South SF Taps Ex-Calistoga Boss Laura Snideman As City Manager, Severance Spat Lingers
South San Francisco has tapped Laura Snideman as its next city manager, but her Calistoga exit includes a severance dispute and a withdrawn waiver. The council will consider her contract next Wednesday.
Napa Plots Clampdown on Vineyard Tastings Before New State Law Kicks In
California's AB 720 will let winegrowers pour at vineyard sites next year, and Napa County staff are drafting strict limits — from 15‑person caps to shuttle requirements — that could reshape estate visits.
Napa Charity Shakeup: Valley Rock Ordered To Fold, Steer $10 Million To Local Projects
The state ordered the Valley Rock Foundation to dissolve and direct about $10 million in grants to Westmont College, local churches and a Yountville community hub.
Consultant Report Rips St. Helena City Hall Over Sky-High Pay, Fiscal Risk
A newly released 171‑page consultant draft accuses St. Helena city government of chaotic budgeting, weak staffing and outsized executive pay. The study offers concrete personnel and technology fixes.
Newsom Budget Puts North Bay Mental Health Lifeline on the Chopping Block
Newsom’s 2026–27 budget would make Medi‑Cal mobile crisis services optional in April 2027, shifting costs to counties and putting North Bay teams at risk.
Napa Grand Jury Says County Playing By ICE Rules, But Wants Receipts
A Napa civil grand jury found local police and the sheriff largely comply with California limits on ICE cooperation, but urged more transparency and Spanish-language outreach.
Napa School Board Targets Trustee Hart With Rare Censure Move
NVUSD will consider a censure that could strip Trustee Julianna Villegas Hart of committee duties and bar her from district campuses after alleged unprofessional staff encounters.
Napa Judge Deals Stinging Blow To District In Mayacamas Charter Showdown
A Napa judge denied NVUSD’s bid to undo approval of the Mayacamas countywide charter, leaving the school in operation while the larger lawsuit continues. Local officials and legal filings outline the next steps.











