Category: City News

Shop Local on Shop Small Saturday!

Join us for Shop Small Saturday on November 29, 2025! Since 2010, San Rafael has embraced Shop Small Saturday as a way to celebrate the unique shops, eateries, makers, and services that make our downtown vibrant during the holiday shopping season! This year, Shop Small Saturday also marks the official kickoff of our 4th Annual … Continued

Join Us for the 2025 Holiday of Lights Winter Wonderland

Holiday of Lights: Winter Wonderland Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 5–7PM | Downtown San Rafael at City Plaza Kick off the season at Downtown San Rafael’s Holiday of Lights: Winter Wonderland – a festive community gathering featuring the annual holiday tree lighting, warm drinks, twinkling lights, and joyful entertainment for all ages. Bundle up and … Continued

Join Us for High Tide Day 2025

Come join your neighbors and local scientists to document the highest tides of the year! Teams will use community science kits to explore how low-lying spots along the waterfront are affected by these extreme tides, also known as king tides. Measure flooding and take pictures alongside local experts, including guests from the Exploratorium! San Rafael … Continued

Winter 2025-2026 City Holiday Closures

  Happy Holidays!   City Hall and all non-safety services will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 for Thanksgiving. For this winter, City Hall and most offices will be closed to the public but available for appointments upon request from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026 (Recreation centers … Continued

City Council Proclaims November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month

  On November 3, 2025, the San Rafael City Council issued a proclamation recognizing the month of November as Native American Heritage Month. The City acknowledges the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria as a sovereign nation, consisting of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples. We express our gratitude for their continued contributions to the cultural, … Continued

Public Hearing for Project at 1030 Third Street (900 A Street Project)

The San Rafael Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed new residential development at 1030 Third Street (900 A Street Project), located at the northeast corner of A Street and Third Street.  Date: November 18, 2025 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901  Project Overview  The new … Continued

Public Hearing for Project at 1248 Fifth Avenue (1230 Fifth AvenueProject)

The San Rafael Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed new residential development at 1248 Fifth Avenue (1230 Fifth Avenue Project), located at the northeast corner of A Street and Third Street.  Date: November 18, 2025 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901  Project Overview  The project … Continued

New Board, Commission and Committee Appointments

Bringing community voices into action to better serve San Rafael. In October, the City held interviews for the Board of Library Trustees, Fire Commission, Planning Commission, and the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee. We were excited to receive 31 applications for 9 open seats. While some applicants withdrew or did not respond to confirm their … Continued

930 Irwin Property – Demolition Under Way

Demolition work began this week at 930 Irwin Street in preparation for the construction of a new 210-unit multifamily development. Approved last spring, the project marks a significant step forward in expanding local housing options in San Rafael. Demolition is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year, with staff from the … Continued

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