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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
August 2021
Welcome to the City of Novato August eNewsletter! This issue includes information on new face covering guidance; Novato's new Short Term Rental Program; the reopening of the Margaret Todd Senior Center 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.
Bay Area Health Officials Urge Immediate Vaccination and Issue Orders Requiring Use of Face Coverings Indoors
On Tuesday, August 3, a new Public Health Order went into effect requiring that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must wear face coverings when indoors in public settings.

This is in response to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases within our community and a protective measure to reduce the spread of the Delta variant in the Bay Area.

Todas Las Personas Deben Usar Mascarillas en Lugares Públicos de Interior
Varios condados del Área de la Bahía, incluyendo el #CondadoDeMarin, anunciaron hoy conjuntamente que todas las personas, independientemente de su estado de vacunación, deben llevar una mascarilla cuando estén en lugares públicos en el interior. Habrá excepciones limitadas y esta nueva Orden de Salud Pública entrará en vigor a las 12:01 a.m. del martes 3 de agosto.

Esto es en respuesta al reciente aumento de casos de COVID-19 dentro de nuestra comunidad y una medida de protección para reducir la propagación de la variante del Delta en el Área de la Bahía.
Novato Returns to Virtual Public Meetings
Following a brief transition to in-person public meetings, the City has returned to virtual meetings held via Zoom for City Council, Commissions, Committees, and Boards.

With the health of our community and staff in mind, this decision is a preventative measure aimed at reducing community exposure to COVID-19.
City Requests Modifications to Federal Temporary Restraining Order Regarding Encampment at Lee Gerner Park
On July 15, 2021, a federal lawsuit was filed against the City of Novato by the California Homeless Union and several occupants of the encampment at Lee Gerner Park seeking to prohibit enforcement of new City ordinances 1669 and 1670. 

At a court hearing held on July 26, the City of Novato moved to request modifications to a Temporary Restraining Order that had been previously granted as part of the lawsuit. As a result of this request, a federal court issued revisions to this Temporary Restraining Order granting in part and denying in part the City's motion to modify. An evidentiary hearing is set for August 9 & 10 to determine continuation of the Temporary Restraining Order into a preliminary injunction. 

A judge has ordered the City and Plaintiffs in this matter to a settlement magistrate to see if the case can be resolved short of continued litigation. The City plans to participate in this process in good faith as directed by the court. 
Short Term Rentals
Council Approves Short Term Rental Program
 At their regular meeting on July 27, the Novato City Council held a public hearing and introduced a Short-Term Rental Registration Program that will be used for the City to permit eligible rentals under the program first approved by City Council on February 9, 2021.

The City is currently building the online portal that will enable streamlined Short-Term Rental registration, business license issuance, and Transient Occupancy Tax payment for property owners wishing to operate a short-term rental in Novato. The portal is expected to be launched by September 2021.
COVID-19 Updates
Check out daily updates from Marin County Public Health about confirmed COVID-19 cases countywide, vaccination efforts, & more at coronavirus.marinhhs.org. 

COVID-19 QUICK LINKS

The California COVID-19 Hotline is available to answer your questions and help with vaccine access. Please call 833.422.4255, Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm, weekends from 8am-5pm. For California Relay Service dial 711. The hotline supports callers in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic, and other languages.
Why I Got Vaccinated
The Novato community has over 8,000 unvaccinated eligible residents. Protect your loved ones and get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Public Health officials strongly recommend eligible youth get fully vaccinated before the start of school.

To find a vaccination location, please visit getvaccinatedmarin.org.
Vaccine Graphic
California Department of Public Health
(CDPH) reminds unvaccinated Californians that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe, free and provides excellent protection from severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death.

The data and science clearly demonstrate vaccines are highly effective at preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19, including the Delta variant. 
Back to School
Get Your Shots for School Early
School is just around the corner! Its time to plan for immunizations now so students will be ready for the first day of school.

Clases están a la vuelta de la esquina! Ahora es el momento de planificar las vacunas para que los estudiantes estén listos para su primer día.
#NovatoFUN
Margaret Todd Senior Center Reopens
We are thrilled to announce that the Margaret Todd Senior Center at 1560 Hill Road is now open again following an extended closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City, in partnership with the Novato Senior Citizens Club, welcomes our community back for the return of game groups, classes, programs and other activities during regular business hours on Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm as well as on evenings and weekends for scheduled programs and events.

Please note that Marin County's current Public Health Order requires all visitors, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a face covering indoors at public places. We appreciate your understanding and compliance with these protocols for the safety of our community.

Welcome back!
Novato's Trails & Parks: Dog Friendly Tips
Novato's trails and parks are dog friendly! Here's a quick reminder for our #pupsonpaths!

  • For the safety of your dog and others, dogs must remain on a leash when visiting our parks and trails. 

  • Stop “poo-lution” and help keep our parks and trails clean by picking up and properly disposing of dog waste. 

  • Maintain a safe social distance for pets and people - including horses! Our multi-use trail at O’Hair Park is especially popular for dog-walkers and equestrians. 

  • Dog owners seeking an off-leash experience for their dogs are encouraged to visit our Dogbone Meadow Dog Park located at 3015 Novato Blvd. 

Thank you for helping to keep our parks & trails safe and Novato Fun for all - including our dogs! 

For more information about all of our parks and facilities, please visit novatofun.org.
Novato Summer Outdoor Concert Series Continues!
We are excited to welcome the community back to our Saturday evening Concerts on the Green and Hot Amphitheater Nights outdoor concert series!

Concerts on the Green, 901 Sherman Ave., 5-7pm:

  • August 7 | Pacific Standard (Americana)
  • August 21 | Simon Lunche (pop rock)*

Hot Amphitheater Nights, 601 N Hamilton Pkwy, 5-7pm:

  • August 28 | Careless Whisper (80's tribute band)*

*FREE COVID-19 Vaccine Pop-up Clinics will be onsite for the August 21 & 28 concerts. Head over to enjoy the concert and get your vaccine while you're there!

Gather your friends and family, grab your lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and join us for an evening of live music. More info at novato.org/concerts.
Parks & Recreation Fall Activity Guide

COMING SOON!

Our Parks, Recreation and Community Services Fall 2021 Activity Guide will be released and program registration opens beginning Tuesday, August 10 at 10am!

Stay tuned for all the #NovatoFun coming your way!

Follow @NovatoFun on Facebook and Instagram.
Want to Know What's Developing in Novato?
Stay updated on private development projects at novato.org/planningprojects and capital improvement projects at novato.org/pwprojects. Here are some new private projects of interest to the community.
777 San Marin
777 San Marin Drive
The owners of the iconic Fireman's Fund site at 777 San Marin Drive have proposed a master planned residential community.

Want to learn more and stay informed about this project? Check out the project page link below and sign up for email notifications.
1301 Grant Avenue
The proposal for 1301 Grant Avenue would convert an existing two-story building to a 6,250 square-foot mixed use development featuring a HenHouse Brewing Company taproom on the ground floor.

Want to learn more and stay informed about this project? Check out the project page link below and sign up for email notifications.
HWY 37 work
Overnight Closure: Road Repair Work on Highway 37
As part of a two-week roadway repair project, that began on Monday, August 2 and will continue through Tuesday, August 10, Caltrans District 4 will alternate overnight full highway closures on westbound and eastbound State Route 37 (SR-37) between Mare Island in Vallejo and State Route 121 (SR-121) near Sears Point and the Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma County.

At least one travel direction of SR-37 will remain open at all times.
National Night Out 2021
Thank you to our community members who came out and joined our Novato Police Department for National Night Out on Tuesday evening!

We've missed you all, and it's good to be back!
CalFresh Farmers Market
Downtown Novato Community Farmers Market
Summer is definitely at its height and so is the produce at our wonderful farmers market! If you haven't been to the market this season, you can find the produce vendors in the shade of the trees. Come see and taste the bounty on Tuesdays from 4-8pm at the Downtown Shopping Center, under the oaks, behind CVS.

Did you know that if you are a CalFresh Healthy Living participant, you can use your benefits to buy fresh fruits & veggies at the market? Get an extra $10 to spend when using your CalFresh EBT at the market!

¡Cuando gastas $10 de su tarjeta de EBT, puedes obtener $10 en fruta y verduras gratis en el mercado!
Marin SBDC
Marin Small Business Development Center
Check out the Marin Small Business Development Center's website for up-to-date information from the Small Business Administration (SBA), info on new grants and other important news to help you navigate your business through the effects of COVID-19. They are also available to help you apply for relief, guide you through available resources, cash flow concerns, supply chain interruptions, workforce capacity, insurance coverage and more — at no cost!

NEW! Heads up small business owners! California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program funding rounds 7-9 are now active. IMPORTANT: if you have already applied and are waitlisted, you do not need to do anything. Lendistry will be contacting you if you are chosen to receive funds.

If you have not applied yet as a small business, you will not be able to submit a new application until September 9, during Round 9. Learn more at careliefgrant.com
NMWD Serving Water
Drought Prohibitions
Did you know, under the new prohibitions from the North Marin Water District, during the drought dining establishments will only bring customers a glass of water upon request? 

North Marin Water District has enacted Emergency Water Conservation Ordinances in both the Novato and West Marin Service Areas to preserve water supply during this drought.
MarinMOCA Presents: Invincible, Now thru 9/5
This exhibition pays tribute to the vibrant culture, heritage and resiliency of the Latinx diaspora. Featuring the work of seven Northern California artists who explore their world view through work that investigates constant - and often taboo - themes in the Latinx Community, including post-colonial identity, racism, sexual identity, gentrification, immigration, and poverty. 

Virtual Panel Discussion: Thursday, August 19, 5pm 
Join Curator Luis Garcia and artists Edgar Arturo-Camacho, Lark Calderon-Gomez, and Manuel Ruelas for a lively conversation about their works on view in the exhibition.


Invencible: Una colcha visual de la experiencia LatinX en California

Las exposiciones son gratuitas para el público: Julio 24 - Septiembre 5, 2021 
Horas del Museo: Miercoles-Viernes, 11am - 4pm, Sabado-Domingo, 11am - 5pm 

Panel de discusión virtual: Jueves, Agosto 19, 5pm 
Por favor, unase con Luis García, el curador de la exposicion, y los artistas Edgar Arturo-Camacho, Lark Calderon-Gomez y Manuel Ruelas para una animada conversación sobre sus obras expuestas en la exposición.

Marin County Crisis Line
"Warm Line" in English and Spanish: You Are Not Alone
Marin County’s confidential peer-run Warm Line is a place for you to talk about anything that is on your mind—including anxiety, depression, fear, financial struggles and substance difficulties. We are here for you!

English Warm Line: 415.459.6330
Hours: 9 AM – Midnight

"Warm Line" en inglés y español: No Esta Solo
La Warm Line confidencial administrada por pares del condado de Marin es un lugar para que hable sobre cualquier cosa que tenga en mente, incluida la ansiedad, la depresión, el miedo y la lucha, financiero, uso de sustancias, etc. ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarlo!

Español Warm Line: 415.457.4026
Horas: 1 PM – 6 PM
SAVE THE DATES
Novato Art and Wine 2021
Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music 2021
The Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music returns this August 21 and 22!

More wine, more microbrews, and more music... with the return of the Redwood Stage!

Saturday, August 21st 11am-7pm
Sunday, August 22nd 11am - 6pm
Nostalgia Days 2021
Nostalgia Days Classic Car Cruise & Show
The Downtown Novato Business Association is bringing back this free event on October 8 & 9!

October 8: Cruising from Our Lady of Loretto, 1806 Novato Blvd, at 5:45pm

October 9: Car Show on Grant Avenue, with live music and awards, 10am-4pm
Upcoming City Meetings
The City of Novato encourages community participation at our upcoming public meetings. Meeting details, including information on how to participate, is 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.

August 9 at 7pm | Planning Commission
August 9 at 7pm | Novato Streetscape Committee
August 12 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator
August 18 at 7pm | Design Review Commission
August 19 at 7:30am | Novato Citizens Finance Advisory-Oversight Committee Meeting
August 23 at 7pm | Planning Commission
August 24 at 6pm | City Council
August 25 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission Meeting - cancelled
We're Hiring — Join Our Team!
Interested in a career in local government? Check out some of our current openings:

  • Deputy Director of Finance (continuous)
  • Recreation Coordinator (Deadline 08/13/21)
  • Police Officer - Lateral / Academy Graduate (continuous; applications reviewed as they are received).
  • Police Intern (Deadline 09/15/21)

Visit novatojobs.org for more information and to apply.
COVID-19 FAST FACTS
Testing - English
Testing - Spanish
Stay Healthy Novato
The best way to reduce the risk of becoming infected with respiratory virus, whether the flu or coronavirus, is to practice good hygiene:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Wear a face covering when out in public spaces.
  • Maintain 6 feet distance from those outside of your own household.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or crook of your elbow (not your hands). If you use a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Get vaccinated.
Connect With Us - English
Connect With Us - Spanish
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