We’ve revamped the City of San Rafael’s Snapshot Newsletter! Discover our new format designed for better readability and a focus on engaging community topics. We aim to deliver the local updates that matter most to you.
Upcoming City Council Meeting
The City of San Rafael will hold a Special City Council meeting on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 4:00 PM, at 1400 Fifth Avenue, Third Floor Conference Room.
Details:
- Interviews: Planning Commission interviews and appointment.
- Consent Calendar: Includes items for the City Council’s consideration including renewal of an information technology services agreement, local hazard mitigation plan, administrative order to prohibit camping, Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority joint powers authority agreement amendments, and proclamations.
Get involved:
On 10/7 at 4:00 pm – Watch the meeting online
Get Involved: Homelessness Solutions Working Group
San Rafael is forming a community working group to tackle homelessness, with meetings set over the next six months.
Why it matters: Community input is vital to shaping the Homelessness Solutions Action Plan for 2025, addressing complexities and fostering understanding.
Details: Participants will discuss legal challenges, shelter demand, and more, serving as communicators to share insights with the community.
What’s next: Interested community members and business owners should complete the interest form by October 18, 2024, to join the group.
San Rafael Opens Sanctioned Camping Area
The City, in partnership with the County of Marin, launches a Sanctioned Camping Area to address homelessness.
Why it matters: This initiative provides a secure and managed space for those experiencing homelessness, funded by a State Encampment Resolution Fund grant.
Details: The area offers safe entry, 24/7 security, sanitation, and essential services like case management to connect participants with housing and resources.
What’s next: Visit the City’s website for more information on the Sanctioned Camping Area and ongoing solutions for homelessness.
Community Benefit District Feasibility Study Underway
A feasibility study is underway to consider establishing a Community Benefit District (CBiD) in downtown.
Why it matters: A CBiD is a public-private partnership where property and/or business owners collaborate to enhance and maintain their neighborhood, providing supplemental services beyond those provided by the City.
Purpose: To improve business opportunities and enhance the physical environment in downtown.
What’s next: The precise geographic area of the potential district boundaries will be determined in the first phase of the study.
Pickleweed Library Redesign Plans
On September 11, the Pickleweed Advisory Committee reviewed the proposed design and expressed excitement about the planned improvements.
Why it matters: The project aims to enhance library usage and better integrate with the park and community center.
Details:
- Questions were raised about current library usage, color choices, and furniture.
- The design has been presented to the Library Board of Trustees and shared with the community at the Pickleweed Movie in the Park event.
The project is now entering the schematic design phase, with construction slated for Summer 2025.
October is Zero Waste Month!
Zero Waste Marin is participating in North Bay Zero Waste Week from October 12th – 19th.
Why it matters: This initiative brings zero waste-focused events to our community, promoting sustainability and waste reduction efforts.
Events hosted in Marin will include:
- Film screenings at 5 public libraries across Marin.
- A webinar hosted in English and Spanish, in collaboration with Zero Waste Marin.
- A clothing swap organized with Zero Waste Marin and the Northern CA Recycling Association.
- A compost giveaway at the Civic Center Farmers Market.
What’s next: For dates and times of these events and more information, please visit the North Bay Zero Waste Week website.
Marin Humane Launches New Dog Licensing Platform
Marin Humane Society launched a new, easy-to-use platform for dog licensing in Marin County.
Why it matters: Rabies vaccinations and dog licenses are mandatory in Marin County, helping keep pets and our community safe.
The big picture: Marin County licensing tags are assigned a unique code that links to a pet’s secure online profile. This makes it easy for anyone who finds a lost pet to create a Found Pet Report in seconds.
Details:
- Residents can visit marinhumane.org/dog-licensing to buy a new license or renew an existing one.
- Discounts are available for owners whose pets are spayed or neutered, senior (62+), or disabled.
Discover Emerging Artists at Falkirk Cultural Center
Check out some of the upcoming artists hard at work at the Falkirk Cultural Center from September 13 – October 25.
Why it matters: This exhibit showcases diverse local talent, providing a platform for artists to display their work and engage with the community.
Details: The exhibit will feature:
- Cindy Ostroff & Susan Tureck with “Double Vision”
- 7+1 Art Collective presenting “What Now?”
Sniff Art Collective showcasing “Castelet”
United Against Hate Week
Damien Oyobio, a member of the City’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) committee, shared a heartfelt response to the United Against Hate Week proclamation, which resonated deeply at the City Council meeting on September 16, 2024.
What’s next: Read Damien’s full response on the United Against Hate website for more insights.
Upcoming Events in San Rafael
Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:
- October 3rd-13th, 2024: Mill Valley Film Festival
Location: Rafael Theater, 1118 Fourth Street - October 9th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Terra Linda Park & Community Center Enhancement Plan Virtual Community Meeting, register online via Zoom
- October 11th, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: 2nd Friday Art Walk
Location: Art Works Downtown, 1325–1337 Fourth Street - October 11th, 5:30 PM – 8:45 PM: Free Movie in the Park – E.T.
Location: Victor Jones Park, 1199 Woodland Ave. - October 21st, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Sea Level Rise Community Meeting #2
Location: Multicultural Center of Marin, 709 5th Ave.