September 25, 2020, Update from Supervisor Connolly

In This Issue COVID Update: New Tier and Metrics Legal Aid for Low-Income Renters Eviction Protections: Local, State, and Federal Climate Action Plan Workshop Progress on the Multi-Use Pathway in San Rafael Virtual 5K Race: Canal Alliance

Dear Friends,

Your efforts to flatten the curve have helped us move into tier 2 on the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy. There are new reopenings for businesses and community members. In this model, counties must remain in a tier for at least 3 weeks before moving forward and must meet the next tier’s criteria for two consecutive weeks. Similarly, a county will move into a more restrictive tier if a county’s metrics worsen.

The metrics are based on daily new cases (per 100,000) and positivity rate, the percent of all tests that are positive for COVID. An equity measure to address disparate impacts by comparing case rates across under-resourced neighborhoods and more affluent neighborhoods is expected from the state. The positivity rate in the Canal has decreased from 25% to 18%. As Marin's public health officer, Dr. Matt Willis, shared at the Board of Supervisors meeting that the larger threat is case rate.

On Monday, the state reported that Marin has a testing positivity of 2.6% and an adjusted case rate of 4.8 (per 100,000). For Marin County to move into tier 3 (orange), our case rate must fall below 4. Our testing positivity rate already meets the orange status criteria, falling within the 2 - 4.9% threshold.

Safe school reopenings remain a critical part of our recovery efforts. Schools can open in tier 2 (red), but not tier 1 (purple). We have to watch the data, but if our daily case rate stays low (tier 2 or better) for two consecutive weeks, we could reopen schools as early as Sept 29. The criteria for opening are different from the criteria for closing. If we go into a more restrictive tier, we don’t have to close schools that are open. Our local school boards will be grappling with how to reopen safely when allowed.

A COVID vaccine may be available as early as late fall or early winter, but when Marin will receive those vaccines is not yet known. We are working with Bay Area academic institutions to ensure that safety is paramount in the vaccine. There are a lot of unknowns at this time.

Continue doing what you are doing and get a flu shot! Stay home when you are sick, practice physical distancing, wear a face covering, wash your hands, and practice good personal hygiene. Public Health is concerned about seasonal surges due to seasonal influenza cases. Most providers are offering drive-through flu shots.

The County is continuing to work with public health, community members, businesses, a range of stakeholders, and state leaders to navigate the twists and turns that arise to ensure the safety and the wellbeing of all in Marin. 

Marin is in tier 2, the red tier, and the following sectors are able to open:

Indoors with modifications: Hair Salons and Barbershops Personal Care Services Hotels and Lodging At reduced capacity, Malls, retail, and libraries, 50% capacity Gyms and fitness centers, 10% capacity Movie theaters, restaurants, and places of worship, 25% capacity, or 100 people, whichever is fewer.

Outdoors with modification: Wineries Family Entertainment Centers e.g., mini-golf, batting cages, etc. Card Rooms   For a current list on reopening, see the Safer Economy website.

Legal Aid for Low-Income Renters

On September 15, the Board of Supervisors - with the financial and political support of cities and towns - approved $310,000 for legal services to low-income renters regarding rental modification agreements, rental repayment plans, and potential evictions through Legal Aid of Marin. In addition, the Board approved $90,000 for mediation services through the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit over the next 18 months.

Eviction Protections: Local, State, and Federal

Early on the Board of Supervisors took action to protect residents through a local eviction moratorium. In recent weeks we have seen state and federal action on evictions through AB 3088, the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020 signed by Governor Newsom on August 31, and the (CDC) Eviction Moratorium effective on September 4. Marin renters are protected under AB 3088. This law provides eviction protection for tenants who have been unable to pay rent due to financial hardship related to COVID-19. AB 3088 also prevents local jurisdictions from extending, modifying, or establishing additional eviction protections not in place as of August 19, 2020, and prevents additional protections until after the expiration of state protections on February 1, 2021. The federal CDC eviction moratorium includes a provision that excludes any state or local jurisdiction "with a moratorium on residential evictions that provides the same or greater level of public health protection than the requirements listed in this Order." AB 3088 is interpreted as providing the same or greater protections in some respects and therefore exempts Californians from federal protections under the CDC Eviction Moratorium. AB 3088 outlines notable provisions, please see the staff report and presentation for details.

Climate Action Plan Workshop

Marin's need to take bold action to address climate is clear. Our ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are working. Marin set the goal of reducing emissions to 20 percent below1990 levels by 2020, and achieved that goal eight years ahead of schedule in 2012. We must do more. I invite you to join the conversation on October 12. The Marin County sustainability team will be hosting a workshop on the current Climate Action Plan Update. This is an opportunity to engage and help develop goals and measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in unincorporated Marin over the next 10 years. Join to hear about greenhouse gas emissions inventory, draft reduction goals, and proposed measures. Questions and comments are welcome. The Draft Climate Action Plan is scheduled to be posted for public comment on October 5th, 2020. Learn more about ongoing efforts on the County's Climate and Adaptation website.

Progress on the Multi-Use Pathway in San Rafael

Francisco Boulevard West recently converted to a southbound one-way street between Second Street and Rice Drive. This change in traffic flow will significantly improve safety at the Second Street railroad crossing while allowing motorists to continue accessing businesses between downtown and Francisco Boulevard West, Irwin Street, and Rice Drive. It also allows for a two-way protected bike path on the west side of the street. An ALL-Way STOP was installed at the intersection of Rice Drive and DuBois Avenue to accommodate the increased flow of vehicles and bikes being rerouted through this intersection. I’m excited about this new connectivity to make navigating Marin easier and safer. #RideWithDamon

Virtual 5K Race: Canal Alliance

My Aides and I are always running around finding a way to help, sometimes literally. Last week we completed another 5K run to support the Canal Alliance, University Pre (UP!) students. The fundraiser seeks to support children through the pandemic and ensure that they stay healthy and keep learning despite the challenges in the world. This fundraiser directly supports 151 students enrolled in the program for the 2020-21 school year. Join us. Walk, run, bike, swim, or get out there in whatever way and distance is most comfortable for you. Sign up through October 4 to support students in our community.

Let's keep talking.  

Sincerely,

 

Marin County Board of Supervisors, District 1
3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 329, San Rafael, CA 94903
Direct Tel: (415) 473-7331

District Aide: Mary Sackett
Direct Tel: (415) 473-7354 
Email: msackett@marincounty.org

District Aide: Gustavo Goncalves
Direct Tel: (415) 473-7342 
Email: ggoncalves@marincounty.org

Newsletter: https://www.marincounty.org/depts/bs/district-1/newsletters
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SupConnolly
Twitter: https://twitter.com/damon_connolly