Friday Update on November 10 2017
All,
A couple of things:
- Prepare for the week day closure of Grant Ave for the completion of the Roundabout Project. The closures starts this Monday, November 13 and will be from 8 a.m on Monday until 3 p.m. on Fridays (open on weekends) and could last for up 6 weeks. Detours will be set up, but plan alternate routes for your travels. This is not going to be easy, but a major project like this requires the closure.
- Tell everyone to be aware that the Winters Police Department will have an enhanced “Distracted Driver Enforcement” this weekend. Put down the cell phones and the food and focus on driving your car. The citations are expensive and well deserved! Imagine seriously injuring someone because you are sending an LOL or a silly emoji.
- I tell folks that the Winters Police typically gives out warnings to most residents. In the Distracted Driver Enforcement, do not expect the courtesy of a warning.
- Outdoor cultivation of cannabis will be returning to the Planning Commission for further review after the City Council Public Hearing this past Tuesday. The entire issue is pretty dynamic and the final regulations have yet to even be released from the State on a multitude of issues surrounding the topic. Staff recommendation on the total prohibition of outdoor cultivation was definitely premature. The public hearing had a number of current cultivators presenting some really good suggestions and arguments on ways to allow personal cultivation without it becoming a nuisance. A nice group of people with reasonable approaches.
- Congratulations to the Salmon Festival Committee on an incredible event. The salmon are coming up Putah Creek, so head on down to watch the spawn!
Finally, a shout out to the many men and women who have served our nation in military service on shores both foreign and domestic! Veteran’s Day is not just a day off, it is a chance to recognize those who have put service above themselves to protect the rights and liberties which make our nation the “land of the free and the home of the brave”.
Many of our veterans see things which leave indelible and un-eraseable images sketched into their minds which will last a lifetime. Some have suffered incredible wounds which have left them with disabilities which will be debilitating for their eitire lives. These former soldiers are amongst the most incredible hero’s amongst us who need more than just a day of recognition but, they need our help. The prevalence of “post traumatic stress disorder” (PTSD) and the soaring rates of violence and suicide amongst our veterans is something which cannot be ignored. I don’t endorse any charities, but I encourage you to check out the information from the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ to see what many of these veterans are experiencing and ways that we can all help them and their families.
I genuinely count the many blessings we have in our nation and am grateful for the life and liberties we are afforded because of the men and women who serve so that people around the world can live free. Thanks seems awfully hollow for the service many have provided, but it is meant with genuine sincerity.
Have a nice weekend.
John