Saturday, November 14, 2020 David P. Donery, Town Manager
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Urgent Steps Needed to Avoid Economic Regression - Public Health introduces new restrictions to stem COVID-19 surgeMarin County worked hard to graduate from red to orange COVID-19 status in October, but its residents will have to double down on efforts to prevent a step backward in the pandemic economic recovery. As coronavirus cases surge in Marin, regionally, and nationally, the Public Health Division of Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said new precautions in the next few days and weeks will determine whether Marin is relegated back to the red Tier 2 (substantial risk) from the orange Tier 3 (moderate risk) on the State of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy scale.
Marin HHS has introduced recommended actions for industries and activities labeled higher risk for virus transmission. Businesses and organizations are being asked to take the following steps immediately: - reduce indoor dining capacity from 50% to 25%;
- reduce indoor movie theater capacity from 50% to 25% and close concessions; and
- reduce capacity of indoor faith-based and cultural ceremonies from 50% to 25%.
Dr. Matt Willis, the County’s Public Health Officer, said the recommendations will become requirements Tuesday, November 17, if the trend of increased cases numbers continues. Earlier this week, the average COVID-19 reported cases per day in Marin was double the average of the previous three weeks. If that rate is maintained or continues to increase, Marin will return to red Tier 2 status or Purple Tier 1 status as of November 24. Willis reminded the Marin County Board of Supervisors during its November 10 meeting that he has the option to invoke stricter public health policies than the state recommends. “As COVID-19 rates increase across our community, public indoor environments become less safe because there is a higher probability that someone who is infected is indoors with you,” said Dr. Willis. “We’re seeing an increasing trend of cases linked to indoor gatherings and environments where masks are often removed, such as restaurants. Taking proactive steps in these high-risk areas could help prevent a shift in tier status which would result in even greater restrictions.”
In late August, Marin was placed in purple Tier 1 (widespread risk) when the Blueprint for a Safer Economy scale was introduced. It was moved to red Tier 2 in mid-September and orange Tier 3 in late October. Businesses, schools, offices and other agencies must adhere to the state-mandated guidelines by taking precautions against the spread of COVID-19. Marin HHS is not only urging residents to play it safe during holiday travel and gatherings, but doctors said strong consideration should be given to COVID-19 testing as well. Marin County Public Health’s guidance for holiday travel and gatherings, in addition a list of safe alternatives for holiday celebrations, can be found at Coronavirus.MarinHHS.org/Celebrate-Safely. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found on Public Health’s webpage.
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Election Update San Anselmo Town Council Election The Marin County Elections Department will release updated elections results and post them before 5:00 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday until all votes have been counted and the election is final. Once final, the results for our local election for Town Council will be certified to the San Anselmo Town Council.
As of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13th, the three candidates receiving the most votes include Brian Colbert, Alexis Fineman and Eileen Burke.
The official canvass of the vote will be on the Town Council agenda on Tuesday, December 8th. In addition to swearing in three Councilmembers, the Council will also vote on a new Mayor and Vice Mayor. The public is invited to attend, as always!
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83486395922
Or Telephone: Dial: +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 834 8639 5922
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Reimagine Creek Park Project Pedestrian Bridge and Plaza Design Work ContinuesAt the November 9th Reimagine Creek Park Community Advisory Committee meeting, the committee reviewed the updated design concepts for the Creekside Commons project, which is being planned in conjunction with the Marin County Flood Control District's project at 632-634 San Anselmo Avenue. The designs under review were related to the potential pedestrian bridge and plaza on the San Anselmo Avenue side of the project, and are intended to enhance the County Flood Control District's San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction (SAFRR) project work at that location.
The Creekside Commons portion of the project will be paid for through private fundraising.
The SAFRR project includes the removal of the abutments located in the creek at 632-634 San Anselmo Avenue. The first phase of this project has been completed, which included the removal of the buildings at that location, and the creation of a temporary downtown park. The second phase, which is scheduled for the summer of 2021, will involve removing the existing concrete deck where the temporary park is located along with the concrete that is currently below the temporary park.
The Creekside Commons designs represent a partnership between the Town of San Anselmo and the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District with the goal of creating a unique public space in addition to much needed flood control. More information about the SAFFR project can be found at this link: https://www.marinwatersheds.org/resources/projects/san-anselmo-flood-risk-reduction-safrr-project.
The Creekside Commons bridge and plaza design decisions will be considered by the San Anselmo Town Council at their meeting on November 24, 2020.
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Public Health Emphasizes Safe Holidays and Travel Officials from 11 Bay Area jurisdictions, including Marin, issue recommendations
Public health officers from the counties of Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma, and the city of Berkeley have issued joint recommendations for staying safe during the holidays. The recommendations cover gatherings and travel, with recommended steps to reduce risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The joint recommendations for travel and gatherings advise that in-person gatherings be small, short, stable (no more than three households over an extended period), and outdoors. Also, nonessential travel, including holiday travel, is not recommended. Travel outside the Bay Area will increase chances of infection and potentially spread the virus. For those who are traveling, there are tips to help avoid catching COVID-19 or spreading it to fellow travelers. Those travelling outside the Bay Area are strongly recommended to self-quarantine for 14 days upon return if activities while travelling created higher risk of getting COVID-19.
Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis said family and friends who plan to travel to a holiday gathering should consider being tested for COVID-19 before and after the gatherings. He said it’s more important than ever to practice the usual precautions, such as a wearing a face covering, washing hands frequently, avoidance of touching surfaces and other people, using hand sanitizer often, and maintaining a minimum of six feet from others.
Marin has seen relatively low COVID-19 rates recently despite increases around the state and across the country, he said. On October 27, Marin was moved up on the State of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy scale from Tier 2 (substantial risk) to Tier 3 (moderate risk) because of its public health successes in suppressing the novel coronavirus.
The safest way to celebrate this holiday season is virtually or with members of your household. Gathering with people outside your household – even extended family – increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. There are many ways to enjoy the holidays with loved ones without gathering:
- Enjoy holiday traditions at home with your household
- Decorate your home and/or yard
- Share a virtual meal with family and friends
- Host online parties and/or contests
- Prepare meals using traditional recipes and deliver to family and neighbors
- Attend holiday movie nights at drive-in venues
- Visit holiday-themed outdoor art installations
- Participate in drive-by events where everyone stays in their vehicles
Marin County Public Health’s guidance for holiday travel and gatherings, in addition a list of safe alternatives for holiday celebrations, can be found at Coronavirus.MarinHHS.org/Celebrate-Safely.
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Robson Aftercare Now Enrolling!!With schools re-opening to students we know aftercare may be a necessity. Robson is up and running with spaces still available for both cohorts!! Cohort A – Tuesday & Wednesday Cohort B – Thursday & Friday 12:00pm-6:00pm ($288 for a 3 week session) REGISTER HERE
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The Station is Back!!Last year’s newest aftercare offering from San Anselmo Recreation is operating with one 8 child cohort. 4th & 5th graders Tuesday-Friday (3:00pm-6:00pm) $288 for a 3 week session) REGISTER HERE
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Looking to keep busy over Thanksgiving break and have some fun with a few friends? Click the link at the bottom to register for San Anselmo Recreation’s Thanksgiving Break Camp!!
Limited spaces available so do not wait!! 11/23-11/25 (9:00am-4:00pm) Ages 5-11 ($165.00) REGISTER HERE
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ART ON THE AVENUEArt on the Avenue is excited to exhibit the works of local artists Kathleen Lipinski and Christin Coy for the Month of November.
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Winter is Coming The Town has a flood horn located on the Town Hall tower. The horn is audible from areas that are subject to flooding, as well as many areas that are not. The horn is sounded when flooding is imminent. Town staff will sound the horn with 5 blasts, a pause, 5 blasts, a pause and 5 blasts. If you hear the flood horn, do not go to flood-prone areas. We understand that it is tempting to come view the creek when the water is high but it’s VERY dangerous. It also takes Public Safety personnel extra time to respond to people entering flood areas instead of attending to other important duties during the emergency.
In conjunction with the flood horn, the Town places signs near flood-prone areas when flooding is a possibility. The signs say “Turn Around – Don’t Drown!” and are a reminder that flood waters are swift moving and pose a danger to everyone. ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown’ is a project of the National Weather Service (NWS). NWS says that more deaths occur from drowning than any other thunderstorm related hazard. Stay safe by avoiding flood-prone areas during storm events!
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Reporting Shelter-in-Place ViolationsTo expedite the process for resolving business violations of the Shelter-in-Place (SIP) Public Health Orders, each jurisdiction has set-up a way to report these violations, instead of being triaged by the County. This will allow cities and towns to respond faster to the complaints.
To report a business violation in San Anselmo, please email SIPviolations@townofsananselmo.org and include the following information: - Business name
- Address
- As much detail as possible regarding the perceived health order violation
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Organic Waste Program for 2020Residents of incorporated San Anselmo can opt to receive a second or third green waste cart as part of their basic bundled service package with Marin Sanitary Service (MSS). Customers who want the third green waste cart must make the request by December 31, 2020 to be able to have the third cart as part of their basic bundled service. After that date, customers will be entitled to two green waste carts as part of the bundled service, and will be able to rent additional carts (up to 4).
In summary, customers who have secured up to three (3) total green waste carts before December 31, 2020, will keep this secured level of service at no additional cost until the customer terminates service with the Marin Sanitary Service. This change is part of the new program for the collection of organic waste (food and yard waste). Beginning in 2020, Marin Sanitary will no longer collect organic waste from customer-owned cans. You will be receiving more information from MSS and the Town throughout 2020 on this program change.
It is important to note that these changes are for customers in the incorporated town of San Anselmo. This does not apply to customers who may have a San Anselmo address but reside in unincorporated Marin County, such as residents of Sleepy Hollow. For additional information, click here.
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Town Hall Office HoursTown Hall is open for in-person services. Permits, Planning and Business Licenses are available from 8:30 am - 12 pm Mondays and Wednesdays. Social distancing and masks will be required while in the building.
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