Top Napa County News Stories Of 2017

NAPA VALLEY, CA — As we close the book on 2017, we take a look back at the most-read news stories on Napa Valley Patch. Stories about the tragic, devastating North Bay wildfires in October were widely read and shared as Patch sought to provide affected communities with crucial information. Other breaking news items from throughout the year were also in the mix, with some heartwarming stories generating plenty of interest, as well.

Devastation: 2 Die In Napa Complex Fire, 9 In Sonoma Co. Fires

Napa County officials held a news conference Monday morning, Oct. 9, 2017 saying there was zero containment of the fires, which were running unchecked. The focus is saving people, officials said; some residents were rescued by helicopter as the wildfires raged overnight, one of which burned through the Silverado Country Club. Officials said the wildfires burned so rapidly, knocking trees and power poles down, that Napa sheriff's deputies could not get to all areas.

Napa County Wildfires: 4 Fatalities Confirmed; Nearly 1,900 Firefighters Assigned To Atlas, Partrick Fires

Two more fatalities were confirmed Friday in the Atlas Fire in Napa County.

Napa, Sonoma Firestorm: Salvation Army Serving Meals To Evacuees

Meals are being served at evacuation shelters.

Napa Teen Cycles Calif. Coast To Honor Fallen Peace Officers

Travis' Trek: A ride to support fallen police officers spanned from the Oregon-California border to the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego.

Kathy Griffin Napa Appearance Canceled

The Napa appearance of Kathy Griffin, who publicly apologized this week after publishing video and photo of her holding a likeness of President Donald Trump's bloody, severed head, has been canceled, it was announced Friday afternoon.

Cadillac Escalade Driver Sought In Napa Hit-And-Run: Police

Police are seeking to locate a woman seen driving a vehicle described as a white Cadillac Escalade SUV.

Napa Limo Driver Was Fairfield Homicide Suspect Shot, Killed In I-80 Pursuit, Standoff

A man who died Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017 after reportedly exchanging gunfire with Fairfield and Richmond police officers on Interstate Highway 80 in Emeryville has been identified as 45-year-old Demilo Hodge. The Bay Area native owned and managed Executive Excursion Limousine Service, offering wine tours in the Napa area.

Napa Judge Sentences Molester To 36 Years To Life

The 68-year-old American Canyon man faced 49 years to life in prison.

PHOTOS: Mud and Rock Slides Shut Down Highway 128 Near Lake Berryessa

Two mud and rock slides shut down Highway 128 near Lake Berryessa dam on Feb. 17 and 18.

Three Youths Injured When Car Plunges Into Napa River

Police say a group of kids drove through a roadblock and accidentally plunged into the Napa River because they didn't know the road ended.

Police Release Sketch of Man Who Allegedly Killed North Bay Pawn Shop Owner

The suspect is a white male, 18 to 20 years old with a thin build, blond hair and eyebrows and blue eyes.

Napa Residents Killed In I-80 Crash Caused By Alleged DUI Driver

Four victims who died were relatives of University of California at Berkeley baseball player Jared Horn, who was also in the car.

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