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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 arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in Marin, Regional Bay Area Stay Home Order, COVID-19 testing location updates, a reminder about Holiday Happenings around town and much more!
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State of California Places Bay Area Region Under Stay Home Order |
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As of December 17, the State of California officially placed the Bay Area Region under a Stay Home Order due to regional ICU capacity dropping below 15%. Under the state's guidelines, the Order will remain in place for at least 3 weeks, and may extend longer dependent upon ICU capacity.
In addition, the State of California has issued a travel advisory, asking Californians to not travel significant distances and stay close to home as much as possible. Stay in Marin if you can. See the California Department of Public Health’s Travel Advisory for more info.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives in Marin
The COVID-19 vaccine has officially arrived in Marin County!
On Wednesday, Marin’s first allocation (1,950 doses) was distributed to local hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to begin vaccinating our front line health care workers. While it may be several months until vaccines are widely available for the general public, this is an exciting step toward ending the pandemic.
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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 collection locations will rotate around Marin County, and online appointments via the Curative website will be available beginning four days before opening day at each location.
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.
Anyone seeking a COVID-19 test should first contact their health care provider. Most providers now offer testing for their patients and are required to do so under California public health regulations.
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Marin County COVID-19 Update as of December 17, 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 17, 2020, that may be of interest to you:
Marin Confirmed Cases: 6,561
Marin Cases Recovered: 5,744
Marin Deaths: 108
Tests Completed in Marin: 228,590
Marin Hospitalizations (cumulative): 225
Marin Hospitalizations (currently): 35
Current Marin ICU Patient Census: 10
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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NOVATO POLICE: HOLIDAY SAFETY REMINDERS |
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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.
Starting December 14, and 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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Click image above for larger view. |
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Safety Never Takes a Holiday
2020 is almost in our rear view. Play it safe this #HolidaySeason with a few tips to protect you and your family through the new year!
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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 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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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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County Opens Nonprofit Assistance Application Period Still Open
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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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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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:
12/18: Ugly Sweaters
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:
18 de diciembre - Suéteres feos, 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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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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Hamilton Community Clean-Up
On November 17, members of the Hamilton Community masked up, and with assistance from the Novato Streetscape Committee and City staff, came out to clean-up their community.
Another clean-up is planned for April 2021.
To learn more about future community clean ups, once the Stay Home Order is lifted, as well as Novato Streetscape's Adopt-a-Spot, and Adopt an Island opportunities contact Sustainability Coordinator Gretchen Schubeck, gschubeck@novato.org.
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Wear a Reusable Mask. Stop the Spread. Reduce Waste.
It is estimated that as many as 194 billion disposable masks and gloves are being used (and thrown away...) globally every month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic!
With experts predicting that the use of face-coverings will likely be recommended for many more months, reusable masks are a great option to help reduce waste. Reusable masks come in every color and pattern imaginable, are surprisingly affordable, and are available in local stores, as well as online. Simply wash reusable masks in soapy, hot water and use them over and over again.
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To all our book and puzzle fans!! A reminder that the MTSC Book and Puzzle Exchange has been cancelled for the month of December. We look forward to seeing everyone curbside in January!
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Along with the personal safety measures, vaccines are a critical strategy in the response to COVID-19. Getting vaccinated can prevent you from getting the virus. It can also protect those around you from getting infected. |
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Junto con las medidas de seguridad personal, las vacunas son una estrategia crítica en la respuesta al COVID-19. Vacunarse puede evitar que contraiga el virus. También puede proteger a quienes le rodean de infectarse. |
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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 4 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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