News Briefs from the Calistoga Tribune and Yountville Sun
What’s next for Napa Valley’s economy?
The Napa Valley Community Foundation and the Napa Chamber of Commerce will host a town hall on Thursday, May 1 at the Yountville Community Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the event begins at 5:30 p.m. The town hall is free and open to the public and will feature speaker, economist and professor at Sonoma State University Dr. Robert Eyler, who will unpack the economic outlook nationally and locally. Eyler will also share recent local data, provide forecasts based on various scenarios, weigh the merits of economic diversification, discuss federal policy shifts and more.
The Yountville Community Center is located at 6516 Washington St. in Yountville.
Yountville town-wide yard sale listings due April 25
Yountville yard sales scheduled for the town-wide sale set for May 3 can be listed for free. Call 707-944-8712 or send an email to khuss@yville.com no later than April 25 and include your address and the hours of your yard sale. Missed the deadline? You may still host a yard sale, but your address will not be included in advertisements.
Yountville resident launches Dream Vacations
John Burdge of Yountville has become a certified Dream Vacations travel advisor and is now part of a national network of home-based vacation planners, offering access to cruise and land vacation deals, plus product and service offerings curated by Dream Vacations.
“I specialize in designing unforgettable journeys for wine lovers, foodies and luxury travelers who crave one-of-a-kind experiences,” said Burdge. “From cellar tastings in Bordeaux to river cruises through Europe’s most celebrated wine regions, I’m committed to turning dream vacations into lifelong memories.”
To complete the certification program, Burdge completed an in-depth training, workshops including sales and marketing seminars and product briefings by major cruise lines, hands-on systems orientation using CruiseControl, a customer relationship manager and reservation platform and onboard ship inspections at the Dream Vacations training center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information visit https://jburdge.dreamvacations.com, send an email to jburdge@dreamvacations.com or call 707-603-9646.
‘Wood This Be Wood’ exhibit to open
The John Sensenbaugh Collection of Scroll Saw Fine Art exhibition, “Wood This Be Wood,” will open on Thursday, May 8, with an artist reception from 5:30–7 p.m. in the Steve Rogers Gallery at the Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington St., Yountville.
As the featured artist for the May 17 Art, Sip and Stroll event, Sensenbaugh will launch the annual event with his intricate and captivating woodwork. His collection showcases the artistry and precision of scroll saw techniques transforming wood into finely detailed masterpieces.
Thompson announces 2025 Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson announced that Gustavo Aviña was chosen as the 2025 Napa County Climate Crisis Champion. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District annually, to honor outstanding efforts that address the climate crisis.
“Mr. Gustavo Aviña has made an impact on our community through his dedication and devotion to sustainable farming as viticulture director at Pine Ridge Vineyards,” Thompson said. “Mr. Aviña has successfully implemented industry-leading sustainability efforts such as dry farming, achieving a Napa Green Vineyard certification, and has committed the vineyard to carbon neutrality. His devotion, years of service in the vineyards, and forward thinking have all set him up for success as a leader in the wine community and as a champion for our climate.”
Chamber Orchestra presents free community concert
Napa Valley Chamber Orchestra will host guest concertmaster and soloist Chase Spruill, who will lead the orchestra and perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto No.1 in D minor at a free community concert set for Sunday, April 27, at 2:p.m. at Crosswalk Community Church, 2590 First St., Napa.
Spruill is known internationally for championing contemporary classical music and interpreting minimalist masters such as Philip Glass, Michael Nyman and Henryk Gorecki. He has also collaborated with notable artists including the Kronos Quartet and BAFTA-nominated composer Brian Reitzell, releasing music from the critically acclaimed NBC television series “Hannibal.”
While this performance is free, donations in support of the Chamber Orchestra and their efforts to bring live classical performances to the community are gratefully accepted. For the full program, and more information, visit https://napavalleychamberorchestra.com/.
Napa County Civil Grand Jury seeking applicants
Applications are being accepted through April 30 to serve on the 2025-26 Napa County Civil Grand Jury. Successful applicants will serve as grand jurors for a term beginning in July 2025 and ending June 2026.
The Civil Grand Jury is responsible for investigating and reporting on the operations, accounts and records of local government officers and agencies. Grand jurors also have the power to investigate citizen complaints about local government. Service as a grand juror is compensated at the rate of $15 per general meeting attended, plus mileage.
The Grand Jury typically meets in the city of Napa and meets virtually by video as needed.
Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age, U.S. citizens, and residents of Napa County for at least one year prior to appointment.
For a full list of qualifications, to learn more or to apply, visit http://www.napa.courts.ca.gov/general-info/grand-jury/ or for questions, call 707-299-1110.
Open Studios Registration now open
Registration has begun for Open Studios 2025. In its 37th year, Open Studios runs the last two weekends in September when artists open their workspaces to visitors. The deadline for artists to sign up is April 30 by 5 p.m. Participating artists may sign up for one or both weekends. Email peggyfrancis1@gmail.com with questions. For more information on how to apply visit https://artnv.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/CaFE-How-to-Apply-for-Artists.pdf.
Napa Valley Pickleball Classic
Registration is open for the second annual Napa Valley Pickleball Classic which will take place at Crane Park in St. Helena on May 17 and 18. All registration fees and donations will go to UpValley Family Centers’ programs and services.
Saturday will consist of pool play doubles matches with the brackets for ages 18-49 and ages 50-plus, each divided by intermediate and advanced levels. Free introductory clinics will be held for pickleball learners and other fun activities will be available, along with food vendors.
The Sunday tournament will consist of single-elimination finals featuring Saturday’s winners. To register visit https://nvpc.givesmart.com/
