May 2024

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! This issue features the Downtown Novato Community Farmers' Market, Grant Avenue Bridge project update, Diablo and DeLong Avenues roadwork, Parks & 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.

Downtown Novato Community Farmers' Market

The City invites our community to join us for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on May 7 at 4pm to celebrate the Downtown Novato Farmers’ Market’s new location on Sherman Avenue — right in front of City Hall!

The market returns every Tuesday from May 7 through October 29, 4pm – 8pm on Sherman Avenue between Grant and De Long Avenues.

Enjoy a diverse selection of fresh produce from local farmers, prepared and packaged foods to enjoy at the market or to go, local artisan booths and activities for kids. 

You can walk, bike, drive or take public transit — the choice is yours! The new location on Sherman Avenue is just a train or bus ride away as it is conveniently located between the Novato Downtown SMART Station and the Redwood Boulevard & Grant Avenue Transit Station. Additionally, bike racks are available near the market on Sherman Avenue at Cain Lane and in the City Administrative Offices Parking Lot. 

To help make your visit easier, we’ve created a parking map available below and at novato.org/farmersmarket.

Centro de Novato mercado de agricultores comunitario

La Ciudad invita a nuestra comunidad a unirse a nosotros en una ceremonia de corte de cinta el 7 de mayo a las 4 p. m., para celebrar la nueva ubicación del mercado en Sherman Avenue, ¡justo enfrente del Ayuntamiento! 

El mercado de agricultores del centro de Novato regresa todos los martes del 7 de mayo al 29 de octubre, de 4:00 a 8:00 p. m., en Sherman Avenue, entre las avenidas Grant y De Long.

Disfrutar de una variada selección de productos frescos de agricultores locales, alimentos preparados y envasados para disfrutar en el mercado o para llevar, puestos de artesanos locales y actividades para niños.

Puede caminar, andar en bicicleta, conducir o tomar el transporte público: ¡la elección es suya! La nueva ubicación en Sherman Avenue está a solo un viaje en tren o autobús, ya que está convenientemente ubicada entre la estación Novato Downtown SMART y la estación de tránsito Redwood Boulevard y Grant Avenue. Además, hay portabicicletas disponibles cerca del mercado en Sherman Avenue en Cain Lane y en el estacionamiento de las oficinas administrativas de la ciudad. 

Para facilitar su visita, hemos creado un mapa de estacionamiento disponible en novato.org/farmersmarket.

Grant Avenue Bridge Project Update

Last week, construction crews set up the traffic control and detours on Grant Avenue, between 8th Street and Virginia Avenue. One-way traffic control is currently in place (westbound), and this detour is anticipated to remain through mid-July.

• South traffic lane and sidewalk are now closed
• North sidewalk and westbound lane remain open

In the next couple of weeks, the construction crew will install sheet pile shoring, which will be vibrated into place. Please note, this operation can be loud but is anticipated to only last about 2 days. After shoring is completed, the contractor will begin drilling the bridge piers.

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 during construction.

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

Diablo & De Long Avenues Roadwork: May 4, 6 & 7

As part of the Diablo Avenue / De Long Avenue Corridor Enhancements project, traffic signs will be installed along Diablo Avenue and DeLong Avenue between Novato Blvd and Reichert Avenue on Saturday, May 4, 7am - 4pm. Diablo Avenue and De Long Avenue will remain open during this work.

Additionally, pavement striping and markings are scheduled to be installed overnight on Monday, May 6 and Tuesday, May 7, between 8pm and 5am. Diablo Avenue and De Long Avenue will remain open, though work may cause minor traffic delays. Please use alternate routes when possible. 

Please note: All work is weather permitting and subject to change.

Benefits of this project include the installation several traffic safety elements to calm arterial traffic, improve pedestrian access by shortening pedestrian crossing distances and increasing the visibility of traffic signals.

Questions? Please contact Tom Tierney, Project Manager at RK Engineering, Inc. at (415) 420-9993.

To learn more about this project, please visit the project webpage.  

Crosswalk Improvements

In a continual effort to improve pedestrian safety, new crosswalk lights have been installed at the following locations throughout Novato:

• South Novato Blvd at Gateway Court
• South Novato Blvd at Stone Drive
• South Novato Blvd at Midway Blvd
• South Novato Blvd at Adele Street
• South Novato Blvd at Joan Avenue
• South Novato Blvd at Safeway Center
• Main Gate Road at C Street
• Hamilton Parkway at Aberdeen Road

Save the Date / Reserven la fecha

The City of Novato invites our community to join us on Saturday, June 1 at 10am on the steps of Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue, for a Flag Raising Ceremony in celebration and recognition of Pride Month. 

La ciudad de Novato invita a nuestra comunidad a acompañarnos el sábado 1 de junio a las 10:00 a.m. en los escalones del Ayuntamiento de Novato, ubicado en 901 Sherman Avenue, para una ceremonia de izamiento de bandera en celebración y reconocimiento al Mes del Orgullo. 

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.

Novato City Council Adopts Parks Master Plan

On April 9, the Novato City Council officially adopted the 2024 Parks Master Plan. The Parks Master Plan will serve as a valuable strategic guide and “roadmap” for both current and future parks planning and recreation development over the next 5-10 years.

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.

May Fiesta Lunch

Join us for a delicious lunch at the Margaret Todd Senior Center on May 15 at 12pm. Enjoy a rice, bean, & cheese burrito, OR a chicken burrito from Tommy's Salsa. Chips, salsa and dessert included. 

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Registration deadline is May 9. Secure your spot by signing up at the Margaret Todd Senior Center (1560 Hill Road, Novato).⁠

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Call 415.899.8290 for more information.

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.

First Fridays on Grant: May 3

Join businesses downtown on May 3 at 5pm for First Fridays, a closed streets program designed to create a safe, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly shopping, dining, and recreation environment on Grant Avenue.

Enjoy extended hours and “sip & shops” from several retailers, live music and expanded seating at select restaurants, and more.

Please note: Grant Avenue will be closed from 4pm - 12am between Machin and Reichert Avenues.

PG&E Conducting Safety Inspections via Helicopter

Over the next two weeks, PG&E helicopters will perform important safety inspections (during daylight hours) of electrical poles and equipment in the Novato area. Customers may have been notified via phone call or voicemail on April 23, 2024.

Per PG&E, you can expect to see and hear helicopters flying low overhead to inspect PG&E's equipment and they may hover in the same location (usually less than 10 minutes). This is part of their ongoing wildfire safety efforts and pilots will follow all safety standards and federal regulations.

Questions? For more information, contact PG&E at 1-877-295-4949 or email wildfiresafety@pge.com.

Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Durante las próximas dos semanas, helicópteros de PG&E realizarán importantes inspecciones de seguridad (durante el día) de postes y equipos eléctricos en el área de Novato. Es posible que los clientes hayan sido notificados mediante llamada telefónica o correo de voz el 23 de abril de 2024.

Según PG&E, puede esperar ver y escuchar helicópteros volando a baja altura para inspeccionar el equipo de PG&E y pueden flotar en el mismo lugar (generalmente menos de 10 minutos). Esto es parte de sus esfuerzos continuos de seguridad contra incendios forestales y los pilotos seguirán todos los estándares de seguridad y regulaciones federales.

Preguntas ? Para obtener más información, comuníquese con PG&E al 1-877-295-4949 o envíe un correo electrónico a wildfiresafety@pge.com.

Sólo llame al 9-1-1 en caso de emergencia.

Caltrans State Route-37 Closures

As part of the State Route-37 Solano Pavement Repair Project, Caltrans will be completely closing State Route-37 at SR-29 (Vallejo) to SR-121 (Sonoma) the weekends of May 3 & May 10. Eastbound SR-37 will be closed between SR-121 (Sonoma County). Closures begin Fridays at 10pm and conclude on the following Mondays at 5am.

EB SR-37 DETOUR:

Exit left onto northbound SR-121 in Sonoma; make a right on SR-12/SR-121(Carneros Hwy) and continue; turn right on SR-12/SR-29; enter left for the connector loop Off-ramp back to EB SR-37.

For more information on this project, visit 37pave.com.

Art, Wine & Music Festival

Join us June 8, 11am - 7pm & June 9, 11am - 6pm on Grant Avenue between Redwood Blvd and 7th Street for the Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival, presented annually by the Novato Chamber of Commerce. Admission is FREE! Enjoy live music, artist vendors, fine wines & micro-brews and fun for all ages!

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!

North Marin Community Services Food Pantry Tours

North Marin Community Services (NMCS) invites you to join them for a behind-the-scenes tour of their weekly food pantry. Tours are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 9 - 9:50am at North Marin Community Services, 1907 Novato Blvd. Click below to sign up and learn more about their life-changing programs and services.

Questions? Please contact the NMCS Development Team at donate@northmarincs.org.

Museum of the American Indian Reopens

We’re thrilled to announce that the Museum of the American Indian has REOPENED!

Located in Miwok Park on the site of an actual Miwok Village, the museum aims to uplift, support and make visible the Indigenous peoples of the Americas by offering authentic educational programs and cultural resources to Marin and the greater Bay Area.

Learn more at marinindian.com. 

Novato Historical Guild

Hamilton Air Force Base movie theater (1949), still in wartime camouflage. Four years after the end of World War II, buildings had not yet been repainted. 

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

Earth Month 2024 Wrap Up

We’re #NovatoProud and grateful for the many volunteers who participated in City-supported environmental activities throughout the month of April to celebrate Earth Month 2024. From picking up litter to tending to existing trees and planting new ones, it was a busy month with an amazing 61 volunteers contributing 148 hours of their time!

Eco-Friendly Garden Tour

The Eco-Friendly Garden Tour promotes sustainable landscaping practices by showcasing inspiring gardens throughout Marin and Sonoma counties. The tour highlights gardens that conserve water, use native plants, enhance biodiversity, and provide fire resiliency. Marin gardens in this year’s tour include those located in Corte Madera, San Rafael, and Novato. This year's tour takes place on Saturday, May 18 from 10am-4pm. The tour is self-guided and free to attend. Registration is required. 

Marin Green Business Program

Join fellow business owners in Marin County who are doing their part for the planet by getting Certified Green! The Marin Green Business Program can help 'green' your operations for free, while you focus on running your business. Ready to save money and make a positive impact on the environment?

Induction Cooking Expo

Join the County of Marin’s Sustainability Team at the Ferguson Showroom in San Rafael on Thursday, May 16 at 4pm for an open house event filled with the latest trends and innovations in induction cooking. Enjoy live demonstrations from induction expert chefs, tips for sustainable entertaining, food & drinks and learn about incentives & rebates, and much more!

Novato Proudly Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! We’re #NovatoProud to celebrate the diverse cultures, deep-rooted traditions and invaluable contributions of our #AANHPI community.

Established by Congress in 1992, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month coincides with two key milestones: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, largely built by Chinese workers, on May 10, 1869.

Novato Proudly Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month

May is Jewish American Heritage Month, and we’re #NovatoProud to pay tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans whose contributions, culture and values have profoundly shaped our nation and local community. Originating in 1980 as Jewish American Heritage Week, Jewish American Heritage Month was established by Presidential proclamation in 2006 and renewed every year since. Join us in celebrating the resilience, determination and achievements of the Jewish American community.

We encourage you to join us in honoring those who contribute to making Novato a wonderful place to live, work and play. Nominate a community member who inspires you at novatoproud.com.

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.

May 7 at 6pm | City Council

May 9 at 7:30am | Finance Advisory Commission

May 9 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

May 9 at 6pm | Recreational, Cultural and Community Services Commission

May 13 at 7pm | Planning Commission

May 14 at 6pm | City Council

May 15 at 5:30pm | Complete Streets and Pathways Oversight Committee

May 15 at 7pm | Design Review Commission - cancelled

May 22 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission

May 23 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 May 12

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 Officer Trainee (Full Time)
• Police Officer - Lateral/Academy Graduate (Full Time)

Visit novatojobs.org for more information and to apply.

Top Stories from Our Previous Edition

Council Approves Building Division Operational Enhancements as Part of Assessment

Watch the Community Budget Workshop