Fairfax Newsletter | August 8, 2023

Town Council Highlights

  • Appointed John Bela to the Planning Commission.
  • Accepted the Certificate of Sufficiency of Initiative Petition and decided to place the Initiative Measure on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
  • Introduced an ordinance amending the Just Cause Evictions and Rent Stabilization.
  • Adopted an ordinance adding gate safety measures to the Town Code.
  • Authorized Town Manager to issue an RFP for street sweeping services.
  • Approved the consent calendar.


You can read the full recap for video links and brief descriptions of each item online. Look for these recaps on our website following each Town Council meeting. 

Upcoming meetings


Parks and Recreation Commission

Monday, August 14 | 7:00 p.m.


Climate Action Committee

Tuesday, August 15 | 7:00 p.m.


Planning Commission

Thursday, August 17 | 7:00 p.m.


Open Space Committee

Tuesday, August 22 | 7:00 p.m.


See more public meetings.

Fairfax celebrates recognition for Best of Marin 2023

Fairfax was voted Best of Marin 2023 in 13 categories this year! We are excited to celebrate and congratulate the businesses who have been recognized:



  • Best Festival Fairfax Festival
  • Best Photography Stephanie Mohan
  • Best Prenatal Yoga Yoga Mama Co-op
  • Best Place to Cycle Through a Beer List Gestalt House
  • Best Way to Time Travel via Wardrobe Magpie
  • Best Movie Theater Fairfax Theater
  • Best Cannabis Product Mt. Tam CBD
  • Best Place to Shoot Pool Peri’s Tavern
  • Best Place to Get in Hot Water Circa the ‘70’s Frogs Hot Tubs
  • Best Ice Cream Scoop
  • Best Natural Foods Good Earth
  • Best Thai Restaurant My Thai
  • Best Town Other Than Your Own FAIRFAX!



Congratulations!

Scenic Road and Porteous Avenue Road improvements

Road improvements are coming this summer on Scenic Road and Porteous Avenue!


Scenic Road between Azalea Avenue and Manor Road and Porteous Avenue between Bolinas Road and Wood Lane will be receiving a full roadway repaving and improvements to some of the curb ramps, and sections of curbs and gutters starting in mid-August. 


The Project schedule for the entire project is approximately 120 days although the bulk of the disruptive work should be much shorter in duration. The combined total cost for the improvements is approximately $732,000. 

Learn more about this project

Construction phase begins for Bolinas Road repair

Marin County has announced the start of the construction phase for the Bolinas Road repair project. The project begins this week and is expected to be finished in early November. Construction work hours are anticipated to be weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekend work may be necessary and would be announced in advance to minimize inconvenience to travelers.


The repairs include building a 230-foot-long retaining wall, adding an updated guardrail and slightly widening the road and shoulder at milepost 1.34. The project is estimated to cost $2.39 million and is covered by a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grant for emergency repair efforts.



While the project was designed to keep one lane open as much as possible and still maintain all safety requirements, there is no way to perform the repairs without some full road closures. ­

Read the County press release

PG&E Vegetation Management in Fairfax

Pacific Gas and Electric has been performing vegetation management throughout Fairfax. This is a part of their safety work to mitigate wildfire risk and to continue providing safe and reliable service. They perform different vegetation work depending on the type of electric equipment and surrounding environment.


Since the beginning of 2023, PG&E has completed work on 529 Fairfax trees – 480 trims, 49 removals.

Learn more about PG&E's Vegetation Management Program

Recreation

Mark your calendars!

We are resuming some of our wonderful classes in September including:


  • Toddler Music – on September 5
  • New Parents and Babies Group – on September 7
  • Chi Gong – on September 5
  • Full Body Fitness – on September 7


Plus, you can still squeeze in some last-minute fun by joining our Basketball Camp the week of August 14—sign up to reserve a spot!



Don’t forget, our Family Fun Days are coming up soon! Check out our Summer and Fall dates.

Age Friendly Fairfax

Read the Age Friendly August newsletter to learn about new and upcoming age-friendly classes and events.


If you're looking to get connected with or have questions about the Age Friendly community, contact our representative for the Commission on Aging, Kristin Amlie at aginginfairfax@sonic.net.

Local events

Join us at the Farmer’s Market 

Wednesday, August 9 | 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Farmer’s Market


Mayor Cutrano and Town Manager Abrams will be at the Farmer’s Market this week to talk to community members about life around town. Stop by to say ‘hi!’ and chat with them if you get a chance. They will be there from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Gary Muszynski & friends – Global Acoustic Music Concert

Sunday, August 13 | 4:00 p.m.

Peri Park on the Redwood Stage


The band features Gary Muszynski on world percussion and handpan; Carlos Caminos, master guitarist from Venuzuela; flute virtuoso Chlöe Scott Jones known for her masterful improvisations over Latin musical forms; classically-trained cellist Joseph Hebert back from his recent tour of Ireland, and special guest, Kai Eckhardt (John McLaughlin trio, Garage Mahal) on bass.


You can anticipate a rich mix of bolero, bossa, baiâo, samba, Latin jazz, flamenco, tango, jigs, and improvisations from Planet Handpan. Learn more online!

Disasters don't plan ahead. You can.

Thursday, August 24 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Fairfax Library


Join Ross Valley Fire for a presentation and conversation on preparing yourselves and your neighborhoods for wildfire. Miranda Miller, Ross Valley's Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, will be joined by a Fire Safe Marin member.


Discussion topics

- 5 Simple Steps to Get Prepared

- Alerts & Warnings

- Evacuation Planning

- Neighborhood Groups

This is a free event, and all are welcome!

A Play on Words-A Bawdy Comedy on Shakespeare's Life & Times!

August 26 - September 10 | Fairfax Pavilion

Sat/Sun Matinees 3:30 p.m. - Saturday Evenings 7:30 p.m.


For lovers of words and irreverent wit! A Play on Words is a hilarious glimpse into the trials and tribulations of Will Shakespeare.


Performances are free, but donations are welcome! This event is hosted by the Fairfax Parks and Recreation Commission. Learn about event online

Town-Sponsored EV and E-bike Event

Sunday, August 27 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

771 Center Boulevard, Fairfax


Fairfax and San Anselmo have teamed up with Ride and Drive Clean to offer a FREE in-person EV and E-bike show at the Fair-Anselm Plaza (771 Center Blvd).

 

Learn how to switch to electric and:

  • Save money with incentives
  • Charge at home and on the road
  • Use your EV during a power outage

 

See a variety of EVs and E-bikes all in one place, chat with owners, and find the right EV or E-bike for you! Register for the event online.

Other news

Prepare yourself for earthquakes and sign up for notifications

Earthquakes can happen anytime, anywhere! We know there are many things to be worried about, but when it comes to earthquakes, it is not a matter of if one will occur but when.



Cal OES is encouraging residents to take the time to update their emergency plans and to download the MyShake App. So many things in life may catch us off guard, but now, earthquakes don’t have to!

Local electricity provider MCE offers tips from “Emotional Outlets” with launch of 4-9 Campaign

Electricity costs up to 20% more between 4-9 p.m. To help residents and businesses save costs and reduce energy use, MCE is launching a new campaign as we head into the hotter summer months.


MCE’s digital campaign “Emotional Outlets” shares playful tips to help community members save money and reduce their use from 4-9 p.m. During these peak energy use hours, electricity is most expensive and more fossil fuels are used to provide electricity across California.

Save money on electric bills and use cleaner energy: 


  • Pre-cool your home or business before 4 p.m. when rates are cheapest.
  • Run washers, dryers, and dishwashers during the day or after 9 p.m.
  • Use the MCE Sync app to automate electric vehicle charging when energy is least expensive, and the cleanest energy is on the grid.


For details about MCE’s 4-9 campaign, visit mce4-9.org.

“Investing in the Future of Bay Area Housing”—Virtual Workshops

Wednesday, August 16 | 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, August 24 | 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.


The Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) invites members of the public to attend one of two upcoming virtual workshops about a proposed regional housing measure. 



These virtual workshops will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about the proposed bond, provide feedback and ask questions.

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