November 2025

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! This issue features information about the District 5 Councilmember application period, Novato's tribute in honor of Councilmember Mark Milberg, Tenant Improvement Grant Program for Downtown businesses, permit resources for small businesses, minimum wage 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.

Councilmember Application Period Open for District 5

At their meeting on Tuesday, October 28, the Novato City Council voted to begin the process of appointing a City Councilmember to fill the vacant District 5 seat, which includes Hamilton and parts of Southern Novato.

To be considered, applicants must:

• Submit their application by Monday, November 24 at 12:30pm;
• Be 18 years or older; and
• Be a registered voter living within the boundaries of District 5.

The person appointed to fill the vacancy would serve on an interim basis until the next general municipal election on November 3, 2026.

Se abre el plazo de solicitud para el puesto de concejal del Distrito 5

En su reunión ordinaria del martes 28 de octubre, el Consejo Municipal de Novato votó a favor de iniciar el proceso de nombramiento de un concejal para cubrir la vacante del Distrito 5, que incluye Hamilton y parte del sur de Novato. 

Para ser considerado, los interesados deben:

• Enviar su solicitud antes del lunes 24 de noviembre a las 12:30 p. m. 
• Ser mayor de 18 años; y
• Ser votante registrado y residir dentro de los límites del Distrito 5. 

La persona designada ocupará el cargo de forma interina hasta las próximas elecciones municipales generales, que se celebrarán el 3 de noviembre de 2026. .

Novato's Tribute in Honor of Councilmember Mark Milberg

On October 24, 2025, the City of Novato held a special gathering to honor the life and legacy of Councilmember Mark Milberg — a devoted public servant, extraordinary leader, and cherished friend.

The event featured heartfelt remarks from the Novato City Council and community leaders and concluded with a candlelight vigil. Councilmember Milberg’s caring spirit, unwavering friendship and selfless dedication to Novato have shaped a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.

Downtown Novato Business Owners – Apply for a Tenant Improvement Grant

The City of Novato is investing local dollars into local businesses with the relaunch of the Tenant Improvement Grant Program.

If you own a Downtown Novato business or property, you may qualify for matching grant reimbursements to upgrade your storefront, signage and other publicly visible improvements. Plus, you’ll get expert guidance from Marin Small Business Development Center to help your business grow and thrive.

With $100,000 in funding approved by the Novato City Council, the program will remain open until all grants are awarded. Don’t wait – apply today.

City of Novato Permit Center: Small Business Resources

Novato’s Permit Center, located on the first floor of City Administrative Offices at 922 Machin Avenue, is your central hub for Building, Planning, Code Enforcement, and Public Works—all in one convenient location. We’ve simplified the permitting process to help entrepreneurs and business owners move their projects forward with confidence.

Pre-application support is now available during open counter hours, Monday – Thursday from 9am – 11am. No appointment necessary. Our staff is ready to answer your questions and guide you through next steps before starting a new business or leasing a space.

Explore property records and permit history anytime using our Permit Center Kiosk, and check out our updated checklists and guides. 

Novato Minimum Wage Increase Effective January 1, 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, the minimum wage within Novato city limits will increase based on business size, in accordance with Novato’s local minimum wage ordinance. Please note that if the State of California sets a higher minimum wage than this ordinance, the State’s minimum wage will take precedence.

Novato minimum wage rate requirements effective January 1, 2026:

• $17.73 per hour for very large businesses with 100 or more employees (in accordance with Novato’s local ordinance);
• $17.46 per hour for large businesses with 26-99 employees (in accordance with Novato’s local ordinance); and
• $16.90 per hour for small businesses with 1-25 employees (in accordance with the State of California’s minimum wage).

The Novato minimum wage applies to each employee who performs more than two hours of work in a particular week within city limits. 

Aumento del salario mínimo en Novato a partir del 1 de enero de 2026

A partir del 1 de enero de 2026, el salario mínimo dentro de los límites de la ciudad de Novato aumentará según el tamaño de la empresa, de acuerdo con la ordenanza local de salario mínimo de Novato. Tenga en cuenta que si el Estado de California establece un salario mínimo superior al de esta ordenanza, prevalecerá el salario mínimo estatal.

Requisitos del salario mínimo en Novato a partir del 1 de enero de 2026:

• $17.73 por hora para empresas muy grandes con 100 o más empleados (de acuerdo con la ordenanza local de Novato);
• $17.46 por hora para empresas grandes con entre 26 y 99 empleados (de acuerdo con la ordenanza local de Novato); y
• $16.90 por hora para pequeñas empresas con entre 1 y 25 empleados (de acuerdo con el salario mínimo del Estado de California).

El salario mínimo en Novato se aplica a cada empleado que realiza más de dos horas de trabajo en una semana en particular dentro de los límites de la ciudad.

All Sports Camp – Thanksgiving Break

Join Novato Parks & Recreation at All Sports Camp, the ultimate playground for active, energetic kids! Each day is packed with excitement as campers dive into sports, classic games, and fun-filled challenges. From scoring goals to mastering dodgeball, every moment is an adventure in motion!

Please note: Camp is held Monday through Wednesday only.

Gymnastics Camp – Thanksgiving Break

Give thanks for gymnastics camp! Gymnastics camp offers a fun-filled, active experience with gymnastics, games, and fall-themed crafts.

Spaces is limited—don't wait to sign up! 

Please note: Camp is held Monday through Wednesday only.

Play-Well Radical Rides LEGO Camp

Start your engines with tens of thousands of LEGO® parts as you dive into the vast world of vehicles! Build and design an array of exciting machines, traversing land, sea, and air, with the assistance of experienced Play-Well instructors. Learn about the engineering principles behind motors, gears, and everything that vrooms and zooms!

Please note: Camp is held Monday through Wednesday only.

Girls Basketball - City Hoopsters

We’re excited to introduce City Hoopsters, a brand-new girls basketball program designed to teach the fundamentals of the game in a fun, inclusive, and community-focused way! Offered in partnership with North Bay Basketball Academy, this program welcomes both beginners and experienced players. Whether your child is picking up a basketball for the first time or looking to sharpen their skills, City Hoopsters is all about building confidence, teamwork, and a love for the game. 

A Message from Parks & Rec and Marin Humane on Mushroom Safety for Pets

Some species of mushrooms can be deadly to pets, with the most toxic varieties being the death cap (Amanita phalloides), destroying angel (Amanita ocreata) and Amanita muscaria. Protect your pup by keeping them on leash during walks and teaching a strong "leave it" command. At home, check your yard regularly and remove any mushrooms that appear. If your dog eats or mouths a mushroom, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet immediately. You can reach Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin at (415) 456-7372 or Veterinary Emergency Group at (415) 651-8118. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is also available 24/7 at (888) 426-4435. Poisoning symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, lethargy, or seizures.

Calling All Artists: Utility Box Art Program Now Open

We're excited to announce the second year of Novato's Utility Box Art Program! Following the successful transformation of seven utility boxes along Grant Avenue in 2025, we're expanding with seven new locations along Redwood Boulevard and South Novato Boulevard.

Under the theme "Where Stories Grow," artists are invited to capture what makes Novato special - from our natural beauty and local traditions to our heritage and community spirit. Selected artists will receive up to $1,000 in materials reimbursement. Priority given to Novato residents.

To apply, submit a completed application form, conceptual rendering, and up to three images of prior work by February 22, 2026.

A Message from Novato Police: Protect Our Older Adult Community from Scammers

Recently, several older adults from Novato were targeted by con artists, stealing tens of thousands of dollars. One of the swindlers claimed to be calling from the Novato Police Department, demanding thousands of dollars in fines.

Unfortunately, these types of scams, usually committed over the telephone, are becoming more common and more convincing. 

Scammers use pressure and scare people using several common tactics, including:

• “Grandchild in Trouble” Scam
• Government or Law Enforcement Impersonation
• Fake Bank or Financial Institution Calls

What You Can Do:

• Talk about these scams — Awareness is the best defense.
• Never send money or gift cards to someone you don’t know personally.
• Verify first: If someone claims to be a relative, government agent, or bank representative, hang up and call the business or agency directly using a trusted phone number.
• Report suspicious calls or messages to law enforcement immediately.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe from fraudsters.

PG&E Utility Undergrounding: Drilling Work at Novato Blvd & Diablo Ave Intersection (Nov. 3-17)

PG&E has begun drilling work for its utility undergrounding project at the intersection of Novato Boulevard and Diablo Avenue. Work is expected to occur for approximately two weeks from November 3-17.

Work Hours:

• Monday through Friday | 7am - 5pm
• Saturday | 8am - 5pm

Construction Impacts:

• Intermittent through-traffic delays on Novato Blvd
• 11/10-11/17: Lane and sidewalk closures at Novato Blvd/Diablo Ave with flagging and traffic control
• Diablo Avenue entrances to the Bridgecreek Apartments and Edgewater Condos closed during work hours on 11/3-11/9 and 24 hours/day on 11/10-11/17

No Parking along:

• South/east side of Diablo Avenue (Warner Creek Senior Housing to the Novato Blvd)
• North/west side of Diablo Avenue (809 Diablo Avenue to the intersection)

Note: The lane closure on Novato Blvd from Diablo to 7th Street will not be in effect during this work.

Please expect delays, use alternate routes when possible and observe “no parking” signs. All work is tentative and subject to change. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Questions? Contact PG&E Outreach Specialist John Baston at (707) 867-9466.

Holiday Happenings

Holiday Food Drive

Spread some holiday cheer by donating to our Holiday Food Drive, benefiting the SF-Marin Food Bank! We’re collecting non-perishable items such as tuna and canned meats, peanut butter, soup and chili, beans, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, and whole grain rice, pasta, and oats. Please—no glass containers or perishable items.

Donations will be accepted Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm from October 29 to December 17 at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road. Every donation helps brighten someone’s holiday season!

Letters to Santa

Beginning November 10 until December 5, our mailboxes will be open for Letters to Santa! Children of all ages can drop their letters off at one of our North Pole Locations:

• Novato Gymnastics Center, 950 7th Street - mail slot available 24/7
• Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road - mailbox available Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 

Don't forget: To all the parents and helpers out there, you MUST include a self-addressed, stamped envelope inside the letter to receive a response. 

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is November 29! When you shop, eat, drink, and play local, you’re doing more than checking off your to-do list, you’re supporting the dreams, families, and faces behind every small business in our town.

Whether it’s grabbing breakfast at your neighborhood café, finding the perfect gift this holiday season, or booking that long-overdue self-care appointment, every choice to shop small makes a big impact. Get out there, explore Novato, and make this Small Business Saturday merry, bright, and full of local love!

Holiday Crafts Faire

Novato Parks & Recreation will be hosting its annual Holiday Crafts Faire on Friday, December 5 from 6pm - 9pm, and Saturday, December 6 from 10am - 4pm at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road.

This event features a diverse selection of handmade crafts from over 50 talented artisans, including jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, wreaths, ornaments, bath and body products, live entertainment, and delicious food.

Holiday Tree Lighting

Get in the holiday spirit at the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Festival in Downtown Novato on Grant & Sherman Avenues on Saturday, December 6 from 4pm – 7:30pm! Enjoy live music, dance performances, art & crafts, cookie decorating, shop & stroll at vendors along Grant Avenue, and enjoy the amazing shops, restaurants, tasting rooms and tap rooms. Novato Fire Department will bring Santa at 5pm on the ladder truck, and the tree lighting will take place at 5:30pm.

Gingerbread Build

Join Novato Parks, Recreation and Community Services on Saturday, December 13, for a festive morning of gingerbread house decorating! Enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate, and coffee while creating with family and friends.⁠

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Each kit includes a house, frosting, candies, and sprinkles - perfect for a group of four. Additional kits are available for larger groups.⁠

Battle of the Bells

Join us on Saturday, December 13 from 10am - 1pm at Marin Coffee Roasters in Pacheco Plaza for a friendly bell-ringing battle between Novato Fire and Novato Police! Enjoy holiday music, free hot cocoa, and sweet treats as the teams compete to raise funds for local families in need. Santa will make a special appearance—and there may even be a Grinch sighting! Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled morning and help spread holiday cheer.

Sustainability

Plan Your Thanksgiving to Reduce Waste

American households throw away an estimated 300 million pounds of food every Thanksgiving. Follow these simple strategies to help reduce waste: 

• Make a Menu - Prepare realistic portion sizes and avoid over-purchasing items.

• Share & Store Leftovers - Offer to-go containers and refrigerate/freeze the rest. 

• Compost Food Scraps - Put fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells in your green Recology cart to be turned into nutrient-rich compost.

• Donate Unused Items - Donate unopened, nonperishable foods to local food banks or community organizations.

Free Compost Giveaway Extended

If you missed the free compost giveaway on October 11, you’re in luck – there’s still some left! Bring your buckets or bags and a shovel, and head to the City of Novato Corporation Yard (550 Davidson Street) on Saturday, November 8, beginning at 7am. Available on a first-come, first served basis. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

The compost giveaway is open to Novato residents only. Please bring your own containers and a shovel. No landscape contractors or truckloads.

Save Energy This Fall

This fall, follow these tips to refresh your home and boost energy savings.

• Visit the Energy Usage Details page in your PG&E account to see when and how you’re using electricity—avoid peak hours between 4–9pm.

• Tackle drafts by sealing gaps around windows and doors, keeping warm air in and costs down.

• Adjust your thermostat to 68°F when you’re at home and lower it by 7-10 degrees when you’re asleep or not home.  

• Check your eligibility for CARE or FERA programs, which offer bill discounts of up to 35%.

• Explore MCE’s Rebate and Incentives

United Against Hate Week: Novato Chooses Connection.

In a world that can feel divided, Novato chooses connection. This United Against Hate Week (October 19-25), the Multicultural Advisory Commission set up at the Downtown Novato Farmers Market and asked our community a simple question:

"Share something kind you did, saw, or felt recently."

What happened next was truly beautiful. Community members shared heartwarming stories of neighbors welcoming new families with treats, kids helping other kids, strangers lending a helping hand, and so much more. These everyday moments of compassion remind us why we're #NovatoProud.

Every smile, every helping hand, every small kindness shows how we stand united against hate. Our strength truly lies in our connection to one another, and this campaign captured the spirit that makes Novato such a special place to call home.

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, which recognizes and celebrates the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American communities and aims to ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive each and every day. This is also a time to evaluate our meaningful partnerships with Tribal Nations and strive for a brighter future that respects and uplifts Native voices.

We are #NovatoProud of our Native American community members and of our heritage as home to the Coast Miwok, who were sustainable agriculturalists who occupied Novato, as well as other areas of Marin and Sonoma counties.

Be Coyote Aware

Coyotes are native to California and are commonly found in rural, residential, and urban areas. They’re highly adaptable and eat a wide variety of foods, from small animals and fruit to pet food and garbage. As development expands into natural habitats, human-coyote encounters have increased, sometimes leading to property damage, loss of pets or livestock, and safety concerns when coyotes lose their natural fear of humans.

Be Coyote Smart and Prepared

• Do not leave small pets unsupervised outside—bring pets inside at night.

• Leash pets while walking. Use a whistle or other noisemaker to deter coyotes.

• Remove access to attractants—place trash, recycling, and pet food in secure bins.

• Keep small livestock and poultry in secure pens at night.

• Keep bird feeders clean—remove fallen or scattered seed that may attract rodents or other small animals.

If You Encounter a Coyote and it Approaches

• Keep a safe distance. Back away slowly.

• Keep small children and pets close to you.

• Make loud noise—yell, clap, blow a whistle.

• Make yourself look bigger (e.g. wave your arms)

• Let the coyote leave the immediate area on its own.

• If a coyote makes contact, fight back! Then call Animal Control or 9-1-1.

Novato Historical Guild: Family History Day

The Novato Historical Guild extends its heartfelt gratitude to who everyone who attended the third annual Novato Family History Day on October 18.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about our communities diverse history from supporting groups including Novato Unified School District, School Fuel, Hamilton Tk - 8th School Mothers Club and North Marin Community Services.

Interested in learning more about Novato's history? The Novato Historical Guild operates two museums — Novato History Museum, located at 815 DeLong Avenue, and The Hamilton Field History Museum, located at 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.

North Marin Community Services Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Do you live in Novato and need help paying your rent? Whether your name is on the lease or you are renting a room, you may qualify for assistance if your household income qualifies according to HUD guidelines.

To find out how you may be eligible for Rental Assistance, contact Ceci Olmedo at 415.897.4147 ext 0 or info@northmarincs.org.

Para saber cómo puede ser eligible para asistencia de alquiler, comuníquese con Ceci Olmedo al numero 415.897.4147 ext 0 o info@northmarincs.org.

November Holiday Closures

The City of Novato Administrative Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day. 

Offices will also be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 in observance of Thanksgiving.

As always, upcoming City meetings, events and closures can be found online at novato.org/calendar.

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.

November 10 at 7pm | Planning Commission - cancelled

November 13 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

November 13 at 6pm | Recreation, Cultural & Community Services Commission - cancelled

November 17 at 7pm | Planning Commission - Special Meeting

November 18 at 6pm | City Council

November 19 at 5:30pm | Complete Streets & Pathways Oversight Committee

November 19 at 7pm | Design Review Commission

November 20 at 6pm | Sustainability Commission

November 24 at 7pm | Planning Commission

November 26 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission - cancelled

November 27 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator - cancelled

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.

Central Administration

• Principal/Senior Management Analyst (Full Time)

Police

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

Top Stories from Our Previous Edition

City of Novato Continues Negotiations with Marin Valley Mobile Country Club

New Online Permit Portal

City of Novato Permit Center: Homeowners Projects