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Tribune
Calistoga
Independently owned and published in Calistoga for Calistogans since 2002
May 29, 2015
u New bricks added
Veterans Memorial adds
11 new bricks to pathway
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uPut Up or Shut Up!
Rosie goes cherry picking
t Graduation time!
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12
Judge awards $587,000 to Reynold’s attorney
n Grass Valley attorney wanted $2.8M in attorney fees, judge reduces award based on poor record-keeping
By Pat Hampton
Tribune Staff Writer
Napa County Superior Judge
Diane Price has ruled against
the $2.77 million attorney William McKinnon sought for attorney fees for his work on behalf
of Grant Reynolds of San Diego.
But she did award $587,000 to the
Grass Valley attorney for some of
his work.
Judge Price reviewed records
from McKinnon and noted that
“Plaintiff has not supported his
claim for such a large award of attorney’s fees and cost.”
In her orders filed April 16, she
did find merit in some of McKinnon’s claim, but also found that
his record-keeping was “generally
vague and lack(s) sufficient information.”
The Grass Valley lawyer has
been representing Reynolds since
2009 as he brought several lawsuits against the city over water and
wildlife. He was denied any award
of attorney fees by Napa Superior
Court Judge Raymond Guadagni
last summer. Reynolds and McKinnon appealed to the First Appellate
District Div. 5 Court of Appeal and
1.6 million gal
storage pond
to be built
it reversed the trial court’s finding
that McKinnon was not entitled to
fees and sent the review back to
the Napa County Superior Court
where the original hearing had taken place. By then Judge Guadagni
See LAWSUITS page 11
Graduations
for 6th, 8th
& 12th grades
n State cease and desist
n CES ceremony kicks
order pushes project
off week of celebrations
By Pat Hampton
Tribune Publisher
By Pat Hampton
A state water board’s cease and
desist order to find and construct
more storage for recycled water
has pushed the city council to authorize the construction of a new
pond that will hold 16.3 million
gallons of treated water.
City manager Richard Spitler’s
report to the city council at its
May 5 meeting indicated how
urgent the new pond has become
with the requirements from the
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board ordering the city to construct additional
storage capacity.
Seven bids from contractors
were received for the project, and
San Rafael company Maggiora
& Ghilotti’s offer of $1.09 million was the lowest bid and was
See POND page 11
Family Center
celebrates
volunteers,
15 years
n Anne Carver thanked
as founding member
By Pat Hampton
Tribune Publisher
Thanking supporters and staff
at a 15th anniversary breakfast
Wednesday, officials of the Upvalley Family Centers took a few moments to thank and acknowledge
the people who helped make that
dream come true.
Indira Lopez, program director
at the Calistoga site, and CEO Jenny Ocon recognized Anne Carver
as the founder of the center. CarvSee FAMILY CENTER page 3
Tribune Publisher
Photo by Lisa Gift
Jim Barnes helps Lynda Pelley lay a brick for Dale T. Pelley, one of 11 new bricks added to the veterans
memorial in Logvy Community Park on Saturday morning.
Saluting those who served
n Large attendance at
See GRADUATIONS page 11
Chamber
announces
winners
two memorial services
By Lisa Gift
Tribune Contributor
Tradition carries on as Calistoga held its annual Memorial Day
ceremonies, marking 133 consecutive years, and making it the oldest
running celebration in Calistoga
history.
The weekend started off with
new bricks being added to the Veterans Memorial at Logvy Park.
Volunteers set the bricks early Saturday morning and were accompanied by family members of those
being remembered.
“This is my favorite day of the
year,” said volunteer Paul Coates,
“remembering our veterans.”
Veteran Tony Gomez, 91, was
in attendance. Gomez is one five
brothers who all served during
WWII and was at the brick laying
to honor his brothers.
“We are adding bricks today for
The whirlwind of graduation
and its accompanying strains on
time, family, finances and students
begins next week with the Calistoga Elementary School’s sixth
grade class of 62 students gathering at Berry Field in front of hundreds of friends and family for the
diploma ceremony at 7 p.m.
Speakers will include soonto-be junior high students Jimena
Guerrero, Gigi Thienes, Karla Urzua, and Lucia Marquez who will
talk about changing campuses but
still being surrounded by friends
they’ve known since kindergarten
or even preschool. Principal Vicka
Llamas will host the event and
pass the class on to seventh grade.
The next evening, Thursday,
n Community Awards
luncheon set for June 22
By Pat Hampton
Tribune Publisher
Photo by Lisa Gift
Firing squad of volunteers from the of Sons of Union Veterans of the
Civil War fire a salute during veterans services at Pioneer Cemetery.
three of my brothers, John Gomez,
Paul Gomez and Benito Gomez.
Last year Lucas and I had our
stones put in, this year the stones
are going in for the other three
brothers,” stated Gomez.
“We all served at the same time
during WWII, we were all in different places and served different
roles. Three were in the Army, one
See VETERANS page 5
The Chamber of Commerce
will recognize five Community
Award winners at a luncheon on
Monday, June 22 from 11:30 a.m.
– 1:30 p.m. at the Calistoga Inn &
Brewery.
The annual announcement of
award winners and new board
members will highlight the afternoon gathering.
See AWARDS page 11