Town Manager's Newsletter
Saturday, October 8, 2022David P. Donery, Town Manager
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Council to Review Housing Element Housing Opportunity SitesEvery eight years, every city, town, and county must update the Housing Element of their General Plan and have it certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). As part of the 2023-31 Housing Element Update, San Anselmo has been tasked with identifying sites that could accommodate 833 new units through its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). For the previous eight-year cycle, that number was 106.
What is the Housing Element?
The Housing Element is a planning tool to help local governments make decisions about where safe, accessible, and diverse housing could be developed, in addition to identifying a mix of housing opportunities for a variety of household incomes, it is important to highlight that State law does not require that jurisdictions build or finance new housing.
Two very important aspects of the Housing Element are the Housing Opportunity Sites and the Policies and Implementation Programs. The purpose of the Housing Opportunity Sites inventory is to identify land that is available and suitable for residential development in order to determine the jurisdictions capacity to accommodate its RHNA. Essentially the sites identified would be available to be developed at the densities and housing types/affordability identified in the Housing Element.
The purpose of the Policies is to help guide decision-making related to Housing and the Implementation Programs are actions for carrying out the Policies of the Housing Element. For example, there could be a Policy to encourage “In-Fill Housing”, and an Implementation Program to modify the Zoning Regulations to encourage in-fill housing by allowing an increase in housing densities, developing flexible parking strategies, and allowing by-right development.
Opportunities to get involved:
Your input is an essential part of this process. On Tuesday, October 11 2022, Town Council will receive a Housing Element update from the Planning Department and confirm proposed Housing Opportunity Sites (see map HERE) recommended by the Town’s Housing Element Advisory Committee (HEAC). Specifically, the Council will consider 174 Housing Opportunity Sites that would yield up to 1,025 units.
Additional public participation opportunities include:
November 3: HEAC Meeting #5- Discuss Draft Policies and Programs
December 12:Public Release and Notice of Draft Housing Element (30-day public review period)
December 15: HEAC Meeting #6: Review Draft Housing Element and provide comments and recommendation to the Planning Commission and Town Council.
December 19: Planning Commission public meeting to review the Draft Housing Element and provide comments and recommendation Town Council.
January 10: Town Council meeting to review the Draft Housing Element and consider HEAC, Planning Commission, and public comments to date.
To avoid penalties, San Anselmo’s 2023-31 Housing Element must be adopted by the Council and found by California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to be in conformance with state law within 120 days of January 31, 2023. It will be at the Council's discretion to add or remove sites or adjust site capacity up until the formal adoption and submission of the Housing Element.
Further information on the Housing Element Update can be found at the Town’s Housing Element Update webpage and public comment via email may be sent to Heidi Scoble, Planning Director: hscoble@townofsananselmo.org.
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Why is the Creek Park Plaza Closed?Many people are asking why the popular Creek Park Plaza is closed for public use. Please read below, and click on the various links for informationIn June of 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town began leasing the deck of BB2 (Creek Park Plaza) from the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District) for use as an extension of Creek Park. This space quickly became known locally as the Creek Park Plaza. The Town covered the deck with bark and installed sinks, trash receptacles, trees, and picnic tables to facilitate public use. The property was purchased by the District as part of the San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction Program within Flood Zone #9.
Town staff learned on August 30, 2022 that based on engineering reports they had received stating that the foundation was unsafe, the District was considering removing BB2 before October 15, 2022 to avoid having BB2 go though another rainy season. As a result of this decision, on September 15, 2022 the District sent the Town a letter terminating the lease for BB2 effective immediately. The Town was notified by District staff that the safety concerns were identified in engineering reports on the structural integrity of BB2. These reports were submitted by Martin and Martin, by MRC and by Ballard and Watkins. Noted within these reports were recommendations that could allow for the structure to be repaired. These repairs were costly and are not being considered by the District.
In preparation of evaluating the emergency demolition, watercourse and FEMA Flood Plain Manager permits, the Town hired a structural engineer to provide an independent report of the structural integrity of BB2. In a report prepared by structural engineer, Sunny Jhutti, Jhutti indicated that although it was in need of repairs, BB2 is structurally sound and not in danger of imminent collapse (Jhutti Report). This report was shared with District staff for their review.
In response to the abrupt closure of this community gathering spot, and to answer questions and explore options as to working with the District to reopen the plaza, the Town Council called a special meeting on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. With 188 people in attendance, there was overwhelming support by the entire Town Council and from the community members in attendance for working toward a solution to reopen the plaza. At this meeting, the Mayor was tasked with appointing an ad hoc subcommittee to work directly with the District on negotiating a solution to get the plaza reopened. Mayor Alexis Fineman and Councilmember Brian Colbert are serving on this subcommittee.
A recording of this community meeting can be found HERE.
While these talks are happening at the County level, Creek Park is still open!
This includes the Redwood grove picnic tables, and the Amphitheater grass and stage area are open. The Town has moved the plaza picnic tables back to that area to provide more seating.
You can access the Park via the pedestrian bridge from San Anselmo Avenue or from Center Avenue and Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Additional Info: For more information about the Creek Park Plaza shut down, CLICK HERE. For additional information regarding the San Anslemo Flood Risk Reduction (SAFRR) project, and Flood Zone #9, CLICK HERE.
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Goblins' SPOOKtacular is Back!Friday, October 28, 2022 5:00 pm
When you flip your calendars to October you know it’s officially spooky season!! Those noises at night and those creaks in the floorboards take on a whole new meaning! The ghosts, goblins, and ghouls of San Anselmo gearing up for an early Halloween celebration!!
Not just any celebration though, the Goblins’ SPOOKtacular is back! And bigger than ever!
Join the whole town on Friday, October 28th starting at 5:00pm in downtown San Anselmo for our annual trick or treating event! Children ages 10 and under are welcome to come trick or treat from the merchants, Recreation staff and volunteers will be onhand, along with our volunteers from Cedars who are always dressed to the nines! And don’t forget to stop by the fire station for some cookies, candy, and water!
Questions? Please e-mail Kevin MacLeod: kmacleod@townofsananselmo.org
Thank you to our generous sponsor, Eric Gelman, Coldwell Banker Realty for helping make this happen and doubling the fun with so much candy this year!!
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Friends of Robson (FOR)
Fall Fundraiser/Harvest FestivalSaturday, October 22, 2022
This is a follow up to our successful fundraiser in May. An adults only event, we will be checking IDs at the door and distributing wristbands. Our maximum is 200 people and Kientz Hall and Poke a go go will be providing food.
No tickets will be sold ahead of time but food is first-come, first-served and we will likely run out.
Questions? Email: team@friendsofrobsonpark.org
For more information check-out the website: www.friendsofrobsonpark.org
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Dine. Shop. Stroll. Dance.Final two weekends - October 7 & 8 and 14 & 15!The Town of San Anselmo and the San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce are pleased to present: San Anselmo Live On The Avenue this summer and fall 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 are held 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 15, 2022, 32 nights of music, has been made possible by our gracious sponsor: Eric Gelman of Coldwell Banker. . |
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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.
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.
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. |
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Art Talk Tuesday:Ramses the Great and the Gold of the PharaohsTuesday, October 11 at 12:00 pm on ZoomRamses II, known as Ramses the Great, was the most celebrated and powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom, Egypt’s golden age. Believed to be a living god, Ramses ruled for 67 years, erecting enormous temples, obelisks, and statues while also expanding Egypt’s empire. Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs, on view at the de Young Museum, features one of the greatest collection of Egyptian artifacts ever to travel to the United States. Alfred Escoffier, a docent from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, will explore Ramses’ life and discuss the marvelous treasures in the exhibition, from the pharaoh’s colossal royal sculpture to mummies and exquisite Egyptian jewelry.
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Managing Money:
A Caregiver’s Guide to FinanceWednesday, October 12 at 10:00 am on ZoomIf you or someone you know is facing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another chronic illness, it’s never too early to put financial plans in place. Join us to learn tips for managing someone else’s finances, how to prepare for future care costs and the benefits of early planning.
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Live Concert in the Library:
Tenaya Guitar DuoWednesday, October 26 7:00 pmLibrary Reading RoomEnjoy a live concert in the library! Tenaya Guitar Duo, a classical guitar group featuring Jonathan Braun and Gareth Loy, will perform arraignments by JS Bach, Francis Poulenc, Claude Debussy, and Edvard Greig in the Library Reading Room.
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Dr. Aziz Gazipura:Author of "Not Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent, and Feeling Guilty"Thursday, October 13 at 1:00 pmAre you too nice? Do you find it hard to be assertive and ask for what you want? Did you know millions of people struggle with being “too nice”? Being nice can make it hard to speak up, say “no,” or do something that might upset someone. Dr. Aziz Gazipura, one of the world’s leading experts on social confidence, will teach participants that the opposite of nice is not mean but rather real. You’ll learn how to say “no” when you want and need to, confidently ask for what you want and eliminate feelings of guilt, anxiety, and worry about what others will think.
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Town Books8th ANNIVERSARY!
1/2 PRICE SALE • STOREWIDEOCTOBER 5-8 and 12-15, 2022
Wednesday thru Saturday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Town Books is celebrating our 8th anniversary by holding a storewide 1/2 off everything sale. Browse the 4,000 gently-used books in a wide range of categories, CDs, DVDs, and Audiobooks. This year we also have a nice selection of unique and rare books for that person who has everything. You will find books for the whole family and you can always purchase Gift Certificates. While you’re shopping, be sure to enjoy the art of Ben Benet displayed around the store. Proceeds from the sale benefit the San Anselmo Public Library.
TOWN BOOKS • 411 San Anselmo Avenue • San Anselmo, CA • townbooks.org
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Defensible Space Evaluations:Forest Avenue Neighborhood and Oak Avenue Neighborhood Uniformed Fire Inspectors will conduct Wildfire Defensible Space and Home Hardening Evaluations on residential properties in the Oak Avenue neighborhood of San Anselmo's Bald Hill as early as October 6, 2022 (see map HERE) and properties in the Forest Avenue Neighborhood of San Anselmo as early as October 10, 2022 (see map HERE). 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 http://dspace.marinwildfire.org. 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.
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First Aid Disaster Response Training for Residents of Ross Valley
Saturday, November 5, 2022
Come join the County of Marin Department of Public Health, Marin Medical Reserve Corps for a free 4 hour skill building workshop on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 9:00 am -1:00 pm at the Fairfax Pavillion.
You'll focus on building skills to help save a life in the first few minutes to hours after a major disaster when 911 crews could be overwhelmed.
Space is limited so register now by CLICKING HERE
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Get Prepared:Are you ready for a wildfire evacuation?
Top tips to be prepared:
1. Sign up for Alert Marin so you know when an evacuation is needed at your address
2. Pack a go-bag, don’t forget to make one for your pets!
3. Make a plan- go through the evacuation checklist to see what actions you can take before you leave your home if there is time
4. Know your evacuation route- check out your neighborhood-specific map here
5. Practice! Go through the actions of evacuating and reflect on the experience
Go to www.firesafemarin.org to learn more.
Visite www.firesafemarin.org para obtener más información.
Video: Will My Car Explode??
Website page: English and Spanish Checklist
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Eyes Up, MarinLet’s Make our Streets Safer for Everyone!
From mid-October through the end of November, you’ll see bright and colorful banners and lawn signs popping up all over Marin asking people to keep their “Eyes Up” and be alert. These signs will be asking drivers to slow down, watch when turning and look for pedestrians in the crosswalk; bicyclists to yield to pedestrians and to follow the rules of the road; and those walking to pay attention when crossing the street.
The Eyes Up, Marin campaign is part of the Street Smarts Program and Safe Routes to Schools, locally funded programs of the Transportation Authority of Marin. This traffic safety campaign educates drivers, pedestrians and cyclists about safety issues, including distracted driving. The goal is to encourage people to adopt and practice attitudes and behaviors that will reduce the number of traffic-related accidents and make our streets safer for everyone.
The program focuses on placing outdoor messaging at “hotspots” throughout Marin County – bold reminders at the locations where traffic problems occur most frequently. The message placement was determined based on findings from the 2018 Marin County Travel Safety Plan as well as analysis of 2016-2020 countywide collision data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.
Over 125 countywide partners including school districts, jurisdictions, emergency service providers, and community organizations will be sharing the new campaign images and safety messages widely. Please join this important effort to make our streets safer for all! www.streetsmartsmarin.org.
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Town Seeking Community Applicants for
Boards, Committees and Commissions
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There are open seats on the Town's community volunteer Boards, Committees and Commissions.
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
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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!
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Wed and Thurs, October 19 & 20, 6:00-8:00 PMHow are Marin residents adapting their homes to combat climate change, improve air quality, generate clean energy, and move towards a safer, healthier, greener, more resilient future? The free, virtual Marin Home Tour features short video tours of 10 Marin homes, followed by live Q&As with homeowners. Extras include short presentations on heat pumps, induction cooking, solar + storage, rebates, and more. This event is a project of Sustainable Marin.
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October 2022
Fire-smart Landscaping Tips
from UC Marin Master GardenersRight Plant, Right Place - Plan Your Garden
With the implications of climate change, we need to adapt and be more mindful planning our gardens, including what to plant. There are no fire-resistant plants since all plants can burn. Plant spacing, size, and maintenance are more important than type of plant. Rather than focus on individual plant species, think about growth habits and plant characteristics.
Consider: - Drought tolerant plants, low-growing non-woody shrubs and deep-rooted trees with thick bark, leaves over needles.
- California natives, that add critical biodiversity for pollinators, can use less water once established and can stay hydrated longer.
- Horizontal and vertical spacing with hardscape between plant islands to breakup path of fire.
In general, avoid plants and trees that: - Tend to build up dead thatch inside or under a green surface layer.
- Produce and shed excessive dead, dry, or fine debris that can become fuel for fire.
- Are Invasive.
For More Fire-Smart Landscaping Information Visit the
UC MARIN MASTER GARDENER Website:
https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/BASICS/FIRESMARTLANDSCAPING/
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Memorial Park
Athletic Field Renovation ProjectSan Anselmo is renovating and modernizing the Memorial Park Athletic Fields. Work began on September 6, 2022 and the fields are now closed. The project is scheduled to be completed in time for Spring 2023 baseball season.
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
Please check the Public Works Current Projects page for more details: HEREQuestions? Project Manager: Scott Schneider, Public Works Contact Information: sschneider@townofsananselmo.org
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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
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