Napa News

Napa County Health and Human Services is providing health services countywide with its "Be Well Mobile Services" program. (Courtesy Napa County)

RV-style mobile health office a success, Napa County reports

The RV-style mobile office travels throughout the county to help connect residents with social and...
People walk across the Napa Valley College campus in Napa, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat file)

Napa Valley College approves 3% raises, one-time payments for faculty

After more than a year of tense negotiations, the Board of Trustees approves a three-year...
About 100 people filled the Napa Valley College boardroom Thursday night, Feb. 12, 2026, as the Board of Trustees voted on a resolution to eliminate 33 staff positions. (Tarini Mehta / The Press Democrat)

Napa Valley College cuts 33 jobs, dismantles physical education for disabled students

In a bid to avoid future budget deficits, the Napa Valley College board voted Thursday...
FILE - A sign for flu and covid vaccinations is displayed at a pharmacy store in Palatine, Ill., Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

‘Dangerous strain of influenza’: Signs point to second wave of flu infections in North Bay

Sonoma and Napa counties are seeing flu infections rise after weeks of declining cases. The...
Student Gracie Abram attended an art workshop at the Boys and Girls Club in Napa, Feb. 11, 2026. Nimbus Arts led the workshop exploring themes around healthy relationships in collaboration with NEWS during Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. (Courtesy NEWS)

Napa Valley highschoolers explore healthy relationships through art

Domestic violence prevention nonprofit NEWS and Nimbus Arts are leading a series of free workshops...
American Canyon Transit, the on-demand, wheelchair accessible shuttle that serves the city, is now running in the evening and on Saturdays. (Napa Valley Transportation Authority)

American Canyon Transit extends shuttle service hours into evening, Saturdays

The on-demand, wheelchair-accessible shuttle allows riders to request a trip by phone or via the...
The Yountville Commons sign, seen Thursday, March 6, 2025, marks the former elementary school site, now at the center of a long-term plan for housing and community development. (Edward Booth / The Press Democrat)

Famed chef among employers urging Napa Valley town to slow down on workforce housing plan

Chef Thomas Keller and Arik Housley, owner of Ranch Market, are among a group of...
The homes at 1447 Spring St. (bottom right), 1515 Spring St. (bottom left), and 1505 Spring St. (Fourth house from top left) make up the three properties that would be cleared for the proposed Spring Grove Townhomes Project in St. Helena. Photo taken on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press-Democrat)

Neighbors lose fight to block 41-unit housing project in St. Helena

The St. Helena City Council approved a tentative map for the Spring Grove project at...
Alma Gonzalez and her boyfriend Troy Watters have a drink at Pancha’s of Yountville, which recently reopened after a six-year closure. Photo taken in Yountville Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

‘A great gathering place’: Beloved Yountville dive bar reopens after six years with new look

For decades, Pancha’s was that special place where people could get a beer after-hours in...
The former Mormon church on Chapel Hill Dr. which was purchased by Milli and Robert Pintacsi, owners of Le Petit Elephant Nursery and Preschool. The Pintacsi’s plan to relocate their school to the new location in Spring 2026. Photo taken in Napa Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Napa County supervisors support bill to limit environmental lawsuits against child care centers

Senate Bill 299 would limit the ability of people to challenge child care centers in...
Vehicles drive through the intersection of Highway 29 and Airport Blvd., in Napa Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Overhaul of crash-prone American Canyon highway likely won’t include roundabouts

The Napa Valley Transportation Authority is favoring a plan to construct new traffic signals across...
Sixth grade teacher Brenna Pourroy, takes old elementary school age decorations down in her classroom at the Mayacamas Charter Middle School, formerly St. John the Baptist Catholic School, in Napa, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat file)

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Napa Valley Unified’s fight to close charter school continues in court Tuesday

In 2024, Napa Valley Unified sued the Napa County Board of Education over its approval...
Students from several Napa high and middle schools protest at Jefferson Street and Claremont Way, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Napa student walkout: Teens share why they took a stand against federal immigration operations

For Napa High School freshman Jovannia Barrientos, who along with Vintage High School sophomore Reina...
Students from several Napa high and middle schools protest at Jefferson Street and Claremont Way, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Hundreds of students crowd busy Napa street during anti-ICE walkout and protest

Students of all five high schools in the city participated in the protest, which included...
Oxbow Public Market was named Large Business of the Year at the Napa Chamber of Commerce's 136th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on Jan. 30, 2026. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat file)

Napa Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses at 136th annual luncheon

The chamber recognized individuals and organizations making an impact in the community.
The intersection of Jefferson Street and Lincoln Avenue in Napa, Wednesday, Oct.15, 2025. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Buffered bike lanes coming to major traffic corridor in Napa

The new lanes for bicyclists are part of a series of improvements the Napa City...
The city of Napa is exploring whether to purchase a 1.25-acre downtown block that contains a former pump station, playground and skate park, pictured Feb. 3, 2026. (Edward Booth)

Napa exploring purchase of 1-acre block downtown

The 1.25-acre West Street site holds a long-decommissioned Napa Sanitation District pump station, a playground...
A crash Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, night triggered the closure of the northbound lanes of Jefferson Street. the lanes were still closed as of 8 a.m. Thursday. (Edward Booth)

Napa road reopens after crash that triggered power outage

A portion of Jefferson Street, one of the city's busiest thoroughfares, reopened Thursday morning after...
Howell Mountain Elementary in Napa County. (Howell Mountain Elementary Facebook Page)

Single-school Napa County district in danger of running out of cash

After the school board certified that the district may not be able to meet its...
A 51-home subdivision was approved by the Napa City Council on Feb. 3, 2026 for a North Napa property, long home to Biale family vineyards. (Edward Booth / The Press Democrat)

Napa City Council approves 51-home subdivision in vineyard area 

The Zinfandel Subdivision project is set to bring homes and flood detention work to North...
The southwest corner of Crawford Way and Highway 29 in American Canyon will soon be home to 68 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom housing units. (Apple Maps screenshot)

American Canyon council OKs 100-unit development adjacent to Highway 29

A community building and a playground will also be added.
Early winter rainfall followed by weeks of above normal temperatures are promoting copious growth of mustard and other vineyard cover crops around the North Coast and in west Dry Creek near Healdsburg, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Temperatures in Sonoma, Napa counties expected to run well above seasonal norms this week

Daytime highs are expected to climb well above early-February averages in the North Bay on...
RAAM Construction crews work to demolish the former Napa County Health and Human Services campus in January 2026 on the eastern edge of Old Sonoma Road, making way for The Crescent housing development. (RAAM Construction)

Demolition makes way for long-stalled project bringing 162 new homes to Napa

The long-stalled Crescent project is expected to bring 162 for-sale homes to the eastern end...
Jennifer and Michael Ingellis, owners of P’s and Q’s Ice Cream, hold a trey showing their Maple Walnut Ice Cream with a one pint container, including maple syrup and walnuts in front of their store window in Napa, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (Darryl Bush/For The Press Democrat)

Napa couple scoops up made-from-scratch ice cream at new shop

Founded by Jennifer and Michael Ingellis, P's & Q's ice cream features homemade flavors sold...
Children and adults explore “Affinity” by Amigo & Amigo in Veterans Park as part of the Napa Lighted Art Festival in Napa on Thursday, January 22, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

There’s still time to catch the 2026 Napa Lighted Art Festival

The annual nighttime festival features lighted art installations throughout downtown and along the city's riverfront.
Customer Caryl Carper, right, talks with Rancho Gordo employee Rachel Beck about different varieties of beans at the new Rancho Gordo store in Napa Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

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Cult-favorite bean company opens new downtown Napa store

The 19th-century building previously housed Shackford’s kitchen shop.
Hundreds protested in Napa against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations during a "Stop ICE" rally hosted by U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. The protest at Veterans Memorial Park was part of a nationwide day of protests. (Elsa Cavazos / The Press Democrat)

Hundreds in Napa protest against US immigration enforcement operations

"ICE is terrorizing our communities. It is ripping families apart, innocent people," one speaker told...
Highway 29 and American Canyon Road looking north near the Veterans Memorial Park in American Canyon Friday, March 31, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat file)

American Canyon exploring ballot measure to fund park projects

City officials think a revenue measure could help pay for sports fields and a community...
The Napa County administration building on March 29, 2019. (Jeff Quackenbush/North Bay Business Journal)

Napa County supervisors agree to pay former CEO $95,000 to settle lawsuit

Former CEO Minh Tran alleged the county owed him more than $460,000 in severance pay...
In Napa, La Cheve Bakery said it will be closed Friday along with Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art in solidarity with the shutdown movement. In this photo, customers eat lunch at La Cheve Bakery and Brews located in the Cayetano Juárez Adobe, built in 1845, in Napa, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Updated: Local businesses, some schools join national shutdown protest Friday

Several local businesses posted on social media this week about their participation or support.
This file photos shows California Highway Patrol officers working at the scene after a male and female cyclist were struck and killed by a farm truck on Silverado Trail in Napa, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. A cyclist was killed in a similar crash along the same stretch of road Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat File)

Napa County exploring safety measures for Silverado Trail, other unincorporated roads

California Highway Patrol data recorded 273 collisions during the 2024-25 fiscal year in unincorporated Napa...
Hearts and Hands Preschool has served families in Calistoga for more than 20 years. (Photo courtesy of Hearts and Hands Preschool)

One of Calistoga’s few preschools set to close after decades – unless someone saves it

Hearts and Hands Preschool has served families in Calistoga for more than 20 years.
A new documentary, titled "Chinese in Napa Valley," reveals the history of Chinese immigrants in Napa County. (Photo courtesy of the Napa County Historical Society)

Documentary from tech worker turned historian explores forgotten history of Chinese in Napa Valley

"Chinese in Napa Valley" premieres in February with screenings in St. Helena, American Canyon and...
The Pope Valley Farm Center is expanding arts access on the east side of Napa Valley with the launch of a free, monthly art program. The first class, held in January, featured a children’s workshop led by artist Carrie Martin, who previously served as art program director at the Boys & Girls Club and works with Nimbus Arts. Students painted farm animals on canvas, while parents and grandparents gathered nearby. (Courtesy of Emily Hardin)

Pope Valley Farm Center launches free monthly art classes

With grant funding from the Arts Council Napa Valley, Pope Valley Farm Center is rolling...
After school, students and caregivers leave Browns Valley TK-8 School in Napa Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press-Democrat)

Napa school asks district for extra classrooms amid space crunch

Since its transition from an elementary to a TK-8 school, enrollment at Browns Valley has...
The newly repainted Tubbs Exhibit Building at the Calistoga Fairgrounds in Calistoga Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

As Calistoga works to revitalize fairgrounds, community advisory committee is here to stay

With the development of a comprehensive plan for the site still underway, the City Council...
People gathered Sunday, Jan. 25, to honor the lives of Alex Pretti and Renee Good at a candlelit vigil at Veterans Memorial Park in Napa. (Lowell Downey/Art & Clarity)

Hundreds attend weekend Napa vigil in response to Minnesota shootings by federal agents

Hundreds gathered at Veterans Memorial Park to pay tribute to Alex Pretti and Renee Good...
A fire ripped through a two-story home in Napa County's Angwin early Wednesday morning. (Photo courtesy of Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit)

Napa County home a ‘total loss’ after fire

Crews from Cal Fire and the St. Helena Fire Department battled the residential fire through...
The League of Women Voters of Napa County hosted a panel Wednesday, Jan. 21, on how Napa can expand services for immigrant communities. Moderated by Supervisor Belia Ramos, the panel comprises of NVUSD Superintendent Rosanna Mucetti and representatives of Puertas Abiertas and On The Move. (Elsa Cavazos/The Press Democrat)

Concerns, rights highlighted at Napa immigration forum

The League of Women Voters of Napa County held the forum just days after an...
On Jefferson Street in Napa, Measure G funds were used to resurface the roadway, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Napa’s Measure G sales tax money expected to help balance budget in upcoming years

Measure G, approved by a majority of Napa voters in November 2024, increased Napa’s sales...
ROTATION by Feast it Forward, billed as Napa Valley's first full-service restaurant residency, opens February at Oxbow Public Market. (Photo courtesy of Visit Napa Valley)

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Celebrity chef kicking off new restaurant residency in Napa

Rotation by Feast it Forward is being billed as Napa Valley’s first full-service restaurant residency.
A conceptual site plan showing the long-term vision for The Yountville Commons (Town of Yountville).

Yountville Town Council takes first major step to add workforce housing at former school site 

The conceptual plan calls for a dozen three-story buildings, with most of the space dedicated...
Steve Potter, Napa's city manager since 2018, will continue serving in the role going forward. (City of Napa)

Napa City Council approves new employment agreement with city manager, without pay increase 

Napa city manager Steve Potter will continue in the position under a new contract, without...
The Napa County administration building on March 29, 2019. (Jeff Quackenbush/North Bay Business Journal)

Calistoga winery gets OK to add 23,000-square-foot facility

The Napa County Planning Commission unanimously approved allowing Diamond Creek Vineyards to increase wine production...
A 12-member jury in the Napa County Superior Court has sided with the Napa Valley Unified School District in a disability discrimination lawsuit brought by a former employee. (Beth Schlanker /The Press Democrat)

Jury sides with Napa school district in former employee’s disability discrimination lawsuit

More than two years after the former attendance accounting technician filed a lawsuit accusing the...
FILE - A vial of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is on display at the Lubbock Health Department Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Mary Conlon, File)

Measles case reported in Napa County. Here’s what you need to know

For the first time since 2012, a case of measles has been confirmed in Napa...
FILE - Vials of the measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are displayed in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

Napa County reports first measles case since 2012

An unvaccinated child fell ill after visiting South Carolina, where a large measles outbreak is...
This image from Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, shows the aftermath of a collision in downtown Napa. Robert Knox Thomas was behind the wheel of his Rolls-Royce SUV when he ran over two women as they exited a crosswalk. (Sundy Pech)

Napa Rolls-Royce driver says SUV sped on its own into two women in 2024 crash

Robert Knox Thomas, the driver who ran over two women with his Rolls-Royce SUV in...
The Napa County administration building on March 29, 2019. (Jeff Quackenbush/North Bay Business Journal)

Napa County supervisors support striking workers at American Canyon business

The Napa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a statement this week calling on leadership...
The Calistoga Planning Commission approved an application to renovate and expand the century-old Hideaway Cottages Resort Thurs., Jan 15, 2026 on Fair Way in Calistoga. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Century-old Calistoga resort OK’d for renovations

In a vote Wednesday, the Calistoga Planning Commission unanimously approved an application to renovate and...
The Napa County administration building on March 29, 2019. (Jeff Quackenbush/North Bay Business Journal)

Former Napa County CEO severance pay case headed to trial 

The Napa County Board of Supervisors discussed the approaching trial, scheduled to begin Jan. 26,...
Resident Donald Doll and his dog, Desire, attend a grand opening ceremony for the Heritage House and Valle Verde Apartments in Napa on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

HUD reversal clears way for Napa County homeless funding

Napa County likely won’t need to submit a new application to federal housing officials this...
The remains of a burned home in Berryessa Highlands on Sept. 21, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Rural Napa County residents to vote on special tax to fund water, sewer systems 

Residents of Napa County’s Berryessa Highlands community this month will vote on a special tax...
The home at 1447 Spring St. is one of three properties that would be cleared for the proposed Spring Grove Townhomes Project in St. Helena. Photo taken on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press-Democrat)

St. Helena City Council postpones vote on 41-unit housing project amid neighbor opposition

After more than two hours of discussion, the St. Helena City Council decided Tuesday evening...
Main Street in St. Helena, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)

St. Helena turns 150 this year. Here’s how the city’s planning to celebrate

To commemorate 150 years since the incorporation of St. Helena, the city has planned a...
Jean-Charles Boisset, pictured, has closed two of his tasting rooms. (Boisset Collection)

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Two high-profile local tasting rooms close for good

The closures are part of a broader reshaping of some of Jean-Charles Boisset's local brands...
Alexya Delgado, front, with Carmen Roldan, left, and Itzi Padilla, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at the Napa Courthouse. All three are caregivers and claim they were not paid by a client, Ronald Nasuti. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

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Napa man needs help with his disability. Why isn’t he paying his home aides?

Ronald Nasuti has repeatedly hired, then shortchanged, the aides he solicits to do housecleaning, prepare...
Celebrate Napa Valley, the nonprofit that traditionally organized Calistoga's Fourth of July Parade, ceased operations last August. Now, the city has promised to keep the tradition going. Pictured here, Villa Grande’s annual Fourth of July Kazoo parade near Monte Rio, Thursday July 4, 2024. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

After Fourth of July parade organizer shuts down, Calistoga vows to keep tradition going

For years, nonprofit Celebrate Napa Valley organized Calistoga's cherished Fourth of July Parade. In August...
Protesters condemning President Donald Trump’s involvement in Venezuela and immigration actions hold up signs, on the corner of Soscol Avenue and Third Street, in Napa on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

‘Hands Off Venezuela’ protest in Napa hits different

Venezuelans in Napa comment on their thoughts on local "Hands Off Venezuela" protests.
Erika Velazquez has been elected as the new chair of the board of directors for the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. (Photo courtesy of Erika Velazquez)

Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce elects new board chair

Erika Velazquez succeeds Bernie Narvaez as the new board chair of the Napa County Hispanic...
The Napa County administration building on March 29, 2019. (Jeff Quackenbush/North Bay Business Journal)

Napa Valley winery allowed to correct violations, increase visitation by county regulators

Barnett Vineyards Winery will be allowed to increase visitation and wine production.
Lissette Hernandez and her son Ayven Blancas, 7, read together at the American Canyon Library in American Canyon Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press-Democrat)

American Canyon’s library reopens after monthlong remodeling. Take a look

The remodeled library on Crawford Way includes repainted interiors, new signage, new furniture, updated bathroom...
St. Helena City Hall and Police Department building, Wednesday, March 27, 2024. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

St. Helena working to fix issues with zoning code. Here’s what could change

St. Helena has experienced unintended consequences related to a 2023 zoning code governing a variety...
Marren McGinty gathers up lacrosse balls during practice with the Napa Force Lacrosse Club at Redwood Middle School in Napa Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

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Napa club launches new program to make lacrosse more accessible to girls

Napa Force Lacrosse Club has launched a new program called "She Plays With Force" to...
A dance group of young women ranging from middle school to high school take instructions from Victor Ferrer and Vanessa Carrillo of Groupo Folklórico Quetzalén at Silverado Middle School on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Napa. (Nicholas Vides / For The Press Democrat)

Napa County’s Mariposa program transforms young women’s self-esteem and sense of belonging

The Napa County Office of Education's Mariposa program focuses on mental health and development for...
Cars travel along Highway 29 near Rutherford. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat file)

Highway 29 drivers face delays as Caltrans installs new culvert, repairs sinkhole 

Caltrans will replace a Highway 29 culvert between Oakville and Rutherford over the next few...
As a result of a new partnership, every student in the Calistoga Joint Unified School District will soon be able to access Napa County Library resources using their student ID. (Tarini Mehta / The Press Democrat)

For Calistoga students, school ID will soon double up as public library card

The Napa County Library has partnered with Calistoga Joint Unified to provide every child in...
The Oxbow Public Market in Napa, Thursday, June 29, 2023. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

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Longtime local Japanese restaurant and fish market to close one of two locations

Eiko’s, located in Downtown Napa’s First Street District, will cease operations at the end of...
The four elementary students who won the contest to name Vine Transit's mascots were celebrated with pizza parties in December. Pictured here, Willow Elementary student Cody poses with the red-tailed hawk named Talon. (Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Transportation Authority)

Meet Napa buses’ newly named animal mascots: Ollie, Poppy, Mari and Talon

More than 200 elementary students entered a contest to name the four animal mascots that...
TOKYO, JAPAN – OCTOBER 25: Tommy Lee Jones and Victoria Jones attend the red carpet of the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival at Roppongi Hills on October 25, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images)

Tommy Lee Jones’ daughter had prior arrests in Napa County, sheriff says

Victoria Kafka Jones was found dead at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco shortly before...
Asha Levert-McDowell, the Expanded Learning Program Manager for Napa County Office of Education, talks with a fourth-grade boy named Alberto before he reads an original piece about Jackie Robinson during the Black History Month Oratorical Contest at the Napa Valley College Studio Theater in Napa, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat )

Napa County students invited to celebrate Black History Month through contest

Students in grades 3-12 are invited to participate in the Napa County Office of Education's...
A conceptual site plan showing the long-term vision for The Yountville Commons (Town of Yountville).

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Yountville eyes former school site for 150 new housing units

The conceptual plan includes up to 150 housing units across 15 three-story buildings at a...
Transitional kindergarten students use a colorful rope to accompany a song during a music class Mon., Dec.15, 2025 at West Park Elementary School in Napa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Napa’s youngest students learn cognitive, motor, social skills through music

Since 2023, the Napa Valley Unified School District has contracted with Benicia-based In Harmony Music...
A 51-home subdivision was approved by the Napa City Council on Feb. 3, 2026 for a North Napa property, long home to Biale family vineyards. (Edward Booth / The Press Democrat)

Napa officials signal support for 51-home subdivision on old vineyard site

The city of Napa Planning Commission on Dec. 18 voted 3-0 — with two commissioners...
Since 2018, the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga have organized mental health retreats twice a year for local teens who have experienced trauma or face ongoing challenges. (Photo courtesy of Steve Martin/Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga)

This local afterschool program’s teen mental health retreat may become a national model

Since 2018, more than 300 teenagers from St. Helena and Calistoga in Napa County have...
Sixth grader Eleni Lauritsen,11, works on an assignment about the book “A Wrinkle In Time” at Vichy Elementary School in Napa Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

This year, enrollment at Napa schools was lower than projected. Here’s why

Just as the enrollment decline in Napa Valley Unified was beginning to level off, the...
Henry Hansel, president of Hansel Auto Group, poses for a portrait beneath an array of solar panels at Hansel Ford, with a row of various hybrid and electric cars sold by his car dealerships, in Santa Rosa, California, on Thursday, September 19, 2019. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

Hansel Auto Group moves into Napa County

Sonoma County’s family-run Hansel Auto Group, a car dealer that’s long run locations in Santa...
Napa City Hall in Napa, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Retired, then rehired: Local city brings back planning manager to tackle pending development proposals

The city of Napa will rehire interim planning manager and 20-year employee Michael Allen following...
Jason Holley, the longest-serving city manager in Napa County, will continue in the role under a new six-year contract. (City of American Canyon)

‘Worth his weight in gold’: American Canyon City Council approves new contract with city manager

American Canyon city manager Jason Holley, the longest-serving top city administrator in Napa County, will...
An atmospheric river is expected to send waves of downpour to the North Bay this weekend through Christmas week, according to the National Weather Service. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat file)

Waves of rain to hit the North Bay this weekend, continue through Christmas

An atmospheric river is expected to send waves of downpour to the North Bay this...
Following a new state law that raised the maximum authorized compensation for trustees, the Napa Valley Unified school board voted unanimously last week to increase board member pay to $2,000 per month. (Beth Schlanker /The Press Democrat)

Following new state law, Napa school board raises trustee pay fourfold

In October, the state passed a new law to "modernize" monthly compensation levels for members...
Mindy Banuelos watches as her first grade students at Pueblo Vista Elementary in Napa draw their "safe places." All 16 Napa Valley Unified elementary schools teach the Toolbox Project as part of their social-emotional learning curriculum. (Tarini Mehta / The Press Democrat)

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How a local school counselor’s simple ‘toolbox’ for emotions grew into a global movement

A Napa first-grade classroom shows how a social-emotional curriculum created in rural Sonoma County 25...
Refurbished statues of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta at the studio of Napa artist and sculptor Mario Chiodo, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Napa girl succeeds in mission to move Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta statues to spotlight

After 10 years on the facade of a building downtown, the nine-foot statues of civil...
Maya DeRosa, St. Helena's community development direct, will retire from her position on Feb. 6, 2026. (City of St. Helena)

St. Helena community development director to retire after 6 years in job

St. Helena community development director Maya DeRosa will retire after serving six years in the...
Anil Comelo, St. Helena City Manager. (City of St. Helena)

St. Helena City Council amends city manager contract in ‘win-win’ move 

St. Helena City Manager Anil Comelo will receive a higher base pay while losing some...
Vineyard leaves in the fall off Duhig Rd in Napa Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Napa County supervisors OK program allowing vineyard tastings under new state law 

Here's how a new state law that opens up tasting experiences directly in vineyards will...
Parents with umbrellas meet their kids in front of Strawberry Elementary School Monday, Oct.13, 2025 in Santa Rosa during the first significant rain of the season. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

North Bay storms expected to continue into holidays, possibly disrupt travel

Through the end of the week, two storms are expected to drop up to 5...
Melanie Orozco, Lilian Barrientos Aceituno, Aliehsa Chua and Zitlali Naranjo go over the topic for their next episode of SHINEcast. The four had never met before until they applied to be a part of this mental health youth-led podcast. (Trey Wagner, Aperture Media & Design)

Podcast in Napa Valley is making mental health the focus and teenagers the spokespeople

Episodes feature local teens talking about their feelings and sharing experiences.
Fall leaves of vineyards off Duhig Rd in Napa Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Napa County supervisors to vote on program allowing vineyard tastings under new state law 

Napa County officials are taking their first stab at defining how a new state law...
Napa Valley College President Torence Powell on campus in Napa, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

President Torence Powell to leave Napa Valley College for Los Rios district

Torence Powell, president of Napa Valley College since 2022, has been named the next chancellor...
During the official opening of the Napa Early Learning Center, Leonel Camacho 3, plays on the facility’s playground equipment, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Napa. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Napa gets new one-stop shop for early learning and child care

The Napa County Office of Education and Child Start, Inc. unveiled the new Early Learning...
Napa Valley Unified inaugurated the second phase of construction under Measure B with a "demolition celebration" Friday morning. (Photo courtesy of Chris Ready/Napa Valley Unified School District)

Napa school district kicks off new phase of construction funded by $230 million bond

The Napa Valley Unified School District inaugurated a second phase of construction projects funded by...
Napa County is poised to lower rooster limits to combat cockfighting. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Napa County poised to lower rooster limits to combat cockfighting 

Napa County Sheriff Oscar Ortiz said the ordinance would make it so the unincorporated area...
the concept of arrest and crime. handcuffs on a wooden table

Sheriff: Man arrested in Napa following child pornography investigation

An American Canyon man was arrested Friday morning following a child pornography investigation, according to...
The city of Napa's $25 million purchase of the former Harvest Middle School campus has closed. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

City of Napa closes on former middle school purchase  

Napa will assume full ownership of the 26.6-acre former Harvest Middle School site and will...
After a recent accident, parents at Calistoga Elementary are asking the school district to improve pick-up and drop-off systems and ensure safety of students and families. (Tarini Mehta / The Press Democrat)

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After parent hit in crosswalk, Calistoga families demand safer school drop-off

After a parent was struck during school drop-off, Calistoga families are pressing the district and...
Ryan Alsop

Napa County supervisors extend CEO Ryan Alsop’s contract through 2029

Napa County supervisors unanimously approved a four-year extension for County Executive Officer Ryan Alsop on...
Claudia H. Long, a longtime lawyer and writer, opened her used bookstore, Read Head Books, in downtown Calistoga last month, stocking the shelves with volumes from her own collection. (Elsa Cavazos / The Press Democrat)

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At 70, a longtime Calistoga resident opens the used bookstore she always dreamed of

After years of collecting books and searching for the right space, Claudia H. Long signed...
FILE - Water from the Colorado River diverted through the Central Arizona Project fills an irrigation canal, Aug. 18, 2022, in Maricopa, Ariz. Arizona will not approve new housing construction on the fast-growing edges of metro Phoenix that rely on groundwater thanks to years of overuse and a multi-decade drought that is dwindling its water supply. In a news conference Thursday, June 1, 2023, Gov. Katie Hobbs announced the pause on new construction that would affect some of the fastest-growing areas of the nation's 5th largest city. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

Napa County moves forward with new groundwater fees for farms and well users

Napa County supervisors unanimously approved a new fee structure that will begin charging groundwater users...
The La Tapatia Market in Napa, one of two locations operated by the grocery chain named in a lawsuit tied to two carbon monoxide deaths at its Vallejo store. (Edward Booth / The Press Democrat)

Lawsuit over worker deaths targets popular North Bay market; owner speaks out

Two workers died after repeated carbon monoxide exposure at La Tapatia Market in Vallejo, according...
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