Posts Tagged ‘Volunteerism’
Marin IJ: California Housing Program’s Collateral Beneficiaries: Lobbyists, Lawmakers
“Those profiting from these transactions were unwilling to accept any meaningful accountability requirements, including that rents be discounted meaningfully from general market rents,” said Mark Stivers, director of advocacy for the California Housing Partnership, one of the program’s critics. “Greater accountability to the public is still very much needed.”
Read MoreMarin IJ: A California Insurance Crisis and Which Bay Area Communities Have Lost the Most Coverage, Including Significant Impact on Mill Valley
California’s property insurance market has been reeling after a series of devastating and costly wildfires over the last decade, with estimated losses of more than $35.8 billion. Insurers have argued that outdated voter-approved regulations enacted in the late 1980s aimed at ensuring fairer rates have left them unable to charge enough to reflect rising costs…
Read MoreMarin Voice From Ace Thelin, of Forest Knolls: Sadly, Rampant Homelessness a Sign That Capitalism Is Working as Intended
Capitalism is thriving because morality and common decency is absent from the policies imposed by the capitalist class. The way I see it, high demand (lots of people) and low supply (not enough available housing) will always create fierce competition and drive up the cost of rent and mortgage payments. When adequate housing is guaranteed, the rental market will crumble. People will no longer sign a contract in which half or a third of their income goes to rent because they will no longer have the fear of being homeless.
Read MoreDick Spotswood: Here’s Why Traffic Congestion on Marin’s Local Roads is Getting Worse
The post-pandemic trend to work from home has decreased the number of Marin residents commuting to San Francisco. Those new home-based workers patronize local restaurants, retail shops, grocery stores, bars and exercise venues, all by car. That’s why most Marin downtowns are vibrant. Marin’s prosperous residents want their property in top condition. Mill Valley City Manager Todd Cusimano reports that, this past year, 1,272 building permits were issued with a total valuation of $98 million. That means large numbers of contractors, landscapers and tradespeople coming and going.
Read MoreThe Hiker’s Trail Map is Back! With Help From a Group of Dedicated Volunteers, Mill Valley History Society Installed a New & Improved Painted Mt. Tamalpais Hikers Trail Map
The Mill Valley Historical Society installed a new and improved map in the same location as its predecessor on November 15, along with updated historic signage telling its story. The old trail map, painted on redwood siding in 1946, had been protected for approximately 50 years hidden away under siding in its previous location at Clark’s Grocery. When the store was demolished for new development, MVHS procured the map and in 2018, after obtaining agreements from Mill Valley stakeholders, a restored trail map was installed on the wall of 34 Miller. It did not hold up well to weather in its new location, however, and a team of volunteers determined in summer 2024 that it wasn’t feasible to save the original map and replicating the original with new protection was our best choice.
Read MoreMill Valley City Council Once Again Toasts ‘The Best of Us,’ This Time Honoring the Incredible Dennis Fisco!
Former recipients choose the next honoree, and next up at the Mill Valley City Council’s Nov. 18th hearing, which includes an honor bestowed on the one and only Dennis Fisco, who will be honored with a summary of his four decades of volunteerism in town. His contributions are numerous, including being the Mill Valley Chamber’s Business Person of the Year in 2023. “This is intended for people who get things started in the city and who take the initiative – this is not just for people who show up,” Mayor Urban Carmel said. “When you take the initiative, you are changing the complexion of this city and making a permanent improvement.
Read MoreTribe Rising Steps Up Once Again for Santal Students in Gurap, India, With a ‘Concert to Celebrate Gratitude and Hope,’ Set for Saturday, Nov. 16th, 4-6pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
Annette Venables: “Please come out and join us for this fun event! This will be a very eclectic show with performances by local icons and favorites, Indian music, Bulgarian music and dance, a youth a cappella group, and a few surprises. The Santal culture is deeply steeped in music and dance. I can’t think of a more fun way to honor our students and help build up our scholarship fund than a concert celebrating diverse voices. As we enter the holiday season—let’s tune our voices and our hearts to gratitude and hope. Thanks to you, our students have a lot to celebrate too!”
Read MoreMt. Tam Church Is Gearing Up To Host Family-Friendly and Community-Wide Events in November and December
Mt. Tam Church Is Gearing Up To Host Family-Friendly and Community-Wide Events in November and December! Children’s Christmas Pageant & Rehearsals, Red Cross Blood Drive, Mill Valley Philharmonic’s Children’s Instrument Petting Zoo & Performance, Santa’s Workshop, Longest Night Service and Christmas Eve Services.
Read MoreWestminster Presbyterian Church 36th Alternative Christmas Fair – Nov. 10th & 17th, 9:15-10am & 11am-11:30am
For 36 years, Westminster Presbyterian Church has hosted its alternative Christmas Fair in November. The event is open to the public and highlights the essential work of nine local, national, and international nonprofit agencies. Following both morning services on two November Sundays, come meet with charity representatives and make gifts in your own name or to honor a loved one. Each agency has a table to share information and answer questions, with holiday treats available. The event is at the church, 240 Tiburon Blvd. in Tiburon. For more information, contact Judi Sachs at judisachs9@gmail.com or at 415-203-6376.
Read MoreMarin Voice: Cost of Housing in our County has Become Obscene
I have met a number of Marin residents facing homelessness. One works full-time while also caring for her developmentally disabled son. Another pays more in rent than her entire monthly income, watching her savings shrink monthly. These residents are in their 70s. They are scared, angry and feel betrayed by their community. They do not match the stereotypes of the homeless.
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