The Mayor’s Week in Review (May 27-June2)

Freedom and birth  

Last week was marked by two significant events: Memorial Day – which provides one of the best weekends in Mill Valley - and a child being born: the MV2040 General Plan.  

Memorial Day weekend culminates each year in the parade and Community Center party.  And like just about every year I can remember, the feedback this year runs the gamut: first timers who can’t believe they landed in Mill Valley and this is “their” home, to most who simply love a great time, and to those who are upset that we don’t do more to honor the memory of those who served and sacrificed their lives.   To be clear:  Honoring our nation's veterans is important on Memorial Day -- and all days of the year.  And while the City observes the holiday, the town’s events are not organized by us, but are instead the result of a collaboration of hundreds of community volunteers organized by independent groups.  The Pancake Breakfast is organized by the Mill Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association, the Parade is organized by the "I Love A Parade Committee," and the Festival at the Mill Valley Middle School was organized this year by Kiddo!  There are no City employees working on behalf of the City in these groups, and none of the decision-making bodies of these groups are under the direction of the City Council.   

The City Council participates in the parade as participants only.  We do not influence, sponsor, or control the parade in any way.  We pay the same fee as everyone else to participate.  On the day of the event, City personnel such as Police, Fire, and Public Works will be engaged in public safety, transportation, and other municipal services – as part of the services we provide to run the town for any event, such as the Fall Arts Festival or Dipsea Race.  

So where do I come out?  I think it’s extremely important that people understand the basis for any holiday – and that we should be vigilant about doing what we can to remind folks about the basis so as not to dilute the holiday’s purpose.  So for my part, I would like to see more Veterans and flags, and some small ceremony to kick things off before we let the good times roll.  It doesn’t have to be much – a bugler, a flag raising, a wreath hanging – anything. 

But from there I really do love our parade, because I see it for what it is: celebrating our freedom to be who we are, in our own style, which is really what we fight for anyway – the right to live free.   As one new resident said to me: “My wife and I moved from San Francisco to Mill Valley to start a family and yesterday was an excellent day for all of us.  The parade was a celebration of interests that make Mill Valley so great.”  Add to this our gorgeous setting, great schools, fiscal stability, the carnival, and a safe place to do it all in, and we really do have an awful lot to be thankful for – including our Veterans.  

Perhaps most important, it’s important to remember that City Hall is earmarked to the memory of those who served – in fact, the symbol of their service sits right at our front steps to City Hall: that eight ton jasper stone from the Waldo Grade that we walk by every day.  It’s there to honor Mill Valley’s fallen. May we do so this Memorial Day … and every one to come.   Then let the good times roll . . . . because we are free to do so.  And it’s on that note that I share a whole bunch of photos.  

Now let’s talk birth.  On Wednesday night the MV2040 draft General Plan was officially born, meaning that it’s been conceived, vetted and sent off to YOU through the Planning Commission and then the Council.  This was a huge milestone – 18 months of energy bundled up for its next voyage.  It was a community effort to get to this point, with many hours from our staff, consultants, various working groups, and the Advisory Committee.  Thank you all!  

What else?  

Are you training?  Oh gosh it's here - The Dipsea Race is on Sunday.  Just please say hello as you pass by this Old Mayor . . . . I need all the help I can get . . . .

Yet one more nice article about Mill Valley:  Did you see June’s Sunset Magazine?  Check it out (in uploads).  

Do you want to learn how to save a life?  Free CPR and AED Training will be available at The Depot Plaza on Saturday June 8 from 10 am to 2 pm.  This is being brought to us through the Fire Department and Marin County EMS at our second annual "Don't Miss a Beat" training event.   

EPA Green Power Community Recognition:  Mill Valley has been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Green Power Community (GPC) for its purchase of renewable energy.  EPA GPCs are cities, towns, and villages in which the local government, businesses, and residents collectively buy green power in amounts that meet or exceed EPA’s GPC purchase requirements. GPCs that meet or exceed EPA purchase guidelines may display a “Welcome to a Green Power Community” sign within City limits in recognition of their achievement. The City recently received two 24" x 36" signs.  Should we put them up?  If so - where?  Take the City's poll and tell us what you think: GPC Poll  

Defensible Space App!  Last week I spent a fair amount of time telling you about the high fire danger we are facing from an early fire season.  Creating a defensible space around your home is something you should do.  Our Help Save Your Home  app will help you calculate the necessary defensible space around your home, as well as offers links to other fire safety resources.  

Do you stop at crosswalks?  I have been amazed at how many people whizz through crosswalks while pedestrians and kids on bicycles are waiting to cross.  What the heck’s going on these days?  Please – slow down as you approach crosswalks, look to see if anyone is waiting to cross, and stop to let them do so. 

National Night Out (NNO) on August 6:  NNO is an annual event designed to strengthen our communities by encouraging neighborhoods to engage in stronger relationships with each other and their local law enforcement partners.  The goal is to heighten crime-prevention and safety awareness and to build support and participation in those programs.  Most importantly, participation sends a message that our neighborhoods are organized and informed.  This is also the perfect opportunity to get to know your neighbors. More information and project ideas can be found at NNO.  Community is what Mill Valley is all about and this program is an excellent way to promote that community spirit.  Please join us on August 6th! 

Summer plans?  For your protection, please let us know about them!  Now that summer travel time is here, think about taking advantage of the police department’s “Vacation Watch” service through which we’ll provide extra patrol while you are out of town.  You can access the form and vacation security tips at Vacation Watch. 

About Town  

Monday – dueling meetings:
·      City Council:  City Hall @ 730 pm
·      Monday Night Movies – “A Fierce Green Fire” starting at 730 PM in the Creekside Room at the Library  

Tuesday – dueling meetings:
·      First Tuesday Artwalk: Start at City Hall at 6 PM, then take a stroll with the Art Commission through town to view exciting exhibits featuring a wide range of art by local artists.
·      Computer Class – “Store, Backup, and Share Files with Dropbox,” starting at 7 pm – but please register here: Learn how to use Dropbox  

Wednesday – dueling meetings: 
·      Parks & Recreation Commission: 7 pm at City Hall
·      Mill Valley Historical Society First Wednesday, starting at 730 pm at the Creekside Room at the Library.  This week’s guest speaker is Barry Spitz, Marin and Dipsea Race historian, who will present the "Dipsea Race - History and Lore of the Greatest Race."  

Thursday – dueling meetings:
·      Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) 3 Day training: Starts June 6 and runs through June 9.  Join CERT and work alongside emergency personnel to help your community during an emergency. To qualify, you need to take Marin County's 18-hour CERT training, given monthly in alternating cities in Marin. Click here to learn more: Become CERT-ified!
·      Retro Games to Relax Your Brain (High School Students Only), from 7-9 pm in the Creekside Room at the Library. Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly, Twister, Clue, Taboo, Scattergories and, of course, Scrabble will all be available for stress relief before finals week arrives. Pizza and other snacks provided.  

Friday:
·      Naked Truth – The Learning Curve, starting at 7 pm in the Library’s main reading room.  Audience favorite Josh Healey emcees an evening of true, live, storytelling around the theme of the Learning Curve. Guests include Portuguese Artists Colony founder Caitlin Myer and NY Times crossword puzzle constructor, Andrea Carla Michaels.  Bitten by the storytelling bug? Throw your name in a hat for the Lightning Round or audition to tell a full-length story. Details at Naked Truth.      

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Thanks as always for reading, and caring, and remembering.  

xo

Andy  

PS: “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” ~ Mark Twain