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Hello -- Earlier this month we recognized the service and sacrifices of our veterans. I was honored to attend Marin's Annual Veterans Day ceremony and stand among so many in our community who have served our country. We are fortunate to have Sean Stephens leading the Marin County Veterans Service Office. He is a tireless advocate for all who have served. Thank you to all our veterans for your bravery, dedication, and service. |
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Army Colonel Luke Donohue |
Marin County Veterans Service Officer Sean Stephens |
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The Transportation Authority of Marin and the Sonoma County Transportation Authority have partnered for a pilot bikeshare program along the SMART corridor – Redwood Bikeshare. The goal of the program is to provide an innovative and environmentally friendly way to connect with transit and get around car free.
At a recent ribbon cutting event, I was able to give these pedal-assist e-bikes a test ride. If you have not had the opportunity to ride an e-bike before, they ride like any other bicycle, but a small electric motor adds assistance to boost momentum, making it easier to go long distances or ride up steep climbs. It provides a fun, smooth ride!
The bikeshare system is being installed in different cities and towns in Marin and Sonoma as permits are finalized and equipment is delivered. The overall system will include a fleet of 300 e-bikes across approximately 60 hubs in the two counties. This will be a great option for people using SMART to make last mile connections to work, running errands, or recreation fun.
Check out the Redwood Bikeshare webpage for details and download the app. The app shows the bike hubs that have opened and are ready to ride.
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This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Homeward Bound of Marin. Since its founding in 1974 with just one shelter, Homeward Bound has become a trailblazer in combating homelessness, changing the lives of over 40,000 people, and providing more than 2.5 million meals for those seeking shelter and transitioning to homes.
Through decades of growth, Homeward Bound has evolved to meet community needs from specialized shelters, support for unhoused veterans, and the innovative Fresh Starts Culinary Academy, which has empowered over 850 individuals with job skills for sustainable independence.
Today, they run five shelter programs and 13 supportive housing programs, serving everyone from families and individuals to seniors, veterans, and those with mental health challenges.
To celebrate their 50th Anniversary Co-CEOs Mary Kay Sweeney and Paul Fordham, and the entire Homeward Bound Team, set a goal to open 50 new homes in 2024. In June, 24 homes were opened for unhoused veterans, and yesterday we celebrated the opening of Sweeney Place, an additional 26 units of permanent affordable homes for six families and 20 adults who have faced chronic homelessness.
Sweeney Place is named in honor of Mary Kay Sweeney as a tribute to her lasting impact on those she has served. Mary Kay is retiring after 31 years of leadership at Homeward Bound with an unwavering belief that everybody deserves a place to call home. She leaves behind a legacy that will benefit our community for generations.
Thank you, Mary Kay, for your dedication, tireless service, and commitment to ending homelessness in Marin County.
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Happy Holidays! The holidays are upon us and there are a ton of great community events in store. I hope to see you at one or more of these local events this holiday season!
North Marin Community Services Holiday Share & Toy Drive
In its 52nd year, this community tradition will help bring joy to over 400 children in North Marin. There are several options for getting involved. Visit the NMCS website for more information.
Bank of Marin Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 28, 2024
8:00 AM
1800 Ignacio Boulevard, Novato
This run is fun for the whole family, with 1 Mile, 5K, and 10K options.
For more information and to register, visit the Turkey Trot Website.
Novato’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival
Saturday, December 7, 2024
4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Downtown Novato – Grant Avenue
Enjoy live music, dance performances, arts & crafts, cookie decorating, vendor shop & strolls, and a special visit from Santa! For more information, visit the City of Novato's website.
SMART Holiday Express Toy Drive
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Bring a toy and enjoy holiday cheer aboard SMART. During the toy drive, each train passenger who brings a new, unwrapped toy to donate rides free on SMART. Santa will be aboard the Holiday Express Train for trips 5 and 6.
See the SMART website for details.
Grand Menorah Lighting
Sunday, December 29, 2024
5:00 PM
In front of Novato City Hall - 901 Sherman Avenue
Enjoy donuts, latkes, music, and a fire truck Gelt drop!
For more information and to RSVP, visit the Chabad Jewish Center of Novato website.
Bouncy Ball New Year
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Noon
Intersection of Machin Ave & Sweetser Ave, Downtown Novato
Kids of all ages (and their families) are invited to see what happens when 25,000 small bouncy balls are dropped from a ladder truck 40 feet in the air!
See the Downtown Novato Business Association flyer for details.
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Thank you, Coy Smith, for 20 years of dedicated service to the Novato Chamber of Commerce!
Through Coy’s steadfast leadership, businesses have opened and thrived under his guidance. His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and enduring dedication to the City of Novato and the business community are much appreciated.
We wish him all the best in retirement.
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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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