Spotlight Photo
San Rafael Sunset
Photo Credit: Bernadette Sullivan, City Manager’s Office
Last Quiz Question
Congrats to Chase Sambell for being the first to answer our latest Snapshot Quiz. San Rafael is home to sixteen local Landmarks! Check out the full list here. Congrats Chase, and thanks for reading Snapshot. Scroll down to see this edition’s quiz and be the first to answer!
San Rafael City News
B Street One-Way to Two-Way Conversion
On Monday evening, staff will present an informational report to the San Rafael City Council with proposed comments and recommendations regarding the conversion of B Street from one-way to two-way traffic. B Street is currently a one-way southbound orientation roadway from Fifth Avenue to Second Street. Benefits of two-way street conversions include improving emergency vehicle access and response time, vehicular mobility, traffic calming, roadway improvements, and more. To learn more about the plan and the additional benefits of two-way streets, read the staff report here.
Interim Financial Update and Budget Amendments
Last June, the City Council approved the budget for FY 2022-23. On Monday night, staff will present an update on the City’s financial position for the first six months of the fiscal year and forecast for the remainder of the year. Staff will also report on recommended budget adjustments and mid-year personnel changes.
Read the staff report here.
Special Presentation Supporting Black History Month
On Monday, the City Council will hear a proclamation supporting Black History Month for February 2023. Black History Month provides us the opportunity to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans and honor their legacies and achievements throughout history while continuing to address and work towards reversing injustices of the past.
The City Council of the City of San Rafael takes great pleasure in recognizing Black History Month and urges all residents of San Rafael to join in celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans and the positive impact they make on our community.
Read the proclamation here.
City of San Rafael – City Manager Recruitment Community Survey
With my upcoming retirement, the San Rafael City Council has initiated a recruitment for a new City Manager. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council and is responsible for addressing the priorities established by the Council and overseeing the day-to-day operations of our city’s government. As part of the recruitment, the Council is interested in obtaining feedback from the community to guide the recruitment and selection strategies.
Please take a few moments to respond to this brief survey by February 10. Your responses will be anonymous. Your input and participation are greatly appreciated.
You can access the survey here.
Third Street Improvements
During this week (January 30th to February 3rd)
- Crews will pave the new bike lane between West Street and Miramar Street. This work will require a lane closure and no parking on eastbound Second Street from West Street to Miramar Avenue.
- Crews will remove and replace the curb ramps at Third Street and D Street, and at Third Street and E Street. This work will require a curb lane closure and no parking adjacent to the intersections.
- Crews will activate new traffic signals and remove old signal lights at Third Street and A Street, at Third Street and E Street, at Third Street and D Street, and at Second Street and Shaver Street. This work will require a lane closure. During switch over from old to new signals, Flaggers will provide traffic controls.
- Crews will install splice boxes for new electrical service on Second Street.
- Crews will replace the sanitary sewer lateral main on Second Street between Shaver Street and Miramar Avenue. This work will require a lane closure on eastbound Second Street.
IMPACTS:
- The stairway from Second Street to Jessup Street (south of Ida) is closed.
- For the Lane Shift on Second Street the posted speed limit is 25 mph. Drivers should be aware of changed conditions and be alert.
- Traffic Controls (temporary signs, message boards, traffic cones, delineators and detour signs) will be put in place to direct motorists through the work area.
- Curb parking spaces will be marked “No Parking.”
The daytime hours of work will be from 6 am to 6 pm, with lane closures from 6 am to 3 pm on Third Street and Second Street westbound. Lane closures will also be in effect from 9 am to 6 pm on Second Street eastbound.
CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERACTIVE MAP
VISIT THE THIRD STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT WEBPAGE
COVID-19 Updates
As COVID-19 remains a part of our everyday lives, it is important to remember that the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 during gatherings remains high. Please remain diligent against the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, masking, and testing whenever possible.
According to the Marin County Department of Public Health, as of January 27th, Marin County has 92 “Active Cases” (cases confirmed in the previous 10 days) bringing the total confirmed cumulative cases to 44,366 since March 2020. These numbers continue to highlight the remaining threat of COVID-19 in our communities, and the need for all community members to remain diligent in their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Please follow the links below regarding the appropriate steps to follow if:
COVID-19 booster shots and vaccination appointments continue to be offered at all Marin vaccine clinics. If you need transportation assistance to get vaccinated, please visit the following links about Lyft’s Vaccine Access Program and GoGoGrandparent. As always, if you are experiencing any COVID-19 like symptoms, please get tested as soon as possible, even if you are fully vaccinated.
TALES OF THE CITY—Fire Fighters visit Bahia Vista Elementary School
On January 10, 2023, Truck-54, B Shift (Goodwin, Schifando and Alverez) visited 130 Bahia Vista Elementary School kindergarteners. The fire crew talked about what the fire department does, how to call 911, and the importance of knowing your address. Thank you to our dedicated firefighters for always making San Rafael a safer place.
At the Last Council Meeting on December 19th, 2022
Beginning with the April 18th, 2022, City Council meeting, the City Council has returned to in-person meetings combined with a virtual real-time public comment on agenda items.
At the January 17th, Regular City Council meeting, the Council
- Held open time for public expression
- Heard City Manager and Councilmember reports
- Approved the consent calendar
- Presented a proclamation to a member of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
- Adopted a resolution setting dollar amount limits for award of Public Works contracts
- Adopted a resolution on tenant relocation assistance benefits
- Adopted a resolution on San Rafael’s Public Safety Alternative Response Team
City Council meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month. City Council meetings that fall on a holiday are rescheduled for the following Tuesday.
Events
Spanish-language Community Police Academy2023
Accepting application through February 10th, 2023
The San Rafael Police Department is proud to announce their third Spanish Community Police Academy (CPA). The CPA is offered free of charge, and is a hands-on, interactive, behind-the-scenes program taught by experienced police department employees who share their unique perspectives on law enforcement. For more information on the CPA or to fill out an application form, click here. Applications must be received by Friday, February 10th, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Community Service Officer Antonette Bullock at 415-485-3114.
Marin Local Agency Formation Commission Accepting Applications
Accepting applications through March 10th, 2023
The Marin Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) is recruiting for two open public member seats. The Commission, which is established by State law, has regulatory power over the formation and boundary changes of cities and special districts. In addition, the Commission is responsible for determining sphere of influence for all cities and special districts within the County of Marin. If you would like to apply, please fill out an application here. The Commission will accept applications for service as the Public Member through March 10, 2023.
Winter Invitational Art Exhibition
Friday January 13th through Friday February 24th
Falkirk Cultural Center is pleased to present a Winter Invitational Art Exhibit. Work by 38 Bay Area artists in a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture and mixed media. Admission is free. Exhibition runs January 13th through February 24th. Click here for additional details and exhibit hours.
San Francisco Bay Ferry 2050 Public Survey
Survey will remain through the end of March 2023
San Francisco Bay Ferry is looking for input from the Bay Area community to help them finalize a Ferry Service Vision for the year 2050. Take their short, 5-minute survey to share your water transit priorities and enter for a chance to win a raffle prize at the end of the survey. Consider sharing the survey with your friends, family and network so everyone has an opportunity to contribute!
Quiz
San Rafael is on the big screen. What 1993 movie featured San Rafael’s police boat, the “Mission City?”