November Update from Supervisor Sackett

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NOVEMBER 2025

350 MERRYDALE RD INTERIM SHELTER FIRE INSURANCE TIPS DON'T BE SCARED, BE PREPARED VETERANS' MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM MANUEL T. FREITAS PKWY/US-101 INTERCHANGE UPDATE IN COMMUNITY HAVE YOU HEARD? WHAT I'M READING RESOURCES

Dear Neighbors,

I’m excited to share updates about ongoing improvements on the Civic Center Campus. The Civic Center Péntanque Courts and Field of Dogs Park are officially open for use. An accessible pathway from the jury parking lot was built and drainage was upgraded to eliminate flooding that previously affected the Dog Park. There are new County banners on the light poles along Civic Center Drive, and there are seasonal lights being put up as we prepare to launch the Holiday Light Spectacular. From November 28 to January 4, every night from 4 PM to 9 PM, experience a free celebration of community with light sculptures, music, and winter displays designed to delight visitors of all ages.

Marin Center Fairgrounds will feature nightly:

• Sparkling holiday lights with photo opportunities
• Vintage fire truck
• Hands-on holiday craft making
• Write a Letter to the Future for Marin's 175th Anniversary
• Seasonal treats & hot beverages
• Marin County Sheriff Toy Drive
• Food Drive

Marin County Civic Center will feature nightly:

• Illuminated North, South, and Middle Arches
• An illuminated 4th Floor Dome in the Marin County Free Library. Visit during business hours, 9 AM to 6 PM Monday - Friday.

This year marks Marin County’s 175th anniversary, and our Board recognized this milestone with a resolution and a presentation on November 18. The celebration continues on December 15 from 5 PM - 7 PM with an evening event at the Marin Fairgrounds as part of the Holiday Light Spectacular. 

Looking ahead, the 2026 Marin County Fair: Stars, Stripes & Stories (July 1-5, 2026) will honor and celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary and pay tribute to the rich tapestry of voices, traditions, and experiences that have shaped our shared history. Beginning December 1, Marin County Fair tickets will go on sale with special holiday ticket packages perfect for your holiday gift list. 

 

350 MERRYDALE RD INTERIM SHELTER

 

I want to thank the many residents who have taken the time to share their perspectives regarding the interim homeless shelter project and future affordable housing at 350 Merrydale Road in San Rafael. I have walked, biked, and driven through the surrounding neighborhood, and I have carefully reviewed the written public comments, and listened to the public comments to both the City and County. Your engagement and thoughtful feedback have been invaluable in shaping the County’s approach.

At our meeting on November 18, the Board of Supervisors approved the allocation of $8 million to support this collaborative effort with the City of San Rafael, which includes $7 million from the County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund for the City’s purchase and preparation of the site, and an additional $1 million for the establishment of an interim shelter. The City Council approved the project the prior evening, on November 17, reflecting our shared commitment to addressing both immediate shelter needs and long-term affordable housing solutions.

In the near term, the site will host an interim shelter program with 65 individual cabins, each equipped with electricity, heating, and personal storage. The site will also provide shared facilities for meals, showers, and restrooms, with comprehensive case management and health services coordinated through Marin Health and Human Services. The shelter is anticipated to operate through June 2027, with the option to extend through June 2029 if additional operating funds become available.

Simultaneously, the City will begin the entitlement process for the site’s redevelopment into a permanent affordable housing community, comprising at least 80 deed-restricted homes for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. This project is an important step forward in advancing Marin County’s long-standing goals of reducing homelessness and expanding access to affordable housing.

I recognize that this project is situated within a neighborhood of residents who are deeply connected and care profoundly about their community. Accordingly, the Board’s action directs staff to work in close partnership with the City of San Rafael to ensure that community feedback is integrated into the site design, operations plan, and Good Neighbor Policy, which will establish clear guidelines for site operations, communication, and community engagement to maintain a positive relationship between the shelter and the surrounding area. The City of San Rafael will facilitate a community engagement session on December 9, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM at Venetia Valley School - Multipurpose Room (177 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael) to gather feedback on the updated Good Neighbor Policy and the preliminary site design. A subsequent community engagement session is planned for January 14, 2026. 

To all who have participated in this process through letters, testimony, and community discussions, thank you. Your input has informed this decision, and your continued involvement will remain vital as planning progresses. I remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and open dialogue, and I welcome ongoing conversations as we move forward together. We have a critical, time-limited opportunity to provide shelter and make a meaningful difference in the lives of up to 70 unhoused individuals in San Rafael, while also laying the groundwork for future affordable homes that will serve local families and workers for generations to come.

 

FIRE INSURANCE TIPS

 

Wildfire preparedness isn’t just about home hardening, defensible space, and evacuation planning. Your insurance coverage plays a major role in how successfully you can recover. Don't overlook two key areas that can directly impact your financial protection:

1) Review your CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report annually
CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is a national database that tracks homeowners and auto insurance claims for up to seven years. Insurance companies look at your CLUE report to assess your risk, set premiums, and sometimes even decide whether to offer you coverage. A clean report keeps your coverage strong and your costs controlled. You should review your CLUE report annually, especially before shopping for insurance or after filing a claim. If something looks off, you can dispute it and request corrections.

2) If your home is in a trust, your insurance must match
Many Marin homeowners use a revocable living trust as part of estate planning. If your insurance policy still lists you personally as the only insured, the insurer may argue that the trust (i.e. not you) is the rightful policyholder. That can lead to disputes or even claim denials after a wildfire or other major loss.

To avoid such problems:

• Notify your insurer if you place your home in a trust
• Add the trust as a named insured or additional insured
• Match the trust name exactly as written in legal documents
• Request written confirmation of the update

Savings Tip
If you live in a Firewise USA neighborhood, you may be eligible for insurance discounts. Check out Fire Safe Marin's map to confirm your community’s Firewise status. If you’re not in a Firewise neighborhood, contact Fire Safe Marin about starting the process. 

Access resources from the United Policyholders, they do consumer advocacy and research supporting wildfire-impacted homeowners statewide.

 

DON'T BE SCARED, BE PREPARED

 

Marin School of Environmental Leadership students at Terra Linda High School embark on a group project freshman year connected to their community. A group of students is focusing on getting people signed up for AlertMarin and packing their go bags. Check out their posters and call to action:

Prepare a go bag with essential supplies such as clothing, toiletries, important documents, and enough food and water for several days, in case you need to leave your home quickly. Create a family evacuation plan so everyone knows where to go and how to reconnect during an emergency. Finally, sign up for AlertMarin to receive timely notifications about local hazards and evacuation orders.

 

 

IN COMMUNITY