Volunteers Needed and Prevent Vehicle Theft

Volunteers Needed

The following town boards and commissions have vacancies for which volunteers are needed:

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. There is one seat available. Persons from the Ross Valley are encouraged to apply. 

Historical Commission – The commission was created to preserve the history of San Anselmo by means of research and the collection and organization of information, photographs and artifacts concerning the town’s development. The commission consists of eleven members and meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the , located on the first floor of the Library. There are two 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 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 or an application, go to the town's website or contact Jeannie Courteau at jcourteau@townofsananselmo.org or 258-4691. Applications for these openings should be submitted by Friday, July 29, 2011. 

Vehicle Theft

Due to the proliferation of electronic devices such as GPS units, iPods, laptop computers and smart phones, vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles are on the rise nationally. These crimes are becoming more common because people make it far too easy and tempting for a thief to gain access to their vehicles by leaving valuables in plain view. 

Thieves can quickly enter vehicles, often unseen. Some common methods of entry into a vehicle are: 

• Smashing out a window commonly known as “SMASH AND GRAB”
• Using a tool to open a door or unlock the door through an open window
• No force necessary, door(s) unlocked

Most likely targets for theft: 

• Any vehicle with a visible GPS unit, radar detector, visible power cord or mount
• Vehicles with a briefcase, purse, gym bag or other valuables left in plain sight
• Vehicles where a mobile phone is visible

However, most thefts from motor vehicles are preventable. There are just a few things you can to do to prevent them.

• Close your windows and lock your doors
• Remove all valuables or place them in your trunk
• Remove “pull-out” style or removable car stereo face plates
• Do not leave keys in vehicle
• Do not leave a car running
• If possible, move mounting hardware out of sight. It could indicate to a thief that a device is inside the vehicle.

More Tips: 

• Mark your valuables with your Driver’s License or Identification Card number
• Use anti-theft devices such as an audible alarm
• Park in well lit areas 
• Make sure your vehicle’s windows are rolled up and the doors locked before leaving your vehicle
• Don’t trust your vehicle remote to lock your doors - DOUBLE CHECK!
• Don't park where others cannot see your vehicle, such as behind buildings, shrubbery, landscaping berms, or larger vehicle/trucks