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Volume 143, Number 04 — Locally-owned since 1884
Proposed ordinance aims to simplify weed abatement, boost fire prevention
City welcomes new police officers
By Sonora Slater Express staff writer
Crystal Apilado/Winters Express
Winters Police Chief John P. Miller (left) welcomed Officer Jose Avendano and Sgt. Brett Bennett during the Feb. 17 Winters City Council meeting. Assistant city clerk Zorina Treat (right) administered the oath of office.
Board responds to student protest, assesses dashboard progress By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer Following a student-led “ICE Walkout” last Tuesday, the Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees, Superintendent and community members addressed the events during their Thursday, Feb. 19, meeting.
Board addresses protest
EXPRESS
Board President Joedy Michael opened the meeting by acknowledging staff and police officers for their efforts during the walkout and in managing tensions after counter-protesters arrived. “As the walkout progressed, tensions escalated. Conduct involving aggression and inappropriate personal behavior, whether by students or adults, was disappointing,” Michael said. Winters JUSD Su-
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perintendent Rody Boonchouy noted that the protest was not a school-sponsored event but a student-led action. “California Education Code protects students’ rights to free speech and civic expression, and we respect those rights. At the same time, student safety remains our highest priority,” Boonchouy said. He added that district staff provided supervision during the event and coordinated with local law enforcement to maintain a safe environment. “We believe student voice matters. Civic participation and civil discourse are essential in a democracy. We want our students to learn how to express their views thoughtfully, listen to differing perspectives, and engage in ways that are peaceful and respectful,” Boonchouy said. “We do not condone violence, and we expect all civic engagement to be grounded in nonviolence and mutual respect.” During public com-
We at he r Rain
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Eventos hispanos ....... A-5
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Opinion ......................... B-5
Feb. 24
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Rain for week: 0.81 in. Season’s total: 16.40 in. Last sn. to date: 17.29 in.
Community .................. A-2
Sports ........................... B-6
Winters rainfall season began 7/1/25. Weather readings are taken at 9 a.m. daily by local weatherman Joe Bristow.
Courtesy photo
Charity golf tournament to benefit WHS golf team Two Winters High School seniors are working to raise funds to purchase new equipment and other needed supplies for the WHS golf team through the inaugural charity golf tournament for their senior capstone project. Seniors Luke Felsen and Lane Brown are inviting the community to grab their clubs and tee off at the Senior Scramble on April 6 at the Yolo Fliers Club. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the WHS All Sports Boosters Club — Golf Team. Felsen, who competed on the first WHS golf team last year and
plans to play again this season, said that as a brand-new program, the team had to make do with what was available or affordable. He said he was inspired to help raise money to provide better equipment. “One thing I noticed when we went to all of the tournaments is how well-funded the other teams were compared to us. They all had matching bags, matching club push carts — all of that stuff,” Felsen said. “I could clearly tell how that impacted their playing and confidence. They looked like a cohesive team. We had to bring our own clubs and carry them around.” Brown said this will be his first
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It also lays out clear procedures for enforcement, timelines for notices and compliance, and processes for appeals. The ordinance grants the city authority to perform abatement if property owners fail to comply by the set deadline, a process similar to what has been in place in recent years. Council members generally supported the ordinance, offering only a few suggestions, including adding language emphasizing abatement of dry weeds over well-watered, green lawns. The measure will next return to the council for a first reading. The Winters Express will publish another article with more details about the ordinance and answers to reader questions.
Winters High School seniors Lane Brown (left) and Luke Felsen are organizing the inaugural Senior Scramble golf tournament on April 6 to raise funds for the WHS golf team. Proceeds will help purchase new equipment and supplies for the team as part of the seniors’ capstone project.
Editor-in-Chief
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At the Feb. 17 city council meeting, Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III introduced an ordinance to amend the weed abatement portion of the Winters Municipal Code, aiming to standardize related rules and enforcement procedures. If approved, the new guidelines will be shared with the public on social media, on the city website, and as printed copies available at city hall. “I want to make it as easy as possible for the community to understand the rules, to reduce frustration and increase compliance,” Chief Snyder said. Winters’ weed abatement requirements are primarily aimed at fire prevention, which is why the typical final deadline
is July 4 — a holiday known for fire risk. That deadline is expected to remain the same, though Chief Snyder said the start of the abatement season may shift depending on annual precipitation levels. If passed, this year’s season could begin as early as late April or early May, giving homeowners ample time to ask questions and come into compliance. The proposed ordinance includes specific regulations for properties of various sizes: one acre or smaller residential lots, one-to-five acre properties, larger parcels, and emergency vehicle access areas. Rules cover maximum weed height (3 inches), removal of weeds along fence lines and sidewalks, and maintaining clearances around structures.
By Crystal Apilado
Feb. 18
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ment, Winters Middle School student Gianna Wroten explained that the protest aimed to support those targeted by ICE. “Our intentions were to show we want a better way for other people to be trusted, and that they have a right to stay in our country,” Wroten said. “That was the message we were trying to convey.” She also apologized for the behavior of some participants. “I want to apologize for some of the behavior and for the fact that some people got a little distracted from what we’re actually fighting and protesting for,” Wroten said. Parent Bonnie Roy thanked the board for their response to the walkout and expressed appreciation for the district’s leadership. “I’m glad my child is growing up with examples of respectful, caring, responsible leadership. I just wanted to thank you all for what you’re
Index Features ........................ B-1
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Winters, Yolo County, California, Wednesday, February 25, 2026
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