June 2025

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! This issue features a General Plan Safety Element workshop and survey, Lee Gerner Park improvements survey, Novato Permit Connections schedule changes, Pride Month recognition, Novato Blvd update, utility box artist recognition, 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.

Novato Safety Element Community Workshop and Survey

Join us for an interactive Community Workshop to help shape Novato’s Safety Element Update on Tuesday, June 17 from 6pm to 7:30pm at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue.

Learn about climate change hazards affecting our community and evacuation preparedness and share your thoughts on strategies to create a more resilient city. Topics will include: 

• emergency preparedness & response
• climate change hazards
• vulnerable populations and community assets 
• climate adaptation & resilience strategies

Take our Survey! You’re also invited to participate in our online survey at novato.org/safetyelement. Survey closes June 27, 2025.

Taller Comunitario y Encuesta del Elemento de Seguridad de Novato

Únase a nosotros para un taller comunitario interactivo para ayudar a dar forma a la Actualización del Elemento de Seguridad de Novato el martes, 17 de junio a las 6 p. m. a 7:30 p. m. en Ayuntamiento de Novato, 901 Sherman Avenue.

Aprenda sobre los peligros del cambio climático que afectan a nuestra comunidad y la preparación para la evacuación y comparta sus pensamientos sobre estrategias para crear una ciudad más resiliente.Se tratarán los siguientes temas:

• preparación y respuesta ante emergencias
• peligros del cambio climático
• poblaciones vulnerables y bienes comunitarios
• adaptación al clima y estrategias de resiliencia

Responda a nuestra encuesta! También está invitado a participar en la encuesta comunitaria en novato.org/safetyelement. La encuesta cierra el 27 de junio de 2025.

Share Your Vision for Lee Gener Neighborhood Park

The City of Novato Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department is exploring potential improvements to Lee Gerner Park, a small, central, and well-loved recreation space in our community. With a limited budget and a modest footprint to work with, we want to ensure any future enhancements reflect the needs and interests of the people who use and care about this park most — our community.

Please take our online survey by 11:59pm on June 19, 2025. This survey is the first step in understanding how the community envisions the future of Lee Gerner Park. Your feedback will help guide the City as we begin to consider possibilities for this site.

Help shape the future of Lee Gerner Neighborhood Park!

Comparta su visión del Parque Vecinal Lee Gerner

El Departamento de Parques, Recreación y Servicios Comunitarios de la Ciudad de Novato está explorando posibles mejoras en el Parque Lee Gerner, un espacio recreativo pequeño, céntrico y muy querido en nuestra comunidad. Con un presupuesto limitado y un espacio modesto con el que trabajar, queremos asegurarnos de que cualquier mejora futura refleje las necesidades e intereses de las personas que más utilizan y cuidan este parque: nuestra comunidad.

Responda a nuestra encuesta en línea antes de las 11:59 p. m. del 19 de junio de 2025. Esta encuesta es el primer paso para comprender cómo la comunidad imagina el futuro del Parque Lee Gerner. Sus comentarios ayudarán a orientar a la Ciudad a medida que comenzamos a considerar posibilidades para este sitio.

¡Ayude a dar forma al futuro del Parque Vecinal Lee Gerner!

Novato Permit Connections – June & July Schedule Changes

During the months of June and July, Novato Permits Connections will be rescheduled to the following dates.

Thursday, June 26

Thursday, July 10

Thursday, July 24

Considering an ADU, starting a home project, opening a new business or renovating an existing commercial space? Drop into our all-agency permit advice center, located at 922 Machin Avenue, from 9am to 11am.

Our full team of Planning, Building, Public Works, Fire, Water, and Sanitary staff are all available to answer questions, move your project forward, or help you get started. No appointment necessary.

Note: Permit Connections will return to its regular schedule in August, held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.

Novato Proudly Celebrates Pride Month

Happy Pride, Novato! Thank you to everyone who came out to our Pride flag raising event to stand together in recognition, inclusion, and unity.

Each June, we raise the Pride flag to honor and celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and recognize Pride Month as a time for visibility, unity, and ongoing progress. The Pride flag will fly proudly at both City Hall and the Novato Police Department all month long. Plus, mark your calendars—on June 10, the City Council will officially proclaim June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Novato.

PG&E Utility Undergrounding on Novato Boulevard

PG&E has begun work on their utility undergrounding project along Novato Boulevard. This work includes installing new poles to connect underground utilities to existing overhead lines. Please expect traffic delays, drive with caution and use alternate routes when possible. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for construction updates.

Questions? Contact PG&E Outreach Specialist John Baston at (707) 867-9466. This work is a crucial step toward advancing the Novato Boulevard Improvements – Diablo to Grant project. Benefits of this project include a new 3-lane roadway with new sidewalks and bike lanes, improved drainage and sewer systems, and upgraded signals to enhance traffic flow.

Thank You to Our Utility Art Box Artists

A heartfelt thank you to the seven talented artists who brought new life and color to our streets through Novato’s Utility Box Art Program.

• Honor Henningsen - Grant & Sixth
• Frances McCorkle - Grant & Seventh
• Lauren Burke - De Long & Reichert
• Eleni Kelly - Grant & Reichert (next to Dr. Insomniacs)
• Sara Paculdo - Grant & Redwood
• Dhyanis Carniglia - Grant & First
• Ellen Lovelidge - Grant & Reichert (next to Druids Hall)

With every brushstroke you’ve captured the spirit of our community—its creativity, culture, and connection.

This project was a collaboration between the City of Novato and Team Big Rock Ridge Novato Chamber's Leadership Novato Class of 2025 and with the support of Downtown Novato Business Association, working together to celebrate and uplift local art in public spaces. Thanks to their vision and the artists’ incredible talent, our utility boxes have been transformed into a vibrant outdoor gallery along Grant Avenue.

Hamilton Pool Opens This Weekend: June 7 & 8

We’re thrilled to announce that the Hamilton Community Pool officially opens for the season this weekend—Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8! With the heater repaired, we’re ready to kick off a summer of swimming, sunshine, and fun. Season passes, swim lessons, and daily admission options are now available for purchase. As a thank you for your patience during the delayed opening, all summer memberships have been extended through September 14.

Parks & Recreation Summer Camps and Programs

Register for Novato Parks & Recreation’s Summer activities! From classic favorites like Camp Ton-Of-Fun and Gymnastics Camps to specialty camps in chess, theater, LEGO engineering, and more—there’s something for every child.

Adults and seniors can enjoy summer programming at Margaret Todd Senior Center, including yoga, dance, and game groups. Plus, don’t miss out on adult sports leagues like cornhole, volleyball, and softball, or our new Teen & Adult Open Gym Basketball at Hill Gym.

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

Concerts on the Green

Join us for free concerts at the Novato Civic Green, 901 Sherman Avenue from 6pm to 8pm on select Fridays

• June 6 - Anthony Arya Band (Americana Rock)
• June 20 - King Dream (Multi-Genre Bay Area Rock 'N' Roll)
• July 18 - Papa Joe & the New Deal (60's to Today Coverband)
• August 1 - Wolf Jett (Folk, Blues, Americana)
• August 15 - Sol Horizon (Reggae with Rock, Funk, World Beats)

Hot Amphitheater Nights

Join us for free concerts at the Hamilton Amphitheater, 601 North Hamilton Parkway from 5pm to 7pm on select Saturdays.

• June 28 - Carnaval (Santana Tribute Band)
• July 26 - Pop Fiction (70's, 80's, 90's, 2000's & Beyond)
• August 30 - The Timebandits (Pop, Soul, R&B, Latin, Swing, & more)

Note: Parking is available at the Hamilton Community Center Parking Lot or the old Hamilton Gym Parking Lot. Both lots are a short walk away from the venue. 

Camp Ton-of-Fun

Looking for full-day childcare that keeps your child active, creative, and social all summer long? Look no further! The City of Novato’s Parks and Recreation Department is excited to offer Camp Ton-of-Fun, a traditional summer day camp for kids ages 6.5-11 years. Each week is packed with exciting themes, arts & crafts, outdoor games, and tons of playtime. Plus, your camper can opt into a weekly trip to the Hamilton Community Pool (additional $20). Camp runs Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 5:30pm.

Camp Ton-of Fun Minis

Camp Ton-of-Fun Minis is where little campers (incoming Kinder through incoming 2nd graders) jump into a world of summer excitement! This program mirrors the awesomeness of Camp Ton-of-Fun, ensuring our youngest campers experience a summer filled with laughter, themed activities, and joyful moments. Join us for a pint-sized summer of joy at Camp Ton-of-Fun Minis!

Camp runs Monday through Friday and campers may be dropped off or picked up any time between 8:30am and 2:30pm.

Novato Gymnastics Summer Classes

Looking for a fun, active way to keep your child engaged this summer? The Novato Gymnastics Center offers exciting summer classes for children ages 12 months to 14 years – starting the week of June 16 through August 16.

From adult-participation classes for toddlers to skill-building for older kids, we have something for everyone. Spaces are limited—sign up today!

Community Events

National Night Out 2025

Join the Novato Police Department (NPD) for their annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 8 from 4pm to 6pm at the Novato Police Station, 909 Machin Avenue. Beat the heat at NPD with some FREE treats & goodies for the whole family!

• Free Otter Pops with the Cops
• Station Tours
• Raffle
• Giveaways
• Meet & Greet with your Police Department
• Patrol Vehicle & Equipment displays

Community Partners: Novato Fire, Marin CHP, First Responder Therapy Dogs and more

Note: This event takes place during the Downtown Novato Community Farmers' Market, so please plan ahead for travel and parking.

More Upcoming NPD Events:

• 6/7 & 6/8: Art, Wine & Music Festival (Downtown Novato)
• 6/28: Hot Amphitheater Nights (Hamilton Amphitheater Park) 
• 7/4: Fourth of July Parade (Grant Avenue)
• 7/18: First Fridays (Grant Avenue)
• 7/26: Hot Amphitheater Nights (Hamilton Amphitheater Park)

Downtown Novato Community Farmers’ Market

The Downtown Novato Farmers’ Market is held every Tuesday on Sherman Avenue between Grant and De Long Avenues, May - September from 4–8pm and 4–7pm throughout October.

Bring your friends and family to 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.

El mercado de agricultores comunitarios del centro de Novato regresa

El mercado de agricultores del centro de Novato se celebra todos los martes en Sherman Avenue entre Grant y De Long Avenues, de 4 a 8 p. m. (del 6 de mayo al 30 de septiembre) y de 4 a 7 p. m. durante todo octubre.

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. 

First Fridays on Grant

Head downtown on June 6 for First Fridays. Grant Avenue (from Machin Avenue to Reichert Avenue) will transform into a pedestrian-only entertainment zone from 5pm to 10pm and will feature an artisan marketplace, rock climbing wall, live music, family fun & games and extended shopping hours.

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

Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival

Join us for a time-honored tradition in Downtown Novato. Hosted annually by the Novato Chamber of Commerce, the Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival returns June 7! 

Saturday, June 7 from 11am to 7pm

Sunday, June 8 from 11am to 6pm

Grant Avenue, between Redwood Blvd and Seventh Street

This FREE two-day event is packed with live music, artist vendors and delicious food and drink options. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere filled with creativity, community, and culture. With family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Rock the Block

Get ready to Rock the Block! Join the Downtown Novato Business Association for a FREE street party featuring You Should Be Dancing - A Tribute to the Bee Gees.

Thursday, June 19 from 6pm to 9pm

Grant Avenue between Reichert and Machin Avenues

Enjoy food, drinks, and extended hours at local restaurants.

Traffic Advisory: Grant Avenue will be closed from 4pm to 10pm between Reichert and Machin Avenues

Marin County Fair

Held annually over the 4th of July holiday, fairgoers enjoy five days of art and exhibits, barnyard animals, free carnival rides, concerts by Grammy award-winning musical artists, local entertainment, and a fireworks show every night!

July 2 – July 6 from 11am to 11pm daily

10 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael

The Marin County Fair is committed to celebrating community, creativity, and sustainability through an inclusive and innovative experience that honors tradition while embracing the future.

Novato 4th of July Parade

Join us on Grant Avenue for Novato's Annual 4th of July Parade. The parade starts at 10am at Grant and Reichert Avenues and continues down Grant to 7th Street, lasting approximately two hours. Attendees are invited to watch from the sidewalks along the route—bring chairs, but please keep them out of the street. Animals are not allowed, except for official service animals. Free pre-parade entertainment starts at 9am and ends at 10am when the Parade begins. 

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are necessary 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. 

Interested in participating in the parade? Online applications are open now through June 15. 

Free Nature Playgroup at Museum of the American Indian

The Museum of the American Indian in Miwok Park is launching AAY-KO Indigenous Nature-Based Playgroup this summer - a free program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Sessions run Tuesdays and Saturdays year-round and include Indigenous language activities, nature exploration, cultural crafts, and STEAM activities.

The program is designed for Native American and Indigenous families but welcomes all backgrounds. Each session is limited to 25 participants and reservations are required.

Summer sessions start in June. For more information, contact Rachael Greve at rachael@marinindian.com.

Sustainability

Pollinator Week: June 16–22

Pollinator Week serves as an important opportunity to recognize the critical role pollinators, (e.g. as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds) play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting a resilient food system.

Unfortunately, many pollinator populations are in decline due to habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and disease.

You can make a positive impact by planting native, pollinator-friendly plants in your garden or in containers to provide nectar, shelter, and safe habitats for these essential creatures.

BYO Produce Bags

A new state law now bans single-use plastic pre-checkout bags at grocery stores, including those for produce, meat, and bulk items. Stores must use recycled paper or compostable bags instead.

However, Redwood Landfill can’t process green-tinted or clear compostable bags, so please don’t place them in your green compost cart.

To reduce waste, bring reusable produce bags or repurpose bags like those from bread or tortillas. Small changes like these help support Novato’s sustainability goals.

Free Used Solar Panels Available

Zero Waste Marin and the California Product Stewardship Council are offering free used solar panels for local sustainability projects. Available to residents and businesses, this program supports small-scale renewable energy efforts.

Over 150 panels were collected in a recent pilot—85% still fully functional. Need 1–10 panels? Apply now! Up to four projects may receive up to $1,500 to help with installation.

Novato Historical Guild: Quarterly Membership Meeting

The Novato Historical Guild will hold their quarterly membership meeting on Saturday, June 21 from 10am to 12pm at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue. Featured speaker, Ralph Grossi, manager of Marindale Ranch and general partner of Gross Family Vineyard, will discuss "A Look Back at Agriculture in Marin: Families, Land and Politics." A founding Board member of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust and American Farmland Trust, Mr. Grossi was President of AFT for 25 years, and has served on the boards of numerous other organizations in agriculture, conservation, and academia. This event is free and open to the public.

Pioneer Park Cemetery Tours

Join the Novato Historical Guild for a fascinating journey through history at Pioneer Park on June 21, July 26, August 16 and September 20 from 9am – 10:30am. Explore the stories of the pioneers who shaped our community, learn about their lives, and uncover the secrets of the past.

This in-person event is a unique opportunity to connect with the past and discover the rich heritage of our city. Please note that the tour consists of some stairs and narrow pathways. A $10 donation is greatly appreciated, payable at the event.

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.

NUSD Advances Workforce Housing Efforts

Novato Unified School District (NUSD) is making progress on its workforce housing initiative through the Development Staging Plan, a multi-phase approach to addressing staff housing needs.

A major milestone was the formation of the Surplus Property Facilities Advisory Committee (SPFAC). After reviewing governance, enrollment trends, and site capacity, the SPFAC unanimously recommended that the San Andreas site and Hamilton Meadow Annex be declared surplus. The Board of Trustees approved this recommendation on March 18, 2025, and a waiver request was submitted to the California Department of Education, with a decision expected on July 11, 2025.

NUSD continues to work closely with city officials and community partners to explore long-term housing solutions that support staff recruitment and retention.

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.

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 9 at 7pm | Planning Commission

June 10 at 6pm | City Council

June 11 at 5pm | Housing and Homeless Committee

June 12 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

June 12 at 3pm | Economic Development Advisory Commission - Special Meeting

June 18 at 7pm | Design Review Commission

June 23 at 7pm | Planning Commission

June 24 at 6pm | City Council

June 25 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission

June 26 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

June 26 at 6pm | Sustainability Commission - Special Meeting

We're Hiring — Join Our Team!

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

• Accountant I/II (Full Time) - application deadline is June 8

Please note the following positions will remain open until filled.

Community Development

• Plan Check Engineer (Full Time)
• Senior Building Inspector (Full Time)

Parks & Recreation

• Facility Attendant (Part Time)

Police

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

Top Stories from Our Previous Edition

Redwood Bikeshare Program

2025 State of the City

City of Novato Administrative Offices Holiday Closure

The City of Novato Administrative Offices will be closed Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

This closure does not affect the Novato Police Department.

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