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.

• Napa County Assessor John Tuteur and staff are working to review all properties that may have declined in value as of Jan. 1, 2009. A property’s assessed value determines the amount of annual property tax the owner pays. All single family homes in the municipalities and homes in the unincorporated area on less than five acres are being reviewed without the owner needing to contact the assessor. Owners of other residential, commercial or industrial properties are urged to contact the assessor if they believe the value of the property had declined by Jan. 1, 2009, to a level below its factored base-year value as shown on the 2008-2009 property tax bill. Owners can contact Tuteur at 253-4459 or jtuteur@co.napa.ca.us. Results of the decline in value review will be sent to property owners in July 2009.

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.

A Napa woman is under arrest for reportedly causing a vehicle collision Monday night while being drunk.

Former Napa Police Chief Dan Monez is considering a run for supervisor next year against Brad Wagenknecht, the slow-growth advocate who has represented District 1 for the last 11 years.

American Canyon looked and looked and looked some more for a new public works director, and finally found one in nearby Benicia.

An argument ended Monday with a Napa man facing possible domestic violence and other charges.

At this summer’s solstice on June 20, wineries at the heart of the solar power trend in Napa will worship the sun.

Many people know Lee Hudson as an acclaimed grapegrower in Carneros, a firebrand for preserving wildlife habitat and a vigorous supporter of organic and sustainable farming. And it’s not news that he grows championship pumpkins that weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds. He is proud to be called Mr. Pumpkin.

Now that construction of flood defenses along Napa Creek is fully funded with federal stimulus money, the local flood district is ramping up acquisition of the property needed to complete the work.

Officers conducting a welfare check on a Napa couple’s children arrested the parents on drug counts Monday.

Napa's City Council adopted higher garbage rates Tuesday night, while urging customers to beat the increase by downsizing their household waste carts.

A June 16 front page article about a car jacking case misstated the potential sentence for Bartolo Prieto. Prieto faces a term of life in prison with the possibility of parole after seven years.

A June 16 front page article about a car jacking case misstated the potential sentence for Bartolo Prieto. Prieto faces a term of life in prison with the possibility of parole after seven years.

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.

LIGHT AND SHADOW — He’s not behind bars, it just looks that way. A worker at the CVS pharmacy under construction at Coombs Street and Imola Avenue paints an exterior wall as the store nears completion. Company officials said the pharmacy is slated to open later this year.