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Dear Friends and Neighbors
As we make our way into fall, the days are starting to shorten, and Autumn brings cool days and chilly nights. Although I am already in my tenth month of office (and feeling somewhat "settled in"), there is no sign of slowing down here at the County!
Each quarter, our local elected and staff meet for the Napa County League of Governments (NCLOG) gathering, where we enjoy presentations on state/regional and/or countywide issues. This also provides us with the opportunity to get to know our colleagues across jurisdictions. Last week, we learned more about the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA). If voters approve a bond measure sponsored by BAHFA in November of 2024, significant funding will be available for housing throughout the nine Bay Area counties. This could be a literal game-changer for creating housing that is affordable to our workforce in Napa county. Learn more HERE.
Enjoy this edition of the D1 Dispatch. As always, it is my pleasure to serve you. Please feel free to reach out to me and/or my Board Aide Yazmin Dominguez at (707) 299-1354; joelle.gallagher@countyofnapa.org; and yazmin.dominguez@countyofnapa.org with any County-related issue, concern or ideas!
Happy fall,
Joelle
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Adoption of the "Safe Firearm Storage" Ordinance
Last month was Suicide Prevention Month, Napa Mentis organization listed risk factors that increase the chance of a person harming themselves, one of which was access to lethal means, like firearms. I'm proud that the Board of Supervisors approved the "Safe Firearm Storage" Ordinance, an important and personal issue for me. Safe Storage will result in fewer accidental shootings and will greatly reduce the number of suicide deaths by firearms.
On October 10, the Napa County Board of Supervisors approved the adoption of the "Safe Firearm Storage" Ordinance. To read the Ordinance, click HERE.
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California Great Shakeout
The County of Napa participated in the International Shakeout Day on October 19. The Shakeout is a one-minute earthquake drill, with the goal to prepare and learn what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Learn more about risk reduction tips HERE. Additionally, the ShakeAlert App delivers warnings when a powerful earthquake is detected before the shaking arrives. Check your phone to make sure ShakeAlert notifications are activated, or download the free MyShake App.
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Happy Halloween
Halloween season is upon us!
Please check out Napa's Cope Family Center Halloween Safety Tips below:
- Carry glow sticks and flashlights; wear bright, reflective costumes; and use reflective tape on costumes and bags so that drivers can easily see your child.
- Remind your child to cross at street corners, use crosswalks, and follow traffic signs.
- Remind your child to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid using electronic devices like a cellphone when crossing the street.
- Ensure your child's costume fits properly and isn't too long to prevent trips and falls.
- When possible, choose makeup and hats over costume masks that can obscure your child's vision.
- Inspect your child's candy at home before digging in. Check for signs of tears, tampering, and an unusual appearance like discoloration. Discard anything that looks suspicious. If you have a small child, remove choke hazards like gum, peanuts, and hard candies.
- If you have a small child, try decorating pumpkins with paint or markers rather than carving.
- When trick-or-treating, choose well-lit neighborhoods and only approach homes with porch-lights on.
Additionally, keep your home safe from fires with these tips:
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Keep decorations away from open flames, bulbs & heaters.
- Use battery-powered lights for your decorations.
Here are some upcoming Halloween events:
Have a safe and fun Halloween!
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FALL into Reading!
Are you a book worm like me? Check out the County of Napa Library's Fall into Reading Challenge now through December 1. All participants receive a free library tote for signing up and/or getting a library card. For more information, please visit the County of Napa Library page HERE.
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Clean Air Pledge
October 4th was California Clean Air Day, but that shouldn’t stop us from starting today. According to the California Clean Air Day's mission, the Clean Air Pledge is built on the idea that shared experiences unite people to improve our community health. By working together, we can commit to do our part to clear the air, through actions big and small. Those actions include taking the public transit, carpooling, planting a tree, and much more! Take the Clean Air Pledge HERE.
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Flu & Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with our local authorities recommend individuals 6 months and older stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is now available. Visit your primary care provider or local pharmacy to get your vaccine today. Those without insurance can access free vaccines through community health centers, CVS & Walgreens pharmacies, and the Napa County HHSA- Public Health’s Immunization clinic. Check out our vaccine calendar for upcoming COVID-19 and Flu vaccine clinics near you: click HERE to view the calendar.
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October Proclamation
On Tuesday, October 10, the Board of Supervisors proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. An important cause to stand against domestic violence. Accepting the proclamation was NEWS - Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Services Program Manager Christina Gomez.
Let struggling friends, family members, acquaintances, know they are not alone. Call 707-255-6397, the 24 Hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Help Line.
I encourage you to learn more about the Nurturing Empowerment Worth Safety (NEWS) services by using this LINK.
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Meet Napa County's First Fire Administrator
The Napa County Board of Supervisors announced the appointment of David Shew as Napa County’s first Fire Administrator, effective October 30, 2023. We're so excited to work with David and continue to ensure the safety of Napa County. Check out the Release HERE.
| Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Annual Conference | Congratulations to Jennifer Thomson for Thomson Vineyards 85th Anniversary! | Thanks to those who made it to last month's Community Meeting with Mayor Sedgley. |
MCE News- Napa Businesses may be eligible for Energy Bill Savings
Bay Area businesses are plugging in to clean energy with MCE’s Strategic Energy Management program. To date, MCE has provided $650,000 to nearly 70 businesses in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties to support energy efficiency projects that save them an average of $34,000 a year.
The no-cost energy management program provides businesses and nonprofits:
- A dedicated expert to find options that best fit the business or organization,
- A site walk-through with an energy coach and an engineer to identify energy-saving opportunities,
- Rebates for lighting, motor upgrades, refrigeration, and water heating equipment, and
Commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers, including nonprofits, in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano can start saving at this LINK.
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Not Sure Which County Department to Call?
Napa County's website features a "Good Neighbor Resources" page, which offers a list of County services and contact information for the appropriate department.
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What Interests You?
Which County-related issues, departments or programs do you want to know more about? I'd love to hear from you and feature that content in an upcoming newsletter. Send us your feedback HERE.
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