Worth Mentioning – September 25, 2025
Worth Mentioning
Free workshop for immigrants and employers
Employers across Napa Valley are invited to join Congressman Mike Thompson and Napa Valley Together for a free workshop focused on immigration, workforce stability and resources to support employees on Sept. 26, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Yountville Community Center (formerly Yountville Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room), 6554 Yount St.
The session will include the latest updates on immigration and what they mean for local businesses, guidance on employer protocols related to ICE and federal presence policies and strategies for protecting and supporting immigrant employees in the workplace.
Participants will also learn about resources available through local nonprofits to assist employees and their families. The event will close with a Q&A session featuring local immigration experts.
This workshop is designed for business owners, HR managers, supervisors and others responsible for workforce well-being in Napa County.
The event is co-hosted by Napa Valley Together, Congressman Mike Thompson, Napa Valley Community Foundation, Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, On the Move, Puertas Abiertas and UpValley Family Centers. RSVP here.
Discovery Campus Open House
The Napa Valley Education Foundation (NVEF) is hosting an open house at its new Discovery Campus, on Sunday, Sept. 28, from noon to 3 p.m.
The reimagined creative learning hub on the banks of the Napa River, originally home to the Oxbow School, was given to NVEF to become a center for Napa County students to explore the arts, wellness, careers and to offer an interdisciplinary approach to learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Bring the family for an afternoon of creativity and discovery in the new Art Studio, Music Studio and Maker Studio. The celebration will feature hands-on activities designed for kids and adults alike, including guided activities, musical performances, food trucks, raffle prizes, face painting and chalk art.
Bringing the Discovery Campus to its full potential will take community support. NVEF has launched a Discovery Fund to support everything from art supplies to facility maintenance and upgrades to shape the next chapter of learning in Napa. To support the NVEF, visit nvef.org/give.
For more information on the Napa Valley Education Foundation, visit nvef.org. For more information on NVEF’s Fall 2025 Programs, visit nvef.org/discovery.
Connected Horse at Sunrise Horse Rescue
Sunrise Horse Rescue in Calistoga is partnering with Connected Horse and Providence Healthcare to provide free workshops this fall to people living with memory loss and their care partners. Remaining workshop dates are Tuesday, Sept. 30, and Wednesdays, Oct. 8, 15 and 22.
Connected Horse coordinates horse-guided workshops for people living with dementia and their care partners. Programs provide innovative equine-assisted sessions that inspire connection and engagement and improve the lives of those impacted by dementia and their care partners.
At the workshops, participants can experience the connection, calm and communication that being with horses can bring. Sunrise Horse Rescue is a nonprofit horse sanctuary that rescues abused and neglected horses. The organization is dedicated to saving horses and providing them with forever homes.
For more information about the workshops, or to register, email Melissa Gerard at melissa.gerard@providence.org or call 707-815-6258. Sunrise Horse Rescue is at 1400 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga.
Napa Humane Pet Photo Contest
Napa Humane is calling all animal lovers to enter their pets in the annual Pet Photo Contest, which runs through Sept. 30.
Winning pets will be featured in the Napa Humane 2026 Pet Calendar.
Pet parents are invited to submit a photo of their dog, cat or rabbit and can rally friends and family to vote. Each dollar donated equals one vote. All entries and votes support the nonprofit’s programs, which include affordable spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, humane education and support for local pets and their people.
The entry fee is $40 per pet photo and includes a complimentary 2026 Napa Humane calendar. There will be 13 winners. The top vote-getter will grace the coveted calendar cover, and five dogs, five cats and two rabbits will be featured as Pets of the Month. The first-place dog, cat and rabbit will each win a professional pet photoshoot, Napa Humane goodies and treats from local businesses. All pets entered will appear in the collage pages, and each entry includes a calendar.
For $15, feature your pet on a specific calendar date, which is perfect for birthdays, adoption anniversaries or tributes. For $35, you can purchase a 2026 calendar. To enter, vote, reserve a date or pre-order your 2026 calendar, visit: www.gogophotocontest.com/napahumane/.
Investigation of Pickett Fire ongoing
Cal Fire said in a statement this week that the agency is continuing to investigate potential ignition sources within the general origin area of the Pickett Fire.
The fire began on Aug. 21, on Pickett Road outside of Calistoga and was 100% contained on Sept. 7. In total, the fire burned 6,819 acres and destroyed five structures.
Cal Fire said the investigation may take several months to reach a final determination. The agency said it will not release additional details or provide further comment until the investigation is complete.
Individuals with information related to the ignition of the fire can call 1-800-468-4408.
Secured property tax bills available
Secured property tax bills for 2025-26 are now available online to view and pay.
To access their bill(s), property owners can enter their assessment parcel number (APN) or property address on the Napa County Property Assessment and Fee Parcel Search web page at https://common2.mptsweb.com/mbc/napa/tax/search/.
Property taxes can be paid online, by mail, in person or by phone. For information and steps to pay using the available methods, visit the Napa County Treasurer-Tax Collector web page at www.countyofnapa.org/1260/How-to-Pay-Your-Property-Taxes/.
The first installment of taxes is due on Nov. 1 and will become delinquent if not paid by Dec. 10. Delinquent payments will incur a 10% penalty. The second installment is due on Feb. 1 and will become delinquent if not paid by April 10. Delinquent payments will incur a 10% penalty plus a $10 fee.
For questions, call the Napa County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office at 707-253-4327 or email taxcollector@countyofnapa.org. The Napa County Tax Collector’s office is at 1195 Third St., Suite 108, Napa, CA 94559.
UC Master Gardener workshop in Yountville
Join the UC Master Gardeners for a workshop called “Catch the Rain: Slow it, Spread it, Sink it” on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Yountville Community Center.
Explore many strategies to catch rain at home and adapt to the climate’s natural rhythms.
Register online at https://tinyurl.com/3n5pufua/. Scroll down to “Events” and to “UC Master Gardeners” for registration. The cost is $10.
Yountville Community Center is at 6516 Washington St., Yountville.
Lighted Tractor Parade submissions
Rain or moonlight, Calistoga’s annual Lighted Tractor Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. This year’s route will follow Lincoln Avenue from Stevenson Street to Cedar Street.
The Calistoga Chamber of Commerce is accepting submission for entries, which will be accepted through Nov. 13 on a first-come, first-served basis. The parade is limited to the first 50 complete entries. The fee is $45 for a tractor or vehicle. Entries will receive staging and parade line up information by Nov. 27. Staging will begin at 3:30 p.m. on parade day.
For a list of guidelines and to submit an application, visit https://tinyurl.com/p8wv9kzk/.
Those interested in sponsoring the event can email jenna@calistogachamber.com. The Chamber is also seeking volunteers for the holiday parade. All volunteers will receive a boxed dinner. Students will earn community service hours and volunteers ages 21 and up will receive a Winter in the Wineries Passport which is good for complimentary tastings at 19 wineries along with special lodging, spa, retail and restaurant deals. Sign up to volunteer by Nov. 18 at https://tinyurl.com/4vhkxv9h/.
Volunteer classroom tutors needed upvalley
UpValley Family Centers is recruiting volunteer tutors to help in classrooms at Calistoga and St. Helena schools.
Volunteers will work one-on-one with students in group settings or classrooms to provide general assistance based on student and teacher needs. Tutoring will take place on campus during school hours at participating schools.
Subject matter includes reading, writing, math and social skills. There is also a need in Calistoga for volunteers willing to lead sports and arts activities during recess and lunch time. Volunteers are asked to commit at least one hour a week throughout the school year.
The nonprofit is also seeking volunteers interested in helping with the following: craft closet organization, event invite and reminder phone calls or yard maintenance.
Those interested in UpValley Family Center volunteer opportunities can fill out a volunteer interest form online at: https://upvalleyfamilycenters.org/volunteer/. For additional questions, email Michael Bozman at: mbozman@upvalleyfamilycenters.org/.
Vine Transit expands Route 29-BART service
As of Aug. 16, the Vine Transit expanded its Route 29 Napa-BART Connector to include Saturday service, offering nine round trips between the Redwood Park & Ride in Napa and the El Cerrito Del Norte BART station.
It is made possible through a partnership between the NVTA, Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the county of Napa. It will operate as a pilot program from August 2025 through June 2026. Both Vine and BART use Clipper Cards.
For more information, call 707-251-2800 or visit https://vinetransit.com/vine-transit-expands-route-29-bart-connection-with-saturday-service/.
Citizenship Application Assistance Workshop
UpValley Family Centers will hold a Citizenship Application Assistance Workshop on Thursday, Sept. 25, in St. Helena. Multiple appointments will be available at 10 a.m. and noon.
The workshop is open to community members who are lawful permanent residents and would like to apply for U.S. citizenship.
The nonprofit will assist with free legal representation and application assistance. Applicants may also be eligible for a waiver of the naturalization fee, which costs $760.
Registration is required. For more information or to sign up, call Eva Tamayo, immigration program community educator for UpValley Family Centers, at 707-965-5010.
Napa Humane expands dog training
Napa Humane has expanded its training programs to create additional opportunities for local dog owners to build lasting bonds with their pets.
New programming includes a manners class for children ages 8 and older to take the lead in dog training, with parents assisting. These include:
- a hybrid class for anxious or fearful dogs, beginning virtually at home before transitioning to in-person sessions;
- a progressive three-class series teaching dogs to come when called, even around distractions;
- a three-class series focusing on polite walking, passing distractions and calm neighborhood manners.
The new classes are in addition to Napa Humane’s other popular classes, which include Puppy Preschool, Basic Manners and Canine Charm School.
By using positive reinforcement methods and keeping class sizes small, the program helps dogs develop practical skills and good manners while giving owners the tools to communicate effectively with their companions.
Registration is open at www.napahumane.org/. Space is limited, and classes fill quickly.
The new training location is at 3285 Old California Way in Napa, next to Napa Humane’s spay/neuter clinic.
County seeks Climate Action Plan input
Napa County residents are invited to review and comment on the Regional Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (RCAAP) draft, which is now in the public review stage.
Through the planning process, the county’s six jurisdictions are advancing regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate-related risks. The draft proposes strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in key sectors, such as building energy use, transportation and waste management, while also addressing climate-related risks like extreme heat, wildfire smoke and severe weather.
Public comment is open through Sept. 30. During this period, residents are encouraged to review the plan and submit comments online.
To review the RCAAP draft, provide feedback or learn more about the upcoming events, visit: https://climateactionnapa.konveio.com/.
Brannan Center Grand Opening with Festival Napa Valley Showcase Stage
Festival Napa Valley will celebrate Napa Valley’s newest performing arts and community cultural center, the Brannan Center, on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
The Brannan Center, 1407 Third St., Calistoga.
Free and open to all, the family-friendly festivities will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. followed by rotating performances organized by performing arts and culture partners, self-guided tours, family-friendly activities, and food trucks throughout the day.
Special performances on the Festival Napa Valley Showcase Stage will include:
Argentine tango with Trio Tangazo at 2:45 p.m.
Choral masterpieces with Aeternum Choir at 3:20 p.m.
Cellist Eileen Moon with special guest appearance by tenor Sidney Ragland at 3:45 p.m.
Napa County Historical Society exhibition
Napa County Historical Society has announced a new exhibition called “The Valley Beautiful: Art,” which will run from Oct. 10 through March 28, 2026, at the Goodman Library in Napa.
“The Valley Beautiful: Art” is the final installation of the three-part exhibition series (following “The Valley Beautiful: Music” and “The Valley Beautiful: Architecture”), which tells the story of Napa Valley’s beauty and how cultural pride and a sense of community have employed architecture, music and art from the earliest historic times to present day.
The mission of the Napa County Historical Society is to discover, preserve and present the history of Napa County through exhibits, lectures and events, as well as research, publications and educational activities. The series is sponsored in part by Napa County Arts & Culture Committee Grant, Provident Credit Union and Community Projects.
For more information, visit napahistory.org/. The Goodman Library is at 1219 First St., Napa.
Okee Dokee Brothers in Yountville
E&M Presents a performance from the Okee Dokee Brothers on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. at the Yountville Community Center.
The Grammy award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers (Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander) grew up exploring the great outdoors of Colorado and have channeled that adventurous nature into their popular albums –– “Can You Canoe?”, “Through the Woods,” “Saddle Up,” “Songs for Singin’” and “Winterland.”
The duo can be seen in their new PBS Kids’ animated feature, “Brambletown,” about a community of critters interconnecting through the healing power of nature. The message to families with kids is to go outside, get creative and sing in harmony along the way.
The cost is $15 for ages 12 and under and $25 for adults. Tickets are available online at: http://eandmpresents.org/.
The Yountville Community Center is at 6516 Washington St., Yountville.
New Grand Jury complaint process
Nineteen Napa County residents have been empaneled to the Napa County Civil Grand Jury, and an additional five residents were selected as alternates for a term that runs through June 2026.
The 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.
The grand jury recently made the citizen complaint process easier to use. Previously, complaints were filled out on a printed form and mailed or emailed to the grand jury. The new online form streamlines that process by eliminating the redundancy of printing and sending via the new digital format. The complaint forms are available in English and Spanish. For grand jury reports and more information, visit: www.napa.courts.ca.gov/general-information/grand-jury/.
For additional questions, contact the Napa County Superior Court executive office by phone at 707-299-1110 or by email at grand.jury@napa.courts.ca.gov.
