Notes from the 6/19/25 MARA Meeting & Other Updates

Lt. Alex Holm of the San Rafael Police Department joined approximately 15 residents from the Montecito area answering questions and addressing concerns. 

Topics Discussed:

• Traffic: San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) Traffic Division has been understaffed for most of the last 5 years.   They expect to be fully staffed within the next few weeks

  • Recent increased staffing has shown a significant decrease in accidents involving injury and a significant increase in traffic citations issued. 

  • Speeding and other traffic violations (e.g. running stop signs) were concerns raised to PD by the MARA Community: 

    • Students, Residents and cars offloading from 3rd Street to get past the traffic.  

    • Specific streets impacted: Embarcadero, Mission, Jewell, Belle, Valencia, Park & Union

  • SRPD has participated with Public Works in conducting traffic/speed studies which will result in the reduction of speed limits downtown.  Additional assessments will be conducted in the future in areas around downtown

• E-Bikes: SRPD has produced a series of videos regarding recent changes in the law.  In May, they published this video  SRPD | NEW LAWS OF 2025 EDUCATIONAL SERIES – ELECTRIC BICYCLES (E-BIKES)

  • Recent legislative clarity assists all PD's in taking more definitive action regarding reckless riders

• Window Tint: Conflicting legislation has resulted in the lack of enforcement of Car Tint laws statewide.   Clarity is expected "soon" enabling local PD's to resume warning and ticketing for excessive tint on front driver and passenger windows

• ICE: There have been NO coordinated Immigration Enforcement raids in San Rafael.  Publication to the contrary is inaccurate

• Suspicious Activity: When to call 911 is a common question.  The bottom line: if you see something, say something.  If the threat or activity has passed then call the non-emergency line, (415)-485-3000. If the threat or activity is present, call 911.  Allow the police department to assess the urgency

  • If the call is not made, then the police do not have a history to reference for on-going activities

  • MARA will be reaching out to the police department (and parking services) in advance of the start of the school year to request visibility; additionally, follow-up calls will be made if on-going activities become disruptive.  Residents are encouraged to continue to call with concerns.

Follow Up from Prior Meetings / Discussions:

• Embarcadero Way:  The City of San Rafael has postponed the implementation of the "One Way Project" and will be conducting a new traffic study in September 2025. At that time four potential outcomes will be evaluated: 1) Leave two-way; 2) Change to one-way from 3rd Street towards Mission Ave; 3) Change to one-way from Mission Ave towards 3rd Street; 4) Close Embarcadero Way

  • A neighborhood meeting is now being planned for the evening of July 1st to discuss the community’s preference related to Embarcadero Way. Please respond to this note if you would like to participate in the "Embarcadero" meeting

• Park in Montecito: A potential location has been identified at Embarcadero Way and Mission Ave 

  • This location is contingent on the community and the city agreeing to close Embarcadero Way

  • Thanks to those who have expressed interest in participating in park planning. Once we have a decision regarding Embarcadero Way, we will enlist your help in the planning process

• Housing Projects: MARA reached out to the developer of the 700 Irwin project (Irwin and 2nd Street) to propose a Community Discussion regarding design, scope and construction due diligence.  The developer responded to our request and at this time is not prepared for a meeting as they are focused on responding to requirements from the City of San Rafael.  We will continue to pursue a meeting

• San Rafael High School Construction:  Construction will continue through the summer on the "Pump House" (smaller building by the baseball field) which will house the pool equipment and the "Dawg House", larger structure next to GYM 1 which will be an indoor / outdoor exercise facility.  Installation of the Solar Arrays will begin in July with anticipated completion in August

The next MARA Meeting is scheduled for July 17th.