CYNTHIA SWEENEY
Aldo Nunez, who owns La Prima Pizza in Calistoga and St. Helena along with his wife, Betty, said he was inspired to pay it forward for his parents who live in Los Angeles. Because he’s not able to be with his parents during the shelter-in-place, for the past three weeks, La Prima has been providing free lunches to seniors in the three mobile home parks in Calistoga.
“If someone could help my parents in this way I’d be extremely grateful, so we’re doing something for the seniors in this town,” he said. “We were thinking about seniors who are at high risk of the virus.”
It’s also important to do something to take everyone’s mind off of the virus for a little while, Nunez said, and they have received many thank you letters and notes. “We’re giving back to the community, because the community has been so good to us. As a business in this community, we need to be there when something happens.”
V. Sattui Winery has also teamed with UpValley Family Centers and the City of Calistoga Parks & Recreation Department to provide meals to seniors at Chateau Calistoga and Calistoga Springs Mobile Home Parks, and the Senior Apartment complex on Washington Street.
On May 20, UVFC team members joined Calistoga Parks & Recreation in handing out more than 100 V. Sattui boxed lunches to residents at Chateau Calistoga Mobile Home Park. They will hand out more lunches on May 27 at Calistoga Springs next door, from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.
In the past few weeks, the St. Helena winery has also been donating lunches to workers at the COVID-19 testing site at the Veterans Home in Yountville, and volunteering services to pack and deliver meals with Meals on Wheels up and down the Valley. Winery staff have prepared up to 500 meals three times a week.
“Since the start of the pandemic, all of us (in the valley) have really come together,” said Tom Davies, president of V. Sattui Winery.
“It has allowed us to see the greatness of the interconnectedness that we have together as a humanity. So the idea of us volunteering our staff to deliver food through Meals on Wheels and everything else we’ve been doing just makes us feel really good. At the same time it’s so rewarding.”
Ali Paterson, the winery’s vice-president of marketing, said, “This is part of who we are. At the end of the day, having a purpose is what matters most and being part of a successful business allows us that opportunity to share the wealth with our community. It’s just the right thing to do.”
For the past three weeks, the owners of Rancho de Calistoga have also been providing all seniors in the Park with a free dinner twice a week. The park has engaged La Prima and nearby Local Q 707, at cost, or near to cost, to provide the meals, said Lauren Haugen, Park manager.
“The family (owners of the Park) wanted to give back to the residents. It’s a win-win situation,” she said.
Editor’s Note: Because of the health implications of the COVID-19 virus, this article is being made available free to all online readers. If you’d like to join us in supporting the mission of local journalism, please visit napavalleyregister.com/members/join/.
Photos: Napa County responds to COVID-19 protective measures
Hillside Christian Church online service
Members of Hillside Christian Church in south Napa recorded a service Thursday for webcasting on Sunday, when the congregation normally would be meeting for worship. Several houses of worship in the Napa Valley have moved services to the internet or social media while public gatherings remain banned by the county due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Submitted photo
Napa Target
South Napa Target's toilet paper aisle is bare.
Tim Carl
Ciccio
Ciccio in Yountville is offering take-out pizzas during the shelter-at-home mandate in Napa County.
Tim Carl
Redd Wood
Redd Wood in Yountville has shut its doors permanently, but a note on the door suggests a new restaurant will open in its place this summer.
Tim Carl
Safeway in St. Helena
Safeway in St. Helena
Tim Carl
Safeway in St. Helena
Safeway in St. Helena
Tim Carl
Safeway in St. Helena
Safeway in St. Helena
Tim Carl
Safeway in St. Helena
Safeway in St. Helena
Tim Carl
Safeway in St. Helena
Safeway in St. Helena
Tim Carl
Safeway in St. Helena
Safeway in St. Helena
Tim Carl
Bread at Target
Fewer bread choices were found at the south Napa Target on Friday morning, the day the county's official shelter-at-home order began.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Stocking at Target
Workers were busy stocking aisles at the south Napa Target on Friday morning, the day the county's official shelter-at-home order began.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Target purchase limit signs
Purchase limit signs were seen at the south Napa Target on Friday, the day the county's official shelter-at-home order began.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Raley's
On Friday morning, the day the county's official shelter-at-home order began, fewer customers were seen inside Raley's.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Milk at Raley's
About half of the milk and dairy products were available at Raley's on Friday morning, the day the county's official shelter-at-home order began.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Umpqua bank
Bank customers are let in one at a time at Umpqua bank at Bel Aire Plaza on Friday, the day the county's official shelter-at-home order began.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Chico's
Chico's is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Target toilet paper
A selection of toilet paper was on display at the South Napa Target on Friday morning, the day the county's official shelter-at-home order began.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Trader Joe's shoppers
On Friday morning, in groups of 10 at a time, shoppers are let into Trader Joe's in the Bel Aire Plaza. The county ordered non-essential businesses to close during the coronavirus pandemic.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Bel Aire shoppers
Russell Fitzgerald and a friend met outside Whole Foods on Friday. Traffic at the Bel Aire Plaza shopping center was much lighter than usual due to the ordered closure of most non-essential businesses.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
South Napa Target
A list of purchase limits at the South Napa Target, effective March 18.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Raley's bread
On Friday, compared to Target, Raley's had a bigger selection of bread available for sale. Friday was the start of the county's official shelter-at-home order.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Office Depot
Office Depot remains open during the coronavirus pandemic.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
World Market
World Market was open on Friday, but asked guests to practice social distancing.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
DaVita
DaVita dialysis requires guests to be screened for coronavirus.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Pet Food Express
The pet wash is temporarily closed at Pet Food Express in Bel Aire Plaza.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Napa Target shoppers
Customers wear masks while shopping at the south Napa Target on Friday morning.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Trader Joe's line
Shoppers line up in Napa on Friday morning to be let into Trader Joe's in groups of 10.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Bel Aire Plaza parking lot
A vacant parking lot at Bel Aire Plaza in Napa on Friday morning in the wake of Napa County and state edicts that non-essential businesses close and that most people shelter in the homes.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
St. Helena Shelter in Place
Traffic was light and almost all businesses in St. Helena were closed on Friday morning, March 20, the first day of the shelter in place order by Napa County officials and spread statewide by Gov. Newsom.
Sean Scully, Register file photo
CalMart in Calistoga
CalMart in Calistoga
Tim Carl
CalMart in Calistoga
CalMart in Calistoga
Tim Carl
CalMart in Calistoga
Cal Mart in Calistoga is restricting the number of customers in the store to 20 at one time, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Tim Carl Photography
Whole Foods Napa
Whole Foods Napa
Tim Carl
The Charter Oak Restaurant
The Charter Oak Restaurant in St. Helena has temporarily closed.
Tim Carl
Contimo Provisions
Contimo Provisions in downtown Napa is temporarily closed but offering delivery for online orders.
Tim Carl
Outside Oxbow Public Market
Outside Napa's Oxbow Public Market as seen in March.
Tim Carl
Inside the Oxbow Public Market on Wed. March 18.
Inside the Oxbow Public Market on Wednesday, March 18. The hall was quite empty with many already sheltering at home.
Tim Carl
Inside the Oxbow Public Market on Wed. March 18.
Inside a mostly empty Oxbow Public Market on Wednesday, March 18.
Tim Carl
Napa General Store
The Napa General Store in downtown Napa has temporarily closed.
Tim Carl
Angele Restaurant & Bar
Angele Restaurant & Bar in downtown Napa has temporarily closed.
Tim Carl
Lululemon
Lululemon in downtown Napa temporarily closed on March 16.
Tim Carl
Oxbow Public Market
Oxbow Public Market was unusually empty Thursday with seating removed. The market has set up direct lines for individuals to place pick-up and delivery orders with specific vendors.
Tim Carl Photography
Peet's without customers
Peet's at Bel Aire Plaza has removed seating, but is still selling coffee for take-out.
Tim Carl Photography
Archer Hotel
A nearly empty lobby at the Archer Hotel in downtown Napa as seen on Wednesday.
Tim Carl photo
Napa Premium Outlets
The parking lot at the Napa Premium Outlets was nearly empty on Wednesday morning, March 18, as most store had closed as a result of coronavirus safety precautions. Napa County's new shelter-in-place order prohibits non-essential stores from operating.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Calistoga school lunch
Olga Pimentel hands out a Grab & Go lunch to students at Calistoga Elementary School on Tuesday. There is no school due to the treat of the coronavirus.
Submitted photo
Calistoga school lunch
Rosa Rubio, left, Rosa Garibay, and Olga Pimentel, handed out about 150 "Grab and Go" lunches at Calistoga Elementary School on Tuesday, as schools are closed due to the coronavirus.
Submitted photo
Front windows at Erosion Wine Co.
St. Helena's Erosion Wine Co. Tap Room is at the corner of Hunt Avenue and Main Street. It is currently closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
David Stoneberg, Star
Sign at Erosion Wine Co. Tap Room
The sign on the front door of the new Erosion Wine Co. Tap Room says it all ... they'll be open when "things in the world get a bit more boring."
David Stoneberg, Star
The Table
The Table, a free meal service housed at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Napa, closed indefinitely this week because of concerns about the coronavirus.
Sean Scully, Register
Lincoln Avenue Brewery
Like other businesses downtown Calistoga, Lincoln Avenue Brewery has closed due to the coronavirus threat.
Cynthia Sweeney, Weekly Calistogan
School offers free meals for kids
Venedita Acosta, food services assistant, and Angela Baxter, food services director, serve free grab-and-go meals outside Vintage Hall for all kids 18 and younger daily from 9 to 10 a.m. through March 27.
Jesse Duarte, Star
Cal Mart
On Sunday the toilet paper and paper towel shelves at Cal Mart were empty as customers stocked up in fear of the Coronavirus.
Cynthia Sweeney, Weekly Calistogan
Huge Bear Wines
On Monday, Huge Bear Wines in Calistoga was one of many businesses adjusting daily operations due to the Coronavirus, by limiting contact with visitors.
Cynthia Sweeney, Weekly Calistogan
La Morenita lunch
Giovanny Arteaga, a Napa senior, picks up a burrito lunch from the restaurant attached to La Morenita Market on Jefferson Street. The business owners are offering a free lunch to students on weekdays during the NVUSD coronavirus shutdown.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Coronavirus precautions
Three Twins employee Carina Avina, left, said customers were sparse during the lunch hour at the Oxbow Market on Monday, March 16. Many Oxbow businesses limited seating or closed entirely in response to the coronavirus. Monday.
Sean Scully, Register
Coronavirus precautions
Oxbow Public Market worker Reyna Lopez wipes down a door after the hall stepped up sanitation procedures in response to the coronavirus.
Sean Scully, Register
Coronavirus precautions
Model Bakery was limiting costomers to five at a time at the Oxbow location on Monday, March 16.
Sean Scully, Register
Coronavirus Precautions
Oxbow Market stepped up santitation procedures in response to the coronavirus, Monday, March 16.
Sean Scully, Register
Coronavirus precautions
Many business in the Oxbow Market limited seating or closed outright in response to the coronavirus, Monday, March 16.
Sean Scully, Register
Beringer closed
Beringer Vineyards and other local wineries were closed Monday after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the closure of all wineries and bars amid the coronavirus pandemic.
David Stoneberg, Star
Castello di Amorosa
Valets at Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga were counting vehicles on March 14 to ensure not more than 250 vistitors at a time were touring the grounds, due to Coronavirus threats.
Cynthia Sweeney, Weekly Calistogan
Calistoga Farmers' Market
Fruit and vegetable vendors at Calistoga's Farmers' Market still had plenty to sell later in the day on March 14, as visitors stayed away due to the coronavirus.
Cynthia Sweeney, Weekly Calistogan
Calistoga Farmers' Market
A usually bustling Calistoga Farmers' Market was off and on quiet March 14, 2020, and most of the customers were locals.
Cynthia Sweeney, Weekly Calistogan
Calistoga Farmers' Market
Customers lined up to purchase seafood from Santa Rosa Seafood March 14.
Cynthia Sweeney, Weekly Calistogan
Calistoga Farmers' Market
Karen Verzosa, Calistoga Farmers' Market organizer wore a mask on March 14, as protection against the coronavirus. Desite the threat, business at the market was "sort of as usual" she said.
Cynthia Sweeney, Weekly Calistogan
Calistoga Farmers' Market
Grant Showley, right, and his son, Logan, on their first day doing business at the Calistoga Farmers' Market March 14. AB Provisions makes and sells honey, and flavored almond milk.
Cynthia Sweeney, Weekly Calistogan
Trader Joe's
A Trader Joe's employee in Napa wipes down the store's shopping carts, a step the store is taking in light of the developing situation with the coronavirus in the United States.
Sarah Klearman, Register
Napa seniors
Margaret Farmer, Flora Knepp and Betty Guy met at the Napa Senior Center on Thursday for lunch like normal, but have cut back on other outings as a result of coronavirus concerns, they said.
Jennifer Huffman, Register
Watershed initiative
In a time of coronavirus, Registrar of Voters John Tuteur and Mike Hackett bump elbows Friday morning rather than shake hands as Cio Perez looks on. Hackett and other proponents of a proposed watershed initiative had worked out some filing fine points with Tuteur.
Barry Eberling
Coronavirus -- Hand sanitizer sold out
A Walmart employee restocks cleaning supplies next to empty shelves that once held sanitizers. Stores in Napa reported low stock over the weekend after a case of the coronavirus was confirmed in Solano County.
Sarah Klearman, Register
You can reach Cynthia Sweeney at 942-4035 or csweeney@weeklycalistogan.com .
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