Town Manager's Newsletter
Saturday, September 3, 2022David P. Donery, Town Manager
|
|
|
|
|
|
Memorial Park
Athletic Field Renovation ProjectSan Anselmo is renovating and modernizing the Memorial Park Athletic Fields. This work will begin with fencing off the entire field expanse on September 6, 2022. The project is scheduled to be completed in time for Spring 2023 baseball season.
The scope of this project work includes: - Regrading field area
- Improving drainage
- Planting new grass sod
- Installing water-wise irrigation
- Laying new infields (note: field configuration will remain the same)
- Installing piping connections for future rainwater harvesting
- Improving the pathways on the west and north sides of the park
The following areas will remain open during construction: - Memorial Park parking lot & Log Cabin
- Millennium Playground & Elders’ Garden
- Memorial Skate Park, basketball courts, tennis courts
- Picnic areas
- Restrooms
Safety First:
Please do not enter the fenced construction zones at any time and exercise caution while in the park and around any construction vehicles.
New Fields are Coming!
This project will bring some some noise and inconvenience, however, the resulting improvements will be of great benefit not only to the Park’s surrounding neighborhoods but for the entire San Anselmo Community.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Project Manager: Scott Schneider, Public Works
Contact information: sschneider@townofsananselmo.org
Construction Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Budget: $600,000 - Funding includes Measure A Parks County sales tax, Prop 68 State Bond funds, and San Anselmo Measure D sales tax. These improvements will serve our active community for decades to come.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Housing Element Update What is the Housing Element?San Anselmo is in the process of updating its Housing Element, a chapter of the General Plan that outlines the plans and policies the community has in place to ensure we comply with state statutes. One component of our obligation is determined by the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The RHNA establishes the minimum number of new housing units across various income levels that the Town must encourage the development of in the next 8 years by establishing supporting policy and development regulations.
How can you get involved?
Do you have ideas about where new housing could be located in San Anselmo? Share them with us! The Housing Element Community Advisory Committee (HEAC) meetings are an opportunity to listen and provide feedback on preliminary housing opportunity sites identified by the Town and the Housing Element Advisory Committee. Your input is an essential part of this process.
Housing Opportunity Sites and Suitability AnalysisThe site suitability analysis helps the Town identify housing opportunity locations to meet the 6th cycle RHNA requirements. These sites are expected to yield the target number of housing units based on four different income levels by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
To facilitate the discussion, a GIS map viewer tool has been developed to identify the potential housing opportunity sites. Each site has also been rated for suitability.
To visit the Housing Element Update webpage, please CLICK HERE To view the San Anselmo Suitability Viewer Tool, please: CLICK HERE For instructions on using the tool, please: CLICK HERE To understand the site suitability analysis factors: CLICK HERE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Town Seeking Community Applicants for
Boards, Committees and Commissions
|
|
|
|
There are many open seats on the Town's community volunteer Boards, Committees and Commissions. A special edition newsletter was sent out to you on August 18 with details. San Anselmo's Boards,Committees and Commissions provide a vital link between Town government and the community for gathering public input, reviewing projects and making recommendations on key issues.
If you are interested, we encourage you to submit a completed application and you will be scheduled for an interview with Town Council. Positions will remain open until filled by Town Council.To submit an application: Apply Here
For Youth Information & Application: Apply Here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dine. Shop. Stroll. Dance
The Town of San Anselmo and the San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that San Anselmo Live On The Avenue is back in full swing this summer through October 15. Live entertainment coincides with a pedestrian thoroughfare straight through the heart of town.Come stroll, shop, dine, and dance on San Anselmo Avenue! Concerts will be at Creek Park and Town Hall Plaza between 6:00-8:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.San Anselmo Avenue will be closed to cars from 6:00-10:00pm. Click here for the current line-up of spectacular entertainment.
Music from July – October (yes that’s 32 nights of music!) has been made possible by our gracious sponsor: Eric Gelman of Coldwell Banker.
|
|
|
|
Parking for Live on the Avenue Events IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READWe have created a pedestrian friendly event area on San Anselmo Avenue between Tunstead Avenue and Tamalpais Avenue. A lot of time and energy goes into preparing and running these popular evening events. In an effort to strike a balance between allowing our small businesses to close out their days while maintaining as much customer parking as possible and providing enough time to allow cars to exit the area before the event begins at 6pm, the event area on San Anselmo Avenue will remain open for parking until 5:30pm each Friday and Saturday night through October 15th. In addition, there will be three 30 minute spaces available for retail customers in three separate convenient locations that are available from 4:30 to 6:00pm throughout the event series.
CLICK HERE for a downtown parking map.
Please do not park in the event area on the Avenue past 5:30pm
It creates a very dangerous situation when a vehicle attempts to exit the event area after the event has started, so please help us keep these events safe by not parking in the event area on San Anselmo Avenue after 5:30pm.
Any vehicles remaining on San Anselmo Avenue (between Tunstead and Tamalpais Avenues) after 5:30pm will be ticketed and not allowed to leave the event area until 10pm. |
|
|
|
|
|
Defensible Space Evaluations in the Barber Tract and Wellington Neighborhoods of San Anselmo Uniformed Fire Inspectors will conduct Wildfire Defensible Space and Home Hardening Evaluations on residential properties in the San Anselmo and Ross Neighborhoods of Barber Tract and Wellington starting as early as September 1, 2022 (see attached map). Inspections are conducted by Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) in cooperation with the Ross Valley Fire Department.
A comprehensive online defensible space and home hardening report will be available approximately 24 hours after a property’s inspection. This report provides steps to reduce each individual property’s vulnerability and improve safety from wildfires. Some actions outlined in this report may be required by law - those must be corrected within 30 days.
Online reports are available to property owners, renters, and authorized representatives, and can be viewed online at Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority. A six digit access code provided by the inspectors is necessary to view the report.
Residents are welcome to accompany inspectors during the property evaluation to learn about the importance of defensible space and home-hardening. If nobody is home, that’s OK! Inspectors will evaluate publicly visible areas of the property only, and leave instructions to retrieve the online report.
To view a short video on what to expect during an inspection, please click here: Defensible Space & Home Hardening Evaluations (https://youtu.be/fjJATG9Hugc)
Evaluations are funded through Marin Tax Measure C (2020), Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, and the Ross Valley Fire Department.
Please contact dspace@marinwildfire.org or (415)275-1185 with questions or for assistance accessing an online report.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Writers in Conversation: Dr. Michele Borba, author of Thrivers: Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others ShineThursday, September 8 at 11amData shows that today’s youth are the loneliest, most stressed, and risk-averse on record. Though well-educated, they are failing to launch in real life. So how can we teach them to be mentally strong and more successful? In her book, Thrivers: Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine, Dr. Michele Borba empowers educators and parents to help kids thrive in today’s fast-paced, digital-driven, often uncertain world.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Art Talk TuesdayFaith Ringgold: American People, with docent Sharon WaltonTuesday, September 13 at 12pm on ZoomRegister here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EQKjXxVhQAWDnIwAdFcnHw Throughout her long career, artist Faith Ringgold has drawn from personal and collective histories to document both her life and the struggle for justice and equity. Faith Ringgold: American People, an exhibition at the de Young Museum, brings together fifty years of groundbreaking work and is the most comprehensive exhibition of her art to date. From painting to experimental story quilts, docent Sharon Walton will show how Ringgold’s artistic style evolved to bear witness to the complexity of the American experience. Long overdue, this retrospective provides a timely opportunity to engage with the art of an American icon.
|
|
|
|
Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related BehaviorWednesday, September 14 at 10:00 am on Zoom
Interested in attending? Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kjn4TTKWTP6tD_vABKv64A
Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Join us to learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.
|
|
|
|
Foundation Drawing Workshop: Drawing SpaceAn introductory drawing class for adults and seniors Monday, September 19 at 1:00pm - Library Lawn
Space is limited and registration is required.
To reserve your spot, please either:
Call: (415)258-4656, Text: (415)855-1597, or
email: library@townofsananselmo.org
All materials will be provided.
Join us on the library lawn for an in-person drawing workshop with Janet Jacobs! We’ll make simple drawings that show objects moving back into space. With depth as our focus, we’ll draw things both near and far with easy exercises that measure the relationships between things you see.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elders' Garden volunteers neededMemorial Park - next to Millennium PlaygroundPlease Join us! There is much to do in the garden. No previous garden experience is necessary, we all learn from each other in the garden. Volunteering is an opportunity to meet neighbors, make friends, and contribute to the community. Anyone with interest or questions is welcome to email us: eldersgardenvolunteers@gmail.com
And please take our quick volunteer survey - scan the QR code or
click here: SURVEY
In September the volunteers from UC Master Gardeners Native Plant Pruning Guild will do some expert pruning in the Elders Garden. We are thankful for this generous gift.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Age Well, Drive Smart ProgramJoin Age Friendly San Anselmo and the California Highway Patrol for their Age Well, Drive Smart program:
Wednesday, September 14th - 11:00am-12:00pmVista Room at the Isabel Cook Community Center (1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd)
This program is designed to help senior drivers tune up their driving skills and refresh knowledge of rules on the road along with other valuable tools and lessons!
For more information and to RSVP please e-mail Kevin MacLeod at kmacleod@townofsananselmo.org or call (415)258-4669.
|
|
|
|
|
|
September is National Preparedness Month, so let’s Get Ready,
San Anselmo!There's a lot to think about when preparing for real-time emergencies, so let's take it one step at a time.
Getting prepared is within your reach! All month long, we will be offering a tip of the week to help better prepare our communities.
If we all prepare, our community is safer during a disaster and more resilient afterwards.
Week 1: Sign up for Alerts & Notifications
|
|
|
|
There are two primary alerts to sign up for:
AlertMarin - sends critical information from local agencies during a disaster if you need to take action. Register up to five phones in your household.
Sign up for AlertMarin
Nixle - sends out general public safety information alerts via text based on your zip code about local issues. Sign up for Nixle
Learn More:
|
|
|
|
|
|
CLIMATE ACTION UPDATE:Electric Leaf Blower Rebate Offer ExtendedIf you haven’t already made the switch to an electric leaf blower, now is your chance to get a 50% rebate (up to $150) off the purchase of a new electric leaf blower from Jackson’s Hardware located in San Rafael. As of January 1, 2022, San Anselmo no longer allows the use of gas-powered leaf blowers due to the impacts of this equipment on the environment, public health, and noise pollution. To apply for the rebate, you’ll first need to go to the Leaf Blower Information page on the Town website to get instructions on dropping off your gas blower, and to download and complete the rebate application that provides further details about the program.
Limited funds remain for the rebates, so get yours now!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fire-smart Landscaping Tips from
UC Marin Master GardenersSEPTEMBER: Maintaining a Fire-smart Landscape- Clear leaf and needle litter around structures including under decks, around gutters, roof, eaves, vents, and chimney.
- Clear branches 10 feet from the chimney.
- Prune trees and shrubs to open structure and increase space between plants both vertically and horizontally.
- Remove dead vegetation, dry grasses, and dead wood from trees and shrubs.
- Check plants for drought stress. Hydrated plants stay healthy and fare better when exposed to high heat.
- Mow during cooler and/or foggy days -mowing can kick up rocks that cause sparks & fires especially on hot dry days. Have a hose ready.
- Apply no more than a 2” layer of appropriate mulch to feed the soil, keep plants healthier, retain moisture and keep soil temperatures more uniform.
For more fire-smart landscaping information, visit the
UC Marin Master Gardener Website:
https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/BASICS/FIRESMARTLANDSCAPING/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Student Elections Ambassador Team applicationsThe Department of Elections is calling on students across Marin County to volunteer as Elections Ambassadors, serving as a critical link between our department and Marin students.
The Marin County Elections Department, Marin League of Women Voters (LWV), and the Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) have joined forces to annually recruit civic-minded students who are interested in the electoral process.
To be eligible, students must meet one of the following criteria: - Students: A student who lives in Marin County or attends a Marin County school.
- Recent School Grads: Anyone aged 25 or younger who considers Marin County their home/community. There are no requirements to be enrolled in a college/university or currently live in Marin County
Ambassadors are required to participate in one virtual training, dates and times are listed below. Upcoming Ambassador Training Schedule: Ambassadors may select one date that works best with their schedule, all at 4 p.m. via Zoom. - Wednesday, September 14
- Tuesday, September 20
- Wednesday, September 28
- Thursday, October 6
For more information and the application, visit their website: HERE or
Contact: Megan Stone at MStone@marincounty.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOCAL VISTASFeatured Artist: BENJAMIN NOAH BENET September & October 2022
TOWN BOOKS is proud to host an exhibit of paintings by Marin artist, Benjamin Noah Benet in his first solo exhibit. Ben was born and raised in Marin and after high school, spent a couple of years in Boston for college. Though he had an interest in creative fields, he didn’t pursue art until his 20s. After a long series of circumstantial events, he enrolled at College of Marin where he studied painting and drawing with very talented teachers and professors.
ARTIST RECEPTION: Friday, September 16, 5:00 - 7:00pm.
TOWN BOOKS
411 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
INFO: (415)526-3791 • townbooks.org
Town Books is run by the Friends of the San Anselmo Library and all profits are donated to the San Anselmo Library.
|
|
|
|
Delicious Art Exhibition“Delicious”, a juried exhibition presented by Cedars and the San Anselmo Arts Commission, will be showing at the Cedars’ Artist Within Gallery.
Don’t miss the opening reception:
Saturday, September 10, 6-8pm,
with live music, wine and delicious treats!
The show runs September 3 thru November 11, 2022.
For more information and to register please visit: cedarslife.org/delicious
|
|
|
|
Stroll Through San Anselmo’s HistoryThe Historical Commission is excited to again sponsor Dick Miner’s popular free walking tour through downtown. Learn about San Anselmo’s historic Hub, the role the railroad played in the development of town and the changing character of the businesses and architecture on San Anselmo Avenue.
The remaining Tour Dates for 2022 include: September 10, October 8.
Meet Dick Miner at Creek Park at 9:00 a.m. - no reservations are required.
The tour ends at the Historical Museum for refreshments.
For more information: San Anselmo Historical Museum
|
|
|
|
Help Keep the Flower Baskets in
Downtown San AnselmoDonations are being accepted to help
fund this annual community effort
The San Anselmo Beautification Committee has launched its 2022 fundraising campaign to raise funds for the annual hanging flower basket program in the downtown.
There are two ways you can contribute: - Donate by visiting the program’s GO FUND ME PAGE or
- 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 this project contact:
Nancy Altman at nnaltman@me.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
