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Fourth of July Fire Safety
Fire Chief Chris Gray reminds all of us that this year the drought has made for a severe fire season. Personal fireworks are illegal everywhere in Marin County and we encourage your family to watch the always spectacular firework show at the Marin County Fair. Click here for Chief Gray’s Fourth of July fire and barbeque safety tips. The City of San Rafael wishes you a happy and safe Fourth of July!
Find out what's happening in San Rafaelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Community Meeting on Homelessness
On Thursday, July 10 the City’s Citizens Advisory Committee on Economic Development and Affordable Housing will be holding a community meeting on the status of the City’s Homeless Action Plan. The meeting will include presentations from Ambassadors of Hope, serving homeless youth and the Downtown Streets Team, an employment program for homeless persons. The San Rafael Police and Fire Departments will also report on fire prevention efforts and encampment removal to keep open space safe for all. Residents and Downtown business owners are encouraged to attend the meeting to address the City’s plan and to share their experience regarding this important issue. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street. For more information please call 485-3383.
Find out what's happening in San Rafaelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
SMART Construction in Downtown and Quiet Zone Community Meetings
Last week Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) commenced work including demolition and track work in Downtown San Rafael, from Pacheco to Third Street. As they progress, the SMART rail area will be fenced and closed to public use in the Downtown area. At this time the work is planned to stay within the city blocks and all traffic lanes will remain open, but please watch out for trucks and construction workers. Our website will be kept current as these conditions change and traffic impacts arise. Click here for SMART’s construction updates or call (707) 794-3330.
Also, watch for upcoming City meetings on SMART. In August I will be providing the City Council with an update on all things SMART related. In addition, the City Council Subcommittee on SMART will be holding three community meetings to discuss “Quiet Zones.” SMART will be designing and installing improvements at public rail crossings in San Rafael that will make most if not all of San Rafael’s Initial Operating Segment (IOS) crossings eligible for Quiet Zones. These meetings are currently scheduled for:
§ August 27, 7 - 9 p.m. at San Rafael Community Center (618 B Street)
§ September 18, 7 - 9 p.m. at City Hall (1400 Fifth Avenue)
§ September 29, 7 - 9 p.m. at Terra Linda Community Center (670 Del Ganado Road)
Click here for more information about SMART related issues specific to San Rafael.
San Rafael is Making Headlines!
San Rafael was featured on the cover of the most recent Western City Magazine for our achievements in sustainability. The article highlights our green initiatives and recognizes our progress towards meeting the community’s goals set out in our Climate Change Action Plan. Click here to read the article.
The most recent issue of land + people featured a lovely article about our very own Canal Community Garden. This special gathering place has become a lively place for learning, growing, and building community. Community gardens have proven health benefits and provide a neighborhood a place to gather and socialize. “Frenchy” says it best, “This place is good for the body and the soul.” Click here to read the article. Thank you to the Trust for Public Land for this wonderful partnership!
National Night Out Registration is Open
Registration is now open for National Night Out (NNO) on August 5th from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. The NNO program was created to make a nationwide statement against crime and we’re looking forward to taking part in festivities with groups throughout our city. Join your Police and Fire departments by organizing a neighborhood activity on your block. Neighborhood events may be casual and informal such as a potluck or ice cream social, or more elaborate activities like a street party. If you want to hold an event, you must fill out the registration form. If your plan includes closing a street, contact Event Coordinator Brian Auger at 485-3465. Please send your forms to Peggy Ruge at 353@srpd.org no later than July 25. Click here for more information.
Outdoor Public Sculpture Program – Call for Entries
In conjunction with Art Works Downtown, we are seeking entries for innovative outdoor art installations and outdoor sculptures. This program places outdoor sculptures and other installations on view in public locations in and around the downtown area. Artwork will exhibit at one of three high-traffic locations in the downtown area and rotate every four months. Click here for information about how to apply.
Plastic Bag Ban Compliance
To avoid the pollution caused by single-use plastic bags the City of San Rafael recently passed an ordinance to ban plastic bags that goes into effect on September 15. The ordinance mandates a small charge on recycled paper bags, and requires all businesses to make reusable bags available for purchase. Click here to learn more about how the ordinance will affect you and how to incorporate reusable bags into your daily life.
Beware of Phone Scams
Police Chief Diana Bishop warns us all to watch out for phone scammers. The most popular scams include stories having to do with jury duty, red light camera warrants, or a PG&E past due account. Click here for more detailed descriptions of these scams. Anyone receiving this type of call should refuse the request and call the police non-emergency line 485-3000 to report it.
EVENTS
Marin County Fair
The 73rd Annual Marin County Fair takes place Wednesday, July 2 through Sunday, July 6. Along with traditional fair favorites (thrilling carnival rides, tasty fair cuisine, adorable farm animals and awe-inducing fireworks), exciting competitions and attractions will be a highlight of the 2014 fair. The Marin County Fair is fast-paced, forward-thinking, classic family fun and truly the Happiest Fair on Earth. More details are available at http://www.marinfair.org/. Did I mention Huey Lewis and the News is playing?
Councilmember is In
Stop by and say hi at the Downtown Thursday Evening Farmers’ Market Festival. Throughout the summer Councilmembers hold “office hours” from 7 to 8 p.m. at the corner of Fourth and A Streets. This is a great opportunity to speak out and get answers to your questions from one of your elected leaders. On July 10, meet Maribeth Bushey and on July 17, say hello to Damon Connolly.
The Marin 415K and Miracle Mile
