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.

The City of Napa and Napa Recycling & Waste Services held the Ninth Annual E-waste (anything with a cord) Recycling Event last month at Napa Valley College. Over the two-day event, 62 tons of electronics and 23 tons of appliances were collected. For more recycling information including year-round recycling options, visit www.naparecycling.com or see the 22-page recycling guide in your yellow pages.

• 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.

A former Vintage High School math teacher has been sentenced to seven years in state prison for sexually molesting a male teen.

On June 4, Sarah Gelardi left her St. Helena job early to meet with her mom in Napa and sign loan papers for her first house. It was a good day, she said.

There’s a new gig in town for older drivers who want to brush up on their driving skills — and the best part is, it’s being spearheaded by other seniors. 

It’s a family affair at the Gaia Hotel in American Canyon, where Artemis and Apollo became proud parents on June 4. But the five baby swans, or cygnets, are expected to leave the nest soon. The pond at the Gaia won’t support everyone in the family, and hotel staffers are seeking good homes for the young ’uns. For more information, call 674-2100.