Greetings!
Given the seemingly never-ending tragic events that have befallen those around us, now is the perfect time to remind ourselves how special our community is. Last year, in the aftermath of the Napa Fires, you responded with extraordinary compassion. Tragically, the ongoing fires throughout California have created even more destruction than ever thought possible and they remind us the “new normal” is anything but. While we endure the familiar angst of a smokey haze, many residents of Paradise, Malibu, Thousand Oaks, and others cities have lost everything. There are ways you can help – gift cards are what’s needed most, the
American Canyon Police Department and Napa County Sheriff's Office are two trusted locations to bring them (see below for details).
Poor air quality is forecast throughout the weekend – my best advice for dealing with it is to stay indoors as much as possible. Rain is in the forecast next week and offers a glimmer of hope for everyone.
So you thought the election season was over already? Well, not quite. A few weeks ago, the City Council unanimously approved the “
Watson Ranch Project.”
It was a well-attended meeting. Now a petition is being circulated attempting to overrule their decision. This type of petition is known as a “referendum.” As is allowed by law, signature gatherers can be financially compensated by the backers of the referendum. Ironically, neither the financial backers nor their signature gatherers have to be American Canyon residents. However, they are supposed to accurately explain the decision they seek to overturn.
The Council’s decision makes it likely that the
School District’s construction of a second middle school can begin early next year. The Project also provides a fourth elementary school built large enough to serve children who live in Vintage Ranch now but are currently unable to attend Canyon Oaks Elementary (due to overcrowding there). In addition to the new roadways, parks, homes, and other amenities, the Project will redevelop the old Ruins site into a new Town Center. The Project is anticipated to begin construction within the next 12 to 18 months and would continue in phases over the next decade or so.
A “referendum” is a vote by the people to overturn a decision, while a petition is a tool used to make a vote happen. There are strict technical procedures associated with gathering signatures to qualify a proposed referendum for an election. Importantly, those who may have already signed the petition are allowed to withdraw their signature if they change their mind. Fortunately, only American Canyon voters would be allowed to vote on this (if it even qualifies.) If you are approached by a signature gatherer, please ask them to explain the decision so you can make an informed choice.
|
|
|
|
Local Boy Scouts are collecting food for the American Canyon Emergency Food Pantry tomorrow morning (Saturday, November 17th). Place nonperishable goods in a recycled bag or box, outside in view of the street by 9 AM (no glass containers, perishable foods, or expired products).
|
|
Help for Fire Victims
The
Napa County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association is accepting gift card donations for those affected by the Camp Fire. Gift cards may be dropped off at both the Sheriff’s Office (1535 Airport Rd, Napa) and American Canyon Police Department (911 Donaldson Way East) 8:30 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Wednesday next week.
|
|
Smoke Health Advisory
The Camp Fire in Butte County is sending smoke into Napa County and the surrounding Bay Area. The air quality conditions have ranged in Napa County from unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange) to unhealthy (red), with southern parts of the county having very unhealthy (purple) air quality since November 8, 2018. Air quality in most of Napa County is projected to be in the unhealthy to very unhealthy range (red to purple) at least through Sunday, November 18th. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, lung disease, and heart disease are most at risk for harmful impacts and are considered sensitive groups. The most important protective action is to remain indoors. For more information on air quality and health, including links to air quality forecasts, visit
www.countyofnapa.org.
|
|
Holiday Closure
City offices are closed on Thursday, November 22nd and Friday, November 23rd in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Offices will re-open on Monday, November 26th. If you have a Police or Fire emergency call 911. For non-emergencies call (707) 253-4451. If you have a Public Works-related emergency, please call the answering service at (707) 995-8674.
|
|
November 17th, 10 AM - 5 PM
Recreational Opportunities
Winter/Spring Play Book
Volunteer Event Canceled
|
|
Upcoming Public Meeting
Tuesday, November 20th
6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers
Planning Commission Vacancies
The City is recruiting to fill three four-year terms on the Planning Commission. The terms will begin in January 2019 and end December 31, 2022. The Planning Commission holds public hearings on proposed development plans, conditional use permits, subdivision maps, and other land use matters, as well as proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, and the General Plan. The Planning Commission meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM. Interested applicants must be an American Canyon resident and
apply by 5 PM on Friday, November 30th.
|
Vehicle Theft Prevention
Professional thieves can steal any car, but make them work for yours by using “
layered protection.” The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal.
Sign up to receive notices when the American Canyon Neighborhood Watch offers training and sends updates on criminal activity in the community.
|
|
Lighted Parade
The Magic of the Season Lighted Parade will take place on Friday, November 30th at 6:30 PM on Shenandoah Drive as a part of the Community Tree Lighting event.
Register to participate in the parade at the Parks and Recreation Department (100 Benton Way). Parade registration forms are available
on our website and in the office.
|
|
Holiday Adopt a Family
Napa County Holiday Assistance Program is a partnership of many local organizations, businesses, and individuals who donate time and resources so that families in need can enjoy food and gifts during the holidays.
English/Spanish flyer.
Season of Giving
|
|
Santa Visits Fundraiser
Eagle Vines Realty is organizing a fundraiser benefiting the Boys & Girls Club American Canyon Clubhouse Building Fund.
Schedule a personalized visit from Santa Claus for your children in your home!
|
|
Illumination of Trees Fundraiser
The holidays are here and in the spirit of giving, Illumination of Trees brought to you by DoubleTree by Hilton invites you to donate a tree to a family in need. Choose a theme and decorate it to your heart's content. All proceeds will go to the American Canyon Emergency Food Pantry. November 30th is the last day to
submit your application.
|
|
Multicultural Event and Diwali Celebration
American Canyon is one of the most diverse communities you'll find in Napa County. Last weekend hundreds of people attended the Annual Multicultural Event hosted by Helping Hand Indo American, led by Arvind Nischal. Earlier in the week, during the City Council meeting, Arvind brought a cake to celebrate Diwali, the annual Hindu Celebration of Lights, which marks the return of the deities (gods) Rama and Sita to the city of Ayodhya, after defeating the evil king Ravana! Thank you, Arvind, for sharing the story of Diwali with the community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
