Cinepa Nomination Committee Meeting - February 9, 2026

The Cinepa Nomination Committee, consisting of Council Members Narvaez and Painter, met on the evening of February 9, 2026 to interview candidates and recommend appointments to the Parks and Recreation and Trees Advisory Commission, including a high school student representative.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from September 30, 2025 were approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke.

Discussion Items

• High School Representative: Trajan Bynum, a freshman at New Technology High School, introduced himself, expressing a long-time love for Napa's parks and a desire to have a voice in the community. Council members praised his previous participation in a kids' council and unanimously moved to appoint him, noting his voice would be valued though he would not have voting rights. The appointment is for a term through June (to avoid mid-school-year breaks) and can be reapplied for later.
• Adult Commission Candidates: Three candidates were interviewed for two open two-year terms (ending September 30, 2027) on the Parks and Recreation and Trees Advisory Commission. Two of the three commission seats require demonstrated experience in fields such as urban planning, park operations, or horticulture.
  • Darren Graffius: A landscape architect who moved to Napa three and a half years ago. He emphasized the importance of public space, street trees, and environmental challenges. He showed awareness of current projects like Harvest Middle School and the Napa River project. Council member Painter asked about his understanding of the commission's role, and he described reviewing projects and making recommendations to staff and council. Painter also inquired about community input for the Harvest Middle School property, to which Darren suggested surveys, workshops, and field trips.
  • Drew: An environmental scientist and geographer with volunteer experience in recreation, trails, and scouting. New to Napa (three and a half years), he expressed interest in learning the community and contributing his skills in organizing volunteers and writing RFPs. He mentioned researching park infrastructure and the capital investment policy. He was asked how his outside experience adds value and about Fuller Park's design process. He admitted he was not fully informed on Fuller Park specifics but had seen the equipment arrival and acknowledged the importance of a deliberative contracting process.
  • Simone Katz O'Neill: A resident of 11 years, attorney, and parent of two, with a dog. She highlighted her heavy park use, previous service on the county Library Commission, and co-chairing the successful Measure B school bond campaign. She noted she would provide a feminine perspective on an all-male commission. She mentioned involvement with the Napa Moms group and a legal background that could help with tree appeals. Asked about priorities, she pointed to playground improvements, restroom enhancements, and using surveys and community outreach (e.g., via Napa Moms and the Parks and Rec Foundation) to guide park usage and improvements. She also discussed the need for splash pads as a hot issue among local parents.

Key Outcomes

• High School Representative: Trajan Bynum was appointed by unanimous voice vote. The recommendation will go to the City Council for formal appointment at its next meeting (likely via consent calendar).
• Adult Commission Recommendations: Darren Graffius and Simone Katz O'Neill were selected as the recommended nominees. The committee used a weighted vote (1–3 scale, 3 = highest qualified). Results: Darren received 5 total points (Council Member Narvaez: 2, Painter: 3); Simone received 5 points (Narvaez: 3, Painter: 2); Drew received 2 points (both council members gave him 1). Drew was not recommended but was encouraged to reapply when terms expire in September 2026 or to get involved through other organizations like the Parks Foundation or City Academy.
• Designation of Expertise: The committee will recommend that Darren Graffius serve as one of the two designated expert members (with experience in landscape architecture). Current commissioner Jeffrey Richard will be reassigned as the second designated expert, joining Brian Bordona to fulfill the code requirement of three expert members.
• Next Steps: The recommendations will be submitted to the City Council for formal appointment at its next meeting. Appointees will receive oath of office and Brown Act training from the clerk's office.