Subscribe to Snapshot and have this bi-monthly newsletter delivered directly to your email.
Nixle Community Information Service Now Available
San Rafael is launching a new community notification service this week that will allow us to send important public safety information to the many people who live, work, and visit San Rafael. Nixle is a quick, efficient, and secure way to convey messages and alerts to community members who subscribe to the system. Individuals can choose to receive alerts as a cell phone text message, by email, or both. To register go to www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777. Click here for more information.
Find out what's happening in San Rafaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Solar Installation on City Facilities
The City’s Climate Change Action Plan supports renewable power generation and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. In October 2013 the City issued a Request for Proposals to procure solar on behalf of multiple public agencies in Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties. On Monday at 4 p.m. the City Council will hold a study session in the Third Floor conference room at City Hall regarding the possible installation of solar on City facilities. A preferred vendor has been selected and the City is now in the process of discussing possible sites to move forward with, and under which financing mechanism.
Find out what's happening in San Rafaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Library Foundation Update on Activities
On Monday evening at 6 p.m. the San Rafael Public Library Foundation will be presenting an informational update to the City Council about its efforts in the past few years, and its future plans, to help create a 21st Century Library for our community.
Ritter Center Performance Report
At the upcoming City Council meeting on March 17 at 7 p.m. staff will present a six-month performance report covering Ritter Center’s compliance with their use permit in regards to client caseload, implementation of the overflow management plan, litter control and on-site security measures. The Council will also review Ritter Center’s overall site operations and take public comments. Click here for the staff report.
Community Development Block Grant
Also at next Monday night’s meeting, the City Council will review the annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Councilmembers will consider approving the spending of federal funds on enforcement of fair housing laws, a rehabilitation loan program, a disability access program, and an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) project which funds curb cuts throughout the City. In addition, the City Council will discuss a proposed three-year extension of a Cooperation Agreement with the County that provides guidance for the administration of the program. Click here for the staff report on funding and here for the staff report on for the cooperative agreement.
Citizens’ Group on Pension Reform Report
The City has been working on the issue of pension reform for quite some time now. In October, the Council Subcommittee formed an ad-hoc Citizens’ Group to serve in an advisory role by making an objective analysis of the discretionary actions available to the City. After studying the issues for several months, the group submitted its report including the membership of the group and how they went about their work, background information on types of pension plans and how they function, background on legal and legislative issues, some of San Rafael's recent pension changes, how benefits are funded, the group's findings, and additional thoughts. Click here for the staff report, which includes the Citizens’ Group’s report. To learn more about the City’s efforts in pension reform, visit www.cityofsanrafael.org/pensions.
SMART Construction Starts in San Rafael
SMART is starting construction north of Smith Ranch Road in San Rafael this week! Work includes improving tracks, grade crossings, bridges and systems in preparation for the passenger rail service. In general, work will occur in specific sections for a few days at a time between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Construction between Smith Ranch Road and Civic Center Drive will commence later this year and notification will be done closer to that time period. Click here for updates on SMART’s construction activities.
General Plan Housing Element Update
As required by State law, the City is updating the Housing Element of the San Rafael General Plan 2020. The purpose of this update is to: keep the document current with community information on housing; incorporate changes in housing laws; and to report on the success and progress of City housing policies and implementing programs. It is not anticipated that the update will include significant changes to the document, in terms of housing needs, methods or plans to meet those needs, or in City policies and implementing programs. Click here for more information about the update process and how to get involved.
EVENTS
Second Fridays Art Walk
Artworks Downtown and other Fourth Street merchants are delighted to announce "Second Fridays Art Walk", an ongoing Art Walk in Downtown San Rafael. Each month the galleries and many retailers along Fourth Street host artists and artwork, featuring new exhibits, receptions, and related events. The next walk is Friday, March 14, from 5 – 8 p.m. Click here for an online map and for more information about the event.
Library Book Sale
A spring book sale with a large selection of newly donated art, gardening and cookbooks will be held at the San Rafael Public Library, from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15. There will be new history selections, children's books and an assortment of natural history, poetry, fiction, travel, CDs, DVDs, and much more. Members of the Friends of the San Rafael Library may attend a preview sale from 3 – 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 14. Memberships may be purchased at the door. Proceeds will go to children's summer reading and other Library programs as well as purchasing new items for the collections. For more information, call Friends Books at 453-1443 or 485-3104.
Bite of Reality Financial Literacy Class
The Chamber of Commerce, along with Redwood Credit Union and the RMJ Foundation are hosting a free financial reality experience for teens on Tuesday, March 18 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at San Rafael High School. Students are assigned a career, an income and a family and must make choices about how to spend their money. Click here to learn more.
Volunteering in Retirement
On March 21 from 2 – 3 p.m. Carla Koop of the Volunteer Program will discuss how you can make a difference through volunteering during retirement. The talk will take place at the Downtown Library. Click here for more information. For information about volunteer opportunities with the City, visit www.sanrafaelvolunteers.org.
