December 12, 2018
And there goes 2018!

It has been an incredible year at the County of Napa. Despite our deep comittment towards the recovery and rebuilding of our community post-fire, we have continued to carry out key functions and we have our mind set on our collective future. From moving forward the Devlin Road Project to reconstruction of our airport runways to reaching out to our community and developing a strategic plan to be implemented over the next 2-3 years. The 1,500 men and women that comprise team Napa County continue to serve our community well each and every day.

This year I had the opportunity to represent the County of Napa locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. As always, it is my honor to say "I'm from Napa County." Thank you for placing your trust in me. My best wishes for a holiday season filled with loving memories and a New Year full of happiness and progress.

Sincerely,



~ Belia Ramos
In This Issue . . .

-Board of Supervisors News
-Elections Corner
-Housing News
-Transportation News
-Around the Table
-Happy Pawlidays
-Featured Nonprofit Organization: SpiritHorse Riding Center
-Become a Part of Team Napa County
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NEWS
New Code Compliance Program
In August 2017, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to develop a comprehensive Land Use Compliance Program and a draft resolution was prepared for consideration in October 2017. However, the October 2017 fires halted progress on the implementation of the Program and it wasn't until recently that the Board revisited the item. After providing further direction to staff, the Board adopted the Program at the December 4, 2018 meeting. To view the frequently asked questions for the Code Compliance Program, click here .
Legislative Platforms Approved
Every year we approve a State and Federal legislative platform to provide our contract lobbyists to advocate on behalf of Napa County in Sacramento and Washington D.C. The platform is a set of priorities that all five Board member passed unanimously. This year disaster and recovery related issues were the number one priority for Napa County. Click here to view a detailed description on each of the state priorities and here for the full list of federal priorities.
Jail Replacement Facility

The Board received a report on the progress to date related to the Jail Replacement Facility. Since the approval of the Professional Services Agreement with Lionakis for architectural/engineering and associated services in August, 2018, the schematic design is taking shape. The overall design phase is scheduled to be complete by June 2020. The project remains on-time and on budget at $128 million. An update on expenses to date and a table identifying sources of financing to complete the project can be found here . Moving forward staff will continue to provide quarterly project updates to the Board through the design process and monthly updates once construction begins, so stay tuned.  
ELECTIONS CORNER
The results for the November election are now available on the Elections Page of the County website. I am also very excited to report that voter turnout was at 73.12%, the highest turnout in over 50 years for a mid-term election! It's moments like these that make me feel proud to be a part of the Napa County community. Thank you all for getting out there, voting, and making your opinion count.
HOUSING NEWS
More Funds for Affordable & Workforce Housing!

I am excited to announce that Measure I along with four of the five city/town measures passed during the November election. The 1% transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase is paid by tourists staying in hotels and will help raise close to $5 million Countywide.

Now it's time to get to work with my colleagues on the Board and the City/Town Mayors to use these funds for affordable and workforce housing programs that will help address the high cost of housing. 
TRANSPORTATION NEWS
Addressing Traffic Congestion

The Board recently approved several budget transfers to move the Devlin Road extension project forward. This extension will facilitate moving additional capacity during commute hours and move local truck traffic off Highway 29 to allow for better circulation. The project is expected to go to bid early 2019 and construction is tentatively scheduled to start in Spring 2019 with completion of the project the following year.

(Click on the left-hand image of the Devlin Road Extension map to in-large image)
Community Meeting for the Sewer Rehabilitation and Road Improvements Project
Monday, January 14, 2019
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Skyline Park Social Hall
2201 Imola Avenue, Napa

Please join me along with Supervisor Wagenknecht, Public Works, and the Napa Sanitation District (NSD) to discuss the County and NSD's coordinated efforts to provide sewer rehabilitation and County road paving improvements north of Imola Avenue, east of Wilkins Avenue, south of Kansas Avenue, and west of Penny Lane.

The project is scheduled to begin in February 2019 with NSD's sewer upgrades followed by the County's paving improvements to start in July 2019 with the anticipated completion in August 2019. The roads receiving these improvements include: Republic Avenue, London Way, Holmes Avenue, Shelter Avenue, Whitney Avenue, Coronado Avenue, Marshal Avenue, Parrish Road, Mayfair Drive, and Penny Lane. Click here to view a map of the project area. I hope to see you at the meeting!
AROUND THE TABLE
Join us for the Local Food Advisory Council's next meeting on Monday, January 28th, from 4-6 p.m. at the UCCE meeting room, 1710 Soscol Avenue. The Council will discuss the outcomes form the Cottage Food education session, discuss possible 2019 subcommittees, and create networking assignments.
NVUSD Food Service Catering

Do you have last minute catering needs for upcoming holiday events? Then look no further than Napa Valley Unified School District's very own food catering service. They can deliver breakfast, party platters, fresh salads, and even full service buffets. Learn more by visiting their website .
HAPPY PAWLIDAYS
The Napa County Animal Shelter's holiday promotion is back! From December 1st to the 31st pay only a $25 adoption fee IF you sing staff a holiday song or wear an ugly holiday sweater. Bring good cheer and take a new family member home for the holidays!

Adoptions include spay/neuter, microchip, blood testing, flea treatment, dewormings and vaccinations. For more information, visit the Napa County Animal Shelter website .
FEATURED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION:
SpiritHorse Riding Center
Congratulations to Charlotte Dougherty, founder of SpiritHorse Riding Center, for being awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award. The Center offers lessons designed to improve the lives of children and adults who are facing development, emotional, social, and physical challenges by helping them build self-confidence and feel empowered! To learn more about this nonprofit, please visit spirithorsebayarea.org .
BECOME A PART OF TEAM NAPA COUNTY
Do you want to provide direct input to the Napa County Board of Supervisors and other County leaders? Then become a part of team Napa County by applying for one of the County's advisory committees, commissions, and boards. Put your knowledge, energy, and passion to work for your community.

Current Openings:
  • Napa County Local Food Advisory Council
  • Napa County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council
  • In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Advisory Committee
  • Napa County Dangerous Animal Hearing Panel
  • Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Floating Alternate Director
  • Napa Valley Transportation Authority Active Transportation Advisory Committee
  • Napa County Child Care and Development Planning Council

Please visit the  County Clerk of the Board website for more information on the current openings.
Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting . . .

Join the Board on  December 18 at 9:00 a.m. on the third floor of the County Administration Building—1195 Third Street, Suite 305, Napa.
ABOUT BELIA
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 schools 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: 25 th District Agricultural Association, Napa Valley Transportation Authority, Association of Bay Area Governments, North Bay Water Reuse Authority, Latino Caucus of California Counties and Rebuild North Bay.  
Supervisor Belia Ramos, Fifth District | Napa County Board of Supervisors |
Phone: (707)-259-8277 | Email: Belia.Ramos@countyofnapa.org