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We hope you enjoy this edition of the Our Town Novato weekly newsletter which includes an invitation to help shape Novato's Fiscal Year 21/22 budget, Novato's State of the City presentation, extension of the Marin Small Business Fund grant process, a message on vaccine efficacy from Bay Area Health Officers, the COVID-19 Rent Relief Act, Parks & Rec class updates, and more! |
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Help Shape Novato's Fiscal Year 2021/22 City Budget—survey closes April 7!
You can help guide the City's budget process by prioritizing the City service areas that are most important to you!
With the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 on our community, your feedback on this year’s budget is more important than ever. The survey closes Wednesday, April 7 at noon.
More information on the City’s budget process, upcoming budget workshops and meetings, and previous budgets is available at novato.org/budget.
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Novato State of the City Now Online
On March 17, City Manager Adam McGill presented Novato's State of the City Address which highlighted the City's challenges and achievements in 2020, as well as upcoming opportunities and challenges facing Novato.
Topics included:
- COVID-19 response
- City budget
- Housing
- Homelessness
- Public Works & Development Projects
- Community Engagement
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Check out daily updates from Marin County Public Health about confirmed COVID-19 cases countywide, vaccination efforts, & more at coronavirus.marinhhs.org.
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.
Vaccine Appointment Line for those unable to schedule online or need assistance with transportation to and from a vaccine appointment. Please call 833.641.1988, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm to schedule a vaccine appointment.
NEW! COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act
The California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH) has launched a COVID-19 Rent Relief Program to provide rental reimbursement to landlords, as well as relief to eligible tenants, for unpaid rent accrued between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.
Drive-Through Vaccination Site at Larkspur Ferry Terminal Parking Lot at
101 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd
Appointments are required and are limited to Marin residents age 65 and older who can show proof of age and residency. Schedule an appointment
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Free Rides to Vaccines
Did you know? Golden Gate Transit, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit and Marin Transit offer free rides to vaccination appointments, with proof of same-day appointment.
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Bay Area Public Health Officers Unified on Protection Offered by Vaccine Brands
Bay Area Public Health Officers have released a joint statement to fully support all three currently available COVID-19 vaccines.
All three vaccines are safe and have been shown to be highly effective at preventing symptomatic illness and hospitalization. The clinical trials for all three vaccines demonstrated that they were 100% effective in preventing deaths from COVID-19.
With COVID-19 continuing to circulate as we work toward community immunity, our collective medical advice is this: the best vaccine is the one you can get the soonest.
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Doors to All Marin Schools Have Reopened to Students
As of Tuesday, March 16, all Marin County schools have reopened for some degree of in-person learning.
The Marin County Office of Education estimated 9,000 educators and school staff members in Marin have had the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccination as of March 13.
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Remember: It is crucial to isolate at home if you test positive for COVID-19
You can find more information about how to safely isolate at: coronavirus.marinhhs.org/isolation-and-quarantine. If you live alone or do not have family/friends who can go grocery shopping for you in Marin County, call 415.473.7191 for information about food access and food deliveries.
Recuerde: Es crucial aislar en casa si recibe una prueba positiva de COVID-19
Puede encontrar más información acerca de cómo aislar con cuidado en: coronavirus.marinhhs.org/isolation-and-quarantine. Si vive solo o no tiene familia/amigos quien puede haga la compra para usted, llame 415.473.7179 para información sobre acceso a los alimentos y entregas de alimentos.
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BUSINESS RESOURCES & INFORMATION |
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Pandemic Relief for Businesses Extended
The application period has been extended through March 22 for qualified small business owners in Marin County to apply for federal relief funding targeted to businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Marin County Small Business Fund has $915,000 to distribute in the form of grants of no more than $10,000 and interest-free loans of no more than $50,000. The application period opened February 22.
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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 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 small business webinars and funding sources are added monthly.
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Digital Marin Surveys Businesses on Internet Access
The Digital Marin project to improve access to online data is seeking feedback from Marin’s Business Community via an online survey available in English & Spanish. It includes questions about access, quality, use of the internet, and the ability to successfully run a business where communication and access to information are increasingly done via the internet, websites, applications, and email.
Your responses will help identify potential projects and priorities for the digital roadmap.
Encuesta Empresarial Digital de Marin
Los eventos recientes destacan la necesidad de Marin de eliminar las desigualdades en el acceso a internet y acortar la brecha digital. El Proyecto Marin Digital es un esfuerzo para cerrar la brecha a fin de que todas las empresas y residentes tengan un acceso a internet rápido, confiable, y asequible, y puedan aprovechar totas las oportunidades y servicios en línea.
Les estamos pidiendo a las empresas que compartan información y experiencias con nosotros respondiendo a esta encuesta a fin de ayudar a identificar proyectos y oportunidades para mejorar el acceso a las herramientas digitales que todos necesitamos. Con su ayuda, puede garantizar que se identifiquen y prioricen las necesidades de las empresas de Marin en el plan.
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COMMUNITY INFORMATION & RESOURCES |
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Weekends are Better on Grant Avenue!
Head Downtown for Weekends on Grant! Each weekend, Grant Avenue is closed between Reichert and Machin Avenues to create pedestrian-only access from 4pm on Fridays to 7am on Mondays (weather permitting).
¡Los fines de semana son mejores en Grant Avenue!
Grant Avenue estará cerrada todos los fines de semana entre las Avenidas Reichert y Machin para crear acceso solo a los peatones, desde las 4 p.m. los viernes hasta las 7 a.m. los lunes (si el clima lo permite).
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Not In Our Town
A More Just Novato for Racial Equity
March 25, 6:30pm
Join for a discussion with a student panel examining the effect of racism and discrimination. The webinar will include a question and answer session.
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Not In Our Town
Un Novato más Justo para la Equidad Racial, 25 de marzo, 6:30pm
Un panel de estudiantes examinará el efecto del racismo y la discriminación. El webinar incluirá una sesión de preguntas y respuestas.
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COVID-19 Black Regional Town Hall March 25
California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris will be speaking at the 2nd COVID-19 Black Regional Town Hall event.
Dr. Burke Harris will share information on the COVID-19 vaccine and will be joined by an esteemed panel of African American doctors, public health representatives and community leaders from all over the Bay Area including Marin County Director of Health and Human Services, Benita McLarin.
Register today to get the latest information from the state, counties and community providers about COVID-19 and the vaccine. Learn and discuss the facts about the vaccine. Protect yourself and your loved ones.
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Are you or someone you know experiencing homelessness and need help?
The City of Novato partners closely with the County of Marin and local service providers to ensure that people experiencing homelessness have access to the resources they need.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a number of unprecedented challenges to our local system of care, but support is available! Visit novato.org/homelessness for more information.
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"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
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Want to help improve Highway 101 interchanges in Marin County?
The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) wants to know how they can improve your experience around Marin County’s interchanges. Your feedback will be used to identify specific areas most in need of improvement and help TAM make Marin County’s interchanges safer and more efficient for everyone. The survey will be open through Friday, April 16, 2021.
Estudio de la carretera de enlace y de aproximación de la autopista 101
Responda a la encuesta para informarnos cómo podemos mejorar su experiencia en los intercambios del condado de Marin. Sus comentarios sobre esta encuesta se utilizarán para identificar las áreas específicas que más necesitan mejorar y así ayudarnos hacer que las intersecciones de la autopista 101 sean más seguros y eficientes para todos. La encuesta estará abierta hasta el viernes 16 de abril de 2021.
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Highway 101NB Central San Rafael Off-Ramp Bridge Replacement Project
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will begin the first of three 55-hour weekend closures for the 101 NB Central San Rafael Off-Ramp Bridge Replacement project, at San Rafael Harbor Bridge. The off-ramp will close Friday, March 19 at 10:00 PM and reopen on Monday, March 22 at 5:00 AM and detours will be in place. Information about the project, as well as detour maps is available on the CALTANS District 4 project page.
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Novato Parks & Recreation is Ready for Spring!
Our recreation staff is excited to offer new in-person and virtual programs for youth and adults this spring. Registration is now open!
All Parks & Recreation programs will continue to abide by state and county health guidelines.
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Public Speaking & Debate - Speaking & Writing Skills
Being able to communicate effectively and confidently has immeasurable benefits in students’ professional and personal lives. Bring out confidence in your children! This VIRTUAL class is filled with fun activities teaching young children life-long skills.
Dates: April 4 - 19, 3:30-5pm
Ages: 8-13
Location: Virtual
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Youth & Adult Taekwondo
Classes for all age groups - emphasizing fun, fitness, safety and “life skills”! Please note: students are no longer grouped by age, so parents and children may now train together.
Dates: March 15 - May 13, see activity guide for time/days
Ages: All
Location: Hamilton Community Center, 503 S Palm Drive
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Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
The Easter Bunny has been hopping around our Novato Parks and left some colorful painted rocks "eggs" ready to be found between 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵 - 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟰𝘁𝗵.
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𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺!
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You can post your findings by tagging @𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗙𝘂𝗻 on Instagram and/or Facebook with #NovatoRocks
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Please remember to practice social distancing when visiting our parks!
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Electric Bike Share Survey
The Transportation Authority of Marin seeks your input to help find bike parking locations for a new bike sharing system of 300 electric bikes near SMART stations in Marin and Sonoma counties.
Please participate in this short survey to help determine where mobility hubs should be placed within our community. Survey open through Friday, March 19, 2021.
Responde a la encuesta de bicicletas compartidas
Se necesita tu opinión para ayudar a encontrar lugares para estacionar bicicletas para el nuevo sistema de bicicletas compartidas, con 300 bicicletas eléctricas cerca de las estaciones del tren SMART en los condados de Marín y Sonoma.
Por favor participa en esta breve encuesta para ayudarnos a determinar en dónde deberán colocarse los nuevos centros de movilidad en tu comunidad. La encuesta estará abierta hasta el viernes 19 de marzo de 2021.
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It's Fix a Leak Week!
The drought is here and now's the time to do some detective work and find those hidden leaks once and for all. Household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide and increase your water bill.
Look for clues in your utility bill! During the winter, if a family of four is using more than 12,000 gallons of water per month, it could be a clue that you have a leak. You can also look for spikes - is your water use a lot higher this month than it was last month? It's easy to track your water use at NMWD's WaterSmart Portal.
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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.
March 22 at 7pm | Planning Commission
March 23 at 6pm | City Council
March 24 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission
March 25 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator
March 31 at 6pm | Neighborhood Meeting: Hamilton Levee Fencing
April 1 at 3pm | Economic Development Advisory Commission
April 7 at 7pm | Design Review Commission
April 8 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator
April 12 at 7pm | Planning Commission
April 13 at 6pm | City Council
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We're Hiring — Join Our Team!
Interested in a career in local government? Check out some of our current openings:
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Police Officer - Lateral / Academy Graduate (continuous; applications reviewed as they are received)
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Senior Accountant (continuous; applications reviewed as they are received)
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Top Stories from Our Previous Edition
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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.
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CITY OF NOVATO
publicinfo@novato.org
415.899.8900
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