News Briefs from the Calistoga Tribune and Yountville Sun
CAL FIRE burn permits required May 1
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit (LNU) has announced that effective Thursday, May 1, all hazard reduction burning will require a permit in Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
Burn permits for residents living within all six LNU counties can now 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 May 1of each year and require annual renewal.
Pancake Breakfast at Bale Grist Mill
The Pancake Breakfast at Bale Grist Mill takes place on Saturday, May 3, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The annual event brings together park lovers of all ages to enjoy good food and good company on a beautiful spring morning at Bale Grist Mill. Tickets are $10, and proceeds support local state parks.
The waterwheel of the historic mill, surrounded by oak trees, is the backdrop for pancakes, sausage and fresh fruit. Juice, milk and coffee will also be available. Tickets are available in advance and at the door. To learn more, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.napavalleystateparks.org/shop/p/pancake-breakfast/. Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is at 3369 St. Helena Highway in St. Helena.
Fiesta de Mayo celebration
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the beginning of spring at the city’s Fiesta De Mayo event on Saturday, May 3 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Calistoga Community Pool. Admission is $5.
All are invited to join the fun, enjoy tasty treats, cool floaties, and partake in activities, which will include piñatas throughout the day. Fiesta de Mayo is the perfect way to kick off the pool season and enjoy family-friendly fun with friends and community members. The Community Pool is located at 1745 Washington St. in Calistoga.
‘Would This Be Wood’ exhibit to open
The John Sensenbaugh Collection of Scroll Saw Fine Art exhibition “Would This Be Wood” will open on Thursday, May 8, with an artist reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Steve Rogers Gallery at the Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington St.
As the featured artist for the May 17 Art, Sip and Stroll event, Sensenbaugh will launch the annual event with his art, which showcases the artistry and precision of scroll saw techniques transforming wood into finely detailed masterpieces.
Amplifi Napa Valley to host jazz masterclass
A pop-up masterclass hosted by Amplifi Napa Valley will blend classical music tradition with jazz innovation. “From Craft to Creation: A Jazz Masterclass Reimagining Liszt’s Liebestraum” is set for Thurs. May 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. The location will be announced to registrants. It’s free for music students and professionals, although a $20–$30 donation is suggested.
This one-night-only event will be led by Jennie Pan, a 2025 Amplifi grantee, rising classical pianist, American Canyon High School student and founder of United Melodies. Pan will be joined by guest Jorge Luis Pacheco, the internationally acclaimed Latin jazz pianist from Havana, Cuba, known for his “flying hands” and genre-blending brilliance.
This masterclass offers insight into how classical mastery and jazz creativity collide to create something entirely new. For more information visit https://amplifinapavalley.org/contact-us/ or send an email to info@amplifivalley.org.
Calistoga Art Center Poetry Walk
The Calistoga Art Center is hosting its 5th annual Poetry Walk, a self-guided walking tour of poetry in Calistoga.
Poetry will be on display through Sunday, May 11, along ‘The Loop’ trail. Walk along the popular trail and enjoy poems of all kinds, submitted by all kinds and penned by all kinds. Find a new favorite and discover the power of words.
Getting outside is healthy and moving, reading and thinking outside is even better. Strengthen your heart and body as you stretch your mind with a Poetry Walk. To learn more, visit: https://calistogaartcenter.org/poetry-walk/
USPS Stamp Out Hunger food drive
The annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive will take place on Saturday, May 10.
Every second Saturday in May, letter carriers from more than 10,000 cities across the country participate in the food drive. Nationally, participating carriers have delivered more than 1.8 billion pounds of food to their local food pantries over the last 30 years.
To participate in the food drive, put non-perishable foods in a bag by your mailbox on the morning of May 10 before your mail carrier comes by, or drop off donations at the collection area at your local post office.
For more information about Stamp Out Hunger, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2fcfy8f8/
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.
Calistoga’s annual Wellness Weekend
The 4th annual Wellness Weekend, sponsored by Visit Calistoga and the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce, will take place from May 9 to 11. Throughout the weekend, enjoy healthy living and eating as well as time to reconnect with yourself and others.
Wellness Weekend will feature a variety of events prioritizing health and well-being and is designed to inspire mindfulness and vitality. Experience complimentary access to hiking and biking trails, a bike ride to Bothe State Park, poolside and vineyard-side yoga, fitness classes for all levels, a pickleball tournament and more.
In addition to more energetic activities, several wineries and tasting rooms will offer special wine and mocktail tastings. For more information and Wellness Weekend details and special offers, or to book your itinerary, visit: https://visitcalistoga.com/wellness-weekend/ or call (707) 942-6333.
Calistoga Pickleball Tournament
Everyone age 18 and older is invited to participate in a round robin-style pickleball tournament on Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Calistoga High School.
Sign up individually and you will be randomly paired with other participants. The tournament is part of Wellness Weekend. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Sign up online at: https://tinyurl.com/mv9kwn8d/ Calistoga High School is located at 1608 Lake St. in Calistoga.
CHS bands win first place
Calistoga High School’s band and guitar ensemble traveled to Los Angeles last weekend to participate in the Music in the Parks, Universal Studios Hollywood music festival and competition. Both groups won first place in their respective categories. During the four-day trip, the students also visited California State University, Northridge, played music for residents of an assisted living facility, explored the Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier, and attended a Los Angeles Philharmonic concert.
Community Awards nominations open
Nominations are now open, through May 16, for the Calistoga Community Awards.
Join the 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.
New this year is the Young Leader of the Year award, which will honor an exceptional youth making a difference in the community.
Ticket sales for the ceremony will open on April 29. To make a nomination, visit: https://tinyurl.com/3z5hrzaw/. For additional inquiries, email marketing@calistogachamber.com.
UpStage Napa Valley presents ‘Third’
UpStage Napa Valley presents the play “Third,” written by Tony Award-winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein and directed by UpStage Artistic Director Sharie Renault.
Performances will be held weekends from Friday, May 2, to Sunday, May 18, 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.
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
Registration is open for the second annual Napa Valley Pickleball Classic, which takes 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/.
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.
Calistoga Ag Day to be held May 24
The city will host Calistoga Ag Day on Saturday, May 24 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
At the free community event, enjoy agriculture exhibits and demonstrations, wine tastings and awards, speakers, and various speakers, vendors and family-friendly activities. Esteemed wine judges and speakers will be on-site to judge the wine competition and to discuss Napa Valley agriculture.
The city is seeking vendors and ag partners to participate in the event. Ag businesses and individuals will be able to show off their ag connections with the community. Fairgrounds Director Sheli Wright said her hope is for the community members to bring their old tractors to display in an agriculture exhibit during the event. The Calistoga Fairgrounds is located at 1435 N. Oak 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/.
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.
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.
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.
Presale for digital passports has begun. Passports are $45 each. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yu4u2z8w/. For inquiries, email: marketing@calistogachamber.com
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.
