In order to make way for the construction of our new Public Safety Center, the Economic Development Department is moving. Starting Thursday, May 25th, the Department will move from its current home at 1313 Fifth Ave. to the Boyd Gate House, 1125 B Street. The Department will be officially open for business at the Boyd...
The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District today released its passenger train schedule that includes 34 trips each weekday, with more frequent service during peak commute times. The schedule is also timed to connect with SMART’s public transit partners, including Marin Transit, Sonoma County Transit, Golden Gate Transit, Petaluma Transit and Santa Rosa CityBus, to...
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,...
At the May 15 City Council meeting, the City Council will consider an amendment to the Master Fee Schedule to increase select building permit fees. Subject to City Council approval, these increases would become effective on July 1, 2017 and would fund an additional code enforcement position, improving customer service to businesses, tradespersons and homeowners.
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...
The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District will no longer use train horns at railroad crossings in jurisdictions that have established Quiet Zones, unless there is an emergency. Quiet Zones have been established in Novato, San Rafael and in the County of Marin. SMART anticipates other jurisdictions will also establish Quiet Zones throughout the 43-mile...
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...
Starting Friday, May 12, please be aware that the train horn will not sound at railroad crossings in San Rafael and Novato, unless there is an emergency or when leaving a station. We urge you to be alert and aware at all crossings. Drivers should never stop on the tracks. Never walk on the tracks,...
Please expect some delays as the traffic signal light at Bellam Boulevard and Francisco Boulevard East is currently undergoing repairs and maintenance. The signal is owned and operated by Caltrans and they have been notified by the City that the signal is not functioning properly. For any additional information regarding this intersection, please contact Caltrans...
Join the City of San Rafael at our public Energizer Station on May 11 at the corner of Lindaro and Andersen, in front of the Albert Park tennis courts. We’ll be rockin’ the commute with morning snacks, hot music, cool MCBC bike bags and water bottles, and The Tranquilla Gorilla. This year will be co-hosted...
On May 10 at 7 p.m., the San Rafael and the Novato City Councils will hold a joint study session to discuss SMART Quiet Zones, including community outreach and the timing of the Quiet Zone establishment. This joint session follows the City of San Rafael’s filing of a Notice of Establishment on April 20. The...
Our Community Development Director, Paul Jensen, had a recent interview published in this months edition of Northern News, the publication of the Northern California Division of the American Planning Association. While our residents know him for his flawless presentations at City Council meetings or working with him on a specific project, staff knows him as the...
Construction contract awarded to: Ghilotti Bros. Project contact: Hunter Young, Department of Public Works Project Began: February, 2014 Completed: April, 2017 Project Description: This project prepared downtown San Rafael for upcoming rail operations. Specific improvements included: Install traffic signal interconnect and as well as fiber optic cables to increase the reliance and speed at which the traffic signal...
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;...
On Wednesday, April 26 from 8 am to 5 pm, the San Rafael Fire Department is hosting a training exercise on Smith Ranch Road near Silveira Parkway. All roads will remain open. This training exercise will prepare first responders to safely and effectively respond to incidents involving large numbers of injured victims. This will be...
**UPDATE** SMART released the following update: Thank you for your patience during the brief phase of extended hours of testing critical safety systems. Safety is SMART’s top priority. SMART’s goal is to provide the safest and most reliable rail transit system, utilizing the latest railroad technology. The extended hours of testing will end today, ahead...
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...
