📸 Snapshot – City Council meeting agenda, 350 Merrydale engagement opportunities, future waterfront park, winter events, and more!

On Monday, November 17, the San Rafael City Council approved the acquisition of the property at 350 Merrydale Road, paving the way for a major step forward in the City’s strategy to address homelessness. This dual-purpose project brings both immediate relief for unhoused community members and a long-term vision for affordable housing.

The interim shelter will provide 65 individual cabins, is time-limited, and will close in June 2029 at the latest.

• The long-term goal for the property is to develop up to 80 units of affordable housing.

• This project was made possible through a strong partnership with the County of Marin, who will be providing an $8 million grant to acquire the property.

What’s next: The City will host a community engagement session to share what we’ve heard so far, what changes have been made, and what is still under review. Residents will be invited to review the preliminary site design, Draft Good Neighbor Policy, safety and security protocols, and provide feedback.

• When: Tuesday, December 9 | 6:00–7:30 PM

• Where: Venetia Valley School – Multipurpose Room, 177 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael

Interpreters, printed materials, and visual boards will be available.

To learn more, watch the City Council meeting and view the presentation.

The City of San Rafael has shared its 2025 update on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, a roadmap adopted in 2023 to guide park improvements, recreation programs, and long-term investments. The plan includes 162 recommendations developed with community input, from playground and park upgrades to new policies and programs.

What’s Been Done So Far:

• Albert Park, Boyd Park, Peacock Gap Park, and Pickleweed Park have all received major upgrades, including new play structures, sports courts, fitness equipment, refreshed pathways, and enhanced landscaping.

• Operational improvements are in place, including stronger marketing for recreation programs, restroom maintenance updates, and progress on a citywide fee policy—helping everyone enjoy parks and programs more easily.

• Projects to resurface the tennis courts at Peacock Gap and Freitas Parks are in development.

Looking Ahead:

• Larger projects, including updates to Gerstle Park’s playgrounds and pathways, are included in the City Council’s three-year strategic plan and will move forward in the coming years.

The big picture: The Master Plan continues to guide investments and ensure park improvements reflect community priorities and the City’s vision for accessible, vibrant public spaces. We work hard to ensure our parks are safe, fun, and inviting for everyone. Stay tuned for future updates on our progress!

The City of San Rafael, with partners including the Trust for Public Land, Marin County, Marin Community Foundation, and Canal Alliance, has purchased the 1.65-acre former boatyard at 620 Canal Street. This is the first step toward a waterfront park and community gateway that will improve safety, access, and open space in the Canal neighborhood.

Why it matters: The project reflects decades of advocacy from Canal residents and partners and will serve as a hub for recreation, connection, and climate resilience. The new park will address long-standing inequities by providing a safe, scenic connection to downtown San Rafael through a future pedestrian and bicycle bridge linking the park to Montecito Plaza and San Rafael High School. Once complete, the park will serve as the anchor for a safer, greener, and more resilient Canal neighborhood.

Next Steps: The next phase of the project will focus on community engagement, design, and planning to ensure the future park reflects the voices and needs of those who live in the Canal neighborhood.

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 bring your holiday spirit for an evening of cheer, music, and a few surprises under the stars.

Make a day of it! Explore Downtown San Rafael’s local shops and restaurants during Shop Small Saturday and join the hunt for mischievous elves hiding in festive storefronts throughout downtown.

Then make your way to the gathering at City Plaza for lights, cheer, entertainment and a little winter magic.

FREE 3-HOUR PARKING in all City Lots and Garages from Nov. 29 – Jan 4. Weekends are always FREE!

Shop small. Stay for the sparkle.

The City of San Rafael is calling for nominations for the 2026 Public Service Award to honor outstanding community members.

Why it matters: Each year, the City recognizes a member of the community for their contributions in making San Rafael an amazing place to live and work.

• The recipient receives a $2,500 cash award from the Marin Community Foundation.

• They are honored at a City Council meeting and the State of the City dinner.

How to nominate: If you have someone in mind who you believe should be recognized, please consider nominating them! Submissions are due by February 6, 2026.

Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:

Holiday of Lights: Winter Wonderland, November 29, 5-7 p.m., Downtown San Rafael Plaza

• Kick off the season with a festive community gathering featuring the annual holiday tree lighting, warm drinks, twinkling lights, and joyful entertainment for all ages.

Shop Small Saturday, November 29, All Day

• 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!

Goldenaires Holiday Afternoon Gala, December 12, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., San Rafael Community Center

• Enjoy a festive afternoon filled with music, laughter, and holiday cheer. Savor a holiday banquet and swing into the season with live music!

Second Friday Art Walk, December 12, 5-8 p.m., throughout downtown San Rafael

• Free to the public, enjoy galleries, open studios, art exhibits, and more on the second Friday of each month. Anchored by the Art Works Downtown galleries and studio tour, the 2nd Friday Art Walk connects art venues throughout downtown San Rafael for an evening of inspiration and community!

2025 San Rafael Lighted Boat Parade, December 13, 6-9 p.m., San Rafael Canal

• Set sail into the magic of the season! A Marin County holiday tradition since 1966! Rain or shine, beautifully decorated boats will parade through the San Rafael Canal.

Downtown Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop, December 21, 5-6:30 p.m., San Rafael City Plaza on Fourth St.

• Light spreads hope and joy! Join Chabad of Marin and the City of San Rafael as we celebrate the first Sunday night of Chanukah. Music, dancing, Giant Menorah lighting, treats, chocolate gelt drop, and so much more! Working with the Marin/SF Food Bank, bring a non-perishable food item, and you will receive a free hot chocolate and latke!

Plus, there’s always something happening at the library! Check out the San Rafael Library event calendar!