Readers of her three popular Napa Valley mystery novels know her as Nadia Gordon. The book jacket photos show a stylish young woman with a model's cheekbones in a fanciful feathered scarf.

In Napa County during the last five years, an increasing number of children have been receiving needed dental care, and more families been able to get affordable health insurance. Home visits to new moms have encouraged more breastfeeding, which helps build a child's immunity to diseases. More preschool children have been learning to love books by reading with their parents.

On a dreary winter day several years ago a photograph caught my eye in the Napa Valley Register. The familiar tiles of a Mah-Jongg set filled the frame and the caption announced a pending "Day of Mah-Jongg" fundraiser for the Napa Valley Symphony. Warmth immediately blanketed the bleak afternoon.

The long-dormant idea of teaching public school students about the literary and historic importance of the Bible is getting a fresh look this year from state legislatures and local school boards -- though with political bickering and questions about what should be included.

Unitarians to consider mother's role

Although the cold wet spring delayed the iris bloom season, John and Lesley Painter, owners of Napa County Iris Gardens, said it is turning into a glorious season with the gardens in full bloom for Mother's Day, one of the most popular days to visit.

Education

Since opening in 2003, the Carneros Inn has been a magnet for celebrities, high-end executives and others who enjoy the simple life (with style) -- and don't mind paying for it. Set on the hills of the Carneros district, the setting is stunning, with bucolic views of vineyards, horses and farm animals. Resort guests stay in sumptuously appointed "cottages," scattered in little communities around the 27-acre resort.

Golden Key Honour Society inducts Young

"They don't talk human," explained James Taft, 9, to his mother as he corralled Spike, his Bernese Mountain dog, and Sienna, a chocolate Labrador, in for a bath on a recent afternoon, despite the human-dog language barrier.