Always November

WDB Lecture Series

Arik Housley

Always November: Lessons in Love, Loss, and Resilience
Arik Housley
Thursday, February 19, 2026
11:30 AM | Payson Library, Surfboard Room
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For nearly 30 years, Arik Housley has been a pillar of Napa Valley’s business community, operating grocery stores, Housley’s Century Oak Winery, and the beloved Italian restaurant Il Posto Trattoria. He also owns Napa Valley 1839 FC—men’s and women’s soccer teams competing in national leagues—built around a vision of family-friendly, soccer-centric entertainment. Housley’s book, Always November: Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience (Amazon Bestseller) chronicles his family’s journey through unimaginable grief and the search for hope after the tragic loss of his daughter, Alaina. At just 18, Alaina was a first-year student at Pepperdine University when she was killed in the 2018 Borderline mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. Seventeen-time best-selling author Jon Gordon praised Housley’s book, saying: “Housley’s journey shows that even unimaginable grief can become a catalyst for growth. Always November is a powerful testament to faith’s ability to transform pain into purpose, inspiring others to choose resilience, love, and hope even in life’s darkest moments.” In Alaina’s honor, Housley and his wife, Hannah, founded Alaina’s Voice Foundation, which promotes kindness, empathy, and mental well-being through education, music, and community support—anchored by the motto, “Be the positive change.” As a speaker, Housley combines vulnerability, humor, and authenticity to connect with audiences of all sizes. His heartfelt message encourages individuals and organizations to cultivate strength and compassion in the face of adversity. Congressman Mike Thompson describes him as “a tremendous speaker whose passion is tangible.”