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February 2026

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! This issue features Novato's 2026 State of the City Address - recording now available online, the City's partnership with Alchemia to expand public art, a shoutout to Novato Police Dispatchers for handling countywide 911 calls during storms, Parks & Recreation Spring + Summer Activity Guide and events, and more!

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

Novato 2026 State of the City Now Available Online

Last night, City Manager Amy Cunningham delivered Novato’s 2026 State of the City Address. A recording of the event is now available to watch online. 

City Partners with Alchemia to Expand Public Art

The City of Novato Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department is proud to partner with Alchemia, a local non-profit that supports artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through the visual, performing and creative arts. Through the Voices & Visions initiative, the City will showcase the artwork of Alchemia artists at six kiosks along Grant Avenue in Downtown Novato.

This partnership builds on the success of last year’s Voices & Visions Art Walk, a Leadership Novato project through the Novato Chamber of Commerce that showcased Alchemia artists throughout downtown businesses and received overwhelmingly positive community response.

As you walk through downtown, we invite you to pause and enjoy the new art celebrating creativity, connection and inclusivity in our community.

La ciudad se asocia con Alchemia para expandir el arte público en el centro

El Departamento de Parques, Recreación y Servicios Comunitarios de la Ciudad de Novato se enorgullece de asociarse con Alchemia, una organización local sin fines de lucro que apoya a artistas con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo (IDD) a través de las artes visuales, escénicas y creativas. A través de la iniciativa Voices & Visions, la Ciudad exhibirá las obras de arte de los artistas de Alchemia en seis quioscos a lo largo de Grant Avenue en el centro de Novato.

Esta asociación se basa en el éxito del Voices & Visions Art Walk del año pasado, un proyecto de Leadership Novato a través de la Cámara de Comercio de Novato que exhibió a los artistas de Alchemia en todos los negocios del centro y recibió una respuesta comunitaria abrumadoramente positiva.

Mientras camina por el centro de la ciudad, lo invitamos a hacer una pausa y disfrutar del nuevo arte que celebra la creatividad, la conexión y la inclusión en nuestra comunidad.

NPD Dispatchers Handle Countywide 911 Calls During Storms

Last month, Novato Police Dispatchers handled 911 calls for all of Marin County while our partner agencies were working to restore their 911 capabilities. We were fortunate to remain online and receive calls for Marin CHP and other Marin police departments. Our experienced dispatchers, Senior Dispatcher Davies and Dispatcher Boyle, with the assistance of Dispatcher Pewitt, who came in on her day off to help, demonstrated excellent teamwork and professionalism handling the increased call volume. We are proud of our team and their dedication to protecting our communities. 

Last year, Novato's 911 capabilities went down and Marin Sheriff Communication Center helped us while we restored service to our Communication Center. We were happy to return the favor.

Together, we create a safer Novato and Marin County.

Spring + Summer Activity Guide Now Available

The Spring + Summer Activity Guide is now available, and registration opens Tuesday, February 10!

Discover exciting programs for the whole family, including Camp Ton-of-Fun (save $30 with early bird pricing!), youth athletics, specialty camps, gymnastics, aquatics programs and teen activities. Adults can join recreational leagues, pickleball clinics and Adult Open Gym returning this Summer at Hill Gym.

Don't miss Spring events including the Spring Magic Show, Fishing in the City and the Spring Flea Market. Concerts on the Green and Hot Amphitheater Nights return this Summer with lineups coming soon! Visit novato.gov/events for event details.

The Hamilton Community Pool opens May 23 with swim lessons and season passes available starting May 12.

Questions? Call 415.899.8279 or email novatofun@novato.gov.

Valentine's Teen Paint Night

Join us for a heartwarming Valentine's Day Paint Night on Friday, February 13 from 6:15pm - 8:15pm at the Downtown Recreation Center, 950 7th Street. This event provides all the supplies needed to create a themed painting that will give you heart-eyes! Enjoy sweet beverages and snacks while unleashing your creativity in a dazzling atmosphere. An instructor will guide you step-by-step through the painting process, ensuring a heart-bursting experience for everyone.

Spring Counselor in Training Program

The Spring CIT (Counselor In Training) Program is designed to empower and mentor youth, fostering future leaders. This comprehensive training provides interactive lessons, engaging activities and insights from guest speakers, helping participants build essential leadership skills. Upon successful completion of the Spring CIT Program, participants will be eligible to apply for the summer session, where they will gain practical, on-the-job experience working with children ages 4-10.

Gymnastics Camp - Mid-Winter Break

Looking for a productive and engaging way to keep your child active during the Mid-Winter break? Gymnastics Camp offers a fun, structured environment where kids can stay active with gymnastics, a variety of games and winter themed crafts while school is out.

Camp is held Tuesday - Friday from 9:30am - 12:30pm at the Novato Gymnastics Center, 950 7th Street. 

All Sports Camp - Mid-Winter Break

Join us at All Sports Camp this mid-winter break — 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!

Camp is held Tuesday - Friday from 9am - 3pm at the Hill Gymnasium, 1560 Hill Road.

Novato Gymnastics Kids Night Out

Join us for a fun-filled Kids Night Out at the Novato Gymnastics Center on Friday, March 20 from 5pm - 8pm. This event is designed to keep kids active, engaged and entertained while parents enjoy a well-deserved break.

The evening kicks off with a warm welcome and check-in, followed by 90 minutes of gymnastics. After working up an appetite, kids enjoy dinner (provided) followed by arts & crafts activities, games and play. It's a safe, supervised, and social evening that the kids will love!

Lifeguard Training

Ready to make a difference and learn lifesaving skills? Sign up for our Lifeguard Training course from February 17-20 from 9am - 3:30pm at the Margaret Todd Senior Center and Novato high School.

This course prepares participants to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies, and provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illness until EMS arrives. Upon successful completion, participants receive an American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification valid for two years.

Spring Magic Show

Get ready for a day of enchantment on Saturday, February 28 at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue! Join Novato Parks & Recreation for a FREE Spring Magic Show and immerse yourself in a world of wonder and amazement.

To accommodate everyone, we're offering two time slots — 10am or 11:30am. No reservations required, so simply pick the time that works best for you and witness the magic right before your eyes.

Questions? Please call 415.899.8290.

Irish Lunch at Margaret Todd Senior Center

The Margaret Todd Senior Center will host an Irish Lunch on Wednesday, March 4 at 12pm. Enjoy corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, garden salad, bread, dessert and live music provided by the Irish band Celtic Silver.

Register below or at the Margaret Todd Senior Center by Tuesday, February 17 at 4pm. No refunds given after February 17. For more information, call 415.899.8290.

Trash to Treasures Spring Flea Market

Join us on Saturday, March 21 from 9am-2pm at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill road for the Spring Trash to Treasures Flea Market. This flea market is held indoors, rain or shine and admission is FREE! Food and other goodies will be available for purchase at the snack bar.

Vendor Booth Applications are now available. Completed applications must be returned to the Margaret Todd Senior Center by February 11 at 4pm. 

Reminder: Apply for Our Utility Box Art Program

The application period closes soon for the second round 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.

PG&E Utility Undergrounding Project: Eastbound Closure Continues

The eastbound lane of Novato Blvd will continue to be closed between 7th Street and Diablo Avenue for PG&E's utility undergrounding project.

Permitted Work Hours:

• Monday to Friday | 8am – 5pm
• Saturdays | 10am – 5pm.

Detours are in place — please use Center Road or Grant Avenue as alternate routes. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained during closure hours. Expect traffic delays and drive with caution. All work is tentative and subject to change.

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

We appreciate your patience as we work to improve your streets. 

Sustainability

Energy & Money Saving Tips

Cutting energy use doesn’t require costly upgrades. Try these simple, everyday changes to lower bills and reduce waste: open south-facing curtains during the day, unplug unused electronics, switch to LED bulbs, seal drafts, lower the thermostat when sleeping or away and set your water heater to 120°F.

PG&E customers can get personalized energy plans through HomeIntel, and MCE customers may qualify for the Home Energy Savings Program.

It's Bird Nesting Season

As spring approaches, many birds begin nesting in trees and shrubs throughout Novato. To protect local wildlife, residents should avoid trimming trees and large shrubs during late winter and early spring, when eggs and chicks are most vulnerable. If pruning can’t wait, check carefully for signs of nesting, such as visible nests, chirping chicks or repeated bird activity. If you find an active nest, stop work immediately - all native birds, their eggs, and nests are protected under federal and state law. When possible, schedule routine pruning between October and December, when nesting activity is minimal.

Get a Jumpstart on Spring Gardening

Pulling weeds during late winter while the soil is soft helps prevent them from going to seed, reduces future maintenance and gives plants more opportunity to grow. When controlling weeds, avoid toxic chemical herbicides that can harm people, pets and wildlife. Consider sheet mulching, which suppresses weed seeds while improving soil health.

North Marin Water District offers cash incentives through its “Cash for Grass” and “Lawn Be Gone” programs to help make the switch easy and affordable.

Rancho Students Place 2nd in Walk & Roll to School Photo Contest

Congratulations to Rancho Elementary School for earning 2nd place in the Safe Routes Partnership’s national 2025 Walk & Roll to School Day Image Contest! These Rancho Eagles did an amazing job modeling healthy, safe and planet-friendly ways to travel to school. Way to go, Rancho!

Supported locally by Marin County Safe Routes to Schools, with funding from the Transportation Authority of Marin, the Walk & Roll to School initiative encourages students and families to choose active modes of transportation, like walking, biking, skating, or taking transit, for their trips to and from school. 

Novato Proudly Celebrates Black History Month

This Black History Month, we pay homage to the rich history and contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our state and nation in countless ways through centuries of struggle and triumph. This year's theme is "A Century of Black History Commemorations", honoring a century of studying, preserving and celebrating Black history, culture and contributions. 

Let us reflect and draw inspiration from the progress made as we continue together on the path toward equality, liberty and opportunity for all.

Marin Humane Society Drop-In Community Pet Clinic

Marin Humane Society is hosting their next drop-in Community Clinic for low-income pet parents of Marin County on Saturday, February 28.

Bring your canine companion or feline friend to our mobile clinic at Pell Plaza, 500 Redwood Blvd in Novato, from 11am - 12:30pm to get:

• Free vaccinations (DA2PP, FVRCP, rabies)
• Free microchipping
• Free pet food and supplies

This event will happen rain or shine! This is a FREE event to help low-income Marin County families struggling to meet their pet’s needs.

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La Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Marin está organizará su próxima clínica comunitaria para padres de mascotas de bajos ingresos del condado de Marin el sábado 28 de febrero.

Traiga a su compañero canino o amigo felino a nuestra clínica móvil en Pell Plaza, 500 Redwood Blvd en Novato, de 11:00 am a 12:30 pm para obtener:

• Vacunas gratuitas (DA2PP, FVRCP, rabia)
• Microchip gratis
• Comida y suministros para mascotas gratis

Se realizará con cualquier clima. Este es un evento GRATUITO para ayudar a las familias de bajos ingresos del condado de Marin que tienen dificultad para satisfacer las necesidades de sus mascotas.

PG&E Extends Match My Payment Program

In an ongoing effort to support customers facing financial hardship, PG&E is extending its Match My Payment Program into 2026 while funds last.

The PG&E Match My Payment Program offers a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $1,000 to help qualifying low- to moderate-income customers pay past-due energy bills and avoid service disconnections.

This effort is part of a $50 million commitment to assist income-eligible customers in reducing outstanding balances through PG&E’s Match My Payment and REACH programs.

REACH provides emergency bill credits of up to $300 for eligible customers facing disconnection. To date, PG&E has distributed more than $9.4 million. Customers may receive multiple matches throughout the year by paying at least $50 toward a past-due balance of $100 or more, with eligibility based on federal income guidelines.

Funds are limited — apply today!

City of Novato Administrative Offices Holiday Closure

The City of Novato Administrative Offices will be closed Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents' Day.

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

February 9 at 7pm | Planning Commission

February 10 at 6pm | City Council

February 12 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator - cancelled

February 18 at 6pm | Design Review Commission

February 23 at 7pm | Planning Commission

February 24 at 6pm | City Council

February 25 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission

February 26 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

We're Hiring — Join Our Team!

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

• Accounting Assistant I/II (Full Time) - Application deadline is February 8

Please note the following positions will remain open until filled.

Community Development

• Building Plan Examiner I/II (Full Time)

Parks, Recreation & Community Services

• Gymnastics Instructor

Police

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

Top Stories from Our Previous Edition

City Supports Small Businesses Through Shop Local Novato Campaign

Planting for Pollinators

Reuse and Repair Resources