Town Volunteers Needed, Safe Routes, E-Books and Zero Waste

Volunteers Needed

Getting involved in the town is a great way to give back to our wonderful community and meet new friends. The following San Anselmo Town Boards and Commissions have vacancies for which volunteers are needed: 

Open Space Committee – The Open Space Committee has the major responsibility for the long-term planning of open space in and near San Anselmo and for the generation of community support and fund-raising to implement the plan. The committee consists of eleven members and meets on the third Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers. There are three seats available. 

Planning Commission – The commission continually evaluates the General Plan and advises the council, recommending ordinances and broad changes in zoning. The commission also hears and determines applications for individual zoning changes, planned use developments, design reviews and such. The commission consists of seven members with a range in skills and experience from construction, law, architecture, public relations and familiarity with various aspects of the San Anselmo community. The commission meets regularly on the first and third Monday at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Chambers. There are two seats available. 

Arts Commission – The commission provides a structure to facilitate the creation of art in all disciplines in the community, promoting and exhibiting art and cultural works produced by Ross Valley artists, and promoting art education in the community and schools. The commission consists of nine members and meets on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall conference room. Persons from the Ross Valley are encouraged to apply. There are five seats available.

Quality of Life Commission – The Quality of Life Commission was established to promote sustainability by defining and enhancing opportunities for sustainable practices in San Anselmo, to secure a high quality of life for San Anselmo residents within the means of nature by simultaneously meeting environmental, economic and community needs. The commission consists of seven members and meets regularly on the third Monday at 7 p.m. in Town Hall conference room. There is one seat available. 

Tax Equity Board – The board is charged with hearing applications for tax rebates from San Anselmo property owners claiming inability to pay the Town’s Municipal Services Tax, Pension Override Tax and Library Tax. The board consists of three members and meets once a year in the spring. There is one seat available.

For more information visit the town's website or contact Jeannie Courteau at jcourteau@townofsananselmo.org or 258-4691. Applications for these openings should be submitted by Friday, Sept. 23.

Wade Thomas Sidewalks

The Safe Routes to Schools project is well underway in the neighborhood. New sidewalks have been installed around the school property and in areas around the school where gaps existed in sidewalks. The next phase of the project is scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8 and 9, and will include some grinding and paving work in the intersections around the school. Some road closures will take place throughout the day.

Zero Waste Marin

Marin is on a mission to slash the amount of trash headed to landfills to zero. Marin is famous for showing the rest of the nation how it’s done. Here are some ideas to help you stay on track:

Plastic Bottles Tips

• Get a stainless-steel or plastic BPA-free water bottle to avoid waste.
• Get a water filter. It handles any lingering water quality concerns and improves the flavor of your tap water.
• Add sliced fruits or herbs to your water for great flavor. Try fresh cucumbers, strawberries, mint, citrus, rosemary, honeydew melon, and even rose petals.  For a tangy twist, try a splash of cider vinegar.
• Keep your bottle by the front door or with your keys so you don’t forget it.  Use a carabiner to clip it to your bag.
• Keep a spare bottle in your locker, in the car, or at the office so you’re never caught without one.
• Keeping your reuseable bottle close by helps keep you hydrated throughout the day – which improves your health. 

For more information on these tips, and additional tips on reducing waste, go to www.zerowastemarin.org.

NEW:  E-Books at your San Anselmo Library

Every San Anselmo resident with a valid library card and a PIN code can access electronic books, e-audiobooks, and videos, 24/7. There are 2,420 titles, with 2,668 items in the collection, all available at http://overdrive.marinet.info, which is the direct link to the collection. You can also access e-books by searching for books in the MARINet catalog. Whether you have a laptop/desktop or a mobile device, this free service is something worth checking out. Contact at 258-4656 or on the library's website for more details.