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License Plate Recognition Cameras Coming to Sausalito
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On November 15, the Sausalito City Council authorized the Sausalito Police Department to purchase a License Plate Recognition (LPR) camera system. LPR systems provide real-time alerts to law enforcement and are also used in post-crime investigations. Such systems are already actively in use by law enforcement agencies in Marin County and throughout California. The camera system that will be purchased by the City of Sausalito is made by Vigilant Solutions.
LPR cameras will be mounted to street lights at three locations in Sausalito. The cameras will be configured to capture date- and time-stamped images of rear license plates.
The system automatically submits plate numbers to local, state and federal law enforcement databases that contain information on stolen vehicles, vehicles belonging to wanted criminals, and vehicles connected to missing persons. If the system gets a "hit" on a plate, the Sausalito Police Department will be notified in approximately one minute.
LPR cameras will be deployed in Sausalito at the following locations:
The LPR camera system will only capture pictures of a portion of the rear of the vehicle and the vehicle's rear license plate. The LPR camera system will not take pictures of the occupants of the vehicle, record the vehicle's speed, track the vehicle, or provide insurance or ownership information about the vehicle to law enforcement.
License plate pictures will be stored for approximately ninety days at a secure off-site facility that meets FBI evidentiary and security standards. Only law enforcement agencies with a legitimate investigative purpose will be able to view them. After approximately ninety days, the license plate pictures will be purged.
The Sausalito Police Department is currently in the process of purchasing the LPR camera system. Once the system is purchased, the cameras will be installed on the light poles and activated. At this time, no installation or activation date has been set.
If you have any questions regarding the LPR camera system, please contact Lieutenant Bill Fraass at (415) 289-4171 or bfraass@ci.sausalito.ca.us.
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Bridgeway Commons Residential Condominiums Project
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The Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the proposed Bridgeway Commons Residential Condominiums Project was released for public review on December 7 and will be presented at the Sausalito Planning Commission Meeting on Thursday, December 15.
The project, located at 1755 Bridgeway, proposes redevelopment of two parcels zoned R-3 (Multiple Family Residential). All existing buildings and structures on the property would be demolished and replaced with two multi-level buildings containing sixteen condominium units (one three-bedroom and fifteen two-bedroom units) and thirty-two on-site parking spaces contained within a parking garage.
The Draft IS/MND, prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), assesses potential environmental impacts that could result from the proposed project and identifies measures that would mitigate these impacts. The Planning Commission meeting on December 15 begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the City of Sausalito Council Chambers. The meeting is open to the public.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the project and to comment on the adequacy of the CEQA document. No formal action will be taken by the Planning Commission at the December 15 meeting. A public hearing before the Planning Commission to consider the merits of the project applications will be held after the review period for the Draft IS/MND has concluded. Project updates will be provided in future editions of Sausalito Currents.
The Draft IS/MND and project plans are available for review at the Community Development Department in City Hall and on the City's website.
The public review period for the Draft IS/MND is from December 7, 2016 to January 9, 2017. Written comments on the project must be received on or before January 9, 2017. You may send your written comments on the IS/MND to Community Development Director Danny Castro by email to dcastro@ci.sausalito.ca.us; by postal mail to the Sausalito Community Development Department, 420 Litho Street, Sausalito, CA 94965; or by fax to (415) 339-2256.
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Be Seen, Be Safe! Walking at Night in Sausalito
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The Sausalito Police Department would like to request that you (and your dog) consider the following safety tips when walking after dark in Sausalito:
- Use sidewalks and off-road paths, rather than streets, whenever possible.
- Walk facing traffic so you can see and react to vehicles.
- Use extra caution when crossing streets. Drivers do not expect pedestrians to be out walking at night.
- Increase your visibility by wearing a headlamp.
- Invest in reflective gear for yourself (shoes, clothing, hats, umbrellas, vests, etc.).
- Invest in reflective gear for your dog. Collars and leashes come in many reflective styles and help keep your pet safe, especially for dogs who walk in front, rather than to the side, of their owner.
Please feel free to contact the Sausalito Police Department if you have any safety concerns or questions: (415) 289-4170.
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King Tides in December and January
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The full moons in December and January will result in high tides, sometimes referred to as "king tides," that are expected to cause salt-water street flooding in parts of Sausalito. High tides that exceed 6.5 feet cause some street flooding in Sausalito, most often on Gate 5 Road.
In December, king tides are expected at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, December 12; 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13; 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14; and 11:50 a.m. on Thursday, December 15.
In January, the higher tides are predicted to occur at 8:20 a.m. on Monday, January 9; 9:12 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10; 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11; and 10:50 a.m. on Thursday, January 12.
Be aware that rain and/or wind (especially out of the south) may increase the apparent tide heights and inundation areas. Sausalito's Public Works staff will be monitoring the situation on each of these days and will proactively place "flooded" signs in the known areas that are usually affected by tides of these heights.
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Master Fee Schedule Updates
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On October 25, the Sausalito City Council approved updates to the City's Master Fee Schedule. The majority of changes are related to building and planning fees and charges. This is the first phase of a comprehensive fee schedule review started several years ago and reflects changes that bring the City's fees closer to those of neighboring agencies. The second phase of the review will be brought to City Council for consideration during the FY 2017-18 budget review process in the spring of 2017. The updated fees will go into effect on January 1, 2017.
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Take a Survey on Residential Pesticide Use
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As part of a pesticide reduction outreach campaign, an online survey is now underway on the gardening and yard care practices of Marin residents. The survey is being conducted by the County of Marin and the San Francisco Estuary Partnership, in collaboration with a group of local community members that includes environmental advocates, nursery store owners, landscape professionals and pest control operators.
The online survey should take approximately ten minutes to complete. Participants may choose to be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card from Trader Joe's. The survey will be available until December 21.
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Upcoming December 13 City Council Meeting
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There will be a regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 420 Litho Street. The following agenda snapshot provides highlights only. For more information, view the agenda and read the associated staff reports.
Special Presentations:
- 1A. Award of Grants from the Holiday Parking Donation Fund to Non-Profit Organizations that Provide Services to the Underserved (Read the Staff Report)
Consent Calendar: Matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and non-controversial, require no discussion, are expected to have unanimous Council support, and may be enacted by the Council in one motion in the form listed below:
- 4A. Receive and file annual listing of the terms expiring during on the various Boards and Commissions during 2017 (Maddy Act Posting) (Read the Staff Report, Attachment 1)
- 4B. Waive further reading, read by title only, and adopt Ordinance No. 1242, "An Ordinance of the City Council of Sausalito Amending Sausalito Municipal Code Section 1.10.110 to Add a Specific Penalty Fine for Violations of the Sausalito Municipal Code for Rental of a Dwelling Unit, Accessory Dwelling Unit, Bedroom, or Room or Rooms in a Dwelling Unit, for a Period of Less than 30 Days" (Read the Staff Report, Attachment 1)
- 4C. Accept the resignation of Joan Cox from the Planning Commission, effective December 13, 2016 (Read the Staff Report, Attachment 1)
- 4D. Adopt resolution ratifying the Canvass of Returns from the Marin County Registrar of Voters Office for the General Municipal Election of November 8, 2016 and declaring elected the person receiving the largest number of votes for the office (Read the Staff Report, Attachment 1)
Public Hearing: (there are no Public Hearings)
Business Items:
- 6A. Presentation to Outgoing Mayor and Councilmembers Leaving Office
- 6B. Swearing in of Newly Elected City Councilmembers: Joan Cox, Ray Withy and Joe Burns
- 6C. City Council Election of Mayor
- 6D. City Council Election of Vice Mayor
- 6E. Approval of the 2017 City Council Meeting Schedule (Read the Staff Report, Attachment 1)
(At the conclusion of the meeting, join us in the hallway for light refreshments to celebrate with the old and new City Councils)
Did you know you can watch City Council meetings live via webcast? You can also watch video recordings of past Council meetings on the City website. View the minimum streaming requirements here.
Council meetings are also broadcast live on television via Comcast Cable Channel 27 or AT&T Channel 99. If you miss the live broadcast, check out the rebroadcast schedule here.
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will be held January 10, 2017, with the open session due to commence at approximately 7:00 p.m.
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Updates from Boards and Commissions
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Historic Landmarks Board. On November 16, the Historic Landmarks Board (HLB) and the Planning Commission conducted a joint public hearing for a project seeking to remodel 676-686 Bridgeway, a structure located within the downtown historic district and the former site of the Fine Art Etc. gallery and the Seven Seas Restaurant. The project at 676-686 Bridgeway proposes a comprehensive remodel of the structure and the conversion of three existing first-level storefronts into two storefronts. A remodel of second-level residential units is also proposed. The HLB and Planning Commission provided recommendations for project revisions. The next public hearing on the project will be in January 2017. Project Website: http://676-686bridgeway.com/.
Are you interested in becoming involved with the Historic Landmarks Board? The Board is seeking an additional member. Follow the link below to learn more about the HLB and to apply. Please contact Associate Planner Calvin Chan at cchan@ci.sausalito.ca.us for additional information.
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Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee. During the course of its regular meeting of Monday, November 21, the City's Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee heard a presentation regarding the planned construction of the Gate 6 Road Intersection Improvements Project. Other meeting topics included a review of bicycle counts from the Ambassador Program and the Golden Gate Ferry District; a budget review of the Ambassador Program; and a discussion of the City's off-season needs for handling bicycle parking and ferry passenger queuing.
At the meeting, the PBAC also issued a second set of comments on the July 5, 2016 Draft Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Update prepared by consultants under contract to the Transportation Authority of Marin. A brief discussion was held on the status of the South Gateway Project; the PBAC was advised that the City Council will be asked to discuss the project and provide direction to City Staff regarding the project in January 2017. The PBAC asked about the status of the Fishing Pier and was advised that the Council had not funded continuation of that project in any of the City's recent budgets.
Questions may be directed to the City Staff for the PBAC:
- Jonathon Goldman, Director of Public Works, City Engineer and ADA Coordinator: (415) 289-4176 or jgoldman@ci.sausalito.ca.us
- John Rohrbacher, Chief of Police: (415) 289-4170 or jrohrbacher@ci.sausalito.ca.us.
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News from City Departments
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Public Works. Three projects affecting Sausalito streets are currently underway.
The City of Sausalito plans to remove the crosswalk at the west side of the intersection of San Carlos Avenue/Caledonia Street with Bridgeway. The crosswalk is being removed because it cannot economically be made compliant with the California Building Code for accessibility, and there are compliant alternatives nearby. The City has posted notice of the proposed removal as required under the California Vehicle Code, Section 21950.5 and encourages anyone with comments or questions to contact Jonathon Goldman, Director of Public Works, City Engineer and ADA Coordinator at (415) 289-4176 or jgoldman@ci.sausalito.ca.us.
During the week of December 5, PG&E crews completed the installation of the gas main on Caledonia Street between Locust and Turney streets and began installation of gas services to the various properties on the block. During the week of December 12, PG&E expects to begin gas main installation on Caledonia Street between Turney and Pine streets. This work will extend into the week of December 19.
Beginning on December 13, Zayo (an internet service provider) will be performing a service improvement project along Bridgeway between Gate 5 Road and Harbor Drive. The work will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. While the work is underway, the crosswalks at Bridgeway and Coloma Street will be closed in one direction at a time. Pedestrian crosswalk detours will be in place. One northbound lane on Bridgeway will be closed. The following week, the westbound lane of Coloma Street will be closed. Zayo expects the work to take two weeks. The final phase of the project will conclude with nighttime traffic control in order to switch over internet service with minimal interruption to customers.
As always, please use extra caution in work zones, regardless of whether you are a motorist, cyclist or pedestrian.
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Library. The Sausalito Library is partnering with the SF-Marin Food Bank this holiday season to support the growing number of hungry people in Marin County. The Library will have a food donation barrel from December 8 to January 5. Please help us reach our goal of collecting at least 100 pounds of food! The most needed items include peanut butter, low sugar cereal, whole grain rice, pasta, oats, low sodium soups and stews, tuna and canned meats, and canned fruits and vegetables. No glass, open containers, or expired items please.
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Police Department. During the entire month of December, residents and visitors will be able to park for free at Sausalito's on-street parking meters. Even though on-street parking is free for the month, the City encourages everyone to continue to feed the meters. The money that is collected during December 2016 will be donated to non-profit organizations working to provide services to Marin County's neediest residents. The 2015 holiday waiver generated $8,000 for local charities.
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Things Happening in our Community
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Gingerbread House Tour. The Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour is now underway and will continue through the entire month of December. Over thirty-five Sausalito merchants and businesses are participating in the tenth annual tour, which is presented by the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce. You'll find gingerbread houses downtown along Bridgeway, on Caledonia Street, in Old Town and even at the north end of town. While visiting participating merchants, you can also join in a treasure hunt and vote for the People's Choice Award. Printed maps of the tour are available at participating merchants and at the kiosk at the Ferry Landing. You can also find an online version of the map on the tour website.
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Dunphy Park Christmas Tree Lot. Once again this holiday season, the City of Sausalito is partnering with Sausalito Farms, a locally owned Christmas tree lot located at 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. Last year, Sausalito Farms donated over $20,000 to the community. This year's business hours are: Monday - Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Trees may also be pre-ordered via the web. Bring your Christmas tree stand and they will put it on for you. Local delivery is available.
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Naughty or Nice Ball. This year's Sausalito Winterfest Naughty or Nice Ball will be held on Friday, December 9 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the "Big Tent" along the scenic waterfront in downtown Sausalito. The 2016 theme is "Ho Ho Hollywood" and celebrates the golden age of Hollywood. Musical entertainment will be provided by Foreverland, a Michael Jackson tribute band. The all-inclusive ticket price includes food from fifteen favorite local restaurants, hosted bars, music and dancing. All proceeds go to charity.
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Rising International Global Holiday Marketplace. On Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., the Sausalito Woman's Club will be open to the public and transformed into a stunning global marketplace. Holiday shoppers will find unique and meaningful gifts handcrafted by women survivors of war, extreme poverty, gender-based violence and human trafficking. Fairly traded jewelry, fashion accessories and home décor from over twenty impoverished countries will be featured. Marketplace products are made possible by Rising International, a non-profit that searches the globe for the world's most forgotten women and empowers them to change their destinies through micro-enterprise. The Sausalito Woman's Club is located at 120 Central Avenue. For more information, please contact Sherrie Faber at (415) 339-9200 or sherrie@sherriefaber.com.
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Marin Kids Making Merry. As part of Sausalito Winterfest 2016, children of all ages are invited to the "Big Tent" along the scenic waterfront in downtown Sausalito on Saturday, December 10 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This free event will feature cookie decorating, holiday arts and crafts (including ornament making), storytelling, live music, entertainment and Jolly Ole St. Nick.
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2016 Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks. This year's Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks will take place on Saturday, December 10. The boat parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and the fireworks at 7:30 p.m. The big (and heated) tent, located in front of the Spinnaker Restaurant, opens at 5:00 p.m. with live music and drinks for purchase. The suggested donation is $10 per person for entry, with additional VIP options available. All proceeds go to charity.
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Jingle Bell 5K Walk/Run. The 2016 Jingle Bell 5K, Children's Fun Run and Runners Brunch will be held on the Sausalito downtown waterfront on Sunday, December 11. Race time is 8:30 a.m., with onsite registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the Children's Fun Run at 9:20 a.m. Brunch begins at 9:45 a.m. The Jingle Bell 5K is one of the many events that make up Sausalito Winterfest. The event is sponsored by the Sausalito Lions Club and benefits the Dipsea Kidz program for at-risk youth.
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Sausalito Village Speaker Series. Please join us in the Edgewater Room of City Hall at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, for a special reading and slideshow based on Duet: A Conversation of Words and Images by CB Follett and Ginna Fleming. The program will last an hour with a short intermission. CB Follett, the Marin County Poet Laureate from 2010-2013, was the winner of the 2001 National Poetry Book Award and has been nominated for numerous Pushcart Prizes. Ginna Fleming is a prize-winning documentary photographer who has exhibited internationally. With Duet, they have created a beautiful pairing of words and images. Sausalito Village is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a support system for Sausalito residents who wish to remain in their own homes as they grow older. For more information, call Betsy Stroman at (415) 331-1464.
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Alan Watts Discussion Circle. Everyone is welcome to attend the gathering of the new Alan Watts Discussion Circle at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18 inside the Sausalito Library. Alan Watts was a philosopher, writer, and speaker, best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Eastern Philosophy for Western audiences. The Alan Watts Discussion Circle was created to study and discuss the ideas of Watts and the philosophers and Far East perceptions that influenced him. This is a new group that will meet monthly at the Sausalito Library. In December, the group will discuss Alan Watts audio and video clips that will be played at the meeting. See also the Meetup page for the Alan Watts Discussion Circle (sign up is optional for circle attendees). Facilitator: Kamran Thunder.
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Coloring & Doodling Party for Adults. Come relax and join the coloring party on Tuesday, December 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Edgewater Room of City Hall. We provide a stress-free atmosphere, soothing music, and delicious refreshments so you can unleash your imagination. The Sausalito Library provides all coloring supplies and bookmarks and buttons made from your artwork. Seating is limited for this free program. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Rebecca at rburgan@ci.sausalito.ca.us or (415) 289-4100 x502.
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Sausalito Library Cookie Swap. Come to the Edgewater Room on Wednesday, December 21 at 4:00 p.m. to exchange cookies with other cookie enthusiasts. If you want to participate, please bring homemade cookies (no burned ones!) along with the recipe and list of ingredients. There is no need to sign up ahead of time, but remember — everyone eats at their own risk, and if you want to take some cookies, you need to bring some cookies. The Library will provide coffee and cocoa. Contact Erin Wilson at ewilson@ci.sausalito.ca.us with questions.
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