Submit Date: Mar 17, 2025
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title
City of Napa Boards & Commissions
Profile
Mailing Address (if different than Resident Address above) Length of Residence in the City of Napa:
26 years
Length of Residence in the County of Napa:
26 years
Registered to vote in the City of Napa?
Yes No
Ethnicity *
Prefer not to Answer
Interests & Experiences
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Cultural Heritage Commission: Submitted
Julie M Seiger
Self
Certified Paralegal and
Certified Legal Secretary
Julie M Seiger
ATTACHMENT 1
Upload a Resume
Question applies to Planning Commission,Cultural Heritage Commission Some Commissions and Boards require specific seats to be designated as "Design Professionals". Are you applying as a Design Professional, which is defined as, "a person who demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the City Council, that he or she has professional experience (in the fields of architectural design, landscape architecture, urban planning, building, sustainability, or a related field) that is sufficient to assist the member in the effective evaluation of applications for development projects." ? If you have marked "YES", please provide details under "Relevant Experience" in this section. You may attach your resume below.
Yes No
Question applies to Public Art Steering Committee
1 of 5 Members MUST be a Visual Arts Professional. Are you applying as a Visual Arts Professional?
Yes No
Question applies to Public Art Steering Committee
2 of 5 Members MUST be Practicing Professional Artists in any medium. Are you applying as a Practicing Professional Artist?
Yes No
Question applies to Senior Advisory Commission
5 of 7 Members must be part of the Senior Community. Are you part of the Senior Community?
Yes No
Question applies to Senior Advisory Commission
2 of 7 Members MUST be Senior Service Agency representatives. Are you applying as a Senior Service Agency representative?
Yes No
Community Service Experience:
Five months and over 500 hours of volunteer time as a Legal Intern at the Solano Family Justice Center assisting historically underrepresented members of the community with obtaining emergency orders, navigating the legal system and connecting with support services. Completed 2 or 3 client intakes daily. Successfully obtained 37 initial orders on behalf of clients. Provided some court accompaniment. Napa Democratic Central Committee Abajo District Representative (4 years) (2 time Convention Delegate)(current) Member of the Knights of Saint Francis (current) since 2023 Secretary of the Board of Howell Mountain Vintners and Growers Association (HMVGA) (3 years) (former) Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (conceptualize and organized a week long historic photo exhibit celebrating the friendship of the Philippines and United States with archival photos donated by the United States Embassy in Manila) Junior League of San Francisco (former) Children's Hospital Volunteer S.F. (former) International Women's Club of Cebu (former)(co-founder) Save Mandaue River Committee (former) (award from U.S. Ambassador Hubbard) Volunteer on the Joe Veronese Alioto for District Attorney Campaign (S.F. Fall 2022) Julie M Seiger
Education:
Juris Doctorate conferred December 2023 JFK School of Law (Pleasant Hill) (now National University) Degree in Literature conferred with Honors (Dean's Award for Excellence) from University of San Francisco Convent of the Sacred Heart High School San Francisco Our Lady of Angeles Elementary School Burlingame Boston College Summer Honors Program UC Berkeley Summer Classes in major area of study (for academic credit)(2 summers) College of Marin Napa Valley College (paralegal, winery, autocad and accounting classes) Accounting grade: "A" Autocad Certified (Napa Valley College) Specialized training in Outlook, Excel, Employment Law, Assisting Domestic Abuse Survivors, Internet Security, Cyberstalking Other relevant experience or expertise:
Took all meeting notes while Secretary of the HMVGA Took care of my grandmother at Vineyard Valley, going to seeing her several times a week for years when she retired to Vineyard Valley in St. Helena, until she died. I met with the lady in Napa that collects medical equipment for seniors and distributes it to them for free. This interested me and I learned a lot about that. Took all meeting notes as a Civil Litigation Paralegal at Murphy Logan and Roades-Brown Law Firm Napa for seven years Helped plan the HMVGA annual fundraiser at Charles Krug that benefits the Angwin Elementary School (3 years) Prepared elder abuse restraining order packets. Serve food to elder and unhoused community members as a member of the Knights of St. Francis Provide executive assistant work for an elderly person who resides at Vineyard Valley, St. Helena (current) Assist with defending elderly people against unlawful detainers, landlord/tenant matters, and with preparation of legal documents, including estate planning and administration Proficient with e-filing, legal writing, preparation of legal documents. Licensed and bonded California Notary former California Real Estate Licensee with over 10 years of real estate related experience including land use matters, residential transactions, land sales Preparation of Deeds and PCORS and assistance with legal issues related to charitable trusts Over 7 years of formal Spanish language instruction; ability to speak and write, understand and read in Spanish. Travel to 18 countries; 4 years full time resident of the Philippines. Speak limited Filipino. Third generation San Franciscan- comfortable and skilled with different personalities and people of diverse and international backgrounds. Assistant editor of a nationally distributed "A" market lifestyle magazine; wrote cover feature articles (including historical research), organized photo shoots, conducted interviews for newspaper and magazine articles, appeared on international television to promote the magazine. Relevant Experience With a strong background in legal advocacy, community service, marketing, and senior-focused initiatives, I am well-equipped to contribute to the Senior Advisory Commission. My experience includes:
Legal & Advocacy Work Extensive experience in estate planning, elder law, and community legal services, ensuring seniors receive fair representation and access to resources. Assisted elderly clients with estate planning, administration, and landlord/tenant disputes, including defending against unlawful detainers. Prepared elder abuse restraining order packets to protect vulnerable seniors. Licensed and bonded California Notary, experienced in notarizing legal documents for senior clients. Former California Real Estate Licensee with over 10 years of real estate experience, including land use matters, residential transactions, and land sales. Proficient in e-filing, legal writing, and preparation of legal documents, including deeds, Preliminary Change of Ownership Reports (PCORs), and legal issues related to charitable trusts. Community Engagement & Senior Services Provide executive assistant support for an elderly resident at Vineyard Valley, St. Helena (current role). Serve food to elder and unhoused community members as a member of the Knights of St. Francis. Took all meeting notes while Secretary of the Howell Mountain Vintners and Growers Association (HMVGA) and helped plan the annual HMVGA fundraiser at Charles Krug benefiting Angwin Elementary School for three years. Experience conducting initial client intakes, coordinating resources, and assisting historically underserved populations through my work at Contra Costa Family Justice Center. Organizational Leadership & Policy Insight Over seven years as a Civil Litigation Paralegal at Murphy Logan & Roades-Brown Law Firm in Napa, taking all meeting notes and managing legal documentation. Former Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce (Cebu) and Secretary of the Board for Howell Mountain Vintners and Growers Association, honing skills in strategic planning, policy development, and community outreach—critical for establishing short- and long-term goals for senior programs. Strong public service background as a former District 1 Representative in Napa and active participant in local bar associations. Marketing, Fundraising & Public Speaking Organized successful winery and real estate marketing campaigns, demonstrating expertise in Julie M Seiger
branding, outreach, and client engagement. Created and managed e-blasts and digital marketing initiatives to enhance visibility and outreach for businesses and community events. Organized wine club parties and fundraising events, including fundraising for the Junior League. Experienced and effective fundraiser with the ability to engage donors and secure funding for community initiatives. Former Toastmaster with strong public speaking skills, capable of effectively presenting ideas, leading discussions, and engaging diverse audiences. Communication, Language, & Cultural Competency Over seven years of formal Spanish language instruction; proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Lived in the Philippines for four years, developing cultural fluency and speaking limited Filipino.
Traveled to 18 countries and have experience working with diverse, international communities. Former Assistant Editor of a nationally distributed “A” market lifestyle magazine; wrote cover feature articles, conducted historical research, organized photo shoots, conducted interviews, and appeared on international television to promote the magazine. Relatedly, my husband is a long standing member of the Odd Fellows and he and I discuss his community service work, and I have participated in events, which include the Meadows Napa, which is a community for elders in south Napa with affiliation to the Odd Fellows. I am hoping to become a Rebecca (female Odd Fellow) to better serve my community. I am eager to apply my expertise to support the Napa Senior Center’s mission and enhance services for our senior community.
Additional Questions
What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this board? Members play a crucial role in shaping the services and programs that affect Napa's senior residents, ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed at the municipal level. The Senior Advisory Commission in Napa, California, serves as an advisory body to the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Services Director, focusing on services, facility use, and recreational activities at the Napa Senior Center. The commission establishes both short- and long-term goals for senior programs to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the senior community. Additional Responsibilities: Advocacy: Actively advocate for the senior population by helping them maintain a good quality of life and remain independent. This involves increasing awareness of issues facing older adults in Napa County and influencing public policy through regular reports to the Board of Supervisors. Community Engagement:
Serve as a communication conduit between older adults and local organizations designed to render services to the senior community. This includes establishing committees to address legislation and public education, and creating ad-hoc committees to handle special topics brought to the commission. Policy Development: Provide input on senior programs and offer feedback on long-term planning to meet the needs of the senior community. This involves collaborating with various stakeholders to develop community-based systems of care that support independence and protect the quality of life for older persons and those with functional impairments.
Have you ever attended a meeting of this board? If so, how many? Not yet.
What duties of this board are most interesting to you?
Long-term planning for seniors in Napa County to improve their quality of life and access to services and resources.
Julie M Seiger
What activities of this board are least interesting to you? I do not like long (for example 2 1/2 hour) Board meetings over Zoom. At HMVGA we had an egg timer and would keep the meetings to one hour because the busy winery owners needed to get back to work. I prefer in person meetings of specific duration. This is my only concern. I am studying for the California Bar Exam and would prefer not to spend three hours in an evening meeting online. I also think that in person meetings are important for team building and prefer that at least some of the meetings are in person (the Democratic committee has been completely Zoom only since COVID!)
What programs or projects would you like to see improved or implemented? I would like to do something about sidewalk repair for the safety of seniors. I would like to do anything to support local hospice services and to help create and foster community gardens.
My approach to improving senior programs and services would be data-driven, community- focused, and action-oriented with an emphasis on well-being, engagement, and accessibility.
I am particularly interested in the Senior Advisory Commission’s role in advocating for senior services, improving recreational programming, and ensuring accessibility to vital resources.
My background in legal advocacy, estate planning, and elder rights protection has given me a deep appreciation for policies that support aging with dignity. Additionally, I am drawn to the community engagement aspect of the commission. Having organized fundraisers, wine club events, and marketing campaigns, I would enjoy collaborating on outreach initiatives that connect seniors with programs that enhance their quality of life. I am also excited about public policy development and long-term planning. My experience taking meeting notes for organizations like HMVGA , the Democratic Central Committee (including being a delegate) and law firms, combined with my ability to analyze community needs, would allow me to contribute meaningfully to discussions on facility use, funding, and senior-friendly initiatives.
Engage the Senior Community for Feedback I would advocate for regular surveys and focus groups at the Napa Senior Center to identify unmet needs, such as transportation, social activities, and legal resources. I would leverage my public speaking skills from Toastmasters to host listening sessions where seniors and their families can share concerns and ideas.
Enhance Outreach & Participation As someone with marketing expertise, I would explore targeted e-blasts, social media outreach, and partnerships with local organizations to increase participation in senior programs. I would use my experience in fundraising and event planning to help expand awareness and resources for senior programs. Improve Legal & Housing Support for Seniors Given my background in elder law, estate planning, and unlawful detainer defense, I would propose legal workshops to help seniors understand their rights regarding housing, healthcare directives, and financial planning. I would work with local legal aid groups to provide pro bono consultations at the Senior Center. Expand Recreational, Nature & Wellness Activities Using my experience in organizing wine club events and large fundraisers, I would suggest creative, engaging senior activities, such as intergenerational programs, themed social gatherings, and wellness workshops. I would introduce nature-based programs such as community gardening, composting, and seed swaps to encourage seniors to enjoy the outdoors, cultivate plants, and engage in sustainable practices. Partnering with local farms, wineries, and gardening clubs, I would help develop hands-on horticulture therapy programs that promote physical activity, mental well-being, and social connections. Advocate for Facility & Transportation Improvements I would work with city leaders to secure grants and funding for facility upgrades and expanded accessibility. I would support initiatives to enhance transportation options for seniors to ensure they can easily access services. By incorporating gardening, sustainability, and nature-focused initiatives, I hope to provide seniors with not only resources and services but also opportunities for joy, connection, and fulfillment in their everyday lives.
How would you approach improving these project(s) or program(s)? I could donate notary services to seniors and organize other notaries to also provide these service. I could organize paralegals and law students to create free legal clinics to assist with legal document preparation. I had occasion to do this when I was working as a paralegal/legal intern in Napa and Fairfield.
Julie M Seiger
Are you involved in any organizations or activities that may result in a conflict of interest if you are appointed to this board? No.
Please list two local references and their phone numbers:
How did you learn of this vacancy?
Other
Julie M Seiger
Julie Seiger
WORK EXPERIENCE
____________________________________________________
Current: While looking for a permanent opportunity, I am filling temporary assignments through local temporary employment companies including Nelson, Bolt, AppleOne, and Alkar Human Resources. I have a long association with each of these employers.
Weed Law Group, PC
(Walnut Creek)
Paralegal (1/15-2/26/2025) Utilized Clio legal software, Westlaw, and Microsoft Teams for daily case management and collaboration.
● Kept on pace with a high monthly billable hours
requirement of 108 hours.
● Identified, calculated, and tracked critical trial dates and deadlines, ensuring timely reminders and case
preparation. Monitored docket and filing status daily and provided continuous updates to attorneys.
● Drafted legal documents including Meet and Confer
Letters, Cease and Desist Letters, Demand Letters, an 11 page Mediation Brief, a 16 page Timeline, and 2 Case
Binders.
● Conducted comprehensive legal research on various legal issues and prepared Legal Memos with detailed legal
analysis.
● Collaborated with clients to gather essential case
information for trial preparation and personally prepared substantive responsive discovery.
Note on Departure: Due to the high-volume nature of the firm’s workload during an exceptionally busy period, the decision was made to part ways. I was unable to receive sufficient training due to the demand on resources, but I gained valuable experience working under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Jackson Street Wine Warehouse
(Napa) (12/15 - 1/14/25)
Wine Order Coordinator (12/15-1/14/25)
This was a temporary flex support position during the holiday season, the peak time for warehouse order fulfillment. The role was performed under the supervision of the Operations Manager and Warehouse Manager, requiring a high level of customer service and proficiency in warehouse management systems and a quick learning curve. Developed a strong understanding of Oracle Suite Software while assisting in the efficient and accurate fulfillment of d aily orders. Contributed to logistics and product setup during the annual FTB-mandated inventory period. A written reference and phone reference from the Operations Manager are available upon request.
Clement, Fitzpatrick, Kenworthy, LLP
(Santa Rosa)
Paralegal Support (Trusts and Estates) (11/1-12/6/24) Temp assignment for Kim Marois, Esq. through temp service temping in the sudden absence of two decades long legal support team members (paralegal and legal secretary). Assisted with preparation and filing/serving of high end/complex estate/trust related documents; file review; initial deed preparation; generated billable time.
City Attorney’s Office of Santa Rosa
(Santa Rosa)
Legal Secretary Three month temporary full time assignment working for two District Attorneys managing their calendars, and daily preparing and filing of Pitchess, DV and Weapons Motions, along with handling claims against the City and S.R.P .D. Two written references available..
Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell, PLC (Solano)
Paralegal (1/24 - 8/24)
Unlawful detainers, trial support on multiple trials, including preparation of important accounting related trial exhibits (in Excel), family law, estate administration, deed preparation, drafting, calendaring, discovery. Contract assignment. Written reference available.
Contra Costa Family Justice Center
(Concord & Fairfield)
Serving families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking.
Legal Intern (5/2023 - 9/2023)
● Conduct initial intakes (in person or remote) for historically underrepresented community members.
●Provide access to resources. Legal assistance including preparation, filing and service of an array of initial emergency orders (approx. 30 successful initial orders)
● Complete PLI coursework and in person training on working with trauma survivors, diversity & cyberstalking.
● Case Flow Management. Court accompaniment.
● Work closely with translators, LCSWs & local services. ● Utilize Spanish almost daily.
Murphy Logan & Roades-Brown, LLP, (Napa)
Top Martindale rated law firm specializing in contract, construction, business, and estate law.
Certified Paralegal (Civil Litigation) 3/2016 – 6/2023
● Generated highest paralegal billables at firm.
● Daily prepare, edit, finalize and serve pleadings.
● Reduced reliance on hand calendaring by learning and applying Prolaw as a backup method at our firm.
● Daily review all case corres., identify and calendar all critical pretrial deadlines and reminders for multiple attorneys, matters and trials.
● Regularly prepare both deadline and trial calendars.
● Communicate with all case participants.
● Assist preparing deeds, title searches, U.D.s, draft S.A.s, corres., mech’s liens, judgements. Obtain Litigation Guarantees. ●Prepare all team meeting minutes.
Alioto & Alioto LLP, San Francisco/St. Helena, CA
Complex business, patent, and antitrust litigation (all federal).
Paralegal 9/2014 – 5/2018 (most recent affiliation)
● Assist in anti-competitive practices federal litigation, including large class action lawsuits and jury trials, work on precedent setting federal cases, off/on over many years.
● Lead paralegal on Montero v. Smith successful wrongful termination case (Plaintiff side)
● Prepare/serve subpoenas, corres., compile/review discovery, create Excel exhibit Indexes. Pretrial prep;
attend hearings, depositions, trials.
●Spent summers and after school hours interning on discovery and trial preparation tasks for many high profile federal cases litigated by John I. Alioto and former S.F . Mayor Joseph L. Alioto, including attending court appearances and depositions.
Gaw, Van Male Law Firm
(Napa)
Paralegal Member of estate administration team approx 8 months setting up trust administration documents, including using Wordperfect and assisting with estate valuations with estate software.
REFERENCES & WRITING SAMPLES & LINKEDIN
__________________________
(link to info available immediately upon request)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellanapavalley
SKILLS
__________________________
Technical Skills:
• Legal Writing & Research; Shepardizing, Legal Memos, etc. • Client Care, Initial Intakes, Assist Managing CaseFlow w/ Checklists, calendaring case management updates, etc.
• E-filing/ESPs; ESI, Process Serving (Odyssey E-Filing via affiliates) • Case Management & Calendaring
• Typing Certificate: 63 error-free w.p.m.
• Prepare Trial Binders, Indexes & Exhibits
Industry Knowledge:
• Civil Litigation, Family Law Filings/Motions, Estate Preparation • Mechanics Liens, Restraining Orders, U.D.s, Judgments, Motions • Legal Analysis and Interpretation
• ADR Services
• Continuing Education: LSI, NALA, Bar Affiliates, CEB and PLI • Full time paralegal exp. >6 mo. in estate planning @ reputable firm • Former licensed transaction coordinator/assistant/administrator at busy Napa Valley real estate office
Tools and Software:
• Microsoft Office, Google Spaces
• Westlaw Research (2 021 c erti ficates upon request) • Lexis Research (2021 certificates upon request)
• Prolaw, Time Matters, Odyssey E-Filing, CEB, AAA E-Filing, One Legal, File & ServeXpress, PACER, Tabs3, Practice Master, Timeslips
• One Note Training, Hotdocs, Lexis Online Judicial Council Forms • Quickbooks Pro (daily A/R and A/P for 5 years @ premium winery) • Yawlaw
• Adobe Acrobat XI (Exhibit Indexing & Bate Stamping, etc.) • Clio
• Hotdocs, Lexis Cloud for Judicial Council Forms
• Thomas Reuters Legal Assistant Software
Languages:
• English (Native); Spanish, Filipino (Limited Conversational & Written).
EDUCATION
__________________________
JFK School of Law at N.U ., Pleasant Hill, CA (Juris Doctor) Conferred: 12/5/2023
Dean’s List: 2020, 2021, 2022. Witkin Award: Criminal Law Model Answer: Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure.
LSAT Score: 83% - a scaled score of 168 and percentile rank of
95.9% (available upon request)
University of San Francisco, S.F ., CA (Bachelor of Arts) ● Dean’s List entirety of Junior and Senior Year
● Dean’s Award for Excellence in Major Course of Study
(Literature)
● Received A+s in Upper Level Shakespeare
● Reference from Dr. Carolyn Brown (Shakespeare) & Prof.
Kennard (Philosophy)
● “A” in Spanish III
● Finalist: Father Maraschi Award
Santa Clara University Attended S.C.U. for Freshman and Sophomore years of college then transferred and completed B.A. education at U.S.F . while working at U.S.F .’s Gleeson Library.
Boston College Summer Honors Program (successfully
completed accredited classes in major course of study)
University of California Berkeley (Summer sessions) (successfully completed accredited classes in major course of study)
Convent of the Sacred Heart
, S.F ., CA (3.5 g.p.a.)
● 4 college transferable AP courses; 3.5 g.p.a.
● Boston College Summer Honors Program Attendee
● Harvard Summer Honors Program (Waitlist)
● Latin Honor Society, Sr. Class Secretary, Jr. Class Rep., J.S.A. (Junior Statesmen of America)
● Children’s Hospital S.F . Volunteer
O.L.A. , (Our Lady of Angels), Burlingame, CA (3.8 g.p.a.) ● Varsity Softball; All Star (3 years)
OTHER
___________________________
Certified Paralegal (active) • Certified Legal Secretary (active)• Bonded CA Notary (until 2026) • National Society Leadership & Success • Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Int’l Rose Bird Chapter • Local Bar Affiliate & Volunteer. Knights of St. Francis (charitable) (North Beach, S.F .) • Dist 1 Rep. (Napa > 4 yrs.); Napa Bar Association (affiliate); Contra Costa Bar Association (affiliate); Solano Bar Association (affiliate);
PREVIOUS AFFILIATIONS
___________________________
● V.P . American Chamber of Commerce Cebu, Philippines (3 years)
● Secretary of the Board of Howell Mountain Vintners and Growers Association (3 years)
● Assistant Editor Zee Quarterly Magazine, Philippines
(nationally distributed “A” market magazine)
● Contributing Writer, Sunstar Newspaper and The Freeman Press Philippines (travel, lifestyle and historical research articles); promoted magazine on The Johnny Litton Show
● California Licensed Real Estate Agent (member of C.A.R.) ● Junior League S.F . (successfully garnered significant charitable funds through letter writing and phone banking campaigns on behalf of the Fashion Show Committee).
● Volunteer: Joe Veronese Alioto for S.F . District Attorney campaign (Fall 2022)
Submit Date: Apr 09, 2025
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title
City of Napa Boards & Commissions
Profile
Mailing Address (if different than Resident Address above) Length of Residence in the City of Napa:
0 Length of Residence in the County of Napa:
11 years
Registered to vote in the City of Napa?
Yes No
Ethnicity *
Caucasian/Non-Hispanic
Interests & Experiences
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Cultural Heritage Commission: Submitted
Karen C Wesson
retired
Karen C Wesson
Upload a Resume
Question applies to Planning Commission,Cultural Heritage Commission Some Commissions and Boards require specific seats to be designated as "Design Professionals". Are you applying as a Design Professional, which is defined as, "a person who demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the City Council, that he or she has professional experience (in the fields of architectural design, landscape architecture, urban planning, building, sustainability, or a related field) that is sufficient to assist the member in the effective evaluation of applications for development projects." ? If you have marked "YES", please provide details under "Relevant Experience" in this section. You may attach your resume below.
Yes No
Community Service Experience:
Cultural Heritage Commissioner - 2021 - present Napa County Landmarks Member of the Board of Directors - 2017 to 2019, 2023 to 2025 Napa County Landmarks Preservation Action Committee Member - 2015 to 2019
Education:
California State University, Hayward - Bachelor of Arts, Art; Teaching Credentials Pepperdine University - graduate level business classes Napa Citizens Academy Graduate Other relevant experience or expertise:
Winner of California Preservation Foundation Award - Preservation Design Award in the Restoration Category for a two homes in Napa, 2019 Courses in interior design and worked for two interior designers in San Francisco primarily as Executive Director with design/client assignments Over 45 years hands-on remodeling/restoring residences Apprentice Letterpress Printer using antique methods and machinery Additional Questions
What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this board? A commissioner on the Cultural Heritage Commission is responsible for preserving and protecting the City of Napa's historical, cultural, and architectural resources. To preserve the history of the buildings, structures, sites or areas that have important historical associations with past eras, events, persons and architectural styles. In doing so, current and future generations will have knowledge of the heritage of Napa's historical past. To use and understand the guidelines followed by the Commission in review of subject applications. To work with applicants to best achieve their plans while also being mindful of guidelines.
Karen C Wesson
Have you ever attended a meeting of this board? If so, how many? Yes. Having been on the CHC for four years I have attended many meetings during my role as commissioner as well as before that time.
What duties of this board are most interesting to you?
Review of projects as they apply to the guidelines and working with applicants and planning staff; special projects to educate the public about Napa's historical past. To preserve the historical character of Napa so that future generations will look back at our efforts with a positive view of decisions made by the Commission and City.
What activities of this board are least interesting to you? None
What programs or projects would you like to see improved or implemented? I would like to see the HRI be updated. I would like to see a guide for applicants to assist them in the process in the submission of a Certificate of Appropriateness so that they have an understanding of the process and what the goals of the CHC are so that they may be better prepared in their application.
How would you approach improving these project(s) or program(s)? In the guide I would suggest a timeline on the process; resources such as the website for the Secretary of Interior's Standards; suggestions for help such as historical architects and historians, Napa County Historical Society and Napa County Landmarks; what the Planning Department does what the CHC does, links to the Board and Commission Meetings website to attend or listen to current/past meetings; examples of what may be acceptable and what is not, with the goal of learning how a successful and clear application may be presented to the CHC.
Are you involved in any organizations or activities that may result in a conflict of interest if you are appointed to this board? None
Please list two local references and their phone numbers:
How did you learn of this vacancy?
Other
Karen C Wesson
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
City of Napa, Napa
Cultural Heritage Commissioner
2021- present
One of the five-m ember advisory representatives to the City Council on matters related to preservation of historic resources, mainly regarding the Historic Resources Element of the General Plan and the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
Napa County L andmarks, Napa County
Board of Directors Member
2017- 2019, 2023 - present
Member of the nonprofit organization that advocates for the appreciation and preservation of historic buildings, sites and districts through educational programs, public policy, research, and technical assistance.
Napa County Landmarks, Napa County
Preservation Action Committee M ember and Newsletter Columnist 2014 – 2019
Author of the Napa County Landmark’s A Resource Guide to Historic Property Research, Maintenance and Repair brochure on local, state, and federal resources for historic preservation. Regular columnist for the Newsletter – The Way it Was…
Ja mes Marzo Design and Martha Angus Inc., San Francisco Executive Director – Interior Design Firms
Oversaw the interior design firms of high end interior designers. Assisted in financial planning and development of company marketing strategies and conducted research for products, trends, inspirations, news, businesses, and social media. Created design plans and projects for clients.
Miller/Weiner Communications, San Francisco
Television Spokesperson –
Entertaining and Lifestyle Expert
Traveled throughout the United States a nd appeared on live television news and talk shows representing and publicizing corporate clients’ products, services, and brand image.
PRESERVATION P ROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• W inner of the 2019 California Preservation Foundation Award for Preservation • Re stor ed various historic buildings dating from 1856 to 1907 in the San Francisco Bay Area. • U nderstand s Secretary of Interiors Standards to ensure work or changes are compliant and appropriate. • U tilizes skills and research knowledge to incorporate standards with historical building preservation. • E xperience in wood en sash window renovation, woodworking, restoration challenges, and design. • K nowledge of s ources for appropriate vintage items for authentic restoration. • E xplores creative ways to salvage and reuse historical materials. • U nderstand s how to implement research discoveries of structures to restore in-kind lost details. • U se s historical and genealogy research to uncover the history and story of structures and individuals. • Fa miliar with the application process for the City of Napa Mills Act.
EDUCATION
California State University, Hayward
Bachelor of Arts Degree in A rt and Double Teaching Credentials
City of N apa Citizens Academy Graduate
KAREN C WESSON
Submit Date: May 22, 2025
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title
City of Napa Boards & Commissions
Profile
Mailing Address (if different than Resident Address above) Length of Residence in the City of Napa:
19 of the last 44 years (2 years most recently)
Length of Residence in the County of Napa:
39 of the last 46 years (since 1979)
Registered to vote in the City of Napa?
Yes No
Ethnicity *
Caucasian/Non-Hispanic
Interests & Experiences
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Cultural Heritage Commission: Submitted
Kent Rasmussen
Kent Rasmussen Winery Owner
Kent Rasmussen
Upload a Resume
Question applies to Planning Commission,Cultural Heritage Commission Some Commissions and Boards require specific seats to be designated as "Design Professionals". Are you applying as a Design Professional, which is defined as, "a person who demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the City Council, that he or she has professional experience (in the fields of architectural design, landscape architecture, urban planning, building, sustainability, or a related field) that is sufficient to assist the member in the effective evaluation of applications for development projects." ? If you have marked "YES", please provide details under "Relevant Experience" in this section. You may attach your resume below.
Yes No
Community Service Experience:
President - Rasmussen Family Fund - A charity that offers broad support for educational and cultural non-profits. While we support 501c3s statewide, we focus on groups close to home.
Member - Napa Valley Community Fund Past board member (long ago) - Wolff Center My wife, Celia Ramsay, has also served on the boards of the Freight and Salvage (Berkeley), The White Barn (St. Helena), Lark Music Camp (Mendocino), St. Helena Educational Foundation and others.
Education:
BA - History - UCB - 1979 BS - Viticulture and Enology - UCD - 1983 Other relevant experience or expertise:
I have had a lifelong interest in the preservation and rehabilitation of historic homes.
Currently, my wife and I live at 361 Franklin, one of the pretty Victorians in the block with all the redwood trees. We are doing our best to be good stewards of one of Napa's gems. Prior to our purchase of this house we lived in Berkeley for a few years and during that time we completed a garden to roof rehab of one of Bernard Maybeck's most significant homes in Berkeley (1325 Arch Street). In 1999 we built a unique craftsman style home in St. Helena (1001 Silverado Trail). In the mid 1980s, we brought three Resource Listed home in old town Napa back to life (367 Cross St., 1248 Hayes St and 1457 Calistoga Ave.). While rehabbing has never been a business for me, it has been a lifelong pursuit and, after 40 years I have a lot of knowledge about, and respect for, historic homes. Professionally I am a winemaker. I planted my first vineyard in Carneros in 1979. In 1986 my wife and I started a winery on that property and then moved it to St. Helena in 1995, then to the Napa Business Park in 2012.
Owning and operating a winery in the Napa Valley through the near entirety of the Valley's change from a fairly depressed agricultural community to what it is today gives me a lot of historical perspective.
Additional Questions
Kent Rasmussen
What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this board? In a broad sense, the Cultural Heritage Board role is to act as the City Council's steward of Napa's historic structures and neighborhoods. It should be the "go-to" group when information and guidance about historic structures is needed. More specifically, the Cultural Heritage Board gives thought to the current historic assets of the City and how best to manage these assets to forward the City's goal of maintaining its history. Many of Napa City's historic structures were lost in the 1960s and 1970s, but also a lot of its remaining assets have been diluted by poor renovation practices and inappropriate choices in new construction near historic assets. The Cultural Heritage Board's role is to be more thoughtful and try to minimize these issues in the future.
Have you ever attended a meeting of this board? If so, how many? I have been a board member for the last two years.
What duties of this board are most interesting to you?
--In the next few years urban planning throughout California is going to be full of new issues due to the emphasis on additional housing. ADUs, lot-splits, and infill are hot topics. While some historic areas are exempt from some of this, there is going to be a lot of pressure to make adjustments. My biggest interest is helping to shape the City's thinking on these issues. --To come to some understanding of why there are so many derelict homes in old- town Napa. Doing anything about them may be beyond the scope of action for the Cultural Heritage Board, but a better understanding of those property owner's issues and thinking would be worthwhile. --Next on my list would be to look at the issue of how to handle the many not-so-historic assets mixed into historical neighborhoods. --The above are all big projects, but there are some smaller, more direct items I would like to see at the forefront; things like encouraging the City Council to take more notice when property owners do good things to their historic homes.
What activities of this board are least interesting to you? I can't answer this--I don't know the scope of the board's less-than-interesting duties. I am sure there are a few that will not interest me, but I will do my duty towards those also.
What programs or projects would you like to see improved or implemented? I have a lot to learn about what has been and is being done in Napa regarding cultural preservation. Over time I will become more versed on the issue and I will become engaged with new programs and projects that I know nothing of today. Here are a few things that come to my mind now: --As mentioned above, I think that times are changing in the world of urban planning. I would very much like to be at the forefront of developing Napa's response to those changes. --Recently I completed a historic rehab of a Maybeck home in Berkeley which helped me see the value of Berkeley's various historical groups. We have some that here in Napa, but the more the better. Creating "community" amongst historical property owners tends to drive more people to be interested in preservation work on their homes. -- There are many "one-off" homes (geographically isolated in newer neighborhoods) and buildings in Napa that should be recognized for their place in Napa's history. I am unaware of a listing of these structures, but think that many of them are of value and should be noted.
How would you approach improving these project(s) or program(s)? As mentioned above, I need to learn a lot about what currently exists. Once I feel conversant, I will have a lot more to say.
Kent Rasmussen
Are you involved in any organizations or activities that may result in a conflict of interest if you are appointed to this board? It is likely in the next couple of years that I will be applying to do work on properties that I own that might require a certificate of appropriateness. If that happens, I will naturally recuse myself to avoid any conflicts. Other than that, I can think of nothing that will be an issue.
Please list two local references and their phone numbers:
How did you learn of this vacancy?
Internet
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Kent Rasmussen