Hello!

People often ask me about my job. My response is usually a version of the following: I love my job and I love the community I work for – and there is never a dull moment. In fact, last week was one of those weeks filled with dynamic events.

Monday was my 42nd birthday (it’s never a good idea to have a birthday on a Monday). The day began with the exciting news that the USPS would be expanding its footprint at the American Canyon Post Office. Years of efforts by Congressman Thompson and the City Council has paid off! Residents can expect the new facility to be open by late Spring 2019. This was immediately counteracted by the news that American Canyon Eagle was discontinuing printed service. It turns out Napa Valley Publishing is still committed to covering American Canyon – albeit on-line and in the Napa Register. When I learned they only had 61 subscribers to the Eagle, my only surprise was the decision wasn’t made sooner. For now, we will share a team of seasoned reporters and staff will continue to submit articles and photos to the Register (and the Vallejo Times Herald). I highly recommend subscribing to both of them to stay informed. Monday ended with a fabulous holiday concert put on by my children’s school followed by a celebratory dessert with friends.  

Tuesday was a blur (Council days always are). Importantly, the Council certified the November Election results and our two “new” Councilmembers were sworn in. Congratulations to Mark Joseph and David Oro for retaining their council seats and I commend all of the candidates for their exceptionally reputable campaigns (and a big thank you to Supervisor Ramos for her cake cutting diplomacy.)  

Wednesday was a blend of meetings and conference calls ranging from brainstorming upcoming facility renovations, dissecting the latest Workers Compensation issues, and discussing upcoming school projects with NVUSD representatives. You can find more updates from NVUSD below, however the two new schools planned for construction in American Canyon remain on track for a fall 2020 opening. 

Furthermore, I started Thursday morning by meeting with constituents out at the wetlands, and by lunchtime, I was wrapping up meetings regarding new sustainability options at City facilities. Then, I discovered a hastily gathered press conference in my office regarding the Watson Ranch petition I mentioned in my last update. A short time later the press conference was called off by the proponents who declared they would wait and return the next day to submit their petition.  

By the time Friday morning rolled around, I met with representatives of the Napa Valley Casino, followed by a discussion on construction access/timing issues between various upcoming projects. At noon, the petition proponents had arrived in our office but remained undecided about whether to submit the petition. Truth be told, the last few hours of the day dragged on as we waited. And waited. And waited. Then around 3:30 PM, the proponents informed us that they would not be submitting the petition after all. Then at 5:01 PM, we closed the City Hall doors and went home for the weekend.

Fortunately, I spent the weekend like many of you - setting up holiday decorations and enjoying the company of family and friends. I was back at work on Monday ready for a new week with only one thing for certain – the Watson Ranch Project remains approved and moving forward!    

City Manager

Decorating Self-Guided Tour

Grab your family and experience our City's holiday spirit! Enjoy the self-guided tour and don't forget to vote for your favorites. The ballot and list of homes participating in the Holiday Home Decor Contest will be available on our website and at the following locations on December 17th:

Senior Multi-Use Center (2185 Elliott Drive)

American Canyon City Hall (4381 Broadway)

Parks and Recreation Office (100 Benton Way)

Submit your completed ballot at the Parks & Recreation Office by 10 AM on Friday, December 21st or email to abehn@cityofamericancanyon.org.

New Way-finding Signs

We've installed some new signs around town to help guide people to our prized Newell Open Space Preserve and Wetlands Napa River Bay Trail.

Recreational Opportunities

Lifeguard Training (Ages 15+)

Lego Brickspace (Ages 4+)

Girls Basketball (Grades 6-8) - Register at Parks & Recreation

MLK Ball Handling Clinic (Ages 6-13)

DeYoung Museum Trip (ages 50+)

Watercolor Art Class (Ages 50+)

Line Dancing (Ages 18+)

Holiday Safety

On the 4th day of "Lobo's 12 Days of Crime Prevention Tips", Lobo wants you to create a "Package Pick Up Network" with your neighbors. Talk to one another and work together to avoid package theft this holiday season!

Join Lobo's Pack now!

Napa County Board & Commission Vacancies

Do you want to provide direct input to the Napa County Board of Supervisors and other County leaders? Then become a part of team Napa County by applying for one of the County's advisory committees, commissions, and boards. Apply your knowledge, energy, and passion to benefit your community. Current openings:

 

Visit the County Clerk of the Board website for more information on the current openings.

City Celebrations

Earlier this week, City of American Canyon staff gathered for an annual luncheon to celebrate the holidays. More than $1,000 in gift cards to help victims of the Camp Fire were donated by staff. The Toys for Tots program also received a great supply of new toy donations to help brighten the holidays for some local families.

This gathering also provided a great opportunity to recognize numerous members of staff for 5, 10 and 15 years of service. Among them, one employee received a standing ovation from city staff. Steve Moore, the City’s Water Systems Manager, will retire for Christmas after 37.5 years of service to American Canyon. At their meeting on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, the City Council will recognize Steve for his dedicated service and contributions to the health, safety, comfort, and quality of life of the citizens of American Canyon.

Congratulations Eagle Scout Aditya Sriram

Aditya Sriram, a member of Boy Scout Troop 7062 in American Canyon, recently completed the installation of an orienteering course at the Newell Open Space Preserve to earn the Eagle Scout ranking.

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement attainable in Boy Scouts and is earned by only 4 percent of its members. Besides completing this project, the rank requirements include earning 21 merit badges, providing leadership to his troop and demonstrating that a Scout conducts his daily life in the spirit of scouting’s ideals.

Save the Date - Annual State of the City