Napa County News Briefs from the Calistoga Tribune and Yountville Sun
OLPH Men’s Club BBQ fundraiser
The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church Men’s Club in Calistoga will hold a pig barbecue roast fundraiser in the church hall on Saturday, May 17. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.
Dinner includes barbecued pig with sides of beans and coleslaw and a no-host bar. Also at the event, enjoy music, a silent auction and a raffle. Tickets can be purchased after Saturday and Sunday masses or at the church rectory on Wednesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help is at 901 Washington St. in Calistoga.
Safety Day at Logvy Park
Calistoga’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting Safety Day, which will take place on Saturday, May 17 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Logvy Park Soccer Field.
The educational event is open to community members of all ages. Learn about fire, bike, and water safety in a fun and interactive environment. Bring your bike and test your skills on the obstacle course, and afterward, join a police-escorted ride through town for kids.
It’s a great chance to build bike safety skills while feeling like part of a special parade. Enjoy a bike raffle, prizes, food and more while connecting with neighbors and learning important safety tips in a hands-on way.
For more information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/uv43v3eh/. Logvy Park is located at 1745 Washington St. in Calistoga.
Hearts and Hands Preschool fundraiser
Hearts and Hands Preschool will host its Big Hearts for Small Hands fundraiser on Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club in Calistoga. Tickets cost $100 per-person and will include dinner by Edgar Carrillo of El Taco Feliz, a no-host margarita bar, and beer and wine. Live and silent auctions will be held at the event.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4v5jakju/. To learn more about Hearts and Hands, visit: https://www.heartsandhandskids.com/. The Boys and Girls Club is located at 1401 N. Oak St. in Calistoga.
Napa Valley Pickleball Classic
The second annual Napa Valley Pickleball Classic will take place at Crane Park in St. Helena on May 17 and 18.
While registration to play in the tournament is now closed, the two-day community event is open to the public and will offer various activities.
Organized by volunteers and representatives from the St. Helena’s Parks and Recreation Department and UpValley Family Centers, the event aims to bring neighbors together for a day of fun and shared purpose.
Saturday will consist of pool play doubles matches and will feature free introductory clinics for pickleball learners, food vendor and other activities for the community. The Sunday tournament will consist of single-elimination finals featuring Saturday’s winning teams.
All registration fees and donations benefit UpValley Family Centers’ programs and services. For more information or to donate, visit: https://e.givesmart.com/events/H4r/.
Crane Park is at 360 S. Crane Ave., St. Helena.
UpStage Napa Valley’s ‘Third’ continues through May 18
UpStage Napa Valley presents the play “Third,” written by Tony Award-winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein and directed by UpStage Artistic Director Sharie Renault.
Performances continue this weekend at Grace Episcopal Church in St. Helena. Plays will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $31.50 for adults and $21.50 for students.
The play is set in a liberal arts college focused on diversity. When Woodson Bull III (played by Michael Hunter) arrives on campus as an athlete on a sports scholarship, he is perceived as a privileged, preppy and conservative by Laurie (played by Rhonda Bowen). It is through the wisdom of the family and friends that Laurie realizes you can’t judge a book by its cover.
Actors and the director will hold an open discussion at the end of each performance.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.upstagenapavalley.org/ or email info@upstagenapavalley.org.
Grace Episcopal Church is at 1314 Spring St. in St. Helena.
WCAL dine and donate fundraiser in Calistoga
Sushi Mambo will host a dine and donate fundraiser on Thursday, May 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to benefit Wine Country Animal Lovers (WCAL). The restaurant will donate 10% of the day’s sales revenue, which will include to-go orders, to the local nonprofit.
Kitten season has officially begun, and WCAL needs support to ensure as many local cats as possible have access to spay/neuter surgeries. Every dollar raised will help the community’s kittens in need.
To make a reservation, visit: www.sushimambo.com/ or call 707-942-4699. Sushi Mambo is at 1631 Lincoln Ave. in Calistoga.
Free Vine transit to BottleRock, La Onda
All rides on the Vine bus during BottleRock (May 23-25) and La Onda (May 31-June 1) music festivals will be free whether you’re going to the concerts or just getting around town.
Both festivals take place at the Napa Valley Expo, just a four-minute walk to the Soscol Gateway Transit Center at 625 Burnell St., Napa.
Ride any bus headed for the Transit Center and step into the action while avoiding the parking and traffic hassles. The free rides are made possible by Visit Napa Valley, BottleRock and La Onda.
To view and download the special Vine transit schedules for BottleRock and La Onda, visit: https://vinetransit.com/bottlerock/. The Napa Valley Expo is at 575 3rd St. in Napa.
Ag Fair at Calistoga Fairgrounds
The Calistoga Fairgrounds will come alive for Calistoga Ag Day, on Saturday, May 24, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Don’t miss this chance to explore Calistoga’s rich agricultural legacy, taste award-worthy wines, and enjoy a full day of family fun. Admission is free. The event will highlight the upper Napa Valley’s agricultural heritage with exhibits, educational displays and hands-on activities. It includes jump houses, a foam party, climbing wall, and farm petting zoo for children, and for adults, vendors, food and beverages (by the Native Sons), music, and a wine competition that will be judged at 2 p.m.
The panel of wine judges will include J’nai Gaither, Sonoma correspondent for Decanter magazine; Deborah Parker Wong, global wine editor for Slow Wine, SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel Magazine and Mike Dunne, wine columnist and judge, restaurant critic, Signature Wines author, and San Francisco Chronicle writer. The Calistoga Fairgrounds is at 1435 N Oak St., Calistoga.
Older Adult Health and Wellness Fair
UpValley Family Centers will hold its Older Adult Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at Pioneer Park.
The event will highlight health and wellness services for adults age 55+ and their caretakers. Learn about services for older adults available throughout Napa County by visiting the information booths hosted by participating community partners. Attendees can also partake in on-site preventative health screenings, CPR training, raffle prizes, giveaways and more. No registration required.
For more information, contact UpValley Family Centers’ Senior Service Case Manager Emma Diamond, at (707) 965-5010 ext. 307 or by email at ediamond@upvalleyfamilycenters.org.
Pioneer Park is located at 1308 Cedar St. in Calistoga.
Calistoga 4th of July Parade registration open
Fourth of July Parade registration is now open. The theme is “American Dream.” This year, Celebrate! Napa Valley is bringing the party to the Calistoga Fairgrounds.
Floats will stage on Cedar Street ahead of the parade, which will begin at 11 a.m. and will continue along Lincoln Avenue to Fair Way, concluding at the Calistoga Fairgrounds. Parade registration closes May 30.
For more information, to register, or to find out how to participate and support the festivities, visit: https://tinyurl.com/45vvj58v/.
Take the Napa County resident survey
Napa County invites residents, workers and community members to participate in a survey that will help guide the development of the county’s five-year Strategic Plan. The anonymous survey is available through June 15 in English and Spanish and takes just a few minutes to complete.
From wildfire preparedness and housing availability to road safety, public services and the impacts of tourism, the survey invites input on the issues that matter most to residents. Survey results will directly inform the county’s Strategic Plan and help guide decision-making over the next five years.
To learn more or to take the survey online, visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdh8yjnm/.
Calistoga Summer in the Vineyards Passport
For the first time ever, Calistoga’s Chamber of Commerce is expanding its Winter in the Wineries passport program to offer summer deals at participating wineries.
From June 12 to Aug. 17, Summer in the Vineyards passport holders can enjoy special access and exclusive summer experiences at nearly two dozen local wineries. Passports are $45 each.
These wine tasting passports grant holders half-price wine tastings at all participating wineries, as well as discounts on some lodging, dining, retail and spa experiences throughout town.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yu4u2z8w/. For inquiries, email: marketing@calistogachamber.com
Safety Net Fund accepting nonprofit applications
The Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) is accepting applications from eligible non-profits for the new Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund, which provides grants and zero-interest bridge loans to help Napa County nonprofits continue delivering essential services such as food, housing, healthcare, childcare, and mental health support to local residents.
With substantial seed gifts from NVCF, Napa Valley Vintners, Zach Zachowski and Barbara Gabel, and family members of Elaine Jones, the fund honors the extraordinary legacy of the late Elaine Maria Jones, a devoted philanthropist and community leader who championed local nonprofits with unparalleled passion and dedication. Applicationsare due June 20. To download grant guidelines, visit napavalleycf.org/safetynet.
Calistoga Community Awards ceremony
Join the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the individuals and organizations that make Calistoga shine at the annual Calistoga Community Awards ceremony on Monday, June 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery.
New this year is the Young Leader of the Year award, which will honor an exceptional youth making a difference in the community.
Tickets are $45 per person. Tickets and table sponsorships can be purchased online at: https://tinyurl.com/methckv3/. The nomination period is now closed.
Thompson, Steube found Bipartisan Natural Disaster Caucus
Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-04) and Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL-17) have co-founded the bipartisan Natural Disaster Caucus whose members are dedicated to natural disaster preparation, response, and relief. Thompson and Steube will serve as co-chairs of the caucus, which will provide resources for members of Congress and their staff to help districts across the country prevent, prepare for and respond to natural disasters.
“Every community across our country is at risk of natural disasters, whether it’s wildfires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, or other disasters. It just makes sense that we work together to improve the ways in which we prepare for disasters, respond to them, and ultimately deliver relief to survivors,” Thompson said. “It’s great to partner with my colleague, Rep. Greg Steube, to establish this bipartisan caucus to continue our work preventing and responding to disasters.”
Thompson and Steube founded the Natural Disaster Caucus following their successful effort to deliver disaster relief to survivors of wildfires in California’s 4th District and hurricanes in Florida’s 17th District.
Last spring, they led a bipartisan group of 218 members of Congress to successfully advance a discharge petition, which forced House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring their bill, the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, to the House floor for a vote. The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act supports the nearly 70,000 qualified survivors who suffered significant losses during three major federally declared California fires in 2015, 2017 and 2018 who received related settlement payments.
At the time, the historic advancement of Rep. Thompson and Rep. Steube’s petition marked only the third time a House discharge petition had succeeded in the 21st century. Their efforts succeeded as the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act passed the Senate and was signed into law by President Biden at the end of 2024.
Napa County Historical Society announces 2025 Summer Walking Tours
The Napa County Historical Society (NCHS) has announced the 2025 Walking Tour Schedule for historic downtown Napa and Tulocay Cemetery.
The Tulocay Cemetery tours take place on Friday, June 13, at 3p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 30, at starting at 10:30 a.m. Meet at the cemetery’s Juarez Building (old office just inside the gate at Tulocay Drive).
The Historic Downtown Napa Tour takes place on Saturday, June 28, at 10:30 a.m. and Friday, Aug. 15 at 3 p.m. Meet at the Goodman Library at 1219 First St., Napa.
The tours are guided and take about 90 minutes. Whisper headsets make it easy to enjoy each stop and hear the interesting historical facts. Tickets are limited. The cost is $45 per person ($30 for Napa County Historical Society members). To purchase tickets, visit https://napahistory.org/events. Private tours for four to 25 people are also available. Contact info@napahistory.org for details.
Friends of the Yountville Library Annual Meeting
The Friends of the Yountville Library (FOYL), a volunteer-run non-profit that provides vital support to the local library, has set its annual meeting for Wednesday, June 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees will learn more about the non-profit, including its financial report, accomplishments from the past year and updates about used book sales.
The Friends provides funding for the annual summer reading program, sponsors creative and educational events such as Books to Movies, Bookmark Stories, arts and crafts projects and guest speakers. The organization also makes special purchases possible including historical photographs, a large-screen TV, record player and even a Nespresso machine. Membership is $10 annually, and members can participate in the election of officers. Reservations are required at yountvillefol@gmail.com.
Calistoga Community Pool is now open
Pool season is here. Admission to the Calistoga Community Pool is free to Calistoga residents and those residing within the Calistoga Joint Unified School District.
Passes are required for adults 18 and older and for youth ages 11-17 coming to the pool without an adult. To renew a season pass or pick up a new pass, submit proof of residency in Calistoga such as a utility bill, CJUSD enrollment information, or any other document verifying residency.
Passes include admission to recreational swim, lap swim and water aerobics sessions. Separate registration is required for youth swim lessons, which are also free to Calistoga residents. Admission fees will be charged during special events. Normal pool admission fees will apply to non-residents.
To register for a pass, create an online account at: cityofcalistoga.perfectmind.com/. To view the pool schedule, visit: https://tinyurl.com/y8jc7ybm/.
The Community Pool is located at 1745 Washington St. in Calistoga.
V Foundation Wine Celebration registration open
Registration is now open for the 27th annual V Foundation Wine Celebration, July 31 to Aug. 3, at Estate Yountville. At the Wine Celebration, attendees will learn directly from top researchers about the most cutting-edge cancer research funded by the V Foundation, enjoy a food and wine festival featuring award-winning chefs and vintners, and bid on one-of-a-kind experiences at the Gala & Auction at Nickel & Nickel Estate Winery. All proceeds fund lifesaving cancer research through the V Foundation.
CAL FIRE burn permits now required
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit (LNU) has announced that as of May 1, all hazard reduction burning require a permit in Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
Burn permits for residents living within all six LNU counties can be obtained online at https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/. Applicants can apply for a burn permit via the website, which involves watching a short educational video and completing an application.
This process provides the information to safely conduct burns while minimizing the chance for fire escape. Permits, which are issued free of charge, must be in possession either by printed copy or digitally. They are valid beginning on May 1 of each year and require annual renewal.
County warns of phishing scams
Napa County urges the public to be on the lookout for phishing scams impersonating county departments and staff demanding payment from local business owners and residents. The targeted phishing attempts have scammed some individuals out of thousands of dollars.
In the most recently reported incidents, scammers are impersonating the planning, building and environmental services departments and staff to request wire transfers or payments for permits or applications. These emails are fraudulent. To protect yourself from scams, always verify the sender’s email address. Official Napa County email addresses will always end in “@countyofnapa.org.”
Do not send payment or personal information via email unless you’re absolutely sure the request is legitimate. If an email looks suspicious, do not click links, attachments or reply. When in doubt, contact the county directly using official phone numbers or email addresses listed on the county’s website (www.countyofnapa.org/). To contact Planning, Building and Environmental Services, call 707- 253-4417 or email planning@countyofnapa.org.
Free Napa Green Screen Film Series set
The Green Screen Film Series is a set of free climate-related film screenings at the Napa County Library, in partnership with Napa Climate NOW. The upcoming film “The Beaver Believers” follows people working across the American West to reintroduce beavers that naturally restore ecosystems and help fight climate change. It will be shown on Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. The Napa County Library is at 580 Coombs St., Napa. Learn more at https://napa.350bayarea.org.
Auction Napa Valley tickets on sale
On June 6-7, Auction Napa Valley will celebrate 45 years of giving back to the Napa Valley community, with a focus upon the health and well-being of Napa’s youth. Tickets are now on sale for this event, which has become a gathering for the local wine industry, and wine enthusiasts and philanthropists from around the world.
Guests can choose from two ticket packages: the Napa Valley Barrel Auction ticket or the all-access weekend experience, which includes the barrel auction, winemaker dinners and winery visits, leading up to the dinner and live auction. Tickets for Auction Napa Valley can be purchased at collectivenapavalley.org.
County encourages measles vaccinations
With the recent rise of measles cases nationally, Napa County urges everyone to get the measles vaccination if they are not sure if they got it or if they did not have measles as a child.
The highly contagious virus can cause serious illness and death, and the safe and highly effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers the best protection.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. If an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can linger indoors for several hours. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (pink eye), followed by a rash.
“Vaccinating our community against measles is not just about protecting the individual, but about ensuring the safety of everyone, so no one is left vulnerable to this preventable disease,” said Dr. Christine Wu, deputy director of Public Health for Napa County.
More than 300 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. as of March 14, as well as two measles deaths, the first in the U.S. since 2015. There were five reported cases in California as of March 11.
Lucky Penny launches ‘Thrive in ‘25’ fund drive
Lucky Penny Productions has kicked off a fundraising effort to sustain the company’s productions at the Lucky Penny Community Arts Center.
“It’s been almost two years since we have run a fund drive,” said Managing Director Barry Martin. “Everything has been different since we were closed for 18 months during the pandemic, but since we re-opened, we’ve learned that along with the donations we receive month-to-month, we need an additional $35,000 to $40,000 to cover all of our costs and continue producing theater and operating our Napa Academy of Performing Arts program.”
Lucky Penny is currently presenting “Other Desert Cities,” at their Community Art Center in Napa.
Donations can be made online by using the Donate link at www.luckypennynapa.com. Checks can be sent to Lucky Penny at 1370 Trancas St. PMB 228, Napa CA 94558. Lucky Penny is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Allies for immigrants
UpValley Family Centers, Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, On The Move Neighborhood Initiative, Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center, Community Leaders Coalition of Napa Valley and Napa Valley Community Foundation have joined forces to form Napa Valley Together: Allies for Immigrants.
The initiative is dedicated to supporting immigrants in Napa County and advancing the rights of everyone who lives locally through collective action and legal support. With a commitment to foster a community where every individual is valued, empowered and supported, the group’s mission is to uphold immigrant rights, ensure due process under the law, reduce the climate of fear created by misinformation and safeguard the continued prosperity of the community.
A new website for the initiative has been launched and contains timely resources and ways to take action in the community. To access the website and to receive accurate information, legal resources and support, visit: https://napavalleytogether.org/.
Napa Open Space District volunteering
The Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District is encouraging people to spend more time outdoors this year by hiking, camping, biking and volunteering. As the Napa Open Space District continues to expand, be on the lookout for some upcoming volunteer projects to help build new trails and improve existing ones.
Volunteering provides the opportunity to learn about what goes into maintaining local parks and get a sneak peek at some places that are not yet open to the public. To sign up for monthly emails about upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit: https://napaoutdoors.org/get-involved/volunteer/ or email info@napaoutdoors.org.
Special Napa Neighbor offers
The Napa Valley Vintners invites Napa County residents to enjoy VIP treatment, special offers and complimentary or upgraded winery tours and tastings at more than 120 participating wineries.
Let the winery know you are a local when making a reservation. Driver’s license with proof of Napa County residency is required upon arrival. For a list of participating wineries, or to learn more about the Napa Neighbor program, visit: https://tinyurl.com/26d2ccn8.
