This summer, and every summer, you'll find Novato Parks, Recreation and Community Services staff and programs in a neighborhood near you!  Programs are happening all over town - inside gyms and classrooms at Hill, Novato and San Marin High, Hamilton Gyms, Lu Sutton and Rancho, Hamilton Community Center, Novato Gymnastics Center and the Downtown Recreation Center and outside on fields and playgrounds at Marion, Indian Valley College, Hill Fields, Rancho Playground and Fields, and at the Hamilton Pool. These summer camps and programs are so popular that we had up to a 30% increase from the same time last year, and approximately 500 kids join us EVERY WEEK. There is still three weeks left of our nine-week summer program, so sign-up now!

 Photo courtesy of City Maintenance Worker Greg Tognotti 

July 1 marks a new budget year for the City. The $56.5 million budget includes funding to strengthen City core services including emergency and police, maintenance, parks and recreation, and economic development and addresses deferred and ongoing maintenance needs that have accumulated during the recession. Additionally, nearly $5 million has been earmarked for community projects. Read more.
 

This month, the City welcomed a permanent Public Works Director, and the City Council approved agreements with Habitat for Humanity for homes on Fourth Street and with Urban Community Partners LLC for senior housing in the Hamilton neighborhood. The City was also recently named a "Green Power Community" by the EPA, and our Shop Local Campaign received industry recognition.
 

Although there are no "lazy days of summer" for the City and its staff--as we continue to offer you prompt, professional, and and friendly customer service, Monday through Thursday and alternating Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.--the last City Council meeting will be July 29, with meetings resuming August 19.
  

To get quick previews and recaps of Council meetings, sign-up for our e-notification. 

In a continuing effort to provide robust emergency management services to the community, Novato Emergency Management--a partnership of the City of Novato and the Novato Fire District, is asking Novatans to "do 1 thing" a month that prepares you and yours for the next disaster.
 

This month's tip is to stay connected with your family during a disaster. Go to http://do1thing.com/things/jul for easy ways to prepare your family and stay connected.

For additional local preparedness information take a look at our Get Ready course and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training at: www.readymarin.org