The Mayor’s Week in Review (Oct. 14 - 20)

Looking forward in order to move forward: 

It seemed to me like there was a calm over the City last week – at least within the circles I traveled as Mayor.  I really think the tranquility had a lot to do with the General Plan process coming to a head.   As one community leader wrote:  “The General Plan collaboration produced a balanced, well-tempered document.  We enjoyed some high-value discussions along the way – the right people, in the right place, at the right time – artfully orchestrated. Thanks to all.” 

There’s definitely some residual frustration in the air, however – I’ve read it, heard it, and talked about it with some of you too.  Some of it came out in the candidate debates, and more came out in the press.  I can only hope that with the hard work behind us we can all find a way to rally together to implement what we need to do.  Dwelling on what’s “not” in the General Plan, or how we got there, won’t move us forward.  It’s negative energy. 

Positive energy, on the other hand, is like kindness – no amount is too small, it’s always welcomed, and a smart investment for Mill Valley’s future.

What else?

Love shouldn't hurt:  Have you seen the stickers on our patrol cars these days? We’re putting them there to raise awareness about domestic violence this month – yes, it happens, mostly to women and children.  The pattern of abuse is usually physical, but it can also be emotional, or even economic.  In all forms it’s simply unacceptable, and the City and Council are committed to doing whatever we can to stop it, and the best way we can do so is by raising awareness.  

RFK, Jr. in Mill Valley:  RFK, Jr. visited Mill Valley last week to share news about The National Resources Defense Council’s efforts around climate change.  I had a chance to chat with him about the City’s initiatives (not the least of which is a comprehensive climate action plan woven throughout our new General Plan, which includes, among other things, a commitment to reduce by 2020 our Greenhouse Gas Emissions to 20% below our 2005 levels).  I have to say I found Mr. Kennedy to be a regular guy, approachable, and sincere in his views.  (He asked me for my cell phone number too – not that he’s called mind you, but heck – that was cool!) 

Green Loan Program:  Shawn told me about a new program that allows MCE customers to pay for energy efficiency investments through their PG&E bills.  Apparently various local banks will provide favorable financing to single and multi family homeowners, as well as small commercial property owners, wishing to participate in the program, which can then be repaid over time on the customer’s electric bill.  Financing is a critical step towards accomplishing energy efficiency upgrades, which ultimately save customers money on their utility bills.   MCE’s program creates a strong link between the anticipated energy savings resulting from the project upgrades and the cost of financing the project by tying the loan to the utility bill.  Shawn says that in many cases the energy savings are sufficient to cover the monthly payments for the financing, so that the total monthly charge on utility bills is less than or equal to the pre-investment amount.  For more information about this program visit the MCE website or contact Jamie Tuckey, MCE’s Communications Director, at 415.464.6024 or jtuckey@mceCleanEnergy.com.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day:  I love this program that allows us to drop off all those prescription and over-the-counter drugs we no longer need but that are sitting around the house (because we know it’s WRONG to dump them down the drain or into landfills).  Our “take-back” day is next Saturday, October 26, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Police Station on Hamilton Drive (across from Hauke Park).  Safely dump those old prescription medications, stale over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements, and medicated ointments – we all have them. 

Great Shake Out -- Great Success! Last week I wrote about our participation in The Great Shake Out and this week it’s nice to know that nearly 10 million other Californians took part in the drill with us last week too. Thank you to everyone who participated! 

I can’t help it:  Congratulations to HSB for running her first marathon; I’m so proud of you! 

About town (this coming week): 

Monday:  

·      City Council Meeting (730 pm at City Hall)

·      Monday Night at the Movies -- The Man in the White Suit (1951): 730 pm at the Library 

Tuesday:

·      World Literature Book Club -- The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham:  7 pm at the Library

·      Writer's Workshop, Session 3 (7 pm at the Library)

·      Starduster Orchestra Dance (7 pm at the Community Center):  Join us for a Tuesday Dance, with the sounds of the Starduster Orchestra, a traditional “big band” specializing in swing and other dance music from the 30's, 40's & 50's. Slip into your dancing shoes and kick up your heels in our elegant Cascade ballroom.  Cheap too -- $5 per person. 

Wednesday: 

·      Happy birthday Morrissa.  I love you so much.

·      Grow Your Business Online (4 class series):  7 pm at the Library

·      Creative Writing Workshop (7 pm at the Library) 

Thursday:

·      Happy Anniversary Sabra.  You are as beautiful at #26 as you were at #1.  I love you very much. 

Friday:

·      Halloween Music and Magic Show (4 pm at the Golf Clubhouse):  This show will sell out so purchase your tickets early – they are available at the Community Center - $9 general admission; children under 3 are free. 

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Thanks, as always, for reading.  

Andy 

PS:  “And the wine was perfect.”