Upcoming City Council Meeting
Special and Regular City Council meetings are scheduled for this Monday, October 21.
Why it matters: These meetings will address key decisions impacting community development and services, providing community members with an opportunity to stay informed and engaged.
Details:
- Special Meeting at 4:00 PM. Location: Third Floor Conference Room
- Agenda: Interviews for Planning Commission and announcement of Closed Session items.
- Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM: Location: Council Chambers
- Agenda: City Manager and Councilmember reports, consent calendar items including legal services agreements, a public hearing on a historical designation an other agenda item on Marin Transit potential land use, and a special presentation from Marin MOCA on their relocation to San Rafael and upcoming events.
View the full meeting agenda and read staff reports.
🌍 Shape Marin’s future HUD funding
The County of Marin is developing the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to prioritize over $2 million annually from HUD, including CDBG dollars.
Why it matters: Community input will shape funding priorities for housing and community development needs over the next five years, impacting local services and infrastructure.
Details: Participants can share their input by taking a brief survey, available in Spanish and Vietnamese, until October 31, 2024.
What’s next: More information is available for those interested in how these funds will be allocated and how to engage further in the planning process.
🌟 Join Marin’s Priority Setting Committee
The Marin County Community Development Agency is seeking applications for the Countywide Priority Setting Committee.
Why it matters: This committee plays a crucial role in guiding the allocation of federal and state funds for affordable housing, community infrastructure, and public services in Marin County.
Details: There are two open committee seats for San Rafael residents.
- Members will help establish funding priorities and review applications from local nonprofit and public agencies.
- The term is 1 year, with meetings four evenings a year.
Call to action: Applications are due by November 4th.
🏞 Pickleweed Park Project Milestone
The groundbreaking for the Pickleweed Park Enhancement Project was held on September 27th, 2024.
Why it matters: This project fulfills years of community requests for all-weather turf fields, enhancing recreational opportunities for residents.
Learn more: For additional details on the Pickleweed Park Enhancement Project, click the button below.
🎨 New mural celebrates community heritage
A new mural is underway at the Al Boro Community Center, celebrating community and heritage.
Why it matters: This mural, initiated by The Canal Arts, symbolizes community spirit and cultural heritage, involving local residents and leaders in its creation.
Event highlights: On September 30th, Mayor Kate, Councilmember Llorens-Gulati, and representatives from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria attended the launch. Completion is expected by early November 2024.
What’s next: Community members are encouraged to visit and view the progress of this vibrant addition to the Al Boro Community Center.
🚸 B Street intersection safety boost
The striping of the B Street intersection was completed on September 25, 2024, enhancing safety measures for the community.
Why it matters: The new yellow ladder crosswalks and dashed line help draw drivers’ attention, improving pedestrian safety and regulating traffic flow.
Details: City staff gathered traffic observations and consulted with contractors and local businesses before implementing these changes.
What’s next: Further improvements to the intersection are being considered by City staff.
Memorial Bench Program Begins!
The first new benches as part of the Memorial Bench Program were recently installed at Peacock Gap Park.
Why it matters: This program uses donations to replace aging infrastructure with new benches that have plaques inlaid with memorial information, enhancing our community spaces while honoring local residents. Donations from participants fund the replacement of aging benches.
Get Involved: Want to participate? Visit:
Canal Alliance Launch Party
Join Canal Alliance on Saturday, October 19th, for their Launch Party at the new Canal Alliance headquarters at 711 Grand Ave.
Why it matters: This event is a great opportunity to meet community members, enjoy food, art, music, and participate in raffles, all while exploring the new Canal Alliance offices.
Details: Shuttles will be available every 20 minutes from 91 Larkspur and Pickleweed Park to bring attendees to the event location.
What’s next: Mark your calendar for a fun-filled afternoon and help us celebrate this exciting launch!
Northgate Mall redevelopment hearing scheduled
San Rafael Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on October 29, 2024, to discuss the redevelopment of Northgate Mall.
Why it matters: This major project includes transforming the existing mall into a mixed-use development with commercial spaces and 1,422 residential units, affecting community growth and urban planning.
Details:
- Date/Time: October 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM
- Location: City Council Chambers, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael
- Agenda: Consideration of the Final Environmental Impact Report and project approval requests, including rezoning and permitting.
Public Participation: Community members can attend the hearing, email comments to AprilT@cityofsanrafael.org, or visit the project website for more information.
🎉 Celebrate Día de los Muertos downtown
Celebrate San Rafael’s 36th Annual Día de los Muertos by joining the car procession/cruise through downtown on Saturday, October 19th at 3:00 pm.
Why it matters: This procession allows the community to view decorated cars and altars in downtown business windows, extending the traditional celebration.
Event details: The car procession starts and ends at the Marin Clean Energy parking lot, cruising down Fifth Avenue and through downtown. Afterward, enjoy music, food, and entertainment at the Multicultural Center of Marin.
Get involved: If interested in participating, email steve.mason@cityofsanrafael.org.
🌿 Marin Green Home Tour
The Marin Green Home Tour is an opportunity to showcase sustainable living and engage the community in green practices.
Why it matters: This event benefits both homeowners and renters by promoting sustainable practices and fostering community involvement.
Call to action: Sponsors and partners are encouraged to use the promotional toolkit to maximize event registration and awareness.
What’s next: Learn more about the event by clicking the button below.
🎉Treat Walk in San Rafael
Join us for the first-ever Treat Walk at the San Rafael Community Center on Friday, October 25.
Join the fun: Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of community spirit and celebration.
- This free event offers a fun opportunity for community members to enjoy treats, games, and festivities.
- Don’t forget to wear your costume!
- We will have treats, pumpkin decorating, face painting & games.
Event details:
- Location: San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street
- Time: October 25, 4 PM – 6 PM
Contact: Call 415-485-3333 or email recreation@cityofsanrafael.org for questions.
Upcoming Events in San Rafael
Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:
- October 21st, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Sea Level Rise Community Meeting #2, Location: Multicultural Center of Marin, 709 Fifth Avenue
- October 23rd, 11:00 AM – 1:15 PM: San Rafael Chamber, Women of Industry Awards 2024, Location: Bill & Adele Jonas Center, College of Marin IVC Campus, 1800 Ignacio Blvd. Bldg. 19, Novato
- October 24th, 4:00 PM-5:30 PM: Climate Action Forum October 2024, Location: City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue
- November 2nd, 3:00 PM-9:00 PM: 36th Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration, Location: Albert J. Boro Community Center, 50 Canal Street