Reopening California: Napa residents encouraged by Newsom's visit, COVID-19 update

Gavin Newsom's update and visit gave Napa County businesses a life in hope, but many are still anxiously awaiting the reopening of wineries, which ultimately is what brings in the customers... and the cash.

NAPA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- While this was Governor Gavin Newsom's first COVID-19 trip to Napa, he certainly knew what to expect.

For weeks now, we've been hearing locals trying to balance the benefits of re-opening with the risks.

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When the governor finished today, most of Napa sounded encouraged, despite vagaries.

"There is a reason we're here and that is the spirit of collaboration and cooperation," said Newsom.

In Napa, it sounded like a signal for hope that office buildings and dine-in restaurants might be opening as part of Phase 2, soon.

"I would say thumbs up. You turn everything back on," said long-time Napa resident Thayne Porlier.

That cannot happen soon enough in Napa.

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COVID-19 has already cost them BottleRock. Where we would normally see sold out crowds this weekend, we found a coronavirus testing center, instead.

"It is a huge loss professionally and personally for people," said Michelle Knoll, an innkeeper.
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Hotels and B&B's that should be overflowing are now empty.

"This could be the nail in the coffin here," said Jamie Cherry, who co-owns The Inn on First.

He has hung a "No Vacancy" sign on the front door. It keeps people from knocking until Napa does open up.

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"My interpretation is that the governor is saying they are trying to move up the dates of the phases. But, until the wineries re-open it is not going to do us any good, really."

Wineries remain off the list, for now.

That is a continuing frustration for Tom Davies at V. Sattui because restaurants are likely to re-open first.

"What is the difference between sitting in a restaurant of having a glass of wine?" he asked.
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At Sweetie Pies Bakery off of Main Street, owner Toni Chiappetta compared COVID-19 to floods, fires, earthquakes, and recessions. Pardon the pun, but COVID-19 takes the cake, she said.

Had Governor Newsom walked in, today, here is what would she have told him.

"I would say you did a fantastic job, but now we need to lessen up a little bit."

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Napa residents encouraged by Newsom's visit, update on reopening California