Join us for a red-carpet evening celebrating the premiere of Calligraphy Napa Valley, formerly The Watermark. Step into the spotlight and indulge in chef-curated cuisine, artisan cocktails, and captivating entertainment inspired by the golden age of Hollywood.
Experience the community for yourself — from four new Savour Culinary restaurant venues to our immersive VivaLife sm Enrichment Program and Vivre Wellness sm Services . Every detail reflects the art of senior living, brought to life through striking design, bespoke experiences and personalized services. It’s distinguished living, elevated with cinematic flair.
REAL ESTATE PRO TOUR
Choose ONE, and get ALL of these Top Realtors® working on your behalf.
The Real Pro Tour is a high profile group of 18 of Napa’s most experienced real estate agents, from 8 different local firms, touring their listings each month via private motor coach. Each agent has been elected to join based on their extensive business experience, ability to share their expertise and knowledge of the market. They enjoy working together to provide listing price evaluations, suggestions for making a property as desirable as possible before coming on the open market and discussing marketing strategies to benefit each property. If you have been fortunate enough to work with one of these top agents you have likely experienced the unusual effort of cooperation and insight gathered specifically to advise on the successful sale of your home.
The Yountville Table is an extraordinary evening of culinary and community elegance—a one-of-a-kind luxury longtable event in the heart of Napa Valley. Presented by the Napa Valley Education Foundation in partnership with the Yountville Chamber of Commerce, this event promises an unforget table experience to join together as a community to support Napa Valley youth while celebrating the legendary food and wine synonymous with Napa Valley.
... and every third wednes d ay of each month thru september
tember 17
e $10 = wristband, glass, and get a splash at participating locations
• pickup glass and wristband in front of: Jeffries General, 141 6 Second St.
• look for balloons* *environmentallyfriendly
• enjoy outdoor music as you stroll
Do the City, Downtown & More!
Summer Events Heat Up
IN DOWNTOWN NAPA
BY CRAIG SMITH
FRIDAY NIGHTS IN THE PARK
Summer is here, and it’s time to enjoy the long evenings with some summer fun. Here are a dozen great reasons to pack up the family and drive, bike or walk to Downtown Napa.
Reasons One through Four FIRST THURSDAYS
July 3, August 7, September 4 and October 2 at Oxbow Commons, 5 to 9 PM. Admission is Free.
Wow – did this one catch on quickly! The Oxbow Commons on McKinstry Street is the perfect place for First Thursdays, an event reminiscent of the old Chefs Market. In fact, long-time Chefs Market manager, Julie Morales and her team from TEAM Morales are again running the event, so you know it’s being done right.
With its large grassy area, the Oxbow Commons is a great place to spread a blanket and let the kids play. “Non-profit groups will be out there every week, each hosting some kind of activity geared towards children,” said Bill La Liberte, Executive Director of the Downtown Napa Association (DNA), which hosts First Thursdays. Attendees can enjoy a meal at their favorite downtown restaurant or visit the food trucks and specialty food purveyors who are there every Thursday. Farmers from the Napa Farmers Market offer fresh produce and artists display their creations. The DNA host beverage booths, featuring several different local tasting rooms each week, as well as, craft beers and beers from Napa breweries. “We’re committed to the community feel from the old days. People loved it, so why change it?”
LaLiberte. If you’re just there for the music, you are going to love First Thursdays – two different bands will perform each evening, providing lots of opportunity to listen and/or dance the night away.
For over twenty years, Napans have gathered at Veterans Park to enjoy a night of music. Many come with neighbors and their kids, start out with a picnic, and then relax into the music. Feel
FIRST THURSDAYS
like dancing? Do it. If you don’t already know about this event, you must be new to Napa. Ask your friends about it or just come on down and join the fun.
Reasons Nine through Twelve SHOP, SIP & STROLL
June 18, July 16, August 20 and September 17, 5 to 7 PM.
The concept is simple – for ten bucks, attendees get a glass and a wristband. From 5 to 7 PM on the first Wednesday of
the month through September, people can visit stores (usually a dozen or so each week) that have balloons displayed in front of them, and get a taste from whichever tasting room has paired with that store. Visit every place if you wish and get a taste at all of them – it’s all covered by the initial $10. There’s also outdoor music; a great opportunity to visit friends while enjoying mild Napa summer nights. Shop a bit while you enjoy a splash. Listen to music as you walk to
the next store, where you can do it all over again.
“It’s really unique,” said Paul Kelaita, who attends as many as he and his wife can. “It’s a chance to visit stores we’d never been in and taste wines we might have never tried.”
He laughed and added, “I think downtown should do this every week.”
It’s a great event for families as well. “My husband and I took my mom and our daughter
FIRST THURSDAYS
the first year. Teal was just an infant, and we saw several other families with their newborns,” said Kelli Lampkin. “We ran into friends every week and got to walk around with them. It was super unique, and was a really inexpensive night out.”
Downtown Napa is divided into four districts for this one, and each night a different district is featured. Guests can follow the map or just look for the balloons
in front of each business. Visit DoNapa.com, and you’ll have all the details on your phone. Then, start to enjoy.
Come before or after dinner, or plan to eat at a downtown restaurant. This is about as fun and relaxing as a summer night can be.
Details for all the events can be found at DoNapa.com, or look for the three ads in this issue
Shop,
of Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine. These events are in thanks to the sponsors: Do Napa, all downtown property owners through their Property and Business Improvement District (PBID), and Napa lodging establishments through the Tourist Information District (TID). Come join the fun!
Sip & Stroll
The concept is simple – for ten bucks, attendees get a glass and a wristband. From 5 to 7 PM on the third Wednesday of the month through September.
NAPA PERSONAL PET CARE: WHERE COMPASSION MEETS CUTTING-EDGE VETERINARY MEDICINE
Nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, Napa Personal Pet Care – encompassing Napa River Pet Hospital and Napa West Pet Hospital – has redefined veterinary medicine through its unwavering commitment to “Individualized Personal Pet Care.” Since opening its doors in 2015, this family-owned practice has grown into a cornerstone of the Napa Valley community, blending advanced medical technology with heartfelt, personalized service.
A LEGACY OF GROWTH AND INNOVATION
Napa River Pet Hospital began its journey in December 2015, quickly earning a reputation for exceptional care. By September 2018, demand led to the opening of Napa West Pet
Avenue (Napa River) or 2999 Solano Avenue, Suite D (Napa West). This flexibility, combined with same-day appointment availability, reflects their mission to prioritize pet owners’ needs.
STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES
Napa Personal Pet Care stands out with its advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities:
• CT scanning for precise internal imaging
• Three full dental suites with digital radiology
• Hydrotherapy treadmill for rehabilitation
• Laser therapy and Acupuncture for pain management
The 2022 expansion at Napa West Pet Hospital solidified their position as a regional leader in urgent care, with veterinarians leveraging cutting-edge tools like ultrasound and endoscopy to deliver accurate diagnoses.
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR EVERY NEED
From routine checkups to complex surgeries, the hospitals offer:
• Preventive care: Vaccinations, nutritional counseling, and prescription diets
• Emergency and Routine Surgery: Two dedicated surgical suites.
• Specialized treatments: Reptile and avian medicine, exotic pet care
suites – addresses oral health care
Behind the technology lies a team
• 4 veterinarians with diverse special interests
• 5 Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs)
• 16 support staff including 5 highly trained Technicians and 5 highly experienced Receptionists
The practice invests heavily in staff development, offering:
• Paid RVT training programs for veterinary assistants
• Continuing education allowances
• On site training meetings to share expertise
This commitment to growth ensures every team member – from receptionists to surgeons –operates at the forefront of veterinary medicine. As recent job postings emphasize, they seek professionals who blend technical skill with genuine compassion.
COMMUNITY-CENTERED PHILOSOPHY
As a family-owned business, Napa Personal Pet Care treats every patient as part of their extended family. Their mantra extends beyond medical care to include:
• Transparent communication during every visit
• Customized treatment plans tailored to each pet’s needs
• Friendly staff and warm environment
YOUR INVITATION TO EXCEPTIONAL CARE
Whether your pet needs a routine wellness exam or emergency intervention, Napa Personal Pet Care delivers.
Discover why Napa Valley trusts this awardwinning practice. Visit napariverpethospital. com or napawestpethospital.com to schedule an appointment and experience veterinary care that truly treats your pet as family.
Dr. Davis C. Carroll Owner/Medical Director
Drene Johnson Executive Director of CAN-V and Napa Food Bank
NAPA VALLEY NONPROFITS
JOIN TOGETHER
By Kathleen Reynolds
In many counties, nonprofit agencies compete for services and funding sources without interagency cooperation. Back in 1995, however, the Napa County Health and Human Services Agency and 14 nonprofit executive directors met to see if they could build consensus, trust and support among the agencies. They called the ensuing organization the Napa Valley Coalition of Health and Human Services Agencies.
“When I came (to Napa) 16 years ago as the executive director of
Community Action-Napa Valley, I knew no one, knew none of the nonprofits,” says Drene Johnson, executive director of CAN-V and the Napa Food Bank. “My deputy director suggested going to the Napa Valley Coalition. Kathryn Winter was the Chairperson at that time. I went to a meeting and Kathryn introduced me to a whole lot of executive directors. It was great; everyone was so nice, warm and welcoming. I enjoyed going to the meetings.”
In a paper written in 2016 for the Mack Center in partnership with UC Berkeley’s Social Welfare program, Aaron Crutison wrote about the formation of the original Napa Valley Coalition of Nonprofit Agencies.
In the paper, Crutison wrote, “The coalition identifies its mission as “to strengthen and support its collaborative nonprofit membership in the fulfillment of their health and human services missions in the Napa Valley. They seek to provide a forum that promotes inclusion, fosters
professionalism, and encourages a supportive environment thereby strengthening the membership and the health and human services available to Napa Valley residents.”
The demise of that organization happened around 2017, as the group lost focus. When COVID hit, many agencies struggled just to maintain their services in the lockdown era. The Coalition died.
“People who were part of the original Coalition said they missed it,” says Johnson. “For me, it was, “Let’s get the band back together,” and see if we can’t resurrect it. We had two steering committee meetings of a dozen peopleI knew, including two former chairwomen, and we decided we’d give it a shot. If it didn’t work, it didn’t work. Fortunately, it worked. The first main meeting was mid-March.”
“What’s different in the new group is that I think everyone has come in leaving the past behind They have a fresh outlook, and they want this. They missed being a part of it. The new people have really enjoyed being there. The feedback after the first meeting was very, very positive.”
The new Napa Valley Non-profit Coalition goals are simple.
“The mission is strengthening the ability of all Napa nonprofit organizations to successfully accomplish their respective goals by collaborating, dispersing information and raising community awareness,” says Johnson. “We sent out an email about the first meeting and got 28 positive responses. Several others responded that they were pleased with the idea
and would attend in the future. I think at every meeting we’ll have between 30 and 40 people.”
The initial aim is to have quarterly meetings at various sites from Calistoga to American Canyon. Attendees will be nonprofit executive directors and new staff members, representatives from the Federal and California state legislators, the Napa County Health and Human Services Agency Director, Jennifer Yasumoto, along with local funders and businesses that are interested in learning about Napa Valley’s nonprofit organizations.
“Anybody can join. Nonprofits who aren’t social services organizations can get to know other nonprofits and the group can learn about them—who are they, what are they doing? When a nonprofit rep stands and talks about an upcoming event, it’s more memorable than an email. Businesses can come to see what we’re doing. Maybe it will spark their interest in supporting us.”
“Generally, we want to hear from Executive Directors, but they can also bring staff, especially new staff, so they can find out what’s going on in the community and be able to help their clients more.”
What do attendees say about the Coalition?
“In Napa County, our nonprofits thrive because we understand that collective impact begins with shared knowledge,” says Miguel Ángel Castañón, executive director of Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD). The Coalition teaches us a powerful truth—when nonprofits align, our community
truly benefits. Napa’s strength is in its united non-profits and knowing each other’s work, we are able to amplify our impact.”
“COAD and particularly our Cultivating Connections project will benefit from the Coalition’s ability to streamline access to community resources, improving our liaison’s efficiency and ability to make Warm Handoffs,” says Castañón. “We also see the Coalition as a key platform to broaden the reach of our disaster and emergency preparedness resources across Napa County. So much has changed since the Coalition was last active, it’s a privilege to be part of this renewed Coalition, reconnecting with past colleagues and meeting new individuals who share our passion for making a difference in Napa County.”
Cassandra Walker is a consultant for the Gasser Foundation, an organization that provides grants to benefit the Napa community. She shares her perspective.
“The Gasser Foundation supports many family service organizations, and the reformation of the Nonprofit Coalition provides a forum where nonprofits can come together and share needs of which the philanthropic community should be aware,” says Walker. “One of the greatest benefits is a regularly scheduled time to network and share experiences. Since the nonprofits in our community are of various ages and complexities, sharing information about programs, administrative needs like insurance or new technologies, will be helpful in growing the knowledge bases of our nonprofits.”
NAPA VALLEY NON-PROFIT COALITION
Tracy Krumpen is the district director for Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry.
“As District staff, we receive phone calls from constituents looking for local resources and assistance,” says Krumpen. “The Coalition meetings provide us with knowledge of available services and direct contact with nonprofit organizations who offer many of the services constituents are seeking. It’s important to point out that Congressman Mike Thompson’s office and state Senator Christopher Cabaldon also participate in the Coalition meetings.”
“I think the Coalition is a good idea because communication and collaboration are key to being successful,” says Krumpen. “The collaboration between nonprofits and our legislative offices helps us serve our mutual constituency. The
more we all know, the more effective we can be. It’s an opportunity to share, educate and learn.”
As Crutison wrote in his paper about the original Coalition, “By serving as a conduit of information among members, the community, funding sources, and elected officials, the coalition keeps all stakeholders informed.”
While the same is true today, the organizers hope for a more inclusive but less structured group.
“This is a get-together, a community meeting,” says Johnson. “We’re trying not to make it too complicated. We’re not going to incorporate as 501c3 because we aren’t raising money; we’re a coalition of nonprofits. All we want to do is get together.”
“What I hope is that members get
ONLY BETTER SENIOR CARE
friendship and collaboration and for new people, a welcoming familiarity. We’re bringing people together to collaborate; we used to do a lot more than we do now. Perhaps we can find a grant that we can do together. It’s supporting one another.”
“I think the impact to the people who attend will be a sense of community and belonging. That positive attitude will trickle down to their staff and their organizations. The meetings are only for an hour. This is something that’s nice, get a cup of coffee, share what you are doing, learn what our politicians and funders are undertaking. Come and find out, it’s a meet and greet. Everyone is welcome.”
For more information about the Napa Valley Non-profit Coalition, email djohnson@can-v.org.
Submit your snapshots at napavalleymarketplace.com/submit-a-community-snapshot
The Yountville Town Council prepares to raise the Progressive Pride Flag in celebration of Pride Month.
Lukas Wagner and Mom Samantha Holland at Vintage High Graduation.
Cole sisters Jackie, Charli, VHS graduate Piper, and Mackenzie.
Judd Finkelstein, Bill and Mary Dodd, and Andrea Flores at Community Health Initiative’s Cinco de Mayo party.
David LeCount and Howdy Rogers working on Howdy’s car at the Napa Valley A’s Car Clinic.
Napa Moms Board of Directors at the annual summer brunch held at a private residence.
Eagle Cyclists of Napa ride the Wine Country Century in Santa Rosa 100km.
St. John’s Lutheran School’s Class of 2025 in sweatshirts representing the high schools attending in the fall.
Tony, VHS graduate Sophia, and Julie Morales.
Dylan, UC Davis graduate Jakob, Danyel and Dave Solon.
Napa Moms annual summer brunch held at a private residence.
Billy and Jessica Mitts, John Dunbar, Jeri Hansen, Debra and Mark Dommen.
Submit your event request at napavalleymarketplace.com/submit-an-event
JULY 3
First Thursdays
If you loved the Chefs Market, then you’ll love the new First Thursdays event in Downtown Napa! Enjoy live music, food trucks, farmers, specialty food vendors, nonprofits, activities and lawn games for the whole family! Taking place once a month from 5
JULY 4
4th of July in Downtown Napa
A full day of family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and a spectacular drone show lighting up the sky over Oxbow Commons. Daytime festivities include the 4th of July Parade
carnival games, inflatables and magic shows. Festival food and beverage vendors will be on-site, along with a free Bike Valet. Cap off the night with a breathtaking drone show by Sky Elements from 9:30-9:45pm, featuring 400 drones and 16 dynamic formations. cityofnapa.org
concert featuring the students and faculty of The Frost School at Festival Napa Valley’s Blackburn Music Academy at Jackson Family Wines Amphitheater at CIA at Copia. festivalnapavalley.org
JULY 11
JULY 11
Fridays in the Park
Few things are more awaited in Napa than the Fridays in the Park community concerts in Veterans Park hosted by DoNapa during the summer. Music lineup:
Johnny Tsunami & The Hurricanes (6-7:30pm), Tommy Odetto (8-10pm). donapa.com
JULY 12
Fleetwood Macramé:
A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Macramé has become one of the Bay Area’s most exciting tribute bands. What began as a simple exercise in fun has turned into an awe-inspiring live experience complete with show-stopping renditions of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits. if
you closed your eyes, you would think it was the real thing. Only it’s better, because you are in the front row!
uptowntheatrenapa.com
JULY 13
Critterock 2025
Rock music and furry friends at Empress Theatre to benefit two beloved animal rescues: Ripple Effect Animal Project and Lucky Ones Ranch. Tail-gate party at 12pm with animal meet-andgreet, followed by music from
From
Camp Jeff Band featuring former members of Boston, Tower of Power, Jefferson Starship and Satriani. rippleeffectnapa.org
JULY 14
The SteelDrivers
Only Nashville could give birth to a band like the SteelDrivers: a group of seasoned veterans –each distinguished in his or her own right, each valued in the town’s commercial community. They are braiding their bluegrass roots with new threads of their own design; bringing together country, soul, blues, and other contemporary influences to create an unapologetic hybrid that is old as the hills but fresh as the morning dew. uptowntheatrenapa.com
JULY 16
Downtown Napa Shop, Sip & Stroll
There’s no better way to do Napa – happening every Third Wednesday through September! $10 wristband includes a glass and a splash at participating locations. Pickup in front of Jeffries General, and then look for balloons throughout downtown.
Enjoy outdoor music as you stroll! donapa.com
JULY 18-19
Comedy Night
with Myles Weber
From the club, to the streets: Myles Weber is funny everywhere! Racking up over 80 million views across all platforms, featured on MTV’s Greatest Party Story Ever Told, comedy specials on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, numerous podcasts, and performing in some of the biggest comedy competitions and festivals in the US – taking first place in the San Francisco International Comedy Competition. luckypennynapa.com
JULY 18
Fridays in the Park
Few things are more awaited in Napa than the Fridays in the Park community concerts in Veterans Park hosted by DoNapa during the summer. Music lineup: Ariel Marin Band (6-7:30pm), Led Joplin (8-10pm). donapa.com
MYLES WEBER
JULY 19
from 4-6:30pm at Napa Valley Marriott. Proceeds support the Mt. Veeder Fire Safe Council. homewinemakersclassic.com
JULY 19
The Yountville Table
Garrison Keillor Tonight Garrison Keillor Tonight is an evening of stand-up, storytelling, audience song and poetry. One man, one microphone. There are sung sonnets, limericks and musical jokes, and the thread that runs through it is the beauty of growing old. Despite the inconvenience, old age brings the contentment of less is more. uptowntheatrenapa.com
JULY 19
42nd Home Brew & Winemakers Classic Guests will enjoy wine and beer tasting, silent auction and raffle
Enjoy an extraordinary evening of culinary and community elegance – a one-of-a-kind luxury long-table event at The Estate Yountville. Presented by the Napa Valley Education Foundation in partnership with the Yountville Chamber of Commerce, this event promises an unforgettable experience to join together as a community to support Napa Valley youth while celebrating the legendary food and wine synonymous with Napa Valley. yountvilletable.com
JULY 25
Fridays in the Park
Few things are more awaited in Napa than the Fridays in the Park community concerts in
Veterans Park hosted by DoNapa over the summer. Music lineup: Riverfront District (6-7:30pm), Blood Orange Liqueur (8-10pm). donapa.com
JULY 26
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
Country Music Hall of Famer, fivetime Grammy-winner, and AMA Lifetime Achievement honoree
Marty Stuart picks up where he left off on Altitude, his first new album in five years – exploring a cosmic country landscape populated by dreamers and drifters, misfits and angels, honkytonk heroes and lonesome lovers. uptowntheatrenapa.com
JULY 27
The SOFI Battle of the Bands
The SOFI Battle of the Bands will take place from 11am-6pm. Second Street will be closed from Randolph to School, and Franklin Street closed from Second to Third. There will be stages outside, a stage at the Uptown and one at Folklore. Expect 20 or more local bands and a few surprise guests like last year. Also count on food trucks, beer and wine for the perfect street party. donapa.com
JULY 28
Ashley McBryde GRAMMY, CMA and ACM award
winner Ashley McBryde cut her teeth playing country songs in biker bars – and it shows. Her major label debut Girl Going Nowhere landed a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album. McBryde closed out 2019 with ACM New Female Artist, CMT Breakout Artist, New Artist of the Year win at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards, and two nominations for the 2020 GRAMMYs for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance. The album Never Will earned a 2021 GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, making it the only nominated in category by the ACMs, CMAs and the Recording Academy in the same award season.
uptowntheatrenapa.com
JULY 31
Tab Benoit: I Hear Thunder Tour I Hear Thunder marks the long-awaited return of fourtime Grammy nominated artist
Tab Benoit. Renowned for his distinctive guitar tone and Otis-Redding-esque voice, Benoit has been a captivating figure in the root's music world for over thirty years. His new self-produced album I Hear Thunder is a testament to his fiery exuberance that first marked his career in 1992. The record not only showcases his artistic brilliance but also his profound commitment to environmental advocacy, a legacy that extends into the heart of the land that inspires his bluesy soul. uptowntheatrenapa.com
AUGUST 1
Fridays in the Park
Few things are more awaited in Napa than the Fridays in the Park community concerts in Veterans Park hosted by DoNapa over the summer. Music lineup: The 7th Sons (6-7:30pm), Mama Said (8-10pm). donapa.com
Dario Pavon
Dario Pavon is passionate about soccer, which he started playing at age three. He has always played at a high level, and from an early age, his goal was to play professionally. His passion for the sport led him to move halfway around the world, from his hometown of Madrid, Spain to Napa.
Dario started college in Spain, while looking for a good offer
to play soccer. He didn’t get an offer he liked, so he expanded his search internationally. Erskine College, a liberal arts faith-based institution of 800 with a strong commitment to athletics offered him a full-ride scholarship, which he accepted. Erskine is located in Due West, South Carolina, a town of 1200, and a long, long way from Madrid. “I didn’t know anything about South Carolina,” said Dario. “I thought I knew English, but I didn’t understand what they were saying.” Fortunately, there were a lot of other international students at Erskine, and the small student population was supportive.
When Dario showed up, the soccer team was, well, bad. By his third year, they’d gone from last place to winning the conference title in OT, the best year in the program’s history.
Dario graduated just as COVID hit, and he went back to Madrid and spent a year at home. He next enrolled at Pfeiffer University in Charlotte, North Carolina to pursue a Masters in Strategic Leadership, and of course, to play soccer. A pro team invited him to try out for a spot on the team, but after a month and a half, he wasn’t offered a position.
DARIO PAVON | KAT STEWART | CLAYTON LIGHT
Dario Pavon
He was a little discouraged, but Dario doesn’t let much get him down. A friend was moving to Napa to play for Napa Valley 1839 FC, and Dario agreed to join him for the cross-country drive. Watching the team practice, Dario was invited to join the players to scrimmage. After practice, the team owner and coach approached him. “Why don’t you move here and play for us?” he asked. Dario said yes and moved here right away. He’s finishing his Masters online.
Dario has been on NV 1839 FC for three years now. He is the all-time leading scorer, and has played more games than anyone. “I feel like I’m at my best now,” he said. “This year, we will win the nationals.” He both plays and works for the team, and occasionally gets to talk to high school students about his journey, which he loves doing. He started a business, Flair Marketing Solutions (flairms.com), which is doing well. “I know I can’t play soccer forever, and long term, I need to focus on my business.”
Napa feels like home. “I love how warm and kind people are. I can go to a coffee shop, gym, a bar, and people make me feel less lonely.”
Dario has two favorite Napa memories. The first is when his family came to visit and he got to play tour guide. The second memory will last forever – it’s of the host family that brought him to Napa, Arik and Hannah Housley, and their son Alex. They have given him a place to live and have whole heartedly supported his journey. “I am so grateful for them; I can’t put it into words. They are my second family. It is amazing to have people I love who love me.”
Kat Stewart
Racquetball Health Center. She became the Director of the aerobics program, and planned club events. She loved it all, but her practicallyminded Dad nudged her towards real estate. Kat got her license and began that career in 1988. She enjoyed it, but I never stopped teaching classes.
In the early 90’ she moved to Healthquest Fitness Center, expanding from aerobics only to both weight training and stretch classes. As her personal life turned towards the spiritual, she brought meditation into her stretch class, and created a class she called “Body Meditation.” Students loved it.
In the late 90s she took her first Yoga class and had an epiphany. “I felt like I was home, even know
I didn’t know what that meant at the time.” After a year-long yoga training in Berkeley, she stopped teaching other classes, and became a yoga instructor.
Her daughter Amber was born 1994. Kat wanted her to get a good education, and became a founding member in the effort to bring a public Waldorf School to Napa. The group succeeded, and Amber started kindergarten at Stone Bridge School when it was still at the Napa Expo. Kat designed and organized a community fundraising event, “The Enchanted Village Faire” which was a huge success and helped stabilize the school’s finances. “The school and Faire are still going strong, which I’m very proud of.”
Around 2015, Kat began to ramp up her yoga offerings, which now
include private lessons, groups, tourist and corporate groups, and kids after school programs. She incorporates breath work, chanting and many styles of yoga.
Successful real estate and yoga careers had become too much, and that’s when she had that briefcase/yoga mat vision. Focusing only on Yoga was an easy decision. She retired from real estate in 2018 and now focuses solely on yoga (yogainnapa.com).
“Teaching Yoga is a great joy and service in my life. Living Yoga and creating a life practice is what I wish to inspire. It’s my true passion, and I am, after it’s all said and done, a teacher.”
Solano Napa
Clayton Light
Every time he leaves the house for his car, Clayton Light stops to take in the view. His family lives on a hill, and he can see vineyards and surrounding hills. “I just love it here. The only thing I miss from Newport, where we lived before, is seeing the ocean. But when I’m there, I really miss the vineyards.”
Clayton is from Yakima, Washington and grew up picking apples and working on a horse ranch. In junior high he took up drumming. His first band did covers of Led Zepplin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. His religious parents didn’t like his choice of music at all. “I used to keep my Black Sabbath record in a Chet Atkins album cover to keep them happy,” he said. He might still be a full-time drummer if it wasn’t for Disco. “When Disco was big, no one wanted to hear live music.” If drums were called for, a drum machine was used. “Disco –I still hate it,” said Clayton, with a wry grin on his face.
“There were no jobs. I became a surgical tech for two and a half years, something I never planned on.”
A friend of his had strong ties to Japanese television in LA, and as the economy started to improve, Clayton worked in Japanese television for a couple of years.
He got another gig at Home Savings of America doing training films. “I was shooting video of bar charts. It was just as boring as it sounds. I asked if we could animate the charts, and they agreed. That made it far more interesting for me.”
cardinal rule. “I started dating the woman I worked for,” he said. The ad agency Producer, Lynn Splendid, eventually left the agency, and the two formed their own firm, SplendidLight. Lynn is a Napa native, and the new agency started getting many winery contracts. Their first, was Robert Mondavi.
He began college as a music major, but took two years off to be a youth missionary. He started in Belize, but got very sick and was sent home. “I lost thirty-six pounds in nine days.”
He switched majors to Radio, Television and Motion Pictures, attending Costa Mesa Vanguard University, where he learned to direct film and do lighting and editing. He graduated in 1982 – just as the economy tanked.
This was when the MacIntosh computer came on the scene, followed by the release of numerous film editing and animation software programs. Clayton taught himself all of it. He became an independent producer, and did work for Carl’s Jr., and later for VideoStore Magazine, for whom he did celebrity interviews. “When a motion picture went to video, I would produce entertainment industry announcements.” He did dozens of interviews, including Charlton Heston, Freddie Krueger (Robert Englund in makeup and costume), Elvira, Lena Horne, Richard Simmons and Marie Osmond.
He was recommended to an agency to produce car commercials, where he broke his own
Lynn and Clayton have been working in Napa since the 80s. The two married in ’92, and moved to here in 2009. They have three children – Ashley, Rory and Gianna (Gigi). Clayton joined a financial software company in 2016. Together, today they operate Motion Barn, a video and animation company. Napa is, and will remain, home.
“I feel incredibly lucky,” he said. “I’ve ended up with a life people dream of, and it all just fell into my lap.”
Lynn and Clayton Light
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