THOMPSON ANNOUNCES 2026 SOLANO COUNTY CLIMATE CRISIS CHAMPION

St. Helena, CA - Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Sean McNamara was chosen as the 2026 Solano County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California's Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

"Mr. McNamara is a real leader when it comes to regenerative farming," said Thompson. "Mr. McNamara manages Sierra Orchards, the largest regenerative organic walnut farm in the world, where he's integrated new, sustainable farming methods like using sheep grazing instead of relying on pesticides, creating an orchard recycling program in lieu of open burning, and composting agricultural waste instead of discarding it. Under his leadership, Sierra Orchards uses 30 percent less water and 50 percent less diesel than conventionally farmed walnut operations. I am honored to name Mr. McNamara a Climate Crisis Champion."

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year's Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all.

This year's venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

• Luis Santana - Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
• Christina Benz - Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
• Sean McNamara - Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
• Richard Dale - Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
• Dr. Ruihong Zhang - Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion