—among other projects—two successful “Big Day of Giving” campaigns raising more than $60,000 in the last two years for supplemental library funding in Winters. “Crystal is a great leader in the community and at the Express. I’m excited to see the direction she takes with the paper,” says Johnson. The new editor, who has for close to two years taken charge of educational coverage and reporting in addition to editorial duties, first wrote about educational issues for the Express as a high schooler in the ’90s, writing features on teachers Sue Bridge and Greg Ellis. “I knew I wanted to be a journalist, but at the time there were no journalism opportunities at WHS,” Apilado explained. “I contacted Debra [DeAngelo] at the Express and asked if I could write two articles to help introduce the two new teachers at WHS that year.” She now steps up to become its only full-time employee, succeeding DeAngelo and Johnson. “While going through college I was under the notion that I was at a disadvantage because I graduated from a small, farm town high school,” wrote Apilado in an emailed statement. “I want Winters students to know that graduating from a Winters school gives you advantages to learn how to make connections, networking, and how to use resources to problem solve issues. Winters graduates can go out into the world and do important things. And, they can also come back to Winters and do important things. I’m proof of that.” Founded in 1884, the Express is Winters’ longest-operating business. As editor, Apilado will be in charge of its editorial team and product, including the newspaper, website and other communication channels. Brandon McCapes, staff writer, will take on the role of deputy and Jeffrey Rawlinson, previously a sports correspondent, joins staff as a writer. Apilado can be reached by emailing the Express newsroom at news@wintersexpress.com, or directly via crystal@wintersexpress.com. Publisher Taylor Buley can be reached by phone at 530-795-4551 or by email at taylor@wintersexpress.com.]]>
