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2023 was a busy year and it is hard to believe we have launched into a new year already.
At our first Board of Supervisors meeting this year, I summarized several items I think are important to focus on in 2024. I plan to assess our policies using People, Places, and the Planet to help guide my decision making.
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People: We need to continue to focus on the people we serve. Far too many remain unhoused, too many in our community are struggling to make ends meet, and racial disparities in Marin are vast. To address these issues and to continue to provide a high level of service to the community, we also need to work to maintain and strengthen our County workforce.
This year I will be leaning into early childhood education and looking at how we make preschool affordable for everyone; moving forward with implementing the programs we adopted in our Housing Element; and continuing to focus on addressing homelessness on Binford Road and throughout the County.
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Places: We need to assess our capital needs, maintain facilities, and prioritize our public infrastructure. Key places to focus on this year: Civic Center campus, Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, Juvenile Hall, libraries, fire facilities, a multi-year plan for our streets and roads, and our parks – where I have a particular interest in developing a Magical Bridge Playground, a playground that is truly accessible and inclusive for all in Marin. |
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Planet: We need to protect and preserve this beautiful place we live, work, and play. Let’s continue to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand EV adoption, green our public vehicle fleet, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and invest in bike/pedestrian improvements.
I look forward to continuing to work with you to address issues that are important to our community. Here’s to a great year ahead!
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Looking back, I am proud of what we accomplished together this past year. Let’s recap a few of the highlights in a top ten countdown.
10: Worked with the Marin Foster Care Association, City of Novato, and the Marin Community Foundation to secure TEN deed-restricted studio apartments in Novato to house youth who are aging out of the foster care system.
9: Through my work as a First 5 Commissioner, I was proud to support a grant that led to the opening of the Marin Postpartum Center to support women and families after NINE months of pregnancy.
8: In August, the Board of Supervisors accepted and began implementing a detailed plan to address the Binford Road RV encampment. To date, we have transitioned 17 people into housing, connected people with services and benefit opportunities, reduced the number of vehicles to one hundred and EIGHT (down from a high of 132), removed excess property, installed fencing to prevent new arrivals, and implemented environmental and health upgrades. Efforts are ongoing.
7: To provide barrier-free access to library resources for over SEVEN thousand students in Novato, the Marin County Free Library and the Novato Unified School District partnered to launch Student MyCard, a program that provides all Novato public school students free and easy access to public library resources at home and at school.
6: Expanding on SMART’s ridership success (we are seeing greater numbers than we saw pre-pandemic!), the SMART Board approved a pilot program for free fares for youth and seniors beginning this spring, encouraging easier access for more riders, and saving them SIX dollars for a round trip ride between Novato and Petaluma.
5: Eliminated vehicle entrance fees for Marin County Regional Parks and boat launches to promote equity and encourage visitation of people the entry fee proved to be a barrier and ultimately saving visitors FIVE dollars per vehicle each visit.
4: Formed awesome working relationships and camaraderie with my FOUR colleagues on the Board of Supervisors.
3: By continuing strong fiscal management practices, the County of Marin maintained a AAA rating with all THREE independent bond rating agencies.
2: TWO “Watch for Wildlife” signs were posted on Olive Avenue in Novato to help alert drivers and protect wildlife that often traverse this roadway thanks to a fun partnership with the 4th and 5th graders at Olive Elementary School.
1: ONE year completed as your County Supervisor representing District 5 and I could not be more grateful for your partnership and the opportunity to serve you!
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At the beginning of each year, a few very special honors are awarded to Novato citizens and businesses. At Novato’s Annual Birthday Party, Paint the Town Red, two community members are acknowledged for their dedication to our community. And, at the Novato Chamber Honors Dinner, awards are given for Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and Micro Business of the Year. A big congratulations to this years’ winners!
Paul Price - Citizen of the Year
Paul is a long-time Novato resident who is deeply involved in civic activities and dedicated to our community. The generosity of Paul’s time knows no bounds. He is a steadfast, devoted, and passionate volunteer. Paul has played a pivotal role serving on the Downtown Novato Business Association Board, is a key volunteer of the annual Novato Holiday Tree Lighting, and is an incredible volunteer for Novato’s 4th of July Parade.
Barbara Madrid - Spirit of Novato
As the full-time volunteer manager of the The Book Place, Barbara has made an incredible impact serving our community and benefiting the Marin County Free Library. Her community service doesn't end there, as she also serves as an elementary school classroom aide, holds leadership roles in Soroptimist International of Novato, serves on the Marin County Library Commission, and serves on the Friends of the Marin County Free Library Board.
MCE - Large Business of the Year
MCE has proved to be a huge benefit to Marin County and our clean energy future by providing local control for energy users to choose cleaner, greener energy with stable, competitive rates through an expanding set of services. MCE’s ties to Novato run strong. By converting the Novato Cooley Quarry into a community solar farm, locally produced solar power became a reality, and by partnering with Waste Management on their 3.9-megawatt biogas project at the Redwood Landfill in Novato, MCE supplied renewable power to 1,600 homes this year!
Buddy’s Autobody & Restoration - Small Business of the Year
As a small family business in Novato, Buddy’s Autobody & Restoration is committed to excellence in customer service, providing growth and opportunities to its employees, supporting other local businesses, and is actively involved in community service endeavors in our community.
Daniel Spain Massage & Bodywork - Micro Business of the Year
As a massage therapist, Daniel Spain brings a gift of comfort and serenity directly to his client’s homes or in his office. Daniel is a dedicated community member, donating his time and services to many local charitable events and causes.
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Supervisor Lucan, 2023 Citizen of the Year Paul Price,
and Supervisor Rodoni at Paint the Town Red |
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PG&E's Better Together STEM Scholarship program is now accepting applications from students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines.
The PG&E Foundation will provide $350,000 in total funding for 60 scholarships in the amounts of $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500 awards for eligible students.
Scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement, demonstrated participation and leadership in school and community activities, and financial need. Students must pursue qualifying degrees in STEM disciplines including engineering, computer science/information systems, cybersecurity, environmental sciences, math, and physics.
For more information, eligibility information, and how to apply, visit the PG&E website.
The deadline to apply is March 15, 2024. Scholarships will be awarded by August.
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Construction has already begun for a portion of the project, a 24-unit building for unhoused veterans, which is expected to open in May. Construction on 26 additional apartments for others transitioning out of homelessness will begin this spring.
Marin has been successful in securing Project Homekey funding to expand housing opportunities for persons experiencing homelessness. In 2020 and 2021 Homekey 1 and 2 resulted in $24.7 million for projects in Marin County. The latest $14.4 million Homekey 3 allotment for Marin was part of $95.6 million issued to six counties statewide.
This significant grant funding is helping advance ongoing efforts to address housing needs within the community. A big thank you to Homeward Bound for your leadership in making the Novato Veterans and Workforce Housing project a reality - and for all you do towards our collective goal of ending homelessness in Marin.
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As your Supervisor, I welcome and encourage you to connect, share your concerns, and your ideas. We want to hear from you! Please use the contact information below to reach out to the District 5 Team. A reply to this email doesn’t come directly to my office, and I’d like to respond to you in a timely manner.
**Please note, our email addresses have changed**
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