October is here, bringing opportunities for our community to connect, learn, prepare, and celebrate together!

At the September City Council meeting, we were excited to introduce the students participating in this year’s Jackets at City Hall program. Throughout the school year, these students will get a behind-the-scenes look at City operations, meet staff, and learn how our different departments work together to serve the Williams community.

City staff have also been sharpening their skills! Several employees recently participated in CPR certification training, helping ensure they are better prepared to respond when emergencies arise.

Speaking of being prepared, winter weather is just around the corner! With forecasts suggesting a wetter winter ahead, our Public Works Department is already taking proactive steps to prepare. Temporary employees have been brought on to assist with drainage ditch maintenance, while staff have participated in technical training and reviewed critical equipment and supplies to help ensure the City is ready to respond to potential flooding, storms, or power outages.

We encourage residents to take a few simple steps now to prepare their households as well. Putting together an emergency go-bag, creating a family evacuation plan, and knowing what to do during severe weather can make a big difference. Our Police Department is also available to provide guidance on emergency preparedness.

And while emergencies aren't an everyday occurrence, parking certainly is! In this month's newsletter, our Police Department is sharing helpful information about curbside parking rules. This topic was especially popular among our young drivers participating in the Jackets at City Hall program, who had plenty of great questions.

Thank you, Yellow Jackets, for your curiosity and for helping bring attention to information that benefits all drivers!

Of course, October wouldn't be complete without some exciting community events!

On October 21 at 1:00 PM, we invite everyone to join us at 11th and F Streets for the E Street Project Groundbreaking Ceremony as we celebrate the beginning of this important infrastructure improvement project.

Then, get those costumes ready for one of Williams' favorite fall traditions! Our annual Trunk or Treat will take place on October 29, bringing families together for an evening of costumes, treats, and Halloween fun. The Sacramento Valley Museum will also be hosting its Haunted House, giving residents even more ways to enjoy the spooky season!

From preparing for winter to celebrating community milestones and enjoying fall festivities, there's plenty happening in Williams. We appreciate our City staff, students, and residents who help make our community such a special place.

We look forward to seeing everyone out in the community this October!

🎃 Trunk or Treat – A Spooktacular Evening Awaits!

Dust off those costumes, grab your candy buckets, and get ready for a frightfully fun evening! The City of Williams invites families to our Annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 29th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Venice Park.

This family-favorite tradition brings our community together for an evening of costumes, candy, and Halloween excitement! Whether you're dressing up as your favorite superhero, princess, or spooky character, there's fun waiting for everyone.

🏀 Kinder -3rd Basketball – Let the Games Begin!

It's almost time to hit the court! Registration for our K–3rd Grade Youth Basketball League has officially wrapped up, and we're excited to welcome our young athletes for another season of fun and friendly competition.

Practices are expected to begin in the coming weeks, giving players the chance to sharpen their skills, learn teamwork, and build confidence on the court. The first games are scheduled for Saturday, November 7th!

A big thank-you to all the families who registered their children. We're looking forward to a season filled with great plays, teamwork, and plenty of cheering from the sidelines!

🎄 Calling All Businesses – Let's Light Up Williams!

Get those Christmas lights untangled and let your creativity shine! The City of Williams is inviting local businesses to participate in our 2026 Christmas Light Decorating Contest, and we can't wait to see our downtown and local storefronts sparkle with holiday cheer!

Businesses are encouraged to go all out with festive decorations, colorful lights, and creative holiday displays. And here's the exciting part — our community gets to choose the winner!

Residents will have the opportunity to vote online for their favorite participating business, with the winner announced on Friday, December 18th.

Let's work together to transform Williams into a festive holiday destination!

Interested in participating? Contact Parks & Recreation Director Ben Padilla at (530) 235-3277 or bpadilla@cityofwilliams.org for more information.

✨ Save the Date – Festival of Lights Parade & Vendor Faire!

One of Williams' most anticipated holiday traditions is making its return! Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 12th, as we prepare to celebrate our Annual Festival of Lights Parade & Vendor Faire!

Get ready for an evening filled with holiday spirit, dazzling lights, festive parade entries, and opportunities to shop from local vendors. It's a wonderful time to gather with family and friends, support our local businesses, and celebrate everything that makes our community special.

More details will be shared as the event approaches, so stay tuned! We look forward to seeing Williams shine bright this Christmas season.

From Halloween fun to basketball games and holiday celebrations, the Parks & Recreation Department is proud to create opportunities that bring our community together.

Thank you to our residents, families, volunteers, and local businesses for your continued participation and support. Your involvement is what makes these traditions so special!

We can't wait to celebrate with you. Here's to a fun-filled fall and a merry, bright holiday season in Williams!

A Message from the Williams Police Department

🎃 Halloween Safety: Keep the Frights Fun & the Night Safe! 👻

Halloween is almost here, and the Williams Police Department wants everyone to have a spooktacular time while staying safe! With little ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and princesses heading out in search of sweet treats, it's important to remember that a little preparation goes a long way toward making Halloween a fun and safe experience for everyone.

Before you grab your candy buckets and head out the door, check out these helpful safety tips to keep your Halloween full of treats instead of tricks!

👻 Dress to Impress… and Be Seen!

The best costumes are not only creative but safe, too!

• Shine bright! Choose colorful costumes or add reflective tape to help drivers spot trick-or-treaters.
• Watch your step! Make sure costumes fit properly and aren't long enough to cause trips or falls.
• Keep your eyes on the treats! Face paint is a great alternative to masks that may block your vision.
• Light up the night! Bring a flashlight, glow sticks, or reflective accessories to stay visible after dark.

🚶 Little Feet, Big Safety Reminders!

With excited trick-or-treaters filling our neighborhoods, let's make sure everyone gets home safely.

• Stick together! Younger children should always be accompanied by a trusted adult, and older children should travel in groups.
• Cross with care! Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible, and always look both ways before crossing.
• No spooky surprises for drivers! Never run into the street or dart between parked vehicles.
• Attention, drivers! Slow down, stay alert, and watch carefully for children who may be difficult to see.

🍬 Sweet Treats, Smart Choices!

Before diving into that candy collection, remember these important safety tips:

• Check before you snack! Parents should inspect candy and treats before children eat them. Discard anything unwrapped, tampered with, or suspicious.
• Stick to the porch! Visit well-lit homes and never enter a stranger's house.
• Have a backup plan! Carry a cell phone when possible and choose a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated.

🏡 Be a Good Neighbor, Not a Halloween Fright!

A little courtesy helps make Halloween enjoyable for the entire community.

• Plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time and stay in familiar neighborhoods.
• Set a reasonable time to return home and check in with family.
• Respect decorations, yards, and private property.
• Remember your Halloween manners — a friendly "thank you" goes a long way!

🚓 We're Here to Keep the Boos Safe!

The Williams Police Department is committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe so families can focus on making wonderful Halloween memories. Our officers will be out and about throughout the evening, keeping an extra eye on our community. If you see them, don't be shy give them a wave and say hello!

From all of us at the Williams Police Department, have a safe, fun, and candy-filled Halloween! 🎃🍬

These designated curb zones help keep traffic moving, provide convenient loading areas, and ensure accessible parking remains available for those who need it.

Remember, parking restrictions are enforceable wherever authorized curb markings are clearly visible. Taking a moment to check the curb color before leaving your vehicle can save you time, frustration, and a citation!

The Williams Police Department reminds everyone: Know the colors, follow the signs, and park smart!

The Finance Department is responsible for overseeing critical financial and administrative functions that support the City of Williams and its day-to-day operations. Key responsibilities include administering utility payments, managing payroll, processing accounts payable, maintaining accurate financial records, and providing Human Resources services for the City.

The department is committed to maintaining accurate, timely, and well-organized processes while ensuring that employees, vendors, and the community receive dependable and efficient service.

The Finance Department also supports the City's overall financial management and accountability through budgeting, financial planning, monitoring revenues and expenditures, preparing financial reports, and coordinating financial activities with other City departments. As the City's Human Resources function, the department also assists with employee recruitment, personnel matters, benefits, and maintaining employee records.

Through these responsibilities, the Finance Department provides the financial, human resources, and administrative support necessary for effective City operations.

Building a Better Williams: Planning, Progress & New Opportunities

Exciting things are taking shape in Williams! From new business opportunities and development projects to infrastructure improvements and community enhancement initiatives, the Planning & Economic Development Department continues working behind the scenes to help our city grow while preserving the small-town charm that makes Williams special.

Here's a look at what's happening around our community!

 Growing Our Community, One Project at a Time!

As Williams continues to grow, so do the opportunities for new homes, businesses, and improvements to existing properties.

The department has been working with residents, property owners, and developers on a variety of projects, including new construction, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), property expansions, and conditional use permits.

Among the projects moving forward is a proposed expansion at Inn Storage, which is currently going through the application process.

Staff also coordinated the September Planning Commission meeting and continued assisting applicants with everything from and utility easements to addressing and fire safety requirements.

Additionally, work continues on updating Electronic Vehicles Station Permitting process as required by state law. Upon council adoption of the user fees in September, Planning staff took charge of updating building and planning related fees. These efforts support city’s financial resilience. 

Big Projects, Big Possibilities!

Several exciting improvement projects are moving forward, thanks in part to grant funding and partnerships that help bring valuable resources to our community.

E Street Complete Streets Project: The countdown to groundbreaking is underway! Staff has been coordinating with project partners, invited speakers, and stakeholders in preparation for this important milestone. This project represents another step toward improving infrastructure and connectivity in Williams.

EPA Grant: Another important milestone was reached with the completion of the EPA grant work plan and coordination of required Tribal consultation correspondence.

Extreme Heat & Community Resilience Project: Staff participated in planning discussions, site visits, and employee surveys as part of efforts to explore ways to make our community more comfortable and resilient during extreme heat.

A Greener Williams: The department also participated in CAL FIRE grant discussions focused on potential tree planting and urban greening opportunities. More trees and shade could help create a cooler, greener community for future generations!

Supporting Local Businesses & Welcoming New Opportunities!

A thriving business community is an important part of Williams' future, and the City continues working to encourage investment and attract new businesses.

Throughout the month, staff assisted local business owners and entrepreneurs with business licenses, renewals, zoning questions, and development requirements. An on-site inspection was also conducted for a potential new business.

Are you interested in building a home, starting a business, or investing in future development in Williams? The City of Williams is highlighting available properties and opportunities for residential and commercial growth within our community!

City Planning staff recently completed an inventory of vacant properties, identifying 21 commercially or business park-zoned properties that remain available for potential development. Additionally, 17 vacant residential lots have been identified as opportunities for future housing projects.

To make this information more accessible to residents, developers, and potential investors, the City has updated its website with maps highlighting these properties and their locations. check out the maps here:

https://cms3.revize.com/revize/williamsCA/Commercial Vacant Lot Map.pdf

- https://cms3.revize.com/revize/williamsCA/vacant residential-1.pdf

And the outreach doesn't stop there! The City sent two additional Business Opportunity Letters to El Pollo Loco and Topgolf, inviting them to explore Williams as a potential location.

While these letters do not mean new businesses are confirmed, they are part of the City's ongoing efforts to put Williams on the map and encourage future investment.

Helping Residents & Keeping Williams Moving Forward

Not every improvement involves construction! Much of the department's work happens through everyday conversations, problem-solving, and coordination with the community.

Staff continued assisting residents and property owners with planning questions the department also worked closely with county agencies, City departments, and community stakeholders to help address property and development issues.

Behind the scenes, staff participated in CPR and professional development training, maintained City records, and updated online resources to better serve the public.

Every project, partnership, and new opportunity is another step toward shaping the future of Williams. We look forward to sharing more progress as these efforts move forward!

Public Works is responsible for cleaning storm drains which keep them flowing, protect people and property, and safeguard the environment.

Without this maintenance, flooding, pollution, and infrastructure damage would increase, and public safety risks would grow. This month maintenance crews cleaned Valley Vista and Virgina Storm Basins.

Public works had assistance from the Williams Fire Dept burning weeds that were obstructing the culverts at the Virgina Stom Basin.

During the month of September Public Works was called out to multiple possible sewer backups. All backups were determined to be in the privet lines.

Common causes for backups in private lines include:

Tree Root Intrusion: Tree roots naturally seek water and can penetrate cracks or joints in sewer pipes, creating blockages that restrict wastewater flow.

Grease, Oil, and Fat Buildup: Cooking oils and fats solidify inside pipes over time, forming stubborn clogs that impede drainage.

Cracked, Collapsed, or Aging Pipes: Old or corroded pipes may crack, collapse, or deteriorate, preventing proper flow and causing backups.

Non-Flushable Items: Flushing wipes, paper towels, diapers, or hygiene products can clog sewer lines, as these items do not break down easily

Great things are happening behind the scenes at the City of Williams! Our employees continue to demonstrate their dedication to professional growth, teamwork, and providing quality service to our community.

This month, we're excited to recognize three team members who are taking their skills and careers to the next level!

 Leading by Example

Great leadership starts with a willingness to learn and grow! Damian Garcia recently attended a leadership development workshop focused on strengthening communication, accountability, and teamwork.

One of Damian's biggest takeaways was that strong leadership isn't just about giving direction — it's about building trust, taking ownership, and helping others succeed.

As a supervisor, Damian looks forward to putting these lessons into practice by supporting his team, tackling challenges, and continuing to lead by example.

Way to go, Damian! Investing in leadership today helps build a stronger team for tomorrow!

A New License, New Opportunities – Congratulations, Tim Hurtado! 

Let's give a big round of applause to Tim Hurtado from our Wastewater Department for earning his Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL)!

Earning a Class A CDL takes dedication, preparation, and hard work, and Tim stepped up to the challenge!

This accomplishment not only expands Tim's professional skills but also strengthens the department's ability to operate equipment and respond to the needs of our community.

Congratulations, Tim! Your initiative and commitment to going the extra mile are appreciated. We're proud to have you on the team!

Hard Work Pays Off – Congratulations, Owen Terpelle 

It's a double celebration for Owen Terpelle!

Owen recently reached two exciting career milestones: successfully passing his Grade 2 Wastewater Operator Exam and earning a full-time position with the City's Wastewater Department!

These accomplishments reflect the time, effort, and dedication Owen has invested in developing his knowledge and skills in wastewater operations.

We're excited to see Owen continue growing in his new role and contributing to the essential services that keep Williams running smoothly.

Congratulations, Owen! Your hard work has paid off, and this is just the beginning of an exciting future!

During September, the Building Department issued 16 new permits and completed 15 inspections throughout the City. Work also continues on several major projects, including the Maverik Gas Station, New Fire Station 20, and Kletsel Tribal Center, with inspections conducted weekly and as needed as construction progresses.

The Maverik Gas Station continues to move along, with the project currently anticipated to open by the end of the year.