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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 you will read about the annual reorganization of the Novato City Council; a new tenant improvement grant program for downtown businesses; new virtual programs from Parks & Recreation; a new City resource about homelessness in Novato and much more.
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New Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem Appointed |
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At their meeting on December 8, the Novato City Council appointed Mayor Pro Tem Pat Eklund as the new Mayor, and Councilmember Eric Lucan as Mayor Pro Tem. Each will serve in that capacity for one year.
Outgoing Mayor Denise Athas passed the Mayoral Gavel to Mayor Pro Tem Eklund during the Council’s very first virtual reorganization meeting.
The next meeting of the Novato City Council will be January 12, 2021.
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City Services and Programs Impacted by State's Regional Stay Home Order |
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A friendly reminder that all City of Novato sites are closed to the public and all in-person events and programs (with the exception of Pre-K and Tiny Tots which will continue through 12/17 as permitted by county and state orders) are cancelled through January 4, 2021.
During this time, City staff is working to ensure essential services remain available. If you have urgent City business that cannot wait, please call 415.899.8900. Many services are available on our website at novato.org.
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Marin County COVID-19 Update as of December 9, 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 9, 2020, that may be of interest to you:
Marin Confirmed Cases: 6,016
Marin Cases Recovered: 5,420
Marin Deaths: 104
Tests Completed in Marin: 211,538
Marin Hospitalizations (cumulative): 203
Marin Hospitalizations (currently): 20
Current ICU Patient Census: 7
Marin Available ICU Beds: 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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COVID-19 Testing in Marin is Easier and Free
Marin County residents seeking COVID-19 testing have more options than ever. Every day, an average of more than 1,000 Marin residents are tested for the disease, and residents should be aware of their options as case counts rise.
Anyone seeking a COVID-19 test should first contact a health care provider. Most providers now offer testing for their patients and are required to do so under California state regulations.
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Parks & Recreation Virtual Winter Programs — Register Today!
Novato Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce that registration is open for our virtual winter programs.
Programs for youth include 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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Homeless Outreach in Novato
The City has created an online informational resource for those interested in helping the homeless, learning more about what the City is doing to help the homeless, or those who themselves are unsheltered and need assistance.
This comprehensive webpage lists resources and programs, information on homelessness during COVID-19, and includes the City's efforts on this important issue that concerns all of us.
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City Accepting Property Management Proposals for City-owned Carlile House and Novato Arts Center Properties
The City of Novato is now accepting proposals from qualified property management firms to manage the leases and maintain the premises for two City-owned properties.
Proposals are due via email by noon on January 8, 2021.
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City Launches Tenant Improvement Grant Program for Downtown Business Improvement District
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 County Community Conversation - “The Stay Home Order: Q&A For Businesses”
On December 9, the County of Marin held a special community conversation with Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis to help businesses understand and discuss the impacts of the new Stay Home Order.
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Governor Newsom Announces Immediate Assistance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Including Temporary Tax Relief and $500 Million in Grants |
Billions in immediate, temporary tax relief will support businesses impacted by COVID-19, including an automatic three-month extension for taxpayers filing less than $1 million in sales tax and interest-free payment agreements to larger companies with up to $5 million in sales tax and expanded interest-free payment options for larger businesses particularly affected by significant restrictions on operations based on COVID-19 transmissions.
In partnership with the Legislature, California will provide $500 million in new COVID-19 Relief Grant funding for small businesses.
An additional $12.5 million has been added to the California Rebuilding Fund.
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Marin Small Business Development Center Offers Free Classes
End of Year Cash Flow Management - Planning for Next Year | December 15, 12-1pm
Get tips to help you with your cash flow management right now as we head into 2021. Learn proven strategies, practical techniques and be able to ask questions with an expert. Each participant will be given a custom tool that assists you with calculating and monitoring your cash flow projections. | REGISTER NOW
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County Opens Nonprofit Assistance Application Period
Nonprofits that provide countywide services to all Marin County residents are eligible to apply for the Nonprofit Community Partners program.
Applications may be submitted to the County online and will be accepted through February 19, 2021.
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Women Business Owners Virtual Town Hall with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara |
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Please join the National Association of Women Business Owners California (NAWBO-CA) and CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara for a virtual town hall on December 16 at 1:30pm to discuss insurance issues for Women Business Owners during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. With many businesses experiencing tremendous economic loss, it is important to have up to date information on services and resources. | REGISTER NOW
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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 Story Time with Santa!
Santa can’t wait to see you for our FREE Virtual Story Time with Santa! on Sunday, December 20 at 6pm. This virtual event will be held through zoom.
Pre-Registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed to all registered participants 10 minutes before showtime.
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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 by December 14.
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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!
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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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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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The pandemic makes it more important than ever to get your flu shot. To mitigate COVID-19 risks, the flu vaccine is available in new ways, like no appointment drive-thru & during doctor visits.
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Debido a la pandemia, es más importante que nunca vacunarse contra la gripe. Para mitigar los riesgos de COVID-19, la vacuna contra la gripe está disponible en varios formas, incluso durante las visitas al médico y/o en su auto. |
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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 14 at 7pm | Novato Planning Commission - Cancelled
December 14 at 7pm | Novato Streetscape Committee
December 16 at 7pm | Novato Design Review Commission - Cancelled
December 17 at 12pm |Street Improvement Oversight Committee - Special Meeting
December 17 at 6pm | Neighborhood Meeting: 2021 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation
December 24 at 3pm | Novato Economic Development Advisory Commission - Cancelled
January 12, 2021 at 6pm | Novato City Council
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Top Story 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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