Storm Update - Possible Flooding and Power Outages
The National Weather Service is predicting another storm starting late this evening. What you can expect:
Monday 11/8/2021
- 6 PM – 11 PM Heavy Rain
- 7 PM – 3 AM Wind Advisory. Winds can reach up to 45 mph
- 11 PM – 3 AM Constant Rain, not heavy
Tuesday 11/9/2021
- 3 AM Rain and wind tapers off
- All-day Possibility of sporadic showers
Although there is no way to predict how this storm will ultimately impact our community, the Town encourages residents to take a moment to develop a plan for how you can be prepared. Collaborate with one another and the Town to stage filled bags in places where you needed more last time, remove debris blocking private drainage facilities, clear roof gutters, have the things you need in quantity when the grid power is off for hours at a time, have an emergency plan with your family and practice it, create a “Go” bag in case you need to evacuate on short notice (and plan your route to avoid getting stuck), and sign up for Alert Marin to receive emergency alerts by cellular phone call, text message, or email.
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Road and Tree Work
Ross Valley Fire Department recently conducted an evacuation/safe access route evaluation of Fairfax neighborhoods. During the evaluation, several violations of the Fairfax Fire Code were identified and need immediate abatement to ensure safe routes of travel during the event of an emergency. The Fire Department will be conducting road side clearance In the areas of: Ridge Rd, Park Ln, Scenic Rd, Tamalpais Rd, and Mountain View Rd within the town limits of Fairfax. Work is scheduled to begin in the areas listed during the week of November 8th. Crews will be removing hazardous vegetation within 10 feet of the edge of pavement and raising trees a minimum of 14 feet above road ways.
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Marin Health and Human Services Covid Update
Marin Ready for Pediatric Vaccine Roll-out
Marin County children ages 5-11 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine, following confirmation from Governor Gavin Newsom on November 3. This follows a sequence of reviews and recommendations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup (WSSSRW), and California Department of Public Health (CDPH). All concluded that the vaccine safely and effectively lowers the chance of children getting and spreading COVID-19. The vaccine was shown to be 90.7% effective at preventing symptoms of COVID-19 in clinical trials among this age group.
“This is a historic moment in our fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer. “In Marin we’ve seen firsthand just how safe and effective this vaccine is, and we’re finally able to extend that protection to our children.”
Children 5-11 will receive one-third the dose that adolescents and adults receive. The pediatric vaccine comes in different vials and packaging than the adult version, including smaller needles. Children 5-11 will receive two doses, three weeks apart, just like adolescents and adults.
Marin County Public Health (MCPH), Kaiser Permanente, MarinHealth, Marin Community Clinics, Sutter Health, other health care providers, pharmacies, Marin County Office of Education, and schools have been working closely together to protect residents throughout the pandemic, through shared goals and coordinated operations. There are an estimated 20,000 kids aged 5-11 in Marin. The current countywide goal is to vaccinate 75% of them with the first dose within one month.
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Highlights of the November 3rd Town Council Meeting
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The Council received two presentations: A Collaborative Approach: Ending Chronic Homelessness in Marin and Marin County Mobile Crisis Continuum Teams. The presentation is included in the video of the meeting on our website. They included a helpful brochure about the Mobile Crisis Teams.
- Adopted a Resolution Supporting the Goal of Reaching 100% Zero Emission Vehicle Sales in California by 2030.
- Fire Chief Weber made a presentation on the two main options related to Town of Ross' decision to close their fire station, and impacts to the Ross Valley Fire Department. The Council provided direction to Councilmember Goddard and Vice Mayor Hellman to cast their vote for Option #2 at the November Fire Board meeting.
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The Council approved the recruitment brochure for the Director of Public Works. The application period for that position opened November 4th and closes December 6th.
- The Town Manager gave a brief update on the Town Manager recruitment, which is proceeding on schedule. There will be an update at the next Council meeting.
- The discussion regarding the Safety Element progress was postponed to a later date.
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Attend our Community Workshop on November 20th
You can now register on the Fairfax Speaks website for our Community Workshop on Saturday November 20th from 2-6pm! At the workshop, you can learn about the 2023-2031 6th Cycle Housing Element Update process and the importance of the Sites Inventory. Your participation and feedback at the workshop will help inform where and how Fairfax will accommodate existing and projected future housing needs for people of all income groups. In the Site Inventory, Fairfax must determine whether enough land is available to accommodate the Town’s assigned 490 housing units during the 2023-2031 6th Cycle timeline. The website will be updated soon with some more information on the sites being considered for the Site Inventory to help accommodate and plan for these additional units.
Can’t attend the workshop? There is still plenty of time to learn and provide feedback! The Fairfax Speaks website has many ways for you to engage and participate. In the coming weeks, the website will also be refreshed with new opportunities to engage and share your unique story of how Fairfax became “home” for you. Make sure to register on the website to continue to receive future updates.
Have more questions? Check out our Learn More page on the Fairfax Speaks website.
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Year One—So Much Done!
Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) has released its first Annual Report detailing the major accomplishments of the 2020-21 fiscal year. From the passage of Measure C in March 2020 to launching priority countywide programs before the year’s end, the metaphor of building the airplane while flying is an apt one for the first year. Luckily, Marin County was well positioned and prepared to hit the ground running based on priorities outlined in the 2020 Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
The MWPA Board of Directors focused on setting the budget and strategic direction while the Operations and Advisory/Technical Committees launched fire preparedness and prevention programs and systemized the work plan process. With 54 defensible space evaluators hired and almost 2,500 curbside pickups from our Chipper Days program, notable countywide efforts included public education from Fire Safe Marin and a focus on resident participation in the development of fire-resistant homes.
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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.
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photo credit: Velvy Appleton |
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Upcoming Meetings & Events |
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Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
November 8 - 7pm
Climate Action Committee Meeting
November 16 - 7pm
Planning Commission Meeting
November 18 - 7pm
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Please notewe are proceeding with all events as planned but they may
need to be cancelled due to County or State Health orders.
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Virtual Community Workshop - Housing Element
November 20th
2pm - 6pm
Your participation and feedback at the workshop will help inform where and how Fairfax will accommodate existing and projected future housing needs for people of all income groups.
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Artist in Residence Photography Show at the Library
November 1-30th
Reception: November 20th
2-4pm
Fairfax Library
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During this past year, Stephanie Mohan, local photographer and Fairfax Artist in Residence, has been using this time to document the historic events of various protests and the movements for social and racial equity that have emerged. Her photographs are raw, real, and passionate, hitting at the core of human truths.
Sponsored by Fairfax Artists in Residence, Fairfax Park and Rec., and the Fairfax Library.
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Fairfax Craft Faire and Wreath Making - Mark Your Calendars!
Saturday, December 11th from 11am – 5pm
We are looking forward to RE-gathering again for this lovely Fairfax tradition. We will be adding wreath making from 12-4pm with the Fairfax Volunteers to this fun filled day!
We are calling for ALL vendors to apply with an aim at expanding
our diversity in crafters, artisans, musicians, food/coffee vendors, and kids art crafting.
Please sign up to volunteer! We need help starting at 10 am and going until 7 pm. Help is required with the arts & crafts section, food area, and clean up. Please e-mail mbaird@townoffairfax.org if you are able to help with this wonderful event!
This is a fundraising event for Fairfax Recreation and all proceeds will go to help support our programming and scholarship fund.
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After School Skate Club
Fairfax Community Skate Park
Steven Teijeiro
Grades K-6
Tuesday/Thursday
November 9 – January 20
3:30 – 5:30pm
We are excited to offer a new session of our afterschool Skate Club! Club members will be instructed in the basic fundamentals of skateboarding. The primary focus will be to get kids comfortable riding and performing flat ground maneuvers, and small skate park obstacles. Helmet and pads a requirement. We will follow the Covid protocols suggested during this time.
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Dodgeball Night
Pavilion
Zach Laurie and Will Hubert
All Middle and High School Youth -- limit of 40 kids
Saturday, December 4
6:30 – 9pm
Fairfax Recreation is excited to re-start its programming for middle and high school youth. We are kicking it off with a Dodgeball Night in December. Come join the fun with seasoned youth development facilitators, Zach Laurie and Will Hubert. Pizza and beverages will be served from 6:30-7pm and games starting up around 7pm. We will follow the Covid protocols suggested during this time—masks indoors.
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Other Town and County News |
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Call for Applications!
The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority is seeking representatives from West Marin, Central Marin, and civic organizations for a three-year term to the MWPA Citizens Oversight Committee (COC). Applications are due by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Find out more and apply here.
The newly established Fairfax Community Emergency Preparedness Committee is being formed to support and help coordinate collaborative town-wide efforts to prepare residents to respond to emergencies of all kinds. Check out the Committee’s webpage for details. The Town is seeking members to represent various stakeholders, including the community at large, CERTs, Firewise communities, and NRGs. Fairfax residents are encouraged to apply.
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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's 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!
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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.
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Even with the Recent Rainfall Drought Water Restrictions are Still in Effect for All of Marin County |
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Rain is in the forecast tonight. Please turn off your irrigation systems if you haven't already. Be sure also to check out our water watch page to see how the rainfall affects our reservoir storage. We're currently at 53% of the total storage capacity. For this time of year, we're normally closer to 66%.
As water continues to flow into the reservoirs, it's typical to see storage levels increase. Stay up to date by visiting: MarinWater.org/water-watch
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Countywide Fair Housing Initiatives and Restrictive Covenant Presentation
At the October 20th Town Council meeting the Council received a report from the County on restrictive covenants and their history in Marin County. To watch the presentation and to learn more about how you can check your deed and participate in the process of revisions click here.
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COVID-19 Updates & Programs
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.
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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!
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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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