GRAND OPENING — Guests enjoy refreshments near the grand entrance of the new White House Inn and Spa on Brown Street.

At Wine Colleagues in St. Helena, Herb Schmidt advises vineyard owners and wineries in a number of key areas including government and industry relations. It’s advice he’s well qualified to give, having spent 24 years working with Robert Mondavi in that capacity and more.  

The jury is still out on whether or not we have the first big recession of the 21st century.

As I continue my extended stay in Japan, I’m struck anew by the contradictions that run through Japan society. Though I’m a big fan of Japan’s group-identity orientation that plays such an important role in its low crime rates, and remain impressed by the Japanese adherence to teamwork, company loyalty, and just plain good manners on a society-wide basis, I’m keenly aware that these wholesome tendencies underwrite a tedious “groupthink” and a near-total surrender of democratic principles.

Realtor Cathy D’Angelo Holmes announces two new tenants for the Napa Square complex rising around the old Wells Fargo Bank building at First and Franklin streets in downtown Napa.