Calistoga Appoints Former Police Chief as Acting City Manager

Mitchell Celaya will serve a one-year term as the city searches for a permanent replacement.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Calistoga City Council has appointed Mitchell Celaya, the city's former police chief and assistant city manager, to serve as the acting city manager for a one-year term. Celaya will be paid an annual salary of $290,000 as the city searches for a permanent replacement following the resignation of former City Manager Laura Snideman.

Why it matters

Celaya's appointment comes after a tumultuous period for the city, with Snideman's departure marked by staff complaints and public criticism of her management. The council is hoping Celaya's experience and consensus-building skills will help stabilize the city administration.

The details

Celaya previously served more than a decade as Calistoga's police chief and a year as its assistant city manager. As assistant city manager, he assisted department directors, demonstrated experience in negotiating contracts, and built consensus to move projects forward. As police chief, he steered the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and fire disasters.

  • Celaya took over as interim city manager immediately after Snideman resigned in August 2025.
  • The Calistoga City Council unanimously approved Celaya's new contract on February 17, 2026.

The players

Mitchell Celaya

Calistoga's former police chief and assistant city manager, who has been appointed as the acting city manager for a one-year term.

Laura Snideman

The former Calistoga city manager whose three-year tenure was marked by staff complaints and public criticism of her management.

Lisa Gift

The Calistoga vice mayor who praised Celaya's appointment, saying his staff believes in him and supports him.

Michelle Kenyon

The Calistoga city attorney who highlighted Celaya's experience and qualifications in the staff report recommending his appointment.

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What they’re saying

“On the heels of an incredibly toxic prior management situation, you have come and taken the reins. Your staff believes in you and they support you. We're really honored to have you in this role.”

— Lisa Gift, Vice Mayor (pressdemocrat.com)

What’s next

The Calistoga City Council decided to begin the recruitment process for a permanent city manager within six months.

The takeaway

Celaya's appointment as acting city manager is seen as a stabilizing force for Calistoga after a tumultuous period under the previous city manager. His experience and consensus-building skills are expected to help the city navigate this transition period as it searches for a permanent replacement.