Dear editor, I would like to clarify the record regarding information mentioned in a recent letter in the St. Helena Star entitled “Local Merchants are Generous” on Nov. 29.

Bob and Kate Skupny wrote that my business, Lolo’s, has a business interest in the city of Napa. While that was once the case (I was a partner in a business called “Lolita’s” from July 2005 to May 2006), the partnership has since dissolved and I am no longer doing business in Napa.

More importantly the Skupnys also implied that the only reason that Lolo’s had donated to Napa causes was because of the aforementioned business interest. Actually, my donations are of a more personal nature as my family and I have lived in Napa for eight of the 11 years I have been in business in St. Helena. I feel very much a part of both of these communities as well as larger-shared community of the Napa Valley.

I believe it is imperative to give back to the community that has supported me for all of these years. But I also believe that it is good business to reach those that don’t live in St. Helena, but who visit and shop here. What better way to serve new customers than by trying to reach out to our whole Napa Valley community.

Having one foot in each of the communities of St. Helena and Napa, I agree with S. McCart-Stebben who wrote in her original letter, “St. Helena Snubs Napa Charities,” that we are all locals. With the openings of several St. Helena businesses in the Oxbow and downtown Napa, the line that divides Upvalley from the “Rest of the Valley” hopefully will become less pronounced.

Kristine Waldenburg / St. Helena