Newsroom

Volunteer Spotlight: Community Volunteers

"... the thousands of community volunteers who participate in the Volunteer Program’s Days ... of Service. The accomplishments on these days could not happen without dedicated volunteer leaders ... and the enthusiastic volunteers who choose to give their time on a particular day. Community groups including ... in preparation for winter rains. Public Works and Volunteer Program staff plan the work depending ... ; on Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers remove trash and debris from the our Bay and inland waterways ..."

This Spotlight honors the thousands of community volunteers who participate in the Volunteer Program’s Days of Service. The accomplishments on these days could not happen without dedicated volunteer leaders and the enthusiastic volunteers who choose to give their time on a particular day. Community groups including local nonprofits, neighborhood associations, Boy Scout troops, Rotary Clubs,...

Volunteer Spotlight: Concierge Volunteers

"... on a group of volunteers who combined have served almost 15 years as Concierge Volunteers. Some ... a diversity of people. Thank you to our current volunteers: Joanne Doyle (9 years), Judy Herman (3 years ... and Elizabeth share their experience below. Concierge Volunteers are the first contact visitors see ... at City Hall Concierge volunteers work weekdays in the lobby of San Rafael City Hall for three ... . Volunteers also assist City staff with clerical tasks such as mailings, sorting etc. Some Concierge ..."

This Spotlight shines on a group of volunteers who combined have served almost 15 years as Concierge Volunteers. Some are retired, while others have jobs and seek another venue for experience or to meet and help a diversity of people. Thank you to our current volunteers: Joanne Doyle (9 years), Judy Herman (3 years), Dennis...

Volunteer Spotlight: Reverend Jan Heglund

"... Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? Reverend Jan is a volunteer in the San ... of officers. Currently there is one other volunteer San Rafael Police Chaplain, Will Nelken, who ... Women’s Hall of Fame. Why did you choose to volunteer for San Rafael? I started in 1995 ... to be interviewed, I thought, THIS is me! This fits like a glove! What do you enjoy most about your volunteer ... . What are you most proud of in what you have accomplished as a volunteer with San Rafael ..."

Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? Reverend Jan is a volunteer in the San Rafael Police Chaplain Program. Before being ordained as an Episcopalian priest in 1994 she raised four children and worked at San Rafael High School for 20 years as the Secretary to the Vice Principals of Discipline. As a San Rafael...

Volunteer Spotlight: Connie Lathrop

"... volunteer activity with San Rafael? My focus is on the Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park ... of the park signs; and lead clean-up days with other volunteers. The amount of time I work depends ... , thanks to wonderful City co-ordination and support, not only do I get to call myself a volunteer ... , but I see the transformation taking place. Why did you choose to volunteer for San Rafael ... you enjoy most about your volunteer work? In addition to the obvious satisfaction of seeing ..."

Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? My focus is on the Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park where I pick up trash; remove invasive plants, foxtails, and dead vegetation; repaint the frames of the park signs; and lead clean-up days with other volunteers. The amount of time I work depends on the weather and...

Volunteer Spotlight: Beryn Hammil

"... first called, I was new to the San Rafael Volunteer Program but knew that the Library had Computer ... Tutor volunteers who work one-on-one with students. It was clear that Beryn could do ... classes were all taught by volunteers with passion and expertise. What a perfect fit for an Apple “Geek ..."

Since October 2015, Beryn has been teaching a series of classes called All Things Apple! for the San Rafael Public Library. As a self-described “Chic Geek,” her appearance belies any geekiness! Now retired from a successful career as an Interior Designer (the “chic” part), Beryn spends time keeping up with Apple technology. When Beryn first called, I...

Volunteer Spotlight: Bob Huntsberry

"... volunteers with interest in city governance. These volunteers are professionals in specific fields or people ... years. Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? I serve as a member ... long you have been a volunteer for the City? I have served as a DRB member for 23 years ... itself. On average, I usually spend 8 hours per meeting. Why did you choose to volunteer for San ... Rafael that I was working on as an architect. So, after that experience, I decided to volunteer ..."

The City of San Rafael has a dozen Boards and Commissions that are populated by almost 100 volunteers with interest in city governance. These volunteers are professionals in specific fields or people that are passionate about an issue, topic or activity. Boards and Commissions advise the City Council on things like public safety and infrastructure,...

Volunteer Spotlight: Hugo Landecker

"... volunteer activity with San Rafael? As weather permits, I pull French broom from the 15 acre ... and stop earlier in the season. Thankfully there are other volunteers pulling broom too, maybe ... previously knew existed. Why did you choose to volunteer for San Rafael? Volunteering ... is rewarding and useful to all. What do you enjoy most about your volunteer work? Getting fresh ... an accomplishment. What accomplishment are you most proud of as a volunteer? My reward for doing ..."

Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? As weather permits, I pull French broom from the 15 acre Gerstle Park open space. This project started about 25 years ago. At that time, nobody knew this area was public open space. The primary entrance was marked with no trespassing signs. Even if a hiker didn't heed...

Volunteer Spotlight: Tamra Peters

"... volunteer activity with San Rafael? I created the Resilient Neighborhoods Program in 2011 ... and have been running it since as a full-time volunteer. Resilient Neighborhoods is a Marin program ... . Why did you choose to volunteer for San Rafael? San Rafael has helped since the beginning ... ways, I lost count! What do you enjoy most about your volunteer work? I enjoy working ... , encouraging them to do the program too. What accomplishment are you most proud of as a volunteer ..."

Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? I created the Resilient Neighborhoods Program in 2011 and have been running it since as a full-time volunteer. Resilient Neighborhoods is a Marin program that works to bring residents together to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions, prepare for emergencies, and make their communities safer and stronger. The program...

Volunteer Spotlight: Cyr Miller

"... Cyr’s Volunteer Career In 1972 Cyr began volunteering with neighborhood activities and he ... Kaiser Hospital. Core Values The core values that guide Cyr Miller’s long volunteer career ... believes that a volunteer department or program is fundamental for any City. “Volunteering is the very ... influence insured that many volunteer projects and events took place in the Canal neighborhood on Make ... for the Volunteer Program and for volunteerism in general. He not only made sure it was a City priority ..."

Cyr’s Volunteer Career In 1972 Cyr began volunteering with neighborhood activities and he joined the West End Neighborhood Association. In 1992, he represented the neighborhood association in the successful Downtown Visioning Committee. That experience propelled his interest in becoming more involved with City planning. In 1993, he was appointed to the Planning Commission, serving as...

Volunteer Spotlight: Rosa Amalia Garcia

"... Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? In 2004, I joined the Canal Youth ... celebration and the Christmas holiday – I might be volunteering up to 15-20 hours each month. Why did ... you choose to volunteer for San Rafael? I arrived as a newcomer/immigrant in 1988 ... on the second Saturday of each month. What do you enjoy most about your volunteer work? I enjoy ... for! What accomplishment are you most proud of as a volunteer? I am most proud to see ..."

Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? In 2004, I joined the Canal Youth & Families Council (CY&FC). I am the treasurer for this group of parents who meet monthly to plan activities and raise money for Canal Arts and other youth activities and holiday events at the Albert J. Boro Community Center. Canal Arts...

Volunteer Spotlight: Enrique Yam

"... . Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? Since August 2016 I have been coming ... in helping. I had not thought about volunteering in the library, but agreed to give it a try ... . The volunteer work led me to being offered a paid job at when the position opened. I realize that having ... you choose to volunteer for San Rafael? I agreed to give the volunteer position a chance ... open. I realize I enjoy helping people. What other volunteer activities do you do? I am ..."

Enrique Yam is a junior at Terra Linda High School. He is taking AP Chemistry and Computer classes. He lives in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael and has participated in programs and activities at the Albert J. Boro Community Center as long as he can remember. He enjoys college prep programs, academic tutoring and...

Volunteer Spotlight: Friends Books

"... Nielsen, long time volunteers and supporters of the Library, realized that they could not keep up ... volunteer) includes: Madeline Mork, who formerly ran the library at Davidson Middle School, she sorts ... money in the first two days to cover our first month's rent!” Volunteers: Sorters, Heroes ... and Sellers More than 30 volunteers are needed to keep the store open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am ... or making suggestions about titles and authors and run the register at the store. Other volunteers help ..."

How it all Began The nonprofit, Friends of San Rafael Public Library, receives 15 to 50 boxes of donated books daily! In 2009, this constant flow of donations lead to monthly book sales. Both Pam Dixon and Karen Nielsen, long time volunteers and supporters of the Library, realized that they could not keep up with...

Volunteer Spotlight: Caitlin Chow-Ise

"... Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael ... choose to volunteer for San Rafael? The Community Center’s staff gave me endless support and I ... wanted to pay it back by working at camps. I enjoyed every aspect of my volunteer work. What ... do you enjoy most about your volunteer work? Knowing that the kids looked up to me was pretty ... rewarding. What accomplishment are you most proud of as a volunteer? Looking back, I ..."

Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? I am a sophomore at San Rafael High School and a fun fact about me is that I am one of the youngest students in the class of 2019! This past summer, I worked at summer camps headed by the City of San Rafael. Over the 4 weeks,...

COVID Volunteer Needs - July 2020

"... Here are some volunteer needs in the community right now. Please note that you should always bring ... to volunteering at least 4 times in a row (i.e., a one-month commitment) so that they can have certainty ... At the Canal Alliance: 91 Larkspur Street Tuesday 8 AM – 11 AM Volunteers ... Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9 AM – 3 PM Volunteer Needs: 2-3 volunteers each day for line ... Wednesdays 10 AM – 2 PM Drive-Thru Distribution Volunteer Needs: Distribution Line ..."

Here are some volunteer needs in the community right now. Please note that you should always bring your own face covering with you and maintain the physical distancing recommended by the Health Department. Also, these organizations are really struggling to meet the huge demand for food and other services. In an attempt to make things...

Volunteer Spotlight: San Rafael Clean

"... Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP). In 2005 when SRC was founded, volunteers regularly filled two ... members are San Rafael volunteers. Here we spotlight three who have dedicated countless hours ... . Why did you choose to volunteer for SRC? Libby: I had been doing volunteer beach ... I live. Andree: I read an article in the newspaper about SRC and Volunteer Coordinator, Cory ... coalition. What do you enjoy most about your volunteer work? Laurie: The immediate ..."

San Rafael Clean (SRC) is a coalition of residents, business-owners, nonprofits and government agencies working together to reduce litter in San Rafael. The coalition hosts cleanup days, outreach events, business partnerships, and strategic planning sessions. Projects SRC has organized include: a Clean Business Partner program; litter education at schools, businesses, and public events; and cigarette...

More than 50 volunteers gather for the Downtown Clean & Green

"... On Friday, April 21 volunteers ... volunteers picked up litter, removed graffiti, cleaned garbage cans and generally spruced up the 4th street ... and West End Village corridor. Volunteers also pulled weeds and mulched the tree wells ..."

On Friday, April 21 volunteers gathered for the annual BID Earth Day Clean & Green in downtown San Rafael. More than 50 volunteers picked up litter, removed graffiti, cleaned garbage cans and generally spruced up the 4th street and West End Village corridor. Volunteers also pulled weeds and mulched the tree wells at the intersections...

Volunteer Spotlight: Maggie Lang, CERT Coordinator

"... 375 active CERT volunteers. CERT is a national program under FEMA, providing lessons for residents ... training, volunteers learn to assist their neighbors in an emergency/disaster until professional ... . What do you enjoy most about working with volunteers? I love working with CERT volunteers ... or activity that would not happen without volunteers? Since I am the only ‘staff member ... ’ in the program, our classes would not happen if it weren’t for our wonderful volunteers, helping to keep up ..."

What do you do for the City? I have been the Marin County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Coordinator since May 2011. Prior to that time, I worked as a nurse for 25 years with some years at home, raising my three children. Before 2011 each town’s CERT program was independent in its training schedule;...

Volunteer Spotlight: Marin Master Gardeners at Falkirk Cultural Center

"... in 2002. MMG are volunteers trained by University of California Cooperative Extension and have since ... to be beneficial and beautiful. There are now more gardens and volunteers working on the grounds than ever ... their splendor. Meet Kathy Taraban and Connie Pelissero, two Master Gardener volunteers who devote ... their time and sweat to this labor of love. Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael ... have been volunteering 10 to 15 hours per month for three years.” Connie: “I started volunteering ..."

The Marin Master Gardeners (MMG) began working in the gardens at the Falkirk Cultural Center in 2002. MMG are volunteers trained by University of California Cooperative Extension and have since formed a partnership with Falkirk Cultural Center and the City of San Rafael that has proven to be beneficial and beautiful. There are now more...

Volunteer Spotlight: San Rafael Boy Scout Troop 2000

"... to younger boys, preparing them to join Troop 2000. Describe Troop 2000’s volunteer activity ... of Willy’s focuses is “community work”, so teaming up with the San Rafael’s Volunteer Program has been ... to the community.” Why did you choose to volunteer for San Rafael? Willy welcomed ... in-and-with the City was a natural resource! What do you enjoy most about your volunteer work ... of as a volunteer? Troop 2000 has had 11 Scouts reach their Eagle Rank. All those boys have gone ..."

In 1999, the Marin Boy Scout Council asked Willy Coronado if he could help bring Scouting to the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael. Willy had been a leader and Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 1 in Mill Valley for 15 years. Willy, originally from Peru, was a great choice to lead a Troop in...

Staff Giving Back Through Volunteerism

"... For this final 20/20 Spotlight entry, we thought we’d highlight some City staff that volunteer ... volunteer activities Angel Landaverde: I’m the local coordinator ... departments for mostly volunteer firefighter programs in different countries in Central and South ... and wrapping toys. I also volunteer as a mentor through ... , personal growth, cultural exchange, leadership development and community building. Also I volunteer ..."

For this final 20/20 Spotlight entry, we thought we’d highlight some City staff that volunteer their time to the community. Many of our employees give back in big ways to their communities, and this Holiday Season is a good time to acknowledge them. As always, we can’t feature everyone, but we’ve chosen three great examples...

Jack Brandon

"... -the-clock, 365 days a year. Without volunteers, this mandate would be even more challenging than ... and outgoing nature. Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? I have two jobs at SRPD: I ... and signs of illegal entry and/or damage. How long have you been a volunteer for the City ... ? I started in June 2010 and I usually volunteer between 2 to 4 hours on Saturdays and Sundays ... . When I applied to volunteer for the SRPD I had to pass a complete six-week law enforcement background ..."

While some city departments have the luxury of being able to close their doors over their holidays, the San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) is one of those that must have a constant presence round-the-clock, 365 days a year. Without volunteers, this mandate would be even more challenging than it already is. Jack Brandon has been...

5/11/18 - Park-a-Month: 2 Down, 3 To Go

"... We had our first two Park-A-Month volunteer days on April 21st (Gerstle Park) and May ... 5th (Sun Valley Park). Both events had a good turnout, with 30 volunteers showing up ... and volunteer postings on the website. At each event volunteers helped remove weeds from the playground ... ! Info about the volunteers: The LDS church of Terra Linda, one of our dedicated service groups ... . Others saw in other media from Next Door, our volunteer website and to IJ announcement earlier last ..."

We had our first two Park-A-Month volunteer days on April 21st (Gerstle Park) and May 5th (Sun Valley Park). Both events had a good turnout, with 30 volunteers showing up at Gerstle Park and nearly 50 at Sun Valley. Many saw the event on NextDoor, signs in the neighborhood and volunteer postings on the website....

Garden Help at Falkirk Cultural Center

"... Help and learn with other volunteers on Monday mornings from 10 to Noon ... . Volunteers ... and we will contact you, do not drop-in. Thank you Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 years old ..."

Help and learn with other volunteers on Monday mornings from 10 to Noon. Volunteers maintain six gardens including: Under Oaks Garden, Habitat Garden, Beneficial's Garden, Lathe House Garden, Succulent Garden and the Five Mediterranean Climate Zone Garden. The gardens at Falkirk Cultural Center are a partnership between UC Marin Master Gardeners and the City of...

Supervisor Spotlight: Carol Jacobs-Courtz

"... .” What do you enjoy most about working with volunteers? Their devotion and loyalty! I enjoy ... have volunteers helped your program? Without volunteers we would not have a program! The San ... and stay informed on services for older adults. The Club members (volunteers) are very active. I am ... that would not happen without your volunteers? One annual event that most people do not realize ... a key role in the development of the Senior Fair and currently, we coordinate all of the volunteers ..."

What do you do for the City? Carol Jacobs-Courtz began working with the City in 1971/72 as a Recreation Leader with the Parks and Recreation Department, now the Community Services Department. Carol has a degree in Sociology and an Associate Degree in Gerontology. Soon after she began her work with the City, she was put...

Community gathers for Jordan Street neighborhood clean-up

"... was a busy month for the volunteer program! On April 1st we held a neighborhood clean-up along ... , San Rafael Clean, Clean Marin and local businesses. More than 60 volunteers gathered to pick-up litter ... and spruce up the middle school and surrounding streets. In a few short hours, volunteers collected ... in bringing a group of volunteers to the next clean-up, please contact ..."

April was a busy month for the volunteer program! On April 1st we held a neighborhood clean-up along Jordan Street in collaboration with Davidson Middle School and their Parent-Teacher Organization, San Rafael Clean, Clean Marin and local businesses. More than 60 volunteers gathered to pick-up litter and spruce up the middle school and surrounding streets....

Greenhouse Projects at the Falkirk Cultural Center

"... Volunteers are needed for greenhouse restoration projects. Current project is building shelves. We ... can find a job for everyone who wants to volunteer regardless of skill level. Specific skills needed ... information, contact Phil Hinderberger at phinder@pacbell.net Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 years old or older ..."

Volunteers are needed for greenhouse restoration projects. Current project is building shelves. We can find a job for everyone who wants to volunteer regardless of skill level. Specific skills needed including heating, cooling, plumbing, drip irrigation, carpentry, and painting. For more information, contact Phil Hinderberger at phinder@pacbell.net Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 years old or...

Memorial Wall: Jason Nachbar

"... Jason began volunteering with the Police Department in 2012 and during that time worked more than ... volunteer uniform and driving the department vehicles. He was a great help to the staff and fellow volunteers in the San Rafael Police Department. ..."

Jason began volunteering with the Police Department in 2012 and during that time worked more than 1,300 hours in a variety of capacities. Jason could light up a room with his smile and good humor. He had a fondness for cats and owned three of them. Jason’s sister said that he would call her at the...

Supervisor Spotlight: Ross Morrison and Juan Carlos Sorto

"... Centers. By default, they are also volunteer coordinators, working mostly with court mandated ... . “On more than one occasion we have ended up hiring a volunteer as a paid facility attendant.” At the B ... the extra mile to find a task for CSWs. To anyone considering doing volunteer hours (provided you ... to lead volunteers from the community. Ross eagerly accepts volunteers needing a variety of hours ... “volunteer”? Workers are mandated by a court to work off a violation or ticket. Community service ..."

Meet two great guys – City of San Rafael Custodians Ross Morrison and Juan Carlos Sorto. Between the two, they have worked 27 years for San Rafael. Each manages the cleaning and maintenance of busy San Rafael Community Centers. By default, they are also volunteer coordinators, working mostly with court mandated community service workers (CSW)....

Plant Trees, Heal the Planet!

"... . Volunteer ... , some volunteers will disperse to the Canal District to plant 30 trees. Other volunteers will remain ... the trees. Depending on the number of volunteers, we will be done about lunchtime or early afternoon ... – 12, at the Novato City Hall to train volunteers for another 100-tree planting in that city on April ..."

Join us to plant 100 beautiful, carbon-capturing trees in San Rafael on March 28! Here’s how to help: Learn how to plant and maintain trees at a Tree Planting workshop, February 29, 9am, 618 B St. Volunteer to plant, mulch and water, March 28, 8:30 am, McInnis Parkway. Adopt-a-tree. Donate funds to water the trees...

Clean Campaign Ambassador

"... and open space, on your own schedule. The San Rafael Clean Coalition includes volunteers that support ... about the impacts of litter and benefits of recycling. Some lead volunteers on Coastal Cleanup Day ... . Time Commitment: Volunteer on your own time in your neighborhood. And/or consider ..."

We provide you with cleanup supplies to help us keep trash off sidewalks, gutters, city paths and open space, on your own schedule. The San Rafael Clean Coalition includes volunteers that support each other’s projects and the City. They also plan promotional activities to educate the community about the impacts of litter and benefits of...