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Local rep’s bill sparks debate News, Page 4
From Budapest to Winters Features, Page 1
Volume 143, Number 23 — Locally-owned since 1884
Winters, Yolo County, California, Wednesday, July 15, 2026
The hometown paper of Sofia Gutierrez
Council reviews budget after the start of new fiscal year Measure S revenue provides flexibility amid rising costs By Sonora Slater Express Staff Writer The Winters City Council received a department-by-department presentation of the 202627 fiscal year budget during its July 7 meeting and will vote on the proposed budget at its July 21 meeting. Typically, the budget is adopted before July 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year, but this year it was delayed due to the process of implementing new technology for the city’s financial system and ongoing labor negotiations. Until the budget is formally approved, City Manager Jeremy Craig said only small, day-to-day purchases are being processed, and the city is holding off on
making any capital or large purchases. General takeaways from the budget presentation included concerns about high inflationary pressures, especially for outside contracted services such as animal services and emergency dispatch. Measure S revenue continues to provide significant flexibility to the general fund, contributing approximately $1.4 million this year. Measure S, which increased the local sales tax by 1 percent, was approved by voters on the November 2024 ballot and was first used to support the Winters budget in the 2025-26 fiscal year. A few items were requested by various departments but are not currently included in the budget: a replacement Police Department vehicle, an audio/ visual upgrade for the Council Chambers, an autonomous mower, a second-story fire escape
See BUDGET, Page 5
KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo
Darian Lopez works on a vehicle inside Lopez Diesel Performance & Repair, his new downtown Winters shop specializing in light-duty diesel truck diagnostics, maintenance, engine rebuilds and performance upgrades.
Winters native opens diesel repair shop downtown By Lori Miller Special to the Express
Girl Scouts lead local effort to support seniors’ pets Express staff
EXPRESS
Members of several Winters Girl Scout troops are partnering with Meals on Wheels Yolo County to support its “PAWS Days of Summer” pet food and supply drive through August. Community members are invited to donate pet food and essential supplies for dogs and cats at local drop-off events or through an online wish list. Girl Scouts will host donation booths outside Hooby’s Brewing, 9 E. Main St., Suite J, on the following dates: • Sunday, July 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Friday, July 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. • Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Supporters may also contribute by ordering items from the Amazon Wish List at https://amzn.to/4pkPjIu or by searching “Winters GS Summer Drive 2026” in Amazon’s Gift Registry. The Girl Scouts are collecting unopened dog and cat food and treats for pets of all ages, sizes and breeds, along with essential supplies such as food and water bowls, collars, leashes, toys and other pet care items. Senior Girl Scout Jackelyn Cooper of Troop 1225 said she was inspired to organize a second drive after seeing the community’s generosity during a successful winter collection. As a lifelong pet owner, she said she was especially moved to learn that some older adults sacrifice their own needs to care for their animals.
“Pets are family, and no one should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding the animal they love,” Cooper said. “One thing Girl Scouts learn is that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. We hope our pet food drive reminds local seniors that they aren’t alone and that our community is here to support them and their pets.” The “PAWS Days of Summer” drive benefits Meals on Wheels Yolo County’s year-round MOW PAWS (Pets and Well Seniors) program, which provides pet food and supplies to food-insecure, homebound older adults. The program helps seniors keep the companion animals that provide comfort, reduce isolation and support emotional well-being. According to
See PETS, Page 2
Index Features ........................ B-1
We at he r Date
Rain
High
Low
July 08
.00
92˚
54˚
July 09
.00
95˚
58˚
July 10
.00
99˚
58˚
July 11
.00
98˚
56˚
Eventos hispanos ....... A-5
July 12
.00
96˚
65˚
July 13
.00
97˚
66˚
Opinion ......................... B-4
July 14
.00
98˚
66˚
Real Estate ................... B-2
Rain for week: 0.00 in. Season’s total: 0.00 in. Last sn. to date: 0.00 in.
Classifieds ................... B-4 Community .................. A-2
Sports ........................... B-5
Winters rainfall season began 7/1/25. Weather readings are taken at 9 a.m. daily by local weatherman Joe Bristow.
There’s a new mechanic in town specializing in light-duty diesel trucks. Lopez Diesel Performance & Repair, located at 2 Russell Street in downtown Winters, officially opened its doors on March 1, 2026. Owned and operated by lifelong Winters resident Darian Lopez, the shop specializes in diagnostics, maintenance, engine rebuilds and performance upgrades for Cummins, Power Stroke and Duramax diesel engines. While diesel trucks are the shop’s primary focus, Lopez also provides general repair and maintenance services for all makes and models. For Lopez, opening his own shop is the realization of a lifelong dream. Born and raised in Winters, Lopez grad-
KS Winters Photography/Courtesy photo
The new Lopez Diesel Performance & Repair sign welcomes customers to the shop at 2 Russell St. The business officially opened March 1. uated from Winters High School in 2023. His strong work ethic was developed at an early age while working alongside his grandfather in the tomato fields at Button & Turkovich Farms. After spending three summers in the fields, he earned enough money to purchase his first diesel truck — a 2006 Ford F-350 — which would ultimately shape his future career. Lopez’s passion for
1 Main Street Winters, CA 530.795.2682
27990 County Road 90 Winters, CA 95694 www.pearcehvac.com State Contractor Lic# 864483
See SHOP, Page 2
Yolo supervisors advance climate plan By Rebecca Wasik McNaughton Media The Yolo County Board of Supervisors received an update Tuesday on the county’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, showing that more than half of its 183 planned actions are already underway.
CAAP implementation Of the 183 actions outlined in the plan, 105 are currently in progress, according to the informational-only update presented to the board. The Yolo County CAAP was adopted by the board on Dec. 3, 2024, with implementation beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Phase one of
implementation is expected to run through 2027. The plan’s goal is to achieve net-negative greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 while centering equity and ensuring a just transition. Focus areas through next year will include transportation, buildings and energy, natural and working lands, waste and resilience. The Climate Action Commission will relaunch July 21. Residents can follow CAAP implementation at https://climateaction. yolocounty.gov/.
El Macero assessment district The board also held a Proposition 218 pub-
Service all makes & models Accept all major credit cards Family owned & operated
2 Main Street Winters, CA 530.795.4503
diesel trucks began in high school when he started working on his own vehicle. With access to his uncle’s shop in Woodland, he learned the trade through hands-on experience, gaining valuable mechanical knowledge while repairing and upgrading his truck. During this time, Lopez recognized a need for a local diesel repair shop serving the
lic hearing regarding a proposed increased assessment for road and landscaping services within the El Macero County Service Area. With 77.47 percent of ballots cast in favor, the board unanimously adopted a resolution confirming the diagram and assessment, forming the El Macero CSA Road Improvement and Landscaping Assessment District. Of 440 ballots sent, 255 were returned — a 57.95 percent return rate — with 191 in favor and 64 opposed. The assessment will
See COUNTY, Page 5
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