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City of Mill Valley's Response to North Bay Fires
The North Bay fires began late in the evening on Sunday, October 8 and spread throughout Napa, Lake, Sonoma, Mendocino, Butte, and Solano counties. Due to extreme wind and low humidity conditions, the fires quickly grew to become wide-ranging incidents. By Saturday, October 14, the fires had burned more than 210,000 acres and destroyed approximately 5,700 structures. Around 90,000 were evacuated from their homes. These fires have killed at least 41 people and hospitalized at least 185.
As the North Bay fires continued and new evacuation orders were issued last week and over the weekend, the City of Mill Valley provided mutual aid, shelter services and other resources to Marin County Office of Emergency Services, to support evacuees and First Responders from the North Bay. City staff demonstrated considerable ability, proficiency, and generosity in providing assistance to our neighbors and to the Northern California community.
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Are You Ready for a Disaster?
The North Bay fires serve as a stark reminder that disaster can strike at any time. Disaster planning includes strategies and preparations to keep our residents safe, warm, and fed after a disaster.
ReadyMarin.org suggests you prepare for 5-7 days without power or utilities.Getting prepared can seem overwhelming. Here are some simple steps to get you started.
- Sign up for Emergency Notifications - http://www.alertmarin.org
- Pack a Go Bag - The call to evacuate may be immediate. Be ready to leave your home by having a Go Bag packed. Click here to learn about packing go bag and click here to get started creating a Grab and Go checklist.
- Make a Family Plan - Emergencies can happen at any time. Does your family know how to get in touch with each other if you are not all together? Click here to make a family communication plan.
- Prepare to Shelter in Place and Make a Kit - If you have to shelter in place, much of what you need is already in your home and just needs to be collected in a safe place. Prepare for 5-7 days on your own. Click here to learn how to make a kit.
- Join the Mill Valley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) - Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a national program, now part of Citizens Corp under FEMA. CERT Training is an 18-hour course taught by local Fire Department personnel and includes:
- Emergency preparedness
- Disaster First Aid/Triage
- Fire prevention suppression
- Light search and rescue
- Utilities (recognition/controlling)
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How You Can Help Relief Efforts in the North Bay
The North Bay fires are closer to being completely contained but the devastation from the fires will be impacting communities in Sonoma and Napa Counties for months and years to come. The greatest needs will continue to be lodging opportunities and monetary donations.
Click here to learn how you can help |
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Coexisting with Coyotes
Tuesday, October 24th
Mill Valley Public Library
Creekside Room - 7:00pm
The City of Mill Valley has had a noticeable uptick in coyote activity lately. Coyote activity can be seasonal and though the City of Mill Valley does not deal directly with wildlife we contract with the Marin Humane Society to handle wildlife issues in the City. Please join us for an educational forum about coexisting with coyotes, highlighting the partnership between Project Coyote, Marin Humane Society, and Marin County Parks.
Click here to read more | Visit the Project Coyote website
For more information please contact Captain Cindy Machado, Marin Humane Society,
at (415) 506-6209
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Miller Avenue Streetscape Project Update
- Installation of landscaping, and tide gates continues
- Second phase of night work to line the sewer system is tentatively scheduled to begin on Monday, October 30. Expected length of the work may be up to two weeks.
Bus Stop Improvements on Miller Avenue
Thank you to Golden Gate Transit, Vice Mayor Stephanie Moulton-Peters and Public Works Staff!
Recently, residents have asked about the existing bus stop conditions and the need for maintenance
and repair, particularly at Reed and Una Way on Miller Avenue. Hearing the community's concerns, Vice Mayor Moulton Peters reached out to the transit agencies request their assistance. As a result, the bus stop at the corner of Reed and Miller Avenue has been vastly improved with new paint and plexiglass. In the next few weeks, Golden Gate Transit will make shelter improvements to the bus stop at Una Way and Miller Avenue. City staff has also improved the Shelter at Sunnyside by Boo Koo Restaurant, allowing more space for the redwood tree, fixing the roof structure and placing a new bench at the stop.
Click here to read this week's Miller Avenue Streetscape Project Update.
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City to Host Ribbon Cutting for New Wastewater Pump Station, Connector Path on Lomita Avenue
Monday, October 23, 2017
Lomita Drive and Ashford Avenue
(adjacent to the Cat Clinic of Mill Valley) - 1:00pm
City of Mill Valley officials and the Board of Commissioners of the Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (SASM) are set to mark the completion of a two-for-one infrastructure project that both upgrades a vital wastewater pump station and adds a paved, safer connector path to the Mill Valley-Sausalito Multi-Use Path from the busy Lomita Drive-Ashford Avenue intersection. The nine-month project began as an opportunity to replace the more than 35-year-old Sutton Manor Sewer Pump Station, an antiquated piece of SASM's vast infrastructure that had long been identified for replacement to better handle peak wet weather flow conditions and to provide a more substantial back-up power supply. The pump station is one of six such stations that SASM maintains throughout its sewer system.
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Meet Us on Miller for MillerFest!
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Commuter Parking Lot
Miller Avenue and Evergreen
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Celebrate Miller Avenue's completion with your neighbors, local merchants and city officials on Saturday, November 4, 2017. Join us at the Civic Parking lot (411 Miller Ave - across from Whole Foods) from 12 noon to 4 pm as we celebrate the new street, with a ribbon cutting ceremony, live performances, walking and bike tours, music and lots of fun for the whole family.
Click here to learn more about the event
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City Manager Jim McCann names Lt. Jacqueline Graf-Reis Interim Police Chief
City Manager Jim McCann has named Lt. Jacqueline Graf-Reis Interim Police Chief, effective November 2, 2017, in light of current Police Chief Angel Bernal's pending retirement.
Lt. Jacqueline Graf-Reis has served the City of Mill Valley since 1999, steadily rising through the ranks, spending the past seven years as Lieutenant. She is a 23-year law enforcement veteran, having come to Mill Valley after serving with the Marin County Sheriff's Department. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in administration of justice, graduating magna cum laude from California Coast University. Interim Chief Graf-Reis is a native of Marin, having been born in Larkspur and now resides in Sonoma County with her husband, retired Ross Police Chief James T. Reis. Graf-Reis said that she is excited to continue to serve the Mill Valley community in this capacity and "is looking forward to furthering the department's collaboration with local schools, businesses, and organizations."
Click here to learn more
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Message for Registrants -
Arts Commission's Click Off Photography Competition Kick-Off
Tuesday, October 24th, 2017, 6:30pm
Mill Valley Community Center
Please note: We experienced some problems with our online registration form. If you registered and did not receive confirmation please resubmit online here or attend the Kick Off to register ion person. If you have further questions please email artscommission@cityofmillvalley.org
The Mill Valley Arts Commission is pleased to announce the 19th annual Click Off photography competition. The subject categories are designed to highlight Marin County's unique characteristics and each photographer's perspective through the camera lens, cell phone photos encouraged. Participants may choose to download a registration form or register on-line by October 24, 2017 by 12pm
Click here for more information
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Councilmember on the Plaza
Saturday, October 21st
Downtown Depot Plaza
10:00am - 12:00pm
Do you have a question or comment for a Mill Valley City Councilmember?
A Mill Valley City Councilmember will be personally available for discussion, suggestions, comments, complaints and general community input on the first and third Saturday of each month (weather permitting).
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The Friends of Mill Valley Public Library Book Sale
Saturday, October 21st
Mill Valley Public Library
Friends Book Store - 9:00am - 4:30pm
Every 3rd Saturday of the month visit the Friends Book Store located at the side entrance/lower level of the Library for thousands of quality used books for sale. The Friends of the Mill Valley Public Library have held books sales for more than two decades. Sale proceeds are donated to the Library to enhance the collection, to cover the cost of Library programs and equipment such as hands-on computer classes, and other special needs.
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Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 27th, 2017
4:30 - 6:30pm
Mill Valley Community Center
Costumes Encouraged
Join us for a fun, free event for the community where families "trick-or-treat" from decorated car trunks. Free music, activities, face-painting for kids and more!
Now accepting Vendor Applications to host a trunk. Email Kat Reisinger at kreisinger@cityofmillvalley.org, Supervisor, with any questions.
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Friends of Mill Valley Parks & Recreation Fundraiser
Thursday, November 2nd
Sweetwater Music Hall
6:30pm - 11:00am - Tickets $100.00
The Mill Valley Friends of Parks and Recreation works with the city to ensure that Mill Valley's fields, Recreation programs and facilities continue to be a first-class experience. Recent projects include supporting the new community garden, refurbishing the Gravity Car and upgrading equipment in the Community Center fitness room. Moving forward, priorities include renovating the skate park and ensuring that our sports fields continue to receive the maintenance that they need.
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Poetry Society of America Returns to the Library
Friday, November 3rd
Mill Valley Public Library
Main Reading Room - 7PM
Wine reception at 6:30pm for pre-registered guests.
The Poetry Society of America (PSA) returns with their current national series, Air This Pain & Alter It: What Can Poetry Do?
Brenda Hillman, Atsuro Riley, and Brian Turner will read their own poems and others', showing the unique power of writing to effect change and speak to the moment. PSA Executive Director Alice Quinn moderates Q&A.
Registration recommended. Click here to register.
For adults and high school students only.
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REVIEWS
Planning Commission Meeting - October 10, 2017
The PC continued its public hearing to review the draft Cannabis Ordinance, and approved a Resolution 4-0 recommending the draft resolution to City Council.
City Council Meeting - October 16, 2017
- City Manager McCann presented an update on the recent North Bay Fires in regards to the impact on City Staff and the various ways Mill Valley assisted with the firefighting and shelter efforts to-date.
- Presented a Proclamation congratulating Police Chief Bernal on his retirement after 31 years of public service.
- Introduced Elisa Sarlatte, Engineering Manager, and Ann Ivan, Code Enforcement Officer.
- Presented a Proclamation recognizing the Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill which will be observed on Thursday, October 19,2017.
- Approved the September 5, 2017 Regular City Council meeting minutes.
- Received a report on the City's Winter Storm Preparations.
- Adopted Resolution No. 17-59 approving plans and authorizing the solicitation of Bids for the City Hall Access Improvement Project.
- Introduction of a Cannabis Ordinance, as amended, to Replace Interim Emergency Ordinances 1276, 1288, and 1290.
Click here to watch the meeting
PREVIEWS
Planning Commission - October 10, 2017, 7:00pm
- Public hearing to consider an update to the City of Mill Valley's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (BPTP).
- Study Session for Design Review for a proposal to demolish an existing 1,435 square foot dwelling with an attached 440 square foot garage, and construct a 2,181 square foot dwelling with an attached 500 square foot garage, and various site improvements at 107 Sunnyside Avenue.
- Design Review and Tree Removal Permit for a new 3,494 sq. ft. two-story residence and 491 sq. ft. attached garage and various site improvements on a vacant, wooded 19,722 sq. ft. lot. Eighteen (18) trees are proposed to be removed, including 1 Heritage redwood tree at 7 Via Van Dyke
City Council Meeting - November 6, 2017, 6:30pm
Council will receive presentations on:
- Communications Survey Results and Update on the City's Communications Strategic Plan
- 2017 Fire Season Review and Wrap Up
Council will consider:
- Independent Review of CalPERS Actuarial Information for the City's Pension Plans
- Potential Changes to the Social Host Ordinance
Council will consider a Resolution Authorizing a Suspension of Parking Meter Fees During the Holiday Season of November 24, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Council will consider the Second Reading and Adoption of the Cannabis Ordinance to Replace Interim Emergency Ordinances 1276, 1288, and 1290.
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We welcome comments & suggestions:
Mill Valley City Hall: 26 Corte Madera Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
cityofmillvalley.org
City Hall Phone: (415)388-4033
City Hall Fax: (415)381-1736
City Hall Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon; 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.; Closed Alternate Fridays
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