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Hello friends and neighbors,
While the thermostat disagrees, the colors on the leaves tell me Fall is here. October is synonymous with celebrations from 4-H Week, to Hispanic Heritage Month, to Filipino American History Month, and the conclusion of harvest. A common theme runs through all of those—hard work and resilient commitment to agriculture and community for generations have helped make Napa County the vibrant community we all love.
Halloween is fast approaching. Reminder to wear reflective clothing or bring a flashlight and always look both ways before crossing the road. If you're out driving, take extra care to make sure that families and children enjoy a safe and memorable Halloween. There are also many community Halloween family-friendly events, listed below.
Shortly thereafter is Election Day, November 3! Early voting is available now. Make a plan to vote, utilize Napa County's ballot boxes and vote centers, and make your voice heard.
There is a lot happening across Napa County and the region. This newsletter includes updates on many issues, projects, and decisions that matter to our community. I hope you'll take a few minutes to catch up, stay informed, and see what's happening in our community.
As always, it is an honor to serve you and the County of Napa. Happy pumpkin spice season!
Belia Ramos
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Runway 19R approach public information workshop TONIGHT 10/7 | |
Share your thoughts on a potential new flight approach for Napa County Airport Runway 19R! Attend an in-person public information workshop to learn more about the approach options and provide input.
WHEN: TONIGHT, October 7 from 7-9pm
WHERE: Health & Human Services Agency Community Room (2751 Napa Valley Corporate Drive)
With community and stakeholder input, Napa County and its consultants are evaluating the feasibility of developing a supplemental flight approach procedure for Runway 19R and seeking approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The proposed procedure would be used when visibility is not impaired and is intended to help address aircraft noise concerns expressed by community members.
Learn more about the Runway 19R Approach Evaluation Project and check for additional community engagement opportunities >>>
| | A simpler way to pay property taxes | | |
Looking for an easier way to manage your property taxes? The Napa County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office now offers InvoiceCloud, a convenient online payment system that puts your property tax information and payment options in one place.
By creating an InvoiceCloud account, you can
- Manage multiple parcels under one account
- Get alerts when a new tax bill is available
- Schedule future payments ahead of the due date
- Receive reminders as tax deadlines approach
- Set up automatic payments for added convenience
Taxpayers can also continue to make in-person payments at the Tax Collector’s Office.
Learn more and create your account >>>
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Reminder: Make a plan to vote! 🗳️ | | |
The November 3, 2026, General Election is quickly approaching. Take a moment to check your voter registration, especially if you have moved or changed your name or political party. The deadline to register or update your registration online or by mail is October 19. If you miss that deadline, you can still register and vote in person at the Election Division or a vote center through Election Day.
Make a plan for when and how you will return your ballot. There are many drop options, including drop boxes, vote centers and drive-thru locations. I strongly recommend dropping your ballot off to avoid any possible delays in the mail. Find the location and time that works best for you!
In person voting is available now (began October 5) at the Napa County Election Division. Voting ends November 3 at 8pm.
| | District 5 fall student art contest | | |
I’ve partnered with the American Canyon Arts Foundation (ACAF) to offer an annual Student Art Contest. Any Middle or High School student in the Fifth Supervisorial District can submit artwork for a chance to win a scholarship. Don’t know your district? Use this interactive map to check.
Entry is free, and submissions are due by Friday, November 13. First, second and third place winners in each category will receive cash scholarships.
Get contest details >>>
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Please join me for the annual District 5 Holiday Open House on December 8 from 5:30-7:30pm. This year's open house will be at the American Canyon Boys & Girls Club at 60 Benton Way in American Canyon. Enjoy community connection, refreshments, County updates and more!
This year I am hosting a Grocery Gift Card Drive benefiting Community Action Napa Valley (CAN-V). CAN-V provides food assistance programs throughout Napa County including the Food Bank, Food Pantries, Free Markets and more. Consider donating grocery gift cards to help families in our community this holiday season.
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| | Public invited to view all phases of the election | |
The Napa County Election Division invites anyone interested to observe all aspects of the November 3, 2026, Statewide General Election. Registrar of Voters John Tuteur encourages residents to witness the process firsthand and help protect election integrity.
Key Dates
- Ongoing: Signature verification, beginning with the return of the first ballots
- 10/22: Vote-by-mail ballot processing begins
- 10/24: Ballot counting begins at the Napa County Election Division and at the American Canyon Vote Center and continues through Election Day.
- 10/31: Observers are welcome at all vote centers
- 11/3: A random drawing selects precincts for the one percent manual tally
- 11/23: The one percent manual tally begins and continues until the election is certified
Get details on how to observe the election >>>
| | | On September 29, the Board reconvened a community forum, continued from September 15, regarding the Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH Act). In 2025, the Napa County Department of Corrections (NCDC) received 145 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests and provided release information for 36 of those requests . Of those 36, ICE took nine individuals into custody, compared with seven in 2024. | | | | | |
Bay Area sea level rise adaption projects | |
The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) has launched a new tool with the help of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Association of Bay Area Governments (MTC-ABAG). The Bay Adapt Project and Funding Navigator is an online platform that shows sea level rise adaptation projects around the Bay, including their costs, benefits and funding needs. It also highlights funding opportunities to help advance these projects. Users can search for adaptation projects by geography, type, benefits, or other criteria to create customized project lists that can help plan investments, track progress, or advocate for funding.
Try out the navigator tool >>>
BCDC protects and enhances San Francisco Bay and advances the Bay’s responsible, productive, and equitable use for today and for generations to come as we face a changing climate and rising sea levels. I serve as Napa County’s representative to BCDC.
| | SR 29 Corridor Improvements Project nominated for state funding | | |
On September 23, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) endorsed and nominated transportation projects throughout the Bay Area for state funding. The SR 29 American Canyon Corridor Improvements Project, led by Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) was nominated through the state’s Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) with a request for $30 million.
Regionally, SR 29 provides a direct connection between Solano, Napa and Sonoma counties. Locally, it is also the lifeblood of access into and out of Napa County. Because SR 29 functions as American Canyon’s “Main Street,” it faces significant safety, aesthetic, and operational challenges between Napa Junction and American Canyon Road.
The California Transportation Commission will announce the recommended awards in June 2027. If approved, this funding would help support the project’s construction phase.
Learn more about MTC’s nominations for 2026 state funding opportunities >>>
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American Canyon community grants application open | | |
The City of American Canyon is accepting applications for its Community Grant Program, which provides funding to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that serve the American Canyon community and support local programs, services and events. The program aims to strengthen organizations, encourage partnerships, and enhance the quality of life in American Canyon. Applications are due October 18 by 11:59pm.
Apply for the Community Grant Program >>>
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ACFPD Open House 10/10
Join American Canyon Fire Protection District (ACFPD) for its annual Open House and free family fun! Watch demonstrations, learn how to use a fire extinguisher and get up close with the fire engines!
When: Saturday 10/10 • 10am-1pm
Where: 911 Donaldson Way, American Canyon
ACFPD Open House details >>>
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Best Foot Foward: A Career Confidence Day for Women 10/17
This free event, hosted by Community Closet by 1 Foot Forward, is designed to help women prepare for their next job opportunity by providing professional interview clothing, resume assistance, interview coaching ,professional headshots, hair and makeup services, and connections to local employers and community resources.
When: Saturday 10/17 • 10am-2pm
Where: 25 Executive Court, Napa
Get Best Foot Foward details >>>
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Halloween Events
Looking for safe, family-fun Halloween activities? Check out these local events:
- American Canyon Chamber of Commerce Halloween in the Plaza - Friday 10/3 from 3-5pm
- American Canyon Fire Protect District Safe Trick or Treat - Saturday 10/31 from 5-8pm
- American Canyon Boys & Girls Club Halloween Carnival - Saturday 10/31 5-8pm
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Manila Munchies 10/10
Celebrate Filipino food, culture, music and community! Enjoy authentic Filipino food and treats, live music, local vendors, family fun and more.
When: Saturday 10/10 • 3-9pm
Where: Shenandoah Park (100 Sonoma Creek Way, American Canyon)
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NapaSan Open House 10/17
Stop by NapaSan for treatment plant tours, equipment demos, crafts and games for kids, toilet races, and refreshments. Tours will be given every half hour from 10:30am-1:30pm. Learn what happens when water goes town the drain or toilet and how NapaSan gives much of that water a new purpose!
When: Saturday 10/17 • 10am-2pm
Where: 1515 Soscol Ferry Road, Napa
Dia de los Muertos details >>>
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Napa Dia de los Muertos 11/7
Napa Dia de los Muertos aims to create a family-friendly event where our diverse Napa community feels seen and heard through art, tradition, music, dance, and food; and where the spirit of Dia de los Muertos is driven by cultural awareness, understanding, and acceptance.
When: Saturday 11/7 • 3-8pm
Where: Veterans Park & Brown Street, Napa
Dia de los Muertos details >>>
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Attend upcoming Board of Supervisors meetings
Stay informed and engaged with your county government! Attend or tune in virtually to an upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting.
Regular meeting: Tuesday, October 12 at 9am
Regular meeting: Tuesday, November 3 at 9am
All meetings will take place in the Board Chambers on the third floor of the County Administration Building - 1195 Third Street, Suite 305, Napa
See current agendas, minutes and meeting details >>>
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Join a Napa County board, committee, or commission
Use your experience and expertise to help guide local policy and strengthen our community. Learn about the committees and commissions, find out which have current vacancies, and see which might be a good fit for you.
See the list of vacancies and apply >>>
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Share your thoughts on important issues
Public comment opportunities:
- The Bay Area Air District is seeking public comment on the proposed amendments to Rule 9-6 that seeks to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides from residential and commercial water heaters.
Learn more and make public comment by November 1 >>>
- Napa's Regional Climate Action Adaptation Plan will be considered for adoption by the Board of Supervisors on November 3. Public comment is welcomed at that meeting or via email to publiccoment@countyofnapa.org.
Read the plan and follow its progress >>>
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The fourth and last Meet Me in the Street of the year included a special Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Hispanic music, dancing, performances, businesses and more, showcased the tremendous contributions that the Hispanic community makes to our County. I was honored to join NVUSD Superintendent Dr. Mucetti and Napa County Sheriff Ortiz in highlighting Latinos in leadership representing our community. | | Last month I hosted the American Canyon Chamber of Commerce Coffee Chat in the District 5 Office in American Canyon City Hall. Thank you to everyone who joined—we had to overflow into the lobby with so many people! I appreciate the opportunity to share this space with the community while sharing and receiving important updates from the business and nonprofit community. | | Last week, the Latino Leaders Round Table invited me to join a panel with Calistoga Councilwoman Irais Lopez-Ortega and Sheriff Oscar Ortiz to share our journeys to public service and elected office, and to share advice for the next generation of leaders. There is no denying this job comes with challenges, but serving and representing this community is the privilege of a lifetime. | | | | |
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