Brings Celebration to Children Who Need It Most When Paula Simon stepped away from her demanding role as Executive Director of a nonprofit focused on legislative advocacy and community relations, she hoped retirement would bring a gentler rhythm. After years of navigating policy battles, tense committee hearings and the constant pressure of public service, she wanted a new chapter that offered joy rather than stress. “I just wanted to do something to make people happy, where

The Story of the Cameo It may come as a surprise, but Cathy Buck, owner of the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena, did not grow up with a deep love of movies. “I grew up in Michigan and I’m the oldest of nine,” says Cathy, who has owned the Cameo since 2007. “Going to the movies wasn’t much of an option for us. There was a small cinema in a town smaller than Saint Helena. It was a mom-and-pop show; the husband took the tickets; the wife met you at the door and took your ticket stubs

Uncork your next great read at the Napa Valley Book Festival, Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented by the Napa Valley Writers, the free festival will feature over 50 authors, speaker presentations, a children’s story hour, independent bookstores, an open mic, and a myriad of literary participants. The community event will take place at the Blue Oak School gym, on the corner of Clay and Seminary Streets in downtown Napa. This year’s expanded Book Festival mar

Building Bridges Building Businesses Alonso Corona spent nearly two decades running Greene’s Cleaners, building a reputation for reliability, customer service, and steady leadership. Long before he ever imagined becoming CEO of the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he was already deeply involved in the organization as a business owner who understood the value of community networks. “I was a Napa County Hispanic Chamber board member prior to COVID but had to leave duri

Takes More Than One Approach By Jeri Hansen, Napa Chamber of Commerce, and Bill LaLiberte, Napa Downtown Association In Napa Valley, we know that a great dish doesn’t come from a single ingredient, it comes from how everything works together. The same is true for the local economy. Across the community, several organizations support local businesses in different ways, each contributing something distinct to the whole. Earlier this year, the Napa Chamber of Commerce and the Do

Enjoying the season in our own backyard There is a moment every fall when you realize Napa has changed. The pace of summer begins to ease, the vineyards turn from green to gold, mornings become crisp, and the hills seem to glow in the afternoon sun. For those of us who live here, fall is a wonderful reminder that we don’t have to go anywhere to enjoy a beautiful season. Some of the best autumn experiences are right outside our doors. Take a walk and watch Napa change Fall is