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Sheriff's Office Newsletter October- December 2026
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Words from Sheriff Scardina
Working in partnership with our communities is one of our organization’s core values (you’ll see it written on every patrol car in service) along with Partnership, Leadership, and Excellence. Earlier this year, to further demonstrate these values, we rolled out a software program called ‘CommunityConnect'. In addition to providing text message updates to community members who call us for help, CommunityConnect will give those that we serve the opportunity to provide feedback on our performance through optional surveys after the incident is concluded. So far in 2026, we have sent out over 14,000 surveys to community members that asked us for help. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, but not surprising, as I have always told everyone who asks that I serve with the most professional, innovative, and proactive law enforcement professionals in Marin.
The results for the first six months of survey data reflect that 92% of respondents are very satisfied or satisfied with our communications dispatchers, 93% are very satisfied or satisfied with our deputies' handling of calls and 90% are very satisfied or satisfied with the overall response of our organization. I would challenge anyone to find another area of government service with this level of satisfaction from those who request help. You can see a sample of the feedback we are receiving by clicking here or going to our website at marinsheriff.gov.
Public safety is only effective when we have the trust of the public, and myself and the professionals that I work with understand that we must earn that trust every day, with every call. Feedback like this helps us reaffirm our convictions when we get it right and give us a path to improve when we fall short. The men and women of this organization take pride in being given the opportunity to impact those around us in a positive way, whether it is as a calming voice on the phone, a helpful resource at one of our front counters, or as a Deputy Sheriff bringing a chaotic situation under control.
Be well,
Sheriff Scardina
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Drug Arrest and Seizure Nets Tens of Thousands in Cash, Kilos of Drugs, and a Sports Car
In June, Detectives with our Specialized Investigative Unit (SIU), in partnership with the DEA's San Francisco Field Division, began a narcotics investigation into Ian Howerton, 31, of San Francisco.
During the investigation, undercover Detectives conducted two controlled purchases which included the sale of Cocaine and Ketamine from Howerton in Marin County.
On September 3, 2026, after Howerton agreed to sell Cocaine to undercover detectives again, investigators arrested the suspect in Southern Marin.
Following the arrest, detectives served a search warrant at Howerton's San Francisco home. During the search investigators seized $77,141 in cash, an additional $50,000 from a bank account, a BMW i8, two kilos of Cocaine, and various quantities of Ketamine, Adderall, Ecstasy, and Molly.
Read Full Story Below
HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office is once again spreading holiday cheer through our annual Holiday Toy Drive. Each year, we collect new, unwrapped toys and gift cards to help bring a little extra joy to local children and families who may otherwise go without a gift during the holiday season. Donations can be dropped off at Marin County Sheriff Substations and Marin County Fire Stations beginning November 2nd and ending December 5th.
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Employee Spotlight
Investigations/Evidence Division
Christine Wheeler, Investigations Assistant
Christine was hired in August 2009 and has held assignments in the Communications Center, the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force, and Investigations. Christine graduated from Mercy High School in 1991 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Northridge.
Her primary role was as an Investigations Assistant with the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force from 2010 to 2020. During this assignment, Christine was responsible for confidential records management, evidence management, and a variety of administrative functions. She played an integral role in developing strong partnerships with allied agencies, implementing best-practice standards for property and evidence protocols, and assisting command staff with oversight and transparency.
In late 2020, the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force was dissolved, and personnel were reassigned to the Investigations Division. Christine was assigned to the Property & Evidence Unit, where she serves as the subject matter expert. She provides mentorship to allied agencies, trains new personnel, facilitates and oversees audits and inventories, ensures quality assurance within the evidence storage areas, and strives to maintain current best practices and standards.
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Preparing for El Niño
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with our allied agencies to prepare for what’s expected to be a historic El Niño season. As we closely monitor both short- and long-range forecasts, we plan to deploy teams and assets to areas of need.
In coordination with the Marin County Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management, we hope these tips will help you prepare for what may be in store.
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Stronger Communities are Weather Ready
A potential El Niño and multiple prolonged winter storms, increase the possibility for significant impacts like flooding, landslides, power outages and more. Marin residents, businesses and workers need to prepare today to protect tomorrow.
Stay Informed
Know Your Risks:
- Use the Hazard Look-Up Map to check if your home, work or regular travel routes are vulnerable to flooding
- Plan where to park your vehicle safely out of hazard zones
Prepare Now
- Create or update your emergency plan.
- Plan for power outages, flooded roads and travel disruptions.
- Clear leaves and debris from drains and gutters.
- Have sandbags available and ready to use.
- Pack a go-bag in case you need to evacuate.
- Build a stay-box with supplies for sheltering at home.
- Connect with neighbors and plan how you can support one another.
For more resources, visit ReadyMarin.org/ElNiño.
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DEPUTIES IN ACTION
We are so proud of all the incredible work our deputies do every day. We wanted to share a few examples, along with photos, that show how quickly our teams jump into action when our community needs them.
Earlier this month, Deputy McGrath witnessed a small transit bus crash into the back of a semi-trailer parked just off the shoulder of Highway 101 in San Rafael. It was just before 2 a.m. on a dark stretch of highway. She located the driver trapped inside the bus, immediately began providing emergency medical care, and got additional resources en route to the scene. Her quick actions may have saved his life. (Photo 1)
In September, Deputies Barajas and Galvez were the first on the scene at a fire in Inverness. They immediately began using water hoses and cutting down brush to slow the fire’s spread. As our partners from County Fire arrived, the deputies began evacuations, assessed nearby structures, and provided on-scene security. Their quick response and teamwork helped prevent a bad situation from becoming a disastrous one. (Photo 2)
GUARDIANS OF THE BAY
Guardians of the Bay brought together 12 elite law enforcement agencies for 24 hours of nonstop, real-world training.
Nearly 180 instructors, supported by 300 volunteers, coordinated 12 different scenarios designed to test communication, coordination, decision-making, and response under pressure.
From an active shooter to a mass-casualty incident, our teams moved across four counties, confronting realistic scenarios designed to prepare us for the challenges that can happen anywhere, at any time.
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Joining elite law enforcement agencies from across the Bay Area, we pushed through exhaustion and mental fatigue to identify areas where we can improve. This is the training that helps prepare us for real-life crises. We train for excellence. We train for the unexpected. We train to be there when you need us most.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nicasio Pumpkin Patch
Time: Mon - Thur: 10a - 4p, Fri 10a - 6p & Sat/Sun 9a - 6p
Locotion: 5300 Nicosio Volley Road, Nicasio CA 94946
Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch returns for another season of fall fun in the heart of beautiful Nicasio Valley. The traditional pumpkin patch offers a wide variety of pumpkins along with family-friendly activities, farm animals, food, live music, and plenty of room to enjoy a day in the countryside.
Not-So-Scary Halloween Magic Show
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Celebrate Halloween with a little magic at the Not-So-Scary Halloween Magic Show, presented by the City of Novoto Porks, Recreation & Community Services Department. Fomilies can enjoy a frightfully fun and kid-friendly magic show at Novato City Hall.
Two performances will be offered, at 10:00 am and 11:30 am, with doors opening 30 minutes before each show. No reservations are required, so guests can simply choose the performance that works best for them.
Goblins BOOtacular in San Anselmo
Friday, October 23, 2026 @5pm
Get ready for a frightfully fun evening at the 2026 Goblins' BOOtacular in Downtown San Anselmo!
Families are invited to dress in their most creative costumes and head to San Anselmo Avenue for an evening of safe ond festive trick-or-treating. Local businesses throughout downtown will welcome little ghosts, goblins, and other costumed characters for this beloved community Halloween tradition.
Bring the whole fomily and celebrate Holloween with neighbors and local businesses in the heart of San Anselmo.
Toy Drive Drop Off Locations
Donation locations for new toys and gift cards run from 11/2 - 12/5
- Tomales Fire Station: 599 Dillon Beach Rd, Tomales
- Woodacre Fire Station: 33 Castle Rock Ave, Woodacre
- Throckmorton Fire Station: 816 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley
- Stinson Beach Post Office: 15 Calle del Mar, Stinson Beach
- Bolinas Fire Station: 100 Mesa Rd, Bolinas
- Marin City Substation: 850 Drake Ave, Marin city
- Pt Reyes Substation: 101 4th St, Point Reyes Station
- Marin Sheriff’s Lobby: 1600 Los Gamos Dr. #200, San RafaeL
- Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 20 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael
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Sign up for Quarterly Newsletter
(Continued from above)
Case of the Quarter
The investigation remains ongoing. "This collaborative effort with our partners at the DEA's San Francisco field office and the CHP resulted in the seizure of a large amount of drugs that are now off Marin County streets. We are holding a significant drug dealer accountable" said Lieutenant Brennan Collins.
Additional charges or arrests may follow. The Marin County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the DEA's San Francisco Field Division, and the California Highway Patrol for their assistance. Ian Howerton was booked into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of multiple felony counts of transporting/selling narcotics, possession of controlled substance for sale and two misdemeanor charges.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you were forwarded this newsletter and want to sign up for future correspondence, please click the link below to ensure you receive our quarterly updates
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Sign Up For Alert Marin!
Please follow the link below to sign up. This messaging system will be used in the event of a critical incident within the County. This database is different than other alert messaging systems and is used for high priority events only.
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The Marin County Sheriff's Office is Hiring!
We currently have openings for sworn and non-sworn positions. Members of our Professional Standards Unit can help set up a ride-along or tour of the Jail, Communications Center and more for applicants. Click the link below for more details about current openings!
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Stay in contact with us
Facebook, Instagram, X, & Nextdoor
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Non-Emergency Line
415-479-2311
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In an emergency, call
911
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