Spotlight Photo
Photo Credit: Andrew Restrepo
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San Rafael City News
The City Council will meet on Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Closed Session
The City Council will hold a closed session starting at 5:00 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting (6:00 p.m. *Note new regular start time)
Fire Dispatch Services Agreement
Since 2009, the City has contracted with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for fire and emergency medical service (EMS) dispatch services. MCSO will no longer provide these services as of June of this year. The City is now seeking to contract with the Marin County Fire Department (MCFD) for these dispatch services. If approved, the transition to these dispatch services will take place in July 2024 and is anticipated to enhance emergency response efficiency and foster better coordination among various fire and EMS agencies in the County.
Proclamation Presentation: Honoring Mark Hedeen for 55 Years of Service to the San Rafael Police Department
The City Council will present a proclamation honoring Mark Hedeen’s retirement after an incredible 55 years of service in the San Rafael Police Department. Hedeen’s extensive tenure with the department spans roles including Reserve Police Officer, Open Space Ranger, and Marine Unit Reserve Officer. His leadership and contributions to the operational success of the Police Department’s Marine Unit include earning awards for outstanding service which reflect his dedication to safeguarding San Rafael’s waterways.
Other News
City Administrative Offices Closed for Presidents’ Day
The City’s administrative offices in City Hall, the San Rafael Public Library, and the City’s community centers will be closed on Monday, February 19, in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday. 24-hour operations will remain in effect for the Police and Fire Departments.
Due to the Presidents’ Day Holiday, the next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m.
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
Every five years, the City of San Rafael, along with the County of Marin and ten other local jurisdictions, update their Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). The plan, required by FEMA, outlines mitigation strategies and projects to reduce the impacts of natural hazards, including sea level rise, earthquakes, wildfires, floods and more. You can view an interactive map here, which shows the potential impact of these natural hazards near individual homes, workplaces, and other community resources. You can review the proposed projects for San Rafael and all jurisdictions in Marin. Your feedback is important; you can provide your input by taking this brief five-minute survey.
Apply to the SMART Citizens Oversight Committee
Do you live in Marin or Sonoma County? If so, consider applying for one of three seats on the SMART Citizens Oversight Committee (COC). The COC is a nine-member advisory committee established by the SMART Board of Directors, consisting of residents who collectively represent the diversity of Sonoma and Marin counties. Completed applications and supporting documents are due by Thursday, February 29, 2024. Learn more about this process here.
Marin County ballot drop box now active at Albert J. Boro Community Center
The Albert J. Boro Community Center is accepting Marin County ballots for the upcoming election via the Official Ballot Drop Box located in front of the community center and it will serve as a polling location for the March 5 primary election.
Winter is a great time for wildfire prevention!
Winter is a great time to complete wildfire mitigation projects on your property. Simple actions such as clearing out gutters, removing hazardous vegetation, and installing fire-resistant vent screens can protect your home. Some other great ways to help reduce fire risk for you and your neighbors include hosting a local invasive broom plant pulling event, scheduling a wildfire home evaluation, or organizing with neighbors to take steps towards becoming a nationally recognized Firewise community. Please visit SRFD.org for detailed information about the Firewise Community Program, wildfire home evaluations, and other steps you can take now to help reduce fire risk before fire season is upon us once again.
TALES OF THE CITY- Albert Park Field Is Open
Albert Park Field is now open for the 2024 Season! Despite some weather-related delays, user groups are gearing up for league play as soon as the rain clears. The City’s Parks and Facilities team has been hard at work installing new backstop padding and enhancing safety measures around the cement light fixture area. Recent sod work has also greatly contributed to the field’s readiness. Weed removal along the warning track and infield areas is currently underway to ensure optimal playing conditions.
AT THE LAST CITY COUNCIL MEETING on February 5, 2024
At the February 5 City Council meeting, the City Council:
- Held a closed-session conference with legal counsel.
- Heard City Manager and Councilmember reports.
- Approved the consent calendar.
- Heard a special presentation of a Proclamation Supporting Black History Month.
- Approved an Ordinance Amending the San Rafael Municipal Code in its Entirety to Replace Gender-Specific Language with Gender-Neutral Language.
- Approved a resolution establishing the bylaws for the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee.
- Held open time for public expression.
City Council meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. City Council meetings that fall on a holiday are rescheduled for the following Tuesday.
Events
Police Advisory and Accountability Committee (PAAC) Meeting
Wednesday, February 21, 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 February 21 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 would like 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.
Ride and Drive Clean EV 102: New EV Driver Workshop
Wednesday, February 21, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Online Event
Sponsored by the Transportation Authority of Marin, this online event will provide a deep dive into charging, help you plan an EV road trip, and review available incentives. Click here to register.
Fe-BREW-ary in Downtown San Rafael
Multiple days throughout the month of February
FeBREWary is Downtown San Rafael’s official month-long celebration of local craft beer, featuring beer tastings, tours, tap takeovers, and special limited-edition releases of craft beers at our amazing local breweries, tap rooms, and pubs. Click here for a list of dates and locations.
SMART is your ticket to celebrating FeBREWary. To learn more about SMART fares and schedules during FeBREWary, please click here.
90 and Better Celebration
Sunday, March 10, 2024, San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street. RSVP by February 23, 2024
The Age-Friendly San Rafael Community Partnership is hosting a special celebration honoring our residents who are 90 years old and better! The celebration will be held at the San Rafael Community Center on Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 3:00 p.m-4:30 p.m. If you know someone that is 90 years or better and wants to attend, please RSVP here.
We are looking forward to an afternoon of fun, food, and music and celebrating our 90 years or better residents!
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