Councilmember's Column (Mar 9 - Mar 16)

On my Mind
Baseball season is almost underway, but the 49ers still continue to grab the headlines. Up until recently, it had been for all the wrong reasons including leaks from ownership, the dismissal of a winning coach, the loss of beloved veteran players, and another domestic violence case. The headline hitting the news just a few hours ago was different. Chris Borland, the 24-year-old linebacker who had an incredible rookie year, has decided to retire after just his first year in the NFL.

His decision appears to have come due to the long-term effects of repetitive head injuries. At just 24 years old, Borland is able to walk away from the game. That is a mature young man who understands there is more to life and I applaud him for his decision today much more than the tackles he made on the field this past year.

You don’t have to be a professional football player to learn something from an individual like Chris Borland. His decision and ultimate outlook on life can serve as an encouragement and teacher to us all. Congrats to Borland for all your accomplishments and wishing you the best. Thanks for the inspiration.

Around Town
Join Me at Safe & Sober Grad of Novato’s 5K/10K – This Saturday, March 21st is the Lucky Run (or walk) 5K / 10K benefiting Novato’s Safe & Sober Grad. I just signed up for the 10K and there is still time to join. Special thank you to the parents and volunteers for organizing this event. Sign up here.

3rd Annual Chili Cook Off at Novato Youth Center – Enjoyed swinging by the Novato Youth Center this past Thursday to sample some delicious chili. Every year the Novato Fire Foundation teams up with the Youth Center as the students learn culinary and presentation skills from Novato Firefighters while preparing their secret recipes. This year’s event raised $22,000! Pictures

Northwest Quadrant Walking Tour & Workshop – Thank you to everyone who participated in the walking tour and workshop this past Saturday. Glad to have such an engaged community here in Novato. Pictures

Little League Opening Day is a Homerun & Gymnastics Classic Scores a Perfect Ten – It was a busy weekend with the Opening Day Ceremonies for Little League and the Novato Gymnastics Classic. I am sure just about every parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, child, or sibling in Novato probably found themselves in one of those two places—or maybe even both. Pictures

Vacancies on City Boards & Commissions – Want to get involved in the City of Novato? Serving on a board or commission is a perfect opportunity. See all the openings here and be sure to apply by April 6th to be considered.

The Week Ahead
Tuesday (March 17)
City Council Meeting – 6:30PM (City Hall)

Wednesday (March 18)
Design Review Commission Meeting – 7:30PM (City Hall)

Thursday (March 19)
Recreation, Cultural, & Community Service Commission – 7:00PM (City Hall)