From: Corrie Sias
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 2:45 PM
To: Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]>; Paul Navazio <[email protected]>; April Miller <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Craig Veramay <[email protected]>; Greg Minor <[email protected]>; Grey Melgard <[email protected]> Subject: Serious Concerns re Starkweather Path Lighting and Art Install Plans Dear City Officials,
I am a longtime resident of San Rafael, specifically Spinnaker Point. I highly value Starkweather Path for something increasingly rare in our region: unobstructed, open views of the Bay and surrounding marshland. This was the #1 reason for purchasing my home in 1997.
I strongly support the intent and artistic vision of the People of the Canal project and the goal of honoring Miwok history. My concern is not with the story being told, but with the proposed location along Starkweather Path. I believe there are more appropriate venues where this important history can be shared without permanently altering the character of Starkweather Path.
Starkweather Path is cherished precisely because it remains a quiet, natural corridor. It is a place to connect with the Bay, observe wildlife, and enjoy uninterrupted views. The installation of 22 placards and a large sculpture would fundamentally change this experience, shifting the path from a nature refuge to an outdoor gallery.
I respectfully encourage the city to consider alternative locations that could honor the same history while preserving what makes Starkweather Path special, such as:
• Placing the installation at end of the Bay Trail (beach near the Gun & Rod Club to picnic area by Target) • Integrating the exhibit within the Pickleweed Community Center campus • Placing exhibit at History Museum in San Rafael
• Placing the installation at Olompali State Park
These locations would allow the story to be shared in settings that are more accessible, appropriate for gathering and reflection, and better supported by nearby parking and all while protecting the unique and peaceful nature of Starkweather Path.
I respectfully ask that the city reject the proposal in its current location and stand with the residents who are most directly impacted by this decision. Thank you for your time, thoughtful consideration, and openness to community input.
Sincerely,
Corrie Sias
San Rafael
Corrie Sias
"Remember this, my friends: there are no such things as bad plants or bad men.
There are only bad cultivators.”
Victor Hugo, "Les Miserables"
From: Corrie Sias
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 2:59 PM
To: Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]>; Paul Navazio <[email protected]>; April Miller <[email protected]>; Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Craig Veramay <[email protected]>; Greg Minor <[email protected]>; Grey Melgard <[email protected]> Subject: Serious Safety Concerns re Starkweather Path Lighting and Art Install Plans Dear City Officials,
I live in the flood zone Spinnaker Point, near Starkweather Path. I'm writing to raise practical safety concerns about the proposed lighting and permanent installations on this corridor.
Starkweather Path sits atop a flood-control levee that protects over 400 homes in our community. We are in a flood zone so why here? Adding 22 permanent placards, a large steel sculpture, and lighting infrastructure raises important issues:
• No separation between pedestrians and high-speed e-bikes forcing walkers off the path and onto the gravel which is where the 22 installations would be anchored
• Unresolved on-going maintenance responsibilities due to vandalism, weather and salt air not addressed • Expecting children to walk 4 miles roundtrip to view the installations is unrealistic and exposes them to injury by bikes, scooters and e-bikes and impractical for them to walk on the unpaved portion between Target and Starkweather
• Installing installations on the gravel uneven surface is not ADA compliant which poses another safety threat to pedestrians
• The levee is to protect 400 homes and not be used for permanent art installations which would impede emergency response efforts
• Lighting would invite after-hours use, increasing noise, safety concerns, and trespassing for nearby residents considering that the path is closed at sunset
I support thoughtful improvements to our community, but I believe these issues deserve to be heard and addressed by the city before any commitment is made to permanently change Starkweather's critical infrastructure. One improvement that does deserve the utmost attention is the algae in our lagoon along that path and the potential flooding we are facing. Art installations and lighting do nothing to address those impending safety threats.
I respectfully request that the city reject both proposals in their current form and stand with the residents who are directly impacted by these decisions.
Sincerely,
Corrie Sias
San Rafael
Corrie Sias
"Remember this, my friends: there are no such things as bad plants or bad men.
There are only bad cultivators.”
Victor Hugo, "Les Miserables"