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Hello District 3 friends and neighbors,
As we enter November—a month centered on giving and gratitude—I want to take a moment to thank you for being an active and caring part of our community. I am continually inspired by the generosity, resilience, and spirit of service that define District 3 and all of Napa County.
In this edition, you’ll find updates on new County programs and services, local food access resources, and a spotlight on Napa Valley COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster), which continues to strengthen our community’s preparedness and recovery efforts. I’m also delighted to introduce a new feature—D3 History—a contribution from former Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon, highlighting the people and stories that helped shape our district.
Thank you for staying connected, for supporting one another, and for helping make Napa County such a remarkable place to live, work, and give back. Please reach out to me (anne.cottrell@countyofnapa.org) or District 3 Aide Leah (leah.doyle-stevens@countyofnapa.org) with any County-related questions or concerns.
Warmly,
Anne
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BOS Allocates Emergency Funding to Support SNAP / CalFresh Recipients
The challenge: On November 1, the federal government stopped sending SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding to states. In Napa County, about 6,600 households, representing 10,700 residents, have qualified for and depend on this program (called CalFresh in California) for food assistance.
The response: At a Special Meeting in late October, my colleagues and I approved up to $1 million in Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) funds to help eligible residents maintain food access. This temporary emergency funding will provide grocery store gift cards to help bridge any gap in benefits. We recognize how critical these benefits are to kids, families, and seniors. This emergency funding ensures families, children, and seniors have access to fresh, healthy food while the County and our partners work together on long-term solutions.
I am grateful to the leadership of our Health and Human Services Director, Jennifer Yasumoto, in tackling this issue, and to our many partners in the community: Napa Valley Community Foundation, Community Action Napa Valley, and the many other food banks, farmers markets and community groups who are working hard to provide fresh food in this challenging moment.
UPDATE: CalFresh Benefits for November Have Been Restored - Updated 11/10/25
CalFresh benefits for November have been restored for Napa County residents.
Following the regular process for providing CalFresh benefits, full benefits were made available on EBT cards on November 7 for those whose benefits would normally receive them on the 1st – 7th of the month and were reloaded each day on the 8th – 10th for those whose issuance dates were normally those dates.
CalFresh recipients can once again access the food needed for themselves and their families.
Need additional food assistance?
Visit Community Action Napa Valley Food Bank & Free Markets
Call (707) 253-4511 or (800) 464-4214
Visit www.napafoodaccess.org to find local food pantries, meal programs, and grocery distributions in English or Spanish.
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New Episode -- Through the Vine
Have you seen the latest episode of the Napa County's official newscast? This month, it includes a breakdown of strategic County initiatives, new mobile County services and much more.
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Baseline Data Report
Help plan Napa County's next chapter. This month, we continue the series of in-person and virtual community workshops for the Baseline Data Report (BDR) Update. The BDR Update lays the groundwork for the County's General Plan Update, which will guide how the county grows, preserves its resources, and prepares for future challenges. At the workshops, learn more about the BDR and share your feedback of what topics matter most to you. In-person workshops:
Nov. 12, 2025 | 6:00pm-8:00pm
Tucker Farm Center
1201 Tucker Rd., Calistoga
Nov. 13, 2025 | 1:00pm-3:00pm
Napa County Health and Human Svcs. 2751 Napa Valley Corporate Dr., Bldg. A, Napa
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Connecting Napa County to Food Resources
The Napa County Food Access Coalition has launched a new website that makes it easy for residents to find local food resources. The site—available in English and Spanish—lists food pantries, meal programs, and grocery distributions by location, date, and eligibility.
The Coalition brings together 35 local organizations working to ensure everyone in Napa County has access to healthy, nutritious food.
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Probation Services Launches Outreach Mobile!
Napa County recently celebrated the launch of the new Probation Services Mobile with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This innovative mobile unit will bring vital probation and support services directly into neighborhoods—making it easier for residents to connect with resources such as employment assistance, behavioral health referrals, and community programs.
By meeting people where they are, the Probation Services Mobile helps remove barriers to access, strengthens community connections, and supports rehabilitation and public safety across Napa County.
To learn more about Probation Services and upcoming mobile locations, click here.
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Be Well with Napa County HHSA
Napa County Health and Human Services Agency Be Well Mobile Services is coming to a neighborhood near you! Find out when and where our HHSA team will be this month offering Medi-Cal, CalFresh, Behavioral Health Services, and more. See the monthly calendar here.
Also, The Fall 2025 issue of HHSA’s Be Well Quarterly Newsletter has arrived, covering the latest news from the Health and Human Services Agency. Click here to check it out.
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PG&E Report it App
Help Keep Napa County Safe: Use the PG&E “Report It” App.
PG&E has seen an increase in calls from residents reporting maintenance or repair needs. For non-emergency concerns, such as damaged poles, exposed wires, or equipment issues, community members are encouraged to use the PG&E Report It app. The app allows users to pinpoint the location, describe the issue, and upload photos directly to PG&E, helping ensure quick and accurate response.
Use the PG&E Report It app to:
- Learn more about the types of issues you should report
- Send photos to our security team
- Find submissions made by others
- Receive notifications when your submission is under review
- See PG&E's findings
Learn more and download the PG&E Report It app here.
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Together For Kindness and Inclusion
The Board came out recently to present a proclamation to Dr. Tracy Mayne in recognition of Napa Day Against Hate, a community-wide effort to promote kindness, inclusion, and respect for all.
Napa Day Against Hate brought people together across our county to stand united against bias and discrimination and to celebrate the strength of our diversity.
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3rd Annual Holiday Open House
Please join me in Calistoga for my 3rd Annual Holiday Open House & Donation Drive! This event is an opportunity to pause, connect with neighbors, and share in the holiday spirit. I look forward to greeting members of our community, celebrating together, and spreading a little seasonal joy.
Dec. 11, 2025
6:00pm-8:00pm
Calistoga Library
1108 Myrtle St.
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Winston's Cup Free Dinner
Winston’s CUP Napa will be offering a free hot dinner to anyone affected by the CalFresh shutdown. Meals can be picked up or enjoyed in-house.
Diners just need to show their CalFresh EBT card, no questions asked!
For more info, email Cassan.
Nov. 12, 2025
5:00pm-8:00pm
Winston's | 1517 3rd St., Napa
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Giving Back in Calistoga
Give back this holiday season by volunteering with Calistoga Cares Food Bank, supporting local families in need. Volunteers help sort produce, organize pantry items, assemble food boxes, and welcome community members during bi-monthly food distributions.
Every helping hand makes a difference and ensures families enjoy a meaningful Thanksgiving.
Learn more here.
2nd and 4th Thursdays Monthly
2:00pm-5:00pm
1435 North Oak St., Calistoga
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Napa Green Growing Regenerative Viticulture
Join for an inspiring two-day deep dive into regenerative viticulture, designed to equip growers with practical strategies for building soil health, enhancing agroecosystem resilience, and producing exceptional quality grapes. This event is for anyone interested in growing their leadership.
Learn more here.
Nov. 18, 2025
9:00am-1:45pm
Opus One Randy Zavala Vineyard Equipment Shop
Nov. 19, 2025
9:15am-12:15pm
Bedrock Vineyard
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Pope Valley Community Meeting co-hosted by Supervisor Anne Cottrell & Napa County Fire/CAL FIRE
Learn about the fire prevention work that is helping protect Pope Valley, and also hear about ways to get involved in community fire preparedness and response.
Nov. 19, 2025
5:30pm-6:30pm
Pope Valley Farm Center
5820 Chiles Pope Valley Rd.
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Yountville Youth Art Show
Celebrate the creativity of local youth at the annual Yountville Youth Art Show. This free public exhibit features artwork by talented young artists (ages 5–18) from Napa County, displayed in a professional gallery setting. Join us for the opening evening, meet the artists, and support the next generation of creators in our community.
Submit your artwork by November 9. Click here for more information.
Dec. 4, 2025 - Jan. 5, 2026
Steve Rogers Gallery
Yountville Community Center
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"Old Mill Holidays"at Bale Grist Mill in St. Helena
Join for a festive morning at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, featuring holiday crafts, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, wreaths, pomanders, and strung popcorn garlands. Enjoy folk music, carols, historic milling demonstrations, and fiber arts exhibits while celebrating the season with family and neighbors. Volunteers are also welcome. Learn more here.
Dec. 7, 2025
10:00am-2:00pm
Bale Grist Mill
3369 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena
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Volunteers Needed at Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga
The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga are looking for caring community members to volunteer their time and talents in support of local youth. Volunteers play a vital role in helping students with homework, mentoring, leading activities, and creating a safe, positive space for learning and growth.
Whether you can give an hour a week or more, your involvement makes a lasting difference. To learn more or sign up to volunteer, click here.
| | | SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY PROGRAMS & SERVICES | |
Napa Valley Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD)
With a mission to develop and enhance partnerships for communication, coordination and collaboration across all phases of disaster — from mitigation and preparedness, through response and recovery, Napa Valley COAD plays a central role in strengthening our community’s resilience. They help ensure that when disasters strike — wildfires, storms, or other emergencies — our local nonprofit network is well‑coordinated and informed. They support and lead efforts to supply emergency financial assistance, food access, shelter support, mental and spiritual health resources, and long‑term recovery.
Equally important, they provide year‑round preparedness education and outreach so that every household in Napa County has the tools and connections to respond when emergencies happen.
Sample Programs
- “Meet Your Neighbor” (MYN) Workshops – bilingual outreach sessions focused on building neighborhood connections and disaster‑preparedness skills.
- Community Connectors Initiative – training community members to help neighbors navigate vital resources, especially during and after emergencies.
- Preparedness Calendar & Public Events – regular community‑wide events and demonstrations (e.g., disaster preparedness workshops) to raise awareness and readiness.
- Member Agency Coordination & Resource Mobilization – bringing together nonprofits, faith‑based organizations and private partners so that during a disaster, duplication of services is minimized and the community’s response is stronger.
Get Involved / More Information
Visit napavalleycoad.org to learn about upcoming events, sign up as a member agency, volunteer, or donate to their work.
You may also call (707) 815‑4227 or send them an email.
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, joining a neighborhood workshop, or supporting disaster‑response efforts, Napa Valley COAD offers meaningful ways to make a difference.
| | NEW!! D3 History- a monthly contribution by former Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon. | | |
Much gratitude to Diane Dillon for sharing these stories and characters from Napa County's past. Did you know that we had early township in the Upvalley called "Hot Springs"? Read on to learn more!
Local Legislative Government in Napa County
Local legislative governance in Napa County today is found in two bodies if one lives in a city or town – the Board of Supervisors and the local city/town council. People living in the unincorporated part of the County have the Board of Supervisors (BOS) as their sole local legislative representatives, as did all county residents until 1874 (when the City of Napa incorporated)... Click here to read the complete article.
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