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Fireworks firm faces $221K in fines News, Page 2
YCOE earns statewide recognition Features, Page 1
Volume 142, Number 45 — Locally-owned since 1884
The hometown paper of John D. Collado
Winters, Yolo County, California, Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Winters water tests above new standard City says no immediate risk to residents By Sonora Slater Express staff writer
EXPRESS
On Dec. 8, families with children in the Winters Joint Unified School District received a message from the district about a non-emergency water quality issue. The city will include the same notice with the next water bill. Recent tests of Winters’ well water show levels of hexavalent chromium above the state’s newly updated standard. Hexavalent chromium is an odorless, tasteless heavy metal that occurs naturally and through industrial processes. Long-term exposure to certain concentrations has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. As recently as five years ago, Winters’ water was well within the maximum contaminant level set by California’s State Water Resources Control Board, then 50 parts per billion (ppb). By comparison, total chromium levels in 2021 averaged 10 ppb, and 18 ppb in 2020. In October 2024, the board enacted a new maximum for hexavalent chromium of 10 ppb. Recent tests show Winters’ water exceeding that limit: samples taken in March 2025 measured 21, 19, and 14 ppb, and October 2025 samples reached 23 and 11 ppb. City Manager Jeremy Craig emphasized
that residents do not need an alternative water source. “It is important to point out nothing has changed in the actual water quality,” Craig said. He also noted that the federal government allows up to 100 ppb, nearly five times higher than current readings in Winters. “A few of our wells are in the teens and low 20s, so they’re still at nearly one-fifth of the federal standard.” The city is working with an outside firm on a long-term plan to address the issue. A water system the size of Winters’ will not be considered in violation of the new state standard until Oct. 1, 2027. Officials plan to reach compliance by that date. Potential solutions include removing wells from service or adding treatment, but no plan has been chosen yet. The city council will review options at an upcoming meeting, possibly in January 2026, with public input to follow. Any financial impact on water bills remains uncertain and will depend on the solution the council selects. The state clarified it will not cover costs, so water rates may rise in coming years, with any changes subject to a transparent public process.
The Grinch takes a spin down Main Street on a tractor during Winters’ 11th annual Tractor Parade on Saturday, Dec. 5. Logan Chrisp/ Winters Express
Holiday Tractor Parade attracts thousands By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer On Saturday, Dec. 6, Winters once again welcomed the community downtown for the 11th annual Tractor Parade and Festival. From Haven Street to First Street, dozens of tractors rolled down Main Street toward Rotary Park, drawing an estimated 12,000 spectators — far surpassing last year’s 4,000 to 5,000. The parade began with Winters Police Chief John P. Miller in his cruiser and ended with the Turkovich Family Wines’ flame-throwing hot air balloon basket, taking roughly an hour to pass through the streets. The festival continued beyond the parade with packed restaurants, food trucks, and photos with Santa in Rotary Park. Miller called the event high-
By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief
Due to the holiday schedule, the Winters Planning Commission will hold a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. The regularly scheduled Winters City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Winters Joint Unified School District is transitioning to a new hotspot service provider to ensure reliable internet access for students. Families currently using district-issued T-Mobile hotspots should be aware that service for these devices will be discontinued on Dec. 30. To avoid interruptions, families can exchange T-Mobile hotspots for new AT&T devices at the Winters JUSD District Office, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Index Classifieds ................... B-4 Community .................. A-2
We at he r
Families are encouraged to pick up replacement devices before Winter Break begins on Dec. 19. “The AT&T hotspots do provide slightly better coverage based on maps in the most rural parts of Winters, but that is still being confirmed as we begin distribution,” said Raena Lavelle, director of technology services for Winters JUSD. “Winters JUSD is proud to provide hotspots to families in need at no cost to them.” The switch to AT&T is part of a funding and contract de-
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Members of Winters Girl Scout Troops 1225 and 2744 are partnering with Meals on Wheels Yolo County to support its annual “Passion for PAWS” pet food and supply drive, now through Dec. 28. Community members are invited to donate pet food or essential supplies for dogs and cats at two local drop-off booths or through an online wish list. Girl Scouts will host two donation collection stations outside Hooby’s Brewing in Winters (9 E Main Street, Suite J, in Winters) on: • Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1:30
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Eventos hispanos ....... A-4
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Opinion ......................... B-4
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Rain for week: 0.05 in. Season’s total: 6.02 in. Last sn. to date: 4.36 in. Winters rainfall season began 7/1/25. Weather readings are taken at 9 a.m. daily by local weatherman Joe Bristow.
cision. Last year, the federal E-rate program announced it would cover hotspots, prompting Winters JUSD to put out a bid, which AT&T won. However, federal funding guidelines changed, meaning hotspots would no longer be covered. The district, bound by contract, moved forward with AT&T. The new devices also include filtered access, allowing students to use only academic content and blocking entertainment sites like
See ACCESS, Page 5
Girl Scouts collect pet supplies for seniors
Date
Dec. 07
Sports ........................... B-5
ly successful but noted issues with people “claiming” spots on both sides of the street by roping off areas with seats, tents, rope, and even a couch. “This is illegal and a potential safety issue,” Miller said. “Moving forward, this will not be allowed and will be enforced to not set up prior to the 3 p.m. road closure and, in
Winters JUSD swaps student hotspot providers
City meetings
Features ........................ B-1
Logan Chrisp/Winters Express
Mrs. Claus helped Santa to greet children at the Rotary Park Gazebo.
all cases, shall not interfere with sidewalks.” Miller also told the Express that witnesses saw a vehicle “ramming” a water-filled k-rail in an attempt to bypass it, knocking over two children in a wagon in the process. “The vehicle left the scene, but the witness got the license plate. We received no reports from the possible victims, but a report was taken to document (WPD Case No. 25-433),” he said. Despite the antics of a few, the festivities continued long into the chilly night. Mr. and Mrs. Claus posed for photos with children at the Rotary Park Gazebo, while vendors sold items including kettle corn, light-up balloons and T-shirts. With the elf hunt, community Christmas Tree, and parade, Winters is once again kicking off the holiday season with a bang.
to 3:30 p.m. • Saturday, Dec. 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. Supporters may also contribute by ordering from the Amazon Wish List at bit.ly/gspetdrive2025 or by searching “Winters GS Pet Drive 2025” on Amazon’s registry. The Girl Scouts are seeking donations of dog and cat food and treats for all ages, sizes and breeds, along with essential supplies such as food and water dishes, toys, collars, leashes and more. Senior Girl Scout Jackelyn Cooper of Troop 1225, who has
See PETS, Page 5
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