October 18, 2021
The City of Mill Valley commits to act and encourage community action towards eliminating racial disparities, both inside government and in the community. The City Council has identified Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as their top priority, and staff provides regular updates to the City Council and community on activities in Mill Valley and around Marin County on a regular basis.
City Council/Work Plan
Work Plan Update Schedule: The City continues to follow a regular schedule of updates on the DEI Work Plan to Council and the community. Follow the progress on the City’s DEI Tracking Tool.
Commission Vacancy: The Mill Valley City Council has extended the application deadline for applications to fill a vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission to Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. The term will run from the date of appointment to February 28, 2023, where at that time the chosen applicant will be able to reapply for a second three-year term. More information and directions on how to apply can be found here.
Planning & Building
At their meeting tonight, the City Council will:
- Receive a presentation on Fair Housing from Liz Darby, Social Equity Programs and Policy Coordinator for the Marin County Community Development Agency.
- Receive a presentation on the status of the Housing Element Update. The presentation will include a review of the first Housing Element Workshop, a summary of the online survey results and anticipated next steps.
Recreation & Arts
At their October 6 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission received an update from Arts & Recreation Director Sean McGrew. He offered a recommendation to form a DEI subcommittee to work on items in the DEI Work Plan under the purview of the Recreation Department and to advise Parks and Recreation Commission on DEI-related topics. The Commission accepted the recommendation and appointed Chair Vanessa Justice, and Vice Chair Greg Moore to the new subcommittee.
Library
Mill Valley Library Goes Fine Free! - The Mill Valley Library has joined the growing number of libraries nationwide that have recognized fines as a form of social inequity and has gone fine free. Patrons will no longer be charged fines for returning materials late. City Council unanimously approved the recommendation submitted by City Librarian Anji Brenner and endorsed by the Library Board of Trustees on Monday, October 4th. Read more about the new fine-free policy.
Poetry Reading Series: Danusha Laméris & Benjamin Gucciardi - This Poetry Reading Series provides a unique opportunity to hear diverse and unusual sets of readers, pairing local Bay Area poets with visiting poets and writers. Learn more and register to attend here.
Southern Marin Fire/MV Fire Department
Career Promotional Materials - Fire is working with Novato Fire District and other public safety agencies to create new promotional material, including brochures to share with local career centers at high schools and colleges, and a recruitment video.
Collaborations - Fire’s DEI Task force chair is meeting with local schools and neighboring fire agencies to discuss options for recruitment and partnership opportunities.
From Our Community Partners
From Heart of the Village: The Kids Are Not Alright: The Drug Dealer in in Your Kid’s Pocket
Tuesday, October 26th, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Join the discussion about substance use in our community, and how easy access is impacting teens. This event is co-sponsored by Heart of the Village, RxSafe Marin and Mill Valley Police Department. Learn about how fentanyl and other substances are taking the lives of young people. Learn the signs and symptoms of use and measures to counteract abuse and overdose. There will be opportunities to ask questions and have discussions with those who have personal experience with substance use and abuse. Learn more and register for the event.
From MVFREE: Building Belonging in Mill Valley
Thursday, October 28th, 6:45 - 9:00 pm
An opportunity for community conversation on Zoom. A safe space for guided talks with your neighbors about belonging in Mill Valley. Learn more about World Cafe style conversations. Facilitated by Lisa Jiménez, CEO and Founder of OLAS Equity Strategists. Space is limited. Please register here.