Yolo County Declares September 2025 Rail Safety Month Amid Rising Incidents

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 26, 2025, commenced with a proclamation declaring September as Rail Safety Month. The meeting highlighted the critical importance of rail safety in Yolo County, which is situated along busy rail corridors. The proclamation emphasized the need for public education on the dangers associated with railroad crossings, especially as students return to school and may encounter these crossings on their daily routes.

The board noted that California has the highest number of rail-related fatalities in the nation, with incidents rising from 391 in 2020 to 476 in 2024. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of reinforcing safety messages through campaigns such as "Stop Track Tragedies" and "Save Lives Tell 5." Local organizations, including California Operation Lifesaver, are collaborating to enhance safety through education, engineering, and enforcement.

Following the proclamation, the meeting transitioned to an update from the Yolo County Environmental Health Department regarding agricultural well permitting. Director April Meneghetti presented a historical overview of the current permitting process and discussed options to address existing concerns. The board engaged in this critical dialogue, focusing on improving agricultural practices while ensuring environmental safety.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration and awareness around both rail safety and agricultural well management, emphasizing the board's commitment to addressing these vital community issues.