Summer kicked off with a bang at the Marin County Fair! This year's "Make A Splash" theme was well-timed given the heatwave that descended on the county just as the Fair kicked off. But fairgoers were not deterred! It was great to see so many families take advantage of the special admission day on July 3rd, bringing together children, seniors, and veterans to celebrate our community and have some fun.

On the 4th of July, I had the chance to throw the ceremonial first pitch (a strike!) at the San Rafael Pacific’s game. The game was a perfect way to cap off Independence Day with the energetic crowd at Albert Park embodying the community spirit that makes Marin (and America’s Favorite Past-time) so special. If you haven’t been to a Pacific’s game yet this summer, get on down to Albert Park before the season ends – cheer on Marin’s one and only professional sports team, treat yourself to a ball-park dog, and sit back and enjoy!   

Fiscal 24/25 Budget Approved

In addition to my responsibilities as County Supervisor, I have been honored to serve as a California Coastal Commissioner since 2019. Commission hearings are held monthly at locations up and down the coast.  This July, the Coastal Commission convened in Marin – for the first time since 2015! Dennis Rodoni, current President of the Board of Supervisors, made welcoming remarks to open the hearings. In his remarks, he paid homage to Marin’s longstanding recognition of the importance of environmental protection, open space preservation and the public’s access to the coast – all values that directly align with the Coastal Act. He also highlighted the challenge that our county and the rest of Coastal California faces: in that, while we commit ourselves to protecting our natural resources, ensuring public access to our open space and the coast, we also address the housing needs of community members. This theme has been, and will continue to be, front and center for the Board of Supervisors and the Coastal Commission.  

Recent actions on the part of the Board around short-term rentals, investment of county housing trust dollars in coastal housing, and support of community land trusts recognize the dire need to preserve existing and create new affordable housing in our coastal communities. Similarly, at its July meeting, the Coastal Commission took several actions that underscore the commission’s recognition of our state’s housing crisis, that coastal protection and housing are not mutually exclusive, and that affordable housing is possible to develop on the coast. Sign up for the Commission’s monthly newsletter Coastal Currently to learn more. 

In the March 2024 election, San Anselmo voters approved Measure F, a local initiative that removed the Town of San Anselmo from Marin County’s Flood Zone 9. In withdrawing from the Flood Zone, the Town will no longer have a representative on the FZ9 advisory board. San Anselmo residents will continue to be charged the flood fee, along with the rest of Ross Valley residents, until it sunsets in 2026-7. All projects currently underway and budgeted for will continue to move forward. These projects include SAFFR in San Anselmo, the Lower Corte Madera Creek (LCMC) project in Ross and Kentfield, annual creek maintenance programs, and creek level monitoring. 

Measure F comes nearly 20 years after the Town rejoined Flood Zone 9 following the devastating 2005 New Year’s Eve flood. Indeed, progress to reduce flood risk in the Ross Valley has been slow – which was surely a major contributor to the result of the vote. But progress has been made. For more on the suite of projects and programs included in the Ross Valley Watershed Program see the annual report here, or visit the website. 

I am sharing an article by Laura Lovett that was originally published in the July edition of the Friends of Corte Madera Creek newsletter. The article discusses the history of the Ross Valley flood fee, what Measure F does – and does not – mean for San Anselmo, and looks to the future. I am hopeful for a future in which collaboration and consensus can once again become the foundation for addressing flooding in the Ross Valley. 

The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) provides reimbursements to Marin residents who address high risk wildfire dangers on their properties. The grant program is designed to lower financial barriers so residents can pursue steady, incremental fire risk reduction for themselves and their neighbors. This year’s grant cycle is officially open, and I encourage you to apply for funding!  

Your first step is to schedule a comprehensive wildfire safety assessment through your local fire department. The safety evaluation will provide detailed information about the wildfire risks at your home, and recommendations for how to mitigate the risk. It will also show what projects could be eligible for grant funding.  

This year, applicants can receive up to $2,500 to assist with high priority work. This includes the removal or maintenance of vegetation growing within 30 feet of your home, and the installation of gutter guards, fire-safe vents and non-combustible fence/gates.  

Learn more at https://www.marinwildfire.org/resident-info/resident-grants or even better, through your wildfire risk report (https://www.defensiblespacereport.org/).  

As a county resident, you have the power to make a significant impact on your community by actively participating on a Marin County board or commission. This month, I am highlighting two important opportunities to get involved:   

The Marin County Commission on Aging is searching for a new member to represent District 2. This advisory council promotes the dignity, independence, and quality of life of older adults in Marin through advocacy, information, programs, and services. As a commissioner, you’ll serve a 3-year term to support the dignity and independence of Marin’s older adults. I am happy to talk with anyone interested in joining the Commission! Learn more and apply at https://www.marinhhs.org/boards/commission-aging.  

The Kentfield Planning Advisory Board (KPAB) is seeking two community-minded residents to fill vacant seats on the Board. KPAB’s role is to advise the Marin County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission on local development projects in the Kentfield and Greenbrae communities. KPAB is looking for individuals with experience or interest in planning, architecture, real estate, land-use law or related fields, but enthusiasm for the community is equally valuable! The group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7:00 PM. If you live in Kentfield or Greenbrae and want to shape your community's future, or know someone who does, please apply to KPAB by following this link to the Boards/Commissions application.