Community Voices Concerns Over Esparza Blast and Clarksburg Lighting District Assessment Approved

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors convened on July 8, 2025, to address several pressing issues, including public safety concerns and local infrastructure assessments. The meeting began with public comments, notably from resident Leo Romero, who expressed grave concerns regarding a recent explosion near his home. Romero described the incident, which involved two blasts that created a mushroom cloud visible from space, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives. He criticized the lack of communication from authorities and called for accountability regarding the incident, emphasizing the potential devastation had the blasts occurred closer to the town of Esparza.

Following the public comments, the board moved to agenda item 22, which involved a public hearing on the Clarksburg Lighting District assessment for the fiscal year 2025-2026. Gina Pavlova, the county service areas manager, presented the proposal to continue levying an assessment for streetlights that serve 173 parcels in Clarksburg. The board noted that a previous ballot had approved an increase in the annual fee from $22 to $35, which has been adjusted annually based on the consumer price index. After opening the public hearing and finding no additional comments from the public, the board unanimously approved the resolution to forward the assessment to the county auditor for inclusion on the next tax roll.

The meeting continued with item 23, where April Meneghetti, Director of Environmental Health, introduced a proposal to repeal and update an outdated local ordinance governing the underground storage of hazardous substances. Originally adopted in 1984, the ordinance has not been revised since 1989, leading to inconsistencies with current state regulations. Meneghetti recommended waiving the first reading of the proposed ordinance and continuing the discussion to July 22 for a second reading and potential adoption. Board members inquired about the implications of the ordinance, particularly regarding gas stations, confirming that it would encompass underground storage tanks.

The meeting concluded with a clear focus on public safety and infrastructure, highlighting the board's commitment to addressing community concerns and updating regulations to align with current standards. Further discussions and decisions are anticipated in the upcoming meetings, particularly regarding the hazardous substances ordinance.