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Dear Neighbors,
May is a month of movement, memory, and momentum.
As we approach Memorial Day, we pause to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice grounds us in our shared values of duty, compassion, and community.
This month also marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month—a time to recognize and celebrate the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of AANHPI communities here in Marin and across the nation. Let’s continue to uplift these voices and foster belonging for all.
Much has been in motion across the County. We were proud to welcome Natalie Adona as Marin’s new Registrar of Voters—a respected leader with deep experience and a commitment to transparency and trust in our elections. I also had the opportunity to tour the Project Homekey site in Greenbrae, where real progress is happening to house and support our most vulnerable neighbors.
This past week, we’ve been deep in budget hearings, charting our course for the year ahead. One important milestone: the launch of a new structure for the Office of the County Executive, designed to improve collaboration, streamline operations, and make local government more responsive and accountable.
And in true Marin fashion, we celebrated Bike to Work Day—because nothing says community quite like a convoy of neighbors pedaling toward a more sustainable future.
We also had the pleasure of tabling at the Bon Air Community Event. Team D2 and I met so many friendly and curious residents, and caught up with friends and organizations from around the county. Events like this remind us how deeply connected and engaged our community truly is.
We’re also celebrating local champions:
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Marin Catholic Boys Lacrosse took home the North Coast Section Division 1 Championship with a strong 13–6 win over Monte Vista.
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Redwood High School Softball clinched the MCAL Championship with a tight 6–5 victory over San Marin.
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Marin Academy’s Boys and Girls Swim Teams both brought home BCL-West Championships, showing that teamwork and determination go a long way.
Congratulations to all the student-athletes, coaches, and families who made these moments possible—you make Marin proud.
Thank you for staying informed and involved. Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day and a month filled with connection and purpose.
Warmly,
 Brian Colbert
Supervisor, District 2
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After months of hard work and public input, the Marin County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a balanced $865.8 million budget for FY 2025-26. We’ve been working on this budget since the beginning of the year—and we’re proud to say it maintains critical services while addressing the needs of our community in a time of financial uncertainty.
This year's budget reflects a 6% increase over last year and includes $10.4 million in one-time funds for community-prioritized projects. It invests in affordable housing ($20.4M), 24/7 mental health crisis response, wildfire prevention, and a newly restructured Office of the County Executive to better address climate challenges, sea level rise, and digital service delivery.
We are especially grateful for the steady leadership of County Executive Derek Johnson, who has been an outstanding advocate for Marin. His thoughtful approach, deep knowledge of County operations, and clear-eyed vision helped guide this process from start to finish.
This budget is more than numbers—it’s a commitment to innovation, equity, and service for every resident in Marin. Learn more at marincounty.gov
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At the Bon Air Community Event hosted by the Kentfield Greenbrae Historical Society, I met Scout, a therapy dog for first responders. Scout is with First Responder Therapy Dogs—a nonprofit committed to supporting the mental health of first responders across the nation.
As a Saint Dane (a majestic mix of Saint Bernard and Great Dane), Scout may be big, but her mission is simple: bring peace, comfort, and connection to the heroes who show up for us every day.
Scout and her fellow therapy dogs are specially trained to provide emotional support to firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and dispatchers. Their calm, steady presence offers a much-needed pause in the chaos—alleviating stress, lifting spirits, and reminding first responders they’re not alone.
Follow Scout’s journey on Instagram at @scout_the_saint_dane and learn more about the work she’s doing at firstrespondertherapydogs.org.
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 Every day, hundreds of Marin students walk, bike, and roll to school—and thanks to a new round of Safe Routes to School and Pathway funding, those daily journeys are about to get safer, smoother, and better connected.
This year, more than $2.7 million has been awarded across the Ross Valley region to close sidewalk gaps, upgrade bike infrastructure, improve crossings, and build pathways near local schools. From traffic signals in Fairfax to sidewalk expansions in San Anselmo and new Class I paths in Larkspur, these projects are designed to protect students, reduce congestion, and encourage greener ways to get to school.
Below is a breakdown of the funded projects by community.
🔹 Fairfax
Bike Spine Sharrows Refresh
To keep young cyclists safe, this project will repaint and replace faded green-backed sharrows along key student bike routes that serve Manor Elementary, White Hill Middle, and Ross Valley Charter School.
Marinda Drive & SFD Blvd Crossing Improvements
This upgrade improves a busy school-area intersection with new pedestrian safety features, including refuge islands and refreshed lane markings. A HAWK beacon is under consideration to better protect students walking to Ross Valley Charter and the Fairfax Library.
Glen Drive/SFD Traffic Signal Project
A new traffic signal at Glen Drive and Sir Francis Drake will address persistent congestion and improve pedestrian safety for students crossing to White Hill Middle School. This is a long-requested fix for a known problem area.
🔹 San Anselmo
Santa Cruz Avenue Sidewalk Gap Closure
This project fills a critical sidewalk gap between San Francisco Blvd and Los Angeles Blvd, improving safe walking routes for Hidden Valley Elementary and White Hill Middle students. ADA ramps and fresh crosswalks are included.
Woodland Avenue Sidewalk Gap Closure
Located near Wade Thomas Elementary, this project eliminates missing sections of sidewalk on Woodland Avenue, providing a safer, continuous path for kids walking to school.
Brookmead Place Sidewalk Gap Closure
Adjacent to Brookside Elementary, this project will install new sidewalk and an ADA-compliant ramp, making the approach to the school safer and more accessible.
Sycamore Avenue Sidewalk Gap Closure
To support safer downtown access, this fills in missing sidewalk segments on Sycamore and Madrone Avenues—key walking routes about half a mile from Wade Thomas Elementary.
Brookside Sidewalk Gap Closure – Phase 2
This phase constructs new sidewalk, curb ramps, and crosswalks along Butterfield Road from Sir Francis Drake to Rosemont Avenue. It improves walking conditions near Brookside Elementary and enhances safety at nearby student bus stops.
Brookside Sidewalk Gap Closure – Phase 3
The third and final phase will close out sidewalk gaps along Butterfield Road, completing a multi-year effort to make the area around Brookside Elementary safer for walking and biking.
🔹 Larkspur
Doherty Drive Bike Lane Buffer Enhancements
To better protect student cyclists, this project installs physical separation (like bollards or curbs) within existing bike lane buffers along Doherty Drive, serving routes to White Hill Middle School.
Magnolia Ave/Post Street Pathway Gap Closure
This project builds 220 feet of new Class I pathway, linking the Magnolia Side Path with the North-South Multi-Use Path. It creates a seamless pedestrian and bicycle route for Hall Middle School students.
🔹 Ross
Allen Avenue Pedestrian Pathway
This project widens the entrance to Allen Avenue, adds new crosswalks, and builds a decomposed granite path alongside new bike racks—enhancing safety and access for Ross School families.
Laurel Grove Pathway Phase IIIA
The path continues! This phase extends a 4-foot wide asphalt pedestrian path along Laurel Grove Avenue to Skyland Way, complete with a concrete curb to keep pedestrians safe from vehicles.
Laurel Grove Pathway Phase IIIB
Building on previous phases, this project adds 1,300 feet of pedestrian pathway up to Makin Grade, completing a long-awaited route improvement for walkers near Ross School.
Shady Lane Pedestrian Gap Closure
Shady Lane is getting a full upgrade: 1,200 feet of aging pathway will be pulverized and repaved, sharrows will be added to the road, and root barriers will be installed to protect the new surface from tree damage.
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The Marin County Department of Public Works has launched an ambitious five-year paving plan to improve approximately 199 miles of roadway across unincorporated areas between 2025 and 2029. With an estimated investment of $87 million, this initiative aims to enhance road safety, extend pavement life, and elevate the overall driving experience for residents and visitors alike. |
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The plan employs a strategic mix of treatments, from preventive maintenance like sealants to full-depth reconstructions, based on each road segment's condition. This approach ensures cost-effective use of resources, allowing more miles to be improved each year. For instance, $1 million can maintain 14 miles of roads in good condition but only rehabilitate 1 mile of failed roadway. Curious about when your street might be next? Explore the interactive paving map to see the projected schedule and treatment types for neighborhoods in unincorporated Marin.
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As Marin’s population grows older, the Marin County Commission on Aging and Aging and Adult Services are working to ensure older adults have access to the resources they need to live well, stay independent, and remain connected.
One key offering: free weekday meals for adults aged 60 and older at sites across Marin—from Southern Marin to Novato. These congregate meals are available at no cost (with a suggested contribution of $3), and there are no income requirements to participate. Check the chart below for specific locations, times, and days of service.
But meals are just the beginning. Aging and Adult Services also provides support for:
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In-home care for Medi-Cal eligible residents
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Transportation and caregiver assistance
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Legal services
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Adult Protective Services
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Long-term care advocacy
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Planning for aging across all income levels
Need help navigating services? Call the County’s Information & Assistance Line at 415.473.4636 to speak with a social worker or get connected to the right programs. You can also learn more at www.marinhhs.org.
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Noble Peter-Frank, a senior at Archie Williams, has been named one of the 2025 recipients of the North Bay Leadership Council’s Teen Leader Scholarship. A natural connector and leader, Noble has founded and participated in numerous clubs and organizations that promote inclusion, culture, and acceptance. His leadership extends to programs like California Boys and Girls State and the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, where he gained recognition for collaboration and advocacy. Noble exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and I look forward to all that he will continue to achieve.
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PG&E offers a range of programs to help residents manage energy costs, from flexible payment plans to monthly discounts and home upgrades.
Here are a few ways you can get support:
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Payment Assistance & Budget Billing: Spread out your payments or arrange a custom plan. pge.com/helpmepay
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CARE & FERA Discounts: Get 18–20% off your monthly bill if you qualify. pge.com/care
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One-Time Help: Programs like LIHEAP and REACH offer up to $1,000 in support for past-due bills.
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Medical & Lifeline Discounts: Assistance for households with medical needs or limited phone/internet access.
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Free Home Upgrades: Improve energy efficiency with no-cost improvements through the ESA program.
Explore your options and apply at pge.com, or call 1-800-743-5000 for more information.
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 On Monday, May 26, at the Marin County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall the county will hold Marin’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony, hosted by the Marin County United Veterans Council. Doors open at 9:00 AM, with patriotic music beginning at 9:30 AM and the official ceremony at 10:00 AM.
This year’s keynote speaker is Sergeant First Class Kevin Graves, a Gold Star father, California State Guard Chaplain Assistant, and founder of the Some Gave All – Joey Graves Foundation. Graves transformed personal tragedy into a life of service after the loss of his son, Army Specialist Joseph Graves, in Iraq.
The event includes performances by the Sewer Band and Marin Golden Gate Barbershop Chorus, color guard, bagpiper, ceremonial wreaths, and a reading of the Gettysburg Address. Veterans organizations will be on-site with resources, alongside an outdoor display of vintage military vehicles.
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New Leadership for Marin County Elections
Marin County is set to welcome Natalie Adona as its new Registrar of Voters, succeeding Lynda Roberts, who is retiring after nearly 11 years of service. Adona brings 17 years of experience in elections, having served in various roles across Northern California. Most recently, she held the position of Assistant Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters in Nevada County. A Bay Area native, Adona is recognized for her commitment to election integrity and voter engagement.
For more details on this leadership transition, visit the official news release from Marin County.
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Measure AA is delivering a major boost to local infrastructure, with over $6.5 million set aside in FY25/26 to repair and improve roads across Marin. These funds—dedicated under Category 2.1—support safer, more accessible streets for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders alike.
Here’s what’s coming to your D2 community:
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San Rafael: $1,294,166
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Larkspur: $266,420
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San Anselmo: $289,688
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Fairfax: $180,859
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Ross: $64,076
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Greenbrae: Included in County allocation of $2.2 million
Cities will submit their project proposals in May 2025, and final approvals will go before the TAM Board this summer. Stay tuned as these dollars are turned into real, on-the-ground improvements in your neighborhood.
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Looking for a Room—or Have One to Rent?
Home Match is a free local service that helps connect people with a room to rent—whether it's in a home, apartment, or ADU—with those in search of affordable housing in our community.
Home Providers gain not only extra income but also the chance for meaningful connection—and, if desired, help with tasks like grocery shopping, pet care, or transportation. Home Seekers benefit from below-market housing options, personalized matching, and ongoing support.
All participants are carefully vetted, matched based on lifestyle compatibility, and supported through every step—from introductions to lease agreements and beyond. You can watch a short news story about the program here.
Learn more or sign up at frontporch.net/live/home-match or call 415-456-9068.
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Disasters don’t wait—and neither should you. Ready Marin’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training equips residents with essential skills to respond effectively when emergencies strike. Whether it’s a wildfire, earthquake, or power outage, CERT training empowers you to assist your family and neighbors until first responders arrive.
What You’ll Learn:
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Disaster preparedness and safety protocols
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Basic first aid and medical triage
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Fire suppression techniques
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Light search and rescue operations
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Team organization and communication
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In-Person: 20 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on practice.
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Hybrid: 10–12 hours of self-paced online learning followed by a one-day, in-person Skills Day.
Open to all Marin County residents aged 14 and up, CERT training is free and accessible to individuals of all physical abilities. There’s no obligation to volunteer post-training—your skills are invaluable at home and in your community.
Upcoming Sessions:
Take the first step toward becoming a community asset in times of crisis. Register now at readymarin.org/cert-training.
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Reminder: Apply for Your Marin County Short-Term Rental (STR) License by July 1, 2025!
Do you have a business license to operate a Short Term Rental (STR)? To keep operating your STR and renew your business license, you must apply for an STR license by July 1, 2025. Please note, having a business license does not automatically mean you have an STR license – you need both of them to operate.
Why is this important?
- Your business license won’t be renewed if you don’t apply by the deadline.
- You may miss your chance for an STR license if the cap on available licenses is reached after July 1, 2025. Any remaining licenses will be offered to those on the waitlist.
Don’t delay — apply now to avoid disruptions. Processing times may take longer as the deadline approaches!
Find more details about how to apply for your STR license online and apply today!
Operating commercial lodging or an STR on a commercial agricultural property?
You may be exempt from needing an STR license if:
- Your short-term rental is part of a commercial lodging operation, or
- Your short-term rental is located on commercial agricultural land.
If you are exempt, you need to submit a quick form for your type of rental. Email it to str@marincounty.gov before renewing your business license.
You can find the form for your business online.
For questions, contact us at (415) 473-2478 or str@marincounty.gov.
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Hot Takes & Sound Waves:
What’s Filling My Brain Lately |
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Marin Emergency Radio Authority (MERA) is seeking new members for the Citizens Oversight Committee to fill the new terms for each supervisorial district Apply to fill a position today. Want to learn more about the COC? Contact Executive Officer Heather Plamondon at hplamondon@rgs.ca.gov.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is now accepting applications for 13 open seats on its Community Advisory Council (CAC). The CAC plays a critical role in advising the Air District’s Board of Directors on equity and environmental justice issues that impact air quality across the region.
If you're passionate about clean air, environmental justice, and community impact, apply today and help shape the future of our region. Learn more and apply at www.baaqmd.gov.
The Marin County Youth Commission (MCYC) is now recruiting members ages 12–23! As one of the oldest youth commissions in the country, MCYC gives young people—especially those from underserved communities—a powerful voice in local government.
Commissioners lead social justice campaigns, advise policymakers, and advocate for issues like mental health, housing, and education.
Apply now at www.marinhhs.org/youth-commission. Applications due June 1.
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Have you ever wanted to work at the County of Marin? Here is the list of the most recent positions available!
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The City of San Rafael is looking for a Communications Intern to support equitable engagement through digital content, public outreach, and external communications.
This temporary, part-time position is perfect for someone interested in local government and public communications. The role offers up to 29 hours per week (with flexible scheduling) and is capped at 1,000 hours per fiscal year. While the position does not include City benefits, it offers valuable hands-on experience in civic engagement.
Learn more and apply at www.cityofsanrafael.org/jobs.
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The Marin Community Foundation (MCF) is hiring a Director for its Affordable Housing & Homelessness Initiative, a key leadership role under MCF’s new strategic vision. This initiative aims to reach functional zero chronic homelessness and secure affordable housing for all Marin residents.
The Director will lead strategy development, oversee grantmaking and community partnerships, track progress toward ambitious goals, and position MCF as a leader in housing solutions. This is a dynamic opportunity to drive systemic change and improve lives in Marin.
Learn more about this impactful role and how to apply at marincf.org.
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The Ross Valley Fire Department is hiring a Wildfire Preparedness Coordinator to lead critical efforts in wildfire risk reduction. This role will oversee vegetation management projects, help maintain and enhance alert and evacuation systems, drive public outreach and education, and promote defensible space practices.
Join a highly respected department known for its professionalism and integrity.
Applications are due by May 30.
Learn more and apply at the Ross Valley Fire Department Employment Page.
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