November 2, 2021 Update from Supervisor Connolly

District 1 experienced two recent wildfires, the Loma Fire and Lassen Fire. On September 1, the Lassen Fire charred 44 acres and triggered evacuations in Lucas Valley. On October 11, the Loma Fire burned 4 acres near the 680 trail on Loma Alta above Terra Linda. 

I’m incredibly proud of our response and our residents who were prepared. Thanks to the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) for producing the Wildfire Watch TV series. You may recognize a neighbor in Episode 2 “Evacuation” of Wildfire Watch with a close look at the evacuations during the Lassen Fire.

Our hillsides and trees are noticeably stressed. In this Marin Voice by Bruce Goines, he shares his experience as a registered forester and MWPA employee. Creating defensible space and home hardening are two major tools at our disposal. As Bruce Goines shares, "Our new paradigm requires all of us to prepare for wildfires." 

I'm really excited about a new program to bring people into careers in firefighting, called the Fire Innovation, Recruitment & Education (FIRE) Foundry. The program seeks to increase sustainable wage careers in fire and civic service from traditionally underrepresented, underfunded, and underserved communities. At the same time, the recruits will address wildfire prevention efforts. You can learn more on the Fire Foundry website.

The County of Marin is taking action to address climate change every chance that we get. 

First, when it comes to Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption, Marin and Santa Clara are the top two leading counties. In September 2020 Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-79-20 requiring 100% of in-state sales of new passenger cars and light-duty trucks to be zero-emission by 2035. At my request, Marin is going further, faster. Marin is part of a growing statewide movement to support the goal of reaching 100% zero-emission vehicles sales in California by 2030.

Additionally, the Board of Supervisors officially supported the Carbon Fee and Dividend Act (HR 2307). An adjustable national carbon fee is a market-based solution that encourages transitioning out of carbon-based energy and into safe, clean, reliable, and renewable energy. HR 2307 proposes a national carbon fee on fossil fuels, based on the greenhouse gas content of the fuel, with a corresponding dividend paid to all households. The legislation will help account for the true cost of fossil fuel emissions. We urge Congress to enact the Carbon Dividend Act of 2021.

FREE TRANSIT FOR OLDER ADULTS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Marin Transit is providing Older Adults (age 65 or older) and people with disabilities free local fixed route services countywide through March 2022! This 6-month pilot will help community members connect with friends and family, run errands, and enjoy all that Marin has to offer. The pilot applies to fixed-route services and is not valid on Golden Gate Transit routes or demand response services like paratransit, Catch-A-Ride, Dial-A-Ride, Connect, or the Muir Woods Shuttle. 

Seniors and persons with disabilities must have a valid ID. Personal service assistants will not be eligible for free rides and will continue to pay 50% off the adult cash fare ($1) when accompanying a person with disabilities. 

For more information, see Marintrainsit.org/farepromotions or call (415) 454-0902.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Marin County has a deep history thanks to the Latino community. We see it every day including in the names of our cities and towns like San Rafael, Corte Madera, and appropriately named Terra Linda. Marin’s Latino community has been instrumental in the success of our County. We are proud of our Latino and Latina leaders.

We are fortunate to have Venetia Valley School providing critical services and resources to our children and families. As we raise young people for a vibrant and diverse future, the Dual Language Program coming next year will be an asset to our students, families, and our entire community. Thank you Venetia Valley Falcons for including me in your Hispanic Heritage Day event.

VOCES DEL CANAL TOY DRIVE

Voces del Canal is sponsoring a toy drive event for children living in the Canal District. They are gathering gift cards, unwrapped gifts, and cash donations. Children have requested bicycles, which will be part of a raffle.  You can drop off these items either at Salon B (886 4th Street in San Rafael) on Thursdays-Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm or at 685 Barberry Lane in San Rafael on December 11 between 8 am and 12 pm. If you would like your items to be picked up instead, please email Marina Palma at marinapalma123@gmail.com or call 415.574.1078 or Aurelia Vargas at 415.717.6728. The gifts will be distributed by Voces Del Canal volunteers on December 18. They are gathering cash donations via Venmo with the account @Rosa-RiveraPalma. You can scan the QR code to make your donation. Please note that it is for the toy drive. Thank you for helping make sure that these children have a wonderful holiday season.

DISTRICT 1 SURVEY

In this D1 Survey, we take a look at our readiness for natural disasters. As we continue to face the impacts of severe weather and climate change it's important, for ourselves and our community, that we are ready for an emergency. Please take 2-minutes to complete this survey and let us know how prepared you are in the event of a disaster.

 

Let's keep talking, 

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

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