City of Napa Crews Respond to Epic Storms

We are so grateful for the sunshine and blue skies that we are currently enjoying. The storms that have battered California over the past few weeks have caused numerous issues for so many across our state. The Oxbow Bypass flood gates closed multiple times, and once again, the result of the years-long Flood Protection Project has protected our City from rainstorms that would have, in years prior, caused disastrous flooding to businesses, homes, parks, roads and other locations.

Here in Napa, City crews worked tirelessly to address the effects of the storms throughout town. We are so grateful for the hard work, sleepless nights and quick attention to issues, so that our community remained safe during these epic storms.

Here is just a snapshot of those efforts:
- Public Works and Napa Fire responded to numerous downed power lines and remained on standby to address other issues that could arise.
- Napa Fire stood prepared and ready to respond to other issues that arose during the storms as well, including vehicle accidents, fires and other weather-related calls.
- Napa Police remained vigilant to address all normal and weather-related calls for service, in addition to sharing storm safety information with the community.
- Before, during and after the storms, Public Works crews conducted well over 275 inspections of bear traps - our larger storm drains in rural areas that route stormwater, to ensure they were clear of debris, in addition to the rest of the City's standard storms drains.
- Street crews have filled over 1,100 potholes since the storms began, which amounts to about 48 tons of asphalt patch material, and work continues to address these throughout town.
- Utilities crews closely monitored Lake Hennessey and Milliken Reservoir as water levels rose, with Lake Hennessey spilling over the dam (for the first time since 2019) on January 9th and Milliken Reservoir filling to the core holes the week of January 12th (cored holes are what keep the water level lower for seismic stability - see photo on the right below).
- Our Parks & Urban Forestry crews responded to 35 tree related emergency calls over the course of the storms. The Parks crews also closed, monitored, cleaned up and reopened Trancas Crossing Park, Kennedy Park and the Oxbow Commons once the storms let up.

Napa Lighted Art Festival Starts TOMORROW!

Have you experienced the magic of The Napa Lighted Art Festival? This is a celebration of creative arts, technology and lights!

This FREE, walkable show is open Monday - Thursday from 6 to 9 PM and Friday - Sunday from 6 to 10 PM. The festival starts January 21 and ends February 19. 

Bring your family to check out the show and support local light artists. Learn more about the festival and the installations at https://www.cityofnapa.org/ArtAfterDark

Have you used Napa's Service Center yet?

Go to CityofNapa.org/ServiceCenter on your phone or laptop, to report issues you see around town such as potholes, streetlight problems, graffiti, water leaks, a broken sprinkler at a park and more!

 Just click on the type of problem you're seeing and fill out the quick and easy form. You can even use the map to mark your location, upload a photo of the issue if you'd like and add any extra details. Then, hit submit! 

Housing Element Update 

Draft Housing Element Available Now!
The Draft Housing Element is available for Public Review! The public review period will run through mid-January (30-days minimum). Learn more about the Draft Housing Element and provide comments directly through the website.

Draft Housing Element

Making Our Streets Safer

The City of Napa is making significant strides to make our streets safer! 

- We have implemented leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) which give pedestrians a head start before a light changes allowing more time for drivers to see them.

- We have installed flashing yellow arrows which, when illuminated, allow waiting motorists to make a left-hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic.

- We are installing 17 Automated License Plate Readers around town. This system is expected to lead to a decrease in stolen vehicles, hit-and-run accidents, repeat DUI offenders and other vehicle based crimes.

All these changes have been proven to increase the safety of pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists. Learn more about traffic safety in Napa here: https://www.cityofnapa.org/1151/Traffic-Safety

Happy Retirement to Napa County Health Officer Dr. Karen Relucio!

After seven years of service as the Napa County Health Officer, a total of 16 years of public service, and 17 years in clinical practice, Dr. Karen Relucio retired at the end of 2022! Her leadership and exemplary service to Napa was recognized at the last City Council meeting of 2022.

Dr. Relucio fearlessly guided Napa County through the COVID-19 pandemic and the health impacts of multiple, unprecedented wildfire events. She also guided Napa County's Public Health in developing innovative strategies to advance health equity and achieve many other incredible accomplishments during her tenure.

Dr. Relucio has shown unwavering dedication to promoting the health of the community, protecting our most vulnerable residents, and working to ensure that all Napa County residents have the opportunity to live their healthiest lives. We hope you enjoy your well-earned retirement! 

Parking Program Community Workshop Coming Up 

Wednesday, January 25th, 4 PM

The City of Napa is in the process of implementing a paid parking program in Downtown and the Oxbow District, and we want to hear from you!

Join us for the first Park Napa Community Meeting on January 25 from 4 PM to 7 PM in the Napa City Hall Council Chambers. Attendees will:

- Receive an overview of parking program

- Learn about Napa parking data and online parking survey results

- Provide input and feedback on the parking program process

This is the first in a series of upcoming workshops about the parking program--keep an eye on our social media pages for future workshop dates!

Learn more about the City’s Downtown Parking Management plan here: https://www.cityofnapa.org/DocumentCenter/View/95/Downtown-Napa-Parking-Management-Plan-PDF?bidId=

City of Napa: Careers Grow Here

Check out our open positions with the City of Napa! The City of Napa has great benefits and career development opportunities. Learn more about open positions and benefits at CityofNapa.org/Careers! 

Stay Connected!

Now, more than ever, staying connected is so important. Follow the City of Napa on social media, subscribe to our e-newsletter and register for Nixle alerts today!

- Facebook 

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- Nextdoor

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- Napa News e-Newsletter 

- Register for alerts at www.nixle.com or by texting your zip code to 888-777