Saturday, April 10, 2021David P. Donery, Town Manager
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Town Council AgendaThe following items will be in front of the Council on April 13, 2021. The meeting information is available here. - Consider which Councilmember should replace Councilmember Greene as a Council liaison on the Financial Advisory Committee.
- Introduce and waive further reading of An Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of San Anselmo Amending Subsection (b) of San Anselmo Municipal Code Section 7-11.501 to Bring it into Compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency Utility Equipment Elevation Requirements.
- Review Council requests for 2021-23 Work Plan and provide direction to staff.
- Consider a draft Social Media Policy for the Town and provide feedback to staff.
- Consider proposal by Noah Tyler, Eagle Scout Candidate, to install three wood benches on Red Hill.
- Discuss “gap analysis” for renter protection programs and provide direction to staff; and consider adoption of Fair Housing Proclamation.
- Select Councilmember to complete quorum that will discuss the draft ordinance establishing eviction and rent increase moratoria and provide direction to staff.
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Vaccine Eligibility Expanding in Marinall Marin County adults age 50 and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. Marin County Public Health officials are relying on increased allocations of vaccine from the state to match the demand as more people become eligible to make vaccination appointments.
The State of California announced March 25 that individuals aged 50 and over will be eligible to make an appointment as of April 1, and everyone age 16 and over will be eligible to make an appointment starting April 15. The state cited an expected increase in the supply of vaccination doses from manufacturers Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.
“As vaccines supplies slowly increase, it’s the right time to widen the invitation to more of our residents,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin’s Public Health Officer. “At the same time, we still have nearly 100,000 residents to vaccinate, and that won’t happen all at once. We’re on track to get to everyone before June, but we’ll need to be patient.”
The California Department of Health and Human Services said the state’s vaccine distribution system has the capacity to administer more than 3 million doses per week and is building the capacity to administer 4 million doses weekly by the end of April. Along with county health agencies up and down the state, Marin County Public Health expects an online rush of appointment seekers as of April 1. The 50-64 age group becoming newly eligible to book appointments amounts to about 30,000 Marin residents. Marin recently crossed a meaningful threshold in its pandemic response, eclipsing 50% of the adult population with at least one dose of the vaccine. As of March 30, approximately 119,000 residents, or 56% of residents over age 16 had received at least one shot, and more than one-third had completed the vaccination series.
To help Marin residents track when they may be eligible to receive a vaccine, the County offers an online interest form. Residents can answer a few questions to be subscribed to receive email or text message notifications when their turn has arrived and how to pursue a vaccine appointment. The form is available in English and Spanish on Marin County Public Health’s vaccine webpage.
For residents unable to navigate the online process, a hotline has been established to assist in registering eligible residents for appointments. The Marin Access Service Call-Center is intended for local residents without internet service who need assistance with registration, transportation, and communication related to the vaccination process. Those eligible to receive call center assistance are: - age 65 or older
- living with disabilities (all ages)
- in need of home care or personal assistance
- need language interpretation (including ASL)
- have limited or no internet access
- need help arranging transportation to and from an appointment
Callers may dial (833) 641-1988 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday until the pandemic subsides.
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Financial Assistance for Residential RentersBelow is information from the County of Marin's Community Development Department Outlining Provisions of Senate Bill 91 On February 1, 2021, the State of California passed SB 91, a statewide law that does two things: - Extends the eviction moratorium until June 30, 2021
- Establishes that tenants can apply to receive 80% of their back rent from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. If a landlord accepts 80% of their tenants’ back rent, they must forgive the remaining 20%. If a landlord does not accept, the maximum assistance allowable is 25% of back rent during this time period. Depending on funding availability, it may be possible for applicants to also receive 25% of rent due for April, May and June 2021.
Local Community Organizations and ResourcesThis program is a partnership between the County of Marin and local community-based organizations, including Adopt A Family, Canal Alliance, Community Action Marin, North Marin Community Services, Ritter Center, St. Vincent de Paul Society, West Marin Community Services and Women Helping All People. Questions?Please email RentalAssistance@MarinCounty.org, or call (415) 473-2223. Requests for disability accommodations may be made by phoning (415) 473-2223 (Voice), CA Relay 711 or by e-mail at RentalAssistance@MarinCounty.org. Please do not call the line more than once, as it slows down the process. Staff will be available to assist applicants who do not have access to a computer or smart phone, or need additional assistance.
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Community Advisory Committee Meetings The Millennium Playground Community Advisory Committee will meet on Monday, April 12th at 4:30pm to discuss the upcoming community workdays to repair the playground. The agenda for this meeting can be found HERE. This meeting will take place on the ZOOM platform
The Reimagine Creek Park Community Advisory Committee will meet on Monday, April 12th at 6:00pm to discuss project updates for the Town's portion of the San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction Project (SAFRR). The agenda for this meeting can be found HERE. This meeting will take place in-person at the new common area/park in the downtown (636 San Anselmo Avenue, adjacent to Creekside Pizza). COVID-19 protocols will be enforced. Attendees will be required to wear a mask and people from different households will be required to remain six feet apart.
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April is Earthquake Awareness Month
Earthquake Warning CaliforniaEarthquake Warning California is the country’s first publicly available, statewide warning system that could give California residents crucial seconds to take cover before you feel shaking. Managed by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Earthquake Warning California uses ground motion sensors from across the state to detect earthquakes before humans can feel them and can notify Californians to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in advance of an earthquake. To receive earthquake warnings, individuals and family members can download the MyShake App and ensure phone settings are adjusted to receive emergency alerts, including: - MyShake App: Free smartphone app that provides iPhone and Android users with audio and visual warnings [magnitude 4.5 or higher and Modified Mercalli Intensity IV (weak) shaking]. Available at in the Apple App and Google Play stores;
- Android Earthquake Alerts: Android phones with updated operating systems are automatically subscribed to Android Earthquake Alerts, which uses the same technology as the MyShake App; and
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs): No-cost text messages for emergency situations [magnitude 5.0 or higher and Modified Mercalli Intensity III (light) shaking].
If you live in or travel to areas that could be impacted by an earthquake, preparation is vital, as these events can strike suddenly, at any time, with little warning. Visit My Hazards to see if you live or work in an area prone to earthquakes.
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Emergency Broadband Benefit
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 Visit the Serenity Garden at Falkirk in San Rafael for fire-smart landscaping ideas that will protect our wildlife corridors. Here a juniper was removed and repurposed as sculpture.
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The Fire-Smart Sanctuary Here’s a fire-smart tip from UC Marin Master Gardeners - create a fire-smart sanctuary. By using sustainable and earth friendly garden practices, your garden can be a place for pollinators and insects to travel through, making it a wildlife corridor.
The UC Marin Master Gardeners have plant lists to help homeowners select attractive, easy care, water wise, and pollinator friendly plants. California natives are a good choice that include important host and nectar plants. Remove invasive plants. Unfortunately excessive clearing or “scorched earth” gardening provides a vulnerable entry point for the plants we do not want. When problems arrive use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the least toxic and most natural methods of pest management. Avoid pesticides that can harm birds and other wildlife. Nurture the soil to protect the life in it. Add compost and organic materials rather than synthetic fertilizers. Make your garden sustainable, healthy and fire-smart. For plant lists visit http://marinmg.ucanr.edu/PLANTS/. For more information visit http://marinmg.ucanr.edu/Fire-smart_Landscaping/
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San Anselmo is a unique town nestled in the heart of Marin County. Originally called Junction due to the meeting of several railroad lines, the town slowly grew from a few ranch houses and farms to the vibrant community we see today.
In Tour 1 you'll learn about some of our early residents and how the railroad and the San Francisco earthquake influenced the growth and development of town.
Tour 2 covers the San Francisco Theological Seminary, a historical and architectural gem located in the heart of San Anselmo. The tour uses GPS to play audio automatically, at the right time and right place, and it works offline. Download and install VoiceMap on your phone; sign in and buy the tour.
Tour 1 “A Historical Walk Through San Anselmo” $3.99. Tour 2 “A Historical Walk Through the Seminary” $3.99.
Sponsored by the San Anselmo Historical Commission. Photos: Jim Baldwin
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Memorial Skate Park CommitteeMemorial Skate Park Repair ProjectIt's time to roll up our sleeves as a community and rehabilitate Skate Park at Memorial Park!!
A plan has been developed to repair and renovate the Skate Park at Memorial Park. The work is scheduled to take place between April 5th and April 30th, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!Volunteers with carpentry and power tool experience are welcome and encouraged to join the effort. The more hands the better to get the work done before the end of April. Please review the available volunteer slots below and click on the link below to sign up. Please consider signing up for multiple work days. Work days are scheduled from 9:00am to 5:00pm but please sign up even if you cannot stay for the entire shift!
**IMPORTANT** This activity will include necessary protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please wear your mask.
Your participation is important and greatly appreciated. Thank you! Please contact Will Hutchinson at 415-517-8155 or will@prooflab.com with any questions. Please review the available slots below and CLICK HERE to sign up. Thank you!
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Millennium Playground Restoration ProjectOur beloved 'Dinosaur Park' Needs Your Help!The Millennium Playground Community Advisory Committee (MPCAC) is asking the public to come join in the effort to restore Millennium Playground. Located at Memorial Park, the playground is 21 years old and in need of some TLC The work is being split into five consecutive Saturday community work days beginning on April 17th.
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Masks prevent people from getting and spreading COVID-19. Every Californian must wear a mask or face covering in all public and workplace settings where there is a high risk of exposure. This is more important than ever with new, more easily transmitted variants of COVID-19 on the rise.For the current rules around the requirements for facial coverings, please visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/guidance-for-face-coverings.aspx
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COVID-19 Variant Detected in MarinTwo local cases of COVID-19 infection with the B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2, first detected in the United Kingdom, have been reported by Marin County Public Health. As the county ramps up genomic sequencing of local COVID-19 specimens, this report signals the first reported cases associated with this variant in Marin County.
The B.1.1.7 variant is classified as a “Variant of Concern” by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because it is more infectious than other strains, and it may lead to more severe disease. The B.1.1.7 variant is contributing to surges of cases in Europe and the Eastern United States. Other emerging variants of concern include B1.351 (more common in South Africa) and P.1 (more common in Brazil). No cases infected with these variants have been detected yet in Marin County.
The County is actively working with six labs around the state to ensure a fraction of COVID-19 samples are genetically sequenced. The information is combined with data from across the region to track the potential spread of variants of SARS-CoV-2. Regionally, the proportion of cases that are linked to the more transmissible variants is climbing and signals a concerning trend. “This variant has been detected across California. Though it’s no surprise, the presence of this variant in Marin is not something to ignore.” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County’s Public Health Officer. “It’s a reminder as we reopen that we’re not out of the woods, by any means. We need to stick with the tried and true prevention measures while we work to increase vaccination rates.” As of April 1, there are 9,359 confirmed cases of B.1.427 and B.1.429 (first detected in California), 851 cases of B.1.1.7., 35 cases of P.1 and 10 cases of B.1.351 across the State of California.
“The good news is the current COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the B.1.1.7 strain,” added Willis. “As of today 61 percent of Marin County residents over age 15 are vaccinated with at least one dose. Every day we’re better protected as a community. This finding increases the importance of obtaining a vaccine when you’re eligible” added Willis.
Marin County continues to face limited vaccine supply. Last week, vaccine eligibility expanded to those age 50 and over – and on April 15 it will expand to those age 16 and over. More doses are needed to vaccinate all of those who are eligible, and health officials indicate it may be 3-4 weeks before a newly eligible vaccine seeker can obtain an appointment.
Meanwhile, everyone should continue prevention measures that have already proven highly protective against COVID-19. Non-essential travel is discouraged, and if anyone is traveling, they are urged to quarantine upon return if they are not vaccinated. Marin Public Health officials remind everyone that although many activities are now allowed, it remains critical for the community to minimize exposure. Community members should continue to wear a mask, maintain physical distance, keep activities outdoors instead of indoors, and get vaccinated when it’s their turn.
Visit GetVaccinatedMarin.org for latest updates on eligibility and availability of appointments.
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Economic Development Committee Seeking New Members Deadline for applications is April 30th The Economic Development Committee works with the Town’s business community to identify actions that can be taken to ensure that the business community is vibrant, successful and meets the needs of the residents and visitors of San Anselmo.
The Committee ensures that the Town’s business community and the residential community has a forum for giving the Town input on steps needed to attract and retain a variety of small businesses and develops and implements an Economic Development Action Plan.
The Committee has seven members and meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 8:45 a.m. in the Town Council Chambers. There are three seats available. To apply, click here.
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Help San Anselmo win our competition with Fairfax to get the most sign ups for MCE’s Deep Green 100% renewable energy service!It is a simple way to invest in a clean energy future. By opting–up to Deep Green, customers choose California wind and solar energy and eliminate their electricity–related carbon footprint in a simple and low–cost way. Deep Green customers pay only $0.01/kilowatt–hour more in comparison to MCE’s Light Green service, $5 more a month for the average residential customer. Half of the Deep Green premium is invested in MCE’s Local Renewable Energy & Program Development Fund, helping to support the funding and installation of electric vehicle charging ports and building of renewable projects across our service area. To opt–up simply visit mceoptup.org and join the renewable energy movement!
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ART ON THE AVENUE
The San Anselmo Arts Commission is proud to announce it's April Art On The Avenue show featuring Janet Jacobs and June Yokell. This exhibit is on display at 538 San Anselmo Avenue.
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Night of the Poets Wednesday, April 28 7pm on Zoom
Summoning word wizards and masters of meter! All ages are welcome to participate and attend the San Anselmo Library’s first (and maybe only) virtual Night of the Poets. Come one come all to read or listen. Celebrate poetry during a pandemic with your library and community.
Contact sleyland@townofsananselmo.org to read an original or favorite poem or to attend the event.
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Historical MuseumThe San Anselmo Historical Museum has REOPENED! It is now open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. with safety measures in place that include mandatory face coverings, hand sanitizing, special cleaning procedures and social distancing protocols. Docents are excited to welcome visitors again and show the enhancements to the diorama of downtown San Anselmo that were made during the yearlong closure.
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OPEN THREE DAYS A WEEK HOURS: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10 – 4 DONATIONS: Mondays 1 - 3 and Fridays 11 - 1
Our dedicated volunteers continue to keep the store open three days a week and follow COVID guidelines to ensure you have a safe shopping experience. We are also getting so many wonderful donations - find something different every time you visit. Be sure to check out our cool new masks with the TOWN BOOKS logo, now on sale.
DONATIONS are being accepted. Please bring donations only on the days and hours above. Please note the corrected donation hours. Because of health guidelines for quarantining books and our limited space, we can only accept individual donations up to 3 boxes/bags per household.
For more information, call 415-526-3791 or go to townbooks.org. Proceeds go to the San Anselmo Public Library.
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With Marin moving to the orange tier San Anselmo Recreation’s Adult and Senior classes should be moving back in person within the next few months. We are currently recruiting community members to lead all sorts of classes! Do you have a skill or talent that you can share and teach? E-mail a class proposal to Kevin MacLeod at kmacleod@townofsananselmo.org to share your idea! Volunteers and fee class ideas are welcome!
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Spaces are filling fast!! Don’t miss your chance to register for San Anselmo Recreation’s upcoming summer camps! Check out our all-new virtual guide for 2021, complete with hyperlinked titles for each class, a nifty table of contents with links to the correct pages, and a simplified camp snapshot! Click the link below to check out the guide!
CLICK HERE to view the all-new summer activity guide!!
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Help Keep the Flower Baskets In Downtown San AnselmoDonations are being accepted to help fund this annual community effort
The San Anselmo Beautification Committee has launched its 2021 fundraising campaign to raise funds for the annual hanging flower basket program in the downtown.
There are two ways you can contribute:
1. Donate by visiting the program's GO FUND ME PAGE, or
2. Mail a check to:
San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce PO Box 2844, San Anselmo, CA 94979 (please mark check for “baskets”)
For more information about the project, contact Nancy Altman at nnaltman@me.com
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