📸 Snapshot: City Council meeting, Storm Updates, Public Health Updates — and more!

On Monday, 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 November 18, 2024 meeting; amendments to the Public Art Review Board bylaws and appointment of Meili Zhao; agreements with CivicMakers, LLC and Xantrion, Inc. for consulting and telephone services; authorization with Parametrix, Inc. to update the Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan; actions for the Francisco Boulevard East Mid-Block Crossing Enhancement Project.

• Regular Agenda Item: The Council will consider appropriating affordable housing trust funds for an apartment building on Lincoln Avenue. Staff will also present an informational report on the status of a joint Notice of Funding Availability in January 2025.

• Public Hearings: Northgate Town Square Project (5800 Northgate Drive): Public hearing to consider the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and project entitlements for the comprehensive redevelopment of the existing Northgate Mall into a phased mixed-use development. Recommended actions include adopting resolutions for the EIR and project approvals and introducing an ordinance for the zoning amendment.

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.

San Rafael’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is actively preparing for the rainy season and managing recent stormy weather to ensure community safety and infrastructure resilience. Through critical stormwater maintenance projects and immediate responses to residents’ needs, DPW is working hard to protect San Rafael from the impacts of severe weather.

Why it matters:
San Rafael’s proactive stormwater management reduces the risk of flooding, protects residents, and safeguards properties during heavy storms.

Community safety in action:
DPW crews are hard at work on both preparation and response efforts:

• Smith Ranch Road: Crews cleared debris from a blocked headwall at the stormwater holding pond, ensuring resources are freed up to respond faster during storm-induced flooding.

• North Francisco Pump Station: A deep-clean of the City’s largest stormwater pump station was completed, removing sediment, trash, and other debris to optimize pump operation during heavy rains.

• Citywide Readiness: Crews have been busy cleaning storm drains, trimming trees, clearing vegetation, maintaining pump stations, and assisting residents with sandbags to reduce the risk of localized flooding.

Shout-out:
A big thank you to our Public Works team for their tireless efforts in keeping San Rafael safe, both in preparation for and during severe weather in their role as first responders. Their commitment helps protect our community.

The bottom line:
By tackling essential maintenance tasks and providing responsive support to residents, San Rafael’s DPW is leading the charge in preparing for severe weather and managing its impacts. Together, we are enhancing the city’s resilience and safeguarding our community against climate challenges.

This update highlights critical health alerts: pre-holiday food recalls, bird flu detections, clade I Mpox in the Bay Area, and respiratory virus surveillance.

Why it matters: As the holiday season approaches, staying informed about potential health risks is essential for the safety and well-being of Marin County residents.

Community vigilance:

• Food recalls: Organic carrots linked to E. coli and Chinese sausage due to Listeria contamination have prompted public health alerts. Residents should avoid consuming raw milk, as bird flu has been detected in local wastewater and retail samples.

• Bird flu: The statewide outbreak of H5N1 includes cases in local poultry farms and dairies, with 29 human infections reported among dairy workers.

Proactive health measures:

• Clade I Mpox: While the risk remains low, Marin County Public Health is monitoring the first U.S. case of this strain in the Bay Area.

• Respiratory surveillance: Stay informed about COVID-19, influenza, and RSV trends through Marin’s health monitoring resources.

Stay updated: For more information, visit Marin County Public Health’s website.

The Seeds of Hope Lunch Celebration, held at the San Rafael Community Center on B Street, brought together service providers, local businesses, and organizations to offer vital support to the homeless community.

Why it matters: With 432 attendees and over 30 service providers, this event underscores the community’s commitment to supporting our residents who are currently experiencing homelessness.

Community impact: This week’s luncheon was the largest since its inception in 2021, highlighting the growing need and community response. A memorial was also held to honor the originator of the Seeds of Hope name, marking a poignant moment of remembrance and community solidarity.

The bottom line: Events like these play a crucial role in strengthening community bonds and ensuring that those in need receive the support and resources necessary to thrive in San Rafael.

San Rafael commemorated Arbor Day on October 20th by planting trees at the Falkirk Cultural Center, reinforcing its status as a recognized Tree City, committed to sustainability.

Why it matters: As a Tree City USA for 40 years, San Rafael exemplifies leadership in promoting environmental health, essential for clean air, climate resilience, and community aesthetics.

Tradition: This long-standing designation underscores the city’s dedication to green initiatives, with annual tree plantings celebrating San Rafael’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and resources.

Looking ahead: The city continues to enhance access to green spaces and protect open areas, ensuring a healthier, more vibrant community for all residents.

The County of Marin’s Countywide Priority Setting Committee (PSC) invites community members to a public meeting to discuss funding priorities and recommendations.

Why it matters: Community input is vital for setting funding priorities that directly impact local projects and services. Engaging in these discussions ensures that the community’s voice is heard and reflected in the decision-making process.

Details: This open-to-all meeting will be conducted via Zoom on Thursday, December 5th at 6:00 p.m. Registration is necessary to participate.

What’s next: Community members are encouraged to register for the Zoom meeting or submit comments in advance via email to federalgrants@marincounty.org. Participation strengthens community influence on local governance.

For more information about the Federal Grants programs, please visit the Federal Grants website.

The California Army National Guard is seeking community assistance for their Holiday Party on December 8th, 2024, at the San Rafael Armory.

Why it matters: This event offers service members and their families a day of relaxation, celebrating their dedication and sacrifices.

Details: Contributions needed include non-monetary items like beverages, snacks, food trays, and gift items for about 50 attendees.

Get involved: Contact Gina Johnson at (562) 756-4417 or USArmy223rdicdetsfrg@gmail.com for more information.

City administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, in observance of Thanksgiving. Regular operations will resume on Monday, December 2.

What’s next: Ensure any necessary City services are addressed before the closure, and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.

SMART will suspend passenger service on December 14–15 for essential systems testing ahead of the new Petaluma North station’s opening. During this period, all SMART rail lines and shuttles will be out of service.

Why it matters: This temporary closure allows for necessary testing to ensure the new station’s readiness.

Alternative routes: Passengers are advised to use apps like Transit, Google Maps, or Apple Maps for alternate routes. Golden Gate Transit also offers bus services connecting Sonoma and Marin counties to San Francisco.

Looking ahead: The new Petaluma North station is expected to open for passenger service by the end of the year, enhancing travel options for residents. Stay updated via SMART’s construction updates page.