|
|
|
|
Looking Toward the 2016 Tourist Bicycle Season
|
|
Sausalito's summer 2015 tourist season was the first with a pay-for-bicycle-parking area on Tracy Way and a team of "Ambassadors" to provide information to riders. The Ambassadors and the paid parking area were part of a pilot program developed by the Sausalito City Council on the recommendation of the City's Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PBAC). Money generated by bicycle parking was used to fund the Ambassadors.
With winter approaching and tourist numbers dwindling, the City Council and the PBAC have begun looking to 2016. The monthly PBAC meeting on Monday, November 16, focused on the steps necessary to plan for next year's tourist season. At the City Council meeting the following night, representatives from the PBAC and the Sausalito Police Department presented those next steps, along with data collected from the 2015 tourist season.
|
|
|
2015 Annual Estimate of All Bicycles Entering Sausalito from the south:
- Tourists = 575,000
- Recreational / Commuters = 600,000
- Total = 1,175,000
Year-to-Year Comparison of Bicycle Riders Boarding the Golden Gate Ferry:
- 2012 – 110,397 (January-December)
- 2013 – 149,869 (January-December)
- 2014 – 192,080 (January-December)
- 2015 – 159,144 (January-October only)
|
|
|
In their presentation, the PBAC and Police Department also acknowledged the partners that contributed to the success of the 2015 tourist season: SausalitoPlus (the not-for-profit organization that managed the Ambassadors and the parking area), the City of Sausalito Department of Public Works, the Golden Gate Ferry, the Blue & Gold Ferry, the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce, and the bicycle rental companies.
The recommended next steps for the 2016 season include the following actions:
- Consolidate the Ambassador Program with a bike ferry queuing program to improve coordination and efficiency
- Reduce bicycle congestion by locating ticket kiosks that offer ferry tickets, boarding numbers, and valet parking in one place
- Revise the current bicycle parking ordinance to allow Sausalito residents to conveniently park bikes during off-peak hours
- Identify a new free parking area north of downtown to accommodate bike racks along with related improved signage
- Re-install and increase the number of bike loops (for locking up bicycles) in downtown Sausalito; cover the loops with canvas signs during peak visitor hours
The Police Department will retain overall responsibility for congestion management, public safety and the enforcement of bicycle parking regulations.
Please visit the web pages of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee the Sausalito City Council for meeting agendas, minutes and staff reports. The PBAC meets every third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. All are welcome to attend.
|
|
Planning for the Future of the Richardson's Bay Anchorage
|
|
The Richardson's Bay Regional Agency (RBRA) has been working to improve its management of the Richardson's Bay anchorage over the past nine years. Despite those efforts, the situation on the anchorage has deteriorated. The most recent vessel census conducted by the RBRA, in 2014, revealed that the number at anchor in Richardson's Bay has approximately doubled to over 200 in the last six years, reaching an unsustainable crisis point.
Recognizing the seriousness of the current situation, the RBRA focused its efforts on the anchorage in late 2014 and early 2015, culminating in a workshop held at the Bay Model in March of 2015. The workshop reviewed issues affecting the RBRA's ability to sustainably manage the anchorage. Also discussed were potential solutions to the crisis and a public process for developing an anchorage management plan. Based on the findings of the workshop, the RBRA Board recommended developing a plan for a mooring field, utilizing expert and community input.
The RBRA Board's recommended anchorage management plan and budget failed to achieve financial backing from the Sausalito City Council. The Council determined that additional community outreach would be necessary to inform a broad cross section of Sausalito residents and businesses of the issues facing the anchorage, the City, and the RBRA prior to committing program funding.
As part of that community outreach, a public forum for Sausalito residents and businesses was held last Thursday, November 12 at the Spinnaker Restaurant. The forum was well attended, with over 250 community members in the audience. If you were not able to attend the forum, watch the video here.
The RBRA will hold its next regular meeting on December 10 to discuss next steps. The Sausalito City Council will take up the RBRA discussion in early 2016.
|
|
Saving Money and Energy This Winter
|
|
|
With winter well on its way, many Sausalito residents with old furnaces may be wondering if this is the year the furnace finally gives out. A furnace breaking in the middle of the cold season can be a disaster and result in expensive repair costs. If you have an old heating system or see big spikes in your utility bills during the winter months, an Energy Upgrade California® Home Upgrade could keep you warm and save you money.
|
|
|
The Energy Upgrade California® Home Upgrade program is sponsored by a joint partnership between investor owned utilities, state and local government, and private contractors.
Get Rebates for a Project
The Home Upgrade program provides rebates of up to $6,800 for making energy efficient home improvements. Eligible measures can include upgrading a furnace, sealing or replacing duct systems, installing insulation, replacing windows, and upgrading hot water systems. The rebate is calculated based on how much energy is saved from the project.
The Whole-House Approach
In the past, if a homeowner had issues with the temperature in their home, the solution was simple: hire a contractor to install a bigger furnace or air conditioner. As it turns out, that was not the best approach. The whole-house approach takes into account all of the energy systems in a home and how they work together. Contractors taking the whole-house approach should be asking (among other questions) if the ducts are sealed and sized property for the furnace and if there is enough insulation in the walls and attic.
Free Technical Support
Homeowners can enlist free technical support from the Home Upgrade Advisors, who are Building Performance Institute certified energy professionals, by calling (866) 878-6008 or by visiting their website. The Home Upgrade Advisors can help you find a contractor, review bids, and identify all of the rebates and special financing options in your area. The Home Upgrade Advisors are sponsored by the rebate program and are not connected to any single contractor. All of the program contractors have gone through required training and have proper insurance, licenses, and bonds. You can see the list of participating contractors in your area here.
If you would like to speak to someone at the Marin County Community Development Agency about this or other sustainability programs, feel free to contact Kellen Dammann at (415) 473-2698 or kdammann@marincounty.org.
|
|
Update on the Water Main Relocation Project at Bridgeway and Gate 6 Road
|
|
|
The Marin Municipal Water District water main relocation project at the intersection of Bridgeway and Gate 6 Road has been progressing a slower pace than originally estimated. The construction has encountered a variety of unanticipated objects while digging in the intersection, including boulders, tree trunks and a section of old railroad.
|
|
|
The estimated project completion date is now Friday December 11. As the project progresses there will be fewer lanes closed, however there will be occasions when both northbound lanes in Bridgeway will need to be closed again. No work will occur during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The water main that is being replaced serves the residents and businesses on Gate 6 Road, which means that the work of connecting the new water main to the existing water main will be done overnight and is scheduled to take place between 9 p.m. on Monday, November 30, and 5 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1.
|
|
Interested in Joining the Citizen's Police Academy?
|
|
|
The Sausalito Police Department is currently accepting applications for the upcoming 19th Citizen’s Police Academy.
|
|
|
The academy is designed to provide an inside look at how our police department operates. The classes will focus on a host of topics such as: ethics, use of force, drug recognition, emergency preparedness, DUI investigations and many other topics.
All the class participants will be given the opportunity to go on two ride-alongs, one with the night shift and the other with the day shift. This is a great way to get to know the police officers in your town on a more personal level.
The academy runs for eight consecutive Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The class is open to people who live or work in Sausalito. February 10th is the tentative start date. Anyone who is interested in attending Class 19 of the Sausalito Citizen’s Police Academy should contact Corporal Matt Shoup at (415) 289-4100 x803 or mshoup@ci.sausalito.ca.us.
|
|
|
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the Currents will be taking a brief hiatus. Sausalito City Hall, along with the Library, will be closed on Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27. We hope everyone has a happy and healthy holiday. We'll see you with our next issue on Friday, December 4!
|
|
|
Summary of Actions from the November 17 City Council Meeting
|
|
There was a regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 17. The following in red italics is a brief summary of actions taken at the meeting (for a full report, watch the video from the meeting):
Special Presentations: Sausalito Art Festival Annual Report - Parks and Recreation Director Mike Langford introduced Sausalito Art Festival Managing Director Paul Anderson who gave the report Watch the video from this portion of the meeting
Consent Calendar: Watch the video from this portion of the meeting
- 4A: Adopt a Resolution urging the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to fully fund the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and abandon the proposal to take over the land use planning functions and staff which currently reside at ABAG (Read the Staff Report, Attachment 1, Attachment 2, Attachment 3) - adopted Resolution No. 5556 unanimously
- 4B: Accept Update on Management Study from the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and direct Staff to work with the Finance Committee to explore funding options. (Read the Staff Report, Attachment 1, Attachment 2) - continued this item to early 2016
Business Items:
- 6A: Bicycle Pay-For-Parking Pilot Project End of Season Review and Next Steps for 2016 Season (Read the Staff Report, Attachment 1, Attachment 2, Attachment 3, Attachment 4, Attachment 5, Attachment 6) - The Council thanked staff and provided general consensus on support for the action plan Watch the Video from this portion of the meeting.
- 6B: Parking Status Report (Read the Staff Report, Attachment 1) – The Council thanked staff and the consultant for their work. Watch the Video from this portion of the meeting.
- 6C: Information Technology Strategic Plan and Proposed IT Expenditures for 2015-16 and Future Years (Read the Staff Report, Attachment 1, Attachment 2, Attachment 3, Attachment 4) - The Council (1) authorized City Staff to prepare technology purchases to upgrade the City IT Infrastructure and implement a New Permit Software System in 2015-16. The specific technology purchases and systems will come to the City Council for approval at a later date; and (2) authorized City Staff to develop a budget for IT Infrastructure Updates, Contract IT Staffing and Departmental Systems for consideration during the 2016-18 Operating Budget process. Watch the Video from this portion of the meeting.
Did you know you can watch the Council meeting live via webcast? You can also watch the Council meetings after they occur. View the minimum streaming requirements here. Council meetings are also broadcast live as they occur on TV - watch on Comcast Cable Channel 27, AT&T Ch 99 - check out the schedule here.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 1 with the regular session due to commence at approximately 7:00 p.m.
|
|
Updates from Boards and Commissions
|
|
|
Each week, on a rotating schedule, this section will provide highlights of the recent activities of two of the eight active Boards and Commissions in Sausalito. Follow this link for more information on all of our Boards and Commissions.
|
|
|
|
Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee: The monthly meeting of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PBAC) was held on Monday, November 16. For a full recap of the meeting, see the first article in this issue of the Currents. If you have questions about the PBAC, please contact either Jonathon Goldman, Public Works Director/City Engineer/ADA Coordinator at (415) 289-4176, jgoldman@ci.sausalito.ca.us or Captain John Rohrbacher at (415) 289-4177, jrohrbacher@ci.sausalito.ca.us.
|
|
Sustainability Commission: At its October meeting, the Sustainability Commission received a General Plan Circulation Element update from Danny Castro, the City of Sausalito Community Development Director. Commissioners discussed strategies for incorporating the goals of the City's recently approved Climate Action Plan (CAP) within the General Plan, emphasizing that environmental concerns should have a high priority. Mr. Castro and Director of Public Works Jonathon Goldman provided an update on parklets. Also discussed were new PACE financing options for home energy improvements endorsed by the Commission, included in the CAP and adopted by the City Council on November 10 (read the report here). An update on the Ferry Terminal was provided by one of the commissioners.
The Sustainability Commission wants to remind all residents to enroll in the Cool California Challenge. The next Commission meeting will be Thursday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m in the Council Chambers at 420 Litho Street.
|
|
News from City Departments
|
|
Public Work Department. On November 10, the Sausalito City Council adopted resolutions allowing property owners in the City of Sausalito to participate in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing programs. PACE is an innovative way to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy and water upgrades to residential and commercial buildings. Property owners can finance up to 100% of a project, for up to 30 years, as a tax assessment on their property bill. The assessment obligation may be assumed by the new owner upon property sale, and under most leases can be shared with tenants.
By providing low-cost, long-term financing and making it easy for building owners to transfer repayment obligations upon sale, PACE aims to spur greater energy efficiency in existing buildings. PACE financing provides a way to improve the efficiency of your home or business with little or no money down. In addition, repayment may be amortized for a period of up to 30 years, keeping monthly payments low. For more information read the Marin Clean Energy (MCE) PACE FAQs or visit the MCE Finance Finder Tool. For questions, email MCE at energysavings@mceCleanEnergy.org or call (415) 464-6033.
|
|
Police Department: Since October 25, 2015, the Sausalito Police Department has taken twenty reports of stolen vehicles, auto burglaries, and thefts from vehicles. These incidents have occurred at various locations throughout the City of Sausalito. The thefts are occurring at night and during the early morning hours. The suspects are targeting unlocked and locked vehicles that have property that is visible from outside of the vehicle. The suspects are ransacking the vehicles and stealing items of value that can be removed quickly.
These types of crimes are often crimes of opportunity and can be drastically reduced by community members practicing simple crime prevention such as TLC:
- Take all valuables out of vehicles.
- Lock your vehicles doors.
- Close doors and roll up your vehicles windows.
Car burglaries can be stopped if you do your part by taking valuables out of your car. Crooks scour parking lots and neighborhoods day and night looking for valuables left in cars. It takes less than a minute to steal your belongings! Practice TLC to reduce the odds of becoming a victim of theft.
The Sausalito Police Department is asking for the community's help in solving or preventing similar crimes. Please report any suspicious incidents, persons, or vehicles that you see in your neighborhoods by calling the police department at (415) 289-4170, or dialing 911 for emergencies and crimes in progress.
|
|
|
Resident Parking Cards Now Available: Fill out your application for a new Sausalito Resident Parking SmartCard now! An electronic copy of the Resident Parking Passcard application is available for download. Completed applications, along with the required supporting documentation and a non-refundable $10 application fee, will be required for residents to apply for a Resident Parking Passcard. Applications may be submitted by mail or in person to the Sausalito Parking Authority, 29 Caledonia Street, Sausalito, CA 94965.
|
|
|
Sausalito Public Library: The Library now provides access to the popular tech training website lynda.com. Covering a variety of software platforms and over 3,000 tutorials, the courses provide meaningful instruction for the amateur hobbyist or budding professional. Topics include animation, music, business, design, marketing, photography and more. Come and graze for fun or stick around for a certificate to boost your resume. Please note that access is restricted to Sausalito residents.
|
|
Things Happening in Our Community
|
|
|
50 Tour. The Super Bowl is coming to the Bay Area in February and Sausalito is about to get in on the excitement. On Saturday, November 21 from noon to 5:00 p.m., the City will be hosting The 50 Tour: Champions of the Bay on the corner of Humboldt and Anchor, next to Gabrielson Park in downtown Sausalito. The 50 Tour is a mobile exhibit created by the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee to celebrate the Bay Area's championship teams, the Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers.
|
|
|
The 50 Tour features:
- Champions Row: Eight Super Bowl trophies will be on display, five from the San Francisco 49ers and three from the Oakland Raiders, with photo montages capturing each championship victory.
- The STEM Zone: The STEM Zone is an interactive space that demonstrates how Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fuel innovation.
- Super Bowl High School Honor Roll: This display will feature the greater Bay Area high schools that have contributed to Super Bowl history.
- PLAY 60, Play On: An interactive play zone that will include an obstacle course and a football-themed play area.
- Autograph Sessions: Fans will have the opportunity to meet current and former NFL players.
- The Re(a)d Zone: This family-friendly space will encourage a love of reading. NFL players and legends and other local celebrities will read aloud to children as part of the Host Committee’s early literacy initiative.
|
|
|
Sausalito Village Art Show. The third annual art show by Sausalito Village members will run through November 29 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. If you would like to view the show, please plan to visit when a docent is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays between the hours of noon and 2 p.m. If you would like to view the art show outside of those hours, please contact Sausalito Village at (415) 332-3325 to make arrangements.
|
|
|
Christmas Tree Lot Opens Next Weekend. Once again this holiday season, the City of Sausalito is partnering with Sausalito Farms, a locally owned Christmas Tree lot located in the north end of Dunphy Park.
|
|
|
|
Sausalito Farms will be donating $20 per Christmas tree sold, and $10 per holiday wreath, to support local schools and non-profits. Trees and wreaths may be purchased in person at the Tree Lot at the north end of Dunphy Park beginning on Friday, November 27 at 9:00 a.m. Or they can be pre-ordered via the web. Fire retardant trees are available. Sausalito Farms offers local delivery. Locally-made gifts and stocking stuffers will be available at a pop-up store onsite at Dunphy Park.
|
|
|
Winter Open Studios at the ICB. The winter studios at the ICB are taking wing on Friday, December 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and December, 5 and 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Participating artists will be honoring the courageous act of migration. To symbolize this movement of hope, the ICB will feature an installation of thousands of butterflies and at least thirty artists will donate the proceeds of designated art sales to Doctors Without Borders. The ICB is located at 480 Gate 5 Road in Sausalito.
|
|
|
Breakfast with Santa. Santa's coming! He's making a special trip to the Sausalito Yacht Club to eat breakfast with you and your family on Saturday, December 5. It will be a magical morning where kids will make holiday crafts and visit with Santa while elves prepare a delicious breakfast of pancakes and sausage. Don't forget your wish list and camera!
|
|
|
|
There are two seatings to choose from. The 8:30 a.m. seating gets to see Santa arrive. The 9:30 a.m. seating gets to see him return to the North Pole. Registration is required. Please call (415) 289-4152 to register. Cost $8 per person. Free for children 2 and under. Bring a toy to donate to the Marin Performing Stars Holiday Toy Drive!
|
|
|
Christmas Choral Concert. The community is invited to the Sausalito Presbyterian Church choir's ninth annual Christmas Choral Concert on Sunday, December 6. The performance will include both traditional and new carols and poetry. The program will be conducted by Music Director Ralph Hooper, assisted by renowned Harpist Dan Levitan and Poetry Reader Julie Carlson. No charge. Champagne reception to follow. Sausalito Presbyterian Church, 112 Bulkley Avenue, (415) 332-3790.
|
|
|
Centennial Celebration of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. On Monday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m. Laura Ackley, author of San Francisco's Jewel City, The Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915, will give us an up-close look at the technological marvels which thrilled the almost 19 million visitors in 1915 at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Such wonders as the giant typewriter, the Ford assembly plant, and the telephone. Ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, these exhibits may elicit warm nostalgia, amazement, laughter and even a wince or two. We will also sample wonders from the many areas of the fair, including the Palace of Food Products, the Palace of Liberal Arts, the Palace of Horticulture, and the Joy Zone. We'll take a ride on the Strauss Aeroscope, visit the Panama Canal in miniature, and walk through a model mine before learning the Secrets of Mental Telepathy. At Campbell Hall (Christ Episcopal Church, San Carlos and Santa Rosa Avenues). $10- General, $10- Members. Sponsored by the Sausalito Historical Society.
|
|
Winterfest Ball. This December 12, the legendary Frank Sinatra would have turned 100. In celebration of this anniversary the Sausalito On The Waterfront Foundation is offering a signature Sinatra evening on Friday, December 11th., starting at 6:30 p.m. The Winterfest Tent in downtown Sausalito will be transformed into an elegant Stardust Lounge replete with chandeliers; well-known “Rat Pack” impersonators from Las Vegas and their tribute band will be entertaining guests all evening. And at 9 p.m. the stroke of midnight in New York), guests will be treated to a presentation by special guest “Marilyn Monroe” and birthday cake to toast the anniversary of the iconic crooner’s 100th birthday.
The price of admission includes champagne, fine wines and a full bar as well as fabulous foods reminiscent of this bygone era. Tickets purchased prior to December 1st are $125; after and at the door tickets are $150.
Winterfest weekend (December 11-13 with a full array of holiday events and activities, including the lighted boat parade and the children's holiday craft & entertainment fair) is a sponsored by the Sausalito-On-The-Waterfront Foundation, a non-profit focused on providing children from all walks of life with an appreciation for and understanding of the wonders of the San Francisco bay & Sausalito waterfront.Proceeds from the weekend events benefit the foundation’s programs as well as its partners the DipseaKidz (a program of the Dipsea Race Foundation) and the Sausalito Woman’s Club Scholarship program.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
