📸 Snapshot – City Council meeting agenda, Fall/Winter Activities Guide, public art, and more!

The San Rafael City Council will be meeting this Monday at San Rafael City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue.

Meeting Details:

Closed Session: Begins at 5:30 p.m. for a conference with legal counsel

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:

• Ordinance clarifying that the Mayor and City Councilmembers are not eligible for certain employee-only benefits

• Authorization to purchase three new vehicles for the Public Works and Police Departments

• April-June 2025 Quarterly Investment Report

• Acceptance of a $105,000 grant to improve traffic safety

• Authorizing for the City Manager to contract with Pacific Gas and Electric Company for utility line undergrounding and a new traffic signal power supply

Public Hearings:

• Introduction of an ordinance to update San Rafael’s electric bicycle safety regulations

• Resolution to update the streetary and sidewalk dining program fees

• Introduction of an ordinance to amend San Rafael building codes

Other Agenda Items:

• Updates to clarify affordable housing requirements for new residential projects

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.

In a recent Marin Independent Journal column, Mayor Kate Colin joined mayors from across Marin in reaffirming a commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of immigrant residents. The piece responds to increased federal immigration enforcement activity in the Bay Area and emphasizes the importance of constitutional protections for all residents, regardless of status.

San Rafael continues to partner with nonprofits serving immigrant communities, support the Marin Rapid Response Network, and uphold policies that promote trust between residents and public safety agencies. These efforts build on long-standing community priorities to ensure all residents feel safe accessing City services, reporting crimes, and participating in civic life.

“Standing up for immigrants is a reaffirmation of our deepest values: fairness, dignity and the belief that no one should live in fear simply for existing and seeking a better life,” the mayors wrote. “In Marin, we answer that question with clarity: We stand for justice. We stand for each other.”

Read the full article on the Marin Independent Journal Website.

After months of anticipation, the Downtown Library on E Street reopened on August 4 with a brighter, more comfortable space, upgraded facilities, and new furniture. To celebrate, the community is invited to the Grand Reopening Celebration on Saturday, September 20, from 12–5 PM. The event will begin with a ribbon cutting at noon, followed by an afternoon of activities highlighting the library’s refreshed space and its role in the community.

The celebration will also mark the launch of the Love Your Library campaign, celebrating all the incredible ways our public libraries serve the San Rafael community. Through this campaign, we’ll spotlight our rich and diverse collections, engaging and inclusive programs, essential and wide-ranging resources, and welcoming, high-quality service.

You’ll see this campaign reflected in our library messaging, advertising, swag, and through our community partnerships. By sharing these stories and highlights, we hope to build deeper connections, strengthen community pride, and ensure people recognize the library as an essential part of community life.

For more information, visit the Library’s website at srpubliclibrary.org.

The newest edition of the San Rafael Recreation & Library Activities Guide is here, ready to help you enjoy the cooler months with a range of events and programs.

This guide highlights the enduring charm of the Downtown Library and offers a season filled with community-favorite events and fresh experiences. From first-time workshops to cherished traditions, there’s something for everyone.

Registration for Fall/Winter programs opens on Monday, August 18th. Mark your calendars and explore the guide for a season of connection, discovery, and fun.

Over the last year, the City, explored a Residential Permit Parking Program to manage overcrowded street parking in East San Rafael in a cost-neutral and equitable way.

What we learned: While there was initial interest in exploring a more structured approach to parking management, there was not enough community consensus to move forward with the proposed parking permit program. Community concerns included:

• No guaranteed parking permit for residents

• Paying for something that’s always been free

• Cumbersome visitor permit process

• Fear of parking tickets due to program complexity

• Families needing more flexibility

The results: Without an equitable, cost-neutral, and community supported solution, the City has decided not to move forward with the pilot program.

What’s next: A detailed report will be shared at the City Council’s Three-Year Strategic Plan, Mid-Year Update. The City will also evaluate opportunities to address community needs and find better, more inclusive solutions together.

The Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) brings together artists, businesses, community members, and the City to make downtown a vibrant, inclusive hub for arts and culture. As one of only 14 California Cultural Districts, DSRAD works to showcase local talent, celebrate diversity, and create spaces where art can thrive.

Learn more: Visit DSRAD’s new website, which showcases upcoming events, public art, and a directory of arts organizations in downtown San Rafael.

Get involved: DSRAD welcomes artists, collaborators and funders to help shape programs that inspire creativity and build civic pride. The DSRAD Steering Committee is seeking new members to guide partnerships, events and community engagement that keep the arts central to downtown life. Learn more and apply by August 29.

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has launched a new Match My Payment Program to support eligible customers with overdue energy bills. The program provides a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $1,000, for qualifying low- to moderate-income households.

What you need to know:

• Financial support is available through December 31, 2025

• Customers must pay at least $50 toward a past-due bill to qualify for matching funds

• A minimum past-due balance of $100 is required to apply

• Eligibility is based on federal income guidelines — for example, a family of four earning less than $128,600 may qualify

The program is designed to reduce the risk of disconnection and provide flexibility for customers experiencing financial hardship. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on availability.

Get support today! Learn more and apply at hardshiptools.org/MyApp.

The federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credit — $7,500 for new EV purchases and leases, and up to $4,000 for used EVs — is still available, but will expire on September 30 due to recent federal policy changes.

These incentives can significantly reduce the cost of going electric and help San Rafael meet its climate action goals by cutting greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, the city’s largest source of carbon pollution.

Our partners at Ride and Drive Clean offer upcoming webinars where residents can get questions answered and learn how to take advantage of these savings before the deadline.

San Rafael City Hall will be closed to the general public on Fridays through August 29, 2025. Community members who need in-person services at City Hall on a Friday may contact the relevant department in advance to schedule an appointment. San Rafael Community Centers, Libraries, Al Boro Parking Services, and all Public Safety services will remain open and maintain normal Friday hours.

City Hall Summer Hours:

• Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Fridays: Open by appointment only

Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:

• Fridays August 15 and 22 (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.

• September 27-November 1, Italian Film Festival of Marin. Location: Angelico Concert Hall of Dominican University.

• 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!