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Southern Marin Scoop - July 2025 |
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Dear Southern Marin Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you enjoying the vibrant energy of summer across our beautiful communities. As your County Supervisor, I’m excited to share the latest edition of the Southern Marin Scoop, filled with updates, resources, and stories that highlight the work we’re doing together to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Marin.
In this issue, we celebrate Disability Pride Month and highlight immigrant rights and resources, new funding for immigrant support services as well as major infrastructure improvements, including road maintenance projects, the upcoming undergrounding of utilities in Strawberry, and changes to the carpool (HOV) lanes hours on Highway 101. We're also thrilled to report the success of our eelgrass restoration efforts in Richardson Bay, reaching key goals well ahead of schedule—thanks to strong partnerships and shared commitment to protecting our environment.
You’ll also find updates on our Mobile Crisis Response Team, community engagement efforts, and a countywide travel survey inviting your input on transportation priorities.
I’ve had the honor of attending inspiring events across the district—from the grand opening of the Golden Gate Village Playground, to local celebrations of gardening, youth advocacy, and senior services. These moments continue to remind me of the power of connection and collaboration in shaping a healthy community.
Please also take a moment to learn about the new Community Grants and Investment Program as well as other grant opportunities now available for local organizations, and consider applying to serve on a County board or commission —a meaningful way to contribute to the decisions that shape Marin’s future.
And don’t miss the upcoming events we’re looking forward to this August— from National Night Out to Tam Valley Creekside Fridays.
Thank you for staying engaged and for everything you do to make Southern Marin a vibrant and welcoming place for all.
Warm regards,
Stephanie
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 In This Edition
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Board of Supervisors Celebrates Disability Pride
Immigrant Rights and Resources
The County is here to support everyone, no matter their immigration status.
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The County of Marin is here to serve all of our community members. We value equity, inclusion and belonging for everyone who lives, works and visits Marin County, regardless of immigration status.
Find legal support, community resources, and learn more about your rights. MORE INFO
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County Launches New Funding for Immigrant Support Services
Immigrant communities across the country are facing immense challenges to their safety, livelihoods, and access to essential services. In the wake of expanded immigration arrests, detainments, and deportations, immigrant and refugee communities are experiencing intensifying levels of fear and anxiety.
To safeguard immigrant communities against these challenges, the County of Marin has released a $425,000 request for proposals for support services including:
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Immigration legal services (free or low-cost immigration legal representation and support including screening, affirmative representation, and removal defense); and
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Direct support services (immediate and culturally responsive support to prevent housing instability, hunger, and related challenges) for individuals or families who have been impacted by detention or deportation.
MORE INFO
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Highway 101 Lane Closures, New Carpool (HOV) Lane Hours Coming Soon
Night Lane Closures for HOV Sign Replacement in Marin on
Northbound, Southbound US-101 slated for Aug. 5
Caltrans crews are scheduled to switch High occupancy vehicle (HOV) signs along Northbound and Southbound US-101 in a 52-mile stretch as part of the final steps of the Marin Sonoma Narrows B-7 project this summer. Signs along the corridor are being modified or replaced with signs displaying new uniform carpool hours in Marin and Sonoma Counties. Signs are in the median of US-101, so the far-left lane in both directions of US-101 are scheduled to be closed. Marin County sign replacement is slated to start on Tuesday, Aug. 5. The new signs will be installed prior to the third lane opening in Marin County in late August/early September.
The new HOV lane hours in both counties will be 5 to 10 a.m. in the mornings and 3 to 7 p.m. in the evenings, Monday through Friday. READ MORE
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Redwood Highway Utility Undergrounding Project in Strawberry Expected to Begin in August
The County of Marin is planning to begin a utility undergrounding project on Redwood Highway between Belvedere Drive and Seminary Drive in Strawberry, on the east side of US-101. Utility undergrounding enhances public safety, and improves utility reliability, reduces outages and repair needs related to wind and severe weather. The project would also improve appearances by removing overhead utility infrastructure and placing it underground. READ MORE
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25 Miles of County Roads to Undergo Maintenance
Twenty-five miles of roadway are scheduled for pavement preservation maintenance this summer, which is approximately 6% of the 421-mile County-maintained road network. The project will begin on July 23 and, weather permitting, is expected to take five months to complete.
The road segments in unincorporated Mill Valley and Sleepy Hollow will be the first to receive the pavement sealant treatments, and that work is expected to take place between July 23 and early August. READ MORE
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With Latest Planting Session, Richardson Bay Regional Agency And Partners Nearly Reach Eelgrass Restoration Mark Two Years Ahead of Schedule
By planting 3 acres of new eelgrass beds during a collaborative, multi-team effort over the last week of June, the Richardson Bay Regional Agency (RBRA) and its partners have now added some 14.5 acres of new plants to the Bay floor—just a half-acre short of the 15-acre goal the agency had hoped to reach by 2027.
The eelgrass planting is a key part of the RBRA’s 10-year Restoration and Adaptive Management Plan. That plan includes the establishment of Eelgrass Protection Zone (EPZ), an area of the water off-limits to anchoring that will help restore and protect a critical ecological component of the Bay. The EPZ was officially established in October of last year.
Eelgrass is a critical component of a healthy and vibrant Richardson Bay. It supports fisheries, reduces erosion, sequesters carbon and is a crucial ecological resource for harbor porpoises, seals, and sea lions. However, when anchors, chains, and other ground tackle scrape along the Bay bottom, they essentially act as a lawn mower for all living plants. READ MORE
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MCCT's Mobile Crisis Response Team is now live!
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The Marin County Cooperation Team (MCCT) R.O.O.T.S. mobile crisis response team is now active and ready to support the community. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, help is available seven days a week, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. by calling (415) 507-3543.
This mobile response team is led by certified first responders and is dedicated to providing immediate support and care for Marin City residents. MCCT is a Marin County Public Health Community Resilience Team (CRT).
LINK TO FLYER
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The Transportation Authority of Marin aims to reduce car trips and boost alternative travel options in Marin County to enhance air quality, reduce noise, improve street safety, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Participate in a survey to share your travel experiences and challenges. Your feedback will help identify key improvement areas and contribute to strategies that reduce car trips and enhance travel options. Your input is crucial for developing effective travel strategies in Marin County! Take the short survey and learn more. |
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Golden Gate Village Playgrounds Grand Reopening
The grand opening of the new playgrounds at Golden Gate Village in Marin City was celebrated on July 10, 2025. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an opportunity to test out the new playground equipment. A $1 million grant funded the project, which was a collaborative effort between the Marin Housing Authority, community groups, and local officials. The grand re-opening of the playground at Golden Gate Village was a significant event for the community. The event was attended by Assemblymember Damon Connolly, and Marin County Supervisors Mary Sackett and me, as well as several community leaders and young residents.
UC Cooperative Extension Gardens Abloom
 I recently had the pleasure of touring several inspiring sites with UC Cooperative Extension Marin Area Director Lauren Cartwright and Food Systems Advisor Julia Van Soelen Kim. We began our day at the Mill Valley Library Seed Exchange, followed by a visit to the vibrant garden at Edna Maguire Elementary School. Our tour continued to Harvey’s Garden at Blackie’s Pasture in Tiburon, where we met with UC Marin Master Gardeners volunteer coordinator Carol Felton and former Belvedere Mayor and volunteer James Campbell. Grateful for the opportunity to see community-driven efforts in sustainable gardening and food systems in action.
Congregate Meal at The Hilarita in Tiburon
 Last week, my Aides and I joined Mill Valley Councilmember Caroline Joachim, Commission on Aging Chair Kristi Denton Cohen, and Health and Human Services representative Mandy Reyes at The Hilarita in Tiburon for a Congregate Meal, which is a nutritious, hot meal served in a communal setting, primarily for older adults aged 60 and above. These meals are offered at various community centers, senior centers, and other locations (flyer below). They are designed to provide not only a healthy meal but also an opportunity for social interaction and connection among participants. For more information on the Congregate Meal Program, call 415-473-INFO (4636).
Take the Marin City Forest Health and Heritage Tour
 Learn how local efforts are improving the health of park ecosystems around Marin City and reducing wildfire risks, plus dive into Marin City’s rich history. The Marin City Forest Health and Heritage Tour by the National Parks Conservancy information is online only, and you can visit the stops in any order you wish!
Take the Marin City Forest Health and Heritage Tour
Convening a Meeting to Discuss Fernwood Cemetery Expansion
 I recently met at Alta Trail with representatives from Fernwood Cemetery, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin County Fire, Southern Marin Fire District, and several County departments to discuss the proposed expansion of the Tam Valley cemetery to meet the growing need for local cemetery space. We also had the opportunity to learn about ongoing wildfire prevention efforts in the hills above Tam Valley and Marin City. Grateful to collaborate across agencies to protect both our communities and natural spaces.
Meeting with Marin County Youth Advocacy Committee
 Honored to meet with the inspiring young leaders of the Marin Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC) this week. Their passion, insight, and commitment to creating a healthier future for their peers is nothing short of impressive. YAC is spearheading a bold initiative to address teen nicotine addiction in Marin by advocating for policy changes that reshape our local tobacco retail environment. Grateful for their advocacy, energy, and vision.
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County Launches New Community Grants & Investment Program
The County is launching a new Community Grants & Investment Program (CGIP), a refreshed and focused opportunity designed to support local nonprofit and community-based organizations. The program combines the former Community Service Fund and Non-Profit Community Partnership programs, offering a more accessible and transparent path to funding for one-time projects that align with County priorities.
The program includes $1.65 million in funding, with $500,000 in one-time funds approved through the FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget. Grants of $1,000 to $50,000 will support projects that benefit County residents. The application period runs from July 1 to August 31, 2025, through a new online system designed to simplify the process. LEARN MORE
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Featured in the photo above is the new sign above the Sausalito Center for the Arts, an example of a project funded in part through a County Community Grant.
Food, Agriculture, and Resilient Ecosystems (FARE) Grant Applications Now Open
Roughly $1.4 million in local tax revenue is available this year in Marin County for groups dedicated to supporting sustainable food systems and natural resources on working lands. Marin County Parks has opened another grant application period for a program called Food, Agriculture, and Resilient Ecosystems, or FARE for short. Online submissions are accepted through September 12 via Submittable.com.
The 2025 grants aim to support projects and programs that enhance food systems, promote climate-beneficial management, and increase natural resource values on Marin's working lands. Programs that benefit populations traditionally experiencing inequity with food security and health are prioritized. READ MORE
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Join Me at Strawberry Community Night, Aug. 22
 I’m excited to be part of this fun-filled evening celebrating the vibrant spirit of the Strawberry community. Come to the Strawberry Recreation District on Friday, Aug. 22 from 4:30-8 p.m. to enjoy live music, delicious local food, artisan vendors, and fun for the whole family. I hope to see you there! MORE INFO
 Thank you to Sausalito Councilmember Melissa Blaustein for the kind invitation to Jazz and Blues by the Bay at Gabrielson Park on July 18, featuring the vibrant sounds of Bermudagrass Triangle (Tropical Jazz). This beloved tradition is always a wonderful evening of community, connection, great music—and plenty of fun by the Bay. MORE INFO
Tam Valley Creekside Fridays
Head to the Cabin in Tam Valley for Creekside Unplugged! Gather under the redwoods to listen to acoustic music. Bring your own picnic dinner and enjoy the evening with friends, family and a chance to meet your neighbors!
Here's the lineup (5 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.):
July 25th - Cole Tate Band
August 8th - Maddy & the Mayors
August 22nd - Fog Burners
September 5th - Marble Party
MORE INFO
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National Night Out at Rocky Graham Park, Aug. 5
You are Invited to National Night Out 2025
August 5, 2025 - 5 p.m. - 7:30pm.
Rocky Graham Park, Marin City
Celebrate community, safety, and partnership at this annual crime prevention event hosted by local law enforcement and community organizations. It's a chance to meet the dedicated men and women behind the badge, connect with neighbors, and strengthen the bonds that make our communities safer and stronger. Head to Rocky Graham Park for National Night Out on August 5, 2025!
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Openings on County Assessment Appeals Boards
The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2025, for candidates with expertise in real estate, accounting, law, or property appraisal as potential new members of Assessment Appeals Board #1 and Assessment Appeals Board #2.
Appointed by the Marin County Board of Supervisors, members of the Assessment Appeals Boards hear appeals by property owners regarding value assessments by the County Assessor’s Office. In recent years, the caseload of the state-mandated Assessment Appeals Board has necessitated hearings about every four weeks. There are two separate Appeals Boards, each with three members, and appeals are heard alternately by the two boards and may include additional meetings. Board members are paid a stipend per meeting.
MORE INFO
Thank you for considering a role on one of Marin County’s boards and commissions! Your time, talents, and commitment to public service are invaluable to our community. By volunteering, you contribute to a more inclusive, responsive, and effective county government.
Serving on a board or commission offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful civic work, make a difference, and gain insight into the complexities of local government. Your input and perspective are key to fostering a healthy democracy and ensuring that Marin County remains vibrant, equitable, and forward-thinking. We hope you’ll consider joining us in this rewarding endeavor! Together, we can build a stronger community.
In District 3, we are currently seeking applicants for the Commission on Aging, CSA #29 Paradise Cay, Library Commission, the Strawberry Design Review Board, among others.
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