The city of Napa hired a ringer 12 years ago when it signed on Cassandra Walker as redevelopment and economic development director. “My entire professional background has been oriented toward development in some form or another,” she says. “I started my career working for a developer, then went on to negotiating public-private agreements for the University of California. I had a stint doing economic development in Arizona, then worked on downtown revitalization and redevelopment in San Juan Capistrano. I took a leave of absence in 1994-95 to get my masters degree in historic preservation.”
An avid amateur photographer, gardener, bookworm and chef, Walker cites the recent dedication of the new downtown riverfront and Veteran’s Park as a crowning professional achievement: “In 2003, after a year of planning and community meetings, we approved a plan for the new downtown riverfront. [The Park] is a key piece of the project for the community. It was great to see the families walking along the trail and the children playing.”
What are the best and hardest things about your job?
The best thing is working with creative people who truly want to make a difference and do the right thing. The hardest part is politics and self-interest.
Do you have a pet?
Murphy is my 10-year-old boxer. She gets me up every morning for a walk and always makes me smile. She’s had about nine lives…and keeps going.
If you were given $5,000 to spend in one store in the world, where would you do your shopping?
When I travel, I love to look in local art stores for treasures by local artists—photography, furniture, ceramics, glass, etc.
Do you believe in destiny?
Yes, but I also believe you need to be observant enough to open the doors and follow the paths that are presented.
If you could have a different career than the one you have now, what would it be?
Philanthropist. I’d like to have the means to make a difference, locally or nationally, to improve the quality of people’s lives.
If you could spend one hour doing absolutely anything, what would it be?
This is the hardest question: sailing, reading, walking on the beach, seeing a museum exhibit, enjoying a glass of wine with friends. There’s never enough time to do everything you want to.
What fuels you?
Knowing that every day will be a little different and present a new opportunity.
What item in your office has special significance for you?
I have a rain stick for good luck. Every once in a while, we need to shake up the karma in the office.
What sound drives you crazy?
Screeching breaks on a car.
What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?
Right now, I’m reading Leap! What Will We Do with the Rest of Our Lives? by Sara Davidson. For those of us around 50, it’s a great reminder to start thinking about how we want to spend the rest of our lives and to make some changes now.
What’s your favorite or most memorable line from a movie?
“Here’s looking at you, kid,” or “We don’t need no stinking badges.” I guess it depends on whether I’m in a romantic or sarcastic mood.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
A vacation to a far away place I haven’t seen before.
What’s in your garage?
The most remarkable thing about my garage is probably that I can fit my car in it.
When you travel, do you pack too much or too little? Explain.
I limit myself to what I can carry—usually a suitcase and tote with my camera.
What’s your favorite TV show?
I love to watch “Sunday Morning” on CBS. They have the best special interest stories.
Which bad habit irritates you the most in other people?
Complaining and interrupting someone who’s in the middle of a thought. People often overlook the positive and go right to the negative. And, in this fast-paced world, many don’t have the patience to let some finish what they’re saying.
What compliment did you receive recently that you really savored?
I recently hung a series of flower photographs I’d taken at Back Room Wines and received some great compliments.
