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Dear Community Members,
July was an incredibly busy and productive month. From learning about Vienna’s social housing to transferring the keys to of the former Napa County Fairgrounds to Calistoga, and everything in between— we’re excited to share the updates below.
I finished July in the most inspiring way—with our future leaders. I had the privilege of honoring the climate advocacy work of Allison Bencsik (co-President of Students for Climate Action). Allison’s advocacy directly impacted public policy in Napa County. In the same day I had the opportunity to listen to the capstone presentations of Bay Area high school youth participating in Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy. Today's youth continue to inspire me and give me hope for a future filled with leaders who are committed to making the world a better place.
In an effort to increase the exchange of information from my office to you, we’ve created an official Facebook page and Instagram account. We will be sharing official county information through these accounts. I’ll still share county information on my personal pages, but those accounts will be sprinkled with pictures of my family, my kids’ 4-H projects, and pets.
Summer is almost over and if you blink, you’ll miss some of my favorite summer activities—National Night Out, the fair, Junior Livestock Auction and the final Meet Me in the Street. I hope to see you in the last few weeks of summer!
Sincerely,
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Special Message from Sheriff Ortiz
In most circumstances, particularly in rural communities, a vehicle is used during the commission of the crime. A license plate reader can help deter and solve neighborhood crimes by capturing a vehicle’s license plate as it enters and leaves a community. While nobody is live monitoring these cameras, the license plates recorded on these cameras can provide an actionable lead for law enforcement investigations. Successful investigations result in arrest, prosecution, and disposition of cases that help keep our community safe.
Read the full message from the Sheriff about license plate (flock) cameras here >>>
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Traffic Alert! Single Lane Closure on SR 221 at SR 29 Continues Through Friday 8/9
Remember to plan for extra travel time and drive safely for workers when going through this junction. This detour will direct traffic through the partially completed roundabouts, so please drive carefully for your safety and that of the workers. You may also find an alternative travel route entering Hwy 29 southbound at Imola.
Click here for more info on the lane closure >>>
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New CAL FIRE Chief Named for Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit
Matt Ryan has been appointed as the next CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit (LNU) Chief. Chief Ryan has served his entire 24-year CAL FIRE career in LNU and has worked in all five of its divisions since joining the agency in 2001. In this new role, he assumes command as Fire Chief for the Napa County Fire Department and the South Lake County Fire Protection District. Congratulations Chief Ryan!
Learn more about Chief Matt Ryan >>>
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County Property Assessment Values Increase
In the latest update from Napa County Assessor-Recorder John Tuteur, it was announced that the assessed value of all local properties for the 2024-2025 fiscal year totals $55.2 billion, reflecting a $2.4 billion increase, or 4.59% growth, from the previous year. Despite economic challenges impacting our community, Napa County's assessment roll showed healthy growth, ranking fourth in California for per capita assessed property value. All cities within the county reported increases in assessed values, with notable gains in American Canyon, Calistoga, and Saint Helena.
Read the full announcement here >>>
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Napa County Housing Element Approved
Our Housing Element was recently certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. This key component is a big part of our General Plan, laying out goals and rules for housing in rural areas for future growth. The updated Housing Element looks at fair housing, identifies locations of homeless encampments, and environmental considerations.
Read about the Housing Element process and access the full document here>>>
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2024 Napa County Farmworker Housing Needs & Impacts Assessment
At the July 23rd Board meeting, Jennifer Palmer, Director of the County's Housing & Homeless Services, gave an overview on the housing needs and impact for our farmworkers related to housing. Farmworkers face significant housing challenges, including long commute times, overcrowded households, and family separation. Additional barriers include language access and the complexity and expense of finding housing each season. Learn more about our community's farmworkers and the opportunities identified to help support them.
Read the full report here >>>
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BAHFA Housing Bond - What is it?
Last month, the vote was finalized placing the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) Affordable Housing Bond on the ballot for November. But, you may be wondering why, and what impact it could have? I encourage you to read the full report on the Bond to get your questions answered.
Read the BAHFA Affordable Housing Bond Report >>>
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Joining Forces to Prepare Bay Area for Sea Level Rise, Increased Floods
"We must accelerate our pace and plan at a scale commensurate with the threat. This MOU is an important step in documenting how the seven agencies will coordinate in support of the cities, counties, special districts, community-based organizations, and private interests that all have critical roles to play in implementing effective projects."
Read more here >>>
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What I Learned from Social Housing in Vienna
I recently had the privilege of traveling with the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) on a delegation to Vienna, Austria to learn about their approach to social housing. It was an incredible opportunity that I learned so much from. Their innovative approach to housing provided some ideas and lessons learned for how we might be able to do things differently in the Bay Area.
Read more about the field-study trip here >>>
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New AmCan Virtual City Hall Website Live
If you haven't already, be sure to check out the City of American Canyon's new website. Their Virtual City Hall format is meant to help make information more accessible, including a new community calendar.
Check out the new site here >>>
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Napa Farmers Market Release First Impact Report
The Napa Farmers Market released their first Impact Report, highlighting how their critical work is brining healthy, local food to our community and helping our economy. The County is a proud government partner in their work.
See the full report >>>
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National Night Out 8/6
Join block parties throughout our community during National Night Out! This annual community-building campaign helps us build police-community relationships that help make our neighborhoods safer.
Find out where the block parties are >>>
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Napa Valley Vine Trail Community Celebration 8/17
Come up valley on 8/17 to be part of the grand opening of the newest segment of the Napa Valley Vine Trail! There will be music, games, meet up rides, swag and more!
Find details of the event here >>>
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Meet Me in the Street - Last One of the Year! 8/14
Come meet me in the street for the last time this year on Wednesday, 8/14 from 5-8pm. Come a little early for the Ribbon Cutting for Kids Commerce at 4:45pm and show your support for young entrepreneurs! It's a great way to get connected to resources and be together in community before the busy school year starts.
Click here for the event details >>>
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Help Name Parks and Facilities!
Sumit your ideas to the City of American Canyon to rename Community Park I, Community Park II and the former Napa Junction Center. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a mark on your community!
Submit your ideas by Aug. 30th >>>
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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 on 8/6 and 8/20 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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Supervisor Cottrell and I with newly hired Calistoga Fairgrounds Revitalization Director Sheli Wright. | |
Mountain View City Council Member Margaret Abe-Koga and I touring Vienna's social housing. | |
Celebrating longtime American Canyon resident, Fran Lemos' 95th birthday! | |
Listening to the capstone projects of students in the Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy. | |
Commending American Canyon High School graduate, Allison Bencsik on her climate activism and leadership. | | | | |
