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Health & Fitness

San Rafael Snapshot - July 11, 2013

Council to Consider Tax Measure

On Monday night at 7 p.m., the City Council will hold a public hearing to consider adopting an ordinance extending and increasing the existing transactions and use tax (commonly referred to as a sales tax).  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. The proposed new ordinance puts in place a one-quarter percent (0.25%) increase to the existing one-half percent (0.5%) sales tax.  Visit www.SafeSanRafael.org for more information and to view a video about the need for this additional revenue, and click here for a report that provides additional information regarding the history of the current tax, the Citizen Oversight Committee, and the need for this measure to protect vital services and facilities in our City.

Single Use Bag Ordinance Update

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The Marin County Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority (JPA) is underway with environmental review related to a model single-use bag ordinance. The JPA is preparing the model ordinance for cities and towns in Marin that wish to adopt such an ordinance. The San Rafael City Council has been committed to enacting an ordinance related to single use bags for some time and staff has been working closely with the JPA to commence this work. The JPA expects this environmental review to be completed by the end of the year so that jurisdictions across Marin might be able to receive and act on a proposed ordinance in early 2014. This follows on the heels of a recent appellate court ruling in favor of the County of Marin with regard to a legal challenge to their bag ordinance, which applies solely to unincorporated areas. The tide seems to be turning and San Rafael will continue to work with the JPA and other interested entities in pursuing an ordinance of this sort. This Monday, the City Council will hold a public meeting on a proposed response to the Marin County Civil Grand Jury report on this subject, entitled “Holding the Bag”. Click here for more information about the Grand Jury report. Visit www.zerowastemarin.org to comment on the EIR scoping process for the JPA ordinance.

National Night Out Event Registration Now Open

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Registration is now open for National Night Out (NNO) 2013, which will take place on August 6 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.  The NNO program was created by the National Association of Town Watch in order to make a nationwide statement against crime and this is San Rafael’s second year participating. This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Night Out and is expected to be the largest ever.  Last year, over 37 million people participated. Neighborhood events may be casual and informal like as a potluck or ice cream social, or more elaborate activities including a street party.  This is a night to send a powerful message about neighborhood unity, crime prevention awareness, safety, and police-community partnerships. If you want to hold an event, you must fill out the registration form including a detailed description of your activities (location(s), time, schedule, number of people, activities, etc).  You access the form directly here or go to www.srpd.org. Please send your forms to Peggy Ruge, SRPD National Night Out Coordinator no later than July 30, 2013. For more information you can contact her at 485-3114 or email at 353@srpd.org.

Zipcar in San Rafael

San Rafael is now home to Marin’s first Zipcar location. Three Zipcars are now located at 815 B Street, including a Toyota Prius, Ford Escape, and a Nissan Sentra. Car share is a great resource for downtown businesses, employees, and residents and can help with downtown congestion and parking demand issues. Check out www.zipcar.com for more information about the service. Last year’s San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute class partnered with Transportation Authority of Marin to put together an employer commute toolkit called Go Time Marin and car share is a helpful asset to employers starting commute programs.

Leadership Institute Now Taking Applications

The San Rafael Leadership Institute, a program of the San Rafael Chamber, offers a singular opportunity to develop leadership and team-building skills while learning about current issues that impact Marin residents and businesses.  The next Leadership Institute will meet once a month from October 2013 through June 2014.  Each full-day session offers participants the chance to build relationships with Marin's top decision makers, community leaders and stakeholders.  At each session, specific issue topics are presented and explored, creating a dynamic experience of dialogue and problem-solving.  To become a more-informed leader, consider this year's Leadership Institute in your leadership development plan.   For more information download the 2013-2014 Leadership Institute brochure and application or visit www.srchamber.com.  

EVENTS

Twilight Criterium Bike Race

On Saturday, July 27, the exciting San Rafael Twilight Criterium returns to the streets of Downtown San Rafael!  The event features four races plus the kids' event, as well as an expo on Fourth Street. The pro races for men and women will headline the day, and are expected to attract full fields from all top professional teams in the country, plus a few international teams.   For more information, visit www.srtwilight.com.

La Pasita Market Opens this Summer

La Pasita is an outdoor, community based marketplace opening in the Canal Neighborhood starting this summer. The marketplace will be a place shop, socialize and celebrate special events. La Placita is a family friendly event that will present food, produce, crafts and music in an alcohol free environment. The bi-monthly market will be located on Alto and Belvedere Streets from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month during the summer. Check our event calendar for the schedule and contact the Canal Welcome Center at 526-2486 for more information.

“Councilmember is In” at Thursday Night Farmers’ Market Festival

If you have something on your mind that would you like to discuss, you might want to consider meeting your local Councilmember at the Downtown Thursday Farmers' Market Festival.  This is a great opportunity to speak out and get answers to your questions from one of your elected leaders.  Councilmembers will be available from 7pm to 8pm at the corner of Fourth and A Streets.  Here is the current schedule: July 18 – Councilmember Damon Connolly, July 25 – Councilmember Andrew McCullough, August 1 – Councilmember Kate Colin.

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