📸 Snapshot – City Council meeting agenda, illegal food vending, 350 Merrydale Rd community information session, and more!

The San Rafael City Council will be meeting on Monday, November 3 at San Rafael City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue.

Meeting Details:

Closed Session: 5:00 p.m., at City Hall, Second Floor Conference Room, for a conference with legal counsel on anticipated litigation

Regular Meeting: Begins at 6:00 PM, in the Council Chambers

City Manager and Councilmember Reports:

• Reports from the City Manager and Councilmembers, including updates on meetings and conferences attended

Consent Calendar Highlights:

• Adoption of an ordinance establishing a Mobile Vending Permit Program, adoption of related fee resolutions, and authorization for an interlocal enforcement MOU with the County of Marin
• Resolution authorizing the temporary closure of Fourth Street for the annual Winter Wonderland event
• Resolution authorizing angled parking along a portion of Fifth Avenue near Sun Valley Elementary School
• Resolution rejecting all bids for the Lincoln Avenue Corridor Safety Improvements at Wilson Court and Brookdale Ave.

Special Presentations:

• Presentation of Proclamation in Recognition of Native American Heritage Month
• Presentation of Proclamation in Recognition of Jaimi Cortes, for her service on the Board of Library Trustees

Public Hearings:

• Adoption of an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code
• Introduction of an ordinance to prohibit all smoking in duplexes and multi-family residences

Other Agenda Items:

• Report on greenhouse gas emissions and progress update on sustainability priorities

View the full agenda and watch the meeting online via Zoom or YouTube. Participate in person or submit public comments ahead of the meeting by emailing city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org.

On November 6, the City of San Rafael and County of Marin will co-host a community information session about the 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project at the Hoytt Theater inside the Osher Marin JCC.

Community members are invited to drop in, learn more, and speak with the subject matter experts working on the project. The event will include representatives from the police department, community services division, City Manager’s Office, Marin County Health and Human Services, and nonprofit partners who will be working on site.

Details:

• Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
• Time: 5-7 p.m.
• Location: Osher Marin JCC (Hoytt Theater), 200 N San Pedro Rd., San Rafael

Please visit Cityofsanrafael.org/merrydale for project updates.

On October 20, the San Rafael City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance and related resolutions to establish a mobile vending permit program in San Rafael.

The proposed program takes a three-part approach to address mobile vending in the community by:

• Strengthening enforcement tools to support fair and consistent compliance.
• Creating multiple paths to legalization for existing vendors.
• Supporting local entrepreneurship through education and technical assistance.

Under the new program, the City would:

• Establish a permitting process for mobile vendors with time, place, and manner regulations.
• Partner with Marin County Environmental Health Services on coordinated enforcement strategies.
• Fund a community-based organization to provide bilingual outreach and technical assistance to help local vendors understand and meet compliance requirements.

The City Council will consider the second reading of the proposed ordinance on Monday, November 3. If approved, staff will spend the fall and winter developing bilingual application materials, refining enforcement protocols, and conducting vendor outreach. The mobile vending program is expected to launch in spring 2026.

The City of San Rafael has released draft networks for walking and biking as part of its Citywide Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan update. These drafts include facilities designed to enhance citywide mobility.

Top 20 projects: The draft networks include a list of Top 20 projects that will prioritize active transportation improvements in San Rafael over the next 5-10 years.

Your feedback matters: Residents are encouraged to provide input on these draft networks through various channels.

Ways to get involved:

• Contribute to the interactive maps on the project website.
• Attend public workshops or pop-up events to share feedback.
• Upcoming events include:
  • November 3rd, 4:00 – 6:00 PM: In-person pop-up, Downtown San Rafael Transit Center.
  • November 19th, 5:30 – 7:30 PM: In-person Community Meeting, San Rafael Community Center.
  • December 4th, 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Virtual Community Meeting via Zoom.

Join us for San Rafael’s annual event honoring the traditions of the Day of the Dead. Experience a display of beautiful altars, ballet folklorico dance performances, live music, art workshops, and more! This free, family-friendly event welcomes everyone to share in the culture, joy, and remembrance of Día de los Muertos.

Details:

• When: Saturday, November 1st.
• 3:00 PM-9:00 PM
• Al Boro Community Center, 50 Canal St.

For more information about the Dia De Los Muertos activities this year and to view the map of altar locations, visit dayofthedeadsr.org.

National First Responders Day, observed annually on October 28, honors the firefighters, law enforcement officers, public works responders, emergency medical personnel, and other public safety professionals who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities. The day recognizes their courage, dedication, and sacrifices—both on duty and off—and serves as a reminder of the critical role first responders play in keeping our nation safe.

Why it matters: These heroes are crucial in ensuring the safety and welfare of our nation. Their courage and commitment deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.

Please join us in thanking our first responders for their service!

San Rafael Public Library is thrilled to launch its Teen Advisory Board this month!

The Teen Advisory Board is a group of creative library teens who help the library make decisions about programs, collections, and services for young people. Every month, the Board will meet with Brianna, SRPL’s teen librarian, to provide input, plan events, and make suggestions that ensure that the library is serving its young people in the best possible way.

Why it matters: The Teen Advisory Board is a way to make sure that teens have a say in their library while also providing the opportunity to gain leadership experience, rack up community services and volunteer hours, and connect with other young people in the community who they might not otherwise be able to get to know.

The City of San Rafael is looking for talented people to join our team! Please click the link below for more information about our open positions.

• Sewer Maintenance Worker I/II (Two Positions Available)
• Human Resources Assistant (Coordinator)

Have questions about working for the City? Please reach out to human.resources@cityofsanrafael.org.

Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:

37th Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration, November 1, 3-9 p.m., Albert J. Boro Community Center

• Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with family art activities, music, face painting, and cultural performances.

2nd Friday Art Walk, November 14, 5-8 p.m., Downtown San Rafael

• Free public art walk featuring galleries, open studios, and exhibits throughout downtown San Rafael. Anchored by Art Works Downtown.

Falkirk Art Gallery Exhibition Opening Reception, November 14, 5-7:30 p.m., Falkirk Cultural Center

• View three new art exhibits at the Falkirk Cultural Center. Explore local art, meet the artists, and enjoy Falkirk’s historic charm.

Plus, there’s always something happening at the library! Check out the San Rafael Library event calendar!