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Dear Friends,
I blinked and now there are lights, snowmen and trees everywhere. I'm excited about everything this month brings - celebrations, looking back and new beginnings.
We started off at today's Board of Supervisors Meeting honoring the service of both Senator Dodd and American Canyon's longest serving mayor, Leon Garcia. Together they have 47 years of public service to the residents of Napa County. I wish them both the best in their next chapters. I look forward to welcoming and working with their successors in the coming years.
After many years of wondering "what if we opened a district office?" it's finally happening! With much gratitude to our landlord, the City of American Canyon, and to my District Aide Melissa Moize for making all the details come together, tomorrow we will be celebrating our grand opening with a community ribbon cutting. We encourage you to bring canned and non-perishable food items to contribute to our food drive for our local food banks run by Community Action Napa Valley (CANV). You can also get your flu shot if you haven't already! Please join us as we celebrate this historic addition to the County of Napa.
And that's not it for this week! I am looking forward to the tree lighting Friday night at the City of American Canyon's Shenandoah Park and then the Reindeer Run bright and early on Saturday morning. I hope to see you in person and wish you well this holiday season.
As I wrap up the final month of my second term serving as your District 5 Napa County Supervisor, I am filled with gratitude for the trust you've placed in me, pride in what we have overcome and accomplished together and excitement for 2025. On January 4, 2025, I hope you will tune in as I and my new colleagues, Supervisors-Elect Liz Alessio and Amber Manfree, take our oaths of office commencing the first all-female Board of Supervisors in Napa County History.
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DISTRICT 5 OFFICE OPENING TOMORROW! | |
I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the District 5 Satellite Office Ribbon Cutting, Open House, and Food Drive on this Wednesday, December 4, from 4:30 to 6:30pm at American Canyon City Hall! Please join us to see how this new office will enhance our connection with residents in south Napa County. | |
Prescribed Burn on Wild Horse Valley Road
Last month, you may have seen the smoke from a prescribed burn near Wild Horse Valley Road. This 50-acre project, led by Napa Firewise and the Coombsville/Wild Horse Valley Fire Safe Council was a success. Controlled vegetation management burns like this are conducted under strict weather conditions and are carefully planned to ensure safety and effectiveness. While the main goal is fuel reduction to mitigate future fire risks, the burns also help control invasive plants species, foster new growth, increase groundwater availability, and improve animal habitats. They also increase fire resilience by creating defensible space for firefighters, helping to protect nearby homes and properties.
A big thanks to CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit, Napa County Fire, the Napa County Fire Marshall's Office, and all the city fire crews involved for their hard work executing this burn and protecting our community!
Photo credit to Mike Cuffe and Napa Firewise
Watch this video from the Napa County Fire Marshall's Office >>>
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Special Thanks for a Smooth Election Process
I want to express my sincere gratitude to our Election Division, voting center workers, and volunteers for their tireless efforts throughout this year's election process. I also appreciate the dedication of law enforcement and our cybersecurity team in protecting voters and ensuring the safety of our election process.
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Recognizing Mayor Leon Garcia's 22 Years of Service
Today at the Board of Supervisors meeting, we recognized American Canyon Mayor Leon Garcia for his outstanding 22 years of service, 19 as Mayor. His leadership has helped American Canyon flourish, always striving to best serve the residents of our community. As the longest-serving and only elected Mayor in American Canyon's history, and he has left an indelible mark on our community. He has also been a mentor and friend to me, and I and deeply grateful for his leadership and dedication. I wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.
Read the full proclamation here after today's meeting >>>
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Napa County Approves Purchase of Skyline Wilderness Park | |
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At the Board meeting on November 12, we adopted a Resolution of Intent to purchase Skyline Wilderness Park (approximately 874 acres of land) from the State of California. This action marks the culmination of many years of dedicated effort to ensure that Napa County continues to have local green spaces and access to open trails, campsites and more. Special thanks to California Senator Bill Dodd for his advocacy and legislative efforts that helped make this acquisition possible.
Read more about the purchase here >>>
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Employee Appreciation Week Awards
This year, the County celebrated our inaugural Employee Appreciation Week during the first week of November. Throughout the week, we highlighted many employees on social media, sharing a little about themselves and their roles. At the Board meeting on November 5, we recognized individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to public service. Awards were presented for Excellence in Public Service; Outstanding Department Head Standard of Excellence; Distinguished Achievement in Public Service; and Leadership, Culture & Productivity. We also recognized 20 dedicated employees who have served Napa County for over 30 years, who together have a combined 663 years of service!
I echo CEO Alsop and Chair Gallagher's remarks at the ceremony: our staff are our most valuable resource, and their dedication and compassion are what makes it possible for us to achieve so much.
Read more about the awardees and ceremony here >>>
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Creating Career Pathways for Soldiers
At the Board meeting on November 12, we celebrated our new partnership with the U.S. Army, which will help provide soldiers with career pathways here at the County. Through their Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program, soldiers are guaranteed interviews and possible employment after completing their service. We are very proud to support veterans by offering these opportunities.
Read more about the PaYS program and our partnership here >>>
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New Reusable and Compostable Foodware Ordinance
At the Board meeting today, we approved a new ordinance to reduce the waste and pollution caused by single-use plastic bags and food packaging, requiring businesses to use compostable or reusable alternatives instead. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices across the county. We will conduct ongoing outreach to ensure communities and businesses are prepared to comply with the new regulations before enforcement begins in a year.
Read the draft ordinance and learn more here >>>
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California State Association of Counties 130th Annual Meeting
Two weeks ago, I attended the 130th Annual Meeting of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC). CSAC is an organization that advocates for all 58 of California's counties, providing a unified voice in legislative and regulatory matters while supporting local governments through education and collaboration. As the CSAC Treasurer, I presented the audits and participated in the Foundation Board meetings to help ensure the organization remains fiscally responsible. My colleagues, including Supervisors-Elect Alessio and Manfree, and I attended various policy committee meetings to receive updates on health and human services, agriculture, housing, transportation, justice, and more. We also witnessed the election of the 2025 CSAC Officers who will lead the organization through the next year.
Learn more about CSAC and the Annual Meeting here >>>
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General Plan Amendment and Rezone for Hess-Collection-Laird Parcels
At the November 12 Board meeting, we held a public hearing to consider a General Plan Amendment and Rezone that would change the two parcels located at South Kelly Road and Highway 29 from "Agriculture, Watershed and Open Space" to "Industrial." The Board voted to adopt this change along with the proposed resolution and ordinance. This rezoning brings us one step closer to realizing the long-envisioned parallel access road on the east side of Highway 29, which will provide emergency access and continuous connectivity for the south county.
Read more about the amendment and rezone here >>>
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Get connected to City Updates
If you're not already subscribed, I encourage all American Canyon residents to sign up for updates from the City, the American Canyon Police Department, and the American Canyon Fire Protection District. Each newsletter shares important information about resources and happenings in our community.
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City Manager, Jason Holley, shares important updates at least twice a month including City Council updates, community events and more. | |
Every month, Police Chief Greenberg provides important safety tips through the Neighborhood Watch Newsletter, along with updates on recent happenings. | |
Chief Belyea shares monthly stats about calls received by American Canyon Fire Protection District, as well as fire safety tips, and more. | |
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Tune in to the Napa County YouTube channel on Saturday, January 4, 2025 to watch the livestream of the Oath of Office Ceremony for me and Supervisors-Elect Alessio and Manfree. This historic occasion marks the commencement of the first all-female Board of Supervisors for Napa County, and the second ever in the state of California!
Save this Livestream link and sign up for a notification here >>>
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2024 Napa County Watershed Symposium 12/5
This Thursday: Participate in a day full of expert-led presentations, engaging panels, and meaningful discussions on sustainable water management. Hear from subject-matter experts, including Napa Flood Control District's Jeremy Sarrow and Richard Thomasser.
Details and tickets here >>>
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Toys for Tots Donations Accepted until 12/6
Make a BIG difference in the lives of children in our community by donating to Toys for Tots this season! Please consider donating a new, unopened toy (or toys) by bringing it to the Napa County Administration Building (1195 Third Street in Downtown Napa) no later than December 6.
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Noche Mexicana 12/6
Attend this Napa County Latino Senior Celebration, an event that provides a cultural environment to reminisce about the past and enjoy the present. Entertainment includes a motivational speaker, an all-men's guitar band, a Mexican children's dance group, and a raffle with prizes. This event is completely free, but advance registration is required.
Register here >>>
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Magic of the Season Holiday Marketplace & Tree Lighting 12/6
Kick off the holiday season at the Magic of the Season event. Enjoy food from local vendors, a festive marketplace, performances and the tree lighting ceremony at 6:30pm. The event runs from 5-8pm on Friday Dec. 6. Please note: Central Avenue, Shenandoah Drive, and Sonoma Creek Way will be temporarily closed for the festivities.
Magic of the Season Details >>>
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14th Annual Reindeer Run 12/7
Join the Annual Reindeer Run, organized by The American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation! Runners and walkers of every level are encouraged to join and take part in the pre-race festivities and then a staggered race start. Advance registration is required.
Learn more and register here >>>
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CanDo Napa Valley Give!Guide 11/15 - 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 67 nonprofits all working to make a difference in our community. Take a look now to see how you can make a difference and make your donation now!
See the Give!Guide here >>>
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Want to make a difference in the community? Join a Napa County board, committee or commission
Joining a committee, commission, council, or board is a way for you to use your experience and expertise to help strengthen our community. There are currently vacancies on the Fire Services Advisory Committee, Housing Commission, Commission on Aging, and more.
See the list of vacancies and apply here >>>
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This Month's Board of Supervisors Meetings
Attend and participate in-person or virtually to stay current on County projects and efforts! This month's meetings are 12/3 (today) and 12/17 at 9am in the Board of Supervisors Chambers on the third floor of the County Administration Building - 1195 Third Street, Suite 305, Napa.
Click here to see current agendas, minutes and meeting details >>>
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Presenting Chief Jason Martin with a Congressional Record commemorating his 36 years of service in CAL FIRE, 30 of which were served here in Napa County. His dedication and leadership have protected our community. | |
With Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg at the Womens Leadership Forum at the CSAC Annual Meeting where she was elected as the 1st Vice President of CSAC for 2025. | |
Serving a holiday harvest feast with Director of Health & Human Services (HHSA), Jennifer Yasumoto. The HHSA executive Team, my fellow Supervisors, and I helped to kick off the holiday season by serving over 300 HHSA staff and clients. | | | | |
