Hola Familia!
Welcome to the first edition of our bilingual and Latino-centered newsletter, Conéctate Calistoga.
Each Thursday, we commit to bringing you the latest information and stories in Calistoga and beyond. We explore local cultural shifts and how they fit within the broader context of the Valley, California, and our country because we get it.
We. Get. It.
News relating to the local Latino experience can often be daunting, overshadowed by monolithic tropes that sometimes confine our broader existence and perception. That’s why we created this bilingual Calistoga newsletter – to share news, inform, and inspire while also showcasing the creativity and resilience of the community.
This newsletter is also a platform for you to tell your story, discover resources, and find inspiring locals. It is yours – the teachers, the cooks, the sheriffs, doctors, students, nonprofit leaders, taxpayers, and neighbors, as well as the resilient farmworkers who sustain this valley.
Welcome to Conéctate Calistoga.
Nearly 40 percent of Calistoga’s population is Latino, mirroring California’s demographics.
Despite this significant presence, Latinx stories are rarely covered by the media, including local print, radio, and TV outlets. This newsletter is part of the Napa Valley News Group’s broader mission to change that.
As journalists, we hold local leaders and processes accountable; now it’s your turn to keep us accountable. If you have suggestions, tips, or think we missed the mark on something, email us at conectate@napavalleyinsider.com
Now let’s get into this week:
Today's newsletter is 958 words — a 3-minute read
- LOGVY PARK RENOVATIONS TO START THIS YEAR
The news: Calistoga City Council, at last week’s meeting, approved the park construction contract for more than $600,000 that will be used towards Logvy Park renovations, which include the addition of picnic tables, bocce courts and barbeque areas.
Why it matters: Calistogans must drive to St. Helena, Napa or Santa Rosa to access ample recreational activities. Logvy Park renovations are poised to enhance the city’s outdoor activities for families, teens and children. Read the full story here. Lea la historia aquí.
A local Latino civic affairs group, Adelante, advocated for the renewal of Logvy Park. It has been over five years since the group presented the concept to city council. It is just now finally seeing fruition.
- CALISTOGA HOMEOWNERSHIP RATES FOR LATINOS ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY LOW
The news: Homeownership rates among Latino families in Calistoga are just 17 percent, compared to 67 percent among whites in Calistoga, according to the Housing Element report released last year. The report also found that Latino residents are the most isolated racial group in the city. Read the story here. Lea la historia aquí.
What is a Housing Element? They are long-term housing blueprints that municipalities submit to the state every eight years for approval, showcase plans to fulfill community and state market rate and affordable housing goals.
In Calistoga’s current Housing Element, the city lays out its plans to construct the state-mandated Regional Housing Needs Allocation of 119 new housing units, which include 31 units of very low-income housing, 19 units of low-income housing, 19 units of moderate-income housing and 50 above moderate-income units by 2031.
Why it matters: The current housing market in Calistoga falls short of meeting the demand for more affordable housing, forcing an increasing number of families to leave the city. There has been a 4 percent decline in population in Calistoga since 2020, with the current population being 5,003, according to World Population Review.
- LED BY MEXICAN CHEF ROGELIO GARCIA, AURO RESTAURANT WINS MICHELIN STAR
The news: The fine-dining establishment, owned by the Four Seasons Resort and helmed by executive chef Rogelio Garcia, has earned Michelin Stars two years in a row.
The Award is prestigious. The Michelin Guide was originally developed by the French tire company at the turn of the 20th century to provide motorists with maps as well as lodging and dining recommendations for their travels. Following World War I, the annual guide was revamped to highlight regional restaurant selections. In the 1920s, the guide’s famed star-rating system was introduced. Today, the guide – and its star rating system – is still regarded as a measure of the top restaurants in the culinary world.
Garcia, in September, will release Convivir: Modern Mexican Cooking in Napa Valley’s Wine Country, which will highlight his Mexican heritage as well as the local produce of Northern California. Read the story here. Lea la historia aquí.
ENGAGE WITH YOUR LEADERS
Engaging with elected local leaders is crucial for fostering community-driven solutions and ensuring that the voices of all residents are heard and reflected in local policies and decisions.
Donald Williams, Mayor
dwilliams@ci.calistoga.ca.us
Irais Lopez-Ortega, Vice Mayor
ilopezortega@ci.calistoga.ca.us
Lisa Marie Gift, Councilmember
lgift@ci.calistoga.ca.us
Kevin Eisenberg, Councilmember
keisenberg@ci.calistoga.ca.us
Scott Cooper, Councilmember
scooper@ci.calistoga.ca.us
Laura Snideman, City Manager
707-942-2805
Mitch Celaya, Police Chief
707-942-2810
Jed Matcham, Fire Chief
707-942-2822
Derek Rayner, Public Works Director
707-942-2828
Napa Valley News Group thanks our diverse community for their continued support.
Send comments or story tips to mariela@highway29.com
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