Emergency Preparedness
Marin IJ: With Golden Gate Village Renovations Moving Forward, Renovations of 88 residences in 14 Buildings at the Public Housing Complex Opens Up Opens Door to Trade Union Jobs
“I live in the community,” said Juanita Douglas, executive director of Tradeswomen. “Once we realized this revitalization program was coming, I thought the local community should be allowed to work on it.” Douglas applied and received a grant from Burbank Housing, the Marin Housing Authority redevelopment partner, to offer the pre-apprenticeship training her organization pioneered in 1979. Her team surveyed Marin City residents and received a strong response, including from an unusually high percentage of women.
Read MoreCity of Mill Valley Councilman Max Perrey Ascends to the Top Perch as Mayor – “Each of You Have Taught Me Through Your Example,” Perrey said.
“It’s rare in life that you get to witness a boyhood dream come true,” Mayor Stephen Burke told the audience. “And tonight, we have the opportunity to do that. I’m so proud to be here for this moment. I know how much Max loves public service. While this is not the culmination of Max’s career, it’s certainly an important step in his career. And I’m proud to be here at this moment.” “Each of you have taught me through your example,” Perrey said. ” “Our council treats each other with civility. When we disagree, we model how to respect alternate use. I couldn’t be more grateful to each of you that I get to serve with,” and to our City Manager, Todd Cusimano, “your service to our community is profound. The dedication you give to our city is what moves us forward. We couldn’t do anything we do without you.”
Read MoreFrom Pam Keon and All the Amazing People Who Took on the Herculean Task of the 125th Celebration: Join the Dedication of the 125th Time Capsule – Dec. 8th, 5pm at City Hall!
Pam Keon: On Monday, December 8th, I hope you can attend these events at Mill Valley’s City Hall. At 5pm we will dedicate the 2025 Mill Valley Time Capsule. This ceremony marks the celebration of Mill Valley’s 125th anniversary year with the placement of a time capsule capturing daily life in 2025 and documenting the three-day 125th Anniversary Celebration over Labor Day Weekend. The 2025 time capsule will be placed inside the 12+ ton red jasper boulder that sits in front of City Hall, and replaces the 1953 time capsule that was removed from the boulder earlier this year. The new time capsule is to be opened on September 1, 2100 – so mark your calendars, or your children’s or grandchildren’s calendars!
Read MoreMill Valley, County of Marin Leaders, Marin Residents & People Throughout the Bay Area Are Rallying Around Our Neighbors Facing the Loss of SNAP Benefits, Including Our 94941 Food-Serving Community!
“If you are food insecure, I can help,” said Tony Adams, who owns the Mill Valley Pasta Company in downtown Mill Valley. Early on, Adams posted that he’s offering to help anyone needing food at his stores or pop-ups, no questions asked. We launched something called the Uncle Tony Program. People can come in, mention they’re there to pick up an order for Uncle Tony. It’s coded language for us, that they may be food insecure and need help. Sometimes the biggest barrier to getting help is having to ask for help,” Adams said. Madrona Bakery, Le Marais Bakery, Equator Coffees, Shoreline Coffee Shop, Watershed,
Read MoreOn the Heels of a Successful Measure L to Address Infrastructure Needs, City Pivots to Implement an Extension of the Municipal Service Tax for Another Decade to Continue Repairing Roads & Clearing Flammable Brush
Now the City Council and staff are pivoting to an extension of its Municipal Service Tax for another decade to continue repairing roads and clearing flammable brush. That assessment came after City Manager Todd Cusimano reported on the tax, known as the MST, at the City Council meeting on Oct. 20 as part of a strategic discussion that looked at future street repairs and local revenue streams. “We will have to continue with the MST,” he said. “If we do this right over the next 10 years, we’ll be talking about potentially not having to have one of these taxes.” “This is not a forever tax,” added Councilmember Urban Carmel. “This is really the end game, I think, for the next round.”
Read MorePG&E Recommends Using Its ‘Report It App’ For Better Service and Safety
PG&E say it’s a great way to report non-emergency issues of concern; submit photos to our safety team; find submissions made by others; get notified when your submission is in review; and see PG&E’s findings. Please view this helpful 5-minute video. https://lnkd.in/gXiVxu6D. PG&E Report It app is NOT for emergencies. If you suspect an emergency that may threaten property and physical safety, such as the smell of natural gas, leave the area and call 9-1-1. If you see downed powerlines, stay away. Don’t exit your car or home. Call 9-1-1. Then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
Read MoreMarin IJ: Mill Valley Moves to Modernize Parking Payment System
“During the kiosk trial period, staff collected and responded to approximately 25 complaints,” a staff report said. “Complaints ranged from not understanding how to use the kiosk, not liking the kiosk, lack of ease of use, expressing that the kiosk was positioned too far away from their vehicle, frustration there was a line to use the kiosk, and that it was less convenient than individual meters.” The Police Department said it acknowledged and understood these concerns, but also noted the advantages of kiosks over the meters. They required less maintenance, had more payment options and were more environmentally friendly.
Read MoreMarin IJ: At Long Last, Golden Gate Village Renovations Estimated at $76 million Have Been Approved by the State, Supporting Renovations of 88 residences in 14 Buildings at the Public Housing Complex
Golden Gate Village — the only family public housing complex in one of America’s wealthiest counties — has stood in Marin City since 1961 as a symbol of resilience, culture and community. But in recent years, its aging buildings and outdated infrastructure have fallen short of what residents deserve. After years of delay and discussion, funds for the first phase of renovating Golden Gate Village in Marin City have been approved by the state. The funds will support top-to-bottom renovations of 88 residences in 14 buildings at the public housing complex. The balance of the $85 million project phase will come from other sources. “The Marin Housing Authority and the community have long wanted this renovation to happen … and we did it,” said Marin County Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters, chair of the Marin Housing Authority board. “The residents will see renovation of their units so they’re modern and comfortable and energy efficient. And we can provide housing for families at a low cost for people who need it for many years to come.”
Read MoreMarin IJ: Mill Valley Aims to Loosen Business Permit Requirements
Brian Foster, a commercial real estate broker, told the officials they were “on the right path.” He urged them to be open-minded about filling vacancies. “You want to have a staff that has some agency … where they can look at a use and go, all right, you’re going from a real estate office to a lighting store. It’s pretty benign,” he said. “And if you can check some boxes we can make it work.” The commissioners instructed city staff to revise their proposed changes based on their suggestions and present them to the City Council for feedback. Once the council weighs in, the process of formally revising the city code would return to the Planning Commission and council for final approval. City officials hope to amend the city’s commercial codes and parking ordinances by this fall.
Read MoreMarin IJ: Mill Valley Speeds Green Building Code Update
The council directed Cusimano and city planners to move forward. “Mill Valley has had a history … of going above and beyond when it comes to climate action,” said Vice Mayor Max Perrey. “I was just so impressed with our climate action plan and our community members that contributed to such a significant and thoughtful report,” said Councilmember Caroline Joachim. “We have the opportunity to really take advantage of this time and make the most of it before that six-year moratorium hits.” AB 306 has some exemptions that city staff believe Mill Valley could qualify for, Cusimano said. “But we want to leave no stone unturned and we don’t want to be sitting here a year from now regretting or assuming something that’s not the case,” he said.
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