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Health & Fitness

The Mayor's Week in Review (June 10-16)

Andy Berman, Mill Valley's Mayor, writes his weekly review, with some inside news, reminders and reflections, and whatever else comes to mind.

HOORAY! for our Graduates:

Is there anything more important this past week than being proud of our children, particularly those we graduated?  (I don’t think so.)  We are so happy for you; my advice to you all (for what it’s worth): be confident & proud, have fun, remember to say “please” & “thank you,” work hard, keep the faith, take the high road . . . and may the force be with you.

Where do father’s day and small town hospitality intersect?  

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(Answer: At the Community Center.)  Another big event last week was father’s day; HOORAY for you fathers!  It even provided a nice opportunity to display our small town charm.  My dad was here for Morrissa's graduation from THS and went to the Community Center to use the gym. He's 81.  Caroline Beyer was working the front desk and took his info as a "drop in."  She didn't know who he was, just that he was visiting from out of town, old, & trying his best to get some exercise.  Rather than take his $6, however (did I say bargain?), she let him in for free.  Nice huh?  Clearly she realized that if some old man has “enough left in him” to get out & try to "do it," why not help him get it done in some small way!   Now that’s small town hospitality. 

FAR out: 

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The other big event this week has been the community’s heightened concern over the proposed changes to the zoning code.  We have received well over 20 letters and emails from residents expressing opposition in particular to how the proposed changes affect garages (and hence, the allowable floor area) on smaller lots.  First, many thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts about the Planning Commission’s work to date; we will ensure that the Council continues to receive your correspondence.   Second, please know that the Council will not adopt the ordinance at our meeting this Monday (June 17).  We will instead bring a revised ordinance to the Council at our July 15th meeting for a public hearing (Stephanie and I will not be at Monday’s meeting, which is another reason we want to have it come back in July).  This Monday the Council will, however, hear more about the proposed changes and the work of a Council subcommittee on the topic (Ken and Garry), and provide input and direction to staff.  You are of course welcome to attend the meeting Monday, and share additional thoughts.  We really do like hearing from you.

What else? 

Wetlands Day:  Most of you know that I sit on the board of directors for the Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (“SASM”).  As part of SASM’s ongoing public education efforts, Liz Falejczyk, who runs the Plant’s laboratory, coordinates “Wetlands Days.”  This annual event is devoted to the 3rd graders from Park, Edna Maguire, Tam Valley and Old Mill Schools.  During the program our young leaders learn through interactive activities the importance of wastewater treatment, storm water flows, and their wetlands environment.  This year’s events take place on June 18 & 19.  Thank you Liz! 

Fighting fraud:  Sheryl Patton from the Police Department told me about some anti fraud / consumer protection websites run by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) which I wanted to share with you.  As you probably know, among other things the FTC’s mission includes consumer protection and the prevention of unfair / deceptive business practices that are harmful to consumers.  A statistical survey of fraud in the United States showed that an estimated 26 million adults – 11% of the adult population – were victims of fraud.  See Fraud Survey.  The FTC has an amazing amount of resources and information, with popular topics such as identity theft, validity of charitable organizations, disaster preparedness, consumer complaints, frauds and scams.  At their website you can access the “Do Not Call” system, watch a video on thwarting “robocalls,” and also access your free annual credit report.  Crooks today are very sophisticated, but if you want to keep up with the latest scams in the news and find out how to recognize and report them, sign up today for alerts from the FTC at Alert Me, or for more information on recent scams you can look here: Scam Alerts.  The Mill Valley Police Department also has crime prevention tips (including scams, frauds, and identity theft) that can be found here: Good tips.

About town: 

Monday:

·      City Council:  730 PM at City Hall 

Tuesday:

·      Computer Class -- Using Keynote to Create Beautiful Presentations: 7 PM at the Library (register here: I need help) 

Wednesday:

·      Friends of the Library Book Group:  330 PM at the Library.  June's selection is Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie

·      The 10th Annual Comedy Night:  630 PM at the Depot Plaza. I am so bummed I am back east for work this week and missing this wonderful event coordinated by the Art Commission.  As always, there’s great talent  . . . and it’s free!  Bring your chairs for a lively evening of comedy sponsored by the Art Commission along with Mark Pitta & Friends, Piazza D’Angelo’s, and the Mill Valley Inn. This year’s line-up will include Jake Johannsen, Lizz Winstead, and Mark Pitta. 

Thursday:

·      SASM Board:  7 PM at the Wastewater Treatment Plant

·      Grow You Business Online: Using Facebook & Pinterest:  7 PM at the Library (click here to register: Grow Your Business!) 

Friday:

·      Computer Class: Technology A-Z:  3 PM at the Library 

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Congratulations seniors, congratulations Dads, and thank you all (as always) for reading.  Have a great week (and wish me luck with mine; I need it this week (don't we all need a little?)). 

Xo 

Andy

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