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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In April we experienced heartbreak. Over Easter weekend, our community suffered the unimaginable loss of four students from Archie Williams High School in a devastating car crash. I attended the vigil held for the girls, Olive Koren, Sienna Katz, Ada Kepley, and Josalynn Osborn, and witnessed a community wrapped in grief, but also in each other’s arms. We held a moment of silence at our most recent Board of Supervisors meeting, and I know many of us are still reeling.
Two other students, Elsa Laremont Stranczek and Marley Barclay, survived the crash. As we mourn, we are also holding hope for their recovery and sending strength to their families and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. A list of ways to support the families as they mourn and recover can be found here: https://www.creeksidesa.com/devastated/
There are no words that can truly hold the weight of such loss, but in times like these, we must lean into our shared humanity. Support your neighbors. Check in with your kids. Look for ways, big and small, to be there for each other. Grief moves through a community like a tide, and it is in our collective care that we find our footing again.
Earlier in the month, I had the chance to travel with my family to Japan, a long awaited trip that offered moments of wonder, reflection, and inspiration. I was struck by the beauty of their public spaces and transportation systems, each train, park, and street corner thoughtfully designed to serve people. Their infrastructure works with the community, not around it. And everywhere we went, we were met with a remarkable culture of hospitality and intention.
It reminded me of the power of good planning and thoughtful design and how deeply it shapes the character of a place.
As we mark Earth Month here in Marin, I am carrying that lesson with me. Sustainability is not just about what we preserve, it is about how we build. It is about designing systems and spaces that protect our environment, support our health, and bring people together. Whether you are making small changes at home or pushing for bigger ones in your community, this month is a great time to recommit to that vision.
Let us honor our young people, those we have lost and those we are raising, by shaping a world worthy of them.
With Care,
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 Marin County has taken an important step to keep our youngest riders safe. In response to a sharp rise in e-bike crashes among youth under 16, the County helped pass legislation (AB 1778) that allows cities and towns to prohibit minors from operating Class 2 e-bikes—those with a throttle and top speeds of 20 mph.
Why does this matter? Between 2019 and 2022, 911 calls involving youth bicycle accidents in Marin more than doubled. The risks are real, and this legislation gives our local governments the tools to act.
Now it’s up to each city and town to take the next step.
The law empowers—but doesn’t require—local jurisdictions to pass their own ordinances. That means if we want safer streets for our kids, we need each town to step up.
Fairfax and San Rafael are currently considering their own e-bike safety policies. Other towns will need to decide whether to follow suit.
If you feel strongly about this issue, now is the time to speak up. We encourage residents to reach out to their city or town councilmembers and ask where they stand on protecting young e-bike riders. Local action will determine whether this policy has real impact—or stays stuck on paper.
This is about keeping our kids safe while supporting smart, sustainable transportation. Let’s make sure the policy momentum we’ve started at the County level leads to meaningful change across Marin.
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 I'm excited to share that I recently published an op-ed in the Marin Independent Journal, outlining my vision for a stronger, more resilient District 2. I talk about how we can tackle today's challenges with smart priorities, modernized infrastructure, and a government that’s as responsive and innovative as the people it serves.
Let's keep pushing Marin forward — together.
If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, you can check it out here.
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Marin County Parks is now accepting applications for the Breathe Respira Community Grant Program. Up to $200,000 in Measure A funds will be awarded to local organizations that connect underserved communities with parks and open spaces. Individual grants are capped at $10,000.
Since 2014, this program has supported swimming lessons, youth justice outings, and nature programs for migrant and foster youth—building lasting connections between residents and public lands.
If your organization helps expand access to the outdoors, you are encouraged to apply.
Applications are due May 9. Grants will be announced in August following Board of Supervisors approval.
Details and application information can be found at: https://parks.marincounty.gov/projectsplans/breathe-respira-grants
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Zero Waste Marin is teaming up with Mill for a new pilot program aimed at making food scrap recycling cleaner, easier, and less messy.
Mill is a compact food dehydrator that reduces food scraps by 80 percent, turning them into dry, nutrient-rich grounds you can add to your curbside compost bin. This pilot is designed to test whether tools like Mill can help more Marin residents keep food out of landfills—by removing the smell, the mess, and the hassle.
Up to 125 Marin households or nonprofit organizations will be selected to receive a free Mill unit (a $999 value). To qualify, you must either:
- Be a low-income resident in single- or multi-family housing, or
- Represent a nonprofit or public school serving Marin County
Participants will be asked to complete a few short surveys to share feedback about their experience.
Interested? Learn more and apply here: www.mill.com/marin
This is a great opportunity to test out an innovative solution and help shape Marin’s path to zero waste. Program ends May 9.
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 This month, the Marin County Board of Supervisors proudly recognized Neil Park for his extraordinary leadership and lifelong commitment to protecting and restoring our natural environment.
We celebrated Neil’s hard work and legacy at the ribbon cutting for the new pedestrian bridge at Hal Brown Park—a fitting tribute in a place shaped so deeply by his vision and dedication.
Back in 1972, before “environmental stewardship” was part of our everyday vocabulary, Neil Park was already leading the charge. Rallying neighbors, working with local officials, and refusing to let 29 acres of neglected wetlands behind Bacich School go to waste, he saw possibility where others saw a dumping ground.
What followed was a decades-long effort to reclaim and transform the area into what we now know as Hal Brown Park at Creekside Marsh—a thriving, beautiful public space and living example of what vision and persistence can accomplish.
Neil chaired the County Service Area 17 Advisory Board from 1972 to 1988, guiding efforts to acquire the land, reintroduce native plants, and build pathways, play areas, and picnic spots. Generations of families have enjoyed the park thanks to his leadership.
On behalf of the entire Board of Supervisors, we extend our deepest gratitude to Neil Park. His visionary leadership turned a damaged landscape into a beloved community treasure. His legacy is not only in the land, but in the lives it continues to touch.
Thank you, Neil.
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Good news for Sleepy Hollow residents: a new crosswalk is on the way at the Community Center on Butterfield Road.
We’ve heard from many families about the need for a safer way to cross this busy corridor. In response, the County’s Department of Public Works has secured a $300,000 grant through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to fund the project.
The crosswalk is now in the design phase, and we’ll keep you updated as it moves forward. This long-awaited improvement is an important step toward making the area safer for everyone—especially children and families walking to and from school, sports practices, and community events.
Thank you for raising your voices and helping make this a priority.
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Bike to School Day is May 7 — Let’s Roll, Marin
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 7: it’s Bike to School Day! Students across Marin will be rolling into school on two wheels, building healthy habits, cutting emissions, and having a little fun along the way.
Whether your child bikes every day or this is their first time, Bike to School Day is a great chance to get involved. Schools across the county will be hosting special activities, and parent volunteers are encouraged to help cheer kids on and ensure safe routes.
Let’s celebrate our young riders and keep building a culture of safe, sustainable transportation in Marin. See you out there on May 7!
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And while you’re at it — consider nominating a student for the 2025 Bike Hero Award. A Bike Hero is a great “roll” model: a student who rides regularly, follows the rules of the road, and inspires others to do the same. Two students (one elementary and one middle school) will each receive a $50 gift card to a store of their choice.
Nominate your Bike Hero here.
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Also worth noting — the Town of Fairfax is launching a new Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) to help shape safer, more connected streets. If you live in Fairfax and want to get involved, reach out to Bryn McKillop at bmckillop@townoffairfax.org.
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The Central Marin Community Resiliency Team (CRT) launched this month with support from Health and Human Services and BluePath Health. Its goal is to unite local organizations, agencies, and schools to boost public awareness around health threats, prevention, and mitigation—and to improve access to resources, especially for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Priority areas include emergency preparedness, overdose prevention, and increasing access to essential services. The Central Marin CRT serves Larkspur, Corte Madera, Kentfield/Greenbrae, Ross, San Anselmo, and Fairfax.
This community-based initiative first began during the COVID-19 pandemic in San Rafael, Southern Marin, Novato, and West Marin.
Learn more at the Central Marin CRT website and follow @centralmarincrt for updates.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Marin County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) is turning up the volume on well-being. This year's theme, "Turn Awareness into Action," challenges us to move beyond mere recognition and take meaningful steps toward mental health support and stigma reduction. (May Mental Health Month 2023 - Marin Prevention & Outreach)
BHRS, in collaboration with community partners, is hosting over 15 events throughout the county. Highlights include the Youth Wellness Festival on May 6 at Terra Linda High School, featuring art, film, and the youth-led "Find Your Way" campaign. Additionally, don't miss the powerful conversation on May 13 at the College of Marin, where Kevin Berthia and Kevin Briggs will share their story of hope and connection. (Campaigns and Engagement)
For immediate support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text MARIN to 741741. For more information and a full list of events, visit Marin BHRS Prevention & Outreach.
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Oak Hill School in San Anselmo is celebrating its 25th anniversary, honoring its mission to provide personalized education for neurodivergent students. For 25 years, Oak Hill has partnered with 20+ school districts in the Bay Area, fostering a community where students thrive, build resilience, and embrace their unique strengths. At the April 22nd Board of Supervisors meeting, I presented a ceremonial resolution celebrating the Oak Hill School community: teachers, staff, families, alumni, and students, who have made this milestone possible.
Picture (left to right: Brian Colbert, Kåre, Deirdre Sheerin, Beans and Scuba Diver)
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Wildfire Community Preparedness Day – May 3, 2025
Wildfire season is now perpetual, and there’s no better time to prepare than today. Saturday, May 3, marks Wildfire Community Preparedness Day—a national initiative encouraging residents to take action to reduce their wildfire risk.
Fire Safe Marin is leading the charge locally, with resources, guides, and community activities to help you get started. Whether you’re clearing vegetation around your home, upgrading vents to resist embers, or mapping out evacuation routes, every action makes a difference.
Here are just a few ways to participate:
- Create defensible space around your property
- Harden your home with ember-resistant upgrades
- Assemble or update your emergency supply kit
- Learn your evacuation zones and routes
- Organize a neighborhood cleanup or fire drill
We all have a role to play in making Marin more fire resilient. Let’s use this day to prepare, connect, and protect what we love.
Learn more and get involved at firesafemarin.org
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Do you have a great idea to make Marin County a better place to live, work, or raise a family? Maybe it's a creative solution to a local challenge, a way to improve public spaces, boost community well-being, or make government services more accessible.
We believe the best ideas often come from the people who live here—and we want to hear yours.
Whether it's something small and practical or bold and visionary, your input could help shape future projects, policies, and priorities. This is your chance to speak up, get involved, and be part of the conversation about how we build a stronger, more connected Marin.
Send us your thoughts, and let’s make it happen together. Email me!
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April Highlight: The Youth Commission is seeking applicants. Reach out to them for more info!
Join the Kentfield Planning Advisory Board – Now Accepting Applications
Marin County is seeking engaged community members to apply for an open seat on the Kentfield Planning Advisory Board (KPAB). This volunteer board plays a key role in reviewing and providing recommendations on land use and development proposals in the Kentfield and Greenbrae areas.
Serving on KPAB is an opportunity to help shape the future of the community by reviewing proposed projects and advising on planning policies that align with local values. The board meets twice a month to discuss zoning, design, and environmental impacts of new developments.
This is a great opportunity to get involved in local government, ensure responsible development, and represent the voice of the community.
To learn more and apply, visit the Kentfield Planning Advisory Board webpage: KPAB Board Information & Application
Join us for one of the most joyful events of the season. The Kentfield Greenbrae Historical Society is partnering with Bon Air to host the annual Spring Fair—a free, family-friendly celebration of our local heritage, schools, and the incredible work of Marin’s community organizations.
This year’s fair features:
- Free samples from over 50 local farms and food producers
- Hands-on activities for all ages
- Live performances from student musicians at Bacich, Kent, White Hill, Hall, Branson, and Marin Catholic
- A fun passport game with prizes including smoothie and soft serve coupons, generously donated by Jamba Juice and Gott's
With 47 participating community groups, this event is a fantastic way to connect, celebrate, and support the people and programs that make Marin thrive. My staff will be tabling at the event, so we hope to see you and your family there.
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Hot Takes & Sound Waves:
What’s Filling My Brain Lately |
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Did you know that in some parts of Marin, only 20% of residents have signed up for emergency alerts through AlertMarin? That means far too many people may not receive critical information in a life-threatening situation.
Marin County no longer uses Nixle for emergency alerts. Going forward, AlertMarin is the County’s official system for sending out emergency notifications. If you want to receive real-time updates during an emergency, make sure you’re registered with AlertMarin.
AlertMarin provides real-time emergency notifications, giving clear instructions via call, text, or email to those in affected areas. Whether it’s flooding, wildfire, or evacuation orders, being signed up can make all the difference.
What can you do?
✅ Sign up for AlertMarin if you haven’t already.
✅ Check in with your neighbors, friends, and family—especially seniors and those who may not be tech-savvy—to make sure they’re registered.
In an emergency, every second counts. Let’s make sure Marin is ready.
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