David Blue
Trivia Question❓Heading north from St. Helena through the upper Napa Valley, which nearby town is known for hot springs, mud baths, and a geyser nicknamed California’s Old Faithful? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Calistoga residents won't be voting for their next mayor or two City Council members this November. With no contested races, the city decided to skip those elections entirely.
The decision will save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. But it also raises a troubling question: Why couldn't the city attract more candidates—even after taking steps to make public service more appealing?
Calistoga's experience is part of a surprising statewide trend that's been growing for nearly two decades. And the numbers suggest this is becoming much more common than you might expect.
Find out what's behind the disappearing competition Read More... |
25 readers are talking about this | Top first |
ST | Sofia T. · 15 hours ago Stephanie Garcia may run in the future, and hopefully more residents will consider it too. Calistoga needs a wider pool of candidates.
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If you've driven through Napa Valley lately, you've probably noticed them: piles of uprooted grapevines dotting fields that were once carefully tended vineyards.
They're becoming a familiar sight. But just how much of Napa Valley's vineyard acreage has disappeared in the past year? The newly released numbers are startling.
And while declining wine sales are part of the story, there's another costly problem facing growers—and some intriguing questions about what could replace those vineyards.
Discover what's behind Napa Valley's disappearing vineyards. Read More... |
23 readers are talking about this | Top first |
KI | kim_lee · 20 hours ago Open ground may be better than growers losing money year after year. I hope workers can find other jobs locally.
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For months, St. Helena residents have been dealing with an unsettling question whenever they turn on the tap: What color will the water be today?
Now the city is preparing a major operation involving 45 miles of water mains. It's a different approach from the emergency flushing residents have seen before—and one designed to tackle what's been accumulating inside the pipes.
But cleaning the mains is only part of the story. City officials are investigating other potential contributors to the problem, raising an important question: Will this finally provide a lasting solution? Read More... |
24 readers are talking about this | Top first |
RV | Rosa V. · 1 day ago My neighbor and I have both had water that smelled strange. I hope the city figures out the cause, not just the symptoms.
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Kona didn’t do anything wrong. A housing issue brought this white Husky to the shelter, and now she’s waiting for a family to love.
Her previous family says she’s sweet, playful, and crazy about her toys. A good walk is her favorite part of the day. She’s ready for a home where her happy personality can shine and the adventures keep coming.
There’s a bonus, too. The cost of bringing her home is already taken care of. And she’s hoping a familiar friend from her old home finds a family of his own. Who is he, and what does it take to adopt Kona? Read on to find out. Read More... |
11 readers are talking about this | Top first |
BH | Ben H. · 3 hours ago Six years young and ready for more adventures. Good luck, Kona!
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What do a classic Audrey Hepburn movie, an unexpected career change, and a trip to Italy have in common? They're all part of the story behind Napa Valley's newest gelato destination.
Roman Holiday Gelato has expanded from St. Helena into Oxbow Public Market, bringing its freshly churned Italian-style treats and a menu that changes with the seasons. But it's the journey of the woman behind the business—and her approach to creating flavors—that makes this more than just another place to get a scoop. Read More... |
30 readers are talking about this | Top first |
PN | Pete N. · 1 day ago Hope the Napa shop does well. Small local businesses need all the support they can get.
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This newsletter sponsored by |
Sal the Flower Guy: A Personal Touch for Every Occasion |
| ★★★★★ |
From everyday bouquets to life's biggest celebrations, this Napa florist helps people say it with flowers.
Sometimes flowers say what words can't. Whether it's celebrating a birthday, congratulating a friend, offering sympathy, or simply brightening someone's day, Sal the Flower Guy has been helping Napa residents express themselves through fresh floral arrangements.
Located at 2701 Jefferson Street, this family-owned florist specializes in handcrafted bouquets and custom designs. The shop sources flowers from local growers and suppliers across the country, selecting blooms for freshness and quality.
Customers can choose from traditional roses, colorful seasonal arrangements, plants, and gift baskets. For something more personal, the floral designers work with customers to create arrangements tailored to the occasion and recipient.
Sal the Flower Guy also provides flowers for weddings and special events, including bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony decorations. Its wedding services include individual consultations to help couples develop their floral designs.
For everyday occasions, the shop offers local delivery, including same-day service when available, as well as in-store pickup.
Visit: 2701 Jefferson Street, Napa |
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This newsletter sponsored by |
Zeller's Ace Hardware: Helping Napa Fix Things Since 1962 |
| ★★★★☆ |
This independently owned downtown hardware store has built its reputation on knowledgeable service, practical solutions, and more than six decades of serving its neighbors.
Sometimes the hardest part of a home repair isn't doing the work. It's figuring out exactly which part, tool, or material you need. That's where a good neighborhood hardware store can make all the difference.
Zeller's Ace Hardware, located on Randolph Street in downtown Napa, has been helping local residents solve those problems since 1962. Independently owned and part of the Ace Hardware cooperative, Zeller's combines the resources of a national hardware network with the personal attention of a neighborhood business.
More Than Just Aisles of Hardware
Zeller's stocks the essentials for home maintenance and improvement, including hand and power tools, plumbing and electrical supplies, paint, lawn and garden products, cleaning supplies, and housewares.
Shoppers can also find outdoor-living products, including Traeger grills and accessories and YETI coolers and drinkware.
But what distinguishes Zeller's isn't simply what's on the shelves. It's the assistance customers receive finding the right item.
Local reviews repeatedly describe employees who take the time to understand what shoppers need, walk them to the appropriate section, and help identify solutions.
That kind of hands-on service is particularly valuable when you're trying to replace an unfamiliar plumbing fitting, match a paint color, or tackle a repair for the first time.
A Neighborhood Favorite
Zeller's has earned recognition from its neighbors, including being named a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite for five consecutive years, from 2020 through 2024.
In addition to its merchandise, customers have reported services such as key cutting, paint color matching, acrylic-sheet cutting, and propane refills or exchanges. Because service availability can change, it's worth calling ahead for a specific need.
Its downtown location offers convenient access for residents, with customers mentioning both street parking and a private parking lot.
Still Part of the Neighborhood
After more than 60 years, Zeller's remains the kind of place where a quick stop for a screw, paintbrush, or replacement part can turn into a helpful conversation about how to get the job done.
For store information, contact details, and available merchandise, visit Zeller's Ace Hardware's official store page. |
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Q&A Questions |
Q: Is Yountville part of the City of Napa? A: No. Yountville is an incorporated town with its own local government, north of Napa. City of Napa services and ordinances do not automatically apply there. Q: Can Napa residents get to Yountville without driving? A: Yes. The Napa Valley Vine Trail offers a route for walking and cycling, while Vine Transit provides bus service between the communities. Check current routes and schedules before setting out. Q: Does the town operate Yountville’s veterans home? A: No. The Veterans Home of California–Yountville is operated by the California Department of Veterans Affairs. It has served veterans since the nineteenth century. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Calistoga |