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December 25, 2009
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With the tough times, the Christmas spirit was especially needed this year, and once again it came through in many giving campaigns.

That was true of the Toys for Kids fundraiser and toy drive, which last Saturday gave out toys and Christmas cheer to children in need and their families.

Toys for Kids is a nonprofit effort started by a group of local volunteers and Congressman Mike Thompson.

Brad Onorato, Thompson's district representative, said this is the toy drive's 14th year, and it was both a successful and heart-wrenching effort.


December 22, 2009
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The Obama administration took a step Monday toward silencing tarmac horror stories by ordering airlines to let passengers stuck in stranded airplanes get off the plane after three hours of waiting.

The move drew applause from North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson, who originally sponsored “passenger bill of rights” legislation several years ago.

”This is a big victory for airline passengers,” Thompson said in a press release. “Passengers no longer have to give up their basic rights when they step on an airplane.”


December 4, 2009
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Napa Valley Register

The battle of Calistoga ended Thursday with a federal decision to grant a new American Viticultural Area appellation to Calistoga, forcing one local winery to change its business.
Issues:Wine & Agriculture

December 3, 2009
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San Francisco Chronicle

After holding their breath for six years, Napa Valley winemakers can now put the name "Calistoga" on wines made from grapes grown in that historic town, federal regulators have ruled.

The decision (read it here in PDF) ends a long slog through regulatory red tape, and completes a crucial piece of the valley's intricate system for labeling its wines â€" one that stands to make bottles from the area even more valuable.

Issues:Wine & Agriculture

December 3, 2009
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Eureka Times Standard

Having served a tour in Afghanistan in 2005 and 2006, Humboldt County Deputy District Attorney Allan Dollison was thrilled Tuesday to hear President Barack Obama announce that he would be sending 30,000 more troops to the war-torn region.
Issues:Defense

December 1, 2009
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San Francisco Chronicle

Andy Beckstoffer, the founder of Napa Valley's Beckstoffer Vineyards, wanted to donate a piece of his land to conservation, but it didn't make sense financially - his property would bring in much more if he sold it than left it to grow grapes forever.

But when Congress passed legislation in 2006 to bolster tax deductions to those who donated conservation easements, Beckstoffer set aside the 90-acre To Kalon Vineyard in Rutherford.

Issues:Energy & Environment

November 27, 2009
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Napa Valley Register

Solar energy is hot. Not just with wineries attempting to lessen their carbon footprints â€" but also with thieves.

Numerous Napa Valley wineries have been victimized by thieves lurking in the night and stealing their solar arrays.
A single panel is worth about $1,000, measures two feet by three feet and weighs around 35 pounds.
Issues:Wine & Agriculture

November 24, 2009
News Articles

North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson introduced legislation last week that would require Congress to responsibly recycle its e-waste.

Co-authored by representatives Gene Green, D-TX, Mary Bono Mack, R-CA, and Brian Bilbray, R-CA, House Resolution 938 aims to make sure that the outdated electronic equipment discarded by members of Congress and their staffs ends up recycled, and not in landfills or incinerators.

Issues:Energy & Environment

November 18, 2009
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Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) has introduced legislation to boost solar panel manufacturing in the United States.

H.R. 4085 will offer a significant tax credit to solar manufacturers, which will stimulate job creation here in the United States. Representatives Dave Camp (R-MI), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Patrick Tiberi (R-OH) are original cosponsors of the bill.

Issues:Energy & Environment

November 12, 2009
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Napa Valley Register

Veterans from Napa's wars of yesteryear gathered at Veterans Memorial Park Wednesday morning to pay tribute to all who have served in uniform.

Speakers made the point that “freedom isn't free.” Since the nation's founding, it has required military sacrifice.

More than 150 people, some carrying small American flags, heard an hour of speeches, patriotic songs, military music, prayers and the somber playing of bagpipes.

Issues:Veterans