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June provided many opportunities to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.
I am proud to be part of a board and community that acknowledged and celebrated two significant events this month. I am committed to being intentional in my work and through my actions to create a brighter and more equitable future for all.
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Juneteenth
Earlier this month the Marin County Board of Supervisors adopted a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Independence Day in Marin County. Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It specifically commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.
Pride Month
I was proud to kick off the month with fellow community members at a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at Novato City Hall. What a tremendous showing of support. We wrapped up the month with the Marin County Board of Supervisors proclaiming June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. At a time when LGBTQIA+ rights are being questioned and challenged, we affirm our unwavering commitment to being inclusive and encourage celebrating diversity, not only in June, but year-round.
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At our June 24, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, we approved the launch of a new Community Grants & Investment Program (CGIP)-- a streamlined funding opportunity for Marin nonprofits and organizations with a tax-exempt fiscal sponsor. CGIP replaces the former Community Service Projects and Non-Profit Community Partners programs and is designed to support one-time programs, projects, or initiatives that benefit Marin County residents and align with the priorities of both the Board of Supervisors and the community.
A few key details of the program:
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Award Range: $1,000 - $50,000
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Application Period: July 1 - August 31, 2025. Please note, there will be only one annual application window per year. Mark your calendars!
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Funding Period: Awarded funds will be disbursed at the end of 2025 for eligible expenses incurred between January 1 and December 31, 2026.
This program is a great opportunity to support local non-profits who are on the ground, responding to community needs.
Visit the CGIP webpage to learn more about the program, including eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, and to submit an application (opens July 1, 2025).
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There is a lot of exciting news to share about SMART. For starters, ridership is going amazing, and on May 29 SMART carried its 1 Millionth passenger of the fiscal year! And with the opening of the Windsor station just days later, SMART experienced a record-breaking month in ridership numbers – carrying 108,355 passengers in the month of May.
Windsor Station Opening
On May 31 SMART service to Windsor was officially launched. Just steps from the lively Windsor Town Green, the Windsor station brings new ease to exploring local shops, restaurants, and events by train. If you are looking for a weekend outing – this would make for a great family daytrip from Marin! Check out the schedule on the SMART website.
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Next Up: Healdsburg!
The long-awaited SMART rail extension to Healdsburg is one step closer to reality, thanks to a recommended $81 million in State funding. The grant, awarded through the Solutions for Congested Corridors and Local Partnership Competitive Programs, will help extend passenger rail service from Windsor to the northern edge of Healdsburg. It will be matched by $187.7 million in additional Federal, State, Regional, and local funds, and includes $6 million for a new zero-emission locomotive—advancing SMART’s commitment to clean, sustainable transit.
Final approval of the grant is expected at the California Transportation Commission’s meeting this week. Construction is slated to begin in Spring 2026, with the extension anticipated to be completed by the end of 2028. In addition to expanding rail infrastructure and adding a new station, the project will deliver vital safety and broadband enhancements and complete key segments of the SMART Pathway and the Great Redwood Trail, benefiting cyclists and pedestrians alike. Once completed, the extension will provide a fun transportation option for recreational opportunities and help support critical transit needs across northern Sonoma County.
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You may have noticed the closures of the Alameda Del Prado on-ramp to southbound Highway 101 in Novato this month. While this may have caused some inconvenience, I'm pleased to share that a much-needed guardrail is being installed along the Highway 101 shoulder and the Pacheco Bike Path, enhancing safety for cyclists and pedestrians in the area. I want to thank the bicycle community for bringing this to the attention of the county and appreciate our Marin County Parks Team for working with Caltrans to prioritize this important safety measure. |
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Highway 101 South before guardrail installation project. |
Highway 101 South guardrail installation underway. |
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Thanks to the incredible work of Homeward Bound of Marin, we recently celebrated the grand opening of the Dennis and Susan Gilardi Training and Events Center in Novato - a major milestone for a vision that began years ago: turning a former military site into a place of shelter, opportunity, and hope.
This new center adds the final piece to the campus puzzle, joining permanent housing at Puett Place and Sweeney Place. Inside, you’ll find a commercial bakery, teaching kitchen, fulfillment center, and event space. Tools to launch careers, not just jobs. It’s also the new home for Wagster Dog Treats!
Personally, kitchens hold a special meaning for me. Growing up in a big Italian family, the kitchen was where life happened—full of connection and purpose. That sense of togetherness is alive and well at Homeward Bound. And while the old saying goes, “if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen,” I’m glad our community is doing better. Homeward Bound is building inclusive kitchens. Places where people are trained, supported, and given a real shot.
This campus reflects what's possible when a community comes together with government, nonprofits, businesses, and generous donors all playing a role. It’s a true example of Marin leading with compassion, collaboration, and vision.
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Novato 4th of July Parade
I hope to see you all at the Novato 4th of July Parade—one of our favorite local traditions! It’s always a great day to come together, show our Novato pride, and enjoy some hometown fun. Big thanks to all the volunteers working hard behind the scenes to make it all happen. If you have a little time to spare, sign up to volunteer and be part of the team that keeps this amazing event running strong!
Marin County Fair
The 2025 Annual Marin County Fair is right around the corner: July 2-6, 2025. Attendees will enjoy food, exhibits, an awesome concert line-up, carnival rides, spectacular nightly fireworks (one of the best places to view fireworks on the 4th of July!), and much more.
Please note - all entry tickets must be purchased online. There are no ticketing kiosks at the gates (a QR code to purchase tickets will be posted at all entry points).
Getting to the fair has never been easier and guests are encouraged to leave their cars at home and consider alternative modes of transportation:
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Marin Transit is pleased to provide free fare for all regular service during the Marin County Fair between July 2 and July 6, 2025.
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Ride the SMART train directly to the fair (remember kids and seniors ride the train for free!). In addition to its regular schedule, SMART will provide additional service from the Civic Center Station:
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Southbound (7/2, 7/3): 8:47pm, 9:19pm, 10:10pm
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Southbound (7/4, 7/5, 7/6): 8:52pm, 9:24pm, 10:10pm
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Northbound: 10:00 pm, 10:40pm – same all 5 days
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Curious about the pickleball craze? Attend a fun, free event this Saturday, June 28 at Hill Gym celebrating Age & Disability Friendly Novato and the City of Novato’s commitment to a community where all ages and abilities can thrive!
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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.
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