Storm Wrap Up, Memorial Park, Financial Advisory Committee, Library News

Storm Wrap Up

Congratulations to everyone in San Anselmo who was prepared for the big storms that hit us last week.   The ferocity of the storms, particularly on Sunday, was somewhat unprecedented so early in the winter season.

The Town prepares for winter weather by clearing storm drains that may have clogged over the summer months, cleaning the creek of excess foliage, scheduling extra street sweeping runs to ensure fallen leaves are removed and providing sand and sand bags for merchant and resident use.

On Sunday, when the biggest storm of the series hit us, we received a total of two inches of rain. This seemingly small amount of rainfall nearly overwhelmed the creek, however, because one of those two inches fell in the half hour period between 7 and 7:30 a.m.   An inch of rain in half an hour, when the ground is completely saturated, is just about the limit of what the creek can handle.  After that intense inch of rain fell, the creek continued to rise for an hour and a half, until it peaked at 12.75 feet at 9 a.m.  In fact, the Sleepy Hollow creek did spill over at the Morningside bridge Sunday morning, thankfully receding quickly. 

The creek gauge, which shows the level of the creek at fifteen minute intervals, is located on the Ross Valley Fire website at: http://www.rossvalleyfire.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=140&Itemid=178.  During storms, keeping an eye on the gauge will give you an idea of where the creek is in relation to the top of bank. 

Important Information:  When the flood horn is sounded, it means that flooding may be imminent.  You should immediately move your family and vehicles to higher ground.  Please don’t use the flood horn as an opportunity to go see the creek firsthand.  Rushing flood waters are fast moving and very dangerous. 

Memorial Park Dual Use Facility

On Monday, December 3, about 60 people gathered in the Town Hall Council Chambers to hear more about the possibility of utilizing Memorial Park as a dual-use facility.    The dual-use facility would include the current park features, such as a playground, playing fields, tennis courts, etc. but would also be utilized to retain water during a flooding event.

The initial presentation included a brief history of flooding issues, an overview of the flood mitigation planning process to date, as well as a description of a detention basin and a discussion of why Memorial Park was chosen as a possible location.  Finally, there was a presentation of drawings that depict some possible designs for the facility.

The possible alternative designs, as well as other information on the dual use facility proposal, are available on the Town’s website at:  http://www.townofsananselmo.org/index.aspx?nid=669.

Financial Advisory Committee

The Town’s Financial Advisory Committee met on Tuesday, December 4, in the Town Hall Council Chambers.  The Committee heard a presentation from David Donery, the Town’s Community Services Director, regarding the Town’s community facilities and the master planning process.

The Committee also heard from Sean Condry, Public Works Director, regarding the Town’s infrastructure needs and funding for road maintenance and drainage improvements.

More information regarding the meeting is available on the Town’s website at:

http://www.townofsananselmo.org/index.aspx?nid=656.

The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at 7 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers and the public is invited to attend.

Holiday Parking

The San Anselmo Police Department is pleased to announce that the Town is providing free parking to holiday shoppers in San Anselmo. The free holiday shopping period began on Friday, November 23, 2012 and will continue through Tuesday, January 1, 2013. During this period the parking meters will not be operating. As always, however, the disabled, red zone and other safety related parking violations will be enforced.

Library News

Saturday Afternoon Lecture, December 8 at 3 p.m., Town Hall Council Chambers

Double Fun Cards From Recycled Materials: A Holiday Workshop for Adults
Learn to make greeting cards from items you may have tossed away.  Donna Morrison from "Double Fun Cards" will show how to put together a wonderful greeting card to send to a special person.  Some materials supplied, but feel free to bring your own treasures, too.

Musical Mornings in December

Holiday Sounds and Sweets in the Library.  Local musicians will perform on Monday the 10th, Tuesday the 18th and Friday the 28th from 10:30am to Noon. 

Art Talk Tuesday:  The Art and Spirit of the Creche, December 11 at Noon

Crèches re-staging the birth of Jesus Christ have been a traditional symbol of Christmas throughout the world and through the ages. Using the Nativity scene, this lecture will examine the history of the Crèche, and the traditions of art and faith that surround it.