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Welcome to the February edition of the District 3 newsletter, where it’s both mud and mustard season this time of year, and the Glory Hole at Lake Berryessa has been spilling! In this edition, you’ll find information about Board action in response to recent storms; an update on immigration resources in Napa County; a recap of a recent listening session for upvalley businesses, and more. Please reach out to me (anne.cottrell@countyofnapa.org) or my District Aide Leah (leah.doyle-stevens@countyofnapa.org) with questions or concerns.
Thank you for reading,
Anne
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Board Action Responds to Storm Damage
Napa County has faced several severe storm events in the last couple of months. These storms have damaged a handful of roads and bridges around the county. On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Board took action to ratify a proclamation of local emergency and approve a $9.5 million General Fund allocation for repairs. Thanks to the Public Works department for their ongoing monitoring and response to these events.
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February is Black History Month in Napa County
My colleagues and I were joined by James “JT” Thompson as we proclaimed February 2025 as Black History Month in Napa County. Thank you to JT, a Napa resident and a founder of Napa Valley Black History Month, for sharing some info about this annual celebration and educational event. You can learn more here.
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Napa County Turns 175 this Year!
Check out the commemorative page on the County’s website: Celebrating Napa County’s 175th Anniversary | Napa County, CA.
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Napa County and Changes in Federal Immigration Policy
I have heard from many District 3 residents who are concerned about recent changes in federal immigration policy, and what those changes mean for Napa County’s immigrant residents. Here are some updates and links to more information:
The Board has passed resolutions of support for our immigrant community in 2017 and 2021, and in December of 2024 the Board reiterated that support. Many different groups, from social service providers to the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and Napa County Farm Bureau, came out to support the resolution. You can read it here. The Board also created an Ad Hoc Committee that can meet and make further recommendations and has created a page on the county website with more information here.
Our local law enforcement leaders have also issued a statement making it clear that their policies “align with all California state laws that are designed to protect the rights of all residents, including those who have immigration concerns.” You can read the entire statement here: Joint Law Enforcement Agency Statement. (More on this topic below the photo)
| From talking with our law enforcement partners, local school leaders, our own County staff, and several community groups on this issue, I know that a key concern is how to get accurate information to people, and how to address the anxiety and fear that many families and children feel. The Up Valley Family Centers recently held several “Know Your Rights” workshops, and I attended the ones in St. Helena and Calistoga. Kudos to the UVFC team and local law enforcement for helping attendees understand the law and their rights. (See the photo above where UVFC’s Indira Lopez and Calistoga Police Chief Allio presented.) UVFC and several other organizations have come together to create a Napa Valley Together website. There you’ll find resources, volunteer opportunities, and more information about immigration and our community. Thank you to all our community partners who are working collaboratively on this important issue. | |
Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation’s 23rd Annual Pruning Contest
Congratulations to the champions of the 2025 NVFF Pruning Contest! Maria Esther Pérez, with Renteria Vineyard Management, took first prize in the women’s division, and Salvador Eduardo Sánchez Raya, with Gonzalez Vineyard Management, took first prize for the men. This event showcases the very high levels of expertise and experience that Napa’s vineyard workers bring to their work; we are lucky to have skilled craftsmen and craftswomen here! Thanks to the Farmworker Foundation and Napa Valley Grapegrowers, and the many local businesses who sponsored the event, and to the community groups who showed up to share info about their services and programs. And most importantly, thanks to all who participated!
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Recognizing Davie Pina
Long-time Rutherford Volunteer Firefighter and Chief Davie Pina retired last month, with much fanfare and cake! Davie (pictured here with his wife Jennifer) has not only spent decades as a leader with the Rutherford Volunteer Fire team, but he has also been instrumental in so many other ways in our community. He has been an integral member of the Rutherford Reach project too., restoring major sections of the Napa River. Thank you Davie for your decades of service to the Napa County community.
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Point - In - Time Count
This year, my staff and I participated in the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count along with staff from the County and City of St. Helena. The PIT Count is an annual census of people experiencing homelessness, and the data helps our Housing and Homeless Services staff understand improvements, areas for opportunity and better determine where to invest time and resources in the fight to end homelessness. Learn more here.
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Listening to Local Businesses
Last month, the Chamber CEO’s from St. Helena, Yountville, and Calistoga and I organized a forum for upvalley businesses to gather and share their perspectives on current visitor trends (more outdoor experiences, e.g.) and challenges. Thanks to Alila Napa Valley for hosting, and to all the retailers, restaurants, wineries, and hotels who came to participate and exchange ideas.
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The Town of Yountville Celebrates 60 Years
Happy 60th birthday to the Town of Yountville! I was happy to join in the Diamond Jubilee celebration. Thank you to the Town Councilmembers and staff for creating an event that connected Yountville with its past and looked to the future.
The Yountville team also put together a great pop-up museum featuring photos and stories about the town's history. Look for it in town again soon!
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Napa Countywide Transportation Plan Open House
The Napa Valley Transportation Authority invites the public to participate in the first open house for the new Countywide Active Transportation Plan. The plan will help prioritize projects, programs and policies to support the different transportation needs of the community. Spanish translation will be provided. Learn more here.
Feb. 26, 2025
5:30pm-7:30pm
Napa Valley College
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Sustainability Workshop: Solar and Backup Batteries for Home Resiliency
Join the Napa County Sustainability Team to learn how solar power systems and batteries can provide reliable energy during unexpected power outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Learn about the installation process and the next steps to take in ensuring your home stays powered when it matters most. Click here for more information.
April 30, 2025
Napa County Library
580 Coombs St., Napa
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Fire Prevention Work Happens Year Round
Napa Firewise has initiated an important roadside clearing project along Sage Canyon Road in Rutherford. Roughly four miles of hazardous vegetation along the road is being treated with this project funded by Napa County. This project also incorporates roadside work that is being funded and maintained by the Hennessey Rector Fire Safe Council.
It is part of a larger roadside clearance focus in the county to enhance safety and build fire resiliency. This project area serves as a vital artery for ingress and egress for Lake Hennessey, southern Pope Valley, Capell Valley and Lake Berryessa. It also protects critical City of Napa infrastructure, enhances access for firefighting resources and can act as a fire break to slow or stop the spread of a wildfire.
| Change in Traffic Signal at Deer Park / Silverado Trail
| Thanks to everyone who has contacted my office with concerns regarding the new signal on Silverado Trail. We are sharing all your input with Public Works and checking in regularly. We’ve heard your concerns about traffic backups at this intersection, and after years of increasing congestion, Public Works implemented a solution by turning on the existing traffic signal and will continue to monitor and fine-tune the timing to optimize flow for all users. Your input is valuable. If you have observations to share, please email Public Works here. | |
2025 Chipping Program
The Napa County Fire Department's annual Chipping Program offers County residents a free service to chip vegetation cleared for defensible space around homes and access routes. This initiative encourages compliance with defensible space requirements, thereby reducing wildfire risks.
Applications open on Mar. 17, 2025, with chipping services running from April through November.
Residents in unincorporated Napa County who have prepared vegetation piles according to program guidelines are eligible to receive services.
How to Participate:
- Prepare your piles: Ensure they meet the specified criteria.
- Submit a request: Once your piles are ready, complete the online application form available on the Napa County website starting Mar. 17, 2025.
By participating in the Chipping Program, residents contribute to community safety by maintaining defensible space, which is crucial in mitigating wildfire hazards. Learn more here.
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Volunteer Firefighter Program
The Napa County Volunteer Firefighter Program is a vital component of the County's emergency response system, offering residents the opportunity to serve their community by responding to emergencies such as medical aids, vehicle accidents, structure fires, wildland fires, rescues, and hazardous material incidents.
Value to the Community:
- Enhanced Emergency Response: Volunteer firefighters bolster the county's capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, particularly in rural areas.
- Community Engagement: Volunteers often possess local knowledge, fostering trust and collaboration between the fire department and residents.
- Resource Efficiency: By supplementing professional firefighters, volunteers help manage resources effectively, ensuring comprehensive coverage during critical incidents.
By joining the Napa County Volunteer Firefighter Program, individuals can make a meaningful impact on community safety and gain valuable skills in emergency response. Click here to sign up and for more information.
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SNAPSHOT ON COUNTY SERVICES | |
Department Spotlight: Napa County Auditor Controller's Office
The Napa County Auditor-Controller’s Office, lead by Tracy Schulze, plays a critical role in maintaining the County’s financial integrity and accountability. As the County’s chief financial officer, this department ensures transparency, efficiency, and compliance in managing public funds.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Oversight: Maintains accurate financial records, prepares annual financial reports, and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Budget & Payroll Management: Oversees the County’s budget, monitors expenditures, and processes payroll for County employees.
- Auditing & Accountability: Conducts internal audits to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse, ensuring County funds are used appropriately.
- Property Tax Administration: Calculates and distributes property tax revenue to schools, cities, and special districts.
- Public Transparency: Provides financial reports and data to the public to promote openness and accountability.
By managing the County’s financial operations responsibly, the Auditor-Controller’s Office helps ensure that public funds are used efficiently to benefit the Napa County community.
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Ways to Connect and Find Information | | | | |
