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Frankly Speaking with Michael Frank, City Manager
 Spring is here and so begins festival season in Novato. This month, the Downtown Farmers' Market kicks-off on Tuesday nights, the 30th annual Novato Festival of Art, Wine and Music is right around the corner, as is our annual 4th of July parade and festivities--so many ways to enjoy our local offerings and explore our Downtown!
Did you know we are fortunate to have at least four bakeries in our city center? In a recent retail survey, sponsored by the City, 51% of respondents identified bakeries as top on their list for "convenience shopping" needs. In addition, survey takers indicated that casual apparel, shoes, home decor, building and garden supplies are also high on their list for shopping needs. There are more than 400 businesses in our Downtown, and each with a unique selection and array of services. This season is a great time to get reacquainted with our Downtown and join us for some summer fun!
Note: The retail survey, sales leakage data, and corresponding recommendations will be presented at the 5/7 City Council meeting and also posted on our website. Our meetings are televised and are available on our website, and for the latest news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and sign-up for our e-notification service. |
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News Highlights
 Hot off the presses and in Novato residents' mailboxes now--the latest Parks, Recreation and Community Services activity guide chock-a-block full of classes and services for all ages. Also online.
Other City news:
May/June dates announced for Community Office Hours at City Hall with the City Manager
Next steps for the Draft Housing Element approved by City Council
Novato Police Department uses Nixel for newsfeed and alerts; announces its four-day, no-cost Youth Camp this June
City opts to buy power from Marin Energy Authority, moves toward ban of polystrene containers, and Council to consider enacting a moratorium on development for North Redwood Blvd Corridor.
Initial work has started on the traffic signal at Redwood Blvd & Olive Ave
Current vacancies on City Commissions, Committees, and Boards |
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Commit to Safe Driving in Novato--'Take the Pledge'
Have you taken the pledge yet and committed to safer driving? On May 14, the City Council will commit to safe driving and is encouraging all Novato residents to take the safe-driving pledge--join us in our commitment to keep our neighborhoods and city safe through good driving habits.
This awareness campaign, sponsored by the Transportation Authority of Marin via its Street Smarts Marin program, has been proven successful nationwide. Once you have taken the pledge online (which only takes a few seconds!), you will be sent a decal to display on your vehicle. LET'S MAKE NOVATO THE SAFEST DRIVING CITY IN THE U.S.! To learn more about the benefits of the Safe Driving Pledge, READ MORE |
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Clean & Green Day--Thanks for giving back, Novato!
In honor of Earth Day, approximately 250 people from the Novato community once again celebrated by cleaning up litter, weeds and graffiti throughout the City on Saturday, April 20. The 18th annual CLEAN AND GREEN DAY, organized by the Novato Streetscape Maintenance Coalition, was another rousing success with help from the community including local scout troops, 4-H Club, Novato Mothers' Club, Sunrise Rotary, North Marin Water District, Methodist Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Church of Latter Day Saints, and the Lions Club.
Initial results include 3 schools, 7 parks, and 7 miles of streets were cleaned up. A big thanks to the volunteers and to the sponsors including Pini Hardware, Bank of Marin, Whole Foods, Redwood Bagel, Novato Builders Supply, and Paulgers Plants!
For more information on getting involved with our Streetscape Maintenance Coalition and keeping our City CLEAN AND GREEN year-round, go to www.novatostreetscape.org. |
"B.E.E. You" a new afterschool offering for grades 2-5 
"Building, Educating and Exercising You" is a new, fun, and comprehensive afterschool program for grades 2-5 offered by Parks, Recreation and Community Services. The program positively engages youth and improves their academic performance and their physical fitness, while encouraging healthy eating and active living.
"B.E.E You"-- which incorporates two award-winning curricula, SPARK After School Program and Positive Action--kicked off on April 30 at Olive School and will run through May 30. PRCS hopes to expand the program to other locations in the fall. For more info on registration and about the program, call 899.8920 or e-mail. |
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More Parking--Just in time for Hamilton Pool opening
 Did you know that more than 35,000 people enjoyed Hamilton Pool last summer? To accommodate visitors of this popular warm-weather attraction, City maintenance crews paved new parking areas--yielding about 30 spaces--at the upper lot on El Bonita Drive, just in time for the pool opening on Friday, May 17. More info.
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Join us for Senior Health & Fitness Day on May 29
Celebrate Older Americans month in May with a fit and fun day! You're invited to join us at Margaret Todd Senior Center as we celebrate the 20th Annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 29. This no-cost event will include a Health Walk, informative booths, guest speakers, mini-exercise classes, music, food, giveaways and much more. More info. |
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Contact Us: |  | |
75 Rowland Way, #200 Novato, CA 94945
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5/1
Design Review Commission meeting 5/2
City Manager's Office
Hours at City Hall
5/6
Planning Commission meeting
5/7
City Council meeting
Downtown Farmers Market begins
5/9
Zoning Administrator
meeting
Recreation, Cultural & Community Services Commission
5/10
City offices closed
5/13
Streetscape Maintenance Coalition Advisory Committee meeting
5/14
City Council meeting
5/15
Design Review Commission meeting
5/17
Hamilton Pool opens
5/20
Planning Commission meeting
5/21
City Council meeting
5/23
Zoning Administrator
meeting
5/24 & 5/27
City offices closed
5/28
Evening of Big Band
5/29
Senior Health & Fitness Day at Margaret Todd
For times, location, and updated info, please check out the City Calendar.
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SAVE THE DATE &
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
1-4 hour time slots available to volunteer for this fun event--a great way to get involved in your community! More info: volunteer@novatoparade.com or call 493.4751 |
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FREE HOMEBUYER READINESS WORKSHOPS
A three-part series on money management sponsored by Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco: May 7, 14, and 21 from 6-7:30 PM
More info: www.habitatgsf.org or 415.625.1011 |
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