"Beginning March 4 under the town's updated rules, individuals will be fined up to $500 for excessive noise, inciteful, offensive language, or fighting in public places. The change comes as town police, staffed by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, have struggled to enforce the town's existing law, which hadn't been updated since 1995. It lacked clear direction and consequences for routine neighborhood issues, said Lauren Berges, a senior management analyst with Windsor."
"We've heard gunshots, fireworks, loud noises, Pryor told the town council. We called the police department. They go over there, tell (people) to shut it down. It starts again after 10 minutes. There are no fines involved. It's a slap on the wrist at best. We have babies that can't sleep at night. Residents also made 55 calls for party-related disturbances, 19 verbal disturbances and 38 general disturbances in 2025."
The Windsor Town Council unanimously approved a revised disturbing the peace ordinance on Feb. 4 that defines unreasonable noises and disturbances and sets fines for violations. Beginning March 4, individuals can be fined up to $500 for excessive noise, inciteful or offensive language, fighting, and similar conduct in public places. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office staffs Windsor police and reported enforcement difficulties under the town's prior ordinance, which had not been updated since 1995 and lacked clear direction. In 2025, Windsor police logged 136 loud-music calls (14% of 920 disturbance reports), plus 55 party, 19 verbal and 38 general disturbance calls, prompting resident complaints about recurring nighttime disruptions.
Read at www.pressdemocrat.com
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