 Interim Town Manager Mark Linder
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Hello, Windsor!We got a bit of welcome rain today, providing our gardens a brief respite from the dry conditions. Our drought is ongoing, so please continue to conserve water – thank you for your diligence!
This issue features resources on how to harden your home against wildfires, such as a free webinar on how to make your home more resilient. We’ve also updated our water-utility billing to make it easier for our customers to track water usage as well as pay their bills.
Last, we’d like to remind you of our weed-abatement policy. We can only use organic pesticides, which is great for humans, insect pollinators and birds and the environment. But weeds also tend to grow back more quickly when we don't use synthetic weed killers such as Roundup. Please be patient with our staff and contractors as we manage a healthier weed-abatement system.
Remember, if you'd like to get the Insider sent directly to your email inbox, go to our Notify Me page to sign up. Please let us know what you think -- we welcome your feedback!
Issue #14: March 3, 2022
Blue and Yellow Lights for Ukraine
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 Photo credit: Vice Mayor Esther Lemus
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The Town Council passed a resolution last night supporting Ukraine in its fight to remain an independent nation against Russia, which, unprovoked, invaded Ukraine, spurring a humanitarian crisis. Russia’s attack on Ukraine is ongoing.
As a symbolic show of support, the Town Green lights are lit up in blue and yellow – the colors of the embattled country. The resolution noted that Sebastopol and Sonoma have sister cities in Ukraine. If you would like to help the people of Ukraine, consider giving to organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, UNICEF, the International Medical Corps, CARE, and the International Rescue Committee.
Weed Management: Organic Pesticides Only |
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As spring approaches, our gardens and yards will grow verdant -- and so will the weeds in Windsor’s 120 acres of public parks and 28 miles of streetscape. The Town of Windsor, in close collaboration with the Sonoma County Fire District, actively manages a year-round weed-abatement program that has more than doubled in cost and resources since 2018.
The Town Council changed the Town’s Integrated Pest Management Policy in 2018 so only organic pesticides in public parks and streetscapes may be applied. (The Town does have an exemption that allows a very limited use of synthetic weed killers on street medians and non-public areas around the wastewater treatment plant.). Read the full announcement here: https://www.townofwindsor.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1396
We ask all community members to be patient and understanding with Town staff and contractors as we manage a heathier system for weed abatement.
Windsor Takes Part in Read Across America |
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Members of the Windsor Police Department, Sonoma County Fire District, Windsor Unified School Board, and other community members read Dr. Seuss books to students at Mattie Washburn Elementary School on Wednesday as part of the Read Across America initiative. Volunteers were happy to share their joy of reading and provide few safety tips!
Started by the National Education Association in 1998, Read Across America is held on March 2 each year (Dr. Seuss’s birthday) and encourages students and readers of all ages to pick up and read a book or read a book to others. Many thanks to Erin Wright and non-profit group C*Star for inviting the volunteers to participate in this wonderful event.
Learn more about Read Across America and spur your love of reading at this link: https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america
Fire Season is Coming: Prepare Your Home Now |
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 Photo credit: Readyforwildfire.org
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Your Sonoma County Fire District is asking you to harden your home and create defensible space around your property for the upcoming 2022 fire season. The lack of rain these past couple of months and the dry vegetation in the wildland environment is of great concern. We have been quick to keep several recent vegetation fires, such as the Alpine Fire near Monte Rio, small and in check.
But more substantial fires, such as the Colorado Fire, which burned 687 acres near Big Sur, required considerable resources. And it is only early March. It is imperative that we as a community do our part to protect ourselves. Please visit these sites to better learn how you can harden your home: March 9 Webinar: Wildfire Safety – How Resilient is Your Home?Sonoma County's Energy and Sustainability Division will host a virtual workshop on Wednesday, March 9, from 10:30 – 11:30 AM, on how to make your home more resilient.
The workshop will include information on creating a project plan, solar photovoltaics, and battery back-up systems as well as financing programs and rebates and incentives to get your project started. Register for the March 9 workshop, which will be held via Zoom webinar, by clicking this link.
March 10: Virtual Town Hall on Drought |
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What’s the latest on drought conditions in the Russian River watershed? Join the Sonoma County Water Agency next Thursday, March 10, at 6 PM for a virtual Drought Town Hall on the drought outlook, water supply management efforts, and conservation measures.
Speakers will include representatives from Sonoma Water, California Department of Water Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, Santa Rosa Water, Sonoma County Farm Bureau, and the State Water Resources Control Board. Click this Zoom webinar link to join the town hall. The passcode is 864640.
New Features for Water Utility Billing |
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Water-utility statements now feature a breakdown of water consumption per water tier for residential and multi-family customers. This change provides a detailed view of how many gallons are billed in each tier and encourages water conservation. Click here to view the Town’s rate structure and for more information.
Another new feature is bill due-date reminders. A notification will be emailed to you five days prior to the due date with the balance owed, a link to the statement, and payment options. This tool is a helpful reminder and a convenient option for you to help manage your utility bill.
If you haven’t already, we encourage you to sign up for WaterSmart, your free online utility billing service. In addition to tracking water use, you can get notifications for leaks or abnormal usage, water-saving tips, sign up for auto pay, and more. Go here for all the information: townofwindsor.com/1183/WaterSmart.
Sign Up for the Windsor Senior Recreation
Center Newsletter |
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If you’re age 50 or better, check out the bi-monthly WSRC Connections newsletter for the latest activities and classes at the Windsor Senior Recreation Center, such as strength training, Zumba, gentle yoga, bingo, and multimedia art.
Become a WSRC member and receive WSRC Connections electronically. Membership is free! Call (707) 838-1250 to sign up.
Sponsor the 2022 Family Movies on the Green |
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Our annual nine-week family movie series (June 7 – August 9) is made possible by our generous sponsors. Market your business or organization to hundreds of local moviegoers on the Windsor Town Green. Pledges are due Thursday, March 31.
For more information, please call (707) 838-5942, email hdunn@townofwindsor.com or visit https://www.townofwindsor.com/787/Family-Movies-on-the-Green.
Host Your Event at a Town of Windsor Park or Facility |
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Looking for the perfect location to host your next family gathering, kid’s birthday party, fundraiser, or sporting event? Consider hosting it at one of the Town’s community or neighborhood parks and facilities. Depending on the location, amenities may include children’s play areas, bocce ball courts, restrooms, and concession stands.
Click here to learn more. Or you may call (707) 838-1260, Monday to Thursday, between 7AM - 6PM, for more information. |
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