Summer 2024 Classes Catalogue
Activites for All Ages: Page C 2-4 Go to www.sgvcc.org to learn more!
San Geronimo Valley Community Center’s Wellness and Recreation Programs
Estimados lectores de español. Si está interesado en recibir alguno de estos artículos de Stone Soup en español, comuníquese con nosotros por correo electrónico a info@sgvcc.org o llame al 415-488-8888 ext 0.
Message from Supervisor Rodoni Short-Term Rental Regulations in West Marin I am pleased to share the County of Marin Board of Supervisors approved Short-Term Rentals (STRs) regulations in May 2024 after more than a year of community meetings, public workshops, and District 4 community conversations where we received hundreds of public comments and input. These new regulations are an im- portant accomplishment. The County adopted STR regulations in 2018, reinforcing the requirements for a business license, a transient occupancy tax certificate, and established “good neighbor” policies. In 2022, the County placed a moratorium on the issuance of any new licenses to provide time for the County to better understand the impacts of STRs on residential communities and public safety. The adopted STR regulations apply to anyone renting a residential unit or portion of a residential unit for less than 30 days. The regu- lations do not apply to commercial lodgings, such as hotels, mo- tels, agricultural homestays, bed and breakfasts, or campgrounds. The final regulations compromise differing public opinions, favor- ing stronger restrictions to no regulations and unlimited STRs. While these STR regulations are not perfect, they strike an impor- tant balance for our communities requiring basic health, waste- water, and safety inspections and limit the total number of STRs in unincorporated Marin County with community capacity totals, or “caps.” The licenses may only transfer once, ensuring the opportu- nity for other community members to hold licenses in the future. The Board of Supervisors will review the regulations in the coming years as additional data is collected during the implementation. Since I was elected in 2016, I knew we needed to regulate STRs, as I heard from constituents and firsthand witnessed the decline in our residential community populations across West Marin. This decline harms our fire districts, schools, local businesses, and the workforce of teachers, service workers, and nonprofits. While STRs are not the primary cause, the unregulated abundance of STRs removing residential housing units from long-term renters and potential homeowners is not helping matters. If we look at one part of the puzzle—residential housing units—we can compare Bolinas and Woodacre’s similar totals to understand how residential housing may be protected in the future for the San Geronimo Valley. There are 624 residential units in Bolinas, and ~10% (63 residential units) are licensed STRs. In Woodacre, there are 578 residential units, and 2% (12 residential units) are licensed STRs. The STR reg- ulations cap the total number of STRs in Woodacre at 12 licenses, which will reduce over time to 8 licenses. In all of San Geronimo Valley, there are currently 36 licensed STRs that will, over time, reduce to 27 licenses. If the Board of Supervi- sors did not regulate STRs, the potential of residential units being converted to STRs may have continued to grow and reduce hous- ing units from the renter and home ownership supply. Because of these regulations, the entire San Geronimo Valley will not exceed an average of ~2.7% of residential units used as STRs. In the Valley, 77% of housing units are owner-occupied and 23% are renter-occupied. Preserving, protecting, and producing resi- dential units is essential to prevent further displacement of fami- lies, older adults, young adults, and vulnerable community mem- bers to ensure the community continues to thrive. If you have an ADU or spare room, please consider hosting a long-term renter, as there are personal benefits to provide you with financial income and companionship. In addition, you are providing an enormous community benefit by helping to provide
Public Health Update by Marin County Public Health Winter Respiratory Virus Season Ends Local clinical and waste- water data show that the local winter virus season is behind us. RSV and influenza levels have returned to “off season” levels. The local public health mandate requiring mask use in hospitals and nursing homes during peak respiratory virus season ended March 31. We are now in a COVID-19 trough waiting for the next wave to surge. Without seasonality, we need to prepare for COVID exposure year-round, especially disease activity is surging. Visit our COVID surveillance website to stay up to date and to inform your personal prevention strategies. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza The spread of H5N1 Avian Influenza into mammals, including hu- mans has gained significant media attention recently. While no cases have been reported in local cows or humans yet, HPAI has been detected in some wild birds and poultry. Because the milk of infected cows carries high levels of HPAI virus, the consumption of raw milk now carries greater risk than usual. Avoiding contact with dead birds and not consuming raw milk are two simple steps to protect against infection. Marin Public Health will continue to provide any relevant updates. Get Screened for Hepatitis C Hepatitis C infection is common, damaging, and treatable. In Marin, between 50 and 100 people are diagnosed and treated for Hepatitis C annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion recommends everyone over age 18 should be tested for Hepa- titis C at least once in their life. All adults should confirm with their medical providers whether they’ve been tested for Hepatitis C. Testing should also occur with any pregnancy. Beach Water Monitoring Season is Underway To protect Marin County residents, Environmental Health Services (EHS) monitors water quality in recreational areas countywide. 27 Marin County fresh and saltwater sites are sampled once a week from April 1 through October 31, and warning signs are posted when bacterial standards exceed state standards. When results merit wider public warnings, a Public Health advisory is issued. Visit EHS’s Ocean and Bay Water Quality Testing Program to learn where samples are obtained and view weekly results. New Tools for Addressing Alzheimer’s CDPH estimates that in 2019, over 7,000 Marin residents were living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is projected to double by 2040. Out of growing concern statewide about the impact of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, CDPH has released a tool to help families that addresses prevention, early identification, and advance planning. Learn more at TakeOnAlz.com. Happy Summer San Geronimo Valley. We appreciate being part of this publication.
District 4 Office Hours in West Marin!
Supervisor Rodoni’s office is now holding scheduled office hours in Point Reyes Station and the San Geronimo Valley as part of my goal to make local government more accessible for our commu- nities. Reach out to Fernando or Morgan to set up an appointment if you have questions, concerns, or need assistance. Mondays, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Fernando Barreto, (415) 473-3092, Fernando.Barreto@marincounty.gov Fridays, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Morgan Patton, (415) 473-3246, Morgan.Patton@marincounty.gov
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