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