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.

In an apparent resolution of one of the most high-profile struggles related to state budget problems, in-home care workers have reached a tentative agreement with Napa County over proposed pay cuts.

Beginning in late 2010, Napans looking to buy a new Cadillac or Buick will have to travel out of town.

The rough economy is taking a modest toll on Napa County’s three farmworker labor camps, and occupancy is expected to drop this year.

The banks of the Napa River became a bit more scenic Saturday after a dozen kayakers took to the water to clean it up. Kayakers from all walks of life gathered at Kennedy Park’s boat-launch area to participate in Go Green Saturday, a unique event that’s sponsored by Kayak NV and Napa’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Divers have recovered the body of 21-year-old Phillip Stevenson, who drowned in Lake Berryessa Sunday during a fishing trip with friends.

A Santa Rosa man was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of felony DUI after he crashed into the hillside off Highway 29 near Calistoga, injuring himself and his passenger.

OAKLAND  — A baby sea lion has been rescued after wandering onto a busy San Francisco Bay area freeway.

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