fairfax the latest news for you | | Coastal Flood Advisory Through Thursday, October 29 | |
The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for Bay Area shorelines because of very high tides. It’s in effect now through 3 PM Thursday, October 29.
Up to 1.9 feet of water above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways during peak high tides.
Stay safe:
- If you have to travel, allow extra time, since some roads may be closed
- Don’t drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth
- Take steps now to protect flood-prone property
For preparedness tips, visit ReadyMarin.org/ElNino. Sign up for AlertMarin to get emergency alerts at emergency.marincounty.gov.
Aviso de inundaciones costeras hasta el jueves 29 de octubre. Se esperan mareas muy altas que podrían inundar zonas bajas cerca de la costa. Si necesita viajar, déjese más tiempo, no conduzca alrededor de barreras ni por agua de profundidad desconocida, y proteja su propiedad. Más información: ReadyMarin.org/ElNino
| | | 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.
| | | Voting in Fairfax: Vote Center Opens October 31 | |
The November 3 General Election is a week away.
Fairfax voters will decide the Town Council (2 seats), Town Clerk, and Town Treasurer races, along with the county and statewide contests on your ballot.
Vote in person at the Fairfax Women’s Club (46 Park Road)
- Saturday, October 31 through Monday, November 2: 9 AM-5 PM
- Election Day, Tuesday, November 3: 7 AM-8 PM
You can vote in person, register and vote the same day, get a replacement ballot, or drop off your ballot. Language services are available in English and Spanish.
Accessibility
Every Marin vote center has:
- An accessible ballot marking device, so you can mark your ballot independently and privately
- A wheelchair-accessible voting booth
- Magnifiers, easy-grip pens, and signature guides
- A sip/puff device, available if you call in advance
Drop off your ballot in Fairfax
A ballot drop box is outside the Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. It’s open 24/7 until 8 PM on Election Day, when drop boxes close exactly at 8 PM.
Other vote centers near Fairfax
You can vote at any vote center in Marin, not just the one closest to home.
- San Anselmo: American Legion Hall (Log Cabin), 120 Veterans Place, opens October 31
- Kentfield: Saint Sebastian’s Catholic Church (Parish Hall), 373 Bon Air Road, opens October 31
- San Geronimo: San Geronimo Valley Community Center (West Room), 6350 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, open now
- San Rafael: Marin County Civic Center, Elections Department, 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 121, open now (8:30 AM-4:30 PM Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM Saturday and Sunday)
Haven’t mailed your ballot yet? The Registrar recommended mailing by October 27 (today!) for timely delivery. Consider using a drop box or vote center instead.
Track your ballot: Sign up for BallotTrax at WheresMyBallot.com for notifications when your ballot is mailed and received.
Early voting helps the Elections Department process ballots sooner and gives you time to fix any issues.
Questions?
Call 415-473-6456 or visit MarinVotes.org.
For Fairfax-specific questions, email townclerk@townoffairfaxca.gov. Follow @MarinVotes on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
| | | Center Boulevard Vegetation Clearance Is Underway | |
Work in Fairfax begins this week! Yesterday, crews started clearing vegetation along Center Boulevard from Lansdale Avenue in San Anselmo to Pastori Avenue in Fairfax.
The Ross Valley Fire Department is doing the work to make Center Boulevard a safer route for residents evacuating and for firefighters responding to emergencies. It follows an evacuation route evaluation and is funded by Measure C through the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA).
What crews are doing:
- Removing vegetation 10 feet off the edge of the roadway
- Raising tree canopies at least 15 feet above the road
- Removing dead and dying vegetation, including trees
- Removing hazardous species such as bamboo, juniper, and cypress
Please drive slowly and carefully
Crews are working right along the roadway. The speed limit on Center Boulevard is 25 mph. Please slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and follow posted signs and traffic control.
Learn more
Questions?
Ross Valley Fire is available to meet with residents about work planned along their property.
Contact Nicole Marcucci, Wildfire Preparedness Coordinator, at 415-258-4686 ext. 16 or vegetationmanagement@rossvalleyfire.org.
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Upcoming public meetings
Open Space Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 27 | 7:00 p.m.
Town Council Meeting
Wednesday, November 4 | 6:30 p.m.
Climate Action Committee Meeting
Monday, November 9 | 5:00 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
Monday, November 9 | 7:00 p.m.
Tree Committee Meeting
Monday, November 16 | 7:00 p.m.
View agendas and more public meetings.
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Bolinas Park | Last Wednesday
Our Last 2026 Halloween Farmers Market
Come in costume for the costume contest in the grove while stocking up on goodies and gifts.
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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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Día De Los Muertos Celebration
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!
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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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Fairfax Shop Local Event
Small businesses need your support this holiday season to keep making our Downtown so special. Come out and support and get all your stocking stuffers right in town this year.
| | Fairfax Farmers Market finishes this week: 1 Market left in 2026 | |
The Last Market of the Season. With a Halloween special market this time and Costume contest for the littles.
Come for early holiday gifts from all our wonderful local artisans, ask at the info booth about their holiday cooler bags full of goodies, and stock up on your Autumn food stores.
With shorter days and wet weather on the way, the market will wrap up with its last delightful market, this Wednesday October 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.
The Farmers Market returns in May 2027.
| | | Halloween + Día de los Muertos in Fairfax this weekend! | |
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.
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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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Thanksgiving Break Camp
Monday-Wednesday, November 23-25 | 9 AM-1 PM
Fairfax Pavilion
Join Aura from Good Fun Stuff for three days of art, free play, and more during Thanksgiving break. Kids can look forward to crafting, scooter racing, building games, marble runs, puzzles, and good old-fashioned free play.
Each day follows a flow of morning circle, storytelling, music and movement, snack time, and usually a short trip to a nearby park. Activities are tailored to the interests and personalities of the group as they emerge.
Need to know:
- Ages 5-9, limited to 15 kids
- Led by Aura and one Counselor in Training
- Please bring a snack, a water bottle, and lunch
- Cost for all 3 days is $210.
- Online registration is preferred: Sign up here
Sponsored by Fairfax Parks and Recreation.
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Age-Friendly Community
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 November 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 Programs That Can Save You Money on Home and Property Projects | |
Planning a home project? Fairfax offers three programs that can reduce your costs.
Building Permit Fees Waived for Accessibility Improvements
If you’re making ADA accessibility improvements to an existing building, whether your home or your business, the Town waives building permit fees for the accessibility portion of the work.
Questions? Contact Building Official Mark Lockaby at 415-458-2370. Planning and Building
ADU and JADU Amnesty
Have an accessory dwelling unit or junior ADU that was built without permits? The Town has a path to legalize units built before January 1, 2020, and the review focuses on health and safety standards rather than strict building code requirements.
The Town has also waived penalties and reduced permit fees for ADUs and JADUs.
To get started, contact the Planning and Building Department at 415-453-1584. Remedy for un-permitted ADUs | ADU and JADU resources
Sidewalk Repair Program
Sidewalk repair is the property owner’s responsibility, but the Town will help. Through the Sidewalk Repair Program, the Town splits the cost of replacement 50-50, up to a maximum Town contribution of $2,000, and waives encroachment permit fees.
How it works:
- Hire a licensed and insured contractor, who prepares an itemized proposal.
- Submit the proposal to the Town. After review, the Building Official does a pre-construction inspection.
- Once approved, work can begin. Don’t start before approval.
- After a final inspection, pay your contractor and submit proof of payment for reimbursement.
Tree removal isn’t covered by the program. If a tree has to come out as part of the repair, you’ll need approval from the Tree Committee first.
Sidewalk Repair Program
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Winter Storm Preparedness Community Meeting: West Marin
Tuesday, October 27 | 6:30 PM
Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
With the potential for a strong El Niño pattern and powerful, prolonged winter storms, now is the time to prepare for heavy rain, strong winds, extreme King Tides and flooding. West Marin residents, businesses and agricultural communities should understand local risks and prepare for the months ahead.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions and talk directly with County representatives. Everyone in West Marin is encouraged to attend, learn about risks in their area and take practical steps now to prepare for winter.
Learn more: El Niño and Winter Storm Preparedness
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Get Ready for an El Niño Winter: FEMA Urges Households to Prepare Now
With El Niño conditions strengthening, FEMA Region 9 encourages everyone to prepare now for possible heavy rain, flooding, and other storm impacts.
Conditions will vary by location, so follow National Weather Service forecasts and guidance from local officials as storms develop.
Steps to take now:
- Review your flood insurance. Most standard homeowners and renters policies don’t cover flood damage, and National Flood Insurance Program policies typically take 30 days to go into effect, so don’t wait for a storm. Get a quote at FloodSmart.gov.
- Make an evacuation plan. Know where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and how family members will reconnect if separated. Include pets and anyone who needs help evacuating.
- Prepare a go-bag with medications, chargers, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, and essential supplies. Keep important documents in a waterproof container, with copies you can access if you leave home.
- Stay informed. Sign up for local alerts, follow instructions from local officials, and never drive or walk through floodwater.
Closer to home in Fairfax:
You can also download the free FEMA App for real-time weather alerts, nearby emergency shelters, and preparedness guides. More tips are at Ready.gov/floods.
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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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Share your ideas: Envision Marin Community Workshops Begin November 12
Marin County is hosting community workshops to help shape its first Countywide Strategic Plan in more than 25 years.
Anyone who lives, works, learns, or does business in Marin is invited to share what they value about Marin today and what they’d like to see over the next 5 to 10 years.
All workshops are open to the public. Registration is encouraged for in-person workshops, but walk-ins are welcome.
See all dates and locations for workshops on the Envision Marin page.
Can’t make it? Share your ideas anytime on Engage Marin. It only takes a few minutes.
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Free Wilderness Safety Talk with Marin Search and Rescue
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 6:30-8:00 PM
Online (live and recorded)
Whether you hike, forage, or just love being outdoors, a wrong turn can leave you disoriented in a remote, off-grid spot. Join Marin Search and Rescue and Fork in the Path for a free talk on staying safe in the woods and what to do if something goes wrong.
The talk will cover:
- Basic wilderness safety tips
- Equipment to consider carrying, including navigation and technology
- What to do if you have to spend an unexpected night out
- Environmental injuries, including wild animals
- Case studies showing how Search and Rescue works
Registration required, Register here.
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Last Call for Chipper Days
Do you still need to schedule your FREE pickup of vegetation debris?
There may still be enough time for you to get a reservation.
But be aware that bad weather could cause schedule delays.
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PG&E Proposes 10-Year Plan to Underground 5,000 Miles of Powerlines
PG&E has proposed moving about 5,000 miles of powerlines underground in California’s highest wildfire-risk areas between 2028 and 2037. The company says undergrounded lines cut ignition risk by nearly 98% and outages by about 90%. Locations would be chosen through risk modeling, and the plan still needs state approval, first from the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety and then the California Public Utilities Commission.
Learn more on PG&E’s Electrical Undergrounding Plan page.
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Zero-Waste Thanksgiving Tips
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and good food, but it also generates more than 300 million pounds of food waste, plus a lot of single-use packaging and decorations. This year, show gratitude to the planet with a zero-waste Thanksgiving.
- Plan ahead. Use Save The Food’s Guest-imator tool to figure out how much food to buy.
- Pack leftovers in reusable containers. Ask guests to bring their own to take food home.
- Skip disposables. Use reusable tableware and natural décor like pumpkins, squash, and candles. If you need disposables, choose compostable ones like wooden utensils and unlined paper plates.
- Compost food scraps. Composting keeps methane out of landfills and builds healthy soil. You can also save veggie scraps and turkey bones for homemade broth.
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Heat Pump Water Heater Webinar for Marin Residents
November 18 | 6-7:30pm
Zoom
Most people don’t think about their water heater until it stops working.
Future Bay Area Air District appliance regulations may require that when your gas water heater breaks, you will have to replace it with a heat pump water heater starting in 2028.
The County of Marin Climate and Sustainability Office is hosting a resident focused webinar that will cover everything you need to know about heat pump water heaters, including how they work, what to know before installing one, questions to ask a contractor, and current incentive programs.
There will be a Q&A section to get your specific project questions answered.
Register here.
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