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Dear Neighbors,
Fall is always a busy and energizing time in Marin, a season of fresh ideas, community gatherings, and new beginnings. Over the past month, our County team has been hard at work on several important initiatives that reflect that spirit of progress and connection.
Earlier this month, a delegation of Marin County staff and community leaders traveled to San Luis Obispo as part of the Marin–SLO Learning Exchange. The trip offered a chance to see how another forward-thinking community is linking innovation, housing, and placemaking to create vibrant local economies. From touring Cal Poly and the SLO HotHouse to meeting with city planners and developers, we came home inspired by how collaboration and creativity can drive meaningful change. These lessons are already helping to inform our work here in Marin as we plan for economic vitality and community resilience.
Closer to home, we have launched the FixIt Marin 311 beta in Sleepy Hollow, the first step in bringing a modern digital service platform to unincorporated communities across Marin. Residents can now report issues like potholes, tree problems, and graffiti directly through the app or website, creating a simpler and faster way to connect with County services. The program will expand countywide in 2026.
Looking ahead, Election Day is November 4. Ballots have been mailed to all registered voters, and there are several ways to participate: by mail, at a drop box, or at a vote center. However you choose to vote, make a plan and make your voice heard.
Finally, as Halloween approaches, please celebrate safely. Whether you are out trick-or-treating, hosting a neighborhood gathering, or just enjoying the decorations, remember to watch for pedestrians, drive carefully, and help keep our streets safe for children and families.
Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership in shaping Marin’s future. Every day, I am reminded how much this community cares about our neighbors, our environment, and the generations to come.
Cheers,
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 We’re excited to announce the pilot launch of FixIt Marin, the County’s new digital 311 app, right here in Sleepy Hollow.
FixIt Marin makes it easier than ever for residents to connect with County services. With just a few taps, you can report a pothole, damaged street sign, illegal dumping, or downed tree branch and receive updates as your request moves from received to resolved. It’s quick, transparent, and designed to put residents at the center of how we deliver service.
Sleepy Hollow was chosen as one of the first pilot communities because of its strong tradition of civic engagement and partnership with the County. Feedback from residents here will help us refine the app before expanding countywide.
This pilot is a key step in bringing Marin government into the 21st century. The App is modern, responsive, and accessible. The full rollout of FixIt Marin is expected across all unincorporated areas in early 2026.
If you live in Sleepy Hollow and would like to participate in the pilot, visit the website or download FixIt Marin from your device’s app store to get started.
You can also read more on it in my Marin Voice piece in the Marin Independent Journal this month.
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 A Marin County delegation of 27 community leaders and County staff recently traveled to San Luis Obispo as part of the Marin–SLO Learning Exchange, a three-day exploration of how another forward-thinking county is shaping its future through collaboration, innovation, and creative placemaking.
Participants toured Cal Poly, the SLO HotHouse business incubator, and downtown San Luis Obispo, gaining firsthand insight into how strong public-private partnerships and a clear community vision can drive local vitality.
The group also attended panel discussions featuring City of SLO Community Development staff and local developers, as well as sessions focused on investing in arts and culture, technology, and education as engines of economic resilience.
The Learning Exchange provided a rare opportunity for Marin’s public and private leaders to connect ideas across sectors; highlighting how innovation, housing, and creative community-building can work hand in hand.
The insights gathered during the trip will help inform Marin County’s forthcoming Economic Vitality Strategic Plan, ensuring local policies and investments reflect the best of what’s working across California communities.
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 Last week, the Marin County Board of Supervisors recognized National Friends of Libraries Week with a ceremonial resolution honoring the volunteers and community members who keep our libraries thriving.
Friends of the Library groups across Marin raise funds, support programs, and advocate for equitable access to books, technology, and lifelong learning. Their efforts help make libraries vibrant community hubs and places where everyone can connect, learn, and explore.
The Board’s recognition highlights the vital role these volunteers play in strengthening our public library system and fostering a love of reading for all ages.
Learn more about how you can support your local library’s Friends group at Marin County Free Library or your city library’s website.
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Marin County has joined 28 other local governments in a lawsuit against the federal government challenging new conditions placed on disaster preparedness grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The lawsuit, filed September 30 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, argues that new rules tying funding to immigration enforcement cooperation and prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are unconstitutional and unrelated to the purpose of the grants.
Marin relies on FEMA and DHS funding to support emergency preparedness, hazard mitigation, flood protection, and disaster response. In fiscal year 2023–24, the County received more than $12 million from these sources and recently applied for an additional $22 million to improve flood resilience in Santa Venetia.
The litigation, led by San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and the Public Rights Project, includes dozens of cities and counties in California and Washington.
Disaster preparedness is one of Marin’s top priorities, and the County remains focused on ensuring equitable access to safety resources and maintaining strong local resilience. Residents can learn more and prepare at ReadyMarin.org.
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Your family’s disaster planning should absolutely include your animal family members. Leaving pets out of evacuation plans can put pets, pet owners and first responders in danger. Let’s walk through how to get started and what to keep in mind in our Marin County area.
Why this matters
Here in Marin County, we face multiple hazards like wildfires, storms, earthquakes and more. The Marin Humane Society has teamed up with the Marin County Office of Emergency Services and others to create a countywide animal disaster plan. Marin Humane
And according to FIREsafe MARIN, many human shelters cannot accept pets (or large animals) unless specific protocols are in place — so your best bet is to plan ahead. Fire Safe Marin - Adapt to Wildfire
Your first steps: Local links
Checklist to include your animals
Here’s what to build into your plan:
For companion animals (cats, dogs, etc.):
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Be sure your pet(s) wear collars and tags with up-to-date contact info and other identification.
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Microchip your pet(s) — one of the best ways to guarantee you and your pet can be reunited if separated. Always register the microchip with the manufacturer and keep your contact info current.
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Keep a leash and/or carrier near the exit. Make sure you have proper car-transport equipment (carriers, harnesses, pet seatbelts).
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Bring your companion animals indoors when evacuation looks likely so you’re not scrambling outside. Fire Safe Marin - Adapt to Wildfire
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Prepare a pet emergency kit: food, water, medications, comfort item (blanket/toy), a recent photo of your pet, and your contact and vet info.
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Practice the “go” scenario: pets transport in carriers/leashes, you load into car quickly, you leave early rather than waiting
What to do now (before an emergency)
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Make or update your family disaster plan to explicitly include your pets/animals: who takes them, how they leave, where they go.
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Assemble your pet(s) emergency kit now and store it somewhere visible and grab-ready.
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Update identification on your pets: collar tags, microchip registration, photos/videos of your pets so you can show them easily if needed.
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Review your “exit routes” for your animals: for home evacuation and for livestock/trailer evacuation. Practice!
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Sign up for local alerts from ReadyMarin and stay aware of hazard conditions (fire season, heavy storms, etc.).
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Inform neighbors/family of your plan so someone else knows what to do if you’re not home.
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Make sure you have a list of pet-friendly shelters, boarding options, or friends/family who can take your animal if you cannot evacuate together.
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 Marin County has appointed Christopher Blunk as its new Director of Public Works. Blunk, who has served as interim director since December 2024, was selected after a nationwide recruitment that drew 35 applicants.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and ability to build strong partnerships with cities and Caltrans, Blunk brings a systems-thinking approach to complex infrastructure and transportation projects. Since stepping in as interim head, he has led efforts on major initiatives such as the Marin County Fire Department’s new headquarters in San Geronimo and the reconstruction of the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium at the Civic Center fairgrounds.
Blunk joined the County in 2023 as DPW Assistant Director, following leadership roles with the City of Novato and Caltrans District 4. He holds a civil engineering degree from The Ohio State University and is a licensed professional engineer in California.
As DPW Director, Blunk will oversee 270 staff members and an $85 million annual budget, guiding a five-year capital improvement plan valued at $400 million.
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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.
Not yet registered? You can still register and vote -- just contact the Marin County Elections Department for help.
Make your plan, vote early, and have your say in this year’s election!
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Marin County Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with Catholic Charities, has been awarded $2.7 million from the State of California’s Homekey+ program to create nine new units of permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The project will rehabilitate a two-story building into shared housing with private en-suite bathrooms and communal spaces, including a kitchen, dining area, and community room. Construction is expected to begin soon, with units available in 2026.
In addition to housing, residents will receive wraparound behavioral health services and case management funded by Marin County. The County has also committed $1.5 million in capital funding and additional support through Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) operating subsidies and rental assistance.
By pairing housing with behavioral health care, Marin is advancing its goal of improving wellness and stability for residents facing both homelessness and behavioral health challenges. The effort reflects the County’s commitment to integrated, equitable, and person-centered care.
Learn more about Marin’s supportive housing initiatives and behavioral health programs at Marin HHS.
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Marin County Environmental Health Services (EHS), part of the Community Development Agency, hosted a full-day Food Business Permitting Community Workshop to improve coordination and communication with local food business operators.
The workshop brought together entrepreneurs, County staff, and community partners to identify barriers in the permitting process and develop practical solutions to help businesses succeed.
EHS staff led discussions, shared resources, and gathered feedback on how to make services more accessible and efficient. Key takeaways included expanding language access and ensuring sufficient resources for meaningful community engagement.
Follow-up materials and videos from the event are available on the Helping Businesses Succeed webpage at www.marincounty.org/ehs.
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Calls to the County about PG&E maintenance issues have increased over the past month. To help streamline reporting, residents and local staff are encouraged to use the PG&E Report It app for non-emergency concerns.
The app allows users to mark a location, describe the issue, and upload photos — a quick and effective way to share information directly with PG&E. This tool is especially useful for County and City staff who notice PG&E-related concerns while in the field.
For emergencies or hazardous conditions that pose an immediate danger, such as downed power lines or gas leaks, call 911 right away. You can also contact PG&E directly at 800-743-5000 (option 2) to report urgent safety issues.
You can explore reports or submit your own using these links:
The PG&E Report It app is a valuable addition to our community safety toolkit, helping residents and staff identify and address potential electrical or gas hazards before they become emergencies.
Use the PG&E Report It app to:
- Learn more about the types of issues you should report
- Send photos to our security team
- Find submissions made by others
- Receive notifications when your submission is under review
- See PG&E's findings
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Assemblyman Connolly at the Farm Bureau Luncheon |
Farm to Table College of Marin Event w/ Jonathan Eldridge to kick off centennial celebrations |
Transportation Clean Fleet Expo |
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Bon Air Car Show with Reide Baxter |
San Anselmo Fire Escort International Walk to School Day w/ Anne Richman & firefighters |
County Executive Derek Johnson and I, in SLO |
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Have you ever wanted to work at the County of Marin? Here is the list of the most recent positions available!
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Town of San Anselmo: Associate Planner
The Associate Planner supports the Town’s planning and development functions by reviewing and analyzing a variety of land use and development applications to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This position provides technical assistance and guidance to property owners, developers, and the public on zoning, design review, environmental assessment, and related
planning matters. The Associate Planner also prepares staff reports, presents recommendations to the Planning Commission and Town Council, and contributes to long-term planning initiatives that promote thoughtful, sustainable development consistent with San Anselmo’s General Plan.
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Marin County IT Innovation Manager
Are you a forward-thinking technology leader passionate about driving digital transformation in the public sector? Marin County is seeking an IT Innovation Manager to lead strategic initiatives that modernize services, streamline operations, and enhance how government connects with the community. In this role, you will develop and implement innovative technology solutions, collaborate across departments to improve efficiency and service delivery champion a culture of creativity, agility, and continuous improvement
Senior IT Project Manager (Senior Systems Engineer) This role works with a team of IT professionals to manage the health and delivery of IT projects in areas ranging from hardware, software, cloud, data, and more. They are responsible for all phases of the project lifecycle from project initiation, planning, and design, to execution, monitoring, controlling, and closure, and provides ongoing project status and resource reporting to the PMO Manager for roll-up to senior management.
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Conservation Corps North Bay: Natural Resources Program Manager will take a leadership role in programmatic, operational, and administrative aspects of Natural Resources programs including: hiring and managing staff members, developing and overseeing Natural Resources department policies and practices, facilitating communication and integration of Natural Resources programs with CCNB's other programming, creating a positive atmosphere to encourage learning and high quality project completion, collaborating with other department staff to ensure the successful planning and execution of field projects, planning and organizing safety and training programs, ensuring the successful completion of all departmental administrative functions, and tracking the department's budget. |
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Library Assistant II – Fairfax Branch
– Do you thrive helping patrons across age groups? Do you enjoy digital literacy teaching, managing circulation, and supporting outreach programming? This role helps expand library services across our diverse communities.
ESL Instructor
– Are you passionate about adult education and helping non-native speakers build confidence in English? This role offers both in-person and online classes, supporting learners in West Marin, South Novato, and beyond. |
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Marin Holiday Light Spectacular Coming to the Fairgrounds and Civic Center
A new holiday tradition begins this year with the Marin Holiday Light Spectacular, a free, family-friendly event at the Marin County Fairgrounds and Civic Center from November 28 to January 4, open daily from 4–9 PM. Visitors can enjoy illuminated pathways, light sculptures, music, and interactive displays. Each evening features entertainment in the Exhibit Hall and Showcase Theater, including free movies, art activities, and live performances. Opening night kicks off Friday, November 28, with live music, glow-in-the-dark juggling, and a countdown to illumination. Guests are encouraged to bring a canned food donation and contribute to Marin’s 175th Anniversary “Letter to the Future.”
33rd Annual Food Drive at Town Center Corte Madera
Help us feed our community starting November 1st by donating your non-perishable food. Support our 33rd annual food drive benefitting the SF-Marin Food Bank. The giant turkey is located by the elephant fountain accepting donations now through December 31st.
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Time: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Come celebrate Halloween with us at the Mart!
The Mart’s Halloween Festival:
4:00 - 6:00pm: Trick-Or-Treating at the shops, crafts, and temp tattoos!
5:00pm: Kid’s Costume Contest!
6:00pm: Movie Night! Monsters Inc.
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