ON THE GROUND

Working Together for Healthy Watersheds

Healthy watersheds are essential to our communities, agricultural land, wildlife and water supply.

In compliance with California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, Napa County is implementing its Groundwater Sustainability Plan. And across Napa County, local agencies, landowners and community partners are doing their part, working together to better understand and protect our water resources.

One emerging effort is based in Lake Hennessey area. With support from the Napa County Resource Conservation District (RCD) and the Abuelitos Foundation, the Lake Hennessey Watershed Group is working to develop a shared vision for the watershed's next five to ten years. The conversation focused on how local landowners and agency partners can collaborate protect watershed health and build resilience for the future.

I visited one of the Watershed Group’s work sites (see the photo above) where they are working in dry gullies and building structures that will slow the flow of water, and also spread it across a wider area. Both techniques help to increase groundwater recharge - and potentially reduce wildfire risk too.

The County is also continuing groundwater monitoring and sustainability work, including new monitoring wells in the Calistoga area and efforts to better understand the connection between groundwater and our rivers and streams.

Want to learn more? Visit the Napa County Watersheds website for information about local water resources, groundwater, watershed projects and opportunities to get involved.

New Preliminary Flood Maps Released for Calistoga Area

FEMA has released preliminary revised flood maps covering portions of the Calistoga area, including the Napa River and several tributaries. Napa County is encouraging residents, property owners and businesses to review the preliminary maps and see whether their property may be affected. The County updated its information on September 4 and provides a GIS map that allows residents to compare the existing and proposed floodplain boundaries.

Learn more at Napa County’s website.

Ruth Fire and Steele Fire

A small vegetation fire, known as the Ruth Fire, started in late August along Conn Valley Road. It was a reminder that wildfire season is not over. The fire brought a quick, coordinated response from both ground and air, helping keep the Ruth incident small. Then in early September, the Steele Fire broke out near Steele Canyon Road. Firefighters were able to tackle that one quickly as well, holding it to only 51 acres.

I want to thank the teams at the Napa County Fire Department (including upvalley volunteer members of NCFD) and the St. Helena Fire Department. Their quick work and coordination made a difference.

Even a small fire can become a serious threat under the right conditions. Please continue to stay vigilant, maintain defensible space around your home, and make sure you are signed up to receive emergency alerts.

Ready to prepare? Napa County offers resources to help residents get ready, including information about defensible space, vegetation management and the County’s free chipping program. Learn more:

• Napa County Fire Readiness & Defensible Space
• Napa County Chipper Program
• Napa County Emergency Alerts and Preparedness
• Napa Communities Firewise Foundation

Oak Knoll and Zinfandel Intersection Improvements

Napa County has been awarded a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant to improve the intersections of Oak Knoll Avenue and Zinfandel Lane with Silverado Trail. Construction begins September 21 and is expected to continue through November 2026.

Improvements include a new southbound right-turn lane and roadway widening at Oak Knoll, along with updated bike lane markings, signs and striping. At Zinfandel, new green bike lane markings and updated striping will improve visibility and safety for cyclists and drivers alike.

Construction hours are Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm. Please plan for construction activity and possible delays in the area.

For additional information regarding the project, please contact Sydney Barclay, Associate Engineer, Napa County Public Works Department at sydney.barclay@countyofnapa.org.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Yountville 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

I joined the Town of Yountville in commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11. The ceremony was a time to mourn those we lost, honor the heroes who responded, and remember the strength of our communities.

Thank you to the Napa County Sheriff’s Department and Napa County Fire Department for joining us and for the service they provide every day, especially during times of emergency and disaster.

In my remarks, I shared the story of Charlie Greene, who lost his father on September 11. Charlie recently wrote about how neighbors came together to support his family, setting aside their differences to care for one another. You can read his reflections in the New York Times.

Twenty-five years later, that spirit of community is still worth honoring. We can remember September 11 by choosing to know our neighbors, help one another and find common ground, every day.

Back-to-School Community Celebration in Calistoga

Thank you to UpValley Family Centers for hosting a wonderful Back-to-School Community Celebration! It was great to join Calistoga families for an afternoon filled with helpful information, community resources and connections to services available throughout the Valley.



Thank you for having me and, most importantly, for the year-round work you do to support local families and strengthen our UpValley communities. We are grateful for all you do!

AT THE STATE LEVEL

Investing in Wildfire Resilience

California’s wildfire risk continues to grow, and now is not the time to step back from our investments in prevention. In partnership with the Wildfire Solutions Coalition, I authored a recent Capitol Weekly op-ed, calling on state lawmakers to continue funding wildfire resilience work.

We know that proactive investments in forest health, fuel reduction and community preparedness all make a difference in protecting lives, homes and local economies – and in reducing the cost of recovery. Sustained investment now can help California communities prepare for the future, so that we are better prepared before the next fire starts. Read my full op-ed in Capitol Weekly.

Supporting Napa Agriculture and Trade

Last week, as part of my role with Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), I had the opportunity to join a conversation with Canadian Consul General Rana Sarkar and his colleagues.

I shared what I have been hearing from Napa Valley wineries, both large and small, about the impact of tariffs. Many have spent decades building strong relationships with Canadian consumers and are now facing significant challenges.

California agriculture depends on strong markets for its products, including wine, fruits, vegetables and nuts. I appreciate the Canadian Consul General and his team for continuing to listen to California producers and communities as we work toward a stronger and more reliable trading relationship with our neighbors to the north.

IN THE VOLUNTEER SPIRIT

Do you love Halloween? The Veterans Home has a volunteer opportunity for you!

The California Veterans Home in Yountville is looking for volunteers to help make Halloween special for its residents. Volunteers will help create a fun and festive afternoon for the veterans who call the Home their community. Whether you can help decorate, assist with activities or simply bring some Halloween spirit, your time can make a meaningful difference.

If you’re looking for a simple way to give back and brighten someone’s day, consider volunteering at this year’s Halloween event. Contact Volunteer Services Office at 707-944-4931 or ynt_volunteer@calvet.ca.gov.