Local Politics · Napa County
Napa County voters will decide Measure B, a proposed 0.5% sales tax running April 1, 2027 through March 31, 2045, funding wildfire preparedness, watershed protection, and open space preservation. Revenue would be split equally between Napa County and the Regional Park and Open Space District, with independent oversight and grant programs. American Canyon voters will also consider Measure P, a 1% sales tax estimated to generate $3.7 million annually for general city services including public safety and wildfire mitigation, as the city projects a budget shortfall beginning in 2027–28. Napa and Calistoga have no city-specific measures on the November ballot; their residents vote only on countywide Measure B.
Public Safety · Napa, CA
A suspicious envelope containing unknown white powder was received Monday at Rep. Mike Thompson's 4th District congressional office on Napa Valley Corporate Drive in south Napa. A staff member identified the envelope as suspicious without opening it and contacted authorities, prompting a response from City of Napa Fire Chief Zach Curren, Napa County Fire Chief J.C. Greenberg, hazmat specialists with the Napa Interagency Hazardous Incident Team, Napa County Sheriff's Office, Napa County EMS, and Cal Fire. No staff members were injured, and yellow incident tape sealed off a portion of the office parking lot. The case was referred to the FBI, which confirmed Oct. 15 it is investigating a nationwide series of suspicious mailings alongside the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. A House memo stated that none of the letters received by congressional offices have been determined to contain hazardous substances.
Housing & Development · Napa County
The Land Trust of Napa County is purchasing the 436-acre Coppin property north of Lake Berryessa using a $1 million grant from the California Wildlife Conservation Board, with plans to transfer it at no cost to become part of the 20,000-acre Knoxville Wildlife Area. The parcel, bordered by state and federal lands, sits within what the Bay Area Critical Linkages Project identifies as the highest-priority wildlife corridor in the North Bay. The deal eliminates two potential home sites and protects agricultural watershed lands along more than a mile of Zim Zim Creek, habitat for species including the northwestern pond turtle and foothill yellow-legged frog. Land Trust officials structured a bridge transaction to meet an Oct. 15 closing deadline before transferring ownership to the state.
Community News · Napa County
The Napa Valley Community Foundation is accepting applications for up to $1.2 million in unrestricted grants through its Elaine Jones Safety Net and Capacity Building Fund, supporting nonprofits that provide essential services to Napa County residents. Eligible organizations must have served the county for at least five years with an annual local operating budget between $1 million and $10 million, covering areas such as food assistance, housing, healthcare, childcare, mental health care, and survivor support. The fund, established in 2025, distributed $1.65 million to 15 nonprofits in its first year. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, with details available at napavalleycf.org/safetynet.
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Local Politics · Napa, CA
A former Napa Valley College trustee published an endorsement letter supporting Cindy Johnson, Heriverto "Eddy" Ruiz, and Emily Pastula for the NVC Board election. The letter cites a March 2022 vote of no confidence against the Board following deficit spending that resulted in job losses and closure of the college's police academy. It references a recent Board vote to cut 33 full-time staff positions and eliminate Machine Tool Technology and Digital Design and Graphics Technology programs. The writer also raises concerns about the $114 million Napa River Trail student housing complex, noting it was only 33% occupied in February 2025 and remains roughly half-full despite rent reductions.
Community News · Napa County
Napa Valley 1839 FC soccer club opened a pop-up storefront at Suite 325, First Street Napa (1300 First St.) on Oct. 15, selling jerseys, fan gear, branded IPA, and sponsor wines through the end of January. The St. Helena Carpy Gang youth football organization will hold its 90th-anniversary spaghetti feed and reunion fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Native Sons Hall (1313 Spring St.), open to adults 21 and older. Calistoga Little League began player registration Oct. 16 at $75 per player through Dec. 31, rising to $100 from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, with volunteers required to complete background checks and child abuse awareness training. Optimist Youth Basketball, a Napa recreational league for grades six through 12, is accepting online registration at napaoyb.org for the 2026-27 season.
Social Events · St. Helena, CA
The "Eames & Eames" exhibit opens Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture, 607 St. Helena Highway (Highway 29), honoring designers Charles and Ray-Bernice Eames. The show, created with the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity and curated by Llisa Demetrios and Lucia Eames, features furniture, toys, paintings, graphics, and personal belongings. It runs through April 18, 2027, with admission at $25 for adults, $15 for youth ages 6-17, and free for children 5 and under. An opening celebration is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, featuring bebop jazz, Charbay cocktails, Fiji water, and light bites; tickets are $50 general and $25 for museum members.
Social Events · Napa, CA
Not Loud Concerts will host the Napa $5 Folk Festival on Oct. 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Native Sons of the Golden West building at 927 Coombs St. in downtown Napa. The event features nine bands across three indoor stages spread over two floors, including a grand ballroom for larger groups, a wood-paneled meeting room for acoustic sets, and a dance room offering folk dancing lessons and surprise acts. Admission is $5, and attendees can move freely between stages.
