Happy Holidays and Don't Forget to Shop Mill Valley!

Skip the traffic and the schlep. Before hitting the big box stores, here’s a reminder: you don’t need to go beyond the 94941 for amazing gift options. The Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, City of Mill Valley and businesses across the 94941 are giving you every reason to get out and support your neighborhood businesses. With free parking courtesy of the City and Chamber from now until December 31, we encourage you to visit our amazing restaurants, clothing, jewelry and design shops, incredible grocery stores and a wealth of world class businesses. Check out the directories of great shopping, service and restaurant options in Mill Valley. From all of us at the City of Mill Valley, we wish you a very happy holiday season!

Holiday News and Events

Mill Valley Santa Food Drive 2023 - Thursday, December 14, 2023 4PM - 6PM | Mill Valley Market, 12 Corte Madera Ave. Santa and the Mill Valley Police Department will be at the Mill Valley Market collecting non-perishable food for families in need. After checking his naughty and nice list, Santa will be doing a ride-along with our officers through neighborhoods in Mill Valley. We hope to see you there! Learn more about the Food Drive here.

Join us for Winterfest - Part II! The Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Mill Valley Community Center on December 17 for a Massive Holiday Bash! Great performances, children’s games, and activities like the huge slide, a jumpy house, cornhole, and an array of additional activities, both inside and outside at the Community Center.

Starduster Tuesdays at the Mill Valley Community Center - On Tuesday, December 19, from 7:30-9:30 pm, put on your dancing shoes and celebrate the holidays with the Starduster Orchestra. Come on down and dance to the big band sounds of the 30's, 40's and 50's. Cost is $15 at the door. Get more info on Starduster Tuesdays here!

Donate To This Year's Holiday Toy Drive 2023 - Southern Marin Fire District would like to invite you to support the Annual Holiday Toy Drive . We're excited to announce the annual toy drive is back this holiday season supporting local non-profit, Performing Stars. Between now and December 21st, donations are kindly accepted. Please bring new, unwrapped toys and books for infants and children to age 11.  Drop off locations and more info on how to participate in the Toy Drive here.

Embracing Winter's Glow: A Solstice Celebration

Thursday, December 21, 6:00 - 8:00pm | Mill Valley Public Library - Main Reading Room

Celebrate the spirit of the season and delight in engaging activities, perfect for all ages, as we revel in the longest night and welcome the return of the sun. Whether you're crafting, listening to stories, participating in the Yule log ceremony, enjoying music, or strolling beneath the towering redwoods, our Winter Solstice event promises an evening of joy, connection, and the celebration of cherished local traditions. In collaboration with the National Park Service. Registration recommended. Learn more and register for Winter Solstice Celebration.

Angel Tree Tags at the Mill Valley PD - The Mill Valley Police Department is partnering with The Salvation Army to help with their Angel Tree program. Click here to learn more about how you can help make someone's holidays a little bit brighter!

Planning & Building News

1 Hamilton Update: On November 28, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to receive oral comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and the project. At the end of the public hearing, Planning Commission passed a series of resolutions recommending that City Council review and certify the Final EIR; rezone the Housing Site; and approve the design review and tree removal permit for the proposed 45-unit affordable housing project.

The City Council hearing will be scheduled once the Final EIR is assembled and released to the public. For more information, go to the project website.

Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for 1 Hamilton are welcomed through Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.

Send written comments to Steven Ross (e-mail), Senior Planner, City of Mill Valley, 26 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

City planners are also working to identify a name for the apartment complex.

Provide your input by taking the survey. 

Emergency Preparedness News

Top Holiday Safety Tips To Keep You and Your Family Safe This Winter Holiday Season - Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk of fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

High Tides Are Back This December - If you live, work, travel, or play in some of Mill Valley's low-lying coastal areas, you know that awareness of the high tides is key. Forecasters are predicting tide levels that could be high enough to cause roadway flooding on December 11-15 and 23-27, 2023, and January 9-13, 2024. Mark your calendars and check out the latest tide charts here.

Police News

2024 RSVP Permits Available for Purchase beginning December 19, 2023

The City of Mill Valley’s Resident Shopper Vehicle Permits (RSVP) will be available for purchase beginning December 19, 2023. We encourage online or mail-in purchases.. RSVP details and new 2024 pricing is available here.

Don't Let Package Thieves Ruin Your Holidays - The holiday shopping season is upon us. All of those great deals obtained from Black Friday and Cyber Monday will arrive at our doorsteps, meaning increased opportunities for package theft. Here are some ways to avoid becoming the victim of a package thief.

Public Works News

Notice of Construction and Closure - Hauke Park Bridge: Contractors will work from December 23 to January 5, Monday through Friday with possible Saturdays (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) under Hauke Park Bridge to replace a water line. Learn more about the bridge construction.

Sewer System Improvements at Frontage Road & Hamilton Drive: Maggiora & Ghilotti will work December 11 to December 22, Monday through Friday (8AM to 5:00PM) to finish work. Learn more about the sewer system construction.

Infrastructure Funding Study Committee Presents Report and Recommendation to City Council

In their presentation on Monday evening, Study Committee Chair Jim Parrinello and Co-Chair Jerry Cahill presented an overview of the work of the Committee and a summary of their findings and recommendations. Learn more about the Study Committee's report to Council and next steps.

Sustainability News

New Organic Waste Law - SB 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction law) went into effect in 2022 and affects all Californians. The law requires that everyone - residents, businesses, and schools - keep compostable waste out of our landfills. How to comply? 1) Subscribe to recycling and organics collection. In Mill Valley, these services are automatically included through Mill Valley Refuse Service. 2) Sort out all recyclables and organic waste from the trash. See more information for residents | Learn about business and commercial compliance

Library News

After Hours - Vignettes: An Evening of Original Chamber Music

Friday, December 8th, 7:00pm | Mill Valley Public Library - Main Reading Room

Join us for an intimate evening of original music written in Mill Valley by local composer Andrew Vickers, who is most influenced by Brahms, Debussy, and Phillip Glass. Program includes a selection of his original Piano Vignettes, a Cello and Viola duo, and the premier of Vickers’ Color Quartet. Registration highly recommended. Learn more and register for Vignettes.

Friends Book Sale

Saturday, December 9th, 11:00am - 4:30pm | Mill Valley Public Library - Smart Garden

Mark your calendar for the Friends of the Library's in-person book sale. With thousands of books to choose from, this is the place to find pretty fabulous deals on high quality best sellers, with an excellent inventory of fiction and non-fiction items including children's books.

The Mycological Society of Marin Presents: Meetings with Remarkable Mushroom Hunters with David Arora

Wednesday, December 20th, 6:00pm | Mill Valley Public Library - Creekside Room

Join American mycologist, naturalist, and writer, David Arora, as he talks about meetings with remarkable mushroom hunters. Registration recommended. Learn more and register for Mushroom Hunters.

Recreation and Arts News

Winter 2024 Registration Opens

Tuesday, December 12th at 8:30 am

Classes are visible NOW! You'll be able to register for:

After School Enrichment, Youth Classes, Adult Classes, Swim Lessons, Adaptive Needs Classes & more! View available classes at MyMVR.org

2023 Click Off Photography Competition Winners Announced

This year's competition had so many amazing submissions and would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated and congratulate the winners! To check out this year's winning images, and a slideshow of all the submissions, visit our website to learn about the Click Off.

Call for Artwork!

The City of Mill Valley and the Mill Valley Arts Commission are seeking artists to showcase their art as part of the Rotating Art in the Depot Plaza program. This is an ongoing call, so artists may submit their applications at any time. Learn more about Rotating Art and apply today!

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