Spotlight Photo
Movies in the Park ~ Pickleweed
Photo Credit: Walter Gonzalez, City Manager’s Office
Last Quiz Question
Congratulations to Katie Nance! San Rafael High first welcomed students in 1888, starting with a one-room class on the upper floor of the B Street School, located at Fourth and Shaver Streets in San Rafael. Thanks for reading Snapshot! Scroll down to take this edition’s quiz and be the first to answer.
San Rafael City News
The City Council will meet on Monday September 16, 2024
Closed Session – 5:00 p.m.
The City Council will hold a closed session starting at 5:00 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting – 6:00 p.m.
Special Presentation supporting United Against Hate Week
United Against Hate Week, observed from September 21-27, 2024, 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. On Monday, September 16th, the City Council will hear a special presentation of a United Against Hate Week proclamation that kicks off a week of activities across the City. More information on United Against Hate Week activities and posters can be found HERE.
Special Presentation for Youth Public Art Exhibit
At the City Council meeting, there will be a special presentation on the new art exhibit currently featured in the City Hall lobby, Our Resilient Community. This youth art project showcases the collaborative work of students from Laurel Dell Elementary School, UC Berkeley’s Y-PLAN, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Canal Community Resilience Planning Project, and other local organizations. Led by award-winning designer and educator Ms. Shirl Buss, the exhibit includes a detailed 3D model illustrating the impact of sea level rise on our community and potential adaptive solutions. This creative project brings attention to environmental challenges while highlighting community-driven resilience efforts.
2023 Green House Gas Emissions Inventory
The City Council will hear an update on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory Reports for 2023, which measures progress toward the GHG reduction targets outlined in the City’s Climate Change Action Plan 2030 (CCAP). The City Council will also receive a report on the Two-Year Sustainability Priorities (2023-2025). These priorities, developed in collaboration with community stakeholders, aim to make efficient use of City resources and include initiatives such as adding zero-emission vehicles to the City’s fleet, expanding energy efficiency programs, and integrating climate action plans into departmental goals. Community members are invited to hear about local climate action, current efforts to reduce emissions, and what else can be done to move this important work forward.
Master Fee Schedule
At the upcoming City Council meeting, the City Council will consider actions to update the City’s Master Fee Schedule. City staff will present on the proposed fee adjustments, including increases for selected programs and services to maintain cost recovery levels. The presentation will cover recommendations on new fee rates and structures for areas such as recreation programming, housing permits, ambulance transport services, and other public services, ensuring they continue to support the operations of various City departments.
Other News
Downtown Library Temporarily Location
The Downtown Library is temporarily closed for renovations, with a pop-up location set to open at 1009 Fourth Street on September 16th. During the closure, increased hours are available at all San Rafael Public Libraries, including Pickleweed and Northgate branches. Visit our website for more information about the renovation project and the pop-up location.
Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to Schools is teaming up with schools across Marin County to reduce traffic congestion and pollution by promoting green trips—walking, biking, carpooling, or taking transit. This effort benefits the entire community by creating safer, healthier neighborhoods around schools. This year, Safe Routes to Schools will host exciting events and contests to encourage students to travel together. Joining with other families to walk, bike, or carpool not only saves time but also strengthens community bonds! Learn more at https://www.saferoutestoschools.org/
Downtown San Rafael Farmer’s Market Survey
As the Downtown San Rafael Summer Market wraps up, the Agricultural Institute of Marin is seeking feedback to improve future markets. We invite you to share your thoughts by completing a brief survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RB987FW. Your input will help shape next year’s market to better serve the community!
TALES OF THE CITY- B Street Culvert Replacement Project
The B Street Culvert Project involves replacing a deteriorated section of the culvert beneath B Street to improve drainage and prevent future flooding. The project began earlier this year and aims to enhance the overall infrastructure in the area.
Since the project began, the curb, gutter, sidewalk, and ramp installations have been completed, along with the resurfacing of B Street, including the intersections at Taylor Street, Bayview Street, and Woodland Avenue. Final striping is scheduled for the week of September 16, marking the project’s completion.
LAST CITY COUNCIL MEETING on September 3, 2024
At the closed session of the City Council, the City Council:
- Held a closed session on public employee performance evaluation
At the Regular City Council meeting, the City Council:
- Heard City Manager and Councilmember reports
- Approved the consent calendar
- Heard a special presentation supporting Hispanic Heritage Month
- Heard a special presentation supporting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
- Adopted Smoking Ordinance amendments allowing for a private right of action
- Approved implementation of the rolling application process for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
- Adopted a resolution approving personnel changes
- 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
2nd Friday Art Walk 2024
Friday, September 13, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 1325–1337 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA
Free to the public, enjoy galleries, open studios, art exhibits, and more on the second Friday of each month. Anchored by the Art Works Downtown galleries and studio tour, the 2nd Friday Art Walk connects art venues throughout downtown San Rafael for an evening of inspiration and community. 2nd Friday Art Walk is an outreach program offered by Art Works Downtown and made possible by generous donations from the community.
See venues, activities, and map at: awdartwalk.com
Marin County Electrification Career Fair
Saturday, September 14, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Marin Exhibit Hall (10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael)
The Marin County Electrification Career Fair is on September 14! Industry experts will offer valuable insights into the rapidly growing electrification and renewable energy fields. There will be opportunities for networking with potential employers, and live workshops with insights into potential education opportunities and/or career trajectories will be held.
This free event will be held at the Marin County Fairgrounds and is open to all residents of the North Bay. Register here to reserve your spot.
San Rafael PorchFest
Sunday, September 15, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., various porches around the Gerstle Park Neighborhood
The 5th Annual San Rafael PorchFest returns on Sunday, September 15, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the historic Gerstle Park neighborhood. This free, family-friendly event invites the community to stroll from porch to porch, enjoying live music from a diverse lineup of local Marin County artists, including folk, Latin, funk, and more. With gourmet food trucks, picnic spots, and activities for kids, it’s a day filled with music, community, and creativity. PorchFest has quickly become a cherished annual tradition, organized by the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association in partnership with the City of San Rafael.
FREE Movies in the Park – Toy Story 4 at Sun Valley Park
Friday, September 20, 5:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., Sun Valley Park, 144 Solano St.
Join us for the second of the City’s Movie in the Park series and meet your City of San Rafael team! Please stop by to say hello one hour before showtime to meet our team members from various City departments. Attendees are welcome to bring low chairs, blankets, a picnic dinner, or snacks to enjoy during the movie, and are reminded to bring a flashlight for when it gets dark.
For information, click here, email recreation@cityofsanrafael.org, or call (415) 485-3333.
San Rafael PorchFest
Sunday, September 15, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., various porches around the Gerstle Park Neighborhood
The 5th Annual San Rafael PorchFest returns on Sunday, September 15th, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the historic Gerstle Park neighborhood. This free, family-friendly event invites the community to stroll from porch to porch, enjoying live music from a diverse lineup of local Marin County artists, including folk, Latin, funk, and more. With gourmet food trucks, picnic spots, and activities for kids, it’s a day filled with music, community, and creativity. PorchFest has quickly become a cherished annual tradition, organized by the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association in partnership with the City of San Rafael.
FREE Movies in the Park – Toy Story 4 at Sun Valley Park
Friday, September 20, 5:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., Sun Valley Park, 144 Solano St.
Join us for the second of the City’s Movie in the Park series and meet your City of San Rafael team! Please stop by to say hello one hour before showtime to meet our team members from various City departments. Attendees are welcome to bring low chairs, blankets, a picnic dinner, or snacks to enjoy during the movie, and are reminded to bring a flashlight for when it gets dark.
For information, click here, email recreation@cityofsanrafael.org, or call (415) 485-3333.
San Rafael Police Department Offering Two Speed Safety and Community LIDAR/RADAR Classes
Wednesday, September 18 & Sunday, September 22, at the Public Safety Center, 1375 Fifth Avenue
The San Rafael Police Department is hosting two Speed Safety and Community LIDAR/RADAR classes in September (see dates/times below), providing a unique opportunity for community members to learn about speed safety and experience LIDAR/RADAR speed detection technology firsthand. These in-person events allow participants to engage with law enforcement professionals, gaining valuable insights into their daily operations and road safety efforts. Registration is required through Eventbrite, by clicking the links below.
TO REGISTER:
Wednesday, September 18th – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/san-rafael-pd-citizen-lidar-radar-and-traffic-safety-class-tickets-993672109027
Sunday, September 22nd – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/san-rafael-pd-citizen-lidar-radar-and-traffic-safety-class-tickets-945920933977
Coastal Cleanup Day
Saturday, September 21, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Various Locations in San Rafael
Join thousands of volunteers around California and hundreds in San Rafael volunteering to keep our waterways clean. Clean-up will begin at 9:00 a.m., and most locations end before noon. This is a great way to volunteer in a safe environment outdoors with a friend or family member. Pick the location that works for you, and dress for the weather and safety. This is the one day each year that volunteers are asked to track the trash they pick up, which helps the State develop long-term solutions to litter.
Learn more and sign up here: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html
Hops & Vines Stroll
Saturday, September 21, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Fourth St. Lincoln to the West End
The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District invites you to the 5th Annual Hops & Vines (& Spirits) Stroll, where you can sample local beer, wine, spirits, and cider at participating shops along Fourth Street. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 on the day of the event, with sales ending at 5:30 p.m. at the City Plaza ticket booth (1000 Fourth Street). Attendees, 21 and over, will receive a glass and a map of tasting locations. A complimentary cable car shuttle will run along Fourth Street for easy access. Secure your tickets now and get ready to sip, stroll, and savor the best of Downtown San Rafael!
Youth in Arts United Against Hate Week Poster Project
Wednesday September 25, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., San Rafael Library Pop Up, 1009 Fourth St.
Join us at the new downtown library pop-up location on Fourth Street for a special Poster Making Contest to celebrate United Against Hate Week! This is your chance to express your creativity and help spread a message of unity and inclusion through art. The event is open to all ages and skill levels, so bring your ideas and create something meaningful.
Winning posters will be displayed in City Hall, giving your artwork and message a platform to inspire others in our community!
Sea Level Rise Community Meeting #2
Saturday September 28, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Albert J. Boro Community Center (50 Canal Street)
Please join the City of San Rafael for the second community meeting in a series on sea level rise. This is an opportunity to share your ideas and reactions about how to prepare our community for sea level rise and subsidence. This event is part of a collaborative project involving the Canal Alliance, the County of Marin, the Multicultural Center of Marin, and researchers at the University of California Berkeley. We are all working together to understand the hazards facing our community, prioritize actions, and build capacity.
To learn and stay in the loop please visit the project website.
MarinMOCA’s (Museum of Contemporary Art) ART FWD Auction & Party
Saturday, September 28, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
“ART FWD” is MarinMOCA’s flagship annual event, celebrating the North Bay’s creative spirit. It introduces museum members and new audiences to the depth and breadth of MarinMOCA’s exhibition programming, educational initiatives, and community-focused events. This year’s theme—Art All Around Us—will come to life at the ART FWD Party. To purchase tickets and learn more, click here.
Marin 101-580 Multimodal and Local Access Improvement Project Meeting
Tuesday, October 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Marin Health & Wellness Campus, 3240 Kerner Blvd
The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) and Caltrans invite you to a scoping meeting for the US 101/I-580 Multi-Modal and Local Access Improvement Project. This project focuses on improving traffic flow, connectivity, and safety, with proposed alternatives that include potential roundabouts along Bellam Boulevard. At the meeting, TAM and the project team will present three proposed alternatives for improving traffic flow, connectivity, and safety in the US 101/I-580 Multi-Modal. Following the presentation, there will be an open house session where attendees can meet with the project team and provide input to help shape the project’s future.
Quiz
Where in San Rafael is this?
Be the first to respond!