April 2024

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! This issue features the return of the Downtown Novato Community Farmers' Market at a NEW location, recordings of the 2024 State of the City Address and Community Budget Workshop, Small Business Week celebration, Grant Avenue Bridge project update, online business survey, Parks and Recreation events 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.

NEW LOCATION! Downtown Novato Community Farmers' Market

The Downtown Novato Community Farmers’ Market is moving to a NEW LOCATION for the 2024 season!

Join us every Tuesday from May 7 through October 29, 4pm – 8pm on Sherman Avenue between Grant and DeLong Avenues — right in front of City Hall. 

Come check out all the market has to offer, grab some dinner and shop downtown. 

Grant Avenue Bridge Project Update

Preliminary work has begun on the Grant Avenue Bridge project – located between 8th Street and Virginia Avenue – including island removal, minor paving and temporary striping.

During construction, pedestrian access will remain available; however, work will be performed under flagging and one-way traffic control. After this preliminary work, the following detour and one-way traffic control will be in effect from May through July 2024:

• The south side lane and sidewalk will be closed
• The north sidewalk and westbound lane will remain open

This project is anticipated to be completed in January 2025 and benefits include widened roadway access; safety improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists; new bridge railing and pavement; and new signage and a streetlight system. All estimated timelines are tentative and subject to change.

We look forward to making these much-needed improvements to your roadway and appreciate your patience and understanding while construction is being completed.

Sign up to receive project updates at novato.org/grantbridge.

2024 State of the City Recording Available Online

Missed the State of the City? No problem. You can watch a recording of Novato’s 2024 State of the City Address online now at novato.org — see "Videos" section on homepage or click "Watch Now" below.

Community Budget Workshop Available Online

On March 28, the City held an in person and virtual Community Budget Workshop which included a presentation on the budget development process, Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program.  

The recording, as well as information about the City's budget, is available at novato.org/budget.

Small Business Week Event

Novato Business Owners — Join us to Celebrate, Mingle & Gain Marketing Insights at our in-person event on Tuesday, April 30, 5:30pm - 7pm at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue. The evening will include a mini workshop where you will learn tips on how to stay ahead of the curve by understanding current market trends, emerging technologies, industry changes and how to adapt your business marketing strategies accordingly. 

Council Approves Building Division Operational Enhancements as Part of Assessment

At the City Council meeting of March 26, Council received the Building Division Organizational Assessment and unanimously voted to move forward with a plan aimed at enhancing customer service to our community.

Novato Business Owners — Take Our Online Survey Today!

Help us better understand your business and what you need to thrive here in Novato. Our online survey is a convenient way for local business owners to share feedback with the City’s Economic Development staff and Economic Development Advisory Commission as well as the City Council. 

Please submit your responses by April 28, 2024.

¡Queremos escuchar de usted!

Ayúdenos a entender mejor su negocio y lo que necesita para prosperar aquí en Novato. Nuestra encuesta en línea es una forma conveniente para que los propietarios de negocios locales compartan sus comentarios con el personal de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad y la Comisión Asesora de Desarrollo Económico, así como el Concejo Municipal.

Por favor, envíe sus respuestas antes del 28 de abril de 2024.

Register for Summer Activities

Have you registered for Novato Parks and Recreation’s summer camps and programs? Our summer programs, beginning June 17, include traditional summer camp favorites such as Camp Ton-Of-Fun, All Sports and Gymnastics Full and Half Day Camps, plus specialty camps that will pique your child’s creativity and interest this summer season.

Pioneer Park Ribbon Cutting Celebration

The City is excited to invite you to a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Celebration at Pioneer Park to celebrate Novato’s first adaptive playground designed to foster inclusive play for children of all abilities. Join us on Saturday, April 13, 11am at Pioneer Park, 1007 Simmons Lane for a Novato Fun celebration with speeches, engaging activities and light snacks.

Novato Spectrum Safety Event

Novato Parks & Recreation and Novato First Responders invite members of our adaptive needs community, and their families, for a day of fun with friends from a galaxy far, far away.

Join us Saturday, April 20, 12pm - 2pm at Pocket Park, 950 Seventh Street. RSVP to this FREE event by direct messaging @NovatoFun on Instagram or via email at novatofun@novato.org.

"Celebrating Youth Voices" Diversity Month Event

Celebrate Diversity Month with Novato’s Multicultural Advisory Commission for its 3rd annual Diversity Month event. Join us on Wednesday, April 24, 6pm at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue.

This engaging panel discussion, "Celebrating Youth Voices," will highlight the importance of amplifying the perspectives and experiences of young people in our community.

Aquatics Programs

Registration for swim lessons, water aerobics, and membership passes opens Tuesday, May 7! The pool season officially kicks off on Saturday, May 25, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Whether you're looking to cool off, get some exercise, or enjoy quality time with family and friends, Hamilton Pool has something for everyone.

Questions? Contact us at (415) 899-8290 or novatofun@novato.org.

New! Swish and Stretch Pilot Program

We're excited to announce a pilot drop-in program for adults and seniors looking to stay active and engaged. Starting April 15 through May 30, join us on Mondays and Thursdays from 9am to 11am at the Hill Gym for some fun and fitness!

⁠

Here's what you need to know:⁠

~ One side of the gym will be dedicated to basketball activities⁠

~ The other side will be reserved for walking and calisthenics⁠

~ No sports equipment allowed on the calisthenics side⁠

~ $5 drop-in fee⁠

Questions? Contact us at (415) 899-8290 or novatofun@novato.org.

Concerts on the Green

Please join us for our 2024 Concerts on the Green series!

🗓️ June 7 - Wreckless Strangers (California Americana Soul)

🗓️ June 21 - Matt Jaffe (Original Indie Rock)

🗓️ July 19 - Sol Horizon (Reggae with Rock, Funk, & World Beats)

🗓️ August 2 - Alex Lucero Band (Americana Soul)

🗓️ August 16 - Ideateam (Funk, Soul, & R&B)

Free Admission | 6pm - 8pm  

Held at the Novato Civic Green, 901 Sherman Avenue

Hot Amphitheater Nights

Please join us for our 2024 Hot Amphitheater Nights series!

🗓️ June 29 – Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band (Rocksteady, Reggae, and Ska)

🗓️ July 27 – The SoulShake (Reggae and Rock)

🗓️ August 31 - Pride and Joy SF (Timeless Pop+Soul)

Free Admission | 5pm - 7pm

Held at the Hamilton Amphitheater, 601 N. Hamilton Pkwy

Novato Fun Rentals

It’s that time of the year – spring is here! With the sun shining and landscape in bloom, we encourage you to explore the many parks that the City of Novato has to offer. Interested in booking a picnic area for your next celebration or family gathering? Visit our new and improved rental website to learn more about our reservable facilities and to submit a reservation inquiry to book your favorite picnic spot.

Novato Pop-Up Police Station Events

Join the Novato Police Department (NPD) at the Pioneer Park Ribbon Cutting Event on Saturday, April 13, 11am - 1pm, 1007 Simmons Lane, for the 4th NPD Police Pop-Up Station Event.

You’ll have the chance to connect with NPD’s chief of police, police officers, dispatchers and more.

[Español]

Conozca al Jefe de Policía/Oficiales de Policía/Despachadores y más para tener la oportunidad de aprender más sobre los servicios que brindamos en el cuarto evento de “estaciones de policía ambulantes”.

Sábado, 4/13 | 11am - 1pm | Pioneer Park Ribbon Cutting (1007 Simmons Lane)

ADU Marin Webinar

Join Novato’s Planning Division, along with staff from the City of San Rafael and County of Marin, for a webinar on April 18, 6pm-7pm, designed to explore the potential of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in enhancing local housing options.

Engage with city & county officials as they share key insights, regulatory frameworks, and success stories about ADU development in their communities. This session aims to provide homeowners, developers, and interested residents with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the ADU process, from planning to completion.

Marin WildFire Prevention Chipper Day Program

Have a yard full of tree branches and brush? The Marin Wildfire Prevention is offering FREE curbside chipper days. It's a great way to dispose of unwanted vegetation & prepare your property for wildfire season. Learn more and sign up at chipperday.com/marin.

Save the Date! Downtown Novato's Rock the Block on 6/20

Mark your calendars for June 20, 6pm - 9pm in Downtown Novato.

Pop Rocks will be rockin' Downtown Novato for Rock The Block: Kick Off Summer Edition!

Downtown Novato circa 1915

Novato Historical Guild: Test Your Novato Knowledge

Which streets and buildings do you recognize? Test your knowledge by visiting the Novato History Museum. This photo will be on display with streets and structures identified.

Interested in learning more about Novato's history? The Novato Historical Guild operates two museums — Novato History Museum, located in the 1850 Postmaster’s House, 815 DeLong Avenue, and The Hamilton Field History Museum, located in the 1935 Hamilton Firehouse, 555 Hangar Avenue. Both museums are open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12-4pm. For more information, please call (415) 382-8614 or go to novatohistory.org.

City of Novato Sustainability

Nominate a Sustainability Superstar for Earth Month

Do you have a family member, neighbor, teacher, student, work colleague, or friend who goes above and beyond to care for and protect our environment? If so, the City of Novato wants to recognize their efforts to create a sustainable future as part of Earth Month 2024!

We’re #NovatoProud of these Sustainability Superstars, so let’s celebrate them! Fill out the simple nomination form at novatoproud.com. Our Sustainability Superstars will be featured on the City's social media accounts throughout the month of April, and nominations will be accepted through April 22, 2024.

Thank You Volunteers

This Earth Month, we are grateful for every volunteer that is helping keep our community clean. Thank you to Keep Novato Beautiful’s ‘Team up to Clean Up’ volunteers who organize a litter clean-up on the first Saturday of every month, to our ‘Adopt-a-Spot’ volunteers who have adopted an area in their neighborhood to keep litter-free, and to all the volunteers who are organizing clean-up activities during Earth Month!

If you would like to organize a clean-up in your neighborhood, please email: sustainability@novato.org. 

Compost Giveaway

Did you know the food scraps and yard clippings you put in your green Recology cart are turned into WM EarthCare organic compost right here in Novato? The City of Novato is hosting a compost giveaway on Saturday, April 20 at the City’s Corp Yard, 550 Davidson Street. 

~ Novato residents only 

~ Bags provided but please bring a shovel

~ 5 bags maximum per resident

This giveaway is funded through a grant from CalRecycle in support of SB 1383.

Recycle Bulky Items Responsibly

This Earth month, and every month, be sure to dispose of old items responsibly. Recology offers four free pickups per year for residential customers (up to 7 bags or 1 large item).

Additionally, North Bay Conservation Corps operates the Bye Bye Mattress program, which provides options to recycle your mattresses, box springs and futon mattresses. They offer a free drop off location in Bel Marin Keys, 11 Pimentel Ct.

Youth Ministry Cleans Up Scottsdale Pond

The City of Novato extends a huge #NovatoProud THANK YOU to the Youth Ministry from Cristo Es La Puerta who volunteered their time on Saturday, April 6 to clean up litter and dumped garbage at Scottsdale Pond. We are so grateful for your leadership!

Upcoming City Meetings

The City of Novato encourages community participation at our upcoming public meetings. Meeting details, including information on how to participate, are 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.

April 17 at 7pm | Design Review Commission - cancelled

April 18 at 6pm | Sustainability Commission

April 22 at 7pm | Planning Commission

April 23 at 6pm | City Council

April 24 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission

April 25 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

We're Hiring — Join Our Team!

Interested in a career in local government? Check out some of our current openings:

Senior Building Inspector (Full Time) — Application period closes April 21

Please note the following positions will remain open until filled.

Public Works

• Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer (Full Time)

Finance

• Deputy Director of Finance (Full Time)

Parks, Recreation and Community Services

• Head Lifeguard (Part Time)
• Lifeguard (Part Time)
• Swim Instructor (Part Time)
• Facility Attendant (Part Time)
• Gymnastics Instructor (Part Time)
• Recreation Leader (Part Time)

Police

• Police Cadet (Part Time)
• Police Intern (Part Time)
• Police Officer - Lateral/Academy Graduate (Full Time)

Visit novatojobs.org for more information and to apply.

Top Stories from Our Previous Edition

Learn more about Local Funding