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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
June 2022
Welcome to the City of Novato monthly newsletter! This issue features a Pride Month celebration, Housing Element Update community survey & meeting, Gas-powered leaf blowers community survey, shop local with Novato Note$ 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 Kicks-off Pride Month with Flag-Raising Ceremony

On June 1, about 100 community members, City staff, elected officials and representatives of local community organizations gathered in front of Novato City Hall to raise the rainbow Pride flag in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) Pride Month.

During the ceremony, attendees waving mini Pride flags, and some decked out in rainbow attire, enjoyed speeches from Novato Mayor Eric Lucan, The Spahr Center Executive Director Adrian Shanker, and Novato Resident and San Francisco Pride Interim Executive Director Suzanne Ford.

The rainbow Pride flag will be flown on the flag poles at both Novato City Hall and the Novato Police Department throughout the month of June. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as we promote content designed to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and encourage engagement.

And a big thank you to our Department Head Team for participating in this fun video to help kick off Pride Month!
Housing Element Update Community Survey & Meeting

The City of Novato invites you to share your input on Novato’s housing challenges and opportunities.

Our online community survey in now available at novato.org/opennovato. Please complete this survey by Monday, June 20, 2022 at 11:59pm.

Join us on Tuesday, June 21 at 6pm on Zoom for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Scoping Meeting. Provide your input on environmental issues that should be addressed in the Housing Element Update’s EIR. You can access this meeting by joining via this direct meeting link with passcode: 753716
Encuesta comunitaria sobre la actualización al Elemento de Vivienda

La Ciudad de Novato lo invita a compartir sus comentarios sobre los desafíos y las oportunidades relacionadas a la vivienda en Novato.

Nuestra encuesta comunitaria está disponible ahora en novato.org/opennovato. Por favor complete la encuesta antes del lunes 20 de junio de 2022 a las 11:59pm.

Únase a nosotros el martes 21 de junio a las 6pm por Zoom para una Reunión sobre el Ámbito del Informe de Impacto Ambiental (EIR por sus siglas en inglés). Podrá compartir sus comentarios sobre los temas ambientales que deberían abarcarse en el EIR para la actualización del Elemento de Vivienda. Puede acceder a esta reunión por este enlace directo con el código: 753716
Council to Consider Ban on Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

The City of Novato would like to hear our community’s input on the potential ban on, and use of, gas-powered leaf blowers. 

An online survey is now available at novato.org/opennovato. Please complete this survey by Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 11:59pm.
Concejo considerará una prohibición para el uso de los sopladores a gas 

La Ciudad de Novato quiere escuchar los comentarios de nuestra comunidad sobre la prohibición potencial para el uso de sopladores a gas. 

Una encuesta en línea está disponible ahora en novato.org/opennovato. Por favor complete la encuesta antes del domingo 26 de junio de 2022 a las 11:59pm.
Shop Local and Support Novato Businesses with Novato Note$

The City of Novato and Shop Local Novato are proud to announce the launch of Novato Note$, a new local gift card exclusive for Novato-based merchants. Novato Note$ is a community-based digital gift card that makes it fun and easy to keep local spending local.

Recipients can spend it at one of a growing number of participating Novato businesses — or mix it up and spend flexibly at multiple locations.

You can purchase Novato Note$ by going to shoplocalnovato.com and selecting "Buy Local Gift Card". For more information or to participate as a merchant in the program, please contact the City of Novato at econdev@novato.org.
Novato Police Department:
Firearm Safety

Did you know Novato Police (NPD) can assist you with any unwanted firearms? In 2021, 31 firearms were submitted for destruction through our Evidence Technician and NPD Officers. We are grateful for their hard work in assisting the community year round.

The department offers walk-in services Monday - Thursday, 8am - 5pm at 909 Machin Avenue, Novato.

When turning over a firearm:
  • If you would like to call ahead to let officers know you have items to bring in for destruction, please call our non-emergency business line at (415) 897-4361.
  • If you know how to safely unload the firearm before bringing it into the department, please do so. 
  • Please DO NOT bring a firearm into the police station under any circumstances. Put the firearm in a locked box safely in the trunk of your vehicle and let the front desk know that you have a firearm for destruction in your vehicle.
  • If you have a larger gun or rifle, call the non-emergency number (415) 897-4361 and ask if an officer can be dispatched to your location to pick up your weapon.
Novato's Outdoor Concert Series

Novato Parks, Recreation & Community Services invites you to join us for upcoming Concerts on the Green and Hot Amphitheater Nights. All concerts are free to attend!

Concerts on the Green 
Now on Friday nights from 6pm – 8pm at the Novato Civic Green, 901 Sherman Ave on the following dates:

June 17 | The Element Brass Band (New Orleans second line, traditional jazz, hip hop)⁠
July 15 | Trace Repeat (soul & funk)⁠
August 5 | Jason Morvich & Friends (rhythm & blues, rock n' roll, jazz)⁠
August 19 | The SoulShake (Jason Mraz meets Sublime, mixing positive vibes from reggae & rock)⁠
Hot Amphitheater Nights
Saturday nights from 5pm – 7pm at Hamilton Amphitheater, 601 N. Hamilton Parkway on the following dates:

June 25 | Neon Velvet (new and classic 80's dance hits)⁠
July 30 | Freestone Peaches (Allman Brothers Band Tribue)⁠
August 27 | The Bluebyrds (tribute to the 60's & '70s)⁠
Camp Ton of Fun

There's still time to sign up for a #NovatoFun summer! Camp Ton of Fun offers engaging and fun activities for your camper to participate in all day long!

Our activities range from all sorts of sports and outdoor games to inside play and crafts! It's the perfect place for your kid to be this summer!
Half-Day Gymnastics Camp

There are still spaces open for Half-Day Gymnastics!

Your campers will enjoy a week of gymnastics, movement education, games, enrichment activities and arts & crafts

This co-ed camp is specialized for children ages 3 - 5.
Comic Book Creations

Create your own story with Comic Book Creations! Session 1 is now FULL - but there is still space available for your camper in session 2!

Hamilton Pool Open for Summer 2022

Novato’s Hamilton Pool is now open for the Summer 2022 season. The Hamilton Pool, located at 203 El Bonito in Novato, offers swim lessons, water exercise, lap swim, recreation swimming and special events.

For information on public pool hours, fees, swim lessons, programs and rentals, please call 415-485-3344 or visit novato.org/hamiltonpool.
Novato's Downtown Community Farmers Market

The Downtown Novato Community Farmers Market is being held every Tuesday from 4PM - 8PM through September and then 4PM - 7PM in October. The market is located at the Downtown Novato Center at 7th Street behind CVS, again this year.

Enjoy fresh, nutritious produce from local farms, packaged and prepared foods, local artisans, community groups, and live music. We hope you enjoy everything the Downtown Novato Farmers Market has to offer this year!

More information is available at ilovefarmersmarkets.org.

La feria comunitaria de agricultores al centro de Novato

La feria comunitaria de agricultores del centro de Novato está siendo retenido cada martes empezando el 3 de mayo hasta el 25 de octubre de 4-8 PM entre mayo y septiembre y de 4-7 PM en octubre. La feria tomará lugar en el Centro del centro de Novato en la Calle Séptima (7th Street) detrás de CVS, nuevamente.

Disfrute de productos agrícolas frescos y nutritivos de granjas locales, además de comida preparada y empaquetada, artesanos locales, grupos comunitarios y música en vivo. ¡Esperamos que disfrute de todo lo que ofrece la feria comunitaria de agricultores en el centro de Novato este año!

Más información en ilovefarmersmarkets.org.
Marin SBDC
Marin Microbusiness
$2500 Grant Program

The Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant (MBCRG) Program is State funded through the California Office of Small Business Advocate. In partnership, the County of Marin, the Marin SBDC and Dominican University of California will carry out this program to fund 105 microbusinesses at $2500 each. Applications are now open. This round closes June 30, 2022.
Grants Available from Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA)

Warmer weather is already upon us, and now is the time to prepare your home and property for wildfire! Take advantage of 2 grant programs to help Marin residents with expenses related to the creation of defensible space and home hardening.
MWPA Grants
NMCS Rental Assistance
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.
Sustainability
Check out the information below to learn about sustainability in Novato and ways we are keeping our community green. Also, be sure you're following the City of Novato - Sustainability Facebook page for Novato Sustainability updates.
Resilient Neighborhoods Online Summer Workshops

Are you ready to take effective, measurable climate action and help build disaster-resilient communities? Join a Climate Action Team by signing up for Resilient Neighborhoods' online 5-session Climate Action Workshop.

Reduce your household carbon footprint, get prepared for emergencies like wildfires and droughts, and more.

Free for Marin residents! Sign up at resilientneighborhoods.org.
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.
June 13 at 7pm | Planning Commission - Cancelled
June 13 at 7pm | Novato Streetscape Committee
June 14 at 6pm | City Council
June 15 at 7pm | Design Review Commission - Cancelled
June 16 at 7:30am | Novato Citizens Finance Advisory/Oversight Committee - Cancelled
June 22 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission - Cancelled
June 23 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator
June 27 at 7pm | Planning Commission
June 28 at 6pm | City Council
We're Hiring — Join Our Team!
Interested in a career in local government? Check out some of our current openings:

  • Parks and Recreation Facility Attendant (Part Time) - continuous; applications reviewed as they are received
  • Parks and Recreation Gymnastics Instructor (Part Time) - continuous; applications reviewed as they are received
  • Parks and Recreation Umpire / Referee (Part Time) - continuous; applications reviewed as they are received
  • Police Officer - Lateral / Academy Graduate - continuous; applications reviewed as they are received

Visit novatojobs.org for more information and to apply.
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

Boosters and Third Doses
Find out if you're eligible for a booster, second booster, or third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Read More 

Upcoming Vaccination Pop-Ups
Nave Shopping Center (next to Grocery Outlet)
Saturday, June 11, 10:30 - 2:30pm
1535 S Novato Blvd
Novato, CA 94947

Margaret Todd Senior Center
Wednesday, June 15, 3 - 7pm
1560 Hill Road
Novato, CA 94947
COVID-19 Testing
Novato Gymnastics Center (Testing offered by Curative)

  • 950 7th St, Novato
  • Tuesday - Saturday, 10:30am – 6pm

Visit cur.tv/novato or call 1.888.702.9042 to make an appointment. Slots for appointments appear online at 5:00pm the night before the scheduled testing date.

City of Novato Administrative Offices Parking Lot
(Testing offered by COVID Clinic)

  • 922 Machin Ave, Novato
  • Daily, 7am-8pm

Appointment required. Visit covidclinic.org/novato to make an appointment.
Stay Healthy Novato
The best way to reduce the risk of becoming infected with a 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.
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