Several initiatives previewed in the July Compass moved forward over the past month.

Transportation and street safety remain a major focus. Following introduction of the Phase 2 AB 43 ordinance in July, the City Council gave final approval on August 17 to speed limit reductions on eligible streets throughout San Rafael. District 2 locations include Greenfield Avenue, West End Avenue, and Fourth Street along the Miracle Mile. The City is also beginning implementation of the new citywide Traffic Calming Program adopted in July.

Economic development also received attention. The Council supported recommending all five eligible San Rafael census tracts for Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation, including a tract covering part of Downtown. The State will determine which eligible tracts ultimately receive designation, with an opportunity for public comment before final nominations.

A revised preliminary application for 700 B Street also addresses two issues raised since the original proposal was submitted. The revised plans now include a roughly 30,000 square foot ground floor grocery store and increase proposed residential parking from approximately 197 to 246 spaces. The revised proposal also includes 4,416 square feet of civic space. This remains a preliminary application rather than an approved project, and additional City review and public participation would occur as the proposal advances.

Longer term District 2 projects remain underway, including the Albert Park Library and Community Center, Second and Fourth Street improvements, West Crescent Drive and Fourth Street signalization, the 350 Merrydale interim shelter, and review of major Downtown housing proposals.

Detailed updates appear below where meaningful milestones have occurred.

District Dashboard

The District Dashboard tracks the major initiatives affecting District 2. Projects remain on this dashboard each month, while detailed updates are provided when meaningful milestones occur.

Albert Park Library and Community Center

Status: Planning
Trend: ▲ Advancing
Last Action: Capital project management underway
Next Milestone: Project definition and community engagement
Expected: 2026

350 Merrydale Interim Shelter

Status: Implementation
Trend: ▲ Advancing
Last Action: Implementation continues
Next Milestone: Shelter development and transition planning
Expected: 2026

700 B Street / Safeway

Status: Preliminary Application
Trend: ▲ Revised Proposal
Last Action: Revised preliminary plans submitted August 11
Next Milestone: Formal planning application and City review
Expected: TBD

Second and Fourth Street Improvements

Status: Project Development
Trend: ▲ Advancing
Last Action: Public review of updated recommendations
Next Milestone: Determine implementation priorities
Expected: 2026

West Crescent Drive and Fourth Street Signalization

Status: Design
Trend: ► Ongoing
Last Action: Engineering continues
Next Milestone: Final engineering and construction planning
Expected: TBD

Downtown Revitalization

Status: Implementation / Community Engagement
Trend: ► Ongoing
Last Action: Summer programming and economic development initiatives
Next Milestone: Fall programming and continued implementation
Expected: Fall 2026

This Month’s Focus

Safer Streets: AB 43 and Traffic Calming

Status: Implementation

Last Updated: August 2026

Why This Matters to District 2

Traffic safety is one of the issues I hear about most frequently from residents. Several District 2 streets are affected by the City’s ongoing work to reduce speeds and provide additional tools for addressing neighborhood traffic concerns.

What’s New

At its July 20 meeting, the City Council introduced an ordinance implementing Phase 2 of the City’s work under Assembly Bill 43. The proposal lowers posted speed limits by five miles per hour on eligible roadway segments throughout San Rafael.

District 2 streets included in the recommendations include:

• Greenfield Avenue

• West End Avenue

• Fourth Street along the Miracle Mile

The City Council gave final approval to the Phase 2 ordinance on August 17. The ordinance reduces posted speed limits by five miles per hour on 18 eligible roadway segments throughout San Rafael. New limits will become enforceable after the ordinance takes effect and updated signs are installed.

The Council also adopted San Rafael’s new Traffic Calming Program. The program establishes a citywide framework for evaluating resident requests involving speeding and traffic volumes on neighborhood streets and provides different levels of potential improvements depending on roadway conditions and demonstrated need.

What’s Next

• Allow the adopted ordinance to take effect.

• Install updated speed limit signs on affected streets.

• Begin enforcement of the new speed limits following installation.

• Continue implementation of the new Traffic Calming Program and broader Vision Zero roadway safety work.

Council Decisions Since the July Compass

Citywide Traffic Calming Program

The City Council adopted a new Traffic Calming Program on July 20.

The program creates a more consistent process for responding to neighborhood concerns involving speeding and traffic volumes. Potential treatments range from lower cost measures to more substantial roadway changes depending on traffic conditions, resident support, available funding, and engineering analysis.

The FY 2026 to 2027 budget includes $150,000 for implementation of the program.

Why This Matters to District 2

Neighborhoods throughout District 2 regularly raise concerns about speeding, cut through traffic, pedestrian safety, and street design. The new policy provides a defined path for evaluating those concerns rather than addressing requests individually without a common citywide framework.

Opportunity Zone 2.0

The City Council supported recommending all five eligible San Rafael census tracts to the State for consideration under the federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 program.

One of the eligible tracts includes a portion of Downtown San Rafael. The other eligible areas include Andersen / Woodland and portions of the Canal and Southeast San Rafael.

Opportunity Zones provide federal tax incentives intended to encourage long term private investment in designated communities. San Rafael’s recommendation does not guarantee that any tract will receive designation. Under the federal program, governors may designate up to 25 percent of their states’ eligible census tracts.

Why This Matters to District 2

If the Downtown eligible tract is selected, Opportunity Zone designation could influence investment in housing, businesses, mixed use development, and infrastructure.

The Downtown tract already includes several entitled housing projects expected to provide nearly 500 homes and includes the existing San Rafael Transit Center, where substantial future public investment is anticipated.

The potential benefits and impacts of designation will depend on which investments ultimately occur and how they align with San Rafael’s adopted Downtown plans.

How to Participate

California’s Department of Finance and Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development will publish a draft list of census tracts selected for nomination and open that list for public comment in August.

Residents, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and other stakeholders will be able to provide input before the Governor makes California’s final nominations.

Residents interested in the Downtown tract can:

• Review California’s Opportunity Zone 2.0 information and eligible census tracts.

• Review the State’s draft selections when they are published.

• Submit comments during the State’s August public comment period.

• Share perspectives about the types of investment and community benefits residents would like to see if the Downtown tract receives designation.

California Opportunity Zones:
https://business.ca.gov/resources/infrastructure-development/opportunity-zones-in-california/

AB 43 Phase 2

Following introduction of the ordinance in July, the City Council gave final approval on August 17 to Phase 2 of San Rafael’s AB 43 speed limit changes.

The ordinance reduces speed limits by five miles per hour on 18 eligible roadway segments outside the Downtown core. District 2 locations include Greenfield Avenue, West End Avenue, and Fourth Street along the Miracle Mile.

The next step is implementation. The new limits become enforceable after the ordinance takes effect and updated signs are installed.

Paul Navazio Appointed City Manager

On August 17, the City Council voted unanimously to appoint Paul Navazio as San Rafael’s permanent City Manager.

Navazio joined San Rafael as Finance Director in 2023 and became Acting City Manager in February and Interim City Manager in April. His appointment as permanent City Manager took effect August 17.

The City Manager oversees City operations and implementation of the policies and priorities established by the City Council. Navazio’s background in municipal finance and previous city management experience provide continuity as San Rafael advances major housing, infrastructure, public safety, and community investment initiatives.

Public Meetings: Remote Participation Now Available

Beginning July 1, Senate Bill 707 requires cities of San Rafael’s size to provide two way remote participation for City Council meetings.

Residents may now participate in Council meetings remotely, including providing public comment, in addition to attending meetings in person.

Why This Matters

Public participation should not depend on whether someone can travel to City Hall on a Monday evening. Remote participation can make Council meetings more accessible to parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, residents traveling or working away from home, and others who may have difficulty attending in person.

Meeting agendas provide instructions for participating in person and remotely. The August 17 Council meeting was among the first regular meetings conducted under the new requirements. Residents participated through Zoom and telephone in addition to attending in person, providing an early example of how the expanded participation options work in practice.

Transportation and Mobility

Second and Fourth Street Improvements

Status: Project Development

Last Updated: August 2026

Why This Matters to District 2

Second and Fourth Streets form one of the primary connections between Downtown, the West End, and Highway 101. Changes at this location can affect people walking, bicycling, driving, and taking transit, as well as nearby residents and businesses.

The project is intended to improve safety and accessibility while addressing vehicle circulation through the unusual intersection of Second Street, Fourth Street, Marquard Avenue, and West End Avenue.

What’s New

The City released updated recommendations during the summer and invited public feedback.

The recommendations address pedestrian and bicycle safety, vehicle circulation, transit access, and other issues at this important Downtown gateway.

The project has undergone multiple rounds of public outreach and technical review, including evaluation of emergency vehicle access.

How to Participate

Residents who use the intersection or live nearby can continue providing input as the City advances the project.

Feedback can address:

• Pedestrian and bicycle safety.

• Vehicle circulation and access.

• Effects on West End Avenue, Marquard Avenue, and nearby residential streets.

• Driveway and curb access.

• Emergency vehicle access.

• Potential unintended traffic impacts in surrounding neighborhoods.

Residents can review project documents and updates through the City’s project page and provide comments or questions to the Department of Public Works.

Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements:
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/second-and-fourth-street-intersection-improvements/

What’s Next

• Continue reviewing community feedback.

• Refine project recommendations and engineering.

• Determine which improvements should advance.

• Coordinate implementation with other planned work along the Fourth Street corridor.

West Crescent Drive and Fourth Street Signalization

Status: Design

Last Updated: August 2026

Why This Matters to District 2

The project is intended to improve safety and access between the West End and Downtown for people walking, bicycling, taking transit, and driving.

What’s New

Engineering and project development continue. No major Council action occurred during this reporting period.

What’s Next

• Complete engineering.

• Continue coordination with related Fourth Street improvements.

• Advance toward construction as funding and project readiness allow.

Housing and Development

Status: Planning

Last Updated: August 2026

Why This Matters to District 2

Downtown remains central to San Rafael’s strategy for accommodating new housing. Development proposals can affect housing supply, neighborhood character, transportation, local businesses, public infrastructure, and Downtown vitality.

700 B Street / Safeway

A revised preliminary application submitted August 11 makes several significant changes to the proposed redevelopment of the Downtown Safeway property.

What’s New

The revised plans respond to two issues that have generated significant community interest: the future of a grocery store at this location and potential parking impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

The revised proposal now includes:

• Approximately 30,000 square feet of ground floor grocery space, along with dedicated grocery loading.

• Approximately 246 residential parking spaces, an increase from approximately 197 spaces shown in the May preliminary proposal.

• 4,416 square feet of civic space.

• An eight level residential building above and adjacent to the ground floor uses.

The addition of grocery space is a substantial change from the May proposal, which did not show a grocery store in the proposed ground floor plan. The revised design therefore preserves the possibility of a full service grocery use as part of redevelopment.

The additional parking also changes the earlier discussion about neighborhood impacts. While the revised project would still add substantial new housing Downtown, approximately 49 additional residential parking spaces are now proposed compared with the May version.

What This Does and Does Not Mean

The revised plans demonstrate that a grocery store can be incorporated into the proposed redevelopment, but they do not guarantee that Safeway or another particular operator will occupy the space. The City can evaluate the proposed commercial space through the planning process, but it generally cannot compel a specific private grocery operator to remain or open at the property.

The August submission also remains a preliminary application. It is not a project approval or final design.

A preliminary application establishes an early proposal and can secure certain rights under State housing law. A formal planning application would still need to follow, along with completeness review, applicable environmental review, City entitlement decisions, satisfaction of conditions, building permit review, construction, inspections, and final occupancy approval.

Why This Matters to District 2

The Safeway property sits at an important Downtown location near Gerstle Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Redevelopment could add a substantial amount of housing within walking distance of Downtown businesses, services, transit, and jobs.

At the same time, residents have raised concerns about losing a nearby grocery store and about additional demand for neighborhood parking. The revised proposal does not resolve every issue that will need to be considered, but it materially changes both of those aspects of the original proposal.

What’s Next

• The applicant may submit a formal planning application.

• City staff will review future materials for completeness and compliance with applicable local and State requirements.

• Additional technical review will evaluate issues including transportation, parking, building design, infrastructure, and other development impacts.

• Opportunities for public input will occur as the project proceeds through the City review process.

• The future grocery operator, if the project advances, would ultimately depend on the property owner, developer, and grocery market rather than a City decision.

Albert Park Library and Community Center

Status: Planning

Last Updated: August 2026

Why This Matters to District 2

Albert Park is one of District 2’s central civic and recreational destinations. The planned library and community center represents a major long term public investment serving both District 2 and the broader San Rafael community.

What’s New

The City continues project management and early implementation work following Council authorization of capital project management services.

What’s Next

• Continue project definition.

• Advance community engagement.

• Develop design and programming.

• Prepare for future environmental review.

• Coordinate the library and community center with other planned improvements at Albert Park.

Homelessness and Community Services

Status: Implementation

Last Updated: August 2026

Why This Matters to District 2

Downtown and nearby neighborhoods have experienced many of the effects associated with unsheltered homelessness. The City’s strategy combines shelter expansion, outreach and services, pathways to permanent housing, and enforcement of public space regulations.

What’s New

Implementation of the interim shelter at 350 Merrydale Road continues.

The City has also begun implementing its updated camping regulations, including the prohibition on camping along Andersen Drive adopted by the Council in June.

What’s Next

• Continue development of the 350 Merrydale interim shelter.

• Coordinate transition planning as additional shelter capacity becomes available.

• Continue outreach and supportive services.

• Monitor conditions in Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

• Continue coordination with Marin County and service providers.

Parks, Recreation and Community Events

Status: Active

Last Updated: August 2026

Movies in the Park

San Rafael’s free Movies in the Park series returns later this month, with four outdoor screenings scheduled from late August through early October.

More than 270 community members voted to select this year’s films.

The District 2 screening is:

• Zootopia 2 — Friday, September 11 — Sun Valley Park, 144 Solano Street
(Estimated screening approximately 7:35 p.m. to 9:25 p.m., based on sunset shortly before 7:30 p.m. and the film’s 1 hour, 48 minute runtime.)

The complete 2026 series:

• Ratatouille — Friday, August 28 — Victor Jones Park
(Estimated screening approximately 7:55 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.; runtime 1 hour, 51 minutes.)

• Zootopia 2 — Friday, September 11 — Sun Valley Park
(Estimated screening approximately 7:35 p.m. to 9:25 p.m.; runtime 1 hour, 48 minutes.)

• The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants — Friday, September 25 — Terra Linda Park
(Estimated screening approximately 7:10 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.; runtime approximately 1 hour, 28 minutes.)

• Toy Story 5, en español — Friday, October 9 — Pickleweed Park
(Estimated screening approximately 6:50 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; runtime 1 hour, 42 minutes.)

Screenings are scheduled to begin approximately 10 minutes after sunset, so actual start and end times may vary.

Bring blankets or low backed chairs for the outdoor screenings.

City Events Calendar:
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/events/

San Rafael Porchfest

San Rafael Porchfest returns to Gerstle Park on Sunday, September 20, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The neighborhood event brings dozens of musical acts to porches throughout Gerstle Park. Residents and visitors can walk from porch to porch for an afternoon of live music, food, and community gathering.

San Rafael Porchfest:
https://gerstlepark.com/events/san-rafael-porchfest-2026/

Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association:
https://gerstlepark.com/

What’s Next

• Ratatouille at Victor Jones Park on August 28.

• Zootopia 2 at Sun Valley Park on September 11.

• San Rafael Porchfest in Gerstle Park on September 20.

• The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants at Terra Linda Park on September 25.

• Toy Story 5, en español, at Pickleweed Park on October 9.

• Continued Measure P planning.

Long Term Priorities

Downtown Vitality

Status: Implementation

Current Focus: Support local businesses, activate public spaces, encourage investment, and strengthen Downtown.

Next Milestone: Fall programming and continued economic development initiatives.

Housing

Status: Planning

Current Focus: Implement the Housing Element and review major development proposals.

Next Milestone: Ongoing development review and future housing policy discussions.

Transportation

Status: Implementation

Current Focus: AB 43, traffic calming, Second and Fourth Street, West Crescent signalization, and broader traffic safety improvements.

Next Milestone: Installation and implementation of the new AB 43 speed limits and continued implementation of the Traffic Calming Program.

Measure P

Status: Planning

Current Focus: Deliver the Albert Park Library and Community Center and other Measure P public facilities.

Next Milestone: Project definition, procurement, design, and community engagement.

How to Participate This Month

Residents can help shape District 2 through several current opportunities:

• Attend or participate remotely in the August 17 City Council meeting. Meeting information and agendas: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/city-clerk/city-council-meetings/

• Review California’s Opportunity Zone 2.0 draft selections when published and provide input during the State’s public comment process: https://business.ca.gov/resources/infrastructure-development/opportunity-zones-in-california/

• Review the Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements and provide feedback to the Department of Public Works regarding safety, circulation, neighborhood access, and the proposed improvements: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/second-and-fourth-street-intersection-improvements/

• Follow the revised 700 B Street proposal as it advances from the preliminary application stage. Future formal application materials and public meetings will provide additional opportunities to review the proposal and provide input on grocery access, parking, transportation, building design, and other neighborhood considerations: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/700-b-street/

• Follow implementation of the AB 43 speed limit changes and the new Traffic Calming Program through the Department of Public Works: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/departments/public-works/

• Participate in planning for the Albert Park Library and Community Center: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/measure-p-albert-park-library-community-center/

• Report neighborhood maintenance and infrastructure concerns through SeeClickFix: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/report-an-issue/

• Watch upcoming City Council and Planning Commission agendas for projects affecting District 2.

Before the Next Compass

Before the September edition is published, watch for updates on:

• Installation and implementation of the newly adopted AB 43 Phase 2 speed limit changes.

• Implementation of the City’s new Traffic Calming Program.

• California’s draft Opportunity Zone 2.0 selections and public comment process.

• Progress and community feedback on the Second and Fourth Street Improvements.

• Progress on the West Crescent Drive and Fourth Street Signalization project.

• Whether the revised 700 B Street proposal advances from a preliminary application to a formal planning application, and any additional changes to the proposed grocery space, parking, housing, or site design.

• Albert Park Library and Community Center milestones.

• 350 Merrydale interim shelter implementation.

• Any City Council or Planning Commission actions affecting District 2.

Looking Ahead

September

• Zootopia 2 at Sun Valley Park on September 11.

• San Rafael Porchfest in Gerstle Park on September 20.

• The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants at Terra Linda Park on September 25.

• California’s Opportunity Zone 2.0 nomination process.

• Transportation and housing project updates.

October

• Toy Story 5, en español, at Pickleweed Park on October 9.

• Fall Downtown programming.

• District 2 project milestones.

November

• Continued Measure P planning and implementation.

• Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation process.

• Winter Downtown programming begins.

Stay Informed

The District 2 Compass complements the City’s regular communications. Throughout the month:

• Subscribe to the City Manager’s Snapshot for City news and announcements: https://employees.cityofsanrafael.org/email-newsletters-and-updates/

• Review City Council agendas, participate remotely, and watch meetings live or on demand: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/city-clerk/city-council-meetings/

• Follow Planning Commission agendas for development proposals and public hearings: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/planning-commission/

• Follow major planning projects: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/major-planning-projects-2025/

• Follow the Albert Park Library and Community Center: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/measure-p-albert-park-library-community-center/

• Report neighborhood issues: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/report-an-issue/

• Read future editions of the District 2 Compass for District 2 focused updates and context.

Report an Issue

The City uses SeeClickFix to receive and track neighborhood service requests.

Common requests include:

• Graffiti

• Illegal dumping

• Potholes

• Sidewalk damage

• Streetlight outages

• Traffic signal issues

• Missing or damaged signs

• Tree concerns

• Park maintenance

• Storm drain issues

Prompt reporting helps City staff identify issues, prioritize repairs, and improve neighborhood conditions throughout District 2.

Report an Issue:
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/report-an-issue/

District 2 Compass Mission

Connect District 2 residents with reliable information, explain why City decisions matter locally, and highlight opportunities to participate in shaping the future of San Rafael.

About This Publication

The District Dashboard tracks the same major District 2 initiatives each month. Individual project updates appear when meaningful milestones occur, allowing readers to follow long term projects without repeating routine staff activity.

Many City projects advance over several years. The Compass focuses on Council decisions, project milestones, public participation opportunities, and community events that are most relevant to District 2 residents.

Next Edition: September 2026