News from Happy Valley/Montecito Area Resident's Association
- bwd813
- Nov 20
- 2 min read
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK POSSIBILITY PRESENTED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mon. Oct. 20, 2025
Happy Valley/Montecito is one of only two neighborhoods in San Rafael that does not have a city park, and this has been noted in many of the city's planning documents. The possibility of using land belonging to the San Rafael School District at the corner of Mission and Embarkado for a park has garnered interest from the Parks and Recreation Commission, the city's Department of Public Works, and the San Rafael School District.
The first step in the process would be for a feasibility study to be done by the city. At the October 20, 2025, City Council meeting to discuss the budget for the next three-year planning cycle, Sherna Deamer, President of MARA, gave a public comment requesting that funds for the feasibility study be included in the budget. Her comments can be listened to on the City's Youtube channel from the link below:
The area being discussed for the park is outlined in the image below.
ALDERSLY RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY Thu. Nov. 6th, 2025.
On behalf of MARA, Sherna and Bryn Deamer (President and Treasurer of MARA) attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Phase One of the Aldersly redevelopment project.
During the ceremony--attended by Mayor Kate Colin and our Council neighborhood representative Maribeth Bushey--MARA was recongized for its long-standing relationship with Aldersly, including the part MARA's Board of Directors played to ensure that neighbors were kept informed and given the opportunity to engage in the planning process. MARA also facilitated meetings between concerned neighbors and Aldersly management about the impact over the next few decades of the three-phase develeopment plan.
The first phase has now opened, and after the ribbon-cutting ceremony those attending had the opportunity to view the interior and wander around the new building.
Annual Pumpkin Carving Party held
Saturday 25th October
A special guest at the party this year was the Chairman of the San Rafael Parks and Recreation Commission, Robert Sandoval, who is planning on running to be our City Council representative for District 3 at the next election. (Our current representtive, Maribeth Bushey has stated that she will not run for reelection in 2026.) Robert Sandoval, in his position as Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commision, has been in discussion with members of the MARA board about the opportunity for the creation of our first neighborhood park at the corner of Mission and Embarcadero. (See first story)
Upcoming Calendar:
Next MARA meeting:
7 pm to 8 pm, December 18th at 208 Union St.
Congratulations on your great newslettter and continued valuable involvement with our community.
Lynn Mason