Dear Friends,


Whether you are looking forward to Thanksgiving or already started decorating for the holidays, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful changing colors of the place we call home.


During October, I had the great fortune of representing all California Counties at the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Executive Committee meeting. Listening and learning from other counties is incredibly helpful. What is clear in our county, and with all counties, is that we are at the ground level supporting families and strengthening our communities.


One of the most meaningful ways to support our families is with your generosity, especially during the holidays. I ask you to join me in supporting our local food pantries. Bring your canned food donations to our new Fifth District Office Grand Opening on December 4th. Details and invite below!

Sincerely,

P.S. It is my honor to serve you and the County of Napa. Please feel free to reach out to me and my Board Aide Melissa Moize with any County-related issue, concern or ideas. We can be reached at (707)253-6170; belia.ramos@countyofnapa.org; and melissa.moize@countyofnapa.org

NEW DATE FOR OFFICE OPENING!

I'm excited to invite you to the District 5 Satellite Office Ribbon Cutting, Open House and Food Drive on Wednesday, December 4th from 4:30-6:30pm at American Canyon City Hall! Please join us to see how this office will enhance our connection with the residents in south Napa County.

Please note this was originally scheduled for November 14th and has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 4th.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Every Vote Counts!


In these last few days before Election Day, I encourage you to cast your ballot if you haven't done so already! As highlighted in last month's newsletter, the County is working hard to keep the election safe and secure (rewatch the video here to learn how).


You can drop off your ballot at any vote center or drop box throughout the county. If you missed the deadline to register to vote and didn't receive your ballot in the mail, it's not too late! You can still register and vote in this election by visiting any of the vote centers and doing same-day voter registration, otherwise known as Conditional Voter Registration (Your ballot will be processed and counted once the elections office has completed the verification process and confirmed that you have not already cast a ballot in the election). Below are some quick links to help you vote:


Agricultural Crop Report Cover Contest Open


Every year, the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner's Office, in partnership with the Napa County Ag in the Classroom Program, invite students in grades 6-12 to enter our Crop Report Art Contest. The winning artwork will be featured on the cover of the upcoming report and the top three entries will receive cash prizes. Please spread the word and let the teens in your life know about this opportunity!



Details on how to enter the contest here >>>


To get more updates and announcements like this one, subscribe to the Agricultural Commissioner's newsletter here.

Heritage House and Valle Verde Apartments Grand Opening


I was honored to attend the grand opening of the Heritage House and Valle Verde Apartments at the end of October. It was heartwarming to hear from a resident, Donald, who shared how Heritage House has helped him change his, and his puppy Desiree's, lives for the better. The project has introduced 90 units, now providing homes for those who were experiencing homelessness, as well as affordable housing for farmworkers and families in our community. This project is the result of years of dedication, collaboration and perseverance from all the partners involved.


Learn more about Heritage House & Valle Verde here >>>

COUNTY UPDATES

Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) Prepares to Launch CARE Court

At the Board meeting on October 29th, we heard a presentation from HHSA about the upcoming implementation of the Community Assistance, Empowerment and Recovery (CARE) Act in Napa County. This state legislation aims to provide community-based behavioral health treatment for individuals experiencing untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. It will allow a wide range of "petitioners" to request court-ordered treatment, services, support and housing plans for those affected by these disorders. The goal of the CARE Act is to break the cycle of homelessness, criminalization and institutionalization, offering a pathway towards stability for those impacted.


Read the full presentation here >>>

Floating Solar Approved at Napa Sanitation District


At the Board meeting on October 15th, we held a public hearing to discuss a commercial floating solar facility permit for Laketricity. We voted unanimously to approve the rezoning, variance and use permit necessary for the project. Once completed, this initiative will be approximately 56 acres of floating solar panels on top of two of the Napa Sanitation District's wastewater ponds, generating approximately 34.7 megawatts of direct current electricity. The lease revenue from Laketricity will help fund the low-income sewer service charge program and enhance recycled water quality by reducing evaporation.


Read more about the project here >>>

REGIONAL UPDATES

PG&E Regional Facility Tour & Meeting


Last week I had the opportunity to tour PG&E's new Regional Facility in American Canyon. This facility uses many sustainable energy practices, including solar panels that enable the main building to achieve net-zero energy, onsite EV charging stations, water use reduction measures, and more. It is also equipped with dedicated spaces for PG&E to coordinate emergency operations enhancing their responce efficiency during crises. While there, we had the opportunity to speak with the Regional Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and other staff members and discussed ways PG&E could better meet the community's needs.

AMERICAN CANYON UPDATES

American Canyon named #1 Place to Retire Affordably


American Canyon has received impressive recognition in the media recently. Forbes named our community the #1 place to retire affordably, recognizing our strong community connections, many activities for seniors, and our beautiful outdoor spaces like the Napa River Bay Trail and the Newell Open Space Preserve. Our close-knit community feel, combined with our proximity to the Bay Area's amenities pushed us to #1!


Read the full article here >>>

Hidden Gem: Napa River Glass Beach


Our community was featured in a segment on Bartell's Backroads on ABC10, spotlighting our Napa River Glass Beach. The story shares how the beach came to be and highlights how restoring the wetlands was one of the first major projects for the City of American Canyon. Watch the full video below.

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.

City Manager, Jason Holley, shares important updates at least twice a month including City Council updates, community events and more.

Chief Greenberg provides important safety tips every month through the Neighborhood Watch Newsletter and updates about recent happenings.

Chief Belyea shares monthly stats about calls received by American Canyon Fire Protection District, as well as fire safety tips and more.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Napa Día de los Muertos 11/2


TOMORROW, join Napa Dia de los Muertos from 3-8pm, a family-friendly celebration that honors the rich traditions of Dia de los Muertos through art, music, dance, and delicious food! Experience a welcoming space that fosters cultural awareness and pride, bringing our diverse Napa community together to celebrate life and remember our loved ones.


Napa Día de los Muertos details here >>>

American Canyon Veterans Day Ceremony 11/11


Come to the American Canyon Veterans Day Ceremony to honor and thank those who serve. The event will take place from 11am-12pm at the American Canyon Middle School Gymnasium (100 Benton Way) and will feature a keynote speaker, student performances, boths from Veterans Service organizations, and refreshments.


Veterans Day Ceremony Details >>>

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 start making donations on November 15th!


See the Give!Guide here >>>

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. 6th. Please note: Central Avenue, Shenandoah Drive, and Sonoma Creek Way will be temporarily closed for the festivities.


Magic of the Season Details >>>

GET INVOLVED

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, Tourism Improvement District and more.


See the list of vacancies and apply here >>>

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 11/5 and 11/12 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 >>>

SNAPSHOTS

American Canyon residents gathering in front of the new mural, created by American Canyon-based artist Sebastien Pridmore, at the Napa Valley Community Foundation at their 30th Anniversary Block Party.

Joining Sheriff Oscar Ortiz at Coffee with a Cop where a special pink vehicle was displayed in support of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Attending the Nonprofit Affordable Housing Conference on Oct. 4th to participate in a panel discussing the importance of Prop 5 and how it will provide local jurisdictions with another tool for affordable housing.

RESOURCES

County Resources

How do I? (frequently used resources)

Good Neighbor Resources

Construction Updates (current County projects)

Ready Napa County (prepare for disasters)

Join a Board, Committee or Commission

Napa County News (current news)

Board of Supervisors Meetings

American Canyon Resources

AmCan City Manager's Monthly Updates

AmCan Neighborhood Watch Newsletter

AmCan Fire District News-Ladder

AmCan Community Events


Supervisor Belia Ramos

About Supervisor Ramos

About District 5

Supervisor Belia Ramos

belia.ramos@countyofnapa.org

(707)259-8277


District 5 Board Aide Melissa Moize

melissa.moize@countyofnapa.org

(707)253-6170



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