Stone Soup Winter 2025

Winter 2025-2026 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

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San Geronimo Valley & Nicasio: Working Together Toward a Resilient Future A Message from Supervisor Dennis Rodoni

Public Health Update Stay Healthy for Yourself, Your Family, and All Your Winter Celebrations As fall gives way to winter and our focus shifts from school routines to holiday gatherings, it’s easy to get caught up in the bustle of the season. But before you check off your holiday to-do list, make sure one important task is covered — getting the respiratory vaccines such as flu, COVID and RSV. Marin is seeing a low rates of both flu and COVID vaccination which is worrisome as vaccination is critical for slowing commu- nity spread and preventing hospitalization and severe disease. For those interested in diving into the data, Marin Public Health has published some new dashboards which visually demonstrate trends in wastewater, vaccine coverage, and hospitalizations. www. marinhhs.org/respiratory-disease Respiratory viruses like Flu, COVID, and RSV typically surge this time of year in Marin County. Each winter brings a familiar rise in cases, driven by more travel and indoor gatherings. While we’re all eager to connect and celebrate, a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe and healthy: • Stay home and take a COVID test if you’re feeling sick. • Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces. • Improve airflow by cracking open a window or using an air filter when hosting indoors. • Wash your hands regularly and especially after you cough or sneeze Vaccination is one of the easiest and most effective ways to pro- tect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. In a close-knit place like the San Geronimo Valley, every person doing their part truly makes a difference. On a related note, vaccine misinformation has been taken to a new level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its vaccine safety webpage to include a statement that the claim “vaccines do not cause autism” is not an evidence-based claim. This statement contradicts decades of high-quality research demonstrating no causal link between vaccination and autism. We reaffirm the scientific consensus: vaccines protect children and communities. Misleading information undermines public trust and increases the risk of preventable disease outbreaks. Marin County Public Health remains committed to sharing accurate, evidence- based information. As you prepare for winter breaks, wet weather, and festive cel- ebrations, take a moment to ensure your family’s vaccines are up to date. It’s a small step that helps keep the whole community healthy — all season long.

This fall, more than 75 neighbors from across the San Geronimo Valley and Nicasio gathered at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center for an evening of thoughtful discussion, local updates, and collabora- tion. I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us on October 8th and to the Community Center for graciously hosting this community discussion. Your engagement and participation help to shape the County’s priorities and ensure that San Geronimo Valley voice is heard loud and clear. Our evening began with a County overview focused on the theme of connection—between departments, communities, and residents. Marin County continues to maintain a balanced budget while we monitor changes in federal funding, and my office remains committed to bring- ing government closer to the people it serves. Through the District 4 office’s Closer to Home initiative, County departments now regularly offer in-person services at the West Marin Multi-Service Center in Point Reyes Station, making it easier for residents to access resources related to public works, permitting, social services, and more. Several County staff members joined the conversation and provided updates on projects and responded to community questions. The Public Works team shared improvements to San Geronimo Val- ley Road, including vegetation clearing, shoulder repair, and signage upgrade as well as with future plans to lower speed limits and enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety. The Digital Innovation staff introduced the new FixItMarin app, now being piloted in the Valley. This tool makes it easy to report potholes, dumping, and other maintenance issues, helping departments respond more quickly and coordinate across agencies. Download the app online at www.marincounty.gov/how-do-i/fixitmarin The Community Development Agency, shared updates on the Local Agency Management Program (LAMP), a countywide effort to mod- ernize septic system regulations. This work, set to include community engagement in early 2026, will help ensure safe, environmentally sound wastewater management while supporting local housing needs. We also heard a dynamic youth presentation from students Poppy Henderson, Larkin Sylvester, and Fiona O’Connor, who offered inspiring ideas for expanding solar energy and simplifying the local permitting process. Their creativity and passion are a reminder that young voices are helping to lead Marin toward a more sustainable future. Residents also discussed ways to support immigrant families and en- sure all community members feel safe and included. Supervisor Rodoni shared that the County has allocated $500,000 to support legal assis- tance, emergency aid for families affected by ICE detentions, and the Marin Rapid Response Network that operates a 24-hour hotline (415- 991-4545) for reporting immigration enforcement. Residents were also encouraged to build neighbor-to-neighbor connections and support local groups like the San Geronimo Valley Community Center that help strengthen inclusion within the community. As 2025 comes to a close, I want to thank the residents of San Geronimo Valley and Nicasio for their active participation, thoughtful questions, and shared commitment to keeping our communities safe, connected, and thriving. Wishing you and your families a joyful, healthy, and peaceful holiday season, and I look forward to continuing this important work together in the new year.

Warm regards,

Dennis Rodoni

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