Conversations with Calistoga

Well known within the school district and Rotary Club, Kevin and his spouse Mary have attended and supported almost all Calistoga civic organizations, fundraisers and events over the years.  His dog Cosmo, often seen with Kevin in town, is almost as well known and ... respected...  Stepping out of those well traveled grooves Kevin is now running for Calistoga City Council at a time when many significant debates, events, and decisions will come before the city.  Here, we hopefully learn more about Kevin and what motivates him.

Most people know Calistoga has a famous Fourth of July parade, and another December Tractor Parade.  But "The Horrible Parade" used to characterize the town, and is remembered now for its irreverent, politically incorrect and often raunchy humour.  Paul Ingalls, born in Calistoga, recites for us many of the stories of this seminal period in Calistoga's history, and which even today is woven into the fabric of the town.

After ten long, momentous and often difficult years, Mayor Canning has chosen to not run for re-election.  As he enters the last quarter of his term as mayor, he reflects on the Calistoga of then, and now, the highs and lows of his leadership, and perhaps indirectly what it was that had him regularly re-elected by Calistogans during such turbulent times.

After a Pandemic Podcast hiatus, Season Two begins : Gary Kraus, sitting Calistoga City Council member, is the first to declare candidacy to succeed current Mayor Chris Canning who will not run in the November election.  Gary has been serving the city since 1999 when he arrived in Calistoga, and is widely known across the city.  Here, he addresses what motivates him and why he is running for mayor.

Recorded in May 2020, this episode is the last of Season 1. 

 Mitch Celaya has  (even now in 2022) headed our Police Department for many years and has provided clear leadership through interesting times.  He speaks of his background, which enables him to view the many constituencies of Calistoga with understanding and empathy.

Wandering the streets of Calistoga you can often hear casual conversation in Russian or another Slavic language.  The interesting and unusual history behind that is told by Mother Tabitha of the Holy Assumption Monastery, located in Calistoga.  Mother Tabitha also discusses the history of the Monastery itself, whose nuns can often be seen in town.

Julie Garcia is a well-spoken co-founder and representative of the Calistoga ADELANTE group, which in a short time has made quite an impact in Calistoga.  Arguing for better education and improved city facilities, the group represents a young, energetic future for Calistoga.

Dateline: Late May 2020, Calistoga, California

Founder/Publisher of the Calistoga Tribune, Pat Hampton, reflects back on the two months of community and economic shutdown (SARS-COVID).  As we are now in late May on the brink of the community re-opening even under strict controls, change is underway, and before our collective memories fade Pat talks of the long, strange trip it's been.