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Town Manager's Newsletter
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Saturday, December 3, 2022David P. Donery, Town Manager
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2022 Annual Holiday Tree Lighting FestivitiesImagination Park, 535 San Anselmo AvenueTONIGHT! - Saturday, December 3rd
5:00 pm
Weather update: This event will only be cancelled if there is heavy rain or extreme weather conditions. Check the event page - HERE - after 1:00 PM today for a status update.
The San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce and the Town of San Anselmo are thrilled to be bringing back a night of magic and whimsy on the Avenue. Please join us at Imagination Park at 5:00pm - Tonight - December 3, 2022 to get in the holiday spirit. Besides the lighting itself, there will be free refreshments, seasonal music by the Archie Williams Jazz Band, and selfies with the man himself from the North Pole. Please don't be late as Santa arrives promptly at the beginning of the event!
New this year! An electric trackless train adorned with festive lights will be taking people on free rides up and down the Avenue from
4:00 - 8:00 pm.
A big thank you to the event's sponsors: Linda Gridley and Mary Edwards of Coldwell Banker San Anselmo, Seesaw Consignment, The San Anselmo Inn, United Markets, Creekside Pizza, The Coffee Roasters, DG Café, Kris Kelson from Statefarm, Baan Thai, Madge & Me, and Comforts.
Please note: In conjunction with the Tree Lighting, San Anselmo Avenue will be closed (from Tunstead to Tamalpais avenues) to vehicular traffic today from 3:00 - 8:00pm.
We encourage you to do some local holiday shopping and then stop off at one of our delectable downtown eateries to fill your belly. Let’s shop and dine local!
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FREE HOLIDAY PARKING IN SAN ANSELMO LOTSEach year, the Town of San Anselmo offers free holiday parking beginning Thanksgiving and running through New Year's Day. This year you can enjoy free parking, as you shop and dine locally, from November 23, 2022 - January 2, 2023!
Please note: Time limits for all metered and unmetered parking spots will continue to be enforced. |
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PLANNING, BUILDING AND PUBLIC WORKS NEWS
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Holiday Schedule Information:
Permits Counter, Building Inspections & Work in the Public Right-of-Way
Permits Counter Holiday Hours & Information:The San Anselmo public counter will be closed from December 16, 2022 through January 3, 2023. Until then, the public counter will be open Mondays - Thursdays, 8:30am - 12:00 noon.
Please visit the Permit Center webpage for updated information.
Building Inspections Holiday Schedule:No inspections will be scheduled between December 23 - 26, 2022 and between December 30 - January 2, 2023.
Work in the Public Right-of-Way:No work in the Public Right of Way is allowed from December 23, 2022 through January 2, 2023. No work within the ROW of the business districts (Downtown San Anselmo, Greenfield Ave, and Downtown Sir Francis Drake Blvd) is allowed from November 28, 2022 through January 2, 2023. If there is an emergency, please call 911.
Have a happy and safe holiday season!
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Building Standards Codes are changing on January 1, 2023
The 2022 California Building Standards Code will be adopted on January 1, 2023. Any permits submitted on or after this date shall comply with the new code cycle.
All new permit applications must be submitted through eTrakit, and plan check fees paid (if applicable) by 12/16/2022 in order to be added to the plan check queue before 1/03/2023.
No permit reviews will be completed from 12/16/2022 through 1/03/2023
Please visit the Permit Center webpage for updated information..
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Housing Element Update
On December 12, 2022, the Housing Element Advisory Committee (HEAC) will be conducting a public meeting to review the Draft Housing Element. As you have read over the past few months, the Housing Element is a state-mandated policy document that identifies housing policies and programs aimed to meet the identified housing needs of the Town’s current and anticipated future population, with an emphasis on affordable and special needs housing, removal of governmental constraints to housing development, and equal access to housing. The Housing Element provides goals, policies, and programs that address: - Conserving and improving existing housing and neighborhoods
- Assisting in development and provision of affordable housing
- Providing adequate residential sites to address fair share housing needs
- Removing governmental constraints to housing development
- Promoting equal housing opportunities, including San Anselmo’s special needs populations
The Housing Element is required by state law to be updated every eight years.
Housing Element to Include Recent State Housing Legislation
Since the adoption of the last Housing Element in 2015, new Housing Legislation has been passed to remove barriers and streamline housing. In response to the housing legislation, the Town is tasked with developing a policy document that addresses the state’s legislative requirement and the Draft Housing Element will be include policies, programs, and actions in response to the legislation. In advance of the release of the Draft Housing Element. To view a table that summarizes recent legislation that will be addressed in the Town’s Housing Element, please Click: HERE
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Upcoming Meeting Dates and MilestonesDecember 12, 2022: Public Release and Notice of Draft Housing Element (30-day public review period)
December 15, 2022: HEAC Meeting #6: Review Draft Housing Element and provide comments and recommendations to the Planning Commission and Town Council.
December 19, 2022: Planning Commission public meeting to review Draft Housing Element and provide comments and recommendation Town Council.
January 10, 2023: Town Council meeting to review Draft Housing Element and consider HEAC, Planning Commission, and public comments to date.
For more information on the Town’s current Housing Element’s Goals, Policies, and Program, read Section VI (starting on page 100) of the 2015-2023 Housing Element.
Housing Element Frequently Asked Questions:
To help address any questions and concerns from community members about the Town's 2023-31 Housing Element Update, we have developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
You can access the complete list: HERE
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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RECREATION DEPARTMENT NEWS
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Holiday Gift Making & Craft Workshop for Ages 5-11Saturday, December 10th 11:00am – 4:00pmRobson Harrington House$63 (Residents) and $75 (Non-Residents)Register at www.sananselmorecreation.org or click HERE!
Pack some lunches and drop off your kiddos so you can run some errands or shop local in festive downtown San Anselmo! Participants will learn new crafting techniques, make presents and wrap them for family and friends. Kids can create one-of-a-kind hand-made gifts and meet new friends during this full day of fun! Everyone will learn how to roll their own beeswax candles, hand decorate sweets, make wrapping paper, ornaments and more!
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The Winter/Spring Recreation Activity Guide is Live!
Big news coming from San Anselmo Recreation: On November 16, 2022 we officially launched our Winter/Spring Guide on our brand new platform, CivicRec.
The Catalog is full of many new activities you’ve never seen before! We have new toddler classes, special clay + play holiday themed classes, baking classes, and a holiday gift making craft extravaganza.
Classes start soon so create your new CivicRec account and register now! What do we need from you? - Log on to CivicRec and create a brand new account.
- Manage your whole family with just one account; no need for separate family member accounts.
San Anselmo Recreation staff is here to help you through the transition and answer any questions:
Email: recreation@townofsananselmo.org or
Call 415-258-4640
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Art Talk Tuesday
Glorious Civilizations of Southeast Asia
Tuesday, December 13 at 12:00 noon on Zoom Eleven countries, numerous cultures, thousands of years. Explore the varied and intriguing art of Southeast Asia as reflected in secular and religious objects from this fascinating region. Ginny Meyer, a guest speaker from the Asian Art Museum, will share sculptures from Angkor Wat, Buddhas from Burma and Thailand, ceramics from Vietnam, and textiles from the Philippines.
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Library Advisory Board
The Town of San Anselmo’s Library Advisory Board currently has two vacant positions. Members of the Board advise the Town Librarian on matters pertaining to the San Anselmo Public Library. Meetings are held on the second Thursday at 4:30pm every other month. Consider joining this lively group of book lovers if you live in San Anselmo and want to serve the community. Our great little library is made better by the work of these volunteers. Candidates are interviewed and appointed by the Town Council.
For more information about the Library Advisory Board, visit the Board web page on the Town website: HERE
For an application, click HERE
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Writers in Conversation: Geraldine Brooks, author of HorseTuesday, December 6 at 4:00 pm
Register for this virtual author talk here: https://libraryc.org/sananselmolibrary/20704
Join us for an exciting virtual chat with the highly-acclaimed and award winning novelist Geraldine Brooks, in conversation about her body of work and highlighting her most recent New York Times Bestselling novel Horse. Based on the remarkable true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred, Lexington, Brooks braids a sweeping story of spirit, love, obsession, art, science, and injustice across American history.
Australian-born Geraldine Brooks is an author and journalist who grew up in the Western suburbs of Sydney. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in fiction in 2006 for her novel March. Her first novel, Year of Wonders, is an international bestseller, and People of the Book is a New York Times bestseller translated into 20 languages. She is also the author of the nonfiction works Nine Parts of Desire and Foreign Correspondence.
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Writers in Conversation: Fredrik Backman, author of A Man Called Ove and the Beartown SeriesSaturday, December 10 at 11:00 am
Register for this virtual author talk here: https://libraryc.org/sananselmolibrary/22318
Bestselling author Fredrik Backman will discuss his outstanding body of work, including his breathtaking novel and conclusion to his Beartown series, The Winners.
In Beartown, a small town obsessed with the local junior hockey team is rocked by a shocking act of violence. The series continues with Us Against You, as tensions rise when it’s rumored that the Beartown hockey team will be disbanded. Finally, The Winners returns readers to the close-knit, resilient community of Beartown for a story about first loves, second chances, and last goodbyes. The residents of Beartown must face difficult questions and determine just what they are willing to sacrifice for their home.
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Writers in Conversation: Dr. Nicole Eustace, author of Covered with Night: A Story of Murder and Indigenous Justice in Early AmericaWednesday, December 14 at 9:00 am
Register for this virtual author talk here: https://libraryc.org/sananselmolibrary/20898
You’re invited to explore early-American history during an online afternoon conversation with Pulitzer Prize winning historian Nicole Eustace as she discusses her 2022 award winning book Covered With Night: A Story of Murder and Indigenous Justice in Early America.
On the eve of a major treaty conference between Iroquois leaders and European colonists in the distant summer of 1722, two white fur traders attacked an Indigenous hunter and left him for dead near Conestoga, Pennsylvania. Though virtually forgotten today, this act of brutality set into motion a remarkable series of criminal investigations and cross-cultural negotiations that challenged the definition of justice in early America. In Covered with Night, Dr. Eustace reconstructs the crime and its aftermath, bringing us into the overlapping worlds of white colonists and Indigenous peoples in this formative period.
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Town Books and Friends of the San Anselmo Library are honored to host An Exhibition by Cedars Artists
During November and December, mixed media artwork by these talented artists will be on display and offered for sale. Come celebrate the Cedars and shop for the holidays with a visit to the book store!
The Cedars has been inspiring creative, productive, joyous, and healthy lives for individuals with developmental disabilities for over 100 years. Cedars participants are artists, weavers, Co-op owners, chefs, volunteers, and community members.
TOWN BOOKS 411 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
HOURS: Wednesday–Saturday, 10:00am–4:00pm
Closed November 23 & 24, 2022
INFO: 415.526.3791 townbooks.org
Town Books is run by the Friends of the San Anselmo Library - all profits are donated to the San Anselmo Library.
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Arts Commission Scholarship Winners
The San Anselmo Arts Commission is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Youth Art Scholarships for Ross Valley high school students. We want to congratulate the winners and all the applicants for their hard work and dedication to their creative ventures!
Performance Art: Roman Leitz, music, Archie Williams (https://youtu.be/Xr6iFmI77wQ)
Visual Art: Jasper Donner, mixed media, Archie Williams
Honorable Mentions:
Tadeo Leon Furlany, music and mixed media, Archie Williams
Justin Goldin, photography, Marin Academy
Reiley Dillon, painting, Archie Williams
Ruby Alaniz-Hamer, music, Archie Williams
Image by Jasper Donner: “Two Heads” 36”x48” wood, foam, yarn
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Free - Hot Water Heater Assessment & Heat Pump Water Heater Info
Heat pump water heaters are a climate-friendly alternative to gas water heaters. But most gas water heaters are replaced when they fail, with another gas one, locking in years of greenhouse gas emissions. Getting a free assessment is a great first step to be ready to replace your gas water heater. Sign up to get a free assessment of your hot water heater as part of a new San Anselmo and Fairfax pilot program with Ready-Set-Replace.
For more information, please: CLICK HERE.
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New State Funded Vouchers to Help Professional Landscaping Businesses Purchase Battery-Operated Landscape Equipment
Starting in 2024, California will be prohibiting the sale of new gasoline-powered landscape equipment to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution associated with the use of this equipment.
The California Air Resources Board has just released new funding to help professional landscaping businesses purchase battery-operated landscape equipment including edgers, trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and mowers, as well as extra batteries and chargers. Up to $25,000 in vouchers are available per purchaser.
Available voucher amounts and details on how to purchase eligible equipment can be found at the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project website: https://californiacore.org/resources-professional-landscape/
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Free Climate Action Workshops
Learn to Live Lightly on the Earth
In the online Climate Action Workshop offered by Resilient Neighborhoods, you will adopt an earth-sustaining lifestyle, create a low-impact home, and learn how to be resilient in our new ‘normal.’ Taking simple actions like trimming energy and waste, utilizing clean energy, conserving water, and making smarter transportation choices can save you money too. Help build a stronger and safer community. Free for Marin residents!
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Creek Park Plaza Update
Please click HERE for more information, including Updates and Frequently Asked Questions.
Please note that Creek Park is still open: This includes the Redwood grove picnic tables, and the Amphitheater grass and stage area. The Town has moved some plaza picnic tables back to that area to provide more seating. You can access Creek Park via the pedestrian bridge from San Anselmo Avenue or from Center Avenue and Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
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Let's Prepare for Earthquakes
December 6, 2022 • 5:30-6:30 pm
• Zoom Webinar
Join Ed Shackeroff, MD, from Earthquake County Alliance and Marin County Fire to learn how to prepare for, and recover from earthquakes.
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Marin Master Gardener TipsPlan Your Fire-smart Landscape
December 2022
Make a fire-smart plan. Consider existing plants, budget, and how much maintenance you are willing to do. Start by understanding the three defensible space zones. The idea is to decrease the energy and speed of a fire by eliminating continuous, dense vegetation vertically and horizontally. Defensible space allows a safer space to defend property. Plant spacing and maintenance is key. - Zone 0: 0 to 5 feet from the house. This is the most critical area. Minimize combustible materials and separate plants with non-combustible materials (concrete, brick, rocks, decomposed granite, gravel). Eliminate combustible plants and mulch within 5’ of structures, especially under windows.
- Zone 1: 5 to 30 feet from the house. Separate plantings and garden beds with hardscape and provide ample plant spacing to slow the spread of flames. Select plants that are easy to maintain that do not produce excessive debris or contain volatile oils.
- Zone 2: 30 to 100 feet from the house. Here, you can use larger shrubs and trees planted in widely spaced groups or “islands.” Consider the mature size of plants and shrubs to maintain spaces.
For More Fire-Smart Landscaping Information visit the
U.C. MARIN MASTER GARDENER website: HERE
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Fire Safe Marin - December Message
Thank you for being part of the incredible community in Marin that is adapting to wildfire! Your work is making a difference- this year residents removed over 8,350 yards of fire fuels from their yards, defensible space inspectors visited 33,000 houses, and more than $500,000 dollars were awarded from the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority to homeowners for home hardening and defensible space work.
Have you seen our wildfire prevention ads? Help us out by completing this SHORT SURVEY and let us know where you get your news!
EN ESPANOL
Gracias por formar parte de la increíble comunidad en Marin que se está adaptando a los incendios forestales! Tu trabajo está marcando una diferencia- este año residentes removieron más de 8,350 yardas cantidades de desechos orgánicos de sus jardines, los inspectores de espacios de defensa contra incendios visitaron 33,829 hogares, y Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority otorgó $500,000 dolares a los propietarios de viviendas para fortalecer el hogar y crear un espacio defendible contra incendios forestales.
Has visto nuestros anuncios de prevención a los incendios forestales? Ayúdanos a completar una BREVE ENCUESTA y dinos de dónde obtienes tus noticias.
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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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