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Welcome to the June Newsletter! There’s a lot happening around Napa County and right here in District 3—and this newsletter offers just a glimpse of the exciting events, projects, and opportunities underway.
As we enjoy the season, please remember to stay safe on our roadways and in the water. Whether you’re driving, biking, boating, or swimming, a little extra caution helps keep everyone protected.
Also, congratulations to all the recent and soon-to-be graduates! A special shoutout to my sons, Fred from St. Helena High and George from Pomona College—wishing them both all the best as they embark on their next adventures. Here’s to a wonderful summer!
Thank you for reading, and please reach out to me (anne.cottrell@countyofnapa.org) or my District Aide Leah (leah.doyle-stevens@countyofnapa.org) with any County-related questions or concerns.
Warmly,
Anne
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Leadership Transition on the Planning Commission
At a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, we honored Heather Phillips for over a decade of dedicated service on the Planning Commission. Heather first served as Supervisor Wagenknecht’s appointee (2006–2017) and more recently as mine for District 3 since 2023. We’re deeply grateful for her thoughtful contributions.
I’m also pleased to welcome Molly Moran Williams as my new appointee. Like Heather, Molly brings valuable experience in land use and a deep understanding of Napa’s agricultural heritage and sustainability.
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2024 Annual Crop Report Released
At the May 20 Board of Supervisors meeting, my colleagues and I received the 2024 Annual Crop Report from Agricultural Commissioner Tracy Cleveland, offering a detailed look at the production and value of the county’s agricultural commodities.
Key Takeaways from 2024:
- Overall agricultural production value decreased by 14.3%
- Winegrape crop value declined 14.4% compared to 2023
- Poultry and other animal products saw a significant 54% increase
- Vegetable crops rose 37% in value
These shifts reflect the dynamic nature of Napa County’s diverse agricultural economy.
Congratulations to Julian Pineda whose artwork won the cover art contest for the latest crop report!
Read the full report here.
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Napa County to Open Behavioral Health Treatment Center
During the June 3 Board of Supervisors meeting, my colleagues and I voted to approve funding to transform the County’s existing Reentry Facility into a Behavioral Health Treatment Center, expanding critical services for residents facing serious mental health and substance use challenges. It will house three key programs: residential substance use treatment, a mental health rehabilitation center, and a sobering center.
The new Behavioral Health Treatment Center will strengthen our system of care for our most vulnerable residents.
This project repurposes an existing County asset and addresses longstanding infrastructure needs while supporting a more treatment-focused approach to behavioral health. Learn more here.
| My colleague Supervisor Alessio and I have an opinion piece in the San Francisco Chronicle. It tells the story of a CEQA challenge to a local childcare project that almost derailed the facility. We need fixes to current law so that communities can get the child care and housing that residents need. Read the article here. | |
Baseline Data Report
Napa County is launching a vital effort to update its General Plan—the long-range blueprint that will guide how our communities grow, thrive, and adapt in the decades ahead. The first step in this process is updating the Baseline Data Report (BDR).
The BDR is a comprehensive snapshot of existing conditions across the county, including land use, natural resources, infrastructure, environmental factors, and community needs. It lays the groundwork for thoughtful, data-informed planning and helps to identify areas for improvement. The updated BDR will influence decisions in key areas such as:
· Land use, transportation, and economic development
· Conservation of natural resources
· Public services and infrastructure investments
· Fire safety and climate resilience
Get Involved! We invite you to attend one of the upcoming virtual public workshops to learn more about the BDR and share your insights:
Thurs., July 24 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Wed., July 30 | 3:00–5:00 PM
Thurs., July 31 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Learn more at countyofnapa.org/bdr.
Share your email here to stay informed.
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2025-26 Napa County Budget Hearings
Napa County invites the community to participate in the upcoming budget hearings for the 2025–26 fiscal year:
Both evening and daytime sessions will feature the same presentation and offer Spanish translation and closed captioning via Zoom (Meeting ID: 842‑343‑169) and online streaming on Napa County’s YouTube channel—ensuring accessibility for all.
Why Attend?
This is your chance to learn about how the County plans to allocate resources, share feedback, and help shape Napa’s future priorities.
Stay informed—and engaged—as we build a stronger, well-supported community in the year ahead.
I hope to see you then!
Mon. Jun. 16, 2025
6:00pm
Tues. Jun. 17, 2025
9:00am
Board Chambers
Napa County Admin. Bldg.
1195 3rd Street, Napa
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CA State Parks Week: Inspired by the Land at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and Bale Grist Mill Historic State Park
Celebrate California State Parks Week in Napa at the Inspired by the Land event on Saturday, June 14th. There will be guided hikes, meetup bike rides, art demos and workshops, exhibitions by local artists and makers, food, fun, and much more! Come join us at the park and celebrate our local historic State Parks.
Click here for more details about this event.
Sat., Jun. 14, 2025
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Attend a Napa Open Space District Event!
Did you know that the Napa Open Space District offers events and workshops throughout the year to help residents learn more about our unique natural spaces, meet other outdoor and history enthusiasts?
Community events are an important part of the District's ongoing work to educate and bring people together to celebrate our county’s history and learn more about some of our unique natural environments.
Click here for a listing of all of our scheduled events & get involved.
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Have you seen the latest episode of Through the Vine?
Did you know that the Napa County Public Information Officer produces an official newscast—a video series highlighting county projects, services, and community updates? Be sure to check it out and subscribe for the latest County-wide updates.
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Firefighter Appreciation Event
We are fortunate that Napa County Fire Department encompasses both career staff and volunteers: our local firefighters are embedded in our community and provide a critical line of connection and communication; and our CalFire partnership helps us leverage a broad network of resources. (Great to have more dedicated helicopters at the ready this fire season!)
Thank you to Louis Martini for hosting, to the Rutherford Firefighters, that Napa Valley Vintners and Napa Valley Grapegrowers for their contributions to the evening. (We had fun doing the raffle!) And a big congrats to those who received a special awards and recognitions for their many years of service.
I am grateful to all our firefighters for their commitment and service in keeping our communities safe and resilient!
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Calistoga Ag Day
Congratulations to Calistoga for its inaugural Ag Day at Calistoga Fairgrounds recently!
There were farm animals, vintage tractors, history displays, wine tastings and a wine competition, and even a jumpy house. Several local merchants and community groups, including Napa CART and Napa CERT, were on-hand as well. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make this event happen. Looking forward to next year!
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Memorial Day in St. Helena & Yountville
I was glad to attend the American Legion's Memorial Day ceremony at St Helena cemetery. We heard readings from St. Helena High School's Boys and Girls state representatives, and then a moving tribute to Darrik Benson. Born and raised in Angwin, Darrik was a Navy SEAL who was killed in a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Thank you to Post 199 for organizing this meaningful event, and for all the community members - including Cub Scouts, Scout Troop 1, and our local American Legion Eagles baseball team - who came to honor and remember all fallen service members.
Also, thank you to everyone - Scouts, Brownies, football players, and families - who came out to help place flags at graves at the Yountville Veterans Home. And thank you to the Vets Home team for inviting the public to participate in this Memorial Day tradition, and pay tribute to the veterans buried here.
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BBQ Honoring Yountville Veterans
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and DAV Auxiliary recently hosted the 2nd Annual post-COVID BBQ for residents of the Yountville Veterans Home. The event brought together residents, volunteers, and supporters for a joyful afternoon of food, music, and community. A heartfelt thank you to the DAV team and all who helped make this special day possible in honoring our local veterans.
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Stay Safe at the Lake!
Fun at Lake Berryessa starts with safety. Life jackets save lives—so, make sure everyone, big and small, wears one. Don’t have one? No worries—free life jackets are available at all Lake Berryessa concessions. Your family’s safety matters.
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Groundwater Fieldtrip
It was great to join the Groundwater Sustainability Agency's Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for a field trip recently. We visited two stream sites with monitoring wells, learning about:
- Technology and logistics - how does the equipment measure groundwater levels, and how is the data collected?
- Habitat - what plant and animal species are found at the sites?
- Surface water and groundwater interaction - how is the groundwater system below each site connected to the surface water above?
Thanks to the TAG, RCD, and Napa County teams for your work and for sharing this info. We are lucky to have strong collaboration between many partners on this work. Learn more about the TAG and why they are important here.
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Alert Napa County- Stay informed!
Sign up for Alert Napa County to stay informed with timely emergency updates – visit the Alert Napa County web page or text your zip code to 888777. You may also want to explore other alert systems relevant to areas where you work, attend school, or frequently visit within Napa County.
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Yountville Veterans Home: Give back to those who gave so much
The Yountville Veterans Home Volunteer Coordinator is looking for 20 dedicated volunteers to support residents with mobility challenges during a special community 4th of July celebration. This is an excellent opportunity to give back and connect with others in a meaningful way.
Event Date: Friday, July 4
Shifts Available:
- 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
🍽️ Lunch will be provided!
Volunteers will help with:
- Delivering meals from food trucks
- Chaperoning residents
- Assisting with wheelchair escorts
Interested? Call Adrianne James-Singh at 707-944-4931 by Wednesday, July 2nd.
| | SNAPSHOT ON COUNTY PROGRAMS & SERVICES | |
Program Spotlight: Napa County Sheriff's Office Citizens' Academy
Congratulations to Citizens’ Academy Class 18!
A big congratulations to the recent graduates of the Napa County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy Class 18, including District 3 Aide, Leah, who spent the past 14 weeks gaining hands-on insight into the work of the Sheriff’s Office.
The Citizens’ Academy is a dynamic, 14-week program that gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at all aspects of law enforcement in Napa County. Attendees learn directly from deputies and staff about patrol operations, investigations, corrections, K-9 units, dispatch, and more. Participants also get to tour facilities and engage in interactive demonstrations and discussions.
Offered each spring, the Academy is designed to build stronger community connections, promote transparency, and increase public understanding of local law enforcement.
Interested in joining the next class?
The Citizens’ Academy is open to Napa County residents age 18 and older. Classes fill up quickly, so early application is encouraged. For updates and application details, follow the Napa County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the Sheriff’s Office website to learn more.
This is a great way to connect with your community and better understand how public safety works in Napa County!
| | Ways to Connect and Find Information | | | | |
