Town Council Certifies Elections, Swears in Elected Officials, and Reorganizes for 2025
At its December 4 meeting, the Town Council certified the results of the November 5, 2024, election and swore in three councilmembers for four-year terms: Barbara Coler (re-elected), Frank Egger (newly elected), and Michael Ghiringhelli (newly elected).
As part of its annual reorganization, the Council selected Lisel Blash to serve as Mayor and Stephanie Hellman as Vice Mayor for 2025.
Congratulations to all, and thank you to the outgoing Councilmembers Ackerman and Cutrano for their service to the community.
Upcoming Special Town Council Meeting - Wednesday, December 18
The Fairfax Town Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, December 18 to hear the remainder of the agenda from the December 4 meeting. The meeting will be held at the Fairfax Women’s Club.
The next regular Town Council meeting will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
The property at 95 Broadway, known as "School Street," has been identified as a potential site for affordable housing in the Town's Housing Element. On November 12, 2024, the Town received a preliminary application for residential development on this site, but it is incomplete and not yet considered valid.
The proposed project may include:
202 market-rate units and 41 affordable units (25% low-income affordable)
5,750 square feet of commercial space
Two levels of parking and four stories of residential units
The Town cannot review or comment on the project until a full application is submitted. Updates, including setting up a project page to house documents.
Upcoming Town Hall Holiday Closure
Town Hall offices will be closed from December 24, 2024 through January 1, 2025.
24-hour operations will remain in effect for the Police and Fire Departments.
RECREATION
Annual Craft Faire
Don't miss our annual Holiday Craft Faire where you can shop for unique gifts, make a beautiful wreath, and enjoy delicious food and beverages with friends and neighbors—you won’t want to miss it!
Ballfax Holiday Sleepover on Friday, December 20!
Come join our first ever sleepover event in the Pavilion. To learn more about this fun time, check out our website.
Blue Butterfly Open Tot Play
We are bringing back the Pavilion Playgroup but with a new name, join us in early 2025 as we re-launch our Blue Butterfly Open Tot Play in the Pavilion on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am – 12:30pm from January 3 – March 28. Online registration is recommended but we will accept drop-ins.
Toddler Music with Dani
Our beloved Dani will be offering a winter session for Toddler Music on Tuesdays January 7 – February 11th. Sign up today to reserve your spot!
If you're looking to get connected with or have questions about the Age Friendly community, contact the chair of Age Friendly Fairfax, Josa Buennagel, at jtuchel@gmail.com.
Ross Valley Senior Luncheon
The Ross Valley Seniors meet the first Thursday of the month for a social gathering and Bocce Ball at 11, lunch at noon and a variety of interesting programs from 1-2 pm. Be sure to join us for this lovely monthly gathering at the Fairfax Women’s Club – 46 Park Road.
Age Friendly Yoga
Are you 55 years and/or older in Fairfax? Don’t miss out on our free high quality Age Friendly Yoga classes with Kelly Lynch offered several times a week! We ask for suggested donations to help offset these incredible classes.
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Meet Climate Action Coordinator member, Liz
Meet Liz, a dedicated member of Fairfax’s Climate Action Committee, passionate teacher, naturalist, and lifelong learner. With over 26 years of experience in education, Liz specializes in science literacy, environmental justice, and empowering youth to connect deeply with their communities and the natural world. As a certified California Naturalist and avid runner, Liz is committed to fostering curiosity, action, and collaboration in addressing climate change. She inspires others to care for and steward the planet through her work and personal example. Both as a parent and educator, Liz values nurturing curiosity and growth, whether in the classroom, the outdoors, or everyday life.
E-Bike Incentive Project: Are you eligible?
Interested in getting an e-bike incentive? California residents aged 18+ with qualifying household incomes may be eligible! The application process includes residency and income verification, as well as safety training. Be sure to wait for approval before purchasing your e-bike.
Winter's cold has arrived and so have federal rebates for heat pumps!
$45 million is now available for single-family households, with more to come. Households can receive up to $8,000 per appliance, with the moderate income limit for a two-person household in Marin County at $235,000.
Find a certified contractor and visit The Switch is On for details. Act quickly—funds are limited! Additional rebates for water heat pumps are coming soon, plus up to $2,000 in tax credits per appliance.
Free Mill Food Recycler for Marin Residents
Zero Waste Marin is launching a pilot program with Mill to provide up to 125 free food recyclers, helping keep organics out of landfills. Eligible participants include low-income residents and nonprofits; recipients will be asked to complete surveys to evaluate the program's effectiveness.
Mill’s food recycler uses a dry-and-grind system to transform food scraps into nutrient-rich grounds, which can be added to your green compost cart.
✨ Join Us for the Annual Fairfax Craft Faire & Wreathmaking! ✨
Saturday, December 14 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fairfax Pavilion
Get ready to embrace the festive spirit at the beloved Fairfax Craft Faire, an annual celebration of creativity, community, and holiday cheer! This year, the Pavilion will be filled with talented local artisans offering unique, handcrafted gifts that are perfect for your holiday shopping. Come support our local makers and discover one-of-a-kind treasures!
Wreathmaking Workshop
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Create a beautiful holiday wreath with the guidance of Fairfax Recreation! All materials will be provided to craft a wreath of your own design, and you’re encouraged to bring any special ribbons or decorations for that extra personal touch.
4th Annual Menorah Lighting
Thursday, December 26 | 4:30–6:30 PM
Bolinas Park
Enjoy the festivities with the Fairfax community on Thursday, December 26, from 4:30–6:30 PM at Bolinas Park! Enjoy free admission, live music, hot soup & latkes, crafts for kids, and a grand menorah lighting.
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