Agenda packet — San Rafael City Council, November 17, 2025 (part 2 of 2)

5. Foster mutual respect for all community members and protection of public and private property.

6. Encourage active participation of shelter operators in sustaining the neighborhood’s cleanliness, safety, and vitality.

7. Ensure adherence to property maintenance standards that preserve community character and quality of life.

8. Provide accountability for criminal or disruptive behavior, including cooperation with law enforcement when necessary.

9. Maintain accessible, publicized contact information—available 24/7—for community inquiries or concerns.

10. Convene regular meetings with community partners, including engagement with specific stakeholders such as nearby residents or businesses, to review operations and address emerging issues.

11. Notify neighbors of significant program or facility changes in advance and seek community input where appropriate.

12. Document and review concerns or complaints to ensure timely and effective follow-up and corrective action.
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3. Guiding Values

1. Responsiveness: Maintain open communication with neighbors and adjust operations based on feedback.

2. Collaboration: Partner with residents, community organizations, and public agencies to foster shared understanding.

3. Accountability: Measure and report outcomes such as housing placements and reductions in unsheltered homelessness.

4. Coordination: Align program operations with Marin County’s Coordinated Entry System, outreach teams, and public safety partners. Services offered at the site are exclusively reserved only for those participating in the interim shelter program.

4. Safety and Security Practices

1. Onsite staff present. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

2. Resident entry and exit monitored through check-in and check-out procedures.

3. No public drop-in access or loitering permitted outside the property, including SMART owned property per its Code of Conduct at: https://sonomamarintrain.org/codeofconduct.

4. Regular site walks and neighborhood walks conducted to maintain cleanliness and identify issues.

5. Lighting and security systems maintained to ensure visibility and safety.

6. Emergency protocols in place, requiring immediate contact with Police, Fire, or SAFE as appropriate.

7. Regular property inspections and maintenance in compliance with City standards.

8. Adherence to health and safety guidelines at all times.

9. Prompt response to concerns raised by residents, neighbors, or community partners.

5. Resident Code of Conduct and Expectations
Residents are expected to follow these standards both onsite and in the surrounding neighborhood:

1. Respectful conduct: Treat staff, neighbors, and fellow residents with courtesy and respect at all times.

2. Quiet hours: Observe quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; no loud conversations, music, or vehicle noise.

3. Smoking and substance use: Smoke only in designated outdoor areas; alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited.

4. Pets: Keep pets leashed outdoors; clean up pet waste immediately.

5. Cleanliness: Maintain clean living spaces and shared areas; no outdoor storage of belongings.

6. Visitors: Allow only approved visitors during designated hours; no loitering in nearby neighborhoods or surrounding unimproved areas.

7. Prohibited behaviors: Disruptive, threatening, or illegal activity—including vandalism, theft, or harassment—is not permitted.

8. Transportation: Park vehicles and bicycles in designated areas in compliance with all regulations; follow all rules and regulations when using public transportation.

9. Compliance: Follow all program rules, City ordinances, and this policy. 4927-4965-7973 v2 iii
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Accountability and Enforcement:

Repeated or serious violations—after appropriate warnings and case management intervention— will result in graduated consequences, up to and including discharge from the program.

6. Community Engagement and Complaint Resolution

1. A designated City contact (email and phone) will be available during business hours to address neighborhood concerns.

2. A 24-hour contact number will be maintained for urgent matters. After hours, calls will be directed to SAFE or law enforcement as appropriate .All complaints will be documented, investigated, and resolved with timely follow-up, consistent with confidentiality requirements.

3. The City will maintain an updated webpage with program information, performance data, and meeting schedules.

4. At least one community meeting per year will be held to review operations, outcomes, and neighborhood input.

5. The City and County will encourage coordination with neighborhood watch programs and community associations to enhance safety and communication.

7. Policy Management and Amendments

1. This policy will be actively managed by the City of San Rafael and County of Marin, with periodic review to assess effectiveness and responsiveness to community needs.

2. Amendments may be made by mutual agreement of the County Executive of Marin County and the City Manager of San Rafael.

Attachment 3
4925-4703-1413 v2 1

FREE RECORDING REQUESTED PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENTCODE SECTION 27383
AND WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:

Marin County
County of Marin
Community Development Agency
3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 308
San Rafael, California 94903
Attn: Director AND County Executive
__________________________________________________________________________

REGULATORY AGREEMENT AND

DECLARATION OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
County of Marin Funding Support
350 Merrydale Road, San Rafael, California
This Regulatory Agreement and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of November __ , 2025, by and between the County of Marin, (the "County"), and the City of San Rafael, (the "City").

RECITALS
A. On April 18, 2024, the California Interagency Council on Homelessness awarded the County and City a $5,999,241.68 ERF-3 grant to address the Mahon Encampment and provide services and support to its sixty-five (65) participants over a three-year period.

Specifically, the ERF-3 grant funds outreach services, housing-based case management services, interim shelter, and delivery of permanent housing for Mahon Encampment residents. The ERF3 grant terminates on June 30, 2027.

B. On November 19, 2024, the County and the City entered into a Collaborative Agreement (“Collaboration Agreement”) wherein these State ERF-3 grant funds were accepted and appropriated for use, as well as an additional $500,000 in funding from State Senator Mike McGuire (“McGuire Funds”) and $500,000 in matching County General Funds (“County Match Funds”), totaling an additional $1,000,000 in funding for services for the Mahon Encampment.

C. City has identified 350 Merrydale Road in San Rafael, California, as more particularly described in Exhibit A (the "Property"), as a suitable location for permanent affordable housing. While predevelopment analysis and planning is underway for the Project (defined below), the Property offers an opportunity for use as needed interim homeless shelter for homeless individuals until the during the planning process for the Project. The Property is located near transportation and transit corridors which connect to jobs, amenities and other services.

D. By separate agreement (the “Grant”), City wishes to be awarded from the County, and the County wishes to extend to City, a grant of up to Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000.00) Attachment 3
4925-4703-1413 v2 2
to assist with financing the purchase and acquisition of the Property and initial site set up of the Interim Shelter. Said grant is based upon the County providing funds from its Housing Trust for affordable housing, typically at a level of no more than $100,000 per unit. If the City chooses to exercise its discretion to entitle a modified Project or to not entitle the Project, City is liable to pay County $100,000 for every unit less than eighty (80) that it fails to entitle as affordable housing by June 30, 2028, up to a total of $8,000,000.00.

E. City’s purchase of the Property and the County’s financial support implement the strategies to address encampments as outlined in the Collaboration Agreement, including but not limited to, the strategies for Housing & Support and Prevention by providing for a homeless shelter that will qualify as a Low Barrier Navigation Center (defined below) for up to sixty-five (65) temporary interim shelter structures to serve the residents of the Mahon Encampment and approximately five (5) other individuals currently experiencing homelessness in the City for the remainder of the ERF-3 grant period (through June 30, 2027 or as may be extended per the Grant Agreement) while the City goes through the process of developing permanent affordable housing at the Property.

F. The Parties recognize that the process of developing the Project (defined below) will require the City to take additional discretionary actions, such as issuing a Request for Proposals to select an affordable housing developer and negotiating and entering into a lease disposition and development agreement with the selected developer.

G. The County and the City have entered into a Grant Agreement pursuant to which the County will provide a Grant (the "Grant") to the City to develop the Property for the Project.

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Grant Agreement. The County has agreed to make the Grant to the City on the condition that the Property be developed, maintained and operated in accordance with restrictions concerning affordability, operation, and maintenance of the Property, as specified in this Agreement and the Grant Agreement.

H. In consideration of receipt of the Grant, the City has further agreed to observe all the terms and conditions set forth below.

I. In order to ensure that the entire Property will be used and operated in accordance with these conditions and restrictions, the County and the City wish to enter into this Agreement.

THEREFORE, the County and the City hereby agree as follows.

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

1.1 Definitions
When used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in this Article 1.

Attachment 3
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(a) "Actual Household Size" shall mean the actual number of persons in the applicable household.
(b) "Adjusted Income" shall mean the total anticipated annual income of all persons in a household as calculated in accordance with 24 CFR 813. (c) "Agreement" shall mean this Regulatory Agreement and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants.
(d) "City" shall mean the City of San Rafael and its successors and assigns to the Project.
(e) "County" shall mean the County of Marin, a political subdivision of the State of California.
(f) "Covered Unit" shall mean units restricted pursuant to Section 2.1 below.
(g) "Grant" shall mean all funds Granted to the City by the County pursuant to the Grant Agreement.
(h) "Grant Agreement" shall mean the Grant Agreement entered into by and between the County and the City, dated of even date herewith. (i) “Interim Shelter” shall mean the up to sixty five (65) structures of temporary homeless shelter for homeless individuals at the Property, which shall consist of pallet cabins, , trailers, or similar product. Interim Shelter includes a Low Barrier Navigation Center.
(j) "Low Barrier Navigation Center” or “LBNC” shall mean a low barrier, temporary, service-enriched shelter focused on helping homeless individuals and families to quickly obtain permanent housing as authorized by Government Code Sections 65660, 65664, and 65666.
(k) “Median Income" shall mean the median gross yearly income, adjusted for Actual Household Size or Assumed Household Size as specified herein, in the County of Marin, California, as published annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") and the State of California. In the event that such income determinations are no longer published, or are not updated for a period of at least eighteen (18) months, the County shall provide the City with other income determinations which are reasonably similar with respect to methods of calculation to those previously published by HUD and the State. (l) "Project" shall mean the eighty (80) units of affordable housing developed long-term, and attendant site improvements thereon.

Attachment 3
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(m) "Property" shall mean the real property described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein.
(n) "Rent" shall mean the total of monthly payments by the Tenant of a Unit for the following: use and occupancy of the Unit and land and associated facilities, including parking; any separately charged fees or service charges assessed by the City which are required of all Tenants, other than security deposits; an allowance for the cost of an adequate level of service for utilities paid by the Tenant, including garbage collection, sewer, water, electricity, gas and other heating, cooking and refrigeration fuel, but not telephone service, internet or cable TV; and any other interest, taxes, fees or charges for use of the land or associated facilities and assessed by a public or private entity other than the City, and paid by the Tenant. (o) "Tenant" shall mean a household occupying a Unit.
(p) "Term" shall mean the term of this Agreement, which shall have the meaning as set forth in Article 6.4..
(q) "Unit" shall mean one of the Project’s affordable housing units on the Property.

ARTICLE 2

AFFORDABILITY AND OCCUPANCY COVENANTS

2.1 Occupancy Requirements.
(a) Affordability Restriction. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3 below, eighty (80) Units in the Project shall be rented to and occupied by or, if vacant, available for occupancy by Tenants whose incomes do not exceed eighty percent (80%) of Median Income, though City will make good faith effort to keep affordability levels as low as possible, dependent on funding and other factors developed in the project's proforma.

2.2 Allowable Rent
(a) Rent. Subject to the provisions above and in Section 2.3 and 2.4 below, the Rent (including utility allowance) charged to Tenants of the Covered Units shall not exceed one-twelfth (1/12) of thirty percent (30%) of eighty percent of the specified income: (80%) of Area Median Income for the Units, as appropriate based on the applicable income level set forth in Section 2.1(a) of this Agreement, and adjusted for Assumed Household Size or the applicable fair market rent if rented to a household with a Housing Choice Voucher. City is precluded from increasing tenants rent in excess of five percent (5%) during a 12-month period.

Attachment 3
4925-4703-1413 v2 5

ARTICLE 3City

INCOME CERTIFICATION AND REPORTING

3.1 Income Certification.

The City will obtain, complete and maintain on file, immediately prior to initial occupancy and annually thereafter, income certifications from each Tenant renting any of the Covered Units. The City shall make a good faith effort to verify that the income provided by an applicant or occupying household in an income certification is accurate by taking two or more of the following steps as a part of the verification process: (a) obtain a pay stub for the most recent pay period; (b) obtain an income tax return for the most recent tax year; (c) conduct a credit agency or similar search; (d) obtain an income verification form from the applicant's current employer; (e) obtain an income verification form from the Social Security Administration and/or the California Department of Social Services if the applicant receives assistance from either of such agencies; or (f) if the applicant is unemployed and has no such tax return, obtain another form of independent verification. Copies of Tenant income certifications shall be available to the County upon request.

3.2 Annual Report to County.

The City shall submit to the County (a) not later than the sixtieth (60th) day after the close of each calendar year, a statistical report, including income and rent data for all units and racial and ethnicity data of all households, setting forth the information called for therein, or such other data as may be reasonably requested by the County, and (b) within fifteen (15) days after receipt of a written request, any other information or completed forms requested by the County in order to comply with reporting requirements of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development or the State of California.

3.3 Additional Information.

The City shall provide any additional information reasonably requested by the County.

The County shall have the right to examine and make copies of all books, records or other documents of the City which pertain to the Project.

3.4 Records.

The City shall maintain complete, accurate and current records pertaining to the Project, and shall permit any duly authorized representative of the County to inspect records, including records pertaining to income and household size of Tenants. All Tenant lists, applications and waiting lists relating to the Project shall at all times be kept separate and identifiable from any other business of the City and shall be maintained in a reasonable condition for proper audit and subject to examination during business hours by representatives of the County. The City shall retain copies of all materials obtained or produced with respect to occupancy of the Units for a period of at least five (5) years.

Attachment 3
4925-4703-1413 v2 6
ARTICLE 4

OPERATION OF THE PROJECT

4.1 Residential Use.

During the Term of this Agreement, the Property shall be operated only for use as permanent affordable housing. The Parties acknowledge that prior to the Term of this Agreement, commencing no sooner than January 1, 2026 and operating no longer than through June 30, 2029, the City may use the Property as a temporary homeless shelter for homeless individuals, which includes but is not limited to a Low Barrier Navigation Center, as set forth in the Grant Agreement.

4.2 Compliance with Grant Agreement.

So long as the Property is used for the Interim Shelter, the City shall comply with all the terms and provisions of the Grant Agreement.

4.3 Taxes and Assessments.

City shall pay all real and personal property taxes, assessments and charges and all franchise, income, employment, old age benefit, withholding, sales, and other taxes assessed against it, or payable by it, at such times and in such manner as to prevent any penalty from accruing, or any line or charge from attaching to the Property; provided, however, that City shall have the right to contest in good faith, any such taxes, assessments, or charges. In the event City exercises its right to contest any tax, assessment, or charge against it, City, on final determination of the proceeding or contest, shall immediately pay or discharge any decision or judgment rendered against it, together with all costs, charges and interest.

4.4 Compliance with State and Federal Laws, Rules, Guidelines, and Regulation.

City agrees to comply with all state and federal laws, rules, guidelines, and regulations that are applicable to the Project, including those that pertain to construction, health and safety, labor, fair employment practices, equal opportunity, and tenant protections.

ARTICLE 5

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

5.1 Management Responsibilities.

The City is responsible for all management functions with respect to the Property, including without limitation conducting affirmative marketing, the selection of tenants, certification and recertification of household size and income, evictions, collection of rents and deposits, maintenance, landscaping, routine and extraordinary repairs, replacement of capital items, and security. The County shall have no responsibility over management of the Property.

5.2 Management Agent; Periodic Reports.

Attachment 3
4925-4703-1413 v2 7
The Property shall at all times be managed by an experienced management agent reasonably acceptable to the County, with demonstrated ability to operate residential facilities like the Property in a manner that will provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing (as approved, the "Management Agent"). The City shall submit for the County's approval the identity of any proposed Management Agent or staff person. The City shall also submit such additional information about the background, experience and financial condition of any proposed Management Agent as is reasonably necessary for the County to determine whether the proposed Management Agent meets the standard for a qualified Management Agent set forth above. If the proposed Management Agent meets the standard for a qualified Management Agent set forth above, the County shall approve the proposed Management Agent by notifying the City in writing. Unless the proposed Management Agent is disapproved by the County within thirty (30) days, which disapproval shall state with reasonable specificity the basis for disapproval, it shall be deemed approved.

5.3 Approval of Management Policies.

The City shall submit its written management policies with respect to the Project to the County for its review, and shall amend such policies in any way necessary to ensure that such policies comply with the provisions of this Agreement.

5.4 Property Maintenance.

The City agrees, for the entire Term of this Agreement, to maintain all interior and exterior improvements, including landscaping, on the Property in good condition and repair (and, as to landscaping, in a healthy condition) and in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, ordinances, orders and regulations of all federal, state, County, municipal, and other governmental agencies and bodies having or claiming jurisdiction and all their respective departments, bureaus, and officials.

ARTICLE 6

MISCELLANEOUS

6.1 Lease Provisions.

The form of Tenant lease utilized by City shall be submitted to the County for review and approval and shall comply with all requirements of this Agreement, and shall, among other matters: provide for termination of the lease and consent by the Tenant to immediate eviction for: (1) failure to provide any information required under this Agreement or reasonably requested by the City to establish or recertify the Tenant for occupancy in the Project in accordance with the standards set forth in this Agreement, or (2) any material misrepresentation made by such Tenant with respect to the income computation or certification.

6.2 Nondiscrimination.

There shall be no discrimination against or segregation of any person or group of persons, on account of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, Attachment 3
4925-4703-1413 v2 8
age, ancestry, disability, or income source, in the leasing, subleasing, transferring, use, occupancy, tenure, or enjoyment of any Unit nor shall the City or any person claiming under or through the City, establish or permit any such practice or practices of discrimination or segregation with reference to the selection, location, number, use, or occupancy, of tenants, lessees, sublessees, subtenants, or vendees of any Unit or in connection with the employment of persons for the construction, operation and management of any Unit. City shall market units in accordance with the HUD-approved affirmative fair housing marketing plan and all Federal, State, or local fair housing and equal opportunity requirements.

6.3 Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Holders.

The City will accept as Tenants, on the same basis as all other prospective Tenants, persons who are recipients of federal certificates for rent subsidies pursuant to the existing housing program under the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) of the United States Housing Act, or its successor. The City shall not apply selection criteria to voucher holders that are more burdensome than criteria applied to all other prospective Tenants, nor shall the City apply or permit the application of management policies or lease provisions with respect to the Project which have the effect of precluding occupancy of units by such prospective Tenants.

6.4 Term.

The Parties agree that this Agreement shall be recorded in the official records of the County of Marin following execution. Recordation shall constitute notice to all subsequent transferees and encumbrancers of the covenants and restrictions set forth herein. The provisions of this Agreement shall apply to the Property for the entire Term. The Term of this Agreement shall commence on the date that the Interim Shelter ceases to operate, or June 30, 2028, whichever date is earlier, and shall continue in perpetuity unless terminated by the City as set forth herein. The City may terminate this Agreement with or without cause by repaying the amount of the Grant to the County, which is a total of $8,000,000 by September 30, 2028. Upon such termination, the County shall execute and cause to be recorded in the official records of the County a release or other appropriate instrument evidencing the termination of this Agreement and the release of all covenants and restrictions contained herein from title to the Property. Upon recordation of such release, this Agreement shall be deemed null, void, and of no further force or effect, and neither Party shall have any continuing rights or obligations hereunder. During the Term, this Agreement shall bind any successor, heir or assign of the City, whether a change in interest occurs voluntarily or involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, except as expressly released by the County. The County makes the Grant on the condition, and in consideration of, this provision, and would not do so otherwise.

6.5 Compliance with Grant Agreement.

City's actions with respect to the Property shall at all times be in full conformity with all requirements of the Grant Agreement to the extent that it is applicable.

Attachment 3
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6.6 Covenants to Run With the Land.

The County and the City hereby declare their express intent that the covenants and restrictions set forth in this Agreement shall run with the land, and shall bind all successors in title to the Property, provided, however, that on the expiration of the Term of this Agreement said covenants and restrictions shall expire. Each and every contract, deed or other instrument hereafter executed covering or conveying the Property or any portion thereof, shall be held conclusively to have been executed, delivered and accepted subject to such covenants and restrictions, regardless of whether such covenants or restrictions are set forth in such contract, deed or other instrument, unless the County expressly releases such conveyed portion of the Property from the requirements of this Agreement.

6.7 Assignment and Assumption.

The City shall not assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the County, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any proposed assignee must demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the County that it has (i) the qualifications and financial capacity necessary to operate the Property and Project in compliance with this Agreement, and (ii) the willingness to assume all obligations of the City hereunder.

Upon County approval, the City shall cause the assignee to execute an assumption agreement, in a form approved by County, pursuant to which the assignee agrees to be bound by all the terms, covenants, and conditions of this Agreement.

6.8 Enforcement by the County.

If the City fails to perform any obligation under this Agreement, and fails to cure the default within one hundred eighty (180) days after the County has notified the City in writing of the default or, if the default cannot be cured within one hundred eighty (180) days, failed to commence to cure within one hundred eighty (180) days and thereafter diligently pursue such cure and complete such cure within three hundred sixty five (365) days, and shall notice the County of its efforts, and these efforts must be to the satisfaction of the County, the County shall have the right to enforce this Agreement by any or all of the following actions, or any other remedy provided by law:
(a) Action to Compel Performance or for Damages. The County may bring an action at law or in equity to compel the City's performance of its obligations under this Agreement, and/or for damages.
(b) Specific Performance. The County and City shall have the right to bring an action or proceeding at law or in equity to require the other Party to perform its obligations and covenants under this Agreement or to enjoin acts or things which may be unlawful or in violation of the provisions of this Agreement.

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(c) Repayment of Grant. Upon an event of default by the City, the County shall have the right to require repayment of the Grant in full. (d) Reimbursement for modified Project or no Project. In the event the City entitles fewer than eighty (80) Units as part of the Project at the Property by June 30, 2028, the City shall pay County $100,000 for every unit less than eighty (80) that it fails to entitle as affordable housing. City’s payment of these funds shall be due to County by September 30, 2028. The parties shall work in good faith to execute an amendment to this Agreement, pursuant to section 6.12, to update the number of Covered Units.
(e) Other Remedies. The County and City shall have the right to exercise any and all rights and remedies afforded by this Agreement, law, equity, or otherwise, including obtaining the appointment of a receiver.

6.9 Attorneys Fees and Costs.

In any action brought to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to all costs and expenses of suit, including attorneys' fees. This section shall be interpreted in accordance with California Civil Code Section 1717 and judicial decisions interpreting that statute.

6.10 Recording and Filing.

The County and the City shall cause this Agreement, and all amendments and supplements to it, to be recorded in the Official Records of the County of Marin.

6.11 Governing Law.

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.

6.12 Waiver of Requirements.

Certain requirements of this Agreement may be expressly waived by the County in writing, but no waiver by the County of any requirement of this Agreement shall, or shall be deemed to, extend to or affect any other provision of this Agreement.

6.13 Amendments.

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by all the parties hereto or their successors in title, and duly recorded in the real property records of the County of Marin.

6.14 Notices.

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Any notice requirement set forth herein shall be deemed to be satisfied three (3) days after mailing of the notice first-class United States certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the appropriate party as follows:

City: City of San Rafael
Attn: City Manager
1400 5th Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
With a copy to:

City Attorney’s Office
Attn: Chief Assistant City Attorney
1400 5th Avenue, Suite 202
San Rafael, CA 94901
Copies of notices sent to City shall also be sent to the limited partner of the City if the limited partner has requested such notice and provided the County with its address.

County: County of Marin
Community Development Agency
3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 308
San Rafael, California 94903
Attn: Director AND County Executive

Such addresses may be changed by notice to the other party given in the same manner as provided above.

6.15 Severability.

If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining portions of this Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

6.16 Multiple Originals; Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in multiple originals, each of which is deemed to be an original, and may be signed in counterparts.

Attachment 3
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[THE SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the County and the City have executed this Agreement by duly authorized representatives, all on the date first written above.

CITY: City of San Rafael

PROJECT SPONSOR,
By: ______________________________
Name:

Its: City Manager
COUNTY:

County of Marin, a political subdivision of the State
of California

By: _____________________________________
Name: ___________________________________
Its: ______________________________________
Approved as to Form:

Attachment 3
4925-4703-1413 v2 13

By:

Name: __________________________________
Its:
4925-4703-1413 v2 A-1

EXHIBIT A
Legal Description of Property
Real property in the City of San Rafael, County of Marin, State of California, described as follows:

Parcel B, as shown upon that certain Parcel Map entitled "PARCEL MAP DIVISION OF LANDS OF JACOBSON AND CLAYTON LOTS 1 TO 13 AND 22 TO 31 MAP OF SUBDIVISION "A" GOLF LINKS TRACT (2 MAPS 7), City of San Rafael, California October 1982", filed for record February 9, 1983 in Book 21 of Parcel Maps, at Page 6, Marin County Records.

APN: 179-041-27 and 179-041-28

11/10/2 5, 10:16AM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Re: 350 merrydale project
From molly blauvelt >
Date Tue 11/4/2025 10:00 AM
To Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hello and nice to meet you, Nguyen. Thanks for your kind reply.

I do not plan to be at 11/6 meeting, but definitely at the 11/17 City hall meeting, where I definitely plan to speak up on behalf of our unhoused neighbors and this terrific tiny homes plan!
My friend, Micheal Hooper, also asked me to come to the city hall meeting. I have worked with him before on another project and know him personally a little bit; he's a good guy.

But he told me some disturbing info about the local Las Gallinas sanitary district and how they intend to blockage the project and that all their deferred maintenance at the site and in that neighborhood will now prove extra disastrous and expensive !?! Does the public know abut this? Will this info be shared at the City Hall meeting? The neighbors should know! Molly Blauvelt
On Nov 3, 2025, at 5:43 PM, Nguyen Pham < [email protected] > wrote:

Good evening, Molly!
My name is Nguyen, and I work at the City's Community Services Division. Nice to e-meet you! I truly appreciate your compassion and understanding of how important it is to create a safe and dignified place for our unhoused neighbors to transition toward permanent housing.

Here is the link to the project page: httRs://www.citv.ofsanrafael.org/interim-shelter-site-at-350-merrv.dale-road/. It includes background information, the FAQ, past webinars, and details about the upcoming November 6 Open House public engagement https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoA Sa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC 5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA... 1/2 11/10/25, 10:16 AM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook event (this Thursday).

We also encourage you to attend the City Council meeting on November 17, when the project will be considered. You can find the Council meeting schedule and future agendas here:b.ttPs://www,cjtyofsanrafaeLorg/cjty-coyncil-meetjng~.

If you would like to publicly share your support, you can provide written or verbal comments 12rior to or during the Council meeting. Instructions for submitting public comments are available at:b,ttps://www,cjtv.ofsanrafaeLorgfgY.i.d.e:public-meetjng~.

Your voice makes a real difference in helping our community move forward with compassion and practical solutions. Thank you again for standing with us in support of this effort.

Nguyen Pham, MPA (he/him)
City of San Rafael
From: Molly Blauvelt
Sent: Monday, November 3, 2025 8:47 AM
To: End Homelessness <[email protected]> Subject: 350 merrydale project
I am so hopeful about this project! I have driven by the site and read as much as possible about the project. I understand well, as a resident of Bret Harte who lives next to the campers on Anderson and Mahon creek, the need for this next step and i completely support this tiny homes project. The City's partnership with the County on this essential project is also great to hear about. Best of luck!!
Molly
Mollv Blauvelt
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YllzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGQBgQ3AA... 2/2 11/10/25, 1:22 PM Project at 350 Menydale - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Project at 350 Merrydale
From S. L. >
Date Mon 11/3/2025 5:04 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> I support this project. Please do whatever you can to increase housing. I don't care if it's massive apartments or smaller projects like this.

Do it all. We need it.

Scotty
about:blank 1/1
11/10/25, 1:25 PM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
<In full support>350 Merrydale Interim Shelter
From Ryan
Date Thu 10/30/2025 4:48 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected] > Hello,
I wanted to write in my message of heartfelt and full support of the interim shelter at 350 Merrydale in San Rafael. Please build it and build it fast! Also, consider engaging MarinHealth or Kaiser to help sponsor.

And thank goodness! This site has been vacant for years, what a waste! All this time, we could have put this site to good use but it's been nothing, for no one. And the trash on the street is an eye sore, not to mention the speeding on this street is a hazard. Unhoused people sleep in the creek by the railroad track. Honestly, I don't know what my neighbors are thinking how is a shelter going to be any worse than the current state? It won't.

If California residents want and expect the unhoused crisis to be ameliorated if we really want to address the problem then we need to put up or shut up. We need to have some compassion and do what's right.

I sincerely hope you're getting voices of support rather than the unfortunate NIMBYism I'm hearing about from my neighborhood.

Yours in compassion,
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA... 1/1 11/10/25, 1:25 PM
Outlook
Re: Thumbs UP!
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Thu 10/30/2025 1 :56 PM
Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To Elaine Reichert ; Mary Sackett <[email protected]> Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Elaine - Thanks for taking the time to share your support of this project. It would be great if you could consider attending the San Rafael City Council meeting on 11/17 6pm when this will be voted on by the council (the agenda item will be closer to 6:30). This is a bold idea so having supporters in the room is important.

Warmly,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
�� f'

SAN RAFAEL
�� THE CITY WITH A MISSION Q established1874
From: Elaine Reichert
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 6:31 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Mary Sackett <[email protected]> Subject: Thumbs UP!
Mary and Kate,
I want to express my unconditional support for your purchase of the Merrydale site and the tiny homes community. It was good strategy to do this quietly! Sadly, the usual NIMBY uproar has begun. Hopefully the project will move swiftly to implementation. So many people will get their lives stabilized thanks to this supportive housing and the services that will be onsite.

Good job!
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA 1/2 11/10/25, 1:25 PM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Elaine Reichert
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGQBgQ3AA... 2/2 11/10/25, 1:26 PM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
FW: 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project I New submission from Contact the City Clerk's Office From Brenna Nurmi <[email protected]>
Date Wed 10/29/2025 7:33 AM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Cc Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> For you--
B
From:

Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 7:34 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project I New submission from Contact the City Clerk's Office Name
Cherie Graham
Email
-
350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project
Message
I am a resident of San Rafael fully support the approval of the 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project. Thank you. https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA... 1/1 11/10/25, 4:09 PM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Merrydale
From Michael
Date Fri 10/17/2025 3:50 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Hi - I want to voice my support for the Merrydale project and thank you for your continued efforts to address homelessness in San Rafael. It's nice to see the county and city cooperate like this and for residents to have pathways to improving their living situation at the property seems quite smart. I understand that neighbors will not be happy with this new project nearby but it does seem to be a reasonable location close to transportation and services while not creating further homeless density downtown. Thanks again.

Michael Siminoff
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGQBgQ3AA... 1/1 11/10/25, 4:10 PM
Outlook
Fw: Voice Mail (58 seconds)
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Mon 10/20/2025 9:53 AM
Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To End Homelessness <[email protected]> ® 1 attachment (171 KB)
audio.mp3;
Hi - Also want to forward the supportive voice mails.

Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
~~4"
~ SAN RAFAEL
~~ THE CITY WITH A MISSION ~(JJ established 1874
From: WIRELESS CALLER
Sent: Saturday, October 18, 2025 9:52 AM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Subject: Voice Mail (58 seconds)
oh hello my name is warren somebody put a flyer in my mailbox which is illegal it's a federal crime i think 'cause it didn't have a stamp on it or anything they said you may or may not have received a flyer i'm going to plan homeless shelter tiny home project at 350 marydale this planning has been done in secret and they've sprung it on us at the last minute it's like yeah OK boomer i would say that you guys should go ahead with that project and don't listen to the vocal minority i would rather have homeless people in homes rather than persecuted by the state so thanks very much for caring about the people and common humanity and uplifting our brothers and sisters in mankind and keep on doing with it i'II vote for you again it's no big deal you're strong person and you r convictions are good thanks very much for listening to me https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA... 1/2 11/10/25, 4:10 PM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook You received a voice mail fro~
Thank you for using Transcription! If you don't see a transcript above, it's because the audio quality was not clear enough to transcribe.

Set Ug Voice Mail
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGQBgQ3AA... 2/2 11/10/25, 4:10 PM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Re: How can our church support the initiative to build "tiny homes?" From Bryna Holland
Date Fri 10/24/2025 4:19 PM
To Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Cc Daniel Cooperman <[email protected]> Outstanding. I'll share this information with people who are in support of this initiative. Thanks! On Fri, Oct 24, 2025 at 3:11 PM Nguyen Pham < [email protected].> wrote:

Hello Bryna!
Thank you for chatting with me and Daniel (c/c-ed). I am following up with some information that we talked about.

1. Oct 28th at 6PM Virtual Webinar RSVP via this link
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/community-meeting-350-merrydale-road-interim-shelter-PrQject-scheduled-for-october-28- 2025/

2. Nov 6th at 5PM in-person open house @ location TBD. I will forward the flyer once it's ready.

3. Nov 17 City Council Meeting https://www.citY,ofsanrafael.org/citY,-council-meeting§L (While the agenda is not posted yet, the link will provide you with information on how to participate in public comments)

4. Talking Points: Staff have put together an FAQ page https://www.citv.ofsanrafael.org/350-merrv.dale-freguentlv.-asked-guestions/ you can also watch the Press Conference for additional talking points httP-s://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnyN5ClhN04 Items #2 and #3 will be repeated during the Oct 28th webinar.

Thank you and please stay in touch!
nguyen
From: Bryna Hollan
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 6:50 PM
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA... 1/3 11/10/25, 4:10 PM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To: Lauren Schwartz <[email protected]> Cc: Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: How can our church support the initiative to build "tiny homes?" Thanks Lauren. Hi Nguyen. Happy to chat when you have a few minutes. Thanks, Bryna On Wed, Oct 22, 2025 at 4:43 PM Lauren Schwartz < [email protected],> wrote:

Hi Bryna,
I am connecting you with Nguyen, he is CC'd on this email. He is one of the project managers for this project.

Thank you,
Lauren Schwartz I City of San Rafael
Executive Assistant
City Managers Office
Office 415.485.3056
[email protected]

SAN - RAFAEL

THE CITY WITH A MISSION
From: Bryna Holland
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 4:09 PM
To: Lauren Schwartz <[email protected]> Subject: How can our church support the initiative to build "tiny homes?" Hi Lauren,
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGQBgQ3AA.. . 2/3 11/10/25, 4:10 PM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook When Trever Burgan and I met recently with Mayor Colin, she mentioned we could support her in efforts to build tiny homes.

I read the Marin IJ article today, and noted the controversy around the proposal. When you have a moment, please let me know in what ways Trever and I can support this important initiative.

Best wishes, Bryna Holland
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGQBgQ3AA... 3/3 11/10/25, 4:11 PM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Tiny homes community
From Barbara
Date Fri 10/24/2025 7:38 PM
To End Homelessness < [email protected]> I'm in favor of this idea.

Barb
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA... 1/1 11/10/25, 4:11 PM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Eric left voicemail in support of interim shelter project From Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Date Fri 10/24/2025 8:12 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA... 1/1 11/10/25, 4:12 PM
Outlook
Website FAQs
From Zosia Zawacki ~>
Date Tue 10/28/2025 7:47 PM
Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Hi,
Thank you for the presentation and Q&A tonight about the site on Merrydale.

I wanted to bring attention to the website FAQs because I heard it mentioned tonight and also by the Mayor at the homelessness subcommittee meeting that the website has a lot of information and FAQs and has recently been updated. I sent questions in last year that were addressed on the website (thank you) and there was a long list at the time. Now, there are only 5 questions/answers on the community FAQ page and I wonder if there is a missing link or the list was inadvertently truncated. htt12s://www.cityofsanrafael.org/community~uestions about homelessness/ I continue to be impressed by the city's efforts and professionalism.

Thanks,
Zosia
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA... 1/1 11/10/25, 4:12 PM
Outlook
Re: Thumbs UP!
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Thu 10/30/2025 1 :56 PM
Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To Elaine Reichert >; Mary Sackett <[email protected]> Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Elaine - Thanks for taking the time to share your support of this project. It would be great if you could consider attending the San Rafael City Council meeting on 11/17 6pm when this will be voted on by the council (the agenda item will be closer to 6:30). This is a bold idea so having supporters in the room is important.

Warmly,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
~~f'
~ SAN RAFAEL
~~ THE CITY WITH A MISSION ~({JJ established1874
From: Elaine Reichert
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 6:31 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Mary Sackett <[email protected]> Subject: Thumbs UP!
Mary and Kate,
I want to express my unconditional support for your purchase of the Merrydale site and the tiny homes community. It was good strategy to do this quietly! Sadly, the usual NIMBY uproar has begun. Hopefully the project will move swiftly to implementation. So many people will get their lives stabilized thanks to this supportive housing and the services that will be onsite.

Good job!
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA... 1/2 Elaine Reichert
- outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YllzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA... 2/2 11/10/25, 4:13 PM Supportive of Interim Shelter Project - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
<In full support>350 Merrydale Interim Shelter
From Ryan
Date Thu 10/30/2025 4:48 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Hello,
I wanted to write in my message of heartfelt and full support of the interim shelter at 350 Merrydale in San Rafael. Please build it and build it fast! Also, consider engaging MarinHealth or Kaiser to help sponsor.

I sincerely hope you're getting voices of support rather than the unfortunate NIMBYism I'm hearing about from my neighborhood.

Yours in compassion,
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGQBgQ3AA... 1/1 11/10/25, 4:37 PM
Outlook
FW: New submission from Contact City Council
From Info <[email protected]>
Date Mon 11/10/2025 4:34 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> From:

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 9:14 AM
lnbox - Nguyen Pham - OuUook
To: Info <[email protected]>; Open Data <[email protected]> Subject: New submission from Contact City Council
Name
Laura Stivers
Email
Subject
Terra Linda Housing for Homeless
Message
San Rafael City Council.

I know you have been getting a lot of push back on this project but I want to register my support for it. I work at and teach on the topic of housing and homelessness. This is an important housing proposal to address homelessness and the lack of affordable housing in Marin. Thank you for the work you do.

Laura Stivers
Address (optional)
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABmaCjegAA 1/2 11/10/25, 4:37 PM
United States
MaP-..11
lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABmaCjegAA 2/2 11/12/25, 2:19 PM
Outlook
Re: Merrydale Homeless Shelter
From Rachel Kertz < [email protected] >
Date Wed 11/12/2025 11 :55 AM
To Suzie Dads >
Re: Merrydale Homeless Shelter - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Suzie,
Thank you for your message. Appreciate your feedback.

Best,
Rachel
Rachel Kertz
Councilmember City of San Rafael
Connect with me! 415-299-7008 cell
~ Image
Follow us: Facebook I Twitter I lnstagram
From: Suzie Dads
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 11:15:21 AM
To: Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>
Subject: Merrydale Homeless Shelter
Good morning,
I am writing in FULL support of the proposed shelter on Merrydale.

The building has been empty for EONS and it's high time a new dedicated space for unhoused people is developed.

It's close to transport, to shops and it needs to be used.

I live less than a mile away and would absolutely welcome such a venue. about:blank 1/2
11/12/25, 2:19 PM Re: Merrydale Homeless Shelter - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Suzie Dods
about blank 2/2
Feedback From Community Engagement Session with Sanctioned Encampment Residents 11.12.2025
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11/10/25, 11 :06 AM 350 Menydale driveway faces my back fence - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
350 Merrydale driveway faces my back fence
From Jennifer Wallace
Date Mon 11/10/2025 11 :03 AM
To [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; End Homelessness <[email protected]> Hello,
My name is Jennifer Wallace and I am writing to ask you to vote no on the 350 Merrydale site for the homeless encampment. As context, my home backs up to Merrydale, my back fence faces the Merrydale building and is directly infront of the Merrydale driveway. I will be impacted directly by this project.

My ask of you to vote no on this stems from
-the big disconnect we're seeing between the Utopian view being presented in your plans for this 'managed encampment' vs. the reality of what exists today through 'managed sites' like the one on Mahone and the Anderson site -the huge gap in the City and County's ability to manage this program successfully, again as is evidenced by the state of current encampments and gap in policing and managing the gray zone behind the storage unit on Merrydale -lack of trust you have engendered from our community based on how you have undertaken getting this program through and gaps in your planning
1) My neighbors and I have spoken with multiple San Rafael PD officers who said that at night, at both sites, you can shine a flashlight around and see hundreds of glowing eyes, from rats, staring back at you. This indicates poor site management. They also have commented about the reality of the drug trafficking and lack of community standards enforcement in the encampment. I spoke with the contractor whom you have engaged to manage this site and he said "because the buildings on the site will be hard-sided we *should* be able to manage that better, but you know, you can't really ever be on top of rats once they get out of control so we'll do our best but...you know ... ". 2) People who work in the Bio-Marin building have shared directly that, from their office windows, they look out to see people having sex and doing drugs DAILY in the bushes around the encampment. The restrictions of living in the encampment push community members to go outside of the supervised boundaries to do this stuff elsewhere. This means, in the context of my neighborhood, these activities will spill out near us, including directly behind my home. I don't feel safe knowing that could be so close to me. My 92-year old neighbor Miss Geri with a direct view over her back fence to the Merrydale property also doesn't feel safe with that behind her fence. The parents who live next to me on the other side, Kai and Rachel, with baby Maeve, are feeling the same. Kim, whose fence backs up to the walkway by the storage unit about:blank 1/3
11/10/25, 11:06AM 350 Merrydale driveway faces my back fence - Nguyen Pham - Outlook already has some homeless folks hanging out behind her fence, including one lady masturbating and doing drugs last week. We have five childcare facilities in the immediate vicinity plus a bus stop, and countless families in the neighborhood. You're seriously recommending bringing the potential for this behavior closer to us?
3) The 'gray zone' I believe it is called, of the area around the storage facility and Merrydale site-Caltrans owns that, but doesn't maintain it.

The San Rafael PD doesn't police it (or at least enough) because we have homeless living back there, there is tons of litter and dumping. I don't feel safe walking on that path to the farmer's market. If you bring in more homeless, and they want to skirt the community living standards policies, they'll do so outside of the fenced area and do it around this 'gray zone' and along the Merrydale creek-which is next to my fence.
4) I had to ask MULTIPLE times at the trade show both meeting at the JCC if there is a no drugs, no alcohol, no guns policy included in the community standards. All I got back was some blank stares, a few sheepish smiles and shrugged shoulders. That response, to not know or not have that included, this far into the development of this project, indicates to me that these regulations are, at best, an afterthought. These should have been bedrock, foundational standards included in the community standards policy for the benefit of everyone-the tenants AND our community. This seriously erodes your credibility as project managers who can implement this program in a way that will have minimal impacts to our community. We are clear-eyed about the tremendous challenges those in the homeless population face, the increased incidents of crime that is bringing into our neighborhood and very clear eyed about your collective lack of ability to implement and manage this in a way that can make it successful for our community, based on how you have rolled this out so far and the huge gaps we're seeing in your planning, anticipation of issues post-opening and ideas for how to manage it all ongoing.

I could continue with more on this list. The common thematic running through these items is that there is a huge disconnect between what you are trying to sell as the vision and what reality will be based on current evidence of needs, issues, and ability to manage this successfully.

What it all comes down to is that you have a population who, while not all of them are druggies and alcoholics and such, that population does have a statistically higher percentage of folks dealing with issues that makes our community much less safe. It's exceedingly reasonable to not want to have to add those issues to the stack of what you have already piled on our neighborhood-the SMART train noise, no soundwall along the freeway (they stopped construction south of us years ago because they didn't think to extend the sound study this far north-a few hundred feet from where they ended it...) so the freeway noise reaches more than 90 DB in the mornings and evenings. Now you want to add another challenge to our neighborhood that could materially change what we have all worked so hard to build-a place that is safe, stable, connected, enjoyable. Despite all of the assurances that all will be fine, with the massive gaps we're seeing in data, in how honest and transparent and engaging you have all been through this process, with the gap between utopia and the reality of life at the current encampments, with the answers you all still don't have-the stakes are too high for our safety, stability and comfort to trust this and I urge you to vote no.

Respectfully,
Jennifer Wallace, Homeowner
about:blank 2/3
11/10/25, 11:06AM 350 Merrydale driveway faces my back fence - Nguyen Pham - Outlook about:blank 3/3
11/10/25, 4:21 PM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Outlook
Re: 350 Merrydale
From Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Date Sat 11/8/2025 12:10 AM
To Theresa Brady
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hello Theresa:

My name is Nguyen from the City's Community Services Division. Nice to e-meet you! The sites are listed on the below FAQ page. You can quickly navigate to the list by scrolling down to the "Why this site" section. httP-s:l/www.cityofsanrafael.org/350-merrydale-freguently-asked-guestions/ Thank you and have a restful weekend!
Nguyen
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Theresa Brady
Sent: Friday, November 7, 2025 11:42 PM
To: End Homelessness <[email protected]> Subject: 350 Merrydale
Hello,
At the October 28 virtual meeting about 350 Merrydale, your staff promised to share the 20 other properties considered for the shelter project on the city website. Please point me to this information.

Thank you,
Theresa Brady
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/MkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABmVCQ3AM 1/1 11/10/25, 4:21 PM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Outlook
Re: Questions about 350 Merrydale and SMART Pathway
From Rachel Zwillinger
Date Thu 11/6/2025 8:28 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Cc Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]> Hi all. Thanks for the good discussion tonight about the 350 Merrydale Project. I had an opportunity to ask my questions about the SMART Pathway, and received answers to most of them.

The answers leave me concerned that the SMART Pathway--and particularly the isolated segment between Los Ranchitos and the Civic Center Station--will become an attractive area for residents in the new facility to congregate or hang out in a manner that will make it feel less safe for neighbors. I am hoping there is openness to modifying the Good Neighbor Policy to proactively address this issue.

Can we please add a provision to the Good Neighbor Policy that clearly prohibits loitering or hanging out on or next to the SMART pathway?
Thanks for considering this request. I would really appreciate a response regarding whether the City is willing to add such a provision to the policy.

Thank you for your efforts to make this project work for both the residents and the surrounding neighborhood.

Rachel
On Wed, Oct 29, 2025 at 9:41 AM Rachel Zwillinger wrote:

I attended last night's webinar on the 350 Merrydale Project and really appreciate the informative presentation and candid answers to questions. The focus on answering community questions and responding to feedback is refreshing.

I was unable to stay until the end of the meeting, and apologize if these questions were answered, but I would really like to have additional clarity about expectations for the SMART Pathway. I jogged past the site this morning, and there is currently a trail that leads directly from 350 Merrydale to the Civic Center Station and SMART Pathway. https:/loutlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/MkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABl%2BVTBQAA 1/2 11/10/25, 4:21 PM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
I would be grateful for answers to the following questions:
(1) What are the rules in City Code or elsewhere regarding camping along the SMART Pathway? (2) What are the rules regarding loitering along the SMART Pathway in City Code, the Good Neighbor Policy, or elsewhere? (3) Who is responsible for patrolling the Pathway--particularly the section between Los Ranchitos and Civic Center Station that is not visible from the road? It's not clear to me if this will be a SMART, City code enforcement, or police function. (4) Is there a plan for patrol frequency? My understanding is that patrols are currently very limited because SMART only has a few code enforcement staff for the entire system.

Many thanks for helping me and other community members understand what to expect as this project develops.

Rachel
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABl%2BVTBQAA 2/2 11/10/25, 4:38 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Re: 350 Merrydale
From Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Date Mon 10/13/2025 8:51 PM
To Ashley Frost
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hello Ashley,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. I want to clarify a few points about today's outreach and the broader community engagement process.

Our team began distributing informational flyers today, October 13, as part of the City's initial outreach effort for the proposed interim shelter project at 350 Merrydale Road. Due to the rain, outreach concluded around 1:00 p.m. today, and only a portion of the neighborhood was reached. Additional outreach will continue in the coming days to ensure all nearby residents and businesses receive information about the project.

Community input is very important to the City and County. In the coming weeks and months, the City will host public meetings to share updates, listen to feedback, and answer questions from residents and stakeholders. We will announce the dates, times, and locations of these meetings soon and will ensure that the San Rafael Meadows residents are informed.

In the meantime, you're welcome to share your comments or questions directly by replying to this email or writing to [email protected]
Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Nguyen P. (he/him)
City Manager's Office
From: Ashley Frost
Sent: Monday, October 13, 2025 8:37 PM
https:/loullook.office365.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABiMZiQwAA 1/2 11/10/25, 4:38 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To: End Homelessness <[email protected]> Subject: 350 Merrydale Encampment
Hello,
My neighbor recently received a flyer announcing the building of "homes" at the address in the subject line. First, I'm curious why only certain people in the neighborhood even received this info? Secondly, and more importantly when was the community consulted about bringing these homeless people into our spaces.

I'd like to know where and who to submit our absolute rejection, as a community, to this. You are placing these people in a community of children and hardworking families. Every person in the Rafael Meadows area will protest this glorified encampment. Please take note. We will not be quiet letting this happen to our neighborhood.

Ashley Frost
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAMHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABiMZiQwAA 2/2 11/10/25, 4:41 PM
Outlook
Follow up on Tuesday's commitments
From Maryellen Mullin Fong
Date Thu 10/30/2025 9:31 PM
350 MerT)'dale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook >
To Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Sackett, Mary <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate < [email protected] >; End Homelessness <[email protected] > Cc >;
Dear Mayor Colin, Ms. Bushey, Mr. Cooperman, and Ms. Sackett, During Tuesday's recorded and highly controlled Zoom meeting, each of you assured the community that the list of the 20 proposed sites would be disclosed and made public by today, Thursday. As of now, these sites are still not listed in the FAQs for 350 Merrydale.

In addition, we requested that the Code of Conduct be shared and defined, as it remains unclear what this refers t~yet it was repeatedly mentioned throughout the Zoom call. This is public information, and withholding it only deepens community concerns about transparency.

We also continue to request the crime statistics from the current encampments. Many neighbors and mothers have asked for this data, yet it was again deferred by the Lieutenant during the meeting.

Frankly, our community is growing weary of elected officials holding closed door discussions and limiting public access to essential information. These decisions affect all of us, and we expect open communication, not secrecy.

Until transparency and accountability are restored, you no longer have my vote or trust.

Respectfully,
Maryellen Mullin Fong
-
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABk3JMoAAA 1/2 11/10/25, 4:41 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook https://oullook.office365.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABk3JMoAAA 2/2 11/10/25, 4:41 PM
Outlook
Re: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments
From Maryellen Mullin Fong
Date Mon 11/3/2025 12:50 PM
To Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Cc Betty Shea ; Maribeth BusheY, <maribeth.bushev(ci)citvofsanrafael.ora>: Marv Sackett <Marv.Sackett(ci)marincountv.gov>; End Home ess s <en o e s ne s . cI vofsanrafael.ora> >; Erica E. Larsen
Dear Mayor Colin,
Thank you for your response. However, the information I requested still does NOT appear in the City's FAQs - specifically regarding safety, sex offenders, or crime statistics. These are central issues for our community, and continuing to defer to the FAQ without addressing these questions directly is unacceptable.

Additionally, your reference to my professional background is inappropriate. If you are suggesting that my expertise as a licensed clinical psychotherapist could be of service to the City, you may formally contract and compensate me for that work. I have over twenty years of professional experience, and it is deeply disrespectful - and frankly insulting - to imply that I should volunteer that expertise while my own family's safety is being jeopardized by your administration's decisions.

I again ask that you provide direct, transparent answers to the specific safety and crime related concerns raised by myself and others in the community.

Res pectfu I ly,
Maryellen Mullin Fong, LMFT
https:/loullook.office365.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABIWQaMgAA 1/8 11/10/25, 4:41 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Maryellen Mullin Fong
On Mon, Nov 3, 2025 at 11:03AM Mayor Kate <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Maryellen and all cc'd on this email - Thank you for your continued engagement. I understand your concerns and agree that safety and transparency are essential as we move forward. The questions you and others have raised are being addressed through the City's FAQ so that everyone has access to the same, accurate information. This approach ensures consistency and improves transparency by sharing updates publicly rather than responding to individual emails.

I see from your signature line that you're a family therapist, and your perspective will be valuable in the upcoming discussions around the Good Neighbor Policy and Code of Conduct, which are focused on ensuring safety, accountability, and mutual respect. So thank you again for your advocacy and commitment to our community.

Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
https:/loullook.office365.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABIWQaMgAA 2/8 11/10/25, 4:41 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook

SAN RAFAEL

THE CITY WITH A MISSION
established 1874
From: Maryellen Mullin Fong
Sent: Saturday, November 1, 2025 9:33 AM
To: Mayor Kat • • ...,,........,.......,........,...., > Cc: Betty Shea Maribeth Bushey <marjbeth,[email protected] • judith allen
Subject: Re: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments
Dear Mayor Kate,
My questions are not being addressed anywhere in your emails, or on your FAQs:
1) When will the Code of Conduct be on the FAQ?
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/id/AAl<ALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABIWQaMgAA 3/8 11/10/25, 4:41 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook 2) When will the 20 sites be listed, as promised on the zoom meeting by Daniel Cooperman on the FAQ? 3) When will crime stats of the current encampment be released? We are all reading the police reports that do get released, and most crime takes place near the current encampment on Andersen. We want to know how many registered and unregistered sex offenders you plan to move into our neighborhood, near our daycares and around our children. The fact that you are not answering, makes us assume, you are hiding these facts.

You are not working with us, and until you answer our questions, I do NOT believe you take my safety, the safety our our most vulnerable , our children, and our elderly in this community, seriously.

Respectfully,
Maryellen Mullin Fong
https:/loullook.office365.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABIWQaMgAA 418 11/10/25, 4:41 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook On Fri, Oct 31, 2025 at 2:36 PM Mayor Kate <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Maryellen and Betty - Thank you both for continuing to stay engaged and for sharing your thoughts. I know how closely you've been following this process, and I appreciate the time and care you've taken to raise questions and share feedback.

Staff are continuing to update the FAQ page as new information becomes available, and your input helps ensure that the community's concerns are reflected in those updates.

Warm regards,
Kate Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABIWQaMgAA 5/8 11/10/25, 4:41 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook

SAN RAFAEL

THE CITY WITH A MISSION
established 1874
From: Betty Shea
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 11:39 PM
To: Maryellen Mullin Fong<
Cc: Maribeth Bushey <marjbeth,[email protected],>; Mary Sackett <M.arv.,Sackett@marjncounty~g~>; Mayor Kate Well said!! I hope they get it!
Betty
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/id/AAl<ALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABIWQaMgAA ; judith allen
6/8
11/10/25, 4:41 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook On Oct 30, 2025, at 9:31 PM, Maryellen Mullin Fong <[email protected] > wrote:

Dear Mayor Colin, Ms. Bushey, Mr. Cooperman, and Ms. Sackett, During Tuesday's recorded and highly controlled Zoom meeting, each of you assured the community that the list of the 20 proposed sites would be disclosed and made public by today, Thursday. As of now, these sites are still not listed in the FAQs for 350 Merrydale.

In addition, we requested that the Code of Conduct be shared and defined, as it remains unclear what this refers to-yet it was repeatedly mentioned throughout the Zoom call. This is public information, and withholding it only deepens community concerns about transparency.

We also continue to request the crime statistics from the current encampments. Many neighbors and mothers have asked for this data, yet it was again deferred by the Lieutenant during the meeting.

Frankly, our community is growing weary of elected officials holding closed-door discussions and limiting public access to essential information. These decisions affect all of us, and we expect open communication, not secrecy.

Until transparency and accountability are restored, you no longer have my vote or trust.

Respectfully,
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABIWQaMgAA 7/8 11/10/25, 4:41 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Maryellen Mullin Fong
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABIWQaMgAA 8/8 11/10/25, 4:42 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Merrydale
From Ninette Arana
Date Tue 10/14/2025 10:03 AM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> I hope this emai l finds you well. I am a resident of San Rafael Meadows and got a flyer that there is intended housing on Merrydale road.

While fully understanding the importance of providing safe and stable housing for those in need, I would like to express some concerns and seek clarification. Specifically, i would appreciate more information about:
-The type of housing being planned ( temporary shelter, transitional housing or permanent supportive housing) -Security measures
- How community members will be informed and involved ongoing discussions and updates (approval process) -Steps being taken to address potential impacts local safety, traffic and property values Our community values compassion and responsible planning. I would appreciate the opportunity to attend and publ ic meetings or receive additional information for these plans.

Sincerely,
Ninette Arana
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/1 11/10/25, 4:42 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Urgent - 350 Merrydale Rd, Tiny Housing Project
From Giovanna Dudley
Date Tue 10/14/2025 1:28 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Cc [email protected] <[email protected]>; Micah Hinkle <[email protected]>; Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]> Dear Mr. Cooperman,
I am a homeowner and resident of the Rafael Meadows neighborhood, writing regarding the proposed tiny home site at 350 Merrydale Road. While I understand and respect the city's efforts to provide housing and services for unhoused residents, my wife and I have serious concerns about this proposal and how it will impact our community. Not one resident of Rafael Meadows is happy about this proposed program and many residents take it as a slap in the face. This is a clean, safe neighborhood of retirees and families with young children, it is not a place to insert a homeless encampment that needs 24/7 security. The fact that it needs 24/7 security is an immediate red flag. This facility needs security from the occupants you are moving in, not from the existing residents in the neighborhood. However, once they leave that facility they are stepping straight into our neighborhood, which doesn't have 24/7 security. I work a job where my hours are 6PM-4AM and safety is a priority during that time for my wife and two small children (ages 1 and 3).

Injecting a homeless housing site into our neighborhood does not give me any confidence the city is looking out for the safety of my family or my neighborhood. If anything I take it as a sign of disrespect and disregard for our community. My wife and I bought a house in this neighborhood for over $1 million dollars, to have a sense of community, safety, and peace. We would have never bought in this neighborhood, nor would any of our neighbors if we knew what is now being proposed. There are multiple glaring issues with this proposal which I will continue to address in this email:

1. Lack of Community Engagement
• Many residents first learned of this proposal through flyers or word of mouth. As tax-paying citizens who have invested in this community, we believe it is essential that neighbors have an opportunity to participate in discussions about projects that directly affect our safety, property values, and quality of life.

2. Neighborhood Context and Suitability
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/3 11/10/25, 4:42 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham- Outlook • Rafael Meadows is a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood with retirees, young families, childcare and eldercare facilities nearby. Residents value the safety, stability, and character of this area. Placing a large transitional housing facility here would significantly alter the nature of our neighborhood and introduce challenges that do not currently exist.

3. Location Concerns
• If the goal is to help unhoused individuals regain stability, location is critical. This site is isolated from key services that support long-term success, such as public transportation, employment opportunities, addiction rehabilitation, and most importantly behavioral and mental health resources. Sites closer to downtown San Rafael, where these services already exist, would likely provide better outcomes for participants.

4. Public Safety and Property Impact
• The flyer references 24/7 security and management, which raises concerns about potential safety issues that may arise. Our community currently experiences low crime and high safety, and residents are concerned that this facility could change that dynamic. Additionally, this project may have unintended effects on local property values, discouraging long-term homeowners and families from staying in the area. My family would never have bought a 1.2 million dollar home blocks from a tiny home site.

5. Shared Goals, Different Approach
• We recognize and support the city's commitment to addressing homelessness and promoting compassionate solutions. However, we strongly believe this proposal requires broader community input and consideration of alternative locations that take into consideration the needs of both unhoused residents and existing neighborhoods.

Furthermore, from my personal and professional experience working in these types of housing sites, I know residents often have substance abuse and mental health problems, which affect their ability to hold a permanent residence, a permanent job, to follow the law, and to be productive members of society. These residents are often moved to these housing sites from off the street. As you stated in the flyer these people are coming straight from encampments which were previously located in parks, creeks, and sidewalks. I do not see how moving the homeless problem from various locations throughout the city of San Rafael to our small isolated neighborhood makes any sense for anyone involved (residents, or homeless population) ..

I also know residents of these types of housing sites often steal from each other, assault each other, and go outside into the immediate community to commit crimes and loiter. I strongly believe there will be no exception for this housing site and the residents will be outside loitering at the liquor stores, on the main streets, as well as littering the walkway around the Smart Train tracks and surrounding neighborhoods. Not only that, but there is literally nowhere for these residents to go except through our neighborhood. There is only one way in and one way out of this location. This is not a location suitable for this type of housing, and I think it is pretty clear to see. This housing is against everything this small neighborhood stands for and you are sending a strong message that the city is prioritizing the homeless issue over the tax paying residents and the safety of the neighborhood.

I also went on the Megan's Law website and observed there are O registered sex offenders in our neighborhood, nor anywhere close. In my experience I know that homeless sex offenders can and often reside in encampments and homeless shelters. What are the requisites to obtain residency in this https://outlook.office365.corn/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YllzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/3 11/10/25, 4:42 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook program? Are there any? You see how these issues are a huge concern to multiple families in the neighborhood with small children and how they should and never were addressed.

Request
We respectfully ask that the city:
• Pause this proposal until residents of Rafael Meadows have been fully consulted. • Host a public meeting to allow community members to ask questions and share feedback. • Consider alternative sites that are closer to necessary services and more appropriate for this type of project.

Thank you for your time and immediate attention to this matter. Our community takes pride in maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming neighborhood, and we hope to collaborate with the city to find a solution that benefits all residents of San Rafael, not makes them regretful, worried, and upset.

Sincerely,
Daniel and Giovanna Dudley
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 3/3 11/10/25, 4:55 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Notice - public comment?
From
Date Tue 10/14/2025 2:45 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Hi Daniel,
We received this notice. I'm very concerned this project has not been opened for public comment. Will there be a forum to discuss? Does the city own this land or planning to own?
Will the development at Mahon Creek Path remain? Or will this site replace it? Also, sounds like these plan to be tents of some sort?
One initial observation- the location is next to a path where young students walk/bike to school under the freeway to avoid crossing the train tracks. I need to understand the safety measures the city has thought through with the plan in mind.

All in all I'm disappointed this notice feels like the public is being told what's happening versus open for discussion/commentary. Please let me know if/when the public will be able to weigh in.

Thank you
Carter
-
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/3 11/10/25, 4:55 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - N guyen Pham - Outlook WE MISSED YOU!
We stopped by to share
some news about a new
project in our
neighborhood.

What this means for our
neighborhood:
• Fewer unmanaged
encampments in parks, creeks,
The City of San Rafael and Marin
County are creating a managed tiny
home site at 350 Merrydale Road.

This site is designed to help people
already living unsheltered in San
Rafael find safety, stability, and a
pathway to permanent housing.

It will be a temporary program with
a fixed number of units l65),
focused only on San Rafael
and sidewalks
• A safer, more stable
residents who are currently
https://outlook.office365.com/ma·I1AAM • '1..17. unsheltered. By 2029, the propert 1 kAGRINWZmM m RL.: • I WM2NJltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1M Au •• ~ - ~ ...-...~~~ A • g AAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXA QDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA ... 2/3 11/10/25, 4:55 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook enva o
and security
• Cleaner streets and public
spaces
• Support for long-term .
affordable housing that wall be
built on this site in the future
erns?
nrafael.org
WI .:: .--up--- •
permanent affordable housing.
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Merrydale Project
From Jessica Harris >
Date Wed 10/15/2025 2:01 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> My neighbors and I are disappointed about the lack of transparency regarding the proposed project on Merrydale road. The flyer lacked any concrete information to put current residents at ease.

Will there be 24/7 security?
Will the residents be allowed to have substances?
Will the surrounding areas be patrolled to keep new encampments from popping up behind our fences? Will there have onsite facilities?
If the project is temporary- why not use those funds to begin a permanent location that's more sustainable and suitably located? As of now- the neighborhood isn't on board or confident.

We look forward to having some clarity.

Thank you!
Jess H.
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Outlook
FW: 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project
From Brenna Nurmi <[email protected]>
Date Mon 10/20/2025 3:36 PM
To Rob Epstein <[email protected]>
350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Cc Cristine Alilovich <[email protected]>; John Stefanski <[email protected]>; Angela Robinson Pinon <[email protected] >; Andrea Visveshwara <[email protected] >; Lindsay Lara < [email protected] >; End Homelessness <[email protected] > Good Afternoon Mayor & Councilmembers,
Please see correspondence below relating to 350 Merrydale.

Thank you,
Brenna
From: Kim Wik
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2025 3:15 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project
Good evening, Council. My name is Kim Wik, and I live a I am here to ask for a brief pause and a face-to-face roundtable with the directly impacted neighborhoods before any votes.

I am here to state how this proposed project 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project will impact me and my fellow neighbors. My home is situated directly behind 350 Merrydale. I recently did a remodel on my home on the intent to stay long-term. The deck that I built stares directly eye to eye with 350 Merrydale. The city of San Rafael one day decided to cut down some trees directly behind my fence which has opened up the view into my home. In the last 8 years I have had to call the authorities numerous times for people playing loud music, dumping trash, consuming alcohol or doing drugs, along with ranting and screaming. My privacy and safety are already greatly affected and with this new project I am concerned of what might happen in the future for myself and my neighbors. https:/loullook.office365.com/mail/id/MkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABkrckDAAA 1/2 11/10/25, 4:58 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook If the proposed site is approved would it be possible that the entrance be on the frontage road. This would mitigate some of my concerns. I am interested in learning more about the proposed site details and how it will be managed.

I appreciate your time on hearing my concerns for myself and neighbors of the Rafael Meadows.

Kim Wik
Kim E Wik
"Joy is the simplest form of gratitude." - Karl Barth
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Request for in-person roundtable with impacted neighborhoods before November votes From Christina Schiffner Santschi
Date Mon 10/20/2025 1:11 PM
To Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; End Homelessness < End [email protected] >; mary.sackett@mari ncou nty.gov < mary.sackett@mari ncou nty.gov> Dear elected officials,
My name is Christina Schiffner Santschi, and I live on
impacted by the tiny homes project proposed on Merrydale. in the San Rafael Meadows. My neighborhood will be directly I am writing to request a brief pause and a face-to-face roundtable with the directly impacted neighborhoods before any votes.

Much of this work appears to have happened in closed sessions. The spirit of the Brown Act is public trust. Please bring any actions out of closed session into open session and publish a clear timeline including whether a purchase agreement or escrow exists.

Regarding operations, before occupancy, we need a public plan for sanitation, daytime services, security, overflow, and ADA/transit access. This includes information on capacity, eligibility, and whether these units are temporary or permanent.

Our neighborhood is already impacted by unhoused individuals walking through to the train path; there is increased litter, harassment of neighbors walking the neighborhood, and human waste and drug paraphernalia on Merrydale. This proposal will bring increased traffic to our area, and we have heard no details about safety, security, and cleanliness of the impacted neighborhoods.

I am also requesting equitable communication. Please provide bilingual (Spanish/English) notices and direct outreach to the Merrydale apartments and condos, and include adjacent neighborhoods.

We ask you to evaluate alternatives already suggested and, if this site proceeds, commit to mitigations (lighting, cleanup cadence, a community hotline, and scheduled check-ins). https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:02 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook I work for a nonprofit that assists unhoused individuals, and I am in support of humane solutions to homelessness. However, we need a transparent process that includes the people living in neighborhoods most affected by the proposed housing project.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Christina Schiffner Santschi
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Tiny Homes
From
Date Mon 10/20/2025 1:17 PM
To Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; End Homelessness < End [email protected] >
Hi folks:

I attended Rafael Meadows, (HOA) meeting yesterday at Gaspari's Pizza.

I attended with a predisposition to support the Tiny Homes project.

Homelessness is a difficult problem to deal with/eradicate. Any project that provides shelter for the homeless is worth scrutiny in my opinion.

I think San Rafael and the County are missing an opportunity in not actively recruiting the support of the local community. Doing so could prove both an asset to "Tiny Homes" and serve as a template for future projects.

BUT, local government has chosen to spring this project on the local community and seems to want to rush through the approval process. While the Oct. 16th article in the IJ (Adrian Rodriguez) was upbeat, it seemed short on details that neighbors might wish to know about. Most of us had not even heard about this project until this article was published.

I respectfully suggest that local government meet with a committee from the Meadows (being created) for a discussion of their concerns and questions, as well as a detailed description of the project and what can be expected in terms of impacts. This might mean a slight delay in the government's approval schedule, but result in the community coming out to in strong support. If that were to happen (this was not a NIMBY meeting), it would serve as a template for future projects as well as garner some positive PR. https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:02 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Bernie Samet
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Re: Say No to the Merrydale Project
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Mon 10/20/2025 1 :27 PM
To David Buccheri
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Mr. Buccheri -Thank you for reaching out and sharing your input regarding the proposed interim housing project on Merrydale Road.

I've included the appropriate City staff on this response so your comments can be added to the public record and you have a good staff contact for any additional questions.

You can find detailed information about the project on the City's FAQ page, which includes answers to questions about who would qualify to live in the village and how the program will operate: htt12s://www.cityofsanrafael.org/merrydale-interim-housing:Qroject/ Regards,
Kate Colin
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
s 4ffh SAN RAFAEL
4,50 THE CITY WITH A MISSION
.Li 1' ~ established 1874
~=
From: David Buccheri
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2025 12:09 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Subject: Say No to the Merrydale Project
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:03 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Mayor Kate,
I am opposed to the Tiny Homes Merrydale Project being planned. It's the wrong place to move these folks to and how many of these homeless people are going to be displaced during such a project? A better solution is needed.

David Buccheri
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Request for In-Person Community Meeting on Oct. 28th
From Maryellen Mull in Fong
Date Mon 10/20/2025 2:14 PM
To Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; End Homelessness <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey < [email protected] >; Micah Hinkle < [email protected] > Dear Elected City Representatives:

We appreciated that Mary Sackett attended our San Rafael Meadows community gathering at Gaspare's yesterday afternoon.

As a community member of San Rafael Meadows neighborhood, homeowner, taxpayer and voter, will result in an IN PERSON Community Meeting on October 28th from 6-7:30pm.

As a homeowner, a mother, and having had years of my professional career in social services, supporting at-risk families, I know the only way to build consensus and find community solutions are to LISTEN and provide LISTENING opportunities to ALL INVOLVED.

Many of the residents on Merrydale, and a few in San Rafael Meadows, our neighbors, are Spanish speaking, so interpretation services for the meeting would be appropriate, and also, going forward, translation services in Spanish, for any printed /written information on the City's behalf.

Thank you for considering our concerns.

Kindly,
Maryellen
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FW: Tomorrow City Hall Meeting: 350 Merrydale
From Brenna Nurmi <[email protected]>
Date Mon 10/20/2025 4:09 PM
To Rob Epstein <[email protected]>
Cc Cristine Alilovich <[email protected]>; John Stefanski <[email protected]>; Angela Robinson Pinon <[email protected] >; Andrea Visveshwara <[email protected] >; Lindsay Lara < [email protected] >; End Homelessness <[email protected] > Good Afternoon Mayor & Councilmembers,
Please see correspondence below relating to 350 Merrydale.

Thank you,
Brenna
-----Oriqinal Messaqe-----
From:

Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2025 10:30 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected] > Subject: Tomorrow City Hall Meeting: 350 Merrydale
Hello our community would like the address the council regarding the 350 Merrydale proposal.

There has been zero community involvement and this has not followed a normal process. We need to understand how we got here today and lack of transparency & secrecy throughout. This needs to be discussed in person, not over zoom.

Thank you,
Carter
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FW: This meeting is not about the Community
From Betty Shea
Date Tue 10/28/ 2025 7:53 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Cc [email protected] <[email protected]> Hi Daniel,
Apologies for the number of emails - this seems to be the only channel the City has provided for communication (so much for building trust and open communication ).

You have to understand the level of frustration we're all feeling about the City's decision, which seems to have been made based on "best value" and "flat land." It's extremely disappointing - and frankly, disrespectful - that Mayor Kate Collin didn't take the time to attend the webinar. Her absence sent a clear message about where we rank in terms of priorities.

What's even more troubling is that there appear to be far more security and safety measures in place for the encampment than for our own neighborhood. Despite those risks, the City of San Rafael has still chosen to bring this threat directly into our community.

We have NEVER needed regular police patrol through our neighborhood in the 30 years that I have lived here with my family My question was not addressed tonight:

1. How would you personally feel if a homeless encampment were relocated just 0.2 miles from your home? Do you believe that would be a fair or appropriate decision for your neighborhood? Please make sure that Mayor Kate scrolls down and considers my question above.

Thank you!
Betty Shea
From: Betty Shea
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 7:20 PM
To: End Homelessness <[email protected]> Subject: FW: This meeting is not about the Community
Importance: High
Daniel,
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/3 11/10/25, 5:04 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham- Outlook Come on Daniel, the city is giving the pets more consideration than our children in the neighborhood!! So this is not a sober living situation and it's very possible that we may have a drunk, high or mentally ill person walking freely through our neighborhood.

You don't have any demands on these people, but you expect us to just accept this change in our SAFE living situation!! THIS IS CRAZY and NEEDS TO BE REAVALUATED!
Betty Shea
From: Betty Shea
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 7:10 PM
To: End Homelessness <endhomelessness@_myofsanrafaeLorg> Subject: FW: This meeting is not about the Community
Importance: High
Daniel,
Sorry, this just confirms that we will have homeless walking around our family-oriented neighborhood where children play and elderly walk, how can you do this to our community?
We will be walking over homeless to support our neighborhood market! SO UNFAIR!!
Betty Shea
From: Betty Shea
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 6:35 PM
To: End Homelessness <[email protected]> Subject: FW: This meeting is not about the Community
Importance: High
Daniel,
We have never before needed this level of security in our neighborhood, yet the City's current plan is putting our community in a potentially unsafe situation. What will happen to the unhoused residents who decide to not stay in the designated homeless camp zone? It seems inevitable that they will end up in our surrounding streets. What security measures will be provided to protect our neighborhood? This meeting has been extremely frustrating. While we fully support efforts to help homeless individuals rebuild their lives, it is not fair to place this burden disproportionately on our small community. We respectfully request a list of the other 20 sites that were considered before our neighborhood was selected.
https://outlook.office365.corn/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YllzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/3 11/10/25, 5:04 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook We ask that you please reconsider this decision. We deeply value every human life and support compassion-driven solutions to homelessness, but we also deserve to maintain the safety and quality of life we have worked hard to build. Our residents already contribute significantly through taxes toward addressing homelessness-please don't place additional strain on our community.

Betty
Betty Shea
From: Betty Shea
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 6:18 PM
To: End Homelessness <[email protected]> Subject: This meeting is not about the Community
Daniel,
Can you please just answer our questions instead of painting this ridiculous picture!! We are super offended by this entire meeting!!
Betty
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Questions about 350 Merrydale and SMART Pathway
From Rachel Zwillinger
Date Wed 10/29/2025 9:41 AM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Cc Rachel Kertz < [email protected] >
I attended last night's webinar on the 350 Merrydale Project and really appreciate the informative presentation and candid answers to questions. The focus on answering community questions and responding to feedback is refreshing.

I would be grateful for answers to the following questions:
(1) What are the rules in City Code or elsewhere regarding camping along the SMART Pathway? (2) What are the rules regarding loitering along the SMART Pathway in City Code, the Good Neighbor Policy, or elsewhere? (3) Who is responsible for patrolling the Pathway--particularly the section between Los Ranchitos and Civic Center Station that is not visible from the road? It's not clear to me if this will be a SMART, City code enforcement, or police function. (4) Is there a plan for patrol frequency? My understanding is that patrols are currently very limited because SMART only has a few code enforcement staff for the entire system.

Many thanks for helping me and other community members understand what to expect as this project develops.

Rachel
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Re: Deep Concern Over Merrydale Tiny Home Project and Lack of Transparency From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Wed 10/29/2025 11 :13 AM
To >; Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Mr. Markman - Thank you for following up and for sharing your concerns. I understand how strongly you and other neighbors feel about this project, and I want to assure you that community input does matter which is why we're holding both the virtual and in-person opportunities to connect. In addition, community emails are part of the public record and shared with the Council and city staff so this email thread is part of that important input.

The webinar last night was the first opportunity for everyone to hear directly from City and County staff about how the site will be managed, secured, and supported. The next opportunity will be the in-person Open House on Wednesday, November 6, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Osher Marin JCC (200 N. San Pedro Road). Residents will be able to meet directly with staff and service providers, ask questions, and share feedback in person.

You can find more information and sign up for updates on the City's project page here: www.cityofsanrafael.org/350merryda1e.

I just checked and the link to the webinar isn't posted yet but it will be. If you've signed up for updates on the project, you'll know when it's been posted.

I also want to acknowledge your comment about receiving a "pre-canned response." We know this topic is deeply personal and emotional for many neighbors, and while we strive to respond consistently so everyone has access to the same information, our goal is never to sound impersonal. We truly value hearing directly from residents and want to keep the dialogue open as this project moves forward.

We also recognize that Terra Linda residents are feeling the impact of many new projects, and we're committed to listening and addressing those concerns as this one moves forward.

The City of San Rafael will ultimately own the site and is responsible for overseeing the project and the City will continue to work closely with the County of Marin, which will serve as the lead agency for providing all case management and wraparound services. I hope you'll be able to attend the November 6th event as it's designed specifically for the kind of discussion and two-way conversation you're asking for. https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/4 11/10/25, 5:06 PM
Best,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
C Jffh SAN RAFAEL
-f//!!f§lfl THE CITY WITH A MISSION
~C.,1,1 established 1874
From:

Sent: Monday, October 27, 202510:42 PM
350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Nguyen Pham <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Deep Concern Over Merrydale Tiny Home Project and Lack of Transparency Hello Mayor Colin and Nguyen
So this is moving forward regardless of community members thoughts? We have no say on it being built. Am I correct?
And you have no thoughts regarding my points in my email? Just a pre canned response.

Regards, Matt
On Oct 27, 2025, at 10:08 PM, Nguyen Pham < [email protected]> wrote:

Hello Matthew:

My name is Nguyen, and I joined the City's Community Services Division this summer. Nice toe-meet you. I wanted to provide some information that you may be interested in regarding the 350 Merrydale Road Interim Shelter Project.

The City and County will host a virtual Community Meeting on October 28 (Tomorrow) at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please join us to learn about how the site will be safely managed, staffed, and secured; how this effort builds on the success of the downtown https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/4 11/10/25, 5:06 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Sanctioned Camping Area; and how both agencies will maintain neighborhood safety, security, and cleanliness. You can register for the webinar HERE
We will also host an in-person Open House on November 6 for residents to meet with staff and service providers and learn more about the 350 Merrydale Rd. Interim Shelter Project. The location (of the Nov 6 event) will be shared soon via our City newsletters, social media channels, and at the October 28 webinar.

Sign up to receive email updates about the City's homelessness initiatives, including the 350 Merrydale Road interim shelter project. You will receive an email notification whenever the City posts an update to the website. Subscribe here. Our latest newsletter edition can be found here.

Thank you again for reaching out and sharing your perspective. We truly value community input and look forward to continued dialogue as this project moves forward.

Nguyen Pham (he/him), MPA
Analyst I City of San Rafael
Community Services Division
From:

Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 9:52 PM
To: Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; End Homelessness <[email protected]>
Subject: Deep Concern Over Merrydale Tiny Home Project and Lack of Transparency Dear Mayor Colin and San Rafael City Council,
I am a Terra Linda resident, a father of two young children, and someone who voted for this council trusting you would represent all of San Rafael fairly and transparently. I'm writing to express serious concern over the proposed tiny home project at 350 Merrydale Road and the broader concentration of housing development in our neighborhood.

While homelessness is a devastating crisis and deserves compassionate solutions, moving downtown's challenges into the Terra Linda area without meaningful public input is not thoughtful planning. It feels https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 3/4 11/10/25, 5:06 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook like an effort to shift downtown's challenges into our residential neighborhood The lack of transparency until now has eroded my trust in our local government.

North San Rafael is already facing a heavy concentration of new housing being built: the Northgate Town Square redevelopment will add 1,422 units, including 142 affordable units, and the proposed 555 Northgate Drive project would add 200 apartments, 80% for low-income households. The Terra Linda area has already done its share for affordable housing - it's time for other parts of Marin to take responsibility rather than concentrating every new initiative here.

We hope this can be resolved collaboratively. If this were Sausalito, the community might have already retained legal counsel. We raise our concerns in good faith and hope that step won't be necessary. I respectfully urge you to pause the Merrydale plan and engage in a transparent, community-driven dialogue before proceeding.

Respectfully, Matthew Markman
Terra Linda Resident
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Re: 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Wed 10/29/2025 11 :18 AM
To Tom Van Pelt
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > HI Mr. Van Pelt - Thank you for your email and my apologies for the delayed response. I wanted to make sure you had the most up-to-date information about opportunities to learn more and engage with the project.

The virtual webinar was held on October 28 so that as many people as possible could attend and have access to the same information. A recording of that meeting will be posted soon on the City's project page here and you can also sign up to receive updates:
www.citY,ofsanrafael.or@:(3SOmerrydale.

We also heard clearly from neighbors who wanted an in-person opportunity for discussion, so the City is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, November 6, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Osher Marin JCC (200 N. San Pedro Road). Residents will be able to meet directly with staff and service providers to ask questions and share feedback.

All community emails on this topic are part of the public record and are shared with the City Council and staff, so I appreciate you taking the time to provide your input. I understand that this topic has raised frustration and concern among many neighbors, and I want to assure you that transparency and communication are very important to us.

Thank you again for reaching out.

Best,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:06 PM
ii~ 4f~ SAN RAFAEL
-if/J!!f§lfl THE CITY WITH A MISSION
.Lii,U/ established 1874 ~ -
From: Tom Van Pelt
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2025 2:59 PM
Subject: 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project
Dear Mayor Colin, Councilmembers, and City Staff,
350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook As a resident/property owner of neighborhood of San Rafael I respectfully but firmly request the October 28th meeting regarding the 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project to be held in person.

A Zoom presentation without in-person community involvement is not acceptable. Our community has been failed by our elected officials. We are a community of hardworking, taxpaying citizens who voted many of you into your positions because we believed you to be the best voice for our interests.

Your civic duty is not being upheld with closed door dealings and secretive planning. To reiterate, the October 28th Zoom regarding the "Merrydale Interim Shelter Project" must be offered in person and via web, with a translator for our Spanish speaking residents to include all citizens and truly bring this discussion to the table for the first time.

Respectfully,
Tom Van Pelt
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/2 11/10/25, 5:07 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
FW: Proposed tiny home dump on our neighborhood
From City Manager's Office <[email protected] > Date Wed 10/29/2025 11 :31 AM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Lauren Schwartz I City of San Rafael
Executive Assistant
City Managers Office
Office 415.485.3056
[email protected]
-----Original Messaqe-----
From: Jeanne Mann
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 11 :21 AM
To: City Manager's Office <[email protected] > Subject: Proposed tiny home dump on our neighborhood
I'm writing in disgust at the flagrant abuse of the good faith of people who live in this well established residential neighborhood.

First, we are dumped on with multi-story, high density housing at the Northgate Mall site, a project that will upend the peace and quiet of our neighborhood for years during the construction, and add to congestion, traffic and parking issues ongoing.

That project morphed into a behemoth of relative high rises in a neighborhood of mostly single family homes or two-storey residential homes, thus changing the character of the entire area and adding to our population exponentially.

Now, adding insult to injury, you propose dumping tiny homes for homeless people in our area, too. Of course, this is just a prelude, you say, to permanent housing to be built - whenever.

Enough! We have suffered along with the homeless problem for years. We still see filthy campsites around our neighborhood. We still see https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:07 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook wandering people under the influence of drugs or alcohol while our young people are going to and from school.

There are other areas in San Rafael where the homeless population can be better served and housed. For example, on Anderson by Sprouts.

Downtown San Rafael has services available and stores for food and other necessary items.

The only neighborhood that keeps getting dumped on for all the ugly, invasive and huge changes in the character and desirability of the neighborhood is ours. I think we have shouldered our fair share of the housing burden several times over already.

I hope you get massive pushback from the community about this additional effort to turn our neighborhood into the low income/homeless dumping ground of San Rafael. I hear from my neighbors already that they are angry and disgusted by this abuse of our good nature.

I doubt you will listen to us; listening doesn't seem to be a strong suit when it comes to such issues. You are making San Rafael a place to be from, not a place to go to, and after 35 years of living here and seeing the changes, I know what I'm talking about.

In disgust, Jeanne Mann
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/2 11/10/25, 5:08 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Re: Proposed Homeless shelter project 350 Merrydale Road From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Wed 10/29/2025 12:39 PM
To >; End Homelessness <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey Cc Carl Tregner >; Jennifer Wright
Hi Lisa - Thank you for taking the time to write and share your thoughtful letter. I can tell from your message that you care deeply about our community and also about doing what's right for people experiencing homelessness. I truly appreciate that balance of compassion and concern as it's exactly the kind of dialogue that helps shape our collective approach.

I also want to assure you that I am committed to ensuring this project will have no negative effect on the surrounding neighborhood. The interim shelter at 350 Merrydale Road is designed to be a safe, well-managed, and fully supported site that will help reduce unsheltered homelessness while maintaining the stability and character of nearby residential areas. If you haven't already, I encourage you to read through the info on the city's webpage that includes FAQs. You can also sign up to receive updates: httRs://www.citv.ofsanrafael.org/interimshelter-site-at-350-merr:v.dale-road/ Last night the city held a virtual community meeting which will be posted soon if you wanted to watch it. In addition, the City will be hosting an in-person Open House on Wednesday, November 6, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Osher Marin JCC (200 N. San Pedro Road). This event will allow residents to meet directly with City and County staff, service providers, and safety partners to ask questions and learn more about how the site will operate.

All community emails on this topic are part of the public record and shared with the City Council and staff, so thank you again for adding your voice to the conversation.

Warmly,
Kate
P.s. I removed Supervisor Sackett's email from the thread as she is at the County and not the city. In case you want to include her on future emails, she can be reached at [email protected] https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/3 11/10/25, 5:08 PM
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
s 4{~ SAN RAFAEL
-ff/!§,0 THE CITY WITH A MISSION
.i_t,1 established 1874
From: lisa tregner >
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 2:45 PM
350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; End Homelessness <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]> Cc: Carl Tregner >; Jennifer Wright
Subject: Proposed Homeless shelter project 350 Merrydale Road October 28,2025
San Rafael City Council
1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
My name is Lisa, and I have been a resident of San Rafael for over forty years and have seen our city grow and change in many ways, which has not always been positive or helpful to Marin County residents. I'm writing to express my concern about the proposal to place a homeless shelter in or near our neighborhood.

Please know that my concern does not come from a lack of compassion. I fully support efforts to provide housing and resources for those in need. However, I believe this particular location is not suitable for such a facility.

Our neighborhood is a quiet, family-oriented community with many seniors and young families. Children often ride their bikes or walk to school here. and parents feel comfortable letting them do so because of the safety and calm we've enjoyed for years.

Introducing a high-traffic facility like a shelter could change that feeling of safety and make parents more hesitant to let their children move freely around the neighborhood.

In addition,..Many of us walk daily, and we value the peaceful environment we've built tog~ https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YllzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGSIL8HAA... 2/3 11/10/25, 5:08 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham- Outlook There are also concerns about declining property values and the potential loss of the stability that long-time residents depend on. At our age, peace of mind and security mean everything.

I believe San Rafael should continue to support the homeless community - but in a location better suited to provide access to transportation, medical care, and social services. A small residential neighborhood is simply not designed for that purpose.

I respectfully urge the City Council to reconsider this proposed location and to work with the community to find a site that serves everyone's best interests.

Thank you for your time, understanding, and commitment to keeping San Rafael a safe and welcoming city for all.

Sincerely,
Lisa Tregner
Long-time San Rafael Resident
https://outlook.office365.corn/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YllzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09AAGSIL8HAA... 3/3 11/10/25, 5:25 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Re: Homelessness
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Wed 10/29/2025 1 :39 PM
To saar harel
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Saar - Thanks for reaching out and for taking the time to share your thoughts. I understand your frustration and share your desire to see real, measurable progress in addressing homelessness. It's a complex issue, and we all want approaches that create real change for both those in need and the broader community.

The 350 Merrydale project is exactly that kind of innovative step forward. It's not a traditional shelter but a supported interim housing village as it's developed in partnership with the County of Marin and endorsed by the State's Housing and Community Development Department as a best-practice model for transitioning people from encampments into stable housing. Each cabin provides privacy, safety, and dignity, paired with on-site services and case management to help residents rebuild their lives.

And while it can feel like we're not making progress, Marin County has made tremendous strides. More than 1,000 chronically homeless residents - the hardest to house - have been successfully housed, and 95% have remained housed. Those are remarkable results. The County is also on track to end veteran homelessness this year, a milestone few regions in California have reached. You can see the latest data and outcomes here: htt12s://hhs.marincounty.:gov/divisions/homelessness-and-coordinated-care/see-current-data The Merrydale project builds on that success by creating a safe, supported place for people currently living in encampments to stabilize while permanent housing continues to come online. This model has worked in other California communities, and I'm confident it will here too.

Thank you again for engaging. I truly believe we all want the same thing-a compassionate, effective, and community-centered approach that helps people move forward and keeps San Rafael safe and welcoming for everyone.

Warmly,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/3 11/10/25, 5:25 PM
m Jffh SAN RAFAEL
-,f/!!§ft THE CITY WITH A MISSION
..LOU established 1874
From: saar harel
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 12:17 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Subject: Homelessness
Hello Mayor,
I hope your week is going well there.
350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook My neighbors have told me that we are opening up a homeless shelter in Terra Linda. 65 tiny homes at the cost of 8 million just for the land.

We also have the sanctioned homeless camping area with tents in the industrial zone.

Which after a year has only managed to house 8 people .

My wife sat on the call and asked why citizens were blindsided and she was told it was because we would have issues.

Then she asked why not find a location where costs are not so high and was told she should have empathy and compassion.

I am really struggling to follow the logic in Marin.

We have a jail, San Quentin which houses 3100 non Marin prisoners on the best real estate in the bay.

We have a tent city in an industrial zone.

We will now have tiny home settlement on 8 million USD land.

Now, don't get me wrong.

If this was delivering results. I'd take it.

But I looked up.

The PIT report says in 2017 we had 1,117 people experiencing homelessness https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/3 11/10/25, 5:25 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook The PIT report says in 2024 we have 1,090 persons experiencing homelessness in Marin County
All this spending. After we added the Coordinated Entry system in 2017 and all we can show is 27 people less after 7 years.

Might be time for something new.

There is an article in the NYtimes for a new solution in Utah.

I know it is supported by the person who we don't name but it has logic and is not the same thing that has not seemed to work over the past 7 years.

Well, thank you for reading this and enjoy the week.
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 3/3 11/10/25, 5:25 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Re: 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Wed 10/29/2025 1 :45 PM
To Tom Van Pelt
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Mr. Van Pelt - Thanks for following up and for taking the time to attend the virtual meeting - I appreciate how engaged you and your neighbors have been.

I wasn't able to join live, but I've since watched the full webinar and am continuing to stay closely involved in this process. I share your interest in getting clear, detailed answers to the many questions raised, and I've asked staff and the County to ensure those responses are posted publicly so everyone has access to the same information. I've included the 'endhomelessness' email on this response so your concerns are part of the public record and you can also email them directly with additional questions.

The upcoming November 6 in-person meeting at the JCC will be another important opportunity for residents to share input and hear updates directly from County and City staff. I encourage you to keep the questions coming and the more specific and constructive they are, the better we can make sure they're addressed on behalf of the community.

Thanks again for staying engaged.

Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
~~4"
~ SAN RAFAEL
~~ THE CITY WITH A MISSION ~(JJ established 1874
From: Tom Van Pelt
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 11:30 AM
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/4 11/10/25, 5:25 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project
Mayor Colin,
350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Thank you for getting back to me. I was able to attend last night's virtual meeting with 200 of my neighbors.

I am sure that I won't be the first to tell you that the meeting did not alleviate our collective concerns - which are many and varied.

It seems you were unable to join yesterday's meeting.

I would strongly encourage you to engage with us personally on this Project, including at the November 6th meeting next week at the JCC.

I remain very concerned that the City is trying to fast track this Project without meaningful engagement with the San Rafael residents who will be most impacted.

Sincerely,
Tom Van Pelt
On Wed, Oct 29, 2025 at 11 :18AM Mayor Kate <[email protected],> wrote:

HI Mr. Van Pelt - Thank you for your email and my apologies for the delayed response. I wanted to make sure you had the most up-to-date information about opportunities to learn more and engage with the project.

We also heard clearly from neighbors who wanted an in-person opportunity for discussion, so the City is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, November 6, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Osher Marin JCC {200 N. San Pedro Road). Residents will be able to meet directly with staff and service providers to ask questions and share feedback.

Thank you again for reaching out.
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/4 11/10/25, 5:25 PM
Best,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
•
~'" 4f~ SAN RAFAEL
l
'fl!!f§'lil THE CITY WITH A MISSION
a,(J) established 1874 ~ ~',II
From: Tom Van Pelt
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2025 2:59 PM
Subject: 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project
Dear Mayor Colin, Councilmembers, and City Staff,
350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook As a resident/property owner of neighborhood of San Rafael I respectfully but firmly request the October 28th meeting regarding the 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project to be held in person.

A Zoom presentation without in-person community involvement is not acceptable. Our community has been failed by our elected officials.

We are a community of hardworking, taxpaying citizens who voted many of you into your positions because we believed you to be the best voice for our interests.

Respectfully,
Tom Van Pelt
I
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 3/4 11/10/25, 5:25 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Tom Van Pelt
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 4/4 11/10/25, 5:26 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
350 Merrydale
From Helen Young
Date Wed 10/29/2025 10:48 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Hello,
What were the alternative 20 site locations considered? It was mentioned on the Zoom call that the list would be posted today but it's not there.

Thanks,
Helen Young
San Rafael resident
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/1 11/10/25, 5:26 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Concerns Post 10/28 Webinar
From Astrid
Date Thu 10/30/2025 2:44 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Good after Daniel,
Thank you for sharing additional information at Tuesday's webinar.

I was disappointed that the questions felt pre-selected and looked like answers were being read from a script.

Many important questions re: available data for sexual assault, domestic violence, and general assault were not being answered. I work from home, am home alone a lot, and have two children under 14 - I am concerned. And I know you would be too if you were part of this community.

What I found most disturbing - the response to the questions around participants that are either kicked out of the program or decide to leave.

A very hands off response stating that they are adults and will move - essentially stating it's a free world. Yes, yes it is. But in our neighborhood, with aging facilities, assisted senior housing, child care centers - this is not the location for these adults to be roaming around.

I ask that this project be delayed and a new location be found - one away from family-centered neighborhoods.

I look forward to a receipt of this email.

Astrid Zometa
Resident of the Meadows in San Rafael
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/1 11/10/25, 5:27 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
350 MERRYDALE zoom meeting
From Dan Dudley
Date Thu 10/30/2025 2:59 PM
To Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; [email protected] < [email protected]>; End Homelessness <[email protected]>; Micah Hinkle < [email protected] > Hello,
Mayor especially, I know you are probably sick of hearing from people regarding this issue. Unfortunately this issue is making people in the surrounding Merrydale neighborhood sick as well. This issue is already affecting peoples sleep, family lives, and productivity at work. People are legitimately worried and concerned about the project, and questions are not being answered by the local government which creates an uneasy feeling for the community. I have not followed your career trajectory or your current staffs prior projects, but I feel as though this project is being handled very poorly.

For one, members of your staff at both meetings I have witnessed regarding this issue address the fact that the surrounding community and their input and feelings are important and will be considered. The community has overwhelmingly been telling your staff to pause, because numerous questions and concerns are being risen about the project and location of the project.

Some residents were generally curious about the project and wanted to know more information, some residents were against the project for various reasons, and some residents were optimistic about the project. However, with the way this has been handled the no's are still a no, the maybes are now a no, and the optimistic have become an I really don't know. Residents in the surrounding area are gradually finding out about this project and resentment towards the city counsel is growing, not fading.

The zoom meeting which occurred a couple of nights ago was even more eye opening and appalling. All of the neighbors I have spoken with regarding 350 Merrydale feel worse about the project every time the city releases more information. The questions people want answers to are skirted around and commonly steered in another direction. For example there was a very direct question about crime in the area of the existing encampments compared to crime currently in the Merrydale area ... The question was addressed by a lieutenant of police with the answer of crime is down in the Mahon area from what it used to be ... what is that? That wasn't the question. How much crime was there? Because there is obviously still crime there and in the surrounding areas. There are numerous examples like this I could address.

I'm not really sure what the city is missing on this issue in regards to public opinion, but it sinks lower and lower by the day. Did you know https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:27 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook that people in the surrounding area are still uninformed about the project? I honestly don't think you care about public perception or the feelings of the community at this point.

Being appointed to mayor you were chosen by the people to serve and help the people. I hope you aren't completely detached from reality and can see that the same people who elected you and put their trust in you are repeatedly asking you to reconsider this project location.

I know the money is allocated for this project and it needs to be used. No one is trying to stop this project, but the location is not optimal for a variety of reasons.
-proximity to a neighborhood residents of the proposed site will have to traverse -proximity to numerous daycare facilities
-proximity to numerous elderly care facilities
-distance to public transportation and downtown resources -crime being brought to a neighborhood, that has very low crime -mental instability and criminal history of residents brought to an area with young children and the elderly If you don't take away anything else away from this email, I just want to say the issue from the majority of people I have spoken with in the surrounding area is not with homeless people themselves, residents understand they need care and an extra boost to get on their feet.

But to many the safety and security issues that will be brought to the neighborhood are an unnecessary risk for the families, children, and elderly in the current area.

I know your administration realizes this is an issue because of the frequency of medical and police calls to the current Mahon and Anderson site.

I could go on for days about this issue, but in the interest of everyone's time, I will go about my day.

Thank you
A concerned San Rafael citizen
Sent from my iPhone
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/2 11/10/25, 5:27 PM
Outlook
Follow up on Tuesday's commitments
From Maryellen Mullin Fong
Date Thu 10/30/2025 9:31 PM
350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Sackett, Mary <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate < [email protected] >; End Homelessness <[email protected] > Cc
Dear Mayor Colin, Ms. Bushey, Mr. Cooperman, and Ms. Sackett, During Tuesday's recorded and highly controlled Zoom meeting, each of you assured the community that the list of the 20 proposed sites would be disclosed and made public by today, Thursday. As of now, these sites are still not listed in the FAQs for 350 Merrydale.

We also continue to request the crime statistics from the current encampments. Many neighbors and mothers have asked for this data, yet it was again deferred by the Lieutenant during the meeting.

Until transparency and accountability are restored, you no longer have my vote or trust.

Res pectfu I ly,
Maryellen Mullin Fong
-
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:27 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/2 11/10/25, 5:28 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Tiny Homes - 350 Merrydale Rd.

From Rick Swanson
Date Fri 10/31/2025 12:58 PM
To Maribeth Bushey < [email protected] >; [email protected] < [email protected]>; Mayor Kate < [email protected] >; End Homelessness <[email protected] >; [email protected] < [email protected]> Dear Mayor Colin; Ms. Sackett; Ms. Bushey, Mr. Cooperman and Marin County Board of Supervisors:

I am writing to your regarding the Tiny Home proposal at 350 Merrydale. As a long time resident of San Rafael Meadows. My grandparents were original owners and we have had 4 generations living in this neighborhood. San Rafael is supposed to be "The City with a Mission" and I feel that the City has failed the residents of this neighborhood and surrounding areas.

We were blindsided with the proposal. Brochures were given to a few homes but most of the residents found out via NextDoor after the fact. This entire process has been done in secretly with absolutely no input from surrounding neighbors. It appears that you do not represent the people who voted you into office, you obviously have some other political motivation which is disgusting.

We should have been informed at the beginning of the process so that we could have taken an active part from the start.

The zoom meeting on 10/28 was supposed to be informative, only easy questions were answered with many of the more important questions being ignored. This was a controlled zoom call with many of the speakers unprepared, passing on important questions and just unprofessional. We were told that the list of 20 sites that were looked at for the project would be published on your website. As of this morning I can not locate it.

This is a community with many young children playing in the neighborhood, seniors walking the neighborhood and statistics regarding crime from current encampments went unanswered.

If the proposal of 65 Tiny Homes was recommended in YOUR neighborhood how would you feel? I urge you to postpone the vote or find another area.

Sincerely,
Rick and Teri Swanson
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/1 11/10/25, 5:28 PM
Outlook
Re: 350 Merrydale Road CHALLENGE
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Fri 10/31/2025 2:35 PM
350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <man et . us ey@c1tyo sanra ae .org>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]> Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Janice - Thank you for taking the time to write and for sharing your perspective after so many years in Rafael Meadows. I can tell how much you care about your neighborhood and understand that many residents are feeling uneasy and even frightened about what this project might mean for the area.

The Council and staff are familiar with the site and the surrounding community but appreciate you highlighting the aspects that you want to be sure are recognized. Your input is important and I've included the appropriate staff email on this response, so your comments are part of the public dialogue.

Warm regards,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
~~~
~ SAN RAFAEL
~ THE CITY WITH A MISSION ~(JJ established 1874
From:

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2025 11:17 AM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/3 11/10/25, 5:28 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Bushey <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]> Subject: 350 Merrydale Road CHALLENGE
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I have lived in Rafael Meadows for over 41 years now. I worked to now retired and my husband and I were hoping to continue living in our won Office for 30 of those years. I am
m our retirement.
350 Merrydale Road, San Rafael, is the selected site to house 65 people in Tiny Homes. It is on your agenda for a vote of approval on November 17. Besides the strong request from the our community to delay this vote, I personally have a challenge for each of you. I know some of you were there on October 15th celebrating your vision of housing for the homeless. But ...

MY CHALLENGE TO EACH OF YOU:

Drop by 350 Merrydale Road, park your vehicle and take a short walk in any direction. Come by yourself, as a group, incognito, or with a friend. We're just on the other side of the freeway. By the way, how was the parking? Northbound: You will have to go on a one- to three-foot wide dirt path with tall weeds to go under the freeway to get to Civic Center Drive or get to the train. This "pathway" has been slated to become a Safe Schools route to the east side of US 101 for children to get to school. So now what happens with the children?
Eastbound and slightly south: Cyclone fences.

Southbound on Merrydale or veer over to Redwood Highway: Apartments, businesses, The Vincent (senior-assisted living), restaurants, a gas station and finally a bus stop.

Westbound: Rafael Meadows. A neighborhood of 200 homes that was built like a racetrack with only two vehicle entrances. We do not have sidewalks but there is little traffic because it is a contained neighborhood. It is a very safe place to walk and allow children to play in the street. Rafael Meadows still retains much of its 1950's charm. Each of our homes has a porch to enjoy. We have many neighborhood activities throughout the year: Easter Egg hunt, Ice Cream Social, Summer BBQ, and Holiday Party with Santa and a hors~riven carriage to the delight of both children and adults. And, of course, Halloween is very popular. We welcome children from outside our neighborhood because it is a flat area and very safe to trick or treat.

As we were told the other night at the San Rafael City Council webinar, this Tiny Homes project is simply for housing. It is not going to be a "safe living environment" where the use of drugs and alcohol are cause for removal. Alcoholics and addicts need some type of restraint or they will continue using. And if they are not allowed to use .Q!1 the property, we are so frightful that their habits and behavior will spill over into our neighborhood.

Feel free to respond to me once you've completed my challenge. I think you need to see upfront why Rafael Meadows is so frightened. https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YllzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/3 11/10/25, 5:28 PM
Sincerely,
Janice Hughes
350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 3/3 11/10/25, 5:29 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Re: 350 Merrydale Drive Project
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Fri 10/31/2025 2:46 PM
To Emily van Nierop Keats
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Emily - Thank you for taking the time to write and share your concerns. I completely understand how being blindsided by this project doesn't feel good, and I appreciate the thoughtful way you've expressed your questions.

The goal of the 350 Merrydale proposal is to provide temporary interim cabins with onsite support services in a structured and accountable setting. This approach gives people a safe place to stabilize while also ensuring clear behavioral expectations and 24/7 staffing.

Regarding housing distribution, San Rafael has a state-approved Housing Element - a plan required by state law - that identifies sites throughout the city for all types of housing: market-rate, workforce, affordable, and supportive. Terra Linda is one part of that citywide strategy, but not the only focus.

I've also heard concerns about transit and student safety. The City doesn't control school bus service, but the schools continual coordinate closely with Marin Transit, which already serves residents across San Rafael. And like all the bus routes managed by Marin Transit, they are committed to ensuring routes and stops near Merrydale remain safe and well managed.

We'll continue updating the online FAQ with answers to questions like yours, and there's an in-person open house on November 6 from 5 - 7pm at the JCC where you can speak directly with staff and service providers. I've added the appropriate staff email to this thread so that your questions and concerns can be part of the public record and included in the FAQs.

Thank you again for staying engaged and sharing your perspective.

Warmly,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/3 11/10/25, 5:29 PM
Mayor, City of San Rafael
m Jffh SAN RAFAEL
-flJ!!§A THE CITY WITH A MISSION
..I..OIJ established 1874
From: Emily van Nierop Keats
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 6:25 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Subject: 350 Merrydale Drive Project
Hi Kate,
350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook I am a resident of Terra Linda and I wanted to reach out and express my concerns about the 350 Merrydale Drive Project. I appreciate your efforts to tackle this difficult issue, but I feel blindsided by how this project was suddenly presented to the community, with no opportunity for our input or any room for compromises.

The character and access to public transportation of downtown San Rafael is clearly distinguishable from Terra Linda. Moving 65 unhoused individuals from the Mahon Creek encampment may change the nature of our small neighborhood, but that doesn't mean I completely oppose the project. My neighbors and I would be more willing to embrace this project if the process were more collaborative, offered concrete answers to our concerns and offered more transparency.

For example, I'm curious why more low income housing is being slated for our small neighborhood when we are already planning to add many low income units into the neighborhood with the Northgate Mall revitalization. Is the proportion of this kind of housing in TL proportionate to the amount being built in other towns within our county? If not why? I'm also curious if the town will offer school buses again for middle school students? From what I understand the public bus system is now being utilized by middle schoolers since there are no district provided school busses. Given last nights conversatin it's apparent that the residents of these tiny homes will relly on the public transit system. Can a more rigorous vetting process be provided for applicants given access to this location and can a more concrete plan for supporting them to be successful with any mental illness or substance abuse needs be put in place other than just a voluntary check in system? It seems irresponsible for a community to have a city-created sitution (no school busses) and no plan for how to keep minors safe given the inevitable interaction the residents and our minors will have. How can we address this issue without taking away needed funds that our schools need? These are the types of compromises and discussions the neighborhood expected to have, and deserves. https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/3 11/10/25, 5:29 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook I strongly urge you to host a public comment period for this project so those of us in the community with questions can feel a part of this process.

Thank you for your time.

Emily
Emily Keats
https://outlook.office365.corn/mail/MMkAGRJNWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzllY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9MGSIL8HM... 3/3 11/10/25, 5:30 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Re: New Interim Shelter Site at 350 Merrydale
From Daniel Cooperman < [email protected] > Date Fri 10/31/2025 3:04 PM
To Fl Flooring & Design
Cc Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Hi Mr. and Mrs. Ozbek,
Thank you for taking the time to email your concerns. And we certainly understand your concerns and frustration. Your comments are added to the public record and will be shared with the city council. I do want to invite you to the in-person community meeting we are holding next week on November 6th from 5-7pm. Below, I am including details for the meeting. This is an opportunity for constituents to be able engage and have any questions and concerns.

SESION INFORMATIVA

COMUNTTARIA

REFUGIO PROVISIONAL DE
350 MERRYDALE RD
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Daniel Cooperman I City of San Rafael
Community Services Division Director
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/3 11/10/25, 5:30 PM
1400 sth Avenue, Room 203
San Rafael, CA 94901
415.256.5565
[email protected]_

SAN RAFAEL

THE CITY WITH A MISSION
From: Fl Flooring & Design
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 9:29 AM
350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To: Daniel Cooperman <[email protected]> Cc: Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Subject: New Interim Shelter Site at 350 Merrydale
Good afternoon Mr. Cooperman,
Wishing this email finds you well. This is Monica and Hikmet Ozbek, owners of Fl FLOORING & DESIGN located at 3767 Redwood Hwy. - San Rafael, CA 94903.

Mr. Nguyen Pham visited us days ago to let us know about the City plans to purchase an abandoned property located at 350 Merrydale Road, just down road from our business with the purpose to build a transitional housing for homeless people.

Although the purpose of this plan might be good, we, as well as other business owners and residents in the area, are not happy with this unilateral decision from the city. Even more, we are concerned about the security of our businesses. In the last couple of weeks, the amount of homeless people wandering around have increased, with some of them coming inside our showroom more than once scaring our clients away. These plans should have been consulted with all the parties affected by them: residents and business owners. This is not a light subject where the city gets to decide and just inform us about it when it is obvious than the consequences are not going to be good for us.

The flyers "explaining" this decision, express that this "will bring more business" to us, but we don't think that is very accurate when the people we see around are not typical clients for mostly all the business in this area (flooring store, painting, window, and pool services, etc.).
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/3 11/10/25, 5:30 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook We respectfully ask the city to reconsider this decision and relocate this project to a better place where residents and businesses can't be affected.

Looking forward to your reply.

Cordially,
Monica Ozbek
Fl Flooring & Design, Owner
~ Dflooring_ 'I & (J)est{Jn
3767 Redwood Hwy
San Rafael, CA 94903
htti:2://www.fiflooring.com
Check us out on YelR.

Follow us on lnstagram / Facebook I Linkedln
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Re: 350 Merrydale Project
From Daniel Cooperman < [email protected]> Date Fri 10/31/2025 3:33 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <man et . us ey@c1tyo sanra ae .org>; Nguyen P am <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]> Hi Mr. Phelps,
Please see responses in red to your questions:

Can you clarify the services to be provided as part of the homeless shelter at 350 Merrydale -my question is around access to these services.

Will these services only provided to those living on-site? Yes, the services offered will only be to residents on-site.

If yes to above, then you plan to deny others seeking the same services if they don't live on-site? In San Raphael and Marin County, there simply isn't enough services for those in need. This is not unique to our jurisdiction. The proposed interim shelter was designed to increase capacity for those unsheltered within the City. There have been significant cuts at both the state and federal level which makes it even more challenging to provide services to everyone who qualifies. Staff continues to identify any potential funding opportunities to further augment service delivery to those who do not qualify for this proposed project.

If not, and services will be provided to all-how will this be managed by service providers and agencies? There is an list of potential residents that was developed when the County of Marin and City of San Raphael applied and was awarded money from California Housing & Community Development's Encampment Resolution Fund.

These are imP-ortant P-Oints that need clarification.

When can we expect meaningful dialogue with city officials around the over 300 questions submitted prior to the recent Zoom presentation and the many more submitted throughout the call? Also the 11/6 meeting is just a drop in now? Again, feels like there's no appetite for dialogue and collaboration with your constituents. This needs to happen before any vote or decision on the proposal. Please pause the vote.

The in-person meeting next week is being designed to allow for more dialogue between constituents, elected officials, City & County staff, and service providers. We look forward to seeing you there next week for a fruitful conversation. https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/4 11/10/25, 5:30 PM
Thank you,
Daniel Cooperman I City of San Rafael
Community Services Division Director
1400 sth Avenue, Room 203
San Rafael, CA 94901
415.256.5565
[email protected]
~ SAN RAFAEL
~ THE CITY WITH A MISSION
From:

Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 6:58 PM
350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook To: End Homelessness <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Daniel Cooperman <[email protected]>; Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: Re: 350 Merrydale Project
Hi again,
Can you clarify the services to be provided as part of the homeless shelter at 350 Merrydale -my question is around access to these services.

Will these services only provided to those living on-site? If yes to above, then you plan to deny others seeking the same services if they don't live on-site? https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/4 11/10/25, 5:30 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook If not, and services will be provided to all-how will this be managed by service providers and agencies? These are imP-ortant P-Oints that need clarification.

Thank you,
Carter
Carter Phelos
On Oct 19, 2025, at 7:03 PM,
Team,
wrote:

I've emailed and called over this matter. Mary thank you for listening today. I think the following points summarize some of what I'd like shared more widely:
1 The community demands transparency regarding the project's process, as it has not followed normal procedures, and residents feel intentionally shut out from discussions and decisions 2 Residents request an immediate pause or suspension of any votes on the project to allow for meaningful community engagement and input before decisions are finalized. This would be a good faith effort to reestablish trust with our community 3 The neighborhood requires an in-person roundtable meeting with city officials for a meaningful dialogue, as current communication methods like limited public comments or Zoom calls are insufficient 4 There are significant concerns about the project's impact on neighborhood safety, sanitation, and potential overflow effects, which need to be addressed with clear plans and mitigation strategies 5 The community lacks crucial information regarding the project's specifics, including property ownership status, unit design, and the provision of essential services, and demands clarity on these details https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YllzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 3/4 11/10/25, 5:30 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook A Zoom call on 10/28 is not sufficient. There has been zero communication, bilingual outreach or involvement of our community up to this point. We need corrective action now.

Thank you,
Carter
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 4/4 11/10/25, 5:31 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Formal CEQA Study Request - Merrydale Property
From Mark Allen
Date Sat 11/1/2025 8:16 AM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Cc Daniel Cooperman <[email protected]>; Scott Emblidge Given that the City of San Rafael is proposing the purchase of the Merrydale property and is very likely to claim a "common-sense" CEQA exemption to avoid a CEQA study, as it has done for every homeless-related ordinance to date (i.e., "It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility of significant environmental impact"), I formally request that a CEQA study be conducted before the purchase is approved.

There is limited or no pollution at the Merrydale site at the moment, along with a stream along one of its borders, and I believe there is a fair argument under CEQA that the relocation of the homeless population from existing encampments like Andersen Drive and Mahon Creek could produce significant environmental effects, including stormwater pollution and displacement impacts. Therefore, it cannot be seen with certainty that there is no possibility of significant environmental impact.

Thank you,
Mark Allen
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/1 11/10/25, 5:31 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Public Commitment Outstanding: 350 Merrydale List of 20 Sites not yet posted on FAQ From
Date Sat 11/1/2025 4:48 PM
To John Stefanski <[email protected]>
Cc End Homelessness <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate < [email protected] >; Nguyen Pham < [email protected] >; Daniel Cooperman <[email protected] > Dear John,
I am writing to follow up on a public commitment you made during the October 28th virtual event regarding the 350 Merrydale Property. When asked to identify the 20 other possible sites the City had considered for this project, you stated:
"We have a list of these sites that we'll be able to post on our website as part of our FAQ rather than reading through the list right now, and we'll have that up for everyone later this week." It is now the end of the week, and that list still has not been posted.

To summarize:
• You confirmed during the event that a list of alternative sites exists. • You stated that the list would be posted on the City's website as part of the FAQ. • You specified that it would be available "later this week." At this point, the failure to follow through on that commitment raises legitimate concerns about transparency and accountability.

Many of the nearly 200 participants in the event expressed frustration with the City's lack of openness, and this situation only reinforces that perception. I understand you have been asked multiple times by email for this list this week.

The public has a right to the information you promised to share. If there is a reason the list has not been posted, please explain it directly. Otherwise, I urge you to immediately fulfill your stated commitment and make the list of sites publicly available.

I would appreciate a prompt and candid response.

I am concerned citizen on the issue of homelessness and mental health services in our country. I have been in commercial real estate during my entire 40-year career and would like to discuss this plan and some possible alternative plans that I think would allow your limited funds to go further.

Please call me.

Thanks,
Mark Cunningham
https://www. citY.ofsan rafael. org/i nterim-shelter -site-at-350-merryda I e-road/ https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/1 11/10/25, 5:32 PM
Outlook
Re: Merrydale proposal
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Mon 11/3/2025 10:42 AM
To lily pri ll inger >
350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Li ly - Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughtful message. I hear your concerns and understand how unsettling it can feel when a significant proposal like 350 Merrydale is introduced nearby. The goal of this project is to create a structured, service-supported interim housing program that helps individuals move out of encampments and into stability. I want to assure you that the project is being designed with accountability, management, and neighborhood safety at the forefront and underscore that these are shared priorities for everyone involved.

We're working closely with the County of Marin, which leads homeless services countywide, to ensure that both data and operational details are communicated clearly. Additional information and responses to the questions raised by neighbors - such as data, public safety coordination, and site management - will continue to be added to the FAQ page as it is verified. You can also sign up to receive updates.

Here's the link: httP.s://www.cityofsanrafael.org/interim-shelter-site-at-350-merrydale-road/ We also have an in-person community open house on Wednesday, November 6, from 5-7 p.m. at the Osher Marin JCC, where staff from the City and County will be available to answer questions and share more about the planning process. I have added the appropriate city staff email to this response to ensure that your input is heard and part of the broader public record.

Thank you again for reaching out and for expressing your support for helping people in need as it 's clear that you care deeply about San Rafael and the well-being of your neighborhood.

Warmly,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/3 11/10/25, 5:32 PM
m Jffh SAN RAFAEL
-,f/!!§ft THE CITY WITH A MISSION
..LOU established 1874
From: lily prillinger >
Sent: Saturday, November 1, 2025 3:01 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Subject: Merrydale proposal
Dear Mayor Kate Colin,
350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook As a resident of San Rafael, I am concerned about the proposed transitional housing at 350 Merrydale. The Merrydale area is not adequately planned out to meet the needs of such a complex and high risk population. While the intent behind this aspirational program may be ideologically good, the practical underpinnings are not well founded.

I am deeply troubled that such a socially challenging project has been pushed upon this quiet Merrydale neighborhood with such a profound lack of discussion, inclusive leadership, transparency, or critical design. Why have officials been so deliberately obscure about the data and planning regarding this unwieldy project, which has been enshrouded in dubious details and facts? A lack of transparency is not acceptable in contemporary and inspired political practice. Merrydale residents have been repeatedly asking for crime statistics and data pertaining to the police contacts associated with the encampment on Anderson Drive in downtown San Rafael. This information needs to be shared. I understand that certain historical information, such as substance use, may be HIPAA protected, but it is important to acknowledge that substance use will be impacting this neighborhood, which is filled with young families and children.

While there has been much discussed about public safety, I feel that San Rafael is knowingly placing this current Merrydale community at risk given that this neighborhood is not set up to absorb this complex population, let alone create transitional opportunities for these people who are currently unhoused. There isn't even a real grocery store nearby for people to obtain healthy food and there are not wellness or care facilities within the immediate radius. Research into the successful implementation of tiny homes underscores that such communities must be well integrated into thoroughly planned communities where a multitude of services already exist. Merrydale is more of a "bedroom Community" and residents travel via car outside the neighborhood for food and health services, as only a few fast food and fancier restaurants exist in the immediate vicinity.

It does not seem that this idea is about safety; it seems more concerned with optics. Once these populations are 'housed' (regardless of zoning or code issues or environmental impact), the unhoused population will cease to be technically 'homeless', which translates into a superficial political success, albeit a betrayal of the Merrydale communitiy's larger needs. These residents are really concerned and anxious about what the City is proposing to foist upon them. Please listen to the residents of Merrydale. https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/3 11/10/25, 5:32 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook I am extremely supportive of helping people in need, and I want to truly help people with compassion, and services, and opportunitieshowever, this small, quiet, family-friendly neighborhood with its multiple senior centers, daycare centers, playgrounds, schools, faith based organizations, and large areas of environmentally-sensitive open space is simply not the appropriate setting for such a high-density and ideologically-complex project. I should further state that the open space near Lincoln Hill and Boyd Park has been subject to numerous fires over the years, resulting on multiple occasions from the activity associated with the unhoused, such as smoking cigarettes, narcotics use, and the irresponsible use of incendiary material. Many residents on Lincoln Hill have already lost the ability to obtain conventional fire insurance as a result of the fire history on this hill. This environmentally sensitive area cannot sustain any more fires, intentionally or unintentionally started by acts which have been historically and factually linked to unhoused activity. Merrydale is adjacent to many areas of sensitive open space. When an unhoused person goes into transitional housing, it doesn't immediately solve problematic behaviors that may put various communities at risk.

San Rafael needs to re-evaluate and listen to all its people. I applaud the city for wanting to create new opportunities for those who are struggling, however this current proposal is deeply flawed and will put this neighborhood under significant stress, which will be evidenced in higher calls for service, and emergency services. Please reconsider your adherence to this proposal until the practical planning has been clarified with well-conceived, real strategies.

Sincerely,
Lily Prillinger
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 3/3 11/10/25, 5:33 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
350 Merrydale project- PAUSE
From Karen Mason
Date Mon 11/3/2025 12:37 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> Dear Daniel,
I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern over the way the 350 Merrydale project has been handled. Many of us only recently learned about this development-long after critical decisions appear to have already been made-and it has left our neighborhood feel ing blindsided and disregarded.

This process has severely damaged our trust in local government. Transparency is not simply a procedural step; it is a reflection of respect for the people you represent. In this case, that respect has been absent. The secrecy surrounding the 350 Merrydale project has created a deep sense of disillusionment and frustration among residents who now feel excluded from decisions that directly affect their lives and property.

We strongly urge you to pause this project immediately and take a hard look at how this process unfolded. Trust cannot be rebui lt without honesty, accountability, and genuine transparency-none of which have been demonstrated so far.

I have long been proud to call San Rafael home, which makes this loss of faith even more painful. Please pause this project immediately to restore transparency, rebui ld trust, and show that the voices of your constituents stil l matter.

Sincerely,
Karen Mason
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/1 11/10/25, 5:33 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Re: Deep Concern Over Lack of Transparency on the 350 Merrydale Project From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Mon 11/3/2025 3:39 PM
To Karen Mason
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Karen - I hear the desire for the City to pause, and I understand that learning about the project later in the process has been frustrating. I'm confident that the questions raised by residents will be answered as part of the ongoing outreach. This includes through the FAQs, which are being regularly updated so everyone has access to the same information. htt12s://www.citv.ofsanrafael.org/interim-shelter-site-at-350- merrv.da1e-road/
I also want to make sure you know about the upcoming drop-in community event t his Thursday, November 6, from 5-7 p.m. at the Osher Marin JCC (200 N. San Pedro Road). It's an opportunity to speak directly with City and County staff, review site materials, and share feedback in person.

I've copied the appropriate staff on this response so they're aware of your message and your input is part of the public record.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your perspective.

Warmly,
Kate
Kate Col in (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
~~~
~ SAN RAFAEL
~~ THE CITY WITH A MISSION ~({J) established1874
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:33 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook From: Karen Mason
Sent: Monday, November 3, 2025 12:25 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Subject: Deep Concern Over Lack of Transparency on the 350 Merrydale Project Dear Mayor,
I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern over the way the 350 Merrydale project has been handled. Many of us only recently learned about this development-long after critical decisions appear to have already been made-and it has left our neighborhood feeling blindsided and disregarded.

We strongly urge you to pause this project immediately and take a hard look at how this process unfolded. Trust cannot be rebuilt without honesty, accountabi lity, and genuine transparency-none of which have been demonstrated so far.

I have long been proud to call San Rafael home, which makes this loss of faith even more painful. Please pause this project immediately to restore transparency, rebuild trust, and show that the voices of your constituents still matter.

Sincerely,
Karen Mason
https://outlook.office365.corn/mail/MMkAGRJNWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzllY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9MGSIL8HM... 2/2 11/10/25, 5:34 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Homeless for me but not for thee
From Ram Z
Date Tue 11/4/2025 11 :39 AM
To Daniel Cooperman <[email protected]>; End Homelessness <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate < [email protected] >; D Connolly < [email protected] >; [email protected] < MSackett(<:i)marincountv.ora >: Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>-- >; Rob Epstein < [email protected] >; Derek Johnson < [email protected]~~ I live on the other side of the freeway from Rafael Meadows, but drive by the disturbing Mahon Creek and Anderson encampments most days on my commute to the ferry. I have called in two early-morning fires to the Fire Dept - a huge bonfire made of pallets, and a large palm tree on fire. My brother works in the area and commutes by bike, and has been accosted by those people and has plenty of stories to tell, including the morning he went by dozens of cars with slashed tires.

Obviously, no one wants to have the people who are left at Mahon/ Anderson roaming about their community accosting and assaulting people including with weapons, stealing, damaging property and trashing places, starting fires, attracting drug dealers, taking over public spaces and parks with playgrounds, picnic tables, and bathrooms, and etc.

We already know what it's like here, because this degradation happened to our community when the National Guard Armory by the Civic Center Lagoon Park was used as a winter homeless shelter from 1987 to 1991. And the effects lingered in pockets long after the shelter closed, due to this area becoming known on the homeless grapevine. For example, a particularly troublesome and crime-ridden encampment ran for years at the overgrown and unmaintained PG&E property by the SMART train station. (Note on the SMART train - do you think I would ever consider commuting by train if I have to wait on a dark morning at an isolated station near a homeless shelter/ housing complex full of Mahon/ Anderson residents?) The fairest thing to do would be to disperse these people. First, all non-Marinites who came just for the services should be returned to their hometowns. There won't be anyone left. But if there are some liars left, please place them around the county, ideally in a tiny home next to the residence of each member of the homeless-industrial complex who is responsible for where we are now - the mayor, city and county officials, the board members of the non-profits, and the other homeless advocates championing your project. Oh, and how about 5 tiny homes in San Rafael next to the house of the City Attorney who suggested homeless camping at the Civic Center Lagoon Park a few years ago.
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:34 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook As was the case with the Armory, it's especially irritating to have San Rafael, who knows how bad the problem is, so eager to off-load it over the hill, and in secret, and to have people from Dominican, Marinwood, Mill Valley, Larkspur, Tiburon, etc., and even Hillsborough trying to pile on. Really, no paid spokesman from Hillsborough should be weighing in at all. Another example - the current county administrator has spent his adult life in Southern Calif, and doesn't recognize the significance of the Civic Center area like the recently retired administrator.

It's extremely laughable that you emphasize how you will be passing new ordinances to further prohibit camping in central San Rafael, but will be letting camping run rampant here ("there are only a few places to camp by Merrydale anyways" - you are completely wrong!). Also, you are making a big deal about keeping security threats OUT of the homeless shelter, which will put them IN our neighborhoods instead! It's beyond ridiculous that you are pretending to solve the problem by moving it, and even worse, you're making it permanent so that we will never have an escape from the Mahon/ Anderson people, unless we move or die. You need to solve your own problem right where it is now. You must distribute the burden fairly - open your own hearts and neighborhoods to these people! You will reap the effects immediately and for many years to come.

Thanks, Rami /
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/2 11/10/25, 5:34 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Request for Transparent and Accessible Meeting Format for 350 Merrydale Project at JCC From Frank Mason
Date Tue 11/4/20251 2:27 PM
To Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; End Homelessness <[email protected]> Dear Kate,
When we spoke by phone, you asked how best to communicate with our neighborhood. I reminded you that our community includes both elderly residents and young families. That means communication must be provided in written, electronic, and in-person formats - electronic communication alone is not adequate or equitable.

Given this, we expect that chairs will be provided for elderly residents who wish to attend but cannot stand for long periods. Accessibi lity must be ensured for all members of our community.

Additionally, our experience with the recent webinar made clear that the format was disjointed, confusing, and ineffective for meaningful public participation. We are formally requesting a change in format for the JCC meeting regarding the 350 Merrydale Project. Residents must be able to ask questions publicly and receive full, real-time answers, not be sent from table to table or directed to individual staff. That format prevents the community from hearing complete, consistent information and undermines transparency.

We are specifically requesting that:

1. A microphone be provided for publ ic questions.

2. All relevant staff and experts be seated together in front of the audience.

3. Questions and answers occur openly so everyone can hear the same information at the same time.

This approach ensures accountability and transparency - both of which are fundamental to good governance and community trust.

Please confirm before Thursday's meeting that these accommodations and format changes will be in place.

Sincerely,
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:34 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Frank Mason
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/2 Standard 5&10 Ace Laurel Ace Marin Ace
3545 California Street 4024 MacArthur Blvd. 180 Merrydale Road San Francisco, CA 94118 Oakland, CA 94619 San Rafael, CA 94904 415/751-5767 510/530-1966 415/479-9393
Oakley Ace Pittsburg Ace Antioch Ace
3100 Main Street #266 125 E Leland Road 501 Sunset Drive Oakley, CA 94561 Pittsburg, CA 94565 Antioch, CA 94509
925.625.2449 925.432.6089 925.757.2500
Jeff Leopold - owner of both Marin Ace Hardware and the property November 4, 2025
Councilmember Maribeth Bushey- [email protected] County of Marin Supervisor Mary Sackett- [email protected] Mayor Kate Colin - [email protected]
Director Daniel Cooperman - [email protected] Subject: Strong Opposition to Proposed Interim Shelter Project at 350 MERRYDALE ROAD for Unhoused Residents
Dear San Rafael I County of Marin Officials,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Interim Shelter Project for Un housed Residents at the location of 350 Merrydale Road. As a concerned business and commercial property owner in the immediate neighborhood, I am deeply invested in the well-being and future of our community and believe this location is unsuitable for the proposed facility for several specific, material considerations.

While I understand the need to address the unhoused population in San Rafael and Marin County within our city, the current proposal raises significant concerns regarding the potential impact on the existing quality of life, safety, and property values in this primarily residential I small business area.

My objections are based on the following specific points:
• Zoning and Land Use Compatibility: In 2020, this property was approved for a 45-unit condominium project that later fell through (Camus Property Group). This area is currently mixed-use with narrow streets, minimal street parking and is located near a cul-de-sac. A Standard 5&10 Ace Laurel Ace Marin Ace
3545 California Street 4024 MacArthur Blvd. 180 Merrydale Road San Francisco, CA 94118 Oakland, CA 94619 San Rafael, CA 94904 415/751-5767 510/530-1966 415/479-9393
Oakley Ace Pittsburg Ace Antioch Ace
3100 Main Street #266 125 E Leland Road 501 Sunset Drive Oakley, CA 94561 Pittsburg, CA 94565 Antioch, CA 94509
925.625.2449 925.432.6089 925.757.2500
shelter facility with 65 temporary units and potential for a minimum of 80 permanent units in the future is not consistent with the established character and use of the neighborhood. The city should explore alternative, more suitable locations in non-residential areas, such as the business district or areas with robust public transit and wraparound services already in place. The 10/15/25 Marin IJ article claims, " The City Council will amend its camping ordinance with new prohibitions and will declare a shelter emergency, which is a regulatory tool to allow more flexibility on the Land use for the tiny home operation." • Public Safety Concerns: Our neighborhood currently enjoys a low crime rate. Based on documented experiences in other areas with concentrated shelter facilities, I am concerned that the presence of a shelter could Lead to an increase in public safety issues, such as Loitering, petty theft, and drug use, as well as an increased police presence, which would negatively impact our peaceful neighborhood.
• Property Values and Financial Investment: Many residents have made significant financial investments in their homes with the understanding of the area's residential nature.

There is a Legitimate concern that the development will negatively impact property values and the desirability of the neighborhood for current and future homeowners. • Lack of Adequate Services/Management: Concerns exist regarding the operational plan for the shelter. This project is based on the success of the Mahon Creek Project, which in almost 12-months, has only transitioned eight residents to permanent housing situations. • Community Input Process: The process for this proposal did not include sufficient community engagement or input prior to the decision point. which is concerning. Residents deserve a voice in developments that directly impact their daily lives. According to the 10115125 Marin IJ article "City officials began closed session negotiations in March 2025 and are now finalizing the purchase agreement. The property is expected be just over $7 million after closing costs. A purchase agreement is expected to be presented to the City Council at its Nov. 17 meeting, Stefanski said." The notice of the 10/28/25 Virtual Community Meeting was not posted until 10115125, and then on 10128125 the notice of the 11/6/25 In-person Meeting was posted. TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE NOTIFICATION for residents and business owners. This is not what is expected of a "Good Neighbor Policy" that the City of San Rafael claims to provide.

Standard 5&10 Ace Laurel Ace Marin Ace
3545 California Street 4024 MacArthur Blvd. 180 Merrydale Road San Francisco, CA 94118 Oakland, CA 94619 San Rafael, CA 94904 415/751-5767 510/530-1966 415/479-9393
Oakley Ace Pittsburg Ace Antioch Ace
3100 Main Street #266 125 E Leland Road 501 Sunset Drive Oakley, CA 94561 Pittsburg, CA 94565 Antioch, CA 94509
925.625.2449 925.432.6089 925.757.2500
I urge the city to reconsider the approval of this project at the proposed location and explore alternative solutions that better align with the needs of all residents, both housed and unhoused, without compromising the existing quality of life in our community.

Thank you for your time and for considering my concerns. I request that this letter be entered into the public record as formal opposition to the proposal.

Sincerely,
Jeff Leopold
• Marin County Resident since 2000
• San Rafael Commercial Property Owner since 2011 -Sizzling Property Group, LLC • San Rafael Small Business Owner since 2011 - Marin Ace Hardware • Bay Area Ace Hardware Dealer since 1988
11/10/25, 5:35 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Lack of Transparency Regarding Planning Meeting for 350 Merrydale Project From Frank Mason
Date Tue 11/4/20251 2:48 PM
To Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; End Homelessness <[email protected]> Dear Kate and City Staff,
I just learned from a neighbor, not from the City, that there is a Planning Meeting scheduled for tonight regarding the 350 Merrydale Project. This is deeply concerning.

When was this meeting decided? Who authorized it, and what was the deciding factor for scheduling it? If this is an official City meeting, it should have been posted publicly in advance and clearly listed on the City's website, social media, and the 350 Merrydale project page.

You've repeatedly told the public to 'Just look at the FAQs," yet critical information like this continues to be missing. This is not acceptable or transparent government.

I also understand from another neighbor that the scope of the November 17th meeting has changed, and that what will be voted on at that meeting may now be different than previously stated. Is that true? If so, when will that information be updated on the City's official 350 Merrydale project page?
Right now, it appears that information is being released selectively and late - which gives the impression that the process is being "slowwalked" toward approval without genuine public awareness or input.

This ongoing lack of transparency undermines public trust and participation. Please respond immediately to clarify:

1. When and how tonight's meeting was scheduled and noticed.

2. Whether the scope and purpose of the November 17th meeting have changed.

3. When the City will post complete and updated information to the public project page.

The community deserves timely, accessible, and honest communication - not after-the-fact discoveries from neighbors. https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:35 PM
Sincerely,
Frank Mason
350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/2 11/10/25, 5:39 PM
Outlook
Re: 350 Merrydale Rd Project
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Tue 11/4/2025 5:45 PM
To Susan Woodhouse
< Mary.Sackett@mann-co
Cc Susan Woodhouse <
350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook ; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Mary.Sackett@marin county.gov >; End Homelessness <[email protected]> Hi Susan - Thank you for taking the time to write and share your concerns. I completely understand how frustrating it can feel to learn about a new project after it's already moving forward, and I don't want you or anyone in the neighborhood to feel unheard or undervalued.

The goal of the 350 Merrydale project is to create a structured, accountable, and service-supported temporary interim housing site not an encampment. Each participant will sign a Code of Conduct, and there will be 24/7 onsite management and security, fencing, and lighting.

Case management and wraparound services are a central part of the program's success, helping residents move toward permanent housing.

To ensure transparency and that everyone has access to the same information, we've gathered answers to many of the questions raised by residents in one place: httgs://www.citv.ofsanrafael.org/interim-shelter-site-at-350-merrv.dale-road/ I also want to confirm that the City Council will be considering an additional anti-camping ordinance to help ensure there is no spillover or unsanctioned camping in nearby neighborhoods.

Your feedback is important, and I've copied our Homelessness and Housing team here so your email becomes part of the public record and they can make sure your questions continue to be addressed as the process moves forward.

Thanks again for your email.

Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:39 PM
m 4ffh SAN RAFAEL
~= Ill· THE CITY WITH A MISSION
.Lt.i,U established 1874 - -"' =
From: Susan Woodhouse
Sent: Monday, November 3, 2025 5:17 PM
350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook >
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]> Cc: Susan Woodhouse
Subject: 350 Merrydale Rd Project
Dear Mayor Colin, Vice Mayor Bushey, Supervisor Sackett, Supervisor Moulton Peters:

November 3, 202S
A Fmstrated resident of San Rafael Meadows
I am writing in regard to the 350 Merrydale Rd Project I read the artide in the D today "Fmstration builds over homeless cabin site" I am a resident of the Rafael Meadows Neighborhood and feel like my well being is not being considered with the move from the City Coll.llcil to bring a homeless encampment to San Rafael Meadows, a safe and family oriented neighborl1ood I believe you would be frustrated as well if others, your city council, were suddenly deciding that a homeless facility is being brought into your neighborhood and you had 110 say in the decision , I believe it was quoted at the zoom meeting on 10/28/25 that case managers would be provided for the individuals that wanted to use them for seivices to advance themselves to find housing, and other co=unity services, and alcohol and dmg rehab It is not a mandatory requirement for these individuals to utilize this senrice. What is the projected goal for these individuals then for living in these tiny cabins? It was also reported that individuals would not be vetted for criminal history or sex offe11ders I believe that the Mayor and Vice Mayor Bushey, are just removing a problem to create a chaotic problem in a family orie11ted neighborhood with many small c.llildren and vulnerable seniors There has been no transparency on other locations that were evaluated for this site I read in today's D 11/3/25, that "When it comes to security there will be round the dock security with perimeter lights and fencing There will be regular police patrols in the area " The SR Meadows has not had regular police patrols as we have been a safe area ,vith minimal c11me Now you ai·e going to b1111g dtaos and potential crime to our dose knit co=unity
I find this to be very unacceptable! I would like to know why areas ·with fl.at land in the industrial areas, away from small children and vuluerable elders, were not chosen Homeless attract homeless, this is how they build their co=unity In the paper it was said that the city would consider restrictions 011 parking to preve11t camping in vehicles in the Rafael Meadows area, it was also stated that individuals who do not follow the "Code of Conduct'' will be removed from the program, and the city will ensure that those individuals do not reestablish e.ncainpments near the site Where will those people go then?
I just don't understand why you are planning to create a possible homeless e11campment in this area Businesses are not happy, this will drive away customers Neighbors are not happy Do you not care for the health of tax paying citizens and businesses? I believe the Mayor made a promise to get elected to remove that particulai· homeless encampment by April of 2026 I voted for this mayor and now I regret my vote as a tax paying citizen; I run not being valued I am asking for the City of San Rafael and the Marin Coll.Illy Board of Supervisors to reexaniine this site and look at other favorable sites with " flat land and electricity and closer to public traiisportation so they can receive seivices at the Ritter House" We are asking for transparency to the San Rafael Meadows community and slow down this appare11t urgency to fulfil a promise lll3de by a lll3yor to be elected An Unvalued citizen waiting for your response to this email with real aiiswers Susan Woodhouse
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/2 11/10/25, 5:39 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Re: Tiny Homes
From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Tue 11/4/2025 5:54 PM
To Nanci Grialou
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Garrett and Nanci - Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your thoughts about the 350 Merrydale proposal. I really appreciate your engagement and understand the concerns you've raised.

To clarify, the proposed interim housing site is intended to serve people currently experiencing homelessness in San Rafael, not from other jurisdictions. The goal is to provide a temporary, well-managed, and service-supported location for individuals who are already part of our community and who want to move toward stability.

I recognize that this announcement may have felt sudden and that the pace of the process can feel fast. Our team is working to answer questions as quickly and transparently as possible, and all updates are being shared through the project's ..E8Q...P-age.

I've copied city staff on this message so they can include your email as part of the public record and ensure your concerns are heard.

Thank you again for taking the time to write. Your feedback is important as we work to balance compassion, accountability, and safety for everyone in San Rafael.

Warmly,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
https://oullook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/3 11/10/25, 5:39 PM
m Jffh SAN RAFAEL
-,f/!!§ft THE CITY WITH A MISSION
..LOU established 1874
From: Nanci Grialou
Sent: Monday, November 3, 2025 6:46 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Subject: Tiny Homes
Dear Mayor Colin350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to express our concerns regarding the proposed homeless shelter/Tiny Homes located near our residential neighborhood, which aims to relocate individuals from a local encampment AND from another city. While we acknowledge the importance of addressing homelessness, we believe that the site's proximity to our homes will have significant implications for our community.

First and foremost, the decision to move residents from another city raises questions about fairness and responsibility. Our neighborhoods should not bear the burden of providing services for individuals from different jurisdictions, especially when local resources are already stretched thin. It is essential for our city to prioritize the welfare of its own residents while working collaboratively with neighboring communities to develop comprehensive solutions to homelessness.

Additionally, the establishment of a shelter in a residential area may lead to increased concerns about safety, property values, and the overall quality of life for residents. Families are understandably apprehensive about the proximity of a shelter, which may result in disruptions to the community. we urge the city to consider alternative locations that would not impact existing residential areas adversely or projects that focus on comprehensive support and rehabilitation for the homeless.

We implore you to reconsider the planned site for the homeless shelter and engage with residents in a meaningful dialogue about our community's challenges and opportunities. Together, we can develop fair and effective solutions that address homelessness while also respecting the needs and concerns of our community.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Garrett and Nanci Grialou
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Re: 350 Merrydale rd.

From Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Date Tue 11/4/2025 6:07 PM
To Alex Stricker
Cc Lisa Stricker ; End Homelessness <[email protected]> Hi Alex - Thanks for reaching out and for your long commitment to San Rafael as both a business owner and resident. You'll be thrilled to know that M&H Bread and Butter will be moving into the former Crepevine site and the former Arizamendi has also been re-tenanted .

I remember our conversation about the downtown challenges, and this project is designed to directly address those concerns. I completely understand that this proposal feels unsettling and it occurs to me that sim ilar concerns came up when the County proposed permanent supportive housing at South El iseo and in Corte Madera's Project Homekey. Because of those projects (as well as others across the state), we know this model works. In each case, safety was a concern at the start, and thankfully, those fears did not materialize.

A thought just occurred to me - Would it be helpful to connect with some of the neighbors from those projects to hear about their experiences firsthand? Those sites are of course different, as they are permanent supportive housing, while this project will be a temporary use. Lmk your thoughts on that.

I've copied our city team so they can make sure your input is heard and your comments are part of the public record . You can also reach out to them directly with any additional input and questions.

Appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and for continuing to stay engaged.

Dear Mayor
I am writing to you today as a long time business owner in downtown San Rafael. For 20 years, I have operated businesses in this community, and as we discussed during our meeting at my restaurant last year, the challenges posed by the unhoused population have significantly impacted my ability to run my businesses.

My primary concern, however, is the proposed plan to relocate the homeless encampment to a site 300 yards from my home. This plan has my wife and our three children, ages 2, 8, and 12 SCARED. My elderly mother, who lives alone just 250 yards away, is SCARED. Our entire neighborhood is terrified by this proposal.

I am deeply disappointed by the lack of transparency surrounding this project. It is incomprehensible that a press conference celebrating this initiative was held with handshakes and high fives before any community outreach or consultation took place. This approach has left my neighbors feeling angry and uninformed.

The residents of this community deserve to be heard and involved in decisions that directly impact their safety and well being. We feel that this project is being presented as a triumph when it is, in fact, a deeply concerning and poorly communicated plan.

As a resident, a parent, and a business owner, I urge you to consider the profound impact this decision will have on our community. As a mother If you lived 300 yards from this project, how would you feel? Regrettably
Alex Stricker
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YllzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/2 11/10/25, 5:42 PM 350 Menydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Outlook
Re: Tiny Homes
From Nanci Grialou >
Date Wed 11/ 5/ 2025 10:52 AM
To Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Thank you Mayor ColinWe are full supporters of a Tiny Homes project, but NOT smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood fi lled with children/teens/elderly- and not just this one neighborhood, but the others that are close by.

We have a high school close by as well as home child care providers whose backyards that the chi ldren play in back right up to the pathway leading to the train.

I walk the neighborhood daily and there's a number of young females/teens walking by themselves. I can't imagine the safety issues this poses
for them. I am a mother of three grown daughters. We would never put young women or children at that risk of mixing the homeless with young families and teens.

No one can dispute that the neighborhoods will be filled with meandering Tiny Home residents. It's a fact.

You do not need to respond as I know you're very busy -we look forward to the meeting tomorrow evening. We hope you can represent us as we elected you into this position to protect all of us and not just a certain population. Yes, we have compassion, Trust me, but no one wants this in their backyard due to safety concerns.

We've addressed this with you and the other officials. Should something happen, which it will in a matter of time, full responsibility lies with all of you. We know there are other areas in San Rafael to locate a housing project like this that wouldn't threaten the community.

And yes, the homeless do deserve compassion, advocacy, and respect. I have personally worked with the homeless. BUT common sense is you don't mix innocent families with homeless men and women who struggle with mental and/ or drug/ alcohol addiction in such close proximity to each other.

Thank you
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/5 11/10/25, 5:42 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Sent via iPhone by AT&T
On Nov 5, 2025, at 8:59AM, Mayor Kate <[email protected]> wrote:

Thank you for responding back and for sharing your perspective. I understand how unsettling this process can feel, and I want to assure you that no formal vote has been taken on this proposal. City staff continue to review input from residents and update the FAQs as questions come in so everyone has access to the same information.

Safety - both inside and outside the facility - will remain a top priority. Your questions about security, curfews, and behavior expectations have been shared with our team and I agree must be addressed.

I appreciate your taking the time to write and to stay engaged as this work continues.

Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
<Outlook-gaovfshn.png>
From: Nanci Grialou >
Sent: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 7:00 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Cc: End Homelessness <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Tiny Homes
Thank you Mayor Colin
Each response we are receiving from your "team" sounds like you want to hear from us but it's clear you are all moving forward with this despite our thoughts/concerns. It's so very disappointing.

We would like to ask what amount of security will be provided OUTSIDE of the facility? Safety inside is not a concern of ours.

It's our safety and neighbors safety on the outside of the gates. I worked in a homeless shelter while obtaining my Masters in Social Work and am very well versed in homelessness.

Every day there are Many hours of Idle time for these residents where they will be meandering through our neighborhoods.

There are young families and children/youth literally living next door to the shelter as well as spread out through several https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 2/5 11/10/25, 5:42 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook neighborhoods. We doubt any of you want to have something happen to the innocent but you are risking their safety. We can't imagine being guilty of making the wrong decision to house this facility in this neighborhood and someone being harassed or god forbid harmed. It will be just a matter of time. You can't mix these 2 cultures. It doesn't work. How do you plan to control that?
How do you plan to control drug and alcohol use outside of the facility? Needles? Bottles/garbage? Is there going to be a curfew?
It is extremely poor planning to just plant a homeless shelter in the middle of a neighborhood - we would like to know how many councilman/supervisors etc. have homes in the vicinity of the shelter? Clearly this wouldn't be happening in their neighborhood, right? Please do the right thing and find a location that doesn't jeopardize the safety of anyone. It does exist. The FAQ page does not answer any of these questions.

Sincerely,
Garrett and Nanci Grialou
Sent via iPhone by AT&T
On Nov 4, 2025, at 5:54 PM, Mayor Kate <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Garrett and Nanci - Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your thoughts about the 350 Merrydale proposal. I really appreciate your engagement and understand the concerns you've raised.

I've copied city staff on this message so they can include your email as part of the public record and ensure your concerns are heard.
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 3/5 11/10/25, 5:42 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Thank you again for taking the time to write. Your feedback is important as we work to balance compassion, accountability, and safety for everyone in San Rafael.

Warmly,
Kate Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
<Outlook-gxvlblfb.png>
From: Nanci Grialou
Sent: Monday, November 3, 2025 6:46 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>
Subject: Tiny Homes
Dear Mayor ColinWe hope this message finds you well. We are writing to express our concerns regarding the proposed homeless shelterrriny Homes located near our residential neighborhood, which aims to relocate individuals from a local encampment AND from another city. While we acknowledge the importance of addressing homelessness, we believe that the site's proximity to our homes will have significant implications for our community.

Additionally, the establishment of a shelter in a residential area may lead to increased concerns about safety, property values, and the overall quality of life for residents.

Families are understandably apprehensive about the proximity of a shelter, which may result in disruptions to the community. we urge the city to consider alternative locations that would not impact existing residential areas adversely or projects that focus on comprehensive support and rehabilitation for the homeless.

We implore you to reconsider the planned site for the homeless shelter and engage https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 4/5 11/10/25, 5:42 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook with residents in a meaningful dialogue about our community's challenges and opportunities. Together, we can develop fair and effective solutions that address homelessness while also respecting the needs and concerns of our community.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Garrett and Nanci Grialou
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350 Merrydale
From Jeff Ryan
Date Sun 11/9/2025 2:03 PM
To End Homelessness < [email protected]> Hello Director Cooperman: my name is Jeff Ryan and I live on , the streetjust one up from Merrydale. Our neighborhood will be impacted by the city's seemingly "done deal" plans for a homeless encampment.

Some of my concerns (shared by many neighbors, as you are no doubt already aware) are around issues that could have been ameliorated early on, had we been allowed access to the city's plans and process We were excluded, kept in the dark while select city officials as well as SRPF/SRFD and other constituents were fully enlightened. We were not allowed the kind of collaboratory input that might've resulted in a less contentious and worrisome outcome. I can pretty well guarantee that if this was your neighborhood, you'd feel very much as we do.

To be clear, homelessness is a problem in desperate need of a solution absolutely. And, I despise the NIMBY mindset, so that is not where I'm coming from here. Rather, my disappointment is that we were not given the respect of even reasonable notice on the city's implementation of its plan. The Smart Train is close by, but we're the ones who feel railroaded here.

There are a wide variety of issues our neighborhood feels have not been adequately addressed (and yes, I've read the FAQs and they do not satisfy). My own, as of this writing, are ones of safety and quality of life for those of us who already live here. We have many young children in this neighborhood, some in close proximity to the encampment; while my heart goes out to the "Tom Joad" variety of unhoused individuals, it is the mentally ill and those with substance addictions that concern me here. I understand the proposed safety/security measures planned for the encampment itself (it remains to be seen if those will be sufficient), but we all know that the surrounding area will be filled with those drawn to the services on offer, while not actually staying in the encampment due to an aversion to sign in/out protocols and the other rules. It is these individuals that pose the biggest threat to our sense of security in our own neighborhood.

Many unhoused folks live in their cars once it becomes known that lunch and health services are available at 350, these cars will be parked all along our streets, where our children play. You are setting up a situation where, at best, we are all being called upon to be hyper vigilant in our surroundings, where once we so glad to be living in a safe neighborhood with no through traffic, we'll now be forced to be quite circumspect. Sorry kiddos, you can't go out to ride your bike or shoot hoops in front of the house because Mommy/Daddy can't sit out there with you just now ....
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/AAMkAGRINWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzLTY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5neO9AAGSIL8HAA... 1/2 11/10/25, 5:43 PM 350 Merrydale General and Webinar Questions - Nguyen Pham - Outlook What I ask - and I think most neighbors would agree - is that you take a beat, give us the chance to have actual input that can be turned into actionable policy for our neighborhood. Rather than foist this upon us, let us be part of a solution that addresses our, quite justified, concerns. Thank you.
p.s. when I used the word ·~ustified" in the final paragraph, it is because we've had conversations with members of SRPD who've confirmed that the issues I described are indeed the case at the Anderson encampment, and at most others as well. https://outlook.office365.corn/mail/MMkAGRJNWZmMmRiLWM2NjltNDVmYi04YTlzllY4MjUyMjE4MzE1MgAuAAAAAABoASa2NQaCRowHBXZuzEYXAQDKvfbGWoUAQ6SqJpC5ne09MGSIL8HM... 2/2 11/11 /25, 2:14 PM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Outlook
350 Merrydale
From Jeff Ryan
Date Tue 11/11/2025 1 :45 PM
To End Homelessness < [email protected]> Hello Director Cooperman: I wrote to you recently to express some concerns I have about the homeless encampment planned for a site in our neighborhood. In addition to the issues I raised previously, I'd like to ask what the thinking was in planning for a site so removed from the services this population will need.

Where will they go for breakfast and dinner (since we've been told you'll provide lunch only, and there are no cooking facilities in the "cabins")? I wonder if anyone has thought through the ramifications of these people wandering up to the Northgate Mall area, or down Merrydale to the fast food establishments. There is an elder care facility right on that route, and it is also a school bus route; will our aged and youthful neighbors feel safe to be outside?
Where will they go for financial issues (check cashing, etc.)? Health issues, both physical and mental, rarely occur conveniently during the working hours of the on site (9 5) staff you've said will be provided what happens when individuals have "episodes" outside of these hours? Are our neighbors, esp. those in closest proximity, supposed to call SRPD every time this happens? That hardly seems a good use of our police officers, What mental/physical health options will these people have, considering your plan to locate them here, far from access to the help they may need? As I mentioned in my previous message, the provided FAQs do not adequately address these (and other) concerns, and both the Zoom presentation and the JCC meeting felt more like sales pitches than an honest attempt to involve our community.

I did receive some information from Mayor Colin and from Supervisor Sackett, and was told my concerns would be made part of the public record. I would appreciate the same respectful response from you.

Thank vou, Jeff Rvan
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/MkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABm17ESgM 1/1 11/11/25, 2:15 PM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
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Re: Invitation to Visit 350 Merrydale and Meet with Neighborhood Representatives Before the November 17 Vote From Rachel Kertz < [email protected] >
Date Tue 11/11/2025 9:34 AM
To Ken Casey >
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Hi Ken,
Thank you for your message, invitation, and for the continued engagement from the Rafael Meadows and surrounding neighborhoods. I understand how important this project is to nearby residents and truly appreciate the time and effort being invested to share your perspectives.

I've visited the Merrydale site, and the surrounding area, many times. I am very familiar with the area and the neighborhoods. For that reason -and to maintain fairness and transparency for all parties-I will not be meeting individually or in small groups ahead of the Council vote. It's important that all Councilmembers receive the same information and consider community input through the public process. As you know we will be meeting in person on Monday, Nov. 17th and emails can be sent to [email protected].

I look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions at the Council meeting and through the formal channels that ensure every voice is heard equally and on the record. I am reading all letters sent to me and they will also be included in the public record.

Thank you again for your understanding and for your continued commitment to our community.

Best,
Rachel
Rachel Kertz (she/her/hers)
To learn more: htt12s://vivalon.org/what-about-aggf_
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/MkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABm17ESAM 1/2 11/11/25, 2:15 PM
From: Ken Casey >
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 5:56 PM
To: Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>
In box - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Subject: Invitation to Visit 350 Merrydale and Meet with Neighborhood Representatives Before the November 17 Vote Dear Rachel Kertz,
I hope this note finds you well. I'm writing on behalf of our San Rafael Meadows, Redwood Village and Merrydale communities to respectfully invite you to meet in person at the 350 Merrydale property ahead of the City Council's scheduled vote on November 17.

On Saturday we had a neighborhood walkabout on and around the property and many of us feel it's essential that Council members have the opportunity to see the site and vicinity firsthand and hear directly from those who live in the surrounding area. We would like to share some new and specific concerns about the City's plan for the homeless shelter/housing project and especially the impact it will have on nearby neighborhoods and the broader community following recent conversations with the SRPD.

To make this convenient for you, we are arranging small-group meetings with individual Council members on separate days this week. The visit would take no more than 3Q-45 minutes, and we would be happy to accommodate your schedule.

We believe that a brief, on-site conversation will provide valuable context and help ensure that the Council's upcoming decision reflects both the project's intent and the realities faced by those who will be most directly affected.

Please let me know a day and time next week that works best for you - we will gladly adjust to your availability.

Thank you very much for your time, consideration, and service to our community. We sincerely hope you'll join us for this important discussion before the vote.

Warm regards,
Ken Casey
On behalf of the San Rafael Meadows, Merrydale and Redwood Village residents.

Sent from Outlook
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FW: FW: Concerns and Recommendations Regarding Proposed Homeless Transitional Housing Plans From Brenna Nurmi <[email protected]>
Date Wed 11/12/2025 8:13 AM
To Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Cc Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Hi N,
Please add this one to your correspondence that you are redacting at this time.

Thanks,
B
From: Betty Shea
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 7:30 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: FW: FW: Concerns and Recommendations Regarding Proposed Homeless Transitional Housing Plans Importance: High
City Clerk Lyndsay Lara,
This letter was sent to Mayor Kate Colin and want it placed on the public records and attached to the published City Council; Agenda for next week's meeting on Nov. 17.

Thank you,
Betty Shea
Dear Mayor Colin,
I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the County's proposed homeless transitional facility and to urge a more thoughtful and effective approach that meets real homeless needs while respecting and protecting San Rafael neighborhoods. https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0AvYZfAjdaN0mMbVApQjCGlwAAYDBDaQAA 1/3 11/12/25, 8:21 AM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
While the community recognizes the urgent need to address homelessness, the current approach is not aligned with long-term success or neighborhood appropriateness. I respectfully ask that the City and County reconsider the location and structure of this proposal based on the following points:

1. Appropriate Location and Successful Outcomes:

Homeless transitional facilities should be sited in locations that minimize negative impacts on existing neighborhoods and maximize the likelihood of successful outcomes for participants. Integrating such facilities into residential neighborhoods without adequate planning or transparency creates unnecessary strain for both residents and program participants.

2. Fiscal Responsibility and Efficient Use of Funds:

The County's proposed budget of $8 million for land purchase and startup costs is excessive and could be more effectively redirected. These funds would have a far greater impact if allocated to a rent voucher program, allowing immediate re-housing for the majority of those in need. Remaining funds could then be used to support essential wraparound services that lead to lasting stability.

3. Focus on Permanent Housing Solutions:

Homeless funding should prioritize hard housing solutions (permanent, stable homes) not temporary "tiny home" villages or public relations initiatives. These short-term measures often fail to provide the sustainable outcomes our community needs.

4. Lack of Transparency and Community Engagement:

Elected officials should have proactively communicated with district residents as this plan was developing, ensuring a transparent process and broad-based input from all stakeholders. Unfortunately, this did not occur, leaving residents feeling blindsided and unheard.

5. Neighborhood Engagement and Willingness to Collaborate:

Local residents are ready and willing to collaborate on realistic solutions that work for both the neighborhood and San Rafael's broader affordable housing goals, particularly if the property is not County-owned and better integrated into the City's long-term housing strategies.

6. Concerns About Sudden Relocation and Impacts:

Relocating unhoused individuals from one area of San Rafael to another without transparency or neighborhood notice is unacceptable. Transitioning people methodically into permanent housing is the responsible path forward. Many, perhaps ½ to ¾ could be successfully re-housed through immediate housing vouchers if funding were reallocated accordingly.

7. Neighborhood Impacts:

As we have seen from previous encampments, there are real and measurable impacts to nearby neighborhoods. Moving an encampment into close proximity to residential areas will likely recreate these same challenges, which should be avoided through better planning.

Our elected representatives, including You, Councilmember Maribeth Bushey (District 3), Supervisor Mary Sackett, and Councilmember Rachel Kertz (District 4), owe residents transparency and accountability in this process. We ask for a pause in current planning efforts and a renewed, collaborative discussion to identify an approach that meets both community and humanitarian needs. https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0AvYZfAjdaN0mMbVApQjCGlwAAYDBDaQAA 2/3 11/12/25, 8:21 AM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Thank you for your attention to these concerns. I look forward to your leadership in ensuring that San Rafael pursues real, effective, and equitable solutions to homelessness that serve all members of our community.

Respectfully,
Betty Shea
Direct:
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0AvYZfAjdaN0mMbVApQjCGlwAAYDBDaQAA 3/3 11/12/25, 2:06 PM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
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Re: 350 Merrydale alternative sites
From John Stefanski <[email protected]> Date Wed 11/12/2025 1:47 PM
To Eoin Sheeran
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Moving the Councilmembers to BCC.

Good afternoon Eoin,
Thank you for reaching out. Our team is still working on the matrix for the various sites we looked at and will have that up on the website later this week.

Regarding the MacPhail's property: As I mentioned to you last week, this property is owned by the School District, not the City. Furthermore, the property itself is located outside of San Rafael's City Limits-the property is in unincorporated Santa Venitia. The City's search for properties only included those which are in our jurisdiction. We did this because by having a project within our own boundaries, the City then has complete control over public safety response as well as authority over regulatory approvals for the future affordable housing project. The County was also only willing to partner with the City for a property within the City itself.

Those points aside, while the MacPhail property may be cheaper on a per acre basis, it would have required extensive site prep work and would lack the usable space for providing on-site services; all of which would have likely made a project there more expensive and thereby more fiscally irresponsible.

Merrydale was ultimately identified as most feasible and cost-effective option because of its quick site preparation, existing utilities, and ability to provide supportive services on-site. It is also well-located for the ultimate affordable housing project as it's close to transit, grocery stores, and community services. The MacPhail property doesn't compare as favorably.

Lastly, I will add that the purchase price for the Merrydale Property is $6.7M. The City had the property appraised which validated this price.

I appreciate you sharing your perspective on this. Please don't hesitate to reach back out if you have any other questions.

Thanks,
John
John Stefanski I City of San Rafael
Assistant City Manager
1400 5th Avenue, Room 203
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/MkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABnBrHuQM 1/2 11/12/25, 2:06 PM
San Rafael, CA 94901
415.485.3475
John,stefanski@cjtvofsanrafaei,org
Pronouns: He/Him (What are P.ersonal P.ronouns?)
~ !!~~T~!!!o~
From: Eoin Sheeran >
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:23 AM
To: John Stefanski <[email protected]> lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Cc: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; End Homelessness <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]> Subject: 350 Merrydale alternative sites
John,
I spoke with you on Thursday at the JCC. I asked you if you or the city could provide the criteria for evaluating each of the 20 sites that were looked at while searching for a suitable location for this project. You told me that information was online, but I can't find it. I can only find the list of sites. Do you have the results for each location showing why they were ruled out? I would imagine each site was thoroughly analyzed and would have a file with all of that information in it? I also asked you about another alternative site that was not on your list: McPhail Elementary School property at 1565 Vendola Drive. Was this site looked at? It is a 9.75 acre site that is for sale for $6 million. The 350 Merrydale property is only 2.3 acres and you plan to purchase it for $7.3 million. How do those numbers make sense? It is fiscally irresponsible to spend that much money on a site, when you currently own a site that is four times bigger and has comparable amenities.

I would appreciate an answer my questions, and not just a referral to the FAQ webpage as you did on Thursday.

Thanks,
Eoin Sheeran
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABnBrHuQAA 2/2 11/12/25, 2:06 PM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Outlook
Re: 350 Merrydale
From John Stefanski <[email protected]> Date Wed 11/12/2025 1:58 PM
To
Cc End Homelessness < [email protected] > Good afternoon Bernie,
Thanks for reaching out and I appreciate your suggestion. I have my team working on that and we're aiming to have it up on the website by the end of the week. Our team will follow up with you once it's there.

Best,
John
John Stefanski I City of San Rafael
Assistant City Manager
1400 5th Avenue, Room 203
San Rafael, CA 94901
415.485.3475
[email protected]
Pronouns: He/Him (What are Rersonal Rronouns?)
~ ~~~:T~!!;o~
From:

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 11:28 AM
To: John Stefanski <[email protected]> Subject: 350 Merrydale
Hi John:

Another gripe letter from a Rafael Meadows resident
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABnBrHuwAA 1/2 11/12/25, 2:06 PM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
I attended the Oct 28th meeting as well as the recent JCC meeting and plan to be at the Nov. 17th meeting as well.

While I sympathize with the need to provide long term solutions for our homeless residents, I decry the secretive nature and lack of adequate notice for local residents to participate in the process. But, I'm guessing you've heard this ad nauseam.

I've been looking at the 21 "alternative" sites listed by the City, it would be helpful if the criteria for rejecting each site were listed.

Empty lots close to social services are rejected, but no reason given (eg, utility availability, building costs).

I'd point out, that with a slow down of this project the Meadows would likely mobilize a bunch of us to look for alternative sites. Might prove helpful or lead to resignation about the lack of appropriate alternatives_ Bernie Samet
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABnBrHuwAA 2/2 11/12/25, 2:06 PM
Outlook
Fw: 350 Merrydale In-Person Meeting Request
From Lindsay Lara <[email protected]>
Date Wed 11/12/2025 2:05 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> From: Eli Hill <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 1:48 PM
To:

Cc: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Re: 350 Merrydale In-Person Meeting Request
Dear Mr. Dickinson,
lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Thank you for reaching out and for your continued engagement regarding the 350 Merrydale Project. I appreciate the time and thought your neighborhood committee has dedicated to understanding the proposal and sharing your perspectives.

While I'm unable to meet in person this week due to scheduling constraints, I welcome your input and value the concerns raised by the Rafael Meadows, Merrydale, and Redwood Village communities. To ensure your message is part of the public record, I've included the City Clerk on this email.

Please feel free to share any additional thoughts, questions, or materials by email.

Much appreciated,
Eli
Eli Hill
Councilmember District 2, City of San Rafael
Pronouns: he, him, his
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/MkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABnBrJrAM 1/2 11/12/25, 2:06 PM
ii~~ dfh SAN RAFAEL
l 'f/J!lRn THE CITY WITH A MISSION
UV established 1874
From:

Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 5:59 PM
To: Eli Hill <[email protected]>
Subject: 350 Merrydale In-Person Meeting Request
Dear Council member Hill:
lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
I called earlier today regarding the 350 Merrydale Project. Since the October 28 Virtual Event and the November 6 JCC Listening Session, our neighborhood has learned more about the proposal. We would like to invite you to engage with us in person to better understand our concerns.

Have you had a chance to visit the 350 Merrydale site ahead of the Public Hearing on Monday, November 17? During our walkthrough this past Saturday, we focused on nearby "grey areas" where homeless encampments have been reportedparticularly the Caltrans-owned land between Highway 101 and the property. We also spoke with the San Rafael Police Department, who provided helpful insight into what the community might expect if the City Council approves the purchase.

A small group from our neighborhood committee would greatly appreciate meeting with you at the site this week to share our perspectives in person. Could you please let us know a date and time that would work for you? Sincerely,
Ken Dickinson
Rafael Meadows, Merrydale and Redwood Village Neighborhoods. https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABnBrJrAAA 2/2 11/12/25, 2:07 PM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Outlook
Fw: 350 Merrydale Visit: Meet with Neighborhood Representatives Before the November 17th Vote From Lindsay Lara <[email protected]>
Date Wed 11/12/2025 2:05 PM
To End Homelessness <[email protected]> From: Eli Hill <[email protected]>
To:

Cc: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Re: 350 Merrydale Visit: Meet with Neighborhood Representatives Before the November 17th Vote Dear Carter,
Thank you for reaching out and for your continued engagement regarding the 350 Merrydale Project. I appreciate the time and thought your neighborhood committee has dedicated to understanding the proposal and sharing your perspectives.

While I'm unable to meet in person due to scheduling constraints, I welcome your input and value the concerns raised by the Rafael Meadows, Merrydale, and Redwood Village communities. To ensure your message is part of the public record, I've included the City Clerk on this email.

Please feel free to share any additional thoughts, questions, or materials by email.

Much appreciated,
Eli
Eli Hill
Council member District 2, City of San Rafael
Pronouns: he, him, his
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/MkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABnBrJrwM 1/3 11/12/25, 2:07 PM
ii~~ dfh SAN RAFAEL
l 'f/J!lRn THE CITY WITH A MISSION
UV established 1874
From:

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 1:08 PM
To: Eli Hill <[email protected]>
lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Subject: 350 Merrydale Visit: Meet with Neighborhood Representatives Before the November 17th Vote Dear Councilmember Hill,
I hope this note finds you well. Following up on my voicemail. I'm writing on behalf of our San Rafael Meadows, Redwood Village and Merrydale communities to respectfully invite you to meet in person at the 350 Merrydale property ahead of the City Council's scheduled vote on November 17th.

To make this convenient for you, we are arranging small group meetings with individual Council members on separate days next week. The visit would take no more than 30-45 minutes, and we would be happy to accommodate your schedule.

We believe that a brief, on site conversation will provide valuable context and help ensure that the Council's upcoming decision reflects both the project's intent and the realities faced by those who will be most directly affected.

Please let me know a day and time next week that works best for you - we will gladly adjust to your availability.

Thank you very much for your time, consideration, and service to our community.

We sincerely hope you'll join us for this important discussion before the vote.

Warm regards,
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABnBrJrwAA 2/3 11/12/25, 2:07 PM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Carter Phelps On behalf of the San Rafael Meadows, Merrydale and Redwood Village residents Carter Phelos
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/none/id/MkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0Ayr32xlqFAEOkqiaQuZ3jvQABnBrJrwM 3/3 11/12/25, 2:22 PM
Outlook
FW: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments
From Brenna Nurmi <[email protected] >
Date Wed 11/12/2025 2:16 PM
To Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Cc Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Please add this to your correspondence, N.

From: Maryellen Mullin Fong >
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 1:43 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments
FW: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments - Nguyen Pham - Outlook I would like all my correspondence with the Mayor below submitted for public records.

Respectfu I ly,
Maryellen
about:blank 1/10
11/12/25, 2:22 PM
Maryellen Mullin FonQ
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Mayor Kate <~yofsanrafael org,>
Date: Mon, Nov 3, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Subject: Re: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments
To: Maryellen Mullin Fonq >
FW: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments - Nguyen Pham - Outlook CC: Betty Shea aribeth Bushey <[email protected]>, Marv Sackett <Marv~S~ackeJt e essness <endhomelessness@cltvJ>fsanraf e .o _ >, judith
Hi Ms. Mullin Fong - Thank you for following up. I'm sorry my earlier message came across in a way that felt disrespectful as of course that wasn't my intention. My reference to your professional background was meant only to acknowledge the valuable perspective you bring as a member of the community.

I understand that safety and transparency are central concerns, and I appreciate you continuing to share your perspective. Your feedback helps inform how we communicate with residents as this process moves forward.

Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
about:blank 2/10
11/12/25, 2:22 PM FW: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments - Nguyen Pham - Outlook RAFAEL

THE CITY WITH A MISSION
established 1874
Subject: Re: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments
Dear Mayor Colin,
Thank you for your response. However, the information I requested still does NOT appear in the City's FAQs - specifically regarding safety, sex offenders, or crime statistics. These are central issues for our community, and continuing to defer to the FAQ without addressing these questions directly is unacceptable.
about:blank 3/10
11/12/25, 2:22 PM FW: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Additionally, your reference to my professional background is inappropriate. If you are suggesting that my expertise as a licensed clinical psychotherapist could be of service to the City, you may formally contract and compensate me for that work. I have over twenty years of professional experience, and it is deeply disrespectful - and frankly insulting - to imply that I should volunteer that expertise while my own family's safety is being jeopardized by your administration's decisions.

I again ask that you provide direct, transparent answers to the specific safety and crime-related concerns raised by myself and others in the community.

Respectfully,
Maryellen Mullin Fong, LMFT
Maryellen Mullin FonQ
On Mon, Nov 3, 2025 at 11 :03 AM Mayor Kate <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Maryellen and all cc'd on this email - Thank you for your continued engagement. I understand your concerns and agree that safety and transparency are essential as we move forward. The questions you and others have raised are being addressed through the City's FAQ so about:blank 4/10
11/12/25, 2:22 PM FW: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments - Nguyen Pham - Outlook that everyone has access to the same, accurate information. This approach ensures consistency and improves transparency by sharing updates publicly rather than responding to individual emails.

Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael

SAN RAFAEL

THE CITY WITH A MISSION
established 1874
From: Maryellen Mullin Fong
Sent: Saturday, November 1, 2025 9:33 AM
To: Mayor Kate • • ==== >
Cc: Betty Shea Maribeth • • • • ,gW£,>; End
Homelessness <endhomelessness@_myofsanrafael.om>;
about:blank 5/10
11/12/25, 2:22 PM FW: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments - Nguyen Pham - Outlook >; judith alien
Subject: Re: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments
Dear Mayor Kate,
My questions are not being addressed anywhere in your emails, or on your FAQs:
1) When will the Code of Conduct be on the FAQ?
2) When will the 20 sites be listed, as promised on the zoom meeting by Daniel Cooperman on the FAQ? 3) When will crime stats of the current encampment be released? We are all reading the police reports that do get released, and most crime takes place near the current encampment on Andersen. We want to know how many registered and unregistered sex offenders you plan to move into our neighborhood, near our daycares and around our children. The fact that you are not answering, makes us assume, you are hiding these facts.

You are not working with us, and until you answer our questions, I do NOT believe you take my safety, the safety our our most vulnerable , our children, and our elderly in this community, seriously.

Respectfully,
Maryellen Mullin Fong
about:blank 6/10
11/12/25, 2:22 PM FW: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments - Nguyen Pham - Outlook On Fri, Oct 31, 2025 at 2:36 PM Mayor Kate <[email protected].> wrote:
about:blank
Hi Maryellen and Betty - Thank you both for continuing to stay engaged and for sharing your thoughts. I know how closely you've been following this process, and I appreciate the time and care you've taken to raise questions and share feedback.

Staff are continuing to update the FAQ page as new information becomes available, and your input helps ensure that the community's concerns are reflected in those updates.

Warm regards,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
7110
11/12/25, 2:22 PM FW: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments - Nguyen Pham - Outlook about:blank
From: Betty Shea
Sent: Thursday,
To: Maryellen Mullin F
-:a;j@,,
' SAN RAFAEL

THE CITY WITH A MISSION
established 1874
Cc: Maribeth Bushey <maribeth,[email protected] • • • • • fsanrafaeLonz>; End Subject: Re: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments
Well said!! I hope they get it!
Betty
On Oct 30, 2025, at 9:31 PM, Maryellen Mullin Fong< rote:
8/10
11/12/25, 2:22 PM
about:blank
FW. Follow up on Tuesday's commitments - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Dear Mayor Colin, Ms. Bushey, Mr. Cooperman, and Ms. Sackett, During Tuesday's recorded and highly controlled Zoom meeting, each of you assured the community that the list of the 20 proposed sites would be disclosed and made public by today, Thursday. As of now, these sites are still not listed in the FAQs for 350 Merrydale.

We also continue to request the crime statistics from the current encampments. Many neighbors and mothers have asked for this data, yet it was again deferred by the Lieutenant during the meeting.

Until transparency and accountability are restored, you no longer have my vote or trust.

Respectfully,
Maryellen Mullin Fong
-
9/10
11/12/25, 2:22 PM FW: Follow up on Tuesday's commitments - Nguyen Pham - Outlook Maryellen Mullin Fon~
about:blank 10/10
Comments from November 6, 2025, Open House Event/ Special City Council Meeting 11/12/25, 3:13 PM lnbox - Nguyen Pham - Outlook
Outlook
FW: 350 Merrydale - Tiny Homes Project I New submission from Contact the City Clerk's Office From Brenna Nurmi <[email protected]>
Date Wed 11/12/2025 3:10 PM
To Nguyen Pham <[email protected]>
Cc Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Here is another, N.
8 From:

Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 2:35 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: 350 Merrydale - Tiny Homes Project I New submission from Contact the City Clerk's Office Name
Bernard Samet
Email
Subject
350 Merrydale - Tiny Homes Project
Message
Lara please add this to the public comments for the Nov. 17th meeting.

As of Nov 12th, there are no reasons posted on SR's website as to why the 21 alternative sites were rejected by theCity.

Without knowing the reasons, we are being kept in the dark and cannot make our own assessments. Is it possible these sites were selected AFTER the project was given the green light? 5 of the 21 sites are already being renovated/under construction. FYI, sites 6 and 19 are actually the same site (Yacht Way and Terrapin) https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0AvYZfAjdaN0mMbVApQjCGlwAAYDBTGQAA 1/1 From: Betty Shea
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 8:26 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected]; Richard Halstead, Marin IJ <[email protected]>; Cameron Macdonald <[email protected]>; Steven Rosenfeld, Marin IJ <[email protected]> Subject: 350 Merrydale – For Immediate Posting and Inclusion on the City Council Agenda Dear City Council,
It is appalling that you have advanced as far as you have with the bait and switch on 350 Merrydale without a robust public process. You have all defied the trust of your constituents; if you move forward, it will be in direct contravention of the will of the people.

To date, there is no Environmental Impact analysis or report for this site, as required by the State-certified Housing Element or specific to any consideration for a homeless compound. This is simply egregious, and we demand that you immediately rescind any backroom deals you have consented to or entertained. We do not want our tax dollars – city and county tax dollars – wasted on this pipedream.

Use funds to actually address a successful and thoughtful solution. The homeless are not your political pawns. But neither are we!
Sincerely,
Betty Shea
San Rafael
30 plus years resident
From:

Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2025 10:41 AM
To: Eli Hill <[email protected]>
Cc: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Re: 350 Merrydale Visit: Meet with Neighborhood Representatives Before the November 17th Vote
Hi Councilmember Hill,
Thanks for your reply. I want to be candid: do you truly feel a vote on this project can move forward without directly engaging the local businesses and community at the 350 Merrydale site? At a minimum, that outreach should occur before any decision is made. Or has this decision already been effectively made for you and the other councilmembers? This item should be removed from the agenda and postponed until public commentary and community engagement can be properly gathered. Our neighborhoods deserve adequate time and full transparency around this process. So far, the planning has taken place behind closed doors, without collaboration, and we’ve been left in the dark on key details.

That is simply not acceptable.

There has also been conflicting information throughout. The City and County appear to be significantly overpaying for this property, which raises questions about the need for any closed-door discussions related to negotiation. And if this ever moves to a developer-led phase, estimates suggest it could cost $80+ million to build out. How is that a responsible use of taxpayer dollars in exchange for an $8 million grant with heavy conditions attached? This is a collective decision for the entire Council, and there is no reason for it to be pushed through with such urgency. What is driving this aggressive timeline? Many of the alternative sites presented aren’t truly viable or appear duplicative, which only adds to the concern.

This issue isn’t going away—for you or for any councilmember. The community deserves respect, time, genuine engagement, collaboration, and full transparency around both the process and the decisions being made. Please take the time to rebuild trust before any vote moves forward.

Myself and others are available to meet anytime before the Monday vote, I’m sure you can find 30 minutes. It’s a short 10 minute drive for you. Let’s make it happen at a bare minimum.

Regards,
Carter
Carter Phelps
On Nov 12, 2025, at 4:50 PM, Eli Hill <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Carter,
Thank you for reaching out and for your continued engagement regarding the 350 Merrydale Project. I appreciate the time and thought your neighborhood committee has dedicated to understanding the proposal and sharing your perspectives.

While I’m unable to meet in person due to scheduling constraints, I welcome your input and value the concerns raised by the Rafael Meadows, Merrydale, and Redwood Village communities. To ensure your message is part of the public record, I’ve included the City Clerk on this email.

Please feel free to share any additional thoughts, questions, or materials by email.

Much appreciated,
Eli
Eli Hill
Councilmember District 2, City of San Rafael
Pronouns: he, him, his
<Outlook-x5cgbmki.png>
From:

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2025 1:08 PM
To: Eli Hill <[email protected]>
Subject: 350 Merrydale Visit: Meet with Neighborhood Representatives Before the November 17th Vote

Dear Councilmember Hill,
I hope this note finds you well. Following up on my voicemail. I’m writing on behalf of our San Rafael Meadows, Redwood Village and Merrydale communities to respectfully invite you to meet in person at the 350 Merrydale property ahead of the City Council’s scheduled vote on November 17th.

On Saturday we had a neighborhood walkabout on and around the property and many of us feel it’s essential that Council members have the opportunity to see the site and vicinity firsthand and hear directly from those who live in the surrounding area. We would like to share some new and specific concerns about the City’s plan for the homeless shelter/housing project and especially the impact it will have on nearby neighborhoods and the broader community following recent conversations with the SRPD.

To make this convenient for you, we are arranging small-group meetings with individual Council members on separate days next week. The visit would take no more than 30–45 minutes, and we would be happy to accommodate your schedule.

We believe that a brief, on-site conversation will provide valuable context and help ensure that the Council’s upcoming decision reflects both the project’s intent and the realities faced by those who will be most directly affected.

Please let me know a day and time next week that works best for you — we will gladly adjust to your availability.

Thank you very much for your time, consideration, and service to our community.

We sincerely hope you’ll join us for this important discussion before the vote.

Warm regards,
Carter Phelps
On behalf of the San Rafael Meadows, Merrydale and Redwood Village residents Carter Phelps
From: Ed Shea
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 8:16 PM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected]; Cameron Macdonald <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: 350 Merrydale – For Immediate Posting and Inclusion on the City Council Agenda [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
RE: 350 Merrydale – For Immediate Posting and Inclusion on the City Council Agenda Dear City Council,
I am writing to you on behalf of the adjacent communities to your proposed homeless site, as referenced above.

First and foremost, I demand that this item be continued from any City Council action, since you have failed as the City Council elected to represent us, the taxpayers. This is a clear dereliction of your duties; you have ZERO support for this project and you have been unfaithful to your office and your oath by operating in secret and without input. Specifically, this site is a published housing opportunity site that has been confirmed and certified by the State. I demand you reveal when this site was reconsidered for a homeless shelter and when.

You have demonstrated that you have ZERO regard for solving homelessness. 350 Merrydale is likely the worst possible site to consider to address the real needs of the homeless population and it is not a viable or resilient solution in large part to your very own published constraints of the site. This is remarkably incompetent and callous.

Do you really want to create another Ritter Center and 4th Street debacle? Have you failed to learn from your previous disasters?
You have eroded the public’s trust. Remove this item from any further consideration and cease from any further attempts to bamboozle your constituents.

Sincerely,
Edward J. Shea Jr.

San Rafael, CA 94903
30+ year resident of San Rafael Meadows
cc: Marin IJ Editorial Board
Richard Halstead, Marin IJ ([email protected])
Cameron Macdonald, Marin IJ ([email protected])
Steven Rosenfeld, Marin IJ ([email protected])
From:

Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2025 12:20 PM
To: Lindsay Lara <[email protected]>
Subject: 350 Merrydale - November 17 Agenda Item Public Comments

PLEASE POST IN THE PUBLIC RECORD
Dear Lindsay:

Could you please include the following Marin IJ Letters to The Editor published over the last month regarding the 350 Merrydale Project. I believe it will be helpful for the City Council Members and the Mayor to read them before they make their decision and take their vote on the property at the November 17 Public Hearing.

Sincerely
Ken Dickinson
The Brown Act
Source: California Gov. Code Section 54950
This chapter shall be known as the Ralph M. Brown Act.
“The people of this State do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created.”
Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Oct. 29, 2025
By Letters to the editor
PUBLISHED: October 28, 2025 at 12:58 PM PDT
San Rafael community caught off guard by tiny homes plan Along with many other residents of the San Rafael Meadows and Merrydale neighborhoods, I was stunned to learn, through a press conference on Oct. 15, that our city had selected 350 Merrydale Road for a 65-unit “tiny home” shelter village. Until that day, I knew of no one from the surrounding communities who had been informed, consulted or even notified that this property was under consideration.

I want to be clear, I am not opposing solutions for homelessness or affordable housing. I’ve lived in the San Rafael Meadows neighborhood for 27 years and I’ve always tried to stay involved in local politics. I served on the flood zone advisory board and advocated for the “Quiet Zone” along the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit line.

I know that our community values compassion, inclusion and smart planning. What I’m opposed to is the lack of transparency and the absence of public dialogue in how this project is being handled.

According to the IJ article (“San Rafael, Marin County to provide small dwellings for homeless,” Oct. 17), the City Council will not consider the purchase agreement until Nov. 17, yet city and county officials (along with what appears to be the full force and presence of state officials) publicly announced the project on Oct. 15. I think they acted as if it were a done deal, a “fait accompli.” The article also notes a “tentative agreement” was reached in closed session on Oct. 2, but no public report was ever made.

Residents are now being invited to “provide feedback” only after the public rollout and long after key decisions appear to have been made behind closed doors. That’s not inclusion, it’s damage control.

As a part of the community, I am asking city officials to pause, disclose the timeline and approvals behind this project, and begin a genuine conversation with the people who live here. San Rafael deserves public processes that are open, honest and worthy of our trust.
— Ken Dickinson, San Rafael
Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Oct. 31, 2025
By Letters to the editor
PUBLISHED: October 30, 2025 at 12:58 PM PDT
San Rafael plan is a risky disruption for neighborhood
As long-time residents of San Rafael Meadows, we are writing to express our strong opposition to the proposed tiny-home project for the homeless, just 0.2 miles, or a sixminute walk, from our front door (“San Rafael, Marin County to provide small dwellings for homeless,” Oct. 16).

My husband and I moved here over 30 years ago and raised our two sons in this safe, quiet, family-oriented neighborhood. We were shocked to learn city officials are considering placing a homeless housing site so close to an established residential area and longtime local businesses.

Equally troubling is the lack of transparency in the decision-making process. There was no proactive outreach or communication with nearby residents before this plan advanced. It feels as though the voices of those most affected have been ignored.

We also have serious concerns about public safety, sanitation and maintenance.

Without clear plans for on-site management, security and ongoing upkeep, the risk of increased crime, litter and unsanitary conditions is real.

These are not hypothetical concerns — they could quickly diminish the quality of life we’ve worked hard to build and preserve.

We understand the need to address homelessness with compassion and effective solutions. But placing this project within steps of a stable neighborhood is not the right approach. Other sites are better suited for this type of housing, locations that wouldn’t place such a disproportionate burden on families and long-standing residents.

We urge Mayor Kate Colin and other city representatives to reconsider this location, engage openly with the community and explore alternatives that meet the needs of the unhoused while protecting the character and safety of neighborhoods like San Rafael Meadows.
—Betty Shea and Ed Shea, San Rafael
Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Nov. 1, 2025
By Letters to the editor
PUBLISHED: October 31, 2025 at 12:58 PM PDT
San Rafael officials picked wrong place for tiny homes
I was disappointed to read about apparent closed meetings and secret negotiations in regard to the decision by San Rafael officials to build tiny homes for the unhoused at 350 Merrydale Road (“San Rafael, Marin County to provide small dwellings for homeless,” Oct. 16).

It feels like Mayor Kate Colin and the San Rafael City Council are trying to sneak this through. That would be shameful.

Terra Linda is the wrong place to build what I consider to be just another encampment with many of the same issues.
— Craig A. Nelson, San Rafael
Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Nov. 2, 2025
By Letters to the editor
PUBLISHED: November 1, 2025 at 12:56 PM PDT
Neighbors need time to discuss plan with city
I am writing in response to the article published Oct. 16 with the headline “San Rafael, Marin County to provide small dwellings for homeless.” The plan appears to call for lockable cabins to provide shelter for those interested residents currently residing in the sanctioned Mahon Creek encampment. The tiny homes are planned for 350 Merrydale Road.

On the surface, any program for the homeless that provides housing, even temporarily, is a step above the usual and should be applauded. However, this project is not without issues and detractors. The local neighborhood where this project is slated is represented by the Rafael Meadows homeowner’s association, of which I am a member. Most of us were blindsided by the news of this project. By Oct. 20, our HOA had mobilized, holding a well-attended meeting at the local pizzeria.

By the next evening at the scheduled San Rafael City Council meeting, about 12 of my neighbors got up to comment on the issue. They were all vehemently against the project. Problems cited included the site being close to where children play and close to daycare centers. There are concerns about sanitation, as well as worries about issues related to drug usage and mental illness.

I think this blindsiding was deliberate. It seems to be an attempt to ram the project through before local residents have a chance to organize and explain their opposition.

I feel the time frame for this project needs to be delayed so that both sides can more fully explore and explain their positions to each other. Who knows? Maybe we can come up with a plan both sides can agree on.
— Bernie Samet, San Rafael
Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Nov. 5, 2025
By Letters to the editor
PUBLISHED: November 4, 2025 at 12:58 PM PST
San Rafael should open a hotel to homeless right now
I am writing in response to the article published Oct. 16 with the headline “San Rafael, Marin County to provide small dwellings for homeless.” I think city officials should look into the feasibility of contracting with a local hotel in the Northgate area to house homeless people. City officials should then proceed to find a nonprofit builder for the permanent buildings on the 350 Merrydale Road property.

The money earmarked for the purchase of the 64 temporary tiny homes and the estimated $2 million annual maintenance thereof could be better used for sheltering people in rooms that have private bathrooms, coffee makers and mini fridges for food storage. Additionally, something located within walking or biking distance of the Northgate mall could provide services and a variety of work possibilities. — Roxanna Atkins, San Rafael
Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Nov. 9, 2025
By Letters to the editor
PUBLISHED: November 8, 2025 at 12:56 PM PST
San Rafael’s process feels authoritarian, dismissive
I’m deeply frustrated with how San Rafael officials — especially the mayor and council members — have handled the new proposed “tiny homes” project in my Terra Linda neighborhood (“San Rafael, Marin County to provide small dwellings for homeless,” Oct. 16).

Residents here were completely blindsided. It appears that this decision was made behind closed doors before the people most affected were ever informed or invited to be part of the process. I think the way it was announced through a media event felt more like an executive order than local government. I consider it authoritarian and dismissive of residents’ voices.

All I’m asking for is transparency, honesty and genuine community involvement. Marin residents have already made it clear they oppose this kind of top-down leadership — just look at the “No Kings” rally and the calls for accountable government. In this case, it feels like San Rafael officials need a reminder.
— Frank Mason, San Rafael
Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Nov. 11, 2025
By Letters to the editor
PUBLISHED: November 10, 2025 at 12:57 PM PST
Transparency should be essential part of strategy
The recent article about Marin County’s homelessness funding crisis (“Marin officials reassess homelessness strategy in face of obstacles,” Nov. 2) reminds us that success in reducing homelessness is fragile without clear, inclusive planning and transparent decision-making.

Here in my San Rafael neighborhood, the ambitious plan at 350 Merrydale Road seems to tick many of the boxes — interim cabins, support services and long-term housing — yet the rollout has left many neighbors with the sense of being an afterthought. When major decisions about land acquisition and site operations ($7.3 million, plus about $2 million annually) are made and announced with only a month or less of visible public input, it raises the question: Is this being done for the community or to the community? Homelessness is too serious to be treated as a political hot potato — but when decisions are made under time pressure, with closed negotiations and limited early community involvement, that’s exactly how it looks.

If San Rafael and Marin County officials truly want to build public trust, they should pause, share all the financial and operational details, invite wide input and measure results publicly — not just after the fact. Transparency isn’t optional: it’s essential for effective, sustainable and widely supported solutions.
— Janet Shirley, San Rafael

PLEASE POST IN THE PUBLIC RECORD

From: Wayne Rayburn
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2025 11:47 AM
To: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: 350 Merrydale Road
RE: 350 Merrydale Road - For Immediate Posting and Inclusion on the City Council Agenda Please Post in Public Comments
Dear City Council Members,

San Rafael Meadows, Merrydale residents and business owners were blindsided by a City and County plan to build an interim homeless shelter at 350 Merrydale Road.

There was no community input, no safety plan and no clear assessment of the impact on our neighborhood.

I fully support compassionate, effective solutions to homelessness, but this proposal was crafted without transparency or community involvement. The community deserves a voice, openness with a safer and smarter solution which helps those in need without harming local families and businesses.

This project has moved forward with minimal outreach to the people who live and work here every day. Decisions with lasting impact on our neighborhoods must involve open dialogue not unilateral action.

The proposed site raises serious concerns about safety, security and local business stability. Information from other areas, similar projects without proper planning have led to increased disturbances and crime. Resulting in hurting small businesses and community trust.

I urge city officials to reconsider the location at this time. I encourage them to engage in genuine public discussions around exploring alternative sites and partnerships that address homelessness responsibility effectively.

Thank You for your consideration on this matter.

Regards,
Wayne M. Rayburn
Please post in public comments

San Rafael City CouncilNovember 17, 2025

San Rafael City Council
November 17, 2025