fairfax the latest news for you | | Fairfax has a new Interim Town Manager | |
After nearly 5 years of service, Town Manager Heather Abrams has accepted another position.
Congratulations Heather and thank you for your work!
On October 7, 2026, the Town Council appointed Christine Foster to Interim Town Manager effective October 16, 2026. We're grateful to Christine for stepping into this role to bring stability and continuity through this transition.
Christine is a familiar and friendly face to the organization and community, serving as the Town's Deputy Town Clerk / Assistant to the Town Manager since 2023.
| | | Fairfax Farmers Market winding down: 3 Markets left in 2026 | |
The Fairfax Farmers Market is entering its final weeks for this year.
With shorter days and wet weather on the way, the market will wrap up with its last three Wednesdays: October 14, 21, and 28, 4-8 PM at Bolinas Park.
Stock up on your favorite local produce and goods while you can, and thank you to our vendors and everyone who came out this season.
| | | Park Road Renovation Construction is complete | |
October 14 | 1pm
Peri Park Playground
Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the Park road renovation program.
On Wednesday, October 14, at 1 pm, we will be holding a small ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the Peri Park playground area.
We are celebrating the completion of the Park Road construction project. The work took place over several months and is now finished.
Stop by to celebrate with lemonade and cookies!
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Fairfax now has its own official ballot drop box, located outside the Fairfax Library (2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd).
The box is open 24/7 now until 8 PM on Election Day.
Key dates
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October 31: Fairfax Women's Club Vote Center opens (46 Park Rd, 9 AM–5 PM through November 2)
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November 3: Election Day. Vote centers are open 7 AM–8 PM, and drop boxes close at exactly 8 PM.
Vote in Person at the Fairfax Women's Club
As usual, the Fairfax Women's Club (46 Park Rd) will be a Vote Center. You can vote in person, register and vote the same day, get a replacement ballot, use accessible voting equipment, or drop off your mail ballot.
- October 31 – November 2: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Election Day, November 3: 7 AM to 8 PM
Voting by mail? Send your ballot early, or use the Fairfax Library drop box. Track your ballot with Where's My Ballot?
Questions? Email townclerk@townoffairfaxca.gov or call Marin County Elections at 415-473-6456.
| | | Center Boulevard Vegetation Clearance: Improving Evacuation Safety | |
Starting in October in San Anselmo, crews will clear vegetation along Center Boulevard, from Fire Station 19 in San Anselmo to Pastori Avenue in Fairfax. The work will make the route safer for residents evacuating and for firefighters responding to emergencies. Work in Fairfax begins the week of October 26.
Crews will remove vegetation within 10 feet of the road, raise tree canopies to at least 15 feet, and take out dead trees and hazardous plants. Lane closures will be announced in advance. The project is planned in four (4) phases - view the map of the project schedule.
Click here to view the presentation at 00:49:47 by Fire Chief Mahoney to the Town Council on October 7.
Questions about work near your property? Contact Nicole Marcucci at Ross Valley Fire: 415-258-4686 ext. 16 or vegetationmanagement@rossvalleyfire.org.
| | | Fire Roads Vegetation Clearance: October 13, 15 and 16 | |
The Ross Valley Fire Department, in partnership with Marin County Parks and the Town of Fairfax, will be conducting vegetation maintenance on the Liile Yomi (Marinda) and MOST trail (Ridgeway) Fire Roads on October 13, 15, and 16.
Work is scheduled to take place throughout the day, and residents are advised to avoid the fire roads and the immediate area during this time.
RVFD is partnering with the Marin County Fire Foundry Crew to perform the majority of the work.
This program builds a community-based wildfire prevention workforce by providing job training and skill development for underserved and underrepresented community members of Marin County and the surrounding Bay Area.
To learn more visit the County Fire website here: https://www.marincounty.gov/departments/fire/administration/career-pathways/fire-foundry-program
There should be no impact to vehicle traffic or residences while this work is being conducted.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact WPC Nicole Marcucci at vegetationmanagement@rossvalleyfire.org or call 415-258-4686 ext. 16.
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Upcoming public meetings
Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, October 15 | 7:00 p.m.
Special Town Council Meeting
Wednesday, October 21 | 6:30 p.m.
Tree Committee Meeting
Monday, October 26 | 7:00 p.m.
Open Space Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 27 | 7:00 p.m.
Town Council Meeting
Wednesday, November 4 | 6:30 p.m.
View agendas and more public meetings.
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Meet the candidates including the Town Clerks, bring your questions and be informed for the upcoming election.
Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce
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Join the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking and community connection. All are welcome.
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Come dance and groove at this family-friendly free pop up music event with a DJ, art table and face painting.
Sponsored by Parks and Recreation
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Drop off unused prescription medications and e-waste for safe disposal as well as documents to shred. Free compost available!
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Coffee with the Mayor
Grab a latte with Mayor Hellman and come share your thoughts and questions about Fairfax.
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Free community-based Dia de los Muertos celebration centered around remembrance and culture.
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Fairfax's favorite Halloween Parade and the spooky Haunted Grove + costume contests and candy of course!
| | Halloween + Día de los Muertos in Fairfax | |
There’s a lot happening in Fairfax for families this Halloween season:
🎃 Fairfax Halloween Parade + Downtown Halloween Fun
Join the community for the Halloween Parade at 5 pm at the movie theater, costume contest in the Grove/Bolinas Park, tarot card readings, and other Halloween activities downtown.
🍬 Trick-or-treating on Dominga? Help stock the neighborhood.
Dominga Avenue welcomes hundreds of trick-or-treaters each year. If your family plans to visit, please consider helping the neighbors who make it possible.
*Please donate only new, unopened, factory-sealed bags of individually wrapped candy.
All donations will be distributed to participating homes throughout the neighborhood before Halloween.
Even $5 or one bag of candy helps!
💀 Día de los Muertos | Sunday, November 1
Join us at the Fairfax Pavilion for Dias de los Muertos with a community ofrenda, music, art, activities, and more.
Families are welcome to bring a photo or remembrance of a loved one to add to the ofrenda.
| | *Sponsored by Fairfax Parks and Recreation | | | | | |
Bolinas Park | 10AM - 11AM
Chi Gong in Bolinas Park
Practice under the Redwoods. Sign up online!
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Women's Club | 9AM-11:30AM
Age Friendly Mat & Chair Yoga
Get your stretch on with teacher Kelly Lynch.
Yoga Schedule. Donation based.
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Age Friendly "Breakfast with Friends"
Join us for our monthly coffee, tea and/or breakfast and a friendly and enjoyable chat.
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Code Calm: Stay Yourself Under Pressure
Wednesdays, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, and 11/11 | 6:00-7:30 PM
Fairfax Pavilion
Pressure can narrow your perspective and make it harder to respond in ways you trust.
In this four-class series, you'll learn to meet stress, conflict, uncertainty, and strong emotion without losing access to yourself. Through guided exercises, real-life scenarios, and the five-step SNAP method (Stop, Notice, Allow, Plan, Choose), you'll practice regaining perspective, communicating clearly, and choosing a trustworthy next step.
For anyone who wants to respond more intentionally in stressful moments, communicate more clearly in conflict, and make decisions without being driven by urgency or fear.
*No prior experience with meditation or stress-management is needed.
Cost: $265 for the workshop series
Taught by Dr. Giulietta Octavio, DACM, author of Code Calm and founder of Lumina Integrative Center in Fairfax.
Register here | drgiuliettaoctavio.com
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Age-Friendly Community
Age Friendly Fairfax: Nonagenarian Celebration
October 17, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Fairfax is proud to be designated an Age-Friendly community by AARP and the World Health Organization, and this annual celebration is one way we show it. Led by community members from Age Friendly Fairfax, the Town honors nonagenarian residents, those 90 years of age or older, with home-delivered gift baskets and a Fairfax Certificate of Appreciation.
Letters are being sent to all qualifying residents. If you or someone you know is 90+ and doesn't receive a letter, contact Jackie Engstrom at jacengstrom@gmail.com to be added to the delivery list.
Ross Valley Seniors Celebrate 20 Years with a Special Comedy Luncheon
November 5, 2026 | 11:00 AM–1:30 PM
Fairfax Women's Club
The Ross Valley Seniors are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a special luncheon and comedy program on November 5 at the Fairfax Women's Club.
Presented by Age Friendly San Anselmo and Age Friendly Fairfax, Ross Valley Seniors meet on the first Thursday of each month for lunch, socializing, games, and informative programs. First-time guests are welcome for an $8 drop-in fee; annual membership is $40 and includes 12 meetings.
Check out the October 2026 Age-Friendly newsletter!
The newsletter covers initiatives, resources, and opportunities for our vibrant aging community.
Visit our website to learn more about Age Friendly Fairfax.
| | | Give Back to Fairfax: Boards, Commissions & Community Groups | |
Looking for a meaningful way to get involved in Fairfax?
Whether you have a few hours a month or want to dive into an ongoing project, there's a place for you.
Current Vacancies:
Interested in applying or learning more about these boards and commissions? Check out the Town Website!
Join Age Friendly Fairfax
No experience needed! Age Friendly Fairfax welcomes anyone who wants to lend a hand, share ideas, and help build community connection among Fairfax residents. The group typically meets once a month (sometimes less often) on the 4th Friday from 9–10 AM at the Bennett House (occasionally at other locations). No application required!
Want to get connected or have questions? Contact the Chair, Josa Buennagel, at jtuchel@gmail.com.
| | | Town of Fairfax Seeks IT and Managed Services Provider | |
The Town of Fairfax is accepting proposals from qualified firms to serve as its primary Information Technology (IT) support and Managed Services Provider.
Read the full announcement and Request for Proposals
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Free Sand and Sandbags Available in Fairfax
With wet weather on the way, emergency sand and sandbags are available for Fairfax residents. They’re located next to the Skate Park off Elsie Lane.
Bring your own shovel. Sand and bags are provided, but you’ll need to fill the bags yourself.
For other sandbag locations around the county, check the Marin Public Emergency Portal. To get emergency alerts during storms, sign up for AlertMarin at emergency.marincounty.gov.
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Winter Storm Preparedness Community Meeting: Ross Valley
Monday, October 19 | 6:00 PM
With a potentially strong El Niño, Marin could see multiple powerful, prolonged winter storms, heavy rain, strong winds, and king tides that raise flood risk. Ross Valley residents and businesses are invited to learn what local agencies are doing to prepare and what you can do before, during, and after storms.
County representatives will cover:
- This winter’s potential weather and flood risks
- Flood-prone areas and conditions throughout the Ross Valley
- Work underway on flood-control facilities, drainage systems, and other infrastructure
- How a cross-department task force and local communities are coordinating before major storms
- Steps households and businesses can take now to protect property
- Where to find reliable information and emergency updates
There will be time to ask questions and talk directly with County staff.
RSVP: Space is limited. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite. After you register, you can submit questions for the speakers. You can also email questions in advance to community@marincounty.gov or submit when you RSVP, questions will not be taken during the event and the event will not be recorded.
Accessibility: Spanish interpretation will be available. For disability accommodations, additional language assistance, or alternative-format materials, call 415-473-4381 or dial CA Relay 711.
Know your risk: Check your address on the flood hazard map and read the County’s El Niño & Winter Storm preparedness guide.
For more preparedness info, be sure to check ReadyMarin as it is continually updated.
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Flood Preparedness Fair in Corte Madera
Saturday, October 24 | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
The Cove School, 330 Golden Hind Passage, Corte Madera
Get ready for fall king tides and potential El Niño impacts at the Town of Corte Madera’s free Flood Preparedness Fair.
Learn how to protect your home, business, and family from flooding, explore flood-protection products and services from vendors, and connect with public safety officials.
The fair includes educational booths and short panels to help homeowners prepare before the tides and storms arrive.
Registration is available through the Town of Corte Madera’s flood preparedness page.
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14 Props, One Ballot: A Free Tool to Help You Decide
California voters will face a long ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with 14 statewide propositions covering everything from taxes and housing to voter ID and healthcare. If reading the full official voter guide sounds like a lot, CalMatters has built a free, nonpartisan tool that makes it much easier for voters.
What's in the guide
The CalMatters 2026 Propositions Guide gives each measure its own page, written in plain language. On each one you'll find:
- A short explainer of what the measure would do and how it differs from current law
- The case for and against, summarized side by side
- Who's endorsing each side, from parties and advocacy groups to individual donors
- Opinion pieces arguing both positions
- Campaign finance data showing who's paying for each side, including outside spending
- The official ballot text and fiscal impact from the Secretary of State
Not sure where you stand? Take the quiz
The guide includes proposition quizzes that help you weigh your own values and priorities against each measure. They don't tell you how to vote; they help you think it through.
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Marin County Needs Input from Fairfax Residents
Help Shape Housing & Community
Marin County is recruiting volunteers for three committees that guide how local, state, and federal funds are spent on housing, emergency services, and public services countywide, applications close Friday, October 23 at 5:00 PM.
Open Committees:
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Countywide Priority Setting Committee (PSC) — Two seats open for residents representing Fairfax and the Ross Valley area (or Southern Marin). The County especially encourages applicants representing racial/ethnic minorities and people with disabilities to apply.
- West Marin Measure W Working Group — Recommends funding priorities for community housing.
- West Marin Measure W Oversight Committee — Oversees compliance with Measure W, accounting/auditing background helpful.
Learn more and apply at marincounty.gov/psc or marincounty.gov/measure-w-working-group.
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Share Your Vision for Marin’s Future
For the first time in more than 25 years, Marin County is creating a Countywide Strategic Plan, called Envision Marin, and wants to hear from you.
The plan will set a shared direction for County priorities, services, and investments over the next six years.
If you live, work, attend school, or do business in Marin, you can help shape it. The County is especially interested in hearing from the District 2 community, which includes Fairfax, about what matters most to you.
Two ways to participate:
- Online: Share your ideas through the County’s new Engage Marin tool. It’s quick and easy.
- In person: Attend a workshop. Find dates and locations on the Envision Marin website.
Community input will help determine how these priorities are carried into future County budgets and work.
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PG&E Proposes 10-Year Electrical Undergrounding Plan
PG&E has submitted its first 10-Year Electrical Undergrounding Plan to the California Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety.
The plan proposes about 5,000 additional miles of undergrounded powerlines between 2028 and 2037 across more than 30 counties, focused on the highest fire-risk areas. It aims to reduce wildfire risk and improve electric reliability.
PG&E reports it has completed 1,400 miles of undergrounding and 1,800 miles of system upgrades so far, and expects about 1,900 miles of undergrounding and 2,000 miles of upgrades by the end of 2027.
If approved, the plan would bring the total to 11,000 miles of undergrounded or upgraded lines in high fire-risk areas by 2037.
The plan is a proposal. State regulators must review it and have final approval over undergrounding work beyond 2027.
Learn more on PG&E’s Electrical Undergrounding Plan page.
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The Great California ShakeOut is coming
Join millions of Californians in practicing earthquake safety!
The Great California ShakeOut takes place Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:15 AM, and everyone in Fairfax is encouraged to participate, at home, at work, at school, or wherever you happen to be.
When the drill begins, practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On for at least one minute:
- Drop to the ground
- Cover your head and neck (get under sturdy furniture if possible)
- Hold On until the shaking stops
Earthquakes can strike anywhere in California without warning, and practicing now helps you react quickly when it counts. Last year, more than 10.4 million Californians took part.
Register your household, workplace, or organization at ShakeOut.org, and take a few minutes beforehand to check your emergency supplies and review your evacuation plan.
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Still Time to Join Rideshare Month!
October is Rideshare Month, and there’s still time to take part through Marin Commutes.
Carpool, vanpool, or shuttle to work, school, or errands and log your trips for a chance to win one of the $100 gift card drawings.
Trips must be logged by the end of October to count.
Sign up and start logging at marincommutes.org.
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