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Welcome to the May edition of the District 3 Newsletter! As we head into a new season, we’re excited to share important updates from around Napa County and right here in District 3. In this issue, you’ll find highlights of the County's ongoing commitment to wildfire preparedness during Wildfire Awareness Month (and all year long), advocacy efforts around Carrier of Last Resort services, a list of upcoming community events, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Thank you for staying engaged and connected—there’s a lot happening, and we’re glad to have you with us.
As always, 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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Wildfire Awareness Month
At the May 6 Board of Supervisors meeting, my colleagues and I proclaimed May as Wildfire Awareness Month in Napa County to raise awareness about wildfire prevention and preparation.
Thanks to Napa County Fire Chief Matt Ryan and Napa County Fire Marshal Jason Downs for their comments. They reminded us of the importance of preparation, and they set out the many proactive measures that the County has taken in advance of the drier months ahead. From prevention (e.g. fuels reduction and defensible space work around structures) to response (a helicopter at the Napa County airport), we have expanded our investments in keeping the county safe and resilient in the face of wildfires.
For more information on wildfire preparedness resources and upcoming community events, please visit ReadyNapaCounty.org.
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Napa County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) - Connecting Services
Need Help Accessing Resources in Napa County? HHSA has you covered! HHSA System Navigators provide free support connecting residents to essential services including physical and behavioral health care, Medi-Cal, food assistance, linkage to housing resources, transportation, and more.
Available to all Napa County residents—no income restrictions, free to all in both English & Spanish.
Call 707-253-4963 (Mon–Fri, 8am-5pm)
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Congratulations to Our Newly Pinned Firefighters!
We’re proud to celebrate the recent graduation of the 2025 Volunteer Recruit Academy! Seventeen new firefighters joined the Napa County Fire Department, along with three more joining the South Lake County Fire Protection District. Congratulations to all on this outstanding achievement—thank you for your commitment to keeping our communities safe!
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County Strategic Plan
Napa County is developing its new 5-year strategic plan and is actively seeking input from residents to help shape the County's priorities and initiatives. As part of this effort, the County communications team has launched a survey inviting community members to share their perspectives on key issues, services, and opportunities for improvement.
The strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for the County's future, guiding decisions and allocating resources to better serve the needs of its residents. By participating in the survey, you’ll have the opportunity to voice your opinions on topics such as public safety, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, economic development, and more.
Your perspective matters! Take the short survey in English here OR Spanish here.
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Advocacy For Landline Service
Earlier this month, in my role as delegate for Rural County Representatives of California, I testified in strong opposition to Assembly Bill 470. This bill would create a pathway to eliminate AT&T’s Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) responsibility. Current COLR rules protect landline telephone service for those who rely on it - like so many residents in rural parts of Napa County. AB 470 threatens the availability of our landlines, and it undermines affordable and reliable connectivity in our communities.
By prioritizing industry convenience over public safety and consumer protections, AB 470 puts vulnerable rural residents at risk of losing access to essential communication services, which could endanger lives during emergencies. More to come here, but in the meantime, you can join the charge by signing this online petition in OPPOSITION of AB 470.
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Veterans Home Baseball
Come enjoy a ballgame at the Veterans Home! Check out the six game schedule below.
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Yountville Sip & Stroll
Join the Yountville Chamber of Commerce for its annual Sip & Stroll event. Happening in downtown Yountville, guests can enjoy tastings from world-class wineries, sample small plates from renowned chefs, and browse handcrafted works by local artisans. Find more information here.
Sat., May 17, 2025
11:00am - 5:00pm
Downtown Yountville
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Angwin Flea Market
Mark your calendar for the Angwin Flea Market, happening on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Angwin Market (1 Angwin Plaza, Angwin)! This annual community event, hosted by the Angwin Volunteer Fire Department, offers a vibrant mix of local vendors, food, and family-friendly activities and resources.
Sun., May 18, 2025
9:00am-1:00pm
Behind Howell Mtn. Market
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Fresh Produce Distribution
Did you know that the St. Helena Hospital Foundation hosts FREE fresh produce distribution events each month? Please remember to bring your own bag. For questions, please call 707-967-7513.
Please help spread the word!
1st Fridays
3:00pm-4:00pm (while supplies last)
Calistoga Elementary
1327 Berry St., Calistoga
2nd Fridays
3:00pm-4:30pm (while supplies last)
St. Helena High School
1401 Grayson Ave., SH
3rd Fridays
3:00pm-4:00pm (while supplies last)
Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
2725 Elm St., Napa
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In St. Helena - Concerts in the Park
Get ready for a season of music, food, and community spirit as the St. Helena Summer Concert Series returns to Lyman Park! Each week features live music spanning various genres, complemented by local food vendors and engaging activities for all ages.
Wednesdays beginning June 25, 2025
6:00pm-8:00pm
Lyman Park
1498 Main Street
St. Helena
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In Calistoga - Concerts in the Park
Mark your calendar for this summer series featuring live music performances every Thursday evening. Bring a picnic, relax on the lawn, and enjoy a variety of musical genres under the stars.
Thursdays, Jun.-Aug.
6:30pm-8:30pm
Pioneer Park, Calistoga
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Resiliency Conversations
Please tune in to hear from Napa County Assistant Fire Administrator J.R. Rogers and Deputy Fire Marshal Erick Hernandez! In this second segment of the "Resiliency Conversations" series with 99.3 The Vine, J.R. and Erick talk about how to protect your home with defensible space and home hardening, the impacts of Napa County's $24M investment into wildfire mitigation, the chipping program, and more.
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Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture (MAC)
Welcome to St. Helena, MAC! The Napa Valley Museum of Arts and Culture has arrived - with a wonderful first exhibit about Julia Child. And there will be more to come at the space - the Under-Study Cafe will open later this year. It was great to visit this newly designed space, and to reflect on the site's history too - who remembers Tripoli Market?
Congrats to Laura Rafaty and team! This is a welcome addition to the neighborhood for residents and visitors alike.
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Exploring Law Enforcement Through the Napa County Sheriff's Citizens Academy
Interested in learning more about our law enforcement teams and their agency partners? Leah is doing just that; she’s attending the Napa County Sheriff's Citizens Academy—a weekly evening program offering community members an inside look at local law enforcement. I stopped by to visit the class during their session on the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and Search & Rescue teams, and it was great to see the breadth of services our Sheriff's Office provides.
Each week participants learn about a new set of topics, from patrol procedures to special units, and they receive hands-on, scenario-based learning. They get a deeper understanding of the Sheriff's Office, its many divisions, and the essential role it plays in keeping Napa County safe. To learn more or apply for a future session, visit the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy page.
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Celebrating Kate Miller
Congratulations to Kate Miller on her retirement and her stellar career in transportation! As Executive Director of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority, Kate brought critical funds to the county, updated our transit system, and built projects that improved safety and mobility for our residents and workforce. Her colleague crowned her “Miss Regionable” because she was so strong at planning for our entire region.
Thank you, Kate, for working so hard for Napa County, our local cities, and our entire region!
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🌟 Volunteer Opportunities in Yountville – Get involved!
Looking for ways to give back and stay connected in your community? Here are a few great opportunities to volunteer in Yountville:
Veterans Home of California
Support our honored veterans by volunteering with activities, events, or companionship visits. A few hours a week can make a big difference.
📞 Contact: (707) 944-4600
Community Action of Napa Valley (CANV)
Help with Meals on Wheels deliveries or support the Yountville Food Pantry.
🌐 Sign up here.
Napa County Library – Yountville Branch
Assist with shelving, children’s programs, or tech help for seniors.
📞 Contact: (707) 944-1888
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Civil Grand Jury
Apply today to become a Grand Juror for the 2025-26 Napa County Civil Grand Jury - The deadline for submissions has been extended to May 15. Find out more and submit your application here.
| ON THE ROADWAYS - a new feature we are adding to help track maintenance and improvement projects around the district | Deer Park Traffic Signal: After thorough evaluation and community input, the County Public Works team is reverting the traffic signal to the pre-existing 4-way flashing signal configuration. This change took effect on May 15. (And it is important to note that neither change required new capital costs to the County as the infrastructure was already in place). Thank you to the community members who provided feedback to my office and to the Public Works team; and thank you to staff for many hours of work tracking traffic flows and responding to concerns. I appreciate everyone’s engagement on this issue as we work together toward solutions that best serve the safety and mobility of our community. | Angwin Roads Update: Since 2023, Napa County and PG&E have met regularly to coordinate projects like vegetation management and undergrounding power lines—a key wildfire prevention measure. These meetings help align construction schedules and reduce roadwork disruptions. Recently, PG&E received new funding for undergrounding on Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain, and Kortum Canyon Roads—after the County had already resurfaced them. PG&E is required, and has agreed, to fully repave any affected roads under the County’s pavement preservation ordinance. | | SNAPSHOT ON COUNTY SERVICES | |
County Spotlight: Department of Corrections
Supporting Safety and Rehabilitation
The Napa County Department of Corrections plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and promoting rehabilitation. Led by Director Dina Jose, the department manages the Napa County detention facilities and oversees programs designed to support successful reassimilation into society.
The department is responsible for operating the Napa County jail, supervising correctional staff, and administering programs focused on inmate mental health counseling, vocational training, and personal development.
By providing rehabilitative services within a secure environment, the department helps individuals in custody gain the skills and support needed to successfully reintegrate into society—ultimately strengthening the community through reduced repeat offenses and increased contributions from those returning as responsible, engaged residents.
Click here to take a look at the new replacement jail facility set to open early June 2025.
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