Fairfax Update
News From Around Town...
December 13,2021
Storm Update
The rain is back! While we are all grateful for this much needed water please be careful and prepared. Rain is expected to continue into Tuesday. The total rainfall depth forecast is between 3- and 5-inches over the storm event here in Fairfax. Maximum wind gusts across Marin valley floors are forecast to reach up to 30-40 mph with elevated terrain gusts forecast to exceed 55 mph.  PG&E recommends that we all prepare for sustained power outages that may be caused by vehicles into poles, branches/trees or other debris into wires, earth movement, etc. 

Prepare for stormy weather in advance with PG&E safety tips.

Please use this link to check for Outage location and estimated times of restoration: Current and Future Outages

Avoid This Area If Possible
We have a failed retaining wall at the 2300 block of Sir Francis Drake that requires an emergency repair.

There is a massive void under the sidewalk and at least a part of the eastbound lane, that appears to be at least 15-feet deep. The roadway could collapse literally at any time as the creek flow continues to wash out dirt from behind the wall and under the road.
 
Based on our Public Works Director, Jonathon Goldman, and our Town Engineer Mike Jewett, of Miller Pacific, the retaining wall is an imminent threat to life and property, requiring the Town the close down one lane of traffic on Sir Francise Drake BLVD. Construction equipment is staged and ready to start work tomorrow morning at 8 AM. The project may take up to 2 days to complete but depends on what the engineers find once they open up the roadway.

Please plan to avoid the area, if possible, over the next few days.

Upcoming Town Council Meetings - December 15th

This Wednesday, December 15th, there will be two Council meetings, one continued from December 1st and one special meeting.

Some key items the Council will consider:

  • Appoint new Town Manager and approve employment agreement 

  • Adopt a Resolution Establishing Maximum Rates Collected by Marin Sanitary Service for Solid Waste Services to be Effective January 1, 2022, and Approving the Third Amendment to the Franchise Agreement with Marin Sanitary Service

  • (A) Discussion of Safety Element progress including potential changes to the text, policies, programs, and graphics; the development of new wildfire safety programs, recognition of the efforts of FireSafe Marin, Neighborhood Response Groups, and the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority; and compliance with SB 379 (2015) to address climate adaptation and resiliency. (B) Planning Commission Safety Element recommendations. (C) Housing Element status update.


Housing Element Update

Plan Fairfax Housing Tool Available until December 31st!
The Fairfax Speaks website has a new interactive mapping tool called Plan Fairfax Housing to help the community have input on the sites. We recommend using the tool after you’ve read up on the sites inventory (a list of potential sites where future housing may be considered). This deadline for submitting your idea for this first version of the tool has been extended through December 31st! Don’t forget to add your input and share the tool with family and friends during this holiday season.
 
Why does my Participation Matter?
Your input can help ensure that Fairfax plans for future housing needs in a way that cares for you neighbors and your community. Reviewing the Community Workshop Powerpoint slides and video—which are now available on the Fairfax Speaks website—is a great way to learn about the basics of the process, next steps, and how your input will influence the programs and policies within the Town's Housing Element. Make sure to register on the Fairfax Speaks website for future updates throughout this year-long planning process.
 
What is a Housing Element?
A state-mandated policy document updated every eight years that identifies where and how Fairfax will accommodate existing and projected future housing needs for people of all income groups. In the 2023-2031 6th Cycle Housing Element Update, the Town will need to plan for an additional 490 new housing units.
Coffee with the Cops & Tea with the Mayor - a Great Success!

The Fairfax Police Department had a wonderful event last week at the Fairfax Coffee Roastery. The police want to thank the community that came to support the process and engage in conversation. They appreciate the opportunity to build stronger relationships with the community. Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect!
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
December 13 - 7pm

Town Council Continued Regular Meeting
December 15 - 6:30pm

Town Council Special Meeting
December 15 - 7pm

Planning Commission Meeting
December 16 - 6:30pm

Holiday Furlough - Town Hall Closed
December 23 - January 3

To view the agendas visit our Public Meetings page.
Please note we are proceeding with all events as planned but they may
need to be cancelled due to County or State Health orders.
Fairfax Recreation
Fairfax Craft Faire and Wreath Making

Thank you for everyone who came out to support local vendors on Saturday! What a joy is was to see the Pavilion full of happy faces (with masks of course). We had kid's crafts, yummy treats, wreath making, music, a variety of local vendors and joy filled the space. We are so grateful that we were able to host this annual tradition even in these trying times. May the magic of the day carry you through the season!


This is a fundraising event for Fairfax Recreation and all proceeds will go to help support our programming and scholarship fund. 
"Portraits of Protest" Exhibit by Artist in Reseidence Stephanie Mohan at Fairfax Library Extended until Dec 22



If you haven't seen it don't
miss out! This phenomenal photojournalistic exhibit by Stephanie Mohan, a Fairfax Artist in Residence, has been extended through December 22nd due to popular demand and overwhelmingly positive feedback. During the past couple of years, Stephanie documented protests for diversity, equity and inclusion around the bay area and the results are passionate, pithy, and inspiring. These unforgettable photos are located in the community room and around the center of the library.
Wonderfully Wild Marin: A Calendar and Online Fundraiser for Open Space

Want to help protect local open spaces during these trying times and  get some amazing artwork as part of the donation thank-you gifts?   Here’s how!

The Fairfax Open Space Committee along with The San Anselmo Open Space Committee have been collaborating together to create an informationally rich and stunningly beautiful Calendar for 2022 called Wonderfully Wild Marin. The calendar notes astrological events, holidays from diverse cultures and religions, seasonal, cultural, and historical information about our natural surroundings along with outstanding vistas by talented local photographers. 

photo credit:Chance Cutrano Mesh Network I
Other Town and County News
Library Fundraiser

The Fairfax Library is renovating its outside space to expand the library beyond its walls – increasing programming opportunities, expanding seating, creating a stone paver patio and providing an ADA accessible pathway through a new native plant garden to name a few enhancements.   

The Friends of the Fairfax Library is currently holding a Commemorative Engraved Paver fundraiser to fund the outdoor furniture portion of the Garden project. This is a unique opportunity to permanently commemorate friends, family, businesses and others while also supporting the Fairfax Library and its Garden Project.   

To learn more about the project and how to donate a paver that will be installed in the patio visit www.marinlibrary.org/fairfax-­garden. It would be great to see the patio filled with engraved pavers when the project is completed – an acknowledgement of the library’s impact on the community as well as a recognition of friends, family, businesses  and others.  
Opportunity for Job Training in the Green Building Field

Marin Clean Energy (MCE) has a Community Power Coalition wherein they sponsor training for jobs for youth and others to gain expertise in green jobs.  Rising Sun is a partner in this program and will be bringing on 120 new recruits to provide job training and placement.

If you are looking to get a job in green construction but don't know where to start Rising Sun is now taking applications! This three-month program will train you and help place you with a local employer. Apply here

If you are looking to hire a skilled and vetted workforce MCE can match you with a motivated entry-level candidate AND pay for their first 160 hours of on-the-job work. Sign up today!
Want to Get Involved? Join a Board or Commission!

Do you want to make a real difference in 2021? Consider joining a board or commission for the Town of Fairfax. There are openings on several boards and commissions. Click here to see the current vacancies.
Resources
While Restrictions are Still in Place, We Are Grateful for the Rain We are Getting This Week!
We are happy to share the news that Marin Water measured 5.3 inches of rain in the past 24 hours at Lake Lagunitas. Keep an eye on our water watch page for updates this week as water accumulates and flows into the reservoirs.
COVID-19 Updates & Programs

For the latest updates on Covid-19 and the most recent heath orders visit the Marin Health and Human Services Website.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19, please visit our Town of Fairfax Coronavirus Resource page for rental assistance, utility bill help and more.
Spread the Word

We want to share the Town News with our whole community. If you know someone who would like to receive this weekly update, let them know they can subscribe here.

You can also share the link on your social media which will reach your whole network. Together, we can help keep everyone informed about upcoming meetings, events and more!
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.