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Hello-
This Tuesday, October 21, I adjourned our Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of my friend and former Novato City Councilmember Mark Milberg.
Mark was a dedicated public servant who began serving on the Novato City Council in August 2021 and held the role of Mayor in 2024. Before joining the Council, he contributed his time and expertise as a member of the Novato Citizens Finance Advisory/Oversight Committee.
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Mark was known for his kindness, his deep commitment to Novato, and his ability to make everyone feel valued. The entire community is better because of his service, and his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
The City of Novato will host a special gathering to honor the life and legacy of Councilmember Mark Milberg tonight (Friday, October 24) from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue. This event will pay tribute to a devoted public servant, an extraordinary leader, and a cherished friend. All are welcome to attend and share in this moment of reflection. Candles and light refreshments will be provided.
Those wishing to honor Mark’s memory may make donations to organizations that were especially meaningful to him: Congregation Rodef Sholom, North Bay Children’s Center, and Homeward Bound of Marin.
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It was with great excitement that we celebrated the opening of the much anticipated third lane through the Marin Sonoma Narrows earlier this month. This milestone represents the culmination of years of planning, construction, and coordination among multiple agencies and jurisdictions, resulting in 52 miles of continuous carpool lanes.
With the completion of the Marin Sonoma Narrows project, Caltrans implemented new High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane hours: 5:00 am to 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm in both directions. The new HOV hours coincided with the start of the school year and the expiration of Clean Air Vehicle HOV lane access, and increased traffic congestion has been especially noticeable.
I have heard from many constituents who are frustrated with longer commute times. I share these concerns and agree with many of the requests I received that the new HOV lane hours should be reconsidered.
At our meeting yesterday, the Transportation Authority of Marin Board (TAM) voted to send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider the recently expanded HOV lane hours on Highway 101 (agenda item #7). The TAM Board directed staff to work with the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities (SCTCA) to prepare a joint letter to Caltrans emphasizing three main requests:
- Do not wait six months or more to consider changes (Caltrans has indicated a preference to monitor conditions for six months before adjusting).
- Reduce the hours to balance easing congestion and support HOV and transit use in the corridor, potentially the 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm scenario that TAM and SCTCA previously supported.
- Ensure that mitigation efforts, like ramp metering, do not increase impacts on local streets and roads unless they clearly improve overall travel times.
Caltrans ultimately determines HOV operating hours but locally we will continue to advocate for practical solutions that address congestion while promoting environmental goals.
The TAM Board previously raised concerns about expanded HOV hours at our April 24, 2025 meeting (agenda item #6) and voted to send a letter to Caltrans requesting close monitoring and potential adjustments if problems arose. The letter authorized last night will represent a reasonable follow-up to that request.
I am committed to continuing to work with our regional partners to find solutions that balance congestion relief, environmental sustainability, and the community’s need for a smoother, more reliable commute.
Celebrating the opening of the third lane through the
Marin Sonoma Narrows.
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Join the Novato Library for a fun, family event celebrating all the wonders of the season! This outdoor event will feature games, crafts, and activities that the whole family is sure to enjoy. Costumes optional (but very fun and encouraged!).
Autumnfest
Thursday, October 30
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Novato Library: 1720 Novato Blvd, Novato
This event is sponsored by the ever-impressive Friends of the Novato Libraries. Just this week, our Board recognized the work of our library friend group volunteers with the adoption of a resolution proclaiming October 19-25 as National Friends of Libraries Week.
These volunteers are the secret ingredient that make Marin’s libraries the lively, friendly, community hubs we all love. Through tireless fundraising and endless volunteer hours, they bring thousands of programs, book giveaways, and cultural events to life every year, turning library visits into moments of joy.
Thank you to all our Friends of Library groups here in Marin for the work you do for our libraries and our communities!
Recognizing National Friends of Libraries Week with our Board, library team members, and local friends group volunteers.
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I am pleased to share that at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting our Board approved introduction of a Minimum Floor Price Law for Tobacco and Nicotine Products, and banning the sale of Electronic Smoking Devices and Heated Smoking Systems. We will consider adopting the ordinance at our November 18 meeting.
The ordinance would:
- Set a $12 minimum price for tobacco and nicotine products
- Establish minimum package sizes
- Ban the sale of vapes and heated tobacco products
- Prohibit coupons and discounts
- Add an automatic $1 price increase every two years
I met with local youth advocates who shared their powerful stories and perspectives on the vaping epidemic, along with members of the Smoke-Free Marin Coalition and our County Public Health team. We talked about the serious health impacts of tobacco use and how it affects our community. The proposed ordinance is about helping people live healthier lives by reducing tobacco use and protecting youth from nicotine addiction.
The new rules would go into effect on September 1, 2026, giving our local cities and towns time to consider adopting similar ordinances, ensuring county-wide consistency.
Residents looking to quit tobacco or nicotine products can access free, culturally tailored cessation support through Marin County’s Tobacco Prevention Program and Kick It California.
I believe these steps reflect Marin County’s continued commitment to promoting health, safety, and well-being for all, and I want to thank the Smoke-Free Marin Coalition and the Youth Advocacy Committee for bringing this issue to my attention.
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Big thanks to the Downtown Novato Business Association for sponsoring this year’s trick or treat fun on Saturday, October 25 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Bring your little ghosts, goblins, and superheroes for some sweet treats all while supporting our local downtown businesses!
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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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