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As the end of the school year approaches, the rising temperatures confirm that summer is upon us. These quickly increasing temperatures serve as a reminder for our vulnerable populations to limit outdoor activity during peak heat. The Napa County Library serves as a great place for the public to cool down, and you can join the Summer Reading Challenge while you're there! More information below.
Make no mistake, yesterday’s Crystal Fire is a reminder to us all— make a plan with your family and be prepared. I want to thank Napa County Fire Department, Napa County Sheriff’s Department and all our cooperative and mutual aid agencies for ensuring the safety of our residents. Check out our preparedness information below.
If you have concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out by email or phone. Or better yet, stop by my booth next Wednesday at Meet Me in the Street in American Canyon.
Sincerely,
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Raising the PRIDE Flag
The Board of Supervisors proclaimed June 2024 as Pride month, expressing our commitment to supporting visibility, dignity, respect, and equity for all.
In anticipation of Pride month, I joined Chair Gallagher and LGTBQ community leaders to raise the Pride flag at our county facilities on Harvey Milk day (May 22), which pays tribute to the legacy of former San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk.
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Our county library is hosting the 2024 Summer Library Adventure beginning June 18 through July 23. This is an opportunity for all interested age groups to kick off the summer by challenging their reading skills. The Summer Library Adventure combines children’s, teen, and adult programs into one library-wide program that tracks the time spent engaging in reading and other library activities instead of the number of books read. Click here to begin! | |
State of Housing in Napa County | |
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In a critical effort to address the escalating housing crisis in Napa Valley, we commissioned Generation Housing to do a comprehensive study on the challenges and opportunities within the local housing market. Gen H recently
released its in-depth report titled "State of Housing in Napa Valley," and it offers a clear path forward for policymakers and community leaders.
Click here to read more.
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Are you curious about pending projects within Napa County's Planning division? Discover more about property addresses, creating new parcels, landlocked parcels, place names on maps, property boundary disputes, records of survey, understanding easements, and determining when a parcel is no longer a parcel. We have an interactive map available! Click here to view. | |
2023 Agriculture Crop Report | | |
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The 2023 Crop Report numbers are in, and the total value of Napa County's agriculture production now exceeds $1.2 billion dollars – a 35.1 percent increase from the previous year.
Congratulations to Evelyn Sosa, an 8th-grade student at Pope Valley Elementary, for winning the Agriculture Crop Report Cover Art Contest with "Poppy Field."
To read the 2023 Agriculture Crop Report in full - Click here.
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New Public Defender
At the last Board meeting, we appointed Kris Keeley as the county’s new Public Defender, effective June 22, 2024. Kris brings an impressive 25-year career at the Napa Public Defender’s Office to her new role where she succeeds Ronald Abernethy, who is retiring after a distinguished tenure with the county.
Learn more here.
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ABAG Regional Bond Measure: Update
After seven years of collaborative work, including BAHFA’s intensive outreach and program design over the last two years, the ABAG executive board approved BAHFA’s Business Plan; adopted its Expenditure Plan; and, most importantly, approved the initiating resolution to put a general obligation housing bond of up to $20 billion on the November ballot at its April 18 meeting.
The BAHFA Board held an informational hearing on May 22 and took the final votes on the Business Plan, Expenditure Plan, and the ballot measure on June 26.
A $20 billion measure would produce about 72,000 affordable homes. Success at the ballot in November would bring unprecedented resources for the entire region and provide the critical funding necessary to meet the Bay Area’s housing needs.
Click here to learn more.
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Advocating for Napa County
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I recently joined an ABAG-MTC delegation in Washington to advocate for Bay Area transportation and housing priorities. Meetings were held with members and staff of the Bay Area Congressional delegation, officials with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and U.S. House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over transportation and housing.
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With wildfire season upon us, please ensure you and your loved ones are prepared with your 'Go Bag.' An emergency preparedness kit is essential during emergency situations!
Visit our 'Ready Napa County' website for resources and tips on how to prepare for an emergency - Click here.
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American Canyon Fire District | | |
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As we transition into the warmer months, it's more important than ever to remain vigilant about fire safety. American Canyon Fire District Chief Geoff Belyea highlights that we are entering Weed Abatement season. This means we must prioritize weed trimming and tree limbing to create a safe defensible space in our community. The AC Fire District publishes a monthly newsletter to highlight all fire-related matters in American Canyon.
To read their full May newsletter -
Click here.
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As summer arrives, many of us are eager to enjoy outdoor grilling. The 'Outdoor Grilling Safety' guide created by the American Canyon Fire District offers excellent tips for safe and successful grilling on a hot summer day.
Remember, Napa County's resilience against wildfires depends on our preparedness before, during and after wildfire season. Let's continue the good work!
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The Napa County Fire Department's Free Chipping Program, launched this spring, continues to be available as a vital safety resource for creating defensible space against wildfires. Submit an application and ensure you follow these guidelines to get your property approved. We hope you take advantage of this free program designed to assist property owners with their defensible space. Please note, this program is only available for residential properties in the unincorporated areas of Napa County.
Learn more
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Home Hardening & Defensible Space Grants | |
You may qualify for up to $50,000 for home hardening and defensible space through the ReCoverCA Wildfire Mitigation Retrofit Program. To qualify, Napa County homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- Occupied the home as their primary residence at the time of the 2020 LNU or Glass fires, and currently. Rentals or second homes are not eligible.
- Be current on property and income taxes, and willing to provide documentation.
- Be a US Citizen or qualified alien.
Priority is given to low and moderate-income households, defined as those at or below 80% of Area Median Income. For more details, click here.
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2024 Collective Napa Valley | | |
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Congratulations and much gratitude to the Napa Valley Vintners!
The Napa Valley Vintners raised $4.8 million, with donations still coming in, at the annual Collective Napa Valley Auction Weekend. These philanthropic funds will be dedicated to youth mental health services in Napa County.
As a community, we are incredibly fortunate to have an industry that cares about our youth. I was pleased to volunteer at the barrel auction on May 31 to support this collective generosity.
For more details, click here.
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Sign up to receive updates twice a month from your City Manager, Jason Holley. To read the latest update from May 31 - Click here. | |
Participate in the Regional Climate Action Plan Survey | | |
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Please take 10-15 minutes to participate in Napa County's Regional Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (RCAAP). Your input will help create a plan that builds resilience and sustainability for Napa County’s future.
All of our jurisdictions will focus on reducing emissions in transportation and building energy, as well as adapting to climate change. Additionally, the county will focus on reducing emissions from agriculture and increasing opportunities for carbon sequestration. Since emission reduction and climate adaptation strategies may vary across different jurisdictions, feedback and engagement from the entire region are crucial for the development of the RCAAP. To participate in the survey - Click here.
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Want to Get Involved in the Community?
Join a Napa County board, committee or commission! Current openings include:
Appointments are made throughout the year, depending on vacancies. To view the full list of current vacancies or to submit an application, click here.
Application forms are also available at the Napa County Executive Office located at 1195 Third Street, Suite 310 in Napa.
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With the return of Summer comes Meet Me in The Street! | |
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When: Wednesday, June 12 from 5 - 8 pm
Where: West American Canyon Rd
between James Rd. and Elliot Drive
Proud to be a sponsor and excited to see you there!
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Imola & South Coombsville Community Meeting | |
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I will be hosting a community meeting to discuss increasing concerns about road safety and disaster preparedness.
When: Tuesday, July 9 at 5:30pm
Where: Via Zoom
More details to come.
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Special Budget Meeting
On Monday, June 10 at 6 p.m., the Board of Supervisors will host a special evening meeting about the recommended 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget. In addition, this meeting also launches real-time translation and closed captioning in Spanish for Board of Supervisors meetings in-person and via zoom.
Click here to see the recommended budget and click here for more information on Spanish translation.
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Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meetings . . .
Join the Board on June 11 at 9 a.m. on the third floor of the County Administration Building—1195 Third Street, Suite 305, Napa.
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Raised in unincorporated St. Helena and Pope Valley, Belia is a first-generation Mexican-American who was born at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa. She currently resides in American Canyon, but calls all of Napa County home. Belia is a business owner, educator, community advocate, and mother of three children. Belia attended St. Helena Public Shools from kindergarten through high school. She graduated from Saint Mary's College of California in 1999 and UC Hastings College of the Law in 2004. Belia served as an American Canyon City Council Member from 2010-2016. In 2017, Belia was elected to the Napa County Board of Supervisors. She currently serves on the following panels: Association of Bay Area Governments, North Bay Water Reuse Authority, Local Agency Formation Commission, Latino Caucus of California Counties and Rebuild North Bay.
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Supervisor Belia Ramos, Fifth District | Napa County Board of Supervisors |
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