📸 Snapshot: Council meeting highlights, SRPD immigration policies, Wildfire safety talks— and more!

On Monday March 3rd, the City of San Rafael will hold a City Council Meeting at City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue.

Details:

Special Meeting: Begins at 3:00 PM in the Third Floor Conference Room.

• Workshop to review and draft City Council goals and objectives for fiscal years 2025-2028.

Closed Session: Begins at 5:30 PM in the Third Floor Conference Room.

• Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing 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:

  • Approval of February 18, 2025 minutes

  • Final adoption of an ordinance to reduce speed limits by 5 mph on 24 roadway segments in San Rafael

  • Resolution to amend the agreement with 4LEAF, Inc for on-call building plan review and inspection consulting services

  • Resolution to amend the agreement with CSG Consultants, Inc, for massage inspection services

  • Resolution to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Blue Tent Farms Inc for wildfire prevention goat grazing services

  • Proclamation recognizing Women’s History Month

  • Resolution authorizing the purchase of furniture for the Downtown Library

  • Acceptance of the Pavement Maintenance Project final report for Fiscal Year 2024-25.

• Other Agenda Items:

  • Presentation providing an update on the Sea Level Rise Collaboration Project

Get Involved:

View the full agenda and watch the meeting online via Zoom or YouTube. Participate in person or submit public comments ahead of the meeting.

On February 19, the San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) presented on the differences between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Police Accountability Advisory Committee meeting.

Our values: The City of San Rafael is steadfast in supporting and uplifting our immigrant communities. Every resident—regardless of immigration status—deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued.

SRPD policies: As a matter of both policy and practice, SRPD does not engage in immigration enforcement. Under current federal law, this means that SRPD:

• Does not collaborate with federal immigration officials in investigations, interrogations, detentions, or arrests related to immigration status;

• Does not conduct immigration enforcement actions; and

• Does not share information regarding immigration status with federal agencies unless required by law.

The San Rafael Police Department’s mission is to ensure public safety and provide fair, equitable service to all community members. We encourage community members to view the presentation to learn more.

San Rafael Recreation’s Spring and Summer Activity Guide is hitting mailboxes this week. Program registration kicks off on March 3rd at 9am. Join us for an exciting summer!

Something for everyone: San Rafael offers a variety of classes suitable for all ages, including:

• A variety of summer camps, with activities like ceramics, lifeguard training, comic book creation, and theater arts

• Adult arts, exercise, cooking, and language learning classes

• Community events and activities for older adults

• Various aquatics programs at the Terra Linda Pool

• …and so much more!

Online registration opens March 3rd: Set up an account today if you don’t have one, and register for your favorite classes and activities. We accept MasterCard, VISA, and Discover for online transactions.

Have fun and learn something new: Don’t miss the chance to explore new opportunities and enjoy the vibrant offerings of the Spring/Summer season. Many classes and camps fill up, so be sure to secure your spot early!

The Third Street Safety and Rehabilitation Project in San Rafael has earned the 2024 Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association Northern California Chapter.

Why it matters: This prestigious award recognizes transportation projects ranging from $5 million to $25 million, highlighting the project’s significant impact on the community.

• The Third Street project reduced congestion, enhanced bicycle and pedestrian access, and upgraded traffic signal infrastructure.

Learn more: Explore the project’s details here.

The City of San Rafael is gathering input from residents on a new residential permit parking program designed specifically for East San Rafael.

Why it matters: This initiative aims to reduce parking congestion, enhance safety, and ensure fair parking access for residents and their guests.

• Feedback from residents in Kerner, Commercial, Canal, Bahia, Spinnaker Point, and Baypoint is crucial for shaping an effective program.

Survey details: The anonymous and confidential survey is now open until Friday, March 7 at 11:59pm.

• Participate now to share your thoughts and influence the program’s development.

To learn more and view the community meeting recording, visit https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/parking-permit-program/.

This month, Mayor Kate convened two panel discussions about wildfire safety and prevention with City experts.

The big picture: With wildfires increasing in frequency and intensity, understanding the risks and preparing is crucial for community safety.

• Residents had the chance to have their concerns addressed following the devastating LA Fires.

Key topics discussed: The panel explored the city’s efforts to reduce wildfire risk, prepare for disasters, and implement emergency response strategies.

• Panelists discussed the ongoing work underway to adapt to living with wildfire, including the implementation of the 38-point wildfire action plan, and the projects funded by the Marin’s Wildfire Prevention Tax (Measure C).

The City of San Rafael, in collaboration with Rising Sun Center for Opportunity, offers no-cost energy and water efficiency services through the Green House Call program.

Why it matters: This initiative empowers local youth while helping residents save money, energy, and water at home.

What’s included: Participants receive an energy and water assessment, and then receive free energy saving resources, including LED light bulbs, high-efficiency faucet aerators, and a smart power strip.

More info: Sign up today to reduce your utility bills and contribute to community sustainability.

Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:

• Throughout February: “FeBREWary” celebration of local craft beer. Location: Breweries, Taprooms, Bars, and pubs across Downtown San Rafael.

• Sunday, March 2, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: 90 and Better Celebration. Location: B Street Community Center, 618 B Street.

• Every Sunday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Agricultural Institute of Marin Farmers’ Market. Locations: Sundays at 2501 Civic Center Drive, Thursdays at 10 Avenue of the Flags.

• There’s always something happening at the library. Check out the San Rafael Library event calendar!