Know Your Rights Resources

Supporting our LA County Neighbors

New Planning Commissioners Appointed

Congratulations to Walter Brooks and Pete Richmond on their appointments to the Napa County Planning Commission. Brooks, a grape grower with a background in NASA research, and Richmond, a longtime vineyard manager and former Housing Commissioner, bring valuable expertise in sustainability, agriculture, and community planning to their new roles. Their leadership will help shape the future of land use and development in Napa County.

Read more about the new commissioners here >>>

Economic Outlook Presentation Kicks Off Budget Process

We kicked off our budget process at the Board meeting on January 28, with a presentation from Dr. Robert Eyler on the economic outlook for Napa County. In general, the forecast remains positive, supporting continued tourism demand. However, we may see some market shifts in the wine industry, as we have already begun to see with the increased interest in non-alcoholic beverages. The housing market remains slow but steady, while the recent LA wildfires are expected to impact construction and insurance costs statewide.

In the coming months, we will continue our budget discussions, including updates on the 5-year forecast, capital improvement plan, and more.

Watch the full presentation and review the slides here >>>

BOS Sends Letter to Insurance Commissioner

At our Board meeting on January 27, we reviewed and authorized a letter to the California State Insurance Commissioner, urging the state to focus on long-term solutions to the property insurance crisis, rather than relying solely on short-term emergency actions. We also calling on insurance companies to follow through on their commitments to expand coverage market share and help ease the burden on the FAIR Plan. As Napa County continues to invest in wildfire prevention, it is essential that homeowners see the benefits through greater access to insurance and more affordable coverage options. 

Read the draft letter here >>>

Napa County Housing & Homeless Services Conduct Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

On Wednesday, January 29, the Housing and Homeless Services (HHS) team conducted the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count with the help of volunteers. Among those in the field were HHS Director Jennifer Palmer and Project Manager Jesus Tijero (who many may remember as my former Board Aide). Together with numerous volunteers, they surveyed areas across Napa County to gather essential data on our County’s homeless population. This count is just the first step and additional surveys and analysis will follow before the final data is released later this year. You can read more about the PIT count in these local articles:

• ‘I’m already cold’: Napa’s annual homeless count offers harsh glimpse into life on the streets - The Press Democrat
• Napa counts homeless people amid federal funding fight

Photo credit: Kent Porter / The Press Democrat

State Budget Process Started

On January 10, the Governor submitted the proposed 2025-2026 state budget to the Legislature, marking the official start of the California's budget process, which will conclude in June before the start of the new fiscal year. Next, the budget will be reviewed by both houses of the Legislature, where lawmakers will hold hearings, vote on budget items, and ultimately send a final version to the Governor.

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) shared a summary of the proposal in their Budget Action Bulletin here.

You can also get a nonpartisan, fiscal overview from the Legislative Analyst’s Office here.

Learn more about the State Budget Process here. 

Toll Increase Started January 1, 2025

You may have noticed a $1 toll increase on bridges across the Bay. This marks the last of three voter-approved toll increases, funding key transportation projects such as BART extensions, highway improvements, and expanded ferry and bus services. Discounts for carpoolers, motorcycles, and clean-air vehicles will remain in place with slight increases. Looking ahead, a separate toll hike approved by the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA), is scheduled to begin in 2026 and phase in over five years which will help fund the maintenance, rehabilitation, and operation of the bridges.

Photo credit: Karl Nielsen / Metropolitan Transportation Commission

Learn more about the toll increase here >>>

Thompson Disaster Tax Relief Signed into Law

On December 12, 2024, President Biden signed the bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act into law, which includes legislation by Congressman Mike Thompson’s to exempt wildfire victims in California from paying federal income tax on their settlement money and attorney fees. This law provides much-needed financial relief to thousands affected by wildfires and other disasters, with provisions applying retroactively to qualified victims. This legislation's historic passage was made possible by a successful discharge petition led by Thompson and Rep. Greg Steube, forcing the House to bring the bill to the floor for a vote, an achievement that has only happened three times in the 21^st Century.

Read more here >>>