November Update from Supervisor Sackett

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NOVEMBER 2024

WINTER EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MARINWOOD PLAZA HOUSING PROJECT UPDATE MOUNT LASSEN DRIVE HOUSING PROPOSAL REDWOOD BIKESHARE GRATON LAND BACK TIBURON RIDGE 'DIGNITY IN HOMELESSNESS' EXHIBIT HAVE YOU HEARD? WHAT I'M READING

 

Dear Neighbors,

As November draws to a close with its shorter days and LOTS of rain, I want to take a moment to say thank you. This time of year invites us to reflect, connect, and appreciate the beauty around us—the vibrant fall leaves, the fresh green grass sprouting after the rains, and time spent with loved ones. Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I hope you find a little time to pause and recharge. If you're looking for a way to do just that, I recommend visiting the newly completed Eagle Rock Trail in Terra Linda.   

Tucked behind Terra Linda High School, this trail features wooden footbridges and views of Terra Linda to the Bay. It’s open to both hikers and bikers and offers seamless connections to Sorich Park as part of the beautiful Terra Linda-Sleepy Hollow Divide. I participated in a trail workday back in August, and it’s been my go-to spot for weekend hikes ever since—I think you’ll love it too!

If you're searching for something to do, remember the Marin Library and Marin County Parks offer a variety of free events for all ages and interests.

 

WINTER EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Last week's storm is a reminder that we must all prepare for the winter season. Here are three actions you can take:

1. Sign up for Alert Marin to get calls, text, or email notifications from the County's Office of Emergency Management.

2. Review the flooding and winter storm resources from the County of Marin Emergency Portal, including where to get sandbags. 

3. Get information at ReadyMarin.org on how to keep you and your family safe, warm, and fed.

During a storm event, residents should utilize the Marin County Emergency Portal for assistance, resources, and information. However, when there is an imminent threat to life or property, residents should call 911. 

Residents of unincorporated areas of Marin can call the Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW) at 415-473-6530 during regular business hours during a storm to be routed to the respective County of Marin department that can address their concerns. Additionally, the DPW website has a Report an Issue portal that can be used to submit problems or concerns that will be handled outside of an active storm event. Residents living in the incorporated towns and cities of Marin should find out which agency’s jurisdiction their area of concern falls under to reach the best contact possible.

 

MARINWOOD PLAZA HOUSING PROJECT UPDATE

 

Thank you to everyone who joined the October 15 open house hosted by the Marin County Community Development Agency. It was great to have so many folks engaging with the project, meeting the developer, and sharing feedback. For more information about the project, you can explore the Frequently Asked Questions document.

The project application is undergoing a merits review by the Community Development Agency to ensure it complies with county and state regulations, including public safety requirements. The Community Development Agency is required by state law to issue a planning permit after the merits review, which must be completed by December 8. Once the application receives a planning permit, the developer can apply for building permits. Prior to starting construction, the developer must obtain approval of all necessary building permits from the County as well as clearance from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board that contamination at the site has been satisfactorily remediated.

The developer has applied for an allocation from the County's Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support the affordability of these homes. The request is scheduled to come before the Board of Supervisors on December 17.

This infill project is an opportunity to build much-needed affordable housing for our workforce and older adults. While no project is perfect, I am encouraged by the public plaza, café, and that Marinwood Market will remain. It was great to have the Marinwood Market owners at the open house, and to hear their excitement for the project. We are in communication with the Miller Creek School District and San Rafael City School District. I am pushing County staff to look at what road improvements can be made on Marinwood Avenue and at the intersection. Hearing from constituents about this project remains a top priority of mine, and know that you can always reach out to me. 

GRATON LAND BACK CELEBRATION

 

The Western Rivers Conservancy and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria hosted a Land Back Celebration in Tomales, commemorating their partnership to protect Dillon Beach Ranch, a 466-acre property. Dillon Beach Ranch includes 1.5 miles of Pacific coastline and the southern shore of the Estero de San Antonio estuary which provides important habitat for a vast array of fish, birds, insects, plants, and animals, many of which are rare. This partnership will reconnect the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo communities with their ancestral lands and with experience managing Point Reyes and Tolay Lake, the tribe is an ideal steward for this land.

TIBURON RIDGE

 

Supervisor Moulton-Peters and I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed Tiburon Ridge Open Space. This event celebrated the acquisition of the "Martha Property"—a 110-acre parcel in the hills above Tiburon, now incorporated into Old St. Hilary's Preserve. Previously in private hands, this land is now open for everyone to enjoy. For over 30 years the community, including Tiburon Open Space, has worked tirelessly to protect this area. In 2022, the Trust for Public Land launched a collaborative two-year fundraising campaign. The land purchase was ultimately made possible through neighboring residents within the Tiburon Peninsula Open Space District approving a tax measure. The project also received generous support from individuals, families, and foundations. Nearly 200 people came out to celebrate the decades-long, community-driven effort to preserve Tiburon Ridge. I encourage San Rafael residents to check out this unique 232-acre open space preserve in Tiburon to see the beautiful 360-degree views of the San Francisco Bay.