January 2025

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! This issue features a New Year message from City Manager Amy Cunningham, City Council reorganization, Novato's 65th birthday celebration, Minimum Wage update, Grant Avenue Bridge Project update, information from Novato Police regarding new "Daylighting" law, Parks & Recreation programs, 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.

New Year Message from City Manager Amy Cunningham

Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, we’re filled with anticipation and excitement for the possibilities this year will bring. Together, we’ll continue shaping the future of Novato, fostering inclusion and engagement, and building a vibrant community. 

Mensaje de Año Nuevo de la administradora municipal, Amy Cunningham

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! Al dar la bienvenida a 2025, estamos llenos de ilusión y emoción por las posibilidades que traerá este año. Juntos, continuaremos dando forma al futuro de Novato, fomentando la inclusión y la participación, y construyendo una comunidad vibrante. 

New Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem Appointed

Last month, the Novato City Council appointed Mayor Pro Tem Tim O’Connor to serve as the new Mayor and Councilmember Rachel Farac as Mayor Pro Tem. Each will serve in that capacity for one year.

We also welcomed newly elected Councilmember Kevin Jacobs and recognized outgoing Councilmember Susan Wernick for her many years of service to the Novato community.

The first meeting of the new City Council will be January 14, 2025. 

Meeting agendas are available at novato.org/agendas.

Local Sales Tax Rate Update

Effective April 1, 2025, the sales tax rate for the City of Novato will increase from 8.5% to 9.25%.

Novato businesses will receive additional information, including implementation requirements, from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

Approved by Novato voters with the passage of Measure M in November 2024, and paid by anyone shopping in Novato, this local sales tax increase of 0.75% is estimated to bring our community an additional $10 million in revenue per year. The City will begin receiving funds in June 2025 to directly support community identified priorities such as public safety and emergency response, parks and facilities maintenance, and roadway repairs.

Paint the Town Red: Novato's 65th Birthday Celebration

You're invited to join the Paint the Town Red committee to celebrate Novato's 65th birthday on Friday, January 24 from 5:30pm-9:30pm at the Buck Institute, 8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato.

Enjoy dinner and entertainment while celebrating the past, present and future of our city. Festivities include recognition of the Novato Citizen of the Year, as well as honoring the Spirit of Novato Award winner, Novato Chamber's Business of the Year, and Employees of the year from the Novato Police Department and Novato Fire Protection District. 

The all-volunteer non-profit Paint the Town Red committee organizes and hosts this celebration to honor local community members who make Novato a great place to live. For more information, please email info@paintthetownred.org. 

Grant Avenue Bridge Project Update

We are excited to announce that the Grant Avenue Bridge is now OPEN to traffic! As we enter the final month of this project, please be aware that there may be minor delays of up to 15 minutes as crews complete the remaining project tasks, including roadway striping, sign installation, bridge lighting installation, and more.  

Last month, crews wrapped up work on the northside of the bridge, which included finishing the sidewalk, curb & gutter, pouring the remaining bridge barrier, completing the storm drain system, and paving the roadway. 

Benefits of this project include widened roadway access; safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists; new bridge railing and pavement; and new signage and a streetlight system. All estimated timelines are tentative and subject to change.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during construction as we work to complete these much-needed improvements. 

Daylighting to Improve Pedestrian Safety

Have you heard of “Daylighting”?

“Daylighting” is based on the concept that safety is improved by removing parked cars next to crosswalks.⁠ New California law prohibits parking within 15-20 feet of any crosswalk to improve pedestrian safety in accordance with the “Daylighting to Save Lives” Bill (AB-413).

When vehicles park right in front of an intersection or crosswalk, it makes it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians entering a crosswalk, oncoming bicycles, and vehicle traffic. Children and pedestrians with strollers, wheelchairs, or walkers are particularly vulnerable, as they are not visible behind a parked vehicle. And with the size and height of many trucks and SUVs, even adults are at greater risk when crossing the street next to a parked car.⁠

Novato Police will continue to work with the City's Engineering Department to enhance safety and awareness in our community. Remember: Leave at least 15ft (marked) or 20ft (unmarked) between the crosswalk and your vehicle.  

Lunar New Year Lunch

Join us as we celebrate the year of the snake! The Margaret Todd Senior Center (MTSC) will host its Lunar New Year Lunch on Wednesday, January 29 at 12pm. ⁠Enjoy vegetable chow mein, sweet and sour pork, chicken with mixed vegetables, white rice, and spring rolls. $16 for members and $18 for non-members.

Register by 4pm on Monday, January 27 at MTSC, 1560 Hill Road,⁠ or sign up below.

Let's Catch-a-Beat Together

Join music and dance educator Tina Rogers on Saturday, February 8 from 11am - 12pm for an energetic movement experience that combines music, dance, culture, and storytelling. Perfect for children of all abilities and their families, this FREE inclusive program at Novato City Hall will have everyone moving to the beat!  Celebrate the vibrancy of Black History Month with us as we explore rhythm, dance styles, and cultural traditions. For more information, visit novato.org/events or call 415.899.8290.

Spring Magic Show

Get ready for a day of enchantment on Saturday, February 22! Join the Novato Parks & Recreation for a FREE Spring Magic Show at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue.

To accommodate everyone, we're now offering TWO time slots — 10am or 11:30am. No reservations required, simply pick the time that suits you best and witness the magic right before your eyes! Bring friends, family, and share the joy! For more information call 415.899.8290.

Spring Trash to Treasures Flea Market

Join us Saturday, March 29 from 9am-2pm at the Margaret Todd Senior Center for our Spring Trash to Treasures Flea Market.

Vendor Booth Applications are available beginning Wednesday, January 22 at 9:15am and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Completed applications must be returned to the Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road.

Junior Swim Instructor

Get ready for our exciting new Junior Swim Instructor program! As a Junior Instructor, you'll work alongside lead instructors to manage swimmer groups while developing leadership, responsibility, and teamwork skills. You'll also teach swimming techniques and offer valuable feedback to students. Plus, you'll gain experience in monitoring swimmers and maintaining a safe environment both in and around the water.

Marin County Office of Education: Digital Safety

Attention Novato Parents and Guardians! 

Are you looking for ways to better support your child’s mental health, well-being, and online safety? The Marin County Office of Education offers free virtual workshops and in-person events that focus on mental health, wellbeing, and online/digital safety. By participating, you can gain strategies to promote emotional resilience, improve family communication, and ensure your child’s safety in an increasingly digital world.

Upcoming Workshops:



January 14, 2025 | 6:15 – 7:45pm

Vigilant Parent Training: Social Media how-to's, vault apps, and exploitation

January 21, 2025 | 6:15 – 7:45pm

Vigilant Parent Training: Sexploitation, AI, and Deepfakes

Don't miss out on these valuable opportunities to equip yourself with the tools to support your child’s growth and safety! Workshops are FREE, but advanced registration is required.

Sustainability

New Year Commute Challenge

Kick off 2025 with a resolution you can stick to—healthier, sustainable commuting! Whether you walk, bike, carpool, take public transit, or even work from home, the Transportation Authority of Marin’s (TAM) Marin Commutes program is the perfect opportunity to shift gears for the New Year.

Starting on January 13, make your sustainable commute count with TAM’s 6-week New Year Commute Challenge (running January 13 to February 23, 2025) and earn double bonus rewards, in addition to regular year-round rewards, all while qualifying for exciting prize drawings! 

Home Electrification and Application Rebates

The Home Electrification and Application Rebates Program (HEEHRA) provides generous financial rebates for low-to-moderate-income homeowners to purchase new, energy-efficient electric equipment. Rebates are administered via the TECH Clean California initiative and are available to homeowners through TECH Clean California-certified and HEEHRA trained contractors. TECH Clean California-certified contractors will provide project quotes, reserve rebate funds, perform installations, and guide you through the HEEHRA rebate process.

Marin Humane Society Drop-In Clinic

Marin Humane Society will be hosting a FREE drop-in Community Clinic for low-income pet parents in Novato on Saturday, January 25, at Pell Plaza. This space is covered, so the event will take place rain or shine!

Bring your canine companion or feline friend to the mobile clinic at 500 Redwood Blvd from 11am - 12:30pm to get:

• Free vaccinations (DA2PP, FVRCP, rabies)
• Free microchipping
• Free mini-check-up by a veterinarian
• Free pet food and supplies

This is a FREE event to help low-income Marin County families struggling to meet their pet’s needs.

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.

January 13 at 7pm | Planning Commission - Cancelled

January 14 at 6pm | City Council

January 15 at 5:30pm | Complete Streets & Pathways Oversight Committee

January 15 at 7pm | Design Review Commission

January 16 at 6pm | Sustainability Commission

January 22 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission

January 23 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

January 27 at 7pm | Planning Commission

January 28 at 6pm | City Council

City of Novato Administrative Offices Holiday Closure

The City of Novato Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.⁠

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

We're Hiring — Join Our Team!

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

Community Development

• Senior Office Assistant - deadline to apply is January 12

Public Works

• Public Works Administrative Manager - deadline to apply is January 12
• Maintenance Worker - deadline to apply is January 12

Please note the following positions will remain open until filled.

Police

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

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