Congrats to Susie Becker! The field featured in the last Snapshot Quiz is home to the Bulldogs! Thanks for reading Snapshot. Scroll down to see this edition’s quiz and be the first to answer.
SPOTLIGHT PHOTO
AC Marriott Rooftop – Photo Credit: Cristine Alilovich, City Manager
San Rafael NEWS
The City Council will meet on Monday, May 20, 2024.
City Council Closed Session- 4:00 p.m.
The City Council will hold a closed session starting at 4:00 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting – 6:00 p.m.
City Council Goals and Objectives Annual Update and Introduction of Infrastructure and Transportation Workplan
Staff will present an update of the City Council Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 Goals and Objectives and introduce an Infrastructure and Transportation Workplan. Staff has made significant progress towards accomplishing these objectives, the status of which are included in this report. In addition, the Public Works Department developed a comprehensive work plan that identifies clear objectives, defines actionable tasks, outlines project phases, and establishes realistic timelines for the many programs, projects, and services the City provides.
Labor Agreements for Police & Fire
Over the past several months, City representatives met with the San Rafael Police Association (SRPA) and the San Rafael Firefighters’ Association (SRFA) to negotiate in good faith new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). These agreements outline salary, benefits, and employment terms for the next three years. At Monday’s meeting, the City Council will consider adopting the MOUs for both the SRPA and SRFA employee groups. If approved, these MOUs will be effective from June 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.
Green Building Reach Codes
The State of California updates its building and construction codes every three years, with the latest changes taking effect on January 1, 2023. Local jurisdictions, like San Rafael, can further amend these codes to address local climate, geological, or topographical conditions. In November 2022, the City Council adopted the updated State Building Code with some minor changes. The City Council also introduced stricter local Green Building “Reach Codes” in December 2022, which instituted enhanced electric vehicle charging requirements for new construction and a ban on natural gas in new residential development.
Due to a recent court decision, staff is now recommending the City Council repeal those code provisions precluding the use of gas in new residential development and precluding gas line extensions and expansions in existing residential properties. In light of this, staff is proposing a new “FlexPath” program which will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from renovation projects (greater than 500 sf.) by requiring certain energy-saving measures. This approach aims to cut emissions by 10-22% and includes flexible options to help homeowners meet the new standards.
Other News
City Administrative Offices Closed for Memorial 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, May 27, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. 24-hour operations will remain in effect for the Police and Fire Departments.
Transportation Authority of Marin -Transportation Plan Survey
The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) is developing a new Countywide Transportation Plan to reimagine how we travel around Marin County. Share your thoughts, feedback, and priorities by taking a quick 5-minute survey. The survey will remain open until May 31st.
Save Energy by Signing Up For Rising Sun’s No-Cost Green House Call
Want to empower local youth while also receiving no-cost items for your home to save money, energy, and water? San Rafael is partnering with local nonprofit, Rising Sun Center for Opportunity, to offer energy and water efficiency services through the Green House Call program. The Green House Call program includes an energy and water assessment of your home, the installation of LED light bulbs, efficient showerheads and more to help you lower your utility bills. The entire service comes to you at no cost! Sign up today.
For more information, click here.
TALES OF THE CITY- May Madness- Best Parked Car Trophy
During the annual “May Madness” event in San Rafael, Parking Enforcement Officers Kate Johnson and Katie Daniels selected and gave out the “Best-Parked Car” award, which went to the bus featured in the picture above, for parking in the designated bus zone!
LAST CITY COUNCIL MEETING on May 6, 2024
At the Regular City Council meeting, the City Council:
- Heard City Manager and Councilmember reports.
- Approved the consent calendar.
- Heard a special presentation of a proclamation supporting Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Approved an ordinance Regulating Camping on Public Property.
- Adopted a resolution recommending Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project funding for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 to the Marin County Board of Supervisors.
- Held open time for public expression.
City Council meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. Meetings that fall on a holiday are rescheduled for the following Tuesday.
EVENTS
San Rafael Summer Farmers Market
Thursdays, May 16 – August 24, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Downtown San Rafael, Fourth Street, Between A and Lootens Street
San Rafael’s summer farmers market is making its return in 2024, showcasing a vibrant blend of both new and familiar farmers and vendors. Attendees can look forward to a wide range of farm-fresh produce, honey, wine, baked goods, flowers, cured meats, jams, and pastas. Additionally, the market offers handmade crafts from Bay Area crafters, artists, and various street-style foods that feature global flavors, including Yucatan, Salvadorian, Spanish, Southern, and Mexican cuisines. The market accepts CalFresh/EBT payments and provides up to $10 in Market Match to purchase fruits and vegetables.
Community Action Marin’s Annual “Step Up Marin!” Event
Friday, May 17, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Las Palmas Center, 531 Hamilton Pkwy, Novato, CA 94949
The annual “Step Up Marin!” event celebrates Community Action Marin’s shared vision of equity for all, recognizes the achievements of those served by the agency, and provides a welcoming space for members of the community to advance the mission of well-being for all who call Marin home. A highlight of the event is the Community Courage Award, which honors individuals who have committed themselves to being a leader and using the agency’s services to achieve greater life success. Tickets to Step Up Marin! are available for purchase here.
Hands-on Public Works Fair
Saturday May 18, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Marin County Fairgrounds, 10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael
The Marin County Department of Public Works will host a Hands-on Public Works Fair. The family-friendly event is totally FREE and in celebration of the 64th annual National Public Works Week. The event will feature presentations from civil engineers and environmental scientists, covering a variety of topics from sea level rise planning to recycling. For the nuts & bolts side of the equation, there will be demonstrations from staff on road construction, traffic systems, emergency services, and much more!
More details can be found in the recent news release.
Eco-Friendly Garden Tour
Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Various locations
The Eco-Friendly Garden Tour is a public outreach and education program that promotes sustainable landscaping practices by showcasing inspiring gardens throughout Sonoma and Marin counties. You can find all of the locations on a map at this website.
Eco-Friendly Garden Tour 2024 – Sonoma- Marin Saving Water PartnershipThe Tour highlights Russian River-Friendly and Bay-Friendly landscaping best practices and supports Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper certified professionals by featuring their personal or client’s gardens. The tour is self-guided and free to attend. Registration is required.
Youth in Arts – C Street Celebration
Monday, May 20, 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., C Street (Between Third and Fourth Streets)
Join the Youth in Arts “C Street Celebration” on May 20 in Downtown San Rafael. This free festival features student performances, art workshops, chalk painting, local food and drink, an a cappella concert, and more! Click here to learn more.
Police Advisory and Accountability Committee (PAAC) Meeting
Wednesday, May 22, 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 May 22 at 6:00 p.m. Community members can participate and provide public comment in person at the City Hall Council Chambers, or the meeting can be viewed 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.
San Rafael Pacifics Baseball Home Opener
Thursday, May 23, 6:00 p.m., Albert Park, 100 Albert Park Ln. San Rafael
Baseball season is back in San Rafael! Join the San Rafael Pacifics as they take on the Marysville Drakes in their season home opener! Gather your friends, wear your Pacifics gear, and get ready to cheer on your team. Don’t miss the ceremonial first pitch thrown by our very own Mayor Kate. To view the full schedule for the year, click here.
US 101/I-580 Multi-Modal and Local Access Improvement Project Workshop
Wednesday, May 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Marin Health and Wellness Connection Center, 3240 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, CA
The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) is holding a workshop aimed at identifying community needs and solutions for Bellam Boulevard and the US 101/I-580 Multi-Modal and Local Access Improvement Project. Your insights and participation will be crucial in shaping the future of the Bellam Boulevard corridor. For more detailed information and updates, visit the project page at TAM.ca.gov. A Spanish-language workshop is planned for June 2024.
QUIZ:
Name this community recreation facility!
