We've recently installed new sidewalks, curbs and gutters on the southwest corner of the Freitas/Las Gallinas intersection. Storm drain improvements, as well as tree trimming will be completed in the upcoming weeks. The left turn lanes on Freitas Parkway will likely be closed beginning this week for the next several months while the bridge and...
At Monday night’s meeting, the City Council will recognize July as Parks & Recreation month. We encourage the community to spend the summer with us. Here are a few fun ways to do so: Summer Camps: Skateboarding & Sport Camps including Flag Football and Baseball have some spots available! Looking for a camp poolside, check...
If you love helping to build young minds, want to be a positive influence in children's lives and enjoy being part of a great team, then check out the following jobs and join our team with the City of San Rafael Child Care Program. Learn more and apply.
You may have noticed less train horn in San Rafael. In response to community concerns about noise, the San Rafael City Council established a Quiet Zone from northern Novato to downtown San Rafael, which means the horn will not blow at railroad crossings. The train will only sound the horn as it leaves a station...
Have you used a City of San Rafael library lately? At their Monday evening meeting, the City Council will hear an informational report from Library Director Sarah Houghton about a needs assessment for library services and facility needs. This follows an extensive outreach effort conducted by the Library to solicit input from the community to...
On Monday evening, the City Council will consider adopting the City’s $111 million operating budget and capital improvement program for Fiscal Year 2017-18. The budget includes funding for special initiatives and projects including moving energy accounts to Marin Clean Energy’s “Deep Green” tier, working with the County to address homelessness, launching an online permit portal,...
Also on Monday, the City Council will consider a response to the Grand Jury regarding barriers to housing affordability. The proposed response largely agrees with the findings of the Grand Jury and provides a significant amount of detail on the issues around housing affordability in Marin.
The San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee invites you to come and participate in a Public Workshop on June 8th at 6:00 p.m. as part of the process to revise and update our Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. This update will focus on improving safety, connectivity, and development of infrastructure suitable for all users...
The summer is upon us and with the warm weather, opportunity knocks for people who do not have your best interest in mind. The San Rafael Police Department would like to share some simple tips to help you secure your home a little better so you property and loved ones can sleep a little safer...
Homelessness and affordable housing are among the community’s top concerns. The City – working in partnership with the County of Marin, local service providers, and the private sector – has been making significant strides on these issues, and we would love to keep you updated on our progress. Subscribe to our updates.
The City Council is seeking applications to fill five positions on the newly created Measure D Special Library Parcel Tax Committee. This Committee will meet at least twice annually and will act as an independent oversight committee to ensure the Library spends the funds from the parcel tax in a manner consistent with the language...
You probably already know that our San Rafael police officers are awesome! At Monday’s City Council meeting, the City Council will recognize the great work and sacrifice of our police women and men and will present lifesaving, conduct, and meritorious awards, as well as letters of commendation. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as...
The Lourdes Convent, which is owned by the Dominican Sisters is a convent retirement center located at 77 Locust Avenue. A Use Permit Amendment was filed by the Dominican Sisters to convert a portion of the retirement center to a single, residential unit for “transitional housing” to be shared by two single women and their...
City staff is proposing an innovative and customer-friendly way to interact with zoning and permitting information. At Monday’s meeting, the City Council will consider authorizing the City’s use of OpenCounter, an online platform that brings together the simplicity of form and function for zoning and permitting. The software assists those looking to undertake renovation, expansion...
In September 2015, the City Council approved agreements with Mary McGrath Architects and Kitchell CEM, for architectural and construction management services for Phase 1 projects of the Essential Facilities Strategic Plan. Phase 1 includes three projects: a new Public Safety Center across the street from City Hall, a new Fire Station 52 and Training Tower,...
Looking for an opportunity to make a difference? Join Resilient Neighborhoods to learn about climate change and take actions to reduce your carbon footprint. During this 5-session course you will calculate your carbon footprint and take steps to reduce it, like trimming energy and waste, conserving water and making smarter transportation choices. You will learn...
On May 2, 2017 San Rafael Police personnel came upon a dog that was in distress in a parked vehicle on Fourth Street. The temperature was 88 degrees and the temperature inside the all black vehicle was 156 degrees. Dexter was rescued by Mental Health Outreach Provider Lynn Murphy with an assist from Officer Buffy...
We’re getting closer to SMART’s estimated first day of passenger service, so be safe around the tracks! Also, around the time SMART begins passenger service, San Rafael will have a Quiet Zone is place. This means, the train will only sound the horn as it leaves a station or in the event of an emergency....
If you are curious about what is happening with homelessness in San Rafael, now is a great time to get an update of what is happening now and next. At their regular meeting Monday night at 7 p.m., the City Council will review the proposed goals and work plan for the City’s Homeless Initiative in...
Also on Monday evening the City Council will review a preliminary report on the 2017-18 budget. This budget provides for positive operating results while maintaining current service levels and addressing City Council priorities including homelessness, economic development and quality of life issues. The final, proposed budget along with a proposed capital improvement program is expected...
The City Council will hold a study session on May 1 at 6 p.m. in the third floor conference room in City Hall to discuss their top goals for the upcoming fiscal year. A proposed list of goals, strategies and implementation tasks will be presented that evening for discussion.
The City Council will also discuss an ordinance setting the Paramedic Services Special Tax. This tax ensures much needed paramedic services in our community and the rate has been held constant since 2011 in San Rafael. After reviewing billing recovery and expenditure trends the Fire Department recommends a $3 annual increase in order to maintain...
The City Council is seeking applications for five vacancies on the Advisory Committee on Economic Development and Affordable Housing. This committee provides community input on activities related to economic development and affordable housing; such as when developers pursue new and rehabilitation of commercial facilities, affordable housing opportunities, the City’s Economic Vitality Workplan and various General...
San Rafael is developing a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to prepare for natural disasters like flood, drought, fire, earthquakes, and severe weather. This plan forms the foundation for our long-term strategy to reduce losses by breaking the repeated cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction. Additionally, only communities with a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan are eligible...
Next week has been designated by the President and Congress as Public Service Recognition week in honor of the people who serve America as federal, state, county and local government employees. Here in the City of San Rafael, our city employees help to promote the safety of our community through our Police and Fire staff;...
A many decades-long dream could finally be reality. At their meeting on Monday, at 7 p.m., the City Council will consider awarding a contract to start construction of two new fire stations replacing Stations 52 and 57. The combined cost of the two stations, funded by Measure E, is expected to be about $19,100,000. These...
Prior to the regular City Council meeting on Monday, April 17, the City Council will hold a study session at 5:45 p.m. to hear the results of the 2017 City Satisfaction Survey. The City conducts this survey every two years in order to gauge trends in community opinions on a variety of topics including quality...
Also on Monday, the City Council will receive an informational report on the City’s financial performance and budget changes for fiscal year 2016-2017. This is a follow-up to the first financial review which was held in December 2016. They will also receive a preview of the General Fund budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Curious about San Rafael’s sustainability priorities for 2017? On Monday evening, the City Council will hear an update on the City’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) and review proposed priorities for the upcoming year. The CCAP provides the City with a roadmap to reducing San Rafael’s greenhouse gas emissions by 25% community-wide by 2020. This...
The City Council is seeking applications for one vacancy on the Planning Commission and one vacancy on the Design Review Board. The Planning Commission makes decisions on land use applications and advises the City Council on land use and property development issues. The Design Review Board is an advisory board with responsibility to provide advice...
