Monday, April 17, 2023
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-Wide
City Council Retreat Outcomes - At their meeting tonight, Council will consider the outcomes of their March 23, 2023 Retreat, where they discussed a number of DEI-related initiatives. Read the Staff Report, Work Plan & Revised Mission Statement, Core Values and Key Issues here.
Council
Fair Housing Month - At their meeting on April 3, 2023 the City Council presented a proclamation declaring April 2023 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Mill Valley. Fair Housing Month, which commemorates the passage of the Fair Housing Act in April 1968, which protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities. Read the Proclamation.
Planning & Building
Soft Story Retrofit Program FAQ's Published - We know that after an earthquake, rental housing that becomes damaged will return slowly and may be converted to condos, creating a loss of workforce and affordable housing. Developing a Soft Story Retrofit Program is an important step - both for public safety and for preserving the diversity of housing options in Mill Valley.
The Planning and Building Department staff have developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to answer questions regarding the proposed program. It includes general information, as well as specific questions that may be on the minds of property owners and tenants. More information can be found here.
Recreation & Arts
- PAASS - Did you know that Mill Valley Recreation provides programs for individuals with adaptive needs? We strive to build awareness, understanding, and overall capacity in the service of young people with disabilities to provide a more inclusive and enriching recreational experience for all. We have partnered with Project Awareness And Special Sports (PAASS) to provide an array of adaptive nNeeds programming throughout the year. Check out the offerings for Spring/Summer here or search for programs and classes online.
- JEDI - At their April 6 meeting, Commissioner Vanessa Justice updated the Parks and Recreation Commission on the latest news from the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) subcommittee. She noted that the JEDI is on a brief hiatus until the new Director of Arts and Recreation begins her new position in late April. She noted two projects that are of continued interest: the DEI training for sports coaches and adaptive play structure audit.
Library
- Call for Submissions - Pride Month Exhibit - In honor of Pride Month, the Mill Valley Public Library is curating an exhibit in our lower level gallery dedicated to amplifying the artwork, history, and stories of the local LGBTQIA+ community, and you are invited to submit material for consideration! Learn more here.
- Author Talk with Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes - Join author Jasmin 'Iolani Hakes for a chat about her debut novel Hula, a book about three generations of native Hawaiian women and their deep connections to the tradition of hula dancing. The Mill Valley Public Library welcomes Jasmin for a live conversation moderated by local writer Susan Ito followed by book sales and a book signing. Join us on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm in the Creekside Room. Register here.
- Queer Book Club - Looking for a safe space to read and discuss books about the LGBTQIA+ community? You've found us! In this monthly book club we'll read both fiction and nonfiction books about the queer experience, the intersectionality of queerness, class, religion, and race, and discuss the ways in which things have changed, remained the same, or ways we can affect the change we want to see. This month we'll be discussing Flung Out of Space: Inspired by the Indecent Adventures of Patricia Highsmith by Grace Ellis. Join us online Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Learn more and register here.
Police
Bias By Proxy-The Police Department continues to work with community partners to incorporate additional education regarding Bias By Proxy. Most recently the Police Chief has participated in the development of a Public Service Announcement to assist with community dialogues surrounding Bias By Proxy.
Fire
Southern Marin Fire District staff continue to make progress on developing career pathways and resources to encourage a diverse and inclusive workforce. Please find the latest report at this link, and go to page 40 for the March DEI update.
Other Community Partners
Earth Day Community Clean Up
Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 9 am to 3 pm - Location: 100 Lot of Drake Avenue, Marin City
Performing Stars and Marin Housing proudly presents the Earth Day Community Clean Up. The event also features recycled garden art crafts fair prepared by our youth. Learn more about this event here.
Tam High PTSA: Tam High Diversity Day
April 23, 2023 from 1-4 pm - Tam High Football Field
A celebration of our diverse Tam community! It’s a day to start conversations with new people, learn about student clubs, enjoy performances by student bands, and participate in community art projects. Ethnic food and goods from local BIPOC businesses will be available to purchase, so join us for a fun-filled day and let’s get to know each other!
Learn more: