‘A Day Without Immigrants’ in Napa County
Many Napa County business owners and local officials expressed solidarity with the nation-wide observance of “A Day without Immigrants” on Monday, Feb. 3. The protest, ignited on social media, encouraged businesses across the country to close, and people to not shop or attend work or school on this day.
In the city of Napa, some of the businesses that posted they were closing were Lola’s Market, Sweet Straw Boba, The Habit Burger & Grill, Hacienda restaurant, El Rancho Grande, Azteca Market, Economy Market, Tacos El Rodeo, Tannya’s Taqueria, Lonches and Guisados Ornelas. Also closed on Monday were Tacon Hambre in American Canyon, and La Prima Pizza and El Taco Feliz in Calistoga.
Some business owners posted statements explaining their support and decision to close.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley wrote, “Many in our community are taking part in ‘A Day Without Immigrants’ to highlight the essential role immigrant families play in our daily lives.”
According to their social media, due to significant staff shortages, the following Boys & Girls Club sites were closed for the day: American Canyon Clubhouse; American Canyon Middle School; Browns Valley Elementary School; Canyon Oaks Elementary School; Donaldson Way Elementary School; McPherson Elementary School; Napa Clubhouse; Napa Junction Elementary School; Napa Valley Language Academy; Pueblo Vista Elementary School; Redwood Middle School; UNIDOS Middle School and Willow Elementary School.
Alexis Macias, owner of the boutique Honey Whiskey, located in downtown Napa, wrote, “Immigrants are the foundation of our economy, culture and daily lives. Without them, businesses, industries and entire communities would suffer. As the daughter of an immigrant, this cause is deeply personal to me. I’ve seen firsthand the resilience, sacrifice, and strength it takes to build a life in a new place. Immigrants deserve recognition, respect and protection, not just today but every day.”
Because not every business owner could afford to close, many expressed their support in other ways. Cynthia and Viridiana Delgado, lash specialists and facial estheticians from Napa Collective, released a statement saying, “While we cannot afford to fully close, we recognize the impact of this movement. As daughters and wives of immigrants, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.”
Cinthya Cisneros, owner of La Cheve and the soon-to-come Tequila bar Con Amor, posted a statement where she discussed being undocumented until age 21.
“Today’s protest hits home for me for many reasons. Every time it has happened, mi familia could never afford not going to work and it broke us,” she wrote on Instagram. “And now, we find ourselves in the same position, but as a small business. Not closing isn’t about not supporting, it’s about survival. Keeping our doors open means not just supporting my family but an entire team, a whole comunidad that depends on this place for their livelihood.”
Cisneros wrote her team will continue to work hard to provide scholarships for the undocumented youth and support organizations that fight for the Latinx community.
Winston’s Cafe and Bakery commented that the business stayed open but stands with the movement. Independent bookstore Napa Bookmine stated 10% of its proceeds from Feb. 3 would go to Napa Valley Together, a new coalition of local organizations dedicated to upholding immigrant rights. This included proceeds from its Oxbow Public Market location, Canary Coffee, its online store and De Canela Bakery, which sells cookies at the Second Street, Napa, location.
Napa Councilmember Bernie Narvaez closed his business, Narvaez Insurance Services, for the day and posted a video speaking about the protest. Narvaez is an Iraq War veteran having served in the U.S. Marines for six years. Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Bernie’s family immigrated to California in 1990.
“As an immigrant, I decided to close to support my family, friends, clients and community that are struggling during this time,” Narvaez said. “As a local leader, I felt the need to share my message and hopefully, I inspire others to share. I have participated in marches in the past. I’ve missed work in the past. I’m an immigrant who loves our country and the opportunity to pursue the American dream. Other immigrants feel the same way, but the dangerous false rhetoric regarding immigrants is harmful and in contradiction to American values.”
