$1
including tax
Local students publish original novels News, Page 2
Youth Day parade winners Features, Page 1
Volume 143, Number 14 — Locally-owned since 1884
Winters, Yolo County, California, Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The hometown paper of Carole Weins
Safety, environment concerns shape lighting review By Sonora Slater Express Staff Writer Whether you’re a big fan of backyard stargazing or enjoy decorating your house to the max when it comes to Christmas lights or other lit holiday decorations, the existence and use of light in the city — and dark spaces without it — are part of your everyday life and experience in Winters. At their April planning commission meeting, the commissioners continued to hear from the public about how and where light is useful to them, and where it might be a detriment, as part of an ongoing effort to consider putting into place a comprehensive outdoor lighting policy. This policy could regulate illuminated signage, sports complex or field lighting, curfew or nighttime hours for seasonal or decorative lighting, different lighting zones depending on usage, and so on. It previously came before the commission in February, at which point the commission directed staff to expand the information in order to provide options on each decision point, such as times for curfews, or types of lighting zones, and
Kate Laddish/Courtesy photo
Brightly lit lamp posts line W. Main Street in one of Winters’ newer housing developments. The city of Winters is still seeking public comment on outdoor lighting as staff gathers additional information from public safety departments. so on, as well as directing them to encode more leeway for holiday decorations. The city already has some regulations surrounding outdoor lighting — for example, all new subdivisions are conditioned by the planning commission to require shielded and downward-facing lighting to reduce light seepage beyond the source. However, the pieces of lighting regulation currently used are scattered and noncomprehensive, leading the Natural Resources Committee to pursue putting together a draft ordinance for the commission’s consideration. The main concerns that the Natural Resource Commission
had, apart from disjointed regulation, were the wasted energy used by artificial light at night that may, if corrected, lead to cost savings, the adverse effects of artificial light at night on birds and wildlife, and the potential negative impact of glare at night on safety for drivers and pedestrians. Climate Action Commission member Wendy Rash encouraged the commission to continue moving forward with the ordinance before new developments are built with nonstandardized lighting. “It’s important to put in safeguards before new developments are put into place, because it’s
Police seek leads in swatting case \Express staff
EXPRESS
On May 1 at about 12:03 a.m., Winters Police Department officers responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon on Valley Oak Drive, initially involving a
reported stabbing victim and a barricaded subject with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. After a thorough investigation, officers determined the call was an unfounded swatting incident. Swatting is a crime in which someone makes a false emergency report designed to trigger a large law enforcement response to a
location. Officials note these incidents are dangerous and can divert critical resources away from real emergencies. Police confirmed there was no threat to the community. Anyone with information is asked to contact Winters Police Department at tips.winters@ winterspolice.org or 530-795-4561.
Index Features ........................ B-1
We at he r Date
Rain
High
Low
Apr. 29
.00
79˚
49˚
Apr. 30
.00
85˚
50˚
May 01
.00
88˚
52˚
May 02
.00
88˚
54˚
Eventos hispanos ....... A-4
May 03
.00
80˚
53˚
May 04
.00
75˚
55˚
Opinion ......................... B-4
May 05
.00
74˚
52˚
Real Estate ................... B-2
Rain for week: 0.53 in. Season’s total: 19.85 in. Last sn. to date: 19.05 in.
Classifieds ................... B-4 Community .................. A-2
Sports ........................... B-5
Winters rainfall season began 7/1/25. Weather readings are taken at 9 a.m. daily by local weatherman Joe Bristow.
going to be really hard to change it afterwards,” they said. However, several members of the public, as well as commissioners and public safety officials, had concerns about the potential impact of lighting restrictions on public safety. “When it’s dark is when the criminals come out,” said Jim Hyer. “Everyone I know wants another streetlight on their block. Lights are for safety.” Other community members agreed, saying that their houses are already dark enough that they can see the stars in their backyard, but residents of some newer developments countered, saying that
this is not the case for them, and their homes are very bright all the time, including at night. Police Chief John P. Miller said that Winters’ overall crime rate is extremely low, but in his work in other cities he has seen how light does deter crime. However, he said his bigger concern is traffic and pedestrian safety at night with low lighting. Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III also said that he has concerns about sufficient lighting for first responders. “Every second is important to us,” Snyder said. “In crucial moments lighting is essential. I think the more lighting we have the safer we are.” City planner Kelly Mumper says police and fire didn’t provide direct feedback to the ordinance, although general direction was taken from them. Community member Corinne Martinez asked that farmers who need light to work at night and in early mornings be factored in, to protect their operations. Mumper said those protections could be included via the lighting zones. There was also discussion about
Community Blood Drive set May 11 Express staff The Winters Fortnightly Club, in partnership with Vitalant, will host the May 2026 Winters Community Blood Drive on Monday, May 11, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Winters Community Center, 201 Railroad Ave. The goal is to collect 25 pints to help ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need. The need for blood is constant and urgent — every two seconds, someone in the United States requires a blood donation. A single donation can save up to three lives, making each contribution a direct impact on patients and families. Anyone, at any time, could find themselves in need of blood, whether due to trauma, surgery, cancer treatment or chronic illness. Blood is also crit-
ical for maternal care. Pregnancy complications require transfusions in approximately 1 in 83 deliveries, underscoring the ongoing need for donors to ensure blood is available for mothers in labor and other patients facing medical emergencies. All blood types are welcome, with type O especially in demand for emergency situations. Seasonal changes, illness, and unexpected events can quickly affect the blood supply, making community participation essential year-round. Appointments are encouraged for faster service and may be scheduled online at donors. vitalant.org using code “SMFM164,” by calling 877-258-4825, or by scanning the QR code found on local flyers and social
Service all makes & models Accept all major credit cards Family owned & operated
2 Main Street Winters, CA 530.795.4503
1 Main Street Winters, CA 530.795.2682
27990 County Road 90 Winters, CA 95694 www.pearcehvac.com State Contractor Lic# 864483
amortization, or whether to require any agreed-upon lighting changes for every business immediately, versus phasing it in as new developments are built or existing businesses reach the point of needing to purchase new lighting. Commissioner Judith Arce said she’d rather they start by implementing an outdoor lighting policy with the new developments, as well as potentially testing light curfews or motion sensors with cityowned lights as a pilot program. Commissioner Gregory Contreras moved to dismiss the item, saying that he had yet to be convinced it was necessary, but the motion did not receive a second. The commission then directed staff to bring the item back with more consultation and direction from the fire and police departments, more information about ensuring agricultural and industrial activities aren’t impacted, an educated guess on the potential cost impact of the change, and quantification of the negative impacts of light in Winters.
media. Walk-ins will also be accepted. Eligible donors must be at least 16 years old (parental consent required for those under 18), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. A photo ID is required. Donors are encouraged to arrive well-nourished and hydrated, and completing the Fast Track questionnaire online ahead of time can help speed up the checkin process. The Winters Fortnightly Club encourages community members to participate in this life-saving effort. Every donation brings the drive closer to its 25-pint goal and helps ensure blood is available when and where it is needed most. For eligibility questions or appointment assistance, contact Vitalant at 877-258-4825.
Come see us in our 25,000+ sf showroom!
116 D Street Davis, CA 95616 530-798-5500
www.smith-funerals.com FD-992
Quality Furniture Selection Competitive Prices Open 7 Days A Week
105 E Dorset Drive, Dixon 9253 Johnson Road, Winters, CA 530.212.5161 • monticelloveterinary.com
395 E. Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville
707.449.6385
LaineysFurnitureForLiving.com