Snapshot in Espanol
Spotlight Photo
The Downtown San Rafael Day of the Dead Car Procession was held last Saturday, October 23rd. Join continued Day of the Dead festivities Saturday, November 6th at our Albert J. Boro Community Center—see our events section for more details!
PHOTO CREDIT: Jim Schutz, San Rafael City Manager
Last Quiz Question
Congrats to Edward Chin for being the first to correctly respond to our mystery photo in the last Snapshot Quiz. The picture was of the steps leading into Gerstle Park. Check out our Recreation division to find out more about our park rentals and book your next event! Congratulations Edward and thanks for reading Snapshot!
Scroll down for this week’s quiz and be the first to answer.
San Rafael City News
United Against Hate Week + Not in Our Town
United Against Hate Week, observed from November 14-21, 2021, is a call for seven days of community action to stop the hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Not in Our Town is a movement, in collaboration with United Against Hate Week, in response to hateful expressions being demonstrated in our communities. Join us Monday evening when we recognize United Against Hate and the Not in Our Town movement.
Fair Housing in Marin
The County of Marin’s Restrictive Covenant Project aims to inform and educate residents of the history and significance of government policies and programs that were intentionally discriminatory and helped create segregated communities in Marin County. The use of racially restrictive covenants prohibited the purchase, lease, or occupation of a piece of property to a particular group of people, primarily Black and African Americans. And while those covenants are illegal and unenforceable today, many continue to remain in property deeds. Through the collaboration of the County of Marin Community Development Agency, the County’s Office of Equity and the Assessor-Recorder’s Office, residents of Marin can certify and affirm that illegal and racially restrictive covenants are unconstitutional and violate current laws and County values. On Monday evening, we’ll present an informational report on ways to increase fair housing in Marin.
Funding Availability for Affordable Housing
On or shortly after November 5, 2021, the City of San Rafael plans to announce a notice of funding availability (NOFA) of two and a half million dollars ($2,500,000) for construction or preservation of affordable rental housing for low-income individuals and families, older adults, special needs, and individuals and families who formerly experienced homelessness. Funding will be awarded through a competitive process. Qualified responses may be awarded in full or in part and funding may be awarded to one or more projects depending on the number of responses received and on how each response addresses the affordable housing goals of the City. Responses will be evaluated and recommendations will be made using the criteria included in the NOFA. Information on the NOFA and the online application will be available at www.sanrafaelhousing.org.
Let’s House San Rafael!
Thursday, November 4th | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Join the meeting
Let’s House San Rafael is a City led effort to engage with our community members who are interested in helping to guide San Rafael housing policies. The Housing Element is part of the San Rafael General Plan and describes the City’s plans to meet housing needs for current and future residents. State law requires all cities and counties in the Bay Area to update housing policies by the end of 2022.
Our first kick-off meeting, next Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., will break down San Rafael’s Housing Element and provide ways for everyone to participate in the process. This is a virtual meeting and an opportunity for the community to share their personal stories about how housing has changed their lives.
Northbound 101 Off-Ramp Partial Weekend Closure
On Saturday evening, October 30th, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be closing the Highway 101 Northbound Central San Rafael off-ramp at 9:00 p.m. until 12: 00 p.m. the following morning. Please plan your routes accordingly, drive with caution and follow all traffic directional signs. Please keep in mind, these dates and times are subject to change and is dependent on weather conditions.
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.
Labor Negotiations Brought Back for Formal Approval
At the October 11th City Council meeting, the City Council received a report on the SEIU Local 1021 Child Care draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines salary and benefit changes for the next three years. On Monday evening, the City Council will receive a final report and proposed MOU for this group for formal approval. SEIU Local 1021 Child Care represents 36.40 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in the Child Care division.
Vaccination Opportunities in Marin County
COVID-19 booster shots for Johnson & Johnson and Moderna are now being offered at all Marin vaccine clinics in addition to Pfizer. A Pfizer (full dose) or Moderna (half dose) booster shot is recommended if you received your second dose at least six months ago, and you are:
- Age 65 or older, OR
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings, OR
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions, OR
- Age 18+ who work or live-in high-risk settings
A Johnson & Johnson booster dose is recommended if you received your first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago, and you are:
- 18 or older
Third doses for immunocompromised residents are also available. There are numerous free COVID-19 vaccination opportunities taking place in Marin County for those who are looking for a booster, third dose, or to complete their initial vaccination series. Advance online appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are allowed. All clinics are available to anyone 12 & older.
Don’t Forget! New MMWD Water Use Limits & Penalties Coming December 1st
Despite all that rain last weekend, we are still in a drought. Marin Water will be introducing new use limits and penalties in December as our county continues to face the challenge of water scarcity and limited resources. These new penalties come following the Board of Directors of the Marin Municipal Water District approval for new penalties for excessive water use for the district’s single-family residential customers in southern and central Marin County.
“Talking Turkey” in San Rafael
While most often seen in our open spaces, you may have also seen turkeys near where you live or walking across just about any street in San Rafael. And even though we are getting close to Thanksgiving, this is NOT about eating turkey but rather becoming more aware about them and keeping an eye out when you are driving or riding your bike in San Rafael. The Friends of China Camp put out “5 Fun Facts About our Wild Gobblers” which is worth checking out. Are they native to Marin County? You will need to read the fun facts to find out!
TALES OF THE CITY—Local City Intern Shines
On Sunday, October 24th, 2021, we saw one of the strongest rainstorms in recorded history to hit Northern California, bringing more than seven inches of rain to San Rafael in 24 hours. The recent storm caused damage and flooding across Marin County and San Rafael, damaging trees and power lines, causing localized flooding and street closures, and keeping first responders busy through Monday and beyond. A big ‘thank you’ to our Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments, and other City staff, who worked tirelessly to keep our community safe during last weekend’s storm—we appreciate you!
Learn about how you can be prepared for the next winter storm, who to call if a tree or power line goes down, and don’t forget to sign up for emergency alerts to stay in know!
AT THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING on October 18th
Due to Assembly Bill 361, the City will continue to hold all public meetings remotely. Members of the community may comment and participate virtually on all agenda items.
At the October 18, 2021 regular City Council Meeting, the Council:
- Approved consent calendar items
- Announced the Recipient of The Richard P. O’Brien and Mary Ferrario O’Brien Citizen of the Year Award 2021
- Heard a special presentation on funding for the Library by Assemblymember Levine
- Heard a special presentation for the Beacon Award by the Institute for Local Government
- Adopted an urgency ordinance regarding accessory dwelling units
- Adopted resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute two contracts for the construction renovation projects of Fire Stations 54 & 55
- Accepted a report and directed staff to return with a formal proposal for the SEIU Local 1021 Child Care Successor Memorandum of Understanding
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
Marin Farmer’s Market
Fleet Week will return to the San Francisco waterfront for 2021, with this year’s air shows taking place from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 8, Saturday, October 9, and Sunday, October 10. Flights of the Blue Angels are scheduled for 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. each day. The Parade of Ships through the Golden Gate will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 8.
33rd Annual Day of the Dead Celebration
Saturday, November 6th | 3:00 p.m.
Albert J. Boro Community Center | 50 Canal Street
The City will be hosting the second part of our 33rd annual Day of the Dead Celebration, in-person! Join us for delicious food, cultural performances and music, art workshops, and more. You won’t want to miss this celebration of Día de Los Muertos at San Rafael’s Albert J. Boro Community center, located at 50 Canal Street.
Dining Under the Lights
Thursday & Friday | 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fourth Street, San Rafael
This is the last week of Dining Under the Lights! Come enjoy live music and good food under twinkling lights draped all the way down Fourth Street, and don’t forget an extra layer or two for later in the evening! Also, if you enjoyed Dining Under the Lights or have thoughts on how it can be improved, the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District wants to know what you think!
Please check with your favorite businesses for hours and if reservations are advised, weather permitting.
TAKE THE SURVEY
Quiz
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