Top Stories:

• Law Enforcement Update: City of Willows Launches Efforts to Re-establish its PD
• Candidate Filing for November 2026 Election
• August 18 @ 10:00 am: Interviews to Fill City Council Vacancy
• Apply now to fill one of the Library Board of Trustee Vacancies!
• Save the Date: Willows Water Fest on September 10!
• Become a City Vendor or Contractor!

Upcoming Meetings

City Council

• August 18 @ 10:00 am: Special Meeting, Interviews to Fill City Council Vacancy
• August 25: Regular Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.
• September 8: Regular Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

Planning Commission

• September 1: Regular Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

ADMINISTRATION

General Operations, City Clerk's Office & Economic Development

Law Enforcement Update

Press Release: City of Willows Launches Efforts to Re-Establish its Police Department

Candidate Filing for November 2026 Election

The candidate filing period closed at 5:00 p.m. on August 12, with three candidates qualifying for the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election:

• Caitlin Ehorn,
• Michelle Knight, and
• Lorri Pride.

For additional election information and important dates, visit the City’s election information webpage.

Interviews to Fill City Council Vacancy

On August 18 at 10:00 am at a Special Meeting, the City Council will conduct applicant interviews to appoint a new City Councilmember to the currently vacant two-year Council term. Qualifying applications from the following five residents were received and will be interviewed on Tuesday:

• John Lowe,
• Pete Mann II,
• Karen Johnson,
• Jesse Orendorff, and
• Mary Thomas.

Immediately following the interviews, the City Council is expected to appoint one applicant to fill the vacancy. The newly appointed Councilmember will be sworn in and seated at the August 25, 2026, regular City Council meeting.

Apply now to fill one of the Library Board of Trustee Vacancies!

The City of Willows is currently accepting applications to fill three (3) vacancies on the Willows Library Board of Trustees for three-year terms ending June 30, 2029.

If you're interested in serving your community and making a difference in the library, please apply!

• Application Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026
• Applications are available in person at Willows City Hall, 201 North Lassen Street, Willows, or online at the City's website.

Qualified applicants will be considered by the City Council prior to appointment.

For more information, contact the City Clerk's Office at (530) 934-7041.

Save the Date: Willows Water Fest on September 10!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 10, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Central Park and join the City of Willows and California Water Service (Cal Water) for the Willows Water Fest!

This free, family-friendly community celebration will commemorate two exciting milestones: Cal Water’s 100th Anniversary.and the City of Willows’ 2026 year long celebration of its 140th Anniversary!

Enjoy an evening filled with activities, entertainment, and community fun, including:

🍔 Free barbecue,

🎶 Live music by Whitewater,

🚤 Kids’ Cardboard Boat Race, winners to receive trophies,

💧 Water-themed activities,

🚒 Fire Department spray demonstration,

📚 Educational exhibit highlighting the history of Willows,

🕰️ Opportunity to contribute to the Willows Time Capsule, and

🍧 Treats, drinks, snacks, and so much more!

Willows Water Fest is an opportunity to celebrate our community’s history, recognize the longstanding partnership between Cal Water and the City of Willows, and bring friends, families, and neighbors together for a memorable evening in Central Park.

Save the date and join us on September 10. We look forward to celebrating 100 years of partnership with Cal Water and 140 years of the City of Willows with the entire community!

Please see CalWater's letter to the community below:

City Council Action Roundup

July 6, July 14, and July 28 City Council Meetings

July 6

• Authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Maloney Consulting and Investigation Solutions (“Maloney Consulting”) in the not-to-exceed amount of $60,000 for Law Enforcement related administrative consulting to assist the City of Willows with short-term law enforcement solutions, as well as assist with developing the required administrative foundation to re-establish a municipal police department in the longer term.

July 14

• Adopted Resolution 29-2026 approving the Easement Agreement between the City of Willows and the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District.

• Adopted Resolution 30-2026 authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to enter into a lease agreement with Community Leasing Partners for the purchase and outfitting of a new Type 1 fire engine for a term of nine (9) years.

• Authorized the City Manager to execute a new contract with Prentice Long, PC through December 31, 2026, to complete the City of Willows Municipal Code Update.

• Adopted Resolution 31-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment 1 to the Billson Construction agreement to complete the Civic Center ADA Door Upgrade Project.



• Conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution 32-2026 approving sewer rates for a five-year period beginning August 1, 2026, as presented, maintaining the current single-family residential rate at $74.24 and implementing the proposed rates for multi-family and commercial customers for one year. The Council further directed that the Sewer Rate Study be reviewed annually during the budget process, with consideration and adoption of subsequent years' rates based on the findings of the rate study.

• Authorized the City Manager, or her designee, to purchase and accept transfer of three surplus police vehicles and other assorted police equipment from the City of Orland for a cost not to exceed $5,003.

• Considered the available options for filling the City Council vacancy and directed staff to initiate an open call for applications to all eligible and interested residents of the City of Willows and appoint an applicant using the staff recommended timeline as provided.

July 28

• Approved the Second Amendment to the Rice Farming Lease Agreement with Qaiser N. Ahmad, extending the lease term through November 30, 2027, with the option to extend the agreement for one additional one-year term through November 30, 2028.

• Adopted Resolution 33-2026 approving the Employee Wellness Initiative Policy to promote employee well-being, increased morale, and workplace engagement.

• Adopted Resolution 34-2026 amending the City of Willows Conflict-of-Interest Code.

• Adopted Resolution 35-2026 requesting that Caltrans reconsider the delayed Willows CAPM Project EA: 03-0J510 and restore the project to an earlier construction timeline, or alternatively advance the most critical safety, accessibility, drainage, and traffic operation improvements as soon as feasible.

• Approved award of contract to Tice and Bolinger Electrical in the amount of $15,800 and authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement to upgrade the electrical panel at the Jensen Park softball fields (east and west).

• Conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution 36-2026 confirming the cost of abatements as amended and declaring them a special assessment. 

• Authorized the continued funding of the Tyler Technologies Sewer Utility Billing Module until a future Part-Time Utility Biller may be hired and implementation of the City's in-house sewer utility billing system may resume, at an estimated cost of $38,566 for Fiscal Year 2026–27. Council further directed the Finance Director to evaluate the requirements and feasibility of maintaining commercial sewer utility billing in-house.

• Approved a motion to retain the current Library Board of Trustees structure and the existing agreement with the City Council and directed staff to immediately begin recruiting to fill the three vacant positions on the Library Board of Trustees.

• Approved a motion to establish the Willows Municipal Code Oversight Committee to review the entire Willows Municipal Code and appoint Councilmember Pride and the future appointed Councilmember to the Committee.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & SERVICES

Building, Code Enforcement, Engineering, Planning, Public Works, Sewage, Public Facilities, Fleet and Capital Projects

Code Enforcement Division

Willows Municipal Code Fun Fact:

Did you know the Willows Municipal Code recognizes the public right-of-way as an area intended for the passage of vehicles and pedestrians?

Trees, shrubs, palms, and other vegetation should be maintained so they do not extend into or obstruct sidewalks and pedestrian travel. Keeping vegetation trimmed back helps ensure sidewalks remain safe, accessible, and usable for everyone in the community.

§ 10.20.050

Obstructing free passage of pedestrians on sidewalk or crosswalk – Annoying
pedestrians.

No person shall stop, stand or sit in or upon any sidewalk area or crosswalk nor place or permit to be placed any physical object in any manner so as to hinder or obstruct the free passage of pedestrians thereon, nor shall any person annoy or molest such pedestrians. (Prior code § 16-82; Code 1959 § 11.59)

Vegetation Blocking Sidewalk

A code enforcement complaint regarding a palm tree obstructing a public sidewalk was received. Code Enforcement reviewed the complaint and issued a Notice of Violation and Order to Abate requiring the obstruction to be removed.

Maintaining clear and accessible sidewalks is important for pedestrian safety and helps ensure residents of all ages and abilities can move safely throughout the community. The City will continue working with property owners to address sidewalk obstructions and ensure code compliance.

Engineering Division

Sycamore Park and Pool Improvement Project

The Sycamore Park and Pool Improvement Project continues to move forward. The grant amendment has been fully executed, the project has been released for public bid, and the pre-bid process is underway. All construction bids are due by Thursday, August 27.

The community pool improvements are included as the base bid, with separate alternates for the tennis and pickleball courts, sidewalks, accessibility improvements, and other park amenities. This approach allows the City to maximize the improvements completed based on available funding and the bids received.

Following the bid process, the City anticipates moving through contract award and project startup this fall. The construction contract allows approximately 130 working days, with construction expected to continue through the winter and into the spring or early summer, depending on weather, site conditions, and the contractor’s schedule.

Grant funds must be expended by September 30, 2027, and the City is managing the project schedule with that requirement in mind.

The City remains committed to completing this important investment in Sycamore Park and providing improved recreational facilities for the community. Additional updates will be shared as the project continues to move forward.

Civic Center ADA Upgrade Project

Accessibility improvements at the Civic Center are continuing to move forward. The ADA parking and accessible pathway improvements have been completed, creating a safer and more convenient route from designated parking spaces to building entrances.

The City is now awaiting delivery and installation of new doors and automatic door openers at the two City Hall entrances and the Library entrance. Each entrance will include ADA push-button controls to make entering the building easier for residents and visitors with mobility challenges.

This project is funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Income Grant and represents an important investment in improving public access to all City services, including the library. Once complete, the project will provide a safer, easier, and more welcoming experience for residents and visitors using the Civic Center.

Building and Civil Plan Check Services

Following the City’s recent request for proposals for building and civil plan check services, 10 responsive proposals were received for Building and Civil Plan Check Services. The proposals represent a broad range of firms, expertise, service levels, and pricing.

Staff will bring multiple recommended contracts to the City Council for consideration at its August 25 meeting. Awarding contracts to several qualified firms will give the City greater flexibility to match each project with the appropriate level of expertise, service, and cost.

For residents, contractors, and applicants, this approach is intended to improve turnaround times, reduce delays during periods of higher workload, and help keep plan review costs appropriate for the size and complexity of each project. It will also give the City access to specialized expertise when needed without relying on a single provider.

Planning Division

Planning Commission

Special Planning Commission Meeting, July 28, 2026

Public Input Invited on Zoning Code Update

The City of Willows Planning Commission reviewed and discussed the final draft changes to Chapter 18 of the Willows Municipal Code at its July 28, 2026, meeting.

Chapter 18 contains the City’s zoning and development regulations, including land use requirements, development standards, parking, signs, and permitting procedures. The July 28 meeting provided an opportunity for the Commission and members of the public to review the proposed changes and provide input prior to the final recommendation being presented at the August 4 Planning Commission meeting.

Following that discussion, the final draft amendments and resolution recommending approval by the City Council were presented to the Planning Commission on August 4.

Planning Commission Meeting, August 4, 2026

Title 18 Review and Recommendation (Approved)

The City of Willows Planning Commission considered and approved the final draft amendments to Chapter 18 of the Willows Municipal Code and adopted a resolution recommending approval by the City Council. The Planning Commission and members of the public were provided an opportunity to offer final comments on the proposed amendments prior to the Commission taking action.

Northern Valley Indian Health (NVIH) - Design Review and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) (Continued)

The proposed project is a two-story behavioral health development at 475 North Humboldt Avenue. The item was pulled and will be placed on the September Planning Commission agenda to provide adequate time for the required public noticing process, including notification of nearby property owners. No action was taken on the Design Review or Conditional Use Permit.

Spark by Hilton Project Extension (Approved)

The Planning Commission considered and approved a request to extend the approvals for the Spark by Hilton Hotel project at 457 North Humboldt Avenue. The project’s Design Review and Conditional Use Permit were originally approved on August 5, 2025, and include expansion of the existing hotel with 36 additional rooms. The applicant is currently completing permit plans for submission to the Building Department.

Oak Street and Madrone Manor Pavement Project

The City of Willows received six construction bids for the Oak Street and Madrone Manor Pavement Project on July 29, 2026. Franklin Construction, Inc. submitted the apparent low bid in the amount of $409,409, which is below the engineer’s estimate of $497,838 and within the City’s programmed project budget.

Staff are currently reviewing the low bid to confirm responsiveness and completeness. It is anticipated that the City Council will consider the contract award at the August 25 City Council meeting.

The project will provide mill-and-fill paving improvements on Oak Street from South Marshall to South Murdock Avenues and within Madrone Manor. Work includes removal of existing pavement and placement of new asphalt pavement. The project also includes concrete sidewalk, driveway, curb and gutter, and curb ramp improvements; detectable warning surfaces; pavement markings and striping; sign work; and adjustments to existing utility facilities.

Project plans and specifications were completed using Community Development Block Grant funding.

Downtown Tree Assessment

A certified arborist recently inspected several trees in the public right-of-way throughout the downtown area to evaluate their overall health and condition, including signs of insects, disease, fungus, structural concerns, and other issues that may affect the long-term health of individual city trees.

Based on the assessment, the arborist is preparing a formal report outlining findings and recommendations for the City that will inform the development of a long range staff plan to address affected trees and determine next steps. Depending on the condition of each tree, this may include continued treatment and monitoring, pruning or other maintenance, or removal and replacement when preservation is no longer practical. Where replacement is recommended, the City will also consider tree species that are well suited for the downtown environment and better able to withstand recurring pest, disease, and environmental pressures.

As part of the City’s ongoing tree maintenance program, all trees in the downtown area are treated annually during the winter months. These preventative treatments are intended to help manage insects, disease, and other conditions that can affect tree health. The City will continue to monitor downtown trees throughout the year and address additional maintenance needs as they arise.

The City remains committed to maintaining a healthy, attractive downtown tree canopy while also protecting sidewalks, streets, businesses, vehicles, and other public and private property.

Community Cleanup Day Totals

The City recently received final collection totals from Waste Management for the Community Cleanup Day held on June 6, 2026.

During the event, residents disposed of 33.52 tons of trash, 57 refrigerators, 14 air conditioning units, and 45 mattresses. The event also collected 1,486 pounds of flat-screen electronics, 642 pounds of CRT electronics, and 284 pounds of universal waste, along with a significant amount of scrap metal and appliances.

These totals reflect the strong participation from the Willows community and the amount of unwanted material removed from homes and properties throughout the City.

The City extends a big thank you! to Waste Management (WM) for its partnership and support in making this annual event possible. Their coordination and assistance play a key role in making it possible!

FINANCE

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire Response, Prevention & Emergency Medical Services

Major Incidents & Emergency Response

WFD's Calls for Service skyrocket!

As of August 1, the Willows Fire Department (WFD) has responded to 827 calls for service in calendar year 2026, representing a nearly 40% increase over any other historically recorded year and the busiest year in the department's history. At the current rate, WFD is projected to respond to approximately 1,600 calls for service by the end of the 2026 calendar year.

Several factors have contributed to the increased demand for service, including the closure of Glenn Medical Center, extended ambulance response times, and, more recently, the loss of the law enforcement services contract between the City of Willows and the Glenn County Sheriff's Office.

Despite the substantial increase in calls, WFD personnel continue to respond to the needs of the community and provide critical emergency services. The City appreciates the dedication and continued commitment of its firefighters as they manage this unprecedented level of service demand.

Prevention

Controlled Burns & Training Activities

Throughout June and July, the Willows Fire Department (WFD) conducted and participated in several controlled burns as part of ongoing training and seasonal fire prevention efforts. These activities help reduce hazardous vegetation and fuels, improve wildfire preparedness, and provide valuable hands-on training for fire personnel.

• Annual Fire Works
  On June 30, WFD conducted a controlled burn in preparation for and support of the City’s annual fireworks display.

• Controlled Burn - Hwy 99 and County Road 39
  On July 7, WFD partnered with the Artois Fire Department to conduct a controlled burn along Highway 99, from Eureka Street to County Road 39. Special thanks are extended to Glenn County Public Works for providing traffic control assistance and helping ensure the safe completion of this annual project.

• Controlled Burn - Hwy 99 and County Road 57
  On July 14, WFD conducted an additional controlled burn along Highway 99 near County Road 57.

• Controlled Burn - Artois Fire District
  On July 25, WFD assisted the Artois Fire Department with a controlled burn within the Artois Fire District, continuing the strong cooperation between local fire agencies.
  
• Controlled Burn - North & South Humboldt Avenue
  On July 28, WFD conducted a controlled burn along North and South Humboldt Avenue, south of the Quality Inn. This operation focused on reducing hazardous fuels and improving fire safety in the surrounding area.

These coordinated efforts are an important part of WFD’s commitment to wildfire prevention, firefighter training, and community safety. The City appreciates the dedication of WFD personnel and the continued cooperation of neighboring agencies and community partners.

Events

WFD Connecting with the Community

The Willows Fire Department (WFD) enjoyed several opportunities to connect with the community during July while supporting some of Willows’ favorite summer traditions.

WFD proudly participated in the annual Fourth of July Parade, with six pieces of fire apparatus joining the celebration. Later that evening, WFD personnel provided fire and medical standby services for the annual fireworks display. Firefighters also had the honor of assisting with the hoisting of the colors and raising of the American flag at dusk just before the fireworks show began.

On July 24, WFD joined the community at the Farmers Market for an evening of summer fun. Firefighters set up a swim tank, giving children, and even a few adults, a chance to splash around and cool off from the summer heat.

The Farmers Market provided a great opportunity for WFD’s volunteer and career firefighters to spend time with residents outside of an emergency setting, visit with families, and simply enjoy being part of the community they serve.



WFD appreciates everyone who stopped by to say hello and helped make these events so much fun!

Strike Team Assignments

WFD Supports Regional Wildfire Response

During the month of July, the Willows Fire Department (WFD) provided mutual aid support to wildfire incidents in Shasta County through two strike team assignments. These deployments are an important part of the mutual aid system, allowing fire agencies to provide resources and personnel to communities facing significant emergency incidents.

On July 11, WFD deployed one fire engine and one Strike Team Leader to assist with the Loomis Incident in Shasta County. WFD personnel remained committed to the incident for four days, supporting wildfire suppression efforts alongside other responding agencies.

On July 19, WFD again deployed one fire engine and one Strike Team Leader, this time to the Brooke Incident in Shasta County. WFD personnel were assigned to the incident for a total of five days.

These assignments highlight the experience and dedication of WFD personnel and the important role the department plays in California’s mutual aid system. The City appreciates the firefighters who represented Willows while assisting neighboring communities during these incidents.

Updates

CAL OES Rate Increase: Strengthening Funding for Fire Department Equipment

CAL OES has issued a new rate letter significantly increasing reimbursement rates for fire department resources assigned to mutual aid incidents. The updated rates reverse the 42% reduction in equipment reimbursement rates that occurred in November 2025 and provide an important financial benefit to participating fire agencies, including the Willows Fire Department (WFD).

Under the new rate structure, reimbursement for a Type 3 engine increases from $90.66 to $173.09 per hour, plus a 15% administrative fee, while reimbursement for a Type 1 engine increases from $162.44 to $278.07 per hour. The personnel reimbursement rate also increases from $44.97 to $49.74 per hour.

The improved reimbursement rates were approved following significant advocacy by Cal Chiefs and the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC). Their efforts demonstrate the importance of fire service leadership remaining engaged, building relationships, and advocating for the operational and financial needs of local fire agencies throughout California.

For WFD, CAL OES mutual aid assignments provide benefits beyond assisting communities during major emergencies. Revenue generated through these assignments plays an important role in funding the department’s capital equipment needs. These funds help WFD make significant purchases and investments that would be difficult to support solely through local funding.



The increased reimbursement rates will help ensure that participation in California’s mutual aid program remains financially sustainable while providing WFD with an important source of funding to reinvest in equipment, resources, and the department’s long-term ability to serve the Willows community.

Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Committee Moves Forward

On July 31, the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Committee held a special meeting and formally adopted committee bylaws. The bylaws were developed through the collaborative efforts of Sergeant Johnsen of the Orland Police Department and Chief Monck and establish a framework for the Committee’s operations and responsibilities.

The adoption of the bylaws is an important step in establishing the Committee as a functioning resource for addressing abandoned vehicles within the City of Willows that meet the established criteria for abatement.



With this organizational step complete, the Committee can begin putting available vehicle abatement funds to work to address qualifying abandoned vehicles and improve conditions throughout the community.



The Committee is enthusiastic about moving this effort forward and looks forward to making meaningful progress on abandoned vehicle abatement within the City.

LIBRARY

Library News & Updates


Lunch @ the Library

Through the Lunch @ the Library program, funded in partnership with the California State Library, more than 2,000 books and activities were provided to local youth to encourage reading and help build home libraries.

The success of this program was made possible through collaboration with the Willows Unified School District. This partnership continues to provide valuable opportunities and resources for children and families throughout the Willows community.

Another Successful Summer Reading Program!

The Willows Public Library Summer Reading Program had another successful year, with more than 100 participants joining in the fun! From magic and animals to activities centered around this year’s “Plant a Seed to Read” theme, the program offered plenty of opportunities for children and families to read, learn, and explore throughout the summer.

A special thank you is extended to this year’s generous sponsors, whose support helped make the summer programming possible: Pride Homes & Land, Sierra Nevada Cheese, Timios Title, Willows Alumni Association, Ace Hardware, and Papa Murphy’s.

Thank you to all of the families who participated and helped make this year’s Summer Reading Program a wonderful success!

Summer Reading Celebration

Coming Soon – Nearly 800 New Youth Books!

There is even more to discover at the Willows Public Library! Nearly 800 new youth titles will soon be added to the Library’s collection.



Families and young readers are encouraged to visit regularly and check the shelves for new arrivals. With hundreds of new titles on the way, there will be plenty of new stories, subjects, and adventures to explore!

Farm Bureau Storytime and Ice Cream Sweeten Summer Reading

On July 31, the library welcomed the Farm Bureau for a special Storytime and Ice Cream event as part of the library's Summer Reading Program.

Children and families gathered at the library to enjoy a fun storytime highlighting agriculture, followed by a cool summer treat—ice cream! The event offered a great opportunity for young readers to learn more about farming and where our food comes from while enjoying time together at the library.



A special thank you to the Farm Bureau for joining us and helping make the afternoon both educational and fun. We also appreciate all of the families who came out to participate and helped make the event a sweet ending to July!

Petting Zoo Draws a Crowd!

On July 14, the library welcomed families for a fun-filled Petting Zoo afternoon as part of our Summer Reading Program. The event drew a great crowd, with children and families enjoying the opportunity to meet, pet, and learn about a variety of friendly farm animals.

The Willows Public Library would like to thank All About The Farm for bringing the Petting Zoo to the library and helping make the event such a memorable experience for the Willows community. From curious kids to excited animal lovers, there were plenty of smiles throughout the day. The event was a quack-tastic addition to our summer festivities and a wonderful way to bring families together at the library.

August Calendar