📸 Snapshot: City Council meeting agenda, emergency preparedness, public art, and more!

On Thursday, August 21, the San Rafael Fire Department responded to a devastating fire at 516 Canal Street. Crews arrived within minutes, rescuing residents and containing the blaze with support from nearly every fire agency in Marin County, as well as the San Rafael Police Department and local law enforcement partners.

San Rafael is saddened to confirm the tragic loss of two residents, who were initially reported missing after the fire broke out. The City sends its deepest condolences to their families, friends, and neighbors as they grieve this devastating loss.

Investigation: The fire’s cause is still under investigation and has been deemed suspicious. Anyone with information, photos, or video from 5:00–5:30 a.m. on August 21 is urged to share with the investigators:

• Tip Line: 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473)

• Upload: reportit.com

Support for Survivors:

In the fire’s aftermath, the City set up a temporary shelter for over 50 displaced survivors at the Albert J. Boro Community Center. City staff and numerous community partners provided meals, clean clothes, medications, and other resources. By the evening of Friday, August 22, all displaced residents were offered temporary shelter in hotels and the shelter closed.

How You Can Help:

• Donate to Canal Alliance’s Client Support Fund

• Donate to Marin Community Foundation’s Canal Residents Emergency Fund

Next Steps: The City and partners are helping families secure new IDs, immigration documents, food support, counseling, transportation, and pathways to permanent housing.

Future updates will be available at SRPD.org and on the City of San Rafael website.

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, or earthquakes. Our resilience during an emergency is dependent on the amount of preparation we put in ahead of time.

Here is an overview of the themes we will be covering throughout the month of September:

• Stay Informed: Signing up for emergency alerts through Alert Marin will ensure your family knows what is happening in the community and when it is time to act. Sign up at AlertMarin.org and register multiple addresses – your home, school or work address.

• Make a Plan: Every household should have a well-thought-out plan that includes communication strategies, evacuation routes, and a designated meeting place.

• Assemble a Go Bag: A basic bag should include essentials such as non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, and essential documents.

• Learn Safety Skills: Learn lifesaving skills by taking a first aid and CPR class, practicing how to use a fire extinguisher.

• Get Involved: Start a Neighborhood Response Group, train to become a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) member to support your community during emergencies, become a Firewise community.

For the entire month of September, the San Rafael Fire Department is hosting a fun Emergency Go Bag Crossword Game in Downtown San Rafael!

• Pick up your crossword sheet at the San Rafael Downtown Public Library, then visit participating businesses to find hidden clues.

• Return your completed puzzle to OES@cityofsanrafael.org for a prize drawing!

San Rafael boasts a vibrant collection of public art, from colorful murals to captivating sculptures, enhancing the city’s neighborhoods.

Why it matters: The city’s interactive Public Art Map makes it easy to explore art around town, offering details on each piece’s location, artist, and type.

Go deeper: The map, a collaboration with the County of Marin’s Department of Cultural Services, also includes local arts organizations and a feedback page for adding new artworks.

San Rafael Library and Recreation is excited to announce the return of Movies in the Park!

The series kicks off on Friday, September 12, and movies will continue every other Friday through October 24. Each film begins at sunset and is free for all ages. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, family, and friends, and enjoy a magical night of outdoor cinema under the stars.

• September 12: Paddington in Peru at Peacock Gap Park

• September 26: The Wild Robot at Gerstle Park

• October 10: Películas en el parque, Mufasa: El Rey Leon at Pickleweed Park (in Spanish with English subtitles)

• October 24: Lilo and Stitch at Terra Linda Park

Join the Ember Stomp 2025 festival at the Marin Civic Center Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 6, from 10 AM to 4 PM, for a day dedicated to wildfire education, preparedness, and resilience.

Why it matters: With California facing increasing wildfire risks, this festival offers a crucial opportunity for the community to learn and take action towards prevention and resilience.

• Engage in cutting-edge exhibits and simulations exploring climate resilience and fire suppression innovations.

What’s new: Attendees can expect new interactive experiences, including live burn demonstrations, an interactive kids zone, and resources on emergency preparedness and fire-resilient landscaping.

This September, 52 miles of continuous HOV lanes between Marin and Sonoma are set to open, making it easier than ever to carpool, vanpool, or take transit.

To celebrate, Marin Commutes and GoSonoma Commutes are launching the HOV Diamond Dozen Challenge — their longest seasonal challenge yet.

What to know:

• Challenge runs Sept. 1 – Oct. 31

• Open to commuters traveling to and from Marin County

• Log shared trips to earn rewards and reduce traffic

Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:

• Fridays, August 29 and beyond, 6-9 p.m.: West End Fridays Block Party. Location: Between F-G Streets in Downtown San Rafael.

• Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Ember Stomp 2025. Location: Marin County Fairgrounds, 10 Avenue of the Flags.

• Friday, September 12, 7:30-9 p.m.: Movies in the Park: Paddington in Peru. Location: Peacock Gap Park, 298 Peacock Dr.

• 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 p.m.-6 p.m.: Hops and Vines Stroll. Shops along Fourth Street in Downtown San Rafael.

• Every Second Friday, 5- 8 p.m.: Downtown San Rafael Art Walk. Location: Art galleries throughout Downtown San Rafael.

• Every Sunday and Thursday, 8 p.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!