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📸 Snapshot: City Council meeting, Homelessness Services, and more

Posted on February 4, 2025

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San Rafael City Council Meeting Highlights

San Rafael City Council

On Monday February 3, the City of San Rafael will hold a City Council meeting at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue.

Details:

  • Regular Meeting: Begins at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers.

  • City Manager and Councilmember Reports: Reports from the City Manager and Councilmembers, including updates on meetings and conferences attended.

  • Consent Calendar: Approval of minutes from the January 21, 2025 meeting; Voter-Approved Tax Oversight Committee 2023-2024 Annual Report; resolution for compensation of the San Rafael Sanitary District Manager/Engineer; proclamation supporting Black History Month.

  • Special Presentations: Caltrans will provide information on the Manuel T. Freitas and Highway 101 roundabout project.

  • Other Agenda Items: Canal Broadband Feasibility Study Final Report

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.

View the Agenda

🔥 San Rafael Wildfire Prevention

Wildfire prevention goats

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles are a stark reminder of how quickly fires can grow and the catastrophic impacts they can have. In San Rafael, we’re taking proactive steps to protect our community and stay prepared:

Preventing fires from starting: education and strategic vegetation management are key to reducing ignition sources.

  • Focusing on education and strategic vegetation management to reduce ignition risks.

  • Treating 20+ miles of roadways and fire roads and managed vegetation across nearly 300 acres of parks and open space, including grass trimming and tree removal.

  • Leveraging the ranger program to eliminate ignition sources in open spaces.

Responding quickly and effectively:

  • Maintaining a well-trained fire department and collaborating with law enforcement for quick response and evacuation.

  • Developing a wildfire playbook for consistent guidance during fire events.

  • Improving early detection with support from community and partner agencies.

Minimizing loss and ensuring safety:

  • Enhancing evacuation routes with better parking, vegetation management, and drills.

  • Supporting residents with over $350,000 in grants, direct vegetation removal at 425+ homes, and risk assessments for 17,500 parcels across 8,000 acres.

  • Promoting emergency alert registrations and ensuring language access.

👉 Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertMarin.org and stay prepared!

Learn More

San Rafael Parks Free of Encampments

SAFE team

The City of San Rafael would like to provide a status update regarding homeless encampments and confirm that there are no encampments in any City Parks at this time.

The City’s camping ordinance regulates camping in San Rafael. It also prohibits camping within 100 feet of playgrounds, within 250 feet of schools, in San Rafael Open Space, and at certain public properties including Albert Park, Boyd Park, and the Falkirk Cultural Center.

In recent years, these three parks have had large, unregulated encampments locate within them—impacting the public use and enjoyment of the shared public space. As a result of this, the City took the action of prohibiting camping on those properties.

Encampments have historically not formed in other City parks, as individuals experiencing homelessness tend to locate themselves near social service providers and nonprofit partners.

The big picture: The ordinance is part of San Rafael’s broader homelessness approach. The City is dedicated to maintaining safe and accessible public spaces. The San Rafael Police Department, Safe Team, homeless outreach staff, and other relevant agencies regularly monitor all City parks for compliance with the camping ordinance and status of any newly established encampments.

Share your thoughts: San Rafael has established a Homelessness Solutions Working Group for community members to explore ongoing challenges and potential solutions regarding homelessness. The work of this group will serve as a foundation for the City’s Homelessness Solutions Action Plan, which will be developed in 2025. The next meeting will be held on March 11 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, in person and virtually over zoom.

For detailed information about San Rafael’s homelessness response, including more information on the ordinance, please visit the city’s website. You can also reach out directly to our staff by emailing EndHomelessness@CityofSanRafael.org.

Learn More

🌳 Terra Linda Park and Community Center Update Meeting

TL enhancement plan graphic

Join us at the next Park and Recreation Commission meeting on Thursday, February 13th at 6:00 PM for an update on the Terra Linda Park and Community Center Enhancement Plan, which is nearing completion.

Why it matters: Your input has been key in shaping the future of Terra Linda Park & Community Center. This meeting will present the preferred option for park and community center enhancements.

  • The comprehensive plan will guide future development, ensuring the park meets community needs.

What to expect: The project team will share a presentation on the plan’s status, including key developments and enhancements.

  • This is an opportunity to see your contributions reflected in the plan and provide further feedback.

Stay involved: Visit our website for more information on how to continue influencing the future of Terra Linda Park and Community Center. Don’t miss this chance to make a lasting impact on our community!

Learn More

🌟 Openings on San Rafael Boards, Committees, and Commissions

San Rafael employees group photo

San Rafael is seeking applicants for upcoming vacancies on its Boards, Commissions, and Committees.

Why it matters: Joining a Board, Commission, or Committee is your chance to shape San Rafael’s future. Share your voice, represent your community, and help guide local decisions.

Opportunities available:

  • Pickleweed Advisory Committee: Two regular voting members & one youth member (9th grade through 18 years).

    • The Pickleweed Advisory Committee provides valuable input in representing and advocating for the Canal area resident’s needs and wishes for programs and services; and is a primary public networking resource between the Canal residents, representatives from governmental and non-profit agencies, and others.

  • Planning Commission: One seat for a licensed architect.

    • The Planning Commission consists of citizen volunteers appointed by the City Council to make decisions or advise the Council on land use and property development issues. The Commission assures that new development is consistent with our long-range General Plan, State laws and other public policies that advance the interests of our community.

  • Voter Approved Tax Oversight Committee: Two regular voting members

    • The Voter Approved Tax Oversight Committee’s purpose is to ensure that all revenues received from voter approved taxes are spent on uses outlined in a manner consistent with the language of the ballot measure that approved the tax.

Apply Today!

🖼 Winter Art Showcase at Falkirk

Sculptures at Falkirk Cultural Center

Experience the creativity of over 75 Bay Area artists at this year’s Winter Show at Falkirk.

Why it matters: This free exhibit offers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse artistic expressions and support local talent.

  • The show runs until February 21, providing ample time to explore the collection.

When to visit: Open hours are Tuesday-Friday from 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM and Saturday from 10am-2pm.

  • Remember to call ahead at 415-485-3328, as Falkirk may be closed for private events.

Get inspired: Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, this exhibit promises to captivate and inspire. Don’t miss out on this vibrant display of creativity!

View the Virtual Gallery

🎉📆 Exciting Upcoming Events

Movie Night

Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:

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