Insider Edition #103 - April 14, 2026
In this month's issue:
(Click link to jump to section)
- News and Updates
- Town Manager Updates
- Town Council Recap
- Levi's GranFondo
- New Animal Services Providers
- Summer Nights on the Green Band Lineup 2026
- Individual/Family Donor Opportunity for Summer Nights on the Green
- Budget Challenges and Revenue Options
- Major Development & Construction Project List
- Spring Landscape Maintenance
- Cunningham House Project Presentation
- Windsor COPE Seminars
- Native Arts Festival
- Windsor Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Adoption
- Old Redwood Village - First Time Homebuyer Opportunity
- Town of Windsor Bill Assistance Program
- Artist Interview: Sean Paul Lorentz
- New SMART Schedule
- Sonoma County Fire District - Defensible Space Information & Workshop
- Town Manager Updates
- Spotlight: WES Division
- Recreation
- Public Meetings
Image Courtesy Steve Pfeiffer, Downtown Windsor Photo Gallery
At the April 1 Town Council meeting, Town Manager Jon Davis provided updates on the following topics:
- Koi Nation Property
- Animal Services
- Windsor Creek Elementary School Site
- E-Bike Safety
- Windsor Senior Recreation Center Pool Replastering Project
- Shiloh Terrace Paving03 - April 14, 2026 News & UpdatesHeadline
Click here Version Options Insider Edition #103 - April 14, 2026 News & UpdatesHeadline to view the video from the meeting.
Couldn't make it to the last Town Council meeting? We've got you covered! Check out the Town Council Recap to see all the highlights from latest meeting.
Highlights from the 4/1 Town Council meeting include:
- April Proclamations
- Senior Citizen Advisory Commission Appointments
- Budget Challenges and Revenue Options Update
- Water is Life Mural
Windsor is proud to once again serve as the start and finish line for Levi's GranFondo, one of Northern California's premier cycling events. Thousands of riders from across the country will roll through our beautiful Sonoma County wine country, bringing energy, excitement, and a significant economic boost to our community.
Head down to the Town Green to catch all the action live on large screens, soak in the festival atmosphere, and enjoy food and wine from local vendors. The event also features a free family ride — a perfect way to get the whole crew involved. Click here News & UpdatesHeadlineSpotlight: WES DivisionRecreation to check out the full festival details and route information.
Road Closures & Event Details
Please be aware that temporary road closures will be in effect on event day. For a full list of road closures and route details, click here News & UpdatesHeadline.
Come out and cheer on the riders — we'll see you out there, Windsor!
Starting April 1, 2026, the Town of Windsor officially welcomed new animal service providers!
The Rohnert Park Animal Shelter and Sonoma County Animal Services will oversee a full spectrum of animal services, including shelter operations, field services, lost and found assistance, pet adoptions, and animal licensing support. Residents can expect continuity of care along with enhanced resources designed to promote responsible pet ownership and community safety.
We’re looking forward to expanded support, compassionate care, and continued services for pets and their families across our community.
For more information, click here Version Options Insider Edition #103 - April 14, 2026 News & UpdatesHeadline.
Summer Nights on the Green Band Lineup 2026! ๐ถ
This year’s Summer Nights on the Green lineup is here! We’re ready for another fantastic season of music, community, and fun. Dust off your lawn chair and grab your friends, it’s sure to be a great time! For more information, click here News & UpdatesHeadline.
NEW – Individual/Family Donor Opportunity for Summer Nights on the Green
The award-winning Summer Nights on the Green concert series is a popular summer tradition in Windsor brought to you by the Town of Windsor, the Windsor Certified Farmers Market and our generous business sponsors. We invite you to be a part of the family as a valued donor of the 2026 season. We have created an opportunity to donate to this program at a lower level than our traditional business sponsor packages. Now families can choose to donate in increments starting at $250 and lower.
Click here News & UpdatesHeadline to visit our website to find out more information and download the invitation and pledge form!
The Summer Nights on the Green concert series will begin Thursday, June 4, and run for ten weeks through August 13 and an additional two “Farm Night” concerts brought to you by the Windsor Certified Farmers Market.
Join us in commemorating 24 years of healthy, quality family entertainment, great food and access to Windsor shops and restaurants. Associate your name with the positive experiences and memories that the Town Green events deliver. We look forward to hearing from you!
Budget Challenges and Revenue Options
At its April 1 meeting, the Town Council received a presentation summarizing the Town's General Fund revenue challenges and community feedback gathered during recent public meetings on potential solutions. The adopted 2025–27 budget included over $6 million in operational reductions—including reducing three police positions, holding vacancies open, and deferring more than $5 million in road and park maintenance. Even with those cuts, nearly $8 million in reserves was needed to balance the budget, an approach that is not sustainable long-term.
Over the past three months, staff conducted 17 presentations to community groups, service organizations, and residents to explore all revenue options and hear directly about community priorities. These conversations helped shape the information presented to Council, including feedback on the services residents value most—such as public safety, road maintenance, and parks.
After hearing from staff, taking questions, and receiving public comments, the Council directed staff to continue educating the community on a potential 1% local transaction and use (sales) tax measure for the November 2026 ballot. Windsor is currently the only city in Sonoma County without a local sales tax, and its 9.25% rate is the lowest in the county. Revenue from a local sales tax would stay in Windsor, could not be taken by the state, and would help protect services like police, streets, parks, and community programs. Staff will develop draft ballot measure language and present the potential ballot measure documents to Council for review in June. Residents can learn more and share their input at townofwindsor.ca.gov/future.
The Town updates the major development and construction project list on a quarterly basis. The list is intended to represent projects in either review status, under construction, or approved. For additional information, please reach out to the project's planner.
Click here News & UpdatesHeadlineSpotlight: WES DivisionRecreationUpcoming Public Meetings to view the list.
It’s officially spring and the weeds and grasses in Windsor’s 110 acres of public parks and 26 miles of streetscapes are rising to the occasion!
This is the busiest season for our dedicated Parks Maintenance crew, who are working diligently throughout the Town to manage the rapidly growing vegetation, repair irrigation leaks, and keep our parks clean and safe for all the outdoor activities.
This year is particularly challenging. Since the 2018 ban on synthetic herbicides, our team has had to switch to more labor-intensive methods, like string trimming and mowing. Additionally, recent budget cuts have left our department short-staffed and reduced the weed abatement budget by 67%, which means it’s going to take us a little longer to work our way across town.
We appreciate your patience as we work hard to create a healthier, organic, and more natural landscape in Windsor! ๐
Click here Insider Edition #103 - April 14, 2026News & UpdatesHeadlineSpotlight: WES DivisionRecreationUpcoming Public Meetings to watch the video on Facebook.
Monday, April 27
1pm
Windsor Senior Recreation Center (9231 Foxwood Dr.)
Join us for a free presentation on the historic Cunningham house, neighbor to the Windsor Senior Recreation Center. This presentation will include history of the house and share about upcoming projects taking place. Presented by Steve Lehmann, President of the Windsor Museum & Historical Society.
What to do When the Big One Hits - Tabletop Earthquake Exercise
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
1-2:30PM
Windsor Senior Recreation Center
Participate in a facilitated tabletop exercise to be better prepared for a major earthquake. This seminar is presented by Windsor COPE and the Town of Windsor.
More information
AI, Scams, and Elder Abuse Seminar
Tuesday, April 28
1-2:30PM
Windsor Senior Recreation Center
Learn how to recognize AI generated material, scams and elder abuse with speakers from Redwood Credit Union, Senior Advocacy Services, and the Windsor Police Department. This seminar is presented by Windsor COPE and the Town of Windsor.
More Information
Join us for a day of connection, creativity, and community at our 3rd Annual Native Arts Festival!
May 9, 2026
11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Town Green
Experience an incredible gathering of Native artists, dancers, singers, drummers, and food vendors. This event brings together our Native and non-Native community to celebrate artistry, share stories, and support local creators.
- Browse unique handmade goods
- Enjoy live performances throughout the day
- Taste amazing food
- Support Native artists and small businesses
Click here News & UpdatesHeadline for more information.
The Town is pleased to announce that Town Council has adopted the Windsor Active Transportation Plan (ATP). Adopted on March 18, 2026, the ATP replaces the Town’s 2014 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and establishes an updated vision for walking, bicycling, and other forms of active transportation in Windsor.
The plan expands on the previous framework by incorporating emerging micromobility options such as e-bikes and scooters, while emphasizing safety, connectivity, and accessibility for users of all ages and abilities. It also reflects current policies, updated design standards, and community changes, including the introduction of SMART rail service.
Click here Insider Edition #103 - April 14, 2026News & UpdatesHeadlineSpotlight: WES DivisionRecreationUpcoming Public Meetings to view the plan.
Key recommendations include over 24 miles of multi-use paths, more than 24 miles of new or upgraded on-street bicycle facilities, and 31 enhanced pedestrian crossings, along with supporting programs and policies to improve overall travel safety and comfort.
Developed with broad public input, the ATP will serve as both a long-term vision and an implementation guide for future improvements, helping the Town prioritize projects, secure funding, and coordinate development.
Do you live or work in Windsor and are trying to buy your first home? In partnership with Ryder Homes, the Town of Windsor and Housing Land Trust of the North Bay are pleased to announce an opportunity for eligible applicants to purchase a new residence at Old Redwood Village.
Click here News & UpdatesHeadline to view details.
Did you know the Town of Windsor offers a bill assistance program that provides financial assistance to qualifying residential customers for a portion of their monthly water and wastewater service charges?
- $15.00 off the monthly fixed fee service charge for water.
- $15.00 off the monthly fixed fee service charge for wastewater.
Applications are currently being accepted until funds are exhausted, at which point a waiting list will be maintained.
Click here News & UpdatesHeadline to view eligibility and program details.
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's--Darlings, a new public art installation in Windsor! Curious about the new sculpture on the corner of Old Redwood Highway and Pleasant Ave.? Click here Insider Edition #103 - April 14, 2026Headline to check out our recent interview with local artist Sean Paul Lorentz. While the public may have their own interpretations of the piece, the actual story behind the inspiration of the sculpture may surprise you.
Darlings, made of reclaimed steel from the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, was installed earlier this year in partnership with the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, as a satellite location for their Shape and Motion exhibition, currently on view in their Sculpture Garden. The partnership, approved by the Public Art Advisory Commission and Town Council, provides an opportunity to enhance the Windsor community with free visual art experiences.
To learn more about the Town's Public Art program, click here News & UpdatesHeadline.
Click here News & UpdatesHeadline to watch the video interview on Facebook.
Traveling throughout the North Bay and into San Francisco just got easier! As of April 12, 2026, transit operators across Marin and Sonoma implemented coordinated service changes through the Marin-Sonoma Coordinated Transit Service Plan (MASCOTS) Plan, a collaboration among nine transit and funding agencies to grow ridership and improve public transportation along the Highway 101 corridor. This level of regional coordination marks a significant step forward for transit in the North Bay. For riders, the benefits are clear: more service, better-timed connections, and a simpler network designed around how people travel, with stronger transfers and more options throughout the day.
Click here News & UpdatesHeadline to learn more.
As winter fades and warmer days arrive, spring in our region brings longer daylight, greener hillsides—and the start of wildfire season preparations. While the landscape may still appear lush, now is the critical time for residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes by creating and maintaining defensible space.
Defensible space is the buffer between a structure and the surrounding vegetation that helps slow or stop the spread of wildfire. By reducing the amount of flammable material around your home, you not only improve your property’s chances of surviving a fire, but you also make it safer for firefighters to defend.
Sonoma County Fire District as well as other local fire agencies, including CAL FIRE, recommend dividing defensible space into zones. The first five feet around a home—often called the “immediate zone”—should be kept lean, clean, and green. This means removing dead plants, leaves, and debris from roofs and gutters, and avoiding combustible materials like mulch or firewood directly next to structures.
From five to 30 feet, residents should focus on spacing and maintaining vegetation. Trim tree branches so they are at least 10 feet away from other trees and your home, and remove any dead or dying plants. Beyond 30 feet, thinning vegetation and reducing fuel continuity can help slow a fire’s approach.
Spring is the ideal time to complete this work before grasses dry out and fire danger increases. It’s also a good opportunity to check that your address is clearly visible, access roads are clear, and emergency responders can reach your property if needed.
Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility. By acting now, residents can significantly reduce their risk and contribute to the safety of the entire community as we head into the warmer months.
Home Hardening and Defensible Space Workshop
May 8, 4-5:30pm
Windsor Regional Library
Come meet your local Sonoma County Fire District team and learn what you can do to make your home more fire-resilient on a budget. Your efforts can have huge lasting impacts on the survival of your home and surrounding community.
More Information: (707) 838-1026, www.townofwindsor.ca.gov/1577

What is WES?
The Water, Environment and Sustainability (WES) Division, is part of the Town of Windsor’s Public Works team – and they’re the people working behind the scenes to keep our community healthy, clean, and ready for the future.
“WES leads programs that protect public health, safeguard natural resources and advance sustainability and climate resilience across the community, says William Nahas, Deputy Director of Water and Environmental Management. “From protecting our drinking water to caring for the environment, WES brings together experts in water quality, environmental compliance, laboratory science, and sustainability to make sure Windsor stays a great place to live, work, and play.”
They help keep our water safe, make sure we meet important environmental standards, and lead projects that prepare our town for challenges like climate change. In short, WES is all about protecting what we have today while planning for a stronger, more sustainable Windsor tomorrow.
What Does WES Do?
Laboratory and Water Quality
WES operates a state-certified laboratory that performs routine sampling and analysis of drinking water, recycled water and wastewater. This work ensures compliance with strict regulatory standards and supports the delivery of safe, high-quality water to the community.
Wastewater and Recycled Water Leadership
Windsor continues to be a leader in recycled water use, producing high-quality recycled water for irrigation of parks, schools, agriculture and residential landscapes. This program significantly reduces reliance on potable water and supports long-term water sustainability.
The Town is also advancing its Net Zero Wastewater initiatives, working toward a system powered by clean energy while maximizing beneficial reuse of recycled water and biosolids.
Water Conservation and Water Supply Planning
WES promotes water efficiency through rebates and educational programs and engages in water supply planning. Every five years WES completes an Urban Water Management Plan which looks at the Town’s water supply and demand projections with a 20 year horizon. Outreach efforts focus on sustainable landscaping in regular rain years, and water efficiency and conservation in drought years.
Community Engagement
WES promotes community engagement by conducting Wastewater Treatment Plant tours, hosting volunteer trash cleanups, pollinator garden volunteer days, low waste-generating events, sustainability workshops, collaborating with the school district and regional agencies, sharing information by tabling or speaking at public events, and more. WES also aids regional and state planning and outreach efforts by providing insight that considers Windsor’s local needs and resources.
Stormwater and Environmental Protection
WES implements programs to meet regional stormwater permit requirements and protect local waterways, including Windsor’s creeks and the Russian River watershed. For example, WES staff use the regional Streets to Creeks campaign and the Litter Critters to remind the public about important pollution prevention efforts that we can all adopt in our daily household and work routines. These efforts help keep pollutants out of stormwater runoff, protecting our water and keeping local ecosystems healthy.
Groundwater Supply and Sustainability
WES participates in the regional Groundwater Sustainability Agency, which helps to manage and protect our groundwater resources in the Santa Rosa Plain. WES also oversees groundwater supply projects in the Town and is working to implement an off-river well system to have backup water sources to our Russian River well sources. A current innovative project is our Aquifer, Storage and Recovery project, where we have just drilled two new wells and will be pilot testing injecting clean water into the ground to store it for later use to increase our groundwater supply.
Sustainable Planning and Policy Initiatives
The WES division leads key planning efforts that guide infrastructure investment and resource management, ensuring a reliable and resilient future for water, environment, and the community. These efforts help shape policy and its implementation while inspiring other communities to protect future generations.
WES also supports the Town’s sustainability and climate goals through development and implementation of climate action strategies, greenhouse gas reduction efforts, and community-focused sustainability programs. One such program is the Compost Hub at the new Community Resilience Center (25 Bluebird Drive), where residents can pick up free, USDA-certified organic compost for their gardens.
Through an integrated approach, WES connects environmental protection, water resource management, and sustainability into a unified strategy, helping ensure a healthy environment and high quality of life for the Windsor community now and into the future. “I’m incredibly proud of our team and the dedication they bring every day,” says Shannon Cotulla, Public Works Director. “This work is essential to protecting the health of our community and our environment for generations to come.”
Earth Day Celebration
Sunday, April 19, 10AM-1PM
Town Green
Join the Town of Windsor and the Windsor Certified Farmers' Market for the 2026 Earth Day Celebration. Fun activities, traditional dances, giveaways, and a free bike valet! Learn from some of the best local organizations about climate and environmental initiatives in Windsor and beyond.
Repair Fair
Sunday, April 19, 10AM-1PM
Huerta Gym
Do you have a lamp, small appliance, textile, computer, or bike in need of repair? Get it repaired for free! For more information and to register your item, click the button below. For more about the Town's sustainability program, click here.
Earth Day 2026 Trash Cleanup
Wednesday, April 22
19th Hole Dr & Shiloh Rd
Celebrate Earth Day 2026! Help protect Windsor's creeks and the Russian River by picking up trash along Windsor's streets.
Meet at the corner near Shiloh Rd & 19th Hole Dr to pick up safety vests, pickers, gloves and bags. After a brief safety meeting, volunteers will be dispatched to pick up trash along Shiloh Rd.
All participants will receive a free gift.
Register on Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/WindsorTrashCleanup2026
For more information, call (707) 838-5390 or email stormwater@townofwindsor.com.
Introducing the Earth Blog! ๐๐
The Town of Windsor is launching an Earth Blog for community members wishing to get involved with local actions that help the community and the environment. Please visit https://www.townofwindsor.ca.gov/1650/Earth-Blog to see our first post, as well as volunteer opportunities!
More information: cballard@townofwindsor.ca.gov
Registration is Open for Summer 2026! ๐
Browse the recreation guide and register for all of your favorite summer activities! From water fitness classes, to softball, to summer camp, Windsor has exciting summer activities for the whole family.
Youth Swim Lessons
Ages 3+ (Waterbabies is 6 mos-2 years)
Rates vary depending on group lesson
Enrollment is filling up fast!
Use the Recreation Guide to find the appropriate class for your swimmer and click here Insider Edition #103 - April 14, 2026News & UpdatesSpotlight: WES DivisionRecreationHeadlineUpcoming Public Meetings to register.
Adult Sports
Ready to get your team together? Adult sports leagues are starting soon!
- Men's Softball
- Co-ed Softball
- Bocce
Contact swallace@townofwindsor.ca.gov for more information and to register.
Multimedia Art
Fridays, 9:30-12:30pm
Windsor Senior Recreation Center
Ages 50+
Resident/Non-resident Fee: $8
Details and registration
(707) 838-1250
Youth Camps
Figuring out what to do with the kids this summer? Check out Windsor's Youth Camps!
- Camp Windsor
- Sports Spectacular Camp
- Playwell Teknologies Camp (with Lego Materials)
- Youth Tennis Camp
- Fencing and Archery Adventure Camp
- Basketball Camp (National Academy of Athletics)
- Pickleball Camp (National Academy of Athletics)
Explore the various camp offerings in the Recreation Guide and click here News & UpdatesSpotlight: WES DivisionRecreationHeadline to register.
Rec Party in the Park is Back!
Every Wednesday at a park near you!
4:30-6PM
Join us for a free neighborhood park party at a park near you! Enjoy an afternoon of relay races, sports activities, lawn games, snacks, raffle prizes and more.
- 4/15 Old Vineyard Park
- 4/22 Michael A. Hall Park
- 4/29 Vintage Oaks Park
- 5/6 Starr Creek Park
- 5/13 Robbins Park
Click here Insider Edition #103 - April 14, 2026Headline for more information or call (707) 836-2309.
May 5, 2026
3:30PM-5PM
Join us for a fun-filled celebration complete with delicious appetizers and live music to keep the vibes going!
$5/person (50+ years)
Call (707) 838-1250 to Register
Town Council Meeting
April 15, 2026, 6:00pm
Town Hall Council Chambers, 9291 Old Redwood Hwy, #400
Missed the last meeting? Check out the Town Council Meeting Recap. To contact the Mayor or a Councilmember, visit the Windsor Town Council webpage for more information.
Planning Commission: April 14 (2nd and 4th Tuesday at 5:30PM)
Parks and Recreation Commission: May 13 (2nd Wednesday at 6PM)
Public Art Advisory Commission: April 22 (4th Wednesday at 5PM)
Senior Citizen Advisory Commission: April 21 (3rd Tuesday (Quarterly) at 2PM)
Meeting dates, times, and locations subject to change. View the meeting agenda for the current meeting information. For more information about Town Commissions, click here News & UpdatesSpotlight: WES DivisionRecreationUpcoming Public MeetingsHeadline.