Interim Town Manager Mark Linder

Hello, Windsor!

On Monday, July 4, we will celebrate the 246th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The night before, Sunday, July 3, the Town will mark the occasion with fireworks over Keiser Park -- the first time since the start of the pandemic. Please don't set off fireworks yourself, including those marked "safe and sane." They are illegal in Sonoma County, so please join us on Sunday instead.

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Issue #22: June 30, 2022

July 3: Independence Day Fireworks

Viewing opportunity at Keiser Park – approximately 9:30 PM

Come down to the park just before dark to enjoy the fireworks light up the night sky. This year will be fireworks only, no live bands and no food or beverages will be sold. Pack your picnic, chairs, and blankets but pack light because no vehicles will be allowed into the park to unload. There will be parking at Windsor High School for $5; all proceeds will benefit high school sports. The high school parking lot will open at 6 PM.

If you have any questions, call the Parks & Recreation Department at (707) 838-1260, Mondays through Thursdays, 7 AM – 6 PM. You can also view the webpage about the event here: https://www.townofwindsor.com/1019/July-3rd-Fireworks.

Please remember:

• No vehicles allowed in Keiser Park, walk in only

• $5 parking at Windsor High School, parking lot opens at 6 PM

• No portable BBQs or stoves

• No tents, pop-ups or umbrellas

• No sparklers, or fireworks of any kind

• No glass containers

• No solicitors allowed inside Keiser Park

To accommodate heavy traffic and the safe entry and exit of spectators at Keiser Park, please follow the exit plan above. Also, the following street closures will be enforced beginning at 8:30 PM on July 3:

• At Windsor Road the intersections of Winemaker and Cork will be closed. The designated exits from Vintana subdivision will be at Oak to Reiman and Burgundy to Starr.

• Windsor River Road will be closed between Starr and Windsor Road.

• Windsor Road at Patrick to Windsor River Road will be closed.

Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

A message from the Sonoma County Fire District: As we move into the July 4th holiday, we want to remind everyone that fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks, are illegal in the Town of Windsor and all of Sonoma County. Hot, dry weather and the ongoing drought make fireworks especially dangerous and deadly this year. Deaths and injuries from consumer fireworks also occur every year.

In fact, July 4-5 are the peak days for wildfire incidents. Fire departments respond to more than 7,000 wildfires on those days. Research shows that brush, grass, and forest fires occur at five times the annual average over this holiday period. Many, if not all, are caused by humans. “People are starting almost all of the wildfires that threaten our homes,” concludes a recent study on the impacts of human-ignited wildfires on U.S. homes.

Roundabout Construction Update

Roundabout construction will begin its sixth stage on July 11 and is estimated to be completed by the end of July, weather permitting. Stage 6a work will consist of constructing the splitter median island on the south leg of the intersection. This will require a full closure of Windsor Road between Windsor River Road and Wall Street. This work is estimated to take one week.

Stage 6b work will Immediately follow consisting of constructing the west leg splitter median island. This will require a full closure of Windsor River Road west of Windsor Road. Stage 6b work is estimated to begin on July 18. Vehicle and pedestrian detour maps will be made available soon on the Town’s website at: https://www.townofwindsor.com/1297/Windsor-River-RoadWindsor-Road-Intersect.

Windsor Voters: Election Districts Have Changed

The Town Council recently approved a new election district map in which district boundaries have been adjusted. This map is important for upcoming Town Council elections.

Residents can check which district they live in by visiting the Town’s dedicated District Look-Up webpage and typing their address in the “type address” field.

Carrying the Flame of Hope Through Windsor

On June 21, when temperature topped 105 degrees, Windsor Police Chief Michael Raasch, Deputy K-9 Handler Alan Collier, and Deputy K-9 Handler Shawn Forghani took part in the 2022 Law Enforcement Torch Run. They carried the “Flame of Hope” as they ran from the police department in downtown Windsor to Esposti Park.

This annual event benefits the Special Olympics of Northern California and all of its amazing athletes. To learn more or donate to the Special Olympics and the LE Torch Run, visit: https://www.sonc.org/LETRtorchrun

First Annual Windsor Pride Festival

Two kids with police officers and a blow-up snowman

Windsor Police Chief Michael Raasch attended the first annual Windsor Pride Festival on the Windsor Town Green on Saturday June 25 and handed out stickers to children. This family-friendly event was held by the Windsor Parks and Recreation Foundation (People4Parks) and celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community with food, music and pride.

Dead Animal Removal: North Bay Animal Services

The Town of Windsor contracts with North Bay Animal Services for animal care and control services such as pet adoption and dog licensing, as well as for picking up and disposing of dead animals – both domestic and wild -- found by the road.

The number to call between 9 AM – 6 PM, seven days a week: (707) 762-6227. After hours: Call Windsor Police Department/Sonoma Sheriff Dispatch: (707) 565-2121.