📸 Snapshot – City Council meeting agenda, new public art installations, and more!

The San Rafael City Council will be meeting on Monday, October 20 at San Rafael City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue.

Meeting Details:

Special Meeting: 4:30 PM, at City Hall, Second Floor Conference Room

• Interview and appoint Applicants to the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee and the Planning Commission

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:

• Revised City Staff appointments to Joint Powers Authorities and Committees, including Zero Waste Marin, MERA, MWPA, and MGSA

• Resolution authorizing continued funding and renewal of the California State Preschool Program Contract for FY 2026–27

• Resolution approving acceptance of $483,282 in Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Grant funds to support the SAFE Team, expand crisis response services, and enhance firearm relinquishment procedures

• Proclamation recognizing National First Responders’ Day 2025

Special Presentations:

• Presentation of a Proclamation in Recognition of United Against Hate Week 2025 and support for Not In Our Town

Public Hearings:

• Introduction of an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code

• Introduction of an ordinance establishing a Mobile Vending Permit Program, adoption of related fee resolutions, and authorization for an interlocal enforcement MOU with the County of Marin

Other Agenda Items:

• Resolution adopting the City Council’s Revised Three-Year Strategic Plan for FY 2025–2028 and the Work Plan for FY 2025–26

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.

On Tuesday, October 15, the City and County announced the 350 Merrydale Road Interim Shelter Project, a significant initiative to combat homelessness.

Why it matters: This project provides 65 cabins with support services, ensuring privacy and stability for residents as they transition to permanent housing.

• This is a collaborative effort among City, County, State agencies, and community organizations.

• In the long term, the site will become a deed-restricted affordable housing community.

Learn more: Join the City and County for a virtual community meeting about the project on October 28 from 6:00-7:30 PM. There staff will discuss:

• Neighborhood safety and cleanliness

• Site management

• Successes from the Sanctioned Camping Area

Register here to join the meeting and share your input.

Click the button below for more information and a FAQ on the project.

The City has taken a major step forward in bringing a vibrant new main library and community center to Albert Park.

On October 6, the San Rafael City Council approved a contract with Griffin Structures to guide the planning and construction of this transformational project, funded by Measure P, which voters approved in 2024.

Why it matters: This project is a generational opportunity, creating a hub for civic, cultural, and social enrichment. It will offer spaces for learning, creativity, and community connection.

Celebrating progress: With the contract approved, the City moves closer to making this vision a reality, providing a dynamic new space for the entire community.

What’s next: Planning and construction are underway, with the opening anticipated in early 2031.

Excitement and community spirit filled Pickleweed Park this past weekend as neighbors gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of the revamped park.

Families explored the brand-new all-weather turf field, shot hoops on the new basketball court, and enjoyed the upgraded pathways and inviting gathering spaces.

Why it matters: The celebration marks a fresh chapter for the Canal neighborhood’s recreation spaces. Be sure to visit soon and experience the upgrades for yourself!

What’s next:

• Park enhancements: Additional park improvements are coming, including a new playground, adult fitness equipment, and more amenities as part of a larger, multi-phase plan.

• Pickleweed Library Renovation: Construction is officially underway! Upcoming improvements include a dedicated children’s reading room, a relocated police substation and staff office, redesigned restrooms, and more. The renovation is expected to be completed by spring/summer 2026.

The City of San Rafael and the San Rafael Arts District have launched a new Public Art Program to enhance Downtown vitality and celebrate the city’s cultural identity. The program will bring 5 new public art installations – including murals, mosaics, and sculptures – to highly visible locations across downtown in the Spring/Summer of 2026.

Get involved: View the artwork design proposals by the artist semifinalists via the website link below or attend one of our in-person viewing sessions.

• Your feedback will help us determine which proposals will be selected for each of the 5 project locations.

• The public comment period will be from October 20-November 3.

Click the button below to view the artwork proposals and complete a brief survey.

Join Councilmember Maika Llorens Gulati and Sustainability Program Manager Cory Bytof for the Quarterly Climate Action Forum, a key opportunity to connect on local climate initiatives.

• When: Thursday, October 23 from 5-7pm

• Where: San Rafael City Hall, 1400 5th Avenue

Hear from experts including Christine O’Rourke (Marin Climate & Energy Partnership), Kate Hagemann (Climate Adaptation Planner), Kaylyn Turnil (Waste Management Coordinator), students from Marin Academy, and Marin Sanitary Service staff.

Topics include sea level rise, greenhouse gas trends, composting impacts, student-led projects, and environmental poetry!

Why it matters: This forum is a vital opportunity for community members to engage in discussions about topics related to climate action and adaptation.

How to join: Attend in-person or register here for the virtual listen-only option if you can’t make it in person.

Keep your community safe by using the PG&E Report It app.

Why it matters: The app is a convenient tool for reporting non-emergency safety concerns and helps PG&E address potential issues efficiently.

• Submit photos and details of concerns to PG&E’s safety team.

• Stay informed with notifications about your submission’s status and PG&E’s findings.

Important: The app is not for emergencies. If you suspect a gas leak or see downed powerlines:

• Leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1.

• Contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

Yes, but: The PG&E Report It app is only available in English.

• For reports in other languages, call 1-800-743-5000.

Art exhibits on display from September 8, 2025, through January 23, 2026, at the Marin Civic Center’s 1st and 3rd floor galleries.

What’s happening: Curated by Karina Ramirez-Cortez with the Multicultural Center of Marin, the Multicultural Marin exhibition showcases art from over 20 artists contributing to Marin’s cultural landscape.

• The exhibition emphasizes art as a dialogue, weaving stories of heritage, identity, and imagination.

Why it matters: This exhibition aims to unify and celebrate diversity, highlighting that our uniqueness is our strength and diversity is our beauty.

• It serves as both a celebration and a call to connect, inviting viewers to see themselves in others.

The bottom line: Visit these galleries to experience the richness of community and the power of art to bring us together.

Join us on October 24 at the San Rafael Elks Lodge from 6–9:30 p.m. for Brush with Fame 2025, a night supporting arts education!

Why it matters: Arts education enriches young lives and fosters creativity.

• This event provides a fun way for the community to support emerging artists.

• Every ticket supports Youth in Arts programs, bringing high-quality arts education to thousands of local students each year.

Step into the night: Arrive dressed as your favorite artist, artwork, musician, or muse—think Frida Kahlo, Prince, Misty Copeland, or Van Gogh’s Starry Night come to life. Enjoy curated food, local drinks, live music by KoolWhip Band and ‘Til Dawn A Cappella, dancing, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Don’t miss: The silent auction, Fund-A-Need bidding, and the costume contest to show off your creativity!

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 Management Analyst I/II

• Communications and Engagement Intern (SRFD)

• Sewer Maintenance Worker I/II

• Human Resources Assistant

Have questions about working for the City? Please reach out to human.resources@cityofsanrafael.org.

Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:

Floating Pumpkin Patch, October 18, 1-3 p.m., Terra Linda Community Pool

• Pick your pumpkin in the pool, enjoy decorating, and participate in fun games. Registration includes pumpkin, pool entry, and activities.

2nd Annual Treat Walk, October 23, 4-6 p.m., San Rafael Community Center

• Family-friendly Halloween event with treats, pumpkin decorating, face painting, games, and more. Hosted by San Rafael Library & Community Center.

Movies in the Park, October 24, 7:15-9 p.m., Terra Linda Park

• Family-friendly films under the stars. The free movie screening begins 10 minutes after sunset. Bring a blanket for a cozy outdoor movie night.

Trick or Treat on Fourth Street, October 25, 1-3 pm, Downtown and West End Village

• Family-friendly fun on Fourth Street on Saturday, featuring trick-or-treating at local businesses, a pet costume contest, a Trunk or Treat with the San Rafael Police, and a prize wheel in the Plaza.

37th Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration, November 1, 3-9 p.m., Albert J. Boro Community Center

• Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with family art activities, music, face painting, and cultural performances.

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