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Dear friends & neighbors,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. The sun is creeping in through the clouds and it's the perfect month to start thinking about fire mitigation around your property. To get you started, I'll be hosting a town hall to address Fire Prevention. Hear from our Fire Marshal's office about the County's fire prevention efforts and connect with the Napafirewise, NCART, and the Coombsville-Wildhorse Valley Fire Safe Council. We'll talk all things prevention and safety.
Also, this month another town hall focused on learning more about community development, the general plan, and what comes next. Join me for a discussion with American Canyon Mayor Pierre Washington, and an update from Planning, Building, & Environmental Services (PBES) Director Brian Bordona. Come to learn more about the intersection between cities, the County, and the Local Area Formation Commission of Napa County (LAFCO).
In February I officially joined the Metropolitan Transportation Commission as the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) representative. I have a two-year term on the commission. I'm excited to be sharing Commission updates with you in this newsletter. You can learn more about the Commission here.
March is Women's History Month and this year, as part of Napa County's first all-female Board of Supervisors, I am deeply aware of the responsibility we carry to honor the women who broke barriers before us and to create new opportunities for those that will follow. Representation matters, and the fact that Napa County has an all-women Board shows just how far we've come - but there is still more work to do. As leaders we stand shoulder to shoulder, committed to shaping policies that uplift women, support families, and strengthen our communities.
Agriculture is at the heart of Napa County, shaping our local economy, environment, and way of life. March is Agriculture Month, a time when we celebrate farmers, vineyard workers, and agricultural professionals whose dedication sustains our renowned wine industry and diverse agricultural heritage.
I look forward to seeing you at either of my upcoming town halls and hope you find the following updates informative and helpful.
Sincerely,
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P.S. It is my honor to serve you and the County of Napa. Please feel free to reach out to me and/or my Board Aide Melissa Moize with any County-related issue, concern or ideas. We can be reached at (707)253-6170; belia.ramos@countyofnapa.org; and melissa.moize@countyofnapa.org
P.P.S. Reminder that the District 5 satellite office is now open, and we are regularly there on Wednesdays and Thursdays! You can also schedule an appointment there through Melissa.
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Town Hall Events
I’m excited to announce two upcoming Town Hall events for District 5. Please come to learn more about these topics and ask questions. These events are open to the public, but due to limited space, we encourage RSVPs to help us track attendance. If you have any questions about the events, please reach out to Melissa.
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South County Town Hall 3/26
Join American Canyon Mayor Washington and me for a discussion of planning and development impacting South County residents and learn how you can get involved.
Wednesday, March 26 • 5:30-6:30pm
Boys & Girls Club of American Canyon
60 Benton Way, American Canyon
RSVP for the 3/26 Town Hall >>>
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Coombsville, Wild Horse Valley & South Napa Town Hall 3/27
Join staff and me for an update on the County's fire prevention efforts, have your questions answered, and connect with resources.
Thursday, March 27 • 5:30-6:30pm
Stonebridge School Multi-purpose room
1019 2nd Avenue, Napa
RSVP for the 3/27 Town Hall >>>
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JC Greenberg appointed Deputy Fire Chief for Napa County Fire Department
JC Greenberg has been appointed Deputy Fire Chief for the Napa County Fire Department. A Napa native, Greenberg is brings 25 years of experience as a firefighter with the CALFIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit. He also serves on the board of Napafirewise, further demonstrating his commitment to protecting our community. His strong local ties and collaboration with our volunteer firefighters will continue to serve our County well, strengthening Napa County’s resilience and emergency response efforts.
Read more about Chief Greenberg >>>
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Monarch Justice Center
I recently had the privilege of touring the newly relocated Monarch Justice Center. With a new larger space, they have expanded their programming to better serve the community. The Monarch Justice Center is a collaboration of public and private agencies dedicated to easing the burdens survivors face when navigating complex, bureaucratic systems when trying to seek justice. Their work supports those affected by domestic violence, human trafficking, child abuse, elder abuse, and sexual assault.
Learn more about their important work >>>
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Five-Year Forecast
On February 25, the Board received a presentation on the Five-Year General Fund Revenue and Expenditure Forecast and the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. This Forecast is a planning tool that projects future revenues and expenses based on high-level assumptions, including maintaining current service levels and no major changes in Board-adopted policies.
The forecast shows stable revenue, primarily from property taxes. However, rising costs for fire protection, insurance, and capital projects are putting pressure on expenses. While the General Fund is expected to remain positive, its balance will decline as major projects move forward, limiting the County’s ability to take on new initiatives without additional funding sources.
Read the full report and presentation >>>
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Free Chipping Program
The Napa County Fire Department offers a free Chipping Program to help residents clear vegetation around homes and access routes, reducing wildfire risks. Applications open on March 17, 2025, with chipping services running from April to November.
To participate, residents in unincorporated Napa County should follow these steps:
- Prepare your vegetation piles according to program guidelines.
- Submit an online application starting March 17, 2025, when your piles are ready.
By participating, residents help create defensible space, making their community safer from wildfires.
Get more information and apply >>>
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HHSA Annual Report 2024
The Napa County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) has published its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting key accomplishments and progress toward strategic goals. Here are a few standout numbers:
- 526 in-person responses by the Behavioral Health Mobile Response Unit (MRT), supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
- 1,738 older and disabled adults were able to stay in their homes by having In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).
- $10.8 million distributed to 25 community partners to fund vital programs serving Napa County residents.
Read the full report in English or Spanish >>>
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ABAG and MTC approve 2025 Joint Advocacy Program
As President of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), and Commissioner for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), I’m pleased to share that both agencies have approved the Final 2025 Joint Advocacy Program, outlining our state and federal legislative priorities for the year.
Read about the specific priorities >>>
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MTC Eyes 2026 Tax Measure to Preserve and Improve Bay Area Transit
At my first MTC meeting on February 26, we adopted six guiding principles to help us seek state legislation that would allow Bay Area voters to decide on a transportation tax in 2026. This measure would preserve and improve transit services by preventing major budget cuts for agencies facing significant deficits, including BART, MUNI, AC Transit, and Caltrain.
Read the guiding principles >>>
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State of the City
Each February, the City of American Canyon releases its Annual State of the City Report to the community. This year, they took the report “on the road,” starting with a City Hall Open House, where the residents could meet the City Council, connect with staff, and pick up a copy. The following day, they presented at the Active Adults Center to reach more community members. If you missed these events or the report in your mailbox, you can view it online here >>>
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Special Persons Registry
The American Canyon Police Department (ACPD) recently launched a Special Persons Registry to help officers be more responsive to residents with special needs. Maintained by ACPD and the Napa Dispatch Center, this registry provides first responders with important information about individuals with special needs, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, etc. when responding to calls. If you have questions or need help completing the form, please contact ACPD at (707)551-0600.
Complete the form online >>>
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Get Connected to City Updates
If you haven't already, I encourage all American Canyon residents to subscribe to updates from the City of American Canyon, the American Canyon Police Department, and the American Canyon Fire Protection District. Each newsletter shares important information about resources and happenings in our community.
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City Manager, Jason Holley, shares important updates at least twice a month including City Council updates, community events and more. | |
Every month, Police Chief Greenberg provides important safety tips through the Neighborhood Watch Newsletter, along with updates on recent happenings. | |
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Chief Belyea shares monthly stats about calls received by American Canyon Fire Protection District, as well as fire safety tips, and more.
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Local Legends Luncheon 3/6
The American Canyon Chamber of Commerce has merged its annual awards and State of the City Business Lunch, creating the Local Legends Luncheon! Come see this year's awards and get updates during their State of American Canyon Presentations.
Tickets available here >>>
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LWVBA League Day - Regional Government: How does it affect you? 3/8
Get current information on how MTC-ABAG makes decisions that impact the 9 Bay Area Counties. MTC Chair Sue Noack and I will be sharing our insights, along with keynote speaker, Senator Josh Becker.
Register for the virtual event here >>>
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Napa Climate NOW! 3rd Annual Summit & Job Fair: "Investing in our Future!" 3/12
This event is open to anyone ages 14-24! Hear from climate leaders, explore career and educational opportunities, connect with employers offering paid internships and summer jobs and enjoy free pizza!
More information here >>>
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American Canyon Little League Opening Day 3/15
Save the date for American Canyon Little League opening day. More details coming soon!
Details will be posted here >>>
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Agriculture Day 3/20
Join the Napa County Farm Bureau Foundation and Agricultural Commissioner’s Office for a fun, free celebration of local agriculture, featuring exciting activities and a chance to learn how agriculture impacts our everyday lives!
More details here >>>
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Free Tax Help through United Way VITA (Tuesdays & Fridays)
Come get your taxes done for free with assistance from United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistants (VITA). Walk-in services are available Tuesdays and Fridays at the American Canyon Library from 1-5pm. Please bring your photo ID, prior year tax returns, and all relevant 2024 tax documents.
More information here >>>
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Holi Festival of Colors 4/6
Come celebrate Holi with the Helping Hand Indo-American organization and kick-off spring with this festival of colors!
More information here >>>
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Community Recognition Ball 4/26
Tickets are on sale now for American Canyon's Community Recognition Ball where the 2025 Gateway Award winner will be announced!
Details and tickets here >>>
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Join a Napa County board, committee or commission
Joining a committee, commission, council, or board is a way for you to use your experience and expertise to help strengthen our community. There are currently vacancies on the Fire Services Advisory Committee, Housing Commission, Commission on Aging, and more.
See the list of vacancies and apply here >>>
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This Month's Board of Supervisor Meetings
Attend and participate in-person or virtually to stay current on County projects and efforts! This month's meetings are 3/11 and 3/25 at 9am in the Board of Supervisors Chambers on the third floor of the County Administration Building - 1195 Third Street, Suite 305, Napa.
Click here to see current agendas, minutes and meeting details >>>
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Attend a committee or commission meeting
The Behavior Health Advisory Board meets on 2nd Wednesday of each month. It serves as an oversight committee for mental health and substance use disorder services in the County. Members conduct research by attending meetings, conducting site visits, and collecting and analyzing behavioral health data to guide policy and program recommendations
The Climate Action Committee meets on the 4th Friday of each month. Comprised of two elected officials from each of the six jurisdictions in Napa County, this committee addresses climate change and its impacts throughout the valley.
The Commission on Aging meets on the 4th Monday of each month. This Commission advocates for older adults, raising awareness of the issues facing older adults, and influences policy through regular reports to the Board of Supervisors.
Learn more about all the commissions/committees/boards here >>>
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Longtime American Canyon resident, Fran Lemos, and I at the State of the City Open House at American Canyon City Hall where over one hundred residents came out to connect with staff and the Council. | |
It was my pleasure to welcome the Latino Caucus of the League of California Cities to Napa County. Mayors and Councilmembers from Carlsbad, Soledad, South San Francisco and many others came together for their winter retreat. | |
A big thank you to Very Brave Coffee who poured coffee at the American Canyon Chamber of Commerce Coffee Chat that I hosted in the new District 5 office in American Canyon City Hall. | | | | |
