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About the Costco Pre Application and Conceptual Design Review

Posted on August 21, 2019

Costco has applied for a “Pre Application and Conceptual Design Review” for their proposal to demolish the existing multi story Sears building along with the two out buildings (former Sears catalog building and automotive center building) at the southern portion of Northgate Mall.  In  place of these structures, Costco is proposing to build a new 146,9858...

About the Community Development Review Process (Costco Project)

Posted on August 21, 2019

The information below outlines the steps taken by an applicant in the Community Development Review Process. For more information about the Costco project visit the Project webpage and read our article about the Costco Pre Application and Conceptual Design Review.   1. Pre-Application The Pre-Application process involves in-house departmental staff review and outside utility providers....

Spontaneous Combustion of Oily Rags

Posted on August 20, 2019

Spontaneous Combustion of Oily Rags Yesterday, the San Rafael Fire Department responded to an accidental fire caused by “spontaneous combustion.” The department has responded to over a dozen fires over the past several years that were caused by improper disposal of materials used to stain or paint decks or furniture. The property damage in yesterday’s...
Marin Grand Jury

Grand Jury Report: “Marin’s Telecommunications Disconnect”

Posted on August 15, 2019

This past June, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury issued a report entitled Marin’s Telecommunications Disconnect regarding telecommunications-related activity in Marin County. The report focuses on the role and responsibility of the Marin Telecommunications Agency (MTA), a countywide joint powers authority that was established in 1998 to to negotiate, collect, and disburse cable TV franchise...
Electricity Generating Station

Portable Generators

Posted on August 15, 2019

With PG&E’s plans to shut down power at vulnerable times during high fire season, residents and business owners alike are gearing-up to prepare for power loss over extended periods--and some folks are considering using portable generators. Here is some general information that is good to know: Portable generators that use fossil-fuels (i.e., gasoline, diesel) are...
Portrait of Jeanne Leoncini

In Memoriam: Former City Clerk Jeanne Leoncini Passes Away

Posted on August 15, 2019

I’m saddened to share with you that our former City Clerk, Jeanne Leoncini, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2019. She served as the City Clerk for 30 years, from 1977 to 2007--and was a long-time San Rafael resident who dedicated herself to serving our community. Jeanne was a true public servant: she thoughtfully considered...
boards

Special Presentation: Proclamation of Appreciation to Jack Roberston

Posted on August 15, 2019

At Monday’s meeting, the City Council will present a proclamation to recognize former Planning Commissioner Jack Robertson, who recently retired after having served on the Planning Commission for nearly eight years. During his tenure on the Planning Commission, Jack contributed to the long-range planning of the City through his participation in the review and action...
San Rafael Police Department Christmas

Burglar/Fire Alarm Ordinance

Posted on August 15, 2019

Also at Monday’s meeting, the City Council will hold a public hearing to consider approving changes to our Burglar/Fire Alarm Ordinance, which establishes an alarm permit/registration system and sets associated fees. The goal is to address the insufficiencies of the current program and design the service so that it is smooth for all parties involved....
Gerstle Park Sidewalk Repair Progress

Gerstle Park Sidewalk Repair Update!

Posted on August 15, 2019

The City and Van Midde & Son Concrete have been busy replacing sidewalk in Gerstle Park. In the past month, work has been completed on Ross, Marin, Bayview, and Clorinda Avenue. Nearly 1,700 square feet of new sidewalk has been installed covering about 350 feet of sidewalk. Sections of San Rafael Avenue and D Street...
Does PG&E have your contact info?

Does PG&E Have your Correct Information?

Posted on August 14, 2019

As Wildfire Season Progresses, Contact Information Needed from About 150,000 Customers More than 425,000 PG&E Customers Have Provided Updates Since June 2018 SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is reaching out to about 150,000 customers encouraging them to update their home phone number, mobile number, email and other key information so the...
SMART track testing

SMART Overnight Testing for Larkspur Extension Starts August 23

Posted on August 14, 2019

SMART is getting closer to opening its extension to Larkspur and will begin testing the train control and railroad crossing warning systems along the newly constructed portion of track from San Rafael to Larkspur. The overnight testing will take place between 9:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. on weekdays, and between 9:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m....
Electric vehicle at City Hall

New Electric Vehicle Charging at City Hall

Posted on August 13, 2019

The City of San Rafael has installed 4 new electric vehicle (EV) chargers at 1400 5th Avenue, serving City Hall and the Library. They were installed in June as part of the upgrade to the City Hall electrical system and PG&E transformer, and were paid for by grants from the Bay Area Air Quality Management...
Mayor Phillips

San Rafael to Consider All Potential Gun Control and Safety Measures

Posted on August 9, 2019

San Rafael to Consider All Potential Gun Control and Safety Measures SAN RAFAEL, CA: City of San Rafael Mayor Gary Phillips has directed City staff to present the City Council with all available legal and policy actions that the City can take to address the issue of gun violence.  “These may include new ordinances restricting gun...
70 Irwin

2017 Storm Damage Repairs – 70 Irwin

Posted on August 9, 2019

Last week, Valentine Corporation completed the landslide repairs at 70 Irwin Street. After nearly two and half years of detours and closure, the portion of roadway between 70 and 90 Irwin is now open. This project included the installation of four retaining walls, significant drainage improvements on the slope, permanent slope retention, and a new...
Fire Station 57

Essential Facilities Fire Station 57 – Home Stretch

Posted on August 9, 2019

The Alten construction team is nearing the completion of the new Fire Station 57 project. After many hours spent putting together innumerable details and materials, the contractor is nearly ready to bring the building to life. In the last few weeks, crews installed concrete pavers, a generator and fuel tanks, building signage, as well as,...
Drainage Storm Prep

Drainage Storm Preparation Starts Early

Posted on August 9, 2019

The Streets division crews have been busy preparing San Rafael’s waterways for the 2019/20 rainy season. Over 300 tons of debris and sediment have been removed in the last 10 days because of last year’s storms. Eventually, over 700 tons of material will be removed from San Rafael’s waterways, headwalls, and containment basins. This work...
Goats

Goat Grazing 2019

Posted on August 9, 2019

The 2019 goat grazing contract is in its final stages. So far, the goats have helped reduce the fire hazard in 14 locations covering nearly 100 acres. The goats started the year on Robert Dollar Drive and are currently concluding their work in Peacock Gap and East San Rafael.
SMART Larkspur Extension

SMART Larkspur Extension

Posted on August 9, 2019

The SMART Larkspur Extension is moving into the next phase as construction winds down and testing of trains begins. The City has coordinated with SMART on the installation of new traffic signal lights at the railroad tracks on 2nd and 3rd Streets. These lights will work in tandem with nearby traffic signals and serve the...
Restriping Project

Roadway Restriping Project

Posted on August 9, 2019

In early July, Bayside Stripe & Seal, Inc. began refreshing traffic striping along 12 miles of city streets. This project updates the paint on all traffic markings along selected streets to meet current Caltrans standards. Lane markings are now thicker and traffic legends such as “YIELD” or “STOP” are slightly larger. The contractor used thermoplastic...
Safety Action Center

PG&E Unveils Safety Action Center for Customers, Families and Communities

Posted on August 7, 2019

New Online Site Offers Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Advice SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.—We’ve all heard the phrase that it’s better to be safe than sorry. And Ben Franklin wisely opined that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And a poster proclaiming “Safety doesn’t happen by accident” can be found in almost every...
Art

City Hall Art – Nellie King Solomon

Posted on August 2, 2019

Your very own City Hall recently received a temporary Arts upgrade! This past Monday, ArtWorks Downtown came in and installed a temporary art piece by Nellie King Solomon on the main stairwell (adjacent to our main lobby) of City Hall. Art Works will be hosting Solomon and exhibiting her art work at other places across the city, including at...
Train Safety

Rail Safety and Quiet Zones

Posted on August 2, 2019

When SMART rail service launched in 2017, Marin County established a quiet zone, which means that the SMART train horn will not sound as it crosses railroad crossings, unless it is leaving a station or in the event of an emergency. SMART worked closely with federal authorities and local communities alike to implement supplemental safety measures,...
Marin Grand Jury

Grand Jury Report: School Resource Officers Revisited

Posted on August 2, 2019

In late May 2019, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury released the report “School Resource Officers Revisited,” which addresses the history and importance of School Resource Officers (SROs) in Marin County.  The report specifically outlines the roles and responsibilities of the SROs, how they are selected, and what training they receive or should receive. The report also...
Open Engagement - Service Design - Data & Analytics - Technology Modernization

Digital Strategic Framework

Posted on August 2, 2019

The new department of Digital Service and Open Government is a reorganization of the former Information Technology Division and expands traditional tech and network support services to include broader functions of strategy, analytics, and product management. Over the last six months, the Digital Service staff worked with other City departments, as well as received feedback from community...
retirement plan

Retirement Benefit Report from Independent Committee

Posted on August 2, 2019

The City Council’s ad hoc Pension/Other-Post-Employment-Benefits (OPEB) Subcommittee (“Pension Subcommittee”) was established in 2012 to review pension reform actions taken by the City, as well as to consider and make recommendations relating to pension reform and related topics. Late last year, the Pension Subcommittee formed a citizens’ independent advisory committee to take a look at...
Call for artists open to san rafael artists only

Calling All San Rafael Artists!

Posted on August 2, 2019

  The City of San Rafael’s Parking Services Division is sponsoring a Call for Artists of all ages living in San Rafael, for a Public Art Project at one of its parking lots in Downtown San Rafael. The exhibit space, a 3 ft. x 6 ft. parking sign at the corner of Fifth Avenue &...
California Cultural District Logo

San Rafael Named One of America’s Most Unique Art Towns

Posted on August 2, 2019

Speaking of art, we recently found out that our very own San Rafael was named one of the most unique art towns in the U.S.! In an article published by The Storage Space, the Downtown San Rafael Arts District is specifically called out for being a place that advocates for bringing art to the people through spaces like Art...
Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rentals

Posted on August 2, 2019

At Monday’s meeting, staff will be presenting an informational report to the City Council regarding short-term rentals. A short-term rental (STR; sometimes referred to as a vacation rental) is a rental of a residential dwelling unit or accessory building for periods of less than 31 consecutive days. Short-term rentals are often divided into the following...
SR Downtown Library

Request for Quotes: Janitorial Services for Library, Childcare and Aquatics

Posted on August 2, 2019

The City of San Rafael is soliciting quotes from qualified vendors for janitorial services for the Department of Library, Recreation & Childcare. The facilities included in this request are the Downtown Library, seven childcare facilities and the restrooms at the Terra Linda Pool (seasonal). Details of the facilities and expected services are outlined in the...
PG&E Logo

PG&E Medical Baseline Program

Posted on August 1, 2019

PG&E's Medical Baseline Program, also known as Medical Baseline Allowance, is an assistance program for residential customers who have special energy needs due to qualifying medical conditions. The program includes two different kinds of help: A lower rate on your monthly energy bill Extra notifications in advance of a Public Safety Power Shutoff How the...
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