Town Manager's Newsletter
Saturday, October 15, 2022David P. Donery, Town Manager
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Dine. Shop. Stroll. Dance.Final weekend: October 14 & 15!
6:00 - 8:30 pmThe 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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LIVE ON THE AVENUE SURVEY!
We would love your feedback and insights regarding the 2022 Live on the Avenue event series.
Please take a few moments to give us your thoughts.
CLICK ON THE GREEN BUTTON >>>>>>>>>>
Thank you!
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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 received a Housing Element update from the Planning Department to confirm proposed Housing Opportunity Sites (see map HERE) recommended by the Town’s Housing Element Advisory Committee (HEAC). Specifically highlighted were 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 Draft Housing Element and provide comments and recommendation Town Council.
January 10: Town Council meeting to review 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 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 more 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 Council member 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 Anselmo 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! Children ages 10 and under are welcome to come trick or treat from the merchants, Recreation staff and volunteers will be on-hand, 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!
Join the whole town on Friday, October 28th starting at 5:00pm in downtown San Anselmo for our annual trick or treating event!
San Anselmo Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from Tamalpais Avenue to Tunstead Avenue.
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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Crafternoon: Painted Doily SuncatchersWednesday, October 19 at 2:30pm
Historical Museum
Crafternoons are opportunities for children ages 5-12 and their caregivers to create art together. Hosted by the San Anselmo Library once a month at 2:30pm in the Historical Museum. All materials are provided.
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Tech Topics:
Voter’s EdgeTuesday, October 25
Session 1 at 12:00 pm | Session 2 at 12:30pm
San Anselmo Historical Museum, 110 Tunstead Avenue, San Anselmo
Did you know that there is a website that can help you research candidates, measures, and all things voting? Join us for one of the sessions in the Historical Museum when Pat Beaupre Becker from the League of Women Voters of Marin County demonstrates how to use Voter's Edge to get all the information you need to vote, and to vote with confidence. This is a non-partisan presentation. |
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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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Zain E. Asher, author of
Where the Children Take UsTuesday, October 18 at 4:00 pmZain E. Asher’s moving and inspiring memoir Where the Children Take Us tells the story of her mother’s harrowing fight to raise four children as a widowed immigrant in South London. There is tragedy in this tale, but it is not a tragedy. Drawing on tough love parenting strategies, Obiajulu Ejiofor teaches her children to overcome the daily pressures of poverty, crime, and prejudice. With her relentless support, Obiajulu’s children exceed all expectations – becoming a CNN anchor, an Oscar-nominated actor, a medical doctor, and a thriving entrepreneur.
The story of a woman who survived genocide, famine, poverty, and crushing grief to rise from war torn Africa to the streets of South London and eventually the drawing rooms of Buckingham Palace, Where the Children Take Us is an unforgettable portrait of strength, tenacity, love, and perseverance embodied in one towering woman.
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Kate Quinn, author of
The Diamond EyeTuesday, October 25 at 4:00 pmJoin us for a captivating conversation with historical fiction writer Kate Quinn as she discusses her latest book, The Diamond Eye, an unforgettable World War II tale of a quiet bookworm who becomes history’s deadliest female sniper.
After Hitler's invasion of Ukraine and Russia, Mila Pavlichenko must forge herself from studious young woman to deadly sniper - a lethal hunter of Nazis known as Lady Death. When news of her three hundredth kill makes her a national heroine, Mila finds herself torn from the bloody battlefields of the eastern front and sent to America on a goodwill tour. But when an old enemy from Mila's past joins forces with a deadly new foe lurking in the shadows, Lady Death finds herself battling her own demons, and enemy bullets, in the deadliest duel of her life. Based on a true story, The Diamond Eye is a haunting novel of a woman and mother who became a soldier and who changed the course of history forever.
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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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Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meetingThursday, October 20, 2022 6:30 pm
Please click the link below to join the webinar:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84403603044The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet this Thursday to discuss the projects around Town that impact and improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. The public is encouraged to attend via zoom. For more information - please visit the Committee page: HERE
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Defensible Space Evaluations:Neighborhoods west and east of Butterfield AvenueUniformed Fire Inspectors will conduct Wildfire Defensible Space and Home Hardening Evaluations on residential properties in the area of in the area of Oak Springs Dr., Woodside Dr., and Camino de Herrera of San Anselmo as early as October 12, 2022 (see map HERE).and Holstein Rd, The Alameda, Indian Rock Ct., Indian Rock Rd, Sunview Ave., Berkeley Ave., and Ridge Rd. in San Anselmo as early as October 17, 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 PreparedOctober's wildfire safety message: Home MaintenanceDid you know that most home ignitions are caused by embers? You can protect your home from wildfire by doing three simple things: - Clean out your gutters.
- Check your vents to make sure the screening is 1/8” or 1/16” wire mesh.
- Clear combustibles such as leaves and firewood from under decks.
15-30 minutes of work can save your home! We think that’s worth it, how about you?
For more information go to www.firesafemarin.org
Video: How to Prevent Your Home from Igniting During a Wildfire
Photo: Adapt Ad - Gutters
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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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