Spotlight Photo
Mother & doe spotted hanging in the grass in front of Falkirk Cultural Center
Photo Credit: Bernadette Sullivan, City Manager’s Office
Last Quiz Question
Congrats Vicki Fernandez! The photo featured in the last Snapshot quiz is of 712 D St., a unique building in downtown San Rafael home to several medical offices. Congratulations, Vicki, and thanks for reading Snapshot! Scroll down to see this edition’s quiz and be the first to answer.
San Rafael City News
Upcoming City Council Meeting – Monday, July 17th
The following items with be considered at the upcoming City Council meeting on July 17th, at 7 pm.
City Council Meeting Schedule
The City Council will take a brief summer recess and will hold its next regular City Council meeting on August 21st.
2023 Affordable Housing Notice of Funding Availability – Funding Recommendations
The City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund provides resources to support the preservation or development of affordable housing for seniors, families, and individuals with special needs, including those who have previously experienced homelessness. The City received three applications in response to the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) which was released on April 10, 2023. The City Council will consider recommendations to fund all three affordable housing projects at its upcoming City Council meeting. The three projects recommended for funding include Canal Alliance, BRIDGE Housing, and Eden Housing. Canal Alliance’s Novato St. rehabilitation project is recommended to receive $200,000. BRIDGE Housing’s project at Nova Albion/Las Gallinas, an acquisition/rehabilitation project, is recommended to receive $1,000,000. Eden Housing’s 3301 Kerner Blvd., an adaptive reuse project, is recommended to receive $250,000. The cumulative funding recommended for these three projects amounts to $1,450,000.
Read the Staff Report Here
West End Block Party 2023 Special Event Permit
The City Council will hold a public hearing to consider a resolution to authorize the City to issue a special event permit, for the West End Block Party 2023. City staff and the event sponsor have worked together to address community concerns and mitigate impacts to the neighbors. Through this collaborative effort, the event sponsor submitted a revised proposal reducing the event dates from 56 to 8 over a three-month period, from July 28th to October 13th. The events are proposed to be held primarily on Friday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm allowing for coordinated timing with Dining Under the Lights event on Fourth Street, minimizing conflicts with school nights, and providing a better balance for the neighborhood. Staff are recommending special event conditions of approval, such as assigned police officers, noise control measures, litter control, restrooms, and a neighborhood complaint process. The revised proposal aims to address the concerns expressed by the community following the same event last summer.
Read the Staff Report Here
San Rafael Police Department AB 481 Annual Report & Ordinance Renewal
The City Council will hear a presentation on the AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report. The California Legislature passed Assembly Bill (AB) 481 in 2021. AB 481 requires a governing body to adopt an ordinance approving a military equipment use policy for the funding, acquisition and use of military equipment by a law enforcement agency, and to renew the ordinance annually. The San Rafael City Council approved its military equipment use policy by ordinance in May 2022. This policy emphasizes transparency, oversight, and accountability as it relates to the use of military equipment that is needed in order to ensure the safety of the community in the event of a significant incident. The City Council will consider the renewal of this ordinance, with no changes to the current policy.
Read the Staff Report Here
Baypoint Lagoons Assessment District
The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to accept the Annual Engineer’s Report for the Baypoint Lagoons Landscaping and Lighting District (Assessment District) for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24. This resolution also authorizes the levy of assessments, ensuring the necessary funds are allocated for the Assessment District’s ongoing maintenance and improvement endeavors. The diligent efforts of the community and, in collaboration with City staff, illustrate the ongoing commitment to working together to preserve the natural beauty and enhance the ecological sustainability of the Baypoint Lagoons.
Read the Staff Report Here
Point San Pedro Median Landscaping Assessment District
The City Council will consider three resolutions associated with the Point San Pedro Median Landscaping Assessment District (Assessment District) at the upcoming City Council meeting. Guided by the Annual Engineer’s Report, these resolutions encompass a suggested increase in the annual assessment for the fiscal year 2023-24. The proposed increase in the assessment is designed to support the Assessment District’s efforts to maintain the beauty and functionality of the twenty-nine median islands along Point San Pedro Road.
Read the Staff Report Here
Other News
Police Accountability and Advisory Committee – Community Input and Opportunity to Apply
The City is seeking the community’s input on topics and areas of focus for the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee (PAAC). The City Council established the Police Advisory & Accountability Committee on June 5th, 2023, and directed City staff to work with the community to co-create the goals and objectives of the committee and to widely promote the opportunity to apply and potentially serve on this committee to residents. The Police Advisory & Accountability Committee was created to cultivate trust between our Police Department and the community, while also improving transparency and accountability. Please visit the City’s Police Accountability & Transparency webpage for additional information on applying and providing feedback about what you think the Police Advisory & Accountability Committee should focus on, by taking a brief survey.
Northgate Mall Redevelopment Project
On July 18, 2023, the City of San Rafael Design Review Board will consider a request for an environmental and design review permit for a comprehensive redevelopment of the existing Northgate Mall (located at 5800 Northgate Drive) into a new mixed-use development with approximately 225,000 square feet of retail space and approximately 1,422 residential units on a 44.76-acre site. The Design Review Board will consider the applicant’s proposal regarding pedestrian and bicycle circulation; overall landscaping plan for the entire project; and the architecture of the proposed new and updated commercial buildings. The Design Review Board meeting will be hybrid in person in the City of San Rafael Council Chambers at 1400 Fifth Avenue and online. The meeting will start at 6:00 pm. If you’d like to sign up for automatic updates, and/or to submit a comment or suggestion go to https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/northgate-town-square-rev/#/updates or you can email northgatemall@cityofsanrafael.org.
Waste Wise Business Spotlight
Magnolia Park Kitchen has been selected as the City’s newest “Waste Wise Business Spotlight”, which recognizes businesses that go above and beyond in reducing waste and promoting recycling. Join us in celebrating Magnolia Park Kitchen, a local gem on Fourth Street in San Rafael, for their outstanding commitment to sustainability and for leading the way in complying with the City’s new reusable foodware ordinance. Magnolia Park Kitchen has made remarkable strides in waste reduction while serving up delectable sandwiches, salads, and scones. As a model of sustainable business practices, they inspire the community to embrace waste reduction and recycling. Read more about Magnolia Park Kitchen’s sustainability initiatives and be inspired to make a difference in your home or business too!
Third Street Improvements
NEXT WEEK July 17 – July 21
- Crews will continue to set new streetlights at Second Street and G Street, and at Second Street and East Street. The work will require a sidewalk closure and pedestrian detours.
- Crews will continue with work to permanently close off the Jessup Street stairway. This work will require a no-parking area along the north curb of Second Street at the retaining wall.
- Crews will reconstruct a San Rafael Sanitation Department manhole on Second Street at East Street. This work will require a lane closure.
IMPACTS:
- For the Lane Shift on Second Street, the posted speed limit is 25 mph. Drivers should be aware of changed conditions and be alert.
- Traffic Controls (temporary signs, message boards, traffic cones, delineators and detour signs) will be put in place to direct motorists through the work area.
- Curb parking spaces will be marked “No Parking.”
The daytime hours of work will be from 6 am to 6 pm, with lane closures from 6 am to 3 pm on Third Street and Second Street westbound. Lane closures will also be in effect from 9 am to 6 pm on Second Street eastbound.
CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERACTIVE MAP
VISIT THE THIRD STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT WEBPAGE
TALES OF THE CITY—San Rafael Police Department Supports Special Olympics in Torch Run
Members of the San Rafael Police Department participated as part of Team Marin in the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics on June 20th. Each year, law enforcement agencies all over Northern California raise funds to run the Special Olympics Torch, known as “The Flame of Hope,” through their communities. This act symbolizes their dedication and commitment to the Special Olympics athletes. For more information on supporting Special Olympics athletes, click here.
LAST COUNCIL MEETING on June 5, 2023
At the June 20th, regular City Council meeting, the Council:
- Held open time for public expression.
- Heard City Manager and Councilmember reports.
- Approved the consent calendar.
- Held a special presentation appreciating Larry Paul, Retired Design Review Board Member.
- Accepted an informational report on the Commercial Linkage Fee Study.
- Approved a resolution establishing an Underground Utility District on Canal Street. Between Medway Road and Spinnaker Point Drive.
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. There will not be a regular City Council meeting on August 7th. The next City Council meeting will be held on August 21st.
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING on July 10, 2023
At the July 10, special meeting, the City Council:
- Approved the consent calendar
- Approved ordinance regulating camping on public property
Events
Public Safety National Night Out
August 1st, 2022, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Wish you knew your neighbors better? Have some new people on your street you haven’t met yet? Neighborhoods throughout San Rafael are being invited to join forces with thousands of other communities nationwide for the “40th Annual National Night Out” crime prevention event.
From 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm on August 1st, residents in neighborhoods throughout San Rafael and across the nation are asked to turn on outside lights and spend the evening with neighbors and San Rafael public safety professionals. Many neighborhoods will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, contests, youth activities, and more. This event also presents an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with key City leaders, including the Police Chief, City Manager, Mayor, and City Councilmembers, right in your neighborhood. This is a night to celebrate neighborhood unity, promote crime prevention awareness, safety, and police-community partnerships – and it is also a lot of fun!
To sign up to host an event please go to https://srpd.org/downloads/national-night-out-2023.pdf. Please include a detailed description of your activities (locations, time, schedule, number of people, activities, etc.).
Coffee with a Cop – Featuring the Specialized Assistance for Everyone (SAFE) Team
July 18th, 9:30 am to 11:30 am, United Market, Third St. at Grand Ave.
Join San Rafael Police Department for “Coffee with a Cop” at United Market. This engaging morning session gives you an opportunity to casually interact with local law enforcement officers, including the dedicated members of the SAFE team. Grab a coffee, ask questions, voice concerns, or simply take the time to chat and get to know members of your police department.
“Touch-A-Truck”
July 28th, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Pickleweed Park/Community Center, 50 Canal St, San Rafael
Join the San Rafale 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 a diverse range of utility and public safety vehicles, including fire trucks, from throughout Marin. And to sweeten the deal, Wicked Slush will be providing frosty slushies and snow cones for kids, making this a perfect blend of fun, education, and refreshment for the whole family.
Terra Linda Pool is Open for Summer
Escape the summer heat and make a splash at Terra Linda Pool in San Rafael! There are numerous programs offered including lap swim, recreation swim, a toddler pool, and even a large water inflatable for endless fun. With comfortable lounge chairs, and a range of swim lessons and classes, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out our pool party rentals for your next special occasion. Join us at Terra Linda Pool and dive into a summer of excitement and relaxation! More information can be found here.
Quiz
Which Italian city shares a Sister City relationship with San Rafael?