April Update from Supervisor Sackett

APRIL 2023

MARCH BUDGET WORKSHOP AND RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS MARIN COUNTY CONSUMER PROTECTION REPORT INDUCTION COOKTOPS, FURNACES, AND WATER HEATERS CALFRESH AND MEDICAL CHANGES  EARTH DAY AND VOLUNTEER EVENTS ROAD MAINTENANCE HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE AND HOUSING STUDIES PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING UPDATE HAVE YOU HEARD? WHAT I'M READING

 

Dear Neighbors,

We are experiencing another year of record-setting weather events. In less than a year, Marin and many parts of the state went from finding innovative and strategic solutions to address severe drought conditions and wildfire prevention to experiencing record snowfall, flooding, and torrential rains. The impacts of climate change are being felt at the local level. As we address the direct impacts of these major events, we need to continue to take long-term steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

I want to express my gratitude to our Department of Public Works, Parks and Open Space, Fire Department, Sheriff's Office, and Office of Emergency Management for their work to ensure our community's safety. These storm events remind us of the importance of being prepared. Here are three steps you can take today:

1. Sign up for emergency calls, text messages or email alerts through AlertMarin.
   
   
2. Make sure your emergency kit is up-to-date: have lamps/flashlights, radio, and spare batteries handy in case the power goes out.
   
   
3. Visit Emergency.MarinCounty.org for additional resources on how to prepare for a storm.

Addressing climate change is a top priority, whether it be preparing for sea level rise, extreme weather events, or preventing wildfires. If we work together to take the necessary steps to prepare ourselves, our homes, and our community, we will be better positioned to recover and thrive after the next emergency.  

Don't miss the second annual, Ember Stomp event on Saturday, May 20. This wildfire prevention event is bigger and better this year with a bigger space, new music, entertainment, exhibits, vendors, and a live burn demonstration. Save the date!

 

MARCH BUDGET WORKSHOP AND RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

The Marin County Board of Supervisors held a three-day budget workshop March 27-29 to seek input from the public and departments on the County's $716M budget. We on the Board of Supervisors provided guidance to departments in advance of the June budget hearings. Despite the economic downturn, the County has maintained a strong financial outlook, and there are no anticipated cuts to public services in the 2023-24 budget.

I want to take this opportunity to share some of the many initiatives taking place at the County level. Marin County has achieved major milestones in creating affordable housing. This includes approving the Marin County Housing and Safety Element, approving a $4 million loan to preserve an 80-unit affordable housing complex in Fairfax, and supporting the development of the Oak Hill apartments with 135 units of workforce housing for Marin County teachers and staff, and County of Marin employees.

The County is working on the creation of a unit within Health and Human Services to focus on aging and ableism. I requested countywide training be included as part of the effort. 

One area of focus is to help close gaps in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure during the planning stage. I requested a position be added for an Active Transportation Planner to support this work.  

The Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Committee is working on expanding the Mobile Crisis Unit to a 24/7, 365 days a year, and improving the 988 mental health crisis line. 988 is the number to dial for urgent help in a time of mental health or substance use crisis, or when witnessing another person deal with a behavioral health challenge. A subcommittee was formed to look into the implementation of CARE Court, and we are continuing our effort to have data drive policy change through the Data Driven Recovery Project.

The County's Parks and Open Space Department is working to eliminate park fees. The County is getting a new website to ensure the latest information is accessible to the public in an easy-to-use format.

There is a lot more happening at the County, and I am looking forward to our June budget hearings scheduled for June 19-22, where we vote on the county budget and put Countywide priorities in motion for the new fiscal year. Please share your priorities and thoughts with me.

 

MARIN COUNTY CONSUMER PROTECTION REPORT

 

The 7th Consumer Protection Report for Marin County is available. The report is made available to let you know how your tax dollars are spent to protect your pocketbooks. 

In 2022, Marin County inspectors performed over 12,537 inspections at over 380 businesses. The department has been investigating how local businesses apply the California Redemption Value (CRV), a state fee charged to consumers for certain recyclable beverage containers. This investigation is ongoing.

If you are concerned about pricing or the accuracy of commercial devices, we encourage you to contact the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures. If businesses have questions about pricing requirements, please don't hesitate to reach out.  Call (415) 473-7888 or complete an online form on the department’s website.

 

INDUCTION COOK TOPS, FURNACES, AND WATER HEATERS

 

Induction cooktops are a safer, more responsive, and environmentally friendly way of cooking. Marin residents can receive $750 from the BayREN Home+ and $250 to $500 from Electrify Marin. The federal Inflation Reduction Act included rebates for new electric appliances, including induction cooktops. 

Induction cooktops stay cool, don't emit gas, are more energy efficient, and they have more responsive temperature controls. If you are on the fence, you can try before you buy with the PG&E Induction Cooktop Loaner Program and learn more about induction cooking with Chef Rachelle Boucher from Kitchens to Life. 

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Bay Area Air Quality Management District adopted rules phasing out the installation of residential and commercial natural gas furnaces and water heaters starting in 2027. The goal is to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides. Emissions from natural gas building appliances account for a similar amount of nitrogen oxide pollution as passenger vehicles. The new regulation applies only to new appliances and doesn't apply to appliances used for cooking, like gas stoves.

 

CALFRESH AND MEDICAL CHANGES

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, changes were made to Medi-Cal and CalFresh to support the health and nutritional needs of vulnerable populations. These benefits are expected to change, and we want to encourage beneficiaries to take proactive steps to stay covered.

During the pandemic, Congress authorized emergency allotments for food subsidies. Since March 2020, households have received an increase of at least $95 in CalFresh benefits per month. Beginning in April 2023, CalFresh benefits will no longer receive this additional funding, and benefits will return to the regular benefit amount. 

Medi-Cal beneficiaries are traditionally required to renew their coverage. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, Marin Medi-Cal beneficiaries have stayed enrolled in the program. Starting April 1, 2023, Medi-Cal will resume its normal renewal processes to predetermined eligibility. 

Medi-Cal beneficiaries should ensure their contact information is up to date for Medi-Cal to reach them when it is time to renew. Help us spread the word so community members can maintain coverage and plan for these changes.

Beneficiaries can view the regular benefit amount by signing onto their BenefitsCal account to view their most recent CalFresh Approval/Change Notice of Action. Click here to  Login. If your contact information or household circumstances have changed, please update your information today by contacting Marin Health and Human Services at: 1-877-410-8817 or visiting https://BenefitsCal.com/.

 

EARTH DAY AND VOLUNTEER EVENTS

 

Come join the fun at Earth Day Marin, on Sunday, April 23, 2023, from 1 to 5 pm, at the Mill Valley Community Center. Earth Day Marin is a free, family-friendly event featuring fun activities, art, music, youth and exhibits about climate action in a beautiful outdoor setting.  More than 50 environmental booths hosted by green businesses and community groups will help participants learn about climate actions such as: using clean energy, riding electric vehicles, eating well, living lightly, and building healthy communities. Register for your free ticket here.

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Memorial Trail Work SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 9 AM–12 PM I'm really excited to see the work starting on the Memorial Trail in Terra Linda. Interested in taking part in this project? Help us realign the Memorial Trail to reduce erosion and make it accessible for all users. Appropriate for ages 12 and older. Lunch and water will be provided. No pets (except service dogs) are allowed. Bring gloves and a water bottle. Adverse weather or poor air quality may cause the event to be canceled. If in doubt, text or call (415) 250-0941 two hours before the event to confirm the status. Registration Required Questions: Contact Greg Reza at GReza@marincounty.org

 

ROAD MAINTENANCE

 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin a preventative maintenance project this spring focusing on about 11 miles of roadway in the unincorporated San Rafael neighborhoods of Country Club and Bayside Acres near China Camp State Park.

Between July 2022 through June 2023, DPW will have spent roughly $12 million to improve 56.8 miles of road, or 13% of the total road miles maintained by the County through various pavement preservation and roadway rehabilitation projects.

The largest pavement project of this fiscal year began last summer and will improve around 40 miles of roadway in the neighborhoods of Lucas Valley, Marinwood, Santa Venetia, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Strawberry, Tamalpais, Hicks Valley, Nicasio, Point Reyes, and San Geronimo Valley. Since preventative maintenance work can only be conducted in good weather, the estimated $3 million construction project was put on hold for the winter months. Work is scheduled to start again this spring and finish up by summer.

 

HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE AND HOUSING STUDIES

 

The County received a letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) requesting additional information from the County before final certification. Marin has been asked to provide information on new requirements to promote fair housing choice and civil rights, commonly referred to as affirmatively furthering fair housing. For example, programs should include specific strategies for community revitalization and planning for improvements to neighborhood infrastructure that support communities with lower-income residents and fewer community resources. Programs should also address the risk of displacement for low-income renters. The County's Community Development Agency expects to resubmit the Housing Element with the additional clarification and receive certification in a matter of weeks. You can read more in this feedback on housing element press release.

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On Tuesday, April 18, 2023, the Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing to consider adopting two studies to better understand Marin's affordable housing needs. A future hearing will be held to address policy recommendations. The first study focuses on the affordability gap to support updated in-lieu fee calculations.  

The Inclusionary Study draws on a thorough review of current inclusionary housing policies as well as best practices. The study provides a detailed analysis quantifying the affordability gap to support updated in-lieu fee calculations. Marin County Code requires 20% of the total number of units or lots within a subdivision to be developed as or dedicated to affordable housing. If this requirement is not met, developers are required to pay an in-lieu fee. Recommendations from the study include key policy considerations for affordable housing inclusionary requirements and an associated in-lieu fee that would apply to new multi-unit developments in the Unincorporated County.

The Commercial Linkage Fee Study seeks to quantify the increase in demand for affordable housing associated with non-residential development. The study analyzes the gap between what households can afford to pay for housing and the cost of developing new housing units. The recommendation is an updated Commercial Linkage Fee that would apply to all new non-residential development in the Unincorporated County.

Both studies seek to provide important information about Marin's affordable housing needs and policies that promote the creation of affordable housing.

 

PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING UPDATE

 

The Stage 1 grant application is live! Apply today by visiting the Office of Equity's website. The Office of Equity will hold information sessions to share how community members and nonprofits can apply for Participatory Budgeting grants. Stay tuned for confirmation of these dates.

The next step in our Marin County Participatory Budgeting process is for nonprofits and community members to submit grant proposal applications. Grants are available ranging from $10,000 - $250,000. The application period will last from February – May 2023. Take a look at the Participatory Budgeting Rulebook to understand the process and eligibility.

We have a team of grant writers available to assist you with your application. Email equity@marincounty.org if you would like grant writing assistance.

 

HAVE YOU HEARD?

 

WHAT I'M READING

The Swimmers: A novel by Julie Otsuka follows a group of swimmers who share the same routine of swimming laps. One swimmer, Alice, is experiencing challenges as her dementia progresses. With the absence of her pool routine, she is overwhelmed with memories of her childhood and the Japanese American internment camp in which she spent the war. Alice's daughter re-enters her life as they navigate the challenges of Alice's cognitive decline.

Are you in need of a ride? There is a variety of rider supports available in our County for older adults and commuters. Check out a few of the options below. 

1. Marin Transit's STAR and TRIP volunteer driver programs empower older adults and people with disabilities to remain independent by providing a mileage reimbursement for their friends, neighbors, and other community members who provide them with rides. STAR and TRIP do not provide a pool of volunteer drivers but rather allow the rider to find their own trusted driver(s) and provide mileage reimbursement. A caregiver (In-Home Supportive Services workers qualify), friend or neighbor may be a driver.
   
   
2. Marin Transit Connect is your connection to work, home, transit, and other destinations across Marin County. Marin Transit is offering a completely accessible, on-demand transit option – no advanced planning required! Service hours of operation are weekdays from 6:00am - 7:00pm. Click here for more information and a link to download the app.
   
   
3. Vivalon Rides provides specialized transportation and medical rides throughout Marin County and other parts of the Bay Area for seniors and individuals with mobility issues. Vivalon Rides also provide business transportation services, including: shuttles and charters, communications center services, contract drivers and more. Learn more here.
   
   
4. Marin Villages is a non-profit organization providing member services, including "door through door" transportation to appointments, errands and social events and programs through its volunteer network. To join or volunteer, call 415-457-4633 or check their website at MarinVillages.org.

The Marin Emergency Ride Home Program, offered by the Transportation Authority of Marin, will reimburse rides home in case of emergency for anyone who works in Marin County and uses an alternative transportation option, such as carpooling, vanpooling, public transit, bicycling, and walking. 

If you are planning on hitting the road, remember to keep your eyes up, Marin!

 

If you are interested in local government, want to talk about the issues or touch base on some of the work you or your organization are doing, I encourage you to reach out.  

Please stay in touch,