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Volume 143, Number 15 — Locally-owned since 1884
The hometown paper of Albert Ramos
Winters, Yolo County, California, Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Council approves Entertainment Zone; review set for fall Mixed public concerns over downtown plan By Sonora Slater Express staff writer An Entertainment Zone was officially established in downtown Winters at the May 5 Winters City Council meeting after a final vote was delayed to allow more time for public feedback. The ordinance will allow specific licensed businesses to sell alcoholic beverages for patrons to drink outdoors during designated hours within the zone, provided participants wear a standardized wristband verifying they are 21 or older. No outside alcohol will be allowed, and smoking will remain prohibited throughout the zone, except in alleyways, per city policy. The proposal was first introduced on March 3 and returned for discussion on March 17. The entertainment zone, which would be clearly marked with signage if established, was originally bounded by First Street, Edwards Street, Railroad Avenue, Abbey Street, Elliott Street, East Main Street and Russell Street. During the April 7 second reading, a revised map shifted the boundary
Courtesy graphic
The map of the approved downtown Entertainment Zone. to largely end at Abbey Street rather than Edwards Street, with a carveout for the future site of the Yolo Fill Station.
Hours of operation According to the proposed management plan, the entertainment zone would operate: • Friday through Sunday, noon to 11:59 p.m. (March 1 through Oct. 31) • Thursday evenings, noon to 11:59 p.m. (June through August only, to accommodate the summer concert
series) City Manager Jeremy Craig said in an email to the Winters Express that while the ordinance introduces new regulations, the concept of relaxing outdoor alcohol rules began several years ago. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) relaxed liquor license requirements to support outdoor dining. Those temporary rules are set to end this summer. The state now allows cit-
ies to create locally regulated “entertainment zones” with specific boundaries, hours and enforcement rules. “The proposed district basically codifies into an organized program what has been happening for the past five years,” Craig wrote. “We have a five-year history of this activity and have had very little police involvement in calls for service related to the pergola activities.” Craig said the activity has historically generated few police calls for service, according to city staff. At the March 17 meeting, the council voted to seek additional community input. Dozens of residents attended the May 5 meeting to share their thoughts. Some retail business owners expressed concern that the zone could negatively impact their businesses, saying loud or intoxicated patrons outside shops could deter families or customers seeking a quieter shopping experience. Others said increased foot traffic would benefit downtown overall. “What began as a temporary solution has evolved into something very special,” said Emarie VanGalio, COO of Putah Creek Cafe. “We have to support Winters as a destination, making Winters a great place to visit overall. Mak-
ing this official allows us to continue refining it thoughtfully over time.”
Enforcement concerns
Another concern centered on enforcement and whether it would burden the Winters Police Department or downtown businesses. Some merchants said they already experience issues with intoxicated patrons attempting to enter stores with alcohol. Under the proposal, businesses would primarily enforce rules, with routine patrols by the Winters Police Department downtown. Participants would be required to wear a wristband and use a designated cup identifying them as part of the district. Individuals consuming alcohol in the zone without proper identification may be subject to citation or removal by law enforcement. Residents could also submit reports documenting incidents related to the entertainment zone. Those reports would be compiled by the Winters Police Department into a fall review. After the seasonal operating period ends, the council will evaluate concerns and consider revisions before the next season begins in March 2027. “We see this as the start of a process,” Craig said.
See ZONE, Page 4
Winters JUSD refinances Measure P bond Express staff
EXPRESS
Winters Joint Unified School District priced a refinancing on May 6, of a portion of its Election of 2018 (Measure P) Series A General Obligation Bonds, resulting in approximately $1.07 million in taxpayer savings. The refinancing, referred to as the 2026 Refunding Bonds, applies to $5.76 million
in Series A Bonds originally issued in January 2019. Those bonds carried interest rates ranging from 4.00 percent to 5.25 percent. The 2026 Refunding Bonds carry a True Interest Cost of 3.93 percent, resulting in total savings of $1,070,416, or 8.41 percent of the refunded bonds. Including the school district’s 2022 refunding, Winters JUSD has saved taxpayers more than $3 million over the past four years through bond refinancing. Superintendent Rody Boonchouy said
the school district views the refinancing as part of its ongoing fiscal management. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to refinance these bonds in a way that saves our community over $1 million while continuing to support our schools and students. Especially during challenging fiscal times, we remain committed to being thoughtful stewards of taxpayer dollars and making decisions that strengthen Winters JUSD for the long term,” Boonchouy said.
Index Features ........................ B-1
We at he r Rain
High
Low
May 05 0.01”
71˚
54˚
May 06
.00
80˚
53˚
May 07
.00
86˚
52˚
May 08
.00
88˚
54˚
Eventos hispanos ....... A-4
May 09
.00
91˚
53˚
May 10
.00
91˚
54˚
Opinion ......................... B-3
May 11
.00
94˚
59˚
Real Estate ................... B-2
Rain for week: 0.01 in. Season’s total: 19.86 in. Last sn. to date: 19.26 in.
Classifieds ................... B-4 Community .................. A-2
Sports ........................... B-5
Date
Winters rainfall season began 7/1/25. Weather readings are taken at 9 a.m. daily by local weatherman Joe Bristow.
Courtesy photo
City of Winters and Yolo County officials gather May 4 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ballot drop box outside Winters City Hall on First Street.
New Winters ballot drop box expands voter access Ballot return locations in Western Yolo County Express staff The Yolo County Elections office installed a new 24-hour official ballot drop box in Winters outside of Winters City Hall, providing voters with an additional secure and convenient option for returning vote-by-mail ballots. To mark the installation, the city of Winters and Yolo County hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Mon-
day, May 4, at City Hall. “The city is excited to host the ballot drop box right here at City Hall,” said Winters City Manager Jeremy Craig. “The council values citizen participation in our electoral process, and we are proud to partner with Jesse Salinas and his great team at the Assessor/Recorder/Elections Office in Yolo County. We encourage all residents to research the candidates and make their selections. They can mail ballots at least seven days before the election or drop them off right
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