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Dear Novato,
This week we bring you a special early edition of the Our Town Novato weekly newsletter which includes a message from City Manager Adam McGill, COVID-19 updates and more!
Our next regular edition of this newsletter will arrive in your inboxes the first week of the new year! We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!
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A Message from City Manager Adam McGill |
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Dear Novato Community,
As we come to the end of a historic year filled with challenges and a lot of change, I want to thank you for your patience and perseverance during this time. We are moving into 2021 with a new Regional Stay Home Order in place, and although this not where we were hoping to be 10 months into the pandemic, I am confident that we can all continue to do our part to keep our community safe and healthy.
I continue to be amazed by how our community has come together to support each other through all the challenges we have faced this year. Especially, the support I have seen for our local businesses which have been hit hard by the pandemic restrictions. It is because of donations made by you, as well as our business community, that our Small Business Relief Fund was so successful earlier this year. Your contributions and support helped provide grant funds to over 70 local small businesses.
You also showed support to our businesses Downtown during the temporary weekend closures of Grant Avenue in Old Town. I am proud to say that Novato was the first in the county to implement a closed streets program, as well as develop guidelines for businesses outside of downtown to increase their outdoor footprint by expanding dining and shopping into public right-of-way. The closure and expansion not only benefitted businesses, but also our community members by creating easier distancing and a safer experience for all.
If you can, I encourage you to continue to support our local businesses citywide throughout this holiday season and into the new year. The money that you spend locally stays in our community and helps to retain existing jobs, as well as create new ones which is crucial for ensuring the health of our economy. Please visit ShopLocalNovato.com for a listing of local businesses and services available to you.
As you may already know, the City also has financial challenges and made some very tough decisions, as we faced a $5.7 million deficit, which resulted in reductions to both staffing levels and services provided to you. Your support of the voter-approved Measure Q, an increase to our local “Hotel Tax”, will have a positive impact on Novato’s local recovery efforts and maintaining the services and excellent quality of life you expect and deserve. With the struggles we are all facing, I want you to know that City staff continues to be here for you. I am incredibly proud and impressed by our staff as they have successfully pivoted many of our in-person services to online platforms to maintain City operations and to engage our community through the innovative #NovatoFUNatHome program and weekly community newsletter.
Despite the ongoing challenges, we have major accomplishments that are worth celebrating. Just a few short months ago, we successfully opened our new and improved Hill Recreation Area ahead of schedule and under budget. This state-of-the art facility has provided new recreational amenities to community members of all ages, and if you haven’t already, I encourage you to grab your mask and visit the facility for some fresh air and #NovatoFUN.
Additionally, we adopted our General Plan, a culmination of nearly 10-years of work by elected and appointed officials, staff, consultants, and feedback from you, to study and develop policies and programs addressing a vision for Novato’s future through 2035.
These are just a few of our accomplishments during an unimaginably challenging year. Looking ahead, many of the challenges we have faced will continue into the new year. 2021 will also bring new opportunities, like the adoption of our new City Strategic Plan and City Budget FY 21/22 – both of which will include opportunities for your input and feedback. Although we still face many uncertainties, I have faith that we will be ready for whatever comes our way.
I know we all look forward to the day when we can get back to our “old” ways and be together again – although it may feel out of reach, we are making progress every day. I hope you can take some time to enjoy your family and friends (within your same household or virtually).
Please stay safe and healthy – see you in 2021!
Sincerely,
Adam McGill
City Manager
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Marin County Community Conversation on 12/18: Watch Now!
Last week, Marin Public Health held a "Community Conversation" to discuss COVID-19 vaccination efforts, ICU capacity, Stay Home Order restrictions and more.
A recording is available to watch now.
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More Free COVID-19 Testing Coming to Marin
The County of Marin has partnered with Curative to offer free COVID-19 testing by oral swab. The simple, painless test is self-collected, and results are returned within 48 hours by email or text. Local test locations will rotate around Marin County and testing is available for anyone, whether insured or not.
The Novato location will open on Fridays, starting January 8, 2021 at the Novato Library, 1720 Novato Boulevard between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments will be available via the Curative website four days before opening day.
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A Reminder from the County of Marin to Celebrate Safely
This holiday season, let's celebrate in ways that help keep our community healthy.
Mitigating a surge in COVID-19 cases is key for protecting our loved ones, the safety of essential workers, and the ability for our local businesses to stay open.
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Marin County COVID-19 Update as of December 21, 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 December 21, 2020, that may be of interest to you:
Marin Confirmed Cases: 6,890
Marin Cases Recovered: 5,957
Marin Deaths: 108
Tests Completed in Marin: 235,041
Marin Hospitalizations (cumulative): 231
Marin Hospitalizations (currently): 26
Current Marin ICU Patient Census: 11
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.
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Be Safe, Be Sober This Holiday Season.
While the COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we celebrate the holidays, the Novato Police Department is dedicated to keeping the community safe and urges people to stay at home or use a designated sober driver if you plan to drink.
From December 14 through New Year’s Day, Novato Police will have officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over, intended to show zero tolerance for drunk driving and keep roads safe.
Esté seguro, esté sobrio en estas fiestas
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Tenant Improvement Grant Program for Downtown Business Improvement District |
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The City of Novato is pleased to accept applications for the new Downtown Novato Business/Property Improvement Grant Program.
This program offers Downtown Novato property and business owners matching grant reimbursements for permanent improvements to commercial buildings in downtown.
Funds are limited and the program can end at any time; interested parties should submit their applications as soon as possible. Businesses located within the Downtown Novato Business Improvement District Boundary are eligible to apply. The first review of applications will begin on January 19, 2021.
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Marin Small Business Development Center: COVID-19 Resources
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!
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Parks & Recreation Virtual Winter Programs
Register today for youth programs including Public Speaking and Debate, Virtual Lego Engineering, Esports - Rocket League and more!
Adults can also sign up for virtual classes including Gentle Yoga, Ballroom Dance and iPad/iPhone Basics.
Please know that we continue to monitor the current Stay Home Order and will keep you informed of any changes to our programming.
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2020 Holiday Crafts Faire Goes Virtual - Throughout December
Novato's annual crafts faire moves online this year for your safe shopping pleasure. Our Novato Parks & Recreation Department has curated a list of local artisans offering a variety of gifts.
The online faire features a wide selection of gifts including warm winter hats, hand-crafted soaps, exquisite jewelry, imaginative scarves, delicious food, stunning art and even locally made treats for Novato’s canines!
The Holiday Crafts Faire will be available online throughout the month of December.
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Virtual Monday Night Novato Magic: Winter Wonderland Edition
Magician Mike Della Penna is back to dazzle you and your family VIRTUALLY with a performance you won't forget on January 4 at 6pm!
This 20 minute show is geared for school aged children, but will leave the whole family smiling!
Pre-registration required. Guests will be emailed a link to our Virtual Performance Theater 10 minutes before the show begins. The Virtual Theater will open promptly at 6:00pm at which time guests will have 3 minutes to enter before the "doors" close and the show begins! Please "arrive" to the Theater on-time to ensure your "seats"!
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Help your community creatively celebrate this holiday season by posting photos on social media with #CelebrateSafelyMarin.
Participate each Friday:
12/25: Holiday Decorations
1/1: Holiday Baking Wins (and Fails)
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Ayude a su comunidad a celebrar las fiestas compartiendo fotos en social media con nuestra etiqueta #CelebreConSeguridadMarin.
Participe cada viernes:
25 de diciembre - Decoraciones
1 de enero - La repostería navideña gana (y falla)
ver publicaciones en
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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 broadcast on Novato Community Television at 6:30PM on Friday, January 22, 2021 and everyone is invited.
This event is not to be missed!
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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.
December 24 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator - Cancelled
December 24 at 3pm | Economic Development Advisory Commission - Cancelled
January 7 at 3pm | Economic Development Advisory Committee
January 12 at 6pm | City Council
January 26 at 6pm | City Council
January 27 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission
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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
novato.org
415.899.8900
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