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Nominate the next Youth Day grand marshal News, Page 2
Crisis sparks community care Features, Page 1
Volume 142, Number 49 — Locally-owned since 1884
Winters, Yolo County, California, Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The hometown paper of Claire Hoover
Winters weekend food distribution temporarily moves to PG&E lot By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief Yolo Food Bank is temporarily changing the location of its Winters weekend food distribution. The Saturday distributions will continue to start at 11 a.m., but for January and February, they will take place at the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Gas Safety Academy, 1 PG&E Way. Whitney Grunwald, Yolo Food Bank programs manager, said the location change will be in effect from Saturday, Jan. 10, through Saturday, Feb. 28. The Saturday distributions will return to the Winters
High School student parking lot on March 1. The change was made to accommodate Winters Youth Basketball families, who use the student parking lot for youth sports programs on Saturdays.
Winters distribution details Distributions at the PG&E site are drive-thru only. Attendees should enter through the far entrance off PG&E Way, making a left turn into the parking lot. Vehicles will be directed into two lines that merge into a single line for food pickup. Drivers are asked
to remain in their cars and follow the volunteers’ instructions. Exiting is via a right turn from the parking lot onto the access point closest to Grant Avenue. A map of the PG&E distribution site is available at yolofoodbank.org/find-food. An additional food distribution occurs in Winters on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 10 a.m. at RISE, Inc., 417 Haven St. This is a walk-up distribution, and participants are responsible for transporting their items. In January, this distribution will take place only on Thursday, Jan. 15.
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A map details traffic flow, entrance and exit routes for Yolo Food Bank’s temporary Saturday food distribution site at the PG&E Gas Safety Academy in Winters.
Youth Day seeks grand marshal nominations Special to the Express
EXPRESS
The Winters Youth Day Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Winters Youth Day grand marshal. The honoree will lead the 88th annual Youth Day Parade through historic downtown Winters on Saturday, April 25. Nominees should have a record of significant involvement with youths of Winters and contributions to the community as a whole. Nominations can be submitted via email to wintersyouthday@gmail.com. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 31. Winters Youth Day, a longstanding community tradition, celebrates the accomplishments, leadership, and creativity of local youths. The event features a parade, performances, and activities that bring together fami-
lies, schools, and community organizations to honor the next generation of leaders. The board also introduced a revamped youth civic engagement program.
Former Winters Police Chief Steve C. Godden (left) and retired records supervisor Karla Ferguson (right) visited the Winters Police Department to help welcome Sgt. Albert Ramos into retirement.
2026 theme The committee also announced the theme for the 2026 Winters Youth Day: Youth Ahoy! This year’s theme invites the community to embrace a nautical, ocean-inspired spirit—from pirates and sailors to mermaids and other sea-themed creations. Parade entries, decorations, and activities will reflect the theme throughout the event. Additional details regarding parade entries, Youth Day events and sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon. For updates or to find out how you can volunteer to help plan the event or help out on the day of, visitwintersyouthday.com or follow the Winters Youth Day social media accounts on Facebook or Instagram.
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Ramos retires after nearly three decades serving with Winters PD By Crystal Apilado Editor-in-Chief After nearly three decades serving the community he grew up in, Winters Police Department Sgt. Albert Ramos officially retired Dec. 31, closing a career defined by deep local roots, steady leadership and a commitment to treating people with respect. Ramos was raised in Winters and graduated from Winters High School with the Class of 1989. As a teenager, he came to know many of the
See RAMOS, Page 4
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Rain for week: 3.65 in. Season’s total: 13.51 in. Last sn. to date: 9.55 in.
Every year, the State of California implements new rules on Jan. 1. It’s that time. Winters Police Chief John P. Miller detailed how each new law will or will not affect locals, whether they are near home or venturing farther across the Golden State. “None of these were
Community .................. A-2
Sports ........................... B-5
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Winters rainfall season began 7/1/25. Weather readings are taken at 9 a.m. daily by local weatherman Joe Bristow.
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Police chief outline impact of new state laws
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Classifieds ................... B-4
Police Chief John P. Miller (right) presents Sgt. Albert Ramos with a Meritorious Service Medal ribbon during a retirement celebration on Dec. 27.
high-priority legislation as identified by the California Police Chiefs Association,” Miller said of the seven new laws. However, one of them directly impacts the community, according to the chief. While AB 1299 regards parking tickets, it perpetuates existing problems here. The new law reduces or waives parking fines if the vehicle
owner provides evidence that they are unable to pay the ticket in full due to homelessness or financial hardship, and may offer the vehicle owner a payment plan. While not necessarily essential for community safety, Miller does acknowledge the “well-intentioned concept behind the legislation, but
See LAWS, Page 4
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