Bay Bridge Closure
The Bay Bridge is closed and will stay closed this Labor Day Weekend. The closure is expected to heavily impact traffic in Marin. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time. The closure will last until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3. This is a great opportunity to get out of our cars and explore the many bike routes and paths in Marin. Check out Marin County Bicycle Coalition’s map of Marin’s bike pathways.
MERA Study Session
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On Tuesday, September 3 the City Council will hold a study session at 6:30 p.m. on the Marin Emergency Radio Authority’s (MERA) Next Generation Project. MERA is Marin County’s public communication system utilized by emergency personnel on a daily basis. This presentation is an update on the current status and future plans of MERA. This agenda item is for information only and no decisions or actions are required at this time.
Special Study Session on the Civic Center Priority Development Area and Station Area Plan
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On Friday, September 6, 2013 at 5 p.m. the City Council will hold a special study session in the City Council Chambers on the topics of the Civic Center Priority Development Area (PDA) and Station Area Plan. At the request of the City Council PDA Subcommittee, City staff has prepared responses to a variety of PDA-related questions posed by the community. The responses to the community questions will be presented to the City Council at this study session. Click here to view the questions and responses. In August 2012, the City Council accepted the Civic Center Station Area Plan, which encompassed the same geographic area of the Civic Center PDA (1/2- mile radius surrounding the planned Civic Center SMART station). The City Council will also review the recommendations of the Station Area Plan in the context of Plan Bay Area and Civic Center PDA. No decisions or actions will be taken at this meeting; however the Council can provide staff with direction. Please join us in the Council Chambers or you can watch the meeting online at www.cityofsanrafael.org/meetings.
Focus on Homelessness Month
The City of San Rafael partners with the County of Marin and local social service providers in addressing issues related to homelessness. The City has adopted and is implementing a multi-pronged action plan about homelessness in our downtown. During the month of September, we encourage the community to attend these informational events to increase understanding of this complex issue as well as to appreciate the range of local community partners that are working on solutions. The first is a “ribbon cutting” to officially welcome the Downtown Streets Team on September 12 at 6 p.m. at Fourth and A Streets during the Thursday Farmers’ Market Festival. Click here to learn more about the other events planned for September.
Solar Project Moves Ahead
As part of our Climate Change Action Plan, the City of San Rafael is acting as a coordinating agency for a regional solar project with the potential capacity for solar generation of over 5,000 kW on 29 sites owned by a variety of public agencies. The City is working with the Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Fund in a collaborative procurement process involving several public agencies in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. Click here for more information about the project and the upcoming Request for Proposals.
Protect Your Home from Burglaries
Since mid-September, the Police Department has been investigating a series of residential burglaries in the Peacock Gap, Woodland Avenue and Dominican areas. The suspects generally gain access through unlocked windows and doors and then search for jewelry and cash, but do not ransack the house. The premises are left so neat that the residents are sometimes unaware of the burglaries for days. It is believed that the burglars may be knocking on doors, possibly posing as solicitors, in an attempt to determine if the home is unoccupied. Legitimate solicitors should have proper identification and credentials. Extra officers have been specifically assigned to patrol the residential area and investigators are continuing to follow up on leads from several of these cases. Additionally, Department volunteers distributed flyers providing safety tips on how to protect your home from burglary. These are great tips and should be followed by all residents; click here for a copy. Residents are reminded to keep their doors and windows locked and are encouraged to contact the Police Department if they see anyone in their neighborhoods that appear suspicious or unfamiliar to the area by calling 485-3000 or 9-1-1 for emergencies. Click here for more with burglary safety tips.
Meet San Rafael’s Two New Stars!
On Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 6 pm, the San Rafael Police K9 Association will host a fundraising screening of "Turner and Hooch", a police canine demonstration, and an auction at the Rafael Film Center. The police department's recently reconstituted canine program is funded entirely through donations. Our community's support is vital. Come out and have a great night on the town! Click here for more information about the event.
EVENTS
In the Moment: Japanese Art from the Larry Ellison Collection
Docent Sharon Roe will highlight some of the 64 exceptional artworks spanning 1,100 years in the exhibition and illuminate traditional Japanese principles governing the relationship of art to our surroundings and social relationships. The exhibition explores the dynamic nature of art selection and display in traditional Japanese settings, where artworks are often temporarily presented in response to a special occasion or to reflect the change of seasons. She will give an illustrated lecture at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, in the City Council Chambers. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the San Rafael Public Library. For more information, call 485-3321.
Set Sail for Success!
Get to know your local businesses, neighbors and friends at the largest networking event of the year! Whether you are new to the community or a long time resident, this is the perfect opportunity to get better acquainted with our local San Rafael business owners. Experience the vibrancy and diversity that the San Rafael community has to offer! The 2013 Business Showcase will be held on Wednesday, September 11 at Embassy Suites, San Rafael. Click here for more information. Complimentary food and wine provided.
Second Fridays Downtown
On Friday, September 13 from 5 to 9 p.m., Second Fridays Downtown in collaboration with Art Works Downtown's Second Fridays Art Walk will have an Italian theme. The festivities will celebrate our love of all things Italian with food, music and art. Click here for more information.Basic CERT Training
CERT Basic is the entry level training course covering basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety & suppression, light search & rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood following/during a disaster. The course starts September 12. Click here for more information.
