August 11, 2017
Hi there, its Jason Holley, Public Works Director, filling in for Dana in this week’s edition of the City Manager’s Friday Update.  

Can you believe it, school starts next Wednesday (August 16)!?! As parents of a 2nd grader and a new kindergartner, my wife and I are very excited about the upcoming school year. However, safety is always at the top of our minds.

We all know next week will be chaotic – especially near our schools. There will be many new faces and new routines, and everyone will be excited to get back into the swing of things. But parents, please don’t let the excitement get the better of you.

Always follow the “rules of the road”. Parking in a “red zone”, making illegal U-turns, ignoring Stop Signs and pedestrians in the crosswalk are examples of behavior that is never allowed because it endangers our most vulnerable residents. Also, make sure to put your phone away and pay attention to your surroundings.

We know the areas around schools are heavily congested at pick-up and drop-off times. You might find it quicker to park further away from school and walk a few blocks to get there – I do that with my kids in the morning,  and we enjoy our family time together. Better yet and just for fun, try walking or riding your bike all the way to school one day a week.  I think Police Chief Tracey Stuart’s advice for school drop off and pick up sums it perfectly – BE AWARE, BE PATIENT and BE KIND!
            
Need more info about the start of school? Check out NVUSD's back to school page here.

Jason Holley
Public Works Director
On the Agenda...

The City Council  will meet next Tuesday, August 15th at 6:30 PM at City Hall.  Along with their regular items, the City Council will hear a report about short-term vacation rentals.  This report will provide information about the pros and cons of short term vacation rentals, what our experience has been so far with the areas that allow for the rentals and what some other communities are doing.  No action will be taken at this meeting.  To read more about this topic, read the Staff Report (item D3). The City Council will also receive a report on the 2017-18 goals for the Parks and Community Services Commission and Open Space Advisory Committee.  The entire agenda can be viewed here.  


Since our Last Update...

The City Council has not met since our last update, the regular meeting of August 1st was cancelled in order for the City Council and City Staff to celebrate National Night Out with the community.  Some of the pictures are posted below.  

Future Meetings...

All meetings held at 6:30 PM at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Check  here a few days before the meeting for the full agenda.

Thursday, August 24th - Planning Commission
Fire District News and CERT Class 

The American Canyon Fire District publishes an informative newsletter each month.  Click here for the latest. 

Napa Valley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a community based and community supported volunteer organization that can assist the local community in a disaster. If you are interested in becoming a CERT member, a class will be available in American Canyon in October. Click here for more information. 
Neighborhood Watch

YOU can help keep American Canyon a great place to live, work, and play! It doesn’t matter how much or little time you have to spare. Staying informed about what’s happening in the community, getting to know your neighbors, and having access to great resources is all you need. Join us now by clicking here.  

If you are interested in taking a leadership role in your neighborhood please join us for our captain training on Wednesday, September 13th at 6 PM. Click here for more information and to sign up.    
American Canyon National Night Out 2017
August 1st, nine neighborhoods around town hosted parties for hundreds of residents to celebrate National Night Out (NNO). NNO is an annual nationwide event designed to promote police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and to make our neighborhoods a safer, better place to live. It was a great time and we look forward to doing it again next year.
Sunday, August 13th at the Farmers' Market 

The farmers will be out in full force again this Sunday and bringing with them the freshest seasonal produce you can find. Nyia Yi Farms, J & J Ramos, Esquivel and Resendiz Farms will be at the market with their wonderful selection of fresh produce. Bay Fresh Produce will be at the market with their beautiful strawberries, Not to be missed are the fresh cut flowers from Love-Lee Farms and local cheeses from Achidenhia.

Remember, the market is a great place to grab a bite to eat. Up Valley Coffee Pedalers and their cold brewed hot coffee will all be at the market this Sunday along with Lo Strano Gatto Provisions and their delicious sweets.

Music this week will be by local musicians Clarence Mamaril & Rob Directo ("The Search"), playing your favorite cover songs from the past 50 years.  They've played at many local events, and are working hard to be American Canyon's favorite band!  

For the kids this Sunday they’ll be having fun playing Follow the Line and a most interesting Color Scavenger Hunt.

Don’t forget the market accepts CalFresh/EBT cards. Just stop by the information booth, swipe your card and they'll DOUBLE your money.
Report concerns, pay your water bill, receive information on current projects and community events, and more. Download our app to have a connection to your City right at your fingertips. 
Click on Activity Guide pictured above to view fall activities. Click here to register for activities online.