Congratulations to the Terra Linda Ceramic Artists and Nadia Tarzi Saccardi for being awarded Best in Marin’s Best Art Educator. Nadia has developed a successful ceramics program for youth, teens and adults at the Terra Linda Recreation Center. This summer she even recruited a couple of her Teen Clay students as volunteers so she could accommodate more children in the class. Sign up for a class today!
Photo Credit: Debbie Younkin, Senior Recreation Supervisor
Last Quiz Question
Congrats to Angela Errigo for being the first to correctly respond to our mystery photo in the last Snapshot Quiz. The photo featured was of the plaque that is located at the entrance of China Camp Village. China Camp offers picnic areas, camping, bike trails and hikes that include ADA accessible trails! Congratulations Angela and thanks for reading Snapshot!
Scroll down for this week’s quiz and be the first to answer.
San Rafael City News
Social Justice Community Art Group Proposes Art for Arbor Park
The San Rafael Social Justice Community Art Group, in partnership with Youth in Arts, is proposing a social justice art mural at Arbor Park in Terra Linda. The group, working with lead artist Orin Carpenter, selected and mentored 10 local youth artists to develop and co-create the mural. The mural has gone through a few drafts and has been presented at numerous public meetings to receive feedback and input from the community. On Monday evening, the artists will present the final mural design to the City Council for consideration and approval of its installation at Arbor Park.
PG&E’s Community Wildfire Safety Program
Tune in on Monday evening for a presentation from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) on their Community Wildfire Safety Program. The presentation will include an update on their active wildfire mitigation projects and highlight how PG&E prioritizes wildfire prevention efforts in San Rafael. Learn more about PG&E’s Wildfire Safety Program.
Is Your Household Prepared?
The last few years have been a reminder that emergencies and disasters can occur at any moment. National Preparedness Month recognizes the importance of preparing for the unpredictable, like floods, power outages, and wildfires. The most important step you can take in helping your local responders is being able to take care of yourself and those in your care; the more people who are prepared, the quicker the community will recover. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Make a communication plan for your household and practice it together.
- Build a kit, including a flashlight, first aid kit, manual can opener, sanitation supplies, cash in small denominations, and water and food for at least 3-5 days.
- Don’t forget about your pet!
Visit San Rafael Fire’s webpage for more tips on disaster preparedness.
Council Set to Review Updated Housing Element Report
A Housing Element provides an analysis of a community’s housing needs for all income levels and provides strategies to respond to provide for those housing needs. The Housing Element is one of eight State-required components of every city’s General Plan. Unlike the other elements, the Housing Element must be updated on an eight-year schedule and be approved by the State’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Although San Rafael’s General Plan 2040 was adopted on August 2, 2021, it excluded this Element since it is prepared according to a timeline set by the State of California. On Monday evening, we’ll present the City Council with an informational report on the 2023-2031 Housing Element, regional housing needs, and a timeline for completion.
Background Checks Prior to City Employment
Many organizations, including San Rafael, practice an administrative policy of running background checks on every applicant who accepts employment with the City. Recently, the federal government altered its requirements for who can access the national criminal database and view information retrieved through background checks. On Monday evening, the City Council will review an ordinance and resolution to continue authorization of background checks prior to City employment and licensing.
Masks Required in Indoor Settings
On August 2nd, Bay Area health officers issued new health orders requiring mask wearing in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. The new guidance is in response to the more contagious Delta variant, which now accounts for over 80% of cases in California.
Vaccinations are the best tool we have for controlling the virus. If you haven’t already been vaccinated, you can protect yourself and your community by taking advantage of one of the many free vaccination options in Marin. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, testing is available at pharmacies, through health care providers, dedicated test sites, and via FDA-approved home testing kits.
Service Support Area Connects Unhoused Individuals with Service Providers and a Path to Getting Housed
At the beginning of July we launched a Service Support Area (SSA) in collaboration with the County of Marin, CalTrans, and partner service organizations, to provide services and support for pathways to housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. We’ve seen positive results over the last month as a result of our efforts; eight individuals have been placed into housing, including moves to Project Roomkey hotel rooms, the Homeward Bound-run emergency shelter (which will ultimately inclue 44 new permanent supportive housing units), and through the housing voucher process.
Masks Required in Indoor Settings
On August 2nd, Bay Area health officers issued new health orders requiring mask wearing in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. The new guidance is in response to the more contagious Delta variant, which now accounts for over 80% of cases in California.
Vaccinations are the best tool we have for controlling the virus. If you haven’t already been vaccinated, you can protect yourself and your community by taking advantage of one of the many free vaccination options in Marin. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, testing is available at pharmacies, through health care providers, dedicated test sites, and via FDA-approved home testing kits.
101 NB Central San Rafael Off-Ramp Bridge Replacement Nighttime Closure—Tomorrow, August 13th
On Friday, August 13th, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be closing the Highway 101 Northbound Central San Rafael off-ramp at 9:00PM until 9:00AM the following morning. Caltrans is planning on returning the off-ramp to regular operation by 9:00AM Saturday, August 14. Please plan your routes accordingly, drive with caution and follow all traffic directional signs.
For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org. For real-time traffic, visit the Caltrans QuickMap. For questions and inquiries, please contact Caltrans Brach Chief, RocQuel Johnson at caltrans_d4@dot.ca.gov or (510) 501-0446.
101 NB Central San Rafael Off-Ramp Bridge Replacement Nighttime Closure—Tomorrow, August 13th
On Friday, August 13th, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be closing the Highway 101 Northbound Central San Rafael off-ramp at 9:00PM until 9:00AM the following morning. Caltrans is planning on returning the off-ramp to regular operation by 9:00AM Saturday, August 14. Please plan your routes accordingly, drive with caution and follow all traffic directional signs.
For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org. For real-time traffic, visit the Caltrans QuickMap. For questions and inquiries, please contact Caltrans Brach Chief, RocQuel Johnson at caltrans_d4@dot.ca.gov or (510) 501-0446.
Do You Enjoy Marin’s Parks and Open Spaces?
The Parks Measure A quarter-cent sales tax supports parks, open space, and agricultural lands across Marin. San Rafael uses Measure A funds for a range of services including open space rangers, goat grazing for wildfire mitigation, and park improvements.
Marin County Parks has launched a 2021 Community Survey to learn about Marin residents and visitors’ top priorities. This survey is completely anonymous. You can take it in English or Spanish, and it will only take about 10 minutes to complete. The questions cover three main categories:
- How well do you know your parks and preserves?
- How should Parks budget dollars be spent?
- What other thoughts and suggestions would you like to share?
Never Miss Garbage Pick-up Day Again!
Marin Sanitary Service has launched a new calendar tool and upgraded mobile app to make it even easier for residents to stay informed about waste and recycling collection programs. Through Marin Sanitary’s website and their updated mobile app you can:
- Sign up for waste collection reminders by email, phone call, or text message.
- Download your collection schedule into your iCal, Google calendar or Microsoft Outlook calendar.
- Print your collection schedule.
- Receive notifications about any service disruptions (i.e. road closures, holidays, etc.).
If you don’t have an Apple or Android smartphone, you can visit their website and search your home address in the My Schedule tool.
TALES OF THE CITY—Regional Lifeguard Training in Terra Linda
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and our public safety members while bringing back a true sense of community. We were thrilled to see so many people from the community come out to meet and chat with members from our City Council, Police, and Fire Departments in celebration of National Night Out. Thank you for joining us for a great evening out!
OVERVIEW OF LAST COUNCIL MEETING on August 2nd
Due to Executive Order N-29-20, we no longer offer an in-person meeting location for the community to attend public meetings. In an effort to provide remote community participation for our City Council meetings, we are piloting real-time virtual public comment on agenda items.
At the August 2, 2021 regular City Council Meeting, the Council:
- Approved consent calendar items
- Approved a resolution for temporary street closure to support vaccination efforts in the Canal neighborhood
- Adopted resolution for findings of fact and a statement of overriding consideration for General Plan 2040 and the Downtown Precise Plan
- Approved amendments to the San Rafael Municipal Code regarding Parks and Recreation, parades, assemblies, expressive activity and other activity on public property.
- Adopted resolution for the mitigated negative declaration and associated mitigation monitoring and reporting program for the Spinnaker Point Drive Parking Modification Project
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
Hands Only CPR + “Stop the Bleeding” Training
Saturday, August 14th | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hands-Only CPR can help gain precious time for a person experiencing a cardiac event, but knowing First Aid, CPR and how to use an AED will enable you to provide life-saving care in a range of emergencies. The Marin County Emergency Medical Services Agency will be hosting free trainings this weekend for hands-only CPR as well as learning to “stop the bleeding” in a life-threatening event. The power is in your hands.
Coronavirus Town Hall on the Delta Variant
Wednesday, August 18th | 6:30 p.m.
The Delta Variant is more infectious than what was previously experienced during the pandemic and it’s causing a major surge in hospitalizations in Northern California, mostly among the unvaccinated. Join Senator Mike McGuire’s Coronavirus Town Hall on the Delta Variant, the latest surge and what to expect in the weeks to come.
Community Equity Speaker Series Continues with Focus on Transformative Change
Tuesday, August 24th | 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
John A. Powell is the Director of the Othering & Belonging Institute, a UC Berkeley research institute that brings together scholars, organizers, communicators, and policymakers to identify and eliminate the barriers to an inclusive, just, and sustainable society and to create transformative change toward a more equitable nation. Register online!
Powered & Prepared
Learn about emergency resources and training for people with disabilities in Marin at this free webinar presented by FIRESafe Marin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31. Eli Geradin, Executive Director of Marin Center for Independent Living, will be available to answer your preparedness questions and walk us through emergency plans that take into consideration different needs and abilities. He will provide checklists and highlight a network of resources that can help. Featured guests Hattie Cook and Mary Davis will share their personal stories of emergency preparation and the power of community.
Join on Facebook live stream, via Zoom, or by telephone: 1-669-900-9128
Webinar ID: 873 8241 5962
Movies will begin 15 minutes after sunset.
REMINDER: Movies in the Park
Starting next week, we will begin streaming movies in the park throughout the month of August. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic/snacks and flashlights!
- August 6th | Albert J. Boro Community Center | Lion King (In Spanish w/ subtitles)
- August 13th | Terra Linda Park | Finding Dory
- August 20th | Victor Jones Park | Moana
- August 27th | Gerstle Park | How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Movies will begin 15 minutes after sunset.
Downtown Events All Summer Long
San Rafael Summer Market Every Thursday
Every Thursday | 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Need to get outdoors, stroll amongst friendly vendors, and sample delicious foods? Then this farmer’s market is calling your name. Chat with local farmers while shopping for fresh produce and talk with the ingenious artists who display their beautiful work. Thirsty? Treat yourself to a beverage or a bite from one of the many participating restaurants through Dining under the Lights.
Dine Under the Lights Every Thursday & Friday
Every Thursday & Friday | 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Have you had a chance to visit Dining Under the Lights? Fourth Street is closed to vehicle traffic from Lincoln to the West End. Drink and dine alfresco style under twinkling lights draped all the way down Fourth Street every Thursday and Friday night. The scenery makes for a great photo-op—don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @sanrafaelawesome!
Please check with your favorite businesses for hours and if reservations are advised.
QUIZ
Where is this and what is it of? Answer before anyone else!
