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Dear friends,
March was a whirlwind yet productive month. I had the opportunity to join regional leaders on the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)/Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) advocacy trip in Sacramento lift up the needs of housing and public transportation in the Bay Area. More details about the trip can be found below.
And the work continued here at home. We hosted two town halls in District 5, celebrated award-winning American Canyon businesses and individuals, who make this community so special, at the Chamber Awards luncheon. Yesterday I joined many others to formally welcome spring with the Holi Festival in American Canyon - the Indian festival of colors. My children and I enjoyed a beautiful celebration of culture and togetherness that truly captures the spirit of our community. It's my 16th year attending!
In the North Bay, we are continuing to move forward with the Move Bay Area initiative to strengthen regional collaboration around transportation and housing solutions. I also had the privilege of welcoming the Greenbelt Alliance Board of Directors and staff to Napa County, where we showcased our leadership in resilience efforts with a Napa River and flood management tour - a reminder of how critical it is to invest in sustainable infrastrcutre and environmental stewardship.
On all of our minds is - what is going on? The ever-changing landscape in Washington D.C. poses incredible funding challenges for counties. We are on the front lines of protecting the public and providing safety net services for our most vulnerable. The latest attaches to FEMA are particularly concerning given our history with floods, earthquakes, and wildfire. Know this - together with my colleagues, we will continue to advocate for continued funding for wildfire mitigation, public safety, housing, public health, and safety net services.
And because I want to end with a happy thought, the County of Napa is officially the owner of Skyline Park!
Thank you for staying engaged and informed. I look forward to continuing this work together.
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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District 5 Student Art Contest
As part of the community grants funds available to District 5, I am partnering with the American Canyon Arts Foundation (ACAF) to offer a Student Art Competition. This opportunity is open to all middle and high school students from Napa County District 5. The call for art is open now, and submissions due electronically by April 18. Winners will receive scholarships, and all entries will be eligible for a People’s Choice award. The winning artwork will be displayed in the District 5 Office in American Canyon City Hall.
Learn more and submit artwork >>>
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Thank you for attending my Town Halls!
It was great to connect with so many of you at last month’s Town Hall meetings.
On Wednesday, March 26, City and County staff joined Mayor Washington and me to provide updates about development in South County and how General Plans shape that growth. The City of American Canyon is nearing adoption of its updated General Plan, while the County has just begun its process by launching the Baseline Data Report (BDR), which will provide a data-driven foundation for our new General Plan. The Board is expected to receive an update on the BDR and begin the next phase of the General Plan Update in late summer/early fall 2025.
On Thursday, March 27, Supervisor Manfree and I hosted a second Town Hall focused on fire prevention efforts in the Coombsville/Wild Horse Valley/Mt. George areas. We were joined by Napa County Fire, the Fire Marshal’s office, and Fire Administration, along with Napa Firewise, Napa CART, and local Fire Safe Councils. Together, they shared updates and resources related to emergency preparedness and fire resilience.
For more information and resources shared at either Town Hall, please contact Melissa >>>
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April Proclamations
This month the Board is issuing 4 proclamations in support of many critical issues and causes that impact our community. There are additional events happening throughout the month in support of each cause. I encourage you to attend and learn more about these awareness weeks and months to help support our community.
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County approves additional funding for One Napa Valley Initiative
On March 25, the Board approved an amendment to our agreement with the Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) to expand the One Napa Valley Initiative (ONVI). This additional funding supports ONVI’s critical work providing accurate immigration information and helping reduce fear in our community. out also helps ensure access to vital resources for immigrant families. The expanded support was recommended by the Board’s Ad Hoc on Inclusivity in collaboration with Health & Human Services Agency Director Jennifer Yasumoto.
Learn more about the expanded agreement >>>
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Annual 2008 General Plan Progress Update
The Board received and accepted the annual status report on the 2008 Napa County General Plan on March 25. Planning staff highlighted progress made in implementing the Housing Element and meeting our Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) goals. So far, permits have been issued for 52 above-moderate-income units and 13 moderate-income units. More work remains to meet goals for low- and very low-income housing. In 2024, 35 building permits were issued, and the County is also actively working with the City of Napa to support affordable housing projects, including future development at Riversound, which will prioritize lower-income units.
Read the full progress report >>>
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Airport Construction Updates
Exciting progress is underway at the Napa County Airport. Atlantic Aviation and Skyservice, our two Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs), have begun new phases of construction on their hangars, with concrete being poured and steel structures going up. Additional improvements include building new bulk fuel storage facilities and upgrading electrical services. Starting next week, a major project will begin to reconstruct taxiway K.
For more airport construction updates >>>
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HHSA Be Well Newsletter
The spring 2025 issue of the HHSA Be Well Newsletter highlights important community programs, including the upcoming free Community Health Fair on April 6. The fair will offer health screenings, vaccinations, and emergency preparedness resources. The newsletter also features initiatives supporting youth experiencing homelessness, expanding mental health services through the CARE Act, assisting veterans with benefits, and helping student parents succeed at Napa Valley College.
Read the full newsletter in English or Spanish >>>
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Opportunity for High School Students: Apply Today for the Bay Area Summer Academy
High school students in the Bay Area are encouraged to apply for the Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy, a paid program introducing youth to public sector careers. Held in July 2025, the program offers expert-led virtual seminars on topics like transportation, housing, and air quality, along with opportunities to engage with regional government agencies and present on local issues. I was inspired watching last year’s presenters and hope to see more Napa County youth participate this year. Applications are due April 27, 2025.
Learn more and apply >>>
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ABAG/MTC Advocacy Trip
The recent advocacy trip to Sacramento by ABAG/MTC focused on securing funding and policy support for key regional priorities, including transportation and housing. A top priority was supporting SB 63, which would enhance funding for public transit and streamline transit operations, helping create a more reliable, coordinated system. This effort aligns with the Transit Transformation Action Plan, which removes fare coordination barriers, improves real-time transit information, and boosts overall service effectiveness.
We also advocated for continued funding for the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA), including support for a revolving loan fund and property tax exemptions to low-income housing and lower construction costs and incentivize affordable housing. We pushed for State investment to continue BAHFA’s proven housing programs and lay the groundwork for a future regional housing funding measure. – which is essential for addressing the Bay Area’s ongoing housing crisis while empowering local jurisdictions to directly influence investments and housing policies.
Overall, the trip underscored the importance of strong partnerships between state, regional, and local governments to address our biggest challenges.
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American Canyon Library Remodel
The American Canyon Library, which opened in 2012, is getting a much-needed refresh. The remodel will update the interior with new furnishings, flooring, and paint. On March 25, the Board approved funding for the design phase, and construction is expected to begin in Summer 2025. The project will require a temporary closure of the library–we’ll keep you updated as plans move forward.
Learn more about the project approval >>>
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Local Legends Luncheon Highlights
Congratulations again to all the awardees recognized at the American Canyon Chamber of Commerce’s Local Legends Luncheon on March 6. It was an honor to celebrate these pillars of our community:
- Nonprofit of the Year: American Canyon Community Cats
- Kids Commerce Business of Year: Blissful Body Scrubs
- Food Truck of the Year: Cooked by Gio
- Member of the Year: Gladys Milligan
- Business of the Year: Team Kasama Lee Realtor
- Volunteer of the Year: Bill Harper
Following the awards, guests heard updates impacting the business community from me, Mayor Washington, American Canyon Fire Protection District Chief Belyea, American Canyon Police Chief Greenberg, and Napa Valley Transportation Authority Executive Director Kate Miller.
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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.
| | 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. | | |
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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Earth Day Napa 2025 4/12
Join the celebration of Earth Day Napa 2025, presented by the Environmental Education Coalition of Napa County! This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, food, wine and beer, a trash fashion show, dance performances, and hands-on activities for all ages. On-leash furry family members are welcome, and the Napa County Bicycle Coalition will provide free bike valet service.
Earth Day Event Details >>>
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Napa County on the Move: A Plan to Make our Travel Safer an Greener 4/16
I’ll be moderating a panel hosted by the League of Women Voters of Napa County and Napa Climate NOW! The panel will include NVTA Planner Patrick Band, Napa County Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Kara Vernor, Calistoga City Councilmember Kevin Eisenberg, and American Canyon Councilmember David Oro. We’ll discuss key projects and strategies to meet Napa County’s transportation needs—now and into the future.
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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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Blue Skies Ahead 4/26
Blue Skies Ahead, a celebration of community, mental health, and wellness, will take place on April 26 from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Mentis Wellness Campus in Napa. Enjoy local food, drinks, live music, a silent auction, and a Fund-the-Future paddle raise supporting expanded mental health services in our community. Tickets available now!
Tickets available here >>>
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Napa River Ecology Center Tours 4/8 & 4/24
Tour the future Napa River Ecology Center on April 8 or April 24 from 5-6:30pm., Explore the site, meet the staff, enjoy light refreshments, and hear about exciting plans for the Center’s future.
Reserve your spot >>>
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Napa Valley College Career Fair 4/30
With over 90 employers participating, this is a great opportunity to seek career options!
More information here >>>
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Kids Day 2025
Don’t miss this FREE family fun event! Enjoy a day filled with resources for parents and families, kids’ activities and games, entertainment, food and more!
Event details 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 4/8 and 4/22 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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Behavioral Health Advisory Board meeting in American Canyon 4/9
The Behavior Health Advisory Board meets regularly on 2nd Wednesday of every month. They serve as an oversight committee for the community related to mental health and substance use disorder services in the County. The next meeting is happening at American Canyon City Hall on Wednesday, April 9 at 4pm, where they are learning about American Canyon Student Mental Health Access Programs.
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Grateful for the opportunity to connect with the business community at the American Canyon Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Coffee Chats!
| On March 12, American Canyon Fire Protection District (ACFPD) hosted their ribbon cutting for “Copter 11,” and Airbus H135 to be used for emergency medical transport and aerial medial flight services throughout Napa County. | | Congratulations again to all this year’s recipients of the JD Fullner Recycling Awards! Napa County recipients were: Domaine Carneros, Feeding it Forward, Gott’s Roadside, Napa Climate Now!, Napa Valley CanDo, Napa Wildlife Rescue, Portocork, Stone Bridge School Parent Council, and the UC Master Gardeners Program. | Congressman Thompson, Supervisor Gallagher and I standing with community members raising their voices against hate. | | Supervisor Manfree and I joining Don Monk (Board President of the Napa County Farm Bureau) at Napa County Ag Day, hosted by the Napa County Farm Bureau and the Napa County Ag Commissioner’s Office. | On March 5 I attended the ribbon cutting for Mentis’ new wellness campus. As a longstanding partner of the County, this expanded space will support their behavior health wellness work with community members of all ages. | | | | |
