Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine June 2023 Issue

Sample a Taste of the Good Life

Experience award-winning senior living at The Watermark at Napa Valley.

Our chefs pull inspiration from nature’s bounty, sourcing ingredients from local growers and farms. With five dining venues to choose from, you can decide to relax by the fire pit for an evening alfresco or settle in for a multicourse gourmet dinner. A glass of wine from one of Napa’s local wineries is sure to punctuate unforgettable culinary experiences.

Call 707-244-3924 or visit watermarknapa.com to schedule your private consultation.

The Watermark at Napa Valley is an award-winning community for seniors offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care in one of the world’s most renowned destinations. With upscale dining, a wealth of elevated amenities, and personalized care, here it’s easy to grow and thrive.

Napa County has participated in the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) since 2013. This partnership has helped Napa County residents save money, save energy and create more comfortable homes.

BayREN strives to fill energy saving equity gaps through flexible and innovative programs. These programs were built on local government values and serve residents’ needs.

• 490 single-family homes with rebates on home upgrades

• Seven multi-family apartment buildings with 497 energy efficient units

•Completed 225 Home Energy Score assessments

•Conducted contractor trainings focused on energy savings through Codes and Standards

In the last ten years, Napa County BayREN has enhanced energy savings of homes and buildings:

Bring comfort to your own home while saving money and energy.

Don’t let urologic issues stop you in your tracks.

Our providers are trained in the latest techniques for managing enlarged prostate (BPH), urinary incontinence and more. We are experts in treating prostate, kidney and bladder cancers. With a rocksolid reputation treating kidney stones of all shapes and sizes, we are using the latest minimally invasive techniques, giving you the peace of mind that comes with better outcomes. Should you need urologic surgery, we are some of the best — using the latest robot-assisted procedures for superior results and faster recoveries to get you feeling like you.

Daniel Gilbert, DOJames Lau, MDTamara Brady, PA-C

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 27TH | 3:30PM-7PM AT CIA COPIA, NAPA VALLEY

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6 FOOD TICKETS (AT THE DOOR $140)

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SOME FEATURED WINERIES

Art House Wines | COHO | Complant Wines | Covenant | Hagafen | Hall | Judd's Hill | Matthiasson Wines | Napa Valley College Winemaker Program | Neiman | Shadowbox | Silver Trident | Stardust

SOME FEATURED DELIS & CATERERS

Blossom Catering | Bubbalas | Ethel's Bagels | Golden State Pickle Works | King Knish | Loveski's Deli | Mark N' Mike's | Nina's Pastries | Pomella Restaurant | The Tish Napa Valley

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ADDRESS: 3150 A JEFFERSON STREET, NAPA

WEB: MOTHERSTACOS.COM

INSTAGRAM: @MOTHERSTACOS

Inviting Locals to check out our New Outdoor Dining Space at “Napa Valley’s Most Buzzed About Taqueria”

For over two decades, it has been our honor to provide our clients with the highest quality mortgage services in Napa Valley and beyond! We wouldn’t be where we are today without the continued support of our amazing clients, staff, and partners. We are so grateful to all of you who have helped us get to this beautiful milestone.

ABOUT US WHO WE ARE

We improve the movement and functionality of our patients without the need for narcotics or surgery! We focus on maximum results for everything from injury recovery to joint rehabilitation and cartilage preservation to post-surgical recovery. Wherever you are in your journey towards health and healing, we are here to maximize your success!

THE LEADING NAME IN JOINT PAIN CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

"I was really in bad shape before I joined with Dr David’s team. I had already been to three different doctors. It was looking like surgery was the only option. I’m glad I didn’t go that route. My back is in the best shape in many years thanks to Dr. David at Napa integrated medicine"

BRETT BRUMLEY Napa, CA

LOCALLY BASED, COMMUNITY INVOLVED, DEDICATED TO MEETING YOUR GOALS

Vintage Sotheby's International Realty's local commitment to the Valley runs deep. Whether it is working with Habitat for Humanity, Music in the Park in Yountville, Napa Porchfest, sponsoring town-wide Garage Sale Days in Yountville or Operation With Love From Home care packages for the troops during the holidays, we take pride in being active in our community. Having local ownership and agents provides us with the in-town advantage over corporately owned and out-of-town brokerages.

Being active in our local community, plus providing exceptional real estate service, has given Vintage Sotheby’s Realty a solid reputation. We are honored that the community has voted us Best of Napa Valley Real Estate Office two years in a row - 2021 and 2022. Our veteran-owned business, with our large network of locally based agents, is committed to providing our clients with the personalized service and professional expertise needed to achieve their goals at every price point.

We feel that our biggest blessing is our agents and staff, who are also our extended family. Our goal is to make sure that we not only take care of the people in our community, but our extended family as well. Vintage Sotheby's International Realty is well known for events such as taking the entire office to a San Francisco Giant's game or throwing an epic Tiki party to end the summer at Wilfred’s Lounge in downtown Napa. Our company culture is an essential element in keeping our agents productive and happy and that in turn leads to highly satisfied and happy clients. That’s an amazing combination!

The real estate market is ever changing, and the Napa Valley is no exception. The only thing that is constant is change. We are dedicated to helping buyers and sellers understand these changes and not only navigate through them but thrive in any market. We know and love the Napa Valley, and being part of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand allows us the ability to give unparalleled exposure to the properties that our clients have entrusted us to list and sell. Our clients deserve and expect the absolute best service and our expert agents are ready to assist them no matter where they are in the world.

Owners Kelly Norris, Lisa Bertolucci & Mike Bertolucci

Fair Housing Napa Valley

AN OPTIMISTIC VISION

By Linda Bausch

Fair Housing Napa Valley’s (FHNV) Executive Director, Pablo Zatarain, anticipates a bright outlook for the next four years, as FHNV welcomes the return of a few previous board members. Some in new positions—the remainder have been filled with newly elected members who are prepared to contribute their individual expertise and collective efforts as the needs of Napa Valley’s tenants or property owners are addressed.

The main objective of FHNV is to provide, “…free, objective, and confidential services to both tenants and landlords to help them understand their rights and responsibilities under state and local laws and ordinances that affect the rental relationship.”

Fair Housing Napa Valley is an equal opportunity program, funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and other local government agencies which provide a set amount of financial capacity. Gaps in funding are filled with donations garnered with support from partnering agencies, local businesses, and individuals. In October, Embassy Suites will host the second Noche de Catrinas Gala. (Teresa Foster is the Chair for the 2023 Gala. Please keep an eye on the FHNV website for more information.) These funds create the opportunity to hire new staff, provide education about available services, while raising awareness of housing issues facing local residents.

FHNV operates under the belief that many disputes between tenants and landlords can be avoided or addressed

NOCHE DE CATRINAS GALA

effectively if both parties obtain an objective explanation of their rights and responsibilities. FHNV’s main strategy is to reduce the risk of renters being displaced due to unresolved issues. One out of ten cases may be a dispute where the landlord is the party in need of FHNV support. Disputes are handled through mediation. Although the services provided are much broader than this list, some of the types of disputes addressed are:

• Leases and month-to-month rental agreements; changes in rental terms

• Repairs; rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant(s)

• Habitability and code enforcement compliance

• A landlord’s right to enter the rental unit and a tenant’s right to privacy

• Rental increases and other notices

• Notices to vacate and terminate the rental relationship

• Handling security deposits; requirements for move-out inspections; the process for refunding the deposit

• Landlord/Tenant workshops

Maria Cisneros, the newly elected Board Chair, (previously secretary) will spend her term continuing the good work of the previous Board,

guiding the non-profit agency with her wisdom and vast experience. This board position is only one of the honors which Maria is enjoying at this time. Her exemplary work and dedication as an educator and administrator has been recognized by the Association of California School Administrators named Maria as Alternative/Ed Options Administrator of the Year, for both Region Four and the state of California. Congratulations!

Maria has held numerous positions which allow her a unique, wellrounded footing to take on the responsibility of FHNV Board Chair—without hesitation. Maria is currently in her 18th year of service as Principal of Valley Oak High School. In the spring of 2022, Maria also took on the role of principal of Napa Valley Independent Studies. Her impressive list of accomplishments is far too long to note here.

Maria’s life and strong family values, prepared her well for her future. “My early years in Jalisco, Mexico, we lived on a ranch outside of town where we were farmers. As kids we were always busy taking care of whatever livestock we had, planting the fields, harvesting, helping dad with collecting honey from our beehives collecting eggs. Although life was simple, as kids we learned the value of hard work at a young age.”

Maria moved to the US with her family in July of 1979 at the tender age of ten. Her journey was dangerous and most certainly frightening for all, but especially a young girl. Eventually, the entire family of twelve made their way to California, beginning a new life full of hope. It was their father’s dream to offer a better future. Within days of arriving in LA, Maria’s brother moved the family to Lake County where they would continue to live on farm lands and worked those lands through high school. “I attended the local schools, got involved in athletics, student government and community service. These experiences shaped me as I moved on to college as a first generation, college bound student and first to graduate from a 4-year university in a family of 10. I also worked for our landlord in the fields picking pears or walnuts.

“I remember a cold fall evening, we were picking walnuts, it was muddy, and we had to collect enough walnuts to fill 100 sacks. We were working by the side of the highway and my friends drove by. I could hear the music and their joy. That night, I made the decision that I would not be a farmworker the rest of my life. I was going to take advantage of school and go to college and get out of this hardworking life. Don’t get me wrong, we were so fortunate to have the job. This experience taught

me the value of hard work and the dollar. It taught me that anything is possible as long as you work hard and stay the course. I also cleaned a house very Saturday morning for a local couple that raised sheep. My family taught me to figure out what my contribution to the world would look like. I learned that I had choices that may be hard for a Latina who was being raised in a traditional Mexican home. Thanks to my parents’ focus on education and a better future, I was allowed to move away and go to college. I was a 3-sport athlete—volleyball, basketball and softball. My first leadership position was ASB president in my junior school. After that, I stayed involved in student government and finished my year as the Class of 1987 Senior Class president.”

About becoming involved with FHNV, Maria said, “About six years ago, I was asked by the president of the Community Foundation to join some former Foundation board members to help lead FHNV. I said yes because I saw first-hand how unfair rental practices hurt families. Some of those families were and are my students.”

Maria’s skills from her “day job” will transfer to her responsibilities at FHNV naturally. “My day job is really about being present and listening. I find that as a board member, these skills are essential because one has to understand the needs of the agency before one can look at impact.”

I asked Pablo Zatarain if he was encouraged by progress being made to expand the amount of affordable housing in the Valley, he replied eagerly, on a positive note, “Yes. Projects are in the works. Our mission as an agency is growing housing opportunities and expanding availability.”

Concluding our interview, Pablo added, “The most important thing I’d like to express is that at Fair Housing Napa Valley—our staff is at the center of everything we do. We are a small staff of six full-time employees, each one shouldering a big load. We are successful in our programs due to their hard work.”

With the combined efforts of the entire Board and Staff, Fair Housing Napa Valley has a bright future.

“While estate planning is an important decision it can be quite intimidating. Meghan’s knowledge, expertise, and professionalism made Victor & I feel comfortable and reassured. She was incredibly patient, answered all of our questions, and made sure we felt at ease with the entire process. We appreciate how personable and seamless the service was at Celaya Law. Thank you Celaya Law Firm!”

– Victor H. Saldivar & Juana Saldivar

Napa 20TH

TThis June marks the 20th Anniversary of Napa Pride. While many cities host LGBTQ Pride events, most last for a day – a week, tops. Napa’s month-long celebration is different in that it includes a full calendar with over two dozen community events and activities that are open to everyone, not just the LGBTQ community. Many of the events are fundraisers with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.

The roots of Napa Pride can be traced back to an Academy Awards event that started in a private backyard in 1991. As it grew in popularity, the organizers decided to move it to a bigger venue and make it a fundraiser, hosted at Napa’s Embassy Suites. Reynaldo Zertuche, who recently retired after 27 years as general manager of Embassy Suites recalls, “it was an overwhelming success. We raised over $50,000 to support HIV/AIDS patients.”

With the late Pierce Carson of the Napa Valley Register helping with publicity, by the second year, all of Napa caught on, gay and allies alike, and the event instantly outgrew the hotel. For the next several years, it was held at the Napa Valley Expo.

Up to this point, not all gay people identified as one community, but that changed with the HIV crisis and this event. “Those parties were like a holy holiday for us,” said Carol Whichard,

Eric Oesterle and Rob Doughty

Napa Pride Cruise Night

P ride

By Craig Smith ANNIVERSARY

a longtime community activist, “and they were unbelievably fun.”

A New Chapter

In January of 2002, Deb Stallings, Director of Development at the Napa Valley Opera House was returning from a fundraising event with Pierce Carson, who was covering the event for the Napa Register. She recalls saying “Pierce, I like it here, but I miss the gays. I didn’t move 3,000 miles away from my mama to be surrounded by straight, white people. With that characteristic twinkle in his eye he said, ‘You have to come to the Academy Awards party! That’s where your people are.’ And he was right.”

Building on the success of the Academy Awards party, the North Bay Unity League was formed in 2002 to create a year-round point of connection for the LGBTQ community. The Unity League prioritized socialization and community service. They held Monthly Mixers so people knew where to come to find “their people” and they did community service so neighbors could see that “our gay agenda was about making our community a better place for all of us,” said Stallings.

“We’ve always been involved in the community. We helped build Playground Fantastico. We cooked food once a week for the families living in NEWS homes, so that the women could have a night off to just be moms for their kids,” said Zertuche.

“We remodeled a couple of the NEWS Safe Rooms. We had a lot of fun with it. We made it an internal

competition, like the ‘Trading Spaces’ show, and the rooms looked great,” said Whichard.

The Unity League continued to grow with a membership of over two hundred people. Eric Oesterle, Rob Doughty’s husband and partner of twenty-five years, remembers a key moment. “We were talking about what we wanted to do next and Deb Stallings spoke up: ‘I think it’s time for Napa Pride.’”

Stallings said, “The Embassy Suites had become Ground Zero for gay gatherings, so we had that space thanks to Reynaldo and lots of publicity thanks to Pierce, and now we needed credibility.” Stallings and Zertuche visited Mayor Ed Henderson. “We asked him to proclaim June as Napa Pride month, to declare Napa welcoming to ALL people. He knew it wouldn’t be popular, but in the end, he agreed. “Ed was one of the warmest, kindest people you could imagine,” said Zertuche. “It became personal, not just two people asking for a professional favor.”

Napa’s 4th of July Parade

“One of the first events Napa Pride hosted was a family picnic in Kennedy Park, followed by an evening dance in what is now The Blue Note,” said Rob Doughty, one of the early members of Napa Pride and who deejays throughout the Bay Area as DJ Rotten Robbie. The two-part event raised over $10,000, which was donated to Molly’s Angels. “We wanted to show people that we are here for the whole community.”

Rick Turko, who moved to Napa in 2007 and hosted “Guerrilla Gay Bars for A Day” events, said that Napa Pride helped him become part of the gay community in Napa. “When we say Napa Pride, it doesn’t mean we think we are better than anyone else. So many of us spent years in the closet. Pride is personal. It represents my willingness to come out and say who I am and live an authentic life that I couldn’t live before.”

Doughty reinforced that, saying “the first step when Napa Pride was formed was to educate the gay community about what Pride meant. Some worried that they would be outed, or maybe even get threats.” That has not been the case.

Ian Stanley Posadas moved to Napa in elementary school. He remembers the first Pride Picnics, which took place while he was still coming to terms with his identity. “I so wanted to go, but being out didn’t seem possible for me at the time.” With the support of Napa Pride members, he found community and support, and instantly got involved. He eventually founded and ran the LBGTQ Connection for 11 years.

“Napa is an amazingly accepting community,” said Zertuche. “I am proud to be part of it.”

For a list of all the Napa Pride events taking place in June, visit napapride.com. And remember, all are welcomed. napapride.com

Your responses to this survey will provide valuable insight into the needs of older adults and will help guide strategic decisions and funding priorities in the future.

To take the survey, please visit https://communityhealthnapavalley.org/NOAA or follow the QR code on your phone/mobile device

The survey is completely anonymous and takes about 30-45 minutes.

NOAA is funded, in part, by the Napa County Board of Supervisors and by Napa County Health and Human Services through Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) funds.

FACING THE REALITY OF WILDFIRE RISK:

Napa County remains vulnerable to wildfires even with this reprieve from the drought. The wet winter that replenished our water supply also accelerated vegetation growth, which will provide abundant fuel for wildfires this year.

To prevent wildfires with the intensity and scope Napa endured in 2017 and 2020, it is essential – literally lifesaving – that residents manage vegetation to lower the wildfire threat to our communities and businesses.

Since 2007, the non-profit Napa Communities Firewise Foundation, or Napa Firewise, has been working with public and private partners to reduce the risk and impacts of wildfires through hazardous fuel reduction and

Bald Mountain Ridge Line

ready with the plans and the resources to partner with residents to help prepare them to be safer from the next wildfire.

is Napa County Ready?

and improving forest health.

Participation by residents and permission of private property owners is required to complete critical hazardous fuel reduction projects. With support from 20 volunteer Fire Safe Councils, grants and donations, Napa Firewise has developed multiple layers of defense to help residents protect their neighborhoods, their properties, and themselves.

Strategic ridgetop fire breaks provide the first line of defense against the spread of wildland fires. Napa Firewise is maintaining the Mt. Veeder Fire Safe Council’s

removing underlying brush, and removing hazard trees in a 120-feet-wide buffer along three miles of fire line on the Bald Mountain Ridge south of Sugar Loaf State Park, which stretches across the NapaSonoma County border parallel to Wall Road and last burned in 2017. Property owners who sustained significant wildfire losses have expressed appreciation for the work.

“It was a fortuitous day when Napa Firewise contacted our family about providing fuel reduction on our property. The dozer line – an extremely important fire-fighting tool –stretches from the beginning of Wall Road through many private properties all the way to Bald Mountain,” said a participating property owner.

“Our ridge road was very badly burned in the 2017 Nuns Fire, leaving us with an enormous number of burned trees and new shrub growth. Our family was doing the best we could to create safe zones near our structures, but with such limited resources and manpower, we never dreamed of cleaning up our ridge road and the adjacent hillsides.”

“From last Spring to now, it has been a win-win partnership working with Napa Firewise and their crews. Their respect for us, the landowners, our animals, and our property has been stellar. The communication from the Napa Firewise liaison is terrific. Always respectful, always advance notice, and always advance request to enter our property. We always knew what

Pile Burning

Bald Mountain Fire Break

was happening and what would be happening,” the property owner said.

Napa Firewise will be maintaining up to 100 miles more of strategic ridgetop fuel breaks like this to protect Napa County communities with a generous grant from the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV).

“It’s important that we collectively put forward solutions to prepare Napa for the next wildfire,” said Jaime Araujo, NVV Board Directors and Trois Noix owner. “We’re humbled to be able to contribute to these efforts and are grateful to all the donors who helped raise these funds.”

NVV has also funded the Napa Resource Conservation District (NRCD) to restore wildfire resilient habitat along the fire roads and elsewhere in Napa County.

“The scale and complexity of this challenge requires effective work across sectors,” said NRCD Director Lucas Patzek. “We are committed to collaboration in pursuit of reduced risk of extreme wildfire and improved forest health.”

Napa Firewise also maintains shaded fuel breaks around residential communities in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). These reduced fuel buffers help between the developed area and

Most wildfires start and are extinguished along roadways. Managing roadside fuels provides safer access for emergency responders and facilitates evacuation for residents by making passage safer from flames, as well as downed trees and power lines.

In 2022, Napa Firewise spent nearly $10 million to complete 45 hazardous vegetation reduction

projects treating approximately 300 acres and 45 miles of County routes, such as Howell Mountain, Monticello, Atlas Peak, Soda Canyon, Diamond Mountain, and Old Lawley Toll roads.

In May 2023, 30 miles of treatment started along eight roads in the western hills. “These are critical escape routes for folks from the Dry Creek, Mt. Veeder, and White

Sulfur Springs communities,” said Vegetation Management Director Mike Wilson.

Expanding hazardous wildfire fuels reduction treatments on private property beyond the 10-feet roadside right-of-way significantly improves overall visibility, emergency response access, and resident evacuation capability.

“The purpose of our roadside projects is to remove excessive dead, dying, and living vegetation for 30 feet on each side of the road which, if burning, would create excessive flames and heat that would endanger people trying to escape from a wildfire,” said a Napa Firewise Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. “We also target overhanging trees and branches which could fall and block the road. Our work also reduces the risk to emergency responders trying to get into the area to save lives, protect property, and fight the fire.”

The last line of defense is the 100-feet zone around homes and structures where residents are required to reduce flammable vegetation and other materials to reduce ignition risk. The Napa Firewise Defensible Space Program provides information and resources to help residents assess and mitigate wildfire risk on their properties. Cost share reimbursements up to $3,500 per property are available for a limited time to help residents manage vegetation. Apply at NapaFirewise.org/DSpace.

Fire experts emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant and to reduce wildfire risk now.

“We are ready with the plans and the resources to partner with residents to help prepare them to be safer from the next wildfire,” said Napa Firewise Executive Director Gretchen Hayes. “We encourage neighbors to help neighbors – and themselves – by participating in these critical safety programs.”

NapaFirewise.org/DSpace

GILLETTE Al

DEDICATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICE

By Kathleen Reyndolds

“The main thing in my life has always been to contribute to the community,” says Al Gillette, who retired recently from the company he ran for 50 years, Alpine Construction.

In the forefront of many community projects, Al has been a past president of Grad Night, past president of the Active 20-30 Club, board member of the Salvation Army, spent 25 years with the Holiday Project spreading holiday joy at the Veterans Home, 30 years as a member of the Business Information Network, participated in Leadership Napa Valley Class 1, and played Santa in a velvet coat and flowing beard at Christmas for generations of Napa children. All this while running a thriving construction business and doing pro bono construction work for nonprofits on the side, including innumerable playgrounds as a member of Kiwanis.

“I did a lot of jobs in the community, many with the Kiwanis Club. We remodeled the restrooms at the Kiwanis ballpark and the kitchen and classrooms at Vine Village, which was for mentally challenged people. The Vine Village project I did with (fellow Kiwanian) Mary Beth Herman. It was a lot of fun.”

Mary Beth talks about Al and remembers that remodel fondly. “I built the kitchen cabinets,” she says with a note of pride. “Back then, as a new member of Kiwanis, Al took me under his wing and taught me about building playgrounds and his love for community service. He’s a great guy.”

Originally from San Jose, Al had a lot of adventures prior to coming to Napa.

“I liked to travel,” he says. “When I was 21, I made my way to Virginia and got on a freighter to Germany.

Once I was there, I went all around Europe and North Africa. I visited Jerusalem, Israel, as well as Arab states. In those days, you had to visit Israel first, because if you had an Arab stamp in your passport, you weren’t allowed into Israel. I’d like to go back now and do the European route again.”

When he returned to the U.S., he worked for Gemco Department Stores (then owned by Lucky Stores; in 1986, many California Gemco stores were sold to Target) and Alpha Beta supermarkets, rising in the ranks to district supervisor.

“I was raised in the badlands of San Jose, but when I saw Napa, I loved it,” says Al, determined to move to this beautiful place.

Al enjoyed the small construction projects he often did and at the same time, his father-in-law had started a construction firm in Sacramento.

“When my father-in-law went to get a business permit in Sacramento and was asked the name of his company, he patted the Alpine cigarettes in his pocket. Lacking an idea that was any better, he said “Alpine Construction.” When I eventually left the grocery business and started doing construction

in Napa, I kept the same name and took over the license.”

Al started out small, using workers from a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program who wanted to learn construction. He had about a half dozen on and off employees starting out.

“20 years later, I incorporated Alpine. At that point, I had as many as 40 employees and was close to going broke. It was chaotic with me trying to run all those workers. In the last 10 years, I pared down that number to eight on average. That’s a manageable mid-range company.”

After 50 years in the business, Al decided he’d had enough.

“By then, Mike Kear ran the business and I just sat at my desk and did no management at all. In fact, they told me not to,” he says and laughs. “But last year, Mike became ill, and we decided it was time to close. I suppose I should have done it when the pandemic hit. But I had a good run.”

“I enjoy fixing, creating solutions and solving problems. We always did remodels, never new construction.”

who were in the public eye,” Al says. “But there was one funny job on a hill in Yountville. To this woman, money was no object, but she wanted only natural materials. We tore out all the old insulation and replaced it with cotton insulation. We pulled up about 4000 sq. ft. of newer, but synthetic, carpet. Incidentally, I’m still walking on that carpet since I used it when I built my office. She needed natural paint on her walls.”

“She’d spent several hundreds of thousands of dollars on this work. As she was finally ready to move in, she saw a tractor in the vineyard adjacent to her house. The worker was spraying the grapes. Somehow, she hadn’t realized that the vineyards surrounding the house would be sprayed with chemicals. She walked away from the house and never lived there.”

What’s next for Al?

help

Napa community.

The rare exception is the water tower he constructed in his backyard to serve as his office. “We had an open house and one of the docents showing people around became so enthralled with the water tower, I built him his own one. In those days it was different. There was no problem getting permits.”

He married his wife Myra in 1996. Together, they have five children. For several years, he and Myra ran a company called Home Buyer Service Home Inspections.

“We’d inspect homes for the buyers and tell them if there were any problems. That was a mainstay for a long time, but we let it go last year.”

Myra says her husband has many stories about years past. We asked for a unique one.

“I’ve done work for many successful, wealthy people

“I’ve had no driving desire to figure out what to do without Alpine,” he says. “We may travel. I’m not a sports guy and the only sport I watch on TV is NASCAR. We have several aquariums in the house, some with exotic fish. Once while we were on vacation, my foreman accidentally put ocean salt into one of the freshwater aquariums. I called that “the great die off.” Since then, I’ve replaced all of them with different fish and always buy three of each kind. In case one dies, there’ll still be a pair.”

“I used to have a 36’ motor yacht and would go out for a few days at a time. I replaced two different engines in it. One day it sprung a leak and took a dive. The Cuttings Wharf guys fished it out, but I gave up on boating, believing the old saying that ‘a boat is a hole in the water into which you throw money.’”

What’s his advice for young people?

“Give to the community and don’t be committed to one dream. Your attitudes and priorities may change. Follow your dream, but don’t be afraid to step away from it.”

Thank you, Al, for not stepping away, but stepping up, to help the Napa community.

Thank you, Al for not stepping away, but stepping up, to

the

• Dual Trained East-West Medicine

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Certified Physician Assistant

Non-Drug Depression Treatment

TIMELESS GEM!

This lovely, single story, remodeled home is located in the heart of Napa Valley. This property is immaculate and exudes pride of ownership. Spacious 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, with radiant heat floors, gorgeous kitchen, includes all appliances. Gleaming hardwood floors, lots of natural light, coved ceilings, recessed lights, ceiling fans and more. The outdoor space is an extension of the interior living space.

The impressive back yard has two kitchen areas, perfect for entertaining, lovely gardens, fire pit. RV parking. A lifetime of enjoyment. It’s a turnkey property. Asking $800,000 Call/Text Linda Glass at 707-486-3281

Legacy Roundtable featuring Trailblazing Winemakers

Jennifer Steinmetz (Animal Care Specialist Lead), Open House guests Cindy and Rod, and Erika Gamez (Hospital Manager, Alley Cat Small Animal Hospital) at the We Care Animal Rescue Open House

Volunteer, Mary Smartt pets a cat at We Care Animal Rescue Open House

Napa Junior Girls Softball League "The Wildcats" Spring 8U Team sponsored by Rick Robben and Mark Crocker.

Photo: Katie Newman

Charlotte Radke pets a cat at the We Care Animal Rescue Open House

Napa Junior Girls Softball League "Base Invaders" Spring 13U Team sponsored by The Door Shop. Photo: Katie Newman

Napa Junior Girls Softball League "The Tigers" Spring 8U Team sponsored by The Executive Room Barbershop.

Photo: Katie Newman

Water Waste Regulations

Drought may be over, but water conservation is a California way of life. Days per week watering rules are lifted, but these common sense rules remain:

Do not overwater lawns and gardens to the point of excessive flowing runoff.

Do not irrigate lawns/landscapes between the hours of 10am and 5pm, except for initial watering of new plantings.

Do not irrigate during rain and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall.

See www.cityofnapa.org/water for other water waste regulations. Help Napa Stay Water-Wise!

www.cityofnapa.org/water

St. John's Lutheran Preschool teachers Tonya Kerruish and Diane Barbosa enjoy lunch provided during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Kelly, Emily, Mimi, Seth, Kecia, Ervin and Harold of the "At Your Service" Leadership Napa Valley practicum project, teaming up with The Hub Napa for a free bike repair workshop at the South Napa Shelter.

Napa High Athletic Booster Club Annual Blue for Gold Event

Napa High Athletic Booster Club Annual Blue for Gold Event

DOWNTOWN NAPA’S and

Shop . Sip Stroll

By Craig Smith

5PM EVERY THURSDAY EVENINGS IN JUNE

WWouldn’t it be great if shopping was a happy hour experience? You know, get together with some friends, shop a bit, have a splash or even a glass of wine, then walk next door and do it all over again? Well, that’s exactly what Downtown Napa’s Shop, Sip & Stroll is all about.

Every Thursday in June, from 5 to 7 pm, you’ll have the opportunity to shop in a different area

downtown. Each retailer will be paired with a tasting room. Five dollars will get you a glass with a splash of wine and a wristband. If you really like the wine you taste, you can buy a glass to enjoy while shopping. Afterwards, walk with your wine to another participating retailer. You’ll get a complimentary splash there (and at any other places you visit after your initial purchase of a glass and wrist band), and can always decide to purchase

a full glass. Prefer something besides wine? Some merchants will offer you a taste of brandy. During your walk between retailers, enjoy some light outdoor, live music.

And the shopping! You may not feel like having a glass of wine or bourbon but no worries – this is a night of retail therapy, with each store offering something unique. Two examples: Boho Lifestyle will feature brand new merchandise, seen for the very first time, on their Thursday night. Habituate will offer BOGOs at their location – buy one, get one free. You’ll want to visit each of the participating stores to see what their special offerings are. Participating stores can be identified from the (environmentally safe) balloons displayed at their front door. Afterwards, have dinner at a downtown restaurant. June is the perfect month for outdoor dining.

– Start the month out on the north side of First Street and the shops of First Street Napa. The mix of retail, restaurants and tasting rooms in that area alone would be

– Now cross to the southside of First and Second Streets. If you haven’t been on Second Street in a while, you will be surprised to find an inviting shopping and wine tasting scene there. And dinner? There are a half dozen restaurants within those few blocks, from outdoor casual to fine dining experiences.

– Time to revisit the Oxbow District and all the great merchants there. Could this be the start of a regular

– Main Street from Third, heading south to the river, is the home to a lot more retail than you may have remembered. Pair it with wine, dinner overlooking the Napa River, and you’ve got the perfect evening.

– Are we saving the best for last? You be the judge as you go from Main Street and head north to Caymus, taking in Pearl and Clinton as you go. There’s probably more here than you can do in a night, but you can map out your next visit while you try.

STROLL – welcome summer in Downtown Napa as you enjoy every Thursday in June.

NAPA VALLEY EVENTS

JUNE

To submit your event request, visit napavalleymarketplace.com

JUNE 1-AUGUST 1

SUMMER LIBRARY ADVENTURE: ALL TOGETHER NOW!

Sign-up for Napa County Library’s 2023 Summer Library Adventure. Open to all ages, this library-wide, self-paced reading program offers reading prizes, storytimes, music, performers, crafts, movie nights, and fun for families. napalibrary.org/sla

JUNE 1-29

DOWNTOWN NAPA SHOP, SIP & STROLL Shop, Sip & Stroll every Thursday evening in June and

enjoy exclusive special offers, surprise-and-delights, and savings on shopping and sipping throughout the various districts in Downtown Napa. Retailers will be partnering with tasting rooms – it’s the perfect reason to head to Downtown Napa for Thursday night fun! donapa.com

JUNE 2-25

BLUE NOTE NAPA SUMMER SESSIONS

Blue Note Summer Sessions has a new home: The Meritage Resort and Spa! This elegant retreat boasts rolling vineyard hills and an idyllic setting for music lovers. Don McClean (June 2), Chris Botti (June 3), Rufus Wainwright’s Folkocracy Tour (June 4), Brian

and get ready for the show the creators David Nehls and Betsy Kelso call “an all-American musical odyssey through agoraphobia, adultery, hysterical pregnancy, strippers, huffing, electric chairs, flan, roadkill, toll collecting, spray cheese, guns, and disco.” It's sure to be Napa’s adult-oriented theatre event of the year. luckypennynapa.com

JUNE 3

PRIDE CAR PARADE

Decorate your cars with all kinds of rainbow decor. Meet at Napa High parking lot at 6:30 pm. Tune in to KVYN 99.3 The Vine for festive Pride music for the cruise. At approximately 7 pm, all cars will drive slowly south on Jefferson towards Downtown Napa. At 9 pm after the Pride Car Parade, join the fun at Napa Valley Distillery’s Hollywood Room for cocktails and dancing to the music of DJ Rotten Robbie. napapride.com

JUNE 3-SEPTEMBER 9

SAVOR AFTERHOURS

From bright, bubbly, smooth and elegant to quirky, flamboyant, bold and complex, SAVOR After Hours is not your typical cabaret or wine tasting. Guests will experience a wine pairing flight in an entirely new and dynamic way. Each of the performances immerse audiences in the way wines make us feel, through an electrifying blend of dance, music, close-up magic, illusions and more. The show features Maks, Val, special guests from Hollywood and Broadway, and a captivating cast of talented performers. savorafterhours. com

JUNE 9 & 11

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN NAPA WALKING TOUR

The Napa County Historical Society invites you for a 90-minute, walking, tour of historic Napa. The tour

Beananza™

highlights over fifteen local landmarks along First Street, Main Street and Third Street. Tour guides share fun anecdotes on local lore, and provide guests with maps and headsets to enhance the experience. napahistory.org

JUNE 10

ABBA PRIDE DANCE PARTY

Join DJ Rotten Robbie at Be Bubbly as they begin their Be Generous Campaign benefiting LGBTQ Connection in Napa! He will be rockin’ the best ABBA tunes all night! napapride.com

JUNE 10

RIVERFRONT CAPTAINS & MANSIONS DISTRICT

WALKING TOUR

Discover Napa’s oldest neighborhood located south of downtown and in the eastern portion of the Fuller Park – Napa Abajo National Register of Historic Places District. Enjoy this guided walking tour that details the back-stories and intriguing residents of these glorious riverfront properties. napacountylandmarks.com

June 16, 17 & 18

Come celebrate fun at Jelly Belly's 1st annual Beananza™! FREE parking! Three days of fun for the whole family! Quality art & craft vendors, food booths, rides for children & teens, pony rides, car show, Tesla test driving, extended bean art gallery, Chocolate & Wine Experience, beer, wine and more!

may not

Two Summer Shows FOR FAMILIES OF ALL AGES

“Science is for everyone,” declares David Epley, whose on-stage persona as Doktor Kaboom has riveted young audiences for more than 20 years.

On June 17, Epley brings the very first interactive show he created for touring called “Look Out, Science is Coming.” Performances take place at 1pm and 3pm at the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center.

The mythical character Epley inhabits is an over-the-top German physicist with a passion for science that knows no bounds. Sporting peroxide-spiked hair, chrome goggles, orange lab coat and motorcycle boots, Kaboom captivates audiences with his hilarious series of increasingly spectacular and (often) successful demonstrations of the physical sciences including homage to Mister Wizard.

Epley is a father of two and hails from Seattle. He discovered his true calling as actor and comedian after exploring professions such as: research physicist; biomedical engineer; mathematician; astrophysicist; chemical engineer and marine biologist.

What stuck was his passion for science and an uncanny, natural ability to blend science with theater and humor. Epley

describes his career as “The most fulfilling work of my life – teaching, inspiring, empowering the minds of our youth and reminding their parents to be an active part of the equation.”

“If you apply yourself, over time, you can do science,” Epley said. “It’s not a mystery, but it does take effort, but that’s not hard, that’s just work, that’s just life.”

It’s taken more than three years of trying for E & M Presents to finally bring the popular duo, The Okee Dokee Brothers, to the Napa Valley.

On Sunday, July 2, the five-time Parents’ Choice Award and Grammy-winners will, at last, play the Yountville Community Center with shows at 1pm and 3:30pm.

As childhood friends growing up in Denver, CO, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing whiled away their days exploring the outdoors. Whether it was rafting down their neighborhood creek or discovering hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains, Joe and Justin were born adventurers. They inject this passion for the outdoors into the heart of their special brand of Americana folk music.

The “brothers” record and perform family music hoping to inspire children and their parents to step outside and get creative. Through their six albums and two books, they encourage kids to gain greater respect for the natural world, their communities and themselves by celebrating and enjoying nature.

The Okee’s accomplishments have garnered praise from NPR’s “All Things Considered” and “USA Today” and have been lauded as two of family music’s best songwriters.

“Joe and Justin are an absolute national treasure,” wrote Minnesota’s Parent Magazine. “These songs are just what the world needs right now.”

The Okee’s music is always fun and often goofy. Here’s a sampling of lyrics from their 2013 Grammy-winning album, “Can You Canoe?”

Rosita the skeeta Ain’t no skeeta sweeta But she’s a man eata Rosita the Bug I tried keeping her away with bug spray galore But she kept on coming back for more So now I’m covered from head to toe With kisses from a mosquito. Do I itch the scratch or scratch the itch I never can tell which one’s which But I think I’d be doin’ fine If I could take a bath in calamine

Kaboom

JUNE 11

PRIDE MUSIC IN THE PARK

Join the community for a festive, free, and familyfriendly Pride Music in the Park at Veterans Park in Yountville. All are welcome – you won’t want to miss an evening full of kid-friendly activities, a family dance party from 3 to 4 pm, live music from 4 to 7 pm, delectable local food trucks, wine and beer for purchase, and so much more! The Lucky Devil’s Band plays and DJ Rotten Robbie spins. yountville.com

JUNE 12-30

GUILD SUMMER CAMPS

Weekly summer camps for kids ages 5-12 from 9 am to 3 pm at the GUILD on Coombsville in Napa – with crafts, art projects, games, treats and activities! Sign up for Fun in the Sun Camp (June 12-16), Pool Party Camp (June 19-23), and Camp Out Theme Camp (June 26-30). guildnapa.com/camps

JUNE 17

DOKTOR KABOOM

The good Doktor brings his original interactive show back to Napa and takes audiences on an educational tour of the modern scientific method, using humor and comedy while demonstrating spectacular

applications of the physical sciences. Two shows at 1 pm and 3 pm at Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center. eandmpresents.org

JUNE 24

ADAM COROLLA

Comedian and actor Adam Carolla, host of The Adam Carolla Show, a podcast talk show which has held the record as the most downloaded podcast. uptowntheatrenapa.com

JUNE 24

ROCK THE RIDE

This benefit bike ride and walk raises funds for national and local nonprofit organizations addressing critical issues on gun violence. In 2022, the first federal gun violence prevention law in thirty years was a monumental step in the right direction to curb the epidemic of gun violence in our country. But there is much more work to do, so Rock the Ride rolls on. Nonprofits, special guest speakers, and national leaders will inspire you to ask questions, get engaged, and get moving as we ride, walk and talk together. We believe that community + action = change. rocktherideusa.com

MEET THE TEAM

Giselle and her team’s efforts resulted in a very quick sale of our home, at a good and fair price. Giselle and her team were all sincere, authentic, and professional. – Carrie R.

We decided that the sale was an important business decision, and we began to research other realtors based solely on their reviews, reputation, and presentation.

Giselle Lampe from Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley’s name seemed to repeatedly rise to the top of the list… – Andy, M.

Works directly with estate planners, inspectors, vendors, contractors, and clients on both sides of the transaction.

JERRY LAMPE Project Manager | Licensed Realtor Lic # 01994506

Advice for what matters most,

Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list, published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022. Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and team, and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research

compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

Bank of America,

Member FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.