students. “If you happened to walk into our Waggoner Library, you would have seen teachers laughing and talking up off their feet for large segments of the day,” Marcoux said. “I think we wore them out.” During the question portion of the presentation, Trustee Sterling Davis asked about the expectation from parents that playbased learning may take away from the “workbook” curriculum. Marcoux explained that this work harmonizes
Volunteers should be prepared to spend at least half a day outdoors and bring closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle and an extra layer such as a sweater or jacket in case of changing weather. Gloves, trash pickers and buckets are also recommended, although some sites will have supplies available.
los sistemas que implementan activamente un plan de cumplimiento reconocido por el estado. La ciudad también está planteando sus inquietudes a los legisladores estatales. “La ciudad también ha estado planteando este problema directamente a los legisladores estatales, dada la desproporción entre la magnitud de este mandato y la comunidad que se espera que lo financie,” afirmó Craig. Para la ciudad de Winters, los próximos pasos consistirán en equilibrar el plazo reglamentario con el largo proceso de diseño y construcción de la infraestructura de tratamiento, a la vez que se determina cómo la ciudad puede financiar el trabajo sin que la carga recaiga completamente sobre los usuarios locales.
with existing strategies rather than detracting from them. “We’re connecting it to the already adopted curriculum, our Go Math! curriculum. It’s meant to be more complementary to the adopted curriculum that’s already going on, so it’s not a wholesale revision; it’s how can we enhance the tools that we already have here,” Marcoux said. He also noted that if parents are curious, Back to School Night is coming up and teachers can explain the approach then. In a separate communication with the Express, Marcoux explained that this learning approach has fantastic poten-
tial to round out the education of Waggoner’s students. “Waggoner is investing in better supporting the whole child — academic, social, physical — through this approach to teaching and learning,” Marcoux said. “We have a great partner in UC Davis’ Math Project to support our teachers and staff in shifting to a play-based approach to teaching math.” Marcoux concluded by noting the enthusiasm of Waggoner’s educators for the approach. “Our staff are really excited for this work, and we are eager to see our students grow in their skills and attitude about math.”
Each volunteer must complete Courtesy photo a liability waiv- Local volunteers are encouraged to join the Sept. 19 cleanup er before begin- at Lake Solano or Putah Creek and help keep local waterways ning the cleanlitter-free. up. Volunteers can save time policymakers deve- Creek on Sept. 19 from at check-in by bring- lop strategies to 9 a.m. to noon can reging a signed waiver reduce marine debister and find more from home. ris. information at cleanThe cleanup also Coastal Cleanup upsolano.org. helps researchers Day is coordinated track the types and by the Solano ReH R B & ASSOCIATES INC amounts of litter col- source Conservation Bookkeeping, Payroll, lected. District and funded Tax Preparation by local wastewater Site captains and 207 First Street, Winters volunteers record agencies and the cities and County of So530.795.1283 trash and recyclaRachel Woods ble beverage con- lano. rachel@hrbai.com Residents interesttainers, contributing to a decades-long ed in helping clean up HRBAI.COm data set used to help Lake Solano or Putah
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Winters Express, Wednesday, August 26, 2026 — A5
TRUCK Continued from Page 1 agencies. The department’s needs assessment identified a number of higher-risk hazards throughout Winters, including downtown buildings, large commercial structures, homes with solar installations and other locations where firefighters may need to gain access from above. Historically, Winters has depended on neighboring agencies for a ladder truck or similar specialized resources, which may be 15 to 20 miles away. Snyder recalled an incident when a fire was burning in the La Bodega storefront in downtown, and Dixon’s resources were unavailable, leaving Winters to wait for assistance from UC Davis. “Having the resources and being able to get on the roof or get eyes above so we can see helps us get the devices in,” Snyder said. Truck 26 combines several capabilities in one apparatus. In ad-
FACILITIES Continued from Page 1 meeting. Each principal presented an overview of their Education Innovation Plan, laying out the goals, metrics and milestones from activity data in the fall as they move toward higher data tiers in the spring, as well as what professional learning looked like at each site. This information will be presented site-by-site in separate articles in upcoming editions of the Winters Express. Following this, Ashley Del Rio, program manager with Van Pelt Construction Services, presented an update on district facilities, focusing on work done over the summer as well as first-day-of-school successes. Del Rio visited two schools during the first day of the school year, beginning with Waggoner Elementary. “It’s always very rewarding seeing students in chairs on that first day of school, especially when crews and teams and everyone was down to the wire,” she said. Del Rio summarized the WMS kitchen ribbon-cutting event, which was of particular interest to her as a school alumna. Del Rio also gave an
dition to its aerial ladder, it provides firefighters with equipment and resources that can be used for high- and low-angle rescues, rooftop access and other operations where firefighters need to work from above. The 109-foot vertical reach also gives crews a new perspective during structure fires, allowing them to get above a building, assess conditions and, when appropriate, take a more defensive approach. “It gives us everyone in a one-stop shop from the get-go,” Snyder said. Truck 26 gives Winters greater capacity during the critical early stages of an emergency while still allowing the department to bring in additional resources as needed. It will make the department more efficient without replacing the need for mutual aid. Winters firefighters have also been training with neighboring agencies, including Davis, UC Davis and Woodland, to prepare for some of the high-
risk incidents identified in the department’s risk analysis. Joint exercises have included rope rescues and operations involving the Interstate 113 bridge and the silos. The training also gives firefighters an opportunity to learn from departments with different experience and equipment. Woodland and Davis, for example, regularly maneuver ladder trucks through tighter streets and operate tiller-style apparatus. Although Truck 26 is Winters Fire’s longest vehicle, Snyder said its additional length — roughly 10 feet longer than the department’s other apparatus — has not made maneuvering as difficult as expected. “It’s a game changer for us because we’ve never had a ladder truck,” Snyder said. The fire department will continue training throughout the coming months to reassess the crews’ readiness this fall before placing Truck 26 into service. Residents can already see the new truck around Winters as firefighters con-
update on the Facilities Master Plan, developed in 2023, and the district’s plans to revise the plan in accordance with community input and the district’s needs. This process of gathering community input began with a series of surveys. The first was based on staff’s first workshop and sought to determine what the district’s priorities should be for funding different projects
parking lot, so a large portion of that work is already done. At Winters High School, Del Rio said that the district has already secured state funding and is now working on matching the $3 million for the new Agricultural and Career Technical Education (AG CTE) building. Workshop two will be about prioritizing and planning, taking the priorities from the community and
“It’s always very rewarding seeing students in chairs on that first day of school, especially when crews and teams and everyone was down to the wire.” Ashley Del Rio, Van Pelt Construction Services program manager across the district. At Waggoner Elementary School, the most-voted-on priority was the new multipurpose room and kitchen building, which scored 62 percent, while Shirley Rominger Intermediate School voted HVAC replacement as its top priority. At WMS, safety and site enclosure were the top priority, but Del Rio noted that the kitchen project replaced a majority of the fence across the
implementing them. As part of that, district staff came up with five different scenarios on how to spend the expected $47 million in the budget across the different projects. Scenario one is based on community priorities, scenario two is based on critical infrastructure needs, scenario three is a combination of large-scale projects plus modernization, scenario four is based on if the district did
Winters
tinue training and responding to calls. The manufacturer researched aerial apparatus used by other communities before designing Truck 26, looking at what worked for different departments as well as Winters’ own layout and terrain, including its older streets and newer developments. “They took different aspects from each model,” Snyder said. “They built this apparatus for this community; it’s designed for Winters.” Snyder said the result is a truck built specifically to meet Winters’ needs and serve the community well into the future. The truck’s capabilities will be especially valuable when firefighters face the kinds of low-frequency, high-risk incidents identified during the department’s risk analysis, from structure fires and silo incidents to rescues involving the creek or other elevated locations. “It will allow us to be more efficient and effective because now we can come with the four major capital projects across the four sites, and scenario five is a balance of the others. Another virtual survey was sent out that night, with Del Rio noting it already had 46 responses. The survey remains open until next Wednesday. Once the results are in, the district will push forward with a draft implementation plan and a final draft of the Facilities Master Plan for the third workshop, where the board will formulate additional feedback and refine any adjustments. Lisa Dennis, human resources director, concluded the meeting by presenting the board with two personnel resolutions. The first authorized holders of a teaching credential to teach courses other than those specifically authorized by their credential, a resolution that is brought annually based on need. This year, it authorized two teachers at WMS. The second resolution was a reevaluation of the professional experience required to teach TK. Both resolutions were passed unanimously by the board. The next Winters JUSD Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. in the school district board room.
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tools that we need to establish good control on an incident or get the party started until more help arrives,” Snyder said. “We can address the higher-risk threats we identified.” “We can do a lot more now than we could do before.” For Snyder, the ultimate goal is not simply
FUNDS Continued from Page 1 in local matching funds needed for the state funding. Potential sources include future bond funding and other available funding. The $850,000 in federal funding secured through Thompson is being considered as part of that overall funding plan. As the district determines how much funding will ultimately be available, the scope of the project will be refined. In addition to the proposed two-classroom building, improvements under consideration include replacing the existing Ag building roof and expanding covered outdoor instructional and work areas. “We’re grateful to Congressman Mike Thompson for securing $850,000 to support modernization of our Agriculture Education site,” Superintendent Dr. Rody Boonchouy said. “This investment will help address critical facility needs and create a safer, more modern environment for hands-on learning.” The Ag Site provides hands-on instruction in areas including welding, woodworking, floral design and livestock management, making the
adding a new vehicle to the fire station. It is giving Winters firefighters the ability to bring more of the tools they need to an emergency from the moment they arrive. “This truck is meant for Winters, and it will do great for it well into the future,” Snyder said.
facilities an important part of the district’s Career Technical Education offerings. Boonchouy said the agriculture program provides students with valuable career and technical education opportunities and is an important part of the Winters community. The district’s goal is to combine state, federal and local funding to develop a project that addresses immediate facility needs while providing enough space and resources for the continued growth of the Agriculture CTE program. “This is a big win for our agriculture program, which is one of the strongest Career Technical Education pathways in the region,” Boonchouy said in an earlier statement. “These dollars will help us make much-needed upgrades to a building that’s been serving students for more than 50 years.” Thompson said the federal funding will help support the longterm viability of the site and continued hands-on training for Winters students. The $850,000 is part of more than $14.3 million in community project funding Thompson secured this year for projects within his congressional district.
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A6 — Winters Express, Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Senior News Is moving the right move after retirement? Special to the Express
Winters Senior Foundation participants enjoy lunch at a local golf course last week. Courtesy photo
Winters seniors stay connected Special to the Express The Winters Senior Foundation continues to offer local seniors opportunities to get together, stay active and enjoy time with friends and neighbors. Recent activities have included weekly chair yoga and social gatherings, as well as luncheons and field trips. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that advocates for, educates and supports older adults in the Winters community. There are no membership fees, and seniors age 55 and older are welcome to participate. Weekly activities include chair yoga on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 Main St. The free class welcomes dropins and is held outdoors when weather permits. On Thursdays,
Retirement can open the door to a new chapter — and for many people, that chapter begins with a question: Is it time to move? For older adults in Yolo County, particularly those in Winters, Esparto and the Capay Valley, that decision involves more than deciding whether a house is too large. A move can affect property taxes, health care, transportation, social connections, home maintenance and proximity to family. And while downsizing is often associated with retirement, it isn’t necessarily the most popular choice. A spring 2026 report from the National Association of Realtors found that homeowners ages 61 to 70 who sold a 2,000-square-foot home between June 2024 and June 2025 typically moved into a home of a similar size. In other words, many older adults who move aren’t necessarily looking for a smaller house. They may simply be looking for a home that better fits the next stage of life.
Start by asking why you want to move Courtesy photo
Gina Ogando, 95, and Betty Yamashita, 98, enjoy conversation at a Winters Senior Foundation social gathering. seniors can start the day with Cafe Yolo, a social dining program hosted by Meals on Wheels Yolo County. The free weekly group meal is held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is open to adults age 60 and older. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance by calling 530-6627035 or emailing welcome@mowyolo.org. After lunch, the
Winters Senior Foundation hosts its weekly social gathering from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Winters Community Center, offering an informal afternoon of conversation, refreshments and companionship. For more information about upcoming activities, visit wintersseniorfoundation.org or email info@wintersseniorfoundation.org.
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Before putting a longtime home on the market, consider what you hope a move will accomplish. Are you looking for less maintenance? Do you want to be closer to doctors, shopping or public transportation? Would you like to live closer to family? There is no rule that says retirement requires a change of address. For some Yolo County seniors, staying put may be the best choice. Neighbors may know one another, local businesses may be familiar, and community organizations, churches, clubs and volunteer opportunities can provide a strong social network. On the other hand, staying in a home that has become difficult or expensive to maintain may create challenges later. Thinking about those issues while you are still healthy and independent can make the eventual decision less stressful.
Consider the financial picture Real estate prices are only part of the equation. If you are considering selling a longtime home, talk with a financial adviser, tax professional and real estate professional about the potential costs and benefits. Taxes also deserve careful consideration. California homeowners age 55 and older may be able to transfer the taxable value of their primary residence to a replacement home anywhere in California under Proposition 19. Eligibility and filing requirements apply, so homeowners should consult the California State Board of Equalization or a tax professional before making a decision..
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A house may work perfectly well today but become less convenient over the next 10 or 20 years. Consider: • Stairs: Would a single-story home be easier to navigate? • Bathrooms: Is there a bathroom on the main living level? • Entryways: Could you comfortably enter and leave the home if your mobility changes? • Yard work: Who will maintain
the landscaping if you no longer want to do it? • Repairs: Can you comfortably handle the cost and responsibility of maintaining an older home? • Transportation: Could you get to appointments, groceries and other necessities without driving? • Health care: How far would you be from your doctors, pharmacies and other medical services? • Emergency services: How quickly could you get help if you had an emergency? • Social connections: Would a move bring you closer to friends and family — or farther away? These considerations can be especially important in rural communities, where some medical, transportation and senior-housing options may be farther away.
Think about maintenance — not just size
A common retirement strategy is to downsize from a large family home. But the more important question may be whether the home is manageable. Some homeowners choose to stay and hire help for landscaping, cleaning or repairs. Others make modifications to improve safety and accessibility. Those who want fewer responsibilities may consider a condominium, senior community or other lower-maintenance housing.. The key is to think about the home you will need five, 10 or even 20 years from now, rather than only the home you need today.
Family can be a deciding factor
Adult children and grandchildren may live elsewhere in Yolo County, the Sacramento region, the Bay Area or farther away. Moving closer to family can make visits easier and provide a stronger support network. But proximity isn’t everything. Before moving specifically to be near family, have an honest conversation about what everyone expects. Living nearby does not necessarily mean family members will be available to provide transportation, caregiving or other assistance.
Don’t overlook local resources
For Yolo County seniors who are considering staying in their homes, it can be helpful to learn what services are available before deciding that a move is necessary. Yolo County seniors can also explore services through Area 4 Agency on Aging, which helps adults age 60 and older access programs that support health and independence. Yolo County also provides information about In-Home Supportive Services and other resources for older adults, including Meals on Wheels, Medicare, BenefitsCheckUp and the Yolo Healthy Aging Alliance. For some seniors, access to services such as in-home assistance, meal delivery or help with daily activities can make remaining in a longtime home a much more realistic option. Before making a move, consider talking with a financial adviser, tax professional, real estate professional and, when appropriate, your family. A thoughtful decision made today can help make the next chapter of retirement more comfortable, connected and secure.
The Winters Senior Foundation, a local all volunteer non-profit foundation dedicated to providing social opportunities for seniors.
September Events
Wednesdays – Chair Yoga – Free Drop-ins welcome – 9:30am to 10:45am – St. Anthony Parish Hall Thursdays – MOW Cafe Yolo Lunch – 11:30am to12:30pm – 12:30pm to 3:00pm – WSF Social Gatherings – Drop-ins welcome – Community Center
(530) 794-6067 info@wintersseniorfoundation.org
Winters Express, Wednesday, August 26, 2026 — B1
FEATURES
Timing matters in today’s market
Volleyball lineup takes shape
Classic rock takes Opera House stage
HOMES, Page 2
SPORTS, Page 5
A&E, Page 6
A lifetime of love, resilience and gratitude
Thursdays Eat Well Yolo Food Distribution, first and third Thursdays, 10 a.m. As supplies last, RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St., 530-668-0690, https://yolofoodbank.org/find-food Friday, August 28 Music on Main: The Teds, 6:30 p.m., Downtown Main Street Saturday, August 29 Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution, Saturdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue, https://yolofoodbank.org/find-food Sunday, August 30 Winters Farmers Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Main Street – downtown Winters, Music: Day Griffin, discoverwinters.com/farmers-market Tuesday, September 1 Winters City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council chamber (318 First St.), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/ city-council-meetings_/
Upcoming Thursday, September 3 Winters JUSD School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School District Office, Zoom Meeting info, check https://bit.ly/4fwmfHK or www.wintersjusd.org
Library Services Winters Library Open to Public (School in Session), Winters Community Library, Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. , Sat: 1–5 p.m. Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library Bilingual Storytime (ages 0-5), Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Winters Community Library Virtual English Conversation Group, Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m., One time registration required: Contact Nancy Pacheco 530-666-8019 or nancy.pacheco@yolocounty.org Mangonada Monday (ages 6-12), fourth Monday, 3:30 p.m. Tech Thursdays, Thursdays, 2-7:30 p.m., call 530-6668005 to schedule an appointment. Bilingual sessions available upon request. Movie Matinee, Fourth Friday, 2-4 p.m., Winters Community Library All You Need is Love Romance Book Club, Second Saturday, 4 p.m., Hooby’s Brewing
Older Adult Programs Winters Senior Foundation Chair Yoga Class for Seniors, Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall (511 W. Main St.) Cafe Yolo Social Dining, Thurdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.), Reservations required 24 hours in advance at 530-662-7035 or welcome@mowyolo.org Winters Senior Foundation Social Gathering, Thurdays, 12:30-3 p.m., Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave.)
Ongoing View the Winters community events calendar at https://bit.ly/WintersCommunityEvents Winters Farmers Market, Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Main Street – downtown Winters, discoverwinters. com/farmers-market Winters Friends of the Library meeting, first Monday, 7 p.m., Winters Community Library, Margaret Parsons Room, wfol.org Winters Fortnightly meeting, second Tuesdays (September thru May), 1 p.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 W. Main St. Rotary Club of Winters meeting, Thursdays, Noon, The Buckhorn Winters Museum public hours, Thursday thru Sunday, 1-5 p.m., 13 Russell St., historicalsocietyofwinters.org Saved & Sober program, Thursdays, 7p.m., The Rock Church West, 201 Main St. Winters Open Mic, third Saturday, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Downtown Main Street, Visit wintersopenmic.org 12-Step Bonfire meeting, third Friday, 6:30 p.m. fellowship, 7 p.m. meeting, LuNita Ranch, 8189 Olive School Ln, Winters, Bring a camp chair. Democracy Winters meeting, third Saturdays, 10 a.m.Noon, Meeting details in newsletter, contact info@ democracywinters.org Alcoholics Anonymous meetings: Pioneer Church – Wesley Hall, 205 Russell St., (effective Aug. 1) Monday 6–7 p.m., Tuesday/Friday 7–8 a.m., Thursday 7–8 p.m., and Sunday 9–10 a.m.
Editor's Note: The Winters Express is proud to feature Grace Brett as one of the eight 2026 Elder Day honorees. Each year, Elder Day recognizes longtime community members whose lives reflect service, resilience and dedication to their families and neighbors.
By Cheryl Sandoval Special to the Express
G
race Brett's life has taken her from Mississippi to California, through the uncertainties of World War II, a career with the California Highway Patrol and the challenges of raising seven children. Through it all, Grace has carried the lessons of faith, love and gratitude that continue to guide her today.
Growing up Grace was born in 1935 in Mississippi. Her father was a doctor and her mother was a nurse. She had one younger sister, who has since passed away. Grace's father joined the Civilian Conservation Corps as a physician. While Grace was still young, her parents left her with her grandparents while they traveled to the West Coast to establish her father's medical practice. The family eventually settled in Los Altos. Grace grew up in Los Altos and graduated from high school in Menlo Park. She later attended Dominican University of California in San Rafael. She remembers her childhood in Los Altos fondly. Grace could ride her bicycle and play outside with the
Dylan Saechao/Winters Express
Grace Brett listens as she prepares to answer a question about raising seven children while working and managing a full life during the 2026 Winters Elder Day celebration.
Winters Elder Day 2026 neighborhood children as long as she was home by dark and in time for dinner. During the summers, Grace worked alongside many other local children cutting apricots. World War II brought a different kind of childhood. Grace remembers how frightening some of the speeches on the radio could be. During the war, her family moved to Florida for a time, where her mother's parents lived. Grace's father was drafted and sent to Europe, where he was put in charge of a hospital train. Some of the wounded soldiers he cared for would make small gifts for Grace and send them to her. She was too young to fully understand everything happening around her, but the memories stayed with her. There were also moments of joy. While liv-
ing in Florida, Grace was able to swim in the Atlantic Ocean, enjoying the warm, shallow water. Those experiences taught Grace to appreciate the good moments even during difficult times. Her faith helped guide her through the uncertainty.
Notable life experiences Grace met her future husband, a former Marine, in Los Altos, where they eventually married. He became one of the first police officers in Los Altos. Together, they had seven children — four girls and three boys — in just nine years. Because of her husband's promotions, the family moved frequently throughout California. Some of Grace's fondest memories from those years are of camping with her children near Somerset, outside Placerville. The children loved swimming in the river, and those family trips became trea-
sured memories. After 19 years of marriage, Grace divorced and raised her children on her own through their teenage years. It was a demanding time. Grace had to work while keeping up with seven children and the many responsibilities of being a single parent. At one point, she sat down with her children and explained that they all needed to work together and listen to her. It worked. Grace built a career as a dispatcher and later a communications manager for the California Highway Patrol. The work meant long days, but Grace knew that being a parent meant making things happen regardless of how difficult the circumstances were. Her sister was an important source of support during those years. Grace also accomplished another important goal: She bought a house with her own money while raising her children on her own. After her children were grown, Grace traveled with her longtime friend Irene, whom she had known since childhood. They traveled to Italy and the French Riviera, and Grace especially loved Puerto Vallarta. After retiring, Grace met John Ramos and moved to Winters. She has called Winters home ever since. Grace and John enjoyed a wonderful life together. John was an avid boater, and the
See ELDER, Page 5
Embracing imperfection, sharing the harvest Special to the Express
Ask a Master Gardener
This column is written by the UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County each month. It provides answers to selected questions recently asked by Yolo County gardeners.
Embracing imperfection Q: What is “wabi-sabi gardening”? A: The Japanese tea master Rikiu (1522-1591) once chided his son, Shoan, for not properly preparing the path to the teahouse. When Shoan showed how he had swept the path completely clean of leaves, Rikiu replied, “That is not how a garden path should look,” then grasped a nearby tree and shook it, letting a light scattering of leaves fall over the freshly swept path. What Rikiu was seeking, of course, was not the perfect but the natural. In other words, Rikiu had wabi-sabi in mind. From the Japanese words wabi (“austere beauty”) and sabi (“rustic patina”), the combined word describes a philosophy of aesthetics that embraces the true simplicity, imperfection and transience not only of everyday objects but of nature itself. Consequently, while not limited to tea gardens or gardens in general, the philosophy of wabi-sabi naturally lends itself to gardening practices. Of course, gardeners must deal daily with nature’s elements while keeping their garden’s plants productive and its infrastructure maintained. In doing so, there is a natural desire to keep everything looking well-tended and controlled. But that is not the philosophy of wabi-sabi. Popular, predominantly Western ideas about wabi-sabi gardening include a range
of approaches, with some practitioners recommending introducing pre-weathered “props,” such as old bathtubs or rusted wheelbarrows, to serve as planters. But this is unnecessary and not the wabi-sabi way. Much more in the spirit is to let newly acquired benches and other garden structures age naturally over time, allowing the oxidized metal, peeling coatings and faded wood to contribute to the transient beauty of the entire garden. Beyond the garden’s manufactured structures of benches, gates and trellises, there are the plants themselves. If possible, consider letting a single vegetable plant go to seed when you would otherwise have cropped it back. You can also think about setting aside a spot or two in the garden to let a “volunteer” take root. Perhaps let a few selected weeds crop up in a gravel path or between stepping stones. And, of course, there are the leaves. Rather than meticulously raking away fallen leaves, con-
sider leaving some to decompose where they’ve fallen. It may not make for a “tidy” look, but it’s the wabi-sabi way. That’s the essential difference between the wabi-sabi garden aesthetic and our idea of the meticulously manicured Western or “English” garden, with its cleanly swept paths, precisely mowed lawns and perfectly trimmed hedges. Yes, there’s a certain attraction to those spaces, and yet they seem somehow sterile and … unnatural. Just like a Western garden, the wabi-sabi garden is very well tended and intentional; it’s just that the wabi-sabi garden approach is to make the space look deceptively unintentional. All gardens, be they tea gardens, botanical gardens, vegetable gardens or zen rock gardens, have one thing in common: a plan or design. That’s why, for most gardeners, the idea of our carefully planned space looking untidy or uncontrolled can feel counterintuitive and anxiety-producing. But consciously letting your garden appear even a little out of control can be liberating, and embracing the imperfect and the impermanent can lead to an even more beautiful, natural-looking garden.
Share the harvest
Q: I have an overabundance of both vegetables and fruit this year. Are there ways to donate it? A: Neighborhood sharing is, of course, a good place to start. I assume you are the one whose neighbors pull the
See GARDENER, Page 6
B2 — Winters Express, Wednesday, August 26, 2026
When is the right time to sell your Yolo County home? Warmer weather, longer days and families hoping to move before a new school year can increase buyer activity. That pattern can be particularly relevant in Yolo County, where the housing market typically becomes more active during the spring and summer months. But increased activity also means more homes may come onto the market, giving buyers more choices. The California Association of Realtors reported that Yolo County had 3.8 months of housing inventory in July, up from 2.4 months a year earlier. At the same time, the county’s median home price was $635,000, essentially unchanged from July 2025. The county recorded 22 days of inventory in July, compared with 22 days a year earlier. That combination suggests a market with more choices for
Special to the Express For homeowners thinking about selling, the question often comes down to timing: Is spring really the best time to put a house on the market, or can sellers do just as well at another time of year? There is no single answer. National trends can offer a starting point, but local housing conditions, interest rates, available inventory and a homeowner’s individual circumstances can have a much greater impact on the outcome. For homeowners in Winters and throughout Yolo County, recent data suggest the local market remains competitive, even as prices and inventory shift.
Spring and summer bring more buyers Spring is traditionally considered one of the strongest seasons for home sellers.
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Yolo County prices remain strong The latest Zillow data provide another snapshot of the local market. As of July 31, the typical Yolo County home value was $620,245, down 1.2% from a year earlier. Homes were going pending in about 16 days, while the county had 402 homes listed for sale and 153 new listings during the month. The numbers vary considerably from community to community. In Winters, Zillow placed the typical home value at $613,237 as of July 31, down 0.9 percent from a year earlier. The site reported 27 homes for sale and 10 new listings, although its Winters data did not provide a reliable median sale price or days-to-pending figure. Redfin’s data provide another look at Winters. For the three months ending in June, the median sale price was about $584,000, down 4.9 percent from the same period a year earlier. Homes sold in an average of 20 days, compared with
40 days a year earlier, and 11 homes sold during June. The difference between these sources illustrates why homeowners should be cautious about relying on a single online esti-
season. Local conditions also matter. In July, for example, Yolo County homes had a median sale price of $635,000, while the median list price in the county was about
“Sellers may have opportunities to receive strong offers, but buyers also have enough choices to be selective.” mate. Different real estate services use different methodologies and time periods, while a relatively small number of sales in a community such as Winters can make monthly or quarterly statistics fluctuate.
The “right” time may depend on the house While spring and early summer can bring a larger pool of prospective buyers, seasonal timing is only one piece of the equation. A well-maintained home that is appropriately priced may attract buyers regardless of the month. Conversely, a home that needs significant preparation or is priced above what the local market supports may sit even during the busiest selling
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$641,333, according to Zillow. About 39 percent of sales closed above the asking price, while about 41 percent closed below it. Those numbers point to a market where pricing strategy matters. Sellers may have opportunities to receive strong offers, but buyers also have enough choices to be selective.
Life circumstances can outweigh the calendar Sometimes the best time to sell has little to do with the housing market. A job change, retirement, growing family, downsizing, divorce, inheritance or the desire to move closer to family can all prompt a homeowner to sell. Waiting several months for a theoretically better market may not make sense if a move is already necessary. Homeowners also need to consider the
financial side of the transaction, including the remaining mortgage balance, potential capital gains taxes, repairs, moving costs and the amount of equity available for the next home. So, when is the right time? For Winters and Yolo County homeowners, there is no magic date on the calendar that guarantees the best result. Spring and summer may bring increased buyer activity, but current local data show that homes can continue to move quickly outside the traditional peak season. At the same time, increased inventory means sellers need to pay close attention to pricing and presentation. The best time to sell is ultimately when a homeowner’s personal circumstances align with favorable enough market conditions to meet their goals. Before putting a home on the market, homeowners can benefit from reviewing recent sales of comparable properties in their specific neighborhood, assessing competing listings and talking with a real estate professional who understands the Winters and Yolo County market. Local data can help determine whether the advantages of selling now outweigh the potential benefits of waiting.
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115 Almond Drive, Winters, CA 95694 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2013 sq ft, built in 1988, listed price $599,000.00. Co-listed with Sandy Vickrey DRE#01018341. MLS#226016943
CAMELOT WINTERS Maria D. Rodriguez
142 Acre Ranch, has been family owned for the last 85 years. Incredible panoramic views, rolling hills with majestic oaks, private and serine. Cottage home features two bedrooms, one bath, well, septic and power. Perfect for orchard, vineyard, or grazing. Fenced and ready for your dream home. Call Jean for more information at 707-684-9351.
SOLD! 953 Kennedy Drive, Winters
Fabulous Winters Ranch Home built in 2016, sprawling one story home with an extra wide lot, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, formal living room and dining room, office or den, 3 car garage with tons of storage cabinets. Great room style family room and kitchen, fantastic covered patio with ceiling fans, built-in BBQ fully landscaped with low maintenance vegetation. List price $750,000.
CLOSED ESCROW! 16546 County Road 87, Esparto CLOSED ESCROW! 925 Charity Lane, Dixon
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SALE PENDING! 416 SECOND STREET, WINTERS Charming custom-built bungalow in the heart of downtown Winters! This one-of-a-kind home features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, an open living area, a loft, and a roomy deck off the primary bedroom. Close to downtown shops, dining, and community events! $498,000
SALE PENDING! 118 BROADVIEW LANE, WINTERS Freshly painted and ready to move in! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a cozy living room fireplace, new bathroom vanity, inside laundry and a 3-car garage with drive-through access on one bay. Large backyard with covered patio just waiting for your imagination. A great place to call home! $579,000.
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RECIPIENT OF THE YOLO COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS MASTERS CLUB SINCE 2012 COMING SOON. 19 acres of walnuts with old house and a couple of out buildings. Call for details. FOR RENT. 4 beds, 2 baths. Excellent neighborhood. $3200. Call Chad for details 530-219-7670 SPECTACULAR VIEWS! Build your dream home on this AMAZING 25 acres location just outside of Winters. Shop and horse facilities are already in place. Offered at $895,000. Call for details. 43 ACRES ALONG HIGHWAY 128. Across from Pleasure Cove resort area. Call Chad for details. Offered at $195,000. FOR RENT 1 bed 1 bath. Brand new. All utilities included. Offered at $2000. AMAZING one of a kind property on 1/3 of an acre. Court location, single story, and a backyard OASIS that is absolutely incredible. HUGE built in pool. NO rear neighbors. Offered at $715,000 Call for details. OUTSTANDING LOCATION. Great spot off the beaten path to build your dream home. Just out side of Winters heading towards Davis. 56+ acres of mature Hartley walnuts. Recently Refurbished ag well. Offered at $1,049,000. Call for private showing. 3 BEDS, 2 BATHS on a corner lot. Walking distance to beautiful downtown Winters. New garage door, interior freshly painted. Call for details. Offered at $579,000.
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Winters Express, Wednesday, August 26, 2026 — B3
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Horoscopes ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Good vibes are heading your way, Aries. Cosmic energy continues through your sign, showing visions of future ambitions. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Appreciate the world around you, Taurus. It’s easy to get fixated on what isn’t working, but be grateful for all of the things that are going right. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, light banter is the name of the game for conversation this week. Avoid any topics that can lead to confrontation or confusion. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 You may have a sudden urge to get organized at home or the office, Cancer. Spend time sorting and clearing out the clutter to be more productive. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Celebrate yourself this week, Leo. You deserve some recognition just for being you. What better person than you to initiate that? VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Your responsibilities are at an all-time high right now, Libra. That means you are in high demand. Pick and choose projects to fit your schedule. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Give yourself a break, Libra. You have been putting your nose to the grindstone for a long time. You deserve an opportunity to enjoy the lighter side of life for a bit. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, advocate and negotiate for yourself as much as you can in the days to come. Some skillful self-promotion can open new and exciting doors. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Right now your demeanor is sensitive and compassionate, Sagittarius. Unfortunately, this can make you vulnerable, so keep your friends close. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 There may be surprises around the workplace this week, Capricorn. A supervisor may be sending mix signals. Ride out this unsettled time. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, patience is an asset this week. A careful approach to problem-solving will yield the results you’re seeking. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Try not to question the mysteries of the universe right now, Pisces. Unconventional vibes are coming your way, which may lead you on some bizarre, yet enjoyable journeys.
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B4 — Winters Express, Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Express Yourself
We are getting nickel and dimed to the poor house
T
his November we will be asked to vote for bond issues at both the local and state level. In the Winters School District, it will be Measure B. This is an additional property tax, estimated at $49 per $100,000 assessment on your property. I’m going to round up the cost to $50 per $100,000 because I am a Winters High School graduate and my math skills aren’t what they should be. If you live in an older home in Winters and your house is appraised at $200,000 (thank you Prop 13), you would pay an extra $100 per year. If you just bought one of the newer homes in Winters for $700,000, add $350 per year to your tax bill, for 30 years. If you live in Golden Bear Estates and your home is valued at $2 million, you
would add on an extra $1,000 per year. There isn’t a question whether our schools could use more money for maintenance, updating aging air conditioners and plumbing, along with keeping up with advancing technology. The question is how do we pay for all of our needs? I don’t think the schools are asking for wants, just what we need to keep our schools a comfortable learning environment. The city of Winters had the same problems and came up with a permanent tax for our public services, police and fire. We add-
ed a parcel tax for the fire department, a 1 cent increase in our sales tax for the police department and a tax on hotels and short-term rentals. I’m sure it isn’t enough, but there has to come a time to live within our means. There is never too much money that government agencies can’t find a way to spend. In the city’s case, we have been relying on building permit fees to keep afloat, but, hopefully, with the new taxes we will be financially solvent for years to come. I’m hoping that our state legislators, or judges, will stop the insanity of new Chrome 6 standards. The school district has passed several bond mea-
sures over the past decade or so and used the money to upgrade the high school, add a cafeteria to the middle school, among other projects. These are usually one-time expenses, so selling bonds works. If we need permanent funding for our schools, I would rather see a permanent funding source, like a parcel tax, or an increase in our property taxes. I may not be correct, but I think borrowing money (selling a bond) is expensive money. Governments may think that it is easy money, but it isn’t free; we are paying the bill, plus interest. At my stage in life, I can afford to pay a little more to keep our schools and city financially sound, but others can’t. At what point do we price out our older and younger generations? When do we find out that the little old lady down the
street can’t afford to live in Winters, even if her house is paid for, or a new family buys a home in Esparto because they can’t afford one in Winters? We are about to face another financial crisis trying to get Chrome 6 out of our water. There was a great article by Councilman Richard Casavecchia about Chrome 6 a few weeks ago in The Express. I still hear complaints about the quality of news in the Winters Express, but they must not be reading the paper from cover to cover. Subscribing to the Express might just be the best $25 per year that you spend each year. Our schools need more than $25 from each of us. Finding new funding sources might be harder than we think. Have a good week.
The stories between the lines
I
apparently have a problem. Give me an old newspaper archive and I will happily disappear into it for hours. Over the past couple of years, I’ve spent an unreasonable amount of time digging through the archives of the Winters Express and Winters Advocate. What started as research has, naturally, turned into a rabbit hole. And I’m not sorry. There is something fascinating about reading the news of a town from decades ago. The names change. The businesses come and go. Buildings disappear and new ones take their place. People worry about things that seem almost quaint now and, occasionally, about things that sound remarkably familiar.
But the further I dug, the more I was reminded of something: Winters has always been a town of people looking for opportunity. They came from Buckeye, the Midwest, the South, Spain, Japan and places I’m sure I haven’t discovered yet. They came to farm, build businesses, raise families, work, create and make a life. Then, somewhere along the way, they became part of the story of this place. That made me start wondering about all the stories we still haven’t told. Some are sitting quietly in archives. Some are hidden in the spaces between stories we already know. And some are happening right now, which means future editors will someday be digging through
Letters Meet Winters Farm to School Dear Community… Let us introduce Winters Farm to School! We touch the lives of every student in the Winters Joint Unified School District every day, yet we realize you may not even know we exist. Winters Farm to School is a 501C (3) nonprofit organization supported by a group of dedicated volunteers. We raise funds to benefit our students and the local agricultural community. The money we raise helps: • Enable school meals to include fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts with 99 percent of our produce purchased locally and 68 percent purchased directly from growers. • Encourage children from a young age to try just “one bite” of anything unfamiliar while learning about the importance of a diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts. • Support school gardens and programs that allow students to grow produce that becomes part of their lunch that very day. • Give all fourth graders the opportunity to take a field trip to Full Belly Farm in Guinda, where they experience a thriving
100- acre organic farm firsthand. Please visit our website at wintersfarmtoschool.com to learn more or to make a donation. If you’d like to become more involved, please reach out to one of us below, or send us an email at wintersfarmtoschoolprogram@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you. CATHY OLSEN, EMARIE VANGALIO, ROSEMARIE HENDRICKX, EMILY MCNAMARA, PATTY JIMENEZ, ROSA DIAZ, VICKI JACOBS Winters Farm to school Board
Thank you for helping local pets The girls of Winters Girl Scout Troops 1225 and 2744 would like
our archives trying to figure out what we were thinking. Good luck to them. One of the things I’ve found most interesting, though, isn’t just where people came from. It’s how connected they were once they got here. The railroad didn’t simply bring people to Winters. It connected us to neighboring communities and to a much larger world. Agriculture created another web of relationships. Families, schools, businesses and community organizations crossed the boundaries we now use to distinguish one town from another. I’ve been thinking about those connections more as I’ve spent time in Capay Valley. The communities just north of Winters are small. So is Winters compared to our
bigger Yolo neighbors. We each have our own identities, histories and hometown pride, and we should celebrate them. But we also have a lot in common. We have farmers and business owners. We have volunteers and civic-minded residents. We have people who know how to make things happen, often with fewer resources and more determination than anyone should reasonably be expected to have. We also have something else: an incredible amount of internal knowledge. There are people in our communities who know the history, know the people, know the land, know the businesses and know how things work. There are longtime residents carrying knowledge that could easily be lost if we don’t pass it
to thank everyone in our community who helped support our pet food and supply drive for Meals on Wheels Yolo County’s “PAWS Days of Summer” campaign. Thank you to everyone who dropped off pet food, treats and supplies, as well as those who donated through our online wish list. Your generosity will help support local seniors and the pets they love. We are also grateful to Meals on Wheels Yolo County for giving us the opportunity to help make a difference. A special shoutout goes to Kathy Tuel, MOW Yolo Programs Manager, for picking up the donations and helping us share our campaign with the community. This project showed us that even small acts of kindness can make
a big difference. We encourage everyone to continue helping make the world a better place for seniors and their pets by supporting Meals on Wheels Yolo County and its programs. Thank you, Winters, for lending a helping paw! JAX COOPER, EVELYN JORDAN, REIA COOPER AND ELLA COOPER Winters Girl scout troops 1225 and 2744
FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20260202 7/16/2026 Business is located in YOLO County Fictitious Business: CEA DETAILING CUTTING EDGE AVIATION DETAILING Physical Address: 18388 COUNTY ROAD 85, ESPARTO CA, 95627 Mailing Address: Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s) & Physical Residential Address, State, and Zip: 1. CUTTING EDGE AVIATION DETAILING, LLC, 18388 COUNTY ROAD 85, ESPARTO CA 95627 CLASSIFICATION: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Starting Date of Business: 6/22/2026 /S/ JAKE DIA LAZARO If Corporation or LLC - Title of Officer Signing: MEMBER I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original document on file in this office. This certification is true as long as there are no alterations to the document, AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal. Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, State of California, County of Yolo AUGUST 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026 #91075
Send us your Letters The Winters Express encourages readers to submit letters of general interest to the
along. There are newer residents bringing ideas and energy. And there is a generation of young people who will eventually decide what these communities become next. That, to me, is where things get interesting. We sometimes talk about our communities as individual places: Winters. Esparto. Brooks. Capay. Rumsey. Guinda. But what happens when we zoom out? Together, we are part of Western Yolo County — a mighty little rural region connected by agriculture, history, geography and, most importantly, people. Maybe flourishing isn’t about becoming something entirely
new. Maybe it’s about recognizing what we already have, investing in it, making room for others and figuring out how to carry the best of it forward. Which brings me back to those archives. The best thing about an old newspaper isn’t necessarily learning what happened. It’s realizing how many people cared enough to make something happen in the first place. And then wondering what stories we’re creating now that someone, 50 or 100 years from today, will be curious enough to dig up. I hope they find some good ones.
Winters community. Letters contribute to community discussion. Express Letters to the Editor guidelines: Letters should not exceed 350 words. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. We accept “thank you” letters naming local individuals and businesses only. Non-local names will be edited out. “Thank you” notices containing non-local individuals or businesses must be published as paid advertising to: ads@wintersexpress.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for brev-
ity or clarity, or to reject any letter. Letters must be legibly signed by the writer. We reserve the right to determine legitimacy. Mail letters to: The Winters Express, PO Box 520, Winters, CA 95694, submit online at https://tinyurl.com/ syzevywd or visit wintersexpress.com.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CV2026-2305 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: JAYDEN MICHAEL PINKSTON filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name JAYDEN MICHAEL PINKSTON to Proposed name JAYDEN MICHAEL BLACKBURN THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 9/22/2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept. 13 Room: The address of the court is Yolo Superior Court 1000 Main Street, Woodland, CA 95695 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Winters Express Date: 8/5/2026 STEPHEN MOCK Judge of the Superior Court Publish AUGUST 12, 19, 26, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 #91336
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to satisfy Extra Space's lien, by selling personal property belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated. 975 F St. West Sacramento, CA 95605 on 9/8/2026 @11:00am: Angelica Flores; Jaymsey Smith; Shondala Spencer; Jewell Wilkins; Xavier Winn; Jameshia Morgan; Khaleah Foster; Rosemary Braxton; Delvin Threat; Carlton Whitted 3280 Jefferson Blvd. West Sacramento, CA 95691 on 9/8/2026 @11:00am: Vanessa Garcia; Brandon Crossley 1022 Gibson Rd Woodland, CA 95695 on 9/8/2026 @11:00am: Tracey Ammons; Laniya Dawson 19389 County Road 102 Woodland, CA 95776 on 9/8/2026 @2:00pm: Amanda Kennedy; Luis Garcia 1100 N 1 st St. Dixon, CA 95620 on 9/8/2026 @2:00pm: Terrion Johnson-Haywood; Cindy J Figueroa The auction will be listed and advertised o n www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. 8/26/26 CNS-4070024# THE WINTERS EXPRESS #91404
Winters Express, Wednesday, August 26, 2026 — B5
Sports Winters football ready to defend state title By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer The Warriors are back and ready to take the field for another exciting season of Winters High School football. On Friday, Aug. 14, the Warriors took the field against UPrep in a preseason scrimmage after just three weeks of practice. “Overall I thought the scrimmage went very well. It was just nice to finally get out there and compete against someone other than ourselves,” said varsity head coach Daniel Ward. Throughout the scrimmage, the Warriors worked through a variety of offensive and defensive lineups and plays, giving players the opportunity to practice game situations and make adjustments in a competitive setting. Defensively, the Warriors had just three returning starters from last year but still performed well. “I expect us to be very good on that side of the ball again this year. EJ Cruz has really stepped up as a leader and is going to
be one of the best defensive players in the section,” said Ward. Freshman Tony Passantino also received recognition after a strong scrimmage against UPrep. “Our defensive line is definitely the anchor of our defense with some of the best defensive lineman in the area including Kaimani Mayes, Anthony Garcia, Isaiah Redmond and Marc Gano.” While the Warriors’ defense has been a consistent strength over the past few seasons, the offense also showed promise during the scrimmage, despite losing starting quarterback Aidan Baylor to an injury very early in the matchup. “I was proud of our Foreign Exchange student Carlo Bellino Roci and Ty Mariani who both stepped into the role with little to no practice and did a great job. I also thought our line played great and Cruz and Joe Hawkins both ran the ball very hard,” said Ward. Bellino Roci made quite an impact after
taking over for Baylor at quarterback and rushing for two touchdowns, including a 65yard touchdown run. “His football IQ is through the roof and he has been a ton of fun to coach so far,” said Ward. Tracy Kalish also earned special recognition after moving from running back to center because of injuries and a lack of depth on the offensive line. Despite stepping into a new position, Kalish looked like a natural and was a force on the field throughout the scrimmage. Moving Kalish was the first of many adjustments the Warriors will need to make to find more depth throughout the season. “I feel like our starting 11 on both sides of the ball are very good, but we are paper thin at a lot of positions which is expected when we only have 24 players on our roster,” explained Ward. One of the biggest benefits of the scrimmage was the opportunity to get a large number of players
quality reps in gamelike situations, giving the Warriors valuable experience as they prepare for the start of the season. “It’s obviously a different year and a different team, but I was proud of the intensity and effort that they played with all night,” said Ward. One of the most consistent compliments the Warriors have received over the years is that few teams play as hard as they do. The physicality and grit that have defined the program in recent seasons remain strong, and both were on full display during the scrimmage against UPrep. The excitement surrounding the new season is undeniable, especially with last year’s state championship still fresh in everyone’s minds. But this is a new group of Warriors, and their own journey is just beginning. With the title of state champions comes heightened expectations, and this year’s players and coaches will likely feel the pressure of carrying
KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo
Tracy Kalish runs the ball during the Warriors’ preseason scrimmage against UPrep on Aug. 14. on the success of last season. “Every year is a new year. As proud as I am—and as we are as a program—of that accomplishment, that was last year’s team. I am excited to see what these guys can do. We know that hanging a championship banner puts a target on our backs and that we will get everyone’s best, but we are excited for the opportunity to defend our championship and get the season rolling,” concluded Ward. The 2026 Winters
High School football season officially begins Friday, Aug. 28, at the Winters High School football field. JV will kick off at 5:30 p.m., followed by varsity at 7:30 p.m.
One of the biggest factors that carried the Warriors through last season was the incredible support they felt from the community. Let’s get out there and show our Warriors the support Winters is known for and be there for the start of what is sure to be an incredible season.
Warriors find their footing as new volleyball lineup takes shape By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief The Winters High School Warriors opened the 2026 volleyball season with a pair of 3–0 losses, but head coach Jenne Myers said the young season has already provided plenty of opportunities for the team to grow. Winters opened Aug. 18 on the road against the Maxwell Panthers, falling 25–19, 25–8, 25–22. The Warriors then traveled to St. Helena on Aug. 20, where the Saints prevailed 25–18, 25–10, 25–15. While neither match resulted in a set victory for Winters, the Warriors showed stretches of competitive play as they
ELDER Continued from Page 1 two spent time attending social events at a yacht club in Stockton, taking cruises, traveling and dressing up for formal affairs. Grace also experi-
Dylan Saechao/Courtesy photo
A Winters Warrior rises to block a shot at the net during earlyseason volleyball action. worked through new rotations, positions and the growing pains of building a
enced profound loss. She lost her oldest daughter to colon cancer when her daughter was 53 and later lost a son to rhabdomyolysis when he was 63. Today, Grace enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren and
new lineup. “Although we weren’t able to pick up a set win, there were stretches of really competitive volleyball, including a 22–25 third set against Maxwell,” Myers said. The third set against the Panthers was particularly encouraging for the Warriors, who stayed within striking distance throughout before Maxwell closed out the match. MaxPreps also noted the third set as the closest of the match. Myers said defensively, Aylin Molina and Lexy Penunuri led the Warriors in digs. At the net, Robyn Wales and Taylor Vaughn contributed solo blocks
supporting them at their events and activities.
Life reflections Grace credits her grandmother with playing an important role throughout her life. Her grandmother was there for Grace
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and block assists. The early-season matches have given Winters an opportunity to establish its new combinations and build chemistry on the court. “We are still finding our footing, but the girls continue to show commitment to one another and a willingness to learn and adjust,” Myers said. “There is a lot of volleyball ahead of us, and we are looking forward to seeing the pieces come together as the season progresses.” The Warriors were scheduled to play their third consecutive road match Monday, Aug. 24, at Esparto. MaxPreps listed both
during her childhood and later when Grace's own children were born. A devoted Catholic, she helped guide Grace's faith and remained an important influence. Looking back on her life, Grace believes the most important lesson is simple: Love. Her advice to young people is to fill their lives with love and kindness. "In the long run, that's what it is all
teams at 0–2 entering the matchup, with Esparto having opened its season with a 3–1 loss to Buckingham Charter.
The Warriors will have a chance to continue building momentum in front of their home crowd Tuesday, Aug. 25, when they host the Dixon Bulldogs at 6 p.m. They will travel to Williams Thursday, Aug. 27, before returning home Sept. 1 to host the Rio Vista Rams. With a new lineup taking shape, Myers and the Warriors are looking forward to putting their early-season lessons into action — and fans can help cheer them on as the team finds its rhythm.
about," Grace says. She also believes love requires honesty and encourages young people to be thankful and practice gratitude. The Winters Express is featuring the eight 2026 Elder Day honorees, celebrating their lives, memories and contributions to the Winters community. To see the full list of honorees, visit https:// bit.ly/2026elderhonorees.
Woody Fridae/Courtesy photo
Grace Brett is one of eight 2026 Winters Elder Day honorees.
REALTY WORLD-CAMELOT WINTERS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Alexys Penunuri Alexys “Lexy” Penunuri, a Winters High School senior, is the Realty World – Camelot Winters Athlete of the Week. Penunuri has embraced a new role this season while taking on new rotations and positions. “She has shown tremendous growth, learned new rotations and positions, and has been outstanding in serve receive and defense with some great digs,” said varsity head volleyball coach Jenne Myers. Penunuri also brings a positive attitude to the court, consistently encouraging her teammates and willingly playing wherever she is needed. Her growth and team-first attitude make her a standout on the team.
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B6 — Winters Express, Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Arts & Entertainment Traveling Wilburys Revue comes to Winters Special to the Express Music history is full of “what-ifs,” but few are as legendary as the story of the Traveling Wilburys. When George Harrison needed to quickly record a B-side in 1988, he called on a few friends: Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne. What was intended to be a quick studio session turned into something much bigger, resulting in one of the most celebrated supergroups of all time. The only catch? Although they recorded two critically acclaimed albums, the Traveling Wilburys never performed a live concert. That musical void will be
filled locally on Saturday, Aug. 29, when Winters Live brings the Traveling Wilburys Revue to the historic Winters Opera House, giving fans a chance to experience the music of a concert that never happened. A night of classic rock The Traveling Wilburys Revue goes beyond recreating the short-lived supergroup’s studio recordings. The tribute act brings the collaboration to life while incorporating iconic hits from each member’s solo career. The evening will feature songs such as “Handle With Care” and “End of the Line,” along with favorites including Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’,” Roy
Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman,” Bob Dylan’s work and Electric Light Orchestra hits. The tribute features seasoned professional musicians whose experience helps capture the original group’s distinctive vocal harmonies, guitar work and classic-rock sound. The event will be held at the Winters Opera House, 13 Main St., on Saturday, Aug. 29. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a pre-show happy hour, with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at WintersLive.com. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit WintersLive.com.
Courtesy photo
The Traveling Wilburys Revue brings the music of the legendary supergroup to the Winters Opera House on Aug. 29.
Odd Fellows showcase local flavor Special to the Express The Davis Odd Fellows Lodge presents the 12th annual Taste of Davis and Yolo on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 415 Second St. in Davis. This has been the Odd Fellows’ successful signature event, and the club is pleased to offer it again this year. Local restaurants, wineries and breweries will provide “tastes” of their products for participants to try for $20. The tastes will be from the Buckhorn Meat Co., Mercado-Davis (formerly Westgate Market),
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Local restaurants, wineries and breweries will be at the Taste of Davis and Yolo on Sept. 27 at the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge. Great Bear Vineyards, Dunloe Brewing, Tommy J’s Grill, Turkovich Wines, Curry Kabab Paradise, Hunan Bar and Chinese Restaurant, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, North African Passion, Ludy's
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BBQ, Delish Pizza, and more. “This will be a great evening of delicious food, local wines, craft beers and community spirits,” a news release said. “Come join us, we welcome your support.” The Odd Fellows Lodge is a community service organization that has been in existence in the United States since 1819, and in Davis since 1870. It works with local organizations to build and strengthen the community through service and social events. Proceeds from this event will go toward Meals on Wheels Yolo and STEAC, the Short Term Emergency Aid Committee; the goal of these organizations is to help people avoid food insecurity. For information, visit https://www.davislodge.org/. The Taste of Davis and Yolo is sponsored by Sterling Koliba, Peter Jensen, Joe Trotter, Nicole Davis and David Cougevan — Edward Jones financial advisors who live in the community; and by members of the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge.
THE DEVILBISS ROOM
An abundance of homegrown fruits and vegetables can be donated to local organizations that distribute fresh produce to food-insecure residents. Courtesy photo
GARDENER Continued from Page 1 blinds when they see you walking up the street with yet another box of zucchini. There are a number of places to donate extra fruits and vegetables throughout the year that would help feed our food-insecure neighbors with fresh, locally grown produce. A Yolo Food Bank survey from 2024 found that 30 percent of Yolo County residents are food insecure. For families with children, that increases to 40 percent, so there is plenty of need, and fresh food is a premium. It must be clean and relatively sound but does not need to pass the cosmetic standards you would
normally see in a grocery store. • RISE Inc., 417 Haven St., Winters: Accepts donations Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. • Yolo Food Bank, 233 Harter Ave., Woodland: Accepts donations from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call ahead at 530-668-0690 to let them know what you will be bringing so a staff member can be there to assist you. • Community Harvest of Davis: A nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that harvests fruit from residential trees and donates it to agencies that feed people in need. Call 530-7599792. • Woodland Community Harvest: A
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UPCOMING EVENTS 27 TAP ROOM OPEN • 3pm - 8pm AUG
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Buckhorn BBQ Food Truck • 4pm - 8pm Tap room open 3pm - 8pm. Multi-award winning cold craft beer made onsite can be enjoyed on our outdoor, family and dog friendly patio.
29 Hefty’s Gyros Food Truck • 12pm - 6pm
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Tap room open 12pm - 6pm. Multi-award winning cold craft beer made onsite can be enjoyed on our outdoor, family and dog friendly patio.
Buckhorn BBQ Food Truck • 12pm - 6pm Tap room open 12pm - 6pm. Multi-award winning cold craft beer made onsite can be enjoyed on our outdoor, family and dog friendly patio.
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nonprofit, volunteer organization that harvests extra fruit and vegetables from backyards and small farms, then passes them along to local charities to feed those in need. Email wcharvest@yahoo. com. Garden, • Grace 1620 Anderson Road, Davis: Located behind the Methodist Church, Grace Garden grows and donates vegetables and fruit to community meals. Volunteer gardeners are there Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m. June through September and 9 to 11 a.m. October through May. You can drop off your extras with them. • Davis Community Meals and Housing, Paul’s Place, 1111 H St., Davis: Accepts donations of fresh food from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. • Davis Food Co-op Free Fridge, 620 G St., Davis: A free refrigerator is located outside on the left side of the front of the building. Donations can simply be left in the refrigerator for anyone to use. • Three Sisters Garden, 317 Fifth St., West Sacramento: Accepts donations of homegrown fruit only — no vegetables — on Wednesdays from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays from 8 to 10 a.m. at the farm. Food • Woodland Closet, 420 Grand Ave., Woodland: Accepts donations from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Contact them ahead of time at 530-662-7020 so they know you are coming. Most of these organizations will also accept donations of nonperishable food and, of course, financial assistance in addition to your fresh produce. Have a gardening question? Send it to jmbaumbach@ucanr. edu, with “Ask MGs” in the subject line. Include as much detail as possible and pictures if you have them.