NARFE'S SUPER SUNDAY BREAKFAST - JULY 20TH

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), Napa County Chapter No. 0281, serves breakfast on the third Sunday of each month from 7:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Napa Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson Street. The public is invited to feast on ham, eggs, hotcakes and coffee served by the association. The price is $4 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Tickets are available at the door. 224-9479

FREE PUPPET SHOW FOR KIDS!

Puppet Art Theater, a performance group devoted to the art of live puppetry, will be coming to the Napa Valley to perform "Tommy's Space Bug Adventure." Tommy loves books and outer space, and one day meets and befriends an alien! But will Tommy be able to save his new friend from the evil Dr. Lost N. Space? Find out in this humorous puppet show which uses movement, funny dialog and music to enchant young kids ages 3 and older. The Napa City-County Library invites you to a free show in your area: Wednesday, July 23 Napa Main Library (580 Coombs Street, Napa) 9:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Yountville Community Hall (6516 Yount St., Yountville) 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 24 Sharpsteen Museum (1311 Washington St., Calistoga) 10:00 a.m. Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley (60 Benton Way, American Canyon) 2:00 p.m. All shows are free. No registration is required. However, daycares and preschools are asked to call Ann Davis, at 253-4079, to schedule their visit. Children under 7 years of age must also be accompanied by an adult at all times.

TERROIR OF CINEMA

A Celebration of Films, Filmmakers & The Cultural and Natural Landscapes That Inspire Them July 23 through August 3 Select Napa & SonomaWine Country Locations Schedule, tickets ($8-$35), Film Passes, and Film Club Memberships ($10): www.wcff.us/707-935-3456 Highlights Include: Opening Night Art Show- July 24, 7pm-11pm. Meet stars, festival artist Tara Rudman, vintners, & sponsors, Kenwood Depot, 314 Warm Springs Rd, Kenwood Paseo de Espana - July 26, 11am-11pm Spanish Cinema, Cuisine, Wine & Music Kenwood Depot, 314 Warm Springs Rd, Kenwood Planet Party- July 27, 11am-10pm Environmental Films, Green Art, Green Chefs & More! Kenwood Depot, 314 Warm Springs Rd, Kenwood Independent and international filmmakers, actors, artists, and vintners will be celebrating films at the upcoming 22nd Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival. The cinematic extravaganza will be held July 23 through August 3 at select wine country locations in Napa and Sonoma Counties, including Alpha Omega Winery (St. Helena), Copia (Napa), and The Cave at Deerfield Ranch Winery (Kenwood). This year’s theme, Terroir of Cinema, recognizes the cultural and geographic roots of the 100+ screenings that will be offered indoors as well as outdoors. They will include features, documentaries, shorts and animation in six categories, including World Cinema, Latin Cinema, US Cinema, The Arts in Film™ (music, dance and the arts,) Cinema of Conscience™ (social issues,) and Eco Cinema. “We speak often of “terroir” in the wine countries of the world. Terroir is what gives a wine its unique quality that links it to a particular place with a particular set of climatic, geological and atmospheric influences. "The Terroir of Cinema" is our term that expresses our feelings about the deep roots that give us our unique attributes, tastes and cultural distinctions. Film, like wine and cuisine, reflects the roots of the filmmakers and subjects they focus on... A Cultural Terroir if you will, that arises from our roots,” said Stephen Ashton, festival co-founder. Along with films there will be a wide range of film-related activities and events, including an Iberian marketplace, live guitar music, art shows, sustainable cooking demonstrations, Balkan card games, wine tastings, and master film classes and conversations. Special guests include Chuck Workman (Oscar winning “Precious Images”) recipient of the festival’s Career Achievement Award will present his new feature length documentary (In Search of Kennedy); directors Hilary Helstein (“As Seen Through These Eyes”); Lucy Phenix (“Don’t Know, We’ll See”); Deborah Koons Garcia (“Seeds of In Good Heart”);Dr. Sarab Neelam (“Ocean of Pearls”); Les Blank and Gina Leibrecht (“All In This Tea”); Jackie Julio (“Hold On”); Mark Jay (“Dolphins”); producer Lilly Berger (“Jump!”);actors Waylon Payne (“Crazy”); Molly Bryant (“Other People’s Parties”); and Missi Pyle (“Pretty Ugly People”).

FREE WATER-WISE LANDSCAPING WORKSHOPS

(Napa CA) The City of Napa celebrates Smart Irrigation Month (www.smartirrigationmonth.org) by launching its 2008 Water-Wise Landscaping Workshop Series. With outdoor water use totaling more than half of Napa’s annual consumption, more efficient irrigation is key to a positive water future. July workshop sessions will provide efficient watering strategies at the peak of the irrigation season. The series continues in September to emphasize proper water-wise site preparation and plant selection in advance of the fall planting season. Each workshop features expert presenters, free water-saving devices, literature, and door prizes. Workshops are held at the Pelusi Building in Kennedy Park from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on the dates shown. Call 707-257-9309 to reserve a space for any of these dates. Wednesday, July 23: Sprinkler Irrigation As lawn watering needs peak, an expert from Wyatt Irrigation Supply will demonstrate how to design and maintain a system for maximum efficiency. Learn how easy it is to "take control of your controller" and keep water bills down. Weather-based "Smart" controllers will also be a focus as a new Napa-Solano rebate incentive launches. Wednesday, July 30: Drip Irrigation Harmony Farm Supply staff will help us solve the mysteries of drip irrigation, the most efficient water delivery system for most plants. Real-life drip applications will be discussed and system components will be displayed. All attendees will enjoy some "hands-on" practice. Wednesday, September 17: Site Preparation Learn how to prepare your site for efficient irrigation. After a look at the eight basic principles of water-wise landscaping, local Master Gardeners will thoroughly review local soils and the critical importance of aeration, amendments, and mulch. Basic landscape design will also be emphasized, including appropriate plant grouping. Wednesday, September 24: Plant Selection Just in time for the fall planting season, local design pros will show that drought-tolerant landscapes are anything but boring. Colorful and beautiful tree, shrub, perennial, grass, vine, and groundcover species will be discussed. Dozens of plants will be on hand for viewing, including California natives. Attractive local water-efficient landscapes will be the focus, including a new City Water-Wise Demonstration Garden.

LUTHER TURTON WALKING TOUR

Saturday, August 2, 2008 9-11:30 a.m. Presented in partnership with the Napa County Historical Society and Napa County Landmarks , Napa County Landmarks Board President and City of Napa Councilmember, Julianna Inman, AIA, will introduce the masterpieces of the famous architect, Luther Turton during a 1 ½ hour walking tour of downtown Napa. Ms. Inman will call upon her architectural expertise and knowledge of Napa’s most prolific architect to tour some of his most well-known projects that span a colorful career from 1880 to 1920. Ending with refreshments at the Goodman Library, a preview of some of Turton’s original drawings, this tour will reveal the unique buildings of our town. $5 for NCL and NCHS members; $10 for non-members. RSVP by August 1st to director@napahistory.org. Space is limited! Tour begins at First & Seymour Streets.

NAPA COUNTY ASSESSMENT ROLL INFORMATION

Napa County’s assessment roll continued to grow for 2008-2009 in spite of the national turmoil in the residential housing market. The 5.95% increase of $1.5 Billion, while less than the prior year increase of 9.41% and $2.24 Billion, is still healthy when compared to several California counties where the total roll actually dropped from the 2007-2008 level. Napa County’s local assessment roll which is the value of all land, structures, vineyards and personal property reached $26.9 Billion which continues to keep Napa County in second place among California’s counties on an assessed value per capita basis. “The key factor in maintaining our continued assessed value growth is that buyers are willing to invest in Napa County because of our natural amenities, the special character of our vineyard lands and the managed growth policies of local leaders,” said Assessor John Tuteur. The downturn in the residential real estate market hit Napa County in calendar year 2007. Assessor staff reduced 5,200 residential units for 2008 in addition to the 200 properties reduced in prior years. The current market value of these homes had fallen below their Proposition 13 factored base year value by a total of $600,000,000. 1,824 homes or 40% of the residential units in the City of American Canyon are now in a decline in value status due in large part to the rapid growth that had occurred in the past 6 years. The average decline for each residence was $127,000 in the City of American Canyon. In the City of Napa the figure is 3,062 homes in a decline in value status which is approximately 20% of all homes because the City of Napa has a larger percentage of older homes which did not change ownership recently. The average decline in the City of Napa was $97,000. Unincorporated area subdivisions in eastern Napa County had approximately 430 declines in value. Calistoga, Saint Helena and Yountville have less than 60 declines total among the three municipalities with Yountville having the most at 41 homes. 5,200 additional reductions in the first full year of this downturn indicates a steeper and deeper impact than in the last cycle of falling values between 1992 and 1999 when a total of 5,700 properties were in a decline in value status 5 years into the cycle at its lowest point in 1997. The 5.95% increase in the total roll value comes from three factors. The inflationary adjustment of 2% required by Proposition 13 for properties that did not change ownership, did not have any new construction or are not in a decline in value status. The sales of residential, vineyard, commercial and industrial properties with low Proposition 13 base year values. While construction of new and remodeled residences faltered, Napa County saw continuing growth in non-residential new construction including commercial, industrial and new vineyard plantings with over $228.5 Million countywide. Development activity throughout the county as measured by the creation of new parcels fell from 468 new parcels for 2007 to 283 parcels for 2008, the lowest number of new parcels since 1998. “Napa County is fortunate to have a vibrant economic base,” Tuteur added, “which contributed to the continuing growth of the assessment roll in these difficult market conditions.” Owners of 7,600 properties received value notice cards in addition to the 5,400 owners who received notices of the decline in value of their property. Value notice cards were generated for multi-family, commercial and industrial properties fully or partially restored to their factored base year value from a decline in value status; properties with business and farm equipment assessments; agricultural properties under California Land Conservation (Williamson Act) contracts and properties which underwent a change of ownership or new construction between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007. “I urge property owners to compare these value notices to their 2007-2008 property tax bills to understand the nature of the change,” Tuteur said. “Our staff is available to answer any questions at 707.259.8740 or jtuteur@co.napa.ca.us ”

JAZZ/FOLK DUO BRING A HIP, FRESH SOUND TO NAPA

Jazz/Folk duo Allison Scull and Victor Martin grace Napa with a pair of performances. On Friday, July 18th, 6pm-9pm, they will perform at Kelly's No Bad Days, and Thursday, July 24th, 5-8pm for the Chef's Market in downtown Napa. This duo brings brings us a laid-back, hip, fresh flavor. Most recently their sound has hit the Touchtunes scene--heard on over 40,000 digital jukeboxes in the U.S. and Canada. With songwriting talent, a nylon-stringed guitar, and warm, sultry voice, Scull blends perfectly with Martin's old-school, lyrical saxophonie style. Martin, a quintessential performer with a velvety, rich voice, plays shaker, and adds a lot of fun to with his comedic presence. Their sound blends jazz, folk, Latin, blues and R&B in original material and classic standards. According to a listener, "They put an entirely new twist on comtemporary music." As a duo, Scull and Martin have shared the stage with Tuck and Patti, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Craig Chaquico, Shana Morrison, Archie Lee Hooker, Kelly Joe Phelps, blues legend John Hammond, Acoustic Alchemy, and most recently The Blind Boys of Alabama. . The duo were also selected to perform at the famed Derby in Hollywood at The International Music World Series music awards. Kelley's No Bad Days is located at 976 Pearl St., Napa, CA 707-258-9666. For the Chef's Market, Scull and Martin will be playing on Coombs Plaza near the Chef's Demonstration. For more information, see www.allisonandvictor.com

TUYA’S MARRIAGE

A film by Wang Quan An Tuya, hardworking and hardheaded, is a Mongolian desert herder who refuses to be settled in a town in accordance with the new industrialization policy. She is kept busy with two kids, a disabled husband and 100 sheep to care for, but one day she hurts her back. The only way for the family to survive is for her to divorce her husband on paper and look for a new spouse who can take care of the whole family. A series of suitors lines up, but it's not easy to find a man who fits the bill. This warm, endearing tale, featuring stunning cinematography, won the top prize at the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival. NR, 96 min, In Mandarin with English subtitles Wednesday July 30th -7:00 p.m. Tickets $10 at the door or online at www.jarvisconservatory.com Jarvis Conservatory 1711 Main Street – Napa (707) 255-5445

THE NEST

The Nest celebrates the spirit and splendor of the West. NAPA, CA – There is no place as unique and wonderful as the American West. Napa’s original art house, the Nest, is featuring art, craft, and creative accessories that reflect the history, style, and allure of the wild west region. There will be an opening celebration on Sunday, July 20, 3:00-5:00 with cold beer, grilled food, and live music by local band Nana de Carlo. On exhibit in the gallery is “A Rare and Desolate Beauty” taking its title from a short documentary by Berkeley artist John Lightfoot about the town of Butte, Montana. This film, made between 1997 and 2002, looks at the evolution of what was once the largest and most notorious copper boomtown in the U.S., home to hundreds of saloons, brothels, and more recently the celebrity daredevil Evel Knievel. The exhibition also features Apollonia Morrill’s photographs of the Metals Bank building (built in 1906) in Butte Montana. The unoccupied top floor of the building presented a rich selection of surfaces for Morrill’s detailed eye. The images document a specific cultural moment and illustrate how human stories are expressed in the intimacies of a built environment. John Lightfoot and Apollonia Morrill work often work side by side as Site-Specific Documentary (www.sitespecificdocumentary.com) and have won numerous awards for their films and photography. A collection of “snapshots” from their visits to Butte will be installed in a saloon setting inside the gallery. "Heart of the Atacama" introduces a new series of photographs by Nest founder Norma I. Quintana. Coincidentally, the Anaconda Mining company that ran the copper mine in Butte Montana, also operated an even larger mine in Chuquicamata, Chile, just east of where Quintana captured these stunning desert landscapes. The shop will be chock full of Western themed jewelry, furniture, and irresistible objects. Check out the new “Cute as a Button” vintage button rings, hand-tooled leather purses, cell phone “holsters” and many more resourcefully found treasures. The Nest is a gathering place to experience art, showcase local talent, and inspire future generations. Our mission is to live creatively and give generously. A portion of profits are set aside to build the “Nest Egg” grants which will be awarded to local artists and arts organizations through the Arts Council of Napa Valley. You can visit between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Nest is located at 1019 Atlas Peak Rd behind Jessel Gallery in Napa, CA. Visit www.napanest.com for more information, or call 707/255-7484.

5TH ANNUAL

On Saturday, September 6th, 2008 CyberMill Technology Center will celebrate its 5th Annual "MILLie" Awards honoring Napa Valley students for their multi-media projects in photography, graphic art, game maker and digital moviemaking. Projects begun during the school year qualify as do those created over the summer with the inspiration of CyberMill's annual AG Project. This year's events will take place at the CyberMill Technology Center. Festivities will begin at 2:00 pm on the red-carpeted, "walk of fame." On display will be student's multi-media art projects, movies and photographs along with silent auction items featuring student's artwork, local artists work and much more. The awards show will begin at 3:15 pm. We are proud to announce our Imperial Corporate Sponsor, AT&T, also sponsoring The Best in Show Award; returning as our Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Barbara Nemko, Superintendent of Napa Valley Office of Education and this year's judges who will assist in awarding the coveted MILLie Awards and other prizes. Recognizing who may be the next Spielberg or Lucas is part of the excitement of honoring these future innovators and big thinkers. Don't miss your chance to see how inspired learning can catapult young people into becoming creators and not just consumers of digital media. Where & When Saturday, September 6th 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 3299 Claremont Ave (across from Safeway parking lot & Kaiser Permanente) Phone: 707-258-8884 www.cybermill.org