Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What upgrades are coming to Novato’s SMART stations and transit hubs?

Be sure to catch BIG BOOK SALE by Friends of SR Libraries Oct 2-5 on the Novato Patch calendar

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What's up Novato! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What upgrades are coming to Novato's SMART stations and transit hubs?
  • How a Novato investment firm's $106M fraud finally unraveled
  • Napa man arrested after alleged DUI crash on Highway 37 in Novato

Also on today's calendar: BIG BOOK SALE by Friends of SR Libraries Oct 2-5 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Sunny and sweltering heat, with a high of 99 and low of 56 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Toasty conditions, temps: high: 95, low: 55.
  • Monday: Very hot with sunshine, with a high of 97 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Transportation Authority of Marin adopts transit hub plan (marinij.com) — Novato's SMART stations are in line for safer crossings, new paths, and better pickup and drop-off areas under Marin's new Mobility Hub Plan. The countywide blueprint targets Novato's San Marin and downtown stations for pedestrian upgrades, bike facilities, and a landscaped mobility hub, positioning the city for future grant funding and more convenient transit connections.
   

2. $106M Investor Scheme Just Took A Major Turn In Novato: US Attorney's Office (patch.com) — A major investment fraud case tied to Novato just moved forward as two executives of Novato-based Pacific Private Money pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud conspiracy, with one also admitting to money laundering. Prosecutors say the firm raised over $106 million and used new investor funds to pay earlier investors, and the men now face lengthy prison terms and over $71 million in restitution.
   

3. In Your Town for Oct. 1, 2026 (marinij.com) — Novato readers should know that a suspected DUI crash on Highway 37 near Atherton Avenue sent one driver to the hospital with minor injuries and led to the arrest of a Napa man. The same roundup details a San Rafael DUI checkpoint with no arrests, a Larkspur gun case, e-bike thefts in Sausalito, and a cliff rescue in Point Reyes.
   

4. Novato woman sentenced for DUI crash that killed her mother, aunt (marinij.com) — A Novato woman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a DUI crash on Highway 101 near Petaluma that killed her mother and aunt. Prosecutors said she drove with a blood-alcohol level at least twice the legal limit while already on DUI probation from a 2023 Marin County conviction, and she later pleaded no contest to two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter.
   

📸 Around Novato

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The recent article in the Novato Patch indicates that "1 in 3 Marin residents could not cover a $1,000 vet bill in an emergency".
    Pets are SO very expensive, and I hope everyone posting about rescuing dogs on this site is having honest conversations with adopters about the true… (Nextdoor Highland Park)
  • best high quality ingredients combine with flavors and seasonings that do not depend on gloppy sauces.
    As a result, the food stays crisp and fresh not wilted by the sauces used.. (Nextdoor Hill Rd/Novato)
  • Jack In The Box posted a job opening for Restaurant Crew in Novato. Apply here.
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Team Member: Food Champion in Novato. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Novato here.

Ok Novato! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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