Spotlight Photo
San Rafael’s Read with Pride! Event
Photo Credit: Margaret Stawowy, Librarian
Last Quiz Question
Congrats to Rich Myhre! The City of San Rafael is celebrating being 150 years old this year! Thanks for reading Snapshot. Scroll down to see this edition’s quiz and be the first to answer.
San Rafael City News
The City Council will meet on Monday, July 15, 2024
City Council Closed Session – 4:40 p.m.
The City Council will hold a closed session starting at 4:40 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting – 6:00 p.m.
Baypoint Lagoons & Point San Pedro Landscape Median Assessment Districts
The City Council will hold public hearings for the Baypoint Lagoons Landscaping and Lighting and the Point San Pedro Road Median Landscaping Assessment Districts. On June 17, 2024 the City Council approved resolutions for Baypoint Lagoons and Point San Pedro Landscape Median in accordance with this year’s Engineer’s Annual Report and assessment process. The Annual Engineer’s Report provides details of the assessment district, including:
- Landscaping and maintenance plans
- Cost estimates for proposed improvements
- Assessment calculations
Read the Baypoint Lagoons Staff Report
Read the Point San Pedro Staff Report
Response to Grand Jury Report on E-Bikes
On Monday, the City Council will consider a response to a recently published report by the Marin County Civil Grand Jury entitled “With Power Comes Responsibility Youths Under Age 16 Operating Class 2 E-Bikes: A Safety Risk”. Made up of Marin County residents, the Civil Grand Jury is an independent investigative body that monitors the performance of local government and makes recommendations to save taxpayers’ dollars and improve services. The Grand Jury has requested that the City of San Rafael, along with the County and all the other Marin cities and towns, review and respond to the findings and suggested recommendations.
In its proposed response to the Marin County Civil Grand Jury, the City staff agrees that greater coordination among Marin agencies regarding e-bike policies and enforcement can help deter unsafe operations. The City plans to work with other communities in Marin on a countywide task force to develop findings and recommendations to address this issue in the coming months.
Grand Jury Response on Cyber Preparedness
The City Council will consider a second response to a recently published Marin County Civil Grand Jury report entitled “Cyber Preparedness: Are We There Yet.” The Grand Jury has requested that the City of San Rafael, along with the County and all the other Marin cities and towns, review and respond to the findings and suggested recommendations. City’s response highlights the City’s efforts to address cybersecurity and includes confirmation that the City is developing cybersecurity plans that will includes the City of San Rafael and Digital Service Team developing a disaster recovery plan and policy that outlines roles, responsibilities, and procedures to ensure IT business continuity in the case of a disaster.
Master Fee Update – Childcare Program
The City Council will consider amending the City’s Master Fee Schedule to establish childcare program rates for the 2024-2025 school year. City staff will present how the proposed fees were determined and recommend new rates. The City’s childcare programs are designed to be financially self-sufficient, such that the program fees cover all service-related costs. Because of this, staff are recommending adjustments to current rates to cover the increased cost of employee compensation due to new collective bargaining agreements.
Memorandum of Understanding and Salary Resolution Updates
Over the past several months, City representatives have met to negotiate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and salary resolutions with several employee groups. The proposed agreements for the City Council outline salary, benefits, and employment terms for the following employee groups for the next three years: Service Employees International Union Local 1021 (SEIU Local 1021), executive management employees, temporary employees, and the elected City Clerk and the elected Part-Time City Attorney. These updates aim to ensure competitive and equitable compensation packages crucial for attracting and retaining top talent, ensuring the City can maintain high-quality employees and effectively manage its operations.
Read the Temporary Employee Staff Report
Read the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 (SEIU Local 1021) Staff Report
Read the Executive Management Employee Staff Report
Read the Elected City Clerk and Elected Part-Time City Attorney Staff Report
Other News
San Rafael City Hall – Summer Hour Pilot Program – Friday Closure
This summer the City is conducting an operational pilot program during July and August. Every Friday in July and August, City Hall and Department of Public Works offices will be closed, with services available by appointment only. You can call the City’s main phone line (415) 485-3070 on all Fridays during business hours to make an appointment or connect to the appropriate department. The purpose of this program is to allow time for focused work time and to increase productivity, and work on improving City services. Notice of this change is posted on the City’s website and social media accounts.
Beat the Heat! Learn more about heat advisories, excessive heat warnings, and red flag warnings
Summer and fall offer many opportunities for outdoor fun and hobbies, but they can also bring weather conditions that lead to Heat Advisories, Excessive Heat Warnings, and Red Flag Warnings.
To learn more about how to stay safe during heat waves, visit MarinHHS.org/Heat-Safety.
To learn more about when Red Flag Days and Heat Warnings occur in Marin County, visit weather | Public Emergency Portal – Marin County and watch for Red Flag signs around the City at your nearest fire station.
PG&E Fire Season Reminder: Enhanced Power Safety Settings Implementation
As fire season approaches, PG&E is taking proactive measures to reduce the potential for fire ignition. To enhance safety, PG&E has implemented Enhanced Power Safety Settings (EPSS) on many of its electric distribution circuits in High-Fire-Threat Districts. These settings are designed to automatically turn off power within one-tenth of a second if a wildfire hazard is detected, effectively stopping wildfires before they can start.
To learn more about EPSS, please watch this video and visit the Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings website.
TALES OF THE CITY- Juneteenth Family Friendly Festival in Terra Linda
On Saturday, June 15, representatives from the City participated in the first San Rafael Juneteenth Family Festival, hosted by Christ Presbyterian Church in Terra Linda. It was a wonderful afternoon of music, food, artisanal crafts, and community building!
Mayor Kate kicked off the event and historic “Firsts” were honored, including the First African American:
- Dean of San Francisco Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina
- Elected Official in Marin County and former San Anselmo Mayor, Brian Colbert
- Principal in Marin County, Juanita Gaskins
- Chief of San Rafael Police Department, David Spiller
LAST CITY COUNCIL MEETING on June 17, 2024
At the Closed City Council meeting, the City Council:
- Conferenced with legal counsel on existing ligation
- Conferenced with labor negotiators
At the Regular City Council meeting, the City Council:
- Heard City Manager and Councilmember reports
- Approved the consent calendar
- Heard a special presentation supporting Juneteenth
- Adopted a resolution updating the City’s General Fund Reserve Policy
- Adopted a resolution approving the City’s Investment Policy
- Approved Citywide Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25
- Adopted a resolution for the Successor Memorandum of Understanding the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, Local 1 (AFSCME/Local 1)
- Adopted a resolution for the Successor Memorandum of Understanding with the Western Council of Engineers’ (WCE)
- Introduced an ordinance amending Title 18 of the San Rafael Municipal Code “Protection of Flood Hazard Areas”
- Adopted a resolution amending bylaws for Boards, Commissions, and Committees to include stipends and introduced an ordinance adjusting the compensation for the Mayor and City Council
- Held open time for public expression.
City Council meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. Meetings that fall on a holiday are rescheduled for the following Tuesday.
Events
2nd Friday Art Walk
Friday, July 12th, 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.- Downtown Artworks, 1337 Fourth Street
Discover the artistic heartbeat of San Rafael at Art Works Downtown’s 2nd Friday Art Walk. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just seeking a delightful evening out, the San Rafael Art Works Downtown 2nd Friday Art Walk invites you to explore, connect, and revel in the beauty of artistic expression right in the heart of our City.
Canal Transportation Community Fair
Saturday, July 13th, 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.- 91 Larkspur St, San Rafael (In front of Canal Alliance)
Join us for an exciting day filled with food, music, and the opportunity to connect with City departments and local organizations!
Learn about how the Bellam Boulevard corridor will become safer along with reduced traffic between US 101 North and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and provide feedback on the project! Don’t miss out on this chance to engage with your community, city staff, and community organizations and get informed about the positive changes happening in the Canal neighborhood. We hope to see you there!
View the flyer in English and Spanish HERE.
Police Advisory and Accountability Committee (PAAC) Meeting
Wednesday, July 17, 6:00 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers, 1400 Fifth Ave. San Rafael
The next meeting of the Police Advisory & Accountability Committee (PAAC) is scheduled for July 17 at 6:00 p.m. Community members can participate and provide public comment in person at the City Hall Council Chambers, or you can watch the meeting via Zoom. If you want to subscribe to receive notifications about the City’s public meetings, including the PAAC, click here. To view agendas and staff reports, and for the Zoom link to watch the PAAC meeting live, visit the PAAC’s public meeting webpage.
“Touch-A-Truck”
July 27th, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Pickleweed Park/Community Center, 50 Canal St, San Rafael
Join the San Rafael Police Department and gear up for an exciting, hands-on experience at the “Touch-A-Truck” event taking place at Al Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park. Children and adults alike are invited to explore and interact with various utility and public safety vehicles, including fire trucks, from throughout Marin.
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 6, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., various locations
The 41st Annual National Night Out (NNO) will take place on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in neighborhoods throughout San Rafael and the nation. This citywide event is an excellent opportunity to build neighborhood camaraderie and connect with San Rafael’s public safety professionals to talk about how we create safer and stronger neighborhoods together. Many neighborhoods will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, youth activities, and more.
This event also presents an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with key City leaders, including the Mayor, City Councilmembers, Police Chief and other City officials right in your neighborhood. This is a night to celebrate neighborhood unity and promote crime prevention awareness, safety, and police-community partnerships – and it is also a lot of fun!
Dancing Under the Lights
Friday, August 9, 5:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m., Fourth St from A Street to Lootens Place
The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Improvement District are excited to invite you to the 1st Annual “Dancing Under The Lights”. Spend an evening this summer in downtown San Rafael at this exciting new event, featuring the main headliner band “Neon Velvet”. The event will also include delicious offerings from local eateries, food trucks, local beers, a local artist marketplace, and a kids’ craft table.
West End Block Party
Fridays, August – October 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Fourth Street between F to G Streets
The West End Block Party in Downtown San Rafael returns on Fridays from August through mid-October. Enjoy eight unforgettable Fridays filled with music and community spirit. Don’t miss out on the fun—bring your friends and family to experience the best of San Rafael’s West End!
Due to the street closure for the block party, Golden Gate Transit will reroute several stops along Fourth Street. Find the Bus Re-route Information HERE.
Quiz
Which City facility does this gnome call home?
Be the first to respond!