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Dear Neighbors,
October has brought a welcome shift in the weather, and it finally feels like Fall is here. A seasonal reminder: Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1, when clocks “fall back” one hour.
Election Day is right around the corner. The ballot includes a number of statewide propositions and local measures. I encourage everyone to take some time to learn about the issues and vote before or on November 3. The County Elections Department lists all official ballot drop box locations, vote centers, and more information on how to vote.
The Board of Supervisors adopted positions on several Propositions. The Board voted to support Propositions 1, 3, and 37 and oppose Propositions 39, 42, 43, 44, and 45. The Board also adopted a resolution supporting Measure P, the Marin County Child Care Initiative, which will appear on the countywide ballot. Measure P proposes a 15-year parcel tax of 5 cents per square foot of building improvements, estimated to generate approximately $12.5 million annually for childcare and early childhood education programs in Marin. Whatever issues matter most to you, please make a plan to vote and make your voice heard.
The Board of Supervisors approved for winter storm preparedness to reduce flood risk, protect critical infrastructure, and strengthen emergency response. Funding will support flood barriers, sandbags, drainage protections, tide gates, equipment deployment, and flood and erosion protection at locations including the Santa Venetia neighborhood, McInnis Marsh, and McNears Beach, and more, as well as emergency communications and disaster operations. We cannot fully eliminate flood risk and impacts, but we can prepare together.
What residents can do now:
- Sign up for and bookmark the
- , , and have emergency supplies ready
- Clear gutters and drains and consider if your property is flood-prone
- Move vehicles and valuables to higher ground when flooding is expected
- Learn more about winter storm preparedness through ReadyMarin
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Here's a behind-the-scenes moment of filming an interview in Santa Venetia about winter preparations with reporter Kevin Ko at CBS News Bay Area | KPIX-TV. Watch the segment here. |
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COUNTY POLICY RE FEDERAL IMMIGRATION POLICY
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Earlier this year (Feb newsletter; July newsletter), I wrote about the fear and uncertainty many of our immigrant neighbors were experiencing as federal immigration enforcement actions intensified across the country. I shared then that as local leaders, we must stand up for the dignity and rights of our residents while also being honest about what a county government can and cannot do under the law.
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a new County policy that establishes clear limits on how County property, staff, resources, and confidential information may be used for federal civil immigration enforcement. It also strengthens reporting and oversight of interactions with federal immigration officials. Among other protections, federal immigration officials seeking access to nonpublic areas of County facilities must present a judicial warrant or other legally sufficient authority. The policy prohibits the use of County property as a staging area, processing location, or base of operations for immigration enforcement, except where required by law, and reinforces protections against the improper sharing of confidential County-held information. Marin County cannot abolish ICE or prevent federal officers from carrying out federal immigration enforcement. I believe it would be cruel to overpromise protections to families who are already living with fear and uncertainty.
This policy builds on significant work already underway. Over the past two years, the County has invested $1.5 million in immigrant resources, including immigration legal services, emergency assistance, and the Marin Rapid Response Network, and our Public Defender's Office has added an immigration attorney to expand its capacity. The County has also joined litigation challenging federal actions that could threaten local funding and immigrant communities. Our local law enforcement agencies are focused on public safety, not civil immigration enforcement, and maintaining trust between residents and law enforcement is essential to keeping our entire community safe. We will evaluate how this new policy is working, listen to our community, and consider additional actions as circumstances and the law may evolve.
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STATE BUDGET DELIVERS $19.75M
FOR MARIN PROJECTS
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Marin County projects will receive $19.75 million in state funding. The investments build on the County of Marin's ongoing advocacy in Sacramento for local priorities. Marin projects receiving funding include:
Permanent Farmers Market ($13.25 million)
This funding, led by the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) in partnership with the County, will advance development of a permanent home for the Marin Farmers Market at the Marin County Civic Center. Earlier this year, the County approved a 40-year lease agreement with AIM and provided $2.5 million to support the project. The facility will showcase local agricultural products and help activate the Civic Center campus as a community gathering place.
West Marin community investments ($3.35 million)
The Bolinas Community Land Trust will receive $2 million to support construction of 25 affordable housing units as part of the Bo-Linda Vista Project at the former site of the Tacherra Ranch. Bo-Linda Vista has been used for temporary emergency housing since 2024 and the project will transition the site into permanent affordable housing. Additionally, $800,000 was provided to the Stinson Beach Fire Protection District to advance the construction of a new fire station responding to growing emergency needs in the region, building on the $600,000 commitment from the County. West Marin Community Services will also receive $550,000 to support its critical work serving families and individuals throughout West Marin in meeting their essential needs.
Mount Tamalpais Cemetery restoration ($1.8 million)
This project will support restoration efforts at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery in San Rafael, which has suffered deteriorating conditions for years. The state Cemetery and Funeral Bureau revoked the license for the privately operated cemetery in 2025, but the property remains in need of significant work to address overgrown vegetation, roads and pathways, and mitigate public safety issues. These funds will enable essential first steps toward stewardship of the property.
Governor Newsom also signed into law Senate Bill 1312 (Richardson) and Assembly Bill 929 (Connolly), creating a new pathway for transferring the property enabling responsible long-term ownership for Mount Tamalpais Cemetery. AB 929 is remarkable progress toward restoring Mount Tamalpais Cemetery for the people buried there and their loved ones who visit. Stay informed on Mount Tamalpais Cemetery.
Redwood Bikeshare Pilot ($1 million)
This funding will extend the Marin-Sonoma bikeshare pilot program operated by the Transportation Authority of Marin in partnership with the Sonoma County Transportation Authority, giving residents more options for first- and last-mile trips to transit. Since its launch in October 2024, Redwood Bikeshare has logged over 28,000 trips and achieved significant year-over-year growth. This state appropriation ensures the pilot will continue for another three years.
Marin City Community Services District ($350,000)
This funding will help support renovations at the Marin City Community Services District facilities, following $3 million previously awarded in the 2022 State Budget.
For the first time in over 25 years, the County is developing a comprehensive Countywide Strategic Plan. The plan, Envision Marin, will help guide County priorities, services, investments, and decision-making. It will help ensure that County programs, budgets, and projects are aligned around shared community priorities. We want to hear what matters most from people who live, work, learn, and do business in Marin.
Visit Engage Marin, to submit an idea online and weigh in on others' ideas.
Attend a Community Workshop
In November and early December a series of community workshops will be held. Each workshop will cover the same information, so you’re able to attend whichever one works best for you. Find the full list and register. The workshops will provide an opportunity to learn more about the strategic planning process and share your ideas and perspective.
Our names are Lilah Harrington and Ame McCoy, and we are both seniors at Terra Linda High School. Through a program called MSEL, (What is the School of Environmental Leadership?), we are interning in Supervisor Sackett’s office for our senior year. For one of our first projects, we interviewed the Executive Director of Marin Villages, John Power. We highlighted some of our learnings below.
Marin Villages is a non-profit that provides older adults with opportunities to stay socially connected, active, and engaged in their communities. They have six locations in Marin County: Novato, San Rafael, Larkspur & Corte Madera, Tiburon, Ross Valley, and Mill Valley. Rather than focusing on traditional senior care, Marin Villages organizes activities for members to make the most out of retired life. That is what makes it special, it enables older adults to build friendships, try new things.
Marin Villages operates through the support of more than 600 dedicated volunteers. They are currently seeking adult volunteers who are willing to contribute even a small portion of their time to help strengthen connections and build community with older adults. Many of their volunteers are in their 60s and 70s and are also members themselves. Marin Villages are looking for individuals who are interested in activities such as:
- Taking walks with members
- Providing basic technology assistance
- Participating in movie discussion groups
- Attending social gatherings, such as happy hours
- Driving members to medical appointments
If any of these activities appeal to you, please visit the Marin Villages website. There is also a fun opportunity for those under 18 to get involved through their annual popup thrift store, which will take place in the spring. Additional information will be available on the website as the event approaches.
MARIN CULTURAL ASSOC. GRANTS
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Fall Flu and COVID Vaccine Clinics
Have an idea that could improve your community and promote equity? Marin County is still collecting ideas and is now accepting applications for grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 through its second Participatory Budgeting cycle.
The Office of Equity is offering optional grant coaching at no cost through November 30. Coaches can help applicants understand the guidelines, plan a project, develop a budget, and address the application criteria. Application workshops in English and Spanish will also cover eligibility, fiscal sponsorship, project planning, budgets, and timelines. Request coaching or find workshop information.
In Helen Whybrow's The Salt Stones, you experience Helen's journey to restore a farm with sheep. I loved the descriptions about soil health. The novel beautifully explores the interconnection of agriculture and the health of the planet.
Please stay in touch,
My office is here to assist and help you navigate government services more easily. This section includes some of the most frequently requested resources. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
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- BenefitsCal.com lets you apply for and manage health, food, and cash benefits
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If you’re pregnant or have a child under 5 and meet income guidelines or receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh, you may qualify for WIC: WIC eligibility
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Cheering on bike bus to Sun Valley Elementary on International Walk and Roll Day
