" St. Helena says they want to attract more tourists.

Two days ago St. Helena's mayor says he doesn't want to allow the Wine Train to drop passengers off.

Common sense is lacking. "

" I notice St. Helena only wants to attract the wealthy and educated people. Typical St. Helena snob attitude. They refuse to see that regular people drive the economy.
They snubbed the wine train for years and now they might want it to stop in St. Helena? The wine train has helped keep a lot of traffic out of St. Helena. I wonder if those that rode the train and saw the anti train signs have marked St.Helena off their list when they return to the valley. Krusty has it right, there is definitely a lack of common sense in that town. "

" "Councilman Eric Sklar said some of the anti-business sentiment in St. Helena results from too many downtown businesses that cater to a narrow segment of the population."

this is spot on! "

" So let me get this correct...Now that their "Local Patrons" can no longer support them downtown St. Helena is going to magically change their position over night to become a tourist friendly destination? Wow. I hope they have a "How to be nice to others" class scheduled for all those shop owners and their employees who have been less than friendly to us Napans over the years. Times they are a changin' "

" Question: What are they going to do with Mayor Del Britton (who was strangely left out of this article) and his Anti-Tourist mentality? "

" I think it's a little too late--St. Helena has been very clear about how they value locals and "napkins" It must be difficult now with the economy in the tank--the sad thing is that everyone could see this train wreck coming, but the tourist dollars just seemed so appealing--I don't think you'll see locals run back to St. Helena to shop--we have been ignored for so long that we now go other places, such as S.F. or Walnut Creek "

" Just what we need - more tourists and traffic in the valley. I agree with smartypants - the shop owners definitely need a "be nice" class. I stopped going to St Helena and Yountville for just this reason. I grew up here in the valley and can't stand they way the locals are treated. The shop owners fixed their own boat and now are whining about it - call the wambulance....services them right "

" St. Helena's city government has been anti-business for so long it's hard to remember a time when they weren't. Tourism is a great thing for our Valley and we wouldn't survive now without it. The rents are so high in downtown, how could a merchant sell socks and t-shirts and make money? They can't. The stores and businesses in St. Helena make up well over 50% of the City's budget. Then why shouldn't the business community be allowed to thrive? St. Helena is charming, beautiful and where most valley residents wish they could live. It is true that St. Helena wants the right kind of tourist for their town. It's called target marketing. Smart move. Why market to non-wine drinkers, non-shoppers and non foodies when the town is made up of excellent world known restaurants, wineries and shops. Let's stop this, them against us, government vs. business community, locals vs. tourists. City vs County, City's vs City's. Let all work together for a better, stronger economy. "

" Dear Fellow Commentors,
As a current St. Helena resident and retail business owner on Main St, I am keen to read your comments and observations about the town. Thank you. Indeed, there has been an upswell in motivated business people and citizens who recognize that St. Helena must adapt to the stark realities that are affecting the private and thereby public revenues. I understand from living many years in a neighboring community that many people in the napa valley share a disdainful attitude toward St. Helena, based on experiencing a smug, non-welcoming, or haughty attitude from its merchants. Seven or five years ago, I would have agreed, however, since then, several new businesses have opened with new residents, new attitudes, and new products. However, unfortunately due to old hard feelings concerning the manner in which the wine train came to town, NIMBYisms, and an overall disconnect with the merchants and chamber, the city government has been reluctant to change... yet, each day is a new day and it is indeed not by chance that attitudes are changing. Through hard work from the chamber and active entities representing common sense... postive steps are being made. Does that mean that everyone is on board? No, as is reflected by the mayor's comments, but I do believe that he will eventually realize that his views are the minority and that they do not promote the quality of life which we as St. Helenans cherish, but rather due to sinking revenues, etc. threaten that which we currently enjoy so much. And count me as one St. Helenan among many who is happy to welcome and share my town with others so that they may too want to come again. Thank you for sharing. "

" You wanna know the first time I ever heard the term "Joe sixpack"? While working in an office in St. Helena in reference to south county residents, as in, "Joe sixpack Napkins"... "

" Enough already with your negativity. People who live outside of Napa think the same snobbish thoughts about you Napa dwellers. Get over it. "

" I dont buy much in St. Helena since Ben Franklin closed.

Locals need a place to buy shoe laces not stores like Foot Candy!

Rents are way too high for local servicing shops to locate here. Sad really, so many wanted to make a killing. They are killing the retail of the town. "