Email header image has large text that reads 'Supervisor Belia Ramos District 5 Updates' and smaller text below reads ‘November 2025'. The official Napa County seal is featured in the bottom left corner. The header includes three photos that are graphically cropped on a diagonal. The first is a photo of a group of 7 people posing together in a group photo. They are all wearing casual hiking clothes. You can see the edge of a lake or creek behind them and a mountainside in the background. The second photo is of three women standing together. They are smiling and wearing sunglasses. Behind them is a rainbow archway. The background looks like they are in a park amphitheater. The third photo is of a road roller compactor flattening out new asphalt paving on a roadway.

Hello friends and neighbors,

October took me from the sweeping beauty of Inyo County to the shores of Long Beach and lots in between.

In Inyo County, during my visit as part of the CSAC Executive Committee, I saw firsthand the unique challenges and strengths of our rural counties—their resilience, innovation, and deep sense of community. Conversations there reinforced the importance of ensuring that every county, regardless of size or geography, has a voice in shaping statewide policy.

At the Housing Finance Authorities Exchange in Long Beach, the focus turned to the pressing issue that connects all our regions: housing affordability and homelessness. Through discussions on financing mechanisms, coalition-building, and shared lessons, we explored new ways to meaningfully address homelessness and expand access to affordable homes.

Both experiences underscored a common truth—California’s future depends on collaboration, creativity, and the willingness to learn from one another. I am honored to have a seat at those tables to represent the interests of Napa County.

I have always known that Counties are the safety net for families. As we continue to reel from the impacts of the prolonged federal shutdown, know this—the County of Napa is vigilantly monitoring the needs of our community and we will continue to work with our county nonprofit partners to ensure that our residents are not put at further risk.

With the change in weather comes the departure of Helitanker 8PJ, a CH-47 Chinook and Helitanker 05PJ, a UH-60A+ Blackhawk, from the Napa County Airport. Your Napa County firefighters remain diligent in responding to incidents, just as they recently did in knocking down a house fire in District 5 with exceptional containment. Many thanks to all who responded.

Don’t forget—tomorrow is special elections day. Return those ballots by 8pm tomorrow!

Sincerely,

Handwritten signature of the name Belia Ramos

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 District 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.

OCTOBER AWARENESS RECOGNITIONS

Graphic background has three illustrations of flowers in orange green and pink. Large text overlayed reads ‘Adoption Awareness Month.’

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Photo depicts a large stainless steal official Napa County Ballot Drop box. Next to it is a tall flag that says ‘Ballot Drop Box’ on it. The drop box and flag are outside of American Canyon City Hall located at 4381 Broadway in American Canyon.

Election Day is TOMORROW

Election Day is tomorrow! Make sure your voice is heard in this Special Election by voting in person or dropping off your ballot if you haven’t already. If you haven’t mailed it, make sure to drop it off at ANY drop box or vote center in the county.

All ballots MUST be returned by 8pm on Election Day, November 4, 2025. Where can you turn in your ballot? Here is a list of all the locations in District 5:

DROP BOX at American Canyon City Hall (4381 Broadway, American Canyon, CA 94503)
DROP BOX at Silver Oak Park (next to Canyon Oaks School)
DROP BOX at Napa Valley College (2277 Napa Vallejo Hwy, by the Library)
DRIVE THRU at American Canyon Holiday Inn Express and Suites (5001 Main Street, American Canyon, 94503)

Lost your ballot or made a mistake? Still need to register? Prefer to vote in person? Go to ANY Vote Center in Napa County. The ones closest to District 5 are:

VOTE CENTER at American Canyon Holiday Inn Express & Suites (5001 Main Street, American Canyon, CA 94503)
VOTE CENTER at Napa County Elections, Hall of Justice (1125 Third Street, 1^st floor) *This is a new location

Get the full listing of drop boxes and vote centers >>>

You're Invited! District 5 Holiday Open House & Food Drive

Event flyer has a turquoise background and the border has different white and gold snowflakes all around it. The title text reads ‘Supervisor Belia Ramos invtes you to the District 5 Holiday Open House’ on December 10 2025 from five thirty to seven thirty pm. The event description reads ‘Join us to connect and celebrate the accomplishments of the past year. Bring donations to our Community Action Napa Valley Food Drive to support families this holiday season. Light bites and refreshments will be provided.’ The event location is at the District 5 Office at American Canyon City Hall located at 4381 Broadway in Suite 102. For questions contact Melissa.moize at countyofnapa.org.

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of the District 5 satellite office at our Holiday Open House on Wednesday, December 10, from 5:30-7:30pm. Enjoy small bites, refreshments, community connection, County updates and resources, a special performance from the ACHS Choir, and more!

Let us know if you can make it! >>>

District 5 Fall Student Art Contest

The American Canyon Arts Foundation (ACAF) and I are excited to host the Fall Student Art Contest! Open to all middle and high school students from Napa County District 5, this contest gives students a chance to showcase their talent and earn scholarships.

Deadline: November 14 (electronic submissions)
Judging: Skill and composition, plus a People’s Choice award
Display: Entries will be showcased at the District 5 Office in American Canyon City Hall; winning pieces will also be displayed at the American Canyon Library

Learn more about the Fall Student Art Contest >>>

Contest flyer has bright colors that blend into eachother as the background. Large text at the top reads ‘Napa County Crop Report Art Contest.’ Description text reads ‘Call all students grades 6 through 12. Participation is free for all students. Grand prize is a front cover and five hundred dollars. Second place is three hundred dollars. Third place is 200 dollars.’

Agricultural Crop Report Cover Contest

Each year, the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and the Farm Bureau's Ag in the Classroom Program invite Napa County students in grades 6-12 to enter the annual Napa County Agricultural Crop Report cover art contest.

Students can submit their art highlighting agriculture and the diversity of food crops grown in Napa County to the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office (1710 Soscol Ave., Suite 3, Napa) by 5 PM on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Get more information and contest rules >>>

EMERGENCY DECLARATION

Photo depicts a cardboard box filled with food items. None of them are labeled but it looks like both canned and dried and bottled goods.

Board of Supervisors approves emergency funding to address CalFresh benefits disruption

On October 27 at a Special Meeting, the Board of Supervisors declared an emergency in response to the disruption of federal funding for CalFresh. In late October, the federal government declined to use contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits during the shutdown. Though two federal courts have ruled that the administration cannot stop funding benefits, it is unclear how and when benefits will be restored.

This means that starting November 1, more than 10,000 Napa County residents will not receive their regular CalFresh benefits, placing approximately 6,600 already food-insecure households at greater risk of going hungry. The emergency funding approved will provide grocery gift card assistance to those impacted.

If your November benefits are delayed, you will receive information directly from the Health & Human Services Agency by the middle of this week on how to obtain an emergency grocery gift card.

If you are in need of immediate assistance, find the Food Pantry and Free Food Markets offered by Community Action Napa Valley (CAN-V) >>>

Stay informed about the impacts to benefits >>>

Graphic has two illustrated hands palms up and floating inbetween is a red heart illustrating ‘giving’.

How to support others with food assistance: Food Drive and more

To help address critical food needs during this disruption, we are hosting a food drive for Community Action Napa Valley (CAN-V), who runs the food bank and pantries, from 11/4 through 12/16. Please bring unopened nonperishable or unexpired items to the donation bins in the American Canyon City Hall lobby (4381 Broadway). Most needed items include canned soups and goods, dry rice/beans, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter, and pasta. Every donation helps!

If you're looking for a way to expand your support, consider donating to the organizations helping to respond to this emergency:

COUNTY UPDATES

Graphic icon depicts a hand facing palm up holding three nondescript people. Another hand is depicted placing a house over the people.

Affordable Housing Impact Fees

On October 21, the Board approved tiered Affordable Housing Impact residential fees with a three-year phase-in starting January 16, 2026. This structure advances affordable housing goals while prioritizing homes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) that serve the “missing middle,” and phases in costs to support project feasibility. These fees apply only to the unincorporated Napa County; the cities and town maintain their own programs.

Last updated in 2010, these fees help address affordable housing needs caused by new development. Updating them ensures alignment with state requirements, responsiveness to current conditions, and a phased-in approach to minimize disruption to the local economy.

Revenue goes to the Napa County Affordable Housing Fund, which supports programs such as ADU Forgivable Loans, Farmworker Centers, Fair Housing, Coordinated Entry, and Season of Sharing grants. These investments have already helped produce 1,700+ affordable homes countywide and leverage additional state and federal funds.

Learn more about the Housing Impact Fees >>>

Graphic image is sectioned into nine equally sized squares. The top middle square has the Napa County Seal. The middle square has text that reads ‘be part of Napa county’ next chapter.’ The top left square has a photo of the Napa Valley Welcome sign with vineyards in the background. The left middle square depicts people interacting at an outreach type fair. The bottom left has a rolling hillside covered in vineyards. The bottom middle photo is of a newly paved and striped road. The bottom right photo is a historical photo of Main Street in hapa. The right middle photo is of two firefighters hiking through an area covered in fire retardant. The top right photo is of a hillside will gold dry grass and oak trees in the background.

Baseline Data Report (BDR) Community Workshops

Napa County is seeking public input on the comprehensive update to the Baseline Data Report (BDR) with a second round of community workshops in November. The BDR update will serve as a foundational step in the upcoming General Plan Update, which will guide how the county grows, preserves resources, and prepares for future challenges. Workshops will be both in person and to share an overview of preliminary findings and gather feedback before preparing the Public Review Draft.

In-person workshops:

Wednesday, November 12 from 6-8 p.m. at Tucker Farm Center (1201 Tucker Rd., Calistoga)
Thursday, Nov. 13 from 1-3 p.m. at Napa County Health and Human Services (2751 Napa Valley Corporate Dr. – Building A, Napa)

Virtual workshops:

Wed., Nov. 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. Register here
Thurs., Nov. 20 from 12-1:30 p.m. Register here

Learn more about the BDR >>>

Image is a screenshot of the first page of the strategic initiatives. The full and exact text of the document can be found through the link in this section.

Five Year Strategic Initiatives Adopted

The Napa County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved the 2025–2030 Strategic Initiatives, a five-year framework that sets shared goals and priorities to guide county decisions, services, and investments through 2030. Developed with input from nearly 2,500 community members and employees, the plan reflects the values and priorities of Napa County’s community.

The initiatives focus on four key goals: building healthy, connected communities; promoting environmental sustainability and resiliency; preserving the county’s agricultural legacy; and enhancing county service and workforce excellence. Grounded in guiding values of inclusivity, integrity, stewardship, compassion, and innovation, the plan provides a clear direction for serving the community in the years ahead.

Read the Strategic Initiatives >>>

REGIONAL UPDATES

Graphic image has large title text across the middle that reads ‘Plan Bay Area 2050 plus.’ In the four corners of the image are different photos. The top left is of many people getting on and off of BART. The bottom left is of people attending an outside outreach fair or market. The bottom right is of a road along the shoreline that has a running path next to it and housing on the other side. The top right photo is of a large complex of multi family housing.

Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ Open for Public Comment

The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) have released the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and its Draft Environmental Impact Report for public review and comment. The plan charts a 25-year vision for an affordable, connected, diverse, healthy, and vibrant Bay Area, with 35 strategies to expand housing, improve transit, strengthen the economy, and protect communities from climate impacts. A new element, Transit 2050+, re-envisions the future of Bay Area public transit through an unprecedented regional partnership.

Comments are due by December 18, 2025 and can be submitted by phone at (415)778-2292 or via email to info@planbayarea.org and eircomments@bayareametro.gov. You can also attend a public hearing at the MTC Planning Committee and ABAG Administrative Committee on November 14 at 9:40am.

Learn more about the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ >>>

Photo credit: Metropolitan Transportation Commission - Karl Nielsen

Photo is of a stretch of Highway 37 with cars travelling across a causeway over part of the bay.

Highway 37 Survey Open

The Resilient State Route 37 Program — a partnership between MTC, Caltrans, the Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority (BAIFA), and transportation agencies from Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties — has launched an online survey to learn how and why travelers use Highway 37 and gather feedback on planning improvements.

Highway 37 is a vital 21-mile link across the North Bay that faces severe congestion and seasonal flooding. Short-term plans include widening the 10-mile stretch between Sears Point and Mare Island to two lanes in each direction, with one toll lane and one free carpool lane. The toll would help reduce delays, improve air quality, and fund construction.

Take the Highway 37 survey by mid-November to share your input >>>

Photo credit: Metropolitan Transportation Commission - Karl Nielsen

AMERICAN CANYON UPDATES

Community Grant Program

The City of American Canyon is accepting applications for its Community Grant Program, which provides financial support to local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving the American Canyon community. The program aims to strengthen organizational capacity, foster partnerships, and support programs, services, and events that enhance quality of life for residents.

Priority consideration will be given to organizations that demonstrate broad community benefit—especially those that reinvest proceeds back into American Canyon. Eligible projects may focus on community engagement, enrichment, and overall well-being. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on November 14.

Find submission instructions and important dates for the community grant program >>>

Graphic is a bright orange square with the points at the top and bottom. Text on it reads ‘under construction’ and an illustration of a hammer and wrench are on it.

Green Island Road Updates

Work continues on the water main on Hanna Drive as well as sidewalks along Hanna Drive, Commerce Boulevard and Mezzetta Court. This work is expected to continue until mid-November.

Traffic control measures will be implemented to re-align traffic lanes along Green Island Road, between Commerce Boulevard and Devlin Road. Expect shifted and narrowed lanes throughout the Green Island Road area and nearby streets.

Starting at 6pm on Friday, November 7, a 55-hour full road closure on Jim Oswalt Way and Mezzetta Court will be in effect. The closure will be removed by 5am on Monday, November 10. Asphalt paving will be laid during the week of November 10.

Check the City’s Project page regularly for the most recent updates >>>

Photo is of the Wall the Heals illuminated and glowing at night. The wall is displayed across a very green lawn and the night sky is dark.

Thank you to everyone who helped make The Wall that Heals display possible

Hopefully you were able to visit The Wall that Heals last month, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., hosted at Independence Park by the City of American Canyon. This solemn display offered a powerful opportunity for remembrance and healing, honoring the more than 58,000 individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

I want to extend my gratitude to all the City staff and community partners who worked so hard to bring The Wall that Heals to our community and the countless volunteers who helped make the display a great success.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Give!Guide Napa Valley 11/1 - 12/31

Every year, Napa Valley CanDo organizes the Give!Guide, a catalog of local nonprofits you can support during the season of giving. This year's edition features 91 nonprofits all working to make a difference in our community. Explore the catalog to find causes you want to support – donate to one or many! Donations are accepted up to midnight on 12/31.

Check out the Napa Valley Give!Guide >>>

Image has a photo of a waving american flag in the background. Overlayed is text that reads ‘American Canyon’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Join us to thank and honor those who served.’

American Canyon Veterans Day Ceremony 11/11 • 11am-12pm

Join American Canyon’s Veterans Day Ceremony to honor and thank those who serve. The event will take place at the American Canyon Middle School Gymnasium (100 Benton Way) and will feature a keynote speaker, student performances, Veterans Service organization booths, and refreshments.

Veterans Day Ceremony details >>>

Event image depicts a white ground and a sparking christmas tree on the right. The sky is blue and green and has white spots on it. Title text reads ‘magic of the season.’

Magic of the Season 12/5 • 5-8pm

Be part of a magical holiday celebration at the Magic of the Season: Community Tree Lighting & Holiday Marketplace at Shenandoah Park (100 Sonoma Creek Way). Enjoy delicious treats from local vendors, explore a festive marketplace, and holiday performances. Don’t miss the tree lighting at 6:30pm!

Magic of the Season details >>>

Image is of an early morning sky with clouds sprinkled across. The sun is just rising casting an orange glow across the sky. Large text overlayed reads ‘Wetland Coffee Morning.’

ACCPF Wetlands Coffee Morning 11/8 • 9:30-11am

Join the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation (ACCPF) for their fall Wetlands Edge Coffee morning and nature discovery walk! Enjoy free coffee, connect with neighbors, and learn about ACCPF’s ongoing work to protect and enhance our parks and open spaces.

Wetlands Coffee Morning details >>>

Event image has large text at the top that says ‘Napa GIS Day 2025.’ In the middle is an illustration of a river with rolling hillsides on either side that have trees and vineyards. Large text at the bottom reads ‘Napa County Library on November 19 from noon to four thirty pm.’

Napa County GIS Day: Mapping Science as an Essential Public Service 11/18 • 12-4:30pm

Celebrate GIS Day with Napa County’s GIS team and discover how mapping and spatial data are used to address everyday challenges, safeguard the environment, protect agriculture, and enhance public safety!

Event location: Napa County Library Community Meeting Room (580 Coombs Street, Napa, CA 94559)

Event image depicts a reindeer running from left to right. There are outlines of clouds behind the reindder. The reindeer has a collar on it that reads ‘Donner’ and a red bell attached. Above the illustration text reads ‘Reindeer Run 2025 American Canyon.’

ACCPF Reindeer Run

Join me at the 2025 Reindeer Run, benefiting the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation (ACCPF). Runners and walkers of all levels are welcome. The event kicks off on December 6th, with pre-race festivities at 8 am and staggered race starts (10K at 9am, 5K at 9:05am for runners and 9:10am for walkers). Registration is required.

Reindeer Run details >>>

GET INVOLVED

Attend the Board of Supervisors meetings

Stay informed and engaged with your county government! Attend or tune in virtually to this month's Board of Supervisors meetings.

Regular meeting: Tuesday, November 18 at 9 a.m.

Special meeting: Tuesday, November 25 at 1:30 p.m.

Both meetings will take place in the Board Chambers on the third floor of the County Administration Building - 1195 Third Street, Suite 305, Napa

See current agendas, minutes and meeting details >>>

Image of the official Napa County Seal. Center image has grapes in front of a background of rolling hills covered with vineyards. Outer edge is black with gold and white wrings and large white text that reads Napa County California.

Want to make a difference in the community? Join a Napa County board, committee or commission

Use your experience and expertise to help guide local policy and strengthen our community. Current vacancies include the Napa County Behavioral Health Board, Napa County Airport Land Use Commission, Napa County Housing Commission, and more.

See the list of vacancies and apply >>>

Image of a gavel and round black. Large text reads 'Boards Committees and Commissions' and the Napa County Seal is in the bottom right corner.

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

Photo is of a group of 5 people standing together posing for a photo. A large rainbow arch can be seen behind them. In the middle a man with a white beard is holding a proclamation for Napa Day Against Hate. On either side of him are two women. The women are four members of the Board of Supervisors including Anne Cottrell. Joelle Gallagher. Amber Manfree. And Belia Ramos.

Proud to support Napa Day Against Hate to remind us that there is no place for hate in our community and that we are strongest when we stand together.

Photo is of a woman standing next to a green road sign that reads ‘Inyo County Line.’ The landscape is dry high dessert with lots of sagebrush and sand.

As California Association of Counties (CSAC) Treasurer, I attended the CSAC Executive Committee retreat with leadership to think strategically as we continue to elevate county voices. Counties are the backstop for all Californian’s, and we’re here to advocate for all. Many thanks to CSAC President Griffiths for hosting us in his home, Inyo County!

Photo is of two women standing together to pose for a photo.

As the ABAG President and Chair of the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) Oversight Committee, I attended the California Regional Housing Finance Authorities Exchange. It was inspiring to learn about new financing tools, how to strengthen coalitions, and share ideas that move us closer to real solutions to the housing crisis. We were honored to be joined by California Secretary of Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, Tomiquia Moss (pictured here).

STAY INFORMED - City Newsletters

Stay informed by subscribing to City newsletters such as:

City Manager's Update

American Canyon City Manager, Jason Holley, shares important updates at least twice a month including City Council updates, community events and more.

Subscribe to the City Manager's Updates newsletter >>>

ACPD Neighborhood Watch

American Canyon Police Chief Greenberg provides important safety tips through the monthly Neighborhood Watch Newsletter, along with updates on recent happenings.

Subscribe to the ACPD newsletter >>>

ACFPD News Ladder

American Canyon Fire Protection District (ACFPD) Chief Belyea shares monthly stats about calls received by American Canyon Fire Protection District, as well as fire safety tips, and more.

Subscribe to ACPFD's newsletter >>>