Saturday December 18, 2021

David P. Donery, Town Manager

WELCOME 2022 MAYOR ALEXIS FINEMAN & VICE MAYOR STEVE BURDO

On Tuesday evening, the Town Council appointed Alexis Fineman as San Anselmo Mayor for 2022 and Councilmember Steve Burdo was appointed as Vice Mayor. Congratulations Alexis and Steve!

Also at Tuesday's meeting, the Council recognized Councilmember Brian Colbert for his service to the Town as the Mayor during the challenging year of 2021. Thank you Brian

Town Seeks Representative on the Marin Commission on Aging

The Commission acts as an advocacy group for the interests and needs of the County’s older population, and serves as an advisory council to the County Board of Supervisors. The 21 member Commission is comprised by representatives from Marin's cities, towns and unincorporated areas. The Commission meets the second Thursday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

To apply online, please visit here

Winter/Spring Recreation

Activity Guide Released

December is full of exciting events and celebrations, but few festivities can rival the release of San Anselmo Recreation’s winter/spring activity guide!! We have over 50 pages of camps, classes, and activities for people of all ages!

This guide is full of different gift ideas for everyone in your family or friend group, but spaces fill up fast so sign up now and don’t miss out!

To view our online guide please visit https://issuu.com/sananselmorec/docs/final_draft_winter_spring_2021_guide and to register visit www.sananselmorecreation.org. If you have any questions, you can e-mail us at recreation@townofsananselmo.org or call 415-258-4640.

When to Wear a Mask

Beginning December 15, face coverings are required in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.
California Department of Public Health's recent order requires that Marin County reissue the same indoor mask mandate that was in place prior to November 2. This means all residents must continue to wear masks in indoor public environments regardless of vaccination status with very few exceptions.

Help@Hand: A Pilot Addressing the Needs of Isolated Older Adults

This Zoom presentation will focus on addressing the mental health needs of isolated older adults through the innovative project, Help@Hand. The goal of Help@Hand is to learn if and how digital behavioral health technologies fit within the system of behavioral health care and if they can effectively provide support to those who cannot, or will not, access the traditional system of care.

3:30 - 4:15 p.m., Monday, December 20, 2021

Meeting ID: 891 5099 0156
Passcode: 267018
Phone +1 669 219 2599

Christmas Tree Recycling

If you have a live tree and are looking to have it composted:
Click here for a list of 2021-22 curbside collection and drop-off options.
To prepare your tree for both curbside collection and drop-off:
• Remove all tree stands (metal, plastic, wood), ornaments, lights, tinsel, etc.
• Flocked trees will not be accepted.
• Apartment building tenants should contact their manager and request that they set up one day for holiday tree collection at the property.

TOWN BOOKS HOLIDAY UPDATE

OPEN: Wed - Sat 10-4
SUNDAY Dec 19, 10-4

TOWN BOOKS is filled with books of most genres, audio books, CDs, and DVDs. Also enjoy the art on our walls by Stephanie Thwaites. We have paintings, collage works, and prints of many sizes. We are also offering her line of tote bags, wine bags, lens cleaners, and cards. And we always have gift certificates. We hope you'll stop in to fill your gift list. Remember, proceeds from the store go to your San Anselmo Public Library. Happy Holidays to you all!

We will be closed on December 25th and January 1st.

REMINDER - Leaf Blower Rules Change on January 1st

Visit THIS LINK to access complete information including Rebate Forms in both English and Spanish.

With the adoption of Ordinance #1157, beginning on January 1, 2022, the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers will no longer be allowed in San Anselmo. The Town has passed this ordinance due to concerns about the impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers on the environment, health, and noise pollution.

Rebate Program
If you haven't made the switch to electric equipment yet, do not worry, we're here to help! The Town has created a rebate program that allows you to trade in your old, gas-powered leaf blower (drained of fluids, please) and in return, you can receive a rebate for the purchase of new, electric equipment of up to 50% to $150. More information about the program will be available in mid-December.

Hours of Operation
Allowable hours of operation have been updated to come in-line with other Marin County jurisdictions. Beginning on 1/1/22, the new hours of operation will be:

Monday through Friday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (7:00 am to 5:00 pm for multi-unit and non-residential properties)
Saturday - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sundays and Holidays - no leaf blowers use

Enforcement
Starting on January 1st, 2022 and through June 30, 2022, anyone using a gas-powered leaf blower will be given a warning, with an explanation about the new regulations along with information about the rebate program. After June 30, 2022, if a warning has already been issued, a $100 citation will be issued. If additional violations are reported and confirmed, increasing citations of $200, and $500 may be issued.

To report usage of gas-powered leaf blowers during the hours of 9:00 to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, you can call Town Code Enforcement: 415-258-4654 and leave a voicemail with the time and address of reported gas-powered leaf blower usage.

You may also use the Town's Report a Concern feature and provide the time and the address of reported gas-powered leaf blower usage.

To report usage of gas-powered OR electrical leaf blowers outside of allowable hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm between Monday and Friday or 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday, or any time on Sunday, you can:

Call Central Marin Police non-emergency number 415-927-5150.

Open Space Committee Fundraiser 2022 Calendar

The San Anselmo Open Space Committee, celebrating its 40^th year in 2021, has a beautiful new web site and now accepts donations online! Visit sananselmoopenspace.org.

Here’s an opportunity to get the holiday shopping done early, benefit local open spaces, and to visualize a brighter and better 2022! The Fairfax and San Anselmo Open Space Committees have collaborated to create an informationally rich and stunningly beautiful Calendar for 2022 called Wonderfully Wild Marin. The calendar notes astronomical events, holidays from diverse cultures and religions, seasonal, cultural, and historical information about our natural surroundings along with outstanding vistas by talented local photographers.
To purchase go to: sananselmoopenspace.org or call 415-456-5476

Year End Giving Campaign – San Anselmo Arts Commission

We ask you to remember the San Anselmo Arts Commission in your year-end giving. We are very excited about 2022! Our projects will include utility box painting, scholarships, public art, youth engagement, and music events. Your donations are tax-deductible through our 501C3. Please scroll to the bottom of our website and press the donate button...https://sananselmoarts.org/

Applicants Sought for Boards and Commissions

The Town is seeking applicants for the following boards and commissions

Board of Review
Capital Programs Monitoring Committee
Flood Committee
Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee
Marin Commission on Aging

For more information about each commission or to apply online, please go here.

Open Seat of the San Anselmo Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee

Are you interested in issues of race, equity and inclusivity in the Town of San Anselmo? Would you like to serve the community with a group of dedicated and like-minded people who are making a difference in Town? Then you should consider applying for the vacant seat on San Anselmo’s Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee. Members must live, work or own a business or property in San Anselmo. Visit the committee’s website at https://www.townofsananselmo.org/1453/Racial-Equity-Ad-Hoc-Committee to learn more. You can apply here https://www.townofsananselmo.org/FormCenter/Administration-Forms-4-4/Boards-Committee-Applications-38-38.

¿Le interesan los temas de raza, equidad e inclusión en la Ciudad de San Anselmo? ¿Le gustaría servir a la comunidad con un grupo de personas dedicadas y con ideas afines que están haciendo una diferencia en la ciudad? ¿Vive o trabaja usted en San Anselmo? Entonces debería considerar la posibilidad de solicitar el puesto vacante en el Comité Especial de Equidad Racial de San Anselmo. Los miembros deben vivir, trabajar o poseer un negocio o una propiedad en San Anselmo. Conéctese al sitio web del Comité en https://www.townofsananselmo.org/1453/Racial-Equity-Ad-Hoc-Committee para obtener más información. Usted puede hacer su solicitud aquí https://www.townofsananselmo.org/FormCenter/Administration-Forms-4-4/Boards-Committee-Applications-38-38.

RESILIENT NEIGHBORHOODS HITS MAJOR MILESTONE
OF 10 MILLION ANNUAL POUNDS OF CO₂REDUCTION

Last week’s graduation of their 107th climate action team put Resilient Neighborhood’s cumulative annual CO₂ reduction at 10,000,000 pounds, moving Marin closer to achieving its climate action goals. The ten million pound reduction is the equivalent of 1,375 Marin homes transitioning to being powered by sun and wind, instead of the fossil fuels that are causing climate change.

Resilient Neighborhoods is the County's main program for resident climate action, and is referenced in all of Marin's climate action plans. Their successful behavior change program makes a significant difference because up to 75% of Marin’s greenhouse emissions come from residents.

Resilient Neighborhoods’ workshop offers five classes conducted over ten weeks free to residents. Households start by figuring out their baseline carbon footprint, learning what reductions they can make, and then taking actions like trimming energy and waste, making smarter purchasing and food choices, conserving water, and opting for low-carbon ways to get around. People also save money on fuel and utility costs, learn about cash incentives for energy efficiency, prepare their family for emergencies, and take actions to build a stronger and safer community.

“Resilient Neighborhoods is the most impactful program I know of,” said Cory Bytof, San Rafael’s Sustainability Manager. “The actions people take in these workshops really make a measurable difference and help municipalities in Marin meet their climate goals.” The program is an endorsed solution of the Drawdown Marin initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions below net zero by 2045, in line with UN goals.

Marin’s Rotary clubs are playing a role too, with their climate action teams mounting the ‘Rotary Challenge’ to have members reduce one million pounds of CO₂in a year by going through Resilient Neighborhoods workshops. So far the Ignacio, Novato, Terra Linda and Rafael Evening rotaries are participating. More Rotarians are signed up for January workshops.

“Climate change is the most important and impactful issue of our time,” said Founder and Executive Director Tamra Peters. “Resilient Neighborhoods brings people together and empowers them to take actions to create low-impact households, adopt sustainable lifestyle practices, strengthen communities, and prepare for emergencies.”

“What we do about climate change in the next decade will determine the health of the living world and quality of life for our grandchildren and theirs,” said Peters. “Each of us can play a part. Don’t sit this one out.”

Resilient Neighborhoods Workshop

Sign-up now for the Resilient Neighborhoods Climate Action Workshop series! Calculate your carbon footprint and take steps to reduce it. Prepare your family for emergencies. Free online 5-session workshops start Jan. 13 or Jan. 18. tinyurl.com/RNProgram

FREE HOLIDAY PARKING IN SAN ANSELMO

Each year, the Town of San Anselmo offers free holiday parking beginning on Thanksgiving and running through New Year's Day. Time limits for all metered and unmetered parking will continue to be enforced.

In addition, enforcement of the Town's Overnight Parking Ordinance will be suspended through January 1st to allow for holiday visitor parking. Be sure to leave a minimum of 12 feet of clearance, as emergency vehicle access rules will continue to be enforced.

Holiday Closures at Town Hall

San Anselmo Town Hall will be closed to the public from Monday, December 20th through Friday, December 31st. Town Hall will reopen on Monday, January 3rd, 2022.

Online services will continue to be available during this closure.