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Spotlight Photo
Photo Credit: Bernadette Sullivan, City Manager’s Office
Last Quiz Question
Congrats to James (Jim) Findlay! Who was first to answer our Snapshot quiz. The picture featured in our last Snapshot quiz was of McInnis Park Golf Course in San Rafael. Congratulations Jim, and thanks for reading Snapshot! Scroll down to see this edition’s quiz and be the first to answer.
San Rafael City News
At the next City Council Meeting, Monday, November 6th, 2023
The following items will be considered at the upcoming City Council meeting on Monday, November 6th, at 7:00 p.m.
Proposed Change to City Council Meeting Start Time
The City Council will consider making a change to the start time for regular City Council meetings. The City Council currently meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m. The proposed schedule would change the start time to 6:00 p.m., aligning with many other board, commission, and committee meetings. This change aims to prevent community members from having to stay at City Hall late into the evening to provide public comments, ensuring a more accessible and convenient experience for our residents.
Presentation of Proclamation Supporting United Against Hate Week 2023
United Against Hate Week, observed from November 12th–18th, 2023, is a call for seven days of community action to stop hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities. On Monday, November 6th, the City Council will consider the adoption of a proclamation recognizing United Against Hate Week. During the weeks of November 8th – 22nd, community members will see banners and posters throughout our City reaffirming our commitment to stand against hate.
Presentation of Proclamation Appreciating Mark Machado
The City Council will honor the contributions of Mark Machado, who served on the City of San Rafael’s Park and Recreation Commission, from October 2007 to October 2023. Mark was instrumental in many initiatives including the integration of the Library and Recreation Department, to improvements in City parks such as Victor Jones, Pickleweed, Albert, and more. The entire City extends its heartfelt appreciation to Mark for his sixteen years of service to the community.
Other News
Police Advisory and Accountability Committee (PAAC) Update
Last week, the City Council interviewed and appointed nine members to the newly established Police Advisory and Accountability Committee (PAAC); seven regular members, Paula Kamena, Darlin Ruiz, Daryoush Davidi, Mydung Nguyen, Marilyn Alvarez, Fatai Tokolahi, and Daniel Alm and two alternates Salamah Locks and Karla Valdez. Alternate members will attend all PAAC meetings and will vote in the absence of regular members. The first public meeting of the PAAC is tentatively scheduled for December 20th, where the committee will be sworn in, elect a Chair and Vice-Chair, and begin the process of developing bylaws.
Marin County Participatory Budgeting
The County of Marin is empowering community members countywide with a new initiative called Participatory Budgeting (PB), allocating $2.5 million for public projects. Through this new program, community members propose ideas, develop them into grant proposals, and then vote on which projects get funded, with grants ranging between $10,000 and $250,000. Several project submissions came from San Rafael residents and community-based organizations to bring projects to our community. The County of Marin selected a group of residents and community leaders to work with the County Office of Equity to review the proposals and recommend which have been put forward on the ballot for voting.
Voting for Participatory Budgeting is now live. You can view all project details in the Voter Guide. Both online and in-person voting options are available to community members. The County of Marin has planned an event at Bahia Vista School on Saturday, November 4th, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Scroll down to the Events section for additional details. You can learn more about the Marin County Participatory Budgeting Project here.
San Rafael Awarded #4 Spot in SMU Data Arts’ Top 40 Arts-Vibrant Communities of 2023
We are excited to announce that San Rafael was ranked #4 among medium-sized communities nationwide in the Top 40 Arts-Vibrant Communities of 2023! SMU Data Arts presents the 2023 Arts Vibrancy Index, which recognizes and celebrates the most arts-vibrant communities across the United States. With such recognition, it is evident that San Rafael not only represents the artistic heartbeat of Marin but is also emerging as a pivotal arts hub in the western United States. Click this link for more information. https://culturaldata.org/arts-vibrancy-2023/executive-summary/
Marin County Requests Input on Sea Level Rise Adaptation Project
The County of Marin is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to make recommendations on its structural and governance approach to sea level rise adaptation and resilience planning and project delivery. This effort will result in a set of recommendations to help inform the answer to two key questions:
1) How can Marin County best work with its residents, cities, towns, State and Federal agencies in advancing solutions to sea level rise?
2) How can the County organize County staff and resources to effectively and efficiently prepare for sea level rise and deliver future adaptation projects?
Read the Request for Proposals here.
Winter Gas Safety Tips from PG&E
As winter sets in, PG&E is working to educate community members on gas safety. Recognizing the increased reliance on heating during the colder months, the company is sharing essential tips to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. PG&E urges everyone to stay informed and practice these guidelines to prevent accidents and maintain a warm, safe environment throughout the season.
Here are some things you can do:
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to warn when concentration levels are high.
- All California single-family homes are required to have carbon monoxide detectors.
- Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor, near sleeping areas and common areas.
- These devices should be tested twice a year, and batteries replaced if necessary.
- Check the expiration date – most carbon monoxide detectors have a shelf life of five to seven years.
- Never use products inside the home that generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, such as generators, outdoor grills, or propane heaters.
- Never use cooking devices such as ovens or stoves for home heating purposes.
- When using the fireplace to stay warm, make sure the flue is open so venting can occur safely through the chimney.
- Make sure water heaters and other natural gas appliances have proper ventilation.
- Click here for more winter heating safety and savings tips.
Additional Resources:
Visit: EPA Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
Third Street Improvements
THIS WEEK: October 30 – November 3
- Construction crews have completed the paving restoration on Second Street and Third Street.
- Crews have been “cat tracking” the location and alignment of the new lane striping on Second Street and Third Street.
- Crews reset manhole covers to the new asphalt surface on Second Street and Third Street, between Lincoln Avenue and E Street.
- Crews worked on the new traffic signals at Second Street and East Street and at Third Street and Brooks Street.
NEXT WEEK: November 6 – November 10
- Nightwork from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Please move vehicles out of the overnight closures to avoid being towed.
- Crews will apply new traffic striping and markers on Third Street from Union Street to Shaver Street and on Second Street from Shaver Street to Fourth Street. This work will be performed at night beginning Sunday (11/5) at 8:00 p.m. through Thursday (11/9) at 6:00 a.m.
- Crews will continue to reset manhole frames and covers on Second Street and Third Street. Localized lane closures will be set up at the manhole locations.
- Crews will energize the pedestrian safety streetlights on Second Street between West Street and Miramar Avenue.
IMPACTS:
- Traffic Controls (temporary signs, message boards, traffic cones, delineators, and detour signs) will be put in place to direct motorists through the work area.
- Street parking spaces will be marked “No Parking.” Please move your vehicles overnight.
The daytime hours of work will be from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with lane closures from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Third Street and Second Street westbound. Lane closures will also be in effect from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Second Street eastbound.
TALES OF THE CITY- THIRD STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT
The Department of Public Works is excited to announce the successful completion of the paving phase of the Third Street Rehabilitation Project. The coming weeks will see the addition of lane markings, tree planting, and landscaping, aiming for a final project wrap-up in November.
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At the October 16th special City Council meeting, the City Council:
- Interviewed candidates for several of the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees, including the Fire Commission, Park & Recreation Commission, and the Pickleweed Advisory Committee.
- Held a closed session meeting.
At the October 23rd special City Council meeting, the City Council:
- Conducted the final interviews for the Police Advisory Accountability Committee.
City Council meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month. City Council meetings that fall on a holiday are rescheduled for the following Tuesday.
Events
San Rafael Goldenaires Celebrating Seniors Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, November 4th, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street
Join the San Rafael Goldenaires for a special “Holiday Craft Fair.” At this event, visitors will find a diverse collection of watercolor paintings, exquisite jewelry, photography, apparel, and more. For more details, contact 415-485-3348 or srgoldenaires@gmail.com.
Participatory Budgeting In-Person Voting
Saturday, November 4th, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Bahia Vista Elementary School, Multipurpose Room, 125 Bahia Way, San Rafael
Your Community, Your Voice! The County of Marin is making $2.5 million available, and you are invited to vote on which projects receive funding. Voting is open to anyone 14+ who lives, works or attends school in Marin County regardless of immigration status. If you have questions or require an accommodation to participate, please call (415) 473-3149, Dial 711 for CA Relay, or email equity@marincounty.org. View the event flyer here.
Día de los Muertos
Saturday, November 4th, 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Al Boro Community Center
Join us for San Rafael’s 35th annual Día de los Muertos celebration! Local artists and community members will create ofrendas (altars) to honor the spirits and lives of relatives and important historical figures that have passed away. These altars are open to the public and will be displayed from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
This free-to-attend celebration also includes art workshops for children, live music, cultural performances, a walking procession through the Canal neighborhood, and traditional food favorites available for purchase.
For more information on the event, visit https://dayofthedeadsr.org/
Veterans Day Open House & Community Breakfast
Wednesday, November 8th, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., The Key Room, 1385 N. Hamilton Parkway, Novato, CA 94949
Homeward Bound of Marin invites you to share a light breakfast with veterans and other guests at their Veterans’ Day breakfast event at the New Beginnings Center. Guests will have a chance to join a hard-hat tour of the building’s construction, an opportunity to be among the first to see this new veteran’s community before the grand opening next year. Please RSVP by Monday, November 6th.
Better Together with Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative (MEHC) – Annual Party and Fundraiser
Wednesday, November 15th, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Avenue, San Rafael
Join the Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative (MEHC) at their annual party and fundraiser to celebrate their accomplishments over the last year. Updates will be provided on Binford Road, the Marin County Housing Element, and Marin County programs to increase the production of affordable housing, preserve existing affordable housing, and protect vulnerable tenants. MEHC hopes to see you there! For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here.
Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life
Wednesday, November 15th, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Lark Theater, 549 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, CA 94939
Join Marin County’s United Against Hate Week event and screening of Patrice O’Neil’s film Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life at the Lark Theater on November 15th. Doors open at 5:30, the film starts at 6:30 and is followed by a Q&A panel. Click here to watch the trailer and get more information on the film.
Quiz
Where in San Rafael was this photo taken, and what is it of?
Be the first to respond!