In November, the City Code Enforcement and Police Departments launched a new pilot program assisting property owners and managers to improve, and ultimately reduce and rid, their multi-family properties of crime. There are more than 200 multi-family properties citywide.

At the first seminar, attendees learned about how to best use landscaping, lighting, and other common areas to deter crime, as heard from attorneys about leases and other legal issues related to rental properties. More seminars will follow in the new year. For more information, contact Officer Nicholas Conrad (pictured above) at: nconrad@novato.org or 415.897.4361.

Chinese Youth Sports Delegation Gift; Boosters Keep Gymnastics Program Strong

At their December 3 meeting, the City Council officially received a commemorative gold plate (pictured above) as a gift from the State General Administration of Sport of China--that country's governmental agency which plans, promotes, and develops youth sports. The plate was given in honor of the group's visit to Novato last fall, where the delegation was greeted by Mayor Pat Eklund, PRCS Director Pam Shinault, Recreation, Cultural, and Communities Commissioner Paula Neese, PRCS Division Manager Kevin Conklin, and Recreation Supervisors Perry Siu and Marjorie Blaskower. Due to Siu's role as Chairman of the NorCal Women's Gymnastics Association, and the group's interest in the government-supported recreation program in Novato, the delegation chose the city as one of many stops during their stay in California.