San Rafael City Council Meeting Highlights On Monday, the City of San Rafael will hold a City Council meeting at City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue. The Special Meeting will begin at 5:30, with the Regular Meeting beginning at 6:00 PM. Details:
Get Involved:View the full agenda and watch the meeting online via Zoom or YouTube. Participate in person or submit public comments ahead of the meeting.
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đ San Rafael Celebrates 150 Years San Rafael is gearing up to mark its 150th anniversary through 2025, celebrating a legacy of history and community spirit. The celebration will kick off with a special proclamation by the City Council at the December 16th meeting. This proclamation commemorates San Rafaelâs history â dating back to its origins as an agricultural settlement, and evolution into the vibrant city we call home today. Throughout the next year, the City will commemorate San Rafaelâs deep sense of community, leadership in environmental sustainability, and artistic expression. Most of all, the City will celebrate the countless contributions from residents, businesses, and public servants who have shaped San Rafael into a place of progress and community. Whatâs next: Keep an eye out for a series of celebrations throughout 2025, honoring the city’s rich history and looking forward to its bright future.
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đ Northgate Mall Redevelopment Approved The San Rafael City Council approved the redevelopment plans for the Northgate Mall, which will feature 1,422 residences, shops, and restaurants. Why it matters: This major project aligns with San Rafaelâs long-term vision for housing and development, addressing both residential needs and commercial opportunities. Whatâs next: The second reading of the project approval is on the consent calendar for the December 16th City Council meeting. If confirmed, demolition is scheduled to begin in 2025. Share your voice: To learn more or submit questions to the project developers, please email info@futurenorthgatemall.com.
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đŚÂ California’s New Parking Law Due to a new statewide “Daylighting Law” (Assembly Bill 413), it is now illegal in California to park within 20 feet of the approach to any marked or unmarked crosswalk. What is the purpose of the new law? AB413 aims to enhance pedestrian safety at intersections by removing parked cars that obstruct views. Although AB 413 is a statewide law, it supports San Rafaelâs goal of eliminating traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. What you need to know:
Whatâs Next:Â The City is evaluating long-term strategies to meet AB 413 requirements. Some potential options include red curb installation, additional âno parkingâ signs, designated loading zones, and bike racks.
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đ Â San Rafael Protects Affordable Housing On December 2nd, the San Rafael City Council approved $250,000 to support Canal Alliance in acquiring Paloma Arms Apartments, protecting nine affordable housing units for low-income families. The Cityâs financial contribution also enabled a $450,000 grant award from the County of Marinâs Housing Trust Fund, which the Board of Supervisors approved on December 10th. Why it matters:Â Housing and homelessness are two of the City Council’s policy focus areas. Preserving existing affordable housing prevents homelessness and helps ensure San Rafael residents can continue to live in the community they call home. Details:Â The nine-unit building at 1400 Lincoln Avenue will have rents capped at 60% of Marin County’s Area Median Income. Canal Alliance has also secured additional funding from a variety of sources, including the Marin Community Foundation and La Raza Development Fund. |
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đ¨Â Public Art in Downtown San Rafael
Art Works Downtown executive director Elisabeth Setten (left) and artist Raylene Gorum in front of âCivic Waveâ installation. Photo courtesy of Art Works Downtown.
San Rafael unveiled a new public art installation, Civic Wave, at 1001 4th Street, during the annual Winter Wonderland event. Created by nationally renowned visual artist Raylene Gorum, Civic Wave adapts shapes from the Marin County Civic Center to create a modernist interpretation of stained glass. Pedestrians who approach are washed in colorful light and might recognize the Frank Lloyd Wright elements (the gates, the atriums, the exterior ellipses) that make up the patterns in the piece. The big picture: Downtown San Rafael is one of fourteen designated California Arts Districts. âCivic Waveâ is the latest installation as part of the Cityâs continued investment in enhancing San Rafaelâs cultural landscape with public art. Dive in: For more on this project and San Rafael’s evolving arts scene, check out a recent Pacific Sun article, published December 3, 2024: San Rafael’s Art Scene Enters New Era. |
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đżÂ Community Gardeners Boost Local Food Security The Terra Linda Community Gardeners shared their bountiful harvest by donating over 425 lbs. of fresh produce to the Marin Food Bank. This initiative strengthens San Rafaelâs community bonds and supports local food security, demonstrating the power of collective efforts and volunteerism in driving positive change. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers who led this initiative, Shirley Fischer and Glenda Glass. Fresh produce: The donations included a variety of homegrown vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers, enhancing the Marin Food Bank’s ability to offer nutritious food to those in need. Get engaged: San Rafael has two community gardens, located in the Canal neighborhood and in Terra Linda. Garden plots are rented annually, beginning in January. Join the waitlist for one today!
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đ Â California Property Tax Relief The California Property Tax Postponement (PTP) Program helps eligible homeowners defer property taxes on their primary residence. This program provides financial relief to low-income seniors and homeowners with disabilities. Eligibility:Â Applicants must be at least 62 years old or be a person with a disability; have a household income of $53,574 or less; and have at least 40% equity in their property. Details:Â The program charges 5% interest annually, placing a lien on the property until the account is paid. Applications are accepted from October 1 to February 10. Repayment is required upon property sale, title transfer, or other specified conditions. Learn more:Â For further details, visit the State Controllerâs website or contact their team at (800) 952-5661.
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đ Financial Support for Families The holiday season can be a challenging time for many, and if you’re seeking additional support, the Adopt A Family program can help with rent assistance, utility payments, and more. If you’re in a position to give, consider donating warm coats or making a financial contribution to assist families in need this season and throughout the year. Get Assistance: Marin County residents with at least one child under 18 are eligible for emergency financial assistance. Reach out soon, as Adopt A Family offices will be closed from 12/21â1/5. Spanish-speaking case managers are available. Support your neighbors: If you would like to support a family in need, you can donate new, warm coats to the Adopt A Family office, or make a financial donation to support families throughout the year. Double your impact through December 31st with a matching donation from the Allen Family Fund.
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đ City Holiday Closures
Photo credit to the Ruby Bridges Foundation
City Hall and other offices will be closed to the public from December 23 to January 3, but appointments are available upon request. Non-public safety services will resume on January 6, 2025. Public Safety:Â Essential operations, including fire, paramedic, and police functions, remain fully staffed. Please call 911 in an emergency for a 24/7 response. Library Branches:Â All San Rafael Public Library branches will close from December 23 to January 4, with the Pickleweed Library closing on December 21. |
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đđ Exciting Upcoming Events Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:
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đ¸ Snapshot: City Council meeting, holiday closures, new statewide parking laws â and more!
Posted on December 12, 2024