Napa Valley Power Struggle: The Clash Between County Supervisors and Wine Executives

Belia Ramos’ six-year conflict with the Napa County Farm Bureau, which started with disagreements on policy, has escalated to a deeply personal and public struggle. The friction intensified after the death of Farm Bureau executive Ryan Klobas, who took his own life in January 2024, shortly after a series of events that drew Ramos into a maelstrom of accusations and backlash from prominent figures in Napa’s wine industry.

Initially, Ramos, a daughter of a vineyard worker and an elected official known for her environmental advocacy, was supported by the local agricultural community. But tensions arose when she opposed the Farm Bureau on various issues, including environmental regulations. As her disagreements with them grew, the transparency and support she once enjoyed eroded, with the Farm Bureau openly distancing itself from her.

The situation became especially tense following the introduction of Measure C, aimed at tightening environmental regulations on vineyards, which Ramos initially opposed. The fallout from this campaign fostered a belief among some that she was not a team player. By late 2019, Ramos had lost endorsements from several key supporters, including Diane Dillon, a long-time member of the Board of Supervisors.

Ramos faced increased scrutiny when the COVID-19 vaccination rollout began. She received criticism for receiving a vaccine dose out of order, which led to calls for her resignation and prompted the Board of Supervisors to initiate an investigation.

The crisis deepened through an uncomfortable personal relationship with Klobas. As their political differences grew, Klobas’ behavior transitioned from a professional engagement to personal harassment, blurring the lines of their interactions. Ramos’ discomfort escalated into feelings of being stalked and harassed, particularly after receiving text messages and spotting Klobas unexpectedly at events where he had no official capacity. Over time, these experiences left her feeling vulnerable and alone in her political landscape.

After Klobas’ tragic passing, Ramos experienced a shifting dynamic among her peers. At a chamber of commerce luncheon shortly after his death, she sensed hostility from former friends and allies, particularly from Lesley Dommen and Jeri Hansen, who publicly linked Ramos to Klobas’ suicide.

Matters reached a boiling point in March 2024 when private family court documents concerning Ramos’ ongoing custody battle were reportedly distributed in her community. Ramos believes this act was a concerted effort to undermine her political campaign. In response, she filed for a restraining order against Dommen, who acknowledged providing sensitive documents to an array of influential people with political stakes against Ramos.

Confronted by such relentless hostility, Ramos continues to stride forward, reaffirming her commitment to Napa County. She has garnered sympathetic support while simultaneously garnering foes amidst the pervasive political strife. As the turmoil continues to unfold, Ramos stands resilient, emphasizing, “This didn’t break me… I’m sure beat up by it. But it didn’t break me.”

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!