Board Actions

Napa County Board of Supervisors Approve 36 Agreements for Services Supporting Community Health Improvement Plan Objectives

On August 6, the Board of Supervisors approved and authorized 36 agreements for services supporting Community Health Improvement Plan objectives funded through Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), Mental Health Services Act and Opioid Settlement Funds totaling $10 million dollars.

This Board continues to prioritize community health by applying discretionary MSA grant funds to support programs and services that are critical to our safety net here in Napa County. It is wonderful to see our community-based organizations working in partnership with Health and Human Serivces Agency to carry out critical services our residents and stakeholders have told us are needed. The five broad priority areas make the case for a Health in all Policies approach. A few of the priorities include access to Health Services, Housing, Behavioral Health, Racial Equity & LGBTQ Inclusion, and Economic Stability.

More information HERE.

Napa County Board of Supervisors Receive a Presentation regarding the "Napa Valley Housing Needs Assessment"

On August 20, the Board received a presentation regarding the “Napa Valley Housing Needs Assessment,” a crucial report that sheds light on the current housing deficit in Napa Valley. Despite a decrease in population, we are facing a significant challenge as thousands of lower-earning and workforce households have been displaced, even as job opportunities continue to rise. This situation underscores the urgent need for workforce housing, which is essential for supporting our growing economy and ensuring that all residents can thrive.

More information HERE.

Climate Action Committee

During the July and August Climate Action Committee meetings we reviewed the draft mitigation and adaptation measures for the draft Regional Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (RCAAP). The slide below is a great summary that helps define climate resilience using these two components: "mitigation," ways in which we reduce/prevent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and "adaptation," ways in which we adjust to climate change impacts. Measures that can be defined as both "mitigation" and "adaptation" include, for example, water conservation, on-site solar energy, and reforestation. To view the entire presentation from our August meeting, click HERE.

Broadband Partnerships

Meeting Update

On August 22, Napa County held its Broadband Partnership meeting of the year, uniting local businesses, community organizations, municipalities, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to address pressing broadband issues and explore innovative solutions for our community.

This collaborative effort highlights Napa County's commitment to enhancing digital equity, with a focus on ensuring that all residents, especially low-income individuals, elders, people with disabilities, and Spanish speakers, have access to essential internet services. Key takeaways from the meeting underscored the County's ambitious goals of accessibility, affordability, and increased adoption, with a particular emphasis on implementing digital equity grant programs. An important goal to further our vision of a digitally inclusive community is to increase internet access for farmworkers across three farm centers in Napa County.

Please share your thoughts and ideas regarding broadband needs, and get involved by clicking HERE.

Napa County SHARE

Program

Napa County Department of Housing and Homeless Services is launching a rental assistance program for extremely low-income older adults called the Stable Housing and Community Resilience Program or the “SHARE”, Program for short. The SHARE Program gives up to $800 each month to help participants pay their rent. 

For eligibility requirements, click HERE.

Interested residents and case managers helping eligible residents can fill out the referral form on the program portal, closing on Sunday, 9/15/24, for referral prioritization and processing. 

All applicants selected to complete an application will be assigned a dedicated application support staff person to help with the application and gather verifying documentation.

Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time for Napa County to come together and celebrate the rich contributions of our diverse community members, particularly those of Hispanic heritage. Our County thrives on the vibrant cultures, traditions, and perspectives that each resident brings, and it is essential to recognize and honor the invaluable impact of the Hispanic community on our collective identity.

Additionally, it's crucial that we come together to support our vibrant Latinx business community, particularly our beloved local taquerias that bring flavor and culture to Napa County. Recently, I had the pleasure of engaging with various local taquerias, who are in need of our collective assistance. As we’ve observed a rise in unpermitted food vendors (the pop-up tents/taco stands), it’s imperative that we advocate for proper permits and licenses, which are essential in ensuring that the food and beverages they offer are safe for our enjoyment. The City and County have been diligently working to educate both food vendors and the public on these requirements, reinforcing our commitment to health and safety. Local taquerias are not only dedicated to serving delicious food but are also collaborating with local agencies to uphold these vital food safety standards.

Learn more about what’s required of food vendors and what to look for before you take that first bite HERE.

Let’s come together as a community to support our Latinx businesses and organizations.

Department Spotlight

Napa County

Child Support Services

Each month, I like to recognize and shine a spotlight on the exceptional work being done by different departments within the County.

August may have come and gone, but the spirit of Child Support Awareness month lingers on in our hearts! In Napa County, we wholeheartedly celebrate the superhero role parents play in showering their children with the emotional and financial support they need to blossom into healthy, productive, and well-adjusted adults. When parents step up and provide timely financial support, it not only promotes their child's health and emotional stability but also takes a big bite out of child poverty.

Please watch the video below to learn more about Child Support. Visit the Napa County Child Support Services website to read the many services they offer to promote self-sufficiency while enhancing the lives of children.

Community Events

Coastal Cleanup Day 2024

Join Napa RCD for the 40th Anniversary of California Coastal Cleanup Day! There will be multiple sites from Lake Berryessa down to American Canyon. Find a site below and help us KEEP NAPA CLEAN!

What to Expect: When you arrive, check in with the Site Captains, verify liability forms, get materials, and collect waste you find within your site boundaries.

What to Bring: If you’ve got them, bring gloves, a trash grabber, and a bucket. Don’t have those things? Just bring yourself- we’ll have materials to share. Bring your own water bottle.

What to Wear: sturdy shoes, long pants, layers appropriate for the weather, sun protection

Saturday, September 21

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

For more information, click HERE.

NapaSan Open House

Join NapaSan for treatment plant tours, equipment demos, crafts and games for kids, toilet races, and refreshments. Tours will be given every half hour from 10:30am to 1:30pm. Learn what happens when water goes down the drain or toilet and how NapaSan gives much of that water a new purpose!  

Saturday, September 28

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

1515 Soscol Ferry Road

Napa, CA 94558

More information HERE.

Suicide Prevention Month

September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a difficult topic, but essential for our community to come together and deepen our understanding of mental health. This year, Napa County Health & Human Services, the Napa County Suicide Prevention Council, and Mentis are proudly collaborating to present the inaugural Suicide Prevention Conference, titled "Hope Beyond Darkness." This transformative event will serve as a beacon of learning, sharing, and mutual support, inviting mental health professionals, educators, community leaders, families, and individuals affected by suicide to engage in meaningful discussions.

This conference is $20; however, if the listed ticket price is prohibitive for you, please reach out to Jeni Olsen at jolsen@mentisnapa.org about potential discount options.

Lunch will be provided and Spanish Translation available.

Wednesday, September 18

9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center

More information HERE.

National Preparedness Month

Napa County has faced its fair share of natural disasters, reminding us that preparedness is not just a good idea—it's a necessity! This September, as we observe National Preparedness Month, we have an opportunity to reflect on our readiness for emergencies. To shed light on this critical topic, I had the pleasure of interviewing the newly appointed CALFIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit Chief, Matt Ryan.

Why is Preparedness Important?

Preparedness is crucial because it helps ensure the safety and well-being of individuals, families, and communities in the face of unexpected events. Being prepared means having a plan, the necessary supplies, and the knowledge to respond effectively during a natural disaster or emergency. It can significantly reduce the impact of disasters, minimize injuries, and save lives. By being prepared, we also help lessen the burden on emergency responders, allowing them to focus on the most urgent needs.

What’s Important to Remember When Preparing for a Natural Disaster?

One key piece of advice for preparedness is to have a communication plan in place. Know how to get in touch with your family members if you become separated and have a designated meeting place. Also, make sure everyone knows how to receive emergency alerts and where to find reliable information. Having an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and first aid supplies is also vital.

Where Can I Find More Information About Preparedness?

To learn more about how to prepare for natural disasters and stay informed, you can visit the following resources:

- Ready Napa County: Offers comprehensive guides and checklists for various types of emergencies.

- ALERT Napa County: Sign up for notifications to receive real-time updates on emergencies in your area.

- Ready for Wildfire: Provides specific information on how to prepare for wildfires, including creating defensible space around your property and developing an evacuation plan.

These resources provide valuable information and tools to help you and your family stay prepared and safe.

A special thank you to Chief Ryan.

Workforce Development Month

Each September, Napa County proudly joins states across the nation in celebrating the invaluable contributions of workforce professionals. This recognition is not just a formality; it underscores our collective commitment to fostering a skilled workforce that is essential for the economic vitality of our region. I am thrilled to share the exciting collaboration between the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay and CareerPoint Napa, who have united to establish the American Job Center of California at the Health and Human Services Agency campus.

CareerPoint grand opening and job fair will be on September 12, 2024.

Welcome - 10:00 am

Job Fair - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

More information HERE.

Community Members Appointed to Serve

Congratulations to the following community members who were recently appointed:

Napa County Technical Advisory Group

• Miguel Garcia
• Mathias Kondolf
• Albert Filipelli
• Julie Chambon
• Monica Cooper

Napa County Child Care and Development Planning Council

• Elayna Trucker
• April L. Del Rosario

Napa County Dangerous Animal Hearing Panel

• Jimmy Kontras

Napa/Solano Agency on Aging Advisory Council

• Fren Yaffa
• Neil Watter
• Susan Ensey

Napa Valley Tourism Improvement District Governing Committee

• Stacey D. Capitani

Thank you for your service!

Click HERE to learn about Napa County Boards and Commissions.