This op-ed was originally published by the Marin Independent Journal September 11, 2025 at 12:57 PM PDT By Cristine Alilovich In the early hours of the devastating Aug. 21 apartment complex fire in San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood, our city’s community witnessed a heartbreaking tragedy. But, in its wake, the community also witnessed the extraordinary strength...
A contractor will be closing the road at 41 Miraflores Ave to do a concrete pour for a retaining wall. This closure will happen Monday, 9/15 from 9am-3pm. The contractor has an approved encroachment permit, EP-25-387, and building permit, B2503-169. Affected residents have been notified.
September is National Preparedness Month! For the entire month of September, the San Rafael Fire Department is hosting a fun Emergency Go Bag Crossword Game in Downtown San Rafael! Explore downtown businesses, solve the crossword puzzle, and learn about some of the items you might pack in an emergency go bag. How to play: Pick...
The Dept of Public Works recently posted the Plans and Specifications for the Lincoln Ave. Safety Improvement project. They can be viewed by clicking the links below or by visiting the project's website. Links to newly uploaded documents: Project Plans Project Specifications We will continue to post updates as the project progresses, but please...
ATTENTION: Gerstle Park Neighbors! Make-up Street Sweeping for Zone 15 is scheduled for this Thursday, 9/11/25, beginning at 7:00am through 11am. If possible, please do not park on the streets during this time period. Check out the City's street sweeping map for more information on the sweeping zones and regular schedules! https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/street-sweeping/
The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to solicit bid proposals for qualified contractors to construct Lincoln Avenue Corridor Safety Improvements at Wilson Ct and Brookdale Ave Project (HSIP Cycle 11). The Project site includes two intersections along Lincoln Avenue: Wilson Court and Brookdale Avenue. The project consists of installing rectangular rapid flashing beacons...
PG&E’s subcontractor, Core Tree Care, will be working at the locations listed below. This work will be done the week of 9/8 – 9/12. Public inquires can be addressed by the contractor: John Ball, Core Tree Care 559-944-9459. LOT Street 11 Elm St 17 Robert Dollar Dr 18 Blossom Rd. 19 Gloria Dr 19 Lisa...
Samar Living Inc, will be closing the road near 1903 5th Ave to use a crane to lift an ADU onto the property. The closure will happen Tuesday, 9/9, between approximately 9am – 4pm. They have an approved encroachment permit EP-25-204 and affected properties have also been notified.
New playground equipment and engineered wood fiber has been installed at the Boyd Park Playground. The project is still in progress with a new ADA ramp to be installed before the playground is open to the public. Work should be completed in the coming weeks and the playground will be reopened for the community to...
California Assembly Bill 43 (AB 43), signed into law in October 2021, requires Engineering and Traffic Surveys (E&TS) reports to consider the presence and safety of vulnerable roadway users, such as bicyclists and pedestrians, when establishing speed limits. AB 43 provides local jurisdictions with more flexibility to reduce speed limits along roadways that meet certain characteristics such as safety...
Construction of a new HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk), also known as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB), at Grand Avenue is anticipated to begin September 15, 2025. This project is a collaboration between Canal Alliance and the City of San Rafael to provide a safe path of travel across Grand Ave to and from the new...
On September 2, 2025, the San Rafael City Council formally proclaimed the month of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. September is recognized nationally as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time when mental health professionals, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and communities unite to change the narrative about suicide in our community by promoting hope, fostering...
PG&E subcontractors will be performing a pole replacement job and will be closing the road at 260 Bungalow Ave. This closure will happen Monday, 9/8 from 9am-3pm. The contractor has an approved permit, EP-25-253. Affected residents have been notified.
San Rafael Fire Department - PRESS RELEASE Abraham Roman, Fire Chief Incident Commander: Paul Bernard, Battalion Chief. Date of Incident: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Time of Dispatch: 3:39 p.m. Time of Arrival: 3:42 p.m. Time of Containment: 4:20 p.m. Type of Incident: Structure fire. Confined to building of origin. Location of Incident: 1517 Fifth Ave,...
New E-Bike Rules in San Rafael! On September 2, the City Council approved an ordinance updating the e-bike laws for San Rafael. This update means that the following rules now apply in all jurisdictions in Marin County: Riders must be 16+ to use throttle e-bikes (Class 2), and EVERYONE must wear a helmet. Kids under...
On Monday August 25th demolition began in preparation for a new 119-unit residential development located at the gateway to downtown San Rafael at 703 3rd St. The project’s demolition phase is anticipated to last four weeks, during which time some intermittent sidewalk and road closures may occur. What to Expect During Demolition: Work Hours: Monday...
On Friday August 22, Aegis Senior Living San Rafael officially opened its doors, introducing 101 new studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences in the heart of downtown. The Mission-style building, which was designed to echo San Rafael’s historic architecture transforms a site that had been vacant for years. When fully occupied, Aegis will welcome over 100...
Snapshot En Espanol San Rafael City Council Meeting Highlights The San Rafael City Council will be meeting on Tuesday, September 2 at San Rafael City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue. Please note that the Council will not be meeting on Monday, due to the Labor Day holiday. Meeting Details: Closed Session: Begins at 5:00 p.m. for...
On the morning of Thursday, August 21st, the San Rafael Fire Department (SRFD) responded to a structure fire at an apartment complex located at 516 Canal Street. Crews from three nearby San Rafael fire stations arrived within minutes and immediately began rescues while working to contain the blaze. The fire was brought under control in...
September is National Preparedness Month Each September, National Preparedness Month reminds us how important it is to be prepared for any type of disaster risk, whether it be wildfires, flooding, earthquakes, or even a pandemic like COVID-19. Marin County is no stranger to the destruction that disasters can bring. Our resilience during an emergency is...
The San Rafael Police Department is continuing to investigate the origin and cause of the apartment fire at 516 Canal St. We are requesting the public’s assistance in obtaining witness information, photos, and videos of the fire incident. If you have any information about the fire, please call the San Rafael Police Department at 415-485-3000....
Tonight, all of the residents who were displaced after the apartment fire transitioned from the shelter at Albert J. Boro Center into short term housing. Please refrain from bringing donations to the Albert J. Boro Community Center. All community programs are cancelled over the weekend, and will resume on Monday. Canal Alliance and Marin Community...
At 5:36 a.m. yesterday, the San Rafael Fire Department responded to a major structure fire at 516 Canal Street. The cause of the fire, originally listed as undetermined, is now classified as suspicious. Today, investigators located a deceased victim on the back side of the apartment complex. We do not know the identity of the...
PG&E will be working and closing the road on St Francis Ln at Palm Ave to conduct electrical work. The closure will happen Monday, 8/25, between 9am-3pm. They have an approved encroachment permit EP2401-023, and affected properties have been notified. Please note St Francis Ln is a dead-end street, and ends in a cul-de-sac, so...
5:30 Update on the city’s response to the Canal St. Apartment fire. Currently, we have 58 people who are registered at the registered at shelter. The City has provided cots, and are serving dinner and breakfast. Members of the public should come to Al Boro Center if they are displaced or need resources. Dinner and...
San Rafael, CA – At 5:36 a.m. this morning, 911 dispatchers received a report of a structure fire at a three-story, wood-frame apartment complex located at 516 Canal Street, where approximately 55 people lived. When the first San Rafael Fire Department units—just blocks away—arrived, the building was already fully engulfed. Residents were fleeing, and firefighters...
San Rafael Fire Department - PRESS RELEASE Abraham Roman, Fire Chief Incident Commander: Kyle Hamilton, Battalion Chief. Date of Incident: Thursday, August 21, 2025 Time of Dispatch: 5:36 a.m. Type of Incident: Structure fire. Location of Incident: 516 Canal St, San Rafael. Occupancy Type: 19-unit, three-story wood frame apartment complex. Duration of Incident: Ongoing Fire...
PG&E’s subcontractor, VPI Charge, will be working with a one lane closure at 292 Knight Dr for emergency electrical work in the area. Emergency work is scheduled today, Thursday, 8/21, through Sunday, 8/24, between approximately 8am-4pm. German Prado 925-596-8170 will be the VPI General Foreman. Please contact them with any questions or concerns.
ATTENTION: West End & Loch Lomond Neighbors! Make-up Street Sweeping for Zones 19 & 30 is scheduled for this Saturday, 8/23/25 beginning at 7:30am through 10am. If possible, please do not park on the streets during this time period. Check out the City's street sweeping map for more information on the sweeping zones and regular...
ATTENTION: Dominican Area Neighbors! Make-up Street Sweeping for Zone 35 is scheduled for this Thursday, 8/21/25 beginning at 7:30am through 10am. If possible, please do not park on the streets during this time period. Check out the City's street sweeping map for more information on the sweeping zones and regular schedules! https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/street-sweeping/
