Winters Express: 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

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-

Winters JUSD refinances

Measure P bond

Express staff

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.

Weather

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.

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

Winters AVID programs report growth in enrollment, college readiness

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

An annual update on the AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) was presented by Winters Middle and High School instructors and students on April 16 at the Winters Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting.

AVID is a program that prepares students for the rigors of post-secondary life and the skills they will need to be successful in college and beyond.

“It equips teachers and schools with all of the resources needed to support students in those endeavors,” Phoebe Girimonte, assistant superintendent of educational services, said.

AVID teachers and students took to the podium to present updates on progress toward AVID site goals, achievements and plans for the coming school year.

Winters Middle School

WMS AVID Site Coordinator Emily Marquez provided the trustees with an update on how AVID implementation was progressing at the WMS site. Several of her students also spoke, offering their perspective on the program. According to Marquez, WMS had an increase in enrollment

A Winters High School student completes an AVID activity, encouraging students to finish the statement, “Because of AVID I …,” reflecting on their learning and personal growth.

compared to last year. For the upcoming year, eighth grade saw a 71 percent increase in applications, and seventh grade saw a similar increase at 38 percent.

“We implemented a new application process which made it a little more accessible for students,” Marquez said.

The WMS AVID program had three goals this school year, which Marquez explained with the help of some of her students.

Goal 1: Students will engage in the tutorial process and successful collaboration twice a week. Marquez said she wanted to advance tutorials from the previous year — having students engage in the process and collaborate with teachers and peers.

Students identify an initial question before a 10-step pro-

cess of dividing into groups to prepare to discuss a Point of Confusion, or POC.

A student presenter gives a second speech ending with the tutorial question from the POC, then a discussion happens among students before they check the presenter’s understanding. The student presenter then shares the resolution of their POC in a 60-second synthesis of their learning. POC questioning comes from AVID instructors and tutors.

These steps are repeated with the next presenters, then students summarize and reflect on the tutorial process. Students are expected to apply their tutorial skills and learning in their other academic classes and in the real world.

To build on these tutorials next year, Marquez wants to

See AVID, Page 5

Fortnightly installs new board members

Outgoing

Special to the Express

The Winters Cemetery District is seeking community volunteers to help honor veterans laid to rest in the Winters Cemetery.

The WCD and volunteers will work to place 498 flags on all of the Veterans graves starting at 9 a.m. sharp. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own screwdriver to sturdy the flags.

Questions can be directed to the WCD manager at 530-7952475.

The community is

invited to attend the WCD’s annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25, at 1:30 p.m. at the Winters Cemetery.

All veterans and their families are invited and encouraged to attend. Veterans and their spouse or partner will have a special seating area.

Flags will fly at halfstaff, and smaller flags will mark the graves of veterans laid to rest in the Winters Cemetery where the event takes place.

The ceremony will

feature the Winters Girl Scouts leading the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a community sing-along of patriotic songs led by Bruce Chapman. Col. Nelson Prouty, Deputy Commander of the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, will serve as the featured speaker.

The event will conclude with a 21-gun salute from the Service Veterans of Northern California Volunteer Honor Guard in honor of the 26 veterans from the area who were killed in action, as well as the 472 veterans buried in the cemetery. Kevin Corrales, a member of the brass in the Winters High School band, will perform TAPS to close the tribute.

All members of the community are en-

Public Safety Report

Fire

Apr. 30: Putah Creek Road, Mutual aid

~County Road 90, False alarm or false call (other)

May 1: Hill Place, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Jefferson Street, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Carrion Court, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~Roosevelt Avenue, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

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

~W. Main Street, EMS call – excluding

vehicle accident with injury

~Valley Oak Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

May 2: Hiramatsu Lane, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

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

~Kennedy Drive, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

~County Road 94B (Woodland), Station coverage

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

May 3: East Street, Transformer investigation

~Luis Place, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with in-

Lake Berryessa water levels down

Express staff

The water level of Lake Berryessa decreased by 0.18 feet over the past week, resulting in a difference of 3,746 acrefeet of water storage, according to Tim Gerard, Operations at Solano Irrigation District. On the morning of Tuesday, May 12, he reported that the lake elevation was 438.63 feet above sea level, with the water storage behind the Monticello Dam calculated at 1,525,149 acre-feet. The SID released 320 cubic feet per second into the Putah South Canal, with 50 cubic feet flowing into lower Putah Creek at the Diversion Dam. Evaporation from the lake averaged 188 acre-feet of water per day.

jury

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

May 4: Luis Place, EMS call – excluding vehicle accident with injury

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

May 5: Carrion Court, Person in distress (other)

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

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

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

Police Report Log

Apr. 30: 12 a.m., 400 block of 4th Street, Traffic collision without injury (violation)

May 1: 12 a.m., 1300 block of Valley Oak Drive, False report of emergency (misdemeanor)

~12 a.m., 400 block of Abbey Street, Obtaining money by false pretenses ($400 or more) (felony)

May 6: 4 p.m., 100 block of Elliot Street, Vehicle theft/taking a vehicle without owner consent (felony)

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

130 Years Ago

May 16, 1896

Prof. C.B. Newton will give one of his inimitable entertainments in the Opera House next Saturday evening, May 23, the proceeds of which will be for the benefit of the Winters Free Library.

Near the apex of a spur of the high range of mountains west of Winters is a stone wall, moss-covered and time-worn, that bears the imprint of having been built by human hands. Mr. Henry Seamans, on whose range the find is located, has known of the existence of this piece of masonry for about two years.

William Stark moved his family down from Tancred on Tuesday and will occupy the house just vacated by J.H. Wright on the east side of town.

E. Dafoe and wife and Ray came down from Monticello Thursday afternoon. Mr. Dafoe says that crops in Berryessa look fine and promise a good yield.

W.P. Fassett has been appointed agent for the White Sewing Machine Co. for Solano County and Winters vicinity.

YESTERYEAR

Years Ago

Dispatches from the Express archives.

Rev. H.C. Culton of this place was chosen as one of the general delegates to the Prohibition National Convention to be held in Pittsburgh, Pa., by the Stockton convention.

J.T. Murray has purchased a half interest with Jos. Legler in the Hughes Hotel, and the firm will hereafter be Legler & Murray.

The Sackett brothers, B.R. and J.E., went to San Francisco on yesterday’s afternoon train.

Miss Alma Briggs came up from Berkeley, where she has been attending the State University, on Thursday morning’s train.

80 Years Ago

May 17, 1946

Winters High School student body officers elected to serve next year are: president, Don Rominger; vice presi-

dent, Bill Brinck; secretary, Marlene Hague; treasurer, Annie Martinez; yell leader, Delores Baker; assistant yell leaders, Shirley Cody and Jacqueline Raper; assistant Poppy editor, Dudley Sparks.

Buell Sackett and Miss Theresa Gonzales motored to Samuel Springs Sunday. Hugh Sackett Goddard and Mrs. Marie Manas, wellknown local pair, exchanged marriage vows Tuesday, May 7, in Reno.

A.R. Gale completed his work at Mare Island and left for San Francisco, where he plans to build a house for William Dowdall, Mrs. Gale’s brother. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ruiz and daughter, Carnation, arrived last week from Honolulu. They plan to purchase a home here and reside here in the future.

Eventos hispanos

Lugares para la entrega de boletas en el oeste del Condado Yolo

Redacción Winters Express

Traducido por Carol Alfonso

La oficina electoral del Condado Yolo instaló un nuevo buzón oficial para la entrega de boletas, disponible las 24 horas, en Winters, frente al Ayuntamiento, ofreciendo a los votantes una opción adicional, segura y conveniente para entregar sus boletas de voto por correo.

Para conmemorar la instalación, la ciudad de Winters y el Condado Yolo celebraron una ceremonia de inauguración el pasado Lunes 4 de Mayo en el Ayuntamiento.

“La ciudad se complace en contar con este buzón para la entrega de boletas aquí mismo, en el Ayuntamiento,” declaró el administrador municipal de Winters, Jeremy Craig.

“El consejo valora la participación ciudadana en nuestro proceso electoral y nos enorgullece colaborar con Jesse Salinas y su excelente equipo en la Oficina de Tasación, Registro

y Elecciones del Condado Yolo. Animamos a todos los residentes a investigar a los candidatos y emitir su voto. Pueden enviar sus boletas por correo al menos siete días antes de las elecciones o depositarlas en el nuevo buzón habilitado en el exterior del Ayuntamiento.”

“La oficina electoral del Condado Yolo mantiene su compromiso de ampliar el acceso al voto y facilitar al máximo la participación en nuestro proceso democrático,” afirmó Jesse Salinas. Este nuevo buzón para depositar boletas en Winters ofrece a los votantes otra forma segura de entregar su boleta.

El nuevo buzón amplía el acceso para los votantes de Winters al ofrecer una opción segura y accesible para la entrega de boletas, disponible las 24 horas del día durante las elecciones. Los votantes también pueden entregar sus boletas en un buzón oficial ubicado dentro del Mercado Lorenzo durante el horario comercial.

En total, el Condado Yolo ha establecido 16 buzones para depositar boletas y 14 centros de votación para las elecciones primarias del 2 de Junio, además de un centro de votación móvil que recorrerá las zonas rurales.

Los votantes del oeste del Condado Yolo tienen acceso a las siguientes ubicaciones para votar o entregar sus boletas:

Buzones para depositar boletas

Todos los buzones para depositar boletas estarán disponibles desde 29 días antes del día de las elecciones hasta el mismo día de las elecciones.

El día de las elecciones, los buzones para depositar boletas ubicados al oeste de la Interestatal 505 permanecerán abiertos hasta las 8 p.m. Winters

• Ayuntamiento de Winters, 318 First St. (exterior)

• Mercado Lorenzo’s (interior)

Hasta el 1 de Junio: de 7

a.m. a 10 p.m.

Día de las Elecciones, 2 de Junio: de 7 a.m. a 8 p.m.

Esparto

Biblioteca Regional de Esparto, 17065 Yolo Ave. (exterior)

Centros de votación

Los siguientes centros de votación estarán abiertos durante cuatro días del 30 de Mayo al 1 de Junio, de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m., y el día de las elecciones, 2 de Junio, de 7 a.m. a 8 p.m. Winters

Biblioteca Comunitaria de Winters — Sala Margaret Parsons, 708 Railroad Ave. Esparto

Salón Comunitario de Esparto, 17020 Yolo Ave.

Centros de votación móviles

Los centros de votación móviles ofrecerán recogida y reemplazo de boletas de voto por correo, equipos de votación accesibles, registro de votantes el mismo día de las elecciones y boletas provisionales.

from Page 1

here at City Hall in the new ballot drop box outside.”

“Yolo County Elections remains committed to expanding voter access and making participation in our democratic process as convenient as possible,” said Jesse Salinas. “This new ballot drop box in Winters provides voters with another safe and secure way to return their ballot.”

The new ballot drop box expands access for Winters voters by offering a secure, accessible ballot return option available 24 hours a day during elections. Voters may also return ballots at an interior official ballot drop box located inside Lorenzo’s Market during business hours.

In total, Yolo County has established 16 ballot drop boxes and 14 vote centers for the June 2 primary election, as well as a mobile vote center that will travel throughout rural areas.

Western Yolo voters have access to the following locations to vote or return ballots.

Ballot drop boxes

All ballot drop box locations are available beginning 29 days before Election Day through Election Day.

On Election Day, ballot drop boxes located west of Interstate 505 will remain open until 8 p.m.

Winters

• Winters City Hall, 318 First St. (outside location)

• Lorenzo’s Market (inside location)

Through June 1: 7 a.m. to 10

p.m.

Election Day, June 2: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Esparto

Esparto Regional Library, 17065 Yolo Ave. (outside location)

Vote centers

The following four-day vote centers will be open May 30 through June 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Election Day, June 2, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Winters

Los centros de votación móviles estarán abiertos hasta el 31 de Mayo e incluyen: Guinda Western Yolo Grange, 16787 Forest Ave. — Miércoles 27 de Mayo, de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m. Madison Guy’s Corner — Jueves 28 de Mayo, de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m. El centro de votación móvil podría trasladarse a otro centro de votación si este no puede abrir en la fecha prevista. Las ubicaciones actualizadas se publicarán en la página de centros de votación y buzones de votación del Condado Yolo. Los votantes pueden usar la herramienta de mapas interactivos del condado para encontrar el buzón de votación o centro electoral más cercano, ingresando su dirección o ciudad. La lista completa de ubicaciones, horarios de atención e información adicional sobre las elecciones está disponible en elections.yolocounty.gov.

Kelli Villanueva, a member of the Winters Chamber of Commerce speaking as a private resident, said she was drawn to Winters in part because of downtown events and sees the Entertainment Zone as an extension of that culture.

However, business owners said that while closing times are listed earlier, many establishments continue serving guests until 11 p.m. or later due to reservations. The council ultimately agreed to begin with the midnight end time and adjust if needed.

17020 Yolo Ave.

Mobile vote centers

Mobile vote centers will offer vote-by-mail ballot pickup and replacement, accessible voting equipment, same-day voter registration and provisional ballots.

Mobile vote center locations are open through May 31 and include:

• Guinda: Western Yolo Grange, 16787 Forest Ave. — Wednesday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Madison: Guy’s Corner — Thursday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The mobile vote center may be deployed to a vote center location if a vote center cannot open as scheduled. Updated locations will be listed on the Yolo County Elections vote center and ballot drop box locations page.

Voters can search the county’s interactive mapping tool by residential address or city to find the nearest ballot drop box or vote center. A complete list of locations, hours of operation and additional election information is available at elections.yolocounty.gov. BALLOT

Winters Community Library — Margaret Parsons Room, 708 Railroad Ave. Esparto Esparto Community Hall,

“I’ve seen Winters change a lot, and a lot of that has been positive,” Villanueva said. “I think it’s possible to address concerns and misconceptions and still create the (Entertainment Zone), expanding something that’s already been in place and that we’ve been enjoying.”

Council Member Jesse Loren asked about the proposed hours, which run from noon to midnight on designated days, suggesting they could be shortened to 10:30 or 11 p.m.

“My view on this is that we’re going to have more control than before,” Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Biasi said. “Doing this through October and then stepping back and observing is a good way to give this a try.”

The staff reports and supporting materials for the item are included in the City Council agenda packet available on the city’s website at www.cityofwinters. org/194/Meetings. A recording of the meeting will be posted to the Archived City Council Meetings section once it is uploaded.

Regional News

Yolo County faces $35M deficit; weighs layoffs, taxes

By Rebecca Wasik McNaughton Media

On Tuesday, May 5, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors continued its discussion from its April 28 meeting regarding the fiscal year 2026-27 budget development update.

Several Yolo County employees and their supporters spoke during public comment regarding the potential elimination of 124 full-time vacant and filled positions across several county departments, as the county faces a $35 million budget deficit. Employees held signs that read, “Cutting Workers Cuts Our Community.”

“It is important to recognize that child welfare services does not function without the teamwork of all positions,” said social worker practitioner Shelby Haney. “I stand here today to express my sincere concern about the proposed cuts to our agency and especially the significant number of social worker and supportive positions, many of whom could not attend today because they are providing these vital services to families.”

“Elimination of these positions will not eliminate the workload. In fact, as our community faces increased costs of living, life stressors and lack of access to services and support, the workload will surely continue to increase.”

At its last meeting, board feedback on the budget de-

scaffold collaborative sense-making and productive inquiry as a consistent classroom routine. Further implementation is planned, with sixth graders focusing on pre-work, seventh graders focusing on tutorial steps, and eighth graders on student-centered inquiry, professionalism and cohesion.

“We saw increased student agency and collaboration. These students had conscious, controlled verbalization and problem-solving. We saw them switch from passive to active learning, which was huge,” Marquez said. “We saw them persist through obstacles, activate their prior knowledge and skills, then learn in a social context with clear communication, with effective speaking and active listening.”

velopment update included

a $250,000 to $350,000 placeholder for the Oakdale Fire response; consideration of partial reductions for VITA, Eat Well and Yolo Crisis Nursery contracts; options to reduce the security contract for the Administration Building; more information on service impacts from proposed reductions to Child Welfare Services and Public Guardian; and an analysis of the sustainability of overtime use by county departments.

A conceptual balancing solution consisting of departmental reductions, HHSA non-general fund reductions, Chula Vista earnings and the use of reserves has left a remaining budget gap of $1,884,510.

Impacts of the reductions under consideration include delays and longer wait times for services, closure of satellite offices, a reduction in financial support to community-based organizations, delays in grant work and legal advisory services, and increased caseloads and overtime.

No final decisions regarding the budget will be made until the board’s recommended budget hearing June 9. Solving Yolo County’s structural deficit will take multiple years and require a combination of revenue increases and expenditure decreases.

The county’s general reserve currently has a balance of $23.9 million, or

8%. If the county took no action on its budget deficit, it would be forced to draw on reserves, according to Chief Financial Officer Tom Haynes.

“We would probably do that over the next one to two years and then after that there would be no more reserves as a safety net or that we could use strategically,” Haynes said. “We would be in a position where we would be forced to cut in order to balance the budget.”

The board asked staff to look into retaining the current Public Guardian position and return with alternatives to its elimination, along with an analysis of support services department reductions, more information on furloughs and communications regarding HHSA service centers in Winters.

Transient Occupancy Tax

One short-term option to increase revenue discussed by the board was a potential ballot measure to raise the Transient Occupancy Tax in the unincorporated area of Yolo County, possibly appearing on the November 2026 ballot.

Transient Occupancy Tax is a local tax levied on short-term rentals, typically for 30 days or fewer. The current rate for unincorporated Yolo County is 8 percent. Woodland’s rate is 10 percent, while Davis, Winters, unincorporated Sacramento and West Sacramento are at 12 percent.

An increase from 8 percent to 12 percent is estimated to generate an additional $250,000 annually. The measure would require approval by a simple majority in the unincorporated area.

The county is also working to remedy ongoing issues with the Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund. Sen. Christopher Cabaldon has submitted a budget policy request for consideration.

Sales Tax

A longer-term solution could be a potential sales tax increase. A 1 percent increase in the unincorporated area only would bring in approximately $6 million annually, while a 1 percent countywide increase could yield $40 million to $50 million. A countywide increase would require legislation to raise the statutory 2 percent local sales tax cap.

Staff will explore the possibility of a sales tax measure and return to the board with a timeline and specific strategies after discussion with the Revenue Generation Ad Hoc Subcommittee, consisting of Supervisors Frerichs and Villegas.

Frerichs said he does not believe a sales tax measure would be ready this year, but rather in 2028, noting that significant groundwork — particularly public education — still needs to be laid.

The board also asked

updates and goals for WHS.

Enrollment has risen for AVID electives across grade levels, and multiple sections for grades 9-12 are available. There are currently 45 eighth graders who have been accepted for the ninth-grade AVID elective. A total of 34 AVID upperclassmen are enrolled in courses of rigor, which include AP, dual enrollment or Career Technical Education classes.

staff to resume work on the county’s economic development plan.

“We can’t cut our way out of it, we also can’t raise revenue our way out of it,” Haynes said. “It is going to require actions on both sides of the ledger.”

Smoke-free multi-unit housing

The board unanimously introduced an ordinance amending Title 6, Chapter 18 of the Yolo County Code to add public health protections from smoking in and around multiunit residences. The item was continued to the board’s May 26 meeting for a second reading and adoption.

Mosquito control

The board received an annual update from the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District. West Nile virus is severely underreported. There were 113 human cases in California in 2025, with an estimated 3,000 to 7,000 potential cases overall.

Winters, Woodland and West Sacramento continue to have large established populations of invasive mosquitoes. The district encourages residents to report day-biting mosquitoes, drain all standing water on their property, discard unwanted items that can collect water and scrub containers that remain in use.

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors will next meet May 26.

complete their A through G’s just have more access to more opportunities depending on what they do,” Rodriguez said.

According to Rodriguez, 86 of the 118 students are on track to finish A-G requirements — well above the state average of around 40%.

Rodriguez added that the next steps are to meet individually with students who are not on track and develop a plan to reach that goal.

all in different stages of life. They’ve all taken different pathways. So I think our tutors — every student can see some part of themselves reflected, and I think that’s wonderful.”

Thanks to having more tutors, Mognis said, it is now more feasible to hold tutorials more frequently.

Marquez said the college and career framework has helped create cohesive alignment between the AVID elective programs.

Goal 3: Seventy percent of WMS teachers will utilize at least one WICOR strategy routinely by the end of the year.

WMS also held professional development focused on

Goal 2: AVID 7 and AVID 8 will have an aligned curriculum map by the end of the year. The second goal was to enhance the college and career readiness culture in the AVID electives. To do this, educators collaborated to align curriculum and develop student essential skills. Marquez and staff initiated a focus specifically on writing and reading, identified as areas of growth for the program. Key skills include public speaking, keeping students’ spaces organized for better thinking and fostering collaboration — all in preparation for college and future careers.

literacy for all staff, centering on Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading — known as WICOR — strategies for teachers.

These goals resulted in increased collaboration with instructional coaches, specifically around WICOR strategies and how staff could better support students.

“We saw schoolwide organization in FLEX, and then our WMS school site team kind of had WICOR as a background for any instructional strategies that came out of that,” Marquez said.

Winters High School

WHS AVID Coordinator Olivia Rodriguez presented the

GOT AN EVENT?

Both the middle school and high school AVID programs participated in several field trips, including visits to Sacramento State University, the San Francisco Giants AVID Career Day and UC Santa Cruz.

Three additional AVID tutors have been hired and work at both WMS and WHS. AVID tutoring had previously been scheduled for Tuesday afternoons, but the tutors — UC Davis students — had schedule conflicts, and a new day and time has yet to be determined.

Rodriguez presented three goals WHS has worked toward this school year.

Goal 1: Increase AVID students’ C-orhigher rates per grading period; increase A-G completers in the program.

“Students who

Goal 2: Improve participation in tutorials through increased understanding of the tutorial process; increase reflection on individual participation; develop high expectations for participation in tutorials and completion of Tutorial Request Forms, or TRFs — prework documents students complete to identify and work through specific points of confusion from their core classes.

Following the WMS model, WHS will bring three AVID-trained tutors on board to assist with and streamline tutorials and set high expectations for participation.

“They are all wonderful people, and so it’s really awesome to see students interact with them and ask questions,” WHS teacher Courtney Mognis said. “They’re

Goal 3: Increase access to curriculum and rigor as more teachers adopt WICOR strategies; increase access for multilingual learners as more teachers use WICOR strategies to support them.

The AVID program has increased access for multilingual learners and grown the number of teachers using WICOR strategies to support those students.

Four teachers have learned and applied new WICOR strategies in their classrooms, while the entire WHS staff has had a professional development focus on ensuring multilingual students are college-ready.

“We want these strategies and these opportunities for all of our students,” Rodriguez said. “Because we believe that all of our students can benefit from them. We want all of our students to be future-ready, college and career-ready, wherever they want to go.”

Arts & Entertainment

Katalysst brings folk-rock sound to Patio29

Special to the Express

Live music returns to the Patio29 outdoor stage this weekend as folk-rock band Katalysst performs from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Patio29 Spirits Co., 723 Railroad Ave.

The free performance will feature Katalysst’s signature blend of acoustic-driven folk rock, melodic bass lines and layered vocal harmonies that move between classical precision and emotionally candid storytelling. The group’s songwriting leans into contemporary themes while staying rooted in timeless acoustic textures and memorable melodic motifs. Katalysst describes its sound as existing in the space where folk-inflected rock meets reflective songwriting and modern commentary. Arrangements are built around vocal interplay, with guitar-forward instrumentation and a dynamic bass foundation that prioritizes melody as much as rhythm.

Step up for ‘Twelfth Night’ auditions

Special to the Express Ready to juggle? Tumble? Train a dog?

The band emphasizes songs that balance intimate acoustic detail with broader thematic resonance, weaving together harmonies and motifs

designed to feel both current and enduring.

More information about the group is available at wearekatalysst.com. Learn more about Patio29’s operational hours and more at patio29.com.

Verona awaits for ‘Romeo and Juliet’

p.m. May 24 at the Threepenny Playhouse in Sacramento and at 7 p.m. May 26-27 at the Winters Opera House in Winters. More information is available at Winterstheatre.org.

UCD Film Festival returns for 26th year

By Michael G. French Special to the Express

The Film Festival at UC Davis will present its 26th annual two-night screening of student-created films May 28-29 in 1002 Cruess Hall, with a different selection of films featured each evening. Programming begins at 6 p.m. and doors open at 5 p.m. For more than two decades, the Film Festival at UC Davis has showcased films that are eight minutes or less and have been created by undergraduate or graduate

students and recent graduates in a variety of genres and styles, from narrative to documentary to experimental, with a different program each evening. In addition, the festival honors short original screenplays. For information about Film Festival at UC Davis 2026, visit filmfreeway.com/ FilmFestUCDavis or the festival’s Instagram page at instagram.com/filmfestatucd.

Established in 2000 in the UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance, the festi-

2nd Chance Furnishings

val was founded by students involved in filmmaking, with additional departments joining later. Alumni filmmakers have gone on to submit works to numerous regional film festivals.

The festival is co-produced by the UC Davis departments of Art and Art History, Cinema and Digital Media, Design, Music, and Theatre and Dance, all part of the College of Letters and Science.

Tickets may be reserved at arts.ucdavis. edu/event/film-festival-uc-davis-2026.

Teens and preteens can brush up on their circus skills for the Winters Shakespeare Workshop 2026 production of “Twelfth Night,” which will be set in a circus.

Actors ages 13-19 and dancers ages 8-12 can take part in the WSW 2026 Summer Acting Camp beginning June 14.

Five nights a week for five weeks, teen actors will work with professional director Nika Ericson and

music director Nick Carvajal to create a full production of “Twelfth Night” with music.

“Twelfth Night” follows twins separated after a shipwreck as Viola disguises herself as a boy and tumbles into a circus of mistaken identity, romance, deception and comic chaos after her brother, Sebastian, reappears.

The preteen dance team will meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for four weeks before joining the full cast

and band in the park during the fifth week. Participants who do not wish to perform may sign up to create sets and props on the tech team.

Free public performances of “Twelfth Night” with music will be held July 17-18 at 8 p.m. on the Park Playground Stage. Participation is free for Winters residents. More information and registration are available at wfol.org. WSW is a summer youth program of Winters Friends of the Library.

Live music, car shows liven up Winters

Special to the Express

Live entertainment returns to Winters this month with a lineup of live music performances, farmers market music and classic car gatherings across downtown Main Street.

The Music on Main Street concert series continues Friday evenings at 6 p.m., featuring a rotating slate of local and regional acts. Upcoming performances in-

clude Ernie Silva-Island Crew on May 15, Custom Neon on May 22 and Crescent Moon on May 29.

Sunday mornings will also feature live music at the Winters Farmers Market, held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Scheduled performers include Eugenio on May 17, Jon Spivak on May 24 and Thick as Thieves on May 31.

The Fourth Friday Kickback Car Show

launches its first event of the season on Friday, May 22. The monthly series runs on the Fourth Friday of each month through October from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. along Main Street.

The event showcases classic cars, muscle cars and trucks, drawing car enthusiasts and families to downtown for an evening of vehicle displays and community activity.

MEMORIAL DAY FLAGS AND SERVICE

Winters Cemetery District (WCD) is seeking volunteers on Friday, May 22nd, to help place the 498 flags on all Veterans’ graves. Please report to the center building at 9:00 AM SHARP with a screwdriver (the tool…not the drink) for your instructions. Please don’t be late! Any questions?...Call Eric, WCD Manager @ 530-795-2475

The WCD is inviting the community to participate in our Memorial Day Service commencing at 1:30 PM on May 25th. We will honor the 26 Veterans that were Killed In Action, as well as the remaining 472 Veterans buried here. All Veterans and their spouses or partners are invited and encouraged to sit in the special seating to the right of the podium under the canopy.

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

Thursday, May 14

Winters JUSD Calendar Committee Community/Parent Listening Session, 5– 6 p.m., School District Office Board Room, 909 Grant Ave.

Friday, May 15

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

Saturday, May 16

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

Winters Open Mic Night, 6 p.m. (sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.), Downtown Main Street, Visit wintersopenmic.org

Sunday,May 17

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

Monday, May 18

Winters Natural Resources Commission Meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall Large Conference Room (Abbey Street entrance), Check cityofwinters. org/187/Natural-Resources-Commission

Tuesday, May 19

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

Winters Library Open to Public (School in Session), Winters Community Library, Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue/Thu: 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. , Sat: 1–5 p.m. Teen Tuesday (ages 12-18), Second Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Winters Community Library

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

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

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

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

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

Older Adult Programs

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

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

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

Ongoing

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

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

Winters Fortnightly meeting, second Tuesdays (September thru May), 1 p.m., St. Anthony Parish Hall, 511 W. Main St.

Rotary Club of Winters meeting, Thursdays, Noon, The Buckhorn

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

Saved & Sober program Thursdays, 7p.m., The Rock Church West, 201 Main St. Winters Open Mic, third 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.

Express staff

Grab your bike and hit the road. May is National Bike Month, and the Winters community is being encouraged to pedal to school, work and around town throughout the month.

The local bike festivities kicked off May 8, drawing more than 200 people to two separate events and putting 50 free helmets and five brandnew bicycles into the hands of community members.

Students at Waggoner Elementary School got a hands-on lesson in bicycle safety during an afternoon Bike Rodeo hosted by the Winters Climate Commission and Safe Routes to School committee in partnership with Winters Police Department, Winters Fire Department, the Winters Combined PTA and the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Young riders received free helmets and fittings, navigated a bike obstacle course and learned safe riding practices. A free bike raffle, featuring

See BIKE, Page 5

Acouple of weeks ago, my permanent tenant thought that our heating vents were only putting out cold air. She was right, as usual. During a heat wave, a month before, I had turned off the gas to the furnace, but the fan was still pushing air through the vents. After last weekend, I’m turning off the gas again. I had the same problem when I was golfing two months ago. I took the rain cover off my cart and put the propane heater in the garage. I didn’t put the cover back on when it started raining and getting cold, but I did bring the heater back to life. Spring and fall are my favorite times of the year, when you aren’t afraid to open your PG&E bill. I know that August is coming, and I’m hoping that the solar panels that I added to the museum will help keep the cost under control. When I mentioned adding solar to our old office, 30 years ago, my son Robert told me that I was just pre-paying my PG&E bill. He was wrong, as I didn’t worry about rate increases for 20 years. When we moved to the “Old

Spring and fall are my favorite times of the year, when you aren’t afraid to open your PG&E bill.

Library,” I moved most of the solar from the old office and put it on my roof at home. The rest I traded for new flooring in the new Winters Express office. The first PG&E bill I received at 13 Russell was for $1,150. I about had a heart attack. The old Express office was around $400 per year.

Adding solar to a building that I don’t own might not be the smartest idea, but I dislike PG&E. We have some of the highest power bills in the nation, and if I can take a few dollars away from PG&E, I’ll try. There is a difference between

the solar bill at my home and at the museum. PG&E has better lobbyists than the State Chamber of Commerce, so new solar installations have different rules than old solar systems. The amount that PG&E pays when you return power to the electrical grid is a lot less now than it was five years ago.

The eight kilowatts of power that the system on the museum roof supplies keep the utility bill almost reasonable. I didn’t put in the number of solar panels the installer wanted me to purchase, but it is close enough. The gas and electric bill is now closer to $10,000 per year, something that I can live with. If we were serviced by the public Sacramento Utility District, the bill would be at least 20 percent less. And you wonder why I don’t like PG&E. After I turn off the gas, I’ll have to remember to adjust my landscape irrigation settings, fix a few broken sprinkler heads and try to relax while the weather is near perfect. Summer will be here before I’m ready to turn on the air conditioners.

Have a good week.

California home affordability hits 4-year high as prices, rates ease

Housing affordability in California continued to climb in the first quarter of 2026, reaching its highest level in four years, the California Association of Realtors said today.

Twenty-two percent of the state’s homebuyers could afford to purchase a median-priced, existing single-family home in California in the first quarter of this year, an increase from 21 percent in fourth-quarter 2025 and 19 percent from the first quarter of 2025, according to CAR’s Traditional Housing Affordability Index (HAI).

A minimum annual income of $204,800 was required to make the monthly payment of $5,120, including principal, interest, and taxes (PITI) on

a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.24 percent in California. The minimum income required in first-quarter 2026 was $32,000 lower than the record high reached in second-quarter 2024, and it was the 13th time in the past 14 quarters that the minimum required income exceeded $200,000. The monthly PITI for a typical single-family home in California declined moderately from both the previous quarter (down 3.9 percent) and the same quarter of last year (down 6.1 percent). The statewide PITI remained more than double the national level in the first quarter of 2026, continuing a trend that has persisted since at least 2018.

Lower interest rates, slower price growth, and higher household income

levels all contributed to the upward trend in housing affordability in the first quarter of 2026. CAR’s HAI measures the percentage of all households that can afford to purchase a median-priced single-family home in California. CAR also reports affordability indices for regions and select counties within the state. The index is considered the most fundamental measure of housing well-being for home buyers in the state. The statewide median price of a detached, existing single-family home in California declined 3.0 percent to $843,390 on a quarter-to-quar-

SINGLE

43rd

ter basis for the third consecutive period in first-quarter 2026, as housing demand slowed amid lingering market uncertainty. On an annual basis, California recorded its first price decline since mid-2023, as the statewide median price dipped 0.5 percent from the first quarter of 2025.

Since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February, mortgage rates have been notably volatile, reversing lower rates seen earlier in the year. Rates initially jumped as the war pushed oil prices higher and reignited inflation concerns, lifting Treasury yields that mortgage rates

closely track. The average 30-year fixed rate rose from just under 6 percent before the conflict to over 6.6 percent by late March as markets priced in higher energy costs and a more cautious Federal Reserve outlook. Mortgage rates have remained elevated and volatile, reacting more to geopolitical tensions and their impact on inflation than to typical market forces.

At 32 percent, the share of California households that could afford a typical condo or townhome in the first quarter improved from 31 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 27 percent in first-quarter 2025, as the median price dipped slightly on a

quarterly and annual basis. A minimum annual income of $157,200 was needed to make monthly payments of $3,930 on a $648,000 median-priced condo/townhome in first-quarter 2026. It was the second straight quarter that the condo/townhome PITI remained below $4,000.

For the ninth consecutive quarter, the minimum required annual income to purchase a median-priced U.S. home was less than half that of California’s. In the first quarter of 2026, the median U.S. home price stood at $404,300, which required a minimum annual income of $98,000 to make monthly payments of $2,540.

Letters Express Yourself

Elect Ryan Davis for Judge

I am a retired Yolo Superior Court Judge. I am supporting Ryan Davis for the open Judge seat in the upcoming election.

You will select the successor of retiring Judge Janene Beronio. Judge Beronio served as a Court Commissioner for over 25 years before her election as Judge 12 years ago. Ryan Davis is a Court Commissioner too. Court Commissioners are judicial officers who preside over the same types of calendars and cases as judges. They manage courtroom calendars and make decisions the same as judges.

Filling an open Judge position is a challenge for most voters. We have limited information to evaluate the candidates and we don’t always know what to look for. Typically, there is no vetting process. Ryan Davis was vetted and selected by the Sacramento Superior Court Judges to fill his Commissioner position. He has demonstrated his abilities and qualifications in that role. He has shown he has the necessary demeanor to fairly and impartially serve as a judicial officer.

New judicial officers are required to attend a one-week New Judge Orientation focusing on judicial ethics and a two-week Judicial College with a broader scope. I had the pleasure of teaching Ryan Davis at New Judge Orientation. He impressed me with his knowledge and temperament. I was confidant that he would represent the judiciary well.

Yolo County will be well-served by electing Ryan Davis to the Yolo Superior Court. Vote for Ryan Davis for Yolo Superior Court Judge.

DAVID W. REED

Yolo Superior Court Judge (ret.)

Ortiz for Superior Court Judge

As I prepare to retire from the Yolo Superior Court, I want to thank the voters for electing me in 2014 to serve as a Judge; it has been an honor to do so. Two candidates are running for my position and I urge you to support Diane Ortiz to succeed me.

Diane has spent most of her career working in the Yolo County Justice System as a Deputy District Attorney. She has extensive courtroom experience in Yolo County including a substantial number of jury trials. Diane has built strong professional relationships here and has a deep understanding of the Yolo Superior Court.

Ms. Ortiz has appeared in my courtroom and I have been impressed by her integrity, sound judgment and commitment to seek justice. She is an excellent listener, pays careful attention to detail, and considers issues thoughtfully.

Diane is kind and compassionate, has a strong moral character, a high ethical standard and always strives to do the right thing. She has a wealth of legal knowledge and evaluates complex matters objectively. Diane has a calm demeanor and is patient. These are all attributes necessary for a judge to possess. Diane has the courage to apply the law appropriately regardless of political or social pressure and her decisions will be legally sound.

In addition to her professional qualifications, Diane genuinely cares about Yolo County and its citizens. Diane will serve with distinction and uphold the highest judicial standards. Please vote for Diane Ortiz!

JANENE BERONIO

Yolo Superior Court Judge

Why I support Ryan Davis for Judge

As president of the Davis Schools Foundation (DSF), I’ve had the privilege of working with many dedicated community members who care deeply about our public schools. In that role, I got to work closely with Ryan Davis for several years, who served as DSF president before me. Ryan’s commitment to public education is clear. He understands that strong schools are at the heart of a strong community, and he has consistently shown up to support that mission in meaningful ways. He is a public servant at heart, and in our years working together on DSF, his goal to uplift the students in our community was unwavering. He is a hard worker and generously volunteered countless hours to organize multiple DSF fundraising events while juggling his law career and family commitments.

In the 10 years I’ve known Ryan, he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and the ability to work effectively with others. He is able to bring people together around shared goals because he genuinely listens and understands the value of bringing diverse perspectives to the table. He treats everyone with respect and is a thoughtful collaborator. Most importantly, he has a steady commitment to doing what is right. All these qualities matter just as much as credentials - they reflect how someone will approach responsibility and how they will treat the people around them. That’s why I am proud to support Ryan Davis as Yolo County Judge.

KELLY HEUNG daviS

Send us your letter

The Winters Express encourages readers to submit letters of general interest to the Winters community. Letters contribute to community discussion. Express Letters to the Editor guidelines: We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity or clarity, or to reject any letter. Letters must be legibly signed by the writer. We reserve the right to determine legitimacy.

Mail letters to: The Winters Express, PO Box 520, Winters, CA 95694, submit online at https:// tinyurl.com/syzevywd or visit wintersexpress. com.

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20)

Aries, a professional door you thought was locked is actually just heavy. Push a little harder. Your honesty is exactly what a stalled project needs to move forward.

TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21)

Financial clarity is coming your way, Taurus. You might discover a subscription you don’t need or a better way to save for that big-ticket item. Your future self will thank you.

GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21)

Your words have extra weight this week, Gemini. Use them to bridge a gap between friends or to draft that important email. A sibling or close neighbor has some surprising news for you.

CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22)

Don’t ignore your dreams right now, Cancer. Your subconscious is trying to solve a puzzle while you sleep. Keep a notepad by the bed; a “Eureka!” moment arrives soon.

LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23)

You’re the glue holding your team together this week, Leo. While you’re busy leading, don’t forget to delegate. You’ll find that people are more than willing to help if you seek assistance.

VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22)

A change in your daily routine brings a massive boost to your mood, Virgo. Try a morning workout or a different lunch spot. Breaking the cycle opens the door for a fresh perspective.

LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23)

Romance is leaning toward the intellectual this week, Libra. A deep conversation about your values or goals will bring you closer to a partner or a new interest.

SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22)

Scorpio, whether it’s your home life or a long-term project, pay attention to the small details and you will prevent a headache later. A family member offers some sage advice.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21)

Your curiosity is your best asset this week, Sagittarius. Take a deep dive into a topic that usually bores you —you’ll find a hidden connection that benefits your career.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20)

Patience is your mantra, Capricorn. You’re waiting for an answer, and while the silence is frustrating, the result will be worth it. Use the downtime to refine your current strategy.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18)

You are a magnet for eccentric people this week, Aquarius. Embrace the weirdness. A chance encounter with someone outside your usual circle sparks a very profitable idea.

PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20)

Quiet reflection is more productive than busy work right now, Pisces. Slip away for some solitude. You’ll soon have the clarity you need to make a big decision about your living situation.

Need to publish a

FILED IN YOLO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE

Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Clerk/Recorder F20260265 3/23/2026

YOLO

Business

Our team will help to ensure your lecal publication meets all requirements.

S

of Registrant(s)/Owner(s)

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CV2026-0904

WOODLAND

of California, County of Yolo APRIL 29 MAY 6 13 20 2026 #88962

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CV2026-1002

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: SARA SHELDAHL FRENCH filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name SARA SHELDAHL FRENCH to Proposed name SARA SOLEIL FRENCH

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted If no written objection is timely filed the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: 5/20/2026 Time: 9:00 a m Dept 14 Room: The address of the court is Yolo Superior Court 1000 Main Street Woodland CA 95695

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Winters Express Date: 3/25/2026

SAMUEL T MCADAMS

Judge of the Superior Court

Publish APRIL 22, 29, MAY 6, 13, 2026 #88801

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

Petitioner: ROBIN LEE BENSON filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present name ROBIN LEE BENSON to Proposed name

ROBYN LEE BENSON

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause if any why the petition for change of name should not be granted Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted If no written objection is timely filed the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: 5/27/2026 Time: 9:00 a m Dept 14 Room: The address of the court is Yolo Superior Court 1000 Main Street, Woodland, CA 95695 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county: Winters Express Date: 4/3/2026

SAMUEL T MCADAMS Judge of the Superior Court Publish APRIL 29 MAY 6 13 20 2026 #88960

Election will be conducted on Tuesday June 2 2026 and that all ballots cast at said election will be counted at the central counting place and not at the polling locations/Vote Centers

Names of Registrant(s)/Owner(s) & Physical Residential

State and Zip: 1 NIEVES VICENTE-LOZANO

in this office This certification is true as long as there are no alterations to the document AND as long as the document is sealed with a red seal Jesse Salinas, County Clerk/Recorder, State of California County of Yolo MAY 6, 13, 20, 27, JUNE 3,2026 #89310

17 98 (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS) OF THE WINTERS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

Notice is hereby given that on May 5 2026 the City Council of the City of Winters adopted Ordinance No 2026-03

Units: The code distinguishes between "Statutorily Regulated" units (conversions or limited detached units allowed by state law) and Locally Regulated units (subject to additional city-specific standards)

* Size Limits: For locally regulated units the maximum size is 850 sq ft for studios/onebedrooms and 1 000 sq ft for units with two or more bedrooms Attached ADUs are further limited to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area

* Height and Setbacks: Detached ADUs are generally limited to 16–18 feet in height while attached units can reach 25 feet Standard side and rear setbacks are

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CV2026-1199 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

Petitioner: LYNNE SUZANNE DAWKINS JEFFREY ALAN BLOOME filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present name LYNNE SUZANNE DAWKINS to Proposed name

LYNDSAY SUZANNE DAWKINS

Present name JEFFREY ALAN BLOOME to Proposed name

JEFFREY FALYN

Winters AYSO considers new Playground soccer program

Special to the Express

Winters AYSO Region 436 could add a new program this fall aimed at the community’s youngest players.

The Winters AYSO board is exploring the launch of AYSO Playground, a child development program for children ages 3 and 4, and is asking families to complete a short survey to help determine interest. The survey asks about scheduling preferences, participation and volunteer interest. Board members said survey responses will play a major role in whether the program launches for the fall 2026 season. A Spanish-language version is also being prepared.

Unlike traditional soccer programs, Playground focuses on developing basic motor skills through soccer-themed activities in a fun, non-competitive environment. Activities are designed to help children practice running, jumping, balancing, throwing and kicking while becoming more comfortable interacting with coaches and other children.

The program is led by certified Activity Leaders, and parent participation is required. Each child is paired with a parent or guardian during every session.

Because Playground uses small activity stations rather than full soccer fields, sessions can be held in a variety of spaces, including gyms, tennis courts or multipurpose rooms. There are no teams, scores or standings.

Playground vs. Schoolyard

Winters AYSO already

bicycles donated by Winters residents and businesses, gave families the chance to ride home with a new set of wheels. Free crafts and bike safety information were also available for the whole family.

The fun continued that evening on Main Street, where the Winters Chamber of Commerce and local businesses hosted the Downtown Bike to Winters Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m.

Attendees explored whimsical artisan bicycles, entered prize raffles with giveaways donated by area businesses and browsed bike-themed window displays installed by participating shops

offers a Schoolyard program, but board members said the two programs serve different purposes.

Schoolyard is designed for 4- and 5-year-olds and introduces basic soccer concepts such as dribbling, goals and simplified gameplay. Sessions often end with short scrimmages as players begin transitioning toward traditional league play.

Playground, by contrast, focuses entirely on developmental readiness. Some activities do not involve a soccer ball at all, and scrimmages are introduced only if children are ready.

In short, Schoolyard prepares children to play soccer, while Playground prepares them for Schoolyard.

Launching the program

throughout downtown. Agencies on hand offered bike safety tips and resources, free helmet fittings and on-site bike repair opportunities.

The Winters Climate Action Commission partnered with the Safe Routes to School Committee, the Winters Combined PTA, the California Office of Traffic Safety and a number of community sponsors to support both events. Take the Bike Survey The fun doesn’t stop with May’s events.

The Winters Climate Action Commission has identified making Winters more bicycle-friendly as a top priority — and community input is key to getting there.

would require volunteer Activity Leaders, equipment and enough registered participants to support meaningful sessions.

If survey responses do not show sufficient interest, the board said the program will likely be revisited in a future season.

Board members encourage responses not only from families with young children, but also from community members interested in volunteering or helping spread the word. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete at bit.ly/playgroundsoccersurvey.

Fall Core, EPIC registration open

While the Playground decision is still pending, Winters AYSO has opened registration for its Fall Core and EPIC programs, with early bird pricing through May 31.

Fall Core is the organization’s recreational soccer program for players from Schoolyard through 19U, with balanced teams, trained coaches, weekly practices and games. All skill levels are welcome. Registration for divisions 14U and up will close on July 1 to register the teams for Cal North Soccer. Division 19U is currently taking waitlist names to see the interest in forming a 19U team. Questions regarding registration should be sent to wintersayso@ gmail.com.

The EPIC (Everyone Plays In our Community) program provides adaptive soccer opportunities for athletes with disabilities ages 4 to 99. The program launched in Winters as a pilot in fall 2025 and includes volunteer buddies who assist players on the field with encouragement and guidance. Registration information for Fall Core and EPIC is at wintersayso.org.

The commission is currently gathering feedback to help update the city’s 2013 Bicycle Master Plan,

which will guide future decisions on bike infrastructure, parking and safety improvements across Winters.

Community members are encouraged to take the “Bicycling and Active Community in Winters” survey, which asks residents to share how often they travel around town without a car — whether by bike, scooter, skateboard, wheelchair or other active means — and what factors influence those choices.

The survey is available in English at https://bit.ly/2026engbikingsurvey and in Spanish at https:/ /bit.ly/2026spnbikesurvey. Every ride counts. Pick up a helmet, hop on a bike and make May your most active month yet.

Chardonnay: Which side are you on?

By Jeremy Craig

Special to the Express

Few wine grapes inspire as much passion, or as much division, as Chardonnay. It is one of the most widely planted varieties in the world, beloved by some and dismissed by others. The reason for that split comes down to a simple truth: Chardonnay is a chameleon. Climate and winemaking choices transform it dramatically, from lean and bright to rich and buttery. Understanding a few basics will help you find the style that is right for you.

Chardonnay is a natural cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc (gooWAY Blahn), a grape brought to France by the Romans. That ancient crossing gave us one of the most versatile white grapes in the world that thrives in vineyards around the world. That versatility, however, is also what makes Chardonnay so variable in the bottle. The key to navigating it is understanding one winemaking process: malolactic fermentation. Malolactic fer-

FindURWine

mentation (malo for short) occurs when malic acid (think tart green apples) converts into lactic acid (think milk). The result is lower acidity and a softer, rounder mouthfeel. The easiest way to picture it: imagine the difference between drinking apple juice and 2 perent milk. Malo also produces a byproduct called diacetyl, which is responsible for those buttery, creamy aromas you may recognize in certain Chardonnays. Winemakers can allow malo to occur fully, partially, or not at all, and that choice, combined with oak treatment, is what separates one Chardonnay style from another.

Team Lean: No malo, cool climate

If you prefer bright acidity, green apple, citrus, with some minerality, you want a cool-climate Chardonnay made without malo and with minimal oak. These are food-friendly wines; elegant with fish, shellfish, and fresh cheeses. The gold

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“Winemakers can allow malo to occur fully, partially, or not at all, and that choice, combined with oak treatment, is what separates one Chardonnay style from another.”

standard is Chablis, from northern Burgundy, where chalky soils and a cold climate produce some of the world’s most distinctive Chardonnays. Solid bottles start around $20-$60, though top producers like Domaine François Raveneau can reach $1,000 or more. Closer to home, many Sonoma Coast producers are working in this style and offer excellent value.

Team Rich: Full malo, full oak

On the opposite end, full-malo Chardonnays are aged in new oak barrels and

Crystal Apilado’s “Pouring Local” will return next month once the end-of-year rush settles down.

If you have a recipe, send it to crystal@ wintersexpress.com

allowed to fully develop, producing rich, mouth-filling wines loaded with ripe tropical and stone fruits, butter, vanilla, and toasted bread. If you have ever had a Rombauer Chardonnay, you know this style well. These wines are built for lobster, cream sauces, and fatty fish, like salmon. This style dominated

California for decades and still has devoted fans, though it has fallen somewhat out of fashion in recent years.

The Goldilocks style:

Partial malo, neutral oak

Between the two extremes sits an increasingly popular middle path. Winemakers who go partial

malo and use neutral or lightly aged oak barrels get the best of both worlds: a wine that’s fruit-forward (think pear, golden apple, and white peach) with a soft, round texture and gentle hints of vanilla, hazelnut, and mineral. These are supremely versatile food wines, pairing well with roasted and grilled proteins, risotto, and pasta. Burgundy produces benchmark examples, though prices can be steep. In Napa, look for Grgich Hills. Locally, Berryessa Gap’s Chalk Hill Chardonnay and Turkovich’s Barrel Select Chardonnay are worth seeking out. Chardonnay is not one wine, but a spectrum. I love a crisp Chablis with shellfish or cheese, lean toward the Goldilocks style for everyday meals, and occasionally indulge in the rich, oaky end with a decadent cream pasta or a great piece of salmon. There is no wrong answer. You just have to FindURWine.

—Jeremy Craig, a WSET Level 3 certified wine enthusiast, shares his wine journey on Instagram at www.instagram.com/findurwine.

Berry Cheesecakes With Ginger Cookie Crust

Metro Creative Special to the Express

Desserts are a welcome treat after a delicious main course. Homemade desserts can be particularly flavorful, and that freshness can make the final course something to really look forward to. Those tasked with prepared a homemade dessert have plenty of options to consider,

including this recipe for “Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecakes

With a Ginger Cookie Base” from Lines+Angles. Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecakes

With a Ginger Cookie Base Serves 6 Ingredients

41⁄2 ounces ginger cookies, crushed 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 3 tablespoons caster sugar, divided 11 ounces Greek vanilla yogurt 31⁄2 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and diced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 handful small mint leaves, to garnish Putting it together Stir together crushed cookies, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a mixing bowl until cookie crumbs are moist. Divide between 6 serving glasses and chill until needed. Combine Greek yogurt, cream cheese and vanilla extract with remaining caster sugar in a mixing bowl, beating until sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes.

Divide mixture between glasses, spooning on top of biscuit base. Cover and chill for 1 hour. When ready to serve, purée half the strawberries with lemon juice in a food processor. Spoon on top of cheesecakes and garnish with remaining strawberries and mint leaves.

Change it up

In May, strawberries are at their peak in Yolo County, but they’re not the only fruit that pairs well with the ginger cookie crust. Cherries and apricots are also coming into season, along with early blueberries and other first-wave stone fruits. Any of these can be swapped in for strawberries, each bringing its own bright, seasonal flavor while complementing the warm spice of the ginger base and keeping this cheesecake a fresh, locally inspired finish to any meal.