In Memory of Bob Beedle

Retired Ross Valley Fire Chief, Robert Charles Beedle, passed away on April 8, 2021. Bob was the last Chief of the San Anselmo Fire Department and the first Chief of the Ross Valley Fire Department.

Marin Remains in Orange Tier after Uptick in Cases

The State of California has confirmed that Marin County will remain in Tier 3 or “orange” status in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy a while longer. 

In general, for a county to advance to a less restrictive tier during the COVID-19 pandemic, it must (1) have been in the current tier for a minimum of three weeks; and (2) meet criteria for the next less restrictive tier for the prior two consecutive weeks.

While Marin had achieved the first seven days of the required two weeks of qualifying data to move into the less-restrictive yellow tier, it narrowly missed the mark due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases.

“This is what the Blueprint was designed to do, to ensure a county moves forward only when we see a reliable trend of decreased transmission,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer. “When a small uptick in cases is enough to keep us where we are, it’s a sign we’re not ready.”

The data in question includes cases for the week ending April 10, when there was an increase in testing related to spring break travel. While the increase in cases was not a large spike, it was enough to prevent Marin from graduating to the yellow Tier 4. As a result, the 14-day qualification period starts over, meaning the earliest Marin could move into yellow status is May 4.

As of April 20, 76% of Marin County residents aged 16 or older had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, placing Marin among the most highly vaccinated counties. However, Willis warned it’s too early to assume Marin has achieved community immunity.

“If people see relatively high community vaccination rates as a reason to let down their guard, they’re mistaken,” Willis said. “Children under 16 still remain unvaccinated and it takes about six weeks for newly vaccinated people to develop immunity. The fact is, we remain vulnerable to COVID-19 transmission and if we want to move forward, we have to be vigilant together.”

Public Health recommends wearing of face coverings, physical distancing, and frequent hand washing when in public, and to considering testing prior to, and quarantining after, travel outside of the Bay Area. Free, same-day COVID-19 testing is available across the county, and anyone who comes into frequent contact with members of the public should consider getting tested at least once a month. See Public Health’s testing webpage for a list of locations.
In addition, health officials are encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the pandemic-ending toolkit. Vaccinations are widely available throughout Marin, including some walk-up options. Make an appointment online at GetVaccinatedMarin.org.

In August 2020, the state introduced its Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a four-tier framework by which counties are measured for loosening and tightening restrictions on social activities and business operations. Sectors of business can progressively open more operations with moves up the list toward the final stage, yellow Tier 4. The California Department of Public Health assigns each county to a tier on a weekly basis based on two county-level factors: the total number of new cases, and the percent of new cases among those tested.

MUNICIPAL SERVICES, PENSION OVERRIDE AND LIBRARY PARCEL TAXES REBATE PROGRAM

San Anselmo property owners who have a financial hardship, you may qualify for the rebate of a portion or all of San Anselmo’s Municipal Services (also called “General Purpose”), Pension Override and Library Parcel Taxes.

          Property owners who satisfy any of the following criteria may be eligible:

1. Any household that is eligible for Public Assistance and/or Food Stamps from the Health and Human Services Department of the County of Marin.

2. Any household whose total income (Line 7b on IRS Form 1040) is equivalent to or less than “very low income” for the number of persons in the household, as shown on the most current Federal Housing and Urban Development Income Limits for Marin County.
3. Any household in which the principal wage earner or wage earners have been unemployed for at least 90 days prior to the application date.

          The rebate program defines low income as below $60,900 for a one-person household, $69,600 for a two-person household, $78,300 for a three-person household, and $87,000 for a four-person household.  Rental property is not eligible to be considered for the rebate program.

          The Town of San Anselmo’s Tax Equity Board reviews the applications, which must be filed by May 15, 2021. For more information and application forms, please contact Helen Yu-Scott at 415-258-4678.

The Fire-Smart Sanctuary  

Here’s a fire-smart tip from UC Marin Master Gardeners - create a fire-smart sanctuary.  By using sustainable and earth friendly garden practices, your garden can be a place for pollinators and insects to travel through, making it a wildlife corridor.  

 
Make your garden sustainable, healthy and fire-smart. For plant lists visit http://marinmg.ucanr.edu/PLANTS/.  For more information visit http://marinmg.ucanr.edu/Fire-smart_Landscaping/

IMPORTANT REMINDER -
MASK WEARING IS MANDATORY 

Economic Development Committee Seeking New Members 

Deadline for applications is April 30th

The Economic Development Committee works with the Town’s business community to identify actions that can be taken to ensure that the business community is vibrant, successful and meets the needs of the residents and visitors of San Anselmo.

The Committee ensures that the Town’s business community and the residential community has a forum for giving the Town input on steps needed to attract and retain a variety of small businesses and develops and implements an Economic Development Action Plan. 

The Committee has seven members and meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 8:45 a.m. in the Town Council Chambers.  There are three seats available. To apply, click here.

Night of the Poets

Wednesday, April 28
7pm on Zoom

Summoning word wizards and masters of meter! All ages are welcome to participate and attend the San Anselmo Library’s first (and maybe only) virtual Night of the Poets. Come one come all to read or listen.  Celebrate poetry during a pandemic with your library and community.

Contact sleyland@townofsananselmo.org to read an original or favorite poem or to attend the event. 

Help Keep the Flower Baskets In Downtown San Anselmo

Donations are being accepted to help fund this annual community effort

The San Anselmo Beautification Committee has launched its 2021 fundraising campaign to raise funds for the annual hanging flower basket program in the downtown.

There are two ways you can contribute:

1. Donate by visiting the program's GO FUND ME PAGE, or

2.  Mail a check to:

San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 2844, San Anselmo, CA 94979
(please mark check for “baskets”)

For more information about the project, contact Nancy Altman at nnaltman@me.com