Edition 50 | May 15, 2025 | | | |
Budget Information
After receiving early projections, the City Council asked staff to identify about 5% in budget cuts. The executive team thoughtfully reviewed the budget for each department and offered 8.4% in cuts totaling $1.94 million. At that amount, the projected withdrawal from reserves for Fiscal Year 2025-26 will be $1.7 million. This in turn means that next year’s real deficit is approximately $3.6 million. This deficit estimate is not complete since it already underfunds several current needs and does not adequately allocate any money toward equipment replacement, debt elimination, or asset maintenance. Please use the following links to learn more about our budget.
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But first, if you would like to see fireworks on July 4th, please contribute toward the $30,000 goal the City Council has established. The Parks and Rec team and the Park and Rec Commission have already obtained pledges for nearly half the $30,000 needed and are seeking the rest before May 23, 2025. You can donate by visiting cityofsthelena.gov/fireworksponsorships or by using the QR code on the left.
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A belated happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in our world. This year, I am particularly proud of my 87-year-old mommy (Bella Martha Comelo) who was inducted into the Alameda County Woman’s Hall of Fame in April for her current and past community work. Mom, you rock!
Yours in Service,
Anil Comelo
City Manager
City of St. Helena
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Smart Meter Update – Ahead of Schedule + EyeOnWater Access & Flume Device Information
The City’s Smart Water Meter Replacement Project is moving ahead of schedule! Over 1,500 meters have already been replaced or retrofitted, and we anticipate completing 95% of the system-wide upgrades before June 1.
As part of this upgrade, customers now have access to EyeOnWater—a digital platform that allows you to monitor your water usage in near real-time. With EyeOnWater, you can view daily and hourly consumption data, set up leak alerts, and gain valuable insights into your water habits to support conservation and proactive management.
We are currently experiencing technical issues accurately syncing some customer accounts with the EyeOnWater platform. This may cause a temporary delay in access or usage discrepancy, but we’re actively working on a solution and expect full functionality to be restored soon.
Important Note About Flume Devices:
With the smart meter upgrades, Flume devices are no longer supported. While some customers appreciated the more detailed reporting provided by Flume, it was a third-party device purchased individually. The new meters now offer digital access to all customers at no extra charge—making it a broader and more equitable benefit. Flume devices may still function in homes where only the meter register was retrofitted, but compatibility and accuracy with the new infrastructure cannot be guaranteed.
EyeOnWater App:
If your meter was recently upgraded, you can download the EyeOnWater app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and create your account.
We appreciate your patience as we complete this major infrastructure improvement that enhances service, efficiency, and water awareness for our community.
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State of the City Video
The 2025 State of the City video is now available, and we invite all residents to watch and learn about the incredible progress we've made together. Mayor Dohring shares highlights from the past year, including housing achievements, infrastructure upgrades, public safety investments, and expanded community programs. This is a great opportunity to see how your City is working hard to make St. Helena a safer, more vibrant, and resilient place for everyone. Watch the full video today and stay informed about the future of our community.
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Plaque Honoring St. Helena Veterans Installed at City Hall
When the City Hall on Main Street was vacated, the Veterans Memorial Plaque continued to be left attached to the wall of the building. After it had been vandalized on the building, a local Vietnam Veteran, Mike Griffin, asked if he could keep the plaque in a safe location.
As a 20-year USMC Veteran himself Chief Hartley took the task of restoring the plaque and ensuring that it was properly displayed and accessible to the community with the utmost respect to heart.
On April 25, 2025, this meaningful piece of St. Helena’s history was permanently honored thanks to the generosity of Ken Taylor, owner and master craftsman of T&O Masonry Inc. of St. Helena. The company donated a beautifully cut stone, prepared its surface, and installed a commemorative plaque at St. Helena City Hall in tribute to local veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice—from World War I through Afghanistan.
The plaque now rests with dignity on the stone between the United States and California flagpoles in front of the new City Hall, offering a solemn reminder of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
With this installation, the City ensures that the names and memories of St. Helena’s fallen heroes remain at the heart of civic life, visible and honored by all who pass by.
The City of St. Helena extends its heartfelt thanks to Ken Taylor of T&O Masonry Inc. for their generous donation and expert work in helping preserve this important legacy and to Mike Griffin for the safe keeping the plaque.
The City invites veterans and other community members to an event dedicating the plaque at its new location and remembering those who have been killed in action. St. Helena City Hall (1088 College Avenue), May 20 at 10 a.m.
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Noche Comunitaria de Fútbol - Community Soccer Night
Noche Comunitaria de Fútbol will be a fun family event, with an adult soccer tournament!
The adult soccer tournament will consist of 4 versus 4 teams, pre-registration is required. No day of registrations allowed. Generous Cash Prizes donated by participating sponsors will be presented to first and second place teams!
There will be free food, activities, youth soccer clinics, vendor info booths, and a live DJ.
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Seeking Volunteers for Important Committee Assignments
The City Council is seeking volunteers to fill important roles that are becoming vacant due to terms expiring (current members are welcome to reapply):
Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee (ATSC): Focused on providing viable options and creative solutions to transportation and sustainability issues (2 open positions).
Library Board of Trustees: Makes and enforces all regulations for administration of the St. Helena Public Library (3 open positions).
Parks and Recreation Commission: Advises on development of recreation areas, facilities, programs, and services provided by the Parks and Recreation Division (2 open positions).
Planning Commission: Conducts public meetings and makes decisions on various project applications including use permits, variances, parcel maps, and design review for residential, commercial and industrial development. The Commission also makes recommendations on Amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and subdivision maps (2 open positions).
Applications can be filled out online and are due on or before June 13, 2025, at 5 p.m. Interviews will be scheduled on or before June 24, 2025.
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National Police Week - May 11 to 17
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. The City of St. Helena recognizes the critical role of our police officers in safeguarding the rights, freedoms, and safety of our community. St. Helena Police Department officers serve with dedication—protecting life and property, maintaining order, and defending the vulnerable. Today, our Police Department stands as a modern, professional force committed to providing vital public service.
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Public Works Week - May 18 to 24
Next week, we proudly celebrate National Public Works Week (May 18 to 24), recognizing the dedicated individuals who keep our community running smoothly. This year’s theme, “People, Purpose, Presence,” honors the essential role public works professionals play in our daily lives. From maintaining roads and water systems to ensuring public spaces are safe and clean, their work often goes unseen—but never unappreciated.
These behind-the-scenes heroes show up every day with purpose, driven by a commitment to serve the people of St. Helena. Please join us in thanking our Public Works team for their tireless efforts and unwavering presence in our community.
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St. Helena Police Department Brings Back "Kids Being Kids" Rewards
The St. Helena Police Department is excited to announce the return of the “Kids Being Kids” rewards program—an initiative that celebrates and encourages safe, responsible behavior among local youth. Thanks to a generous community donation, Officers Stephenson and Massella have relaunched the program with new momentum. The first business to join us in this effort is Roman Holiday Gelato, which will be offering a free scoop of gelato (poco size) or a boba drink to kids who are “caught” doing the right thing.
Officers will be equipped with a set of 10 numbered reward cards to distribute to kids in the community who demonstrate positive, safe behaviors. These might include wearing a helmet while biking or skateboarding, using crosswalks properly, or simply showing kindness and respect in public.
This initiative is all about reinforcing good habits and building positive relationships between our youth and local law enforcement. We’re grateful to Roman Holiday Gelato for being our first partner and we’re looking forward to recognizing more “kids being kids” across St. Helena!
If your business would like to be part of the program, please contact Officer Randall Stephenson and Officer Wenner Massella to learn more.
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Fourth of July Donations and Sponsorships
We need your support to bring fireworks back to St. Helena this Fourth of July! The City Council has set a goal to raise $30,000—and we can’t do it without our amazing community. The community can donate through GoFundMe and sponsorships are available from $2,500 to $10,000. If you have questions or prefer to donate in person call the St. Helena Parks and Recreation team at (707) 968-9222, email recreation@cityofsthelena.gov, or visit their office at 1574 Railroad Avenue. All donations are tax deductible.
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Water Aerobics
We are getting ready for summer season and jumping back into the pool for Water Aerobics with Andi Brown! Classes are started last week and will continue throughout the summer. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
5 or 10 class passes are available for purchase online or in the Recreation Office! Drop-in classes are available for purchase before class at the pool.
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April in Review at the Library
Last month the St. Helena Public Library had 5,985 people walk through its doors. 645 attended an event or program, including the Dia del Niño (Day of the Child) Lucha Libro event. There were 1,383 WIFI sessions, 7846 hard copy items borrowed, and 3,284 electronic resources borrowed.
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Help Shape Napa County’s Future — Take the Strategic Plan Survey
Napa County is developing a new five-year Strategic Plan — and they want to hear from you.
This plan will help guide decisions on critical issues like wildfire preparedness, housing availability, road safety, public services, and the impacts of tourism. Whether you live in American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena, Yountville, or the unincorporated areas — your input matters.
- Whether you’ve lived here for 50 years or just moved in
- Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, a student, or a retiree
- Whether you live downtown or up in the hills
This is your chance to help shape the policies and investments that impact your daily life — and the future of our entire community.
Take the survey at: countyofnapa.org
The survey is open through June 15, 2025 — and it only takes a few minutes. Let’s help build a Napa County that works for all of us.
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Summer Camp Registration Open
Sign up for one or more of our 60+ Summer Camp options including the Adventure Day Camp, Challenger Soccer Camp, Tennis Academy, Junior Pickleballers Camp, Kids Cooking Camp with Chef On, KSB Skateboarding Camp, National Academy of Athletics Camp, Play-Well STEM Camp, and Council-In-Training.
Visit the Parks and Recreation catalog to sign up online for camps. If you have any additional questions, please call (707) 968-9222.
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2nd Annual Napa Valley Pickleball Classic
The 2nd Annual Napa Valley Pickleball Classic benefiting the UpValley Family Centers will feature expanded pickleball tournaments, free clinics, food trucks, and activities. Saturday includes pool play doubles for ages 18-50 and 50+, while Sunday hosts the single-elimination finals. Free beginner clinics are available. Organized by volunteers and partnered with St. Helena Parks & Recreation. Crane Park, May 17 and May 18.
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Rustic Roots: Barn Tour
Discover Napa Valley’s Rural Heritage – One Barn at a Time. Join the St. Helena Historical Society and Napa County Landmarks for a unique day celebrating history, community, and architecture. This self-guided driving tour showcases captivating barns and farmsteads in the St. Helena area—each with a story to tell. Preservation is for everyone. Barn Tour tickets are $25 to $40. Check in at the St. Helena Heritage Center (1255 Oak Avenue), May 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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COAD: Meet Your Neighbor
Join Napa Valley COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) and learn about the importance of emergency preparedness and neighborhood connections through the Meet Your Neighbor program! The event will discuss alerts, go bags, stay boxes, emergency planning and the need to build a network within your neighborhood to stay safe during a disaster. Preparing for any type of emergency is easier together. Rianda House, May 19 at 2:30 p.m.
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Save the Dates: Summer Concert Series Returns
2025 Summer Concerts will run June 18 through August 13! Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (no concert on July 2). Line up coming soon.
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Employee of the Quarter - Sandra Felix, Police Officer - St. Helena Police Department
This year the City is recognizing employees based on the theme of “Innovation” after previously focusing on two other core values (Responsiveness and Collaboration). The goal is to empower staff to identify better ways to serve the community, to enhance responsiveness, and/or enhance efficiency by thinking outside the box and finding unique solutions to complex challenges or breaking away from traditional methods to embrace new ideas.
Officer Sandra Felix has worked for the St. Helena Police Department for more than 7.5 years. She was recently recognized as the 1Q2025 Employee of the Quarter because of her consistent ability to be innovative in how she fulfills her role as an officer and her desire to be innovative in providing services to the community. Earlier this year she helped to research and apply for a grant through the California Office of Traffic Safety that could help the Department transition from paper tickets to a new electronic citation program. If awarded, the technology would reduce the likelihood of administrative errors and save time for officers, dispatchers, and the entire Department for records management time. Officer Felix’s forward-thinking approach and determination to enhance departmental efficiency set a shining example for her peers and highlight the impact of proactive leadership at every level.
Beyond her time behind the badge, Officer Felix enjoys spending time with her husband of nearly 20 years and cooking for her family.
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May 13, 2025
Public Forum:
Reports by Staff and City Council, Future Agenda Items, and AB 1234 Reports:
Presentations and Public Recognitions:
Consent Items:
Public Hearing:
New Business:
City Council Reports:
Review the meeting agenda and watch the meeting.
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Click the underlined event names for more information.
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St. Helena Calendar: Learn more about our business community’s upcoming community events.
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Rianda House Calendar: Offers more than 150 programs and activities monthly that help older adults remain Strong (in mind, body, and spirit), Connected (in meaningful relationships), and Giving (from the abundance of their lives).
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Here's what's happening in St. Helena: A list of events compiled by the St. Helena Star.
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St. Helena Farmers’ Market: Providing our community with a beautiful venue for meeting friends, greeting neighbors, cooking demonstrations, and more. Crane Park, Fridays now through October, 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Heritage Center Museum: Check out the photographs, documents, artifacts, books, and more that form the heritage of our City. St. Helena Historical Society's Heritage Center Museum (1255 Oak Avenue), June 7 (and first Saturday monthly) from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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2nd Annual Napa Valley Pickleball Classic: Benefiting UpValley Family Centers. Registration now open. Crane Park, May 17 to May 18.
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Worm -or- Backyard Composting Workshop: Learn about worm or backyard composting - choose your own adventure! For those taking the backyard composting portion, after concluding the workshop you may purchase a discounted compost bin for $20 (one bin per household). Worm class attendees will receive a free worm compost tool kit, including the worms, that you will set up with the UC Master Gardeners to take home! Registration required, class size limited. Napa Valley College - Upper Valley Campus (1088 College Ave), May 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Neighborhood Table: Fantastic food, live music, and a great cause, supporting St. Helena Hospital Foundation's Mobile Health team. The Neighborhood Table brings together 500 friends and neighbors for a special evening among the vineyards. Adams Street at Library Lane, May 17 at 5 p.m.
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Mixed Nutts Softball: Cheer on the Veterans as they take on Leadership Napa Valley! The Mixed Nutts Softball Program, part of the Tug McGraw Foundation’s Wellness Initiative, helps Yountville Veterans Home residents enhance their physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual health through softball. Get free softball tickets. Cleve Borman Baseball Field (Yountville Vets Home), May 18 at 10:30 a.m.
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Rustic Roots - St. Helena Barn Tour: The St. Helena Historical Society and Napa County Landmarks are teaming up to bring this rare opportunity to visit historic barns and farms in the St. Helena area and hear the stories behind the buildings. Buy early-bird tickets now. Various locations in St. Helena, May 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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COAD - Meet Your Neighbor: Join Napa Valley COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) and learn about the importance of emergency preparedness and neighborhood connections through the Meet Your Neighbor program! The event will discuss alerts, go bags, stay boxes, emergency planning and the need to build a network within your neighborhood to stay safe during a disaster. Preparing for any type of emergency is easier together. Rianda House, May 19 at 2:30 p.m.
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St. Helena Veterans Memorial Killed in Action Plaque Dedication: The City invites veterans and other community members to an event dedicating the plaque at its new location and remembering those who have been killed in action. St. Helena City Hall (1088 College Avenue), May 20 at 10 a.m.
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Balance and Fall Prevention: Research tells us that approximately 30% of individuals over age 65, and almost 50% of those over 80 will fall during the next year. This lecture will address where falls most occur, the factors that increase your fall risk, how to minimize those risk factors, effective interventions for you to reduce your fall risk, and effective exercises to decrease your fall risk. RSVP Requested. Rianda House, May 24 at 10 a.m.
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Charsaw Lavender Farm Tour: A family owned lavender farm launched in 2021. Come and get a tour of the property, and learn about their handmade soaps, oils, and baking goods from the lavender they grow and harvest by hand. RSVP Requested. Charsaw Lavender Farm (1210 Cuttings Wharf Road, Napa), May 31 at 10 a.m.
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Classic Car Show and Wine Tasting: Join Rianda House for its 10th annual event showcasing classic cars, good company, and fun. Food, music, beer, and wine await – come one, come all! Adams Street (east of Library Lane), June 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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City of St. Helena
1088 College Avenue
St. Helena, CA 94574
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