Napa County

In our journey toward improvement, it is essential to take a moment to reflect on our past accomplishments and challenges to guide us in prioritizing our future goals. I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by all County departments, and I would like to take this opportunity to share some highlights that showcase our collective progress:

Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA)

• Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) - The CHIP outlines a long-term, systematic effort to improve the health of a community. HHSA partnerships and collaborations address critical needs, support vulnerable populations across Napa County, and are in alignment with HHSA’s Strategic Plan. The five broad priority areas identified are: access to Health Services, Housing, Behavioral Health, Racial Equity & LGBTQ Inclusion, and Economic Stability.
• Leveraging Funding to Create Opportunities for Prioritizing Community Health - To support the CHIP priorities, HHSA received a total of $10 million dollars of funding through the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), Mental Health Services Act and Opioid Settlement Funds. Through these funds, HHSA contracted with 36 new services for the next two to three years that relate to the CHIP.
• CareerPoint Napa - HHSA partnered with the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay (WANB) to open CareerPoint Napa, a new American Job Center of California (AJCC) integrated within HHSA’s South Campus offices in Napa. This one-stop center provides comprehensive services to support both job seekers with vital resources and employers in meeting their workforce needs.
• New Mental Health Diversion program - HHSA launched a new Mental Health Diversion program, a collaborative effort between HHSA, the Courts, County Counsel and others, to design a program for clients eligible for pre-trial diversion for certain misdemeanors or felonies if very specific legal criteria are met. For those referred to HHSA’s Mental Health Diversion program, the process entails court orders, treatment plans, supervision, and progress reports. This program helps divert individuals with mental health needs from the criminal justice system, with sufficient oversight and integrity.
• Mobile Response Team goes 24/7 - HHSA’s Mental Health Mobile Response Team (MRT) provides community-based interventions for those experiencing a mental health crisis. As of January 1, 2024, it was expanded to provide 24/7 crisis intervention, de-escalation and stabilization services for our community. The MRT is staffed by Licensed/Registered Mental Health Counselors and Mental Health Workers who can provide services throughout Napa County including residences, parks, shelters, schools, hospitals and is done in partnership with clinicians at Crestwood Behavioral Health.

Housing and Homelessness

• Annual Homelessness Report - Earlier this year, the County and City conducted the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, an annual census of individuals experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. The data demonstrated an 18% decrease in the overall number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Napa County, from 506 people in 2023 to 414 this year. The data also shows an increase in the number of first time homelessness.
• Farmworker Housing Needs & Impacts Assessment Report - For the first time, the Housing and Homelessness division and an independent contractor conducted research on Farmworker Housing Needs & Impact Assessment Report. Napa Valley farmworkers face unique obstacles and challenges to accessing and maintaining housing. The data in this report urges all of us to come together to transform our perceptions, address immediate challenges collaboratively, and make meaningful investments in housing for the health of our community now and in the future.
• SHARE Program - The Stable Housing and Community Resilience Program or the “SHARE” Program for short, launched as a rental assistance program for extremely low-income older adults. The SHARE Program gives up to $800 each month to help participants pay their rent and help them age in place.

Fire

• Prevention Efforts - Napa County Fire has demonstrated a commitment to fire prevention efforts, showcasing community partnerships that elevate public safety and education. This year alone, the county has successfully conducted five Prescribed Burns, that significantly reduce fire risks and increase fire resiliency.
• Wildfire Resilience - In 2024, Napa County approved the largest wildfire prevention investment in the County's history. This contribution is improving means of egress and reducing fuel loads in our communities. As a fire expert once said, “to change the fire behavior, you have to change the fuels."
• Staffing - Napa County Fire Marshal's Office increased staffing, as a result, a total of 4,529 defensible space inspections were performed. This is the most defensible space inspections that Napa County Fire Department has performed in a single calendar year.

Child Support Services

• Back to the community - Donated approximately 120 backpacks with school supplies to local youth who attend school in Napa County.
• State Performance - Currently, California's data on the performance of the 47 child support agencies is only available through August 2024. In each of the 8 months for which data is available, Napa County was either #1 or #2 in overall performance (cumulatively, not in any one particular category), as measured by the 4 federal performance measures.

Election's Division

• Remained in the top ten counties over 50,000 registered voters for percentage of eligible citizens registered to vote and turnout of registered voters.

Chair of the Board

It has been a privilege to serve as the Chair of the Board over the past year. I am sincerely grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I cherish the opportunity to represent our vibrant community. This role has not only deepened my appreciation for the incredible Napa County residents but has also reinforced the importance of community engagement and transparency in our governance. Here are some goals I am personally proud of:

• Enhanced Accessibility to Board Meetings - As a strong advocate for equity, I've prioritized enhancing accessibility by working with the County to introduce live in-person and audio translation in Spanish, a significant step forward in our Language Access Plan. Additionally, we held our first evening Budget Session, specifically to encourage public attendance and participation in the decision-making process.
• Partnered with Community Organizations - I've partnered with various community organizations to champion important causes. Some of the initiatives we've launched, include the inaugural Harvey Milk Day in collaboration with LGBTQ Connection, where we proudly raised the Pride Flag at both the County and HHSA buildings, celebrating inclusivity and diversity in our community. Additionally, our partnership with Cope Family Center allowed us to create a video during Child Abuse Awareness Month, amplifying vital messages that promote the safety and well-being of our children. Moreover, our collaboration with COAD for the "Meet Your Neighbors" event helped to enhance emergency preparedness knowledge.
• Collaborated with City and State Officials - I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside local leaders to achieve our shared goals. This year has been particularly important, as I held a joint-community meeting with Napa Councilmember Bernie Narvaez to discuss local issues. Additionally, I have collaborated closely with our state representative on several critical matters, including engaging with the California State Lands Commission regarding the Napa River/Milton Road, addressing various housing projects and other pressing challenges.
• Beyond Napa - I've had the opportunity to travel and share the impactful work we're doing right here in Napa County and learn from other counties. For example, I had the pleasure of speaking as a panelist at a Climate & Wildfire Institute event in Sacramento, marking the beginning of Wildfire Preparedness week, with a viewing of the film “The Human Element,” followed by a discussion with Alan Talhelm from CalFire, Chris Anthony, a strategic wildfire advisor, and the photographer and filmmaker James Balog. Plus, I also had the chance to speak at a state committee meeting, addressing some of the pressing health issues affecting our community. Additionally, I had the privilege as Board Chair to attend the annual Great Wine Capitals event, which took place in Verona Italy. It was fascinating to learn about the strategies being used by other top wine tourism destinations to attract visitors while keeping sustainability at the forefront. 
• Labor Partnership award - I'm honored to have received the “Labor Partnership” award from the Napa-Solano Central Labor Council.

November Overview

Board Actions



Napa County Board of Supervisors Receive a Presentation regarding Napa County’s participation in the U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program

On November 12, the Board of Supervisors, along with officials from the U.S. Army, celebrated the new U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program--providing soldiers with career pathways through the county’s more than 18 departments. The U.S. Army PaYS Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of public sector agencies, corporations, and companies. PaYS Partners guarantee soldiers an interview and possible employment after they have completed their service. This unique program is part of the Army's effort to partner with America's business community and reconnect America with its Army.

More information, click HERE.

Napa County Board of Supervisors Adopted a Resolution of Intent to purchase Skyline Wilderness Park

On November 12, the Board adopted a Resolution of Intent to purchase Skyline Wilderness Park (approximately 874 acres of land) from the State of California. This thrilling addition to our community is not just a win for nature lovers, but a fantastic opportunity for all residents and visitors to connect with the great outdoors.

More information, click HERE.

View the Board of Supervisors agendas HERE.

In the Community

• Attended the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Annual Conference, an opportunity to gain insights into innovative practices from other counties. I learned and engaged in various committee meetings--including Health & Human Services and Government Finance & Administration Policy Commitee.
• On November 5, I held a Meet your Neighbors event with Napa Valley Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) at Napa Abajo. An informative meeting about emergency preparedness.
• Celebrated the accomplishments of the Graduating Drug Court participants.