September 12, 2025
Marin Voice: In the face of tragedy, San Rafael came together
In the early hours of August 21, a devastating fire tore through an apartment complex in San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood, claiming two lives and displacing 55 residents. Amid the heartbreak, the community responded with extraordinary courage and compassion. Neighbors rescued each other with ladders, first responders acted swiftly, and nonprofits, city staff, and agencies mobilized within hours to provide shelter, resources, and support.
The response was a powerful display of what makes San Rafael unique: seamless collaboration, deep solidarity, and a shared commitment to care for one another. As families begin the long journey of recovery, the City remains dedicated to ensuring they have the support they need to rebuild their lives—right here in the community they call home.
To support the recovery efforts, donations can be made through the Canal Alliance and Marin Community Foundation visit https://bit.ly/466YULn
San Rafael City Council Meeting Highlights
The San Rafael City Council will be meeting on Monday, September 15 at San Rafael City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue.
Meeting Details:
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:
- Resolution authorizing professional services agreements with M-Group Consulting Services, Ratcliffe Consulting Services, and Allsep Planning for on-call planning and environmental consulting services
- Resolutions to authorize funding agreements with the Transportation Authority of Marin for over $2.4 million in Measure AA funds for fiscal year 2025-26 to support twelve projects, including sidewalk, road, bridge, and hillside safety improvements, as well as Safe Pathways to Schools initiatives enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access
Special Presentations:
- Presentation of proclamation in recognition of National Preparedness Month
Public Hearings:
- Adoption of an ordinance to amend San Rafael building codes
Other Agenda Items:
- Informational presentation on the East San Rafael and Canal Community Collective Plans in Action progress report
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.
New E-Bike Rules for 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 under 16 will now no longer be allowed to use throttle-powered Class 2 e-bikes.
Here’s a refresher:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph. Legal for all ages.
- Class 2: Throttle-assisted, up to 20 mph. Must be 16+ to ride in Marin.
- Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph. Must be 16+ everywhere.
- All legal e-bikes must have working pedals and a motor up to 750 watts.
Stay safe: Families and youth can find safety tips, law updates, and school resources at E-BikersClub.com.
Let’s keep Marin rolling safely—join E-Bikers Club today!
Explore San Rafael’s Planning Projects
Curious about development happening in San Rafael? The City has launched an interactive Development Projects Map that makes it easier to see what’s being planned, approved, or built in your neighborhood.
Explore projects on an interactive map, which shows where major developments are proposed across San Rafael. Click on any project location to view a summary and link to the project’s webpage for more information.
Why it matters: This tool helps residents stay informed, promotes transparency, and makes it simpler to track how projects align with citywide goals on housing, economic vitality, sustainability, and community development.
San Rafael Library Grand Reopening
San Rafael’s Downtown Library is back! Join us on Saturday, September 20th from 12-5 p.m. for a free community celebration as we mark the Grand Reopening of San Rafael’s historic Downtown Library!
Fun for all ages: We’ll kick things off with a ribbon-cutting at noon, then keep the party going with activities for all ages, family-friendly fun, delicious food, live music, and chances to explore the library’s refreshed spaces. Think: cozy new furniture, beautiful updates, and more ways to connect, learn, and create.
We hope you will join us for a day to reconnect, rediscover, and celebrate the heart of our community. Come see why there’s so much to love about your library!
September is Suicide Prevention Month
On September 2, the San Rafael City Council proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This national observance is a reminder of the importance of mental health, and that reducing stigma helps create a community where everyone feels safe to seek help.
Why it matters: Suicide impacts people from all walks of life, and many suffer in silence. By fostering hope, connection, and compassion, we can support those who are struggling.
Get Involved: The County of Marin and local partners are hosting free events throughout the month to strengthen community healing and improve access to resources.
If you or anyone you know is in need of mental health support services, please contact:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 (24/7, bilingual support)
- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
Mental Health Advocates of Marin – 415-457-4554 (drop-in center at Kerner Health and Wellness Campus)
Join the Emergency Go-Bag Crossword Game!
September is National Preparedness Month! The San Rafael Fire Department is hosting a fun Emergency Go Bag Crossword Game in Downtown San Rafael all month long.
How to play:
- Pick up a crossword sheet at the Downtown Public Library (1100 E St) or download it online.
- Visit 15 participating businesses to collect clues.
- Solve the puzzle and email it to OES@cityofsanrafael.org to be entered into prize drawings.
Why it matters: An emergency go bag is a kit with supplies you may need if you have to leave home quickly during a disaster. Essentials include food, water, a flashlight, first aid supplies, and medications. Go bags should also be tailored to your household needs—such as items for children, pets, older adults, or medical equipment.
👉 Find a full list of recommended supplies at Ready.gov/kit.
Have fun, support local businesses, and get better prepared!
Follow the City on Social Media!
San Rafael Library and Recreation updates are now in one place: @SanRafaelLibraryRec on Instagram.
What changed:
- The Library account (@SRPublib) has become the new home for both Library and Recreation updates.
- You’ll find programs, activities, and citywide events all in one feed.
- The Recreation account will remain active until the end of the year.
📲 While you’re there, don’t forget to follow the City’s other social media accounts to stay up to date on news, services, and events across San Rafael.
Join the San Rafael Team!
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.
- Senior Library Assistant (application closes 9/12)
Have questions about working for the City? Please reach out to human.resources@cityofsanrafael.org.
Exciting Upcoming Events
Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:
- Friday, September 12, 7:30-9 p.m.: Movies in the Park: Paddington in Peru. Location: Peacock Gap Park, 298 Peacock Dr.
- Fridays, September 12 and beyond, 6-9 p.m.: West End Fridays Block Party. Location: Between F-G Streets in Downtown San Rafael.
- Saturday, September 21, 12-5 p.m.: San Rafael Porch Fest. Location: Gerstle Park neighborhood, more information coming soon.
- Friday, September 26, 6:45-8:45 p.m.: Movies in the Park: The Wild Robot. Location: Gerstle Park, 201 San Rafael Ave.
- Saturday, September 27, 2-6 p.m.: Hops and Vines Stroll. Location: Shops along Fourth Street in Downtown San Rafael.
- Sunday, September 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Marin Sanitary Service Customer Appreciation Day. Location: Marin Sanitary Service, 535 Jacoby St.
- Every Second Friday, 5- 8 p.m.: Downtown San Rafael Art Walk. Location: Art galleries throughout Downtown San Rafael.
- Every Sunday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Agricultural Institute of Marin Farmers’ Market. Locations: Sundays at 2501 Civic Center Drive, Thursdays at 10 Avenue of the Flags.
- Plus, there’s always something happening at the library! Check out the San Rafael Library event calendar!