November 2024

En Español

Dear Friends and Neighbors,


Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family, and your loved ones! Regardless of our national political environment, we can find meaning in working locally to care for our own community. What better way to give back than by volunteering at your favorite local non-profit organization? Your time and effort can make a significant difference in the lives of others and strengthen the bonds that tie us together. Or donate to CanDo's Give! Guide Napa Valley, set to open on November 14. This exciting initiative presents a wonderful opportunity to contribute to meaningful local causes and support initiatives that uplift our community.


TODAY is our first District 1 Napa Valley Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) Meet Your Neighbor event at the Napa Women's Club at 5:30pm. Please join us for tacos and learn more about emergency preparedness!

Lastly, with the holiday's arriving, we'd like to you to Save the Date for our Holiday Community Event on Wednesday, December 11th. Flyer at the bottom on the newsletter, more information to come!


Sincerely,

Joelle 

Board Actions


Napa County Board of Supervisors Receive a Presentation regarding CARE Court


On October 29, the Board received a presentation regarding the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act. By establishing a new civil court process, the CARE Act enables individuals facing untreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders to access essential services tailored to their needs. This initiative allows a range of "petitioners" to seek court-ordered treatment, support, and housing solutions for affected individuals, thereby fostering a community-centric approach to behavioral health. The overarching goal of the CARE Act is to disrupt the cycle of homelessness, criminalization, and institutionalization, ultimately paving the way for stability and recovery. We are proud to share that Napa County is on track to implement the CARE Act ahead of the December 1st, 2024 deadline.


More information, click HERE.


Napa County Board of Supervisors Receive an Update on State Insurance Commissioner's Actions to Improve Conditions for the Property Insurance Market 


On October 29, the Board received a presentation from Napa County Legislative Analyst, Andrew Mize, on the proposed rules by the State Insurance Commissioner issued in 2024 as part of his Sustainable Insurance Strategy. This presentation was not only timely but also vital for our community stakeholders and residents, as it outlined the potential impacts of these rules on Napa County. Andrew emphasized several key areas of advocacy that could strategically position our County to reap the benefits of forthcoming regulatory reforms. 


More information, click HERE.

In the County

Through the Vine


Click the video above for the fifth episode of “Through the Vine,” Napa County’s official newscast, hosted by Linda Weinreich, our Communications and Public Information Officer. In this episode, we explore how the County is safeguarding election security, celebrate the first-ever fire truck push-in ceremony, and learn the history behind this tradition.

2024 Napa County Employee Recognition Awards


This year, we are thrilled to celebrate the incredible dedication and hard work of our County employees, who tirelessly contribute to the safety, governance, and well-being of our community. In a spirit of camaraderie, we invited our staff to nominate their peers, leaders, and departments for our inaugural Employee Recognition Awards. It brings us immense pride to announce the employees honored:


  • Carly Caveney (HHSA/Comprehensive Services for Older Adults)
  • Greg Morgan (CEO/Clerk of the Board)
  • Benjamin Sargent (Office of the Auditor-Controller)
  • Patrick Scott (Public Works/Property Management)


Additionally, Jennifer Yasumoto, Director of Health and Human Services, who was nominated by her department head peers, was honored with the Outstanding Department Head Standard of Excellence Award for her exemplary leadership, customer service, and innovation.


I was honored to present the Chair's Award for Distinguished Achievement in Public Service, to the Housing & Homeless Services Division, led by Director Jennifer Palmer. The team was honored for their collaborative, client-centered services that prioritize the dignity and well-being of all individuals and families they serve.


The CEO’s Award for Leadership, Culture & Productivity was presented to the Public Works Property Management Team for fostering public trust and enhancing the county’s reputation through their dedicated, behind-the-scenes work maintaining over 50 County facilities!


Additionally, we also took a moment to honor 20 employees who have dedicated over 30 years of service to Napa County, collectively contributing an impressive total of 663 years. Their enduring commitment and invaluable experience are truly the backbone of our success.

Covered California

Open Enrollment


Covered California will be taking applications for 2025 health care coverage during the Open Enrollment period from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Open enrollment is the time of year when everyone can apply for a plan through Covered California. Outside open enrollment, people who experience qualifying life events can apply during special enrollment.


If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact the Covered California’s call center at 800-300-1506. The call center is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on major holidays.

Community Events

Coat, Costume & Shoe Drive


Celebrate America Recycles Day by helping to reduce, reuse, recycle, and buy recycled! Donate a costume, gently-used coat (no tears or stains), or shoes and get a free indoor recycling bin or kitchen compost pail.


Can’t make this event? See how to schedule a Recycle More pick-up of clothing and shoes here.


Sunday, November 17

10:00 am - 2:00 pm


Redwood Plaza Shopping Center

3385 Solano Ave.

Napa, California 94558


More information, click HERE.

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Napa Holiday Parade


Join the whole Napa community for the annual parade, where floats are decorated over the top with lights and much, much more. Plus, meet Santa after the parade for pictures with the kiddos. 


Thursday, November 7

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm


Downtown Napa


More information, click HERE.

In the Community

Grand Opening of

Monarch Justice Center


Since 2019, the Monarch Justice Center has been a beacon of hope for Napa residents grappling with domestic violence, human trafficking, elder abuse, sexual assault, and other crimes. The expanded center will provide even more support to our community. Thank you to the staff at Monarch for your tireless work to provide victims of violence a safe path forward so they can thrive.



More information, click HERE.

Heritage House &

Valle Verde Apartments


I extend a heartfelt gratitude to our remarkable partners for the completion of Heritage House & Valle Verde Apartments, two of Napa’s newest affordable housing communities. These developments are more than just buildings; they represent a significant milestone, providing 90 units for households earning less than 60% of the area median income, including farm workers, individuals experiencing homelessness, and hardworking families striving for a better future. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing in our community. It underscores the importance of collaboration among state and local leaders, demonstrating that together, we can create meaningful solutions.

Napa County Crop Report Contest

Each year the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and the Napa County Ag in the Classroom Program invite Napa County students in grades 6 through 12 to enter our annual Napa County Agricultural Crop Report cover art contest. The winner's art will be featured on the cover of our next Agricultural Crop Report.


Submit a piece of art, highlighting 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 20, 2024.


More information, click HERE.

Napa County Watershed Symposium

The Watershed Information & Conservation Council (WICC) of Napa County and Napa RCD are hosting the 2024 Napa County Watershed Symposium will be taking place on December 5, 2024 at the CIA at Copia.


This year, dive deep into the "One Water" approach, celebrating how a unified vision helps us address water challenges from every angle. Join and explore local water topics while connecting with others committed to sustainable water solutions. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation that makes waves in our community!


More information, click HERE.

Community Members Appointed


Congratulations to the following community members who were recently appointed:


Napa County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council 

  • Ines Deluna

First 5 Napa County Children and Families Commission

  • Marlena G. Garcia

Napa County Housing Commission 

  • Michael Silacci 

Napa County Assessment Appeals Board

  • Michael Basayne
  • Philip Husby

Napa County Commission on Aging

  • Marc C. Frankenstein
  • Heather M. Luna
  • Barbara J. Wiggins
  • Tessa Lorraine

Thank you for your service!


Click HERE to learn about Napa County Boards and Commissions.

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