Friday Update on January 24 2020
All,
Just a few items today, but look for a very expanded update next week:
- One of the biggest issues facing the City is the consideration by the State Water Control Board on a new drinking water standard for Hexavalent Chromium (CR6). This issue is beginning to raise its head again and it could have a massive impact on Winters and our drinking water rates. I am scheduled over the next few weeks to be a part of a group meeting with Water Board Members on this topic to talk about the projected impacts on our community. Of things which are a really big deal, this would be one of the biggest deals for us.
- Overall a good meeting on the Community Engagement. Our expansion into streaming on Facebook Live and Youtube Live brought the meeting to more than triple the attendance at City Hall. The survey tool we used gave us some really good input which we will condense and start to weave into a draft strategy which we will take before the City Council in February. The most entertaining part of the responses was to the question of incentives to get people to be involved, and the top two responses were beer and wine!
- Next Thursday (January 30th) is Don Saylor’s Annual Soup’s On event. In the past 16 years this event had raised funds for various local non-profits. This year 100% of the funds will benefit Acme Theatre company, a youth development program cleverly disguised as a theatre arts program. The event features delicious food and beverages from throughout Yolo County. The City of Winters is well represented with clam chowder from Councilman Wade Cowan, soup from Buckhorn Grill and Carboni’s Restaurant, and wine from Turkovich. Join this fun event and help raise funds for a good cause.
Don Saylor’s Soup’s On Event: Thursday, January 30, 2020
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
NEW LOCATION: Veterans’ Memorial Center
203 E. 14th Street, Davis
Ticket Info: https://soupsonacme.brownpapertickets.com/
Finally, Saturday night is the Winters Chamber of Commerce’s Year in Review which recognizes the Citizens of the Year, Business of the Year, Senior Citizens of the Year and the recipient of the Theodore Winters Award for recent service to the City.
Citizens of the Year are Barb and Terry Karlen. The reality is that their 35 years with Winters Fire has impacted this community in a manner which should beatify them into sainthood as they represent the many men and women who have saved lives and property in our community. From coordinating explorers to running on fires and medical emergencies, Barb and Terry’s dedication to the community continues day in and day out. One of their most important contributions was the time that they drove the Winters Ambulance. Because of their efforts, we now have paramedic level services in our town. The fraternity which are the Citizens of the Year is an amazing group and Terry and Barb will be amongst the top for their service.
Business of the Year is Turkovich Wines. Without question, Chris and Luciana have put Winters on the California wine map, but in reality they have brought so much more. Their entire team has set the bar for excellence in advancing the “Winters” brand, promoting our town to writers from throughout the world and making Winters the destination it has become. From www.Visit128.com to leadership within the Downtown on key issues and in the region, the generosity of time and commitment to raising the vitality of the business community puts them as one of the City’s biggest assets.
The Theodore Winters Award is going to Gino Mediati, the Manager of Pacific Ace Hardware. Gino does not know how to say “no” and has quietly been one of the number one benefactors to many community organizations from Project Playground to Winters High School. Gino and the entire team were honored a few years ago as a very deserving “Business of the Year”. Truthfully, it takes leadership and will at the top of the store and Gino is that guy!
Senior Citizens of the Year goes to the “Gorilla Gardener’s” who will be represented by Ellie Yeatman and Nikki Chapman. The best way to describe the Gorilla Gardener’s is that they are the ones committed to making Downtown Winters look really good. From planting flowers to just trimming everything up, they are constantly giving their time to keeping out town beautiful.
The Year in Review is really a special tradition for Winters in recognizing those who are unselfishly giving of themselves and making a positive difference in our town. Cheers to those being honored!
Have a nice weekend.
John