📸 Snapshot: City Council meeting, Black History Month, Library updates, Parking, and more!

On Tuesday, February 18, the City of San Rafael will hold a City Council meeting at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue.

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:

• Approval of minutes from the February 3, 2025 meeting.

• Resolution authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Gigantic Idea Studios for illegal dumping mitigation.

• City of San Rafael’s Quarterly Investment Report.

• Resolution to enter an agreement with the Gardeners’ Guild for Point San Pedro median landscaping services.

Public Hearings:

• Change in Speed Limits on 24 San Rafael Roadway Segments.

  • The City Council will introduce an ordinance to reduce speed limits by 5 mph along certain roadway segments as part of a comprehensive approach to improving traffic safety.

Other Agenda Items:

• Police Advisory and Accountability Committee 2024 Annual Report

• Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget Update and Personnel Changes

• Resolution to Extend the Temporary 2% Reduction of the Cannabis Delivery Business Tax Rate through December 31, 2026

Get Involved:

View the full agenda and watch the meeting online via Zoom or YouTube. Participate in person or submit public comments ahead of the meeting.

The 2025 Black History Month theme, “Reflections on Resistance: Black Struggles for Justice and Equality,” highlights the historical and ongoing contributions of Black Americans in advancing civil rights, equity, and social justice. This serves as an opportunity to learn from the past and inspire future actions for a fair and just society.

The City of San Rafael supports and encourages community members to delve into the stories of Black Americans, to celebrate their achievements, and to engage in initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, and understanding.

Black History Month Talk: Join Historian John William Templeton to learn about Black Labor Pioneers in Marin County and the Bay Area.

• February 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the 4th Street Library Pop-Up, 1009 4th Street.

• John William Templeton is a transformational speaker who provides competitive knowledge on technology, economics, entrepreneurship, education and history. He is the founder of National Black Business Month, a business journalist, historian, and demographer.

The City of San Rafael invites you to a community meeting for the Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvement Project on February 27th at 6:00pm, hosted at City Hall.

Why it matters: This meeting provides an opportunity for residents to engage with city staff, understand the project’s progress, and raise questions directly.

• Key updates on environmental clearance, grant documentation, and project timeline will be shared.

Meeting details:

• When: Thursday, February 27th at 6:00pm

• Where: San Rafael City Hall, Council Chambers (1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901)

• Virtual Access: Watch via Zoom here with Webinar ID 863 5328 2699

If you plan on attending virtually, please send any comments or questions related to the project ahead of time to Grey.Melgard@CityofSanRafael.org as staff will be unable to receive digital comments during the meeting.

Stay informed: If you would like to receive digital updates on the project, please submit your contact information via this form.

The San Rafael Public Library is launching an array of new events and programs in 2025 after a record-breaking year with over a million digital book checkouts through MARINet libraries.

🎉 Upcoming events and programs happening over the next month:

• Valentine’s Day Cardmaking Craft Bags, After School Reading and Homework Help, Books Beyond Borders, and Pickleweed Game Club

• First Wednesday Art Talks and a special Black History Month event with John William Templeton

• Drop-In Tech Help, ESL Conversation Club, and Write Your Legacy Workshop

Future highlights: Stay on the lookout for events with Marin Master Gardeners, Filmmakers in Focus, and a Repair Fair at Pickleweed.

Serving our community: The library’s diverse offerings underscore its commitment to serving the community and fostering a love for learning.

San Rafael is seeking applicants for upcoming vacancies on its Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Apply before March 28th by submitting an application here.

Why it matters: Joining a Board, Commission, or Committee is your chance to shape San Rafael’s future. Share your voice, represent your community, and help guide local decisions.

Opportunities available:

• Pickleweed Advisory Committee: Two regular voting members & one youth member (9th grade through 18 years).

  • The Pickleweed Advisory Committee provides valuable input in representing and advocating for the Canal area resident’s needs and wishes for programs and services; and is a primary public networking resource between the Canal residents, representatives from governmental and non-profit agencies, and others.

• Planning Commission: One seat for a licensed architect.

  • The Planning Commission consists of community volunteers appointed by the City Council to make decisions or advise the Council on land use and property development issues. The Commission assures that new development is consistent with our long-range General Plan, State laws and other public policies that advance the interests of our community.

• Voter Approved Tax Oversight Committee: Two regular voting members

  • The Voter Approved Tax Oversight Committee’s purpose is to ensure that all revenues received from voter approved taxes are spent on uses outlined in a manner consistent with the language of the ballot measure that approved the tax.

The City of San Rafael is gathering community input on a draft Residential Permit Parking program for East San Rafael. The program, under development, aims to reduce parking congestion, improve safety, and ensure equitable access to parking for residents and their guests.

The details: This survey is specifically for residents of East San Rafael (Kerner, Commercial, Canal, Bahia, Spinnaker Point & Baypoint).

Share your voice: Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the potential program to better serve your neighborhood. All responses are anonymous. For additional context, please visit this link to access information and a recording of the community meeting held on January 28, 2025.

This survey will close on Friday, February 21 at 11:59pm.

The Terra Linda Pool is now open, offering a variety of activities including lap swim, recreation swim, a toddler pool, and a large inflatable. Check the pool schedule for specific hours and programs.

Dive in today! Everyone entering the pool area must pay an entrance fee, regardless of whether or not they plan to swim.

• The pool is also hiring swim instructors. Apply here.

🛟 Lifeguard training available:

• New classes are available in March and May. Visit San Rafael Recreation for more details on dates and registration.

During open hours, other programs may be scheduled that will be allotted specific space in the pool.

Fire Safe Marin’s Wildfire Watch event highlighted the lessons Marin can learn from the devastating fires in Southern California. This powerful conversation emphasizes the risks in Marin County and ways residents can take necessary precautions.

Why it matters: The similarities between Marin and LA, such as rugged terrain and dense vegetation, make understanding these lessons crucial for preventing similar disasters. The special also provides insights into Marin’s proactive measures against wildfire risks.

📺 Watch the broadcast: Learn from top experts on what happened in LA and how to stay safe in Marin by watching the recording on YouTube.

Join us for these upcoming events in San Rafael:

• January 24-February 24: Downtown San Rafael Lunar New Year Celebration and Scavenger Hunt. Location: Downtown San Rafael businesses.

• Throughout February: “FeBREWary” celebration of local craft beer. Location: Breweries, Taprooms, Bars, and pubs across Downtown San Rafael.

• February 14, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: 2nd Friday Art Walk. Location: Downtown San Rafael.

• February 15 and 16, 6:30 PM: Year of the Snake Lion Dance Performances. Location: Yet Wah, 1238 4th St.

• February 22, 11:00 AM: Black History Month Talk: Black Labor Pioneers in Marin County with Historian John William Templeton. Location: 4th Street Library Pop-Up, 1009 4th St.

• Every Sunday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Agricultural Institute of Marin Farmers’ Market. Locations: Sundays at 2501 Civic Center Drive, Thursdays at 10 Avenue of the Flags.

• There’s always something happening at the library. Check out the San Rafael Library event calendar!