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LWV Napa - Why Observe?

The first reason for observing public meetings is to watch their general operations. What issues are being discussed and how is the meeting being conducted? Does the agency comply with the open meeting laws?

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The second reason for observing public meetings is to watch for issues on which the League should be taking action - speaking out. If an item that is being discussed is related to one of LWV Napa County's positions then include that in your report. We'll look into it and see whether it's something that the League should be speaking out on.

 

Finally, and maybe most importantly, observing makes a statement that the community is watching the process of government. The League observer is the representative of the public at these meetings.

What to do when you observe:

Go to the meeting, wearing your League of Women Voters button. Get a copy of the agenda (if possible, check whether it is available in advance online) and any other reports that are available. You don't have to read them all! You may not speak for the League at the meeting. Outside of the meeting you can ask questions of staff and officials.

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If you can't be at the meeting in person, then watch it online. While the officials may not see you, you can still monitor the meeting.

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As the meeting progresses, fill out the LWV Napa County Observer Report. Submit your report to the Napa County League.

Resources for Observers

 

League positions:

 

People:

  • Interim Observer Coordinator - Joyce Kingery

What Agencies to Observe?

Napa County

  • Napa County Board of Supervisors

  • Napa County Board of Education

  • Napa County Planning, Building & Environmental Services

  • Napa County Boards & Commissions:  Napa County Library Commission, Napa County Local Food Advisory Council, Napa County Mosquito Abatement District Board, Napa Public Access Cable TV, Napa Redevelopment Successor Agency Oversight Board, Napa Sanitation District Board, Napa Valley Transportation Authority

Napa County Seal

City of American Canyon

  • American Canyon City Council

  • American Canyon Commissions and Boards:  See Napa City and County

  • Public Works

  • Finance

  • Community Development

  • Housing

  • Parks & Recreation Services

American Canyon Logo

City of Calistoga

  • Calistoga City Council

  • Calistoga Commissions and Boards:  Planning Commission, See Napa City and County

  • Public Works

  • Finance

  • Parks & Recreation Services

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Calistoga Logo

City of Napa

  • Napa City Council

  • Napa City Commissions and Boards:  Bicycle and Trails Advisory Commission, Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals, Civil Service Commission, Community Development Block Grant Citizens'Committee (CDBG), Cultural Heritage Commission, Disability Access Board of Appeals, Housing Authority of the City of Napa, Parks, Recreation and Trees Advisory Commission, Planning Commission, Public Art Steering Committee, Senior Advisory Commission

  • Public Works

  • Finance

  • Community Development

  • Housing

  • Parks & Recreation Services

  • Public Safety

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City Of Napa Logo

City of St. Helena

  • St. Helena City Council

  • St. Helena Commissions and Boards:  Active Transportation & Sustainability Committee, Board of Library Trustees, Parks and Recreation, Planning Commission, St. Helena Assets Planning Engagement Committee (SHAPE), Financing Civic Infrastructure Task Force, See Napa City and County

  • Public Works

  • Finance

  • Parks & Recreation Services

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St Helena Logo

Yountville

  • Town Council

  • Commissions and Boards:  See Napa City and County

Yountville Logo

These are just a few of the boards, committees, and commissions - if you are interested in something else, we can find it for you.  Email us at lwvnapa@gmail.com

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