Community Guide 2017
stopped major development in its tracks and preserved West Marin ranches. At the same time, a bond measure passed to acquire and preserve open space in Marin. The ad hoc SGV Planning Group formed and spent five years with other residents in creating the first Community Plan to protect the Valley’s rural character and natural resources. It was adopted in 1978. It is noteworthy that the Com- munity Plan, which guides development in the Valley, and the bond measure that provided funds for the acquisition of 2,600 acres of Valley open space preserves, along with the vigilance of the Planning Group, are the key elements, more than anything else, that has helped to keep the Valley rural with its natural resources protected. This article was condensed from a longer version. See page 174.
Inter-organizational Partnerships are common today. They result in funds being used efficiently and effectively, often providing diverse expertise and improving relation- ships. The County, MMWD (Marin Municipal Water District), State and Federal as well as regional agencies have “partnered” on at least 14 projects that have restored and improved Valley creeks, native plants and wildlife, roads and bridges. Currently, Roy’s Redwoods is a project being reviewed by over 20 experts for restoration possibilities with future meetings planned. In addition, Department of Public Works worked closely with the Planning Group to design and upgrade the Forest Knolls Park with a play- ground for toddlers, picnic benches, a basketball court, water fountain, bathroom and planting. Reflecting on the Past In 1950, the San Geronimo Valley was still a rural commu- nity with four villages. The population was under 3,000, and thousands of fish migrated into the Mt. Tamalpais watershed, village homes were about 1,200 square feet in size, and dogs could spend half a day sleeping on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and never have to move for a car. Peters Dam was built to create Kent Lake to provide water needed for expected growth. Regretfully, it cut off many square miles of salmon spawning habitat. The ’61 SGV Master Plan was adopted, envisioning 20,000 people and 5,000 homes from ridge to ridge in the Valley. Six years later, 1967-68 the Summer of Love changed people’s lives and many emigrated from San Francisco to the Valley with different views, ideas, politics, eating and smoking hab- its. Parental pressure for a different kind of education for their children resulted in the Open Classroom, Montessori and Waldorf-Inspired programs replacing the traditional program. In 1972, the Countywide Plan was adopted that
Entrance to Camp Lagunitas (Photo courtesy of Jim Staley collection)
“It is not well known that San Geronimo had an entry arch but this should be proof that one existed. The distinctive structure was over Creamery Road with Papermill Creek just beyond the arch. The lone pedestrian (partially hidden by the right column) is between the arch and the Meadow Way of today.” (Photo and caption courtesy of Jim Staley)
80
SGVCC
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker