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Southern Marin Scoop - October 2025 |
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Dear Southern Marin Friends and Neighbors,
As we head into the busy fall season, there’s a lot happening across Southern Marin and the County. From transportation improvements and community celebrations to important policy updates and local events, this month’s newsletter highlights the progress, partnerships, and people making a difference in our community.
Inside, you’ll find updates on the Statewide Special Election and recent Board of Supervisors actions, including recognition of National Hunter Syndrome Awareness Week with Mill Valley residents Dr. Katey and Andrew Hoffman and a proposed Tobacco Pricing and Sales Ordinance. You can also read about new operating hours for the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge bike/ped path, the State Route 131 improvement project, and the Marin Sonoma Narrows ribbon cutting.
We’re also excited to share upcoming community events — including the Marin County Open House in Marin City (Nov. 5), a Community Service Fair in Strawberry, and the Marin Holiday Light Spectacular at the Civic Center. Plus, learn about new housing and senior care initiatives, resources for high-tide season, and ways to stay safe through our Eyes Up Marin tip of the month.
Thank you for staying engaged and connected — together, we’re building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Marin County.
All my best,
Stephanie
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 In This Edition
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Get Out the Vote!
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All registered Marin County voters should have received their vote-by-mail ballots for the November 4 Statewide Special Election.
VOTERS SHOULD:
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Mail their completed ballot using the postage-paid envelope
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Drop it off at any official Marin County drop box, or
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Vote in person at the Civic Center or at one of Marin’s vote centers, which opened beginning October 25 on staggered schedules.
Visit the Marin County Elections website for a full list of drop box and vote center locations, hours, and other election details.
Registrar of Voters Natalie Adona reminds voters to sign the return envelope if voting by mail. Signatures are required for your vote to count. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (November 4) and received by November 12 due to the Veterans Day holiday.
Make your plan, vote early, and have your say in this year’s election!
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Marin-Sonoma Narrows Ribbon Cutting
 Caltrans and local partners celebrated the Marin-Sonoma Narrows (MSN) HOV lanes conclusion with a ribbon cutting event at Olompali State Historic Park in Novato on Friday, Oct. 3. The three-lane configuration was completed on the morning of Monday, Sept. 29. About 100-plus people attended the ceremony, and 10 speakers gave their perspective on the project, including U.S. Congressman Jared Huffman, California Senator and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Damon Connolly, Acting Caltrans District 4 District Director David Ambuehl and Transportation Authority of Marin Board Members and Marin County Supervisors Stephanie Moulton-Peters and Eric Lucan. While the Narrows’ stretch is 16 miles, the completion of the third lanes connects 52 miles of continuous HOV lanes that stretches from the Richardson Bay Bridge in Marin County to Windsor in Sonoma County. Check out the Marin Sonoma Narrows Ribbon Cutting video on YouTube.
TAM and SCTA Urge Caltrans to Reconsider HOV Lane Hours
The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) and the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authority (SCTA) have jointly sent a letter to Caltrans requesting reconsideration of the current High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane hours on U.S. 101 through Marin and Sonoma counties.
While the two agencies celebrated the recent completion of the Marin-Sonoma Narrows project—a major milestone in improving mobility between the counties—they’ve heard growing concern from commuters since the new continuous carpool lane and expanded HOV hours went into effect. Drivers have reported longer delays, especially during the start of the school year and following changes to Clean Air Vehicle access rules.
In the letter, TAM and SCTA urged Caltrans not to wait six months to review conditions and instead act sooner to adjust the hours. They suggested shorter operating windows—such as 6:00–9:00 a.m. and 3:00–6:30 p.m.—to help ease congestion while maintaining support for carpools and transit. The agencies also requested that any ramp metering or mitigation measures not increase traffic on local roads.
TAM and SCTA reaffirmed their commitment to working with Caltrans on future operational improvements, such as adaptive meters and part-time transit lanes, to keep North Bay commutes efficient, sustainable, and reliable.
TAM BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AGENDA PACKET
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New Operating Hours For Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
Bike/Ped Path
 Right Side of Upper Deck to be Used as Highway Shoulder
Monday-Thursday
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) announced that beginning Oct. 27, the bicycle/pedestrian path on the upper deck of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge will be closed from Sundays at 11 p.m. until Thursdays at 2 p.m., with the barrier moved to allow the space now occupied by the path to be used as a highway shoulder for westbound traffic.
The bicycle/pedestrian path will be open from 2 p.m. on Thursdays through 11 p.m. on Sundays as well as on select weekday holidays. These include Memorial Day; Independence Day, if observed on a Monday; Labor Day; Thanksgiving week from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday night; and the Christmas-to-New Year week.
On days when the bicycle/pedestrian path is closed, a free shuttle (pictured above) with a bicycle trailer will be provided from 6 a.m. through 8 p.m. READ MTC PRESS RELEASE
Marin Independent Journal - Richmond-San Rafael Bridge bike lane change set to begin
County of Marin Open House in Marin City - November 5
 Join Us for a Marin County Community Open House
Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters and the County of Marin invite you to a relaxed, drop-in Open House at the Marin City Library on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 5–7 p.m.
Come learn about new and ongoing projects in Marin City, chat with County staff, and share your ideas! Representatives from several County departments will be there to answer your questions, including:
Health and Human Services
Marin County Free Library
Marin County Parks and Open Space
Marin County Probation Departmen
Department of Public Works
Marin County Fire and Marin City NRG
Community Development Agency
Marin Housing Authority
📍 Marin City Library, 164 Donahue Street, Marin City
We hope to see you there—bring your questions and your curiosity!
Board of Supervisors Adopts Resolution Recognizing National Hunter Syndrome Awareness Week
 The Marin County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution recognizing "National Hunter Syndrome Awareness Week the Third Week of October 2025." Presenters at the Board of Supervisors included Mill Valley's Dr. Katey and Andrew Hoffman.
Hunter Syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II or MPS II) is a rare genetic disorder affecting fewer than 500 children in the United States, including families in Marin County and is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase (I2S), leading to the harmful buildup of complex sugars in the body's cells and progressive damage to multiple organ systems, including the brain.
Senior Care Facility Planned for Strawberry
The County of Marin’s Community Development Agency hosted a webinar, Oct. 15, with nearly 70 community members to discuss the Nijjar Living Trust Housing Compliance Review project in Strawberry. The applicant proposes to construct a residential care facility for the elderly on a vacant lot along Thomas Drive and N. Knoll Road in Strawberry, an unincorporated area of Marin County. The project would be located on 3.70 acres of the 6.6-acre site. The facility would be one structure consisting of five stories over a subterranean parking garage, with a maximum height of 63 feet 6 inches above grade. The building would contain approximately 150,655 square feet of floor area, 71 apartments with kitchens, 35 assisted living/memory care suites, a central kitchen facility, common areas and parking garage.
PROJECT INFORMATION SUBSCRIBE FOR PROJECT UPDATES
State Route 131 (Tiburon Boulevard) Capital Preventive
Maintenance Project Progressing with Phased Approach
Caltrans is nearing final design for the State Route 131 (Tiburon Boulevard) Capital Preventive Maintenance project after months of community engagement. Phase 1, slated for summer 2026, will repave 4.6 miles of East Blithedale Avenue/Tiburon Boulevard from near U.S. 101 to Main Street and add new bikeways, including a temporary two-way Class I path from Strawberry Drive to Blackfield Drive. Phase 2 will establish the permanent Class I path, extend bikeways to Trestle Glen Boulevard, and improve bus stops. Caltrans will continue collaborating closely with Tiburon and other stakeholders as the project progresses.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
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Expect Seasonal High Tides the Next Few Months
Seasonal king tides are expected in the coming months and may cause flooding in low-lying areas of Marin County. These extremely high tides can flood roadways even without rain, but impacts increase significantly when storms coincide with elevated tides.
Based on tide predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tide levels that could be high enough to cause roadway flooding in coastal and bayside areas of Marin are expected in November, December, and January. Storms during these periods may create tidal surges that raise water levels higher than predicted.
Predicted king tide dates in Marin, according to the San Francisco tide gauge:
- November 5-7
- December 4-6
- January 1-3
Stay Informed
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Community Service Fair at Marin Housing Authority's
Kruger Pines in Strawberry
 The Marin Housing Authority (MHA) celebrated a successful kickoff to its new Older and Disabled Adult Service Fair series this month, drawing strong participation and enthusiasm from residents, community partners, and local service providers. The event, part of MHA’s broader ‘Older and Disabled Adult Service Initiative,’ brought essential health, wellness, and government resources directly to public housing residents in an accessible, welcoming setting.
Held at Kruger Pines in Mill Valley on October 7th, the inaugural service fair saw an impressive turnout, with approximately 50 percent of Kruger Pines’ tenants connecting with service providers throughout the afternoon. Residents were welcomed with a wide range of on-site services and information from Marin County Health and Human Services: Adult & Aging Services, Public Benefits and Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, Marin Transit, the Marin County Free Library, OD Free Marin, Public Health, and nursing students from Dominican University.
Southern Marin Transportation Workshop
 On Monday, Oct. 20, Supervisor Moulton-Peters hosted a Southern Marin Transit Workshop which featured presentations from Transportation Authority of Marin, Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit and included elected officials and staff from Belvedere, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tam Valley and Tiburon.
The evening included and introduction to transit planning principles used to inform proposed service changes. as well as an overview of the MASCOTS (Marin–Sonoma Coordinated Transit Service Plan) recommendations for Southern Marin and how they compare to current service. Thank you to the City of Sausalito for hosting us at Fire Station #1.
Mill Valley Rotary Club Presentation
 On Oct. 7, Supervisor Moulton-Peters shared insights with Mill Valley Rotary on the County of Marin’s mission, governance structure, priorities, and ongoing challenges — highlighting leadership and service at the local, state, and federal levels.
LINK TO PRESENTATION
Marin County Cooperation Team Women’s Health & Wellness Event Brings Community Together
The Marin County Cooperation Team (MCCT) hosted its Women’s Health & Wellness Event on October 28 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City, drawing women of all ages for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and care.
The event celebrated women’s unique journeys through life’s transitions—mental, emotional, and physical—encouraging open dialogue about health, wellness, and community support. Attendees enjoyed free health screenings, mammograms, music, light snacks, a bounce house, and prize giveaways, creating a warm, uplifting atmosphere for all.
The event emphasized inclusivity and empowerment, inspiring participants to honor their bodies, share their stories, and strengthen bonds across generations.
Marin Farm Bureau Lunch
 Supervisor Moulton-Peters attended the Marin County Farm Bureau's 2025 elected officials and member appreciation lunch, Oct. 6, at the beautiful Marin French Cheese, which included a conversation with Marin farmers, ranchers, elected officials, and other stakeholders as well as a presentation on the Economic Contributions of Marin County Agriculture by the County of Marin’s Agricultural Commissioner Joe Deviney.
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County Closely Monitoring Federal Immigration Activity in Bay Area
The County of Marin is not involved in any federal immigration operations. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office and other County departments do not enforce federal immigration laws or related civil warrants.
The County is closely monitoring federal immigration operations and will continue to:
- Share up-to-date information with community members about their rights, legal support, and community resources.
- Support safe and effective coordination of local services without interfering in federal activities.
- Stay in contact with our city, town and community-based partners, with a shared focus on preparedness, clear communication, and supporting community members who may be affected.
Community Resources:
For information about individual rights, legal support, and community resources:
The County of Marin stands by its commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging for everyone who lives, works, and visits here-- regardless of immigration status.
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Experience the magic of the season, Nov. 28 - Jan. 4
Families can add a new tradition to celebrate the holiday season: The Marin Holiday Light Spectacular, a free new event at the Marin County Civic Center and fairgrounds from November 28 through January 4.
From 4-9 PM daily on the fairgrounds, visitors can step into a dazzling world of lights, color, and joy for an unforgettable evening filled with glowing displays, festive music, and heartwarming traditions. Wander through brilliantly lit paths that capture the wonder of winter holidays, explore light sculptures, fields of creativity, and an immersive light tunnel. Event entry is through the Exhibit Hall at 20 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael.
Guests can also marvel at the holiday lights by driving through the brilliantly lit archways at the historic Marin County Civic Center building, designed by the famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. During business hours, stop by the Civic Center Library and see lights under the illuminated fourth-floor dome. READ MORE
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Marin Secures $2.7M to Expand Supportive Housing with Behavioral Health Services
Marin County Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with Catholic Charities CYO of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, has been awarded $2.7 million through the State of California’s Homekey+ program[External] to create nine units of permanent supportive housing for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
The project will rehabilitate a two-story building into a shared housing setting, where each resident will have a private en-suite bathroom and access to communal spaces including a kitchen, dining area, balcony, and community room. Rehabilitation of the property is expected to begin in the coming months, with units anticipated to be available in 2026.
READ MORE
Board of Supervisors Considers
Tobacco Pricing and Sales Ordinance
On Tuesday, October 21, the County of Marin Board of Supervisors held the first reading of a proposed Tobacco Minimum Floor Price Law (MFPL) ordinance, a public health measure designed to reduce tobacco use and protect youth from nicotine addiction.
The proposed ordinance would establish a minimum price of $12 for all tobacco and nicotine products, set minimum package sizes, ban the sale of electronic smoking devices (including vapes and heated tobacco products), and prohibit the use of coupons and discounts. The ordinance also includes an automatic $1 price increase every two years to maintain effectiveness over time.
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Eyes Up Marin – Tip of the Month – Watch for Pedestrians
At this time of year, it’s especially important to watch out for people walking and rolling; the sun is low in the sky and can blind you. Plus, it’s hard to see pedestrians and cyclists when it’s dark out.
Watch for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Slow down and use caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or in bad weather. Be prepared to stop when turning, entering a crosswalk, driveway or intersection.
Children can be unpredictable. You never know when a little one will dart out into the street. Go slowly and be on the lookout along school routes and intersections particularly near schools. Keep your eyes up and don’t let anything distract you. Let’s protect our most vulnerable road users.
Remember: Eyes Up!
The Eyes Up, Marin campaign is part of the Street Smarts Program and Safe Routes to Schools, locally funded programs of the Transportation Authority of Marin.
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