Greetings Novato! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: The World of Kabbalah begins April 21 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do cows have hooves and not feet? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Weather forecast:
1. Students Mourn Teen Killed In Marin DUI Crash (patch.com) — Novato residents are grappling with grief after a suspected DUI crash at San Marin Drive and Simmons Lane killed 17-year-old Niko Vargas Ortiz and seriously injured four other teens. Students from Rancho Cotate and El Camino high schools held a vigil, filling a memorial wall with “Notes to Niko” while officials highlighted California’s strict zero-tolerance laws for underage drinking and driving.
2. In Your Town for April 21, 2026 (marinij.com) — A woman accused of burning displays outside Christ Church North Bay in Novato will stand trial on arson charges, but a judge rejected a hate-crime count, limiting her potential sentence. She remains in custody while her attorney seeks VA-based mental health treatment, with the next court hearing set for May 5 and other Marin communities covered in brief local updates.
3. State regulators pull rug from Pacific Private Money lending (therealdeal.com) — State regulators have revoked the lending license of Novato-based Pacific Private Money, a move that could affect many local investors who put retirement savings into its real estate loans. The firm is under investigation by multiple agencies over alleged fund mishandling, and more than $100 million in investor money may be at risk while an outside contractor manages existing loans.
4. Preps of the week: Marin Catholic boys lacrosse picks up two huge victories (marinij.com) — Novato High’s baseball team grabbed a key two-game sweep over Marin Catholic, boosting its chances for a first-round MCAL playoff bye behind standout pitching from JP Harmon and Griffin Vorhaus. Novato athletes also figured into track and golf results as Marin’s top prep performers of the week were highlighted across lacrosse, softball, baseball, and track.
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Ok Novato! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They lactose! (Thank you Courtney S. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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