Posts Tagged ‘Diversity Equity & Inclusion’
Marin IJ: Tam Union School District Needs to Cut $2.2M from Budget from its $128.8 Million General Fund Budget for 2026-27 to Maintain a Positive Status
“The big key here is that we haven’t settled on compensation for that third year,” Elsen said. Most likely, he added, once the union contracts are settled, the district will again be operating at a deficit for the third year out. “This means we truly have a structural deficit,” Elsen said. “It requires a course correction so that we’re sustainable and we’re balanced.” As to contributing factors, Elsen pointed to rising costs for everything from utilities to special education student transport costs as part of the reason for the budget crunch.
Read MoreMarin IJ Editorial Board: The Future is Bright for Marin Ferries: Golden Gate Ferries, a Bay Area Public Transit Success, is Charting an even Brighter Future.
The Golden Gate Bridge board, which runs the ferries, is planning to spend more than $118 million to build two new boats that are faster and run cleaner than the older boats they will replace. The contract to start construction on the first of the two – a high-speed, 500-passenger vessel – has already been approved.
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 MoreOn the Heels of a Blockbuster 2025 Winterfest, Clifford Waldeck Has a Lot to Be Excited About, Particularly Dec. 14th, Which Will Be the Second Biggest Day of My Life at Episcopal Church of our Savior!
“December 14 at 5pm will be the second biggest day of my life at Episcopal Church of our Savior; the biggest being my wedding 22 years ago” declared Waldeck, who is obviously excited about the churches upcoming concert featuring Lorin Rowan and the Deep Blue Jam playing classic holiday songs reimagined with a fresh, modern twist—blending melodies with contemporary rhythms and warm vibrant textures for a nostalgic yet new seasonal sound. A year ago, Cliff joined the Vestry at COS while the congregation was engaging with several other Bay Area Episcopal churches engaging their respective communities in a program called Vital + Thriving https://www.vitalthriving.org/about/. Cliff, a frequent attendee of musical events at the Sweetwater, the Depot and the Throckmorton suggested “let’s have concert!” and with any volunteer organization, you suggest it, you do it.
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 MoreArt at the Depot: First Tuesday ArtWalk | Dec. 2nd, 5:30-7pm, “Neurodiverse Voices” Curated by Sally Cote, Janet Miller, Sunila Bajrach
ARTISTS WITHOUT BOUNDARIES: (Part of the non-profit ProjectAwareness And Special Sports (PAASS), Artists Without Boundaries fosters inclusion through art and sports programs that, celebrate every individual’s success and provides a powerful reminder: when we open our spaces to diverse voices, we deepen our understanding of art—and each other. Artists: Adam Almedilla, Connor Barbee, Claire Clifford, Reese Herndon, Geffen Moran, Curated by: Janet Miller. Left: Photos by Conner Barbee, and the Artist at work.
Read MoreCity of Mill Valley Launches “Lease to Locals” Pilot Program to Incentivize Workforce Housing and Long-Term Rentals
“Mill Valley is deeply committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing and to enabling our workforce the opportunity to live here,’ said Mill Valley Mayor Stephen Burke. “This includes our ongoing work with Front Porch and its Home Match program, as well as Bayview Terrace, our proposed 45 unit affordable housing project, and now this pilot effort with Placemate. We are also grateful for the partnership and support provided by the Community Housing Foundation of Mill Valley.” The Lease to Locals program is intended to unlock existing housing by providing homeowners a financial incentive to house the local workforce through a long-term rental. The program is launching as a pilot and will be evaluated after six months for longer-term funding opportunities. Placemate Inc., an organization with a proven track record in addressing workforce housing shortages in destination communities, will administer the “Lease to Locals” program.
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 MoreUnited Against Hate Week Starts this Sunday! Submit Your Vision of Mill Valley Stands United Against Hate!
When a victim is attacked because of their real or perceived race/ethnicity, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation, the message is, “People like you are not welcome here and are not safe here. ”Even acts of vandalism or verbal threats can send powerful shock waves of fear to all who recognize they could have been a target. Fear and isolation caused by hate incidents degrade the quality of life for people in the targeted group and drive decisions about where to live and work, and how much to participate in the community.
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