June 2024

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! This issue features the appointment of Novato's City Manager, an opportunity to share your vision for Josef Hoog Community Park, a Pride flag raising recap, upcoming opportunities to meet your councilmembers, Grant Avenue Bridge project update, Parks & Recreation events and more!

You can stay up-to-date on City news and events throughout the month by visiting novato.org/connectwithus and signing up for specific topics that are most important to you.

Council Appoints New City Manager

At their May14 meeting, the Novato City Council appointed Interim City Manager Amy Cunningham to serve as Novato's next City Manager.

Cunningham served as Interim City Manager since December 2023, and previously served in roles leading Novato's financial and strategic planning efforts.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve as Novato’s next City Manager,” said Cunningham “and am grateful for the City Council’s confidence in me to lead this organization and such a dedicated team of employees in delivering high quality services to our community. I look forward to continuing to work with the City Council to engage our residents and businesses in new ways, build on our fiscal sustainability efforts, and continue implementing the Council’s vision for the future.”

Share Your Vision for Josef Hoog Community Park / Comparta su visión del Parque Comunitario Josef Hoog

The City of Novato invites you to share your feedback on a future playground renovation at Josef Hoog Community Park. This initiative is part of the recently adopted Parks Master Plan, which outlines proposed upgrades and enhancements for the park’s play structure and surfacing.

We are in the initial stages of planning, and we want to hear from you. Please take our online survey to share your preferences on features such as playground surfacing, perimeter fencing and other play amenities at novato.org/opennovato by 11:59pm on June 30, 2024.

Additionally, please join us in person for a public meeting on Thursday, June 27 at 6pm at Josef Hoog Community Park for another opportunity to help plan where you play.

Help shape the future of Josef Hoog Community Park!

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La Ciudad de Novato lo invita a compartir su opinión sobre la futura renovación del parque infantil comunitario Josef Hoog. Esta iniciativa forma parte del Plan Maestro de Parques, recientemente aprobado, en el que se describen las mejoras y actualizaciones propuestas para la estructura del juego y el revestimiento del parque.

Estamos en la fase inicial de planificación y queremos conocer su opinión. Responda a nuestra encuesta en línea para compartir sus preferencias sobre características tales como el revestimiento de la zona de juego, el vallado del perímetro y otras instalaciones de juego en novato.org/opennovato antes de las 11:59 p. m. del 30 de junio de 2024.

Además, únase a nosotros en persona para asistir a una reunión pública el jueves 27 de junio a las 6 p. m., en el Parque Comunitario Josef Hoog, para tener otra oportunidad de ayudar a planificar el lugar donde juega.

¡Ayude a dar forma al futuro del Parque Comunitario Josef Hoog!

Meet Your Councilmembers / Conozcan a los concejales de su ciudad

Join the Novato City Council and staff at upcoming community pop-up events for an opportunity to discuss City projects and initiatives, ask questions, share feedback, and help us get to know you better!

City Council and staff will be at upcoming Downtown Novato Community Farmers’ Markets as well as locations by district throughout the summer. 

Through meaningful conversations, we can continue to shape Novato’s future and strengthen our community together. 

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¡Acompañen al Ayuntamiento de Novato y a su personal en un evento emergente para la comunidad en el que tendrá la oportunidad de discutir proyectos e iniciativas de la ciudad, hacer preguntas, compartir opiniones y ayudarnos a conocerlos mejor!

Oportunidades adicionales para conectarse con el Ayuntamiento y el personal se llevarán a cabo en los próximos mercados de agricultores de la comunidad en Downtown Novato, así como las ubicaciones por distrito durante todo el verano. 

A través de conversaciones significativas, podemos continuar dando forma al futuro de Novato y fortalecer juntos nuestra comunidad. 

Novato Celebrates Pride Month 2024

On June 1, City Council, community members, City staff, commissioners and representatives of local community organizations gathered in front of Novato City Hall to raise the Pride flag in honor and recognition of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) Pride Month.

The Novato City Council will issue a proclamation at their June 11 meeting to officially recognize June 2024 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Novato.

Happy Pride 2024, Novato!

Grant Avenue Bridge Project Update

Drilling operations began this month and foundation drilling is expected to be complete next week. Over the next month, crews will begin constructing the bridge abutments — the seats upon which the bridge deck slab units will be placed. 

One-way traffic control continues to be in place (westbound), and this detour is anticipated to remain through Mid-July. Pedestrian access will be maintained during this time. 

• South side traffic lane and sidewalk are closed
• North sidewalk and westbound lane remain open

We look forward to making these much-needed improvements to your roadway and appreciate your patience and understanding during construction.

Aquatics

Make a splash this summer with swim lessons at Hamilton Pool! We offer lessons for all ages and skill levels, from parent-child classes to preschool, teen, adult, and private lessons. Our experienced instructors focus on water safety, proper technique, and confidence-building. Don't wait – register now and help your child develop a lifelong love for swimming!

Youth Athletics

From our popular All-Sports Camp to specialty camps like Soccer Stars, TGA Golf Junior Camp, and Taekwondo, we've got your young athletes covered. Sign up now and watch them develop new skills, make friends, and have a blast!

Gymnastics

Our Half-Day and Full-Day Gymnastics Camps offer a fun and challenging environment for aspiring gymnasts of all levels. With experienced instructors and a wide range of activities designed to build strength, flexibility, and confidence, your child will soar to new heights!



Concerts on the Green

Please join us for our 2024 Concerts on the Green series!

🗓️ June 7 - Wreckless Strangers (California Americana Soul)

🗓️ June 21 - Matt Jaffe (Original Indie Rock)

🗓️ July 19 - Sol Horizon (Reggae with Rock, Funk, & World Beats)

🗓️ August 2 - Alex Lucero Band (Americana Soul)

🗓️ August 16 - Ideateam (Funk, Soul, & R&B)

Free Admission | 6pm - 8pm  

Held at the Novato Civic Green, 901 Sherman Avenue

Hot Amphitheater Nights

Please join us for our 2024 Hot Amphitheater Nights series!

🗓️ June 29 – Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band (Rocksteady, Reggae, and Ska)

🗓️ July 27 – The SoulShake (Reggae and Rock)

🗓️ August 31 - Pride and Joy SF (Timeless Pop+Soul)

Free Admission | 5pm - 7pm

Held at the Hamilton Amphitheater, 601 N. Hamilton Pkwy

View the Summer Activity Guide for More Novato Fun

Discover the endless possibilities for summer fun in the Summer 2024 Activity Guide. Packed with a wide range of engaging programs and activities for all ages, this is your essential resource for planning a summer filled with learning, growth, and adventure.

Don't wait – explore the guide now and secure your spot in the most sought-after programs before they fill up!

Downtown Novato Community Farmers' Market

The Downtown Novato Community Farmers' Market is held every Tuesday through October 29, 4pm – 8pm on Sherman Avenue between Grant and De Long Avenues.

Join your friends and family in the heart of downtown to enjoy a diverse selection of fresh produce from local farmers, prepared and packaged foods to enjoy at the market or to go, local artisan booths and activities for kids. Come check out all the market has to offer, grab some dinner and shop downtown. 

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El mercado de agricultores del centro de Novato regresa todos los martes del 7 de mayo al 29 de octubre, de 4:00 a 8:00 p. m., en Sherman Avenue, entre las avenidas Grant y De Long. Reúnase con sus amigos y familiares en el corazón del centro de la ciudad para disfrutar de una variada selección de productos frescos de agricultores locales, alimentos preparados y envasados para disfrutar en el mercado o para llevar, puestos de artesanos locales y actividades para niños. Venga a ver todo lo que el mercado tiene para ofrecer, cene algo y compre en el centro. 

Coffee with Your First Responders

Join the Novato Police Department, Marin County Sheriff's Office, and Novato Fire Protection District for an exciting Wednesday morning event to learn more about the services they provide.

Come by Marin Coffee Roasters in Pacheco Plaza, 466 Ignacio Blvd, on Wednesday, June 12, 8am-10am for free coffee, conversation, collaboration, and community connection with your first responders!

Novato Police Department (NPD) Open House

Join us Tuesday, June 18, 4pm-6pm at the Novato Police Department, 909 Machin Avenue for a great opportunity to check out the services NPD offers the community. Enjoy giveaways, goodies, demonstrations by specialty units, equipment showcases, activities for kid and more!

Please note: The event takes place during the Farmers Market, so be sure to plan your trip ahead of time.

Novato Fire Protection District Controlled Burn: 6/27 & 6/28

Novato Fire Protection District (NFD) is conducting a controlled burn on the hillside north of Meadowview Drive in the Marin Valley Mobile Country Club and northwest of Muroc Lake Drive in the Bay Vista Community. The controlled burn will take place on Thursday, June 27 and Friday, June 28 between 10am and 4pm each day. Smoke may be visible and may continue for several days depending on conditions and weather — please do not report to 9-1-1.

This controlled burn is a part of the larger extended defensible space project, the Greater Novato Shaded Fuel Break (GNSFB). If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact NFD at (415) 878-2649 or eneill@novatofire.org.

First Fridays on Grant: June 7

Join businesses downtown on June 7 at 5pm for First Fridays, a closed streets program designed to create a safe, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly shopping, dining, and recreation environment on Grant Avenue.

Enjoy extended hours and “sip & shops” from several retailers, live music and expanded seating at select restaurants, and more.

Please note: Grant Avenue will be closed from 4pm - 12am between Machin and Reichert Avenues.

Art, Wine & Music Festival

Head downtown on June 8, 11am - 7pm & June 9, 11am - 6pm on Grant Avenue between Redwood Blvd and 7th Street for the Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival, presented annually by the Novato Chamber of Commerce. Admission is FREE! Enjoy live music, artist vendors, fine wines & micro-brews and fun for all ages!

Rock the Block: Summer Kick Off Edition

The Downtown Novato Business Association invites you to the ultimate FREE street party on June 20, 6pm - 9pm on Grant Avenue.

Pop Rocks will rock the streets, along with food and drink vendors, making it a night to remember.

Novato Fourth of July Parade

The Novato Fourth of July Parade is just around the corner and the all-volunteer committee is welcoming entries and volunteers.

The parade starts at 10am on Grant Avenue at Reichert Avenue, ends on Seventh Street and lasts approximately two hours. Attendees may watch from the sidewalks anywhere along Grant Avenue from Reichert Avenue to Seventh Street, but please note, chairs can only be placed on the sidewalk (not in the street). Free, pre-parade entertainment, begins at 9am.

Volunteers are needed to run a safe and smooth event. Volunteers may be assigned to duties such as traffic monitoring, barricade and trash can placement, temporary signage installation, barricade supervising, and post-parade cleanup. 

Marin County Fair: July 3-7

Get ready to make a splash at the Marin County Fair July 3-7, located at 10 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael.

Enjoy five incredible days filled with art, thrilling rides, live concerts, mouthwatering food, unique shopping, and so much more.

Novato Historical Guild: Quarterly Membership Meeting

The Novato Historical Guild's quarterly membership meeting will be held on June 15, 10am-12pm at Novato City Hall, 901 Machin Avenue. Andrew A. Pansini, retired CEO of Jandy Industries and Savoy Corporation, and former Chairman of the Board of Novato Community Hospital and Sutter Health, will be the featured speaker. He will present his talk "Fathers of Invention: An American Story of Family, Faith and Innovation” about the remarkable tale of how his grandfather and father, embodying classic American values of hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, created two industries which forever altered America’s economic landscape.  

Interested in learning more about Novato's history? The Novato Historical Guild operates two museums — Novato History Museum, located in the 1850 Postmaster’s House, 815 DeLong Avenue, and The Hamilton Field History Museum, located in the 1935 Hamilton Firehouse, 555 Hangar Avenue. Both museums are open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12-4pm. For more information, please call (415) 382-8614 or go to novatohistory.org.

City of Novato Sustainability

Help Shape the Future of Transportation in Marin

The Transportation Authority of Marin is developing a Countywide Transportation Plan outlining strategies for advancing safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation improvements. 

As part of this effort, TAM is conducting a survey to better understand community priorities and challenges to ensure that the Plan accurately reflects community need. 

We 💚 Our Volunteers

If you were one of the 92 volunteers who contributed a total of 215 hours caring for our environment this spring, THANK YOU! You’ve been very busy these past few months picking up litter, maintaining trees and weeding in our parks and median islands. We're grateful and #NovatoProud.  If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity, we’re hosting a tree care event at Scottsdale Pond on Saturday, June 8, 10am-1pm. Pre-registration is encouraged!

Free Climate Action Workshops

Resilient Neighborhoods’ free Climate Action Workshops will teach you practical and budget-friendly ways to reduce your carbon footprint, build resilient homes and communities, and prepare for climate-related emergencies. You'll also learn how to make smarter shopping choices, reduce waste, conserve water and energy, switch to renewable energy sources, and save money on utility bills.

The five session workshop series is held virtually over ten weeks and offered on Thursdays at 6:30pm starting June 13 or Tuesdays at 4pm starting June 18.

Upcoming City Meetings

The City of Novato encourages community participation at our upcoming public meetings. Meeting details, including information on how to participate, are included in each meeting agenda packet. Agendas are posted at least 72 hours prior to each scheduled meeting. To receive meeting agendas via email and/or text, sign-up at novato.org/connectwithus.

June 10 at 7pm | Planning Commission

June 11 at 6pm | City Council

June 12 at 5pm | Housing and Homeless Committee

June 13 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

June 20 at 6pm | Sustainability Commission - cancelled

June 24 at 7pm | Planning Commission

June 25 at 6pm | City Council

June 26 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission

June 27 at 7:30am | Finance Advisory Commission

June 27 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

We're Hiring — Join Our Team!

Interested in a career in local government? Check out some of our current openings:

Please note the following positions will remain open until filled.

Community Development

• Principal Planner (Full Time)

Public Works

• Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer (Full Time)

Parks, Recreation and Community Services

• Gymnastics Instructor (Part Time)

Police

• Police Cadet (Part Time)
• Police Officer Trainee (Full Time)
• Police Officer - Lateral/Academy Graduate (Full Time)

Top Stories from Our Previous Edition

North Marin Community Services Food Pantry Tours

Citywide Crosswalk Improvements

Register for Aquatics Programming