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Town Manager's Newsletter
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Saturday, April 1, 2023
David P. Donery, Town Manager
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E-bike Use in Memorial ParkThe Town has received numerous complaints from community members using Memorial Park for recreational activities who have felt unsafe and witnessed reckless behavior by large groups of teenagers and pre-teenagers on electric bikes (e-bikes). The youth have reportedly been racing through crowds of people at high speeds. Twp weekends ago was opening day for baseball and softball, with multiple games and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the newly refurbished athletic fields. The festivities were marred by a senior citizen being knocked over by an e-bike rider and many other people feeling concerned for their safety because of the unruly use of e-bikes in the park. Due to this alarming uptick in risky and aggressive behavior by e-bike riders in Memorial Park resulting in safety issues and concerns, the Town has increased enforcement at the park. E-bikes are prohibited from being operated in Town parks. The Town had previously focused on deterring e-bike riders from riding on the newly refurbished playing fields, but due to the recent safety issues related to reckless e-bike use throughout Memorial Park, additional resources will be used on enforcement. Increased Enforcement
Memorial Park rules and regulations state that “No motorized vehicles are allowed” in the park. Failure to comply with this rule shall constitute an infraction, except that the fourth and any additional violations within one year shall constitute a misdemeanor. (SAMC § 11-1.02). An infraction may result in issuance of an Administrative Citation which carries fines beginning at $100 and increasing to $500 per violation as described in Town Resolution No. 4271. (SAMC § 1-6.01). Enforcement officers will contact a minor’s parent or guardian, who will ultimately be held responsible for the violation. E-bike riders may walk their bikes through Memorial Park on the paths. Non-motorized bicycles are allowed on the paths at a safe speed. No bikes are allowed on the grass fields at any time. The safety and welfare of our entire community is of utmost importance in all Town community public spaces. The Town will host a Community Forum to address these and other issues related to youth at Memorial Park. This forum will take place on Saturday, April 22 at 11:00AM in the Vista Room at the Isabel Cook Community Center at 1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. For more information about e-bike state, county and San Anselmo laws and regulations, please click: HERE Questions – please contact the Town's Community Engagement Coordinator at kwarner@townofsananselmo.org.
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Recap of this Week's
Town Council Meeting
The Town Council discussed the following items at their Council meeting on March 28, 2023:
Mayor's Proclamation Recognizing March as the American Red Cross Month. Council Items: - Received presentation by the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District on the status of the San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction (SAFRR) project.
- The County has replied to the Town's January 13 letter. The Town's letter can be found HERE, and the County's response can be found: HERE
- Received introduction of an Ordinance Amending the Town’s Single-Use Foodware Regulations and Approve an Agreement with the County for Enforcement.
- Received the 2023-2025 Work Plan Priorities Draft to review and will provide Input at a future meeting.
- Considered options related to the interview and appointment processes for Town Boards, Committees and Commissions, and provided direction to staff.
- Reappointed (2) two incumbents to the Economic Development Committee and (1) one applicant to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
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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Creek Park News:
Town Council received a presentation by the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District on the status of the San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction (SAFRR) project and the closed plaza at the March 28 Council meeting. For more additional information regarding the closed Creek Park plaza, go to the Building Bridge #2/Creek Park Update page on the Town website, or click HERE For information about the Reimagine Creek Park project - please click: HERE
Please note that Creek Park is still open: This includes the Redwood grove picnic tables. You can access Creek Park via the pedestrian bridge from San Anselmo Avenue or from Center Avenue and Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Additionally, the Town has created a larger parklet with picnic tables in front of the closed plaza, along San Anselmo Avenue. Lights and umbrellas will also be installed soon.
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Town Council Discussion of County Foodware Ordinance
At the March 28, 2023 Town Council meeting, staff presented the first reading of a foodware ordinance modeled after the County’s foodware ordinance that was adopted last year. If adopted by the Town Council, the ordinance would replace the Town’s existing foodware ordinance and allow the County to handle the enforcement of the ordinance on behalf of the Town starting on November 10, 2023. The proposed ordinance covers all entities selling prepared food to the public in the Town including restaurants, grocery stores and delis, bakeries, carry-out, quick services, farmers markets, food trucks, and any other business that requires a health permit. For more information about the County’s foodware ordinance, please visit their: Reusable Foodware webpage.
The Town’s current foodware ordinance can also be accessed: Here.
For additional information visit the Single Use Foodware Regulations page: HERE
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IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITY:There is an interim Youth Commissioner opening on the Arts Commission (serving April 1 - June 30, 2023). Please apply now. The seat will remain open until it is filled. For more information on Youth Commissioner program & the application: CLICK HERE
For more information on the Arts Commission: CLICK HERE |
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Hey Parents! Even though the weather is saying otherwise, SUMMER is right around the corner! Are you ready for some FUN in the SUN? We've got you covered with our Summer Activity Guide full of amazing camps and programs. Head over to our website at: www.sananselmorecreation.org to check out all the exciting classes we have in store for your kids this year. Whether you're into art, coding, carpentry, dance, or sports, we've got a wide range of activities for kids of all ages. But don't wait too long to register! Camps are filling up quickly and you don't want to miss out on all the fun. So, get your summer plans set today and get the sunscreen and water bottles ready with your kids' sense of adventure and let's make this summer one to remember. JOIN US FOR A SUMMER ADVENTURE! Fashion Design Camps Dance Camps Cooking Camp CIT Program Carpentry Camps TinkerTech STEM Camps 23 Elephants Theatre Camps All Sorts of Sports Camps Memorial Park Tennis Camps Canon Tennis & Swim Camps Luis Quezada's Soccer Camps National Academy of Athletics Basketball Camps Skate Camps Flag Football Camps We can't wait to see your kids this summer having fun and maybe even trying something new! P.S. Don't forget, if you haven't already, please sign up for a new Recreation account on our new registration software on our website at www.SanAnselmoRecreation.org
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Elders' Garden Event:
Marin Master Gardeners Basic Pruning WorkshopSaturday, April 8, 10:00 - 11:30 AM (note later start time)Come and learn about the basics of pruning ornamental small trees and shrubs including: why we prune, the must-have tools, and the 3 basic cuts which are used. The workshop will start with a talk, followed by a demonstration. Participants will then have the opportunity to try out the 3 basic cuts themselves. Bring hand pruners if you have them. The workshop is a joint venture by members of the UC Marin Master Gardeners’ Pruning Guild and the Elders’ Garden, a mostly California native plant garden, which is owned by the Town of San Anselmo and was created 20 years ago by volunteers. Parking: Park in the lot behind Memorial Park, by the Log Cabin. Note: Rain will cancel the event
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Arts Commission featured in
The Richies 2023 videos by
Archie Williams High School students
On Friday, March 3, students from the ComAcad (Communications Academy) program at Archie Williams High School (AWHS) held a screening of videos they've created, each focused on a local non-profit. The event, called The Richies (short for Community Enrichment Rewards), takes place once a year.
AWHS students have worked hard communicating, filming, and editing these short videos for important organizations that bring peace and love to the community. The Arts Commission was honored to be among one of the organizations selected -- among such notables as Rancho Compasion, Marin Foster Care, and A Broader Living Experience. You can view the video on their YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/CzSfqtFdK24
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Violin and Cello Spring ConcertFriday, April 7 - 12:00pm noon
Library Reading Room
Spring is here! Join us for a violin and cello concert with the Forget-Me-Knots, Charmian Stewart and Amanda Craver. Everyone is welcome to attend! Can’t make the concert in-person? Click here to watch virtually on Zoom!
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Art Talk Tuesday:
The Magic, Mystery, and Mastery of VermeerTuesday, April 11 at 12:00 noon
Council Chambers
Celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime Vermeer exhibit at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum with guest speaker Avril Angevine. Little is known about his life, but much has been written about Vermeer's style, his controversial method of painting, and what his works tell us about life in 17th century Holland. Attend this special Art Talk Tuesday on this exhibit and learn why Vermeer’s magical works are so beloved. Avril Angevine will present live in the Council Chambers. If you can’t join us in person, click here to join us virtually on Zoom.
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Landscape Drawing WorkshopTuesday, April 18 at 1:00pm
Library Lawn
Discover and explore the use of line and mark making to replicate textures we see in the landscape in this one-hour drawing workshop with local artist Janet Jacobs. Must we draw absolutely everything that we see in a tree? How can five lines describe the volume of the trunk? How can just a few marks describe the foliage? These are just some of the questions we’ll answer as we warm up with fun and easy exercises to more prolonged studies. Registration is required and all materials will be provided. Please email library@townofsananselmo.org to register.
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Night of the Poets Returns!Wednesday, April 26 at 7:00pm
Library Reading Room
Summoning word wizards and masters of meter! All ages are welcome to participate as a performer or listener in the San Anselmo Public Library’s 18th annual Night of the Poets!
Email sleyland@townofsananselmo.org or call 415-258-4656 to sign up to read a favorite poem or a poem you wrote in two minutes or less. Join us for a reception with light refreshments and meet your fellow poets after the poetry readings.
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Marin Water
Wednesday, April 5 at 6:00pm
Library Reading RoomJoin us for a presentation from Marin Water about their work to protect wildlife and our drinking water from the dangers of wildfires. Discover how Marin Water’s imperative forest restoration and vegetation management efforts in the Mt. Tam watershed are vital to Marin County.
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Kate Beaton, author of
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands
Join us for an enlightening virtual author talk with Kate Beaton, New York Times bestselling author of Hark! A Vagrant! and her new graphic memoir, Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands.
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William Kent Krueger
author of Fox CreekYou are invited to a riveting hour in this virtual author talk with New York Times bestselling author William Kent Krueger, as he discusses his numerous works, including the newest book in the Cork O’Connor series Fox Creek.
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LIBRARY NEWS:
CHILDREN/FAMILY EVENTS
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SHARE a Book: Read to a DogWednesday, April 5 at 2:00-3:00pm
Library Children's Room
Once a month, 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. Sign up for a 15-minute slot to read to a dog today! Designed for children in kindergarten and up.
Email library@townofsananselmo.org or call 415-258-4656 to sign up.
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Crafternoon for Kids:
Huichol Ojos de Dios TortugasWednesday, April 19 at 2:30-3:30 pmLibrary Children's Room
Using yarn and popsicle sticks, weave a cute turtle using the God's Eye weaving pattern. All materials are provided. Please email library@townofsananselmo.org or call 415-258-4656 to register.
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"Stroll Through San Anselmo’s History"
Walking Tours Return!
The Historical Commission is excited to again sponsor its popular free walking tour through downtown. Travel back in time with Dick Miner and other members of the commission to learn about San Anselmo’s historic Hub, the role the railroad played in the development of the Town, and the changing character of the businesses and architecture on San Anselmo Avenue. Tour dates for 2023: April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14.
Meet Dick at Creek Park at 9:00 a.m.
The tour ends at the Historical Museum for refreshments.
No reservations are required.
Questions? Please contact info@sananselmohistory.org.
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Town Books: Spring 1/2 Price SaleToday - April 1 is the final sale day!
10:00am - 4:00pm
CELEBRATE SPRING! Shop our store-wide sale!
You’ll have eight days to relax and browse our 4,000 gently-used books in a wide range of categories, CDs, DVDs, Audio books, and some rare and special books, too. Give yourself a spring treat, tell a teacher, or get a gift certificate for a friend or loved one. While you’re in the store, immerse yourself in the beauty of Marin through paintings by Connie Kirk, now on display and for sale, prices as marked.
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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Free Hot Water Heater Assessment & Other Ways to Reduce Household Emissions
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 additional ways to reduce your household emissions, check out the Town’s new Green Building webpage.
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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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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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Subscribe to the Ross Valley Fire Emergency Preparedness newsletter
Hello Ross Valley! It's so important for us to prepare for emergencies, including wind events, floods, power outages, fires, earthquakes, and more. Sign up to receive regular updates, tips, checklists, and notices of educational events in your inbox. We promise not to overdo it. Subscribe below so you can learn how to keep yourself and your family safe when disasters strike.
Our newsletters are in partnership with Ross Valley Fire, Town of Ross, Town of San Anselmo, Town of Fairfax, and the Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District. Subscribe here to receive Emergency Preparedness information direct to your inbox!
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Marin Master Gardener TipsPlan Your Fire-smart Landscape
April 2023
MARCH: It's spring! Assess the fire risk to your property and think lean, clean and green
- Lean: Allow space between individual plants, or plant in small, irregular clusters or islands with non-combustible material pathways.
- Clean: Remove dried grass, weeds, dead branches, and all other dead vegetation. Check gutters, roof, eaves, vents, chimneys, under decks or elevated porches for leaf and needle litter. Thin and reduce interior and exterior tree canopies.
- Green: Properly irrigated plants with healthy soil remain healthy, green, and less prone to fire, summer through fall. Check your irrigation system regularly for leaks or malfunctions. Applying compost and mulches helps stabilize soil temperature and prevent evaporation. Areas 0-5’ from structures, use non-combustible mulches like rock, gravel, and stone. 5-30” from structures, composted wood chips or bark nuggets to a depth of two inches is best. Avoid fine, stringy mulches.
For more Fire-Smart landscaping information visit the: U.C. MARIN MASTER GARDENER website: www.ucanr.edu/ucmarinmgfiresmart
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Please Support the Hanging Flower Baskets in
Downtown San AnselmoThis 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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