A Message to the Community from Mayor Goddard |
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CalTrans has parked a digital sign at the corner of Bolinas Road and Cascade Drive. Throughout the course of the last 6 months, the sign has displayed a variety of messages which I read every day on my way home. The first message was “Be Covid Safe, Wear A Face Covering”.The messages are universal reminders. They are not meant to spark debate. This initial message was to remind us that face coverings are mandated by law, and to help us protect ourselves while respecting and protecting one another. Over the last month, the PG&E digital sign board has added a series of messages.
We were catapulted into an early, and what is projected to be an extended fire season. California is battling record breaking numbers of massive Wildfires. Climate chaos is accelerating and we are living in the hottest year on record.
The digital display has added “Air & Heat Advisory” & “High fire Danger”. As we navigate the barrage of messages and heed their warnings, we are testing our adaptability. I continue to have faith that together we will emerge more resilient.
As I entered Cascade Canyon on my bike last week, I was cognizant that I am experiencing digital sign, (and digital everything) fatigue, and that the frightening messages are taking a toll on my psyche. Much to my delight, the digital sign had added a message. “Relax Be Nice” I felt my shoulders drop away from my ears, my grip on my handlebars loosen and I imagined blue sky peeking through the smoke laden air where on previous trips home I had felt claustrophobic. I rode up Cascade Drive smiling and waving at neighbors. I arrived home, gathered my family together, and calmly pulled out my FIREsafe Marin Wildfire Evacuation Checklist. This is certainly the time to stay calm and prepare and there are excellent resources to tap into to learn what steps to take. Firesafemarin.org is a one-stop shop and a great place to start.
Fairfax continues to make progress on disaster preparedness and there is more coordinated and committed volunteerism than we have ever seen. There have been proactive steps taken by the Town over the years, such as expanding curbside pick-up for increased numbers of Chipper Days, and funding the first Fairfax goat grazing program in 2019, but the work ahead is daunting. Thanks to emerging neighborhood leadership, our progress has significantly accelerated. We are deeply grateful.
To name a few of the ongoing programs:
- 9 Fairfax neighborhoods have achieved Firewise USA status and are actively organizing, planning and educating their communities.
- We are in the process of listing all Firewise neighborhoods and a contact on the Town Website so that you will be able to connect with your Firewise Steering Committee and get involved. (coming soon)
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We have hired a Coordinator for the growing number of Neighborhood Response Groups (NRGs) who’s purpose is to plan and prepare to respond to potential disasters beyond just fire. The success of NRGs in other parts of Marin especially Central Marin is based on the social cohesion of neighbors in order to help look out for one another and our families when or if disaster strikes.
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The new neighborhood evacuation maps produced for every Fairfax neighborhood can be downloaded from the Town Website www.townoffairfax.org
We are moving in the right direction, but when it starts to feel overwhelming, I encourage everyone to glance at the digital sign.
Please stay well!
Renee
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Fairfax Community-Friendly Evacuation Maps are Now Available Online! |
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Disaster preparedness is important for all of us in Fairfax. The very recent fires in West Marin, the North Bay and the South Bay, are yet another reminder that we all need to prepare, as a Town and as individuals. In 2019 the Citizen’s Disaster Council (CDC) was convened by then-mayor Barbara Coler. Per Town Code, the CDC consists of the current mayor, vice mayor, emergency responders (fire/police) and other key groups. The CDC updated our Town’s Emergency Operations Plan and Evacuation Maps used by our fire and police. In addition, then-mayor Coler also called for Community-Friendly Evacuation Maps as requested by many Fairfaxians, so that each of us in the community can find our own way out of our neighborhoods in a disaster.
Thank you all for your patience waiting for these maps. They are posted on the Town’s website on the Emergency Planning page. Special thanks to Todd and Michael, and Professor Jaenichen. Now let’s all get our “to go” bags ready, our disaster plans in place and download our zone maps!
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Outdoor Seating Area in the Mono Parking Lot |
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The Town, in partnership with the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, will be closing the lower half the Mono Parking Lot from Friday afternoon through Sunday. The closed portion of the lot (nearest to Bolinas Rd.) will have tables and chairs for patrons of downtown restaurants to use. The Chamber will have someone available to disinfect the tables and chairs between uses. A special thanks to resident John Bela and his volunteers for painting the parking lot to make it more inviting to sit and eat. The paint is temporary and does not affect the striping in the parking lot. Customers can still access the Mono Parking Lot from the Bank St. entrance. This is a pilot program and, depending on the demand, the Town and Chamber will continue to close this portion of the Mono lot for subsequent weekends during COVID-19. |
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Residential Rental Assistance Program
The Town Council recently established a Residential Rental Assistance Program to assist extremely low-income Fairfax renters whose household incomes were adversely affected by COVID-19. The program is administered by St. Vincent de Paul and Ritter Center. If you are in need of assistance, please call 415-454-3303 X11 and leave a message. Calls will be returned in the order received. They will inform applicants of the program requirements. Funds are limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Update for Marin County: Confirmation of State Tier 2 (COVID-19) Status
Marin County has successfully appealed to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to move into Tier 2 in the state’s COVID-19 response framework. Moving from Tier 1, or “widespread” COVID-19 community risk status, to the Tier 2 “substantial” risk category allowed more businesses to reopen on Tuesday, September 15.
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Email for Reporting Shelter-in-Place (SIP) Violations
The Town has created an on-line process for reporting SIP violations by businesses.
In the email, we ask that you include the business name, address, and as much detail as possible regarding the perceived health order violation. Town staff will follow-up with the businesses regarding the violations. Our goal is to gain compliance by informing and educating businesses of the need to follow shelter-in-place (SIP) orders. All businesses will be given a grace period to comply before additional follow-up actions are taken by staff.
The updated status of businesses and industries reopenings in Marin County can be found at MarinRecovers.com.
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Fairfax Climate Action Plan Survey
The Town of Fairfax is updating its 2014 Climate Action Plan and Climate Action Committee needs your input to develop effective measures that will substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In March of 2019, the Town Council passed a Climate Emergency Resolution and set a target of zero emissions by 2030, going beyond State reduction targets.
After receiving community feedback, the Fairfax Climate Action Committee will bring a first draft of the 2030 Climate Action Plan to the Council and then post it for further public comment. Hopefully, a final version will come before the Council by the end of this year.
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2020 ELECTION SPOTLIGHT
Are you Registered to Vote Nov. 3rd?
¿Está inscrito para votar el 3 de noviembre?
You must be registered in order to vote. For the November 3rd General Election, active registered voters will automatically be mailed a ballot with a postage-paid return envelope. Check your registration status now at registertovote.ca.gov. If necessary, register to update your address right away so your ballot is mailed as soon as possible. For questions or to get a paper registration form, call the Elections Department at (415) 473-6456.
Debe estar inscrito para poder votar. Para la elección general del 3 de noviembre, a los votantes inscritos activos se les enviará automáticamente una balota en un sobre con franqueo pagado. Verifique el estatus de su inscripción ahora en registertovote.ca.gov. Si es necesario, inscríbase para actualizar su dirección de inmediato para que su balota se envíe por correo lo antes posible. Si tiene preguntas o desea obtener un formulario de inscripción en papel, llame al Departamento de Elecciones al (415) 473‑6456.
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Upcoming Meetings & Events |
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Open Space Committee Meeting
September 22 -- 7pm
Volunteer Board Meeting
September 28 -- 6:30pm
Tree Committee Meeting
September 28 -- 7pm
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Fairfax Community Farmers Market
Every Wednesday
Bolinas Park
4-8pm
The market started the first week of May and runs through mid October! Of course there will be safety measures in place to keep the farmers and the community safe.
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Fairfax Food Pantry
Saturday mornings from 8-10am
Fairfax Community Church
2398 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax.
The Fairfax Food Pantry continues to be open. Drive through or walk up service is available. In addition to our regular bagged groceries, folks will be receiving 15lb produce boxes as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).
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Fairfax Recreation
The fall catalog is on the presses and will be in your mailbox soon! We have adapted our offerings to work with this "new normal". Download a copy here - we have class offerings for all ages!
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Fairfax Library is Open for Curbside Service
Wednesdays 3-7
Thursday 3-7
Friday 11-3
Saturday 11-3
Patrons can place items on hold using our online catalog. Patrons will be notified by email that their item on hold is available. Patrons should call (415) 453-8151 when they are in front of the library during curbside service hours. Returns are accepted during curbside
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Town of Fairfax COVID-19 Resources
- Information about Building and Planning services that are still available as well as guidelines.
- Links to the EDD, SBA and Utility Companies.
- Online classes thru Fairfax Recreation and Age Friendly Fairfax.
- Information and resources are updated regularly so check back often.
Additional Website Resources:
where you can also join an email list to receive specials and updates.
The website, MarinRecovers.com, connects Marin County residents, business owners, community leaders, and public health professionals to collaborate on reopening the economy and community in a safe manner.
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Mental Health Resources
The County has seen an increase in the incidence of mental health crises and the escalation of both physical and drug abuse during this pandemic. Depression and anxiety are at an all-time high and feeling isolated is impacting a significant number people’s lives. Thankfully, we are living in a time when asking for help is considered a strength. Below are links to County and National resources which may be helpful for you or a friend or family member.
Click here for a list of local and national resource lines.
Click here to connect with Community Action Marin and their resource guide.
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Town of Fairfax sitio web se puede traducir al español
El sitio web se puede traducir al español usando el ícono del globo que se encuentra en la barra verde de cada página.
Our website can now be translated into Spanish (and other languages) using the globe icon found on the green bar at the top of each page.
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