Calistoga has a permanent city manager again. On Tuesday night, Oct. 27, all five City Council members approved making Mitchell "Mitch" Celaya III the Upvalley city's top appointed official, the Napa Valley Register reported. The council's agenda listed a resolution appointing Celaya as city manager and approving his employment agreement.
Who is Mitch Celaya?
- Celaya, 65, led the Calistoga Police Department from 2012 to 2024 before becoming assistant city manager.
- He has been acting city manager since Laura Snideman resigned in August 2025. The Register reported that she resigned amid complaints of a hostile work environment, unprofessional behavior and mounting staff resignations.
- The city received more than 25 applications. The council interviewed its top choices Sept. 10 before naming Celaya the most qualified candidate, City Clerk Yudiana Galvan wrote in a staff report.
Pay
Celaya gets a $10,000 raise, to $300,000 a year, the Register reported. Two public speakers objected to the salary. One said the money should go to the Napa Food Bank or the Calistoga Teen Center instead. Vice Mayor Lisa Gift responded: "It's a hard pill to swallow; it's also a hard job to have."
What council members said
"I think that Mitch has a huge moral compass. He cares about this community in a big way," Gift said. Councilmember Irais Lopez-Ortega added: "Regardless of any difficulties, he's there for our community."
"I'm here because I want to be here," Celaya said after the vote. "I'm here to serve the community and the council for as long as they're willing to have me."
More Calistoga news: why Calistoga canceled its 2026 election.