October 16, 2015
  
 
Earlier this week, one of the ladies in my office needed to be in downtown Napa for a meeting during the work day.  And I'll be darned if she doesn't come across a couple of City of American Canyon public works crew members working on the street, alongside City of Napa crew members.  Was she surprised?  Not really.  Turns out we had just the right tool and crew for a job Napa needed, so we helped out.  And City of Napa crews sometimes have just the right tool and crew for a job we need, and they help us out, too.  It's just more efficient that way.  And, frankly, more neighborly.  Hmmm.  I think I'll go check in with my next door neighbor and remind them I'm there to help.    
Dana 
City Manager
On the Agenda....  
The City Council will meet next Tuesday, October 20th, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.  The agenda includes a presentation by the Napa County Health and Human Services Public Information Officer about Homelessness in Napa County. The City Council will welcome  Rich Peterson as the newest member of the Planning Commission and consider an ordinance providing a purchasing preference for local businesses who do business with the City of American Canyon.  The Council will also consider a joint use agreement and funding for the new Boys and Girls Clubhouse in American Canyon, expected to start construction in 2016.  Lots of good conversation...don't miss it. Click here to view the meeting agenda.

Last Meeting Follow Up
At the last meeting on October 6th,  the City Council finalized the new ordinance prohibiting camping on public property and discussed a new Public Art Master Plan for the City.  We will soon schedule a meeting with the community to talk about public art in the community. Click here to watch the meeting.
Home Need Repairs?
 
Here is a great opportunity for lower income homeowners who need home repairs, energy efficiency upgrades or seismic retrofitting.  The loan program does not require monthly payments, there are no up-front costs or credit rating approvals and the interest rate is 1%.
 
Click here for more information or call Sheral Brekke at the City of Napa Housing Authority, 707-257-9642.
Street Sweeping Schedule
 
Don't forget your street is swept the next business day after your regular garbage pick-up day every other week. Keep our streets clean by moving your vehicles off the street on street sweeping day. Click here for the schedule.

American Canyon Holiday Assistance Program 

American Canyon Family Resource Center (ACFRC) and Toys for Tots have joined to form the Holiday Assistance Program for American Canyon families in need of assistance during the holidays. Registration will be held from 10 AM - 3 PM on Mondays - Thursdays between Monday, October 5th and Thursday, November 26th at the ACFRC (3423 Broadway, Suite D1).  Click here for the flyer. 
Food Day is Coming!    
 
Napa County will celebrate Food Day, the nationwide celebration that inspires Americans to change their diets and our food policies, on Saturday, October 24th. 

The event, which will focus on greener diets as a way to address health and environmental issues, will kick off at the Napa Farmers' Market with a health and wellness fair showcasing the importance of fresh, local and sustainable eating; local resources related to health and wellness; and information on sustainable farming from 8 AM - 12:30 PM.
 
The festivities will culminate in the evening at Napa Valley College from 4-7 PM. The event will begin with local food vendors who source regionally, sharing information about what they do to support healthy eating and our food system, and providing samples for guests to enjoy.
 
At 5 PM, attendees will gather in the Little Theater for a special presentation by Darrin Nordahl, the author of Eating Appalachia and Public Produce. 
 
At 6 PM, a screening of the film, Ingredients, will be shown. Ingredients is a journey that reveals the people behind the movement to bring good food back to the table and health back to our communities.
 
Food Day events are open to the public and free to attend.  Click here for more info.
Kimberly Park Project
The contractor is currently installing the major storm drain lines, shown above.  
4th Lane on Newell Drive
The Newell Drive Project is nearing completion. The contractor has finished paving and striping the street. The road will be open to traffic on Friday afternoon.  Please remember there is a new stop sign at the intersection of Newell Drive and Donaldson Way.  
Water Updates
 
Water restrictions still in place 
Hopefully, it will rain again someday soon.  But while all our dried up landscaping might recover in the rain, please don't ease up on your conservation efforts until the State releases all the cities from drought restrictions.  It will take more than one good rain to end the drought, so please be patient.  As soon as we know more about winter weather and water restrictions, you will be the first to know.  
   
Check your irrigation timers 
Just a friendly reminder!  After all the power interruptions we experienced last weekend, it may be necessary to reset the clock on your irrigation system. And while you are checking the timers, it might be time to turn down the watering duration. We're scheduled to get a little rain this weekend, hopefully we will!
   
Businesses helping with Water Conservation 
Remember to shop local, even when it comes to water conservation.  General Plumbing is a great resource for low-flow toilets, Mid City Nursery can help with your water wise fall planting,  several varieties of mulch are available at Broadway Landscape Materials, Crown Hill Materials and Hurst Firewood and Tree Service. You can get your car washed at American Canyon Car Wash - they are even offering a deeply discounted price for residents between 7 and 8 PM on Monday - Thursday evenings.
  
See a water waster? Report it on  SeeClickFix, via the  Water Use Concern Form or call (707) 647-5382
Disco Cat
  
Hello I'm Disco! I don't do the "hustle" but I will dance my way right into your heart! Happiness is the name of my game and being snuggled in your lap is sheer Disco happiness bliss! I look like fluffy orange sunshine come to brighten your day. I'm calm and content. Other kitties are just fine. Being part of your family would be quite divine! Just put on your boogie shoes, and come on down. Fluffy Disco sunshine is waiting, but maybe not KC!  Click here to find out how you can adopt me!

Farmers Market Coming to American Canyon!
 
Getting fresh fruits and vegetables in American Canyon is about to get a lot easier!  This month the City was awarded a grant from the USDA to operate a local farmers market from May to October of 2016 and 2017.  
 
During the next few months, city staff will put together an operations plan. For additional information, please check our website or contact the City Manager's Office.
Unpleasant Odor Near Wetlands
 
We have received reports of unpleasant odor on the west side of town. In response, staff contacted the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and they too have received similar reports from other cities adjacent to wetland areas. These wetlands have mud-flats which are normally anaerobic (which means they are not exposed to air). However, recent "very low" tides have exposed these areas to air and this stimulates a biological process that results in a sulfur-like smell. Unfortunately, there is nothing the City can do to control this natural process. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and will be meeting with representatives from the BAAQMD in the near future to examine the situation further.

UPCOMING EVENTS
 
TOMORROW!
Pumpkins at the Pool!
Saturday, October 17th
 2-5 PM
Philip West Aquatic Center
October Chamber Mixer
Wednesday, October 21st
5:30 - 7 PM
Senior Multi-use Center
2185 Elliott Drive
Bottom of the Basin Celebration
Kimberly Park 
Saturday, November 14th
10 AM - NOON
Get project update & spread grass seed for the new park! 


Parks & Recreation News

Highlights:

Starry Night Party - Saturday, October 17, 2015
Tomorrow night is your chance to view the wonders of the Fall night sky through a high powered telescope provided by professional astronomer, Michael McKeown. Drop-ins welcome! Participants will have shared use of the telescope to observe objects in the sky over the Napa River bay Trail, between 6:30 and 10 PM, as well as enjoy outer space themed refreshments and activities. The cost is just $10 per person. Hope to see you there!

Winter Swim Registration Opens Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Save the Date - Wednesday, November 10th is opening registration day for all of our Winter Swim Lessons! This is your chance to sign up for all aquatic programs that run from January through March.

Veterans Day Ceremony - Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Please join us in paying tribute to current and former service members whose bravery has kept America free. Our ceremony will begin at 11am on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at the Community Center Gym. For more information about the event please contact staff at 707-648-7275.

Click here to view our Fall/Winter Activities Guide with all the classes and events happening in September 2015 through March 2016.

Upcoming Activities:

Middle School Halloween Dance
Friday, October 30th, 7-10 PM
Community Center Gym
$5 + must bring ACMS Trust Card
& have 2015 permission slip on file.
Costumes are encouraged!

Ages 4-7
Sundays, November 1st - 22nd
12:30 - 1:30 PM
Community Center Gym
$40 res/ $45 non
FREE Acorn Planting Day
Saturday, November 7th, 11 AM - 2 PM
Newell Open Space
Call Parks & Recreation for 
more info 
648-7275

Self Defense for Seniors

Fridays 10-11 AM

Senior Multi-Use Center

$28 monthly/ $7 drop-in

For more information contact us at: (707) 648-7275