Dear Editor, Recent accusations from several sources have reminded me of this troubling question: Why did former Town Manager Brad Raulston receive a six-figure severance package when he was the one who quit? Let’s start with some facts – all of these in the public domain (see links below). On June 6, 2023, Bradford Raulston […]
Newsroom
The newsroom is committed to delivering high-quality, engaging stories for our readers. We are a passionate team of journalists, driven by innovation in media and fostering a collaborative editorial environment to continue bringing local journalism to the communities throughout Napa County.
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor – When Yountville stepped up for Napa Valley
Dear Editor, Flood Control was passed by only 385 votes. Yountville was, at a 72% yes, the only municipal to vote over the 66 2/3 threshold. Paul Battisti ran the meetings masterfully with the board consisting of two representatives from each city. At one point he asked the board to raise funds to promote Yes […]
Posted inNews
Tourism generated $2.8 billion for Napa County in 2025, new study finds
A new biennial study released by Visit Napa Valley found that tourism generated a $2.8 billion total economic impact in Napa County in 2025, driven by 3.8 million visitors who spent $2.2 billion throughout the county, a 2.9% increase over the prior year. While the report analyzes Napa County as a whole, the findings are […]
Posted inFeatures
V Foundation Wine Celebration raises nearly $7 million for cancer research
The 28th annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration, held in and near Yountville last weekend, raised nearly $7 million during the four-day event. Taking place July 30 through Aug. 2, the annual fundraiser brought together more than 350 guests, vintners, researchers and philanthropic leaders to support cancer research. Since its inception in 1999, […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor – No reason to postpone town manager recruitment
Dear Editor, The recruitment process has begun, and I believe the Yountville Town Council selected an excellent executive search firm to find applicants for our new town manager position. The firm has not only placed other town managers in that job, but the lead recruiter has been a town manager herself. I believe this firm […]
Posted inNews
Yountville Sheriff Blotter – Sheriff’s Office thanks community for successful Yountville Night Out
By Yountville Sheriff, Sgt. James Baumgartner Napa County Sheriff Oscar Ortiz and I would like to thank the emergency responders, volunteers and Town of Yountville staff who helped make Yountville Night Out 2026 this past Tuesday a success. Sheriff Ortiz and I visited each neighborhood block party with other community leaders, thanking residents for participating […]
Posted inNews
Napa County agricultural value dips 6% in 2025, led by winegrapes
The total value of Napa County’s agricultural production reached $974.2 million in 2025, a 6% decrease from the previous year, according to the 2025 Napa County Agricultural Crop Report presented to the Napa County Board of Supervisors on July 28. “Our overall value is higher than anticipated,” said Tracy Cleveland, Napa County agricultural commissioner. “The slight 6 […]
Posted inNews
Harvest 2026 begins in Napa Valley
Round Pond Estate kicked off the 2026 Napa Valley wine grape harvest with six and a half tons of Chardonnay from their Rutherford estate vineyard on Tuesday, July 21. The grapes were destined for sparkling wine. These grapes are among the first harvested each year to preserve the acidity and freshness that define great sparkling […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor – Town Council Member Reeves’ dark thoughts at the 21 July Town Council Meeting
Dear Editor, The most recent Yountville Town Council meeting was remarkable following Councilmember Reeves’ opening statement. Speaking for more than 15 minutes at the meeting’s outset, she spoke of her view of the Town Council’s (TC) achievements, followed by a scathing critique of her TC colleague, electing not to identify that individual by name. Below […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor – Let the next town council help choose Yountville’s next town manager
Dear Editor, Yountville is approaching a critical civic decision: the hiring of a new town manager. That person will help guide and execute town operations, advise elected leaders, manage staff, and shape how local priorities are carried out. It is not a routine appointment. It is one of the most consequential decisions a town council […]