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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
NOVEMBER 24, 2020
Dear Novato,

We hope you enjoy this week's edition of Our Town Novato, your weekly wrap up of news and events from throughout the week.

This week, we are sending our newsletter out early to be sure you are up-to-date on safe celebration and travel guidance, as well as new business resources, upcoming re-imagined holiday events around town, and more!

Please remember City of Novato COVID-19 updates and information are available at novato.org/coronavirus, as well as resources for businesses and workers at novato.org/COVID19biz.

We hope you all have a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
Celebrate Safely this Thanksgiving
Marin County Public Health has issued recommendations for safe travel and gatherings this holiday season to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Holiday travel is not recommended and increases your chances of getting infected with and spreading COVID-19.

If you're going to travel, travel safely. Consider getting tested for COVID-19 before you travel and after you return. Know the rules of your destination, too. And keep in mind: each time you are tested is a 'snapshot' in time, and doesn't mean you won't still catch the virus.
Marin HHS
Marin County COVID-19 Update as of November 23, 2020

Marin County Public Health continues to monitor and report confirmed COVID-19 cases countywide on their dedicated coronavirus website at marinhhs.org/coronavirus. Here you will find accurate, up-to-date information with a focus on how it is impacting our local communities.

Here are some data points, as of November 23, 2020, that may be of interest to you:

Marin Confirmed Cases: 5,356
Marin Cases Recovered: 5,016
Marin Deaths: 101
Tests Completed in Marin: 180,000
Marin Hospitalizations (cumulative): 187
Marin Hospitalizations (currently): 8

Marin County Health & Human Services (HHS) is available to answer your questions at the HHS COVID-19 Information Line: Please call 415.473.7191, Monday-Friday between 9:30am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-5:00pm.
#ShopLocal Novato: Restaurants Offering Delicious Thanksgiving Feasts for Pickup
Despite a challenging year, there is so much for which to be thankful. As you prepare for your Thanksgiving holiday, our local restaurants are here for you with Thanksgiving feasts for pickup and delivery.
Not in our town
Not In Our Town Virtual Event on 12/3: “What It Takes to be Racially Literate” 

Join the City of Novato, Novato Police Department, Not In Our Town Novato (NIOT) and local partners for United Against Hate Week on November 30 - December 6, 2020

During this week, NIOT Novato will be hosting a virtual event on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 6pm via Zoom. This event will include a 12-minute viewing of “What It Takes to be Racially Literate”, and an open conversation about how we continue creating an inclusive community.

Evento virtual “Not In Our Town” el 3 de diciembre: "Creando conciencia sobre los problemas raciales”


Únase a la Ciudad de Novato, al Departamento de Policía de Novato, Not In Our Town (NIOT) Novato y socios locales y participe en la Semana Unidos Contra el Odio, del 30 de noviembre al 6 de diciembre de 2020.

Durante esa semana, NIOT Novato organizará un evento virtual a través de zoom, el jueves 3 de diciembre de 2020 a las 6 p.m. Este evento incluirá un video de 12 minutos titulado “Creando conciencia sobre los problemas raciales” y una conversación sobre cómo continuamos creando una comunidad inclusive.
Paint the Town Red
SAVE THE DATE:
2021 Paint the Town Red on January 22, 2021

In these difficult times it is good to find ways to celebrate, as long as it’s safe. The Novato City Birthday Party committee is going virtual for Novato's 61st Birthday Celebration. Paint the Town Red (PTTR) will be broadcast on Novato Community Television at 6:30PM on Friday, January 22, 2021 and everyone is invited.

This year, a new "Community Pandemic Assistance Award" will be presented to a Novato resident or business owner who has performed outstanding services to the Novato Community during the pandemic! Nominations for this award can be submitted at paintthetownred.org — deadline to nominate is December 1, 2020.

As in past years, PTTR will also honor Novato's Citizen of the Year.

This event is not to be missed!
California Rebuilding Fund
California Rebuilding Fund Launches

Small businesses are critical for an inclusive and equitable economic recovery. California is once again leading the way to support the small businesses that make up the backbone of our economy.

Last week, Gov. Newsom, with support from California’s iBank and the CASE Task Force, launched the California Rebuilding Fund to help close the funding gap in California & support this critical segment of our economy.
TAM Survey
Transportation Authority of Marin Seeks Community Input on Bus Service

The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) is exploring whether buses could use the US 101 shoulder from Atherton/San Marin in Novato to San Rafael during rush hour to shorten commute times for riders and make bus service more reliable.

Share your ideas and comments by completing this survey by November 27, 2020.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS!
Novato's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Goes Virtual /
Iluminación anual del árbol comunitario de Novato ahora virtual
2020 Tree Lighting - English
Watch live as the tree lights come on on Sherman Avenue.

Novato’s favorite annual holiday tradition has been re-imagined allowing for a new experience!

Join us virtually this year for Novato’s Annual Community Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 5 from 5-6:30pm on Novato Community Television Channel 26 (Comcast)  and livestreamed through NCTV’s YouTube channel.

Don’t forget about Santa! After the tree lighting the fun continues from 6:30–8pm, as Santa makes his way through the neighborhoods of Novato spreading cheer to one and all.
2020 Tree Lighting - Spanish
Mire en vivo mientras se encienden las luces del árbol en Sherman Avenue.

¡La tradición anual favorita de Novato ha sido reimaginada para permitir una nueva experiencia!

Este año, únase a nosotros virtualmente para presenciar la iluminación del árbol comunitario de Novato, el sábado 5 de diciembre de 5 a 6:30 pm en el Canal 26 de Novato Community Television (Comcast) y transmisión en vivo por el canal de YouTube de NCTV.

¡No se olviden de Santa! La diversión continúa de 6:30 a 8:00 pm, mientras Santa se abre paso por los vecindarios de Novato animando a todos.
Heroes and Helpers 2020
Heroes and Helpers

Looking for ways to assist families in need during the holiday season? Donate to Heroes & Helpers!

Whether you donate $1 or $1,000, your contribution will make an impact — every little bit counts. All donations are processed through North Marin Community Services.
Letters to Santa 2020
Letters to Santa

Children of all ages sharpen your pencils! Novato Parks & Recreation is delivering your letters to Santa — and Santa can't wait to send you a reply!

All you have to do is write a letter to Santa, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and drop it in the North Pole mail slot, at the Novato Gymnastics Center at 950 7th Street, between November 23 and December 14.
Photos with Santa: December 6
On Sunday, December 6, Santa is coming to town and he wants to see YOU!

Register for a time slot to have a socially distanced visit with Santa. He wants to hear what your wishes are for Christmas this year and take a photo with you! In addition to an emailed photo with Santa, each child will take home a holiday themed craft project.

Only $10 per family.

*Pre-Registration is Required. Visit Novato.org/RegForFun, use code PWS to see time slots.

We Ho-Ho-Hope to see you there!
Drive-In menorah concert
Chanukah Drive-In Menorah Lighting: December 13

Join Chabad Jewish Center of Novato at their Chanukah Drive-In Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 13, 4pm at the Hamilton Community Center parking lot, 503 Palm Drive.

Attendees can enjoy this annual event from the convenience of their own cars at a new location to allow for better social distancing!

All are welcome!
Get a Flu shot - english
Getting your #flu vaccine is more important than ever this year. #Fluvaccine helps to protect you and your loved ones from flu, and helps to reduce the burden of flu on hospitals and healthcare systems. 

Get a flu shot - spanish
Recibir su #gripevacuna es más importante que nunca este año: ayuda a protejerle a usted y a sus seres queridos de la gripe, y ayuda a reducir la carga en hospitales y sistemas de atención médica debido a la gripe.

Thanksgiving Closure
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.

November 26 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator - Cancelled
November 26 at 3pm | Economic Development Advisory Commission - Cancelled
December 2 at 7pm | Design Review Commission
December 8 at 6pm | Novato City Council
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 your flu shot.
CONNECT WITH US!
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