Outlook
Support Ban on Camping in Parks
From Amy Likover < >
Date Mon 4/7/2025 7:43 AM
To Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]>; Cristine Alilovich <[email protected]>; John Stefanski <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]> Dear Mayor Colin and Councilmembers,
Cc City Clerk Lara
We urge you to vote in favor of a ban on all camping in San Rafael's city parks at tonight's City Council meeting.
Green spaces are precious to everyone, their wholesomeness and educational value provide an increase in the quality of life literally by way of the environment including wild animals and health and figuratively for rejuvenation of the spirit. These public spaces should never be compromised. City ordinance determines the activities that allow for mutual coexistence and enjoyment, including control of degradation, noise, cleanliness and safety. Camping compromises all of these. The filth, noise and rowdiness associated with lack of garbage control, water latrines, community standards are unhealthy, intimidating campers and noncampers alike. And of course, we all use these precious spaces less because of this a loss to all of San Rafael.
Thank you for voting to ban all camping in the city's parks, taking back San Rafael's parks for all of its residents.
Sincerely,
Amy & Joe Likover
San Rafael 94901
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Opposition to park camping bans in San Rafael
From Alexandra Verheecke
Date Sun 4/6/2025 5:46 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]>; Cristine Alilovich <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]> Hi All,
I’d like to share my opinion in opposition to park camping bans in San Rafael ahead of your upcoming meeting on Monday, 4/7.
Although this issue is complex, biggest concern is simple: where are unhoused people supposed to go? If campers are peaceful and there is not a major health/fire concern, then I don’t see the problem with folks camping in our parks.
I am also unsure what someone who is violating a camping ordinance would do. Pay a fine? Go to county jail? Neither of those options seems realistic, financially responsible, or ethical. This is a massive, systemic issue that won’t be solved by a simple ban. I definitely hope that some solutions to our housing crisis are proposed and tried, but banning camping is not a solution.
Thank you for all your work for our city and community.
Alexandra Verheecke
San Rafael and Gerstle Park Resident
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Public Comment, April 7 City Council Meeting, Agenda Item 6b (camping ordinance) From Bob Mittelstaedt
Date Sat 4/5/2025 8:06 AM
To Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> As a long-time resident of San Rafael's Gerstle Park area and a member of the Homelessness Solutions Working Group, I support the City's compassionate approach to the homelessness problem and its desire to guard against the fire disasters that struck Los Angeles, Lahaina and elsewhere, and that could happen here almost any day if we do not heed the obvious warnings. I offer three thoughts:
1. Ban Camping in Gerstle and Other Public Parks
I encourage the Council to adopt the staff recommendation to ban camping in Gerstle and other parks in San Rafael.
For too long we have tempted fate by allowing camping where a single ember could destroy hundreds of homes and disrupt thousands of lives. The recent devastation elsewhere serves as a tragic reminder of ignoring the real fire dangers faced by our community. Our wooded areas are particularly prime territory for wildfires. Camping has been banned for years in the Open Space bordering Gerstle Park, and the only sensible course is to extend that ban to the contiguous, similarly wooded area of the park itself.
2. Ban Camping in All Public Lands other than specified areas for short term exceptions.
Compassion for the homeless and a camping ban are not mutually exclusive. The City's "regional, compassionate, and trauma-informed approach" to homelessness is the right approach. Encouraging our homeless to sleep outdoors on streets and parks is not what I consider humane or compassionate. For that reason, I also favor banning overnight camping on all public property in San Rafael including City Hall, the library, etc., except for specific limited areas designated by the City on a short-term, as needed basis. Sleeping outdoors should be the rare short term exception, not the norm on public property.
3. Clearinghouse Services
I applaud the City for its continuing efforts to "connect unhoused residents with resources, services, and housing opportunities." Presumably, these efforts will make our residents aware of job and housing possibilities not just in Marin but in areas with more available jobs and more affordable housing, As the staff report says, everyone deserves dignity, respect and a safe place to call home.
Realistically, though, San Rafael and Marin County may not be the place where each and every one can best achieve those goals. It would be counterproductive to ignore that fact. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Ordinance 19.50
From carolyn colasanti < >
Date Sun 4/6/2025 12:19 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> I strongly support banning camping in city parks.
Carolyn Colasanti Bystrek
San Rafael
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City Ordinance on Camping
From dorindahimes
Date Sun 4/6/2025 9:02 AM
To Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Cc Cristine Alilovich <[email protected]>; John Stefanski <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]> Hello,
I support the new ordinance to ban camping in all San Rafael parks. I do not feel safe in Gerstle Park (and its trail that I used to hike) due to homeless groups. And its a serious fire concern. I have lived in Gerstle Park area for over 23 years. Please give us back a safe park.
Best Regards,
Dorinda Himes
San Rafael, CA 94901
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Camping in City Parks
From Emese Wood < >
Date Sun 4/6/2025 1:43 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]>; Cristine Alilovich <[email protected]>; John Stefanski <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>
Dear Members of the City Council,
I would like to express my appreciation for the Administrative Order banning camping in all San Rafael parks, and I very much support an Ordinance change banning camping in all San Rafael parks in the future.
From my home in Gerstle park I look into a steep hillside that is completely covered with trees. I feel fortunate to have such a lovely natural view, but fearful, as well, knowing that these trees can now fuel deadly wildfires. Good friends just lost their home in Pacific Palisades in the center of town. It is a problem that is real. San Rafael and Kentfield have beautiful wildlands which enhances everyone's experience living here, but it can be a threat as well as a treat, and we know that it takes just a moment of carelessness to start a conflagration. We can not take that kind of risk. Please protect Gerstle Park and San Rafael and pass the Ordinance banning camping in San Rafael parks. Unhoused people also deserve something better in terms of permanent shelter.
Thank you,
Emese Wood
San Rafael
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Park camping in San Rafael
From Gillian Pontes
Date Sun 4/6/2025 12:31 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> This should be banned in all parks. We have kids here!!! And families! Gillian S. Pontes
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Ordinance 19.50 amendment council meeting 4/7/25
From james bystrek < >
Date Sun 4/6/2025 12:41 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> i strongly support the ban on camping in ALL city parks. i also strongly support a ban on camping on any public or private property unless that "camping" complies with existing zoning regulations. i would also strongly support a ban on "camping" in vehicles parked on city streets. jim bystrek
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San Rafael Camping Ordinance
From Katie Fleet < >
Date Sat 4/5/2025 9:59 PM
To Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]>; Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]>; Cristine Alilovich <[email protected]>; John Stefanski <[email protected]>; Daniel Cooperman <[email protected]>; End Homelessness <[email protected]>
Dear Mayor Kate, City Council Members, City Manager’s Office, and City Clerk, I am writing to comment on the proposed changes to the city’s camping ordinance. I had hoped to attend the April 7th City Council meeting in person, but I will be traveling over the San Rafael City Schools’ spring break.
First of all, thank you for approaching this issue with humanity and concern for the safety and well being of all of San Rafael. I know this issue is complicated, contentious, and stressful for many of us, and I appreciate your dedication to working toward solutions. I sincerely appreciate the city’s efforts to address the root causes of homelessness and create more housing resources while protecting the community as a whole. It is both impressive and heartening to see the city staff's diligent and tireless work on this complex issue. I was pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Homeless Solutions Working Group and am happy to continue to engage with all of you in whatever ways are helpful.
I strongly support modifying the city’s camping ordinance to ban camping in all public parks. Parks are a precious community resource to be enjoyed by everyone in our community. Fire dangers are real and serious and camping is a major fire risk. I am so grateful that the city staff recognizes these concerns and am grateful for the city’s many efforts to protect and enhance our parks. This is especially important as our parks are areas where San Rafael’s diverse communities can come together.
I also support additional camping limitations that are not reflected in the current proposed ordinance and ask that the city staff address these issues for future ordinance modifications. I will outline the additional limitations here, and I am more than happy to discuss these further.
Playgrounds - We currently restrict camping within 100 feet of any playground. This distance is not significant enough to ensure that playgrounds are a safe space for children. I support changing this to 500 feet.
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Public facilities - We currently restrict camping “in or on any public facility, or portion thereof, or in a manner that obstructs, blocks, or otherwise interferes with access to a public facility or private real Property.”
Being able to safely access City Hall for city services and meetings is essential. The public servants who work for our city need to be able to get to and from their workplaces safely and these areas should be managed with the care and respect they deserve. Children should not have to walk across campsites so they can use our library. A crime victim seeking help from our local police should be able to get to the police station without fear.
I understand that the current ordinance offers some protection for public buildings because it references “interference” with public facilities. Still, I think brighter line rules are needed to keep these facilities and the corridors to them safe, clean, and easily accessible for all. Residents need and use city services and carving out stronger protections for them helps us all.
Thank you all very much for your service to the city and for your attention to this issue and my comments. I hope you have a productive meeting on Monday and look forward to continued engagement on this important issue.
Best,
Katie Fleet
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Ordinance 19.50
From Ruth Graham
Date Sun 4/6/2025 6:27 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> I am writing to express my support for amending City Ordinance 19.50 during Monday’s City Council meeting, to make the ban on camping in ALL city parks permanent.
Respectfully,
Ruth Graham
San Rafael, CA 94901
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Camping Ordinance
From Sande Kiriluk
Date Sun 4/6/2025 3:26 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Cc Cristine Alilovich <[email protected]> I am a resident of Gerstle Park and I would like the city to ban camping in parks, as well as camps too close to schools, childcare centers and playgrounds. I am against camping in garages as well. When it comes to Gerstle Park, I am very concerned about the possibility of fires. I hope you will consider these concerns at Monday’s City Council meeting.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sande Kiriluk
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Homeless camping
From Ted McNeill
Date Sun 4/6/2025 3:33 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> I am writing to express my strong support for amending City Ordinance 19.50 during Monday’s City Council meeting, to make the ban on camping in ALL city parks permanent.
Our parks are too important to our neighborhoods to cede them to transient persons who generally display a clear disregard for their campsites’ cleanliness and safety. The parks are for the recreation of the city’s inhabitants, not for housing the homeless. Let’s keep it that way.
Thank you.
Ted McNeill
San Rafael
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Sent: Saturday, April 5, 2025 3:11 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]>; Cristine Alilovich <[email protected]>; John Stefanski <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for ban camping in ALL parks- San Rafael camping ordinance Dear Mayor Colin, Councilmembers, and City ClerkI am writing to voice my strong support to ban camping in ALL San Rafael parks Your action would amend Chapter 19.50 of the San Rafael Municipal Code to prohibit camping in our City parks.
As a mother of two elementary-aged children who regularly play in our local parks, a homeowner 100 feet from Gerstle Park, a taxpayer, a voter, and yes—a proud dog mom—I care deeply about maintaining safe, clean, and accessible public spaces for all members of our community. While I recognize the complexities of addressing homelessness, I believe this ordinance strikes a thoughtful and fair balance by preserving public safety while still providing support and services to those in need through the Sanctioned Camping Area (SCA). I'd also like to see additional limitations on camping near schools, childcare centers, playgrounds, and city buildings like libraries, City Hall, police and fire stations.
The City’s efforts following the implementation of Ordinance 2040 and the opening of the SCA have clearly been effective, with a 20% drop in campsite violations and no current encampments in parks. Formalizing the prohibition on park camping simply reinforces what is already working and gives families like mine peace of mind when enjoying outdoor spaces. Parks should remain welcoming and safe for children, pets, and all residents who use them for recreation and connection.
I respectfully urge you to move forward to ensure our parks continue to be a safe, inclusive, and vibrant part of San Rafael for years to come. Thank you for your continued service to our community. Please confirm receipt of the email.
Warm regards,
Cassandra D. Hough
Gerstle Park, San Rafael Resident, Mother, Homeowner, Taxpayer and Voter Cassy Hough |
From: EveSelene
Sent: Sunday, April 6, 2025 11:59 AM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]>; Cristine Alilovich <[email protected]>; John Stefanski <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]>
Cc: Ken Goudey
Subject: Support for Gerstle Park Safety Measures
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my support for the proposed ordinance to ban camping in Gerstle Park and all other San Rafael parks. As a resident of the neighborhood, I share the concerns expressed by many about the safety of park users, particularly regarding fire hazards and the park’s role as a vital community resource. The temporary ban issued earlier this year is a positive step, and I believe further action to formalize this ban will help ensure the park remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
I urge the City Council to approve the staff recommendation and introduce the ordinance at the meeting on April 7, 2025. I also encourage continued efforts to address the broader concerns of safety and well-being within our community.
Thank you for considering my support, and for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
Eve Zamora and Ken Goudey
San Rafael Ca 94901