On June 1, the Napa Police Department, Napa City Fire Department, Napa County Sheriff’s Office, Calistoga Police Department and the California Highway Patrol launched a free  community information service called Nixle. Using Nixle, these agencies can notify residents in real time when there are public safety emergencies, traffic advisories, crime trends, safety tips and public safety agency special events. Like Twitter, messages are sent to cell phones, e-mails or other Web-enabled devices that allow instant access to information. Nixle allows subscribers to follow agencies in multiple locations, so not only can you follow your home area but also follow any area where you may have family or friends. As Nixle grows, more areas are added monthly. This service is completely free to Napa County residents, except for any charges you may incur for receiving text messages.

• The County Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a hearing on the County’s Housing Element at 10 a.m. today at the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1195 Third St. in Napa.

The Napa Valley Register and NapaValleyRegister.com publishes monthly statistics on arrests and convictions for driving under the influence — and so-called “wet reckless” convictions — in Napa County.

The family of the Napa woman who survived last week’s crash on Silverado Trail has confirmed that she lost her unborn child in the accident.

The Napa Valley Register has dropped a public records lawsuit against the city of American Canyon and the American Canyon Fire District, ending a dispute that started when city officials decided not to publish a report about firefighter abuses of a bonus program.

They’re technically adults now, but Vintage High School’s graduating seniors will always be their parents’ children. Just ask Anne Base, mother of Shannon Base, her 18-year-old middle child and one of Vintage’s most recent graduates.

An American Canyon teenager who pleaded no contest to killing a Vallejo man in 2007 is on his way to state prison.

A blue silhouette beneath the Memorial Stadium bleachers, John Baker was waiting for the Napa High School graduation ceremony to begin Wednesday afternoon when he was jolted with the realization: Once he crossed that stage, everything would change.

Downtown Napa has good “bones,” but needs a lot of work if it is to fulfill its potential.

Napa artist Gordon Huether smiles at the unveiling of his sculpture ‘Barrel of Leggy Fun’ on the Coombs Street side of the Fifth Street garage on Wednesday afternoon.