Historically, the United States has relied heavily on China to manage our recycling needs. Amidst recent changes we are facing new recycling challenges. Did you know recycling still uses energy and causes pollution? And although it is still good to do, it’s the last thing to consider when it comes to the “stuff” we use....
Advertising impacts our health! The Community Health and Prevention Program with Marin Health & Human Services is conducting a survey about the retail environment and wants to know your opinion about advertising in stores. The survey takes about five minutes. TAKE THE SURVEY
Thanks to a partnership with property owners and the City, over 20,000 square feet of new sidewalk was installed last year; that’s a mile of new sidewalk! In two weeks, we will finish up projects in both the Gerstle Park and Bret Harte neighborhoods and gear up to start projects in East San Rafael, with work starting...
In 2019, the Department of Public Works completed reviews for approximately twice as many building permits than in 2017 and 2018. The increase in demand was accommodated by existing staff working with applicants directly whenever possible to ensure that projects met the necessary standards. We also provided positive recommendations on improvements. Even though there were...
Up until last week, the intersection of Park Street and Belle Avenue was a two-way stop controlled on Park Street. The Traffic Engineering Division determined that an All Way Stop was warranted at the intersection, so Public Works maintenance crews freshened up the paint on the intersections and added STOP signs to Belle Avenue. Notifications...
The Sidewalk Repair Program is nearly complete for residents who signed up for the 2018 program in the Gerstle Park and the Bret Harte neighborhoods. The last of the nearly 90 properties will completed in the next two weeks. 13,000 square feet of new sidewalk were poured during this round, which would be enough to...
Gregory Kelly, Parking Services, was recognized as the Employee of the 4th QTR 2019! "Greg is an all-around awesome human and such a pleasure to work with. Greg makes work enjoyable through his optimism, integrity, sense of humor, readiness to be a team-player, and respect for those he works with. Great played a major role...
Public Works Community Development Digital Services Art Works Downtown Youth in Arts Fox & Kit Economic Development Parking Services "This project was a true public-private collaboration with multiple city departments, local businesses, and nonprofits all pitching in. The rehabilitation of the 5th & C Garage included a new modern paint job designed in collaboration with Fox and Kit...
Try out the new SPARKL Reusables takeout container program at Whole Foods Market in San Rafael The City of San Rafael has partnered with SPARKL Reusables to offer a reusable takeout container program at the local Whole Foods Market to help customers reduce waste and their impact on the environment. This new program is a...
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...
On Monday evening, the City Council will hear a special presentation about the countywide efforts underway to ensure maximum participation in this year’s census. The City has been working closely with the County, Canal Alliance, and others on outreach and education efforts related to our “Hard-to-Count” communities across Marin. Over the next few months, these efforts will...
Also on Monday, the City Council will consider a proposal involving a new 45-unit townhome development at 350 Merrydale Road / 3833 Redwood Hwy. The project proposes a creative redevelopment of an underutilized infill site with much-needed housing, on a site that is located near major employment and services and with a variety of transportation...
On Monday evening, the City Council will also consider amending the 19-20 budget based on a mid-year budget report. This report presents the City’s financial condition in the current fiscal year (2019-2020) based on actual revenue and expenditure performance for the period July 1 through December 31, 2019, as well as budget actions taken through...
Over the past year and a half, a court case called Martin v. Boise has been significantly impacted cities’ abilities to respond to street homelessness. In a nutshell, the 9th Circuit Court ruling essentially says that imposition of criminal penalties for sitting, sleeping, or lying outside on public property for homeless individuals who cannot obtain shelter is unconstitutional. In...
UPDATE: The City is no longer proceeding with the Public Safety Center Art project. The COVID-19 pandemic halted the process and the City Council, through its Essential Facilities Subcommittee, determined not proceed with the outdoor art component. The City of San Rafael is pleased to announce a Call for Artists to submit images/renderings/drawings of public...
Over the past year and a half, a court case called Martin v. Boise has been significantly impacting cities' ability to respond to street homelessness. In a nutshell, the 9th Circuit Court ruling essentially says that imposition of criminal penalties for sitting, sleeping, or lying outside on public property for homeless individuals who cannot obtain...
In collaboration with Andrew Hening and PD, Public Works installed new signage encouraging residents to donate to local charities and nonprofits that offer services for the homeless, rather than donating to panhandlers. The Marin IJ covered this story, as well!
Construction of the Public Safety Center continues to progress. The exterior brick installation is well underway, despite the recent rainstorm. The City’s contractor, Alten Construction, is currently working on the interior finishes. Painting of the interior walls, as well as, installation of T-bar ceilings and lighting is around 90% complete. In addition, the first and...
With the recent break in the rainy weather, Public Works Streets and Parks crews have been able to get a jump on some much-needed maintenance, including the City storm drain systems on Gold Hill Grade and Main Drive. City crews removed deteriorating metal drainage pipes in both locations and replaced it with high density plastic...
Ever biked to the San Rafael Theater and had nowhere to lock your treasured two-wheeled steed? Well, that should no longer be an issue because Public Works has been busy installing 20 additional bike racks downtown! There are at least four racks per block of Fourth Street, from Lincoln Avenue to D Street. Additionally, Public...
On January 28th, 29th, and 30th, the City will host a series of Community Meetings to provide updates to Wildfire efforts. We will also be seeking feedback on new evacuation maps that will be available this summer. All residents are encouraged to attend a meeting to provide feedback on this important safety issue. The meeting...
In December, the City Council appointed five members to the ADA Access Advisory Committee: Ashley Tomerlin, Ewen McKechnie, John Erdmann, Timothy Lord and Francine Falk-Allen. Here is a little information about our newly appointed members: Ashley Tomerlin is a Certified Access Specialist and landscape architect specializing in inclusive outdoor recreation environments and Title II accessibility. Professionally,...
The project was presented to the California Transportation Commission on December 5th and was approved for federal funding allocation. Once we receive clearance from Caltrans to proceed with the project, we will be advertising for bids, which is anticipated by mid-January 2020. The project is on schedule with a proposed construction start time of early summer...
As we cross the one year anniversary of the commencement of the Sidewalk Repair Program I want to take the time to let you know where we stand and how we intend to move forward. Some of you signed up for the 2018 program and already have contracts in hand, others are part of the...
San Rafael is home to an impressive array of natural resources, including 19 parks, many miles of open space vegetation, and nearly 100 acres of marshland and estuarine settings leading out to the waters of the San Pablo Bay. For the last decade, these diverse and beautiful public resources have been overseen by Open Space/Park...
For over one year, City staff and the design team have coordinated with impacted utilities on the Southern Heights Bridge replacement project. In late October, PG&E gas crews began the process of installing a new gas main on both approaches to the bridge and deactivating the gas line currently attached to the old bridge. Work...
The City's contractors are putting the finishing touches on the newly remodeled bathrooms at the B Street Community Center. All new tile and fixtures were installed, and the project was designed to ensure both bathrooms were fully complaint with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, baby changing tables were installed in both bathrooms...
Construction of the Public Safety Center is currently on schedule for completion in Spring 2020. The gypsum board (drywall) is to be complete this week with tapping and plastering to follow. Final painting of the interior walls is ongoing. The T-Bar Ceiling is currently being installed along the first floor and lighting is being installed...
This past week, Public Works partnered with the Fire Department and their AmeriCorps team to plant 22 new trees in the Sun Valley neighborhood. The trees were planted in conjunction with the City's Sidewalk Repair Program; a joint program between property owners and the City to repair and replace damaged sidewalks. Many times, sidewalk displacement...
Clean Cars for All Grant Program Are you interested in trading in your old car for a new electric vehicle? The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is inviting income qualified Bay Area residents to apply for the Clean Cars for All grant program which provides incentives to retire older vehicles and replace them with...
