Against a backdrop of rising political violence and targeted attacks nationwide, Napa residents will gather Sunday to declare there’s no place for hate in their community.
Napa Day Against Hate, launched last year after hateful yard signs appeared in the Browns Valley neighborhood and other divisive messages posted around town, returns for its second annual event with a larger lineup of speakers and performances.
“This year, we wanted to make it bigger,” organizer Tracy Mayne said. “Since the 2024 election, we’ve seen a lot of hate activity nationally — from antisemitism and anti immigrant sentiments to homophobia. It’s really important for our community to come together to show that everyone is welcome here and hate is not a value consistent with Napa.”
Mayne emphasized the event is not political but an invitation for everyone — regardless of political leaning — to unite against hate.
Set for 12:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at downtown Napa’s Veterans Memorial Park, the event will feature speakers including Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena; Napa City Council member Bernie Narvaez; Napa County Supervisor Joelle Gallagher; and Alonso Corona of the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Music performances will include longtime Napa DJ Rotten Robbie and singer-songwriter Desirae Harp, a member of the Mishewal Wappo tribe.
The Vintage High and Justin-Siena High choirs were originally slated to perform but have since withdrawn. Vintage High, which performed at the event last year, informed organizers they were backing out due to safety concerns amid an increasingly violent national climate. Neither school responded to requests for comment.
“How sad to have your local high school choir not perform because of fear,” Mayne said. “That is how hate damages us. It drives us apart. And that’s why it’s so important to have these events — to counter that kind of fear.”
Security is a top priority for organizers, who include Councilmember Beth Painter, Supervisor Gallagher and other community leaders. They’ve hired a private security firm and will have volunteer safety officers at the park, Mayne said.
Last year’s event drew about 250 people to Westwood Hills Park, where participants marched along Browns Valley Road and children chalked messages of love and inclusion on the sidewalks. Organizers expect about 500 attendees this year.
If you go
What: Napa Day Against Hate, a community gathering promoting unity and inclusion, featuring speakers, music and performances
When: 12:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2025
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 800 Main St., Napa
How much: Free and open to the public