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Dear Neighbors,
As we head into the holiday season, I wanted to share a few highlights from my work this month and wish you and your family happy holidays.
This month, I joined colleagues at the San Francisco–Marin Food Bank with Congressman Jared Huffman, Board President Mary Sackett, and Dr. Lisa Warhuus to call attention to the growing food insecurity facing Marin families. With federal funding disruptions and rising costs, continued community support for organizations like the Food Bank remains critical.
We also made several important safety improvements. A new pilot program led by the District Attorney’s Office is helping prevent financial scams targeting older adults by empowering bank staff to flag suspicious withdrawals. In addition, you may have noticed new traffic safety features at the Butterfield and Green Valley intersection, including a bright school crossing sign and new pavement markings, added in response to community feedback.
At the Board, we voted 5–0 to move forward with the Oak Hill workforce housing project, supporting homes for county employees and teachers. We also adopted the County’s legislative priorities for the year ahead, focused on affordability, resilience, and more efficient government, while preparing responsibly for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.
I’m grateful for the engagement and care I see across our community. If you see me out in the district, I hope you’ll stop me and say hello. I always appreciate the chance to connect.
Wishing you and your loved ones happy holidays and a bright start to the new year.
Cheers,
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Great conversations this week at California State Association of Counties (CSAC), including a timely workshop on navigating federal uncertainty. Important discussions about how counties can stay nimble, protect core services, and plan ahead in a constantly shifting federal landscape.
Also appreciated the opportunity to tour both the Google and Adobe campuses with Board President Mary Sackett and County Executive Derek Johnson, getting a firsthand look at cutting-edge digital innovation and how technology can improve government services, efficiency, and public access. Smart ideas, real-world applications, and plenty that we have already begun to bring home to Marin.
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We got a chance to learn about priorities from counties across the state, and listen to some innovative ideas from leaders in California. The conference closed with a rousing keynote from David Brooks, offering a compelling link between moral leadership and the complex realities of governing at the local level. Already looking forward to the next one! And lastly, a special shout out to my Aide Sonia Saltzman for accompanying me and keeping me on time. |
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Ever wanted to know more about the Civic Center, a living museum showcasing Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision? You can now explore the Marin County Civic Center through a new digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, featuring its architecture, history, public art, and design details. Whether you are visiting in person or exploring from home, it is an easy and engaging way to experience one of Marin’s most iconic landmarks. |
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The Board of Supervisors will temporarily hold its public meetings at the Showcase Theater (20 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael) from January 20 through February 2026 while we modernize the audio-visual system in the Board Chamber. The current equipment is outdated and at the end of its useful life, and recent updates to the Ralph M. Brown Act under California Senate Bill 707 require local governments to expand remote meeting participation by July 2026. This project will help Marin meet those state requirements while greatly improving the public’s experience.
Upgrades include new monitors, microphones, improved graphics tools, better camera angles for livestreaming, and more reliable audio and video quality. The project also enhances ADA digital accessibility and allows the County to bring broadcasting and recording in-house, saving costs.
During the temporary relocation, hybrid/Zoom participation will continue as usual. Also, the Showcase Theater offers more seating, convenient parking behind the venue, and nearby access to SMART and Marin Transit.
This temporary location will also be used for meetings of the Marin Housing Authority, the Marin County Open Space District Board of Directors, the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Board of Directors, and the Marin County Planning Commission. Meeting locations may vary, so please check the appropriate agency’s website before attending.
We appreciate your patience as we make these improvements to better serve the community. To learn more, visit the Temporary Board of Supervisors Meeting Relocation webpage.
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Me with friends from Access4Bikes at the ribbon cutting.
After more than a decade of planning and community effort, the Caballo Rojo Trail officially opens to mountain bikers on December 13 following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. The new one-mile, downhill-only trail is the latest addition to the Tamarancho trail network and represents a major win for sustainable trail design, safety, and rider experience.
Built in just ten weeks by Marin Trail Stewards’ Pro Trails Crew and hundreds of volunteers, Caballo Rojo was fully funded by the mountain biking community, with support from Shimano’s Trail Born grant. No public funds were used. The trail reduces congestion on Iron Springs Road, provides a dedicated downhill exit, and adds an exciting new flow trail for riders.
Caballo Rojo is now fully built, fully permitted, and ready to ride, a true example of what long-term collaboration and community investment can achieve.
Special thanks to my Aide, Susannah Mrazek for her behind-the-scenes work helping move this long-anticipated project across the finish line.
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At the December 9th Board of Supervisors meeting, County staff updated the Board of Supervisors on ongoing efforts to improve the building permit process in unincorporated Marin, with a focus on making it faster, clearer, and more user-friendly while increasing compliance and safety. Since launching the Permit Improvement Program in 2020, the County has expanded online permitting, created a dedicated ombudsperson to help applicants navigate the system, streamlined septic permitting, and reduced the need for in-person trips to the Civic Center.
Staff also outlined next steps, including eliminating redundant software, improving online tools that clarify timelines and requirements, and phasing out paper plan submittals by January 1, 2026, except for qualifying disabilities. The goal is simple: help property owners move projects forward more efficiently while reducing unpermitted construction and improving safety countywide.
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 Last week, I attended an event with my colleague Board President Mary Sackett, Dr. Lisa Warhuus, Director of the Marin Office of Health and Human Services, and others to highlight the growing food insecurity facing families in the wake of recent federal policies. Hosted by Congressman Jared Huffman, the press conference focused on the impacts of H.R. 1, which reduced support to food banks and made it more difficult for eligible residents to enroll in SNAP, as well as the broader uncertainty created by federal disruptions.
The discussion underscored how vulnerable our safety net has become, particularly for the 15,500 Marin residents who rely on SNAP each month. The goal of the event was to encourage continued community support for organizations like the San Francisco–Marin Food Bank, especially during the holidays, when donations typically peak. As federal uncertainty continues, sustained charitable giving remains critical to helping local families meet their most basic needs.
If you are moved to give, please consider using the link below to support the invaluable work of the San Francisco–Marin Food Bank. https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/more-ways-to-give/
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I joined Menlo Spark, a nonprofit that partners with property owners to electrify buildings and deploy clean energy solutions, in Berkeley for a Zero Emissions Site Visit Tour of a fully electrified multi-family building. The visit focused on the installation of affordable, clean heat pump technology for both space and water heating. I also met with the building owner, general contractor, and tenants to hear firsthand how these systems are improving comfort, reducing emissions, and lowering long-term energy costs.
This visit offered a practical look at scalable solutions that advance climate goals while keeping housing efficient and affordable.
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We recently added new traffic safety features at the Butterfield and Green Valley intersection to better protect students and families using this busy school crossing. Through community engagement and partnerships, the County’s Traffic Safety Division identified the need for additional measures to better alert drivers and slow traffic in the area.
You may have already noticed the improvements, including a bright neon school crossing sign and new “shark tooth” pavement markings at the crosswalk. These added visual cues are designed to increase driver awareness, reinforce right-of-way rules, and make the crossing safer for everyone, especially during school commute hours.
As always, we appreciate the community’s input and partnership in helping us learn where targeted safety improvements can make a real difference.
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The Board of Supervisors adopted Marin County’s legislative priorities for the year ahead, setting a clear agenda focused on protecting core services, advancing affordability, strengthening public safety, and building long-term resilience. These priorities guide the County’s advocacy at the state and federal levels and are designed to ensure Marin can respond effectively to changing economic, environmental, and fiscal conditions.
Key priorities include safeguarding funding for health and human services, housing, transportation, and climate resilience; supporting policies that address the rising cost of living; and modernizing government systems so the County can deliver services more efficiently. The agenda also looks ahead, emphasizing responsible use of artificial intelligence, preparation for autonomous and emerging transportation technologies, and smart infrastructure investments that improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance mobility options across the county.
You can view the full presentation below. A special thank you to Talia Smith, Interim Deputy Director in the Office of County Executive and the County’s lead on legislative affairs, and her associate Sophie Helpard for assembling a comprehensive, forward-thinking legislative agenda that reflects both Marin’s immediate needs and future opportunities.
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Scams and financial fraud are on the rise, with older adults especially vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated schemes. To help prevent financial exploitation, the Marin County District Attorney’s Office has launched a new pilot program in partnership with Bank of Marin, WestAmerica Bank, the San Rafael Police Department, and the Aging Division of Marin Health and Human Services.
The program empowers bank staff to pause and provide information when a customer, particularly an older adult, requests a large or unusual withdrawal. Informational cards prompt customers to consider whether a previously unknown person is involved and encourage them to contact law enforcement before releasing funds if something feels off.
With one in five older adults nationally experiencing financial abuse and Marin’s senior population continuing to grow, this effort aims to interrupt scams before life-altering losses occur. The County hopes to expand the program beyond the initial two-month pilot and continue working with community partners to raise awareness and protect vulnerable residents.
More information on preventing scams can be found here: https://www.marinhhs.org/dont-get-scammed
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Please see the following openings on Board and Commissions in D2.
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Holiday Light Spectacular Opening Night with Supervisor Eric Lucan and Deputy Director of Cultural Services Libby Garrison |
Last Fire Safe Marin Meeting of 2025 |
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3rd Annual San Anselmo Hanukkah Festival
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Celebrating Community Development Agency (CDA) staff at Holiday Celebration |
2nd Winter Gala supporting the Marin City Health & Wellness Center |
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KWPOA Holiday Party, with President Jeff Leh |
San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Holiday Celebration |
San Francisco Theological Seminary of University of the Redlands Lessons and Carols |
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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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Sr. Specialist, QA, BioSpace
BioMarin’s Technical Operations group is responsible for creating our drugs for use in clinical trials and for scaling production of those drugs for the commercial market.
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Dental Hygienist at Marin Community Clinics
Registered Dental Hygienist support MCC's Dental Clinics with a wide range of Registered Dental Hygienist duties. Supports Dentists at all times and focuses on delivering excellent customer service to our patients.
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Physicians Assistant, Surgery
The primary responsibilities include providing patient care in the clinic setting, performing in-office procedures, and focusing on patient education. As an APP, you will play a critical role in delivering high-quality healthcare services and ensuring excellent patient outcomes.
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Bilingual Housing Case Manager
WMCS seeks a mission-driven Case Manager to create, implement, and deliver housing-focused services to households who are at imminent risk of losing their homes over the next year due to substandard housing conditions at Martinelli Ranch and the planned ranch closures on Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS).
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Join a free Climate Action Workshop to reduce your carbon footprint and prepare your family and community for the impacts of climate change. These transformative 5-meeting sessions kick off on Jan 8 or Jan 14. Sign up today: http://tinyurl.com/RNProgram
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