|
Dear friends and neighbors,
We are now officially in spring, and this year’s low rainfall serves as a stark reminder of how important fire preparedness and home hardening are for our community. Napa County’s Chipping Program is now accepting reservations, offering residents an opportunity to reduce fire risk around their homes. You can find more details in our “Community Preparedness” section. It’s essential that we continue the strong fire mitigation efforts that have helped make Napa more resilient.
This season also highlights the broader climate resilience work taking place across our county. I recently had the honor of speaking at the Napa Climate Summit, where experts shared insights on topics such as fire resilience and renewable energy. In addition, last month’s JD Fullner Recycling Awards recognized local organizations, businesses, and community groups for their outstanding commitment to recycling and composting. To support these efforts, Napa’s Recycling Division is offering workshops for those interested in learning how to compost properly. See below for more information.
As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Warmly,
|   | | |
At the direction of the Board of Supervisors in response to community feedback, Airport staff have begun working with aviation consultants to investigate options for an alternative approach procedure for Napa County Airport Runway 19R. If published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it could help reroute some of the aircraft traffic over less-developed parts of Napa County when the winds and weather permit.
As part of the process, the aviation consultants will seek community engagement in September and October that will inform which procedure is submitted to the FAA. In partnership with airport and county communications staff, a project website will be developed using the Social Pinpoint platform to provide the community with a way to share comments and feedback while getting information. There will also be community meetings where the public can learn more and share comments, as well as presentations at the Board of Supervisors meetings. Additionally, the Airport will be sharing a series “Airport 101” to help educate the community about what makes flight and air travel safe and efficient.
We will include the project website and community meeting information in newsletters when it is available.
| |
BDR & General Plan Update | |
A special thank you to everyone who participated in the Round 3 Community Workshops on to discuss Napa County’s Baseline Data Report (BDR). Your thoughtful questions and insightful feedback are invaluable to this process.
In response to what we heard, we've made several updates to improve access to the report:
-
Added individual BDR chapters so the report can be reviewed by section or chapter
- Updated website hyperlinks and instructions for greater clarity
- Made a single printed copy of the Draft BDR available for public review at the PBES office, supporting both community access and sustainability goals
-
Added options to visit or call staff for assistance with electronic access or a tutorial of the BDR Data Explorer
Please help spread the word: Public comments on the Draft BDR are welcome through April 10, 2026, at 6 PM!
To submit additional comments on the Public Draft BDR:
| |
BayREN's EASE Home Program | |
It’s EASE-y to Upgrade Your Home and Save Money!
The EASE Home program will evaluate your home for opportunities to reduce energy costs and enhance your home's safety and directly install your recommended improvements. Upgrades could include insulation, weatherstripping, smart thermostats, duct system repair or replacement, and some health and safety remediation (i.e., mold, pest remediation).
BayREN will cover 80% of the project costs, so eligible participants could receive upgrades worth up to $14,000 and would be required to pay just 20% of the total project cost.
You can participate in this program if you:
- Live in a single-family home (up to 4 units) built before 2010.
- Are a PG&E customer.
- Have a household income less than 120% of Area Median Income (AMI). Details are listed below.
-
Install at least one energy-saving weatherization measure in your planned upgrades, such as insulation, duct sealing, duct repair or replacement, or an induction stove.
EASE Home is active in Napa County and is currently accepting applications. Submit an interest form to Napa County Sustainability staff here: Interest Form (https://tinyurl.com/NapaEASEHome)
|
Napa County Grand Jury Recruitment
The Napa County Superior Court is now recruiting for the 2026-27 Civil Grand Jury, the independent “watchdog” that investigates local government operations and citizen complaints to promote transparency, efficiency, and positive change.
- Serving from July 2026 through June 2027
- One-year commitment
- Review records, conduct inquiries, issue reports with recommendations, and directly contribute to better governance in Napa County
- DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2026
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this vital civic tradition!
For more information and/or to apply by completing an online questionnaire, go here: Grand Jury | Superior Court of California | County of Napa.
|
Napa County Behavioral Health Board Recruitment
Do you know someone who is passionate about mental health and substance use services and wants to make a meaningful difference in Napa County? Please encourage them to consider applying to the Napa County Behavioral Health Board (BHB).
The BHB has several openings for new members due to expired terms and resignations, including:
- Employee of a Local Education Agency (required by Prop1)
- Behavioral Health Consumer
- Family Members of Consumer
- Interested and Concerned Citizen
As advisory members, Behavioral Health Board members play a vital role in shaping Napa County’s behavioral health system. Members review and evaluate community needs, services, facilities, and emerging concerns, and provide advocacy and feedback to the Behavioral Health Division and County Supervisors
Apply HERE
|
Beyond the Lawn: Water Conservation Video Contest
Students from 9th to 12th grade can participate in this video contest by creating and submitting a 45-second video that reimagines an unused public turfgrass lawn in Napa County using a low-water landscape design. The top three entries will receive CASH PRIZES and the First Place winner will have their clip aired on the big screen!
For more information
|
| | | |
|
It is the right time of the year for wildfire whacking and chainsaw operation. See resources for homeowners from Firewise and for agricultural land managers from Napa County before you light up pile burns.
Many older adults in our community live alone and may need extra support during an evacuation. Take time to check in with neighbors and work together to build a more resilient, connected community.
Below are some helpful resources to support your preparedness this season. You can always find local resources at Ready Napa County.
| | | | |
The Napa Communities Firewise Foundation mission is to reduce the risk and impacts of wildfires through fire fuel reduction and community education in Napa County.
Join your local Firesafe Council
Fuel Reduction Projects
Defensible Space Guide
| |
Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.
Wildfires
Extreme Heat
Make a Plan
| |  | |
COAD provides leadership to the nongovernmental response during all phases of disaster by creating linkages across all sectors and providing effective coordinated efforts to promote community resilience.
Fire Preparedness
Preparedness Calendar
| |
The Napa County Fire Department (NCFD) provides a FREE chipping service to all residents who live in the unincorporated areas of Napa County. The program has criteria that the property resident has to meet in order for chipping to take place. Please review the criteria from the website, then submit a chipping program reservation request.
Chipping Program Website
| | Agriculture Day 2026 group photo | | JD Fullner Recycling Awards Group photo | | Flood Project Groundbreaking Ceremony 2026 group photo | | Agriculture Day 2026 group photo | | | |
Earth Day
Spend the day at Earth Day Napa, a free community event featuring environmental exhibits, interactive activities, and a full schedule of live entertainment, including local bands, music, and dance performances. Explore booths from regional organizations, enjoy food and beverages, and connect with programs and initiatives supporting environmental stewardship in Napa County.
When: Saturday April 18 (11am-4pm)
Where: Oxbow Commons Park | 1268 McKinstry Street
LEARN MORE
| | | |
Composting Workshops
Join a free composting workshop and learn simple, effective methods to reduce waste and enrich your soil. Must live in Napa County and attend a workshop to purchase a discounted compost bin.
Schedule:
- April 25 (10am-12pm) | Skyline Park
- May 16 (10am-12pm) | NVC Upper Valley Campus
- September 19 (12-2pm) | Napa Senior Activity Center
REGISTER HERE
| | | |
Earth Day Cleanup
Join Napa RCD for the 2026 Earth Day Napa Community Cleanup! We’ve got sites throughout the City of Napa, so we’re sure you’ll find a spot that works for you!
Bring your own bucket, gloves, and trash grabber if you have them, but we will have some to share at each site! Wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers, and bring a full water bottle.
When: Saturday April 25 (9am-12pm)
REGISTER HERE
| | | |
COPE Kid's Day
Join a free composting workshop and learn simple, effective methods to reduce waste and enrich your soil. Must live in Napa County and attend a workshop to purchase a discounted compost bin.
When: Saturday May 2 (11am-2pm)
Where: Oxbow Commons Park | 1268 McKinstry Street
LEARN MORE
| | | |
Napa Bike Fest
Napa Bikefest is BACK at a new location, Oxbow Commons Park! Bikefest is a free & family-friendly event that brings together bike enthusiasts from across the Bay Area for a day of celebrating life on two wheels. Enjoy fun music, try the bike rodeo, learn to fix a flat tire and stretch for biking, or sign up for a free group ride.
When: Sunday May 3 (9am-3pm)
Where: Oxbow Commons Park | 1268 McKinstry Street
LEARN MORE
| |
2026 Emergency Agricultural Verification (Ag Pass) Program Now Accepting Applications
This program grants vital access to growers, livestock producers, commercial beekeepers, and winery personnel, enabling them to protect and maintain their operations during critical times.
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 Ag Pass application is now open. We encourage all eligible commercial agricultural operators to apply, including those with renewed Operator IDs/Restricted Material Permits, livestock producers, winery operations, and registered (BeeWhere) commercial beekeepers.
Apply Here
|
Napa County Releases Draft Water Availability Analysis Guidelines
Napa County has released the Public Draft of the 2026 Water Availability Analysis (WAA) Guidance and accompanying Technical Report, introducing a modernized framework to protect groundwater resources and guide responsible water use across Napa County. The public comment period is open through May 26, 2026.
For more information
|
Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Breaks Ground on the Next Critical Phase
The Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, together with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, broke ground today on a significant new phase of the Napa River/Napa Creek Flood Protection Project. This project ensures the construction of remaining floodwalls in two key reaches of the river: north of the Napa River Bypass and extending south from the Hatt Building to Imola Avenue. Each segment includes approximately one mile of floodwall along the western bank of the Napa River.
Learn more HERE
| | Board of Supervisors Meetings Overview | | The Board presented a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as “National Agricultural Month” in Napa County | | The Board presented a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as “National Women's History Month” in Napa County | |
-
The Board approved and adopted updated underwriting guidelines for the Napa County Affordable Accessory Dwelling Unit Forgivable Loan Program, which provides forgivable loans to homeowners who construct ADUs and rent them at affordable rates to households earning at or below 80% of area median income (5N).
-
The Board accepted the certified results of the January 20, 2026 Measure A Napa Berryessa Resort Improvement District parcel tax election (5S).
-
The Board received an update on Napa County’s Community Health Improvement Plan and progress during Fiscal Year 2024–2025, including investments and partnerships supporting priorities such as behavioral health, access to health services, economic stability, racial equity and LGBTQ inclusion, and housing (9B).
-
The Board received an update on Napa County’s road maintenance program, including pavement conditions, funding sources, and the County’s five-year paving plan. The Board also heard from NVTA regarding a potential Measure U bonding scenario that could accelerate road repairs by leveraging future transportation sales tax revenues (9D).
| | The Board presented a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as "Arts in April Month" in Napa County | | The Board presented a proclamation recognizing April 6-12 as "Public Health Week" in Napa County | |
-
The Board awarded a construction contract to 2C Land and Timber Management Corp for Phase II of the Lake Berryessa Resort Improvement District Wastewater Ponds Groundwater Inflow Mitigation Project and approved an amendment with GHD, Inc. for construction management and inspection services (5Q).
-
The Board received an update on the County’s fiscal outlook, approved the Fiscal Year 2026–27 Fiscal Strategy and Budget Policies, and approved mid-year budget amendments, as amended (9A).
-
The Board received and accepted the annual General Plan progress report, as required by state law (9B).
-
The Board received an update on the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) Efficiency & Sustainable Energy (EASE) Home program and its local impacts (9C).
| |
To access Board meeting agendas and accompanying materials, subscribe to receive agendas when they are posted, learn how to address the Board on a specific agenda item or provide general public comment, and watch videos after the board meeting, please click here.
| | |
Thank You!
Please forward this email to your friends and neighbors! Click the button below to have this newsletter delivered to your in-box.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting, please reach out to Abigail Flores. I look forward to seeing you out in the community!
Supervisor Amber Manfree
amber.manfree@countyofnapa.org
Abigail Flores
abigail.flores@countyofnapa.org
| | | | |
