PG&E begins work on Bolinas Road to investigate depression in road
Yesterday, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) began work in the roadway at Bolinas Road and Mono Avenue to address a depression in the street. PG&E will need to first identify the cause of the depression before it will be known as to how long the work will take, so the Town will be sure to provide updates as progress evolves.
Work will include excavation, analysis of the depression, appropriate backfilling, and eventual permanent paving restoration. PG&E, in proximity to the site, is collaborating to identify the issue and implement a lasting solution.
During the project, Bolinas Road will remain open, albeit with traffic control in place, resulting in possible delays. Work hours are set from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
Got a concern or question about this project? Reach out to Public Works Director Loren Umbertis at lumbertis@townoffairfax.org.
We appreciate your patience and support as we give Bolinas Road a little TLC!
HCD certifies Fairfax's Housing Element
The Town received a letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on April 8, 2024, that certifies the Town of Fairfax, Housing Element 2023-31 has been certified by HCD. This culminates years of community workshops, public meetings, work by Town staff, the Planning Commission, and Town Council.
The Town has initiated partial implementation of the Rent Stabilization program with two initiatives. Keep in mind, rent increases are not permitted unless authorized by the Annual General Adjustment (AGA) or through a hearing process. Additionally, Rent Stabilization does not apply to all rental units. See Chapter 5.55 of the Municipal Code for a list of exemptions.
Hearing Process
Chapter 5.55 (Rent Stabilization Program) of the Town Code now provides for a hearing process for the consideration of rent increases (above the Annual General Adjustment (AGA) rent increase). To qualify for a hearing, a payment of $1000 petition fee is required along with the registration of the units subject to the rent increase. This fee is paid by the landlord and is intended to cover the cost of providing a hearing conducted by a hearing examiner.
Housing Warm Line
An e-mail address and a telephone line is now available for questions regarding the Rent Stabilization program and Just Cause Evictions. Please contact housing@townoffairfax.org or call (415) 259-7997.
The Town recently hired Bryn McKillop to support the Planning and Building Department. More specifically, Bryn will support the Rent Stabilization Program and help implement the recently approved Housing Element.
Bryn's work experience includes drafting general plans, environmental impact reports, and housing elements for a Bay Area consulting firm and reviewing development for a regional agency in Tahoe. She has a bachelor’s degree from Scripps College and a Masters in City Planning from the University of Colorado.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Fairfax Creek Web Cam gets an upgrade
The Fairfax Creek Web Cam was installed in 2010 by the Fairfax Police Department as a means for the public to monitor creek levels during storms. Sleepy Hollow and the Town of San Anselmo soon followed with the installation of their own cameras.
The Fairfax Police continue to maintain this camera with the newest version being installed in 2024. History shows that when the creek behind Town Hall begins to crest on the deck, downtown flooding is imminent.
Sign up for notifications through Nixle
Nixle is the Fairfax Police Department’s primary communication tool. Sign up to receive updates about urgent police updates as well as non-urgent crime prevention tips. Communications sent out by Fairfax PD include:
Community: crime prevention tips delivered by email
Advisories: events that could affect your movements around town, such as road closures from accidents or events
Alerts: situations that require immediate attention, like a missing person who is at risk
You can sign up online or simply text your ZIP CODE to 888777 for mobile alerts.
CLIMATE ACTION
Zero Waste Marin's Spring Campaign: Prevent Food Waste!
Zero Waste Marin’s Spring Campaign focuses on preventing food waste! They chose the theme of this year's Campaign because of the critical importance of reducing wasted food. How are you preventing food waste at home?
Food waste facts:
30 - 40% of all of the food we produce is never eaten by anyone.
If food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitter in the world.
The average American family of four wastes $1500+ per year on food they don't eat.
Trade in your gas powered landscaping equipment for electric, using the Town’s rebates for both residents and landscapers who purchase eligible electric landscape equipment from Fairfax Lumber & Hardware. Additionally, you can receive a rebate discount at the point of sale when you trade in your gas- or diesel-powered tools. Make the switch to electric and save!
Building Together: ADU Insights with City Staff in San Anselmo, Fairfax, Mill Valley—TONIGHT!
Tuesday, April 16 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Zoom
Join the ADU Marin for ‘Building Together: ADU Insights with City Staff in San Anselmo, Fairfax, Mill Valley, a webinar designed to explore the potential of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in enhancing local housing options.
Join the Climate Action Committee for a celebration of Earth Day at Bolinas Park, as we come together to honor our planet and those who strive to protect it. Engage with various organizations dedicated to environmental advocacy and sustainability efforts.
This event is made possible through Recreation’s new partnership with the Wayfinder Bookshop.
Take Back Day
Saturday, April 27 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Parking lot near the Skate Park
Mark your calendars and let the cleanout begin!
Fairfax residents will be given the opportunity to take advantage of a free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of electronic waste (no batteries or bulbs) and unused or expired prescription medications. Fairfax residents can also take advantage of free paper shredding provided by Marin Sanitary Service.
Additionally, in celebration of Earth Day, we will be giving away free compost for Fairfax residents! Bring your own container and shovel to the parking lot next to the skatepark off Bank Street.
Wall Property BioBlitz RESCHEDULED
Saturday, April 27 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fairfax Women's Club
The Fairfax Open Space Committee will be exploring the Wall property by foot to document its rich biodiversity and stunning beauty. All ages are welcome!
If you’d like to learn more about this event, please contact Susan Pascal Beran at pascalberandesign@yahoo.com.
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 ataginginfairfax@sonic.net.
Department of Insurance provides resources to homeowners' insurance non-renewals
The Department of Insurance is aware of more policies not being renewed lately, especially in areas deemed at higher risk of wildfires. The Department of Insurance can't force insurers to cover certain risks or areas, but they can ensure decisions are fair and based on actual risk factors, not biases.
Check out their website for tips, residential insurance company contact lists, file complaints, compare premiums, coverage comparison, and so much more.
Sign up for the Marin Wildfire Chipper Day Program
The Chipper Day program provides for the curbside pickup, chipping, and disposal of vegetation material from residential properties. This service is funded by Measure C for wildfire prevention and is available to all residents within Marin Wildfire's joint powers service area.
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