Volunteer Board/Committee/Commission Openings, Slowing Down, Protect Local Creeks, Food Scraps

Volunteer Board/Committee/ Commission Openings

The Town Council is seeking volunteers for the following positions:

Open Space Committee  – The Open Space Committee has the major responsibilities for the long-term planning of open space in and near San Anselmo, for the generation of community support and fund-raising to implement the plan.  The Committee consists of eleven members, including one youth member, and meets on the third Wednesday at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers.

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 eleven members, including one youth member, and meets on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Historical Museum, located on the first floor of the Library.  There are two seats available.  Persons from the Ross Valley are encouraged to apply.

For more information on these groups or an application, go to: http://www.townofsananselmo.org/index.aspx?nid=175

or contact Carla Kacmar at ckacmar@townofsananselmo.org or 258-4691. Applications for these openings should be submitted by Friday, August 23, 2013.

On Slowing Down – Cars and Bikes Alike

Last week I wrote about the many complaints that staff is receiving about speeding cars in neighborhoods, and the inherent danger that activity presents to pedestrians, children and pets.  Another related problem was pointed out to me by a reader that I want to pass on.  Speeding bicyclists in neighborhoods can also present a hazard. 

Please be considerate when driving or biking in our Town and drive or bike safely.  Preserving the quality of life in San Anselmo is important to all of us and we can all be part of the solution.

Take Action to Protect Local Creeks

More helpful information from the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP):

·         Make sure automatic sprinklers are not causing runoff into storm drains.

·         Avoid pesticides if possible, or use the least toxic alternative available.

·         Sweep driveways, sidewalks and gutters, and dispose of debris in the trash.

·         Keep your creek bank free of trash and yard clippings.

·         Contact MCSTOPPP and the Ross Valley Sanitary District before draining your pool or spa.

·         Take your car to a car wash instead of washing it in your driveway, or direct wash water to a vegetated area where it can soak in.

·         Vegetate bare spots in your yard with native plants, and spread mulch to reduce weeds.

·         Report illegal discharges to storm drains at www.mcstoppp.org or call the stormwater coordinator at the Town at (415) 258-4616.

Food Scraps in the Green Can

Marin Sanitary Service has a great residential food scrap composting program.  Following is the list of acceptable food scraps:

Meat and poultry                    Vegetables                              Napkins                                  

Dairy products                                    Egg shells                                Waxed paper and waxed cardboard

Cooking oils & grease             Coffee grounds                       Paper towels

Fats                                          Pizza boxes                              Paper plates

Fruit

Here are the items that are not compostable:

Non-organic items                  Foil                                          Hazardous waste

Liquids or juices                      Animal waste                          Motor oil

Glass                                        Styrofoam                               Milk or beverage cartons

Plastic                                      Diapers

It’s easy.  Just designate a “Food Compost” container for your kitchen, post the list of acceptable food scraps, empty it often into your green can, and remember to put your green can out by the curb every week.

San Anselmo News, published weekly on Fridays, is available at the San Anselmo Town Hall, Library, on the Public Notice Bulletin Board. It is also available on the Town’s website, www.townofsananselmo.org, and by email subscription.