Hello -  

Bright and early Monday morning the much anticipated third lane through the Marin Sonoma Narrows opened in both directions!  

The new lanes are open, but you will continue to see crews finishing up work along the shoulders and on/off ramps through the corridor. I will share more updates next month once we receive additional details from Caltrans on timing for the finishing touches. 

I had the opportunity Monday morning to check out the widening improvements from both below and above Highway 101! 

As I shared in my August newsletter, the County has launched an effort to take a closer look at our food facility permitting program managed by the County’s Environmental Health Services (EHS).   

We know that restaurants and other food businesses face a complex set of permitting requirements, and our goal is to make the process more streamlined, transparent, predictable, and efficient. 

The Board of Supervisors kicked off this work with an informational workshop at our Board meeting on August 19. Building on that momentum, we are hosting a community workshop on October 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the San Rafael Community Center.  

This workshop will feature a variety of sessions where you can: 

• Share your feedback and ideas about the county’s food permitting process. 

• Learn more about how the permitting system works. 

• Connect directly with the EHS team. 

A detailed scheduled can be found on the county website.  

Whether you can attend just one session or stay for the full day, your voice matters. The more input we receive, the better we can shape policies that truly support our community and local food businesses. If you can’t make it in person, please share your comments through our online comment form. 

As a SMART Board Member, I am excited to share that the long-awaited SMART rail extension to Healdsburg is officially moving forward, with the SMART Board awarding the construction contract for the nine-mile segment between Windsor and northern Healdsburg. Backed by $269 million in secured funding, the project will restore passenger rail service to Healdsburg for the first time in decades. 

Construction is slated to begin in January 2026, with completion anticipated by late 2028. In addition to expanding rail infrastructure and adding a new station, the project will deliver modern safety upgrades, key bridge improvements, and complete important segments of the SMART Pathway. Once completed, the extension will provide a sustainable and fun transportation option, enhance recreational opportunities, support local economies, and meet critical transit needs across northern Sonoma County. 

The County of Marin has over 50 boards and commissions that serve in an advisory role to the Board of Supervisors. Some of these appointments are district specific, some are at-large appointments, and some require specific qualification-based representation.   

District 5 is well represented on our county boards and commissions with an amazing group of volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise studying important issues and providing invaluable insights. We had a great time at our annual District 5 Boards & Commission Appreciation Party. See the photo below for a snapshot of some of our dedicated representatives. I want to take a moment to acknowledge them, as well as the many commissioners not photographed, for their service to our community!  

If you are interested in serving on a county board or commission, visit the Current Openings Webpage to see vacancies.   

Of particular note, the Marin County Free Library is currently recruiting a District 5 Library Commission member. Join a commission of dedicated volunteers committed to supporting the library through the implementation of its new strategic plan and 10-branch interior refresh project. Bilingual (Spanish / English) volunteers are encouraged to apply! 

I am pleased to share that the County of Marin is rolling out a new Paid Parental Leave policy. As a father of two young children, I know firsthand how essential it is for parents to have meaningful time to bond with their families.  

This decision underscores our dedication to being an employer of choice and to support staff through significant life milestones. The program grants eligible employees paid time off to bond with a new child - whether through birth, adoption, foster care, or court-approved guardianship. 

With this initiative, Marin County joins a growing list of employers nationwide that are raising the bar on employee benefits. The program strengthens recruitment and retention while demonstrating the County’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and family-friendly workplace.  

The County of Marin is one of the largest employers in Marin. For more information about employee benefits and career opportunities, I invite you to visit the County Jobs webpage.  

On October 21, the Board of Supervisors will bring forward a resolution proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is a critical issue in Marin and has been identified as the number one violent crime in our county. In 2023, law enforcement in Marin received 547 domestic violence related calls for assistance. 

I want to take this opportunity to highlight a valued community partner, the Center for Domestic Peace (C4DP). C4DP’s mission is to mobilize individuals and communities to transform our world so that domestic violence no longer exists. Each year, C4DP answers over 7,000 hotline calls and provides safety net services to more than 2,500 individuals through shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, case management, prevention, and mental health support.  

For more information and/or to learn how you can support others: 

• Visit the Center for Domestic Peace website. 

• Call the 24-hour bilingual hotline number, 415-924-6616. 

• Attend the C4DP Open House this Thursday, October 2 from
  5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at C4DP, 734 A Street, San Rafael. 

District Staff: Tanya Albert    
(415) 473-7371 Tanya.Albert@MarinCounty.gov