Sustainability News

Go Electric with MCE Clean Energy! Make your home cleaner, safer, and more efficient. Electric appliances can be up to five times more efficient than gas, reducing pollution, cutting energy costs, and eliminating risks like gas leaks and carbon monoxide. From induction cooktops to heat pump water heaters, MCE’s rebates and incentives make it easy and affordable to upgrade to a healthier, future-ready home - explore MCE’s Rebate Finder to get started.

Give Thanks, Not Waste: Tips for a Zero-Waste Thanksgiving - This Thanksgiving, show gratitude not just to loved ones, but to the planet, too. The holiday generates over 300 million pounds of food waste, along with single-use packaging and décor that often end up in landfills. Try hosting a zero-waste Thanksgiving by planning portions carefully, using reusable or compostable items, and giving food scraps new life. Learn more and explore sustainable holiday tips.

Student Art Brightens Mill Valley! Student artwork is now brightening public bins throughout Mill Valley, showcasing colorful posters created by local elementary and middle school students. An independent jury selected 10 pieces that highlight creativity and the importance of keeping waste out of landfills. Explore all featured artwork and bin locations on the Painted Bins Student Art Location Maps webpage.

Public Works News

No Leaf Left Behind! Rainy season is upon us — it’s time to grab those rakes and Mill Valley Refuse bins! Leaf cleanup isn’t just about keeping our yards tidy; it’s a critical part of preparing our community for winter weather. Here are 5 tips to make fall cleanup a breeze!

Open House: Miller Avenue Corridor Safety Study - The City is currently studying near and long-term traffic and safety improvements along Miller Avenue from Almonte to Millwood. An Open House will be held in the Mill Valley Community Center (180 Camino Alto) on Thursday, December 4th from 6:00pm - 7:30 pm for residents, corridor users, and nearby businesses to provide input regarding improvements that they feel are needed at these intersections and crossings. Learn more about the Open House here.

Survey: Traffic and Mobility Advisory Committee - We want your feedback! The Traffic and Mobility Advisory Committee is actively seeking public input on how Mill Valley uses various modes of transportation to get around. The group is strategizing how to reduce traffic and make improvements to bike/ped/transit around town. We are asking for some basic information from members of the community. Please take this quick survey!

Southern Marin Fire News

Thanksgiving Day Essentials - As Thanksgiving approaches, kitchens across Mill Valley will be busier than ever, and so will local firefighters. With cooking fires peaking on Thanksgiving Day, it’s essential for households to take a few simple precautions to keep celebrations safe, warm, and worry-free. Learn key safety tips to help ensure your holiday remains festive and fire-free.

Be Prepared for Power Outages - MFD is committed to helping our community stay confident and prepared during power outages. With the likelihood of downed trees, power lines, and service interruptions this season, readiness starts now. Simple actions like charging devices, keeping a battery-powered radio, and freezing water bottles, help keep everyone safe, calm, and connected. Learn more about how to prepare.

Tesla has issued a national recall of select Powerwall 2 home battery systems due to overheating and potential fire hazards. Residents with a Powerwall 2 are encouraged to check the Tesla App to see if their unit is affected and review safety guidance provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Learn more.

Recreation & Arts News and Events

Find Handcrafted Treasures at the Mill Valley Holiday Craft Fair! Join us Saturday, December 6th from 10 am-4 pm at the Mill Valley Community Center for festive holiday shopping. A wide variety of vendors await your visit! Learn more about this year's fair.

Calling All Wedding & Special Event Vendors! The 2nd Annual Marin Wedding & Event Expo is coming March 8, 2026 to the Mill Valley Community Center. This is your chance to get your business noticed! Vendor applications are open through Friday, February 20th. Learn more and apply!

Winter Break Camps! Come celebrate winter break with us during our 2 day camp. We'll have fun making winter crafts, playing games, and having a cozy pj and hot cocoa party! Camps run 12/22 - 12/23 and are available for Preschool & Youth ages. There's also Winter Break Game & Movie Days for Teen Zone members! Spaces limited. Register today!

Thanksgiving Gratitude Mediation Event

Saturday, November 22nd - 11am-12:10pm at the Mill Valley Community Center

Learn breath awareness and simple mindfulness practices to help calm the mind, cultivate gratitude and generosity, and touch the inherent goodness within. Register today!

Community, Culture & Connection News

The Legacy of Marin City exhibit debuts at College of Marin Fine Arts Gallery, November 10th through December 12th, 2025. Reception this Sunday November 23rd 1pm - 4pm. Learn more about this exhibit.

Join Us for Mill Valley's 2025 Time Capsule Dedication - Head down to City Hall front lawn on Monday, December 8th at 5pm to witness the dedication of Mill Valley's new time capsule, which future Mill Valley residents will open in the year 2100! Learn more and save the date!

Chamber of Commerce Events

1st Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Sunday, December 7th - 11-12pm or 1:30-2:30pm at Paseo: A California Bistro - 17 Throckmorton Avenue

Get ready to unleash your creativity this season! Spaces limited. Reserve your spot today.

Library News & Events

All events take place at the Mill Valley Public Library. 

After Hours: Smart Cities - The Sci-Fi Reality 

Friday, December 12th, 7:00pm

What happens when your home knows you better than you do? Join AI leader Bridget K. Burke with UC Berkeley experts Prof. Ken Goldberg and Dr. Jane Macfarlane for a lively, no-hype look at the future of “smart” living, the convenience, the trade-offs, and what’s already here. Adults and high school students only. Registration highly recommended. Learn more and register.

Friends Book Sales

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2:00-5:30pm

Saturday, December 6th, 11:00am-4:30pm

Mark your calendar for the Friends of the Library's in-person book sale. With thousands of books to choose from, this is the place to find pretty fabulous deals on high quality best sellers, with an excellent inventory of fiction and non-fiction items including children's books. Can't make it to the in-person book sales? Shop the Friends Online Bookstore. 

Author Talk: Birds of the Bay Area

with Dick Evans and Hannah Hindley

Wednesday, December 10th, 6:30pm

Bird photographer Dick Evans and writer and wilderness guide Hannah Hindley present In the Shadow of the Bridge: Birds of the Bay Area. In conversation with Ryan DiGaudio from Point Blue Conservation Science, whose scientists guided them into the world of birds. Registration required. Learn more and register.

Police News

Have a Happy Holidays with the Free Holiday Parking Program - Enjoy Mill Valley's holiday tradition of free parking! Starting Thanksgiving and ending January 1, 2026, all city meters and the multi-space parking Kiosk at city hall will be free. Please adhere to the posted time limits (indicated on meters or signs). Learn more!

Planning & Building News

Mill Valley's City Hall and Fire Station #6 Designated as a Historic Resource by the State - The City of Mill Valley, in partnership with the Mill Valley Historical Society (MVHS), is celebrating a major historic preservation milestone. On November 7, 2025, the California State Historic Resources Commission approved the nomination of Mill Valley's 1936 building at 26 Corte Madera Avenue, home to Mill Valley City Hall and Fire Station#6, for inclusion on the California Historical Resources List. Learn more about the historic designation of the City Hall and Fire Station 6 building.