November 21, 2022
San Rafael City Council
1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
RE: Canal Resilience Planning (Item 4.D)
Honorable Mayor and Council Members,
San Rafael is demonstrating clear foresight and leadership in developing a comprehensive framework--and obtaining the necessary funding--for a thoroughly citizen-based process to plan for sea level rise and related climate impacts in the Canal neighborhood. This is no easy task, but the approach outlined in the scope of work for the project holds promise to deliver well considered and workable responses.
The Canal is among the Bay Area communities most vulnerable to sea level rise, and also one beset by numerous other environmental justice challenges. Weighing multiple priorities and listening to diverse voices will be essential to success. At the same time, the waterfront setting provides a potential asset for economic development, innovative housing solutions, and a unique community spirit. We hope, as well, that pragmatic and far-sighted resilience measures to address impending climate impacts will be combined with measures to lessen the greenhouse gas emissions that are worsening those impacts.
Sustainable San Rafael looks forward to the planning process, including active engagement in the range of committees, meetings, and discussions proposed.
Thank you for recognizing the serious impacts of climate change on the San Rafael community, and for taking steps to address and reduce those impacts.
Sincerely,
William Carney
SSR President
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
William Carney, President
Linda Jackson, Vice President
Stuart Siegel, Secretary
Arlin Benavides
Greg Brockbank
Kay Karchevski
Kiki La Porta
Annika Osborn
Bob Spofford
415.302.0110