Greetings!

If I were to conduct a community survey asking American Canyon residents what government service needs improvement, postal service would be near the top. American Canyon's lack of a real Post Office to provide service to the community has been a sore subject for years. And the mail theft problems last year only heightened everyone's frustration. Finally you have a chance to speak to the US Postal Service directly! Next Tuesday, at 7 PM, Congressman Thompson will be hosting a community meeting with numerous representatives from the USPS to address services in American Canyon. If we hope to get improved service and a larger post office, we need you to attend and speak up! The City Council is planning to submit a formal request to the Postal Service in the coming weeks requesting a new Post Office, and we need your support. The meeting will be at Canyon Oaks Elementary School. See the attached flyer.

On the Agenda...

The City Council will meet briefly on September 19th to consider a few items. The Council will consider changing the policies related to our Cash For Grass program to make it easier for businesses and residents to use. Most notably, the program will now help fund replacement of dead lawns or weeds! So, if your lawn died in the drought, now is your chance to improve your yard. The Council will also consider a policy to offer veterans a preference in hiring for city positions. Finally, the City Council will consider moving forward on a project to install new landscaping on the corner of American Canyon Road and Broadway, at the PG&E substation. Want the corner to look nicer? Come on down and let the City Council know. The City Council meeting will start at 5:30 PM and adjourn around 6:30 PM so that the City Council may attend the USPS Community meeting hosted by Congressman Thompson. Click here to view the full agenda.

Since our Last Update...

Your City Council last met on September 5th and tackled a very full agenda. That evening, the City Council, at the request of the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation, committed $50,000 in funding to kickstart the Clarke Ranch Park project. Those funds, along with the funds raised by the ACCPF at their annual Gala last weekend, gives us a good start on this big project. The City Council also approved the addition of a project coordinator position in the Parks Department to coordinate park, trail and open space projects. The Council also moved forward on the Green Island Road reconstruction project by entering into agreements to improve the rail crossing and underground utilities. Finally, the City Council directed staff to start the process to annex the land in the Watson Lane area (north east side of town). Click here to watch the meeting video.

Future Meetings...

Monday, September 25, 2017 - 6 PM, City Hall Council Chambers (4381 Broadway, 2nd Floor) Clarke Ranch Master Plan Joint Workshop - Parks & Community Services Commission and Open Space Advisory Committee. Check  here  a few days before the meeting for the full agenda.

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.

Highway 37 Access and Safety Improvement Plans

In response to impacts from sea-level rise, flooding and increased traffic along the corridor, the counties of Marin, Napa, Sonoma and Solano, in partnership with Caltrans and the MTC, are planning to improve access and safety along Highway 37. An informational open house to inform residents and Highway 37 users about the status of the planning process and provide an opportunity for participants to share their concerns and feedback will be held on Wednesday, September 27th at City Hall in the Council Chambers (4381 Broadway, second floor) 6-8 PM. Click here for more information and other open house locations/times.

Free Mental Health Services in American Canyon

The Napa County Mental Health Division is offering mental health appointments at the American Canyon City Hall building at 4381 Broadway. Individuals who are interested in requesting mental health services may contact the Services Access and Program Information 24 hour phone lines at (707) 259-8151 or (800) 648-8650 to request an assessment appointment at the American Canyon City Hall.

Water Rate Advisory Committee

Now that the drought is over the question is “what should water rates be?” The City needs your help. Are you (or your business) currently a water customer in American Canyon? Do you want to learn more about your water rates and how they are established? Have you been diligently conserving water since the beginning of the drought or are you wondering why we still have the $2 surcharge? Have you participated in the Citizens Academy and looking for a way to use your new “City” knowledge? If you answered yes to any of these questions then we are interested in having you on the City’s Water Rate Advisory Committee. We are looking for 9 residents and business owners to serve on the Committee for approximately six (6) meetings over the next six (6) months. Meetings will take place in the evening and will be located at City Hall (I hear there may be cookies involved too). 

Applications can be found here or can be picked up at the Utility Billing counter at City Hall. The deadline to apply is September 22, 2017, interviews to be held at the October 3, 2017 Council meeting. Click here to read the recent Vallejo Times Herald article.

Napa Junction Road Construction Begins Next Week

Construction is scheduled in the Napa Junction area involving intermittent road closures beginning September 20th through December. Traffic control will be in place and will include directions related to detours when necessary. Advance notice of road closure dates will be communicated on electronic boards on Highway 29 at each end of the construction area. The project consists of roadway and traffic signal improvements at the intersection of Highway 29 and Napa Junction Road.

Please plan ahead and be prepared for delays in the area.

Community Calendar

Did you know 90% of car seats are installed or used incorrectly. The Napa Valley Passenger Safety Coalition is offering a FREE Car Seat Inspection and Installation Event on Wednesday, September 20th from 1-3 PM at Walmart.

Join the American Canyon Arts Foundation at the Farmers' Market for a Hispanic Heritage Cultural Celebration on Sunday, September 24th, 9 AM -1 PM. Car show, dances, music, crafts for the kids, and fun for everyone.

All ages are welcome at the Sunset/Moonrise Hike in the wetlands to watch the sunset and the moonrise on September 29th at the Napa River Trail from 6 - 7:30 PM.

You can find these events, and others on the Community Calendar. Interested in adding your event to the community calendar? Click here for more information.

Free Flu Vaccines

Wednesday, October 11th from 3-6 PM at the Multi-Use Center (2185 Elliot Drive)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone over six months of age get a flu vaccine. Those at higher risk for complications of the flu, including seniors over 65 years, pregnant women, children under five years, and people with certain chronic medical conditions, are especially encouraged to get vaccinated.

In addition to getting vaccinated, simple steps to help stop the spread of the flu:

For additional information, including the full schedule of seasonal flu vaccine clinics, visit the Napa County Public Health flu vaccine clinic page or call the flu line at (707) 253-4540 for 24/7 recorded bilingual information.

Residents unable to attend the flu vaccine clinics or with children under three years of age can call the Public Health Immunization Clinic at (707) 253-4270 for a free appointment.

Recreation

After School Girls Volleyball

Last day to register is Sept 26th. The 6th grade group still has a few spots left!

Youth Tennis

Last day to register online for the October session is September 29th.

Saturday Swim Lessons, (including Adult/Teen)

Last day to register for the session is September 28th.

Message from ACCPF - An Evening at the Ruins

Last Saturday evening more than 270 people gathered for An Evening at the Ruins to benefit the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation (ACCPF). The event was a huge success and raised funds for the first phase of Clarke Ranch, including outdoor fitness equipment, demonstration gardens, outdoor classroom/gathering space and more. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsors, the Napa Valley Vintners and Watson Ranch (McGrath Properties and the Jaeger Family) for allowing ACCPF to use the Ruins for the event, and Stravinski Development Group for their Gold sponsorship and reserve wine donations. Watch for more updates on An Evening at the Ruins at www.acparks.org. ACCPF thanks all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers and supporters for making this such an incredible evening! Visit their website to learn more. Click here to read the ACCPF's latest blog about their event partners.

Sunday, September 17th at the Farmers' Market 

You can’t get fresher produce than you’ll find at the market. Think about fresh fruit for snacks or dessert. Resendiz Farms will be bringing with them an assortment of fresh fruits and veggies and Nyia Yi will have their wonderful selection of Asian veggies.

Don’t feel like cooking? We have wonderful BBQ and Mexican food for you or perhaps a little hummus. Artisan breads from Tenderfork Market will also be available as will artisan cheeses from Achadenia Cheese Company.

Get to the market early and enjoy a serious cup of coffee from Up Bay Coffee Pedalers. For a real treat pick up something sweet from Lo Strano Gatto to go with your coffee. If you’re looking for the perfect snack Eat Right Edibles will be at the market. For the kids this Sunday the activity theme will be Go Green.

Don’t forget the market accepts CalFresh/EBT cards. Just stop by the information booth, swipe your card and they'll DOUBLE your money.

Adopt Me

I'm a sweet, petite girl with a lot of love to give. All 7 of my kittens have been adopted, (whew), and now it's my turn. I may be on the small side, but I've got a lot of joy and spirit. My favorite toy is a ping pong ball, but I also enjoy quiet time and relaxing with you. For a little kitty with lots of love to give, ask for Little Momma! Click here for more information.