September 16, 2016
 

In life, there's plenty of times that things don't go right.  Despite our best efforts, sometimes things just don't go as planned. But we persevere. Then there are times when, for some unknown reason, it all comes together we celebrate our successes. And this past weekend, celebrate we did. On Saturday morning we hosted the official opening of the new and improved Kimberly Park.  It was AYSO opening day, and hundreds of kids were on hand to enjoy the new fields. If you haven't been there yet, you must go check it out. It's on Kimberly Drive, at the far west end. Then, Saturday evening, the American Canyon Community Parks Foundation hosted their gala fundraiser, raising $64,000 to improve your parks and recreation programs! To learn more about ACCPF and learn how to get involved, take a look here.  Hooray for a great weekend for our parks and recreation services! 
 
Top left: "An Evening at the Ruins" Gala Dinner
Top right: American Canyon High School Choir's PDA (Public Display of Acapella) singing the National Anthem at the Kimberly Park Kick-off Event;
Bottom Left: The American Flag flying magestically over the 9/11 Memorial at the Dedication & Remembrance Ceremony
Bottom middle: One of the many silent auction tables at the ACCPF Gala Fundraiser
 Bottom right: Kids enjoying a "Giant Soccer" game at Kimberly Park Kick-off
On the Agenda
The City Council will meet again next Tuesday, September 20th at 6:30 PM.  That evening the Council will consider proclaiming October as Latino Heritage Month, hear a monthly update regarding ACHS activities, and learn hands-only CPR!  The Council will also consider a $5,000 award to Arts Council Napa Valley for arts programs and planning in American Canyon.  Finally, the Council will hold two public hearings.  The first will consider enforcement of the California Vehicle Code on Corvina Way and Corvina Court, which are private streets.  The second hearing will address speed limits throughout town, including a few proposed changes.  See the full agenda here.

Since our Last Update
The Council last met on September 6th. At the meeting, the Council conducted a public hearing and authorized the developers of Valley Vista Senior apartments to issue tax-exempt bonds to finance the new project.  This project provides homes to 70 low-income seniors and veterans and expects to break ground in the next few months.  The City Council also chose to select the "Light Green" power supply option from MCE.  This option will ensure that 50% of the City's electricity use comes from renewable resources.  Next spring, as we develop next year's budget, we will consider a switch to "Dark Green" service, with 100% of power from renewable sources.  Finally, the City Council awarded two construction contracts. The first will replace a section of undersized sewer pipe along Highway 29 near the PG&E Substation and the second will provide a slurry seal to several streets in town.  Watch the video of the meeting here

Future Meetings...
All meetings held at 6:30 PM at City Hall. Check here a few days before the meeting for the full agenda.

Planning Commission
Thursday, September 22nd
Open Space Advisory CommitteeWednesday, October 5th
Parks & Community Services CommissionThursday, October 13th 
Fire District News

The Fire District publishes an informative newsletter each month, click here for the latest. 

 
Growing into Health
- Community Health Fair at the Senior Center

Friday, September 30th from 9 AM -12 PM at the Senior Multi-Use Center (2185 Elliott Dr)
Get healthy and have fun at our upcoming health fair!  We will have train your brain activities, yoga, music, food and more! Click here for a list of vendors. Please stop by and take advantage of these great resources in American Canyon.  Click here for our flyer.
Market Matters 

This week the Farmers' Market will be a blast for the kids (and adults too!). As part of the Visions of the Wild Festival, the USDA Forest Service has organized the American Canyon Nature Discovery Zone!

The Nature Discovery Zone will be filled with wonder and intrigue...come meet Smokey the Bear,Woodsy Owl, and Frank and Frances Fish. Discover the world of aquatic insects, learn how teeth and scat are connected enter into a gigantic fish, and take home a bit of art. Discover the world of birds with Napa-Solano Audubon and a live Raptor from Native Bird Connection.

Members of the American Canyon Boys & Girls Club will also host one of the community booths in celebration of National Kids Day. Stop by and help them celebrate.



 The vendors this week will be posted on American Canyon Farmers' Market Facebook page  later today.

Community Calendar

Looking for something to do TONIGHT?  Check out Friday Night Jam at Napa Junction with the Classic Rock Band, Clarence and the Search.  Each Friday night until the end of September,  the American Canyon Arts Foundation will present fun and FREE music in the plaza - click here for more information.  Be sure not to miss out on the fun activities planned this weekend at Coastal Clean Up Day and the very special Visions of the Wild at the Farmers' Market, described elsewhere in this newsletter. 
 
A couple other events you may want to check out include a Car Seat Safety Fair on the 21st at 1 PM.  And right around the corner is the 8th Annual Oktoberfest presented by the American Canyon Chamber of Commerce on October 8th at SpringHill Suites - always a good time!

You can find these events, and others on the Community Calendar.  Interested in adding your event to the community calendar?  Click here for more information.                        
Questions from the Community

What is the status of plans to improve the highway?

Most of you are already familiar with the Broadway District Specific Plan.  This important plan will determine how the highway corridor will look and function, including traffic improvements and highway widening.  We kicked off the environmental review for the corridor improvement plan this week, getting a head start before the plan is finalized.  On October 4th, the City Council again discuss the plan at their regular City Council meeting.  You can learn more here, and watch these newsletters for meeting announcements.  Widening and improving the highway is a long-term project and, in the meantime, the Public Works department is moving forward with plans to extend Devlin Road to Green Island Road and to reconstruct Green Island Road.  These projects, along with Napa County's project to construct a segment of Devlin Road, will reduce traffic on the highway by providing a route for trucks and others to get from the Napa Valley Corporate Park to Green Island without ever getting on the highway.  These plans are well underway with construction planned for next year.

Got a question? Email City Staff here.
It's Election Season

Election campaigning is in full swing right now, and campaign signs are sprouting up around town.  Need to get to know the candidates before deciding on your vote?  Here's two ideas for you.  First, you can go here to find contact information for each of the City Council and Mayor candidates and copies of their campaign statements and filing forms.  Second, the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Candidates Forum on October 11th.  All the candidates, including your current Councilmembers and Mayor, will be there to answer questions and tell you about themselves.  Interested?  Here are the details.  On a related matter, the City/County, State and Caltrans each have regulations regarding sign placement (see them here.)  Candidates must have permission from the property owner to place a sign on their property.  If you have concerns with a particular sign, please contact the candidate directly.
Cluster Mail Boxes

The Postal Service has been repairing and replacing cluster boxes around town, and, hopefully, very few of you, if any, are still traveling to Vallejo for your mail.  Please respond to this email and tell me if you are still getting your mail in Vallejo, or any other updates so I can contact USPS. 
Princess

Hi! My name is Princess and I'm looking for a new best friend. I have great leash manners and already know several tricks such as sit, stay and lay down. I am very attentive and I love treats which might make me easy to train. I like riding in the car so I hope you will take me out for some adventures.  When I go out with people, I am well behaved and pass out tail wags and kisses to everyone. Previously, I lived with a small dog and 4 children ranging in age from 12 to a newborn. I love kids and the water. I will jump in the kiddie pool and put my whole face underwater! I am crate trained and house trained. My ideal day would consist of spending time with my family. I hope you are the one for me. I just know we could be fast friends. Please ask to see me out of my kennel because that's where my true personality shines. Find me here
Beacon Award

We are pleased to announce that the City has been presented with the Beacon Silver Award for energy conservation efforts.  The award is presented to cities and counties that work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and adopt policies to promote sustainability.  Read more about the program here

Click here to learn more about this new park. 
Public Works Updates 

Vine Trail Project
Vine Trail Project
The Vine Trail Gap Project will fill in a � mile gap in the Vine Trail system between Silver Oak Park and Silver Oak Trail and is very close to completion.  The contractor is planting 15 new live oak trees, installing some metal fencing and hydro seeding the dirt.

Winter Preparation
The Streets Crew have been working on winter storm preparations utilizing the vactor truck and high pressure water to clean out the stormdrains.  They are also cleaning creeks and other vegetation around town.  This will help reduce the impact of heavy rains on the stormdrain system and prevent clogging of the City's drainage system.  Did you know leaves that clog stormdrains is the number one cause of street flooding?  You can help by putting all yard waste in your green waste disposal cart for Recology to pick up or by composting at home.  Yard waste and leaves should never be put in the gutter, the street sweepers cannot pick them up.
Streets Crew utilizing vactor to clean stormdrains
Streets Crew utilizing high pressure water to clean stormdrains
Napa Junction III
Work continues on and off site at Napa Junction III.  The Canyon Ridge Apartments club house and leasing office has opened.  The signs have gone up on the Dunkin' Donuts and the parking lot has been striped.  At Tractor Supply, the external concrete surfaces are being installed and the building facade has started to go up.  

Headworks Channel
The Headworks Channel at the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) is designed to filter incoming raw wastewater to remove debris before further treatment.  A project is underway to expand the structure and install a new drum screen.  This will help to protect the WRF from damage and improve capacity.  The project should be completed by the middle of November. 
Headworks - before
Work in process at Headworks
Water Treatment Plant Tour
On September 10th Santa Rosa Junior College Water Utility Operations Certificate of Achievement Program students toured the Water Treatment Plant.  This program provides the training needed for entry level positions in the operation of water treatment facilities and water distribution systems. 
 
Street Sweeping

The streets in American Canyon are swept by Recology every other week on the day after your garbage pickup. Sweeping not only makes your neighborhood look nice, but it serves an important purpose, too. The sweeper removes oil, trash and weeds that can damage the asphalt and drain into our wetlands. If your car is parked on the street blocking the street sweeper, it can't do its job. Please move your car off the street on street sweeping day so that our streets are clean and safe. Your street will be swept on the next business day after your trash pickup, every other week.  If your trash gets picked up on Monday, your street will be swept every other Tuesday, according to the schedule below.  If your trash pick-up is on Friday, your street will be swept every other Monday. Please move your car to your driveway the night before street sweeping.

It's Up to You to Stop the Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone over six months of age get a flu vaccine.  Those at higher risk for complications of the flu, including seniors over 65 years, pregnant women, children under five years and people with certain chronic medical conditions, are especially encouraged to get vaccinated. Napa County Public Health will offer free seasonal flu vaccine shots to anyone over three years of age.  A clinic will be offered in American Canyon on Monday, September 26th from  3-6 PM at the Senior Multi-Use Center, 2185 Elliott Drive.

In addition to getting vaccinated, simple steps to help stop the spread of the flu:

1)      Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds.
2)      Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
3)      Stay home and contact health care providers when sick.

For additional information, including the full schedule of seasonal flu vaccine clinics, visit the Napa County Public Health flu vaccine clinic page or call the flu line at (707) 253-4540 for 24/7 recorded bilingual information. Residents unable to attend the flu vaccine clinics or with children less than three years of age can call the Public Health Immunization Clinic at (707) 253-4270 for a free appointment.
 American Canyon Rocks



Love a scavenger hunt?  This is for you: Have fun painting rocks, setting them out for others to find, and sharing with the community here in AC! Click here to read the Napa Valley Register about this new trend that has spread from Napa to American Canyon. Check out the American Canyon Rocks Facebook page here and join in on the fun.


American Canyon Little Free Library
Local resident, Allison Nagel, with help from with American Canyon H
igh School students, her neighbor, and a host of community members, has brought AC our very first  "Little Free Library". Since opening about four months ago, the shelves in the library have been stocked with donated books from members of the community. There is also a "Little Free Library" wagon that visits the American Canyon Farmers' Market and local schools. The AmCan Corner Little Free Library is all about community -- and sharing a love of books! Stop by the corner of Donaldson Way and Gisela Drive to pick up or drop off a book to share with neighbors. 


Napa Valley Vintners Generously Help Children
 
The Napa Valley Vintners will donate $2.8 million from this year's Auction Napa Valley to several programs helping children.  All five American Canyon schools will receive funds to continue the NapaLearns initiative.  Thank you NV Vintners for supporting our youth! Click here to read the Napa Valley Register article.
Welcome our New Staff
Suellen Johnston joined us in August as our new City Clerk. During this time of year, election season, we are especially pleased that Suellen brings years of experience with her. She worked for the City of Dixon for 9 years where she served as City Clerk for 3 � years and Deputy City Clerk prior to her promotion. In addition to conducting City elections, the City Clerk records and maintains all legislative actions of the City Council and is the official custodian of all City records. Suellen earned her B.S. in Business Administration from San Jose State University. 
Steve Hartwig joined us in April as the City's new Deputy Public Works Director. This position is responsible for the water, wastewater and environmental services divisions and is located at the Water Reclamation Facility. Steve's background includes administration, engineering, development, capital projects, and Public Works operations & maintenance. He has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California State University, Sacramento and more than 30 years of service in both the public and private sector.
 Officer Jeff Scott is American Canyon's new Community Resource Officer. He has been a member of the Napa County Sheriff's Department since 2006 and has served in American Canyon for the last 5 years on patrol. Jeff served 14 years in the United States Marine Corps where he deployed twice during the Global War on Terrorism, once to Kuwait/Iraq and again to East Africa. During his years of service he participated in trainings all over the world. Jeff earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Parks & Recreation Updates
 
Upcoming Events:

Coastal Clean Up Day
Saturday, September 17th  from 9AM - 12 PM at Community Park 2 (Benton & Donaldson Way)
Keeping American Canyon clean has never been this fun! Join the cause to keep your home town clean while enjoying quality time with your neighbors and friends.  Enjoy a free low-waste breakfast to get your morning started. There will also be a water bar, so don't forget to bring your water bottle. We will also have tips on how to conserve water, free paper shredding, pharmaceutical disposal, and a raffle. Volunteers are welcome to drop in at the event, but please bring your own work gloves, wear work clothes, and you will need to have your own transportation. Hope to see you there!

Fall 2016 general registration is now open!  
We have some exciting new programs available for kids, teens, adults and seniors.  Check out our Fall 2016 Activity Guide for details on all programs running from September through November.

Upcoming activities:
Class
Ages/Grades
Activity Date/Time
Cost
Location
18+
Monthly
Mondays: 4-5 PM
Wednesdays: 2:15 - 3:15 PM
$15/month
$5/drop-in
Senior Multi-Use Center
Junior Warriors Winter Basketball League
5-14
Practices Start in December with Games starting in January
Registration is now open for residents!
Non-resident registration opens 9/26/16
No online registration available. Please visit the Parks and Recreation Office for in-person registration.
Residents: $65
Non-resident: $85
Community Center Gym
6+
September 24th 5-6 PM
October 22nd 4:30 - 5:30 PM
November 26th 3-4 PM
$25 for all 3 classes (individual)
$50 for all 3 classes for a family of 4
(2 adults and 2 children)
Napa River Bay Trail

For more information contact us at: (707) 648-7275