What’s on Your Mind, Mill Valley? Join us for another “Community Chat”

Mayor Jim Wickham, Vice Mayor Urban Carmel and City Manager Todd Cusimano invite you to a “Community Chat” at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Mill Valley City Hall and via Zoom. This is the second "Chat" in a series of informal meetings intended to give you the opportunity to discuss current issues, ask questions, make suggestions, and share what is on your mind. There are no time limits and no structure - just join us and have a chat! All are welcome. How to participate - click here.

Public Works News

A Message from Andrew Poster, Mill Valley's Director of Public Works - Your Public Works team has been as busy as popcorn kernels on a skillet working to deliver Council’s 2023 Workplan. Director Poster answers the question: Why all this work is being done all at once?  Aslo, he provides the latest news on East Blithedale Avenue, the Downtown Project, Sewer Rehabilitation and 2023 Pavement Rehab, Slurry Seal, and Patch Paving.

East Blithedale Avenue Project Update: The Project Team has scheduled the final stage of paving to begin on June 12, 2023. The chosen commencement date is after graduation from the local schools when traffic volume is lower. Work crews will close East Blithedale Avenue from June 12, 2023, to June 27, 2023, between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please plan ahead and use alternate routes such as Miller Avenue and Camino Alto.

Highway 101 Interchange at East Blithedale and Tiburon Blvd Meeting - The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) is inviting community members to a public workshop focusing on possible improvements to the Highway 101 Interchange at East Blithedale and Tiburon Blvd on June 20 6:00-8:00pm at the Mill Valley Community Center. This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn about the current planning efforts and gather community input on the scope of improvement. Learn more about the workshop.

Mill Valley PD Announces New Parking Enforcement Vehicle Autochalk Technology

The Mill Valley Police Department (MVPD) is rolling out its newest Parking Enforcement vehicle, which is equipped with six cameras capable of scanning and digitally chalking parked vehicles. Referred to as “AutoChalk,” the new technology gives Parking Enforcement Officers the ability to scan and log parked vehicle locations using GPS and satellite technology. Learn more about the new vehicle here.

Planning & Building News

Housing Update: 1 Hamilton Drive Multifamily Housing Project - Planners will return to Planning Commission on July 11, 2023 to seek further direction based on comments made at the May 23rd preliminary design review meeting. To review the application and preliminary design review plans and learn more, click here.

Soft Story Retrofit Program - At their June 5, 2023 meeting, the City Council conducted a "first reading" of an Ordinance designed to add a mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program to the City's Municipal Code. The program's objective is to protect existing housing stock in the community, especially buildings that serve as affordable and workforce housing. Council will consider a "second reading" and adoption at their next Council Meeting on June 26, 2023. Watch the Meeting (Jump to item 9) | Read the Staff Report | Learn more.

Pride Month in the City of Mill Valley

The City of Mill Valley pays tribute to the resilience of LGBTQIA+ community members who have fought for generations, and still fight today, to live authentically and freely. We value diversity and work to create alliances and establish safe and supportive environments for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.  We stand together in solidarity, firmly, for equality and inclusion. Join us this month in celebrating Pride month!

Read our Pride Month Staff Report and Resolution here.

Emergency Preparedness News

SMFD Firefighter Recognition and Accomplishments - May 2023 - At the Southern Marin Fire District’s Monthly Board of Directors’ meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, Southern Marin Fire District celebrated two firefighters. First, Fire Chief, Chris Tubbs, administered the Oath Of Office and swearing in ceremony for Firefighter Kevin Zondervan. Then the Fire Chief took time to recognize Firefighter Jake Ielmorini for his heroic actions in saving a life while off-duty. Learn more.

Apply For SMFD Board Of Directors' Open Seat Before June 15, 2023 - Passionate about preparedness and fire safety? Join the Southern Marin Fire District Board of Directors! Southern Marin Fire Protection District is seeking qualified candidates for an Open Board of Director position appointment through 2024. Learn more here.

You're Invited To Attend Safety Volunteer Appreciation Night - June 14, 2023 - CERTs and Neighborhood Response Group (NRG) Block Captains can play a vital role in their communities before and after emergencies and disasters. We want to show our gratitude for all that volunteers do to help make our communities safer and more prepared. Please join us on June 14th from 6 to 7:30 pm for Safety Volunteer Appreciation Night! We hope to see you there! Registration is required - Learn more here.

Did You Hear It? LRAD Monthly Siren Testing For June 2023 - Be a part of our team and share your experience with our NEW "Did you hear it?" form. Help us assess the effectiveness of the monthly siren test.

Sustainability News

Ready to do something about climate change, but not sure where to start? The Resilient Neighborhoods Climate Action Workshop offers step-by-step guidance on how to make your home and lifestyle climate-friendly. Join over 2,000 Marin residents who have already reduced 11.5 million pounds of polluting CO2 emissions, and improved the overall health and well-being of their families. The team meets 5 times over 10 weeks via teleconference, starting June 14 and 15. Free for Marin Residents. Learn More and Sign Up Here.

Air District Amends Appliance Rules to Improve Regional Air Quaility - In March, the Bay Area Air District passed amendments to their Appliance Rules which aim to eliminate emissions of nitrogen oxides, or NOx, from natural gas furnaces and water heaters in the Bay Area. Learn more and check out the FAQs.

Coexisting with Coyotes Webinar - Check out this webinar from May 2023 - an educational presentation about coexisting with coyotes, highlighting the partnership between Project Coyote, Marin Humane, and Marin County Parks.

Arts & Recreation News

Spaces Available in Mill Valley Recreation Summer Camps - We have a variety of camps, for kids preschool age through teens, that are active and engaged this summer. See available camps & get your kids registered today!

Activity Guide Cover Contest - Imagine your art on the cover of the Mill Valley Recreation Fall 2023 Activity Guide! All types of art and all ages are welcome (digital image of art is required). Submission deadline is Friday, June 30th at 5pm. Visit our website for guidelines and submission details.

Sign up for Mill Valley Recreations Fall Soccer Program with Dave Fromer - Join the fun at Hauke Park South! The 8 week season starts September 5th at Hauke Park South. Divisions available for boys and girls, Pre-K through 8th grade. For more information and to register, visit Dave Fromer Soccer’s website.

Juneteenth Freedom Festival Returns June 17th

on the Plaza

Join us Saturday, June 17th from 11am-3pm! This free event is all about honoring our past through the celebration of African American Independence Day with live music, food, activities for all ages & more.

Come and celebrate with us!

Our Next Movie in the Park is on Friday, July 14th at Dusk with School of Rock

Head on down to Old Mill Park on Friday, July 14th and watch School of Rock! Grab a blanket or your favorite lawn chair and some snacks for some fun-filled movie magic under the stars. Don't miss this free, family friendly fun!

Check out all the movies!

Camp Out with the Community on

August 26th-27th

Celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month by camping out with neighbors and friends at the Mill Valley Community Center! 

Reserve your camping space on Friends Field soon as spaces are limited.

Come and camp with us!

FREE Comedy in the Plaza Next Thursday - June 15th! - Comedy in the Plaza happens NEXT THURSDAY, June 15th at 6pm! Don't miss the comedy of Dennis Gaxiola, Phil Johnson, Al Ducharme, Kellen Erskine and our MC for the evening Bernadette Pauley. Brought to you by the Mill Valley Arts Commission.

Get more information about this FUN and FREE event!

Library News

After Hours: Recording Listening Night - Psychedelia | Friday, June 16th, 6:30pm | Mill Valley Public Library - Main Reading Room

Bring your favorite psychedelic music from any era or genre on vinyl or choose from our collection. Host Gary Scheuenstuhl (Mill Valley Music) will bring some favorites from his psychedelic record collection and Jim Welte will DJ. Tell us what memories or feelings your pick evokes (optional). Sips (no trips) and snacks will be provided! Registration highly recommended. Doors open at 6:00pm. Register here.

Summer Reading Programs For All Ages at the Mill Valley Public Library

Adult Summer Reading Challenge: Down the Rabbit Hole | June 9th - August 4th

Take a trip down the rabbit hole of knowledge and complete activities on a bingo sheet to earn raffle tickets. Attend fabulous Alice-themed programs. View a list of Adult Summer Reading programs.

Children's Summer Reading: Reading in Wonderland | June 9th - August 3rd

Pick up a reading log and read 20 minutes a day to earn a fabulous prize. Activities every weekday afternoon through August 3rd. View a full list of Children's Summer Reading activities.

Teen Summer Reading: Marvelously Mad Adventure | June 9th - August 3rd

Like Alice, set off on your own wonderful adventure! Pick up a game board and complete 5 tasks to win a prize. Teen summer reading programs every Tuesday, starting June 20th. View a full list of Teen Summer Reading programs.

Community News

Free Public Transit for Kids & Teens this Summer SMART, Marin Transit, Sonoma County Transit, Santa Rosa CityBus, and Petaluma Transit are offering free rides for K-12 youth throughout

the summer (June-August) with the Summer Youth Ride Free Program.

Mill Valley Unplugged - Looking for summer fun ideas for teens and tweens? Mill Valley Unplugged is a community-based project brought to you by ScreenSense. Their goal is to encourage teens and tweens to engage in local unplugged adventures and meaningful community connections. Check out the website to find summer bucket lists of things to do in the area - one for teens and one for tweens - as well as a curated calendar of local events for young people.

A Message from our friends at Transportation Authority of Marin: Crossing Guard or the Year - We are proud to announce that Alice Yan, the Crossing Guard that helps students cross at the intersection of Throckmorton Avenue and Old Mill Street, has been honored with the Crossing Guard of the Year award from the Transportation Authority of Marin. She has been serving the students at Old Mill Elementary School since 2016 and has not missed a shift! She keeps herself healthy to be able to greet us each day with a warm smile and a safe escort across the intersection! Thank You Alice!

Bridge the Gap Selected as 2023 Nonprofit of the Year for District 12 - Bridge the Gap is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Damon Connolly. For 28 years, Bridge the Gap has dedicated itself to narrowing educational disparities in Marin County through after-school academic and college access support for Marin City students. "We look forward to our partnership with the schools and community-based organizations in Marin to broaden our impact and collectively advance educational equity in the county." Learn more.

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