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Southern Marin Scoop - January 2026 |
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Dear Southern Marin Friends and Neighbors,
As we begin 2026, I want to thank our community for its resilience and care for one another—especially in light of the recent storms and flooding that have impacted Marin County. These events remind us how important it is to stay prepared, informed, and connected, particularly for those living in flood-prone areas.
In the weeks ahead, my office will be working closely with County staff and emergency response partners to strengthen advance notifications, improve communication, and expand flood preparedness support for our Southern Marin communities. Below, you’ll find important preparedness resources and updates, including information from our fire and emergency management partners and how to sign up for AlertMarin.
This month, I am especially honored to highlight Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Marin City on January 19. Marin City’s annual MLK Day observance is a powerful opportunity to come together in reflection, service, and celebration of Dr. King’s legacy of justice, equity, and community. I hope you will join me in this meaningful local tradition.
The January Southern Marin Scoop also includes information about the change in venue of the upcoming Board of Supervisors meetings, updates on housing and infrastructure projects, arts and culture opportunities, library improvements, environmental achievements in Richardson Bay, and upcoming meetings and events across our district. Whether it’s flood preparedness, community celebrations, or progress on long-term priorities, there is a lot happening in Southern Marin.
Thank you for staying engaged and for being part of what makes our communities strong. I look forward to the year ahead and to continuing our work together.
All my best,
Stephanie
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 In This Edition
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 The Marin City Community Services District (MCCSD) invites the community to attend Marin City’s 27th Annual Commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme, “Crafting a New Blueprint for Justice,” honors Dr. King’s legacy through reflection, creativity, and community connection.
The program will include a musical prelude, spoken word, gospel music, a keynote speaker, youth performances, essay contest winners, and the presentation of MLK Awards. Lunch will be served following the program, with snacks available throughout the event.
Monday, January 19, 2026 * 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Musical Prelude: 11:00–11:45 a.m.
Program Begins: 12:00 p.m.
Manzanita Center Gymnasium, 630 Drake Avenue, Marin City, CA 94965
www.MarinCityCSD.com
RSVP/More Information: Florence Williams 415-332-1444, office@marincitycsd.com
The Art of Healing – A Benefit Concert in Honor of Oshalla Marcus at Throckmorton Theatre
The Art of Healing, a powerful benefit concert dedicated to supporting the recovery of Oshalla Marcus, Executive Director of the Marin City Art & Culture Center, who is courageously healing from a life-threatening stroke. This special evening is designed as a musical journey of healing, featuring artists whose work centers on restoration, resilience, and the transformative power of sound. Every performance of the evening is a tribute to the power of music to restore, uplift, and reconnect us to one another. MORE
THE ART OF HEALING: A Concert of Beloved Artists to Benefit Oshalla Marcus
Sunday, January 18, 2026
7:00 PM 9:00 PM
Throckmorton Theatre
142 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, CA, 94941
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Supervisors Relocating Regular Meetings to Accommodate Chamber Upgrades
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 the audio-visual system is modernized in the Board Chamber.
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. To learn more, visit the Temporary Board of Supervisors Meeting Relocation webpage.
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Board of Supervisors Meeting Preview for January 20
Board Reorganization
After convening at 9 AM, the Board of Supervisors will reorganize for the 2026 calendar year and elect a President, Vice President, and Second Vice President.
Proclamation of Emergency for Storm Surge
The Board will consider ratifying a local emergency proclamation by the County Executive, acting as the Director of Emergency Services, in response to compound flooding and the severe storm surge that began on January 3. The County Executive ordered the proclamation on January 13, and it was sent to the Governor’s Office. Total countywide damages from the rain, flooding, and king tides is estimated at $4.35 million. (Staff report, news release).
Fire Headquarters Project Labor Agreement
The Board will receive a presentation about the proposed project labor agreement (PLA) for the new Marin County Fire Department headquarters at San Geronimo Commons. PLA would establish clear workforce standards for the project, including strong apprenticeship requirements, local hiring priorities, and workforce training provisions designed to keep construction jobs and public investment local. The Board will be asked to authorize the County Executive or his designee to execute the PLA. (Staff report, news release).
Appointments to Boards and Commissions
The Board will consider appointments to the Library Commission and the Marin County Public Finance Authority.
See the County website for the full agenda, staff reports, meeting viewing and participation guidelines, and archival information.
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Higher Tides Return January 29- Feb. 2, 2026
Higher than usual tides are expected, Jan. 29 - Feb. 2, 2026 and may cause flooding in low-lying areas of Marin County. These 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 could be high enough to cause roadway flooding in coastal and bayside areas of Marin. Storms during these periods may create tidal surges that raise water levels higher than predicted.
Predicted higher tide dates in Marin, according to the San Francisco tide gauge:
- January 29, 2026 - peak tide @ 7:34 a.m. (6.6 feet)
- January 30, 2026 - peak tide @ 8:34 a.m. (6.8 feet)
- January 31, 2026 - peak tide @ 9:30 a.m. (6.8 feet)
- February 1, 2026 - peak tide @ 10:22 a.m. (6.8 feet)
- February 2, 2026 - peak tide @ 11:12 a.m. (6.5 feet)
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Southern Marin Fire District Preparedness Information
As we move through January and February, Southern Marin communities can expect some of the highest tides of the year, increasing the potential for coastal flooding—especially when high tides coincide with rainstorms, wind, or storm surge. These conditions are common during winter and can impact low-lying waterfront areas, roads, homes, and businesses. High tides don’t always mean flooding, but preparation is key. Even minor flooding can cause property damage, disrupt travel, and create safety hazards if residents aren’t ready. MORE
What You Can Do Now
Before High Tides and Storms
· Clear drains and gutters: Remove leaves and debris from storm drains, gutters, and downspouts so water can flow freely.
· Have sandbags ready: Protect doors, garages, and other low entry points in flood-prone areas.
· Secure outdoor items: Bring in or tie down patio furniture, trash bins, and loose items that could wash away.
· Check sump pumps and drains: Make sure they are functioning properly before storms arrive.
· Prepare an emergency kit: Include flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.
· Plan ahead: If you live or work near the waterfront, plan alternate travel routes during peak tide periods.
During High Tide Events
· Avoid driving through flooded roadways.
· Keep clear of seawalls and shorelines during high surf.
· Follow local advisories and official updates.
Southern Marin Flood Zones
Stay informed about flood protection efforts in your area by signing up for Flood Zone 3 (Richardson Bay) and Flood Zone 4 (Bel Aire) updates. These zones are part of the Marin County Flood Control District’s network of flood zones that address localized flooding issues within specific watersheds. If you live or own property in Zones 3 or 4, your subscription will keep you up to date on projects and activities funded by zone-specific property taxes and fees—such as maintenance and improvements to levees, pumps, creeks, drainage systems, and stormwater facilities. Subscribers also receive information on upcoming projects, budgets, and opportunities to engage with the Zone Advisory Boards, which advise the Board of Supervisors on flood-related priorities. Sign up today to receive timely updates and stay connected to flood control work in your community.
Marin Files Emergency Proclamation Following Severe Storms
The recent compound flooding and severe storms, bringing rainfall, high winds, and severe flooding throughout Marin County have prompted an emergency proclamation from the County of Marin.
County Executive Derek Johnson, acting as the County’s Director of Emergency Services, ordered the proclamation January 13 and cited conditions of extreme peril that resulted from storms and tidal surges that began January 3. A copy of the proclamation was sent to Governor Gavin Newsom through the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
The proclamation stated that, starting January 3, Marin and several municipalities experienced a “compound, multi-hazard flooding incident resulting from the convergence of a severe storm system, precipitation-driven riverine runoff, storm surge, high winds, and record king tides.” This convergence caused widespread coastal and inland flooding and levee failures, causing inundation of structures, road closures, utility disruption, landslides, hazardous materials releases, and displacement of residents, with residual impacts anticipated to be found beyond January 13. MORE
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Storm Surge-Flooded Properties May Qualify Property
for Tax Relief
Property owners impacted by flooding from recent storm surge and king tides in Marin County may be eligible for property tax relief.
Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Shelly Scott said her office is identifying taxable real and business personal property that may have been damaged or destroyed during the January 2-4 flooding event and is encouraging eligible property owners to apply for disaster-related tax relief.
The emergency relief may be available for taxable property including residences, commercial buildings, boats, aircraft, and business personal property locally assessed. However, the tax relief is not applicable to business inventory or personal items such as household goods and furnishings. MORE
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Marin City Affordable Housing Construction Update
 Construction is actively underway at 825 Drake Avenue, Marin City, with the developer assembling modular buildings from January 22 to February 13, 2026, following completion of groundwork. Expect temporary parking restrictions and potential traffic delays on Drake Avenue during this period, with construction hours typically 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.. This project is a 42-unit, 100% affordable housing complex, with updates posted on the Marin County project page, and residents can find details in the January 2026 Construction Notice leaflet.
County, PG&E Partner to Reduce Traffic During Strawberry Construction Project
Several utility projects are underway in the unincorporated Strawberry area of southern Marin County, with most of the construction work taking place at night to minimize inconveniences for travelers.
The County of Marin and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) are coordinating the projects adjacent to – and underneath – Highway 101. Starting January 12, the work started on Redwood Highway Frontage Road (between Seminary Drive and Belvedere Drive), as well as at the Belvedere Drive / Redwood Highway intersection, Redwood Highway Frontage Road at the Seminary Drive exit from Highway 101, and beneath the highway. MORE
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Fewer Illegal Boats on Anchorage and Restored Eelgrass Highlight Richardson Bay Regional Agency’s Series of Achievements in 2025
 Just five boats remain on the anchorage due to the RBRA’s temporary housing support program, and the agency’s goal of 15 new acres of eelgrass has been nearly met, two years ahead of schedule.
The Richardson Bay Regional Agency’s (RBRA) Board of Directors kicked off 2026 by recognizing a series of breakthrough achievements in 2025, which included reducing the number of illegally anchored vessels on the anchorage to just five boats. The RBRA has been able to relocate the occupants of those boats in a compassionate, empathetic manner, with 27 individuals now living in safe, secure homes as a result of the agency’s temporary housing support program.
In addition to achieving progress clearing the anchorage, the RBRA made significant environmental improvements in 2025. In May & June, the agency and its partners planted 8.5 acres of eelgrass on the seabed, bringing the RBRA’s two-year total to 14.5 acres of new plants to the Bay floor. That total nearly matches the agency’s stated goal of 15 new acres—which the RBRA initially planned to achieve by 2027, meaning it’s well ahead of schedule to hit that target. MORE
Marin City Library Refresh Project
The Marin City Library is getting a fresh new look! The library will be closed for a refresh from January 4 through February 11, 2026, and will reopen on February 12, 2026 with updated spaces designed to better serve the community. Improvements include a modernized service desk, reorganized shelving for easier browsing, new furniture for all ages, fresh paint, and new carpet throughout. The refresh also features an expanded teen area with technology and comfortable seating, plus a new gallery wall in the teen and adult areas to showcase local artwork. Visit the Marin County Free Library Refresh page to learn more about the vision for this project and what’s coming next. MORE
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Agricultural Institute of Marin Update
 Proud moment for AIM board members at the Center for Volunteer Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) luncheon as Agricultural Institute of Marin is recognized with the 2025 Heart of Marin Award for Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence.
The Center for Food and Agriculture
A new permanent outdoor home for AIM's Marin Farmers Market
and a Food Innovation Hub for the future.
 In a historic step toward securing the future of local agriculture and the regional foodshed, the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) and the County of Marin finalized a 40-year lease agreement on September 16, 2025 to establish the Center for Food and Agriculture (CFA). This moment is the foundation of a vibrant, climate-smart home for the Marin Farmers Market and a Food Innovation Hub that will serve farmers, chefs, and the community for decades to come. MORE
Pop-Up Document Certification Event Comes to Civic Center
 Who needs to have signatures from public officials authenticated on important documents? Lots of people do, including those who need to use birth, marriage, or death certificates outside of the United States. A special authentication is often required when using such documents internationally.
To simplify the process, the Marin County Clerk’s Office is collaborating with the California Secretary of State to bring a pop-up apostille shop to the Civic Center cafeteria on Wednesday, January 21. MORE
"What About Age?" Exhibit at Marin Civic Center Gallery
Marin Cultural Association Launches 2026 Arts Grants Cycle
The Marin Cultural Association (MCA) launched its 2026 Arts Grants cycle on January 5 with support from the California Arts Council. The 2026 cycle will provide $100,000 in funding to bolster Marin County’s diverse and dynamic arts ecosystem.
Now in its second year, the MCA Arts Grants program continues to expand opportunities for Marin’s creative community, supporting individual artists as well as a wide range of arts and cultural organizations.
Grants up to $5,000 will be available for emerging and established artists ages 18 and older who live or work in Marin, as well as studio collectives in the county. Grants up to $10,000 will be available for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations operating with an arts-based mission and presenting arts programs in Marin. MORE
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