Winters Express: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Planning Commission approves concrete casting facility proposal

Project heads to city council for final approval

By Sonora Slater Express staff writer

The first Winters Planning Commission meeting of the new year focused on early plans for a new concrete pre-stress casting facility and batch plant in the Winters industrial district on County Road 90, northeast of town.

The item before the planning commission was the consideration of a recommendation to approve a Planned Development permit to the Winters City Council. The proposed project would span 29.29 acres and employ about 100 workers, approximately half of whom are expected to be hired locally. According to city planner Kelly

Mumper, the project is consistent with the city’s goals as outlined in the Winters General Plan, particularly in its potential to create employment opportunities.

Potential concerns associated with the project include significantly increased traffic in the area, noise pollution and dust. However, Mumper said all concerns raised during the meeting have been considered and addressed in some manner.

“All the concerns that have been raised are addressed either by the environmental study, the traffic study or the conditions of approval,” Mumper said.

Some road improvements are included within the conditions of approval to help offset the increased traffic load, but contract city engineer Alan Mitchell said the burden of maintaining the road will still fall on the city. Plans also

include planting a row of trees to help mitigate noise from heavy equipment operations, particularly for the nearby planned Farmstead housing development.

Winters resident Kate Laddish requested that some non-deciduous trees be included to ensure the barrier remains effective during winter months. Regarding concerns about silica dust, Mumper said the trees should also help filter dust in the air, but noted that specifics

Homelessness in focus as council explores regional solutions

Councilmembers call for regional collaboration

By Sonora Slater Express staff writer

The first City Council meeting of 2026 included the beginning of an open discussion about the current state of homelessness in Winters, featuring presentations by the police chief, fire chief and public works staff before opening to a conversation about potential solutions and next steps.

Police Chief John P. Miller said there are usually around six to eight unsheltered individuals in Winters, and that the number tends to remain fairly static, although in-

dividuals come and go. Exact numbers, however, are difficult to determine.

The annual Point-inTime count, which is intended to estimate homeless populations in each municipality, includes Winters within “Rural Yolo County” and does not account for individuals living on the Solano County side of Putah Creek near downtown Winters. The count also takes place in January each year, resulting in different metrics than if it were conducted during warmer months.

The Winters Police Department’s response to homelessness is called Homeless Outreach and Police Engagement, or HOPE. The program involves identifying and making contact with unsheltered individuals, providing them with a resource packet or connecting them directly with services, and then serving notice of il-

legal encampments with a timeline to move. Miller noted that many individuals are resistant to available resources.

Mayor Albert Vallecillo said he is interested in connecting with Yolo County to discuss its team of trained Navigators, who work to build relationships of trust with homeless individuals and help connect them with resources. He said such an approach could allow the police department to focus its resources on other tasks around the city.

Council member Jesse Loren also supported exploring county assistance for homeless outreach, noting that it can be difficult to connect people with resources locally in a small city.

“We’re not in a position to provide services here, but nearby cities have robust

about the type of dust produced will not be known until later in the development process, when those issues can be more fully addressed.

“I’m very happy with this

By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief

Winters Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi was recognized Jan. 29 at a Yolo LAFCo (Yolo Local Agency Formation Commission) special meeting for his years of service to the agency.

Biasi, who has served as a city member commissioner for Winters on Yolo LAFCo for the past three years, most recently held the position of LAFCo chair for two years.

“I have really appreciated his calm, respectful approach while

leading the board. He is also thoughtful and it is clear that he has always studied each issue thoroughly,” said Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs, who serves on LAFCo as a county member commissioner alongside Supervisor Oscar Villegas.

Biasi previously told the Express that LAFCo commissioners “represent interests countywide as a whole, not the interests of any appointing agency. Members

By Lauren Keene McNaughton Media

Investigators with Cal Fire-Office of the State Fire Marshal found “evidence of illegal activities” at the scene of a deadly fireworks explosion and fire in Esparto,

handed over to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office as part of its ongoing criminal investigation into the July 1 incident — dubbed the Oakdale Fire — that killed seven employees and caused significant damage to surrounding properties.

“After months of investigation, our Arson and Bomb investigators have compiled a report

WFoL sets Quiz Show practice dates

Special to the Express

The Winters Friends of the Library will host its (nearly) annual Quiz Show fundraiser on Friday, March 13, at 7 p.m. at the Winters Community Center. Teams of five people will compete in trivia questions across 12 categories and three rounds to win a $200 prize and have their team name engraved on the perpetual trophy.

To get ready for the competition, WFoL is hosting two practice rounds at the Berryessa Gap Winery downtown tasting room. The first is on Friday, Feb. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m., and the second session is on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the same time. All are invited to see

what the game is all about. Popcorn will be provided, and you are welcome to enjoy the Gap wine. Questions from previous years will be used to whet one’s appetite for the official quiz show on March 13. Questions such as: Who played the bad guy opposite Audrey Hepburn in Wait Until Dark? How many symphonies did Beethoven write? What light-hearted Lord of the Rings character is married to Goldberry in the novel but was left out of the movie? What street is between Abbey and Baker?

Sign-up forms for the Quiz Show are available at the Winters Community Library along with rules and procedures. Forms are

also available at the door on the night of the event, and contestants may sign up then for an extra charge. The first allteen groups will be sponsored by WFoL and will be free of charge to the participants.

The public is invited to come and watch for a $5 donation and to root for their favorite competitors. Snacks will be provided and beer and wine will be available for sale. All proceeds go to programs and materials for our local library.

For more information, please call Rebecca Fridae at 530-723-0529.

Answers to the questions above are: Alan Arkin, nine, Tom Bombadil, and Edwards.

Portal event returns to Woodland this month

Special to the Express

The Portal is returning for its third year in downtown Woodland on Feb. 28.

This event, presented by Norse Herb Company and Soul Garden Holistic Healing, will take place from 12 to 5 p.m. on Main Street between College and Second Street and First Street between

Bush and Main. Its purpose is to celebrate the rich history of Woodland and its founding in 1871. Attendees can look forward to arts and crafts vendors, historic ghost tours, paranormal investigator ghost stories, insect pinning classes, a Dracula-themed vampire meet up, billiard and card

play, a photo booth, an Edgar Allen Poe lounge, youth mariachi performances, make and take nosegay bouquets, live Irish music, jewelry presentations, tarot card readings, a horror book swap, live harp music, as well as antiques shopping.

Victorian and Gold Rush era cosplay is encouraged. Admission is free and open to all ages except for the vampire meet up and insect-pinning class.

For tickets, visit https://www.event brite.com/e/theportal-marketplace -and-extravaganza -tickets-197745 3325127?aff= ebdssbdestsearch.

Winters students tune up for musical adventures

Special to the Express

Students in the performance arts programs at Winters Middle and High Schools are in the homestretch of fundraising for upcoming musical experiences and are looking to the community for support.

Winters Middle School

Students in Winters Middle School’s advanced band and choir are raising funds for an educational trip to Disneyland, which will include a musical workshop, performances, and a tour of the UCLA campus. The community can support their journey by enjoying a family meal from Putah Creek Café.

The group’s family dinner fundraiser will take place every Thursday in February. Meals, designed to feed four or more people, are available for pick-up. All proceeds benefit the band’s trip, helping cover transportation, lodging, and workshop participation. Community members are encouraged to place orders by Wednesday each week to ensure they can support the fundraiser.

Weekly menu:

• Feb. 5: Tri-tip sandwich kit — charred tritip sliced thin, caramelized onions, rolls, au jus, pasta salad

• Feb. 12: Cajun jambalaya and cornbread

• Feb. 19: Chicken Marsala, rustic mashed potatoes,

mixed green salad

• Feb. 26: Chicken Alfredo, pasta, Caesar salad, bread

With support from the Winters Music Boosters, students are also selling music-themed t-shirts and polo shirts to raise funds and showcase their performing arts pride. Orders can be placed online through Feb. 21 at https://bit.ly/ musicshirts2026.

Winters High School

The WHS band is preparing for its upcoming performance at the Music in the Parks Competition at Universal Studios Hollywood by hosting drop-in musical classes for elementary-aged students. Music students and WHS music director Mike Williams will lead fun musical games and songs. Remaining classes are scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 4 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 14, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Pioneer Church’s Wesley Hall, 205 Russell St. The cost is a $5 donation per class. Donations for the WHS Band Universal Trip can also be made online at https://bit.ly/ whsbandtrip2026.

Fortnightly sets community blood drive dates

Express staff

The Winters Fortnightly Club, in partnership with Vitalant, has announced the dates for the 2026 Winters Community Blood Drives and is encouraging residents to mark their calendars and consider donating.

Blood drives will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Winters Community Center on the following Mondays: March 16, May 11, July 6, Sept. 7 and Nov. 9. Fortnightly blood drive coordinators say an adequate blood supply must be available every day, even before emergencies arise.. Winter storms, foggy conditions and other unexpected events can reduce donor turnout, making advance donations especially important.

Eligible donors of all blood types are needed, with particular demand for type O blood, which can be used in a wide range of emergency situations. Donations also support patients with ongoing medical needs, including those undergoing cancer treatment, surgeries or managing chronic illnesses. Vitalant, a nonprofit blood services provider, notes that a single donation can help save up to three lives, offering donors a direct way to support patients and help keep families together. Appointments are encouraged. More information about eligibility and scheduling is available through Vitalant.

Cabaldon to speak at League luncheon

Special to the Express

lo.org/soc-2026/#registration by Monday, Feb. 16.

California state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-West Sacramento, will be the featured speaker at the League of Women Voters of Yolo County’s annual State of the Community Luncheon on Friday, Feb. 27.

The event will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Yolo Event Center, 1225 E. Kentucky Ave. in Woodland. Registration is required at lwvyo-

This year’s event is the 32nd State of the Community Luncheon hosted by the local League as its annual fundraiser. Funds will go to support their ongoing nonpartisan voter education efforts and the League’s 2026 initiative to expand outreach to all corners of the County, including youth, rural and low-voting-participation residents.

YESTERYEAR

Express staff

The water level of Lake Berryessa increased by 0.10 feet over the past week, resulting in a difference of 40,147 acre-feet of water storage, according to Eric Johnson, Operations at Solano Irrigation District – Putah Diversion Office. On the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 3, he reported that the lake elevation was 436.81 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,449,572 acrefeet. The SID released 57 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 35 cubic feet flowing into lower Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 29 acre-feet of water per day.

130 Years Ago

February 8, 1896

George North reports 21.27 inches of rain for the month of January, at his place, three miles west of town, and 29.94 for the season. The entertainment to be given by the directors of the Winters Free Library tonight will be one of the highest order of merit and should be well patronized at the Opera House. Mrs. Caldwell and Mrs. Bessie Sinclair will sing, and Mrs. Grace Bugg, an elocutionist from the East, will recite two selections.

J.M. McClure’s blacksmith shop was broken into last Monday night and a half keg of horseshoes was taken.

Miss Emma Lechleiter went to Santa Cruz last Sunday afternoon to attend the wedding of a cousin living there.

Robert Morrison, Dr. Stipp, W. G. Reed and H. C. Culton went to Woodland last Tuesday to appear before the Board of Supervisors in the interest of the anti-saloon petition.

95 Years Ago

Years Ago

Dispatches from the Express archives.

February 6, 1931

A hearing was held at Monticello on Tuesday on the application of the Monticello freight and passenger stage line for an extension of their franchise to permit the line to run between Monticello and Sacramento through Winters and Davis. Veachel Richey had three stitches taken in his foot Tuesday after gashing his right arch while chopping wood at the Harry Sackett place. Mrs. Bertha Young, teacher at Wolfskill school, says that the continuance of school was threatened last week by the large number of absences on account of sickness.

R.B. Bigelow and son, Jack went to Berkeley Saturday to see the new grandson, Charles Rene VII.

80 Years Ago

Rachel Woods rachel@hrbai.com

PO Box 520, Winters, CA 95694 530-795-4551 Se habla español. news@wintersexpress.com Editorial

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

February 9, 1946

At the regular meeting of the Winters Service Club, held Monday evening, the members voted unanimously to change the name of the club to Winters District Chamber of Commerce.

James McClish has completed remodeling the former T.D. Cox home on the Winters-Davis highway purchased by him a year ago. The two-story residence now has two modern apartments. The lower floor will be occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Holmes while Mr. and Mrs. William Singleton will occupy the upper apartment.

After four long years of war, the Winters Service Club is attempting to again revive Youth Day. W. D. Skinner, chairman of the Youth Day Service Club Committee, has called a meeting for 8 p.m. Feb. 11 in the City Hall.

Warren G. Tufts, son of Dr. Warren P. Tufts of Davis, was in Winters Friday. He plans to move to Winters to work on his father’s farm.

45 Years Ago

February 5, 1981

Winters High School students elected four Youth Day officials last week and named the

sweetheart and her attendants for the annual event, to take place this year on Saturday, April 25. Matt Brickey was chosen as Youth Day mayor, John Singh as clerk, Mike Sebastian as treasurer and Sean Eldridge as judge. Senior Jennifer Muller was chosen as Youth Day sweetheart. Her attendants will be senior Sharon Wright, junior Stacy Stewart, sophomore Claudette Adams and Freshman Lisa Adams. A fire of unknown origin caused major damage to Hough’s Texaco station and store on the Solano side of Putah Creek bridge early Wednesday morning. Damage was estimated at between $50,000 and $75,000. The fire was discovered by the Winters Police Department, who noticed the smoke across the creek, shortly after 1 a.m. Police Chief Steve Godden spoke on Jan. 28 to members of the Soroptimist Club when they met for lunch at the Buckhorn, telling of the need to raise more money to operate the city when the state’s bailout money ceases. Linda Gonzales was named the Beta Alpha Beta sorority sweetheart of the year when the members met at the home of Shirley Rominger for dinner on Tuesday evening. Co-hostesses were Joan Martinez, Linda Gonzales, Janet Kimes and Betty Biasi. Mrs. Gonzales was presented with a crown, a cape, a heart-shaped necklace and an arm bouquet.

Public Safety Report

City of Winters

Fire

Jan. 21: 10:12 a.m., Dutton Street, False alarm or false call (other)

~12:07 p.m., Buckeye Road/County Road 29a, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~12:18 p.m., Edwards Street/Fourth Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~2:08 p.m., Purtell Court, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Jan. 22: 1:27 p.m., Orchard Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~5:13 p.m., PG&E Way/E. Grant Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Jan. 23: 2:02 a.m., Second Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~12:19 p.m., Abbey Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~2:33 p.m., Ramos Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~3:06 p.m., Morgan Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~4:11 p.m., El Camino, Investigation

~10 p.m., E. Baker Street, False alarm or false call (other)

Jan. 24: 11:23 a.m., Chapman Street, Person in distress (other)

~9:45 p.m., Owings Court, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Jan. 25: 2:53 p.m., Grant Avenue/Rail-

road Avenue, Electrical Hazard

~5:17 p.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Jan. 26: 7:15 a.m., Railroad Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~2:11 p.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~5:13 p.m., Edwards St / 3rd St, Smoke Investigation

~9 p.m., E. Main Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~9:05 p.m., Orchard Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Jan. 27: 8:11 a.m., E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

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

Police Report Log

Jan. 20: 6:30 a.m., 500th block of Edwards Street, Burglary

Jan. 21: 2:28 p.m., 30000th block of Russel Boulevard, Found Property- Outside Agency Assist ~3:20 p.m., 700th block of Matsumoto Lane, Missing Person

Jan. 24: 9:03 a.m., 1000th block of Taylor Street, Found Property

Jan. 27: 11:45 a.m., 400th block of First Street, Fraud View the Winters Police Department Arrest and Report Logs, visit cityofwinters.org/289/ Report-Arrest-Log

services,” Loren said.

Continued from Page One

Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi, however, cautioned that individuals who are resource-resistant may not be open to working with Navigators and noted that the team would likely not be able to connect with those living on the Solano County side of the creek.

A partnership with Solano County that would allow the Winters Police Department to enforce an illegal camping ordinance on the Solano side of the creek was suggested, but Miller said Yolo County would likely be unwilling to spend money and resources on enforcement efforts across the county line.

Speaking from another perspective, Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III said the Winters Fire Department responded to about eight calls related to homelessness in 2024, out of approximately 1,000 total calls for service. Those calls included several fires and smoke investigations, as well as three medical aid responses. Much of Winters’ homeless population lives near the bridge or along the creek, which Snyder said presents a fire risk.

“Our worst fear for the area is a fire near the bridge because there is so much vegetation there,” Snyder said.

Public Works Director Eric Lucero provided an

ESPARTO

Continued from Page 1

that reflects the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s commitment to uncovering what happened in Esparto,” State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant said in a news release. “This complex investigation took many turns as new information emerged, but the team diligently followed leads and gathered the facts that form the basis of the report.”

Berlant noted that local, state and federal agencies assisted in preparing Cal Fire’s report, and that the agency would continue to support the Yolo DA’s Office as it “determines next steps.”

District Attorney Jeff Reisig confirmed Monday his office’s pending receipt of the report and that “the investigation and review is ongoing. That’s all we have for now.”

Monday’s announcement from Cal Fire comes seven months after the massive explosion at County Roads 23 and 86A — property owned by several Yolo County Sheriff’s Office employees, at which two

“I feel tremendous compassion for people experiencing homelessness, but I strongly support removing campsites along the creek.”

Phil Stevens, Putah Creek Council executive director

overview of the extensive resources his department uses to clean up trash near the creek each month, much of which is associated with homeless encampments. Cleanups typically require a crew and a backhoe, and staff also coordinate with the Solano County Sheriff’s Office to address trash on the opposite bank, which is outside Yolo County’s jurisdiction.

“It’s very time-consuming for us,” Lucero said. “It’s amazing the amount of garbage that collects in a short period of time.”

Several council members agreed that including Solano County in discussions about next steps is essential, given the need for coordination on both enforcement and cleanup efforts.

Environmental concerns were also raised. Resident Kate Laddish shared concerns about human waste accumulation near the

businesses, Devastating Pyrotechnics LLC and BlackStar Fireworks, operated multiple fireworks storage facilities despite its zoning for agricultural use only.

Although Yolo County officials initially claimed they had no knowledge of the fireworks operations, emails released in August in response to media Public Records Act requests revealed that several county building division employees became aware of the pyrotechnics activity years ago but took no enforcement action.

In late December, the county found itself on the receiving end of more than a dozen multimillion-dollar claims from the victims’ families and owners of neighboring properties damaged by the explosion and resulting 78-acre fire.

Some of them allege the existence of a “county coverup” in which the involved parties were “allowed to violate state and county law and regulations because of the close relationship between the owners of the property and county officials.”

creek and individuals bathing in the water, while emphasizing the importance of balancing environmental protection with human dignity.

“Really, we’re all one to three steps away from homelessness,” Laddish said. “So I appreciate continued engagement on this topic.”

Phil Stevens, Putah Creek Council executive director, echoed those sentiments.

“Restoration efforts have been working at Putah Creek, and the increase of illegal camping is threatening this,” Stevens said. “I feel tremendous compassion for people

The claims are the precursors to any civil lawsuits that might be pursued. Yolo County Counsel Phil Pogledich said Tuesday that the county continues to review the documents and has until Feb. 14 to either settle the allegations or reject the claims, the latter action clearing the way for a lawsuit’s filing in court.

Claims filed on behalf of the employees who died in the blast seek as much as $35 million in damages for lost earnings and general damages for causes of action including negligence, public nuisance, infliction of emotional distress and unfair business practices.

“These deaths were unnecessary had government officials performed their mandatory duties as required by law. These entities and individuals. allowed fireworks to be stored at a facility which was not permitted and that was operating illegally,” attorneys from four law firms representing the victims’ families said in a news release. “This was known by state and county employees

experiencing homelessness, but I strongly support removing campsites along the creek.”

Years ago, camping along the creek banks was deterred naturally by blackberry bushes. The bushes, an invasive species, were later removed to create a nature park for public use and to allow for the replanting of native species. While the council expressed a desire to maintain clear creek access for recreation on the Winters side, members noted that the Solano County bank is not typically used for recreation. One potential solution discussed, pending collaboration with

who instead turned a blind eye due to a culture where friends are not subjected to the same oversight as the rest of us, this was the true cause of this tragedy.”

In addition to Yolo County, the claims call out Cal Fire, which had granted (and revoked following the explosion) pyrotechnics licenses to Kenneth Chee, owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics LLC; and former Esparto volunteer firefighter Craig Cutright, the owner of BlackStar Fireworks.

The Esparto Fire Protection District also is named, along with its chief, Curtis Lawrence, who days after the explosion admitted having knowledge of the fireworks storage facilities and conducting “site visits” but no formal safety inspections, the claims say.

Other individuals named in the documents include the property’s owners, Yolo County Sheriff’s Lt. Sam Machado and his wife Tammy Machado, a legal secretary for the agency; and Reiko Matsumura, Tammy’s sister and recently retired

Solano County, would be planting native wild roses along that side of the creek to deter camping.

“I think you hear a unified voice of wanting to protect our resources in Winters,” Loren said. “But I also want to talk about keeping people housed. I would love to hear more from the county about what we’re doing with subsidized housing and how we’re helping people maintain housing.”

As a next step, the council requested coordination of a roundtable discussion, likely in March or April, with relevant agencies and stakeholders to consider possible action items.

sheriff’s deputy. The Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Tom Lopez also are listed in the claims.

Earlier in December, the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Occupational Safety and Health Division (Cal/ OSHA) announced it had fined Devastating Pyrotechnics $221,000 following post-explosion inspections, citing 15 alleged violations by the company and Chee.

Of those, three of the citations were classified in the penalty notice as “accident-related serious,” indicating they’re directly related to the explosion.

Specifically, Cal/ OSHA investigators said, the company failed to provide its employees with an emergency action plan, “in that employees were not trained on emergency evacuation procedures, including what to do in the event of a fire, explosion or any other emergencies

involving pyrotechnics materials.”

In addition, “the employer failed to apprise employees of the fire hazards associated with the materials and processes at the worksite, including the handling and storage of pyrotechnic and explosive materials.

“As a result … a fire ignited in a warehouse located at 18080 County Road 86A,” the notice says. “The fire caused multiple explosions and resulted in fatal injuries to seven employees who were unable to respond safely due to the lack of training and knowledge of fire prevention and emergency procedures.”

Devastating Pyrotechnics also failed to immediately report the workers’ deaths to Cal/OSHA, according to the notice, which also lists alleged violations of multiple heat illness prevention, industrial truck safety, hazard communication and portable fire extinguisher policies.

Eventos hispanos

El ayuntamiento municipal debate sobre calidad del agua y la falta de vivienda

Por Sonora Slater

Traducido por Carol Alfonso

La primera reunión del ayuntamiento municipal del nuevo año tuvo una agenda completa de presentaciones y temas de debate, comenzando con la celebración de la victoria del equipo de fútbol americano de la Escuela Secundaria de Winters High en el Campeonato Estatal CIF a finales del año pasado y concluyendo con una discusión sobre la situación actual de la falta de vivienda en Winters.

La victoria del equipo de fútbol americano marca el primer Campeonato Estatal CIF en la historia de Winters. En honor a este logro, el consejo presentó una proclamación reconociendo el esfuerzo del equipo.

“Todavía uso mi suéter del año en que jugué fútbol americano en la Escuela Secundaria de Winters High,” les dijo el alcalde interino Bill Biasi al equipo. “Se necesita mucho para ser un estudiante-atleta, y ustedes han llegado más lejos que cualquier otro equipo en Winters. La comunidad está muy orgullosa de ustedes.”

El consejo rindió homenaje a Albert Ramos por su servicio al Departamento de Policía de Winters, tras su jubilación como sargento después de 28 años.

“Cuando me gradué de la academia en 1997, nos dijeron que no nos encariñáramos con un solo lugar,” dijo Ramos. “Pero siempre esperé que fuera Winters, y servir aquí fue un sueño hecho realidad. Fue una bendición trabajar en mi ciudad natal y poder hacer el bien aquí.”

Agradeció a su familia, a sus colegas actuales y a sus antiguos compañeros de equipo por todo lo que le habían enseñado. Los miembros del consejo y la líder de la mayoría de la Asamblea, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, quien asistió a la reunión en persona, le agradecieron su trabajo.

“Es un trabajo difícil, pero usted cuida de nuestros ciudadanos y siempre ha estado aquí para la comunidad,” dijo Aguiar-Curry antes de entregarle a Ramos una proclamación de la Asamblea reconociendo sus tres décadas de

project, and I’m excited to see it,” Commissioner Gregory Contreras said. “I want to make sure we bake in flexibility to make development doable.”

Current conditions for approval include standard requirements such as street improvements, storm drainage, site grading, wastewater and sewer collection systems.

In response to comments made during the meeting, project manager Juan Ruiz said the development team has no issue with adding a couple of bike parking spaces, as requested by local groups, and is open

servicio.

Biasi señaló que era especial ver a alguien nacido y criado en Winters servir a la comunidad de esta manera y le dijo a Ramos que disfrutara de su jubilación.

Una tercera proclamación reconoció a Ramón Altamirano por sus ocho años de servicio en la comisión de planificación, al dejar su cargo. La concejala Jesse Loren le agradeció su dedicación en la planificación de la ciudad, y Kate Laddish elogió su preparación y su profunda reflexión durante su participación en la comisión. El consejo también aprobó el nombramiento de dos nuevos miembros de la comisión de planificación, aunque la decisión no fue unánime. Lucrecia Sandoval y Brad Lopez fueron seleccionados entre seis solicitantes después de las entrevistas realizadas por los concejales Loren y Richard Casavecchia.

Biasi comentó que otro candidato se destacó por su experiencia en gestión de proyectos y sugirió que podría tener una base de conocimientos más sólida. Loren respondió que, independientemente de los currículums, se sentía segura de la selección basándose en las entrevistas.

“Estoy segura de que estas dos personas son la elección correcta y tienen la disponibilidad de tiempo necesaria para este compromiso,” dijo Loren. “Pero tendremos en cuenta a los demás candidatos si surge otra vacante.”

Biasi votó en contra; los otros cuatro miembros del

to further discussion about outdoor lighting once the city adopts a more robust outdoor lighting ordinance.

City Manager Jeremy Craig said the city is interested in working alongside the developer throughout the process, including hosting a job fair at the community center and promoting the new jobs to local residents. The proposal passed unanimously and will next go before the Winters City Council. A public hearing originally scheduled for the meeting to consider approval of a conditional use permit for a food truck was continued to a future meeting.

DAVIS GLASS & SCREEN

consejo votaron a favor. Calidad en el agua, personas sin hogar

Los residentes recibieron recientemente un mensaje sobre un problema de calidad del agua no urgente en la ciudad. Las pruebas muestran niveles de cromo hexavalente por encima del estándar estatal actualizado, pero aún muy por debajo del límite federal. El cromo hexavalente es un metal pesado inodoro e insípido que se encuentra de forma natural y también se produce a través de procesos industriales. La exposición a largo plazo a ciertas concentraciones se ha relacionado con un mayor riesgo de cáncer. Hasta hace tan solo cinco años, Winters se encontraba dentro del nivel máximo de contaminante de 50 partes por mil millones (ppb) establecido por la Junta Estatal de Control de Recursos Hídricos. Como referencia, el promedio total de cromo en Winters fue de 10 ppb en 2021 y 18 ppb en 2020. En Octubre del 2024, la junta estableció un nuevo máximo de 10 ppb. Las muestras recientes muestran 21, 19 y 14 ppb en Marzo y 23 y 11 ppb en Octubre de 2025. El agua potable de la ciudad sigue siendo segura y no se necesita una fuente alternativa. Winters no se considerará en incumplimiento hasta el 1 de Octubre del 2027, y se espera que cumpla con la normativa para esa fecha. El consejo discutió un plan a corto y largo plazo, que incluye la desconexión de ciertos pozos, el uso

BIASI

the commission establish public policy in the areas of government boundaries, urban form and the provision of public services.”

He added that the commission reviews annexation requests by cities, evaluates municipal services, and oversees special districts, including fire protection, reclamation, and community service districts.

“The value of individual and community engagement in Yolo LAFCo issues helps to make sure that decisions that are made by the commission are informed by not only government of-

de pozos que se encuentran dentro del límite, la continuación del trabajo en un nuevo pozo y la exploración de sistemas de filtración. El Winters Express proporcionará más información sobre el plan y las posibles alternativas en un artículo futuro. El jefe de policía, el jefe de bomberos y el director de obras públicas presentaron la situación actual de las personas sin hogar antes de la discusión del consejo. El jefe de policía John P. Miller dijo que Winters suele tener entre seis y ocho personas sin hogar, una cifra bastante estable, aunque las personas van y vienen. El programa de Alcance y Participación Policial para Personas sin Hogar de la ciudad identifica y contacta a las personas sin hogar, les proporciona paquetes de recursos o las conecta directamente con los servicios, y notifica sobre los campamentos ilegales. Miller señaló que muchas personas se resisten a recibir ayuda. El jefe de bomberos Jack S. Snyder III dijo que el departamento respondió a unas ocho llamadas relacionadas con personas sin hogar este año, de un total de 1000 llamadas de servicio, incluyendo incendios, investigaciones de humo y tres llamadas de asistencia médica. Gran parte de la población sin hogar vive cerca del puente o del arroyo, lo que presenta riesgos de incendio.

“Nuestro mayor temor en la zona es un incendio cerca del puente porque hay mucha vegetación allí,” dijo Snyder. El director de Obras Públicas, Erik Lucero, describió la limpieza mensual de basura que realiza la ciudad cerca del arroyo, gran parte proveniente de campamentos de personas sin hogar, utilizando un equipo y una retroexcavadora. También coordinan con la oficina del sheriff del Condado Solano para la limpieza al otro lado del arroyo. “Es un trabajo que nos consume mucho tiempo,” dijo Lucero. “Es increíble la cantidad de basura que se acumula en poco tiempo.”

ficials but the public as well. (The) decisions made influence how our county grows and operates, and individuals can help to shape that by participating,” Biasi said.

At the special meeting, Biasi expressed gratitude for the experience and the insights he gained.

“It’s been a really good learning experience for me. You learn a lot more about what LAFCo does,” Biasi said. “I think a lot of people don’t understand it unless you pay attention to the agenda. Now that I’ve been through it, I appreciate all of the work that all of you do on it.”

Frerichs also praised Biasi for his decades of leader-

La discusión del consejo sobre las soluciones y los comentarios del público se abordarán en detalle en una edición futura. La ciudad está planeando una mesa redonda a principios de la primavera con otras partes interesadas para seguir dialogando. Durante el período de comentarios del público, Pedro Arredondo, trabajador de mantenimiento de la ciudad, habló en nombre de los empleados que presentaron quejas sobre un ambiente laboral hostil y la falta de respuesta por parte de la ciudad. Mencionó varios casos presentados ante la Comisión para la Igualdad de Oportunidades en el Empleo.

“Nos sentimos ignorados y menospreciados,” dijo Arredondo. “El trabajo se ha convertido en un lugar asociado con el temor en lugar de un lugar donde la gente se sienta orgullosa de servir a su comunidad. Ningún trabajo debería costar la salud mental de una persona.”

Andrea González, oficial de servicios comunitarios del Departamento de Policía de Winters y secretaria y tesorera de la Asociación de Oficiales de Policía de Winters (WPOA), dijo que la WPOA apoya a otros grupos de empleados de la ciudad. Mencionó la preocupación por la escasez de personal, la retención de empleados, el agotamiento, los niveles salariales y la falta de un contrato finalizado.

Gail Jiménez, coordinadora administrativa del Departamento de Policía de Winters y representante de la Asociación de Mandos Intermedios, dijo que los problemas se plantearon por primera vez en el otoño del 2024 y expresó su decepción por la falta de acción.

“Reconozco que se necesita tiempo para formular una respuesta a estas quejas,” dijo Jiménez. “Pero, con todo respeto, han pasado 351 días hábiles.”

El Winters Express está en contacto con el representante sindical de las asociaciones de empleados y brindará más información sobre las quejas, los casos presentados y cualquier respuesta de la ciudad.

ship in Winters and across Yolo County, noting his work on the Animal Services JPA and other initiatives.

“This is not your first rodeo. He’s been serving on the Winters City Council since 2016… You really have a servant’s heart and I appreciate that,” Frerichs said.

Biasi assumed his LAFCo seat following the term of former Winters Mayor Wade Cowan. Winters is now off the LAFCo rotation for two years before returning in an alternate commissioner capacity.

“I really will miss the time coming to these meetings and

preparing for them. Because I enjoy the things that we’ve been discussing, they’re near and dear to Yolo County,” Biasi said before adjourning the meeting. Yolo LAFCo, created by the California State Legislature in 1963, is an independent agency charged with encouraging orderly governmental boundaries, promoting efficient services, discouraging urban sprawl, and preserving agricultural and open-space resources. The five-member commission includes two city officials, two county supervisors, a public member, and alternates.

Thursday, February 5

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

Thursdays

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

Saturday,February 7

Sacramento Valley League Wrestling Championships, WHS gymnasium, General Admission: 7:30 a.m. Wrestling matches: 9 a.m. whs.wintersjusd.org/en-US/athletics-d8f556f5

Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution Saturdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, PG&E Gas Safety Academy parking lot, 1 PG&E Way, https://yolofoodbank.org/find-food

Monday, February 9

Library Event: Adult Crafternoon (Ages 18 and older), 4 p.m., Winters Community Library, yolocountylibrary.org/locations/winters/

Upcoming

Tuesday, February 17

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

Winters City Hall, Monday, February 16

Public Safety Facility Lobby, Monday, February 16

Library Services

Winters Library Open to Public (School in Session)

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

Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library

Bilingual Storytime (ages 0-5), Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Winters Community Library

Virtual English Conversation Group, Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m., One time registration required: Contact Nancy Pacheco 530-666-8019 or nancy.pacheco@yolocounty.org

Mangonada Monday (ages 6-12), fourth Monday, 3:30 p.m. Tech Thursdays, Thursdays, 2-7:30 p.m., call 530-6668005 to schedule an appointment. Bilingual sessions available upon request.

Movie Matinee, Fourth Friday, 2-4 p.m., Winters Community Library

All You Need is Love Romance Book Club, Second Saturday, 4 p.m., Hooby’s Brewing

Older Adult Programs

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

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

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

Ongoing

View the Winters community events calendar at https://bit.ly/WintersCommunityEvents

Winters Friends of the Library meeting, first Monday, 7 p.m., Winters Community Library, Margaret Parsons Room, wfol.org

Winters Fortnightly meeting second Tuesdays (September thru May), 1 p.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 W. Main St. Rotary Club of Winters meeting, Thursdays, Noon, The Buckhorn

Winters Museum public hours, Thursday thru Sunday, 1-5 p.m., 13 Russell St., historicalsocietyofwinters.org

Saved & Sober program, Thursdays, 7p.m., The Rock Church West, 201 Main St. Winters Open Mic, third Thursday, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Winters Opera House (13 Main St.), Visit wintersopenmic.org

12-Step Bonfire meeting, third Friday, 6:30 p.m. fellowship, 7 p.m. meeting, LuNita Ranch, 8189 Olive School Ln, Winters, Bring a camp chair.

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

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings:

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

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

Answering the call for foster youths

Volunteers needed to expand support in western Yolo County

By Angela Underwood Express correspondent

Joblessness, early parenthood and substance abuse are just three risk factors for foster-care children who age out of the system.

Those facts come from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which also notes housing instability as another dire consequence, but not if Make it Happen has anything to do with it.

In the last report of a three-part series on the local nonprofit, former board member and Winters High School alumna Erin Autry Montgomery breaks down how the majority-volunteer organization really does “make it happen” for young adults without a family or support system to cheer them on.

Volunteers who live and work in Winters and surrounding communities can play a vital role in closing this gap, according to Autry Montgomery.

“There are many ways to get involved, including serving as a board member, assisting with fundraising and community events, picking up and transporting donated furniture, and supporting our annual UC Davis Guardian Scholars Program Move-In Days, when youth visit the storage units to select items for their new apartments,” Autry Montgomery said.

Volunteering for MIH in Winters offers even more love, with Autry Montgomery noting, “awareness of their services in Winters and north into the Capay Valley remains limited.”

“Despite ongoing outreach efforts, referrals from these areas continue to be low — not due to lack of need, but lack of visibility,” Autry Montgomery said.

That is why the Winters’ native gives her time to MIH, helping it grow beyond the city limits.

“Being from Winters

instills a strong sense of civic participation, which I have carried with me, including my previous years as a MIH board member,” Autry Montgomery said.

Loving Winters helps MIH grow.

“As trusted community members with an insider understanding of MIH’s mission and impact, volunteers naturally share information through personal networks, increasing word-ofmouth awareness,” Autry Montgomery said.

This community-based advocacy helps ensure that more transition-age youths learn about and access the support they need, she added.

“Ultimately allowing MIH to serve more local youth and strengthen outcomes across the region,” Autry Montgomery said.

That’s what it is all about, according to the board member, noting her volunteer work is “extremely rewarding.

“I felt that I was able to make a real difference in the quality of life and housing stability for these atrisk youth,” she said. “There are other regular opportunities to volunteer if board membership is not the right fit as well.”

The volunteer application and process are easy.

“After initial contact, prospective volunteers are invited to meet with the

To sell advertising into a newspaper, you have to believe that advertising works. With competition from the Internet, it became harder and harder to convince businesses that there was value in advertising locally. When I had a business that told me that no one reads the paper, I would respond, “Then you won’t mind if I run an advertisement that says you will pay $10 for kittens?

When you read the Express, slow down and read the advertising, too. It helps everyone when you support those who support our local newspaper and the community.

I didn’t know that they still print Yellow Pages, but there was one in my mailbox a few weeks ago. It isn’t as thick as it used to be, but there were listings for businesses and enough advertising to fill a hundred pages, or so. And if you want to know, The Winters Printing

Executive Director or a Board member at the storage units to gain a firsthand understanding of the services and impact,” Autry Montgomery said. “During this meeting, volunteer opportunities are reviewed, and the individual’s interests and availability are discussed.”

If volunteering is not your thing, attending any of MIH’s annual events that financially support the nonprofit is another excellent way to help.

Take, for example, the 2026 Paint for a Purpose fundraiser that MIH hosted on Saturday, Feb. 7, in Davis. The annual fundraiser gives the community a way to support MIH’s mission.

“MIH does not receive state or federal funding and relies entirely on individual, group and corporate donations to sustain its work,” Autry Montgomery said. “Community members make

“When I first looked at this historic book, my first thought was that the sales staff did a great job of convincing advertisers that people still use phone

Company isn’t listed because all I have is a cell phone, and I’m not looking to expand my hobby. The Winters Express is listed with the old landline number that goes directly to voicemail.

When I first looked at this

this possible by attending fundraisers, giving during regional campaigns, and donating at any time throughout the year.” Money is not the only way to give to MIH; furniture donations are greatly needed.

Make It Happen for Yolo County’s furniture donation guidelines and process are clearly outlined on the website at mihyolo. org/donate-furniture, including a detailed list of items they can and cannot accept.

“In general, MIH seeks gently used or new furniture that is clean, in good condition, and does not require repair,” Autry Montgomery said. “Because the clients typically move into small apartments, donated items must also be modest in size and appropriate for compact living spaces.” Montgomery said MIH is also strengthened by a growing

historic book, my first thought was that the sales staff did a great job of convincing advertisers that people still use phone books.

I can’t remember the last time I looked for a business or individual in a phone book, can you?

There were occupations that I just didn’t like and was lucky enough to make it through life without any of them turning into a fulltime job. Sheetrock, roofing, garbage hauler or police officer were on the top of the list. Whatever they get paid isn’t enough.

Can you imagine being a Border Patrol Officer right now? They were trained to watch the border, and now they are expected to act like police officers, but without training. Who didn’t expect there to be accidents and fatalities? What a mess. Have a good week.

Fast fixes that make older homes warmer, more cost-efficient

With the

U.S. home now more than 40 years old, many residents are heading into winter with original windows, aging doors and well-loved—but less efficient—materials. That’s especially true in communities like Winters and across Yolo County, where historic homes, mid-century ranch houses and long-held family properties are part of the local character.

As temperatures dip, heating bills tend to rise. The good news: a few affordable, weekend-friendly upgrades can make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy efficiency — without major remodeling. These simple fixes can also help homeowners protect their investment and give real estate agents practical talking points when preparing a home for sale.

1. Start with simple seals

Cold spots in older homes often come from worn or missing weatherstripping around doors and windows. Over time, gaps form that allow warm air to escape and cold air to sneak in —

forcing heaters to work overtime.

A quick, budget-friendly solution is replacing or adding weatherstrip seals around doors and windows. Products such as heavy-duty self-adhesive weatherstripping are designed to remain flexible in cold weather and create an airtight barrier against drafts. They’re easy to install, inexpensive and available in multiple widths and colors to match different finishes. Why it matters locally: Many Winters homes were built

before modern energy standards. Tightening up the building envelope can noticeably reduce heating costs during cold valley nights—and it’s an upgrade buyers appreciate when touring older properties.

Agent tip: Pointing out updated weatherstripping during showings signals good maintenance and helps buyers feel confident about energy costs.

2. Stop drafts at the door

Older exterior doors — even solid wood ones — can leave gaps at the threshold. A simple draft stopper can make a surprising difference.

For a quick DIY option, roll fabric into a

tube, fill it with rice, foam or even old socks, secure the ends, and place it along the base of the door. This notools solution blocks cold air and helps

“These

with original doors or uneven foundations — both common in Yolo County’s older housing stock.

Agent tip: Draft stoppers are inexpensive staging tools that instantly improve comfort during open houses without altering the home.

3. Work your way to the windows

Single-pane windows, often found in historic and older homes, are one of the biggest sources of heat loss. While full window replacement can be costly, temporary insulation solutions offer an effective middle ground.

Shrink-film window insulation kits create an extra layer of insulation by sealing a clear film over the interior window frame.

simple fixes can also help homeowners protect their investment and give real estate agents practical talking points when preparing a home for sale.”

keep warm air inside living spaces.

For a more polished look, homeowners can also install door sweeps or insulated door snakes that blend in with décor.

Why it matters locally: Drafty entryways are common in homes

helping homes feel warmer and more comfortable during winter showings.

4. Give vents some breathing room

Sometimes the issue isn’t insulation— it’s airflow. In older homes, furniture placement or heavy drapes can block heating vents, preventing warm air from circulating properly.

A simple walkthrough can reveal vents hidden behind sofas, chairs or curtains. Shifting furniture a few inches or tying back long drapes can improve airflow and raise room temperatures by several degrees—without touching the thermostat.

Why it matters locally: Many Yolo County homes rely on older heating systems that benefit from unobstructed airflow to maintain even temperatures throughout the house.

Agent tip: This is an easy pre-listing fix that improves comfort and shows buyers the home has been thoughtfully arranged.

A smart seasonal investment

Once heated with a hair dryer, the film tightens to create a nearly invisible barrier that reduces drafts and heat loss. Why it matters locally: Winters evenings can get chilly in the winter months, and older windows often face prevailing winds. Adding window insulation can make bedrooms and living rooms noticeably warmer without changing the home’s exterior — important for historic properties.

Agent tip: This is a great seasonal upgrade for listings,

For homeowners, these small upgrades can mean lower utility bills, warmer rooms and less strain on aging heating systems. For real estate professionals, they offer practical, affordable ways to improve a home’s livability and market appeal—especially in a community where older homes are part of the charm. Whether staying put for the winter or preparing a home for sale, a few simple fixes can go a long way toward making older homes in Winters and Yolo County more comfortable, efficient and inviting.

Interesting issue

I truly enjoyed the “Jan. 28, 2026” edition of the Express. The anniversary column with predictions from long ago is quite interesting. Some things Winters has been famous for or predicted to become famous for have come and gone, like being the first to ship fruit (apricots), which, to my knowledge, are no longer grown locally and for sure not shipped by railcar as in years past. I remember when the population went from just under 1,200 to over 2,000 (early 1950s during construction of Monticello Dam). And, Charley, only titles are different! There used to be “bums” passed out in the gutter in front of the “Buckhorn Saloon.” Now that place is famous for food, not booze, and those people are called “homeless.”

KAREN CHRISTIE

Sacramento

Supporting Monarch butterflies

I would like to be a Monarch Butterfly way station that Rich Marovich speaks about in your newspaper. Could you please direct me to this connection? I have an organic garden in Winters that has several bare areas for planting (now that the Mexican Sunflower plants have spent their annual bloom). I had a few Monarchs visit last year! I also had planted a milkweed, but it didn’t survive. I would like to have lots of these butterfly plants!

Thank you for your assistance and for a fabulous newspaper that is absolutely vital to our gem of a place on Earth.

DEBORAH HUNT

WinterS

Editor’s Note: Rich Marovich told me that he is hoping to plant 150 monarch waystations in the area. Anyone interested in learning more about the Monarch Way Station Project can reach out to him at ramarovich@ gmail.com.

Thank You, Winters!

On behalf of Yolo Diaper Bank and the families we assist, we would like to thank the Winters community for making our MLK Day of Services Community Diaper Wrap a total success. We packed the Yolo Federal Credit Union Community Room with volunteers and received diaper donations from community members during the event. By the end of the event, we had prepared 7,000 diapers for distribution to agencies, including RISE, Inc in Winters/Esparto.

We could not have done it without these volunteers and our sponsors: Yolo Federal Credit Union, UC Davis Health, Walmart, and Golding One Credit Union. And the wonderful article that appeared in the Winters Express on Jan. 1.

LORRAINE BEAMAN

Yolo Diaper Bank

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20)

This week brings a refreshing burst of motivation, Aries. You’ll feel clarity around something that’s been lingering on your mind. Small victories stack quickly — celebrate them.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21)

Comfort and progress go hand-in-hand this week, Taurus. You’re finding your rhythm and it shows. A financial or practical matter becomes easier than expected.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21)

Gemini, your natural curiosity lights up your week. Inspiration flows easily, especially through conversations or creative brainstorming. Seek inspiration through collaboration.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22)

Warmth surrounds you, Cancer. Emotional clarity and a renewed sense of balance help you move forward with plans. Home-related tasks go smoothly.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23)

Your charm is magnetic right now. This week favors communication, leadership, and bold self-expression, Leo. You may receive recognition for something you’ve been quietly working on.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22)

Virgo, your practical brilliance shines. You’ll make great progress on tasks that once felt overwhelming. Health and selfcare rituals feel especially rewarding.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23)

Harmony and connection take center stage this week, Libra. Expect positive interactions, pleasant exchanges and a sense of mutual understanding.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22)

Momentum builds, Scorpio. You’re stepping into your power with calm confidence. A project or plan gains traction, and your intuition is especially sharp. Trust your instincts.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21)

Adventure — big or small — calls your name, Sagittarius. You may feel a spark of optimism that carries you through the week. Opportunities abound to learn, explore or connect.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20)

Capricorn, steady progress and thoughtful planning bring satisfying results. You’re setting foundations that support long-term success. Expect a moment of validation.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18)

Fresh ideas flow effortlessly, Aquarius. This is a strong week for innovation, problem-solving and collaboration. A new perspective may lead to a resolution.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20)

Gentle energy lifts your spirits this week, Pisces. Creativity, intuition and emotional ease all run strong. This is an excellent week for dreams or creative pursuits.

network of community partnerships, including the Davis, Woodland, and Winters Rotary Clubs; Yolo CASA; the Biberstein Social Action Fund; First Northern Bank, Teichert, Mikuni’s; Save Mart; the Beneto Foundation; the Walter S. Johnson Foundation; and many other organizations and individuals.

“MIH is deeply grateful for the generosity and continued support of the Yolo County community, whose investment makes lasting,

life-changing impact possible,” Autry Montgomery said. “These contributions directly enable MIH to continue addressing furniture poverty among under-resourced young adults transitioning into independent living.”

Individuals interested in volunteering should contact MIH by email at info@mihyolo.org or by leaving a voicemail at 530-341-2432. Anyone interested in serving on the MIH board should contact board President Jan Judson at jan@mihyolo. org or text or call 530-304-5980.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CV2026-0023

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: JAZMIN LOPEZ filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name RAFAEL ENRIQUEZ to Proposed name RAFAEL ENRIQUEZ LOPEZ

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: 2/18/2026 Time: 9:00 a m Dept 11 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: 1/7/2026 DAVID ROSENBERG Judge of the Superior Court Publish JANUARY 21, 28, FEBRUARY 4, 11, 2026 #86616 FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20251072 12/30/2025 Business is located in YOLO County Fictitious Business: PRECISE PETITIONS

Legals

Sports

up for SVL wrestling championship

Soccer teams ride hot streaks

By Sydney Andrade Express staff writer

The Winters High School varsity soccer teams are both having strong seasons, with only a few games remaining before the playoff rounds. Both teams most recently played against Hamilton and Colusa High Schools. The boys also faced Dixon High School in an additional game.

Boys varsity

On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Winters boys varsity soccer team defeated Colusa High School 4–2.

Goals were scored by Chase Gibson and Colton Kramer with one each, while Alejandro Murillo found the back of the net twice. Assists came from Andres Bermudez, Murillo, Alexis Duran and Juan Bermudez. Goalkeeper

Girls basketball splits a pair of games

The Winters High School varsity girls basketball team faced a week of highs and lows, starting with a tough road loss before bouncing back with a decisive home win. On Jan. 28 at East Nicolaus High School, Winters fell 38–33. Maci Dodic led the Warriors with 11 points, followed by Lilli Borchard with 10.

Girls varsity head coach Ivan Dodic held himself accountable for the defeat, noting mistakes in his coaching approach.

“It was probably the worst coaching performance yet, and it really hurt our team. Everyone lives and learns, and I promised the girls I would try not to make the same mistakes again. With that being said, we are still in a good position to finish the season strong with four of our last five games at home,” Coach Dodic said.

Winters rebounded on Jan. 30, defeating Paradise High School 46–30 at home. Maci Dodic scored 14 points, while Mia Mariani added eight.

Coach Dodic praised the team’s energy and defensive

effort throughout the game.

“Maci Dodic and Mia Mariani were deflecting passes and getting steals all game, which put immense pressure on the offense. Reece Barbosa’s on-ball defense adds to the frustration of our opponents and really is the catalyst for our team defense,” he said.

Leading 24–6 at halftime allowed the Warriors to give younger players valuable experience that could prove crucial in the final stretch of the season.

Chris Conchas recorded four saves to help secure the win.

The Warriors faced a setback against Dixon on Friday, Jan. 30, losing 2–0. Despite the loss, Winters bounced back strongly against Hamilton.

On Monday, Feb. 2, Winters won 5–1 over Hamilton.

Murillo led the team with three goals, while Kramer and Alessandro Monsalve each added one. Assists were credited to Cole Coker, A.J. Zaragoza, Monsalve and Bermudez. Conchas and freshman Adrian Serratos recorded three saves each.

The Winters boys are showing an outstanding season and currently hold a 13–3–2 overall record.

Girls varsity

The girls have been equally impressive this season.

They defeated Colusa High School 5–0 on Thursday, Jan. 29. Freshman Madisyn Spears led the Warriors with three goals, while Aylin Molina added two. Assists were recorded by Ava Muir Vickrey, Alexys Penunuri, Molina and Lena Passantino.

On Monday, Feb. 2, the girls shut out Hamilton High School 5–0. Goals were scored by Penunuri, Varenna Terronez, Muir Vickrey, Alani Lopez and Camila Martinez in a well-balanced team effort.

With consistent performances throughout the season, the girls hold an impressive 14–2 overall record. As the season continues, both teams have proven themselves strong competitors, combining skill, teamwork and determination.

Boys basketball gains seventh straight win on Find a Cure Night

On Friday, Jan. 30, the varsity boys basketball team played in yet another thrilling game, earning its seventh consecutive win. It was also Find a Cure Night, honoring Leah Mayes’ strength and courage in her fight with cancer.

All proceeds raised went to the Mayes family to support her treatment journey.

The event was hosted by Winters High School senior Reece Barbosa as her senior capstone project.

In the first quarter,

the Warriors started the game trailing Paradise by just one point, with a 15–14 score at the end of the eight minutes.

In the second quarter, Winters took the lead, but Paradise stayed close, ending the half with a 29–28 score.

In the third quar-

ter, Winters showed much more offensive dominance, scoring 23 points in the quarter to build a 52–43 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Warriors’ defense took center stage, allowing only nine points while the offense continued to work, scoring 19 points to extend the lead. Winters’ perfor-

mance led to a final score of 71–52.

“The coaches and I are so proud of these guys. They’re playing hard, picking each other up, picking opponents up, and playing with pure heart and class,” varsity head coach Jon Davis said.

“It was a special night. We honored Leah Mayes for her strength and courage, and then Anthony and Kaimani rose to the moment in front of a packed house. They made huge plays on both ends of the floor, the atmosphere was electric, and it became one of those moments that was bigger than the game and showed what our town

is all about.”

Individual stats for Winters included:

• Kaimani Mayes had eight points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.

• Koa Branco scored 16 points with three rebounds, four assists and one steal.

• Luke Felsen led the way with 29 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.

• Lane Brown had six points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.

• Anthony Matamoros Mayes scored 10 points with two rebounds and one steal.

• Joe Hawkins recorded one assist and

one steal.

Coming up next, the Warriors will celebrate senior night on Friday when they face Willows High School, with tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m.

“Willows lives off the fast break and dribble drive. If we get back, cut off driving lanes, and make them play in the half court, we will have a lot of success,” Davis said.

Thank you, and go Warriors!

—Hawk Selleck is a senior at Winters High School. He’s a sports enthusiast and participates in the school band, and many other things on campus. He enjoys music, baseball, and track and field.

Arts & Entertainment

WTC announces auditions for ‘Dinner with Friends’

Special to the Express Winters Theatre Company will hold auditions for its upcoming production of “Dinner with Friends,” the Pulitzer Prize–winning play by Donald Margulies, on Saturday, Feb. 8, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Winters Opera House, 13 Main St., Winters.

The production will be directed by Ally Scott, who previously directed Winters Theatre Company’s 2025 production of “Doubt: A Parable.”

First produced in 1999, “Dinner with

Friends” is an intimate, character-driven drama that explores long-term friendship, marriage, and divorce. The play centers on two seemingly stable couples whose shared history is disrupted when one marriage begins to unravel.

Told through a series of dinner conversations and quiet moments, the story examines loyalty, love, betrayal, and the ways people reconstruct their lives after loss.

Winters Theatre Company is casting four roles:

Karen: a food writer; controlled, thoughtful, quietly devastated

Beth: a stay-at-home mother; warm, funny, emotionally open

Gabe: a college instructor; principled, restrained, deeply loyal

Tom: a litigator; charming, restless, in personal crisis

All roles are age-flexible, generally playing characters in their 40s to 50s. Actors of all races, ethnicities, and gender expressions are encouraged to audition. Auditions will consist of cold readings

‘Little Mermaid’ swims into Woodland

Special to the Express

The beloved Disney classic, “The Little Mermaid,” makes a splash at the historic Woodland Opera House with a magical, family-friendly stage production running now through Feb. 14. This musical is proudly presented by underwriters Kevin and Lorie Haarberg and Roger and Judy Kohlmeier.

Based on the timeless animated film, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” features an iconic score by eighttime Academy Award winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn

Slater. Audiences are invited to dive under the sea and follow Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams

of a life “above the waves,” as she embarks on a thrilling journey from ocean depths to dry land.

Bursting with colorful characters, dazzling theatrical spectacle, and unforgettable songs including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World,” this production promises delight for Disney fans and musical theatre lovers of all ages.

Tickets are on sale now. For information and to purchase tickets, visit woodlandoperahouse.org/the-little-mermaid.html or contact the Woodland Opera House Box Office at 530-666-9617.

from the script. No monologue is required. Résumés and headshots are encouraged but not required.

Rehearsals will begin Feb. 15 and are scheduled for Monday through Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Rehearsals will take place in both Sacramento and Winters, with a final schedule determined based on cast availability. Tech week is scheduled for March 22–26.

The production opens on March 27 and runs for two weekends at the Winters Opera House. For additional audition details, visit

www.winterstheatre. org/auditions or email allyheatherlywriter@ gmail.com.

Music highlights Hooby’s anniversary

Hooby’s Brewing will host a full weekend of live music in February, featuring three distinct performances as part of the brewery’s ongoing commitment to local and regional artists.

The music begins  Friday, Feb. 14, with  Ryan Allay, a California-based singer-songwriter whose sound blends soulful R&B, AfroSoul, and jazz influences. Originally from Ghana, Allay’s music is known for its warm vocals and rhythmic, genre-crossing style that draws on both African and American musical traditions. His performance runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

On  Saturday, Feb. 15, Hooby’s welcomes Beard Picker from 6 to 9 p.m. Beard Picker delivers an energetic acoustic sound rooted in folk, Americana, and roots music, pairing rhythmic guitar work

Special to the Express

The Vacaville Museum is introducing a new exhibition space designed to celebrate local creativity and community storytelling while continuing to showcase its newest long-term exhibit focused on the performing arts in Solano County.

The museum’s new Community Gallery, open Feb. 5 through March 7, will highlight local artists,

with a relaxed, crowd-friendly performance style well suited to the taproom setting.

The weekend wraps up  Sunday, Feb. 16, with an afternoon set by  Jimmy Ashley, performing from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Ashley’s music leans toward classic rock, blues, and acoustic covers, offering a laid-back soundtrack for a Sunday afternoon at the brewery.

The 3-day lineup is part of Hooby’s Brewing’s “Lucky 7” anniversary celebration, marking seven years of brewing beer and building community in downtown Winters. Additional events and details are scheduled throughout the anniversary weekend.

More information about the live music schedule and anniversary festivities is available on Hooby’s Brewing’s website and social media accounts.

community projects and school programs. Designed as a modular and adaptive space, the gallery allows for shorter-run exhibits that typically fall outside the museum’s multi-month exhibition schedule.

The Community Gallery will also house an easily deployable History of Solano County exhibit, intended to supplement in-gallery learning during school field trips.

The inaugural Community Gallery exhibition opens Thursday, Feb. 5, with a public reception at 5:30 p.m. The opening show, “Crowned: Ancestral Forms,” marks artist Carla Lawson’s first solo exhibition. The show explores African and African American culture through ancestral forms and symbolism, honoring February as Black History Month and drawing inspiration from Lawson’s heritage.

In the Main Gallery, “Center Stage,” on view Jan. 25 through June 27, celebrates the performing arts in Solano County — a cultural landscape often overlooked. The exhibit examines how performing arts serve as tradition, entertainment, cultural connection, self-expression, activism and community well-being.

“Center Stage” invites visitors to consider how the performing arts are accessible to everyone, whether as professionals, audience members, lifelong enthusiasts or newcomers. The exhibit includes family-friendly, interactive activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.

The Vacaville Museum is located at 213 Buck Ave. and is open Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is always free. A suggested $5 donation per visitor helps support museum programming and access for the community. For information, visit vacavillemuseum.org.