Jan 29, 7 PM: Build Strong Relationships w City

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Fed Flyer

THIS THURSDAY!
Thursday, January 29th
7-8:30 PM
ZOOM LINK HERE

Ken Dickinson, Speaker
Merrydale Group
Followed by Q&A

Strong Neighborhood Relationships with City Hall
A "How To" Guide

Ken will walk us through the City Council's new governance document using recent examples of progress and challenges in communicating with the City, including his neighborhood's issues, the Council's Brown Act public comment framework and the 700 Irwin St appeal.

HOW TO RUN FOR SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL
NEIGHBORHOODS NEED A CHAMPION

https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/how-to-run-for-office/

Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC): https://www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/campaign-rules/candidate-toolkit-getting-started.html

Over the past two years, the City has been studying the risks of flooding in the area around the San Rafael canal and evaluating the feasibility and implications of different ways to reduce our risks. Join a presentation from the experts who led the study to learn about their final findings.

This event will be on Zoom. To attend you need to please register in advance.

This presentation will be in English. An identical presentation will be held in Spanish at 6pm.

To learn more about earlier phases of this work and get involved, please visit our project webpage.

Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods Annual Meeting
SAVE THE DATE - MARCH 29TH, 3-5 PM

STUDIO FOURTH STREET
Music, hors d'oeuvres, great company
Join us to learn about new exciting Federation!

Gardener's Corner

Send your tips for fall gardening, and we will share in the next Fed Flyer: [email protected]
Thanks!

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Click HERE for our website
Contact us : [email protected]
Amy: 415-450-1520

Join the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods, a bargain $15!

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San Rafael, CA 94915-1485
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Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods · PO Box 151485 · San Rafael, CA 94915-1485 · USA

Season's Greetings from the Federation!

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Fed Flyer

May this New Season Greet You Kindly, Neighbor!

Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards all!
2026
The Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods Steering Committee
Amy, Richard, Daniel, Kevin, Jim, Kate, Rich and Sheila

Holiday of Lights and Winter Wonderland – Downtown San Rafael
Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 5–7PM |
Downtown San Rafael at City Plaza

Kick off the season at Downtown San Rafael’s Holiday of Lights: Winter Wonderland – a festive community gathering featuring the annual holiday tree lighting, warm drinks, twinkling lights, and joyful entertainment for all ages. Bundle up and bring your holiday spirit for an evening of cheer, music, and a few surprises under the stars.
Make a day of it! Explore Downtown San Rafael’s local shops and restaurants during Shop Small Saturday and join the hunt for mischievous elves hiding in festive storefronts throughout downtown. Then make your way to the gathering at City Plaza for lights, cheer, entertainment and a little winter magic.
Holiday of Lights: Winter Wonderland is sponsored by the City of San Rafael, the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Improvement District.
FREE 3-HOUR PARKING in all City Lots and Garages from Nov. 29 - Jan 4. Weekends are always FREE!
Shop small. Stay for the sparkle.

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MISSION 
The purpose of the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods is to facilitate communication and interaction among the neighborhoods, as represented by their associations, groups, and individuals, and to promote effective and regular communication with local government entities and agencies.

Join Us Now! CLICK HERE

fedsrn.org
[email protected]
Amy: 415-450-1520

San Rafael - Happening Meetings, Winter Hints

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Fed Flyer

Dear Federation Friends and Members,

San Rafael is a happening place in many excellent ways, including our arts and restaurant scenes. We are also an active group of residents! The Fed had a superb informational meeting last week with County Supervisors Rodoni and Sackett who provided a plethora of information and listened to our concerns.

Beyond the visible is the hard-working City government which considers many, many projects. Read on for meeting announcements and helpful suggestions from Fed member group, the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association, with many thanks to Board president Gina Silvestri and member Katie Fleet.

See you at City Hall and in the neighborhood preparing for the winter, and remember to SeeClickFix. Scroll down for great information.

Yours truly,
Amy Likover
415-450-1520

Housing & Homelessness

From the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association

San Rafael’s efforts to address homelessness continue to be discussed at City Council meetings and in various community meetings. There is a lot of information about this on the city’s website, including a video of the information session on the 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project. The project is part of an ongoing effort to address the encampments at Mahon Creek and on Anderson Dr. The Merrydale Road project will be addressed at the November 17, 2025 City Council Meeting.

Special Meeting of the City Planning Commission
November 18, 2025
AGENDA

1248 Fifth Avenue (APN 011-300-26) – Public hearing to consider a Major Environmental and Design Review Permit pursuant to San Rafael Municipal Code 14.25 et seq. for the demolition of an existing 11,000 square foot commercial building, surface parking, and other site improvements; construction of a new (13) thirteen-story multi-family residential building with 188 units, inclusive of 19 units affordable to very low income households; tenant amenities; frontage improvements; and which seeks a density bonus and a concession and waivers from development standards pursuant to California Government Code Section 65915 – 65918.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Determination: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15332 (In-Fill Developments Projects).

1030 3rd Street (APN 011-300-26) – Public hearing to consider a Major Environmental and Design Review Permit pursuant to San Rafael Municipal Code 14.25 et seq. for the demolition of an existing 4,400-square-foot commercial building and surface parking area; construction of a new 8-story mixed use building with 4,000-square-foot ground level commercial space, 131 residential units, inclusive of 11 units affordable to low income households; tenant amenities; frontage improvements; and which seeks a density bonus and a concession and waivers from development standards pursuant to California Government Code Section 65915 – 65918. CEQA Determination: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15332 (In-Fill Developments Projects).

From the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association:
Helpful City Resources

We encourage all GPNA members to use the city’s SeeClickFix program to report neighborhood issues to city agencies. You can use SeeClickFix on a desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, or tablet. SeeClickFix allows you to submit an issue to the city staff and track its progress from submission to completion. This includes illegal dumping, graffiti, potholes, sidewalks, park and infrastructure issues, etc

Keeping drains clear is especially important with all the rain we’ve been getting. The city’s street sweeping schedule is available here and you can easily look up by address to find applicable dates. Updates to the schedule also on Nextdoor.com.

Call 911 for emergencies. You can also reach SRPD’s emergency line at 415-485-3393 and the SRPD non-emergency phone number is 415-485-3000.

Neighbors can sign up for the City Manager’s Office’s Snapshot newsletter for detailed information on local events and meetings.

Marin Rapid Response Network Legal Observer Volunteers

The Marin Rapid Response Network manages a hotline to gather and share information about immigration enforcement. The network relies on volunteer Legal Observers to verify reports of ICE operations and create more safety for undocumented neighbors. Legal observers do not need to be lawyers, just people not at risk of ICE action (a U.S. citizen with a valid driver’s license) who want to help. Learn more about this program here or email [email protected].

Trash Update

Please, please, please do not leave junk out on the street. It is ILLEGAL to dump unwanted items like furniture, mattresses, or garbage on streets, sidewalks, the park, etc. You can donate items, recycle them, sell them, or dispose of them in a better way. Check out some great resources on the city’s website here.

Many of you know that Marin Sanitary gives residential customers two free bulky item collections per year for free. Contact Marin Sanitary with at least 24-hour notice to set this up. You can call (415) 456-2601 or use their online form.

The city has recently expanded this program to include multi-unit buildings. Apartment residents should reach out to property managers about how to get rid of bulky items. If property managers are unaware of the program or need support, contact the city’s new Waste Management Coordinator at [email protected] or call at 415-485-3174.

Please continue to report illegal dumping through SeeClickFix to help address this problem. Thank you for helping keep Gerstle Park clean, safe, and beautifull

Gardener's Corner

Send your tips for fall gardening, and we will share in the next Fed Flyer: [email protected]
Thanks!

View this email in your browser

Click HERE for our website
Contact us : [email protected]
Amy: 415-450-1520

Join the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods, a bargain $15!

Fed Meeting - Thurs, Nov 13, 7 PM, B St Comm. Center - Marin Supervisors

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Fed Flyer

Hi Neighbors,

SAVE THE DATE-THURS, NOVEMBER 13
7-8:00 pm
B St. Community Center
618 B St, San Rafael

Federation hosts County Supervisors Mary Sackett and Dennis Rodoni.

Homemade chocolate chip cookies for you!

MARIN COUNTY COLLABORATION WITH NEIGHBORHOODS

Please send questions in advance pertaining collaboration with Marin County. There will be a Q & A

[email protected]

All the best,
Amy LIkover, President
415-450-1520
[email protected]

Gardener's Corner
I heard back from a neighbor who recommends buying your compost from A & S Landscape near Marin Sanitary. They offer worm casings too!

Send your tips for fall gardening, and we will share in the next Fed Flyer: [email protected]
Thanks!

View this email in your browser

Click HERE for our website
Contact us : [email protected]
Amy: 415-450-1520

Join the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods, a bargain $15!

Mayor Speaks: June 12, 7 PM, Zoom

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Fed Flyer

SAVE THE DATE - JUNE 12
You're invited
Thursday at 7 PM
ZOOM LINK
Join us for an interesting & friendly evening!
Meet San Rafael's Mayor Kate Colin
Learn about homelessness progress and challenges

HURRY!
APPLY HERE FOR A FEDERATION NEIGHBORHOOD GRANT
APPLICATION DEADLINE - MAY 30TH

Past grants include signage, emergency preparedness equipment and neighborhood promotion
No grant too small!

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MEMBERS, VOTE HERE ON BYLAWS UPDATES
Your reply is due May 30

It's Membership Renewal Time, Easy & Reasonable - Click HERE!
Thanks if you have already renewed!

2024-2025 GOALS

1. Raise awareness of topics, issues and opportunities impacting the San Rafael community

2. Support building strong neighborhood associations and groups in San Rafael

3. Be a resource, providing information and guidance to residents, neighborhoods and neighborhood groups to navigate City issues

4. Expand inclusivity of Fed membership by examining our demographic to come up with a strategy. Renters/homeowners, Age, Cultural/racial, Geographic

5. Support the City’s resilience and sustainability initiatives

Click HERE for our website
Contact us : [email protected]
Amy: 415-450-1520

Join the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods, a bargain $15!

April Fed Flyer

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Fed Flyer

It's Membership Renewal Time, Easy & Reasonable - Click HERE!
Thanks if you have already renewed!

View this email in your browser

MEMBERS, VOTE HERE ON BYLAWS UPDATES
Your reply is due in 2 weeks - April 30th, 5 pm

Greetings Neighbors!
Nature sings from every corner of Marin County this Spring as we swing between cold and wet weather and the sunny, fragrant and inspiring air we all thrive on. San Rafael's weather this Spring is dependably undependable like my native Chicago, or as some might say Washington politics.

Meanwhile, enjoy the birdsong, flowers and progress on the local level. The Carnegie Library renovation project will be finished this summer, the Sun Valley Neighborhood Association had a great restart meeting, Gerstle Park had an excellent annual meeting in spite of a power outage, and Bret Harte, Gerstle Park and Rafael Highlands are prepping for egg hunts. The Dominican/Black Canyon neighborhood had a great showing at their annual event and Montecito Area Residents are interested in your participation. Please contact the [email protected] if you can help.
Folks are planting vegetables in the neighborhoods and strolling to the parks in the evenings again.
The Fed had delightful Building Strong Communities Annual Meeting & Party at Studio Fourth Street in February! See the short video HERE. We enjoyed an awesome West End experience with Mexican buffet from Sabor a México and had great fun meeting & greeting old and new friends listening to piano music by Scott Deturk. We thank you, Supervisor Brian Colbert and your staff and board members from Resilient San Rafael for your attendance.
Mark your calendars for next Federation meetings: May 8, Sarah Tipple from the Business Improvement District; June 12th Mayor Kate Colin. Details to follow. We anticipate a candidates forum this fall.

The Fed Steering Committee supports Federation member groups like Rafael Highlands in their successful effort with the City and MMWD to create a safe pedestrian pathway. As of this month, the City of San Rafael has banned camping in the City's parks, a move supported by many neighborhood groups and the Ritter Center.
Please consider applying for a Federation Grant to help nurture your neighborhood.
Thank you and have a lovely Spring,
Amy Likover
President, Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods
[email protected]
415-450-1520

Sign up to volunteer HERE and let me know if you will be joining us.

Annual meeting panel of neighborhood leaders

Supervisor Brian Colbert

APPLY HERE FOR A FEDERATION NEIGHBORHOOD GRANT
APPLICATION DEADLINE - MAY 30TH

Past grants include signage, emergency preparedness equipment and neighborhood promotion
No grant too small!

Join the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods, a bargain $15!

2024-2025 GOALS

1. Raise awareness of topics, issues and opportunities impacting the San Rafael community

2. Support building strong neighborhood associations and groups in San Rafael

3. Be a resource, providing information and guidance to residents, neighborhoods and neighborhood groups to navigate City issues

4. Expand inclusivity of Fed membership by examining our demographic to come up with a strategy. Renters/homeowners, Age, Cultural/racial, Geographic

5. Support the City’s resilience and sustainability initiatives

Click HERE for our website
Contact us : [email protected]
Amy: 415-450-1520

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Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods · PO Box 151485 · San Rafael, CA 94915-1485 · USA

Fed Flyer Spring Issue

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Fed Flyer

It's Membership Renewal Time, Easy & Reasonable - Click HERE!
Thanks if you have already renewed!

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This just in from the DPW:
Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvement Project on Thursday, February 27^th from 6:00-7:30pm
San Rafael City Hall
Council Chambers 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901

The meeting will be broadcasted and available for viewing via Zoom (information below). If you plan on attending virtually, please send any comments or questions related to the project ahead of time to [email protected] as staff will be unable to receive digital comments during the meeting.

Zoom Link: https://cityofsanrafael-org.zoom.us/j/86353282699
Join via audio: +1 669 444 9171 US
Webinar ID: 863 5328 2699

A traffic study conducted by the Traffic Engineering Subconsultant for the Project is available for viewing here: 2nd and 4th Street: Signals Alternative Memorandum - 02.01. 2025 - San Rafael

Additional information about the project is available on the City’s website: Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements - San Rafael
If you would like to receive digital updates on the project, please submit your contact information via this form: https://forms.office.com/g/ppR3qS88Fp

Hi Neighbors,
What a delightful Building Strong Communities Annual Meeting & Party we had at Studio Fourth Street in February! I'm sharing photos of our leaders panel, your faithful Steering Committee and the happy attendees. We enjoyed an awesome West End experience with scrumptious Mexican food from neighbors at the Sabor a México restaurant along with live music by Scott Deturk.
March 5th, our Steering Committee meets to evaluate last year's goals and set goals for 2025. Please take a minute to email us your ideas for goals and also for meeting speakers, but first renew your membership!
Thank you and have a lovely Spring,
Amy Likover
President, Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods
[email protected]

Federation 2024 Goals

1. Raise awareness of topics, issues and opportunities impacting the San Rafael community

2. Support building strong neighborhood associations and groups in San Rafael

3. Be a resource, providing information and guidance to residents, neighborhoods and neighborhood groups to navigate City issues

4. Expand inclusivity of Fed membership by examining our demographic to come up with a strategy. Renters/homeowners, Age, Cultural/racial, Geographic

5. Support the City’s resilience and sustainability initiatives

Join the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods, a bargain $15!

Click HERE for our website
Contact us : [email protected]
Amy: 415-450-1520

The Fed Flyer Archives!
Click the link below to see

Email Campaign Archivefrom Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods
join our mailing list
02/26/2025 - Fed Flyer Spring Issue
02/26/2025 - Fed Flyer Spring Issue
02/16/2025 - TODAY! Community Building Party, Studio Fourth St, Feb 16 3:30-5:30
02/13/2025 - Sunday! Community Building Party, Studio Fourth St, Feb 16 3:30-5:30
02/05/2025 - Community Building Party, Studio Fourth St, Feb 16 3:30-5:30
12/01/2024 - Season's Greetings from the Federation!
11/14/2024 - Tonight: Building Strong Neighborhood Associations - Nov 14, 7 pm
11/12/2024 - Thursday: Building Strong Neighborhood Associations - Nov 14, 7 pm
11/08/2024 - Building Strong Neighborhood Associations - Nov 14, 7 pm
10/02/2024 - Build Strong Neighborhoods; Grants due soon; Forum recording redux
09/30/2024 - Build Strong Neighborhoods; Grants due soon; Forum recording
09/23/2024 - Zoom Candidates Forum, TODAY 5PM: Q&A
09/19/2024 - Zoom Candidates Forum, Sept 23 5PM: Q&A
09/13/2024 - Zoom Candidates Forum, Sept 23 5PM: Candidate List
09/10/2024 - Sept 23 Candidates Forum: State, County, City & MMWD
09/02/2024 - Happy Labor Day + Sept 23 Candidates Forum
07/04/2024 - Happy Independence Day! Being cool.
05/09/2024 - Join us Tonight - May 9, 7 PM: Illegal Dumping Proposal - City Speakers
05/09/2024 - Join us Tonight - May 9, 7 PM: Illegal Dumping Proposal - City Speakers
05/07/2024 - Join us Thurs - May 9, 7 PM: Illegal Dumping Proposal - City Speakers

Housing & Homelessness

The Fed Flyer Archives!Click the link below to see

The Fed Flyer Archives!
Click the link below to see