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.

World News

A group of St. Helena parents has accused the school board and top administrators of misconduct in the awarding of retirement packages to St. Helena Unified School District Superintendent Allan Gordon and high school principal Jim Zoll.

When President Barack Obama signed the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act into law on Feb. 17, a beleaguered national economy readied for the influx of $787 billion. A combination of tax cuts and spending, the stimulus package was designed to create jobs and revitalize an economy in the midst of a national recession.

Federal stimulus money is headed for local school districts girding for an unprecedented level of expected state cuts. But the lack of a state budget is leaving local school officials pondering to what degree they will see real fiscal relief.

Health and social service agencies trigger a unique set of complications under the federal stimulus plan. Faced with a confusing mix of formulas and vague projections, health is one of the few areas where federal awards could actually cost programs money in the long run.

Wheeling around the big top — Memo Perez of American Crown Circus’ Circo Osorio performs with his unicycles as the traveling circus makes its yearly stop at the Napa Expo for three days of shows.