Edition 3 | July 26, 2023 | |
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As the City Manager of St. Helena, I have been proud and happy to have a high-quality local newspaper serving our community. A vibrant and well-functioning fourth estate is critical to democracy, and it is sad that local newspapers are being decimated throughout the nation. Professional local journalism is vital to keeping communities informed, engaged, and connected.
Local journalism plays an indispensable role in our lives and communities. It is the keeper of the history of each locality without which we cannot know from where we came. The pictures, births, deaths, decisions, cultural events, attire, advertisements, etc. all provide a window of a city in a specific era and would not have been captured for posterity without the existence of thriving local newspapers. Our understanding and knowledge about ourselves, is documented and then archived by local newspapers. But good local journalism is more than that, it provides us with unbiased news and information about events, developments, and issues that directly impact us. Local journalism should not be confused with opinion pieces, blogs, click-bait headlines, or social media posts with little or no guardrails for accuracy, due diligence, and dare I say, decency. Local journalism serves as a bridge between government and the public, facilitating transparency and encouraging open dialogue while simultaneously scrutinizing decisions and holding those in positions of authority or responsibility accountable for their decisions and actions. Through the hard work of dedicated journalists, we gain access to in-depth reporting and analysis on matters that shape the fabric of our city and the lives of its residents.
I believe that supporting local journalism is not just of theoretical value but also a strategic investment in the welfare of our community. It needs to be preserved and protected, just like we would protect a valuable part of our heritage, because it creates and documents history of a locality. For example, earlier this week Councilmember Lester Hardy was explaining to me how some of our streets were created during the period between the 1880s to 1950s. He relied on the minutes of meetings and articles in the newspaper. By ensuring that our local media outlet(s) remain not just viable but strong, we contribute to informed decision-making, public engagement, and most importantly a stronger sense of community.
I was dismayed to learn that the St. Helena Star was undergoing changes that might be detrimental to our community. I therefore encourage residents to attend the community forum being hosted by the Napa Valley Community Foundation, Highway 29 Media, and Cameo Cinema on Monday, July 31, beginning at 6 p.m. Learn More and RSVP.
Anil Comelo
City Manager
City of St. Helena
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Citywide Environmentally Friendly Initiatives
The City of St. Helena continues to work on a variety of initiatives aimed at helping the environment. Our current permit sale, that runs through September 30, 2023, provides incentives in the form of discounted permits for residents, contractors, and builders to replace water heaters and heat pumps, replace older HVAC systems, replace inefficient windows and doors, add greywater (gray water) systems, add EV charging stations, and add solar PV and battery storage systems. Beyond this sale the City continues to plant trees, is looking at additional ways to install solar at City owned locations and private businesses, and encourage the purchase and use of bikes, eBikes, EV’s, and even electric tractors. Learn more about our permit sale.
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National Night Out - Tuesday, August 1
Join the St. Helena Police Department for a night of fun, arts & crafts, music, activities, food & beverages at the new St. Helena City Hall courtyard. In addition police officers will be available to answer questions and provide any additional information on emergency preparedness activities and evacuation zones.
- Tuesday, August 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- 1088 College Avenue (Napa Valley College - Upper Valley Campus)
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Preparedness Family Game Night
Join us for an exciting and informative event on wildfire and disaster preparedness hosted by Napa Valley COAD and Creative Crisis Leadership! During the event, you'll engage in thrilling games and activities designed to enhance your understanding of how to stay safe in the face of emergencies. Discover practical tips, learn about evacuation strategies, and gain valuable insights from experts in the field. Plus, we have a special treat for you - there will be prizes and free food! Don't miss this opportunity to have fun, enjoy some delicious snacks, and equip yourself with vital knowledge. Mark your calendars and bring your friends and family to this engaging event. Thursday, July 27, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. - St. Helena Public Library. Learn More.
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Summer Concert Series!
Join us for our last summer concert at Lyman Park on Wednesday, July 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Napa Valley's Big Little Stage. Presented by the City of St. Helena in partnership with the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce, St. Helena Family Dentistry, and Cook St. Helena, this year's Annual St. Helena Summer Concerts have already provided an unforgettable musical experience and our last concert will continue to have everyone dancing all night long! summer.sthelena.com
📅 July 26: Petty Theft | Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers classics
Food Vendors: Ray Ray’s Tacos, Napa Valley Crust (La Prima Pizza), CRISP Kitchen & Juice, Pink Elephant
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Water & Wastewater Rate Update
New water and wastewater rates were officially adopted by St. Helena City Council on June 27, 2023, following the review and approval of an analysis of service costs earlier this year by a panel of St. Helena residents. Starting September 1, 2023, there will be changes to your water and wastewater rates. To help you better understand the impact on your bills, our Utility Department has created an easy-to-use calculator. Learn more and use the calculator.
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Story Ideas?
We want to feature community based story ideas, events, and/or FAQ topics in each of our biweekly City Newsletter editions. Send ideas to newsletter@cityofsthelena.org.
Did you miss a previous edition? Does a friend or family member need to sign up to receive it?
Read past City Newsletter editions and sign up at cityofsthelena.org/newsletter.
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Clayton Church
Public Works Operation Manager
We sat down with Clayton Church, our Public Works Operations Manager, inside his office at the Corp Yard off Charter Oak Avenue to learn more about him, as well as some of the projects and tasks that he and the Public Works team do throughout the City. Clayton grew up in the Napa area, attending high school at Vintage High School. After starting his career in another sector, he has now been working for the City of St. Helena for the last 9 years and now lives in Hidden Valley Lake, CA. He enjoys being outdoors with his dog. As the Public Works Operations Manager, he oversees three teams: Buildings and Streets, Parks and Trees, and Utilities. Read More.
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Join the City of St. Helena Team!
The City of St. Helena is always looking for qualified and passionate people to join our team to continue to keep the City one of the best places to live and work!
We take pride in hiring highly competent, motivated people whose behavior exemplifies a strong commitment to public service. We hire people with a wide range of strengths and unique experiences, perspectives and ideas. If you have a passion for public service and want the opportunity to serve our community, submit your application today!
Check out our currently open positions here: cityofsthelena.org/hr.
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St. Helena Historical Society: The lecture series focusing on the pioneer families of St. Helena continues with “The McCormicks: Roots and Reinvention” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, at the Heritage Center Museum. Learn more.
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Sportago Turns 40: From the south of town, to the corner of Pope and Main, to Spring Street to Adams and now to the corner of Adams and Main, it has been a wonderful, long journey! Join the celebration on Thursday, July 27, starting at 5 p.m. Learn more.
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UpStage Napa Valley Auditions: Auditions for its annual PlayFest will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 2, at Westminster Hall, First Presbyterian Church. Learn more in the St. Helena Star.
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UpValley Family Centers: Provides guidance, support, and resources in the home, in the community, and for the individual so that everyone can achieve a better life. upvalleyfamilycenters.org.
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St. Helena Farmers’ Market: Providing our community with a beautiful venue for meeting friends, greeting neighbors and enjoying a delightful musical interlude every Friday morning. sthelenafarmersmkt.org.
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Visit Me Today: An organization in our area that is connecting volunteers with seniors at congregate living facilities and other locations. Learn more in the St. Helena Star.
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Music in the Vineyards: Celebrate the 29th season of Music in the Vineyards, July 29 - August 20, musicinthevineyards.org.
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Children's Magic Show: Celebrate the magic of reading with a fun, highly participatory magic show for all ages! After the show enjoy outdoor activities and popsicles. 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, St. Helena Public Library, shpl.org/upcoming-events.
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Potluck Dinner Series: The Charter Oak welcome's guest chefs from New York, Nashville, and L.A. to its second Potluck Dinner in this year's series, Sunday, August 6, The Charter Oak. Learn More.
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Music at Cameo: FUNdraiser concerts at Cameo Cinema will bring the best of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry to Napa Valley! All proceeds after expenses go to helping The Cameo to thrive! August 8 - 10, tickets and information available at bbmusic.net.
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St. Helena Public Library: Did you know that our library has regular events, special speakers and lectures, and weekly story times? Check out their full calendar, shpl.org/upcoming-events.
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City of St. Helena: Did you know that you can view upcoming agendas and even watch meetings online? Learn more at sthelena.civicweb.net.
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City of St. Helena
1088 College Avenue
St. Helena, CA 94574
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