San Rafael, CA 94901
Dear Mayor Colin, Council members,
Cc to Lindsay Lara, City Clerk, Paul Navazio, Acting City Manager, April Miller, DPW Director, Cory Bytoff, Sustainability Director, San Rafael Tree Group March 2, 2026
Re: 3-Year Strategic Plan Item A.3.6, Deferred Tree Ordinance A veritable people-pleaser and low-budget initiative for the City would be a comprehensive Tree Master Plan, including sensible tree ordinances. And yet, post-Llidar survey, a look at our tree ordinances is now deferred. In today’s Council packet there is news that due to staff absence, the review, study and drafting of a reasonable tree ordinance is postponed again.
Please, in light of the staff absence, call on the Tree Group and Sustainable San Rafael with their expertise and good will to help staff move the tree ordinance forward in FY 26-27 The aesthetic, health and climate benefits of initiating such an ordinance are far-flung and very popular, affecting every aspect of residents’ lifestyle. The Downtown and Gateway area, neighborhoods and business districts have the potential of being inviting to residents, tourists and businesses, why trees and their benefits are intrinsic to the 2040 General Plan.
We stand ready to help staff with this urgent issue and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely yours,
Amy Likover
San Rafael Tree Group