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.

Is there any ordinance against someone sleeping in a vehicle in the driveway of their house or on the street?

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.

Napa County has its first confirmed case of the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as Swine Flu. A 41-year-old woman tested positive for the virus through results received Wednesday by the county public health department.

OAKLAND — A former BART officer who grew up in Napa and is accused of murdering an unarmed man at an Oakland train station will stand trial Oct. 13, and his lawyer is asking to move the emotionally charged case to another city.

St. Helena police arrested two juvenile suspects in a Wednesday night gang attack after one of the youths reportedly pulled a knife on a officer.

Anyone who thinks summer camps are all fun and games needs to hang out with the staff of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley.

The Napa County Transportation and Planning Agency will not dump the current operator of the VINE and other county transit services without a deeper investigation.

Far Niente Winery cranked out enough energy from its solar panels last year to get a $30,000 credit from PG&E.

The Napa Valley Unified School District Thursday night approved the appointment of two school leaders, with Mark Brewer taking the helm as founding principal of the new American Canyon High School and Robert Craig Lewis leading Vintage High.

SACRAMENTO — California’s unemployment rate climbed to 11.5 percent in May, the highest in modern record-keeping, the U.S. Department of Labor reported Friday, while Napa County's rate dipped to its lowest in four months.

Happy feet on the promenade — Curtis Antoque, left, and Patty Floyd dance while listening to the band Four Shotz during Napa City Nights at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The free weekly concert series continues on Friday with the bands CRV, The Treatment and Lily Wilson. Jorgen Gulliksen/Register