Continuing Our Work Together

As we close out the year, the Town continues work guided by our Proudly Serving approach, supporting transparency, responsible stewardship, and high-quality service for our community. At the December 2 Town Council meeting, the Town’s annual audit was presented, confirming that our financial reporting is accurate and in good order. Regular updates on development impact fees, monthly financials, and long-term capital planning also provided a clear and steady view of the Town’s ongoing work.

The meeting included several items that help shape the services and projects our community relies on, including discussions about future financing options for major capital needs.

We also welcomed a new member to the Public Works team: Nick Depierola, who joins us as our new Utility Operations Manager in the Utilities Division. Please help us welcome Nick as he begins his work supporting essential services that keep our community running smoothly.

The Yountville Commons project continues to progress through its planned steps. With the Request for Qualifications phase wrapping up, the project is preparing for its next milestones, including CEQA review and the Request for Proposals phase. These upcoming steps will provide additional clarity and opportunities for public engagement as the project moves forward. For background and ongoing updates, visit the Yountville Commons project page.

On December 9, the Zoning and Design Review Board (ZDRB) will consider recommended updates to the General Plan and Zoning Code to establish a new Commons land-use and zoning designation for the site. The Board will also review a Tentative Subdivision Map that would divide the property into 18 parcels, along with an addendum to the 2019 Environmental Impact Report. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The full agenda is available on the Town's agenda page.

Community members are welcome to attend, submit public comment, and follow along as the project advances.

For a brief overview of the meeting, a short video update from Administrative Services Director Celia King is included below.

A video thumbnail showing a vineyard landscape with the word “Yountville” across the top, linking to the Yountville Connection update.

Holiday Artisan Faire – This Weekend

The Holiday Artisan Faire returns to Yountville this weekend, Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual tradition brings together more than 40 artists, makers, and small businesses for a festive weekend that celebrates creativity, community, and the spirit of the season.

The Faire is more than a place to shop. It’s an opportunity to support local artisans, discover handcrafted gifts made with care, and enjoy time with neighbors and visitors in a welcoming, community-focused setting. Families can join in on Saturday fun with visits with Santa, kiddo karaoke, and live holiday music, while Sip & Shop tastings throughout the weekend add to the warm atmosphere.

Whether you’re starting your holiday shopping or simply enjoying a favorite seasonal tradition, the Holiday Artisan Faire creates a meaningful space to connect, explore, and celebrate together in the heart of Yountville.

For more information, please visit www.yvilleparksandrec.com.

Winter/Spring Recreation Guide Now Available

The Winter/Spring Recreation Guide is arriving in mailboxes now, offering a new season of opportunities to learn, connect, and stay active. Inside, you’ll find programs and activities for all ages from youth enrichment and family events to adult wellness classes and community gatherings.

These offerings reflect our commitment to creating welcoming spaces where residents can come together, try something new, and enjoy the many benefits of community life.

Resident registration opens December 10, with general registration beginning December 17. We encourage you to explore the guide, discover what inspires you, and join us for a vibrant season ahead.

Yountville Winter-Spring 2026 Recreation Guide - Catalog - Page 1

Cover of the Town of Yountville Recreation Guide featuring event photos and a costumed performer on stilts in a parade, with registration dates and contact information.

Saturday Fun Club Day – December 13

Looking for a little extra time to finish your holiday to-do list? Saturday Fun Club Day offers a safe, engaging full-day program where kids ages 5–12 can enjoy arts and crafts, games, and seasonal activities while parents get a much-needed break.

This program gives children a chance to play, create, and spend time with friends in a supportive environment, and it gives parents the gift of time during a busy season. Whether you need to wrap gifts, run errands, or simply recharge, we’re here to help make the holidays a bit easier. Visit campyville.com to register.

Blue Zones Holiday Recipe: 5-Ingredient Tuscan White Bean Soup

This simple, plant-forward soup is inspired by Blue Zones traditions that emphasize whole foods and nourishing meals shared with others. With just a few ingredients, it’s a warm, comforting option during the holiday season and easy to prepare on busy days.

Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
Optional: salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
Add beans and broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Stir in kale or spinach and cook until wilted.
Season to taste and add lemon if desired.

This light, flavorful soup reflects the Blue Zones focus on simple, nourishing meals and makes a great addition to a cozy winter evening.

Sustainable Wrapping for the Holidays

A recent conversation about eco-friendly gift wrapping turned into a comparison of family traditions. One friend shared that her family has reused the same set of gift bows since the 1990s. Another recalled a mom who saved and reused both the wrapping paper and the bows every year, a habit that once felt ordinary but now stands out as a thoughtful, low-waste practice long before sustainability was a common topic.

This holiday season, gift-giving offers a chance to reflect on values we share as a community, including caring for our environment. Traditional wrapping materials often cannot be recycled, which means more waste once the gifts are opened. Choosing sustainable wrapping is a simple way to show thoughtfulness to both the recipient and the place we call home.

Here are a few easy, eco-friendly wrapping ideas that still feel festive and beautiful:
• Use recycled or uncoated kraft paper. Recyclable, compostable, and naturally beautiful.
• Wrap with fabric or reusable cloths. Tea towels, bandanas, or scarves make lovely, reusable wraps.
• Choose reusable bags, boxes, or containers. A practical and charming alternative to single-use wrapping.
• Opt for recycled ribbons, paper tape, or natural décor. Twine, dried citrus, or pine sprigs add a festive touch without plastic.

Small choices like these can help make the season a little lighter on the environment, and they may even become traditions your family carries forward for years to come.

Natural gift-wrapping materials arranged on a table, including kraft paper, twine, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, eucalyptus branches, tape, and scissors.

Don’t Let Cyber Grinches Steal Your Christmas Cheer!

A Holiday Guide to Avoiding Popular Phishing Scams

The holiday season is a time for joy, but it’s also prime time for cybercriminals. With increased online shopping and festive emails, phishing scams are more rampant than ever. Here are the most common holiday-themed scams to watch out for:

Fake Shipping Notifications
Expecting gifts? Scammers send emails claiming your package is delayed or needs address verification. Clicking the link can lead to malware or stolen credentials.
Tip: Always track packages through official retailer or carrier websites.

Holiday Gift Card Scams
‘Buy a gift card for your boss’ or ‘Claim your free holiday gift card’ emails are classic phishing tricks. These often lead to fraudulent sites or requests for payment.
Tip: Never purchase gift cards based on unsolicited emails.

Charity Donation Scams
Cybercriminals exploit generosity by creating fake charity websites or sending emails asking for donations.
Tip: Verify charities through trusted sources like Charity Navigator before donating.

Festive E-Cards with Malware
An innocent-looking holiday e-card can hide malicious links or attachments.
Tip: Only open e-cards from people you know and trust.

'Special Holiday Deals’ Too Good to Be True
Phishing emails promise massive discounts on popular items. Clicking through often leads to fake shopping sites.
Tip: Shop only on official retailer websites and avoid clicking email links.

Stay Safe This Season:
Hover over links before clicking.
Check sender addresses carefully.
Enable multi-factor authentication on accounts.

Let’s keep the holidays merry and malware-free!

December 6 (Saturday)
Visits with Santa
9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

December 6 (Saturday)
Yountville Holiday Artisan Faire
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

December 6 (Saturday)
American Mahjong
12:30 p.m. | Yountville Library

December 7 (Sunday)
Yountville Holiday Artisan Faire
10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

December 9 (Tuesday)
Local History Talk with Rebecca A. Yerger
12–1 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

December 9 (Tuesday)
Zoning and Design Review Board Meeting
5:30–7:30 p.m. | Town Council Chambers

December 10 (Wednesday)
Bridge Group
1–4 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

December 11 (Thursday)
Holiday Bingo
1:30–4 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

December 13 (Saturday)
Saturday Fun Club Day
9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Yountville Commons

December 13 (Saturday)
American Mahjong
12:30 p.m. | Yountville Library

December 16 (Tuesday)
Town Council Regular Meeting
3–8 p.m. | Town Council Chambers

December 17 (Wednesday)
Bridge Group
1–4 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

December 19 (Friday)
Glow Pickleball
6–8 p.m. | Yountville Community Center

Visit www.townofyountville.com for the full calendar and more event details.

Community Updates Banner with an aerial photo of Yountville.

Fire Station 12: 2nd Annual Toy Drive — December 18

There’s still time to help make the season brighter for local children and families. New, unwrapped toys for all ages are being collected in support of Yountville Fire Station 12 and the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

Toy Drop-Off Details
Now through December 18
Yountville Community Center
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Community members are also invited to join us for a festive celebration at Fire Station 12 on December 18 from 6–8 p.m. The evening will feature music, karaoke, Christmas lights, hot chocolate, and a special violin performance by Gia Matchak. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather, enjoy the season, and support families in need.

This year’s toy drive is generously supported by the Napa Valley Wine Train, Shake Shack, Bring It! Karaoke & Entertainment, and Costco.

Your donation makes a meaningful difference. If you’re able, please consider contributing a toy and helping brighten the season for families in our community.

Two women stand by a holiday tree holding toys next to a Toys for Tots donation box outdoors.

Supervisor Anne Cottrell’s 3rd Annual Holiday Open House

Supervisor Anne Cottrell will host her 3rd Annual Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 11, from 6–8 p.m. at the Calistoga Library. Community members are invited to stop by for light refreshments, conversation, and a chance to connect in a festive setting.

The event also includes a Food Pantry Donation Drive to support Upvalley food banks. Monetary contributions and gift cards are welcome and help provide essential items for local families during the holidays.

Residents are encouraged to drop in, say hello, and take part in this seasonal gathering.
For more information, contact leah.doyle-stevens@countyofnapa.org.

Graphic for Supervisor Anne Cottrell’s 3rd Annual Holiday Open House and Food Pantry Donation Drive on December 11, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at the Calistoga Library.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

The Town is updating its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, working alongside the County of Napa and other local jurisdictions to strengthen our region’s resilience to flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, and severe weather. Community input is essential to ensure the plan reflects local needs and experiences.

If you haven’t shared your feedback yet, there’s still time. Please take a few minutes to complete the community survey and help support Yountville’s long-term safety and preparedness.

Take the survey: https://mitigatehazards.com/napacountymjhmp/

Wreaths Across America

Community members are invited to gather at the George C. Yount Pioneer Cemetery for this year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. Volunteers will help lay remembrance wreaths on the graves of veterans and honor their service and sacrifice. Residents are welcome to attend, volunteer, or invite family and friends to take part in this meaningful annual tradition.

Later that morning, the community is also invited to join the Yountville Chamber of Commerce for the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Yountville Veterans Home Cemetery on December 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. Volunteers will gather to place wreaths on the graves of those who served and to reflect collectively on their contributions.

Both ceremonies offer opportunities to honor veterans, support the mission of Wreaths Across America, and participate in a tradition of remembrance shared across the country. Thank you to everyone who continues to support the veterans laid to rest in Yountville and who helps keep their stories alive.

Wreaths across America wreath display at cemetery.

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