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Town Manager's Newsletter
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Saturday, March 4, 2023
David P. Donery, Town Manager
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Marin Open Space Trust Permanently Protects Bald Hill On February 8, 2023, the Marin Open Space Trust (MOST) purchased and then conveyed the 60-acre Bald Hill property to the Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD). The land, which includes Bald Hill’s iconic, scenic summit and the hill’s eastern face, will be permanently protected and accessible to the public for recreational use. The land will become an addition to the existing 46-acre Bald Hill Open Space Preserve, and MOST is now working with the county to assess trail conditions and make improvements for public access. For decades, Bald Hill had been a top acquisition priority for local towns, the MCOSD, and land conservation organizations. The land was zoned for estate lots and its development had always been a possibility. Jonathan Braun, MOST’s board member and lifelong San Anselmo resident and co-chair of the San Anselmo Open Space Committee, led the Bald Hill project. He commented: “MOST is so grateful to the project’s generous individual donors, the Towns of Ross and San Anselmo, the Tamalpais Conservation Club, and the MCOSD for our successful fundraising campaign. This beloved place will now be preserved in perpetuity.” Highly visible, 1,132-foot Bald Hill is a spectacular backdrop to our Town and the Ross Valley. The 360-degree view from Bald Hill’s summit is phenomenal. The property borders Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) lands to the west and south, and is a gateway to more than 100,000 acres of protected land. The Town thanks Jonathan and his colleagues for their tireless work to bring this project to completion.
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Recap of this Week'sTown Council Meeting
The Town Council discussed the following items at the Council meeting on February 28, 2023: Mayor's Proclamation Recognizing Danny Krebs Council Items:- Considered and approved the application for the Longway Block Party sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce for Friday, March 24th, 2023, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
- Considered and approved the Children for Change application for their annual event scheduled for Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 from 7:00am to 12:00pm.
- Adopted a Resolution to establish a Vehicle Miles Traveled CEQA Threshold
of Significance Policy to Implement SB 743. - Received and filed an update on the Shared Service and Leadership Study for
the Ross Valley Fire Department. - Discussed and provided direction to staff regarding murals in the Town of
San Anselmo. - Appointed one (1) applicant to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee
The full agenda and further information can be found on the Town website: HERE Please add your email to receive notifications and agendas for the Town Council meetings or any other Town public meetings: HERE
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Memorial Park - New Fields Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!
Opening Day of SA Baseball & Softball Saturday, March 18, 2023 10:00 AM
The refurbished Memorial Park fields are open and ready for the community! Please join us to celebrate and to kick-off baseball and softball season - in the Meadow, behind the ball fields (near the picnic table area).
Master of Ceremonies: Rod Kerr - Parks & Recreation Commissioner Ribbon Cutting: Mayor Steve Burdo and Vice Mayor Eileen Burke
Questions? Please contact: recreation@townofsananselmo.org or 415/ 258-4640
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Imagination Park News: Lawn Restoration
The lawn area at Imagination Park, in the heart of downtown, is closed February 15 - March 30 for reseeding and restoration work. We appreciate your cooperation in staying off the grass while the restoration is underway. The benches around the grass area are still open to enjoy.
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Historical Commission Announces: New Online Photo/Artifact Catalog
The San Anselmo Historical Commission is dedicated to preserving and sharing our town’s history and is excited to announce the launch of a new publicly accessible Online Catalog of photographs and artifacts from the Historical Museum’s collection.
The Museum has collected and preserved a collection of over 2,000 photographs and numerous artifacts and archival documents. The new catalog enhances the Commission’s goal to foster an understanding and appreciation of the history of San Anselmo and its place in the history of Marin. The online catalog is a work in progress, and more items will be added in the coming months. Have you seen the beautiful new light pole banners on San Anselmo Avenue featuring images of our Town of yesteryear? Special thanks go to the San Anselmo Community Foundation, The Town of San Anselmo, and the San Anselmo Historical Society for their generous donations. Hopefully the banners will encourage residents and visitors alike to visit the Historical Museum in-person or online. For more information, check out the San Anselmo Historical Museum website: HERE
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Summer Camp 2023 Registration is now open!
Interested in carpentry? Or theater? Or sports? Or maybe you’re looking for that classic summer camp experience that only Camp Kid Marin can offer! We have just what you need! Spaces will fill up fast so be sure to go to: www.sananselmorecreation.org If you have any questions, please e-mail: recreation@townofsananselmo.org or call 415-258-4640.
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The California Department of Housing & Community Development Acknowledges Receipt of the Draft Housing Element
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has acknowledged the Town's submittal of the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element. It was sent to the HCD on January 26, 2023. For more information about the Housing Element and the next steps regarding the HCD staff review, please visit the Housing Element Update webpage on the Town website or click HERE Public comment continues to be vital to the process. Please direct any comments or questions to: Heidi Scoble, Planning Director hscoble@townofsananselmo.org
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Update on Discussions with the County of Marin Regarding Public Use of Creek Park PlazaFor more information go to the Building Bridge #2/Creek Park Update page on the Town website, or click HERE
Please note that Creek Park is still open: This includes the Redwood grove picnic tables. The Town has moved some plaza picnic tables back to the Creek Park 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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Spring into Reading: Adult Virtual Reading ChallengeMarch 6 -- April 30, 2023
Spring into reading with the San Anselmo Public Library! Log your reading on Beanstack and attend library programs throughout the challenge to earn a new set of colorful badges. Sign up on Beanstack and start reading today: https://townofsananselmo.beanstack.org/ Beanstack is an online and mobile app you can use to track your reading and participate in challenges and programs from your San Anselmo Public LIbrary. Earn spring-themed badges for logging your reading and completing activities. Sign up today at townofsananselmo.beanstack.org
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Art Talk Tuesday: Sargent and Spain Tuesday, March 14 12:00pm noon Council Chambers OR on Zoom
American artist John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) is known as the society portrait painter of the Gilded Age. A lifelong expatriate, Sargent made seven visits to Spain from 1879 to 1912, resulting in a remarkable body of work. Sargent and Spain, an exhibition on view at the Legion of Honor, will present an array of the artist’s dazzling oils, watercolors, and drawings, along with never-before-exhibited photographs showcasing Spain’s people, architecture, and magnificent rural and urban landscapes. Kathryn Zupsic will present live in the Council Chambers and will immerse you in the rich culture of Spain and Sargent’s vibrant depictions of the country’s churches, coastlines, and dancers.
Can’t join us in-person? Click here to join us virtually on Zoom!
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Climate-Smart Gardening Part 1: Impact and MitigationWednesday, March 15 6:00pm Library Reading Room OR on Zoom Join us for a two-part presentation by Marin Master Gardeners Kathy Hunting and Barbara Robertson on Climate Change and the Gardener. Part One of this informative presentation will focus on the present and future local impacts of climate change on gardens in Marin. Can’t join us in-person? Click here to join us virtually on Zoom!
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Climate-Smart Gardening Part 2: AdaptationWednesday, March 22 6:00pm Library Reading Room OR on Zoom Join us for a two-part presentation by Marin Master Gardeners Kathy Hunting and Barbara Robertson on Climate Change and the Gardener. Part Two of this presentation will focus on best practices we can employ to adapt our gardens to our changing local climate. Can’t join us in-person? Click here to join us virtually on Zoom!
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David Epstein, author of Range and The Sports GeneMonday, March 13 at 10:00 am What's the most effective path to success in any domain? It's not what you think. You’re invited to find out during a conversation with New York Times bestselling author David Epstein as he chats about his most recent book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. Register for this virtual author talk here: https://libraryc.org/sananselmolibrary/24342
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Celebrity Chef Jernard A. Wells, author of Southern InspiredTuesday, March 21 at 1pm A talk that will leave you starving for more! Join us as we chat with celebrity chef Jernard Wells about his newest cookbook Southern Inspired. Southern food defines American food at large, and Chef Jernard takes it to a new level while still honoring its roots. Chef Jernard also brings in flavors from the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, and Europe, always with his signature Southern flair. This cookbook shares 100 recipes that are approachable for both beginners and more experienced cooks. Register for this virtual author talk here: https://libraryc.org/sananselmolibrary/24594
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Pam Jenoff, author of Code Name SapphireTuesday, March 28 at 4:00 pm Join us for an exciting trip through time as we chat with New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Pam Jenoff about her newest book, Code Name Sapphire! Inspired by incredible true stories of courage and sacrifice, Code Name Sapphire is a powerful novel about love, family and the unshakable resilience of women in even the hardest of times. Register for this virtual author talk here: https://libraryc.org/sananselmolibrary/24846
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CHILDREN/FAMILY LIBRARY EVENTS
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SHARE a Book: Read to a DogWednesday, March 8, 2:00 - 3:00pm Library
Every second Wednesday a wonderful canine friend comes with their owner to the library to be read to. In partnership with Marin Humane Society Share a Book Program, animal-ambassador teams bring smiles and confidence to the children they meet. Designed for children in kindergarten and up. Sign up for a 15-minute slot to read to a dog today! Email library@townofsananselmo.org or call 415-258-4656 to register.
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New program for children:Sing & StompFridays at 10:30 am Town Hall Plaza
Sing, dance, jump and play with musician Emily Bonn in this drop-in music and movement group. You are welcome to sit, but Emily’s tunes will have you up and on your feet in no time! For kids, ages 0-5. Weather permitting.
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Crafternoon: Contact Paper Collage Wednesday, March 15, 2:30 - 3:30pm in the Historical MuseumUsing yarn, tissue, paper, pompoms and other items, create a unique and colorful collage. Crafernoons are opportunities for children ages 5-12 and their caregivers to create art together. All materials are provided. Please register at: library@townofsananselmo.org or call 415-258-4656.
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TOWN BOOKS - NEW ART SHOWConnie Kirk, Painter
March & April, 2023
Connie creates abstract, figurative, and plein air landscape paintings. Her early work was influenced by the French and Post Impressionists, but she also works with abstract design and color to ignite wonder and excitement for the natural world. Her work is displayed in galleries and private collections across the country. Artist Reception: Friday, March 10, 5:00-7:00pm
TOWN BOOKS 411 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo HOURS: Wednesday–Saturday, 10:00am–4:00pm 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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Landscape Equipment Ordinance and Leaf Blower Rebate Program San Anselmo passed an ordinance that will prohibit the use of gas-powered landscape equipment as of June 1, 2023 for residents, and January 1, 2024 for commercial landscapers. Further details about the ordinance and upcoming launch of the landscape equipment trade-in and rebate program will be made available on the Town website.
To apply for the rebate, you’ll first need to go to the Landscape Equipment 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.
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Free Climate Action Workshops - Learn to Live Lightly on the Earth
Sign up for a 5-session climate action workshop with Resilient Neighborhoods this spring. Participants will learn how to live sustainably and bring climate-friendly practices to their homes. The sessions take place every other week via teleconference. The program is free for Marin residents.
The next workshops start on March 30 and April 5. To learn more or sign up, please click HERE
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Marin Master Gardener TipsPlan Your Fire-smart Landscape March 2023 MARCH: Remove and replace invasive plants
- Remove invasive plants such as ivy, broom, and pampas grass that spread quickly, cause harm to the environment, add considerable fuel for fire and use precious water.
- Unfortunately, excessive clearing can create a vulnerable entry point for the plants we do not want.
- Pull weeds and invasive plants before they go to seed to keep them from spreading.
- Replace with California natives, pollinator or low water use plants keeping drought tolerance and biodiversity in mind.
- For persistent invasive plants, consider sheet mulching to help with weed suppression. Additional information on appropriate mulches and use can be found following the link below.
For More Fire-Smart Landscaping Information: Visit the U.C. MARIN MASTER GARDENER website: www.ucanr.edu/ucmarinmgfiresmart
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Ember Stomp - Marin Wildfire Prevention Festival: Call for Artists
Fire Safe Marin and Marin Center Cultural Services invite artists to submit works of art exploring what it means to adapt to wildfire. Juried selected works will be exhibited at Ember Stomp, an annual Wildfire Prevention Festival at the Civic Center Fairgrounds, on May 20, 2023. The art will then be shown at the Marin County Civic Center Gallery from May - August 2023. Our world is changing and we must adapt to survive. This exhibition is intended to inspire thought and conversation about: - Our changing relationship with nature
- The effects of climate change
- How the threat of wildfire affects us individually and collectively
- Resilience of people and our environment
Juror: Emebet B. Korn, Founder and Director of Desta Gallery
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Please Support the Hanging Flower Baskets in Downtown San Anselmo
This will be our 5th year of enhancing the Avenue with beautiful hanging flower baskets from May - October. The flower basket program is a volunteer effort and relies on donations from the Town, the merchants and the community. Each year these baskets draw such an overwhelmingly positive response that we are committed to keeping them going. We are especially grateful to have Ed Healy (aka "Indy") on our team to water the baskets every day. A special thank you to the Town of San Anselmo and the Chamber of Commerce for their support and donations. And also to the residents and merchants who have supported us for the past four years. We couldn't do it without you! There are two ways you can contribute: - Donate by visiting the program’s: GO FUND ME PAGE or
- Mail a check payable to:
SA Friends of the Flower Baskets P.O. Box 2844, San Anselmo, CA 94979
For more information about this project contact: Nancy Altman at nnaltman@me.com
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Town Seeking Community Applicantsfor Boards, Committees and Commissions
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There are open seats on the Town's community volunteer Boards, Committees and Commissions. You can find more details here: Boards/Committees/Commissions Information 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.
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