Winters Express: Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Winters pool fees corrected after implementation error

By Sonora Slater Express staff writer

As part of their budget discussions this year — which will continue at the July 7 Winters City Council meeting — the council heard a presentation on recommended increases for fees and service charges provided by the city of Winters.

Based on the Consumer Price Index, or CPI, a measure of inflation, most fees for city services, including plumbing, public works services, planning and building fees, and fire department service fees, would increase by 2.7 percent.

However, discussion of pool fees revealed a discrepancy in the current fee structure.

The draft fee schedule presented at the meeting included proposed increases to $6 for a daily pass, $54 for a 10-visit punch card and $72 for a monthly pass, intended to keep pace with rising costs for pool operations, equipment maintenance and wages.

During the review, staff and council discovered that a previously approved fee increase from last year had not been implemented. As a result, patrons had been paying older rates that were lower than intended under the approved schedule.

With receipt in hand,

community member Kate Laddish also noted inconsistencies between the presented fees and those listed on the pool’s website, stating that a monthly pass she recently purchased cost $54, while the 10-visit punch card was listed at $43.

The council determined that rather than moving directly to the newly proposed increases, the city would first implement the previously approved fee schedule that had not yet taken effect.

Traditionally, a new fee schedule takes effect July 1 at the start of the new fiscal year. However, council members and Laddish noted that a midseason increase could make it difficult for pool patrons to plan their summer.

To avoid disrupting the swim season while correcting pricing, the previously approved fees will take effect Aug. 1. At that time, a monthly pass will cost $58 and a 10-visit punch card will cost $46. Daily pass pricing was not immediately clarified in the discussion. Until then, current fees will remain in place.

Council also directed staff to implement future pool fee adjustments on Jan. 1 going forward, rather than mid-budget cycle or mid-season.

The other fee increases were approved without separate discussion.

Judge issues gag order in fireworks case

By Anne Ternus-Bellamy McNaughton Media correspondent

A Yolo County judge has imposed a pretrial gag order in the case of the Esparto fireworks explosion that killed seven workers last year, meaning defendants facing murder and conspiracy charges, as well as their attorneys, will be prohibited from speaking about the case publicly.

But Judge Daniel Maguire declined to order the more extensive gag order sought

by prosecutors which would have included non-parties in the case — such as victims’ family members and state agencies — citing a lack of evidence “of a sufficient threat to order the sweeping protective order requested by the prosecution.”

The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, which is prosecuting the case, had requested the pretrial publicity protective order in May, arguing that, “given the small size of the Esparto community, the anticipated duration of pretrial proceedings and the level of public interest in this case, it is highly possible that potential witnesses, involved government agencies and/or attorneys

... may communicate information related to the case to one another or to potential jurors from the community.”

That motion was opposed by defense attorneys as well as attorneys for CAL FIRE and Cal/OSHA, two state agencies that participated in the blast investigation.

In his order issued last week, Maguire said the gag order does not apply to any non-party or their counsel, including the family members of victims of the explosion, the public, the media and any non-party agency, such as CAL FIRE and Cal/OSHA.

Winters Museum asks city to revise sign code

By Sonora Slater Express staff writer

The Winters Historical Society, which operates the Winters History Museum, is asking the city to modify its sign code after enforcement changes led to the removal of downtown A-frame signs used to direct visitors to the museum.

The free, volunteer-run museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. and focuses on preserving local history. It previously used A-frame signs in downtown Winters to help direct visitors to its location.

However, according to the Winters Municipal Code, signs are not permitted on public property, including utility poles, light standards and within the public right-of-way. Signs also may not be placed on private property without the property owner’s permission.

In April, the city issued a public reminder noting an increase in yard signs, A-frame signs and placards placed on public property and private property without authorization. City officials asked businesses and individuals to remove noncompliant signs by May 1, warning that code enforcement could remove remaining signage and issue citations after that date.

After that enforcement period began, the museum complied with a request to remove its downtown

A-frame signs.

At the June 2 and June 16 City Council meetings, volunteers with the Winters Historical Society spoke during public comment, requesting an amendment to the city’s sign code within the Winters Municipal Code. They proposed allowing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to place up to four A-frame signs in the downtown area during museum open hours, particularly near major intersections such as Main Street and Railroad Avenue. According to museum volunteers, visitation has declined by more than 50 percent since the signs were removed. The museum does track attendance data to support that figure.

The council expressed general support for exploring a change, but any amendment to the code will take time. The item is expected to go before the Planning Commission at its July 28 meeting and, if approved, return to the council for consideration at its Aug. 4 meeting.

In the meantime, City Manager Jeremy Craig is working with the city attorney to explore a temporary solution while the formal process moves forward.

“It may not seem like a crisis,” volunteer Paul Myer said, “but for those of us who put our time and energy into these museum exhibits, it is.”

California new laws take effect July 1

Winters JUSD reviews cellphone policy ahead of state mandate

Express staff

A series of new California laws taking effect July 1 will impact schools, restaurants, housing development and emergency response procedures, according to the Governor’s Office.

California schools will be required to have at least one gender-neutral restroom on campus. Signage must be appropriate, clearly marked and maintained to ensure accessibility for all students.

Autonomous vehicle manufacturers must also provide a dedicated telephone line for emergency responders. The requirement is

intended to allow first responders to contact a remote operator to move a vehicle or clear a specified area during an emergency.

New standardized food labeling rules will require consistent formatting across products for date labeling. “Best if used by” will be used to indicate peak freshness, while “Use by” will be required for safety-related expiration guidance.

Housing development rules will also expand construction potential near transit areas, including bus stops, train stations and other transit hubs. The changes are intended to streamline approvals for higher-density housing in urban corridors.

Public schools that issue student identification cards for grades 7-12, as well as colleges, must include

See LAWS, Page 4

Eventos hispanos

Save the Date for Festival de la Comunidad

Special to the Express

The Winters Hispanic Advisory Committee and Winters Community Corazon are proud to announce the return of the annual Festival de la Comunidad, also known as the Winters Carnitas Festival, on Sept. 26 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Rotary Park.

Bring the whole family to this annual community celebration at the Winters Community Center and Rotary Park.

The festival will feature live music, Ballet Folklórico, mariachi performances, dancing, community booths, a large children’s play area with free activities and

other family-friendly attractions.

A dance band will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is free.

Festivalgoers can enjoy delicious carnitas prepared by Buckhorn Steakhouse, Chuy’s Taqueria, Preserve, Carboni’s and Putah Creek Cafe. Each restaurant’s specialty carnitas are inspired by different regions of Mexico.

Carnitas plates will feature selections from three participating restaurants and include beans, rice, tortillas and salsa.

Details about pre-sale carnitas plates will be announced closer to the festival date.

Proceeds from carnitas plate sales support the festival, com-

munity

scholarships.

soda and

Free senior health workshops coming to Winters, Capay Valley

Meals on Wheels

Yolo County will offer free health and wellness presentations for older adults in Winters and Esparto this summer, with an additional workshop scheduled in West Sacramento later this month. The educational sessions, presented in partnership with Café Yolo Social Dining, will focus on simple habits that can support healthy aging. Topics include staying hydrated, drinking enough fluids

and choosing healthy fats to support heart health. Each presentation will last about one hour and is open to the public. The Winters workshop will take place Thursday, June 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Winters Community Center, 201 Railroad Ave.

Residents of the Capay Valley can attend a workshop Thursday, July 9, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Capay Valley Health and Community Center, 17340 Yolo Ave. in Esparto. An additional pre-

sentation will be offered Wednesday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to noon at the West Sacramento Community Center, 1075 W. Capitol Ave., for those who may be in the area.

All workshops are free. Participants who would like lunch are asked to reserve a meal at least 24 hours in advance by contacting Meals on Wheels Yolo County at 530662-7035 or emailing welcome@mowyolo. org.

The presentations are part of Café Yolo, a social dining program

Putah Creek groups seek landowner input on restoration projects

Special to the Express

Putah Creek Council and Solano County Water Agency are seeking input from landowners as they explore opportunities for future rock vane restoration projects along eligible tributaries of Putah Creek above the Putah Diversion Dam, as well as along Dry Creek and Pleasants Creek.

Supported by a Bureau of Reclamation grant, the effort will help identify potential restoration sites and assess landowner interest in projects that could reduce erosion, improve water quality, manage sediment and enhance habitat for native fish and wildlife.

Building on previous restoration success

The effort builds on restoration work completed following the 2020 LNU Lightning Complex Fire. During that effort, rock vanes were installed at several locations to help stabilize stream channels and address erosion concerns. Recent observations show the structures have significantly reduced bank erosion, captured sediment and helped transform previously dry stream reaches into year-round wetlands, improving habitat for native fish and wild-

life.

The Putah Creek Council and Solano County Water Agency are now exploring additional rock vane installations at suitable locations throughout the watershed. What are rock vanes?

Rock vanes are engineered structures made of natural rock that are placed within stream channels to help direct water flow. By slowing and redirecting erosive currents, they can reduce streambank erosion, stabilize channels, limit sediment movement and create habitat conditions that support native fish and wildlife.

They are a nature-based restoration tool that can improve stream function while protecting both creek ecosystems and adjacent properties.

Landowners invited to learn more

At this stage, the organizations are seeking to connect with landowners whose properties are located along eligible tributaries above the Putah Diversion Dam, as well as along Dry Creek and Pleasants Creek, to learn more about local restoration needs and gauge interest in potential future proj-

ects.

No commitment is required. The agencies are currently gathering input and identifying locations where restoration opportunities may exist. Interested landowners may email Phil Stevens at phil@ putahcreekcouncil. org.

Future project implementation would depend on site suitability, landowner participation, environmental review and availability of funding. Landowners would have the opportunity to review project requirements before making any decisions about participation.

A collaborative approach to watershed stewardship

By engaging landowners early in the planning process, Putah Creek Council and Solano County Water Agency hope to develop a collaborative approach to reducing erosion, improving habitat and strengthening the long-term resilience of local waterways throughout the watershed.

Landowners interested in learning more or expressing interest in future participation are encouraged to contact the Putah Creek Council.

operated by Meals on Wheels Yolo County that provides adults 60 and older with opportunities to share a meal, learn about healthy living and connect with others in their community.

Café Yolo meets weekly on Thursdays at the Winters Community Center and on most Thursdays at the Capay Valley Health and Community Center, excluding the third Thursday of each month.

Meals on Wheels Yolo County is the county’s only provid-

er of fully prepared meals for food-insecure and isolated older adults. The organization currently serves approximately 1,200 seniors throughout Yolo County.

All meals are prepared at the Meals on Wheels-Sutter Health Senior Nutrition Center in Winters. For more information, visit mowyolo.org or call 530-662-7035.

YESTERYEAR

Public Safety Report

coverage

June 3: Main Street and Edwards Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Grant Avenue and First Street, EMS call

– excluding vehicle accident with injury

~County Road 22 and Highway 16 (Woodland), Station

June 4: Rosa Avenue and Mermod Place, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Grant Avenue and Railroad Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Grant Avenue and First Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

Lake Berryessa water levels down

Express staff

The water level of Lake Berryessa decreased by 0.53 feet over the past week, resulting in a difference of 9,815 acrefeet of water storage, according to Cristian Tejeda, Solano Irrigation District – Putah Diversion Office. On the morning of Tuesday, June 16, he reported that the lake elevation was 436.34 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,482,871 acre-feet. The SID released 568 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 60 cubic feet flowing into lower Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 304 acre-feet of water per day.

~Grant Avenue and Aster Street, Mutual aid structure fire

June 5: Myrtle Drive and Owings Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Matsumoto Lane and County Road 90, Person in distress (other)

June 6: W. Grant Avenue and Taylor Street, Motor vehicle accident

~County Road 31 and County Road 93A, Motor vehicle accident

~Morgan Street and Caselli Court, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~E. Baker Street and East Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

June 7: East Street and Morgan Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Owings Drive and Owings Court, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~E. Grant Avenue and E. Baker Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~E. Baker Street and East Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

June 8: Railroad Avenue and Wolfskill Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Highway 128 and Monticello Dam Road, Grass fire

June 9: Dutton Street and E. Grant Avenue, EMS call –excluding vehicle accident with injury

June 10: Grant Avenue and Cemetery Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

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

Police Report Log

June 5: 10:37 a.m., Adams Lane and Taylor Street, Bench warrant/failure to appear (misdemeanor)

~11:04 a.m., 500 block of Niemann Street, Criminal threats (misdemeanor)

June 6: 9:35 p.m., 200 block of First Street, Criminal threats (felony)

June 7: 4:53 p.m., 100 block of E. Grant Avenue, Disorderly conduct/alcohol (misdemeanor)

June 9: 8:05 p.m., E. Main Street and East Street, Assault with a deadly weapon (felony)

View the Winters Police Department Arrest and Report Logs, visit www. cityofwinters.org/289/ Report-Arrest-Log

In loving memory of Enriqueta Campos Carrion, a devoted mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, who passed peacefully surrounded by the family who loved her beyond measure.

Born in Marchal, Spain, on Jan. 13, 1947, Enriqueta married Francisco A. Carrion on Feb. 25, 1963. In December of that same year, they welcomed their son, Francisco C. Carrion. Shortly after, Francisco traveled to the United States to build a better future for his family.

In 1966, Enriqueta and her two-year-old son joined him in the United States. In 1972, they welcomed their daughter, Debbie C. Carrion, completing their family.

Enriqueta carried with her a generous spirit, a strong faith, and the rich traditions of her homeland. God blessed her with a life filled with love, purpose, and the courage to create a new future for her family. Through every challenge and triumph, she led with love, resilience, and a quiet grace that inspired everyone who knew her.

Enriqueta was an exceptional baker and cook, known for filling her home with comforting aromas and dishes made with love. Her kitchen was a gathering place— where stories were shared, laughter was abundant, and every meal felt like a celebration of family. She was also a gifted gardener, nurturing every plant with the same care and devotion she gave her family. Her garden bloomed with brilliant colors and fragrant flowers, each one a reflection of her gentle nature and the joy she found in tending to the earth.

Above all, God blessed Enriqueta with a life filled with love, family, and purpose. She shared those blessings generously—with open hands, an open heart, and unwavering faith. She was the heart of her home and the

anchor of her family. Her husband, children and their spouses, and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she gave them all of herself—her wisdom, her laughter, her stories, and her unconditional love. To the very end, they held her close with all their hearts, just as she had held them throughout her life.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and deep family devotion. Though she has left this earthly home, her spirit will forever live on in the memories she created, the recipes she passed down, the traditions she cherished, and the love she so generously shared.

She is survived by her husband, Francisco A. Carrion; her son, Francisco Eleuterio Campos Carrion, and his wife, Cynthia Carrion; her daughter, Debbie Carrion Clifford, and her husband, John Clifford; her grandchildren, McKenna Estrella Carrion Clifford and Jayden Santiago Carrion Clifford; and her sister, Leonor Campos Munoz. She is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.

Her family finds comfort knowing she is now at peace, and they honor her by carrying forward the love and strength she showed every day.

Enriqueta will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

The funeral service is on Friday, June 19, 2026, at McCune’s Garden Chapel, 212 Main St., Vacaville, at 11:30 a.m. Burial service will be held at Winters Cemetery in Winters at 1 p.m.

To submit an obituary, visit the “Submission Forms” page or hover over “Obituary” for the submission link

Eventos hispanos

Ayuntamiento debate plan de 3 años para el centro

El Plan de Acción para el Centro de Winters, presentado al Ayuntamiento durante su primera reunión en Junio, representa el siguiente paso en una serie de iniciativas para revitalizar y fortalecer el centro de la ciudad, con el objetivo de mejorar sus servicios básicos, aumentar las visitas entre semana y definir la identidad comercial del centro de Winters.

Se optó por este plan de acción en lugar de un estudio tradicional, que recopilaría y analizaría datos sobre indicadores clave del centro. En su lugar, consultores de Chabin Concepts Inc. revisaron datos previamente recopilados, incluyendo el Plan Maestro del Centro del 2006, el informe de Visión y Recomendaciones Políticas para el Centro del 2023 y el Informe de Visitantes de Winters del 2025, además de realizar entrevistas con los actores clave del centro. Posteriormente, presentaron un plan de 3 años con pasos concretos para alcanzar los objetivos establecidos. “Tienen un centro maravilloso, y muchas ciudades lo envidiarían,” comentó Sean Quinn, uno de los consultores presentes en la reunión. “Estamos aquí para hablar sobre cómo dar

the phone number and text line for The Trevor Project’s LGBTQ+ crisis services. The requirement expands on previous legislation that mandated inclusion of the national suicide hotline number on student IDs.

Chain restaurants operating 20 or more locations in California must disclose major food allergens for each menu item directly on menus or menu boards. Covered allergens include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts and soybeans. Smartphone use on school campuses will also be restricted statewide. All schools, including charter schools, must adopt policies that either limit or ban student cell phone use during the school day, with limited exemptions such as emergencies. County offices of education are also included in the requirement.

Winters JUSD reviews device policy

The Winters Joint Unified School District is beginning to examine updates to

el siguiente paso.”

Los temas centrales identificados durante la investigación incluyeron facilitar el descubrimiento de Winters por parte de los visitantes mediante la mejora de la señalización en las autopistas, la optimización de los accesos y la orientación hacia el centro. Otros temas incluyeron el aumento de las actividades entre semana para apoyar a los negocios locales, un mayor enfoque en el arroyo Putah Creek y las actividades recreativas al aire libre, y la mejora de la gestión de residuos, la iluminación y el paisajismo.

Estos objetivos se dividieron en un período de tres años. Los objetivos del primer año incluyen la mejora de la señalización y los aspectos básicos de eventos e infraestructura, así como una mejor coordinación entre la ciudad, la cámara de comercio y los negocios del centro que no pertenecen a ella. Entre las medidas sugeridas se incluye designar Railroad Ave. y Main St. como la plaza principal de Winters y desarrollar la señalización correspondiente.

Los objetivos del segundo año incluyen la ampliación y conexión del centro y el aumento de las actividades entre semana, como conciertos de música acústica y pequeñas actividades temporales,

como noches de postres o un paseo de calabazas. Las acciones sugeridas incluyen el lanzamiento de paquetes entre semana, la búsqueda de maneras de aumentar las oportunidades para andar en bicicleta, la identificación de comercios y restaurantes objetivo —como tiendas de artículos para actividades al aire libre y de aventura, estudios de creación, pastelerías nocturnas y tiendas de antiguedades o “vintage” de alta gama— para integrarse al centro de la ciudad, y la introducción de una nueva campaña de identidad para el centro, que los consultores ampliaron posteriormente en su presentación.

Los objetivos del tercer año incluyen mejorar las conexiones del arroyo, conectar el centro comunitario con los eventos, involucrar los espacios del segundo piso en los eventos y explorar el desarrollo de espacios vacíos.

“Soy un gran admirador de la lista de acciones,” dijo el alcalde Albert Vallecillo. “Quiero asegurarme de que tengamos una manera clara de ver nuestro progreso. Creo que este es un buen comienzo y es emocionante.”

El equipo presentó dos ideas potenciales para la identidad comercial de Winters basadas en lo que ya observaron en el centro

“The proposed administrative regulations would add more specific procedures and limitations intended to clarify expectations across school sites.”

its student cellphone policy ahead of new statewide restrictions taking effect July 1.

At its June 11 meeting, the board received an information item on Administrative Regulation 5131.8, which outlines proposed updates governing student use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices on campus. According to the staff report, Board Policy 5131.8 currently allows students to use smartphones and similar devices during noninstructional time, provided use complies with district rules and applicable law. The proposed administrative regulations would add more specific procedures and limitations intended to clarify expectations across school sites.

School district staff said the changes are

intended to support student learning, reduce classroom distractions and promote a positive school climate, while ensuring consistent implementation of board policy.

The agenda item and supporting materials are available on the Winters Joint Unified School District website at www.wintersjusd.org.

Winters JUSD has a regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 25. Additional board meetings are scheduled throughout the summer, including Aug. 6 and Aug. 20.

CASE

de la ciudad. La primera es “Una calle principal para cada estación,” centrada en festivales de temporada, ofertas gastronómicas de temporada y decoración estacional en el centro.

Las ideas incluyeron decoración de cosecha y catas de vino entre semana en otoño; luces cálidas, noches de compras navideñas y calcomanías en las ventanas en invierno; Detalles florales y señalización para ciclistas en primavera; y decoración de terrazas y noches de música en verano. El segundo concepto se centró en la ubicación de Winters, justo al lado de la autopista 128, y buscaba atraer a más viajeros en carretera y otros viajeros que buscan destinos fuera de lo común.

La residente Kate Laddish afirmó que quiere asegurar que los cambios futuros mantengan un centro funcional que conserve la esencia de Winters, en lugar de priorizar la experiencia del visitante. El informe incluía información sobre el contraste entre las percepciones externas e internas de Winters. Los consultores definieron la percepción interna de Winters como trabajadora y práctica, auténtica, acogedora y orientada a la calidad, pero sin pretensiones. La percepción externa se de-

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But in issuing the gag order on defendants and their attorneys, Maguire said, “There is clear evidence showing that, without a court order, the parties in this case are likely to embark on efforts to try the case through the media and public statements, thus presenting a ‘serious and imminent threat’ to trial integrity.”

“Given the nature of this case, the publicity surrounding it, and the size of this county, reasonable and constitutional steps must be taken to ensure that a fair and impartial jury may be summoned,” Maguire said. “A limited

scribió como una auténtica joya escondida y un pintoresco destino gastronómico con encanto estacional.

Los consultores señalaron que una identidad definida para guiar las decisiones futuras combinaría ambas perspectivas. El alcalde interino Bill Biasi expresó su preocupación por la financiación.

“Hay muchas buenas ideas en este informe,” dijo Biasi. “Pero... ¿Cómo las implementamos?” Una de las sugerencias de los consultores fue celebrar una cena benéfica en el Puente del Ferrocarril, similar a la cena anual del Puente de la Torre de Sacramento.

La concejala Jesse Loren formuló preguntas adicionales sobre cómo se mediría el progreso en ciertos aspectos del plan y solicitó indicadores más detallados para el tercer año. También señaló que la señalización en la Carretera 128 está bajo la jurisdicción de Caltrans y que realizar cambios podría ser complicado o lento. El informe completo puede consultarse en línea en la agenda de la reunión del Ayuntamiento del 2 de Junio, disponible en la sección de Archivo del Ayuntamiento en www.cityofwinters.org/194/Meetings. El plan se volverá a tratar en el Ayuntamiento en una futura reunión.

pretrial publicity order furthers that goal by ensuring that the case is tried in court, not before the media, thus lessening the potential for bias and prejudgement by members of the jury venire.”

The order prohibits the parties and their agents from making any public extrajudicial comments regarding: the merits of the case; any written or oral arguments made by any party; the evidence of the case; the investigation of the case; any of the defendants’

relationships with each other; any of the defendants’ relationships with any victim; the character of any victim; and the character of any defendant.

A total of eight individuals were indicted in the case, five of whom face second-degree murder charges, including Sam Machado, a former Yolo County sheriff’s lieutenant and an owner of the County Road 23 property where seven employees of Devastating Pyrotechnics LLC died in the July 1, 2025, blast.

A potential measles playbook in a vaccine-skeptical county

By Annie Sciacca KFF Health News

James Mu had braced for the call that came in late January.

A patient from his rural Northern California county had measles, a disease so rare there that many physicians have never treated a case.

While California has some of the strictest vaccine laws in the country, conservative Shasta County’s approach during the covid pandemic stood in stark contrast with the state’s guidance. Its local leaders opposed masking and vaccine mandates, and they ousted the county public health officer, who had sought to enforce those state policies and other safety measures.

A potential measles outbreak had “always been in my mind,” said Mu, an outspoken family physician who was among local doctors to sign a 2022 letter opposing covid vaccine mandates. But Mu, the county’s current public health officer, said that when his department identified the first local measles case, it acted decisively: “We forgot about fear.”

They went to work, he and his team said, to painstakingly retrace the steps of nine people sickened with measles, contacting more than 600 people who may have been exposed at Costco, a sushi restaurant, sporting events, a school, or a healthcare clinic. Just one of the nine contracted measles from one of those locations, while the others were characterized by the public health department as “close contacts.”

Two and a half months later, the Shasta County public health department had declared the measles outbreak over. Infectious disease experts say the rapid response executed in the mostly rural, vaccine-hesitant county offers a playbook for public health officers across the nation

who are struggling to keep the highly contagious virus from spreading.

“To me, the story of Shasta is one of hope,” said Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California-San Francisco.

After more than a year of ongoing cases, measles has sickened more than 4,000 people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For the first time in two decades, the U.S. is poised to lose its measles elimination status, a designation signaling that outbreaks are rare and rapidly contained.

Utah had confirmed 673 measles cases as of late May while South Carolina had seen at least 997, according to their state health departments. California had confirmed 74 cases.

Critical rapid response

In late January, when Shasta County identified the first case, Mu gathered with more than a dozen communicable-disease nurses, epidemiologists, and emergency and community relations staffers for an “initial threat assessment meeting.”

Measles is an airborne pathogen that can linger in a room for two hours after an infected person leaves, so on-call nurses and responders faced a daunting task figuring out exactly when the patient was infectious and where they had been.

“Everything is about speed — speed in identifying the person and finding the sites where measles were occurring,” ChinHong said. “If you keep it down to a few cases, it’s much easier. If you wait just a little bit longer, those people would have been in contact with a lot more people.”

Roughly 9 in 10 unvaccinated people exposed to the virus become infected. All nine of Shasta County’s confirmed cases were peo-

ple who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, according to the county’s public health department. Before the department called families who may have been exposed, county nurses sometimes enlisted school principals, church staff, clinic managers, or others to make first contact, said Daniel Walker, the county’s supervising epidemiologist.

Erika Piper, the head of Redding Christian School in Palo Cedro, talked to school families wary of requests by public health officials — and government in general — to provide immunization records or other personal information. She said she also had tough but respectful conversations with families to ensure exposed, unvaccinated kids stayed home from school, so their community could abide by public health guidance calling for 21 days of isolation.

“I would say to them: ‘That’s totally fine. You have a choice. You’ve made your choice. But there are still consequences to the choices we make,’” Piper said, referring to families who had opted not to vaccinate their children.

“‘And so you can either be a willing helper and a partner with me in this, and we can make it work and get through it, or you can battle me on it. But either way, you can’t be in school.’”

She allowed work to be sent home to quarantined students and personally took daily attendance at the school to help ensure health guidelines were met.

The California Department of Public Health assisted with case investigation by making calls to exposed people at the county’s request and deployed a covid-era phone system, CalCONNECT, that automates symptom monitoring for exposed contacts.

Shasta officials warned people not to be wary of

calls from contract tracers using a 279 area code, worrying they would dismiss them as scams.

Delicate conversations

In Shasta County, the measles vaccination rate is just below the 95% threshold for community-level protection, but in pockets of the community the rates are lower and vary widely, according to state data. And in those vulnerable places, an outbreak can spread.

For example, more than a quarter of Shasta schools had rates below 95% in 2024-25, according to the latest state data available. Several were below 90%.

Although Redding Christian School reported a kindergarten measles vaccination rate at or above 95% in 2024-25, it was 87.8% three years earlier.

When it came to talking to people who had been exposed to measles, Sharayne Loomis, a supervising public health nurse on Shasta’s communicable-disease team, described the department’s approach as “meeting people where they are.”

That included nonjudgmental conversations that supported residents regardless of their stance on vaccination, Loomis said.

Mu said the same philosophy extended across the county’s health agencies, but he publicly cautioned against “measles parties,” gatherings where unvaccinated children are intentionally exposed to build immunity. And he spoke against receiving high doses of vitamin A without medical supervision. Vitamin A has circulated as a measles treatment in vaccine-skeptical communities and was endorsed last year by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., though the CDC website says that vitamin A “does not prevent measles and is not a substitute for vaccination.”

Some community members said Mu’s department

could have been more proactive before the outbreak, imploring him to emphasize the importance of vaccination in public messaging.

“Clearly, when the situation was known to be coming into our communities, that would have been a time to advise for vaccines,” Steve Kahn told county supervisors at their February board meeting. “I think he was negligent in that.” For years, public health has been a political flash point for the region. The Board of Supervisors fired the previous public health officer, Karen Ramstrom, in May 2022 after pushback from residents upset with her enforcement of state covid rules. In an effort to reach vaccine-hesitant Californians, state officials have been working in a coalition called Public Health for All Californians Together and through an effort nicknamed Project Stethoscope that uses social media monitoring and other research to tailor messaging to skeptical viewers.

Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, said the state is preparing for measles to possibly surge when it hosts World Cup soccer matches starting in June, as well as with increased summer travel.

But when it comes to mitigating an outbreak in a community, public health officials say, residents — especially those skeptical of vaccines — need to hear from the people they know.

“Trust is very important for us,” Mu said. “It is critical in getting people to follow our guidance, especially during an outbreak.”

—KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more at kffhealthnews.org.

Avoid heat illnesses with summertime hydration strategies

Special to the Express

Summer is a season to spend outdoors soaking up some sun. In Yolo County, that often also means preparing for stretches of triple-digit temperatures as inland valley heat settles in for days at a time. While the long daylight hours invite time outside, heat advisories and extreme temperature spikes can quickly turn routine activities into health risks if precautions are not taken. The dangers of overexposure to the sun are well-documented. Sunburn is one such threat that can not only lead to discomfort, but also increase a person’s risk for skin cancer. But sunburn is easily prevented with the use of sunscreen, and that’s not the only summertime threat that’s easily avoided. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. During the dog days of summer — especially when Yolo County temperatures climb into the 100s — it’s easy to lose fluids quickly when spending time outdoors. Sweating is one way to lose fluid on a hot day, but there are many ways to avoid dehydration once the heat sets in.

• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. According to NHS Inform, the national health information service of Scotland, thirst is typically the brain’s way of warning individuals that they are already becoming dehydrated. So it’s unwise to wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. A proactive approach can help prevent dehydration, especially during prolonged heat waves.

• Take breaks for water. A mid-morning coffee break or a mid-afternoon snack break are part of many people’s daily routines. You also can incorporate drinking water into your schedule. When pouring your morning coffee or tea, pour yourself a glass of water as well. When reaching for a mid-afternoon snack,

refill your water bottle. During triple-digit days, more frequent hydration breaks may be necessary, particularly for anyone working or recreating outdoors.

• Keep a water journal. Documenting daily water intake is one way to stay consistent with hydration. Smartphone apps like Water Reminder and Plant Nanny can help track intake and send reminders throughout the day. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, a small notebook or checklist can serve the same purpose, especially helpful during extended heat waves when routines can get disrupted.

• Look to foods to stay hydrated. Drinking water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. Various foods are naturally high in water

content. Henry Ford Health® notes that watermelon, berries, bell peppers, and grapes are water-rich foods that can support hydration on especially hot days.

• Plan outdoor activity around peak heat. In Yolo County’s hottest months, midday temperatures can climb rapidly. Whenever possible, schedule outdoor tasks, exercise, or recreation for early morning or

later evening hours when temperatures are lower and heat stress risk is reduced.

• Seek shade and cooling options. When spending extended time outside, access to shade can significantly reduce heat exposure. On extreme heat days, residents may also look for air-conditioned public spaces or designated cooling centers when available through local jurisdictions or county

emergency services. Dehydration can creep up quickly on hot summer days and put people in serious jeopardy, particularly when temperatures reach triple digits for consecutive days. That’s why it’s important to make a consistent effort to hydrate, limit direct sun exposure during peak heat, and avoid waiting until thirst sets in before reaching for water.

Regional News

Solano Planning Commission to consider Pleasants Valley Agritourism Overlay

Express staff

The Solano County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, June 18, on a proposal that would create the Pleasants Valley Agritourism Overlay, a zoning amendment designed to support low-impact agritourism while preserving agricultural land and rural character in the Pleasants, Vaca and Lagoon valleys.

The commission will consider whether to recommend the overlay to the Solano County Board of Supervisors during its meeting at 6 p.m. June 18 in the Board of Supervisors chambers at the County Administration Center, 675 Texas St. in Fairfield.

According to a staff report, the overlay is intended to support the long-term viability of agricultural operations by allowing lower-impact agritourism activities that are ancillary to ongoing agricultural production on the same property.

The proposal would apply only to properties zoned Exclusive Agriculture (A-20 and A-40) within the

approximately 4,300acre study area. The overlay would not change existing zoning classifications but would provide additional opportunities for farmers to host visitor-serving activities while maintaining agricultural production as the primary land use.

County staff say the proposed ordinance would establish a framework for visitor activities that increase public awareness and appreciation of local agriculture without compromising resource conservation, public health and safety, or the area’s rural character.

The effort builds on previous discussions dating back several years, including an earlier initiative in 2021. Resource Management staff resumed discussions with the Pleasants Valley Agricultural Association last year as part of the current planning process.

County officials say low-impact agritourism can provide farmers with supplemental income opportunities, help keep farmland

The proposed Pleasants Valley Agritourism Overlay would apply to agricultural properties within portions of the Pleasants, Vaca and Lagoon valleys in Solano County. The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the proposal during a public hearing on June 18.

in production and strengthen the local agricultural economy while preserving local farming traditions for future generations.

Additional information and meeting ma-

terials are available at www.solanocounty. gov/government/resource-management/ planning-services/development-planning/ pleasants-valley-agritourism-overlay.

Yolo Supervisors approve screening questions for DA applicants

By Rebecca Wasik McNaughton Media

On Tuesday, June 2, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors approved the screening questions to be completed by each applicant for the Yolo County District Attorney position.

On May 26, the board approved the process for filling the District Attorney vacancy created by the retirement of District Attorney Jeff Reisig on May 15. The board elected to do recruitment with interviews scheduled for its June 23 meeting. Recruitment is now underway. All candidates will be asked to answer the following questions as part of their application:

• Summarize your experience preparing or managing public-sector budgets. Explain how you would prioritize limited resources while maintaining effective operations.

• Explain how your criminal justice experience prepares you for leading a countywide prosecutorial office.

• How will you maintain continuity within the Office of the District Attorney during your leadership transition, focusing in particular on the first 90 days of transition?

• Describe your executive-level leadership and management experience. What is your experience supervising attorneys, investigators, and other professional staff?

• Describe your experience collaborating with law enforcement, county departments, community organizations, and associations. Up to three candidates will advance to the public interviews with the board on June 23. During these interviews, board members will also be able to ask their own questions.

E-bike program expands access to clean transportation

Special to the Express

The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, along with the Yolo County Sustainability Division, have launched a new incentive program to help residents purchase certified e-bikes.

Applications for the Pedal Forward: E-bike Incentive Program are now open and close on July 27. Applications are available online at www.ysaqmd.org/ ebike in English, Russian and Spanish.

“We’re excited to partner with Yolo County to make e-bikes more accessible to local residents,” said Air District Board Chair Jim Ernest. “When used safely, e-bikes can help people replace everyday car trips with a cleaner, more affordable way to travel.”

Pedal Forward is designed to give residents, especially those who qualify as low-income, access to zero-emission transportation options and reduce vehicle-related air pollution. The program provides monetary vouchers to residents to cover up to 100% of the cost of a new, eligible e-bike and safety equipment. The standard voucher amount is $750, and an enhanced voucher of $1,500 is available to eligible low-income applicants. Yolo County Health and Human Services will also offer free helmets to low-income voucher recipients.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector is critical to achieving the County’s climate goals.”

Sheila Allen, Yolo County Board of Supervisors

We are also glad to offer enhanced vouchers to lower-income community members to make emission-free transportation accessible for all.”

harmful effects of air pollution. As a public health agency, the District is responsible for safeguarding air quality and over-

seeing air pollution control in Yolo and northeastern Solano counties, including the cities of Dixon, Rio Vista and Vacav-

ille. For more information, visit ysaqmd. org. Connect with the Air District via Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Nextdoor.

To ensure accessibility, vouchers will be awarded through a random drawing. Only one voucher will be awarded per household. Approximately 80 to 120 vouchers will be available this year, depending on the number of standard and enhanced vouchers awarded. All voucher recipients will be required to take an online safety training course. Vouchers may only be redeemed with local participating bike shops that will also reinforce safety training and verify e-bike eligibility.

E-bikes have a battery and electric motor that can be activated to help with pedaling, making the bikes go faster and making it easier to travel longer distances. All e-bikes purchased through the Pedal Forward program must be Class 1 or Class 2 models and must be certified to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2271, UL 2849, or European Standard EN 15194 for fire safety while charging. Class 1 e-bikes only use pedal-assist to go up to 20 miles per hour. Class 2 e-bikes have both pedal assist and a throttle, with a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector is critical to achieving the County’s climate goals,” said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chair Sheila Allen, who also sits on the Air District Board. “We want to encourage people to use e-bikes as an alternative to driving, which will help reduce emissions while supporting healthier, more active lifestyles.

Funding for the Pedal Forward: E-bike Incentive Program is provided by the Yolo County Landfill Outof-County Tip Fee Surcharge, the California Air Resources Board’s Community Air Protection Incentives Program, and the California Office of Transportation Safety. The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District’s mission is to protect human health and property from the

We are honored to be able to provide the residents of Dixon and surrounding areas more senior living options.

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

Friday, June 19

Express Coffeehouse Chat, 8 a.m., Steady Eddy's Coffee House

Saturday, June 20

Eat Well Yolo Drive – Through Food Distribution Saturdays, 11 a.m. As supplies last, Winters High student parking lot, off Railroad Avenue, https://yolofoodbank.org/find-food

Sunday, June 21

Winters Farmers Market

9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Main Street – downtown Winters, discoverwinters.com/farmers-market

Tuesday, June 23

Winters Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m.,City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Zoom Meeting info, check www.cityofwinters.org/planning-commission/

Wednesday, June 24

Library Event: Magician Brian Scott 1:30 p.m., Winters Community Library - Margaret Parsons Room , yolocountylibrary.org/locations/winters/

Winters JUSD/Winters City 2x2 Meeting, 5 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), check check www.cityofwinters.org/258/2x2-Meetings

Library Services

Winters Community Library Hours Open to Public (No School in Session) Now through Aug. 30, Winters Community Library, Mon/Wed: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 12–8 p.m., Fri/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 Saturday, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Downtown Main Street, 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.

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.

Keeping gardens healthy in early summer

Special to the Express

This column is written by the UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County each month. It provides answers to selected questions recently asked by Yolo County gardeners.

Pest management basics

Q:  What is integrated pest management?

A: Integrated pest management is a science-based approach to managing pests that combines multiple strategies to keep pest populations at acceptable levels while minimizing risks to people, beneficial organisms, and the environment. A key feature of IPM is that

130 Years Ago

June 20, 1896

The directors of the Winters Free Library have made extensive preparations for the lawn social, which will be given this evening in the vacant lot between the residences of D. Eisner and T.E. McFall on Russell Street.

On Thursday last, during the enforced absence of the editor of the Express, an attachment was served on this paper for unpaid wages by one who was an attache until a few days since.

A party consisting of Geo. Morris, R.L. and Jas. R. Briggs, Joe Griffin, John Leathers and Richard Brown went into the mountains last Saturday for a few days’ recreation.

G.W. Hemenway and Rev. B.J. Waugh have procured material and will start a newspaper in this place, the same to be devoted to the interests of the A.P.A., so we are informed.

The Express is under lasting obligations to Dr. M.O. Wyatt and Mr. H. Seamon for their kindly assistance in “getting out” the paper this week.

Ansel Pleasants has had his phaeton painted and is now the possessor of one of the handsomest rigs in the country.

95 Years Ago

June 19, 1931

Clerk P.W. Thornberry reports the new principal for Winters Grammar School has been hired. He is Robert L. Meade, who has been principal of the grammar school

it addresses a broad definition of “pests,” which includes not only insects but also fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and weeds.

IPM begins with identification and monitoring to determine what organisms are present, their population levels, and the extent of damage. Correct identification is essential because many organisms are harmless or even beneficial. For example, some insects are beneficial predators, although they may look similar to harmful insects.

the past three years at Hilt.

Mrs. Grace L. Grothe, editor of the Esparto Exponent, and her daughter, Miss Helen, were in town on business Wednesday.

Mrs. George Burleigh and Miss Margaret Snodgrass left Sunday for their homes in Los Angeles.

Two members have been added to the high school faculty. Miss Gladys E. Layman will teach the subjects formerly taught by Mrs. Harrington, and Miss Helen L. Armstrong will teach domestic arts and sciences and freehand drawing, previously taught by Miss Putnam.

Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Sackett are expecting to leave in a short time on a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, where they will visit their daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Adams.

At a recent meeting of the County Board of Education, Miss Jennie Reasoner received recommendation for an elementary teacher’s life diploma.

80 Years Ago

June 21, 1946

Cameron Girton, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Cattermole, has been appointed executive secretary of the Yolo County Tomato Growers Association.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Ratliff, proprietors of the Hotel Cafe, are the purchasers of property on Russell Street from Hattie E. Judy.

Harold Perry is assisting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Perry, in their store here during the summer

Understanding whether a problem is caused by an insect, a fungal pathogen, a bacterial infection, a viral disease, invasive weeds or an abiotic cause, such as under- or overwatering, determines the most effective management strategy. The UC Master Gardener Program of Yolo County offers a free help desk that can assist you to get answers to these questions. You can contact the help desk via phone at 530-666-8737 or email at mgyolo@ucanr.edu.

Another core principle is establishing an action threshold. This is the point at which pest populations or damage justify intervention. In IPM, the goal

Years Ago

Dispatches from the Express archives.

vacation months.

The Clarence Gilmores, en route to Sacramento from San Francisco, were recent visitors with Mrs. Gilmore’s mother, Mrs. A.P. Pleasants.

Visitors at the W.B. Young ranch last Friday were Mrs. Oscar Graeser and daughters, Joan and Christie, of Woodland. Mrs. Graeser is a daughter of the Youngs.

Rev. William C. McCalmont plans to leave Winters Monday for San Anselmo, where he will attend the Young People’s Conference for high school students, which will be in session from June 24 through July 1.

45 Years Ago

June 18, 1981

Four students from Winters High School took part in the SUCCESS Consortium on the campus of Sonoma State University June 5-7. Gloria Lopez, Lorenzo Lopez, Lupe Lopez and Rosie Ornelas were among those participating in the program, which offers college experience to high school students. The State Office of Emergency Services requested the stateowned truck in Winters, and Winters firefighters David Hightower (lieutenant), Ken Hattabaugh

(volunteer) and Steve Montenegro (cadet) were dispatched to battle fires in the Santa Barbara–Los Angeles basin this week. A Cadette/Senior camp was held June 8-10 at the Lake Solano Youth Organization site. Camp began after closing ceremonies signaled the end of Girl Scout Day Camp for Brownies, Fly-Ups and Juniors on Monday and Tuesday of last week. Girls attending were Winters Senior Margaret Purtill, Cadette Mary Ramos and bridging Cadette Shannon O’Brien of C/S 301. Bob Ruggles, a member of the Winters Volunteer Fire Department for the past 22 years, was recently promoted to lieutenant. His lieutenant’s badge was pinned on him by Fire Chief Vernon Bruhn. Last Friday at around 2:30 p.m., William Alexander reported that a mini-tornado ripped a section of roof off the sorting shed; the funnel of wind continued on to Caselli’s Ranch on Road 128, where it reportedly destroyed about 100 trays of cut apricots. Sunday morning, wind blew the canopy off the patio of Dean’s Frosty and set it down on the other side of the building.

California home prices hit record high as sales rise

broker and Realtor.

California home sales increased from a year earlier in May for the second consecutive month, while a shift toward higher-priced properties pushed the state’s median home price to another record high as housing supply tightened, the California Association of Realtors reported.

Home sales rose 5.1 percent year over year to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 268,810 homes, marking the strongest annual gain in eight months, according to data collected by CAR from more than 90 local Realtor associations and MLSs statewide. On a month-tomonth basis, sales dipped 3.1 percent from April’s upwardly revised total of 277,360 units.

The statewide annualized sales figure represents the total

number of homes that would be sold during 2026 if sales maintained May’s pace throughout the year. The figure is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

May marked the 44th consecutive month that statewide sales remained below the 300,000-unit benchmark. Despite the monthly decline, stronger-than-expected performance in May pushed sales up 1.2 percent through the first five months of 2026, suggesting homebuying activity has improved as geopolitical tensions showed signs of easing in recent weeks.

“California’s home sales softened in May as broader economic uncertainty continued to weigh on consumer confidence and homebuying sentiment,” said CAR President Tamara Suminski, a Southern California

“Even so, the recent easing in mortgage rates is an encouraging development, and if that trend continues, it could help bring more buyers and sellers back into the market and support a gradual improvement in housing conditions beginning in the third quarter.”

Driven by continued gains in the higher-priced market, California’s median home price reached a record high of $930,260 in May. The median price increased 2.3 percent from April’s downwardly revised figure of $909,410. The monthly gain was more than double the historical average increase typically recorded between April and May during the past 30 years.

earlier, while sales of homes priced above $2 million increased 8.5 percent. By comparison, sales in the $500,000-to-$1 million range declined 3.4 percent, underscoring affordability challenges for middle-income buyers.

Strong equity market performance over the past two months helped support demand in the higher-end housing market. The growing concentration of activity in that segment was reflected in the share of million-dollar home sales, which reached a record-high 38.5 percent of all transactions.

five major regions, four posted yearover-year increases in non-seasonally adjusted home sales. The Central Coast led with a 21.4 percent increase, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area at 5.5 percent and the Central Valley at 0.1 percent.

Southern California declined 0.4 percent, while the Far North region slipped 0.4 percent. CAR attributed much of the decline to fewer transaction days in May 2026 compared with the same month last year.

At the county level, 32 of the 53 counties tracked by CAR recorded annual sales gains, with 16 posting double-digit increases. Glenn County led with a 54.5 percent increase, followed by Monterey County at 41.2 percent and Amador County at 39.5 percent.

listed price $589,000.00. MLS#225087212 SINGLE FAMILY 115 Almond Drive, Winters, CA 95694

3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2013 sq ft, built in 1988, listed price $630,000.00. Co-listed with Sandy Vickrey DRE#01018341. MLS#226016943 SOLD!

989 Carbahal Street, Winters, CA 95694

3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1757 sq ft, built in 2023, listed price $675,000.00. MLS# 226043723

CAMELOT WINTERS

Maria D. Rodriguez REALTOR, DRE# 02128223 Cell: (530) 574-5562

7 E. Main Street, Suite C, Winters, CA 95694 realtormaria21@gmail.com

Hablo Español

The median price climbed 3.1 percent from a year earlier, marking the strongest annual increase since March 2025. The gain pushed the statewide median above $900,000 for the second time in 2026.

A record share of million-dollar home sales continued to shift the statewide sales mix toward higher-priced properties. Sales of homes priced between $1 million and $2 million rose 8.2 percent from a year

“Housing supply has remained constrained in recent months as the lock-in effect continued to keep many would-be sellers on the sidelines, intensifying competition and placing upward pressure on home prices,” said CAR Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. “While the statewide median price typically reaches its seasonal peak in May, the recent easing of tensions in the Middle East could bring more buyers back into the market and keep price pressures elevated at the start of the third quarter.”

Among California’s

Eighteen counties experienced yearover-year sales declines, including nine that fell by more than 10 percent. Trinity County recorded the steepest decline at 72.7 percent, followed by Del Norte County at 50 percent and Plumas County at 31 percent.

CAR noted that such fluctuations are often driven by small transaction volumes and changing sales mixes rather than declines in home values.

Housing inventory remained tight in May, slipping below yearago levels despite a modest increase

from April. The Unsold Inventory Index increased 3 percent from April but declined 10.5 percent compared with May 2025. While active listings followed their typical seasonal pattern and increased month to month, they fell below year-ago levels for the fourth consecutive month and posted their largest annual decline since December 2023. Elevated mortgage rates, persistent inflation concerns and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty may discourage some homeowners from entering the market, particularly those reluctant to give up existing low-rate mortgages. As a result, inventory constraints are likely to remain a challenge during the peak homebuying season and could limit improvements in housing supply for the remainder of the season.

Active listings declined from a year earlier in 40 of the 53 counties tracked by CAR. San Francisco recorded the largest decline, with active listings falling 42 percent, followed by Marin County at 31.2 percent and Nevada County at 31.1 percent. Nineteen counties posted double-digit declines, suggesting buyer demand strengthened more quickly than new supply entered the market.

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20)

Management opportunities are coming your way, Aries. It is time to step up and take the lead. Your confidence has long been a strong character trait, so push forward.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21)

Taurus, patience will pay off big time when a long-awaited piece of news finally arrives. The weekend is a perfect time for walking in nature or tending to the garden.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21)

Your curiosity is leading you down a fascinating path right now, Gemini. This could spark a new interest. Stay flexible, as a last-minute change of plans might be in the cards.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22)

Cancer, emotional clarity might help you address a minor concern with grace and ease. You often project a gentle strength that helps to draw people closer to you.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23)

It’s time for your inner child to come out to play, Leo. Say yes to a game night or a creative pursuit. Joy will be the primary focus this week, leading you to have more fun.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22)

Virgo, a breakthrough in your wellness routine may be on the horizon, leaving you feeling energized and refreshed. People might notice the glow and ask for your secret.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23)

Libra, artistic inspiration might just be everywhere you look this week. Whether gazing at the clouds or the buildings around you, you might be inspired to create something.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22)

Transformation is in the air, Scorpio. You might be shedding an old habit for a better one. You may be stepping into a more powerful version of yourself soon enough.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21)

Sagittarius, it’s time to share your knowledge with others, which can bring you a sense of fulfillment that you might not have seen coming.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20)

Career goals are moving forward at a steady, satisfying pace, Capricorn. Keep your eyes on the future and trust the process. You’re doing amazing work.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18)

Social activism or community work may give you a sense of purpose that is much-needed right now, Aquarius. Your ability to think creatively will help immensely.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20)

Your kindness this week will create a ripple of positivity that flows right back to you, Pisces. Reach out to a friend in need when you have a moment.

To submit a Letter to the Editor, visit the “Submission Forms” page and click the link under “Online Services”

Express Yourself

Where will all of the pistachios go?

Growing up in Winters meant that you worked on someone’s farm. Almost everyone that I knew worked in agriculture, either cutting apricots and peaches, or picking fruit. When we got older, we drove trucks with pallet wagons picking up the lug boxes from the fields and taking them to the packing sheds or canneries. We were paid about $1 per hour, but a bonus of ½ cent for every box we brought in and ¼ cent for every box we distributed for the next day’s picking crew. There were two of us on each truck and we could “swamp” about 1,600 boxes a day. Not sure where that word came from, but we were called swampers.

There was a break between apricots and peaches, maybe two weeks, and if you were lucky, they kept you on pulling irrigation pipe and putting in props to hold up sagging limbs.

After peaches came the prune harvest so there wasn’t a lot of free time during your summer break.

Winters schools ended their year at the end of May to accommodate the apricot harvest. Prunes went to the end of August, which overlapped with the beginning of the start of school. School schedules were important to farmers back then.

Even after I left for college, I returned to Winters for a couple of summers to work in the fields and for the Express. From apricots, peaches and shaking prunes, it kept me busy. When my father needed help, I made him pay me what I was making outside the family business.

Fifty cents an hour just wasn’t making it.

I’m not sure what high school-age people do for summer jobs today. Working in the orchards was a great learning experience and the money wasn’t bad either. You worked 7 days a week during harvest time, so you didn’t have time to spend your paycheck. It also taught you to show up on time, work hard and be responsible.

Working for my father at the newspaper was more relaxed, at least for me. I remember my father asking me why I could be at work by 6 a.m. for Warren Tufts but couldn’t get to the Express office before 10? I’m not sure what I told him,

AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cash equivalent if deemed acceptable to the trustee cashier's check drawn on a state or national bank check drawn by state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association or savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 to the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state, will be held by duly appointed trustee The sale will be made but without covenant or warranty expressed or implied regarding title possession or encumbrances to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust interest thereon fees charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set orth below The amount may be greater on the day of sale BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE Trustor(s): JERRY BUENVENIDA AND TIFFANY BUENVENIDA HUSBAND AND WIFE Recorded: 10/1/2019 as Instrument No 2019-0024098-00 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of YOLO County California; Date of Sale: 7/7/2026 at 01:00 PM Place of Sale: At the North Entrance of the West Sacramento City Hall, 1110 W Capitol A v e n u

$381 769 26 The purported property address is: 25780 GRAFTON STREET ESPARTO CA 95627 Assessor's Parcel No : 049-522-014-000

but there wasn’t a need to get to the Express office early, as we usually worked into the evening on press day. When I came back to work at the paper, and to this day, I still have coffee at 10 a.m. All of the merchants used to gather at Dozier’s for coffee at 10, so maybe it is just family tradition. You don’t see any apricots or peach trees anymore. Until recently, every walnut orchard you saw was where apricots and peaches once grew. Now the walnuts are being taken out and

either row crops or pistachios are taking their place.

The pistachio orchards are starting to produce, and I’m wondering where they will be processed. There are pistachios planted all along Highway 5 through the south to Bakersfield and north to Redding. I’ve never seen a pistachio processing plant, but with Winters right in the middle, this could be the next chapter in Winters agriculture. We do live in the land of fruits and nuts.

Have a good week.

close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code If you are an eligible tenant buyer you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction If you are an "eligible bidder" you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase First 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale you can call 866-645-7711 or visit this internet website http://www qualityloan com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-25-1030851-AB to find the date on which the trustee s sale was held the amount of the last and highest bid and the address of the trustee Second you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee s sale Third you

AMENDED NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF DONALD KEITH SANDERS, aka DONALD K SANDERS, aka DONALD SANDERS CASE NO PR2026-0112

To all heirs beneficiaries creditors contingent creditors and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both of: DONALD KEITH SANDERS aka DONALD K SANDERS aka DONALD SANDERS

SANDERS in the Superior Court of California County of: YOLO

A Pe tition for Probate requests that: THERESE SANDERS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (This authority w

without obtaining court approval Before taking certain very important actions however the personal representative will be

to

waived notice or consented to the proposed action ) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: JUNE 24 2026 Time: 9:00 A M Dept : TBD Room: Located at 1000 Main Street Woodland CA 95695

If you object to the granting of the petition you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney

cedent you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Prob ate

You

ory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition

cial Notice form is available from the

Attorney for Petitioner: LORI A HUNT MANFRED & HUNT, LLP 2025 REDWOOD ROAD SUITE 5 NAPA CA 94558 707-927-0999 6/3 6/10 6/17 #89683

Sports

Five Warriors named to Lions All-Star Football small schools roster

Local standouts set to showcase talent

June 20

Express staff

Five members of the Winters High School varsity football team will represent the Warriors in the 49th annual Lions All-Star Football Game, set for Saturday, June 20, at Foothill High School.

The event, hosted by Lions Clubs International District 4-C1, features graduating seniors from small and large schools across Northern California. The small schools division kicks off at 5 p.m., followed by the large schools game at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m.

Winters will be represented by Anthony Matamoros-Mayes (No. 0, tight end/defensive end), Lane Brown (No. 11, outside backer/free safety), Nate Apodaca (No. 21, running

is not to eradicate all pests but to keep them below levels that cause unacceptable harm. For instance, a low level of leaf spot caused by fungi or a small patch of weeds may be tolerable and not worth treating.

Prevention is the foundation of IPM. Cultural practices are used to make environments less favorable for pests of all kinds. These include crop rotation to disrupt life cycles of insects and soilborne pathogens, selecting disease-resistant plant varieties, maintaining proper irrigation to avoid conditions that promote fungal or bacterial growth, and improving soil health to support plant resilience. Managing weeds through mulching or cover crops can prevent them from competing with desired plants.

When prevention alone is insufficient, IPM employs a range of control methods. Mechanical and physical controls include removing infected plants, using barriers such as light row cover, or cultivating soil to manage weeds. Biological control in-

back/linebacker), Luke Felsen (No. 22, wide receiver/defensive back) and Jayden Blackburn (No. 54, offensive tackle/defensive end). The five helped lead Winters through a standout season capped by a CIF Division 6-A state championship, part of a historic year for the program.

Together, the group played key roles in Winters’ 28–7 state championship victory over Morse High School. Quarterback Lane Brown accounted for 228 total yards and four touchdowns in the title game, including 161 rushing yards and three rushing scores along with a passing touchdown. Matamoros-Mayes contributed two receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown, while Felsen went a perfect 4-for-4 on extra points.

Defensively, Blackburn anchored the Warriors with nine tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks, consistently disrupting Morse’s offense. Apodaca added seven tackles in the

volves encouraging or introducing natural enemies, such as beneficial insects, that prey on pests.

Chemical control is used as a last resort and in a targeted manner. In IPM, pesticides, including fungicides, herbicides, bactericides, and insecticides, are selected carefully and applied only when necessary to minimize impacts on non-target organisms and reduce the risk of resistance. Timing and precision are critical to ensure effectiveness while limiting environmental harm.

Integrated Pest Management represents a balanced approach that combines ecological knowledge, practical techniques, and careful decision-making. It reduces dependence on chemical pesticides, lowers environmental impact, and promotes healthier ecosystems.

The university has a website dedicated to IPM. You can search by the area of concern; lawn or vegetable garden for example or pest type, insect or mammal, etc. https:// ipm.ucanr.edu/homeand-landscape/#gsc. tab=0.

June garden priorities

Q: What gardening

championship win as Winters controlled the game on both sides of the ball.

The South Small Schools roster includes 24 players. Brian Harrison of Biggs High School will serve as head coach. A full roster is available at lionsallstar-

tasks should I prioritize in June?

A: June in our area is a transition from spring to intense summer heat. Your garden tasks should focus on water management, plant support, and heat protection. With long days and rising temperatures, plants grow quickly but also become vulnerable to heat stress.

Focus on getting your irrigation system in good shape. Deep, infrequent watering is far more effective than shallow daily watering. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more resilient to heat. Early morning is the best time to water, minimizing evaporation. If you haven’t already, consider installing drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the soil and avoid wetting foliage.

A drip system won’t work on a lawn. Lawns require careful watering, about 1 to 1.5 inches per week. But avoid overwatering, which wastes water and encourages shallow roots. Raise mower blades slightly to keep grass taller, which shades the soil and reduces evaporation. Make sure that your

football4c1.org.

Organizers said the long-running North vs. South format “brings intensity and grit to the most elite football game in Northern California,” according to Lions District 4-C1 promotional materials. The all-

star game, established in 1978, is a district project designed to raise funds for Lions Camp McCumber, which serves children with diabetes. Tickets are available through GoFan at gofan.co/ app/school/CA71971.

lawn sprayers are not wetting the sidewalk and avoid runoff. You may need to set your timer for the irrigation to come on for two shorter sessions on the same morning, letting the water soak in in between.

Mulching is essential in June. Apply a two-to-four-inch layer of organic mulch such as straw or bark around vegetables, fruit trees, and ornamentals. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates temperature, and suppresses weeds. Given the heavy clay soil common in our area, mulch also gradually improves soil structure as it breaks down into compost.

Stay on top of weeds in June. Weeds com-

pete aggressively for water and nutrients, especially in summer. Pull them early before they go to seed. Pulling them after watering makes the job easier.

Warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, and beans should be actively growing in June. Stake or cage tomatoes to support heavy growth and improve airflow, which reduces disease risk. Pinch back excessive growth if plants become too dense. Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer to maintain production, but avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to lush foliage with fewer fruits.

Keep an eye on pests and diseases. Aphids, spider mites,

and whiteflies become more active in hot, dry conditions. Inspect plants regularly, especially the undersides of leaves. A strong blast of water can control many pests, or use insecticidal soap if needed.

Encourage beneficial insects like lady beetles and lacewings as part of an integrated pest management approach.

Fruit trees may need thinning if you didn’t complete it earlier. Removing excess fruit improves size and prevents branches from breaking. Also check for sunburn on exposed bark and consider using tree wrap or whitewash for protection.

Finally, prepare for hotter days to come. Shade cloth can protect tomatoes and peppers from sunburn and container plants may need to be moved to partial shade. Watch for signs of heat stress such as wilting, leaf scorch, or blossom drop.

June is a month of maintenance and vigilance. By focusing on water efficiency, soil health, and plant protection, you’ll help your garden thrive through the long, hot summer ahead.

—Have a gardening question? Send it to jmbaumbach@ucanr.edu, with “Ask MGs” in the subject line. Include as much detail as possible and pictures if you have them.

Arts & Entertainment

Experience the Magic of Eric Clapton with ‘Crossroads,’ June 20

Special to the Express

On Saturday, June

20, the historic Winters Opera House is set to host an unforgettable evening as Winters Live presents “Crossroads,” the premier tribute to the legendary Eric Clapton.

Music fans are in for a treat as this all-star group — who first joined forces in Nashville — brings decades of collective touring experience to the stage. Led by renowned guitarist Gary Tackett, whose impressive resume includes performances alongside icons like Merle Haggard and Billy Currington, the band promises a high-caliber musical journey through Clapton’s storied career.

The band features

a powerhouse lineup of industry veterans, including:

• Myron Dove (Bass) — formerly of the Santana band.

• Frank Martin (Keyboards) — a legendary musician known for his work with Sting and Stevie Wonder.

• Mike Vanderhule (Drums) — of the hard-rocking band Y&T.

• Jewels Hanson (Vocals) — bringing soulful, Nashville-honed energy to the stage.

“Crossroads” offers an immersive experience, meticulously recreating the evolution of Clapton’s sound. From his groundbreaking days with Cream and Derek and the Dominos to his Grammy-winning MTV Unplugged

performance, the show highlights the incredible breadth of the artist’s catalog.

Attendees can look forward to timeless hits including Layla, Wonderful Tonight, Sunshine of Your Love, Tears in Heaven, White Room, I Shot The Sheriff, and Crossroads. With a blend of soulful ballads and searing guitar solos, the performance promises to transport audiences through the decades. It is a tribute designed to captivate both diehard fans and casual listeners alike. Winters Live! will present a performance on Saturday, June 20, at the Winters Opera House, 13 Main St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a happy hour reception, and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at WintersLive. com. The venue is located at Winters Opera House. For more information, visit the official website or contact the organizers via email at WintersLive9@ gmail.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to see top-tier talent performing some of rock’s most iconic music in the heart of downtown Winters.

WFoL unveils Gazebo concert lineup

By Diane Cary Special to the Express

One of the real pleasures of the season is to listen to live music outdoors on a balmy summer evening. Winters Friends of the Library is excited to announce the lineup for the 2026 Summer Concerts at the Gazebo.

This is WFoL’s 28th year of hosting concerts, creating community and supporting the library. The free outdoor concerts will be held on Thursday evenings in July from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Rotary Park, Main Street at Railroad Avenue in downtown Winters.

The series will kick off on July 2 with Bonanza King playing a high-energy blend of Western swing, old country, jazz and blues, including catchy originals and covers of classics. Powerhouse singer Kari King fronts the band, backed by topnotch guitar, bass, drums, and steel guitar players. Learn more at facebook.com/ bonanzakingband.

On July 9, local favorites Los Tres de

Winters will play Norteño-style music, with accordion, bajo sexto, and bass. This lively music evolved in the north of Mexico and is now a favorite style throughout Mexico and the U.S. Check them out on YouTube.

On July 16, the Natalie Cortez Band takes the stage. These versatile Sacramento stalwarts play folk-rock-pop to swing-lounge-rockabilly, with some surf and hard rock thrown in. Natalie is known for her vocal stylings, and she’s a Sacramento Area Music (SAMMIE) Hall of Fame winner. You can preview their sound at nataliecortezband.com.

July 23 will feature the vibrant energy of Boca do Rio. The legendary Bay Area band plays Psychedelic Samba: a multi-layered electro-funk party sound that honors Brazilian traditions. You can watch and listen at bocadorio.com/ video.

The series concludes on July 30 with Paddy on the Binge playing lively, joyful, traditional Irish and Scottish music,

including jigs, reels, hornpipes, and ballads, with the warmth and intimacy of a gathering at your cozy local pub. Learn more at paddyonthebinge. com.

Invite your friends and neighbors, bring a blanket or lawn chairs or sit on the grass, sip a cool drink, and enjoy some fine live music on a summer evening. The concerts are free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

Winters Friends of the Library will have delicious refreshments and quality used books for sale, and all proceeds will support the Winters Community Library. For more information, visit wfol.org. This year’s concert series is sponsored by Oates Country Store.

Heat/smoke policy:

Two days before the concert, if it is predicted to be hotter than 105 degrees or the Air Quality Index is predicted to be greater than 125 at 7:00 pm on the day of the concert, WFoL will cancel the concert. Check the WFoL website for updates at wfol.org.

June concerts fill downtown Winters

Special to the Express The Winters District Chamber of Commerce's Music on Main series continues

on Friday, June 19, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on downtown Main Street with a performance by Thick as Thieves. Concertgoers can en-

joy live music while strolling downtown, visiting local businesses and gathering with friends and family.

Music will also accompany the Downtown Winters Farmers Market on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Day Griffin will perform on June 21, providing a laidback soundtrack for shoppers browsing seasonal produce and artisan goods. On June 28, Thick as Thieves returns to downtown for a special Farmers Market performance.

The annual concert series has become a summertime tradition in Winters, bringing together neighbors, visitors and local businesses through free, family-friendly entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for gazebo concerts and enjoy food and beverages from downtown restaurants and vendors. All performances are free and open to the public.

The series is a collaborative effort between the Winters Chamber and the Rotary Club of Winters, which helps sponsor and host the gazebo concerts as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting community events and bringing residents together. For details, visit www.discoverwinters. com/events.