Friday Update on March 2 2018
All,
City Council Agendas:
March 6, 2018
- Support of SB5, California Clean Water & Safe Parks Act
- Economic Development Composition – 2 At-Large Members
- Public Works Projects List and Review of Capital Projects – FY 18-19 and 19-20
- Support of Reducing Crime in Keeping California Safe Act of 2018
March 20, 2018
- Final Acceptance of Starbucks
- Public Improvement Agreement & Final Map for Olive Grove Phase 1 Project
- Fire Department Presentation
- Presentation by the League of California Cities Women’s Caucus’s Woman of Distinction- Gwen Pisani
Some notes on City operations:
- Water Well 2 is under rehabilitation. The Well casing is being scrubbed and cleaned.
- The expansion of Putah Creek Park is in the planning stages. The Winters Putah Creek Committee, Putah Creek Council and others will lead the way on this project.
- Year end reporting is under way for both Water and Wastewater with State regulators.
- Public Works removed the tot lot from Valley Oak Park and will relocated the relatively new structure previously installed at City Park to this location. This will be a really nice project!
- Walnut Park will soon have new park signs which will close the project out.
- Senior Task Force will be headed to Woodland next week to look at services and facilities.
- PG&E is adding buildings to the Utility Village.
- Police will be training at the PG&E Training Academy next week on an active shooter scenario.
- Fire is joining the West Valley Training Consortium which will greatly expand our training resources for both full time and volunteer/reserve staff.
- Planning is under way for the Monticello Dam Drill annually put on by Winters Fire. This year will include helicopters, water rescue, confined space, rappelling down the Dam face and search and rescue. Essentially everything which can go wrong at the Dam, will go wrong!
Local note, the Winters Friends of the Library Fruit Tree Sale is 8:30 (WFOL Members) and 9:00 to 11:00ish this Saturday in the Mariani Parking Lot on Railroad Ave. WFOL members get in at 8:30 and others at 9:00.
Finally, national politics and some irresponsibility by some folks are causing challenges to local law enforcement.
The demonization of federal law enforcement agencies in recent weeks has a trickle down effect on the ability of local police to do their jobs. The trust, goodwill and outreach campaigns from our public safety agencies can be immediately dashed when fear of law enforcement is used and people are told to “not open your doors” if law enforcement come to your homes as a means of advancing political agendas. A basic premise is that if someone has not done anything wrong they have nothing to worry about.
“Police” is a universal identification for local, State and Federal agencies. It is a term people know and understand. Few people will differentiate between a uniformed local or federal agent with a badge and vest who is knocking on their door.
At the local level, our Police Department respond to all calls and are not agents for federal agencies, including ICE. In California, SB 54 strictly prohibits our Police from asking for immigration forms or status. No matter the call, local law enforcement are there to protect and serve persons, regardless of documentation status. Period.
Some of the greatest targets and victims of crime are recent immigrants. These folks should not fear law enforcement but know that they can and will be protected and they should report crimes which happen to them. Police are here to help them and should not have any reservations on calling for our help.
I really feel for the men and women in the FBI and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who are getting a really raw deal in the current political climate. Both are very important agencies (with incredible people working for them) with core missions which protect us all. These law enforcement agents have taken oaths to uphold and defend laws and our constitution. They are sworn protectors who risk their lives in the same vein as our local police officers and public safety personnel. They can be put in some of the most dangerous situations in law enforcement.
You just wish all this madness would stop!!
Thanks,
John