San Rafael Snapshot - May 2, 2013

Fire Season is Here

Due to unseasonably hot temperatures this week, fire danger is high. We’ve had several small brush fires over the past few days. Please report any sign of smoke or fire immediately by calling 9-1-1 and call the fire department if you need any help. They can also visit your home to help you assess fire hazards. It’s always best to take action before the fire… it could save your life and others. Click here for more information about how to protect your home, family, and neighborhood. Are you prepared?

Potential Sales Tax Renewal in November

Back in 2005, the San Rafael community came together and voted in favor of Measure S, a small increase in our City's sales tax that has had a big impact on the stability of our budget and the quality of services we can provide to the community. Measure S has provided a significant and stable source of local funding to help ensure rapid response times for police, firefighters and emergency services, as well as supporting other important city services such as library and public works. To protect our safety and quality of life by preserving this funding for vital city services, the City Council is considering placing a measure on the November 5, 2013 ballot to renew the expiring Measure S. As part of this process, the City Council will also consider options for providing enhanced locally-controlled funding, to address San Rafael's most urgent documented safety-related facility upgrades, such as our emergency communications and our fire stations. Visit www.SafeSanRafael.org to learn more.  This web site includes a comment section to ask questions and get future updates on this process.

Plan Bay Area and San Rafael

On Monday night, the City Council will hear a presentation about how Plan Bay Area relates to San Rafael. Required by SB 375, Plan Bay Area is a long-range, regional plan developed by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Association of Bay Area Governments that focuses growth throughout the Bay Area around mass transit, jobs, shopping, and other services to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Community Development Director Paul Jensen will explain the impact of the plan on San Rafael and what the next steps are in terms of submitting comments on the draft plan and the Draft Environmental Impact Report. Click here for the staff report.

Public Meeting on BID Expansion

Also on Monday night, the City Council will take testimony regarding the proposed changes and expansion of the Downtown Business Improvement District. If you own a business Downtown, you should have received a notice in the mail regarding proposed changes to the Downtown Business Improvement District, including expansion of the district, changes to fees and an expansion of the services provided. A public meeting is scheduled for May 6 and a public hearing on May 20, both at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Click here for more information about the changes, a map of the proposed boundaries, and how to participate.

Point San Pedro Road Neighborhood Meeting

There will be a neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, May 21 regarding Point San Pedro Road median landscaping. Public Works Director Nader Mansourian and a representative from the County of Marin will be there to provide an update, answer questions about the medians, and talk about what is in store for the roadway. The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss possible minor modifications to the planting, discuss future maintenance, and address the need to add additional trees, plants and other improvements to the medians. Mayor Phillips, Councilmember McCullough, and Supervisor Adams will also attend. The meeting will be at St. Luke Church on 10 Bayview Drive at 6:30 p.m.

May is Bike to Work Month

Did you know that bicyclists are the happiest commuters? Multiple studies show bicyclists express the highest levels of satisfaction, and least dissatisfaction, with their morning and afternoon commutes. May is Bike to Work Month and May 9 is Bike to Work Day. If you’ve never tried biking to work, then May 9 is a great day to try! There will be 17 “energizer” stations throughout Marin. As part of our new employee commute program, the City of San Rafael will host one at City Plaza on Fourth Street from 6:30 – 9 a.m. Come by and say hi!

EVENTS

Mothering Tree Art Installation

A “Mothering Tree” art installation will be showcased from May 4 – 12 at City Plaza on Fourth Street in honor of the mothers in our lives past and present. Members of the public may write messages or personal tributes to their maternal lineage using strips of colorful painted rice paper and tie them to the tree. Come visit the tree and shop for Mom downtown! Click here for more information.

Homebuyer Readiness Workshop

Habitat for Humanity is sponsoring three Homebuyer Readiness Workshops at Renaissance Marin. The workshops help to educate potential homebuyers on the three most common reasons applicants are denied homeownership: unfavorable credit, challenging debt levels, and underdeveloped skills in money management and savings practices. The workshops include “Understanding Credit” on May 7, “Debt Management” on May 14, and “Money & Savings” on May 21. These free classes are taught both in English and Spanish at 1115 3rd Street from 6 – 7 p.m. Click here for more information.

May Madness Classic Car Parade

Come on out and enjoy the 26th annual May Madness Classic Car Parade! May Madness is the longest running car show and parade in Northern California.  Spend the afternoon surrounded by a showcase of cool cars, live music and fabulous eats. The event takes place on Fourth Street between Lincoln Avenue and C Street on Saturday, May 11 from 12 – 6 p.m. Click here to learn about volunteer opportunities at the parade.