Sincerely,   

Early in the morning on August 21, a devastating fire broke out at 516 Canal Street in San Rafael, destroying 19 apartment units and displacing more than 50 residents. The fire spread quickly through the three-story wood-frame building, and thanks to the swift action of the San Rafael Fire and Police Departments, many lives were saved, with critical support from mutual aid crews across the region and the Marin County Office of Emergency Management. The fire was brought under control within an hour, but several individuals were injured, and with deep sadness we now know that the two residents who had been reported missing lost their lives. Our hearts are with their families and loved ones during this tragic time, and investigators continue working to determine the cause of the fire.

In the hours and days that followed, our community came together. Displaced residents were first sheltered at the Al Boro Community Center and are now temporarily housed in local hotels. Meals, health support, and replacement of essential items like phones and clothing are being provided with help from Canal Alliance, San Rafael City Schools, ExtraFood, and many volunteers. This has truly been a collaborative response.  

Recovery will take time, but right now the greatest need is financial support. My office continues to work closely with community partners and County departments to ensure long-term stability for the families impacted. You can make a difference today by donating to the Canal Alliance Fire Relief Fund.

I want to thank our first responders, County and City staff, and the many residents who have stepped up with compassion and urgency. We will continue working together to support these families and help them rebuild. 

This summer, our District 4 office was proud to host three incredible interns, Dylan, Camila, and David, who brought fresh perspectives, energy, and curiosity to our work. As high school and college students, they immersed themselves in local government, learning how public service and policy shape daily life in Marin. From presenting public comments at a Board of Supervisors meeting to supporting research and joining us in community events, they contributed meaningfully to our team. 

While they learned from us, we also learned from them. We’re grateful for their time, commitment, and thoughtful engagement. Below, we’re honored to share their reflections on what the internship meant to them 

“As a young Latina and a first-generation college student, I also want to say how important it was to be welcomed into a professional space where I felt seen and respected. Sometimes it’s hard to picture yourself in government or administrative roles when you haven’t seen many people who look like you doing that kind of work. But this internship showed me that I do belong in these spaces. It helped me build confidence in my voice, my work, and my potential. I learned to advocate for myself, to ask questions, and to trust that I had something to contribute. And that’s not just a professional lesson; it’s a life lesson that I’ll carry with me for a long time.” - Camila Orozco, District 4 Intern, UC Davis 

“Visiting Pickleweed Park was another moment that stayed with me. Watching the elders gather, laugh, and play bingo together was heartwarming. There was a strong sense of community, like everyone knew each other, like family. It reminded me that public spaces aren’t just about infrastructure, they’re about connection. I also noticed how deeply respected Supervisor Dennis Rodoni is in the community. He doesn’t just hold a title, he shows up. He listens, engages, and genuinely cares. Seeing that kind of leadership made me reflect on what it means to serve a community, not just with decisions, but with presence.” - Dylan Rodas, District 4 Intern, San Rafael High School  

"My internship with Marin County was an invaluable experience that gave me a deeper understanding of how local government operates while allowing me to contribute meaningfully to projects that serve the community. It challenged me to grow professionally by strengthening my skills in research, communication, and problem-solving, and it also showed me the importance of collaboration, innovation, and public service in addressing real community needs. I am especially grateful for the mentorship and support I received from Supervisor Rodoni and county staff, whose guidance not only helped me navigate challenges but also inspired me to think critically and approach my work with purpose. This experience has affirmed my commitment to public service and will continue to shape my professional path moving forward." - David Rodriguez, District 4 Intern, Chico State  

Learn More about County Internship Program 

On August 26, the Board of Supervisors approved the County’s purchase of a vacant lot at 6th and B Streets in Point Reyes Station to serve both immediate and long-term housing needs in West Marin. The site will initially serve as a temporary shelter for families and workers at risk of homelessness, including those displaced from ranches within the Point Reyes National Seashore, and will ultimately be developed into permanent affordable housing in partnership with the Community Land Trust of West Marin (CLAM). This step is part of the Board’s broader response to the Shelter Crisis declaration, which recognizes the critical shortage of safe and stable housing in our coastal communities. 

I made a decision to recuse myself from the vote, in order to avoid possible legal challenges that would delay urgently needed housing due to the proximity of my family property. I personally support this project, and do not want it at risk from a legal challenge due to my participation. Any delays may result in vulnerable community members not having access to shelter in the spring of 2026. 

The outcome at the Board (4-0 vote) reflects the shared commitment of all five Supervisors to advancing affordable housing solutions for our communities.

I am grateful to the community members, nonprofits, and local advocates who shared their perspectives and helped shape this conversation. Supporting housing stability remains one of my top priorities, and I remain deeply committed to working with all of you to create solutions that keep West Marin families housed, secure, and supported.

This month, I was proud to support the launch of a new initiative that addresses one of West Marin’s most urgent challenges: workforce housing. On August 19, the Board of Supervisors approved a $300,000 contract with the West Marin Fund to launch the Workforce Stability Program, a three-year pilot designed to support low-income workers and families who are at risk of losing their homes. 

This program was developed in response to the recent settlement at Point Reyes National Seashore, which requires 11 ranching families to retire their operations by early 2026. As a result, more than two dozen households, many of them long time contributors to the local workforce, face uncertain futures. The Workforce Stability Program will provide housing navigation, temporary shelter, job training, and wraparound support to help these families remain in West Marin.  

Equity is central to this effort. The program will prioritize essential workers, immigrants, and families of color, who often face the highest barriers to housing and economic stability. By combining housing support with workforce development and leveraging partnerships with local nonprofits and donors, we are building a more resilient West Marin, one where working families can continue to live, contribute, and thrive. 

This is more than a pilot program. It is the commitment to stand with our neighbors during a time of transition. My office will remain actively engaged to ensure this program delivers meaningful results and continues to reflect the values of our community. 

Learn More 

At our August 19 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved an extension of the County’s contract with Natural Systems Utilities to continue operating, monitoring, and maintaining the Marshall Community Wastewater System. This amendment ensures the system remains functional through October 2026, covering outstanding invoices and maintaining compliance with state water quality regulations. Keeping this community wastewater facility operating safely is essential to protecting Tomales Bay from contamination and preventing serious water quality and public health issues. 

I know residents have expressed real concerns about financial transparency, grease discharge from commercial users, and the need for better governance. Extending the contract gives us the time and space to keep the system running while we work together on long term solutions. My commitment is to partner directly with the community to review budgets, explore better oversight options, and make sure all user are contributing fairly. These are real challenges, but I am a core advocate for the Marshall community, and my team and I will remain engaged and available as we move forward together. 

Protecting our coastline has always been one of my top priorities. That’s why I’m proud to share that the Board of Supervisors recently approved renewed funding for the Cleaner California Coast Initiative, a collaborative effort with Leave No Trace and our neighbors in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. This program focuses on reducing litter and pollution in our coastal communities through bilingual education, outreach, and the promotion of responsible recreation. 

When we first launched this initiative in 2022, our goal was to find an educational pathway to address the growing problem of trash left behind by increasing visitor use. By working together across county lines, we’ve been able to support some of the most ecologically sensitive and heavily visited parts of the California coast, including Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay. This renewed partnership ensures that we continue to promote simple but powerful practices, like packing out trash, bringing reusable items, and showing respect for local communities. 

This year’s contract, funded through the County Executive budget and the West Marin Infrastructure Reserve, will allow this important work to continue without impacting the General Fund. I believe the Cleaner California Coast Initiative is a strong example of how we can protect our environment through education and collaboration. I’m proud to continue leading this effort to keep our beaches, bays, and marine sanctuaries clean and accessible for all. 

Learn More about Cleaner California Coast