Mayor’s Monthly - February

On my Mind (a few random thoughts)

Without question, all the buzz around town is about our hometown quarterback Jared Goff! It has been really fun to see the community coming together to rally around him. Finnegan’s is hanging a banner on Grant and has a Goff Burger on the menu, a local Novato resident Jeff Parker created Novato Proud T-shirts featuring Goff’s number, and restaurants around town are hosting viewing parties for the big game.

As both quarterbacks are from the Bay Area, Novato has entered into a friendly wager with San Mateo (Tom Brady’s hometown) to determine which city in the Bay Area can claim bragging rights for their hometown quarterback. I have exchanged some fighting words with the Mayor of San Mateo as part of our wager. After the Super Bowl, the losing city’s mayor will have to hand deliver a donation to the winning city’s local charity of choice (Police Activities League in San Mateo or North Marin Community Services in Novato), along with a basket of goods from their jurisdiction. To top it off, the items need to be presented to the winning city during a future city council meeting!

Should we lose (which we wont), San Mateo would also receive local goods from Novato based businesses including wine from Pacheco Ranch Winery, Trek Wine, & MANTRA WINES, craft brews from Indian Valley Brewing, video games from Toys for Bob, organic fine foods from Rustic Bakery, premium teas from The Republic of Tea, superfood smoothie essential ingredients from Navitas Organics, and a PUBLIC Bikes Kid’s Bike from Mike's Bikes.

The wager aside, I encourage everyone to support Jared Goff at one of many viewing parties being organized at restaurants, pubs, and local gathering spots across Novato.

Around Town (happenings in Novato)

Novato's Family Birthday Party, Saturday, February 2nd at 12PM
Come join us for a FREE community celebration of Novato's Family Birthday at City Hall. Bring the whole family and enjoy food, activities, a fun photo booth, music and cake! Learn More

Award Winners
In January, several Novato residents, employees, and businesses were recognized with a variety of awards including a strong showing from Novato for CVNL’s Heart of Marin Awards. We are #NovatoProud of all these recipients:

• Phil Brown - Novato Citizen of the Year
• Pini Ace Hardware - Novato Large Business of the Year
• Kona Ice - Novato Small Business of the Year
• Cheryl Paddack, CEO, North Marin Community Services - CVNL Heart of Marin Award - Excellence in Leadership
• Homeward Bound - CVNL Heart of Marin Award - Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence
• Biotech Partners (Biotech Academy at San Marin HS) - CVNL Heart of Marin Award - Excellence in Innovation
• Nugget Markets - CVNL Heart of Marin Award - Corporate Community Service
• Lucia London (Novato HS) - CVNL Heart of Marin Award - Youth Volunteer of the Year
• Ken Winans - World Record Holder, Most Awards Won in Major Book Competitions for a Finance/Business Author

Novato Police Department Community Police Academy - Apply Now
The Novato Police Department's Community Police Academy provides our community with an inside look at local law enforcement. Learn More and Apply Today

Congrats to Lex, one of Novato’s Police Dogs, on his Retirement
We are “Novato Proud” of Lex for his 8 years of service to our community and wish him the best as he goes to live a happier, safer life with his handler, Officer Kendrick Pilegaard. Lex, you leave big paws to fill. See Pictures

Novato Live is Back

Gather your friends and family and Join Novato Parks & Recreation for FREE indoor concerts held inside City Hall, 901 Sherman Ave. every Second and Fourth Saturday of February, March and April.

• Saturday, February 9th - Featuring Amanda Brown
• Saturday, February 23rd - Featuring Trace Repeat
  
  

On the Agenda (upcoming at the City Council)

Below are a few key items and updates that are coming up at a future council meeting in February. Because dates tend to change, be sure to check the City Council agendas here (https://novato.org/government/city-council/agendas-minutes/city-council-agendas-minutes).

In February, we will be meeting on the 12th and the 26th. Here are some key topics that could be on our council agendas soon:

Wood Hollow Hotel
The project moved through the Planning Commission this past week and is set to be coming to council shortly. Learn more about the project here: novato.org/woodhollowhotel

Downtown Depot RFP Discussion
For those who have been following the Downtown Depot workshops and RFP process, we are expected to receive a status update. Learn more here: novato.org/downtowndepot