Mill Valley Middle School Update

As Mill Valley Middle School transitions to the interim campus this fall, several temporary changes are needed to support construction. For project updates, visit the MVMS website.

Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up Changes

• Please visit the MVMS website for the updated drop-off and pick-up location map. 
• Because space is limited, students are encouraged to walk or bike when possible. 
• Families who drive should allow extra time.
• Please do not use the Community Center parking lot for drop-off or pick-up. 
• The District will have staff and signage in place for the first week to assist families.

Harrison Skatepark Temporary Closure Extended through September 30 - To complete construction of the Mill Valley Middle School interim campus safely, the Harrison Skatepark closure has been extended through September 30. The District knows this is a well-loved park and apologizes for the inconvenience. 

Community, Culture, & Connection News

Save the Date! Thursday, October 15, 10 AM–12 PM - Live Well Mill Valley presents: “Move Better. Live Better.” A community wellness event! Learn practical tips to improve balance, prevent falls and stay independent. Join us for Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Line Dancing, and safety tips from our local first responders. Learn how you can move and live better!

Honoring Excellence

City Council Honors Michael Heacock’s Athletic Achievement - On Monday, the Mill Valley City Council presented a proclamation recognizing Michael Heacock’s completion of the Triple Crown in open water swimming. Learn more.

City Council Honors Swoop Sirens’ 2026 Dipsea Race Achievement - On Monday, the Mill Valley City Council presented a proclamation to the Swoop Sirens recognizing their performance at the 2026 Dipsea Race. Learn more.

City Council Honors Director of Planning and Building Patrick Kelly on his Retirement - At Monday’s City Council meeting, Councilmembers and Staff presented a resolution honoring Director of Planning and Building, Patrick Kelly, before his retirement later this month after eight years of dedicated service. Learn more.

Arts and Recreation News & Events

Fall 2026 Program Registration is Now Open! Whether you’re looking for after school activities for the kids, a new class for yourself, preschool programs, swim lessons, or other ways to stay active, there’s plenty to choose from this fall. Check out what's available this season and register today!

Special Event Vendor Opportunities - Mill Valley Arts & Recreation is seeking vendors to participate in upcoming community events hosted at the Mill Valley Community Center.

• Halloween at the Center - Friday, October 30
  Vendor application deadline is Friday, October 16 at 5:00pm - Apply today!
• Holiday Craft Fair - Saturday, December 5
  Vendor application deadline is Friday, August 28 at 5:00pm - Apply today!

Youth Sports Field-Use Equity Survey (AB 2404 Compliance) - Mill Valley Arts & Recreation is asking parents/guardians to complete a short survey about how field space, game schedules, and facility resources are shared among youth sports programs. Your feedback supports compliance with California Assembly Bill 2404 and helps ensure fair access to City-managed athletic fields. Responses will be collected August 7–September 11, 2026.

Please complete one survey per child.

Mill Valley Junior Club Championship: Saturday, August 29 - Please join us for the first annual Mill Valley City Junior Championship. This event will consist of four flights, welcoming juniors ages 18 and under to compete at the Mill Valley Golf Course, Marin's hidden jewel. Learn more and register today!

Library News & Events

All events take place at the Mill Valley Pubic Library. 

Assistive AI: Seeing to Hear Better with Bridget Burke

Saturday, August 22nd | 11:00am

AI expert Bridget Burke will explore how today’s AI-powered vision tools can support independence by helping you read small text, understand what you’re looking at, and follow speech in real time using captions on your phone. Learn more and register.

Photographer Ilka Hartmann in conversation with Jessica Zack

Tuesday, August 25th | 6:00pm

Marin County photographer Ilka Hartmann has spent more than six decades documenting some of the United States’ most significant social justice and civil rights movements. Her compassionate eye has captured the collective courage of freedom fighters and the human dignity and beauty that endure in the face of oppression. In collaboration with Alta Journal, an award-winning literary and culture magazine focused on California and the West. Learn more and register.

Author Talk: Vanessa Hua with Jasmin Darznik

Wednesday, September 9th | 6:30pm

From the bestselling author of A River of Stars comes Coyoteland, a funny, heartfelt novel set in an affluent Bay Area suburb where a Chinese American family moves in and sets off a series of scandals in conversation with author Jasmin Darznik. Learn more and register.

Sustainability News

Marin Green Home Tour, August 29 from 11am–3pm - Interested in making your home sustainable? Join this free event where Marin tour hosts will be showcasing their sustainable homes for their community to learn more about green home upgrades. Come engage with hosts to learn about their choices, financial considerations, rebate programs, contractors, and more! Register for the tour today.

The Great Closet Cleanout Returns on October 9! Clear out those closets and give your gently used clothing a second life. Last year, we rehomed over 2,000 pounds of clothes keeping them in the community and out of the landfill! Donation drop offs: September 21–October 4 at the Mill Valley Community Center. Volunteers who help for 2 or more hours get early access to the event, be sure to complete our volunteer form (under 'interests' write in GCC for 'other'). Explore more event details on our website.

Free Climate Action Workshops - Want to do your part for the planet but not sure where to start? Join a Resilient Neighborhoods Climate Action Workshop for community support and practical advice on tackling climate change! Workshops start on September 10 at 4:30pm or on September 16 at 6:30pm. Learn more and sign up to join a team.

Police News

Back to School Season - As we head into a new school year, let's all do our part to keep students safe. A little extra attention can make a huge difference. Check out these safety tips!

Planning & Building News

CA Residential Mitigation & Earthquake Multi-Unit Soft-Story Retrofit Grant Program - Eligible property owners can register August 19 through September 30 to be considered for the California Residential Mitigation Program’s (CRMP) Earthquake Multi-Unit Retrofit (EMR) Grant Program. Learn more.

Help House the Mill Valley Community!  The City has two programs for homeowners interested in housing members of the local community, such as our teachers and local service workers. The Home Match program seeks to connect homeowners looking to share space in their home or ADU, providing assistance throughout the tenure living arrangement and will help them make space in their homes before committing to the program! The Lease to Locals program provides financial incentives up to $14,000 to homeowners interested in leasing their space to the local workforce that have not previously rented the space long-term (over 30 days).  

Southern Marin Fire News

“Normal” Doesn’t Mean No Fire Risk - California’s wildfire activity is below recent averages, but a “normal” outlook does not mean low risk for Southern Marin. Steep terrain, dry vegetation, narrow roads, and offshore winds can still create fast-moving fires. Interim Fire Chief Tom Welch explains current conditions, SMFD’s preparedness efforts, and the steps residents can take now to protect their households and neighborhoods in his 2026 Fire Season Outlook.

Very Strong El Niño Expected This Fall - A strengthening El Niño could bring significant weather changes to the Bay Area this fall and winter. Southern Marin Fire District is coordinating with local cities, towns and the County of Marin to prepare. Learn what the outlook means for our community and how you can prepare your family, friends and property.

Community News

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month - Don't forget to include pets in your emergency plans. Build a go-bag, practice evacuations, keep pet supplies and copies of vaccination and medical records ready, and make sure your pet’s identification is current. For dogs, this includes a current license to help reunite you if you become separated. Learn about disaster preparedness trainings throughout Marin County at ReadyMarin.org.

Municipal Service Tax News

Follow along as the City of Mill Valley prepares to renew its Municipal Service Tax (MST) in November 2026! For information on the MST, the Study Committee, and to review previous articles and video clips regarding the renewal process, visit the City’s website.