Mayor’s Monthly - June

On my Mind (a few random thoughts)

Once again, we find ourselves devastated with the news from Virginia Beach this past Friday. These senseless and cowardly acts keep happening in communities across the country in workplaces, schools, entertainment venues, and places of worship.

This latest incident claimed the lives of 12 individuals with a combined 150 years of service to the City of Virginia Beach. They were engineers, administrative assistants, account clerks, contractors, and right-of-way agents in Public Works and Public Utilities. Some of those positions are very similar to those that we have here in the City of Novato.

Public employees, like those in Virginia Beach and in cities and municipalities all over this country, often dedicate their entire careers in the public sector and many times to the same jurisdiction. They keep our cities running, our neighborhoods safe, our public spaces and parks maintained, and manage programs to strengthen community. Incidents like the one in Virginia Beach reverberate through the hearts and minds of fellow public employees and entire communities.

Something must be done in response to these shootings. We can no longer ignore them and allow an entire generation to become desensitized to the violence occurring in our communities. We need a national response, but everyone can also participate locally. One thing we can all do in Novato in response and to stand in solidarity with the City of Virginia Beach, is to go out of your way to recognize and thank a public employee right here in Novato. Little thinks like this really go a long way and would also be very timely to show our support for public employees right here in our community.

Around Town (happenings in Novato)

Things are heating up in June with great events for the whole family happening every week this month:

Novato Festival of Art, Wine, & Music - Saturday, June 8th & Sunday, June 9th
Always a perfect blend of unique handcrafted art, regional and imported wines, award-winning micro brews, Americana and gourmet foods, and first-rate live music on two stages, this Festival is the can’t-miss Novato event.
More Info

Concert on the Green - Saturday, June 15th
Concerts on the Green welcomes award winning singer songwriter Roem. He’s best known for his appearance on NBC’s The Voice, in addition to his outstanding performance on the Main City Stage at Super Bowl 50.
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Rock the Block: First Day of Summer Edition - Thursday, June 20th
Rock the Block is back! Come dance with your friends and neighbors at a street party in Downtown Novato! Grant Avenue in Old Town is closed down to traffic and is filled with bars and food from Downtown restaurants! Fun for the entire family!
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Hot Amphitheater Nights with Element Brass Band - Saturday, June 29th
Gather your friends, family, lawn chairs, and a picnic dinner and join Novato Parks & Recreation for this FREE outdoor concert series held at our historic Hamilton Amphitheater!
More Info

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 June. 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 June, we will have Council meetings on June 11 and June 25. Here are some key topics that could be on our council agendas soon:

2019 / 2020 Budget
We are getting closer to final budget adoption for Fiscal Year 2019/2020. We will continue deliberations on June 11, and if needed, June 25. Learn more here: https://novato.org/government/finance/city-budget

Hill Recreation Area
On June 25th, we are scheduled to review and approve the final plans and specifications for the Hill Recreation Area which will include a new synthetic turf field, bocce ball, pickle ball, and significant parking improvements. Learn more here: novato.org/hillmasterplan