Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine March 2024 Issue

Keeping You and Your Loved Ones Safe

At The Watermark at Napa Valley, we take pride in providing care and peace of mind to the entire family. Join us for our complimentary Senior Safety Series focused on empowering you to maintain your mental, physical, and financial well-being through insightful practices designed to protect you from common scams, emergencies, driving incidents, and more. Gather actionable strategies to help you feel confident that you have the information needed to lead a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.

Please call 707-244-3924 for event dates and to reserve your spot.

A better experience starts with better care.

Compassion and care in every surgery we do.

The general surgeons at Providence Medical Group provide a full range of surgical care, including the latest minimally invasive and laparoscopic techniques. The department offers surgical expertise in treating complex gastrointestinal, pancreatic and biliary disorders, as well as common conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, gallbladder surgery, hernias and much more. All done with the care and precision to help you get back to living your life as quickly as possible.

The Gonzales Group receives national recognition

We’re pleased to share that we’ve been recognized on the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2024 list. Published on January 9, 2024. Rankings based on data as of March 31 2023.

We’re pleased to share that we’ve been recognized on the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2024 list. Published on January 9, 2024. Rankings based on data as of March 31 2023.

The Gonzales Group receives national recognition

Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to do what we love helping our clients pursue their financial goals. We want to thank Forbes for recognizing us.

We’re pleased to share that we’ve been recognized on the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2024 list. Published on January 9, 2024. Rankings based on data as of March 31 2023.

Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to do what we love helping our clients pursue their financial goals. We want to thank Forbes for recognizing us.

The world will always be changing around us, but we believe the value of personalized advice and guidance never changes. We’ll always be committed to helping you address your specific needs and priorities.

Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to do what we love helping our clients pursue their financial goals. We want to thank Forbes for recognizing us.

The world will always be changing around us, but we believe the value of personalized advice and guidance never changes. We’ll always be committed to helping you address your specific needs and priorities.

If you have any questions about your wealth management strategy, please give us a call. We’d be happy to help.

The world will always be changing around us, but we believe the value of personalized advice and guidance never changes. We’ll always be committed to helping you address your specific needs and priorities.

If you have any questions about your wealth management strategy, please give us a call. We’d be happy to help.

If you have any questions about your wealth management strategy, please give us a call. We’d be happy to help.

See next page for additional important information. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Gonzales Group Riverfront - 700 Main Street Ste. 200 NAPA, CA 94559

707.255.5559

fa.ml.com/gonzales_group

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer,

Tr ansfor ming the Dental Experience

An Interview with Dr. Nancy Azizi of Vineyard Dental

Dr. Nancy Azizi

Are you looking for a dental experience that goes beyond the ordinary, one that transcends traditional expectations? Dr. Nancy Azizi, is here to transform your perception of dental care. Join us on a journey to discover the exceptional world of Dr. Nancy Azizi and Vineyard Dental, where mind, body, and teeth come together in perfect harmony.

Q: Dr. Azizi, could you tell us how you have redefined the dental patient experience?

Dr. Azizi: At Vineyard Dental, we've set out to create a new standard of dental care that puts the patient's well-being and comfort above all else. Why shouldn’t you look forward to your dental appointment be a calming and rejuvenating experience rather than a stressful one? We've designed our office to resemble a spa, where patients can relax and indulge in luxurious amenities before, during, and after their treatment.

Q: Can you describe some of the services and spa -like experiences that patients can expect at Vineyard Dental?

Dr. Azizi: Well, we want our patients to feel pampered, so we offer a range of amenities to make their visit enjoyable. I started the concept of a dental spa about 25 years ago. My patients unwind in our lounge with a cup of tea, wrap themselves in cozy blankets, and listen to their favorite music during their treatment. There is a menu of spa services (it’s on our website). Our doctors are trained to provide acupuncture to help our patients with their anxiety and honestly, that has proved to be very helpful.

requesting cosmetic ing) and teeth you see yourself notice your There’s been difficulty in been an area

Dr. Azizi: We attribute it to high-end work it attracts the

Q: It sounds incredibly luxurious. How does Vineyard Dental integrate the latest technology into this spa-like setting?

Dr. Azizi: We believe that a relaxing environment goes hand in hand with cutting-edge technology. We've invested in state-of-the-art dental equipment and techniques to ensure our patients receive the highest quality of care. Our focus is not only on esthetics but also on patient health and well-being. We've found that by combining advanced technology with a tranquil atmosphere, we can enhance the overall patient experience.

NANCY AZIZI D.D.S. of VINEYARD DENTAL

cosmetic enhancement (veneers and bondteeth whitening; we call this the Zoom effect, yourself over Zoom or video calls and start to teeth even more than before!

dental services are provided by a very loyal and caring team of dental experts and specialists.

Q: Finally, what message would you like to convey to potential patients who may be considering Vineyard Dental for their dental care needs?

We’ve spoken about how things have shifted for your patients – but how have you been moving through this personally? During the shutdowns and heaviest parts of the pandemic, a lot of us found solace in our hobbies. Is there sourdough starter in your kitchen?

Dr. Azizi: I would like to invite everyone, but especially those of you who are anxious to see the dentist, to experience the unique approach we offer at Vineyard Dental. We believe that a trip to the dentist can be a genuinely enjoyable and rejuvenating experience, and we look forward to welcoming you to our practice. I don’t see why you would want to go anywhere else.

Dr. Azizi: No sourdough starter – but my gardening skills were elevated to edible flowers and exotic greens! I was able to focus more on my fitness practices and became certified with ACE as a personal fitness trainer. As an integrative dentist I find healthy practices are part of my personal life as well as my work.

Q: Can you share some specific examples of the advanced technology used at Vineyard Dental?

been no end to the news accounts of the in hiring and retaining talent. Has this area of concern for you as well?

We’ve been incredibly lucky on that front. I to our reputation – we are known for our work and forward-thinking approach. I think the right talent and people to our practice. Our

Dr. Azizi: Of course. We offer digital impressions, which eliminate the need for messy impressions. This makes the experience more comfortable for our patients. We also utilize laser dentistry for procedures, with the most popular one being after gum disease deep cleanings. Whether it's teeth whitening, veneers, or Invisalig n, we work closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with their visio n.

Q: It's clear that Vineyard Dental prioritizes patient comfort. Can you tell us more about the holistic approach you take towards oral health and overall well-being?

Dr. Azizi: I often study my patients’ medical background, diet, and overall wellness. Your oral health is connected and reflects your overall health (and vice versa). I not only address the functional aspects of dentistry but also the aesthetics. A radiant smile can significantly boost a person’s self-confidence, and we're dedicated to helping them attain it.

Q: Can I ask how you keep your teeth so white:

Dr. Azizi: Funny, I get that question a lot. I did an in -office Zoom whitening a while ago, and I do my upkeep with at -home whitening strips. Everyone should try a professional whitening at least once.

Vineyard Dental is conveniently located directly across Queen of the Valley Medical Center at 1103 Trancas Street in Napa.

Before / After Laser Zoom! Whitening

2023 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Napa Chamber Celebrates

By John Dunbar | Photos by Art & Clarity

A sold-out crowd of nearly 400 guests attended the Napa Chamber of Commerce’s 134th Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on January 19 at the Meritage Resort and Spa to honor and celebrate business excellence and community engagement exhibited by award nominees and winners in 2023.

Jeri Hansen, CEO and President of the Napa Chamber, provided context to this year’s awards presentation. “One

“When you join the Napa Chamber of Commerce, you become part of a long-standing pillar of the community. Founded in 1889 to facilitate trade and commerce, the Napa Chamber has evolved into an organization that harnesses the power of collective action to enhance our economic vitality and improve the well-being of our entire community. Being a member of the Chamber shows that great things can happen when we come together to move, speak, and act. There is a collaborative spirit

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine (Erica, Kelly, Connie and Suzanne) received Small Business of the Year presented by BottleRock Presents

year and one week ago, I stood here on this stage in my first official duty with the Napa Chamber of Commerce. It’s been quite a year, and we are committed to building on this momentum. We celebrate our achievements, but we look forward to the exciting opportunities, the untapped potential, and the discoveries we will make along the way as we shape our future,” Hansen said.

that defines the Napa Chamber of Commerce,” added

Event emcee Adam Housley commented that the businesses were being recognized for the goodness they provided our Napa Valley community. “We are celebrating how we come together in times of need and crisis, in

Services and a coalition of local chef’s and restaurants was recognized as Collaborating Community Champions for their work providing food to people with limited access to healthy meals. This award is given to a partnership of a business or businesses and a nonprofit organization who collaborate to achieve a common goal.

The event culminated in the Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing a community leader whose tireless passion serves as an inspiration and has helped shape our community. This year, George Altamura was honored for his significant and longtime contributions to the Napa Valley community, as a business leader and for his

La Toque; Adam Ghisletta, Avenue 8 Real Estate; Dave Graham, BottleRock Presents; George Nielson, GD Nielson Construction; Richard Rybicki, Rybicki & Associates; and Kevin Teague, Holman Teague Roche Anglin.

“The Chamber luncheon was a huge success, and everyone had a wonderful time” said Chair Coors-Ficeli. “I am thrilled to continue to work with our staff and my fellow Board members to build on the value and influence of the Napa Chamber. I am looking forward to the year ahead and the new initiatives that we are taking on. We will continue to connect with our members on the topics that are most important to them and their businesses.”

A sold-out crowd of nearly 400 guests attended the Napa Chamber’s annual meeting and awards luncheon

Napa Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeri Hansen addressed attendees

Citizen of the Year George Altamura received a standing ovation from the luncheon crowd

Induction Cooking:

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Heat Pump HVAC:

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Air Sealing: Caulking and Weatherstripping

• Seal air leaks that waste your heated or cooled air to improve comfort

• Avoid unwanted pollution from entering your home and create a healthier home

Wall and Attic Insulation:

• Maintain consistent year-round temperatures

• Save money on energy bills by heating and cooling your home less less often

• Improve home comfort

*Lighting: replace old incandescent or halogen bulbs with LED bulbs

• Save money on energy bills

• LEDs last longer than halogen and incandescent

*Windows:

• Keep heat or cooled air inside your home more efficiently and safe energy and money

- Seal window air leaks

- Add energy efficient window coverings

- Replace old, inefficient windows

Youth Sports

Validity Seal

By Kathleen Reynolds

Napan Daniel Eaton got the spark of an idea for a youth sports oversight committee when he was sent out of town to officiate a youth baseball travel tournament.

“When I arrived, the field was muddy, almost flooded, and I didn’t think it was safe,” says Daniel, who is an assistant baseball coach at Napa High School. “After the game began, it became obvious that rules didn’t matter, and the team was playing against members of their own team. Parents were enthusiastic about seeing their kids play, not realizing that it wasn’t a legitimate tournament.”

“I kept thinking that these parents don’t know and had paid a lot of money to witness what was essentially team practice.”

That’s when he realized that there should be more accountability, a group that would audit leagues and tournaments to guide children and their parents to reputable leagues and tournaments.

“This body would make sure that leagues could certify or authenticate the coach. After review they would receive a Certificate or ‘Validity Seal’ stating obligations were met.”

In addition, tournaments will consist of viable and reputable staff and coaches. These obligations are necessary because the motivation for monetary gains can outweigh the incentives for high quality coaching.

To fulfill his dream of creating an overarching body to supervise youth leagues, Daniel started a foundation.

“It’s the Sue E. Cooley Foundation, named after my grandmother, and its first venture is what we call the Sports Validation Project.”

The Sports Validation Project Mission: “Our paramount objective is to steadfastly uphold the principles of integrity and sportsmanship. We shall diligently oversee, and/or implement, the administrative body of youth sporting organizations (leagues). Our primary emphasis lies in preserving the fundamental principles and ethical standards that underpin sportsmanship and fair competition among young athletes, while simultaneously fostering a comprehensive understanding of the game. Concurrently, we aim to advocate for and establish a well-organized framework within all youth sports, ensuring the safeguarding of athletes, coaches, parents, and the future sustainability of youth sports. Our dedication will be to establish a level playing field where fairness and meritocracy prevail, ensuring that decisions and actions are driven solely by the best interests of the athletes and the integrity of all sports. Fundamentally sound coaching is a key value we do not take for granted, as it is essential to successful growth in all aspects of game development.”

“In this journey, I’ve always been a stickler for rules and mechanics,” Daniel says. “I believe in creating a framework within youth sports that ensures the safeguarding of athletes, coaches, parents, and the very future of youth sports itself. What is the overarching goal? To ensure that leagues aren’t just fleeting ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes but are institutions that genuinely care about the holistic development of our young athletes.”

The Sue E. Cooley Foundation got a boost recently with the addition of a new team member, Hailey Breakwell. She is the owner Hailey Breakwell Performance, giving private lessons and running clinics and team workouts.

Hailey was a 4-year Starter at Idaho State University softball team and helped lead the Bengals to three back-to-back conference championships,

The Obligations

• Make available the finances of the leagues (the money that family, fans, etc. will spend on travel).

• Observe that the fields or facilities are maintained properly.

• Ensure safety equipment and team equipment is not broken and is properly dispensed.

• Have coaches’ certifications, classes, background checks accessible to the public and, especially, the patrons.

• Hold Board and/or governing body meetings with adequate notification given to members so they know the location and time of the meeting.

• Have an equal and non-biased

taking home conference player of the year in 2014. After graduation, she played for the New Zealand National Team and continued coaching at the Division 1 level for Wichita State and Saint Francis University, earning NCAA regional berths at both schools. She graduated with a master’s degree in Sport Management from Wichita State in 2018. She also continued playing for her home country, New Zealand (she has dual citizenship), through the 2020 Olympic Trials.

“I grew up playing multiple sports,” says Hailey. “I played baseball until I was 13, then switched to softball. I believe in the Youth Sports Validity project because the games and tournaments should be run the right way. Currently, it’s a free-for-all, with

knowing things like the quality of coaches, the field conditions or even if there’s enough staff on the field crew. There should be some way to be held accountable.”

“This is not just an issue in Napa, but nationally. Since we’re just getting off the ground, we’re starting with Napa, where Daniel and I were both raised.”

Daniel agrees. “We’ll measure our success by our membership,” he says. “I’m reaching out now to leagues in Napa and American Canyon. We’re just getting started and became a certified non-profit. We have bylaws and our advisory Board Chair is Mustafa A. Hersi, J.D., who has spent more than 15 years in government and private practice, including with the youthsportsvalidity.org

Daniel and his daughter Lily

According to its Facebook page, “(The) Youth Sports Validity Project promises to aid leagues in growth and gaining traction and validity. Despite what it may seem, we need not nor want to hinder their progress. Our approval of a league cannot be bought, it is a privilege. It can be earned, even after a failed attempt, through our guidance. We strive to enhance information access for athletes and parents, providing details on league and tournament schedules, hotel cost and fuel costs.”

“In our future, we hope to hold coaches’ training with the fundamentals that they need to know. I want everyone to know we’re not trying to cut leagues; we want them to grow. We’re providing a platform that makes them more legitimate and transparent.”

“Join us in our quest for clarity and excellence in youth sports for a brighter, honest, and skilled tomorrow. The Sue E. Cooley Foundation and the Youth Sports Validity Project - advocating for the heart and soul of the game.”

For more information, visit youthsportsvalidity. org; their Facebook page, Sue4TheYouth; Linkedin.com/company/youthsportsvalidity; phone 707-387-0987 or email Daniel at deaton@youthsportsvalidity.org.

March

MARCH 1-10

To submit your event request, visit napavalleymarketplace.com/submit-an-event

The Phantom of the Opera Vintage High School presents a fully staged performance of the blockbuster musical. Be prepared to smile, cry, gasp and be thoroughly entertained by the talented student cast. This captivating show is accompanied by a full live orchestra. vhschoirs.com

MARCH 1-31

Napa Humane Pawsport Napa Valley Napa Humane’s dog-friendly, passportstyle wine tasting event is back! Visit 23 fabulously pup-friendly Napa Valley wineries and restaurants welcoming all pet lovers who love wine and good food. Come with or without your pooch for exclusive tastings, dog treats, discounts on purchases, and much more. napahumane.org

MARCH 2-3

Napa Valley Mustard Celebration:

MARCH

Strings: Guitars, Orchestra

MARCH 15, 7PM

15 professional artists showcase their talent, demonstrating inside Jessel Gallery all weekend long. jesselgallery.com

MARCH 5

Blue Note Presents Mick LaSalle with Oscar Talk

San Francisco Chronicle film critic Mick LaSalle makes his annual appearance in Napa. LaSalle will discuss this year’s crop of Oscar contenders, his picks, pans and predictions. He will take questions, including, “Who will win best picture?” Will you agree? Moderated by Barry Martin, morning host at 99.3 The Vine, LaSalle never fails to entertain. bluenotenapa.com

MARCH 7

Grace Potter

Bands: Jazz, Concert, Color Guard

NVUSD Auditorium

Back in summer 2021, Grace Potter took off on a solo cross-country road trip that would soon bring a life-saving reconnection with her most unbridled self. She spent the weeks crashing in roadside motels and taking time each night to deliriously transcribe the song ideas she’d dreamed up behind the wheel. After two more solo trips—Potter flew to Nashville for a series of recording sessions. Mother Road marks the start of a thrilling new era of her career, sharing the stage with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, and the Allman Brothers Band. Its 10 larger-

than-life tracks fuses elements of soul, blues, country, and timeless rock-and-roll. uptowntheatrenapa.com

MARCH 8-30

The Sound of Music

One of the most beloved musicals of all time, The Sound of Music takes place in Austria in 1938. Maria is an exuberant young governess who brings back music and joy to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis gain power. luckypennynapa.com

MARCH 9

Cat Power Sings Dylan:

The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert

Last November in London, Cat Power took the stage at Royal Albert Hall and delivered a song-for-song recreation of one of the most fabled and transformative live sets of all time. In her own rendition of that historic night, the artist otherwise known as Chan Marshall inhabited each song with conviction, grace and protectiveness, transposing the anarchic tension of Dylan’s set with a warm and luminous joy. Lovingly honoring her hero’s imprint on history while bringing a new vitality to many of his most revered songs. uptowntheatrenapa.com

MARCH 14

Yachtley Crew

Yachtley Crew will reel you in with their world-class musicianship as they perform timeless soft rock hits from Christopher Cross to Hall & Oates to Toto and more! uptowntheatrenapa.com

MARCH 14-15

Napa High Instrumental Music Jamboree Concerts

Jamboree into spring with two instrumental concerts at the

NVUSD Auditorium. March

14 features Strings: Guitars and Orchestra, March 15 features Bands: Jazz, Concert and Color Guard. Purchase tickets at the door or in advance online. napahighband.org

MARCH 27

Jersey Mike’s Subs Day of Giving 100% of sales will be donated to Providence Queen of the Valley Foundation. Please visit and support!

jerseymikes.com/20327/napa-ca

The Wingfield family lives in a

“The

apartment in St. Louis. Amanda Wingfield, her frustrated son Tom, and fragile daughter Laura inhabit a world where a visit from a gentleman caller seems to offer the only hope of redemption not just for Laura but for the whole family. This great play is mid-century American literature at its best.

a NAPA'S PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE, WHERE EVERY SEAT IS A GREAT SEAT KATHY GRIFFIN FRI. APRIL 5 HOTEL CALIFORNIA - A SALUTE TO THE EAGLES SAT. APRIL 20

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beyond. Their reality YACHTLEY CREW THURS. MARCH 14 LYLE LOVETT ACOUSTIC FRI. MARCH 15 & SAT. MARCH 16 Just two blocks from The Uptown, stop by the JaM Cellars wine & music studio pre or post-performance with your day-of-show tickets to get a JaM Backstage Pass for VIP treatment with purchase of wines that rock!

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Nanci Parnell, Realtor®/Rentals (CalDRE#01987548)

Stacie Patrick, Realtor®/Rentals (CalDRE#01468028)

NAPANS

by choice

People move to Napa for a myriad of reasons. Here is the story of three transplants

By Craig Smith

Cliff Kielhorn

If the third time really is a charm, then this time Cliff Kielhorn is staying in Napa. He and his partner Savannah moved back on April Fool’s Day last year, and their son Liam was born in August. “This is a kid-friendly community. There are lots of parks and I don’t have to worry about Savannah being alone,” said Cliff. If this sounds at all like stability, it is, and its worlds away from the chaotic upbringing

Cliff was born in Quincy, WA, but change came early and often. “I’ve moved over forty times. By the fifth grade, I’d been to twenty-two different schools.” While that experience taught Cliff to make friends quickly, it also taught him he had to look out for himself. By the time he was a

teenager, Cliff knew he needed a change in his environment, and moved to St. Helena and in with this Dad. He attended high school there. After high school in 2005, he served in the Army. Upon his discharge, he moved to Ellensburg, WA. It was a rodeo town, but with Mom and Grandma there, it was the closest thing to a hometown he’d experienced. Cliff became a certified stone mason and worked at ski resorts in the winter. It was there that he met Savannah.

As stable as things looked, Cliff had gotten in with a party crowd, could see it didn’t bode well for him, and moved to Napa for the first time. He got a job at Oxbow Produce (Now Hudson Greens & Goods). Cliff stayed in touch with Savannah and she later moved in with him and his roommate, but only as a friend.

“Turns out, we both liked each other, which came as a surprise to nobody but us.” Their first date as a couple was at Sushi Mambo, when it was still in Downtown Napa.

The new couple experienced more change over the next few years, including a winter in Mammoth Mountain. In his second stint in Napa, Cliff farmed for Kicking Bull Farms, which he might still be doing except for a back injury. He and Savannah helped to open Monday Bakery but were upended when they were evicted. “It was during COVID, and our landlord kicked us out so his son could move in.” They spent a year in Bellingham, WA, then spent eight months traveling the country in their wagon while Savannah worked remotely. After that, they moved to Sonora in 2022. It was there that Savannah got pregnant.

“Sonora was too hot, especially with her being pregnant, and it’s surprisingly expensive. We began seriously talking about where we wanted to raise our kid. Napa is also expensive, but it’s got potential and it’s a food mecca, which is important to us,” said Cliff. Moving to Napa again was a no-brainer. He immediately went to work, helping to open Deuces Market in First Street Napa.

“Napa is sort of a big, small town. It’s close to everything. I’m pleasantly surprised that you don’t have to be wealthy to live here, and it’s not snooty at all. The service industry folks are really close and are there for each other. It’s why we keep coming back. And with Liam in the picture, I think we are here to stay.”

Denise Layten

Sometimes, the universe intervenes and helps us make decisions. That intervention was directly responsible for Denise Layten landing in Napa.

“I was living in Mill Valley, and was in San Francisco for Thanksgiving dinner. Noel, a guy I’d known since college, was there too,” said Denise. Her friend was getting his PhD in Psychology, and was doing an internship at Napa State Hospital. He and a friend were looking at a house to rent in Napa, and the friend backed out. Noel asked if Denise would be interested

University in Orinda. It was during that time that she went to that Thanksgiving dinner. Shortly after that, she moved into the

whatever shows up hungry. She still travels, making at least one big trip a year, and has visited every continent.

A few years later, Noel moved out and Denise’s boyfriend (who is actually the author of this article) moved in. They got married shortly after that, and bought the house a few years later. Almost thirty years later,

Denise cannot imagine leaving Napa. “My business, Brief Therapy Associates, is over twenty years old.” Her neighbors have a pond that year-round attracts ducks, geese, and the occasional river otter. Denise spends virtually every morning there, feeding

“Napa is a beautiful place, and everything has come together for me here. I’ve had great career training opportunities, the perfect office space and this place to live. It’s like Napa chose me.”

Alston Cole

Alston Cole was actually born in Napa, but moved to Wisconsin when she was two years old. Her mom and her mom’s best friend (who was also Alston’s Godmother) loved it here. Alston remembers a picture-book about Napa Valley being on their coffee table for years. “Napa Valley is where God goes on vacation,” her Mom said.

As a kid in Wisconsin, Alston worked in a coffee shop, earning money so she could visit family in Napa and Los Angeles. After high school graduation, she moved here, fell in love and got married. But the couple was just too young (“I was only eighteen,” said Alston.) She moved back to Wisconsin, had her third son, and lived there for the next thirty years.

When her younger sister was diagnosed with a cancer that eventually ended her life, Alston asked her sibling if there was any place she wanted to visit, and if so, where. Her sister said, “Yes, I want to go to the Napa Valley,”

so the whole family came for a visit in 2007. Just being outdoors here lifted Alston’s spirit. While out for a walk, she heard a voice that said, “You are going to live here within five years.”

Alston returned to Wisconsin after that visit, and three and a half years later, went to massage school. Upon graduation, she put her massage table and a tent in her car and drove west, camping along the way. That was in 2012 – five years after the voice had told her that Napa was her destiny. She got a job in Calistoga, found a temporary place to live in St. Helena and later moved in with her son, who lived in Napa. Eventually she found an apartment in Napa she loved.

Alston left Napa one more time, when romance

Snapshots

IDOL NV 2024 winners: First Place, Andrea Claribel Barrera Coca (Napa High); Runner Up, Tuolumne Bunter (Stonebridge School); Audience Favorite, Autumn Terradista (Stonebridge School).

Carol Tedesco, Claudia Hassler, Karen Rampone, Larae Brickeen, Sue Romano, Carol Ellis and Suzy Stamper.

Treasury Wine Estates awarded Napa Chamber Sustainable Business of the Year, presented by MCE.

Ameila Barad of Kitchen Door awarded Napa Chamber Customer Service Person of the Year, presented by Visit Napa Valley.

Kimberley Erickson, Vicky Mullen, Dina Hatton and Thelma Taylor.

Abode Services and coalition of local chefs and restaurants, receiving the Napa Chamber Collaborating Community Champions award.

Bank of Marin awarded Napa Chamber Large Business of the Year, presented by Redwood Credit Union.

Janna Waldinger and Barbara Nemko at the Napa Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Awards.

(NAPA CHAMBER PHOTO CREDIT) ART & CLARITY

NPUMP IT! BICYCLE PUMP TRACK COMES TO SKYLINE PARK

By Kathleen Reynolds

Napa now has its own pump track! If you don’t know what a pump track is, this article is for you.

“The bicycle skills course built at Skyline Park is also known as a pump track,” says Ryan Gregory, the organizer for building the track, District 2 County Supervisor and a member of the Redwood Trails Alliance organization. “A pump track is a compact circuit of low rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden by riders ‘pumping’ – generating momentum by up and down body movements instead of pedaling. It is fun for all ages and most dirt-oriented bicycles will work.”

“I first got into mountain biking in 1992,”

Christopher Cahill is the General Manager of the Napa Open Space District. “The Open Space District is always looking for ways to get all corners of our community out into nature,” says Chris. “The pump track is a great place for kids, young families, and beginning riders, who might be daunted by our steeper or trickier trails like the Oat Hill Mine Trail, to get out and enjoy riding bikes. It’s been great to see that even little toddlers on push bikes love it.”

“The Open Space District did the work of coordinating all the other players who needed to ‘ok’ the new pump track, Chris says. “The State of California owns the land, the County of Napa leases the land from the State and the Skyline Park Citizen’s Association, the nonprofit that ably operates the rest of Skyline Park. Since the Skyline Park Citizen’s Association’s insurance agent said they couldn’t operate a pump track, we stepped up and the pump track is actually ours; it’s a little island of Open Space District park within the larger Skyline Park operation.”

With the project permitted, it was time to raise the rest of the funds. Ryan elaborates, “We secured three large grants that got the fundraising to the

Linzi Gay is the president of Clif Family Winery & Farm. “We have always been interested in supporting more opportunities for people to get outdoors,” says Linzi. “With cycling and mountain biking being a core part of our business, we look for opportunities to support these sports in the Napa Valley community. A pump track is a great way to bring people together in a fun and positive space around a shared interest.”

“As co-creators of Clif Bar & Company, Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford have made ‘Outdoors Fit for Healthy Living’ one of the priorities for the Clif Family Foundation,” continued Linzi. “The goal is to increase resources in communities that enable healthy physical activity and improve mental health. Supporting the creation of the Bicycle Pump Track in Napa Valley allowed them to support this in their own community.”

The pump track is 1,500 sq. ft, and includes two loops, one outer and one inner, in either direction. Ryan estimates it can accommodate as many riders as can go safely, with about a 10 ft. separation, about 10 to 15 riders if they’re all going in the same direction.

“The pump track is a great way to go if you love bikes and want to put a foot

Andrew Brooks explains why it’s a good thing for Skyline Park and Napa.

“A pump track is a safe place for mountain bikers of any age and ability to work on their skills; beginners and experts alike can practice and learn how to handle their bikes more safely in a fun, controlled environment,” Andrew says. “It’s easy to get the hang of but it’s surprisingly physically taxing, so it’s a great workout, too. Napa doesn’t have anything else like this that’s open to the public, so it’s a great place for folks to get outside on their bikes, and the skills people learn on the pump track help them ride more safely on the rocky, uneven terrain they might find on the trails at Skyline or elsewhere in the county.”

Clif Family Winery President Linzi Gay adds, “Creating a space where kids and adults can come together outside is so important for our community, especially in an age where we all spend a lot of time at our desks or in front of a screen. A pump track is a great way to get kids excited about getting on a bike, and cycling is a great sport they can carry with them throughout their life.” Chris Cahill sums it up. “As a mountain bike rider, myself, with three young kids who also ride bikes, I can say that pump tracks are just really fun,” says Chris. “Come on out to Skyline with your mountain bike or kids’ bike – with pedals or without – and give it a try. It’s amazing exercise and totally addicting. But if you bring kids, be prepared for a fight when it’s time to leave. They just don’t want to stop.”

The pump track is open to the public every day during Skyline Park hours. Helmets are required while biking. The park has a small entry fee, but there is no additional fee to use the pump