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San Rafael's City Council just voted to extend the groundbreaking SAFE alternative-response pilot, a program that has already transformed nearly 3,000 lives annually!

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San Rafael extends SAFE alternative-response pilot through June 2027 after three-year review
Council voted 5–0 to authorize a one-year contract extension with Petaluma People Services Center to continue San Rafael's SAFE alternative response team through 06/30/2027, funded by grants, cannabis revenue and opioid settlement funds; staff warned funding beyond 2027 is uncertain.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 1:52 AM
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San Rafael faces a looming structural deficit and is urging voters to renew a crucial library parcel tax this June to safeguard vital community services.

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San Rafael outlines fiscal sustainability plan, recommends June renewal of Measure D
Finance staff warned of a growing structural deficit beginning FY 2026–27 and proposed renewing the library parcel tax (Measure D) in June; polling showed the library renewal tested at about 67% (near the two-thirds threshold). Council received the presentation and directed staff to return with ballot language.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 1:41 AM
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San Rafael City Council is grappling with state housing laws that reshape downtown density and limit local control, raising critical questions about the future of multifamily development.

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San Rafael council studies state housing laws as downtown density and height concerns rise
At a Feb. 2 study session, city staff told the San Rafael City Council that state density-bonus laws and ministerial pathways (e.g., SB 35) have driven most recent multifamily projects and limited local discretion; staff sought guidance on revisiting downtown density, planning-commission roles and a possible new ministerial process.
citizenportal.ai
February 5, 2026 at 1:36 PM
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Residents and school employees are demanding urgent safety improvements on Point San Pedro Road after a tragic pedestrian fatality, urging the San Rafael City Council to take action before more lives are lost.

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#SanRafaelMarinCounty #CA #VisionZeroCommitment #PublicSafety
Residents press San Rafael to accelerate safety work on Point San Pedro Road after recent fatal crash
Several residents and school staff urged immediate traffic calming and speed reductions on Point San Pedro Road following a fatal pedestrian crash; speakers cited past fatalities, near misses, damaged safety infrastructure and asked the council to prioritize Vision Zero commitments.
citizenportal.ai
February 1, 2026 at 10:13 AM
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The San Rafael City Council has unanimously approved a consent calendar that includes a new camping prohibition around City Hall and stricter oversight on tax spending.

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Council approves consent calendar; temporary camping prohibition around City Hall included
San Rafael approved the consent calendar 5–0, which included a temporary prohibition on camping around City Hall through July 21, 2026, and an amendment to the voter‑approved tax oversight committee bylaws clarifying revenue tracking and accountability.
citizenportal.ai
February 1, 2026 at 6:46 AM
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A recent flood at AT&T's facility left San Rafael grappling with disrupted 911 services and exposed vulnerabilities in our telecommunications infrastructure.

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City manager reports regional AT&T outage that disrupted 911; updates on 350 Bridal interim shelter outreach
City Manager reported a Jan. 4 flood at AT&T’s Shaver Street facility that disabled telecommunications equipment countywide and degraded 911 service; the city and county are pressing AT&T, CPUC and legislators for fixes. The manager also summarized outreach and capacity details for the 350 Bridal interim shelter.
citizenportal.ai
January 31, 2026 at 6:09 PM
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The San Rafael Planning Commission just greenlit a transformative 238-unit residential development, blending innovative design with affordable housing for the community!

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San Rafael planning commission approves 238‑unit redevelopment at 4040 Civic Center Drive
The San Rafael Planning Commission on Jan. 27 approved a proposal to convert an office complex and adjacent parking structure into a two‑building, 238‑unit residential development, including 24 below‑market units; the decision was unanimous and may be appealed to the City Council.
citizenportal.ai
January 29, 2026 at 9:03 PM
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San Rafael's Parks and Recreation staff are making waves with exciting updates on their 2023 Master Plan, including the recent acquisition of 628 Canal Street and community surveys on park improvements!

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San Rafael staff outline progress on 2023 Park & Recreation Master Plan; city acquires 628 Canal Street
City parks staff gave the commission a year‑one update on the 2023 Park and Recreation Master Plan, described completed and ongoing projects, noted a community survey on a possible fence at Peacock Gap, and announced the city acquired 628 Canal Street as an emerging priority.
citizenportal.ai
January 23, 2026 at 1:58 PM
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Residents are raising alarms over a proposed public art installation on the Starkweather Path, fearing it could jeopardize safety and flood control for over 400 homes.

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Residents urge board to reject Starkweather Path as site for 'Peoples of the Canal' signs
Multiple Bay Point and Spinnaker residents told the San Rafael Public Art Review Board they support the project''s intent but strongly oppose placing 22 signs and a sculpture on the Starkweather Path, citing flood-control, safety, environmental and maintenance concerns; staff said no formal location proposal has been submitted to the board.
citizenportal.ai
January 23, 2026 at 1:54 AM
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Transparency in policing isn't just a policy—it's a vital tool for building trust and reducing crime, as experts reveal the latest legal frameworks governing officer conduct in California.

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San Rafael PAC hears experts on police transparency, legal limits on personnel-record disclosure explained
Experts told the San Rafael Police Advisory Committee that transparency—sharing policies, investigations and data—builds community trust, while lawyers and staff described how California law (including POST reporting and Right-to-Know provisions) limits what personnel records become public and when.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 3:40 AM
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Community members are calling for major changes to the Police Advisory Committee's draft report, arguing it misrepresents crucial data on racial disparities and undermines their equitable policing recommendations.

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Community groups urge PAC to remove disputed 'working group' language and restore May 21 findings in draft annual report
MV Free and other community members told the San Rafael Police Advisory Committee that the draft annual report misrepresents the PAC's May 21 equitable policing recommendations and inappropriately amplifies a later working-group document; they asked the PAC to remove or reduce that section and include the data behind the recommendations.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 10:50 AM
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Transparency isn't just a buzzword—it's the key to rebuilding trust between police and the community, and experts have a roadmap to make it happen!

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Experts advise clearer data, timelines on police disclosures; committee presses for actionable transparency
At its Dec. 17 meeting the San Rafael Police Advisory Committee heard two presentations on transparency and disclosure law, including practical steps for community engagement and legal triggers for personnel-record release under California law.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 9:02 AM
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San Rafael has just approved an ambitious 8-story mixed-use building that promises 131 new residential units, including affordable options, and a vibrant ground-floor retail space!

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San Rafael commissioners approve 8‑story mixed‑use building at 1033 3rd Street with 131 units
The Planning Commission unanimously approved an 8‑story mixed‑use project at 1033 3rd Street (referred to as 900 A Street) that will deliver 131 units including 11 below‑market‑rate units, with conditions requiring construction management and permit‑stage technical reviews.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:38 PM
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San Rafael's City Council just took a bold step by declaring a shelter crisis and approving an $8 million grant to create interim housing, but public outcry raises questions about outreach and transparency.

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San Rafael council declares shelter crisis, accepts $8M county grant and authorizes purchase of 350 Merriddale for interim shelter
After hours of public comment — many neighbors demanding more outreach — the council unanimously approved a package to declare a shelter crisis, adopt emergency shelter standards, accept an $8 million County of Marin grant and authorize a $6.7 million purchase and related agreements for 350 Merriddale as an interim shelter and future affordable housing site.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:18 PM
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San Rafael's City Council just took a decisive step by adopting a resolution to "cease and desist" certain actions, potentially dismissing a legal challenge that has stirred public debate.

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#SanRafaelMarinCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicComment #LegalTransparency
San Rafael council adopts Brown Act “cease and desist” resolution after legal challenge
City attorney told the council a staff‑drafted resolution would require dismissal of a pending challenge under the Brown Act; after public comment the council adopted the resolution 4–0, correcting a typographical error in the title.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:07 PM
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San Rafael's new lighting designs for the Canal neighborhood have sparked lively discussions about wildlife, safety, and community impact—what will the final plan look like?

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San Rafael staff present Canal neighborhood lighting concept as residents raise wildlife, safety and process concerns
City staff presented corridor lighting options for the Canal Active Transportation Enhancement Project; residents questioned wildlife impacts, maintenance, crime data and outreach. Staff said environmental studies under CEQA are underway and a follow‑up meeting is set for Dec. 9; no decisions were made.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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San Rafael's Planning Commission has approved a controversial 13-story housing project that promises 188 new units, including affordable options, despite significant pushback from local residents.

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San Rafael planning commission approves 13‑story downtown housing project despite neighborhood concerns
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a 13‑story, 188‑unit project at 1248 5th Avenue (presented as the 12 35th Avenue project) that includes 19 deed‑restricted very low‑income units. Staff relied on CEQA Class 32 infill analysis and state density bonus provisions; neighbors raised concerns about easements, parking, shadowing and traffic.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:20 PM
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San Rafael's Planning Commission has officially green-lighted an ambitious 8-story mixed-use project that promises 131 new residences and 11 low-income units, reshaping the city's skyline!

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#SanRafaelMarinCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #SustainableDesign #SanRafaelHousing
Commission approves 8‑story, 131‑unit A‑Street project with 11 low‑income units
The Planning Commission approved an 8‑story mixed‑use building at 1033 A Street (project '900 A Street') containing 131 units, including 11 low‑income deed‑restricted units, finding it consistent with state density bonus law and the downtown precise plan; commissioners praised the design while asking questions about ADA and parking.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 8:38 AM
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San Rafael's Planning Commission has approved a towering 13-story, 188-unit residential project, but not without raising concerns from local neighbors about parking and construction impacts.

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San Rafael planning panel approves 13‑story, 188‑unit downtown housing project amid neighbor objections
The San Rafael Planning Commission unanimously approved a 13‑story, 188‑unit residential building at 1248 5th Avenue (presented as the 12 35th Avenue project) including 19 very‑low‑income units. Neighbors raised concerns about easements, parking, construction impacts and shadowing; staff cited state housing laws and a Class 32 CEQA exemption.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 4:33 AM
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The Falkirk Cultural Center has officially approved a diverse lineup of exhibitions for 2026, featuring innovative works from artists like Nikki Contini and Spence Snyder, after a thorough review of 15 unique proposals.

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Board approves recommended Falkirk Cultural Center 2026 exhibit schedule
After reviewing 15 applications, the board recommended a three-show slate for Falkirk’s 2026 exhibits, prioritizing a mix of solo and group presentations and identifying alternates; the board voted to forward the staff spreadsheet as its recommendation.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 11:48 AM
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San Rafael's parks are transforming with exciting renovations and enhancements, including a brand-new playground and state-of-the-art facilities set to elevate community fun!

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San Rafael presents biannual parks maintenance report; Pidgwick enhancements near completion
City staff reviewed completed projects (Boyd Memorial playground, Peacock Gap renovation), active work and maintenance programs. The Pidgwick (Pickwick) enhancement — supported by a 50/50 matching Land and Water Conservation Fund grant of $8,480,000 — reached substantial completion; a toddler playground and floodproofing remain to finish in early 1
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 8:53 AM
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A quick-thinking in-home sprinkler system saved a San Rafael family from disaster, while training drills unveiled critical safety issues at a local hotel.

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San Rafael fire staff: sprinkler system averted major damage; hotel drills uncovered dry standpipe issues
Staff recapped an Oct. 25 garage fire extinguished by a residential sprinkler before crews arrived and described training at the Embassy Suites that revealed apparent code issues with dry standpipe outlets; Embassy Suites is reportedly making modifications after staff investigation.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 8:40 PM
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San Rafael has officially accepted its 2023 greenhouse gas inventory, revealing that transportation is responsible for two-thirds of local emissions, but the city is on track to meet its ambitious climate goals!

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San Rafael accepts 2023 greenhouse gas inventory; transportation is largest local source
Council accepted the 2023 community greenhouse gas inventory and sustainability priorities; presenters said two-thirds of San Rafael emissions come from transportation (about 80% of that from passenger vehicles) and the city is about 24% below 1990 levels toward the 40% by-2030 goal.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 8:53 AM
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San Rafael has a bold plan to transform vacant parcels into an interim shelter and affordable housing, aiming to support the community while adhering to the General Plan.

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San Rafael planning panel finds proposed purchase of Merrydale/Redwood parcels conforms with General Plan
The Planning Commission unanimously found that the city's proposed acquisition of 350 Merrydale Road and 3833 Redwood Highway conforms with San Rafael's General Plan. City staff described a two-phase plan to use the site first as an interim shelter for up to 65 people while pursuing a permanent affordable housing development of at least 80 units, a
citizenportal.ai
November 6, 2025 at 3:11 AM
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San Rafael's Planning Commission just took a major step toward addressing homelessness with plans for an interim shelter and affordable housing development!

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#SanRafaelMarinCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SanRafaelHousing #CommunityDevelopment #AffordableHousing
San Rafael planning commission finds proposed purchase of Merrydale/Redwood site conforms with general plan
The commission unanimously adopted a resolution that the cityacquisition of 350 Merrydale Road/3833 Redwood Highway conforms with the San Rafael General Plan. The property would be acquired with potential county grant support to host an interim shelter for about 65 people beginning early 2026 and later be developed as at-leas
citizenportal.ai
November 6, 2025 at 2:26 AM