15th Annual MARA Meeting Held
21 May 2011 at Aldersley
Some 30 people attended the meeting during which the Board's President, Vickie Hatos, gave the annual "State of the Neighborhood" address, and Constanza Perry gave the Treasure's report.
Two special guests attend the meeting: Linda Jackson and Pattie Garbarino.
Linda, one of San Rafael planners and a resident of our area, gave a presentation on the planning process so far for the downtown SMART station and answered questions.
Pattie, of Marin Sanitory Services, shared her enthusiasm for recycling and the progress in creating a food waste recycling program which is now available in our area. She warned that Marin's waste production has continued to grow ahead of the ability of recycling programs to keep the waste out of landfills. Ultimately the only solution is to consume less.
Jackie Schmidt gave an update on the SMART quiet zones and neigborhood parking permits, and Sherna Deamer gave a brief overview of the CERT training and opportunities, followed by general discussion on the appropriate response to suspicious activity in the neighborhood.
During the meeting elections for the 2011/12 Board of Directors were held with no change in membership.
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Did you know that you can become a member of the City of San Rafael's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and get training in such critical skills as light search-and-rescue, disaster preparation, and what to do in the first 72 hours after a disaster?
CERT Basic courses are offered by the San Rafael Fire Department at its Station 2 training facility, 210 Third Street, San Rafael. Classes typically meet from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesdays for seven weeks (21 hours total). For additional information, you can e-mail Angela Del Ponte, Office of Emergency Services, at sanrafaelprepare@cityofsanrafael.org, or call her at (415) 458-5002. The course is limited to 25 participants and is offered four times a year.
To encourage neighborhood participation, MARA helps subsidize CERT training of MARA members, and, upon proof of your residency within the neighborhood's boundaries (see map) and evidence of completion of your CERT course, the association will "refund" you 50% of your fee. Just contact MARA at the above address to take advantage of this great opportunity.
Visit www.sroes.org for more information and to download a registration form or call the San Rafael Office of Emergency Services at 458-5002 to sign-up. Spaces fill fast!
Angela Del Ponte
Emergency Services Coordinator
City of San Rafael Office of Emergency Services
1039 C Street ? San Rafael ? CA ? 94901
Office: 415-458-5002
Cell: 415-720-6196
Fax: 415-485-3177
Angela.DelPonte@cityofsanrafael.org
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