Fairfax Newsletter | September 17, 2024

TOWN NEWS

📢 Townwide Evacuation Drill! 🚨

The Ross Valley Fire Department, Fairfax Police Department, and the Town of Fairfax, at the request of Mayor Barbara Coler, invite residents to participate in an important Evacuation Exercise on Saturday, September 28, designed to help families prepare for emergencies.

Details:

  • Time: Arrive anytime between 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Location: St. Rita’s Church parking lot, 100 Marinda Drive, Fairfax

This slow-motion drill will allow residents to practice evacuating safely in one vehicle. You’ll have the chance to meet local firefighters and police officers, and learn how to prepare for a real evacuation.


Important Notifications:

  • A Nixle alert will be sent out at 5:00 PM on Friday, September 27, to announce the drill.
  • On Saturday, September 28 at approximately 9:50 am second Nixle alert will go out notifying residents that the siren will be activated at 10:00 am
  • On Saturday, September 28, the siren will sound at approximately 9:50 AM before the drill begins.

Bring your Go-Bag and participate in this crucial community event to ensure you and your family are prepared.


This is a great opportunity to ensure you’re prepared for any emergency. We look forward to seeing you there! Learn more about this event online.

Today is National Voter Registration Day

Many voters are unaware that if a person has moved or changed their name, they need to reregister. Often residents skip this process and are surprised when they do not receive a ballot.


October 21 is the last day to register to vote in the November 5 General Election and receive a mailed ballot. To register to vote or check your voter registration, visit RegisterToVote.ca.gov.


The Marin County Elections Office will begin mailing Vote by Mail ballots October 7. 

Join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Wall Property Open Space!

We’re excited to invite you to the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly acquired Wall Property Open Space! After months of effort and community collaboration, the Town of Fairfax is proud to celebrate the successful completion of this significant land purchase, ensuring its protection for generations to come.


This achievement was made possible thanks to the support of the Fairfax Town Council, Marin Open Space Trust, the Fairfax Open Space Committee, and our generous community members. Now it’s time to come together and mark this important milestone!


Event Details:

  • Date: Monday, October 14th
  • Time: 5:00 PM
  • Location: Top of Marinda Drive

Important Reminders:

  • Parking will be very limited, so we encourage carpooling. Additional transportation options may also be available—stay tuned for updates!
  • The terrain includes a slight incline along a rocky dirt road, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear.
  • Light refreshments will be provided after the ceremony.

Join us as we open the Wall Property Open Space to the public and celebrate this wonderful community effort! We look forward to seeing you there.

Fairfax-Bolinas Road Project at Milepost 5.73

Starting this week, traffic conditions will return to the road being closed at milepost 5.73 on weekdays for construction and then open up again on weekends with single-lane access (two-way traffic controlled through the lane) until October some time.


The road, which is a popular biking route, will be open on weekends. However, at the construction zone (milepost 5.73), the road will function on single-lane access with two-way traffic controlled through the one lane.


The project is still on schedule to be completed in early November. Sign up for project notifications through the County’s project page.

Next regular Town Council meeting October 16

The next regular Town Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fairfax Women’s Club. This regular meeting was rescheduled due to the religious holiday Rosh Hashanah, at the beginning of the month.


Sign up online to receive agenda notifications. 

POLICE

Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Training Symposium

Detective Shelby Jones, Lead Dispatcher Kathleen Stevens, Dispatcher Vanessa Hernandez, and Dispatcher Flory Lemus represented the Fairfax Police Department at the WLLE - Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Training Symposium.


The purpose of WLLE is to bring together policing professionals in a supportive and empowering environment, enabling all to learn from the knowledge and experience of others. The symposium’s goal is to continue to provide dynamic, contemporary training presented by subject matter experts in their fields and to help develop both professional and sworn members of the law enforcement community.

Welcome Officer Oscar Fernandez-Bonilla!

Please join us in welcoming our recently hired Police Officer Oscar Fernandez-Bonilla. Oscar was born and raised in El Salvador. He is a fluent/native Spanish speaker and holds a BA Degree in Economics from UC Berkeley. Please say hello to Oscar when you see him around town!

Fairfax PD solves burglary at Splitrock Tan and Wheel

On Saturday, September 7th, 2024, just before 6 a.m., FPD officers responded to a burglary alarm at Splitrock Tap and Wheel (2020 Sir Francis Drake Blvd). Two high-end bicycles, valued at $9,000 each, were stolen and recovered. Officers spotted three suspects, one of whom was detained by a Sheriff’s Deputy nearby and identified as involved in the burglary. This incident follows a previous break-in at the same location in July. Three suspects were arrested and charged in connection to this case.

PLANNING & BUILDING

Short-Term Rentals

Since the Town began requiring that STRs register earlier this year, staff has learned that many STRs operating in Town are not eligible to register. Among other regulations, the municipal code requires that : the property is located in a low density residential zoning district, the unit is occupied, the majority of the time, by a permanent resident, and the property has available parking. On September 19, the Planning Commission will be discussing possible changes to potentially allow more STRs to register. 


Visit Fairfax STR Program for more information.

Dark Sky Regulations

Reducing light pollution helps create a “dark sky” which allows for improved star gazing, reduces impacts on nocturnal wildlife and creates less nuisance lights between properties.


The Planning Commission would be interested in hearing from the community on this topic. For more information, view the September 19 Planning Commission Agenda.

FIRE SAFETY

Wildfire Risk Home Assessments

Starting as early as September 16th, local fire departments will start inspecting properties throughout Marin that have been identified to receive follow up wildfire risk evaluations.  If you had a Wildfire Risk evaluation this year, you MAY receive an additional evaluation.  If you are not at home, inspectors will only inspect what they can see from the street to your front door.


Learn more and view your home report online.

Sign up for Chipper Days this Fall

Chipper Day Program offers free curbside pickup and disposal of excess vegetation from residential properties. The purpose of the program is to help residents with the process of removal and disposal of flammable vegetation.


Upcoming chipper days in Fairfax:

  • Week of September 30th (Wed-Fri PICKUP)
  • Week of November 4th (Wed-Fri PICKUP

This program is funded by Measure C and managed by the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority. Don't miss it - sign up!

RECREATION

Fairfax Art Walk 2024, September 27

Get ready for a creative evening at the 5th Annual Fairfax ArtWalk, where the arts come alive in the heart of our town! This beloved event brings together the community to celebrate local talent with an exciting mix of visual arts, sculpture, live music, dance performances, and spoken word.


Stroll through town with family and friends to explore art displays, visit your favorite shops, and meet the incredible artists behind the work. Plus, don’t forget to join in the scavenger hunt for a chance to win some fun prizes!


Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, September 27th
  • Time: Evening, starting at 5PM
  • Cost: Free and family-friendly

Hosted by the Fairfax Artist In Residence program, this event highlights the vibrant creativity that thrives in our community. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a fun night out, ArtWalk 2024 promises something for everyone.


Mark your calendars, and we’ll see you there for a night of art, culture, and community connection!

Fairfax Recreation Fall/Winter Guide

Fairfax Recreation Fall/Winter 2024 Program Guide is now available! Explore a wide range of activities, classes, and events for all ages happening in Fairfax. Whether you're looking to try something new or continue with a favorite activity, there's something for everyone this season.

 

For more details and to register, check out the full guide on the Recreation page.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Climate Action Committee

Tuesday, September 17 | 7:00 p.m.


Planning Commission

Thursday, September 19 | 7:00 p.m.


Tree Committee

Monday, September 23 | 7:00 p.m.


Open Space Committee

Tuesday, September 23 | 7:00 p.m.


See more public meetings.

EVENTS

Shop local at the Farmers' Market

Every Wednesday May – October | 4:00 – 8:00 PM

Bolinas Park


Grab dinner or pick up fresh veggies and baked goods to bring home. Enjoy live music, fresh handmade foods, artisans, and more!


*Mayor Coler, Town Manager Abrams, and other staff will be at the Farmers’ Market on September 18 and October 9.

Climate Action Workshops

Thursday, September 7 | 10:00 am - Noon

Fairfax Library


Join the Fairfax Climate Action Committee’s Sequestration Team in celebrating California’s Biodiversity Day! There will be a short speaker series starting at 11am featuring the importance of indigenous knowledge to preserve biodiversity and the role that keystone species can play in backyard restoration and landscaping + a plant scavenger hunt!


Learn more online!

Fairfax Theater Company - Nora's Ghost-Or Let There Be Life!

September 6-21 | Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Fairfax Pavilion


Join the Fairfax Theater Company for this life-affirming, some-what musical, who-dunnit comedy. Written and directed by Sam M Parry.

  • Fridays 7:30PM/ Saturdays 3:30PM & 7:30PM
  • (No matinee on Saturday Sept 21)

All Performances FREE – Donations welcome! For more information call 415-302-0659.


*No matinee on September 21.

Town Picnic!

September 21 | 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Contratti Ball Field

 

Music by the Tom Finch band, food for sale by Tante, Bake Sale by San Anselmo Co-op. Kids entertainment includes: bubbles, jousting, bounce house and activities by Good Fun Stuff.

  • Reptile show at 1pm
  • Puppet show at 3pm
  • Face painting from 1-4pm

Volunteer for the Town Picnic

 

Volunteers are welcomed and needed to prepare for this wonderful community event! Contact Maria Baird if you are interested and available to help.

International Bike to School Day

Wednesday, October 2 | 8:00 a.m.

Fairfax Fire Station

 

Manor School PTA members will be guiding a bike parade in celebration of National Bike to School Day. The bike parade will leave from the Fairfax Fire Station at 8am that morning, arriving at Manor school around 8:20am.

 

Grab your helmet and your wheels and join students, parents, and Fairfax Police and Fire on Wednesday October 2!

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Go green while saving money with Marin Clean Energy

Looking for a greener, more affordable energy option? Marin Clean Energy (MCE) offers 100% renewable energy through its Deep Green program, helping you reduce your carbon footprint. You can also benefit from rebates on energy-efficient appliances, electric vehicles, and home upgrades. MCE’s programs make it easy to go green while saving money. Plus, it’s a local, not-for-profit service that supports clean energy jobs in our community.



Whether you're making small changes or big improvements, these incentives make sustainability affordable. Check out all the current offers to start saving today!

Zero Waste Marin Week October 12-19

Zero Waste Week was started by Zero Waste Sonoma three years ago as a way to bring more zero waste-focused events to their communities, and this year they invited Zero Waste Marin to participate and bring events to Marin County. From clothing swaps, to compost giveaways, to film screenings – check out Zero Wate Marin’s website!

Street Smarts

Street Smarts is a traffic safety program that educates drivers, pedestrians and cyclists about safety issues, including distracted driving. The goal is to encourage people to adopt new attitudes and behaviors that will reduce the number of traffic-related collisions and make our streets safer for everyone.

Age Friendly Fairfax

Age Friendly Newsletter


Read the September Age Friendly newsletter here.


If you're looking to get connected with or have questions about the Age Friendly community, contact our representative for the Commission on Aging, Kristin Amlie, at aginginfairfax@sonic.net.


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.

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