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February 16, 2024
Hello,
Have you ever seen the TV show “Dirty Jobs” starring Mike Rowe? It is a fascinating educational series highlighting various professions that most of us are unwilling to do. One such episode highlights the sewage system in San Francisco. American Canyon provides a full suite of utility and environmental compliance services to our residents and business.
We are grateful for the opportunity to provide high quality utility services; but like many public agencies, we face various challenges — including aging infrastructure, evolving and increasingly stringent regulatory measures, drought and more.
Expenses associated with utility operations - including labor costs for those types of jobs that most of us never want to do - tend to increase more rapidly than general inflation over time. Capital expenses to replace aging infrastructure also experience hyperinflation.
With this paradigm in mind, new utility rates are proposed. Official information has been mailed to ratepayers in a ‘Proposition 218 Notice’, which will arrive in mailboxes in the coming days. Residents and businesses may also access additional information on the proposed rate changes via the City’s Virtual City Hall.
Importantly, the American Canyon City Council will hold a public hearing at the City Council Chambers on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 6:30 PM to consider adopting increases in the rates for its water, sewer and recycled water service fees.
On a separate note, are you interested in learning about American Canyon’s recent accomplishments and future plans? If so, our annual ‘State of the City’ is a great chance to hear directly from American Canyon leadership. Tune in or attend one of our upcoming presentations to learn more!
- Virtual Presentation: Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 6:30 PM, via the City's YouTube Channel.
- In-Person Presentation: Thursday, February 22, 2024, 11 AM, at the Adult Activity Center (2185 Elliott Drive).
- Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon: Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 11:30 AM, at the Doubletree American Canyon. Tickets are available here.
Lastly, there is still time to submit a nomination for the “Gateway Award," which recognizes the long-term and varied involvement individuals have had in developing American Canyon agencies, organizations, or significant projects. The deadline to submit a nomination is February 23, 2024. The winner will be recognized at the Community Recognition Ball on April 27, 2024 (save the date; tickets will be sold soon).
Take care,
Jason B. Holley
City Manager
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 Click image to watch the video
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 Holiday Closures
In observance of Presidents Day, City offices and facilities are closed on Monday, February 19, 2024. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Access our Virtual City Hall at any time: www.cityofamericancanyon.org.
For a Police or Fire emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, call (707) 253-4451.
For a Public Works or parks maintenance-related emergency, call our answering service at (707) 995-8674.
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9th Annual Napa County Water Conservation Video Contest
Calling all 9th - 12th grade students in Napa County! Make a splash in the 2024 Napa County Water Conservation Contest in the spirit of this year's theme: "The Future is So Bright, We're Gonna Need Shade (Trees)!"
Urban trees provide us with vital environmental, economic, and health benefits. Water conservation around our homes, schools, and communities is important; but because trees are often large and established, they can be overlooked as a plant that needs extra care and water during the dry season. With water conservation in mind, students are invited to create a video that shows how the community can best care for neighborhood trees!
- Videos must be 45 seconds in length.
- Deadline: May 17, 2024 at 5 PM.
Exciting prizes await the winners:
1st place - $1,500
2nd place - $1,000
3rd place - $500
For more information about the contest, visit NapaWatersheds.org/VideoContest.
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Don’t Be a Turkey - Get Out and Vote!
Your voice matters! The drop-off location for ballots is located at the entrance of American Canyon's City Hall (4381 Broadway). It is accessible 24/7 for your convenience and will close promptly at 8 PM on March 5, 2024. For more information, visit the Napa County Election webpage.
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Draft Reusable Food Ware and Waste Reduction Ordinance
The Napa County Climate Action Committee (CAC) is inviting public feedback on a draft ordinance aimed at phasing out the use of polystyrene food ware and single-use plastic food ware, and instead mandating the use of reusable or compostable alternatives provided by food vendors. Learn more on the County of Napa’s website.
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MCE’s Electric Vehicle Instant Rebate
MCE Community Choice Energy offers an Electric Vehicle (EV) Instant Rebate, in which eligible drivers can receive up to $3,500 off the purchase or lease of a qualifying EV. Learn more on MCE’s website.
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LAFCO is Seeking an Alternative Public Member
The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is inviting Napa County residents to apply for the Alternative Public Member position. This role term begins on May 6, 2024 and ends on May 1, 2028. Visit Napa LAFCO's website to apply! The deadline for submission is March 8, 2024, by 5 PM.
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American Canyon Fire Protection District Monthly News-Ladder
As February unfolds, Chief Belyea shared some exciting updates and a recap of their training and operations data in the latest edition of the News-Ladder. Learn more in the newest edition here.
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Neighborhood Watch Newsletter February 2023
In the latest edition, Chief Rick Greenberg thanked the community for their good driving behavior during the inclement weather, provided information on the most recent criminal activity, and announced Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Click here to read the full Neighborhood Watch Newsletter.
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Update from the Public Works Department
At the February 6 City Council meeting, American Canyon’s Public Works team shared updates on exciting developments and enhancements taking place this summer, which include:
- ADA-accessible improvements to the Newell Open Space parking lot and improved trail access up to the fenced woodland area
- Melvin Road sidewalk and drainage improvements
To stay up-to-date with the latest construction news, visit CityOfAmericanCanyon.org/ConstructionUpdates.
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Via Bellagio Park Re-Opens
Exciting news for our community: the playground at Via Bellagio has reopened with a brand-new, safe, and fully accessible surface! Special thanks to Commissioner Clarence Mamaril for capturing this amazing moment!
We appreciate the Parks and Recreation team for making it all possible.
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Women and Girls in Science in American Canyon
Let's shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The trailblazers in our Engineering Department (captured on the left)—Public Works Director Erica Ahmann Smithies, Engineer III Kristine Delos Santos and Public Works Administrative Technician Becky Hendryx—contribute significantly to the structural improvement of American Canyon through their dedication and expertise.
The stellar team of women in our Water Reclamation Facility (pictured on the right)—Environmental Services Manager Pam Phillips, Maintenance & Utilities Administrative Technician Roselle Tamoro and Environmental Specialists II Melisa Guillen and Ijeoma Njoku—are key to ensuring the smooth operation of our water and wastewater services. A heartfelt thank you to these extraordinary women who go above and beyond to make American Canyon an even better place to live, work and play. Let's continue to celebrate and uplift the achievements of women in STEM!
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Celebrating Black History Month 2024
Join us in celebrating Black History Month in American Canyon! Hear from Council Member Pierre Washington, former Council Members Kenneth Leary and former Mayor Ben Anderson, who each shared powerful words as we honor the Black community and the ongoing pursuit of equality in our city, nation and beyond.
“As we celebrate Black History Month 2024, we give special attention and thanks to the numerous contributions of the Black community in the American Canyon area, our country, and the world.
Black History Month is a reminder that it is up to all of us, every day of the year to actively combat racism in our communities, organizations, and ourselves. Whether it be on the front lines as essential workers, grocery store workers, truck drivers, health care providers, government employees, or in any other service to our nation, Black Americans have continuously shown up for our country in the face of adversity.
The past few years have been a crisis period for many Black Americans. The turmoil of the last few years as a result of the senseless death and injuries of young Black men and women has brought out people of all ages, ethnic groups and backgrounds to stand up and say enough is enough, in a positive and united way.
Black History Month is about making a commitment to ensure that ALL Black lives feel loved, listened to, and affirmed in the spaces we call home and in every corner of our social equality.
I continue to say that the one thing that continues to motivate me now is that I understand that there are a number of Black young people that look up to me, including my children, to be that positive role model. I know that they're looking at me as I'm walking this political path for their future opportunities.”
~ Council Member Pierre Washington
"Americans of African descent struggle for equal participation in the American Dream benefits not only us, but it also leads the struggle that includes the gains for all marginalized Americans. I am grateful to have had the honor to represent the American Canyon community during my time on the Council."
~ Council Member Kenneth Leary
"As a former Mayor and City Councilmember, I feel that Black History Month allows the City of American Canyon to recognize individuals or groups for their contributions to the City's growth and development. I am proud to have served this community for many years and work alongside wonderful people who helped get us where we are today."
~ Mayor/Council Member Ben Anderson
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Chamber of Commerce Coffee Chat
Join the Chamber of Commerce for networking and coffee on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the Ultima Peaceful Place (91 Antonina Avenue #E) from 9-10:30 AM.
This is a free event and open to the public.
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 Open Mic and Art Show of the Month
Friday, February 23, 2024
6 PM - 8:30 PM
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 Friends of American Canyon Library Book Donation Day
Saturday, February 24, 2024
11 AM - 2 PM
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 Kiwanis Crab Feed
Saturday, March 9, 2024
7 PM
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 Community Garden Clean-Up
Saturday, March 16, 2024
9 AM - 1 PM
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 Wetlands Coffee Morning
Saturday, March 16, 2024
9:30 AM - 11 AM
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 Holi Festival
Sunday, March 24, 2024
2 PM - 5 PM
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