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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCD Ritter Center Performance Report 2016CITY OF Agenda Item No: 5.d
Meeting Date: March 21, 2016
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Community Development
Prepared by: Paul Jensen (CP)(IQuz aSe� City Manager Approval:
Title: Community Development Director
TOPIC: Review of Ritter Center Performance Report (covering May 2015 to December 2015)
SUBJECT: Review of 6 month Performance Report on the Ritter Center's adherence to the Use Permit
(UP13-030) operational conditions of approval regulating client limits, litter control, security and police
service calls to the facility for May 2015 — December 2015.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This report provides the fifth Performance Review of the Use Permit (UP13-030) for Ritter Center. The conditions
of approval of the Use Permit require a six month performance review of Ritter Center operations, specifically
regarding client caseload tally, litter control, security practices and police calls for service specifically limited to the
Day Services Center (DSC) and the medical modular operations. The analysis does not include a review of other
Ritter Center services. The 60 -client -per day limit (averaged over the operational work week) is not a general limit
for all Ritter Center campus services. This daily client limit is set for the Day Services and medical modular only.
The current Use Permit approved by the Planning Commission in 2012 and per City Council direction, amended
by the Zoning Administrator in 2013, allowed the installation of the modular trailer for medical services and
allowed an increase to the daily client load from 45 to 60 clients.
As was the case in the previous four Performance Reports, data submitted for this Performance Report
demonstrates that Ritter Center is in general compliance with Use Permit conditions of approval requiring the
performance review. The daily client caseload limit remains below 60 clients/day as required per Use Permit
COA #5 (see Table 1, Page 6 of this staff report). Ritter continues to conduct daily security patrols during the
weekday business hours, and additional patrols during evenings. Further, litter control measures are still in effect.
Additional information about Ritter's relocation efforts is presented in the 2016 Ritter Center Narrative Report
(Attachment 1) and on Page 8 of this staff report. Ritter has also reported services changes on site that have
been implemented to improve overall operations on site. Specific details of the service changes are discussed on
Page 3 of Attachment 1, and also summarized on Page 5 of this staff report.
It was determined that this Performance Report be brought forward for public review by the City Council because:
a) it is the fifth Performance Review since the Use Permit was last modified in 2012 to allow the increase in client
limit to 60 clients; b) the homelessness issue continues to grow in the community and there are increased calls for
service to areas around Ritter; and c) there is continued public concern with the state of Downtown and growing
impacts to residents, businesses and city services.
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.: 273
1. Accepted the performance report
Council Meeting: 03/21/2016 2 Directed staff to schedule a City Council Public Hearing for May 16, 2016, on the Use Permit
3. Directed staff to bring forward to City Council a recommendation for a moratorium on day use services
Disposition: Accepted Report 4. Council consensus appointing the following two City Council Ad -Hoc committees:
a. Councilmembers Bushey and Colin to work with Ritter Center on use operations;
b. Mayor Phillips and Councilmember Gamblin to work with Ritter Center on aggressive relocation plans
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Furthermore, a review of the calls for service for a period of time before and after the medical modular trailer
commenced operations reveals that there has been a significant increase (35%) in the calls for service in and
around Ritter Center. Therefore, it may be time for the City to re -consider the Use Permit, given the current
conditions, to review whether the client limits or conditions of approval outlined by the current Use Permit should
be modified or the Use Permit should be revoked.
In conclusion, staff recommends that the Council accept this performance report and seeks the Council's direction
on next steps, as outlined in the options section on page 10 of this staff report, which include: 1) scheduling the
Use Permit for a full review hearing for potential modification or revocation, 2) considering a moratorium and
rezoning on day service uses; or 3) continuing with the performance report requirement for the next 6 months.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Council accept the report and direct staff to options #1 and #2, which entail scheduling
the Use Permit for a full review hearing in late April or early May to consider modification or revocation of the Use
Permit and presenting a moratorium on day service uses.
BACKGROUND:
Site and Use History: The Ritter Center has been in operation at its current location since 1981, providing a
variety of services and resources, free of charge to the working poor and homeless. The Ritter Center is located
in four buildings/modular trailers housed on two contiguous lots located on the south side of Ritter Street. As
described below, the Ritter center provides various functions and services housed in the four buildings, including
case management, behavioral health, day services, food pantry, emergency clothing/Goodwill Gift certificates and
seasonal programs (Thanksgiving and Christmas):
• Ritter Center (16 Ritter): Offices and food pantry distribution
• Bouchard Building (16 Ritter): Case Management (5 offices) and a conference room
• Day Services Center (DSC) (12 Ritter): Showers, laundry, and restrooms. Prior to the Use Permit
amendment (UP11-070) to install the new medical modular in 2012, the DSC also served as the medical
clinic. Following the approval of the Use Permit amendment (UP11-070) in 2012, the medical services
were transferred to the new modular building and the DSC was limited to showers, laundry and
restrooms.
• Medical Modular Building (12 Ritter): Medical clinic
The 16 Ritter St address was originally built as a single family home converted to office use in 1973. There was
no Use Permit history for the site until 1992, when the Human Concern Center applied for a temporary Use Permit
(ED92-52/ UP92-32) to install an 879 sq. ft. trailer on site, to the rear of the existing building at 16 Ritter St. The
City approved a Use Permit and Design Review Permit for the trailer to be used as office space/counseling.
The adjacent lot at 12 Ritter Street was vacant until 1993, when the City approved a Use Permit and Design
Review Permit (ED93-15/UP93-16) for a 1,100 sq. ft. temporary trailer to be used for Day Services. In 2000, the
City approved a Design Review Permit (ED00-37) to replace this trailer with a new 1,452 sq. ft. trailer. Both lots
have always been viewed as one site in terms of services, but it was not until 2004 that both lots came under
review as one cohesive Use Permit application, signed by both property owners. At that time, the Planning
Commission approved a Use Permit amendment for 12-16 Ritter St (UP04-005). The purpose of the amendment
was to modify several conditions of approval from previous Use Permits since they were no longer applicable or
necessary. Planning Commission Resolution # 04-26 codifies the 1993 approved Use Permit operating at 12-16
Ritter Street and in effect consolidated all Ritter services under one operational Use Permit. All services listed in
UP04-005 are still part of current Ritter Center services.
815 Third Street (Annex Building): The Ritter Center also leases 1,800 sq. ft. of administrative office space in the
building directly across the street at 815 Third St. This space was previously approved for a temporary Use Permit
to be used as a client screening and pick-up location for the 2011-2012 Rotating Emergency Shelter (REST)
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
Program (expired April 2012). Ritter continued to use the space for administrative offices once the REST
Program ended. The Use Permit for the Ritter operations does not include activities at the 815 Third St. However,
the parcel is zoned 2/3 MUE (Second/Third Mixed Use East) and administrative offices is a permitted use in this
zoning district. Staff has been informed that the 815 Third St. site is being used as a REST Program pick-up
location, coordinated by St. Vincent's.
Lease Information Update: Ritter Center has re -negotiated flexible leases with all of their landlords (see Page 2
of Attachment 1). These leases allow Ritter Center to continue as a tenant, and have differing 'early termination'
agreements and notification periods to allow Ritter Center to exit the lease once an appropriate property is
found. All of the landlords are aware of Ritter Center's intent to relocate and have crafted the lease to make that
possible. The current lease agreements are as follows:
➢ 16 Ritter Street: Lease was recently extended for another 5 years, expiring in 2021.
➢ 12 Ritter Street: Lease has been extended for 12 months unless terminated sooner in accordance with
the terms of the lease.
➢ 815 Third Street: Lease has been renegotiated for a 24 month term unless terminated sooner in
accordance with the terms of the lease.
Ritter Center staff has also been conducting an on-going search for a relocation site. For additional details on the
relocation efforts, see Page 1 of the Ritter Center Narrative Report (Attachment 1).
Current Use Permit (UP13-030) and Performance Report Requirement: On February 14, 2012, the Planning
Commission approved a Use Permit amendment and Design Review amendment (UP1 1-070/ED1 1-089) for the
Ritter Center site to allow the installation of a new medical modular building on site. The Use Permit amendment
allowed the relocation of the existing medical clinic space from the Day Services Center (DSC) modular to the
new 933 -sq. ft. modular. The total number of clients served (laundry/showers services and medical services) was
increased from the 40 clients/day approved in 2004 (UP04-005) to 65 clients/day (averaged over a one week
period). This limit did not apply to the other on-site services provided by the Ritter Center. The Planning
Commission action was appealed to the City Council.
On April 2, 2012, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 13321 upholding the Planning Commission action to
grant a Use Permit amendment (UP11-070) for the Ritter Center (see Attachment 4), but reducing the total
number of clients served by the DSC and the medical modular from 65 clients/dav to a total of 60 clients
Per dav, averaged over one week. Resolution 13221 combined all of the uses of the past Use Permits granted
for the Ritter Center into one Use Permit. However, the conditions of approval regarding client caseload tally and
performance reporting were specifically limited to the DCS and the medical modular and did not include other
Ritter Center services. The Use Permit includes other operational conditions of approval (listed below) including a
requirement that a six-month performance report be completed and presented to the City Council.
The first six-month performance report, covering the period of October 2012 to April 2013 was presented to the
City Council on June 17, 2013. As part of this review, the City Council expressed concern over the method of
tallying the client caseload (COA #5), based on a 7 day week when the Center was mostly open and operational
for only 5 days per week. The Council voted (Resolution 13221) to direct staff to amend the language in COA#5
through a Zoning Administrator hearing so that the client limit average is based on the operational week dans
(i.e., 5 day week) for the Ritter Center.
On September 18, 2013, the Zoning Administrator held a hearing to amend Use Permit language in COA #5 as
directed by the Council. The amended Use Permit (UP13-030) changed the language in COA #5 to read as
follows: "Client caseload for the existing Day Services Center (DSC) and services in the new modular are limited
to a total of 60 clients/day, averaged over the operational work week. For the purposes of this condition, an
"operational dav" is defined as a dav during which the Dav Services Center or the medical modular building is
open to clients for services." (Conditions of Approval #5).
The specific conditions of the Use Permit approval related to the preparation of the six-month performance report
are listed below, per UP13-030 (see Attachment 4):
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4
Condition of Approval #5: "Client caseload for the existing Day Services Center (DSC) and services in the
new modular are limited to a total of 60 clients/dav, averaged over the operational work week. Commencing
at occupancy and occupation of the new modular, on the first day of each month, the Ritter Center shall
submit monthly reports to the Planning Division, which are to: a) provide a tally of the total number of daily
client visits during the previous calendar month; and b) identify the number of days the "overflow plan" was
implemented (per Use Permit Condition of Approval #17). The form of this report shall be approved by the
Planning Division and City Attorney prior to the issuance of a building permit, and shall include verification
under penalty of perjury."
Condition of Approval #15: "On-going compliance with all conditions of approval shall be required to keep
the Use Permit Amendment valid. This Use Permit (UP13-030) may be called to hearing at any time by the
Planning Division in order to review compliance with the Conditions of Approval."
Condition of Approval # 16: "Six (6) months from the date of occupancy and operation, a performance report
shall be prepared by the Planning Division and shall continue to be prepared every six months thereafter.
This performance report shall report on the Center's adherence to the operational conditions of approval
regulating client limits, litter control and security, and shall include a tracking of the numbers of police service
calls to the facility. Once completed, the performance reports shall be forwarded to the Planning Commission
and City Council. If, during the course of monitoring, it is determined that the Ritter Center is out -of -
compliance with conditions of approval, the City can schedule the Use Permit for a City Council public
hearing. "
Staff has presented a total of four Performance Reports to Council, starting in June 2013. Three of the reports
were presented to Council as a public hearing agenda item. Public testimony at the hearings was mixed, with
many residents and business owners expressing both support for Ritter and also concern about the magnitude of
Ritter Center operations and the potential spillover effects on Downtown San Rafael in general and businesses
along Ritter St. in particular. However, data from all four Performance Report analyses indicated that Ritter
Center has been in general compliance with Use Permit conditions, per UP13-030. At this time, Ritter had also
expressed their intention to relocate out of Downtown.
At the November 17, 2014 public hearing for the 3 d Performance Report, the Council asked for guidance from the
City Attorney as to the public hearing review requirements for the performance reports. The City Attorney
reported that based on the language in Use Permit UP13-030, COA #16, the Council was not required to hold a
public hearing to present the results of the performance report. The Council could, on its own or at the
recommendation of staff, bring the item forward to a hearing as a follow-up to the 6 -month Performance Report
memo. Based on this information, the Council voted to direct staff to present subsequent reports directly to
Council as a staff memo, without a public hearing. Any interested parties could request a copy of the memo. The
Council indicated that based on their review of the memo, they would determine whether the Use Permit should
return to the Council for further review as a public hearing agenda item.
On July 1, 2015, the 4th Performance Report (covering October 2014 to April 2015) was presented to the Council
as a staff memo. A copy of the report was distributed to members of the public upon request. Again, Ritter
Center was found in general compliance with Use Permit conditions of approval. Ritter also presented
information about lease options for the site and agreed to work with City staff to find a suitable site to re -locate all
or part of Ritter's services. Despite Ritter's compliance with the Use Permit conditions and their outreach to the
adjacent businesses and community, in the months since July 2015, the City has received extensive comments
expressing concern about the impact of having Ritter Services (and also St. Vincent services) in the downtown
and the impacts on the downtown. As a result, the Council has directed staff to present the 5th Performance
Report (covering May 2015 to December 2015) to the City Council for review.
ANALYSIS:
Fifth Performance Report (May 2015 — December 2015): The 5th Performance Report covers the period from
May 2015 to December 2015. In an attempt to provide more current data, this actually covers an 8 month, not a 6
month time period. This should be taken into account if comparisons are made to the previous 6 month reporting
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5
period. As part of the performance report documentation, Ritter's Executive Director, Cia Byrnes, has submitted
a report containing a narrative overview of the Ritter operations. The following are the key points in the Ritter
Center Narrative Report (Attachment 1):
➢ Ritter has summarized their search for a new location, indicating that they have been working with a real
estate agent to find alternative site outside downtown, but unable to find a suitable location due to an
unwillingness of property owners to lease to Ritter due to fear of impacts to other tenants. They have
researched various properties within San Rafael. Additional information is on Page 1 of the Ritter Center
Narrative Report (Attachment 1).
➢ Ritter Center staff continues to provide daily litter control in the area, including morning litter removal.
➢ Security services and patrolling have remained the same as last reporting period, both weekends,
evenings and weekend patrols by Barbier Security Service.
➢ Ritter has implemented several services changes (see Page 3 of Ritter Center Narrative Report, Exhibit
1), including the elimination of donations for clothes and household goods, closing the gate between 12
and 16 Ritter, security guard on site 1 hour before opening and 30 minutes after closing.
The following is a presentation of compliance with the specified conditions of approval of the Use Permit for the
operation of the Day Services Center (DSC) and the medical modular building from May 2015 to December 2015.
As per the approved Use Permit UP13-030, this report does not review any other services offered at the Ritter
Center site. The findings demonstrating compliance with the Use Permit conditions of approval pertinent to the
DSC and medical modular are provided as follows:
Condition of Approval #5 — This condition requires that Ritter Center staff has provided planning staff with
monthly client caseload tally reports on the number of clients served at the DSC and the medical modular
during a six-month period. In an attempt to get the most current information, staff requested that Ritter
report be extended to 8 months rather than 6 months. So the report covers the 8 month caseload tally
since the last Performance Report, and covers the period between May 2015 to December 2015 (see
Attachment 2). As previously reported to the City Council, City Code Enforcement staff does not conduct
surveys or in-depth investigations to confirm the daily number of clients served at Ritter. The tally sheets
are prepared by Ritter, signed and submitted under penalty of perjury. The tally sheets also include
information on the number of clients served each day of the week, and whether the "overflow
management plan" (OMP) was implemented. The client caseload tally records show that the OMP was
implemented 15 times between the months of May 2015 to December 2015. Details are presented
under the OMP bulleted section below. Staff finds that based on the client caseload tallies submitted by
Ritter staff, the Ritter Center did not exceed the client caseload limit and is in compliance with this
condition of approval.
Service changes: Refer to Page 3 of the 2016 Ritter Center Narrative Report submitted by Cia Byrnes
(Attachment 1). In the report, Ms. Byrnes describes several operational changes that were designed to
help reduce the number of clients on site, including: 1) the rear area of the site is now closed all days
except Wednesday and will be used for bike/property storage; 2) the mail/post office box policy has been
changed such that the service is no longer offered to people who use Ritter Center for mail services only.
Now the mail service is only offered to people also using other Ritter services. Ms. Byrnes indicated that
this eliminated 150 people that use the service; 3) mail pick up is no longer offered on Wednesday
mornings, as it is the busiest day for produce delivery and the food bank; and 4) lights will be installed in
three areas on the site to improve visibility and security. Ms. Byrnes contends that these changes should
bring about positive impacts to the surrounding businesses.
• Condition of Approval #15 - Based on the information submitted by the Ritter Center, staff finds that
between May 2015 and December 2015, Ritter Center Day Services Center [DSC] and the medical
modular have generally operated within the parameters and conditions of the approved Use Permit
(UP13-060). See detailed discussion under findings for Condition of Approval #16 below.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 6
• Condition of Approval #16: As described above, this condition requires that the 6 -month performance
report demonstrate compliance with the following five conditions. Staff summarizes findings on overall
compliance at the end of each COA. This analysis covers an 8 month period instead of 6 month period.
➢ Client limits: Use Permit COA #5 stipulates that: "Client caseload for the existing Day Services
Center (DSC) and services in the new modular are limited to a total of 60 clients/dav, averaged
over the operational work week." The numbers reported in Table 1 reflect only clients using
laundry/shower services at the DSC and clients using services at the medical modular. Other
services provided at Ritter are not included in the client count. Clients using the laundry/shower
services are by appointment only and are capped at 40 clients/day. Please note that in addition
to the information below, the client caseload tally sheets (sent to staff at the end of each month)
are attached. There was a wide range in the number of clients served each day, but the condition
is tied to the average number. Staff has reviewed the client caseload tallv sheets and determined
that Ritter Center has complied with the daily client caseload limit of 60 clients/dav averaged over
an operational work week. The highest average number of clients served over any given
operational work week was 59.8 clients in October 2015. By comparison, this is the same highest
average reported for in the 4th Performance Report for the month of October 2014.
➢ If looking at each day, separate from the operational work week, there were a total of 40
individual days when the actual number of clients exceeded 60/day clients (see Table 1). This is
an increase from the 4t" performance report (October 2014 through April 2015), where there were
a total of 24 days when the number of clients exceeded 60 clients/day. Please note that per Use
Permit COA #5, the client caseload limits are not based on clients/day but rather, as clients/day
averaaed over the operational work week.
➢ Overflow Management Plan (OMP): Pursuant to Use Permit COA #17, Ritter established a
"Client Overflow Management Plan". Draft language for the OMP was reviewed by the Planning
Division and the City Attorney per Use Permit COA #17 prior to finalization as a condition of
approval. The protocol for managing client overflow is described as Procedure #5 in the OMP,
and states the following: `if need exceeds demand for available space in the Ritter Health Center
(i.e., more patients arrive after maximum registrations have been accepted), drop-in patients will
be offered an appointment for the following day, or given a cab voucher and referred to the Marin
General Emergency Room or Marin Community Clinics depending on the severity of the
condition. "
The original goal of the OMP was to help manage the number of Ritter clients using the medical
modular on site in the event there were more clients seeking medical services than Ritter staff
could accommodate or the site exceeded the maximum number of clients established by the Use
TABLE 1: Ritter Center Client Caseload for DSC and Medical Modular
(May 2015 — December 2015)
Month
Average caseload
Daily Client
Number of
Max average
Overflow
over operational
Caseload
days clients
caseload allowed
Management
work week
exceeded
over operational
Plan Used? If
60/day
work week
yes, how
many times?
Lowest Highest
Low High
May 2015
50.2 58.5
41 57
3
60
No
June 2015
47.8 59.6
16 69
6
60
Yes -1
July 2015
53.4 58.6
39 64
8
60
Yes -2
Aug 2015
57 59.4
48 64
6
60
Yes -1
Sept 2015
57.5 58.9
45 64
5
60
Yes -4
Oct 2015
59.2 59.8
56 63
5
60
Yes -4
Nov 2015
57.7 59.2
49 63
3
60
Yes -3
Dec 2015
45.7 57.5
40 63
4
60
No
➢ Overflow Management Plan (OMP): Pursuant to Use Permit COA #17, Ritter established a
"Client Overflow Management Plan". Draft language for the OMP was reviewed by the Planning
Division and the City Attorney per Use Permit COA #17 prior to finalization as a condition of
approval. The protocol for managing client overflow is described as Procedure #5 in the OMP,
and states the following: `if need exceeds demand for available space in the Ritter Health Center
(i.e., more patients arrive after maximum registrations have been accepted), drop-in patients will
be offered an appointment for the following day, or given a cab voucher and referred to the Marin
General Emergency Room or Marin Community Clinics depending on the severity of the
condition. "
The original goal of the OMP was to help manage the number of Ritter clients using the medical
modular on site in the event there were more clients seeking medical services than Ritter staff
could accommodate or the site exceeded the maximum number of clients established by the Use
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 7
Permit. It is important to note that the OMP does not and was not intended to apply to clients
using other services at Ritter Center. The intent of the OMP was to reduce the number of DSC
and medical clients having to wait for long periods of time in the vicinity of the site, or leave the
site and possibly wait in other areas of Downtown. Ritter used the OMP a total of 15 times in the
8 month period between May 2015 and December 2015. The OMP was not used at all during the
previous 6 month reporting period. In an e-mail to staff, Ritter submitted the following statement
about the OMP and how it relates to Ritter operations:
"If need exceeds demand for available space in the Ritter Health Center (i.e. more
patients arrive after maximum registrations have been accepted), drop in patients are
offered an appointment for the following day, or given a cab voucher and referred to the
Marin General Emergency Room or Marin Community Clinics depending on the severity
of the condition. This provision was written with the intent that "maximum registrations"
referred to the average weekly cap on relevant services (COA #5). To clarify, Ritter
Center has absolutely had to offer patients an appointment the following day or referred
patients to Marin General, Marin Community Clinics, or an evening session of the
RotaCare clinic. This generally happens because patients enter the clinic very near the
clinic's closing time and the clinic already has patients waiting to be seen. The patients
who arrive too late are indeed invited to come back the following day with priority or
referred to one of the other medical providers. Ritter Center's clinic operates on a drop-in
basis to remove barriers to service for its patients and while showers and laundry operate
by appointment, appointments do not fill up every single operational day and some clients
no-show for their appointments. Ritter Center enters these services into our client
database in time -efficient batches using a service batch entry database module at the
end of the business day or during the next operational day. The agency can then run a
database report to see how many clients were served that particular day, but this
information is not available in real time hour by hour for each day of service. Ritter Center
has not approached its client limit cap since operations were altered to ensure
compliance with the cap being calculated by the number of operational days."
Based on this the information provided in Table 1 and the above narrative, staff determined that
Ritter operations are consistent with the immediate goal of the OMP, which was to manage the
number of clients on site and reduce off-site impacts in the vicinity due to long wait periods. The
purpose and intent of the OMP is being met.
➢ Litter control: Use Permit COA #8 stipulates that: "The Ritter Center shall continue to provide a litter
control program to monitor and pick up litter within the neighborhood area of the Center a minimum of
three (3) times per week." Ritter Center reports that the same litter control measures are in effect from
the last reporting period, and are in compliance with the COA language. Each morning, Ritter staff and
volunteers remove litter from the street and neighboring businesses — with special attention given to Best
Collateral and the House of Brakes area. Ritter has also instituted a no smoking policy on site and
security guards are vigilant to ask clients to extinguish their cigarettes. Please see additional information
on Page 3 of the Ritter Center Narrative Report (Attachment 1). Based on this information, Ritter Center
is in compliance with the required Use Permit condition of approval.
➢ Security: Use Permit COA #13 stipulates that "the DSC continue to maintain a security program during
operating hours." Ritter Center has continued to provide security services from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
during operational hours, and added extra security patrols in the evening. A minimum of three (3) patrols
are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays, with the same security service they had during the last 6
months: a full time security guard on site from 7:30 am — 5:30 pm, and 3 additional patrols during the
evening/night/weekend. Barbier Security continues to provide two to three after-hours security patrols
from 8:30 pm to 6:30 am, seven nights/week- two patrols each night Monday through Friday and 6 patrols
on the weekend (3 on Saturday night and 3 on Sunday night). This is total of 16 patrols. Please see
additional information on Page 3 of the Ritter Center Narrative Report (Exhibit 1). Based on this
information, Ritter Center is in compliance with the required Use Permit condition of approval.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 8
➢ San Rafael Police Department Calls for Service: Use Permit COA #16 stipulates that the performance
report "shall include a tracking of police service calls to the facility." The San Rafael Police Department
(SRPD) submitted a "Calls for Service" Report with information about police calls for Ritter Center and the
surrounding vicinity (see Attachment 3). Page 2 of the SRPD report shows there were a total of 84 calls
for service to Ritter Center in the 8 -month period between May 2015 and December 2015, which
represents a 41 % decrease in calls compared to the previous 6 -month reporting period (September 2014
to April 2015). In the same 8 -month period, calls for service to Best Collateral also decreased by 8%.
However, calls for service increased in areas immediately surrounding Ritter, specifically for Walgreens
(+66%), Perry's Deli (+4%), and Goodwill (+4%). Staff notes that the applicant, Cia Byrnes, has provided
a response to this SRPD Calls for Service Report on Page 5 of her Ritter Center Narrative Report
(Attachment 1).
Ritter Center Lease Update and Relocation Efforts: Cia Byrnes, Ritter Center Executive Director, has provided
a detailed narrative of Ritter's relocation efforts in the Ritter Center Narrative Report, Page 1 (see Attachment 1).
In summary, Ritter contends they are actively seeking alternative locations to relocate their use, outside
downtown San Rafael. However, at this time, they have not yet secured an alternate location. Ritter first indicated
that they were seeking to relocate almost two years ago. Given that they have not secured an alternate location,
Ritter has recently informed the City that they exercised an extension to the lease for both their Ritter Street
properties, to allow them to remain in the current location while they continue to search for an alternate location.
During the past few months, City staff has also become increasingly involved in assisting with the search for an
alternate location. Community Development Department staff has been assigned the task to actively work with
Ritter and their real estate broker to find an alternative location. In addition, this staff person has been utilizing his
contacts, knowledge of the city to help identify alternate sites to present to Ritter. Although there do appear to be
a few possible options that have been identified, there is no site yet secured.
General Comments Regarding Ritter Center Use: The City continues to receive a significant amount of public
interest in the homeless issue, particularly, how it impacts our Downtown. Although the performance report noted
above illustrates that Ritter has generally adhered to the specific conditions of approval required by the Use
Permit, the homeless issue continues to grow in downtown and poses a significant impact on residents,
businesses and City services. Even though the City receives many public comments supporting Ritter and the
services they provide, the fact still remains that there is a growing homeless issue that impacts many local
residents, businesses and visitors to our community, as well as poses a significant impact to City services,
resources and City facilities.
It is clear that Ritter Center and the area around Ritter have a history of police calls for service. In an effort to
provide a greater overview of the number of police calls for service for Ritter and the surrounding area before and
after the new medical modular was approved in 2012, SRPD generated an expanded version of their 6 -month
calls for service report which presents data for a 7 year period, starting on October 1, 2008 and ending in
September 30, 2015 (see Attachment 6).
Staff has reviewed the report and below is a brief summary of the data as it relates to Ritter and the Surrounding
Area. Please note that the SRPD has provided a map of the area encompassing "Ritter and the Surrounding
Area", and it is defined as a "400 foot radius from the Center, with 51 different locations". The report also focuses
on calls for service to the top 5 businesses in this area (Walgreens, Ritter Center, Goodwill Industries, Perry's
Delicatessen, and Marin Beverage Outlet) as well as 9 intersections. Please note that while UP13-030 was
approved in February 2012, the medical modular did not officially open until October 2012.
■ The report shows that the top five businesses listed above had the most SRPD calls for service during the 8 -
year time period studied — Walgreens (1,088), Ritter (215), Goodwill (1,088), Perry's Deli (181) and Marin
Beverage Outlet (167).
■ The number of calls to Ritter Center itself was 100 or less between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2011.
This was before the medical modular was operational. Then the calls started to decline. The number of calls
decreased from 83 calls in the 6 months pre -medical modular approval (April 2012 to September 2012) to 70
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 9
calls in the 6 months post -medical modular approval operations (October 1, 2012 — March 31, 2013). The
calls decreased again, down to 51 calls in the next 6 month period (April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013).
■ Then the service calls to Ritter increased to 145 calls for the 6 months between October 1, 2013 to March 31,
2014. The calls for service began to decrease in the following 6 month period from 134 calls, to 107 calls to
70 calls for service in the period between April 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015.
■ Overall, there has been an increase to the calls for service at Ritter Center itself, from 428 calls for service
(three-year period prior to medical trailer) to 577 calls (three-year post -medical modular), an increase of 35%.
■ In addition, the total call for service in the 400 -foot radius surrounding Ritter have also experienced an
increase in calls for service, from 1,650 calls pre -modular to 2,222 calls post -modular, an increase of 35%
during the same three-year period pre and post -medical trailer.
■ This highlights that Ritter Center creates an attraction for the homeless population and even though Ritter
may be managing their clients on site, some of the impacts and issues spill over onto surrounding businesses
and City streets.
In addition to these statistics, observations and personal experiences from members of the SRPD Special
Operations Unit, (SOU) identify that many of homeless subjects that cause problems in the City also seek
services at the Ritter Center. The SOU has maintained a list of the most frequent homeless subjects that cause
problems or create calls for service in our downtown. Out of the 28 subjects on that list, 19 of them can often be
seen seeking services or loitering in and around the Ritter Center. These 19 subjects are often creating calls for
service, causing disturbances and/or violating the law in Downtown San Rafael. Some of these subjects may no
longer be seeking services at the Ritter Center, because the Ritter Center has placed them on the refusal list,
based on poor behavior. However, they still congregate in the area surrounding Ritter. One example that is
typical of the 19 most frequent subjects, is that one subject is often seen loitering in and around the Ritter Center
and has been cited and/or arrested 7 times between January 1 sc and March 1 st, 2016.
Even though all the issues cannot be solely attributed to Ritter and its operation, it also cannot be said that Ritter
does not contribute to the problem. It potentially serves as an attraction for nuisance activity. Given the significant
increase in issues in the downtown, it may be time for the City to reconsider the Use Permit for the Ritter Center
and whether it is still appropriate for the site, whether the number of clients allowed by the Use Permit should be
reduced or if the Use Permit should be revoked. Many of the facts and circumstances under which the Use Permit
was granted and subsequently modified over the years, may have changed and a full review of the Use Permit
may be warranted at this time to consider whether the allowances or conditions of approval should be modified or
if the Use Permit should be revoked.
The applicant has provided the attached response to above referenced police report (Attachment 7).
COMMUNITY OUTREACH/PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Aside from this specific performance report the City Council has taken significant measures to address the greater
homelessness issue and how it effects downtown. Through those measures, the Council has held numerous
public meetings, created a task force of stakeholders, and expended significant resources, including additional
police staff, and has created a new temporary homelessness director position. The Council and various in nearly
all city departments have been working on various facets of this topical area.
In terms of this particular performance review, staff has received 61 e-mails about the Ritter Center project (see
Attachment 5). Nearly all these comments were received in response to the public notice mailed regarding this
meeting or the February 21, 2016 Marin Independent Journal article on Ritter's relocation efforts. These e-mails
are generally split in expressing support for Ritter Center and it provides to the community or citing concerns with
the impacts of Ritter on the homeless issues in downtown. Staff initially attempted to respond to each comment,
but due to the heavy volume, staff has not been able to respond to all comments. Of the 61 comments received
thus far, 30 were letters in opposition and 31 were letters of support. All comments were also forward to Ritter
Center for follow-up.
Before the noticing of this hearing and the IJ article, staff had only received 2 comments, one related to people
gathering at 815 Third Street as part of the REST Program pick-up and one complaint about trash and litter along
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 10
Ritter Street. Staff forwarded both complaints to Ritter, and Ritter communicated with staff on what was
happening and their continued commitment to all conditions of approval. As noted previously, St. Vincent's
coordinates REST pick-up locations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no fiscal impacts to the City associated with this performance review aside from the staff time and
resources necessary to complete this performance report. It is estimated that monitoring the monthly reports
submitted by Ritter Center, analysis of compliance with conditions of approval, and the preparation of this staff
report have taken 10 hours of staff time (billable at $132/hr.) for a cost of $1,320. In addition, staff has spent
additional time responding to e-mail correspondence for a total of 2 additional staff hours ($264). To date, total
billable time spent on the project (excluding the Council meeting) is $1,584.
However, the City is expending a significant amount of time and resources on the greater topic of homelessness,
with financial impacts to multiple City Departments through use of staff resources and impacts to public facilities.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter. Aside from accepting this 6 month
Performance Report, Staff seeks the Council's direction for next steps on the Ritter Center Use Permit. The
Council has the following options:
1. Direct staff to schedule a City Council public hearing on the Use Permit (either April 18th or May 2nd
or an alternate date) to consider modification to the Use Permit and conditions of approval or
Revocation of the Use Permit; or
2. Direct staff to bring forward to City Council a recommendation for a moratorium on day services uses
in order to study and consider potential changes to the Zoning Ordinance related to certain uses that
cater to homeless services; or
3. Direct staff to comeback for the next 6 month review (Jan 2016 —June 2016) in late summer 2016; or
4. Do not accept the performance report and direct staff to return with additional information.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ritter Center Narrative Report, dated February 26, 2016
2. Tally Sheets (May 2015 through December 2015) submitted by Ritter
3. San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) Calls for Service Report. Mav 2015 - December 2015.
4. Zoning Administrator Use Permit (UP13-030), approved September 18, 2013
5. Public Correspondence
6. San Rafael Police Department Report on Calls for Service to Ritter Center and Surrounding Community,
covering 7 years between October 1. 2008 — September 30, 2015.
7. Email from Ben Leroi, Deputy Director, Ritter Center, dated March 15, 2016 (Re: Second SRPD Police
Report)
The Marin Safety Net
Six Month Use Permit Performance Report
UP13-3o and APN's 011-272.-13 &011-272-04
February 26, 2o16
Relocation Efforts/Leases
In our ongoing search for a relocation site Ritter Center continues to be unable to find a
suitable property to relocate the full scope of the agency's services. Repeatedly, we have
encountered an unwillingness to lease to Ritter Center, due to the nature of services we
provide. In all most all locations that meet the square footage and zoning requirements, we
have encountered the response "not a good fit for other tenants" or the property owner
does not want to lease to us for another reason. Our realtor, Jeffery Wilmore will be
providing the city with a summary report of our efforts to date.
Sutter Health, who owns the Marin Square property, does not want to lease to Ritter
Center, as they have plans to sell the buildings and do not want to have long-term tenants
hampering the sale -ability of the property. We have approached Sutter through our
realtor, and asked the City to bring some of their influence and leverage into a negotiation,
but to no avail. We are approaching Tom Peters, CEO of Marin Community Foundation to
see if there is any influence he can exert with the Sutter Foundation to reconsider their
decision.
In our discussions with Marin Community Clinics, we have speculated that the County may
be interested in relocating some of their services in a County -owned building in order to
accommodate Ritter Center services. This would not.accommodate showers and laundry
services, but could accommodate the food pantry services and would be a great benefit for
both clinic populations.
We are also exploring other options in addition to traditional lease agreements. We are
investigating a purchase possibility of a building in north San Rafael that is far from
residential areas that exceeds our space requirements. However, if purchased with partners
to share the space, this may be a viable option. Likely partners to include would be other
nonprofits looking for additional space or establish a new program (Seneca, Lifelong
Medical Services and/or MCC for example). Our realtor is also looking to develop an
investor/donor group who may be able to purchase the building for Ritter Center and'has
been working closely with the city planning manager. The building could be ideal for the
county's multi -service center should there be a commitment to that plan.
.. .. . � Marchi_ ... � .. ... .. ... .... ,.
4, zo16
Attachment 1
The Marin Safety Net
Six Month Use Permit Performance Report
UP13-3o and APN's 011-272-13 &011-272-04
Leases
Ritter Center has renegotiated flexible leases with all of their property owners. These leases
allow Ritter Center to continue as a tenant, and have differing `early termination'
agreements and notification periods to allow Ritter Center to exit the lease once an
appropriate property is found. All of our property owners have been supportive and very
accommodating. They are aware of Ritter Center's intent to relocate and have crafted the
leases to make that possible.
16 Ritter Street: Lease has been renegotiated for 5 years with an option to amend the lease
terms and termination date in 2o16.
12 Ritter Street: Lease has been extended for 12 months unless terminated sooner in
accordance with the terms of the lease.
815 Third Street: Lease has been renegotiated for a 24 month term unless terminated sooner
in accordance with the terms of the lease.
2 1 March 14, zo16
The Marin Safety Net
Six Month Use Permit Performance Report
UP13-3o and APN's 011-272-13 &011-272-04
Client Activity, Environmental Controls and Securitv
Client activity has been at normal or reduced levels during the six-month period. We have
rarely had to use the "overflow management plan" as our clinic numbers have been at or
below typical winter levels over the past six months.
We have continued to have security present 7:3o am - 5:3opm during our operational hours
and added extra security patrols in the evening. Security does 3 checks during the
evening/night and I receive and review daily reports. During the evening/night/weekend
patrols the security personnel move along people who are sleeping on or around Ritter
property, the triangle park, and neighboring businesses. During the day, the security patrols
the entire Ritter Street, moving people along from neighboring businesses and intervening
with residents who may be behaving inappropriately.
Each morning, Ritter staff and volunteers remove litter from the street and neighboring
businesses - with special attention given to Best Collateral and the House of Brakes area.
During the REST program, there is often litter left behind Best Collateral after clients were
picked up either near Goodwill or near Ritter. Our Volunteer and Services Coordinator has
been vigilant in ensuring that we go above and beyond in keeping the street and
neighboring areas clean and free of litter as possible and responds personally to calls from
the manager of Best Collateral.
Smoking now is prohibited on all areas of the Ritter property, we have purchased and placed
no smoking signs on our neighbors' property and our security guards are being vigilant in
asking people to extinguish their cigarettes up and down the block.
Service Changes
Ritter Center has stopped taking donations for all clothing and household goods and will
have a true emergency clothing/gear closet stocked with new (and gently used) basic
clothing dispensed by the staff in the context of a visit. It will no longer be open to clients to
`shop' for clothing. We believe this will reduce the number of discarded clothes found
downtown and in the hills near the encampments.
3 . rah 14, 2016
The Marin Safety Net
Six Month Use Permit Performance Report
UP13-3o and APN's 011-272-13 &011-272-04
Ritter Center will also begin closing the gate between 16 and 12 Ritter Street to create a
more welcoming but enclosed area for Ritter Center clients to wait for services or rest
during the day. As always, clients who are using drugs, are inebriated, are aggressive or
otherwise badly behaved will not be allowed on the property. The gate will be operable and
opened only when needed to allow the SRFD and ambulances access to the property. One
(1) handicap parking space in the 815 Third Street parking lot will be reserved for handicap
parking for medical visits only (i.e. no prolonged parking in the single handicap space) and
the patient must have a documented appointment in the medical clinic to use the space.
The security guard will continue to monitor the sidewalk in the neighborhood, keeping
clients moving along unless coming into the Center for an appointment or service encounter
and enforcing no smoking and parking regulations. The security guard is on duty 1 hour
before Ritter Center opens and for 30 minutes after the Center closes.
We have closed the back waiting area to clients on all days except Wednesday morning and
plan to use the area for bike and property storage. This change has moved clients out into
small groups in the main area between 16 Ritter and 12 Ritter where they can wait for
services and be observed more easily by the security guard. This has decreased the number
of client conflicts and police service calls and made the area more hospitable to all clients
receiving services here.
We have also changed our mail/post office box policy to ensure that clients who receive mail
here are clients who use more services than just mail pick up. This will reduce the number of
clients who use the Ritter address only for pickup of General Assistance checks. For each
person who comes in to pick up mail, we check the database to ensure the client is also
engaged in other services. Mail for those people is being returned to the post office. We
have also been working with the County General Assistance team to find new ways to
manage clients who use Ritter Center's PO Box as their address despite the fact they are not
a registered client of the Ritter Center.
.... ,. , ..
4March 14, 2o16' ---. _,........_.....__.y.__............_.. ..._ .....-_r..._.__..._ ......_ �... _ .v.,...._.._.._..,.....-.-.._..,---...._._..:.._.._,._�
�
The Marin Safety Net
Six Month Use Permit Performance Report
UP13-3o and APN's oil -272-13 &011-272-04
POLICE CALLS
The analysis of SRPD service calls from May through December 2015 within 400 feet of Ritter
Center shows an interesting trend. The bulk of this report analyzes police calls from the five
businesses that place the most calls. Three of these businesses (Goodwill, Best Collateral,
Perry's) were within plus or minus 1-2 calls as compared to the prior eight-month period.
Ritter Center's calls for service decreased 41%. However, Walgreens police calls increased by
66%, completely driving the 7% total increase from these five businesses. Taking a closer look
at Walgreens calls for service, the report illustrates that 67% of these calls are placed from
Spm -yam when Ritter Center is closed, while an additional lo% of police calls took place
during the Sam -spm period on the weekends, when Ritter Center is also closed.
Therefore at least 77% of all Walgreens police calls took place when Ritter Center is not open.
The report does not detail the number of calls that take place after Sam but before Ritter
Center opens on weekday mornings, so the actual rate of Walgreens police calls that take
place when Ritter Center is not open is most likely more than 80%. This indicates that the
subjects of these police calls are not in the area at the time of the police calls due to Ritter
Center's services. Walgreens' downtown San Rafael store is open 24 hours per day / 7 days
per week. Businesses open late at night, particularly those that sell alcohol, often must have
protocols in place to provide the best possible environment for their customers and staff.
Fortunately, Walgreens has the corporate infrastructure and experience to review and
amend these protocols as needed to potentially reduce the number of Spm -yam police calls.
RESPONSE to Complaints:
Ritter Center has responded promptly to any complaints we receive from our neighbors. We
were notified from the City that there was a complaint regarding men waiting at 815 Third
Street Annex for the REST pickup. St. Vincent's runs this program and did not ask Ritter
Center if that site could be used as a pick up location. REST clients are now waiting on the
sidewalk by the public park, and Ritter Center continues to monitor the entire area from
7:30am — 5:30pm.
We are mindful of and share the frustration of business operators like Lucianna of Best
Collateral when people - for whatever reason - are abusive of persons and property. We are
adding security cameras in the hope that we will be able to identify anyone damaging the
., .: .
5 March i4, M6 ,�
The Marin Safety Net
Six Month Use Permit Performance Report
UP13-3o and APN's 011-272-13 &011-272-04
property, leaving trash or personal belongings, or otherwise behaving inappropriately. If
those identified are Ritter clients, we can and will intervene. It is understood, Ritter cannot
control the behavior of everyone or anyone and can only manage the behavior of clients and
others who are on the Ritter property. We do, however, try to help our neighbors by
providing security round the clock, conducting regular litter patrols, and intervening with
difficult clients or citizens.
6 1 March 14,2o16
Ritter Center
City of San Rafael Use Permit Report
Date
5/1/2014
5/2/2014
5/3/2014
5/4/2014
5/5/2014
5/6/2014
5/7/2014
5/8/2014
5/9/2014
5/10/2014
5/11/2014
5/12/2014
5/13/20141
5/14/20141
5/15/20141
5/16/2014
5/17/2014
5/18/2014
.5/19/20141
5/20/2014)
5/21/20141
5/22/20141
5/23/2014
5/24/2014
5/25/2014
5/26/2014
5/27/20141
5/28/20141
5/29/20141
5/30/20141
Client
Caseload
45
May 2015
Overflow Plan
Enacted?
No
53 No
53 No
41 No
50 No.
54 No
57'
No
531
No
621
No
521
No
491
No
1
591
No
491
No
591
No
511
_ N o
671.
No
I_
1
Memorial Day
611
No -
561
No
581
No
591
No
Average
Caseload for
Work Week
50.21
54.61
57.01
58.5
verify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct at time of reporting.
Marcia Byrnes, Exe ut ve Director Executed on Date
Attachment 2
Ritter Center
City of San Rafael Use Permit Report
June 2015
Average
Client Overflow Plan Caseload for
Date Caseload Enacted? Work Week
6/1/2015 69 No
6/2/2015 55 No
6/3/2015 45 No
6/4/2015 39 No
.6/5/2015 42 No 50.01
6/6/2015
6/7/2015
6/8/2015 62 No
6/9/2015 47 No
6/10/2015 68 No
6/11/2015 59 No
6/12/2015 43 Nn 55.8
6/13/2015
6/14/2015
6/15/2015 68 No
6/16/2015 55 NO
6/17/2015 53 No
6/18/2015 65 No
6/19/2015 57 Yes 59.6
6/20/2015
6/21/2015
6/22/2015 50 No
6/23/2015 16 NO
6/24/2015 60 No
6/25/2015 67 No
6/26/2015 46 No 47.8
6/27/2015
6/28/2015
6/29/2015 60 NO
6/30/2015 50 No
I verify u der pen lty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct at time of reporting.
Marcia Byr es, xe utive Director Executed on Date
Ritter Center
City of San Rafael Use Permit Report
July 2015
7/1/2015
64
Overflow
Average
53
Client
Plan
Caseload for
Date
Caseload
Enacted?
Work Week
7/1/2015
64
No
7/2/2015
53
No
7/3/2015
7/4/2015
7/5/2015
7/6/2015
57
No
7/7/2015
56
No
7/8/2015
57
No
7/9/2015
39
No
.7/10/2015
58
No
7/11/2015
7/12/2015
7/13/2015
64
No
7/14/2015
63
No
7/15/2015
51
No
7/16/2015
59
No
7/17/2015
56
Yes
7/18/2015
7/19/2015
7/20/2015
62
No
7/21/2015
62
No
7/22/2015
62
No
7/23/2015
61
No
7/24/2015
46
Yes
7/25/2015
7/26/2015
7/27/2015
60
No
7/28/2015
48
No
7/29/2015
66
No
7/30/2015
58
No
53.41
58.6
58.61
7/31/2015 58 No 58.01
1 verify under pen ty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct at time of reporting.
Cia Byrnes, Executive Director Executed on Date
Ritter Center
City of San Rafael Use Permit Report
August 2015
Overflow
Average
Client
Plan
Caseload for
Date
Caseload
Enacted?
Work Week
8/1/2015
8/2/2015
8/3/2015
62
No
8/4/2015
61
No
8/5/2015
60
No
8/6/2015
48
No
8/7/2015
56
No
57.41
8/8/2015
8/9/2015
8/10/2015
59
No
8/11/2015
63
No
8/12/2015
64
No
8/13/2015
59
No
8/14/2015
52
Yes
59.41
8/15/2015
8/16/2015
8/17/2015
58
No
8/18/2015
60
No
8/19/2015
60
No
8/20/2015
53
No
8/21/2015
54
No
57.01
8/22/2015
8/23/2015
8/24/2015
60
No
8/25/2015
59
No
8/26/2015
61
No
8/27/2015
53
No
8/28/2015
58
No
58.21
8/29/2015
8/30/2015
8/31/2015
62
No
I verify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true
and correct at time of reporting.
Cia Byrnes, Execut" e Director
Executed on Date
Ritter Center
City of San Rafael Use Permit Report
September 2015
Overflow
Average
Client
Plan
Caseload for
Date
Caseload
Enacted?
Work Week
9/1/2015
64
No
9/2/2015
61
No
9/3/2015
60
No
9/4/2015
45
Yes
57.5
9/5/2015
9/6/2015
9/7/2015
LABOR DAY
9/8/2015
63
No
9/9/2015
62
No
9/10/2015
56
No
9/11/2015
58
Yes
58.91
9/12/2015
9/13/2015
9/14/2015
59
No
9/15/2015
61
No
9/16/2015
57
No
9/17/2015
57
No
9/18/2015
59
Yes
58.6
9/19/2015
9/20/2015
9/21/2015
60
No
9/22/2015
60
No
9/23/2015
59
No
9/24/2015
59
No
9/25/2015
54
Yes
58.41
9/26/2015
9/27/2015
9/28/2015
59
No
9/29/2015
59
No
9/30/2015
60
No
I verify penalty of perjury that the foregoing is
true and correct at time of reporting.
�,under
&d--
// 41-1�3114-
Cia Byrnes, E ec i e Director
_ _
Executed on Date
Ritter Center
City of San Rafael Use Permit Report
October 2015
10/31/2015
I verify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct at time of reporting.
Marcia By nes ecutive Director Executed on Date
Average
Client
Overflow Plan
Caseload for
Date
Caseload
Enacted?
Work Week
10/1/2015
60
No
10/2/2015
58
No
10/3/2015
10/4/2015
10/5/2015
59
No
10/6/2015
59
No
10/7/2015
60
No
10/8/2015
59
No
10/9/2015
60
Yes
59.41
10/10/2015
10/11/2015
10/12/2015
59
No
10/13/2015
59
No
10/14/2015
58
No
10/15/2015.
62
No
10/16/2015
58
Yes
59.21
10/17/2015
10/18/2015
10/19/2015
62
No
10/20/2015
57
No
10/21/2015
62
No
10/22/2015
62
No
10/23/2015
56
Yes
59.81
10/24/2015
10/25/2015
10/26/2015
60
No
10/27/2015
59
No
10/28/2015
57
No
10/29/2015
63
No
10/30/2015
59
Yes
59.61
10/31/2015
I verify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct at time of reporting.
Marcia By nes ecutive Director Executed on Date
Ritter Center
City of San Rafael Use Permit Report
November 2015
Average
Client
Overflow Plan
Caseload for
Date
Caseload
Enacted?
Work Week
11/1/2015
11/2/2015
63
No
11/3/2015
55
No
11/4/2015 - .
59
No
11/5/2015
60
No
11/6/2015
59
Yes
59.2
11/7/2015
11/8/2015
11/9/2015
57
No
11/10/2015
60
No
11/11/2015
60.
No
11/12/2015
59
No
11/13/2015
58
Yes
58.8
11/14/2015
11/15/2015
11/16/2015
59
No
11/17/2015
.60
No
11/18/2015
56
No
11/19/2015
58
No
11/20/2015
59
Yes
58.41
11/21/2015
11/22/2015
11/23/2015
62
No
11/24/2015
62
No
11/25/2015
49
No
57.71
11/26/2015
CLOSED
11/27/2015
CLOSED .
11/28/2015
11/29/2015
11/30/2015
56
No
I verify under penalty of perjury that
the foregoing is true and correct at time of reporting.
Director
Marcia Byrne*'ve/L
Executed on Date
Ritter Center
City of San Rafael Use Permit Report
December 2015
Client
Date Caseload
12/1/2015 57
12/2/2015 57
12/3/2015 53
12/4/2015 56
12/5/2015
12/6/2015
12/7/2015
12/8/2015
12/9/2015
12/10/2015
12/11/2015
12/12/2015
12/13/2015
12/14/2015
12/15/2015
12/16/2015
12/17/2015
12/18/2015
12/19/2015
12/20/2015
12/21/2015
12/22/2015
12/23/2015
12/24%2015
12/25/2015
12/26/2015
12/27/2015
Overflow Plan
Enacted?
No
No
No
No
Average
Caseload for
Work Week
55.81
63 No
49 No
54 No
49 No
51 No 53.21
63
57
53
63
48
57
40
40
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
CLOSED
CLOSED
56.81
45.71
12/28/2015 63 No
12/29/2015 53 No
12/30/2015 54 No
12/31/2015 60 No 57.51
I verify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct at time of reporting.
/V 1kL
Marcia By�nes& cutive Director Executed on Date
Ritter Center and
Surrounding Area
C° a � �ts-, for Sorvica
May 2015 - Dcax;ember 2015
LexisNexis°
RISK SOLUTIONS
Attachment 3
02/03/2016
Pj
-- —V r!
W
Cornton Fo(•
ji falgreens Golden Cream
• Doughnut
a •' Hosp
C� Mauna Loaf Bay f
01 Hawaiian Finn
f rd 9t3• �1
St . 9
en *It
3rd St
A—
C/)
T
7
8 Marin Beverage Outlet
Firtt enter
•
&3rd
OU St
Q
Goody iM 0
Jaya Detour
07 Houserake
�I
09*Znd St
i1d St
02
c
-_j
f
Mar
76
The above map shows 16 Ritter Street at the center and calls
for service at locations within a 400 foot radius from the
Center. There are 39 different locations that make up 637 calls
for service between May 2015 and December 2015.
LexisNexisT
RISK SOLUTIONS
Businesses
and Calls
for Service
These five (5)
businesses have
the most calls for
service during the
time period.
CFS
Comparison
to Previous
Time Period
While Ritter has
seen a decrease in
calls, Walgreens,
Goodwill, and
Perry's Deli have
seen an increase
during the recent
time period — with
Walgreen's having
the highest increase
at 66%. Walgreens
also has 154% more
calls than Ritter.
LexisNexis-
RISK SOLUTIONS
Walgreens 213
Ritter Center 84
Goodwill Industries 27
Perry's Delicatessen 27
Best Collateral 24
Walgreens
128
213
'j` 66%
Ritter Center
143
84
J• 41%
Goodwill Industries
26
27
T 4%
Perry's Delicatessen
26
27
'(` 4%
Best Collateral
26
24
,1. 8%
Ritter
enter and
Surroundina Area
v
Calls for Service by Month
100
90 90
88
80 ----------------------------8 1 82
----------------
&�"
78 --------------
70
50 T 2% 13% .l• 28% T 30% T3% .j. 4% T 5%
May'15 Jun '15 Jul '15 Aug'15 Sep '15 Oct is Nov'15 Dec'15
Calls for service over this eight (8) month period slowly decreased.
100
:1
•1
■ 17:00-04:59
■ 05:00-16:59 40
20
Month by Time Block
6f LexisNexism MAY'15 JUN'15 JUL'15 AUG'15 SEP'15 OCT'15 NOV'15 DEC'15
RISK SOLUTIONS
Calls for
Service
Ritter Center Area
637 calls for service during these 8
months. 55% (350) of calls for service
in the area surrounding Ritter Center
involved unwanted subjects.
• 56% of calls occurring between 0500
and 1659 hours were for Ritter Center,
Walgreens, Best Collateral, Perry's
Deli, and Goodwill.
• July 25, 2015 had the most calls in this
area (8) — 7 regarding a subject and 1
for an audible alarm.
120
100
80
■ 17:00-04:59 60
■ 05:00-16:59
40
20
LexisNexis-
RISK SOLUTIONS
Calls by Time Block
Day of Week by Time Block
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Calls for Service
Ritter Center Area
69% of calls to Ritter Center were
Priority 2.
There were 14 Priority 1 calls.
50% were to Walgreens or Perry's
Delicatessen.
82% of calls due an unwanted
subject were made by the top 5
businesses with the most calls (in
order): Walgreens, Best
Collateral, Goodwill Industries,
Ritter Center, and Perry's Deli.
Source of
Call Citizen Call
Officer Initiated
Q LexisNexis-
RISK SOLUTIONS
Priority Calls
'Z
t
/
0 100 200
300
400
500
aigreens
830 Third Stree
30
20
10
t
Walgreens Calls for Service by Month
0 T37% . y 24% .L 61% T 82% T 40% y 11% T 48%
MAY'15 JUN'15 JUL'15 AUG'15 SEP'15 OCT'15 NOV'15 DEC'15
53% of all calls for service between 1700 and 0459 hours were for Walgreens. That
is 1,320% more calls than 16 Ritter Street, which had the second most calls for
service in the same time block.
52% of all calls to Walgreens were for an unwanted subject on the premises
whether they were under the influence, suspicious, or a danger. All 110 of those
calls were made by a citizen.
Source of
Call
Citizen Call
Officer Initiated
LexisNexis- 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
RISK SOLUTIONS
✓aigreens
tatistics
Priority Calls
45
40
35
30
25
■ 17:00-04:59
■ 05:00-16:59 20
15
10
A
LexisNexis,
RISK. SOLUTIONS
41
15
13
Time Block
Walgreens is open
24 hours / 7 days a week
1700-0459 hrs calls to 830 Third Street (142)
Unwanted subject 12 Suspicious circ
Extra Patrol Request 7 Panhandler
Out with subject 7 Drunk subject
Day of Week by Time Block
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Ritter Center
16 Ritter Street
25
20
16 Ritter Street Calls for Service by Month
15
10 T—L'-
9
1.7
.j. 15% 53% 4,38% 1' 80% 4111% 13% 1' 43%
0 1
MAY'15 JUN '15 JUL '15 AUG'15 SEP '15 OCT'15 NOV'15 DEC'15
52% of calls dealt with an unwanted subject that was causing a disturbance
due to alcohol and/or drugs, required a welfare check, or was panhandling.
45% of Ritter calls were on a Wednesday and Thursday. 92% of those were
between 0500 and 1659 hours. 40% of all night calls to Ritter were to check on
the welfare of a subject.
Source of
Call Citizen Call
Officer Initiated
LexisNexis-
RISK SOLUTIONS
ZOE �Z "1Z 'X
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
fitter
enter
Statistics
Priority Calls
20
16
12
®17:00-04:59
* 05:00-16:59
8
ii
LexisNexis,0
RISK SOLUTIONS
Time Block
1700-0459 hrs calls to 16 Ritter Street (10)
3 Welfare check
1 each Subject drinking; Info only; Out with subject;
Subject down; Threats; Verbal argument
Day of Week by Time Block
nter
- ..r_.l
M -F 9-17.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Goodwill Industries
809 Lincoln Avenue
N.
5
2
1
Goodwill Industries Calls for Service by Month
a
T 0% 60% T 50% T 33% .j. 50% 100% 50
0
MAY'15 JUN '15 JUL'15 AUG'15 SEP '15 OCT'15 NOV'15 DEC'15
56% of calls for service were for an unwanted subject on the premises
whether they required a welfare check or it was an officer initiated stop.
Source of
Call
Citizen Call
Officer Initiated
LexisNexis-
RISK SOLUTIONS
0 5 10 15 20 25
/
oodwill Industries
Statistics
Priority Calls
10
9
8
7
6
■ 17:00-04:59 5
■ 05:00-16:59 4
3
2
1
LexisNexis°0
RISK SOLUTIONS
Time Block
Goodwill is open
Mon -Sat 9am-7pm /Sun 10am-6pm
1700-0459 hrs calls to 809 Lincoln Avenue (6)
2 Unwanted Subject
1 Flagdown
1 Medical Aid
1 Suspicious Circumstance
1 Theft
Day of Week by Time Block
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Perry's Delicatessen
909 Lincoln Avenue
Perry's Delicatessen Calls for Service by Month
8
7 7 7
6
5
4 -- - ---------
2 2 -...
1 1 1
0 T 133% 86% T 600% y 57% .J. 33% J• 50% T 200%
MAY'15 JUN'15 JUL'15 AUG'15 SEP'15 OCT'15 NOV'15 DEC'15
70% of calls for service were for an unwanted subject on the premises
whether they were under the influence, sleeping, or an officer initiated stop.
Source of
Call Citizen Call
Officer Initiated
LexisNexis-
RIS( SOLUTIONS
0 5 10
Z /
15 20
Per
Statistics
encatessen
Priority Calls
10
9
8
7
6
■ 17:00-04:59 5
■ 05:00-16:59
4
3
2
1
LexisNexism°
RISK SOLUTIONS
Time Block
rCl1 Y J UCII IJ upul I
Mon -Sat 7am-8pm / Sun 7am-7pm
1700-0459 hrs calls to 909 Lincoln Avenue (7)
1 eachI Extra Patrol; Sleeper; Subject down; Suspicious
circ; Threats; Unwanted subject; Warrant service
Day of Week by Time Block
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Best Collateral
813 Third Street
Best Collateral Calls for Service by Month
10
3
R
4
2
1
T 200% T 33% T 25% T 60% 4,63%
MAY'15 JUN '15 JUL'15 AUG'15 SEP '15 OCT'15 NOV'15 DEC'15
75% of calls for service to Best Collateral occurred between 0500 and 1659
hours.
5th on the list of most calls for service between 05/01/15 and 12/31/15, Best
Collateral had 89% fewer calls than Walgreen's, at number 1.
Source of
Call
Citizen Call
Officer Initiated
0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24
LexisNexis°
RISK SOLUTIONS
Best
ollateral
Statistics
Priority Calls
12
10
■ 17:00-04:59 6
■ 05:00-16:59
C!
Time Block
ollateral
n & Sun.
Open Tue-Fri 9am-5:30pm / Sat 9am-5pm
1700-0459 hrs calls to 813 Third Street (6)
6 I Unwanted subject
Day of Week by Time Block
2
0-
4f LexisNexis° Sunday Monday
RISK SOLUTIONS
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Friday Saturday
F 19
Ritter Center Intersections
it
0.
1 43 Mauna Loa
�i1�3��d St Ilawahan BBQ
. _
q61d St These are the 8
intersections surrounding
�feo' 27 Ritter Center. Combined,
these cross streets make
th Mann Beverage Outlet 8 up 24% of all calls for
service In the 400 feet
Goodwill ° surrounding Ritter Center.
i Ritter Center C
Java detour
W
4t o'nd St
Hot:se of Brakes
2nd St
Intersection
Third Street & Lootens Place
Third Street & Lincoln Avenue
Second Street & Lincoln Avenue
Third Street & Cijos Street
Second Street & Lindaro Street
Third Street & Lindaro Street
Ritter Street & Lincoln Avenue
Third Street & Ritter Street
Lex I s N eX i S' TOTAL
RISK. SOLUTIONS
s,r Third Street & Lootens
Place and Third Street &
76 Lincoln Avenue had the
�' Rl most activity with
unwanted subjects.
4Q 2()d St
9/14-4115 5/15-12/15 % Difference
28 43 T 54%
23 27 17%
11
21
T 91%
25
18
28%
25
18
28%
9
12
T 33%
12
8
33%
1
4
+3
134
151
T 13%
Ritter Center Area Calls
Comparison to 9/14 — 4/15
Total CFS .
Ritter Center
Walgreens
Best Collateral
Perry's Delicatessen
Goodwill Industries
All 0500-1659
All 1700-0459
All Officer Initiated
All Citizen Call
All Intersections
Priority 1 Calls
Priority 2 Calls
Priority 3 Calls
Q0 LexisNexis-
RISK SOLUTIONS
9/14-4/15
5/15-12/15
% Difference
596
637
9%
143
84
41%
128
213
66%
26
24
8%
26
27
4%
26
27
4%
360
367
2%
236
270
T14%
181
158
.L 13%
4.15
479
T 15%
134
152
T 13%
1.9 per
2.2 per
T 16%
100 calls
100 calls
69 per
74 per
T 7%
100 calls
100 calls
30 per
23 per
23%
100 calls
100 calls
Ritter Center Area CFS Timeline
9/14 — 4/15: 5/15 — 12/15
100
a
:/
_._,-f--_.--
70
50 ,
SEP 1 S 1 1ST 1 N�ORN�l S150�G15
The above graph displays how calls for service to Ritter Center and the
surrounding area progressed from September 2014 — December 2015.
Top 5 Business CFS Comparison
45
40
35
-Ritter 30
Walgreens
25
--Best Collateral
-Perry's Deli 20
Goodwill 15
10
5
LexisNexis-o'"
RISK SOLUTIONS MAY'15 JUN '15 JUL'15 AUG'15 SEP '15 OCT'15 NOV'15 DEC'15
REGULAR MEETING
SAN RAFAEL ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
September 18, 2013
Staff Report
10:00 am 1. 12 Ritter Street (Ritter Center) - Use Permit amendment to allow a change in
Condition of Approval #5, previously approved per City Council Resolution
13321. The change would require that the 60 client per day caseload limit be
averaged over the number of operational days instead of a 7 -day work week.
No other changes to the approved use permit (UP11-070) is proposed; APN
No. 011-271-13; Second/Third Mixed Use East (2/3 MUE) Zoning District;
Velma Bottarini, owner; Diane Linn, Executive Director, Ritter Center, applicant;
File No. UP13-030
Project Planner: Caron Parker, Associate Planner
BACKGROUND
On February 14, 2012, the San Rafael Planning Commission (Resolution 12-01) conditionally
approved a Use Permit (UP11-070) and Design Review Permit (ED11-089), amending the
previously approved Use Permit (UP04-005). The amended use permit would allow: 1) the
installation of a 933 square foot medical modular building at 12 Ritter Street; and 2) allow an
increase in the client caseload for the Day Service Center (DSC) and the medical modular
building to a total of 65 clients/day averaged over one week. This decision was appealed to the
City Council and on April 2, 2012, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 13321 upholding the
Planning Commission action to grant a Conditional Use Permit amendment for the Ritter Center
(see Attachment 1). However, the City Council recommended that the Use Permit conditions be
further amended to: 1) reduce the total client visits for the Day Services Center (DSC) and the
medical clinic from 65 clients per day to 60 clients per day, averaged over one week and require
monthly reports to be submitted to the City to provide a tally on the number of client visits for the
DSC and the medical clinic (Condition of Approval #5); 2) require that City staff prepare a
performance report every six months following occupancy to track condition compliance and
police service calls (Condition of Approval #16); and 3) require the Ritter Center management to
develop and implement an "overflow plan" for the medical services component (Condition of
Approval #17).
Per City Council Resolution 13321, the Use Permit amendment allowed the relocation of the
existing medical clinic space from the Day Services Center (DSC) modular to a new 933 -
square -foot modular. The new clinic space was approved to include three exam rooms, a larger
waiting room and medical offices. The total number of clients served (laundry/showers services
and medical services) was increased from the 45 clients/day approved in 2004 (UP04-005), to
60 clients/day, averaged over one week. The approved hours of operation for the Ritter Center
are 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week. However, current operating hours for the DSC and
the medical clinic are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and some Saturday
mornings for the Women's clinic.
Attachment 4
12 Ritter Street [Ritter Center]
Re: UP13-030
Date: September 18, 2013
Per Resolution 13321, Condition of Approval #16 specifically states:
"Six (6) months from the date of occupancy and operation, a performance report shall be
prepared by the Planning Division and shall continue to be prepared every six months
thereafter. This performance report shall report on the Center's adherence to the
operational conditions of approval regulating client limits, litter control and security, and shall
include a tracking of the numbers of police service calls to the facility. Once completed, the
performance reports shall be forwarded to the Planning Commission and City Council. If,
during the course of monitoring, it is determined that the Ritter Center is out -of -compliance
with conditions of approval, the City can schedule the Use Permit for a City Council public
hearing. "
On June 17, 2013, Planning staff presented the results of the 6 -month performance report to the
City Council covering Ritter Center operations between October 12, 2012 and April 30, 2013.
This was not an official public hearing, and as such, no public comments were heard. Planning
staff made a presentation, followed by a presentation by the Ritter Center Executive Director,
Diane Linn. The Council discussed the item and expressed concern about the method for
tallying the total number of daily clients at the site. Ultimately, the Council agreed that the daily
client caseload for the Day Services Center (DSC) and the medical modular building should be
averaged over the 'operational work week" instead of a 7-dav work week." The Council's
rationale was that the average should be based on the days the Center is actually opened in
order to get a better sense of the total number of clients served. While the Use Permit allows
Ritter to operate 7 days/week, the Center is never open on Sundays, and operates Monday
through Friday and occasionally on Saturday mornings for the Women's Clinic.
The Council ultimately accepted the Performance Report, with the caveat that:
1. The daily client caseload for the DSC and the medical modular be no more than 60
clients/day averaged over operational days and not averaged over a 7 day work week;
2. Staff hold a Zoning Administrator hearing to memorialize the changes made by the
City Council at the June 17, 2013 review of the 6 -month Performance Report; and
3. The next 6 -month Performance Report (May 2013 through October 2013) would be
noticed and scheduled as a public hearing, open for public comments on all aspects of
the Use Permit (staff anticipates that due to the Fall holidays, this hearing will take
place sometime in January 2014).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Ritter Center has been in operation its current location since 1981, providing a variety of
services and resources, free of charge to the working poor and homeless. The Ritter Center is
located in four buildings/modulars housed on two contiguous lots located on the south side of
Ritter Street. As described below, the center provides various functions and services housed in
the four buildings, including Case Management, Behavioral Health Day Services, Food Pantry,
Emergency Clothing/Goodwill Gift certificates, Seasonal programs (Thanksgiving and
Christmas):
• Ritter Center (16 Ritter): Offices and food pantry distribution
2 SRZA Minutes 9.18.13
12 Ritter Street [Ritter Center]
Re: UP13-030
Date: September 18, 2013
• Bouchard Building: Case Management (5 offices) and a conference room
• Day Services Center (DSC): Showers, laundry, and restrooms
• Medical Modular Building: Medical clinic
No change to the Ritter Center operations is proposed by Ritter Center. The purpose of
this Zoning Administrator hearing is to memorialize an interpretation of one of the conditions of
approval by the City Council, during their review of the 6 month performance report. At that
time, the Council found that one of the conditions (use permit condition #5) was not clear on the
method of tallying the daily client case load, thus directed staff to hold a use permit hearing to
amend Condition #5, changing the method of counting the daily client caseload for the DSC and
medical modular, from a 7 -day average to averaaina over the actual number of operational days
(tvnically 5-6 days/week) as directed by the Citv Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an environmental review is
required to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed project. Staff has determined
that this project is exempt per Article 19 Categorical Exemptions, Section 15301 a (Existing
Facilities) Class 1 whereas the proposed project is: 1) limited to interior alterations; and 2) has
been reviewed by appropriate city departments who will ensure that appropriate building and/or
fire permits are secured.
PUBLIC HEARING
The Zoning Administrator meeting began at 10:00 A.M. Present at the meeting were Diane
Linn, Executive Director, Ritter Center, James Ferrandini, Ritter Center staff, Hugo Landecker
and Amy Likover, Gerstle Park residents, Jonathan Freeman, Alison Clayton (Health and
Human Services), and Greg Brockbank. Raffi Boloyan, Planning Manager was the Acting
Zoning Administrator. Caron Parker, Associate Planner made a brief staff presentation about
the history of the project, explaining that the focus of the hearing was the change in Condition of
Approval #5 only. Comments on other aspects of the use permit will be considered at the next
City Council hearing to review the second Performance Report for the Ritter Center. This will be
a public hearing and is tentatively set for sometime in January 2014. The public comment
period was opened and public testimony was heard. There were a variety of comments and
questions about how many non -homeless vs. chronically homeless clients are served, capacity
of the medical modular and use of the overflow management plan. Amy Likover specifically
requested that the Resolution be revised to define the term "operational days," and the Zoning
administrator agreed to add this definition. As stated in COA #5, "for the purposes of this
condition, an "operational day" is defined as a day during which the Day Services Center or the
medical modular building is open to clients for services".
The Zoning Administrator stated for the record that there were no letters received by staff in
response to the public notice mailed on August 30, 2013 to property owners and occupants
within a 300' radius of the subject property.
3 SRZA Minutes 9.18.13
12 Ritter Street [Ritter Center]
Re: UP13-030
Date: September 18, 2013
The Zoning Administrator closed the public hearing at 11:00 A.M.
The Zoning Administrator has determined that the City Council directed use permit amendment
to change the method of tallying the total number of clients served per day is a minor
amendment to the approved Use Permit (UP11-070). As such, the amended use permit is in
substantial conformance with the City of San Rafael's Municipal Code property development
standards for the Second/Third Mixed Use East (2/3/MUE) Zoning District, all applicable policies
of the San Rafael General Plan 2020, and the review criteria for Use Permits.
The Zoning Administrator stated that a copy of the meeting minutes, which incorporate the
findings and the conditions of approval, would be mailed to the applicant and the property owner
and would be available to the public for review at the Planning Division counter upon request.
In addition, the Zoning Administrator stated that a project of this nature has an appeal period of
five (5) working days upon the approval or denial of the project.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Zoning Administrator approve this minor amendment to incorporate the
City Council's interpretation of condition of approval #5, as determined during their review of the
Ritter Center 6 month Performance Report on June 17, 2013. The amended Use Permit will also re-
adopt the Findings as approved by the City Council in granting the original Use Permit UP11-070 in
Resolution 13321, adopted on April 2, 2012. The Zoning Administrator hereby approves this Use
Permit Amendment (UP13-030) to change Condition of Approval #5 (see Page 7), with original
conditions in 6t�At, followed by revised condition in underline. All other conditions set forth in
City Council Resolution 13321 shall remain in effect and are listed below. Any decision shall be
final at 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 25, 2013, pending no appeals filed with the City of
San Rafael Planning Division by that date.
FINDINGS:
Use Permit Amendment (UP13-030)
Findings
1) The Ritter Center use, including the proposed Use Permit amendment to relocate the 600
square foot medical clinic to a new 933 square foot modular on site and increase the client
caseload limit for the Day Services Center (DSC) and the new medical modular to 65
clients/day, continues to be in accord with the General Plan, the objectives of the Zoning
Ordinance, and the purposes of the Second/Third Mixed Use East (2/3 MUE) Downtown
District in which the site is located.
a. As discussed on Pages 4-5 of the February 14, 2012 Planning Commission staff report,
the proposed project is consistent with General Plan Policies LU -9 (Intensity of Non -
Residential Development), LU -14 (Land Use Compatibility), NH -4 (Property
Maintenance), NH -17 (Competing Concerns), NH -51 (Existing Business Areas), and CD -
10a (Non -Residential Design Guidelines) in that: i) upon installation of the new medical
modular, the proposed project site would have an FAR=0.87 which is below the
4 SRZA Minutes 9.18.13
12 Ritter Street [Ritter Center]
Re: UP13-030
Date: September 18, 2013
maximum FAR allowed for the site (1.5 FAR); ii) the proposed use is an allowable use in
the Second/Third Mixed Use Land Use Designation; iii) The proposed new modular
would provide a better space for the medical clinic and reduce the number of clients
having to wait outside; iv) the Ritter Center has been operating since 1981 and has
worked with adjacent neighbors to address the challenges and concerns regarding the
impact of Ritter clients on adjacent businesses while still providing needed services to
the poor and homeless. The number of clients has increased steadily over the years
and the proposed increase to 60 clients/day for the DSC and the new modular would be
mitigated by better site organization and client management; and v) the proposed new
modular has been designed with colors and materials to match the existing buildings on
the site; and
b. The proposed project is consistent the Zoning Ordinance in that medical clinics are
conditionally permitted uses in the Second/Third Mixed Use East (2/3 MUE) Zoning
District and the Ritter Center is currently operating under a previously approved Use
Permit (UP04-005). The proposed Use Permit amendment would not introduce a new
use, but simply relocate the existing approved medical clinic to a more appropriately
designed medical modular space. The elimination of 5 existing parking spaces is
allowed because parking up to 1.0 FAR is provided by parking garages and surface lots
in the Downtown Parking Assessment District.
2) The proposed project, together with the conditions applicable thereto, would not be
detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or
improvements in the vicinity, or to the general welfare of the City in that:
a. The proposed project would relocate an existing use into a slightly larger space, but
would not be an substantial "expansion" of medical space because unlike the existing
modular, the new modular is designed with a waiting area;
b. The proposed hours of operation for the clinic (Monday through Friday, 9 am — 5 pm)
has not been increased and is less than the hours previously approved under Use
Permit UP04-005, which allows Ritter Center to operate from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm seven
days a week. The proposed hours coincide with typical hours for other business in the
vicinity;
c. The proposed increase in the number of clients for the DSC and new medical modular
from the 40 clients/day limit per UP04-005, to 60 clients/day reflects current demand for
services on the site. The increase in client numbers is not the result of installing a new
modular on site, but has been an existing condition for several years. The addition of a
new modular designed with a waiting area and better clinic facilities would help alleviate
much of the client back-up on site. The medical clinic would be relocated from the DSC
into the new modular, and the vacated medical space in the DSC is proposed to be used
as offices for the Behavioral Health services staff. The Ritter Center is working with a
space planner to help redesign office space on the site to maximize efficiency. The goal
is to create a better space to manage clients throughout the day and reduce the number
of Ritter clients on the surrounding City streets adjacent to the project site. The
proposed new modular would improve client management on site and therefore reduce
client overflow forced to wait outside for appointments;
d. The revised method for calculating the daily client caseload by averaging the number of
clients over the number of "operational days" rather than over a 7 -day week" will help
5 SRZA Minutes 9.18.13
12 Ritter Street [Ritter Center]
Re: UP13-030
Date: September 18, 2013
maintain the number of clients to no more than 60 clients per day, better manage the
number of clients on site and help reduce impact to the surrounding properties.
e. The Ritter Center will continue the established daily litter removal/site clean-up
operations (as required in UP11-070) to keep the streets near the project site clean;
f. The Ritter Center will continue implement their security program on site during operating
hours to maximize enforcement of Ritter Center client behavioral policies and ensure
security on-site and in the project area. Ritter has also updated client management
policies to refuse services to clients who violate appropriate behaviors agreements that
impact neighboring businesses. The Ritter Center also has trained staff to manage any
difficult clients and works cooperatively with the San Rafael Police Department to
minimize impacts to adjacent properties;
g. No impact to neighboring businesses is anticipated from the proposed elimination of 5
on-site parking spaces. The project site is in the Downtown Parking Assessment
District, which provides parking for sites up to a 1.0 FAR. The Ritter Center has on-
going off-site parking arrangements to lease space at the PG&E surface lot (on Lindaro
Street between 2nd Street and 3rd Street). Ritter Center has secured 6 additional spaces
in this lot to off -set the loss of the 5 on-site parking spaces proposed to be eliminated. In
addition, Ritter Center has access to parking spaces at the Annex building at 815 Third
Street;
h. The City's Building/Fire Prevention Division has reviewed the project and developed
conditions of approval that would ensure that the use would operate in a manner as
described and comply with all life and safety code requirements. Additional review will
be required upon submittal of a formal building permit application; and
i. The project will not have a significant environmental impact, and is exempt from CEQA
review per CEQA Guidelines Article 19 Categorical Exemptions, Section 15301 (Existing
Facilities) and Section 15311 (Accessory Structures) which exempts minor interior and
exterior alterations to existing structures, and the construction of minor structures
accessory to existing commerical, industrial or institutional facilities.
3) That the proposed project, as conditioned, complies with each of the applicable provisions of
the Zoning Ordinance, in that:
a. The project conforms to the requirements of Chapter 5 (Land Use Regulation for the 2/3
MUE Zoning District) as a conditionally permitted use;
b. The project is consistent with the requirements of Chapter 18 (Parking), because no on-
site parking is required for sites up to 1.0 FAR located in the Downtown Parking
Assessment District; and
c. The project applicant submitted a Use Permit amendment application, requesting review
of the proposed new 933 square foot medical modular and proposed increase in the
client caseload limit for the DSC and new medical modular on site.
6 SRZA Minutes 9.18.13
12 Ritter Street [Ritter Center]
Re: UP13-030
Date: September 18, 2013
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - PLANNING DIVISION
Use Permit Amendment (UP13-030)
Conditions of Approval
This Use Permit'amendment (UPI3-030)approves an amendment to a previously approved
Use Permit (UPI1-070)and authorizes the relocation of the existing 600 square foot
medical clinic in the Day Services Center (DSC) trailer to a new 933 square foot modular on
the Ritter Center site. In addition to the medical clinic, the following Ritter Center inventory
of services, previously approved per UP04-005 and UPI 1-070, and described on page 2 of
the Planning Commission staff report dated February 14, 2012, will continue to be
authorized at the Ritter Center as part of this amended Use Permit amendment:
• Case Management
• Behavioral Health
• Day Services
• Food Pantry
• Emergency clothing/Goodwill Gift certificates
• Seasonal programs (Thanksgiving and Christmas)
2. No food services and no full kitchen shall be allowed in the existing Day Services Center
(DSC) or the new modular. No food of any kind shall be sold for consumption on the
premises.
3. No overnight live-in use of the Ritter Center facility shall be allowed except one person
functioning as a night watch person.
4. Hours of operation for providing client services shall be from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven
days a week. Evening use of the premises after 8:00 pm shall be limited to staff and Board
meetings, and live-in facilities for one night security guard.
5. Client caseload for the existing Day Services Center (DSC) and services in the new modular
are limited to a total of 60 clients/day, averaged ever the veFage 7 daya wee over the
operational work week. For the purposes of this condition, an "operational dav" is defined
as a day during which the Dav Services Center or the medical modular building is open to
clients for services. Commencing at occupancy and occupation of the new modular, on the
first day of each month, the Ritter Center shall submit monthly reports to the Planning
Division, which are to: a) provide a tally of the total number of daily client visits during the
previous calendar month; and b) identify the number of days the "overflow plan" was
implemented (per Use Permit Condition of Approval #17). The form of this report shall be
approved by the Planning Division and City Attorney prior to the issuance of a building
permit, and shall include verification under penalty of perjury.
6. The applicant shall contact the Planning Division to request a final inspection, prior to the
issuance of the final building permit. The request for final inspection by the Planning
Division shall require a minimum of 48-hour advance notice.
7 SRZA Minutes 9.18.13
12 Ritter Street [Ritter Center]
Re: UP13-030
Date: September 18, 2013
7. All donated material shall be stored inside the buildings. No materials shall be stored at 12
Ritter Street or in the parking lot at 815 Third Street, or behind the fences adjacent to the
buildings at 12 Ritter Street at any time. Any additional storage building proposed to be
located on site must be approved by the Planning Division before installation.
8. The Ritter Center shall continue to provide a litter control program to monitor and pick up
litter within the neighborhood area of the Center a minimum of three (3) times per week.
9. The applicant shall continue to provide notice to all employees, volunteers and clients
stating that parking shall not occur on adjacent private lots. The notice shall include a list of
available public parking lots.
10. All clients shall be given a copy of the rules and regulations to be read and signed by all
incoming clients. House Rules shall at a minimum include the following:
a. No clients will be admitted which in the judgment of the Ritter Center staff are under
the influence of alcohol or other substances
b. Violent or threatening behavior will not be permitted
c. Failure to comply with the rules may result in eviction from the program and the
premises.
11. All clients shall continue to be screened for alcohol or drug use before receiving services
and the availability of services to clients shall be the decision of the operators of the Day
Services Center (DSC).
12. Clients who cause a peace disturbance or endanger staff or other clients shall not be
allowed to receive services from the DSC. Readmission of evicted clients shall be based on
established House Rules.
13. The DSC shall continue to maintain a security program during operating hours.
14. This Use Permit amendment (UP13-030) shall have no expiration date and shall run with the
land and remain valid regardless of any change of ownership of the project site, subject to
these conditions.
15. On-going compliance with all conditions of approval shall be required to keep the Use
Permit Amendment valid. This Use Permit amendment (UP13-030) may be called to
hearing at any time by the Planning Division in order to review compliance with the
Conditions of Approval.
16. Six (6) months from the date of occupancy and operation, a performance report shall be
prepared by the Planning Division and shall continue to be prepared every six months
thereafter. This performance report shall report on the Center's adherence to the
operational conditions of approval regulating client limits, litter control and security, and shall
include a tracking of the numbers of police service calls to the facility. Once completed, the
performance reports shall be forwarded to the Planning Commission and City Council. If,
SRZA Minutes 9.18.13
12 Ritter Street [Ritter Ck r]
Re: UP13-030
Date: September 18, 2013
during the course of monitoring, it is determined that the Ritter Center is out -of -compliance
with conditions of approval, the City can schedule the Use Permit for a City Council public
hearing.
17. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the Ritter Center management shall develop and
submit to the Planning Division an operation plan to address potential client overflow for
medical services. The monthly monitoring report required by condition #5 above, shall
identify the days within the reported calendar month in which the overflow plan was required
to be implemented.
This Use Permit (UP13-030) amendment is conditionally approved and shall become valid after a
five (5) working day appeal period at 5:00 P.M on Wednesday, September 25, 2013, pending no
appeals-are-fttud-witk tthe City of San Rafael Planning Division.
4,IS IIS
Raffi Boloyan, A'ctmgJZning_Admihistrator Date
9 SRZA Minutes 9.18.13
Caron Parker
From:
Overby, Brijette <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 4:23 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
RITTER CENTER
Dear Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Colin and Councilmembers McCullough, Bushey and Gamblin:
I support the Ritter Center and respectfully request that you allow it to keep offering its vital social services for
low-income and homeless people. Please be patient and continue helping the Ritter Center in its efforts to find
a new location. Please do not cut off or limit services by changing Ritter Center's use permit before it finds a
new location.
The Ritter Center has been a Marin mainstay for over 30 years and a critical safety net for the homeless and
working poor. Ritter Center services preserve dignity and help struggling individuals and families into stable
situations. While some of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless, many others are only one crisis
away from losing their homes: Among other services, Ritter Center helps lower the number of homeless in
Marin by finding people affordable housing both in and outside of Marin.
The Ritter Center has made several bids on potential new buildings, but it needs more time and patience. We
cannot allow critical services to lapse in the interim, nor should the Ritter Center be penalized for
relocation factors out of its control. Fear mongering by vocal but poorly informed individuals does nothing to
solve this human issue.
The Marin Independent Journal editorial board agrees there has to be a better solution than the pressure
currently being placed on the Ritter Center — "The center's clientele is not just homeless individuals, but many
low-income families and those who lack medical insurance. This is not just a San Rafael issue, but a county
wide dilemma."
Thank you very much for your thoughtful, compassionate consideration.
Sincerely,
Brijette F. Overby
Veteran Service Office
Division of Social Services
10 N. San Pedro Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 473-2705
— HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE —
The information contained in this document may be privileged, confidential, and protected under applicable law
and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended
recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are
hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If
you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and destroy
the document.
Email Disclaimer: htta://www.marincounty.ora/main/disclaimers
Attachment 5
Caron Parker
To: Katie Smith
Subject: RE: Ritter Center
caro-wJo- P"ker
Associate Planner
City of San Rafael
Community Development Department
1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-485-3094
"Did you know that you can now check your zoning on line. Please go to www.citvofsanrafael.ore/zoning and you
can find the zoning for your property at your leisure"
From: Katie Smith[mailto:
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2016 4:24 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter Center
Dear Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Colin and Councilmembers McCullough, Bushey and Gamblin:
I support the Ritter Center and respectfully request that you allow it to keep offering its vital social
services for low-income and homeless people. Please be patient and continue helping the Ritter
Center in its efforts to find a new location. Please do not cut off or limit services by changing Ritter
Center's use permit before it finds a new location.
The Ritter Center has been a Marin mainstay for over 30 years and a critical safety net for the
homeless and working poor. Ritter Center services preserve dignity and help struggling individuals
and families into stable situations. While some of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless,
many others are only one crisis away from losing their homes. Among other services, Ritter Center
helps lower the number of homeless in Marin by finding people affordable housing both in and outside
of Marin.
The Ritter Center has made several bids on potential new buildings, but it needs more time and
patience. We cannot allow critical services to lapse in the interim, nor should the Ritter Center
be penalized for relocation factors out of its control. Fear mongering by vocal but poorly informed
individuals does nothing to solve this human issue.
The Marin Independent Journal editorial board agrees there has to be a better solution than the
pressure currently being placed on the Ritter Center — "The center's clientele is not just homeless
individuals, but many low-income families and those who lack medical insurance. This is not just a
San Rafael issue, but a county wide dilemma."
Thank you very much for your thoughtful, compassionate consideration.
52
Sincerely,
Katie Smith
86 Culloden Park Road
San Rafael, CA 94901
Katie Smith
Owner[rockflowerpaper
PH: 415-462-00011800-281-0357
Direct Dlal: 415-456-4927 x 205
145 Tunstead Avenue
San Anselmo; CA 94960
www.rockfioweri)aDer.com
Caron Parker
From: Gorelick, Bruce <
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2016 4:42 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Please don't lose Ritter!!
Dear Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Colin and Councilmembers McCullough, Bushey and Gamblin:
I support the Ritter Center and respectfully request that you allow it to keep offering its vital social
services for low-income and homeless people. Please be patient and continue helping the Ritter
Center in its efforts to find a new location. Please do not cut off or limit services by changing Ritter
Center's use permit before it finds a new location.
The Ritter Center has been a Marin mainstay for over 30 years and a critical safety net for the
homeless and working poor. Ritter Center services preserve dignity and help struggling individuals
and families into stable situations. While some of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless,
many others are only one crisis away from losing their homes. Among other services, Ritter Center
helps lower the number of homeless in Marin by finding people affordable housing both in and outside
of Marin.
The Ritter Center has made several bids on potential new buildings, but it needs more time and
patience. We cannot allow critical services to lapse in the interim, nor should the Ritter Center
be penalized for relocation factors out of its control. Fear mongering by vocal but poorly informed
individuals does nothing to solve this human issue.
The Marin Independent Journal editorial board agrees there has to be a better solution than the
pressure currently being placed on the Ritter Center — "The center's clientele is not just homeless
individuals, but many low-income families and those who lack medical insurance. This is not just a
San Rafael issue, but a county wide dilemma."
Thank you very much for your thoughtful, compassionate consideration. I live at 55 Legend Rd San
Anselmo
Warm regards,
Bruce
Bruce J. Gorelick
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is the city's only AAA Five -Diamond hotel and is a recent winner of the 2015 "Best in the
World" award by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
�— 3
Caron Parker
From:
Susan hayes <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 5:04 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter center
I totally support keeping the Ritter Center where it is. Thank you,
Susan Hayes
Mill Valley
Caron Parker
From:
Carolyn Rosenblatt <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 5:31 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Dear Ms. Parker:
I am aware of the public debate that has been going on for some time in our city. I have been a resident of San
Rafael for over 30 years. I am very upset that the city is considering getting rid of vital services for our lowest
income residents. Ritter has served as a model for providing excellent safety and service for the near homeless
and homeless over many years. I saw in the IJ that one opponent of services wants to relocate our homeless to
Sonoma County. To me that is ridiculous and is NOT a solution.
I am sure some downtown merchants want to get rid of anything that reminds them that Marin has poor
folks. It's easier to turn our backs than it is to work on ongoing solutions, which means spending public funds
and raising money, honoring the reality that a new location will take time and cooperation already underway. It
means creating public-private partnerships. It means accepting that the poor will always be with us. This
county is capable of a measure of respect for those less fortunate than the rest of us.
Why destroy a successful model program? Why resort to the politics of power over the powerless? We can do
better than that. Please vote to maintain Ritter services while it seeks a new location. People in our county will
be directly and seriously harmed by cutting them off from Ritter services during Ritter's efforts to secure its new
location. Give that process proper time to work please.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Rosenblatt
Carolyn L. Rosenblatt, RN, Attorney
�' S
Caron Parker
From: Vicki Seastrom <
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2016 5:22 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter House Support
Dear Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Colin and Councilmembers McCullough, Bushey and Gamblin:
I am a resident of San Rafael. I support the Ritter Center and respectfully request that you allow it to
keep offering social services for low-income and homeless people. Certainly the City of San Rafael
can afford to be patient and continue helping the Center to find a new location. And while the search
is ongoing, it is critical neither eliminate or limit the services offered by changing the Center's use
permit before a new location is found.
It is my understanding that the Center has several bids on potential new buildings, but needs more
time. It is inhumane to allow critical services to lapse in the interim and the Center should not be
penalized for the difficulties related to relocation out of its control.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
I. Victoria Seastrom
San Rafael, CA
(
Caron Parker
From: Ruth Heller <
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2016 4:36 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter House must be saved!
I volunteered at Ritter House for 15 years because it was—and is—a
Wonderful help to many people in San Rafael. Not just the homeless.
I think the U is right: more time to find a suitable new setting should be allowed.
Please do so!
Ruth Heller
San Rafael, CA 94903
y—
Caron Parker
From:
Royce and Sandy Truex <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:24 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Dear Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Colin and Councilmembers McCullough, Bushey and Gamblin:
I support the Ritter Center and respectfully request that you be patient and continue to help the Ritter
Center in its efforts to find a new location. Please allow it to keep offering its services for low-income
and homeless people. Please do not cut off or limit services by changing Ritter Center's use permit
before it finds a new location.
Thank you,
Royce Truex
Caron Parker
From:
Chellene Wood <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:31 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Dear Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Colin and Councilmembers McCullough, Bushey and Gamblin
I support the Ritter Center and respectfully request that you allow it to keep offering its vital social services for
low-income and homeless people. Please be patient and continue helping the Ritter Center in its efforts to find
a new location. Please do not cut off or limit services by changing Ritter Center's use permit before it finds a
new location.
The Ritter Center has been a Marin mainstay for over 30 years and a critical safety net for the homeless and
working poor. Ritter Center services preserve dignity and help struggling individuals and families into stable
situations. While some of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless, many others are only one crisis
away from losing their homes. Among other services, Ritter Center helps lower the number of homeless in
Marin by finding people affordable housing both in and outside of Marin.
The Ritter Center has made several bids on potential new buildings, but it needs more time and patience. We
cannot allow critical services to lapse in the interim, nor should the Ritter Center be penalized for
relocation factors out of its control. Fear mongering by vocal but poorly informed individuals does nothing to
solve this human issue.
The Marin Independent Journal editorial board agrees there has to be a better solution than the pressure
currently being placed on the Ritter Center — "The center's clientele is not just homeless individuals, but many
low-income families and those who lack medical insurance. This is not just a San Rafael issue, but a county
wide dilemma."
Thank you very much for your thoughtful, compassionate consideration
Chellene Wood
San Rafael, CA 94901
Chellene Wood
Marketing Manager
Associate
Caron Parker
From:
Eleanor Errante <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:43 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
As a long time resident of Marin County and a grandmother of a twelve year old I would like to see her grow up on a
community that is both diverse and compassionate. I wholeheartedly support the work that Ritter does and can never
subscribe to "not in my neighborhood".
Eleanor Errante
�;-' t c)
Caron Parker
From:
Mary Kay Sweeney <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:43 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is written in support of an extension to Ritter Center's use permit until such time as
Ritter is able to re -locate its critical services.
Ritter Center is part of a larger system of care and response to homelessness and poverty in
the community. While their location is not ideal, their mission is.
Solving the issue of homelessness will continue to require all of our best efforts, pooled
together, to achieve the lastingresult we all desire—an end to homelessness.
Homelessness is indisputably linked to a lack of affordable housing.
As a community, if we continue to say no to housing we are saying yes to homelessness.
Let's work together on solving this critical social issue
Mary Kay Sweeney
Homeward Bound of Marin
Mary Kay Sweeney, Ph.D.
Caron Parker
From:
Mary Creigh Houts <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:50 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Dear Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Colin and Councilmembers McCullough, Bushey and Gamblin:
I support the Ritter Center and respectfully request that you allow it to keep offering its vital social
services for low-income and homeless people. Please be patient and continue helping the Ritter
Center in its efforts to find a new location. Please do not cut off or limit services by changing Ritter
Center's use permit before it finds a new location.
The Ritter Center has been a Marin mainstay for over 30 years and a critical safety net for the
homeless and working poor. Ritter Center services preserve dignity and help struggling individuals
and families into stable situations. While some of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless,
many others are only one crisis away from losing their homes. Among other services, Ritter Center
helps lower the number of homeless in Marin by finding people affordable housing both in and outside
of Marin.
The Ritter Center has made several bids on potential new buildings, but it needs more time and
patience. We cannot allow critical services to lapse in the interim, nor should the Ritter Center
be penalized for relocation factors out of its control. Fear mongering by vocal but poorly informed
individuals does nothing to solve this human issue.
The Marin Independent Journal editorial board agrees there has to be a better solution than the
pressure currently being placed on the Ritter Center — "The center's clientele is not just homeless
individuals, but many low-income families and those who lack medical insurance. This is not just a
San Rafael issue, but a county wide dilemma."
Thank you very much for your thoughtful, compassionate consideration.
Sincerely,
Mary Creigh Houts
Corte Madera, CA 94925
5--12
Caron Parker
From: Michael Kaminski <
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2016 3:52 PM
To: Caron Parker
Hello,
I moved to California almost 6 years ago and had it not been for Joseph at Ritter Center, I would not be here
to ask for your consideration in the matter of keeping Ritter and Mill Street Shelter in operation.
My story is nothing special, I had never been homeless before but I suddenly found myself totally unprepared
for the expenses of surviving SF Bay Area Rent Standards and not capable of making it through a very trying
time. It was very humbling for me but I was treated with respect by staff and even had personal conversations
with individuals who were working at these places.
I found employment and still have the same job as when I left Mill Street, becoming a proud member of such a
compassionate community.
I do think there is a huge problem with the alcoholism and drug addiction in San Rafael though. If there were a
better location to help keep so many of the aggressive type folks out of taking over almost every corner in
central downtown that would help. I think he problem is there isn't enough street outreach going on and that is
something I would gladly help in. Wellness checks, etc - I know I sound like I may be contradicting myself but
I want to make it clear; it is not Ritters fault that there are so many homeless folks wandering in San Rafael -it is
the state of the Nation. We can find a way to do both in San Rafael- help folks and keep the community safe and
clean.
I hope this helps illustrate what I so strongly believe, keep Ritter open, please.
Thank you,
Michael
Michael E. Kaminski
5-�3
Caron Parker
From:
Nancy Spencer <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:52 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Dear Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Colin and Councilmembers McCullough, Bushey and Gamblin:
I support the Ritter Center and respectfully request that you allow it to keep offering its vital social
services for low-income and homeless people. Please be patient and continue helping the Ritter
Center in its efforts to find a new location. Please do not cut off or limit services by changing Ritter
Center's use permit before it finds a new location.
The Ritter Center has been a Marin mainstay for over 30 years and a critical safety net for the
homeless and working poor. Ritter Center services preserve dignity and help struggling individuals
and families into stable situations. While some of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless,
many others are only one crisis away from losing their homes. Among other services, Ritter Center
helps lower the number of homeless in Marin by finding people affordable housing both in and outside
of Marin.
The Ritter Center has made several bids on potential new buildings, but it needs more time and
patience. We cannot allow critical services to lapse in the interim, nor should the Ritter Center
be penalized for relocation factors out of its control. Fear mongering by vocal but poorly informed
individuals does nothing to solve this human issue.
The Marin Independent Journal editorial board agrees there has to be a better solution than the
pressure currently being placed on the Ritter Center — "The center's clientele is not just homeless
individuals, but many low-income families and those who lack medical insurance. This is not just a
San Rafael issue, but a county wide dilemma."
Thank you very much for your thoughtful, compassionate consideration.
Sincerely,
Nancy Spencer, RN
Novato
5-H
Caron Parker
From: Cathy Bedilion <
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2016 3:57 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Use Permit for Ritter Center
Dear Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Colin and Councilmembers McCullough, Bushey and Gamblin:
I support the Ritter Center and respectfully request that you allow it to keep offering its vital social services for
low-income and homeless people. Please be patient and continue helping the Ritter Center in its efforts to find a
new location. Please do not cut off or limit services by changing Ritter Center's use permit before it finds a new
location.
The Ritter Center has been a Marin mainstay for over 30 years and a critical safety net for the homeless and
working poor. Ritter Center services preserve dignity and help struggling individuals and families into stable
situations. While some of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless, many others are only one crisis away
from losing their homes. Among other services, Ritter. Center helps lower the number of homeless in Marin by
finding people affordable housing both in and outside of Marin.
The Ritter Center has made several bids on potential new buildings, but it needs more time and patience. We
cannot allow critical services to lapse in the interim, nor should the Ritter Center be penalized for
relocation factors out of its control. Fear mongering by vocal but poorly informed individuals does nothing to
solve this human issue.
The Marin Indenendent Journal editorial board, agrees there has to be a better solution than the pressure
currently being placed on the Ritter Center — "The center's clientele is not just homeless individuals, but many
low-income families and those who lack medical insurance. This is not just a San Rafael issue, but a county
wide dilemma."
Thank you very much for your thoughtful, compassionate consideration.
Sincerely,
Catherine Bedilion
San Anselmo, CA 94960
5-F5 5
Caron Parker
From:
Megan Nitta <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:59 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Dear Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Colin and Councilmembers McCullough, Bushey and Gamblin:
I have 2 young children in the San Rafael school system, one of whom is about to attend Davidson
Middle School and who is scared to go on Fourth Street, let alone ride her bike to/from school next
year. I agree with many residents that the homeless issue is out of control, and am looking forward to
services, like Ritter Center, moving out of our main public, family -friendly areas that are also close to
schools and children's routes to school.
I'm torn; however, as I also support the Ritter Center and believe in the services it provides. Shutting
it down, even temporarily until a new location is secured, would be an even greater disaster.
I respectfully request that you allow Ritter Center to keep offering its vital social services for low-
income and homeless people. Please be patient and continue helping the Ritter Center in its efforts to
find a new location. Please do not cut off or limit services by changing Ritter Center's use
permit before it finds a new location.
The Ritter Center has been a Marin mainstay for over 30 years and a critical safety net for the
homeless and working poor. Ritter Center services preserve dignity and help struggling individuals
and families into stable situations. While some of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless,
many others are only one crisis away from losing their homes. Among other services, Ritter Center
helps lower the number of homeless in Marin by finding people affordable housing both in and outside
of Marin.
The Marin Independent Journal editorial board agrees there has to be a better solution than the
pressure currently being placed on the Ritter Center — "The center's clientele is not just homeless
individuals, but many low-income families and those who lack medical insurance. This is not just a
San Rafael issue, but a county- wide dilemma."
Thank you very much for your thoughtful, compassionate consideration.
Sincerely,
Megan Nitta
San Rafael resident
5-16
Caron Parker
From:
Amanda Topper <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 4:03 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Dear Ms Parker,
I heartily support continuing to allow Ritter Center to continue to operate in their current location. If the poor and
homeless are to be served, it cannot be at a distant location, as transportation is always a problem for the poor.
The repeated attempts to deny Ritter Center's operations is an attempt to move their sometimes unsightly and difficult
population out of sight, and that will not solve the problem of serving the poor.
Ritter Center should be allowed to operate in their current location without additional restrictions until a comprehensive
County -wise plan to serve the homeless and the poor is in place and operational.
Ritter Center does important work, which the City of San Rafael should support, rather than trying to make the problem
of the poor go away by denying a use permit.
The City of San Rafael has many problems but this way of "cleaning up the city" is blatant and ill-advised.
Sincerely yours,
Amanda Topper
Sent from my Whone
5-17
Caron Parker
From:
Debra Delaney <
Sent:
Monday, March 14, 2016 4:07 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Dear Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Colin and Councilmembers McCullough, Bushey and Gamblin:
I am a longtime supporter of Ritter Center and longtime resident and business owner in Marin County. I respectfully
request that you allow Ritter Center to keep offering its vital social services for low-income and homeless people. Over
the years I have been involved with Ritter Center in many volunteer roles, and I have experienced firsthand the
difference the center can and does make in the lives of many of our most vulnerable citizens. I am writing this email as I
will be out of town on business and unable to attend the March 21St public hearing.
I know that Ritter Center is using all efforts to find a new location, and I join others in requesting your patience during
this transition time for the agency. Limiting services or changing their use permit during this time would put our neediest
citizens in unnecessary danger. For some, the interruption of services could have disastrous results. For over 30 years
Ritter Center has been a critical safety net for the working poor, retired, disabled and homeless in our very blessed
community. Please do not allow critical services to lapse for those in need.
While there has been some negative voices recently, I believe they are poorly informed about the true value the center
provides our community. The reality is that only 7% of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless. Ritter Center
actually helps reduce the homeless population in Marin County by providing rental assistance to keep people from
becoming homeless in the first place, and by finding affordable housing for those that are homeless.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful, compassionate consideration. Please feel free to reach out to me if you would
like to discuss this with me personally.
Warm regards,
Debra Delaney
0
5 -IS
Caron Parker
From: Donald Caruso <
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 9:53 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: The Ritter Center
Ms. Caron Parker
Associate City Planner
San Rafael, CA
Dear Caron,
I am writing this email on behalf of The Ritter Center in a sincere hope that as 20 year resident of San Rafael, I can
participate in figuring out a logical way to maintain and preserve the invaluable service to our community provided by
this amazing non-profit organization. My involvement with the center goes back about 13 years as one of the chefs for
the annual Ritter House dinner. Additionally, I regularly deliver food products to the Center as a driver for Extrafood.org
and have dropped off personal surplus and bags for grocery -totting for as many years. Throughout this extended period
I have found nothing but appreciative citizens who are going through some rather tough times. The cost to our city
would be huge and probably unattainable if it were not for this community -centric, non-profit and compassionate
organization. The vast bulk of the Ritter Centers participant are not chronically homeless, but many would be if it were
not the assistance they receive in financial rental assistance, meal supplements and medical and psychiatric aid.
If I can be of any assistance in figuring out a way to actively maintain this organization within our community, I am at
your complete disposal. As far as I know, they have been in complete compliance of their promises and use
permit. This is a must save. While there may be a few disrupters in the downtown area at any given time, the vast,
repeat, vast number of 4,500 annual Ritter Center participants are law abiding citizens who just need a temporary
hand ..... I hope we can continue to extend ours.
Sincerely,
Don Caruso
5-(9
Caron Parker
From:
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 8:46 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: To the City Council re: Ritter Center
To the San Rafael City Council:
Please renew the use permit for the Ritter Center. The Ritter Center provides vital services to people
from all over Marin County, and it is situated in a perfect location, which is central to Marin residents
and near the Marin Transit Center, thereby providing easy access from all over the county. The Ritter
Center has done an excellent job right where it is, and it makes no sense to force it to move now.
Sincerely,
Susan Barnes
5-2-D
Caron Parker
From:
Sent:
Thursday, March 10, 2016 2:37 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Cc:
communications@rittercenter.org
Subject:
Support of Ritter House
Caron: I've been donating items to the Ritter House for years now and have seen the level of support they provide our
community. I'm very proud that our city recognizes our moral obligation to address societal needs. I think it is imperative
that we find an appropriate location for Ritter Center's services and NOT shut them down.
• Ritter Center has been in compliance with the conditions of its use permit
• Less than 7% of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless
• As a community, we need to look at the cost of housing and the job market/wages as driving forces in the
increase of homeless individuals and families in Marin
• Ritter Center disburses -more than $300,000 each year in rental assistance to help prevent Marin residents from
becoming or remaining homeless
• Ritter Center helps reduce the number of homeless in Marin by finding people affordable housing in and outside
of Marin
• Ritter Center provides psychiatric medicine management, mental health therapy and outpatient substance use
treatment counseling to help Marin residents regain stability
Thank you,
Lorena Garcia
NOTICE TO RECIPIENT: If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are prohibited from sharing, copying, or otherwise using or disclosing its
contents. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments
without reading, forwarding or saving them. Thank you.
5-2.1
Caron Parker
From:
peter kamler <
Sent:
Thursday, March 10, 2016 10:18 AM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter House
Caron,
The Ritter house should be allowed to continue to provide the services that they have
been providing successfully for so many years at the current location. To be considering
an increase in use permit conditions on this business is a travesty.
As a San Rafael Native, long time businessman, property owner and parent of two San
Rafael public school graduates I must say that this operation is a bright star in the public
service universe in San Rafael. They should be assisted in their endeavors not obstructed
by new rules and regulations.
It is shameful to see as San Rafael continues to grow that the pressures on those that
serve the underprivileged mount and the wealthy turn a blind eye to the mission being
served.
Please allow Ritter House to continue serving those in need at the current location under
the original use permit conditions.
Sincerely,
Peter Kamler CFP
1 5� 2
Caron Parker
From: Jane Karp <
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 10:24 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Support for Ritter Center
Hello,
I would like to voice my support for Ritter Center continuing to provide accessible services in San Rafael.
My understanding is that Ritter Center provides vital medical, mental health, substance use treatment and basic needs
services to approximately 4,500 men, women and children each year.
It is important to continue to care for people who need these services!
Thank you for your efforts in this regard.
Sincerely,
Jane Karp
San Rafael resident
StyleBistro
The Most Wearable Beauty Trend Of The Year (Photos) http://cp.mcafee.com/d/k-
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1 5-Z3
Caron Parker
From:
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 8:46 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: To the City Council re: Ritter Center
To the San Rafael City Council:
Please renew the use permit for the Ritter Center. The Ritter Center provides vital services to people
from all over Marin County, and it is situated in a perfect location, which is central to Marin residents
and near the Marin Transit Center, thereby providing easy access from all over the county. The Ritter
Center has done an excellent job right where it is, and it makes no sense to force it to move now.
Sincerely,
Susan Barnes
Read my blog at httr)://www.iewishiournal.com/reliaiousandreform
Caron Parker
From: David Potovsky <
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 6:05 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: I support Ritter House!
To whom it may concern,
Three generations of my family have been volunteering at Ritter House for many years. We believe
that they are doing an excellent job serving the most vulnerable people in our county. These are not
just homeless, they are also families, children and the elderly. The staff is committed to helping these
people get back on their feet again.
I implore you to do everything you can to support Ritter House. It would be much worse without them.
They provide an incredibly valuable service.
Kind regards,
David Potovsky
(
5-2.5
Caron Parker
From:
Kate Martin <
Sent:
Friday, March 11, 2016 11:45 AM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Dear Caron,
I am a life-long resident of Marin County and half of that has been
as a homeowner in San Rafael.
I will not pretend that I have all of the answers to the social
problems that in my lifetime have resulted in poor and unwell
people living on the streets all over our country, as well as right
here in San Rafael.
I understand that many people are afraid of people who are
mentally ill or obviously without resources.
There is a lot of fear in our world right now. Fear of different races,
religions, sexual orientation or gender identity. Some older people
are afraid of younger people. And on and on.
I do understand the concerns of the business community. They rely
on customers coming and returning to buy their products and
services.
The answer is neither to do nothing nor to try to cover up the
problem and pretend it doesn't exist.
want to live in a society that cares for the most vulnerable among
us, whether they can afford to pay for it or not.
2- C��
I think we can do better than San Francisco that wants to move
people into a building without running water.
Ritter Center and other organizations work very hard to meet a
critical need. I would expect that our elected representatives would
figure out how to support them in doing that and acknowledge their
efforts, rather than blaming them for attracting the problem.
I understand the impulse to put homeless people somewhere that
no one has to look at the results of some of our society's beliefs
and policies. But they are human beings. They deserve dignity and
compassion, whether they look or sound or smell "right" by certain
standards.
To close Ritter Center would be cruel, and represent priorities that
clearly do not share.
Katherine Martin
San Rafael CA 94901
Caron Parker
From: Mathers, Lara <
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2016 7:29 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: In support of Ritter Center services
Good morning,
I'm writing in support of Ritter Center as the city reviews its 6 month use permit. As an employment counselor for the
General Assistance program for the past two years I have been fortunate to work closely with Ritter on behalf of clients
and to see the necessary space they hold for homeless in this county. Whether it is for mental health care, case
management, or simply to pick up extra food, the Ritter Center responds to individuals in need with compassion and
ca re.
Thank you for considering the great value of this service to so many disenfranchised and struggling people in this county
as you decide how to move forward.
Sincerely,
Lara Mathers
A R 1 N
HEALTH
HUMAN
SER -V- C ES
Lara Mathers
Employment Development Counselor
General Assistance Program
County of Marin
Health & Human Services
120 N. Redwood Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
Direct: 415-473-3397 NEW FAX! 415-473-3376
LMathers0marincountv.ora
MEC Job blog: httij://www.gotworkmec.blogsi)ot.com/
— HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
The information contained in this document may be privileged, confidential, and protected under applicable law
and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended
recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are
hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If
you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and destroy
the document.
Email Disclaimer: httD://www.marincounty.ora/main/disclaimers
5-z7
Caron Parker
From:
Linda Curtis <
Sent:
Wednesday, March 09, 2016 10:15 AM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
URGENT: Ritter Center Still Needs Your Help
Attention Caron Parker:
As a supporter of Ritter Center for almost 20 years I can say they do an amazing service for our community.
Please make it possible for them to stay in service, of need be at a different address, but our city needs then!
Thank you,
Linda Curtis
SR 94901
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DRDID
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ritter Center <
Date: Mar 8, 2016 7:15 PM
Subject: URGENT: Ritter Center Still Needs Your Help
To: lcurtis647@comcast.net
Cc:
X
X
Dear Linda,
Ritter Center needs your voice. If you have already written an email in support of
our services, thank you!
If not, there is still time to do so.We respectfully request that our supporters send
emails in support of Ritter Center to the City of San Rafael at
Caron.Parker@cityofsanrafael.org by noon on March 9th to ensure the City
understands that most of its residents do not believe that unfounded fear should drive
public policy. Our goal is to shift the conversation to finding an appropriate location for
Ritter Center's services, not shutting them down. Your opinion matters.
To help you craft a short email, here are some points we think are important to
highlight in this conversation:
• Ritter Center has been in compliance with the conditions of its use permit
• Less than 7% of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless
• As a community, we need to look at the cost of housing and the job
market/wages as driving forces in the increase of homeless individuals and
families in Marin
• Ritter Center disburses more than $300,000 each year in rental assistance to
help prevent Marin residents from becoming or remaining homeless
• Ritter Center helps reduce the number of homeless in Marin by finding people
affordable housing in and outside of Marin
• Ritter Center provides psychiatric medicine management, mental health
therapy and outpatient substance use treatment counseling to help Marin
residents regain stability
Thanks again for your conapass ionate support!
5-Z9
Caron Parker
From: Jeff Bialik< org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2016 9:50 AM
To: Caron Parker
Cc: com; amcintyre@marincounty.org;
'communications@rittercenter.org'
Subject: In Support of Ritter Center
Dear Caron:
I am writing in support of Ritter Center and the critical role it plays in the City of San Rafael and Marin County as a
resource to people for whom life has sometimes been cruel.
As the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, I see first-hand the challenges of
homelessness, poverty, abuse, and neglect. It may be difficult to see, sometimes, but each person that Ritter Center seeks
to help is a human being, who is worthy of dignity and respect.
I live in San Rafael, and would like our community to be known as one who looks with compassion on the face of people
who are struggling. I understand that Ritter Center is in compliance with the stringent use conditions that the City has
imposed on them. Ritter actually helps to reduce homelessness by providing rental assistance and helping people to locate
housing both in and outside Marin.
The problems of homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, and other chronic medical conditions are daunting and
systemic. Ritter Center does not create these issues; rather, Ritter Center seeks to remedy them.
Please continue to work with Ritter Center and the community to seek solutions, not scapegoats.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bialik
Executive Director
Caron Parker
From: David Neagle <
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2016 10:02 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter Center use permit
Good morning Caron,
I am a 20 -year San Rafael resident and have worked in downtown San Rafael for the past 5 years.
I understand that Ritter's use permit will be reviewed by the City Council this month. While I see and understand the
impact of -homelessness on our city, I believe that Ritter has been unfairly singled -out as the cause. I believe Ritter is part
of the solution.
While the current location is not ideal for Ritter nor the downtown merchants, I am aware that Ritter has been looking
for an alternate location over the past few years with little, if any support from city government. Perhaps a joint effort
would bring about a solution to the location issue.
I support the City Council's continued approval of Ritter's use permit based on the following facts:
• Ritter provides medical support to over 50% of Marin's homeless Veteran population;
• Ritter is in compliance with its use permit;
• Ritter provides housing assistance to local residents to prevent them from becoming homeless; Ritter also finds
affordable housing for its clients, thereby reducing the local homeless population. ;
• Most importantly, and the point of the use permit, is that Ritter provides outpatient substance abuse treatment
and counseling, psychiatric medicine management and mental health therapy to those who need it most and
are least able to afford it.
As a community, we need to understand that the cost of housing and availability of well -paying jobs is a major factor in
the increase of homelessness in the city and county, not the services provided to the poor by Ritter Center.
I will attend the Council meeting on the 21St and further voice my support for continuation of Ritter's use permit.
Best regards,
David J Neagle
I Please use this link when sending sensitive information: i
5 -3 I
Caron Parker
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attention Caron Parker:
Linda Curtis < net>
Wednesday, March 09, 2016 10:15 AM
Caron Parker
URGENT: Ritter Center Still Needs Your Help
As a supporter of Ritter Center for almost 20 years I can say they do an amazing service for our community.
Please make it possible for them to stay in service, of need be at a different address, but our city needs then!
Thank you,
Linda Curtis
SR 94901
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ritter Center <
Date: Mar 8, 2016 7:15 PM
Subject: URGENT: Ritter Center Still Needs Your Help
To:
Cc:
5-32-
Caron Parker
From: Janice <
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2016 10:18 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: In support of Ritter Center
®ear City of San Rafael,
I believe Ritter center is helping more than it is harming the area. I encourage the city to help Ritter Center to
find an appropriate new facility and not to shut them down. It's true, there are some homeless people that are
disruptive but the majority are not and should not have to pay for the few that are. I've lived in downtown San
Rafael for 6.5 years and for the most pari, the homeless have been polite and even nice to me. I see them on a
daily basis when I walk to work, shop, eat and bank here in downtown San Rafael. FYI, I live 1 block from the
Salvation Army dining hall and can see them from my apartment kitchen.
I am struck by the fact that Ritter Center provides vital medical, mental health, substance use treatment and
basic needs services to approximately 4,500 men, women and children each year and less than 7% are
chronically homeless. That is a huge number of people that they serve.
They also provide more than $300,000 each year in rental assistance to help prevent Marin residents from
becoming or remaining homeless. I don't know of any other organization that does that personally.
The Ritter center plays an important role for those with mental illness by providing psychiatric medicine
management, mental health therapy and outpatient substance use treatment counseling to help Marin
residents regain stability.
Ritter Center helps people to find affordable housing in and outside of Marin which we all know is a growing
concern, even for myself and my partner who both have full time jobs! The rents keep increasing to
astronomical proportions. As a community, we need to look at the cost of housing and the job market/wages as
driving forces in the increase of homeless individuals and families in Marin and affordable housing for those
"middle class" folks that live and work here that are not in the tech industry.
One other major point is that the Ritter Center has been in compliance with the conditions of its use permit.
The question I ask myself is what kind of a mess would you have on your hands if Ritter was no longer there to
pick up the slack and care for these folks? They play an important role in this community and I support the
good work they do.
Best Regards,
Janice Lum
Executive Assistant
Caron Parker
From:
Mark <
Sent:
Wednesday, March 09, 2016 4:47 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Dear Mr. Parker -
I am a Marin County resident writing to express my support of Ritter Center. I recently learned that
consideration is being given to relocating Ritter Center as -a response to complaints about a small minority of
homeless persons causing disruptions in San Rafael. Such action, of course, would be a classic 'baby with the
bathwater' response, would not be equitable or effective. It would also harm numerous vulnerable Marin
County citizens, including many of our Veterans.
As a Marin County Veteran, I cannot support what seems like a misguided approach which will harm many of
my brother/sister vets; and, I urge you and the city of San Rafael to summon the courage to take a more
equitable and effective course, in accordance with your mission statement. I would also like to remind you of
the benefits of the Ritter Center, which is in compliance with the conditions of its use permit.
• Less than 7% of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless
• As a community, we need to look at the cost of housing and the job market/wages as driving forces in
the increase of homeless individuals and families in Marin
• Ritter Center disburses more than $300,000 each year in rental assistance to help prevent Marin
residents from becoming or remaining homeless
• Ritter Center helps reduce the number of homeless in Marin by finding people affordable housing in and
outside of Marin
• Ritter Center provides psychiatric medicine management, mental health therapy and outpatient
substance use treatment counseling to help Marin residents regain stability
• The Ritter Center provides much needed services to our Veteran population, who need our support
Therefore, please find a more focused, equitable and effective solution to this problem.
Respectfully,
Mark Seely
5 -1�
Caron Parker
From:
Dave Thompson <
Sent:
Wednesday, March 09, 2016 3:21 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter House
Dear Ms. Parker;
I am writing in support of Ritter House. As a Veteran I am especially encouraged by the range of services Ritter
House provides to Veterans and other members of the community. There are so few facilities that assist with
housing, mental health and drug treatment to the disenfranchised and needy who otherwise would not have
the financial means to receive these services. I would hope that the City of San Rafael would carefully weigh
the benefits that Ritter House provides to those most in need.
Regards, David Thompson
5-35
Caron Parker
From:
Stephens, Sean <SAStephens@marincounty.org>
Sent:
Wednesday, March 09, 2016 11:08 AM
To:
Overby, Brijette; College of Marin; AM Leg 313/ Larkspur; Am. Leg 179 SO; Ainsworth,
Brent; Carrie Bancroft; College of Marin; Ed@premiersystemsgroup.com; Eddie Ramriez;
embb00@comcast.net; George Kennedy; gstarkey@att.net; James Faw;
net; Jen Crumb; John Sammons; Jonathan Deras
(Jonathan.deras@outlook.com); Marilyn Spoja; marjim50@verizon.net; Mark Seely;
panpacl@comcast.net; phil40@pacbell.net; RAY MULLIN; Trinidad, Paul A 1LT USARMY
(US); net; waterdog9@comcast.net; William.casey55@yahoo.com
Cc:
gov; Caron Parker
Subject:
FW: URGENT: Ritter Center Needs Your Help
Hey everyone,
This is a very serious matter, and I would greatly appreciate if all of you within this email could please respond.
Ritter Center has a had a very big impact on the lives of Veterans throughout the County of Marin, and right
now more than ever they need our voice to continue supporting homeless veterans and connecting them with
services. Please send emails of support to: Caron. Parker(& citvofsanrafael.orlr
X
0
5 3�
Dear Friend,
This is not an appeal for money. We need your voice to continue to make a positive
impact in the lives of those in need in Marin.
Ritter Center's 6 -month use permit report will be reviewed by the City of San Rafael in
March. Ritter Center is looking at all options for moving our services to a new facility,
including leasing space, buying a building or sharing space with another organization.
Ritter Center's goal is to find a new home that is acceptable to the City of San Rafael
while remaining accessible to the vulnerable populations we serve.
Everyone agrees that downtown San Rafael feels the impacts of homelessness. City
and County law enforcement have estimated that at any given time there are about 40
individuals who cause repeated disruptions downtown. Ritter Center provides vital
medical, mental health, substance use treatment and basic needs services to
approximately 4,500 men, women and children each year.
We respectfully request that our supporters send emails in support of Ritter Center to
the City of San Rafael at Caron. Parker(cDcitvofsanrafael.orq before March 9th to
ensure the City understands that most of its residents do not believe that unfounded
fear should drive public policy. Our goal is for the City to understand Ritter Center is
helping, not causing the problem and that the focus should be on finding an
appropriate location for services, not shutting them down. Your opinion matters in
this conversation.
We know you are busy, so here are a few points you can draw from in crafting a short
original email:
• Ritter Center has been in compliance with the conditions of its use permit
• Less than 7% of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless
• As a community, we need to look at the cost of housing and the job
market/wages as driving forces in the increase of homeless individuals and
families in Marin
• Ritter Center disburses more than $300,000 each year in rental assistance to
help prevent Marin residents from becoming or remaining homeless
• Ritter Center helps reduce the number of homeless in Marin by finding people
affordable housing in and outside of Marin
• Ritter Center provides psychiatric medicine management, mental health
therapy and outpatient substance use treatment counseling to help Marin
residents regain stability
The City Council is having a public hearing the evening of March 21st at City Hall as
well. We would appreciate and encourage those willing to speak on our behalf to
attend this meeting and share your voice!
5 -3r]
Thank!a so much for your compassbnate suppord
ir-n
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HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
The information contained in this document may be privileged, confidential, and protected under applicable law
and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended
recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are
hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If
you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and destroy
the document.
Email Disclaimer: http://www.marincounty.org/main/disclaimers
Caron Parker
From:
Terry Graham <
Sent:
Wednesday, March 09, 2016 5:51 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Cc:
Raymond J. Mullin; Annette Gibbs
Subject:
Ritter House / Homeless in Marin /Ritter House
Dear Caron:
Veterans Housing & Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in San Rafael, has as our goal to identify, pursue and
create housing options for veterans in Marin County and beyond. Since our founding in 2014, we understand
that the number of homeless veterans and vets at risk of homelessness in our County has grown significantly.
VHS appreciates the efforts of the City of San Rafael, other communities, Marin County,and numerous
nonprofits in our combined efforts to provide safe, clean, affordable and readily available housing for those in
need of shelter, balanced with the need to preserve public health, safety,and welfare. We also recognize and
appreciate that the City of San Rafael has played a particularly important role in addressing the needs of the
homeless throughout the County.
The answers to issues arising from homelessness may not be easy or obvious, but please consider Veterans
Housing & Services a willing participant organization in the City of San Rafael's efforts to address this
situation.
Sincerely yours,
Terry Graham
Executive Director
5-3g
The following email was received through the City Council Contact Email Form on the City web site. A copy
is being forwarded to each member of the City Council.
Council Contact Form
City of San Rafael
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151560, San Rafael, CA, 94915.
* First Name
Scott
* Last Name
Drotman
Address 1
Address 2
City
San Ansehno
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Zip Code
94960
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Dear Mayor and Honored City Council Members,
The Homeless situation has reached epidemic proportions in Marin County and the City of San Rafael has felt the brunt of this epidemic. There are
multiple economic and social causes but there is one undeniable fact, SanRafael is the center of services for those iri need. The County Supervisors
have collectively turned their heads on this problem.
Z
In 2014 -20151 was a member of the Marin County Civil Grand Jury. We wrote a report "Homelessness in Marin - A Call for Leadership " (
httn://www.marincountv.org/dents/ai/reports-and-responses/reports-responses/2014-15/homelessness-in-maria) and we made some very specific
recommendations. Most were ignored by the Marin County Board of Supervisors. Please read it.
The City of San Rafael has appointed a homeless czar which is well beyond the call of duty for your city. Marin County has left "you holding the
bag" accountable for these services. -
I urge you to NOT RENEW THE RITTER CENTER USE PERMIT. This is a county problem and the solution needs to be systemic.
Once Ritter Center is closed, you need to address the problems brought about by St. Vincent. I believe that we need to feed our hungry. Our society is
too wealthy to ignore that need. Still, St. Vincent's is a blight on the downtown. One issue is that every day the REST Program drops off 60 homeless
people in downtown for breakfast. These people are collected from all over the county, Why aren't they brought back to where they were collected?
Is there any other place they can be given breakfast?
You need to reclaim downtown San Rafael for ALL RESIDENTS. Today I drove through San Rafael to have lunch in Mill Valley. I did not want to
deal with the downtown situation. Too many stories to tell for one lifetime.
Thank you,
Scott Drotman
Caron Parker
From:
Claire Zurack <
Sent:
Wednesday, March 09, 2016 8:49 AM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Caron,
I am writing this email in support of Ritter Center. I believe that homeless people will continue to
congregate in downtown San Rafael whether or not Ritter Center is there. They provide an invaluable
service to people in need and should not be closed down. A society is judged by how they treat their
most vulnerable. In addition, Ritter Center has been in compliance with the conditions of its use permit.
Less than 7% of Ritter Center's clients are chronically homeless, they serve Marin's working poor. As a
community, we need to look at the cost of housing and the job market/wages as driving forces in the
increase of homeless individuals and families in Marin. Our energy would be better spent focusing on
this issue rather than moving the homeless. Ritter Center disburses more than $300,000 each year in
rental assistance to help prevent Marin residents from becoming or remaining homeless. There would be
more homeless people without Ritter and other agencies like them. Ritter Center provides psychiatric
medicine management, mental health therapy and outpatient substance use treatment counseling to help
Marin residents regain stability. Many of our clients have been helped by Ritter Center. They provide
free food to people who cannot afford to buy food in addition to paying their rent. They also provide
other services such as helping people manage their money and assisting people in obtaining disability
benefits. I really hope we do not buy into people's fears about the homeless.
Thank you,
Claire Zurack
Program Director
Buckelew Programs.
Confidentiality Statement:
This electronic message transmission including any attachments, contains information from Buckelew Programs which may be confidential or privileged. The
information is intended to be for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying,
distribution, or use of the contents of this information is prohibited. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately
by a reply to sender only message and destroy all electronic and hard copies of this communication including attachments. 'bpcs081409*
Thank You.
5 -- 9
Caron Parker
From:
Tamara Goldsmith <
Sent:
Tuesday, March 08, 2016 5:59 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Dear Council members of the City of San Rafael,
As a resident of San Rafael for 18 + years, I feel proud to be part of a community that tends to its under
served
population with compassion and generosity. The Ritter Center is one of the organizations that is at the
heart of this mission to provide necessary
resources for people in our community who have found themselves in desperate situations.
Indeed, it is essential to find a balance between providing a safe and prosperous place for business
owners, residents, and visitors and in serving
the needs of those who are struggling. Yet, it is clear to me that the Ritter Center is an essential life boat
for those who are suffering from the difficult
economic times that so many are affected by at this time, and closing their doors will potentially
create more desperation for those who cannot easily access another location.
This action may create the opposite of its intended effect; leading to an increase in the
numbers of struggling people lingering downtown who would no longer have a support
system.
Continuing to expand successful programs, such as the Downtown Streets Team and Ritter Center
would strengthen our community, and provide support for many more to move
from homelessness to self sufficiency. I ask that, as a city, we take a long term and compassionate view
that includes providing services for those who most need them --keep the Ritter Center
open. We all benefit when we care for one another.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tamara Goldsmith
San Rafael, CA 94901
1 5'� 1
March 8, 2016
Dear Caron,
I am writing as the Program Manager for a local service provider who works with the
homeless, unaffiliated with Ritter Center. The residents I work with are housed in a long term,
supported housing program scattered throughout Marin County. Many of them utilize Ritter
Center services despite being housed as supplemental support for their food pantry, clothing
closet, payee services, and some of whom consider Ritter and its clients "their community."
With all of this said, I do understand the concerns of San Rafael community members and
business owners regarding instances of crime and general disorderliness among the homeless
community. Unfortunately moving Ritter Center will simply displace this issue onto another area
of Marin and depending on placement of Ritter Center will potentially create barriers to access
for individuals who are vulnerable and high needs.
The question is how we creatively and innovatively come together as a community to
shift the paradigm of services for the homeless to better serve their needs and lessen
homelessness. As a service provider with individuals who have been chronically homeless
(upwards of 20 years,) I can tell you that long term, supported housing is the way to get people
off the streets, get them the help they need, and provide ongoing supported care to lessen use
of emergency services including police intervention, jail, detox, ER, Hospital, etc. It has been
proven in many other communities.
Ritter Center is providing a needed service for the community and I think we all can agree
that Ritter Center is not able to fix the problem of homelessness alone. Ritter Center and other
service providers in the area need funding to be able to fix this problem through getting people
off the streets and into supported housing where they can stabilize and potentially address years
of ongoing issues.
Ultimately I would like for this issue to be looked at not as the homeless community or
service providers who serve them as the problem but rather as a community who hasn't yet
figured out the best way to serve this vulnerable, high needs population dealing with mental
health issues, substance abuse issues, complex medical diagnoses, histories of trauma due to
violence, childhood backgrounds, living on the streets, and living as marginalized, oppressed
community members. I would like to advocate for Ritter to stay in San Rafael until they are able
to relocate to a place which is conducive to serving the population in which they do. I would also
like the political powers at be in San Rafael to look at homelessness as a community issue that
everyone can play a part in.
Sincerely,
Liz McCann, MA
{
5-4-L
Caron Parker
From:
M Campbell <
Sent:
Monday, March 07, 2016 6:36 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Hi Caron,
As Ritter Center's lease is coming up again for scrutiny over compliance, I wanted to share our experiences with
you and bring some of the local problems to your attention.
My fiance and I live on A St. near 3rd. A couple weeks ago
we had an incident at our home. We were sitting at home watching TV when we heard someone coming up our
back steps. We live in the back of an old Victorian and normally no one ever comes back here especially at
night, so it was weird. The person knocked and we looked out the window and it was a 20 something homeless
kid high on meth (we assume) He was paranoid and freaking out. He ran off and we called the cops. Fifteen
minutes later he was back in our backyard and freaking out again. I went outside and chased him off. We
called the cops again and they came and talked to us. They picked him up on 4th street at Yetwa Chinese
restaurant. Apparently he ran in shouting that the cops were after him. The cops filed a report and asked if we
wanted to press charges, but if we did we would have to go to court over it. It was only a misdemeanor charge
of trespassing and we didn't want to be involved in court so we didn't press charges. So that's that.
There's a constant parade of homeless walking along our street to get to 4th. We've had many issues with
homeless coming onto our property. I also spoke to the cop about the homeless encampments at the baseball
park. He said it was illegal for them to be there after dark, but if they chase them out, they would come our way
and find other places to camp in the downtown area (possibly in our yard). We're both shaken and
frustrated. The cop said that police departments in other towns will buy bus tickets for homeless and send them
here to keep them out of their affluent communities. I'm so tired of this. I've been accosted and threatened by
homeless. I see them sleeping all over the downtown area. I've seen them shooting up on 4th. I've found dirty
needles in our drive way. I've caught a homeless couple having sex in an alley. Why do we have to tolerate
this? If this were happening in a more affluent Marin community, this would not go on.
What is it going to take to make San Rafael safe again. The city is completely overrun. Homeless, drug
addicts, people with a history of mental illness, and in some cases ex -convicts from San Quentin. I met
someone on the street asking for money who told me he had just been released from San Quentin and had no
where else to go so he came here. I've had a conversation with a homeless man in the past and he said he loved
San Rafael, "I have a place to sleep, they feed me, the people are nice, and I have enough money to still buy
drugs."
My feeling is that Ritter House and other services in SR simply enable this kind of behavior. They support the
Hobo lifestyle. San Rafael has become a safe haven for homeless, drug addicts, and ex -cons. The city supports
it and the problem continues to grow. We don't feel safe here anymore. We would move, but we love our home
and can't afford to move. We're both feeling terribly frustrated. What is the city of San Rafael doing? Are you
doing anything? We see no results and only a deepening problem.
M. Campbell
S7—Li-j
Caron Parker
From: Nancy Koster <
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2016 7:54 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter House Move
Hi,
I am a resident of San Rafael's West End and I commute through 4th street almost every weekday to SF. I
want to comment that the number of homelessness and their aggressive behavior is ruining downtown
SR. The location of Ritter House in the downtown area is totally inappropriate as it t encourages people to
hang out in downtown until Ritter house opens for business.
I am completely in agreement with revoking their use permit. They need to locate outside of the downtown
region. In fact, their services should actually be located in a Marin County unincorporated area
as homelessness is actually a Marin County problem and should not be left for SR to deal with it. For instance
San Anselmo, among other cities, would never allow this homeless problem that we have allowed to fester in
our city. It seems that most of the time when you see people sending comments about Ritter House and
supporting the current location they do not live in the area of see what is going on!
Ritter offers some good services but again it should not be in the downtown region. Many of my friends and
family will not go downtown for eating and shopping. They feel threatened by the homeless and
uncomfortable. I am more immune to it since I work in SF. From my office building I can see the
Embarcadero and you don't even want to know what we see! That being sai,d I don't want SR to go even
further down that path. SR use to be a really nice downtown. We can rebuild it but we need to move the
homeless services such as Ritter House out of the downtown area!
Thank you,
Nancy Koster
Caron Parker
From:
Russell Robles <
Sent:
Saturday, March 05, 2016 3:53 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter House
Ritter center's work is very important to Marin and we cannot do without them.
Homelessness is an increasing problem, even for women, children and families. As a community we need to look at the
cost of housing and the job market and wages as driving forces in the increase of homeless individuals and families in
Marin.
Ritter Center is a necessity to decreasing the number of unfortunate people on the streets of San Rafael. They help
Marin residents regain stability by providing psychiatric medicine management, mental health therapy and outpatient
substance use treatment counseling.
Please be compassionate and consider this request from a resident, voter, and taxpayer in our wonderful Marin County.
Russell Robles
San Rafael taxpayer
S= W5
Caron Parker
From:
Pamela Glassoff <
Sent:
Saturday, March 05, 2016 4:08 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
I support Ritter Center and would feel it would be a misguided action to close it or reduce its services. I support
the City of San Rafael assisting Ritter Center in finding a new location if that is what will work for the
community so that it can carry on it's precious work. Please do not close something that is a life line for many
of your residents.
Pam
5--9(0
Caron Parker
From:
Fredda <
Sent:
Saturday, March OS, 2016 2:23 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter House
Ritter house should not be shut down as it is truly a helping humanitarian organization taking care of the people
no one else is helping. Others are just complaining about them.
The Center is helping the problem of homelessness by distributing more than $300,000 yearly in rental
assistance to help prevent Marin residents from becoming or remaining homeless. It reduces the number of
homeless in Marin by finding affordable housing in Marin. That is all good!
Ritter Center has been in compliance with the conditions of its use permit so why is it being persecuted and
shunned?
Help these people take care of OUR problems.
Thank you,
Fredda Kaplan
San Rafael home owner
.5-4'7
Caron Parker
From: Carole Kammen <
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2016 1:10 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter
Just want to voice my opinion that I'm not in support of Ritter continuing in San Rafael.
I've owned a home in San Rafael for over 28 years. While I'm sensitive to the plight of the homeless I'm also keenly
aware of the impact this has on safety and home values. I'd intended to retire here, but will most likely sell my home
and move
out of San Rafael. Where as I once shopped and spent leisure time locally I avoid downtown completely and rarely do
any recreational
activity in Terra Linda either.
It's time for the rest of Marin to participate equally in being the solution.
Carole Kammen
s_y8
Caron Parker
From: Arline Van Gessel <arlinevg@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2016 8:04 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter House lease renewal
I am emailing to express my concern about the impact of the homeless/vagrants that seem to be calling the
streets of downtown San Rafael home. I have been a homeowner in San Rafael since 1994, which means I am a
taxpayer in San Rafael, currently paying about $20,000 per year in property taxes.
The vagrants/homeless that are loitering downtown have certainly driven me out of the downtown area and I
know that I am not alone in this sentiment. To better illustrate my decision to not frequent downtown San
Rafael:
1) The last time I HAD to attend a work function at a restaurant downtown, I parked in the tiered parking
garage between 3rd and 4th Street. When I returned to my car two drunk/drugged men appeared to be having a
contest on who could urinate higher up on my car. I yelled loudly at them when I saw what they were doing
and they scattered. Didn't call the police as there didn't seem much point and the damage was already done.
2) Last time I was in the public library on E Street, a homeless/vagrant person was defecating on the floor over
in the corner by the large print books section.
3) During the summer I went to the Fenix restaurant to celebrate a co-workers birthday immediately after work
at 5:30 pm. I parked on 5th Street and walked down Looten's Place to get to the restaurant. A young man and a
young woman were completely passed out laying on the sidewalk entwined together. As a registered nurse, I
checked to be sure they were still breathing and they were. It was quite obvious they were passed out from
either alcohol or drug ingestion. I did not call the police because I did not have my cellphone with me and by
the time I got to the restaurant I got caught up in the celebration. They were gone two hours later when I
walked the same route back to my car.
4) I have witnessed repeated shoplifting by the same population in the Safeway on B Street. The employees
there seem resigned to these thefts and don't respond to them in the manner one would expect. I have spoke to
the management at Safeway regarding this, but nothing seems to have changed. Now I shop at the Safeway in
Terra Linda, but homeless are starting to migrant north and loiter around the Northgate shopping center as
well. I have had two people on two separate occasions come up to me in the parking lot requesting money.
5) There are groups of vagrants, men and women, who loiter around an approximate 3-4 block radius
surrounding Ritter House. Their presence in these groups is threatening because many are often drinking
publicly. Most of the individuals loitering about act altered mentally, noted by their conversations and
sometimes more aggressive comments to those passing by. Sometimes it is quite obvious they are under the
influence as they are passed out on the sidewalk in the middle of the day. I work at Kaiser
Permanente. Patients/Kaiser members are always commenting on how they don't feel safe when they have to
park in the garage across the street and walk over. One nurse has refused to be assigned at the San Rafael
Downtown location because she does not feel safe walking to and from her car and/or going out during her
lunch break.
The items I have described above are just a very small sample of behaviors that I have personally experienced
that are ruining our downtown and our city. I'm confident that you are well aware of many, many more issues,
including examples of public intoxication, public urination and defecation, panhandling and loitering. The
amount of time and energy our police department spend on homeless/vagrancy issues, I'm sure could be better
spent in any number of ways. Ritter House's attempt to curtail the behaviors and the presence of these people
have not succeeded. In fact it appears as if the situation has worsened based upon the number of people I see
loitering when I find myself having to go downtown.
I'm sure you have seen this, but in case not:
7mv jv//,)
ZWuI w
46!19 .1
Imi IBIS 37A It
Having Ritter House move from the downtown area is one step that should be taken to remove the presence of
those individuals that have had such a negative impact on our community and my city. I recognize that it may
not completely solve the "problem", but at least it removes one very large contributing factor.
I believe there is a financial aspect to this continued demise of San Rafael's downtown as well. How much
longer will it take before it begins to have an impact on home prices, if it hasn't already? If Ritter doesn't move
and things don't improve soon, I will be looking to move.
-Arline Van Gessel
2
Caron Parker
From:
Clare <
Sent:
Friday, March 04, 2016 2:27 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Hello Ms. Parker,
I grew up in San Rafael in the 1950's and still live here, so I have seen tremendous changes to the
town that I love. I do hope, however, that one change doesn't occur: that the city becomes
hardhearted and turns its back on the less fortunate among us, by denying Ritter Center the means
with which to help them. Much has been said (and shouted) about how Ritter Center is what causes
the homeless population in downtown San Rafael, but this is a bit like saying a doctor's office is what
causes people to be sick; it makes no sense. Until there are more long-term solutions to the general
problem of homelessness, I want my town to be one that takes care of those who need the services
and help that Ritter Center provides.
To that end, please renew their use permit, and help them in their search for a new place to locate
their services. Work with the staff at Ritter Center to make San Rafael a model community that cares
about all of its citizens, not just the most fortunate.
Sincerely,
Clare Krebsbach
15 _
S�' 50
Caron Parker
From: Tony Franco <
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2016 7:20 AM
To: Caron Parker; Gary Phillips; City Manager; Hugo & Cynthia Landecker
Subject: Ritter: Please force them to move now!
Hello,
I'm writing to voice my concerns with the ever growing homeless
population in San Rafael, and the negative impact that it has on quality of
life in San Rafael.
First of all: Ritter is a public nuisance as defined in Civil Code sections
3479 & 3480, subject to abatement by the City pursuant to Civil Code
sections 3491 subsection 3 (got this one from my lawyer friend who feels
that it would be very easy to close them down).
San Rafael should sue Ritter for the millions of $s spent on extra police
time, extra public works time (cleaning sites/garbage left by homeless),
extra ranger, extra homeless "czar", homeless care worker, etc, etc
If I had people lingering outside of my house causing disturbances on a
daily basis, I'm positive that the city would find a way to fine me ... why
can't we do the same to Ritter? ... because we do not want to seem cold-
hearted?
It is pretty obvious that our Police force cannot deal with this growing
problem—and it is growing by the day! Our property crime in San Rafael
has skyrocketed over the past few years (according to 4 different police
officers I've spoken to ... do you have data that is contrary to this
statement?). Ritter needs to be fined until they go away.
Do what every other nice city in Marin has done -- push the problem out
of their area. San Rafael is not supposed to deal with a NATIONAL
1 '- 51
PROBLEM, so stop trying to stick your fingers in the dyke, because your
efforts are useless in the whole scheme of things.
The "Ritter Critters" (as the police call them) have made living in San
Rafael a horror show; My mother, sister, and female friends have been
called "cunts, and bitches" ...they have been told "fuck you" when they
don't give the panhandlers money. This is what the city has created by
allowing these animals to stay here.
My solution: sue Ritter for the costs of dealing with their clients until they
are forced to leave. Do not allow another murder or shooting to happen in
Marin due to us inviting the homeless here for our services.
Thank you,
Tony Franco
z
Caron Parker
From: Tony Franco <tony42franco@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2016 8:17 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Fwd: Ritter: Please force them to move now!
Hi Caron --- Please include my email in the report for the Ritter 6 month
review.
..and I also forgot to mention the time that my mom got bit by a homeless
couple's dog, or the time that my dad found a homeless guy trying to get
into his backyard, or the time that a homeless guy was in my mom's front
yard yelling incoherently, or the recent time that I found a homeless guy
trying to break into my neighbor's car at Sam.
thank you
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Tony Franco <
Date: Fri, Mar 4, 2016 at 7:19 AM
Subject: Ritter: Please force them to move now!
To: Caron.Parkeracitvofsanrafael.oru. gary phillips < , City Manager
< , Hugo & Cynthia Landecker <
Hello,
I'm writing to voice my concerns with the ever growing homeless
population in San Rafael, and the negative impact that it has on quality of
life in San Rafael.
First of all: Ritter is a public nuisance as defined in Civil Code sections
3479 & 3480, subject to abatement by the City pursuant to Civil Code
sections 3491 subsection 3 (got this one from my lawyer friend who feels
that it would be very easy to close them down).
San Rafael should sue Ritter for the millions of $s spent on extra police
time, extra public works time (cleaning sites/garbage left by homeless),
extra ranger, extra homeless "czar", homeless care worker, etc, etc
If I had people lingering outside of my house causing disturbances on a
daily basis, I'm positive that the city would find a way to fine me ... why
can't we do the same to Ritter? ... because we do not want to seem cold-
hearted?
It is pretty obvious that our Police force cannot deal with this growing
problem ... and it is growing by the day! Our property crime in San Rafael
has skyrocketed over the past few years (according to 4 different police
officers I've spoken to ... do you have data that is contrary to this
statement?). Ritter needs to be fined until they go away.
Do what every other nice city in Marin has done -- push the problem out
of their area. San Rafael is not supposed to deal with a NATIONAL
PROBLEM, so stop trying to stick your fingers in the dyke, because your
efforts are useless in the whole scheme .of things.
The "Ritter Critters" (as the police call them) have made living in San
Rafael a horror show; My mother, sister, and female friends have been
called "cunts, and bitches"...they have been told "fuck you" when they
don't give the panhandlers money. This is what the city has created by
allowing these animals to stay here.
My solution: sue Ritter for the costs of dealing with their- clients until they
are forced to leave. Do not allow another murder or shooting to happen in
Marin due to us inviting the homeless here for our services.
Thank you,
Tony Franco
z
Caron Parker
From:
sarah baker <
Sent:
Friday, March 04, 2016 1:47 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
To Whom It May Concern:
Ritter Center provides extremely valuable services to both the homeless and those at risk for homelessness.
Programs like Ritter Center need support from the city so that they can continue the important work of
supporting vulnerable populations that include elderly and children.
Sarah Baker, LCSW
Mill Valley, CA
13 15 J
Caron Parker
From:
Ms Angela Gott <
Sent:
Friday, March 04, 2016 7:16 AM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter House
March 4, 2016
I am Angela Gott, resident of San Rafael since 1995, resident of Marin since 1989, resident
of CA since 1986. 1 am a college graduate, former Borders Bookseller, and I'm turning 65
in May. I've always been lower income. I never married and never had children. For 11
years I've lived in my own one bedroom apartment off Lincoln Ave and before that rented a
room for 9 years off Freitas in Terra Linda.
My landlords informed me on 2/23 that they are taking away the heat included in the rent
benefit to the 3 tenants in the triplex and I and another neighbor expect our 10% rent
increase in May also. The other tenant was just raised $150 last weekend.
All of our apartments will be disrupted while the baseboards are removed and repairs made
and we have to work so we will have no one in our apartments while this work is being
done over several days.
The Landlords want me to remove a lot of my things away from the windows on every
exterior wall because that is how many baseboards there are being removed.
After Borders Books closed I had turned 60 and experienced incredible discrimination due
to my age in trying to get hired again.
The last time I looked for shared housing under rooms & shares I was 45 which is 20 years
ago and I have been on this nonstop seeking a new living arrangement and now I have
discovered an older person can't get anyone to rent them a room either!
I do not smoke, drink, do drugs, and have never been arrested. I do not have a pet. I have
two jobs which do not pay much but which are solo staffed in the self storage industry and
I have had one almost two years and one over 16 months and have excellent references. I
am courteous, considerate, reasonable, practical, honest, reliable, flexible and will make a
great roommate.
Even seniors are discriminating against me. There are two "hip" seniors advertising a room
in an Eichler on Appleberry where they live with 2 adult grand kids, 3 dogs and 2 cats and
they want someone to move in, pay $500 a month and help with 10 hours a month work on
top of the low rent and when I talked to the home owner on the phone he described his
grandkids as slobs and I'd have to pick up after them, share the bathroom with them and
help clean up after the dogs and cats and do the stuff he and his wife in their 70s can't do
anymore and he said that since I am 65 and working 31 hours a week he can tell this just
would not work for his needs. I said I am off work all day Monday and Wednesday and
Thursday mornings and that is plenty of time to take 10 hours a week out of to do
somework around the house and he wouldn't even let me come over. He said he really
needs more help than the 10 hours a week and is looking for someone younger who would
be able to do a lot more work and he'd deduct that off the rent. That is a trap for servitude
that he is describing.
I went to another senior's home up in the hills above Forbes off H Street, lovely home and
she met with me and showed me the room and then we sat down and she said who would
she call when I died in her home-- I am a 65 year old orphan and she is concerned that she
would have to deal with a dead senior and she is a senior telling me this stuff. That is
when it began to become clear to me why I am not getting any responses to all my letters of
application that I send into Craigslist.
Most of the people looking are working professionals in their 30s, 40s, or even 20s and they
do not want to live with a senior even a young one in great health and gainfully employed.
I have to pay for Medicare starting May 1 and that will be $2000 a year in Premium B, Part
C (with Part D included) and copays and deductible.
My full age of retirement is age 66 for social security or there are lifetime penalties of 25%
to 30%off the top of every check. To maximize Social Security I won't be collecting until age
70 to get 76% more from age 62 to 70.
I earn a little over $22,000 a year and my income will remain the same but my costs are
going up which is why I am trying to find shared housing. Last year I paid $15,180 of the
$22,000 in rent leaving hardly anything left and now I will have $2,000 more of that for
Medicare.
My income makes me too rich for Medicaid and too rich for Food Stamps.
I have been on the wait list for Marin Housing since February 2014 when it finally opened
back up and in one week -- they closed it again-- 3,000 more senors jumped on it in one
week to make it over 11,000 seniors for less than 1,700 spaces. I call it the wait list to
nowhere!
So now I know why seniors are falling into homelessness. They can't find work and can't
find rooms and shares and they can't pay the increasing rents and there's no subsidized
housing which their low incomes make them eligible for. They are not mentally ill and are
not a family with children and not a veteran and so they wind up homeless on the streets of
San Rafael by default.
St. Vincent's feeds them and Ritter House provides them access to a mailbox and showers
and other services and maybe they can get into REST which is limited to 24 women to sleep
at Marin Community Clinic but this is not a high quality life for a senior at all. HUD will
make them somehow document they lived on the streets for a year to then be able to satisfy
their definition of chronically homeless. Those are the 4 guidelines HUD uses for filling
housing quotas which are set way too low too. There is no category for seniors with regard
to subsidized housing in HUD's guidelines. Of all the homeless nationally, 28% are women
age 55+ and this is why.
2
The boomer generation is people born after 1943 to 1964 with peak births born in 1958
and I was born in 1951 so more are coming. I have advanced degrees and I study all these
things pertaining to the homeless and homeless prevention but I had no idea of the
magnitude of the discrimination by age for getting access to affordable housing. Everyone
knows and recognizes that age discrimination exists in employment but it exists in gaining
access to housing too.
I have to find a place soon and it is really like beating my head against a brick wall here. so
I am now on a slippery slope. I am too old for joining Streets Team to do manual physical
labor. At 65 1 am about to get my handicap placard and license plates. I have degenerative
back bone deterioration and a bum knee too. No one is creating jobs for aging seniors. I
have two jobs already though I just need access to subsidized housing.
So Ritter House does provide great work and it is doing work that goes beyond what St.
Vincent's is able to do also --I just think land has to be set aside for creating housing for
people who are living in their cars as this will be where I will be going next. I will put my
stuff in storage and live in my 31 year old car on the streets and continu working. I can
take showers at Ritter and/or at YWCA for $2.00 and keep clean and I will live a lesser life.
There is no .place for me to go and Marin is my home, San Rafael is my home. But these
are the conditions because Marin and its cities failed to plan for the aging boomers and
build subsidized housing for them to live out their lives in.
The county and its cities need to come together and come up with a solution because this is
only going to get worse.
Sincerely,
Angela Gott
(
turning 65 in May and high risk for homelessness
3
Caron Parker
From:
teri forsher <
Sent:
Friday, March 04, 2016 10:17 AM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter House
I'm writing to add my voice to those of us who want to see Ritter House relocated, or shutdown completely. I can't tell
you the number of times I have had to clean up clothes, backpacks, debris from our business where the "clients" of
Ritter House have chosen to dump unwanted belongings. More times than not, I also find drug paraphernalia, not to
mention the urine and feces left behind.
As a long-time resident of Gerstle Park, I have seen the changes to my neighborhood since St. Vincent's & Ritter House
came on the scene. My relatives who used to walk to the store, post office, downtown, no longer feel safe to do so.
Trash, open drug deals, aggressive panhandling, wild ramblings from clearly intoxicated individuals, and a general feeling
that San Rafael is no longer safe. A trip to the park is scary and unsafe. A trip to the store to pick up milk can be
horrifying.
Ritter house espouses compassion, but how about some responsibility to businesses, families and neighborhoods. The
downturn of business in downtown can be directly connected to St. Vincent's and Ritter House. Their "clients" roam
the streets, harass people, steal, urinate in public (to say the least), sleep on our sidewalks, and not only make daily life
in our neighborhood a trial, it makes doing business downtown nearly impossible. I can no longer have my clients meet
me for lunch in downtown, without hearing them make comments on how bad the situation has become.
Ritter House "clients" will find their way to a new location, just as they found their way to the existing location. Please
do not renew their use permits. This situation has spiraled out of control, and needs to stop.
AForsher
San Rafael
Caron Parker
From:
Christine Morgan < com>
Sent:
Friday, March 04, 2016 3:55 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Cc:
Kate Colin
Subject:
Ritter House review
Dear Ms.Parker:
I am writing regarding the Ritter Use Permit Review.
I grew up in SR, and five generations of my family have lived here for many decades, owning a good many homes,
rental properties, and businesses in town. I am a city librarian.
I have looked closely at the Ritter House situation, including a recent hour-long conversation with a staff member, in a
sincere attempt to see all sides of this issue with an unbiased eye.
It is clear to me that the current crisis with vagrants in SR cannot be ameliorated as long as Ritter remains in town.
Some of my family members live in and own homes in the Gerstle Park area. They must confront and avoid (and clean
up after) vagrants on and near their properties daily. Their children, of course, cannot walk or play in their own
neighborhoods any more. The high schoolers cannot walk to SRHS, or use the bus terminal, or go downtown. I cannot
take my little grandchild for an ice cream cone or to the Wlldcare center to see the animals, without having to fend off
the panhandlers and vagrants. I no longer meet friends for lunch or dinner in SR. What a sad loss for all of us!
This is not sustainable. San Rafael is being destroyed. Ritter Center is drawing people from a distance—I know that in
Seattle, signs are posted at the vagrant camps urging folks to go to San Rafael for the excellent services at St V and
Ritter House.
I respect the fact that Ritter serves many people besides the street vagrants, and I support the services they provide to
needy people. I know that Ritter has been considering relocating. Now is the time to insist on it, whether they find a
place on the outskirts of SR or elsewhere. If it continues as is, SR will become a ghetto, and then what will happen to
the needy families looking for homes and employment? What will happen to tax -paying businesses and home owners
and renters?
I urge you NOT to renew the Ritter House permit.
Thank you for your consideration,
Christine Morgan
5- 5 6
Caron Parker
From:
Carolyn Smith <
Sent:
Friday, March 04, 2016 6:12 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Caron,
You will not find this a letter of support for Ritter, the free food kitchen. We bought our home in Gerstle Park in 1969
and the changes since these two programs have been in place are astonishing... and not for the better.
Helping less the jobless and families in need is one thing. This is not so much the case anymore around here.
The area around B Street i.e. St. Vincent's, Safeway, 7/11, the park is unsafe and unsanitary and frightening. We raised
our children here and now as seniors we can't even take a walk and feel safe.
At least Ritter Center is a little farther away, but still contributes to the overall problem with the alcoholic's, drug
addicts, and mentally ill.
More and more I see people that I know are not from around here. I'm reasonably sure they are given bus fare and sent
over from who -knows -where. Marin has the reputation now for being the place to go to get all the free stuff and I'm
tired of paying the money that gives out all the free stuff.
So, in short, we feel St. Vincent's and Ritter Center need to go elsewhere and be someone else's headache for a while.
or else close them down.
I have a piece of yard art (graffiti from a fence actually) that says "If you keep doing what you do, you keep getting what
you get". Pretty close to the same thing the bible says, just a little more updated.
Carolyn Smith
Ross Street
San Rafael
Caron Parker
From:
Gloria DeMaria <
Sent:
Friday, March 04, 2016 2:34 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter House
I undertand that Ritter House's use permit is up for review.
As a long-time resident of Gerstle Park, I would like to voice my concern with having this
facility so close to the downtown business district, as well as private homes in the
Gerstle Park neighborhood. For sure, Ritter House is not the only culprit. St. Vincent is
probably even more guilty. The services they provide bring vagrant, homeless,
dangerous people into our neighborhood, where they hang around between meals in
parks and in front of businesses.
I understand we have a serious homeless problem in the Bay Area, and all communities
are grappling with the situation. However, its undeniable that San Rafael suffers the
brunt of this situation in Marin County. Both our local businesses and our residents
have seen our quality of life change drastically in the last couple of years. We have
become fearful for our lives and property. Thefts and home/car break — ins have risen
dramatically. Our parks are unusable and unsafe — for children and adults.
I look to our elected officials to correct this situation. And if you cannot come up with
solutions, perhaps we have elected the wrong people.
Gloria DeMaria
A very long time resident of Gerstle Park
16 5-5 U
Caron Parker
From:
M. Alison Whittaker <
Sent:
Friday, March 04, 2016 10:36 AM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter House
Dear Mr. Parker,
I have been a resident of San Rafael for 25 years. I've watched the town evolve, grow and change in many ways but I've
always been proud that we are a town that takes care of many of the people who have been marginalized. In Marin
there are many towns that have not had to deal with homelessness. Our town is a part of the solution providing medical
care and basic emergency assistance to many people. As a nurse who works UCSF in San Francisco, I am afraid of what
would happen if Ritter House went away. There are many desperate people who are not getting basic medical care and
are impacting our emergency rooms. Less than 7 percent of the population that they serve are homeless and we should
aim to keep it that way or make it better.
I frankly have no problem with homelessness in San Rafael and I think we need to support Ritter House in whatever way
we can.
Thank you for considering my voice!
Sincerely,
Alison Whittaker
Sent from my iPhone
5-55
Caron Parker
From: Christopher Martin <
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 2:42 PM
To: Caron Parker
Cc: org
Subject: In Support of Ritter Center
Hello -
At the request of Ritter Center I write in support of the essential work they do as Marin's safety net and ask that you find
a way to help them continue their good work.
I'm the Rector, or head priest, of St. Paul's Episcopal Church on 1123 Court St.. I am aware of the difficulty that some of
the homeless present. Nearly every day we must deal with disruptions caused by some in our homeless population. We
have a preschool that rents space from us and, in fact, have over 500 people a week who use our campus, so the
difficulties are known and experienced by a wide range of us. I am deeply appreciative of the good and careful work of
our law enforcement officials in protecting our campus from the disrespectful trespassers.
Nonetheless, we are long time and active supporters of Ritter. Not only do we give them a generous amount of money
each year, we also helped them start the afternoon program for handing out bags of groceries, which members of our
parish continue to do and we also gather, every week, a basket full of food which we bless at our altar and send to
Ritter.
So I believe Ritter is an essential part of the San Rafael community. The City would have part of its heart removed if they
were abandoned or evicted.
I urge your active and creative support.
Faithfully,
The Rev. Christopher H. Martin
Caron Parker
From:
Hugo & Cynthia Landecker <
Sent:
Thursday, March 03, 2016 8:16 AM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Use Permit six month review
Please include this:
Ritter is a public nuisance as defined in Civil Code sections 3479 & 3480, subject to abatement by the City pursuant to
Civil Code sections 3491 subsection 3. Just because it might be politically sensitive is no excuse for allowing the nuisance
to go on forever.
Hugo Landecker
5-61
Caron Parker
From:
Hugo & Cynthia Landecker <
Sent:
Thursday, March 03, 2016 8:48 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Use Permit 6 month review
Please include the comment below in the Ritter Use Permit 6 month review:
Take a look at the comments to this Marin IJ article that writes about,Ritter Center being under pressure to
relocate. Comments currently number 131. Here is the link:
httt)://www.marini-i.com/health/2016022 I /san-rafael-aid-center-for-homeless-under-mounting-pressure-to-
move-as-citv-reviews-use-permit
I believe that these comments represent the pulse of the City with regard to Ritter Center. They have to
relocate.
Hugo Landecker
Here is the article that generated considerable public comment:
San Rafael aid center for homeless under
mounting pressure to move as city
reviews use permit
at Ritter Center
in San Rafael line up for the annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway in 2014. The city has been urging the center to relocate for
several years. (Robert Tong/Marin Independent Journal)
By Stephanie Weldy, Marin Independent Journal
POSTED: 02/21/16,12:25 PM PST UPDATED: 1 WEEK, 1 DAY AGO
140 COMMENTS
Pressure is mounting to relocate San Rafael's Ritter Center as the city prepares to take another look at the
nonprofit's use permit.
City officials have urged Ritter Center to leave downtown for over three years, but little progress has been made, they
say. The 35 -year-old center offers free social services, medical aid, food and clothing to homeless and low-income
people from its central location at 16 Ritter St.
"I've been told they haven't been able to relocate to another site — they haven't acted quickly. Some building owners
have refused to work with Ritter," said Mayor Gary Phillips.
The city recently assigned a planner to work with Ritter Center officials to better understand what is needed and to
identify sites that are zoned to handle such use. In the next few weeks, the City Council will review the center's use
permit and evaluate how many people they can serve at the center's medical clinic.
The clinic is allowed to provide services to an average of 6o people a day each week. Phillips said the use permit
review will place pressure on the center and also assess its impact on the community.
"We will look at compliance and see if it is appropriate to adjust it," he said.
Gia Byrnes, executive director of the Ritter Center, said she hopes changes are not made to the use permit, saying it
would affect those who can least afford it — clients who are homeless, low-income and uninsured.
"We all have to be very careful about what sort of regulation changes they want to add, because there is a fragile class
here," she said.
As required, Ritter officials regularly report traffic at the health clinic, Byrnes said. She said there have been no
violations in the amount of people served.
When the health clinic does reach its cap, clients are referred to other facilities in the city such as RotaCare Bay Area
or Marin Community Clinics — where clients often pay more than they would at the Ritter Center, she said.
Phillips said the city's aim is to move Ritter Center out of downtown to cut back on the homeless population in the
area.
"Having said that, not close to residential areas or others that could become significantly impacted by their other
location," he said.
Sprucing up the downtown has been a priority for years. In 2013, the city contracted with the Downtown Streets
Team, a nonprofit group that puts the homeless to work cleaning the city. The city also added a foot patrol police
officer along Fourth Street, and downtown restaurant owners have been encouraged to create outdoor eating spaces
to bring more energy to the area.
Advertisement
Byrnes said she understands the impact the homeless have on downtown and its businesses. Ritter Center officials
share the city's interest in relocating as soon as possible, she said.
Center officials have been looldng for a new location for two years, Byrnes said. Nothing has fit the nonprofit's
needs.
A new site must be large enough to accommodate all of the center's services and programs, and must be in a location
that is easily accessible to clients, with sufficient parldng. Also, the site must not be too close to other food pantries
to avoid duplicating services in the area. A welcoming environment is also on the group's list of needs.
Byrnes said she would like the conversation to shift from talk of a downtown exodus to a relocation plan that
maximizes center services.
"The city is frustrated but unfortunately the frustration, it can't make something happen," she said. "The frustration
isn't creating a real estate opportunity for us."
Here are the comments:
• MarinIJ
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Caron Parker
From: Hugo & Cynthia Landecker < net>
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 9:25 PM
To: bobca1947@comcast.net
Subject: Re: Ritter House
Bob,
Yes, I keep getting reports on how dysfunctional Ritter is. I hope you can send this or something like it
to Caron Parker <Caron. Parker(&,city_ ofsanrafael.orv>
Thanks,
Hugo
On Mar 3, 2016, at 10:12 AM, wrote:
Hi Caron,
I'm deeply disturbed by the adverse effect that Ritter House is having on San
Rafael. Below you will find an email that I sent to Hugo Landecker last week.
Regards,
Bob Canepa
From:
To: "Hugo LANDECKER" <
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 5:01:06 PM
Subject: Re: San Rafael Group --Is Ritter really moving?
Hi Hugo,
After I retired I did volunteer consulting for the Center for Volunteer Non Profit Leadership
(CVNL) for about eight years. During that time period I worked with over 30 different non-
profits. One of those non -profits was Ritter House. Thev were hands down the most
dysfunctional, disorganized, difficult and wasteful organization that I have ever seen. I even
brought in a friend who is a nationally recognized industry expert to help them pro bono. They
refused to accept any of our recommendations. In fact, it seemed like they chose options which
were counterproductive and even harmful to their goals.
Thank you for your good work and for the opportunity to vent.
Bob
From: "Hugo & Cynthia Landecker" <
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 7:02:23 AM
Subject: San Rafael Group --Is Ritter really moving?
Good morning,
Ritter
This Marin IJ link is about Ritter moving to a new location. Really? Think of it this way: If you were a
landlord and you had the perfect building for a new Ritter, would you consider them as a tenant. If
you did, all the property values including your property would be affected very negatively. In addition,
there would be countless complaints from owners of neighboring property owners. Your life would
become a hell. No landlord wants this.
httr)://www.marinii.com/health/20160221 /san-rafael-aid-center-for-homeless-under-mounting-
p ressu re -to -m ove-as-citv- reviews- u se -pe rm it
Furthermore, Ritter wants to be able to serve those that currently come to their doors. They have
created a clientele that centers around Ritter Street. Translation: They want a downtown or close to
downtown location.
Maybe some rich person will provide funds to purchase a site for them and provide a turn -key
location. Until that happens, I don't see them moving. Result will be the same old problems.
The only way they will move is to get a new name and totally reinvent their program. Ritter never did
fit in San Rafael. It has been very damaging to the community since it opened over 30 years ago and
although they try to tweak their operation, it gets exponentially worse.
http://www.marinii.com/health/20160221 /san-rafael-aid-center-for-homeless-under-mountinq-
pressu re-to-move-as-citv-reviews-use-permit,.
Do you have any complaints about Ritter? I suggest you send an email to Caron Parker at the City of
San Rafael <Caron. Parker(@citvofsanrafael.orq>. Caron is currently preparing the bi-annual Use
Permit review of review. Your comments will be included in the report.
San Francisco --It is sad
Someone sent me this link about a really nice small grocery store in San Francisco. It is sad what
they have to face daily. Maybe not so bad in San Rafael yet, but what our downtown suffers daily is
heading in that direction. If this store closes, who wins? I will leave you with that to think about.
httr)://hoodline.com/2016/02/overwhelmed-bxi-homeless-encampment-rainbow-cirocerv-seeks-
solutions
Hugo Landecker
If you no longer wish to receive "San Rafael Group" emails,
notify clandeckerPsaber.net, with the words "Remove from SR Group mailings" in the
subject line.
Caron Parker
From: Melva Storke < com>
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 9:52 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter House Permit
Please deny extension of the Ritter House Permit. Three years is more than enough time for them to find
another place or ... not. While there is compassion for people in need, it is wearing pretty thin in the face of the
growing numbers of pan handlers and homeless, the intimidation one feels when one wants to patronize the
businesses in the area and is faced with people harassing you for money, or urinating in the bushes. It is really a
drag. This location is just too close to the center of the action in San Rafael. The clients are too often not
socially appropriate - to put it mildly.
Caron Parker
From: Carol <
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 10:59 PM
To: Caron Parker
Cc: Connolly Damon
Subject: Ritter House
Dear Caron Parker,
I am writing in support of Ritter Center and I am grateful to Ritter Center for having provided services to poor people in
order to prevent homelessness for as long as I can remember. The City of San Rafael is fortunate to have Ritter Center
and should offer Ritter Center financial support — perhaps the city already does. I understand that Ritter Center
disburses funds to prevent people from losing their homes and to aid the homeless in finding permanent shelter.
We all know that housing is prohibitively expensive for those just entering the housing market either as renters or as
buyers. But for people with health conditions or with low wages or no wages, housing is a serious issue and it is not the
fault of Ritter Center, which is trying to make life more livable for people who are homeless or about to become
homeless.
I favor city- or state-run boarding homes, where single people would live in a furnished room and get their meals in a
communal dining room. Mental health services and alcohol and drug counseling should also be provided on site, iby
counseling students accumulating hours for their advanced degrees at Dominican University and the State Colleges. The
residents of the proposed boarding homes would be required to turn over a percent of their income — SSI or whatever
— to help pay for the costs of running the boarding home. The cooks at the boarding home could be trainees at
Homeward Bound, and perhaps working permanently at these boarding homes might be their first job after leaving
Homeward Bound.
If we had the political will, homelessness could be greatly reduced. Who would choose to live on the streets if they had
a safe, warm and comfortable alternative? We just need some imagination, hard work and compassion in solving this
problem. Ritter Center is the messenger. The message is, "Let's provide some real, lasting care for the homeless in our
community." (It's my message too!)
Sincerely,
Carol Nelson
�,-G5
Caron Parker
From:
Sent:
Thursday, March 03, 2016 5:08 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter House
bear Caron and city leaders:
Ritter House is essential to prevent the homeless problem from becoming worse. America has tens of thousand
homeless people and it is not just a San Rafael problem, but we can make it worse by withdrawing services to those who
are on the edge. We need Ritter House. The Rev. Robert Hirni, Parish Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of
San Rafael.
Caron Parker
From:
Leigha From <
Sent:
Thursday, March 03, 2016 12:04 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Soon there will not b any good biz in SR
If we do not clean up our City soon. Moving out of the city St. Vincent & Ritter.
We will not have any good businesses left.
The people of SR already do not shop here because they feel the homeless have run them out of town.
PLEASE MOVE RITTER HOUSE OUT OF SAN RAFAEL.
So that the people who live here and support this town and pay taxes in this town will stay in town. And only then will
San Rafael be able to be safe and have good people living here.
Thank you
The From's
Sent from my iPhone
5 —(o%
Caron Parker
From: velotrekl . <
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 8:39 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter Use Permit Review
Hello Caron Parker,
This letter is to be included as a comment regarding the Ritter Use Permit Review, and tracked as a comment to
not renew the Ritter Use Permit.
Briefly, a result of the services Ritter provides, and lack of sufficient oversight and procedures, some Ritter
clients - the vagrants we see on our streets - sleep on my property, do drugs on my property, light fires on my
property and take their toilet on my property (in the Gerstle Park neighborhood).
In addition, my teenaged daughters have been verbally assaulted with words I cannot repeat by vagrants at
Mahon Creek and the "B Street Corridor".
I have personally witnessed vagrants openly stealing alcohol from B Street Safeway and had the Manager tell
me "we have a no chase policy there is nothing I can do".
Beyond the fact the I no longer take family or dates to 4th street restaurants because I'm simply tired of the
panhandling, and I can visit other local towns to and avoid this uncivilized behavior, clearly, it's time San
Rafael take a bold step and force Ritter out of downtown.
Thank you for your consideration,
Rob Sinclaire
San Rafael Resident
7'6�, 9
Caron Parker
From: velotrekl . <
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 8:39 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter Use Permit Review
Hello Caron Parker,
This letter is to be included as a comment regarding the Ritter Use Permit Review, and tracked as a comment to
not renew the Ritter Use Permit.
Briefly, a result of the services Ritter provides, and lack of sufficient oversight and procedures, some Ritter
clients - the vagrants we see on our streets - sleep on my property, do drugs on my property, light fires on my
property and take their toilet on my property (in the Gerstle Park neighborhood).
In addition, my teenaged daughters have been verbally assaulted with words I cannot repeat by vagrants at
Mahon Creek and the "B Street Corridor".
I have personally witnessed vagrants openly stealing alcohol from B Street Safeway and had the Manager tell
me "we have a no chase policy there is nothing I can do".
Beyond the fact the I no longer take family or dates to 4th street restaurants because I'm simply tired of the
panhandling, and I can visit other local towns to and avoid this uncivilized behavior, clearly, it's time San
Rafael take a bold step and force Ritter out of downtown.
Thank you for your consideration,
Rob Sinclaire
San Rafael Resident
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5-70
Caron Parker
From:
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 10:12 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter House
Hi Caron,
I'm deeply disturbed by the adverse effect that Ritter House is having on San
Rafael. Below you will find an email that I sent to Hugo Landecker last week.
Regards,
Bob Canepa
From:
To: "Hugo LANDECKER" <
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 5:01:06 PM
Subject: Re: San Rafael Group --Is Ritter really moving?
Hi Hugo,
After I retired I did volunteer consulting for the Center for Volunteer Non Profit Leadership
(CVNL) for about eight years. During that time period I worked with over 30 different non-
profits. One of those non -profits was Ritter House. Thev were hands down the most
dvsfunctional, disorganized, difficult and wasteful organization that I have ever seen. I even
brought in a friend who is a nationally recognized industry expert to help them pro bono. They
refused to accept any of our recommendations. In fact, it seemed like they chose options which
were counterproductive and even harmful to their goals.
Thank you for your good work and for the opportunity to vent.
Bob
From: "Hugo & Cynthia Landecker" <
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 7:02:23 AM
Subject: San Rafael Group --Is Ritter really moving?
Good morning,
Ritter
This Marin IJ link is about Ritter moving to a new location. Really? Think of it this way: If you were a
landlord and you had the perfect building for a new Ritter, would you consider them as a tenant. If
you did, all the property values including your property would be affected very negatively. In addition,
there would be countless complaints from owners of neighboring property owners. Your life would
become a hell. No landlord wants this.
httr)://www. marinii.com/health/20160221 /san-rafael-aid-center-for-homeless-under-mountinq-
pressu re -to -move -as -city -reviews -use -permit
5_1
Furthermore, Ritter wants to be able to serve those that currently come to their doors. They have
created a clientele that centers around Ritter Street. Translation: They want a downtown or close to
downtown location.
Maybe some rich person will provide funds to purchase a site for them and provide a turn -key
location. Until that happens, I don't see them moving. Result will be the same old problems.
The only way they will move is to get a new name and totally reinvent their program. Ritter never did
fit in San Rafael. It has been very damaging to the community since it opened over 30 years ago and
although they try to tweak their operation, it gets exponentially worse.
httr)://www. marin ii.com/health/20160221 /san-rafael-aid-center-for-homeless-under-mountinq-.
pressu re -to -m ove-as-citv- reviews- u se -pe rm it.
Do you have any complaints about Ritter? I suggest you send an email to Caron Parker at the City of
San Rafael <Caron. Parker(a)citvofsanrafael.orq>. Caron is currently preparing the bi-annual Use
Permit review of review. Your comments will be included in the report.
San Francisco --It is sad
Someone sent me this link about a really nice small grocery store in San Francisco. It is sad what
they have to face daily. Maybe not so bad in San Rafael yet, but what our downtown suffers daily is
heading in that direction. If this store closes, who wins? I will leave you with that to think about.
httD://hoodline.com/2016/02/overwhelmed-bv-homeless-encampment-rainbow-qrocery-seeks-
solutions
Hugo Landecker
If you no longer wish to receive "San Rafael Group" emails,
notify with the words "Remove from SR Group mailings" in the
subject line.
Caron Parker
From:
Sent:
Thursday, March 03, 2016 11:55 AM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Please Please
Please do not let Ridder stay in our wonderful safety.
Our neighbors are being robbed.
My friend was MURDERED.
(In Fairfax) by the homeless that hung out at Ridder.
What will it take
Robbery
Murder
Children not being able to walk to school.
Drugs
Etc..,
Thankyou
Leigha
Sent from my iPhone
Caron Parker
From:
Ila Afsharipour <
Sent:
Tuesday, February 23, 2016 7:50 AM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center Use Permit Concerns
Hi Caron -
I am writing you in regards to the Ritter Center use permit. As a active member of the San Rafael community, a Gerstle
Park resident and a father of three young children, I am begging the city to force the Center to move. Every time we
drop our kids off at Trinity Preschool, go to Safeway or Alberts Park we are worried about the growing dangerous parts
of the homeless community endangering our family.
am not naive to homelessness. I have worked in financing affordable housing for 15 years. I have been on the board
and advisory committees of nonprofit affordable housing developers and support programs.
The elements we are seeing the last few years in San Rafael are dangerous. It's become a lot of aggressive and drug
addicted individuals that don't even have roots in our community. This is a result of the service providers in the City, like
Ritter Center, not actively managing/monitoring the individuals they support or holding them accountable the least bit. I
recognize that the problems we are experiencing don't apply to all homeless individuals, but unfortunately the few have
ruined it for the many in San Rafael
We no longer can afford having our children harassed by individuals that are on drugs while walking in Alberts Park or
near school, fights breaking out near Safeway, house break ins around Gerstle Park, merchants harassed while their
potential customers stay away, our parks like Boyd being damaged, drug paraphernalia on our streets and alcohol
bottles littered throughout.
We are desperate and are begging the City to step up. Thank you for your consideration and support.
-Ila Afsharipour
5 -� 3
Caron Parker
From: Peter Conklin <
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 8:52 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter use permit
Dear Caron,
I have lived in San Rafael since 2009. 1 recognize that as a community (Marin, not just San Rafael), we need to support the homeless
population with compassion. However, when I visit other cities in Marin, it's is evident to me that most of the burden for these county
wide issues falls to San Rafael, which is not fair or equitable. In particular, the location of services like Ritter and St. Vincents in
downtown San Rafael results in fewer shoppers, fewer businesses, lower property values, etc. These factors reduce the city's tax
base.
I urge you to recommend revoking Ritter's use permit. The activity seems inconsistent with the zoning and goals of creating a vibrant
commercial center in San Rafael. Please let me know how you are evaluating this decision.
Thank you,
Peter Conklin
San Rafael, CA 94901
Caron Parker
From:
Tom Henthorne <
Sent:
Tuesday, February 23, 2016 9:49 AM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Hello Caron,
I am writing to express my concerns about the Ritter Center and its operation in downtown San Rafael. I feel
strongly that their use permit in downtown San Rafael should be denied. I have lived here for 12 years now and
have seen the situation on our downtown streets get worse and worse each year. The problem is not simply "the
homeless". The main problem is with the smaller group of addicted and/or mentally ill people who are usually also
homeless and are in San Rafael or come to San Rafael to take advantage of services that continue to enable and
perpetuate their addiction and/or unhealthy and destructive living situation. In some cases friends and families
have made the extremely difficult decision to no longer support their loved ones in the hopes that it will force them
to seek help for their problems and it is a slap in the face that Ritter Center continues to serve them so that they
can continue their downward spiral.
I recognize that not all of the people that the Ritter Center serves fits into this category, but because Ritter Center
cannot or will not refuse services to this group, it gives the center in general a black eye. These individuals are not
hard to identify. I see the same ones all the time. I'm now also seeing groups of individuals selling drugs in
different areas, like Albert Park, in front of the tennis courts on Lindaro, near the Safeway, etc. Often these groups
are surrounded by seemingly new bicycles and which probably explains why I keep reading about peoples bicycles
being stolen in Gerstle park time and time again. I see many of these individuals in front of the Ritter Center also
when I drive by.
We do our best to support downtown business and I often chat with business owners when I am downtown and I
hear over and over again how they feel that the Ritter Center has negatively impacted downtown San Rafael and
their business. They also know other business owners who say they wouldn't dream of opening up in San Rafael
given the current situation. I have many friends that refuse to come to San Rafael because of the situation that
Ritter Center has helped create. I have friends that work at Bio Marin who say they have to dodge pan handlers
and unstable individuals on their way to lunch everyday. Bio Marin is probably one of downtown San Rafael's
biggest assets and the city should be doing everything possible to make their existence here a positive one.
I don't think it is fair that a business can operate in downtown San Rafael (whether for profit or not for profit) if it
negatively impacts other businesses and the enjoyment and use of the area by its residents. Not to mention the
drain on our police and emergency service infrastructure. At the end of each day, Ritter Center locks its gates up
like a fortress and sets up their security guards and leaves the rest of downtown San Rafael to deal with the "daily
fallout" of what these problem Ritter Center clients will unleash on the community.
Ritter Center needs to take accountability and recognize that if they want to continue offering services to the needy,
they have to do it in a way that is does not negatively impact the rest of the community. If that means they have to
make some hard decisions on who they serve, so be it. I think that they should be responsible for reimbursing the
city for the police, emergency and clean-up resources that go towards dealing with their problem clients. Simply
feeding an addict or someone who is severely mentally ill, may make a Ritter Center employee feel good about
themselves, but it only allows these individual to continue their destructive course and continue to negatively
impact our community.
Again, for the sake of our downtown, our business owners and our residents, I encourage you to deny the use
permit for the Ritter Center. Maybe that will force the Ritter Center to reevaluate how they operate and understand
that it is not acceptable to help people when it is so destructive to the overall community and a constant drain on its
resources. I know they keep saying they are looking for a new location, but I think that is just a way of kicking the
can down the road allowing them to continue as they are. Right now, I feel they way they operate with no regard to
their impact on the overall community is irresponsible.
5-15
Thank you,
Tom Henthorne
Caron Parker
From:
Tom Henthorne <
Sent:
Tuesday, February 23, 2016 4:21 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Center
Hello Caron,
Thank you for your response. So what you are telling me is that the Use Permit for the Ritter Center is written in
such a way that when in compliance, the Ritter Center can continue to destroy our downtown. Use Permit or no Use
Permit, they should not be allowed to ignore the negative impact on our town and be free of responsibility. I would
suggest that the Use Permit be revised so that it is reflective of the issues our town is facing with drug addition,
mental illness and crime. Clearly this Use Permit was not written in a way to protect our downtown, our local
businesses or our residents. If it had been, we would not be having this conversation. If the result of being in
compliance is the destruction.of our downtown.... that is a big problem.
Thank you,
Tom Henthorne
S--17
Caron Parker
From: Jessica Devers <
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 12:40 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter
Caron,
understand that you are working on the Ritter use permit. It and St Vincent's attract people to this formerly well-
functioning town who do not have the town's best interest at heart, to say the least. San Rafael has become a homeless
destination. We need to restore our community. We are on the same path as Portland, Seattle, San Francisco. Things
are not going to get better without bold, creative action.
At Sunday's meeting, the mayor said something about Ritter providing clothing to needy San Rafael families. When
Ritter goes, we will create another way to take care of the needy, non -community destroyers, in our midst. In addition,
they will receive better care because they won't be competing with the community destroyers for resources.
Everyone is thrilled that the path to Davidson was cleaned up. What about the outrage at the group who did the
damage? Where's the outrage at the damage to the Coleman overpass? We raise our children in this
environment. Ritter and St Vincent attract the community destroyers here.
It seems that the city is literally choosing the addicts over our children. We need a 180 degree change in
direction. Closing Ritter is the first step.
Jessica Devers
Caron Parker
From: Annie Filby <
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 8:48 AM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Ritter
Dear Ms. Parker,
I, along with many, many residents and business people of San Rafael, urge you to please, please, do everything you can
to help find Ritter House a new location away from downtown. I'm sure you're aware of the countless problems
regarding the increasing number of clients some of whom negatively impact our town and parks. If Ritter were to move,
it would make a huge difference to our quality of life: we would finally feel safe and would be able to enjoy our
downtown and parks. As it is, we, and many, many others, avoid our town, as it is not safe. Ritter's presence has
essentially ruined San Rafael and made the City, for example, pay for a security guard at the library, among other
things. The situation is out of control.
Thank you,
Sincerely
Annie Sheldon
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
5-18
Caron Parker
From: Robert Bowler <
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 12:50 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Hi Caron, Robert here from A Drummer's Tradition
I'm part of Hugo's San Rafael group which is an email group that shares info and stories on the homeless scene here.
just want to voice my concern and overwhelming frustration as a business owner, tax payer and San Rafael native...
In my 10 years at this location on A St. my homeless interactions have gone from occasional to weekly to daily. It's a real
shame when I'm interrupted or accosted while trying to work with a young family buying their first kit.
Ten years ago I bought this building, and we both know how much my taxes are. If it weren't for owning, I'd be long
gone.
Pretty ironic when the homeless rule this city.
Very frustrated... can ya tell.?.
Anyway, I hope that you and the kids are well.
All the best,
Robert
A Drummer's Tradition
5-79
Caron Parker
From: Jason Chan <
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 9:11 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Relocate Ritter House
City of San Rafael,
My name is Jason Chan, a once proud native of San Rafael, but now totally disgusted with what has and is
happening to this once lovely and beautiful city. I grew up in Brett Harte, attended Coleman Elementary School,
Davidson MS, and SRHS. I am in my late 30's, residing in Gerstle Park with my beautiful wife and two young
children.
I am writing this email to express my utter disappointment on how the city has been unable to control the
increase of homelessness and crime in and near the surrounding areas of the Ritter House and St. Vincent's. I
directly blame this ugly bi-product (i.e., crime, transients taking over our city, homeless living in our public
parks, public urination, public masturbation, illicit drug use as well as drug deals etc.) on the two foundations
mentioned above and the city for not taking an aggressive stance/actions in resolving this perpetual issue. The
city continues to be reactive versus proactive, and it is band aid approach versus focusing on the root of the
problem (relocate these services from SR). Now the residents, community, and businesses of SR are being
effected daily by this epidemic. It has negatively effected SR residents quality of life, put a financial strain on
the city and local business owners, home values, and the allure of the city. I will sadly admit, my family and I
avoid visiting downtown SR, Alberts Park, or the perimeter of B street to Lindaro St (AKA - Tenderloin II).
Instead, we go to surrounding cities where it is much safer w. cleaner parks (no used needles on the ground or
people masturbating or people urinating in public), and more so to not have my family bare witness to people
publicly partaking in illicit activities. Why does San Rafael have to carry this burden? Why is the city handling
this major issue with kid gloves? You can go to any other city in Marin County and none of these issues are
present. This is only the tip of the iceberg and the problem will only get worse without swift action.
I beg you to please relocate the Ritter house, I want my beautiful city back.
PROBLEM AREAS:
0 2nd St driving to work see people urinating, drug deals, illicit drug use etc.
0 4th st. (Great historical downtown (huge opportunity), yet no one wants to go downtown to
experience transients/homelessness. No businesses want to move downtown either. Don't you
want to promote businesses to move to SR and not deter residents from local businesses?
o Alberts Park + San Rafael CC (trash our parks/drinking/drug use... these facilities are for the
kids/families, yet we let these people live in these parks (complete waste of space) / 7-11 +
Safeway spawning ground for transients drugs/alcohol usage and CRIME (Two shooting within
a month at 7-11)
o Children walking to Davidson Middle School seeing drugs/alcohol usage at the Albert Park
Tennis courts.
o Boyd Park
o Wal Greens on Lindaro st.
5-� o
Caron Parker
From:
Kehoe, Shane <
Sent:
Thursday, February 25, 2016 2:29 PM
To:
Caron Parker
Subject:
Ritter Use Permit
Hello Caron
I understand you are reviewing the Use Permit for Ritter House. I am hoping the City does not renew the Use Permit as
the negative impacts of having Ritter House in downtown San Rafael far outweigh the positive contributions they offer.
San Rafael has been taken over by homeless and vagrants who are drawn to downtown because of places like Ritter
House. It is time for them to move on.
The impacts Ritter and their homeless clientele have on the residents, business owners and the City have been
devastating over the last few years.
Thank you
Shane Kehoe
5— 2`
Ritter Center and
Surrounding Area
Calls for Service
October 1, 2008 — September 30, 2015
LexisNexis®
RISK SOLUTIONS
03/16/2016
' "Q"ms's AT&T
erCi-ai pj Theresa &
Comfort Fo
r
Hech
9 0 Walgreens Golden Cream
�] Doughnl9 0 $
O �� f
U Mauna Loa
3rd
Hawaiian BBO
... 9 o e
St
o 9•
c
Ivy s�
j
Marin Beverage
p bullet
fi � O 1
Goodwill
Pittmerter c
JaVelOLIF P t0~0r
6 8 Marin
,N�
•0 ��1PfS
•9 o e d St o
tj )u Sr 4 0
The above map shows 16 Ritter Street at the center and calls
for service at locations within a 400 foot radius from the
Center. There are 51 different locations that make up 4,259
calls for service between October 2008 and September 2015.
LexisNexise
RISK SOLUTIONS
Businesses
and Calls
for Service
These five (5)
businesses have
the most calls for
service during the
7 year time period.
CFS
Time Period
Comparison
The top five (5)
business within 400 -
feet of Ritter Center
(including Ritter
Center) have seen
an increase in Calls
for Service from the
first time period to
the second time
period.
CFS Pre v.
Post Trailer
10.1.09-9.30.12 vs
10.1.12 - 9.30.15
LexisNexis
RISK SOLUTIONS
Walgreens 1,088
Ritter Center 1,081
Goodwill Industries 215
Perry's Delicatessen 181
Marin Beverage Outlet 167
Walgreens
435
653
T 50%
Ritter Center
421
660
T 57%
Goodwill Industries
92
123
T 34%
Perry's Delicatessen 89 92 T 3%
Marin Beverage 54 113 'r 109%
Outlet
TOTAL 1,091 1,641 T 50%
Perry's Deli and Marin BevMo switched ranks between
the 1st time period and the 2nd time period.
Post
Pre
0 1000 2000 3000
1
There was a BS%
increase in calls for
service within 400 -feet
of Ritter after the trailer
opened at Ritter Center.
Calls for Service Count to
Top Five Businesses
LexisNexise RED numbers represent most CFS for time period
RISK SOLUTIONS
Walgreens Ritter
Goodwill
Perry's Deli Marin Total
Center
BevMo
10/1/08—
3/31/09
40 30
7
9
6
92
4/1/08—
9/30/09
60
46
12
10
9
137
10/1/09—
3/31/10
46
33
10
11
11
111
4/1/10—
9/30/10
59
35
13
24
3
134
10/1/10—
3/31/11
54
78
15
20
7
174
4/1/11—
9/30/11
76
100
18
6
8
208
10/1/11—
3/31/12
100
99
17
9
10
235
4/1/12—
9/30/12
106
83
12
13
20
234
10/1/12—
3/31/13
91
70
17
5
15
198
4/1/13—
9/30/13
87
51
17
16
15
186
10/1/13—
3/31/14
95
145
16
6
14
276
4/1/14—
9/30/14
69
134
25
12
19
259
10/1/14—
3/31/15
77
107
16
17
15
232
4/1/15—
9/30/15
128
70
20
23
15
256
Total
1,088
1,081
215
181
167
2,732
LexisNexise RED numbers represent most CFS for time period
RISK SOLUTIONS
Ritter Center and
Surrounding Area
4,259
calls for service
within 400 feet of Ritter Center
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
Total Calls for Service by Time Period
419
401 398-
74
T16% X12% T17% T13% T25% T15% T2% �6% X11% T41% �4% �7% T6%
0
10/1/08- 4/1/08- 10/1/09- 4/1/10- 10/1/10- 4/1/11- 10/1/11- 4/1/12- 10/1/12- 4/1/13- 10/1/13- 4/1/14- 10/1/14 4/1/15-
3/31/09 9/30/09 3/31/10 9/30/10 3/31/11 9/30/11 3/31/12 9/30/12 3/31/13 9/30/13 3/31/14 9/30/14 3/31/15 9/30/15
LexisNexis-
RISK SOLUTIONS
Walgreens open
24 hours 17 days a week
830 Third Street -----------------------
Walgreens Calls for Service by Time Period
140
120
100
80
60
40 - t
20
T50% .l-23% T28% �8% T41% T32% T6% .114% �4% T9% �27% T9% T71%
0
10/1/08- 4/1/08- 10/1/09- 4/1/10- 10/1/10- 4/1/11- 10/1/11- 4/1/12- 10/1/12- 4/1/13- 10/1/13- 4/1/14- 10/1/14 4/1/15-
3/31/09 9/30/09 3/31/10 9/30/10 3/31/11 9/30/11 3/31/12 9/30/12 3/31/13 9/30/13 3/31/14 9/30/14 3/31/15 9/30/15
Top 5 Call Types to Walgreens @ 830 Third Street (1,088)
220 UnwantedI 160 Out w/ I 69 Welfare check 143 Theft 135 Drunk subject
subject subject 69 Suspicious circ. 43 Extra Patrol 35 Verbal argumt
Post
Pre
CFS Pre v. Post Trailer
10.01.09 - 09.30.12 v.
10.01.12 - 09.30.1S
0 200 400 600
There was a z4Y I
I increase in calls for
service to Walgreens
I after the trailer opened i
at Ritter Center.
L
LexisNexis®
RISK SOLUTIONS
Time Period
Top Call(s) for Service
Count
10/1/08
— 3/31/09
Unwanted Subject
7
4/1/09 —
9/30/09
Out with Subject
10
10/1/09
— 3/31/10
Out with Subject
11
4/1/10 —
9/30/10
Unwanted Subject
12
10/1/10
— 3/31/11
Unwanted Subject
13
4/1/11 —
9/30/11
Panhandler
14
10/1/11
— 3/31/12
Unwanted Subject
26
4/1/12 —
9/30/12
Out with Subject
33
10/1/12
— 3/31/13
Unwanted Subject
16
4/1/13 —
9/30/13
Unwanted Subject
20
10/1/13
— 3/31/14
Unwanted Subject
19
4/1/14 —
9/30/14
Unwanted Subject
11
10/1/14
— 3/31/15
Unwanted Subject
20
4/1/15 —
9/30/15
Unwanted Subject
39
i ----------------------i
Ritter C Ritter Center is open
M -F gam -spm
16 Ritter St, 12 Ritter St, & 815 Third St
160 Ritter Center Calls for Service by Time Period
140
120
100
80
60
40
51
' •s07. � .
�o
20
10/1/08
— 3/31/09
4/1/09 —
9/30/09
10/1/09
T53% • 28%
T6% T123%
T28%
�1% �16%
.116% .1.27%
T184% �8% .1.20% � 35%
9/30/11
10/1/11
— 3/31/12
4/1/12 —
9/30/12
10/1/12
10/1/08- 4/1/08- 10/1/09-
4/1/10- 10/1/10-
4/1/11-
10/1/11- 4/1/12-
10/1/12- 4/1/13-
10/1/13- 4/1/14- 10/1/14 4/1/15-
3/31/09 9/30/09 3/31/10
9/30/10 3/31/11
9/30/11
3/31/12 9/30/12
3/31/13 9/30/13
3/31/14 9/30/14 3/31/15 9/30/15
Top 5 Call
Types to Ritter Center @
16 Ritter St, 12 Ritter
St, & 815 Third
St (1,081)
Outwith I
Unwanted
Extra Patrol 167
Misc.
Subject a danger
240
107
I 96
I
62
Subjiect
Subject
Request
Service
to self or Others
Post
Pre
CFS Pre v. Post Trailer
10.01.09 - 09.30.12 v.
10.01.12 - 09.30.15
0 200 400 600
There was a 5Y I
Iincrease in calls for
service to Ritter Center
I after the trailer opened i
at Ritter Center.
LexisNexis-
40
RISK SOLUTIONS
Time Period
10/1/08
— 3/31/09
4/1/09 —
9/30/09
10/1/09
— 3/31/10
4/1/10 —
9/30/10
10/1/10
— 3/31/11
4/1/11 —
9/30/11
10/1/11
— 3/31/12
4/1/12 —
9/30/12
10/1/12
— 3/31/13
4/1/13 —
9/30/13
10/1/13
— 3/31/14
4/1/14 —
9/30/14
10/1/14
— 3/31/15
4/1/15 —
9/30/15
Top Call(s) for Service
Out with Subject
Out with Subject
Out with Subject
Miscellaneous Service
Probation Search / Home Visit
Out with Subject
Out with Subject
Out with Subject
Quality of Life
Unwanted Subject
Extra Patrol Request
Out with Subject
Out with Subject
Welfare Check
Count
11
13
7
7
17
35
25
20
11
10
42
39
26
12
Goodwill Industries
r------------------,—
7
Goodwill is open
809 Lincoln Avenue Mon -Sat 9am-7pm &
Sun 10am-6pm
------------------
30 Goodwill Industries Calls for Service by Time Period
25 25
20 70
j17 17.17
15 15 .........� 16 15
123.... 1' 2►
10 —10
'J T
S
T71% •i•17%
T30% T15%
T20%
�6% X29%
T42%
0% �6%
T56% �40% T33%
0
4/1/11 —
9/30/11
0 50 100 150
10/1/11
10/1/08- 4/1/08- 10/1/09-
4/1/10- 10/1/10-
4/1/11-
10/1/11- 4/1/12-
10/1/12-
4/1/13- 10/1/13-
4/1/14- 10/1/14 4/1/15-
3/31/09 9/30/09 3/31/10
9/30/10 3/31/11
9/30/11
3/31/12 9/30/12
3/31/13
9/30/13 3/31/14
9/30/14 3/31/15 9/30/15
4/1/14 —
Top 5 Call Types
to Goodwill
Industries @ 809 Lincoln Avenue (215)
— 3/31/15
UnwantedI
4/1/15 —
9/30/15
I
Theft I
Property:
35
16TheftI
13
Drunk Subject
12
11
subject
Report
Just Occurred
Lost or Found
Post
CFS Pre v. Post Trailer
10.01.09 - 09.30.12 v.
10.01.12 - 09.30.15
Time Period
10/1/08 — 3/31/09
4/1/09 — 9/30/09
10/1/09 — 3/31/10
Top Call(s) for Service
Unwanted Subject
Theft/ Property/ Alarm
Vandalism/Unwanted Subj/Theft/Subj danger to self
others/ Prop/Fight/ Fraud/Drunk/DV/ Standby
Unwanted Subject / Theft Report
Unwanted Subject
Theft Report
Theft Report / Theft Just Occurred
Out with Subject
Unwanted Subject
Theft Report/Just Occurred/ Subject danger to self
Subj a danger to self/Out w Subject/Drunk Driver
Unwanted Subject
Subject down
Unwanted Subject
Count
2
2
1
2
4
4
3
2
4
2
2
5
3
8
4/1/10 —
9/30/10
Pre
10/1/10
— 3/31/11
4/1/11 —
9/30/11
0 50 100 150
10/1/11
— 3/31/12
ere was a 3z°�
Thncrease
110/1/12
4/1/12 —
9/30/12
• iin calls for
— 3/31/13
Iservice to Goodwill I
4/1/13 —
9/30/13
I after the trailer opened i
10/1/13
— 3/31/14
• at Ritter Center.
4/1/14 —
9/30/14
LexisNexis•
10/1/14
— 3/31/15
RISK SOLUTIONS
4/1/15 —
9/30/15
Top Call(s) for Service
Unwanted Subject
Theft/ Property/ Alarm
Vandalism/Unwanted Subj/Theft/Subj danger to self
others/ Prop/Fight/ Fraud/Drunk/DV/ Standby
Unwanted Subject / Theft Report
Unwanted Subject
Theft Report
Theft Report / Theft Just Occurred
Out with Subject
Unwanted Subject
Theft Report/Just Occurred/ Subject danger to self
Subj a danger to self/Out w Subject/Drunk Driver
Unwanted Subject
Subject down
Unwanted Subject
Count
2
2
1
2
4
4
3
2
4
2
2
5
3
8
cow
M1
p
-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Perry's Delicatessen Calls
Perry s ulencatessern -------------- L 1"
Perry's Deli is open
Mon -Sat 7am-8pm &
909 Lincoln Avenue i
' Sun lam -7 m
p
-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Perry's Delicatessen Calls
for Service by Time Period
30
25
24
23
20
20
15
16 17
.........
10
.....I.........12
- 9...... 10 1 i
9
5
6
5 6
T11% T10% T118% �17%
.170% T50%
T44% .i•62% T220% �63% T100% T42%
T35%
0
10/1/08- 4/1/09- 10/1/09- 4/1/10-
10/1/10-
4/1/11- 10/1/11- 4/1/12- 10/1/12- 4/1/13- 10/1/13- 4/1/14- 10/1/14-
4/1/15-
3/31/09 9/30/09 3/31/10 9/30/10 3/31/11
9/30/11 3/31/12 9/30/12 3/31/13 9/30/13 3/31/14 9/30/14 3/31/15
9/30/15
Top 5 Call Types to Perry's Delicatessen @ 909 Lincoln Avenue (181)
42 Out with
19 Unwanted
13
Drunk
12 Drug Activity
8 Subject
Subject
Subject
Subject
12 Misc. Service
Down
Time Period
Top Call(s) for Service
Count
CFS Pre v. Post Trailer
10/1/08
— 3/31/09
Drug activity observed
2
10.01.09 - 09.30.12 V.
10.01.12 - 09.30.15
4/1/09 —
9/30/09
Out with Subject/ Battery just occurred
2
10/1/09
— 3/31/10
Out with Subject
2
Post
4/1/10 —
9/30/10
Unwanted Subject / Miscellaneous Service
4
10/1/10
— 3/31/11
Out with Subject
7
Pre
o 2,
4/1/11 —
9/30/11
Out with Subject
3
10/1/11
— 3/31/12
Physical Disturbance / Out with Subject
2
75 80 85
4/1/12 —
9/30/12
Drug Activity/Drunk Subj/Misc Sery/Unwanted Subj
2
• �/• 110/1/12
There was a ; l�
— 3/31/13
Assault with Deadly Weapon/Drug Activity/Out
1
with Subject/Quality of Life/Subject Down
decrease in calls for
I
4/1/13 —
9/30/13
Out with Subject
3
.
service to Perry's
after the trailer opened •
I
10/1/13
— 3/31/14
Advice/Drunk Driver/Subject danger to self or
1
I
other/Subject Down/Unwanted Subject
•
at Ritter Center.
— — • — • — •
4/1/14 —
9/30/14
Out with Subject
6
LexisNexis•
10/1/14
— 3/31/15
Out with Subject
7
RISK SOLUTIONS
4/1/15 —
9/30/15
Out with Subject / Unwanted Subject
12
Marin Beverage Outlet
------------------ I
Marin BevMo is open
855 Third Street Mon -Sat Sun 10am-7prn &
m-7pm
-----------------
25 Marin BevMo Calls for Service by Time Period
20
10/1/11
— 3/31/12
3
Out w Subj/Theft Just Occurred/Unwanted Subj
2
There was aI
4/1/12 —
9/30/12
I increase in calls for
10/1/12
– 3/31/13
service to BevMo
4/1/13 –
9/30/13
I after the trailer opened
occurred/ Suspicious Circ Report/Theft
15
10/1/13
– 3/31/14
at Ritter Center.
--
4
115 15
14
15�
14
10
11
..-
....elo
...
.....
.... ......
4/1/15 –
9/30/15
....
8
�6
7 r
S
3
1`50% T22%
• 73% T133%
T14%
T25%
T100%
.125% 0%
�7%
T36% �26% T7%
0
10/1/08-
4/1/08- 10/1/09-
4/1/10- 10/1/10-
4/1/11-
10/1/11-
4/1/12-
10/1/12- 4/1/13-
10/1/13-
4/1/14- 10/1/14 4/1/15-
3/31/09
9/30/09 3/31/10
9/30/10 3/31/11
9/30/11
3/31/12
9/30/12
3/31/13 9/30/13
3/31/14
9/30/14 3/31/15 9/30/15
Top 5 Call Types to Marin
Beverage Outlet @ 855 Third Street (167)
Unwanted
I
Out w
Theft Just
I
Suspicious
7
I
Drunk Subject
31
subject
26
Subject
23
Occurred
10
Circumstance
7
Suspicious. Person
Post
Pre
CFS Pre v. Post Trailer
10.01.09 - 09.30.12 v.
10.01.12 - 09.30.15
Time Period
10/1/08 – 3/31/09
4/1/09 – 9/30/09
10/1/09 – 3/31/10
4/1/10 – 9/30/10
10/1/10 – 3/31/11
4/1/11 — 9/30/11
0 50 100
10/1/11
— 3/31/12
3
Out w Subj/Theft Just Occurred/Unwanted Subj
2
There was aI
4/1/12 —
9/30/12
I increase in calls for
10/1/12
– 3/31/13
service to BevMo
4/1/13 –
9/30/13
I after the trailer opened
occurred/ Suspicious Circ Report/Theft
i
10/1/13
– 3/31/14
at Ritter Center.
Theft Just Occurred
4
-- — - — - —-
4/1/14 –
9/30/14
LexisNexis°
10/1/14
– 3/31/15
RISK SOLUTIONS
4
Out with Subject
4
4/1/15 –
9/30/15
Top Call(s) for Service
Count
Theft Just Occurred
3
Out w Subj/Theft Just Occurred/Unwanted Subj
2
Suspicious Circumstance/ Unwanted Subject
3
Drunk Driver/Theft Report/Verbal Argument
1
Out with Subject / Theft Just Occurred
2
Assault w deadly weapon/Drug activity/
Flagdown/Out w Subj/Fight/Suspicious Circ just
1
occurred/ Suspicious Circ Report/Theft
Theft Just Occurred
2
Out with Subject/ Unwanted Subject
4
Theft Just Occurred
4
Unwanted Subject
6
Out with Subject
3
Unwanted Subject
4
Out with Subject
4
Out with Subject
4
Ritter Center Intersections
I •.
' -' "1 '-+ Comfort Food
s M
� L I
aoCFS Pre v. Post Trailer
Hecho En Ca
6 Walgreens Golden Cream j 10.01.09 - 09.30.12 v.
Doughnut Shop g 10.01.12 - 09.30.15
7co
rn Sal Faod
0
c3 Mauna Loa �1 4'1 Post
S
Td t Hawaiian BBQ
o
15 Pre
Marin Beverage Outlet
0 200 400 600
Goodwill O
Ri¢r ['pnt¢r U
t}
c
Java Detour
Y
*Md St
2nd St
There was a ZIl I
I increase in calls for
76' Mar' service to the nearby
k R. I intersections
r
t . after the trailer opened
I at Ritter Center.
6%ndSt .—.—.—.—.J
10/2008 — 3/2012 4/2012 —9/2015 % Difference
119 143 T20%
a 67 88 T31%
These are the Intersection
9 intersections Third Street & Lootens Place
surrounding
Ritter Center. Third Street & Lincoln Avenu
Combined,
these cross
Second Street & Lindaro Street
streets make
up 22% of all
Third Street & Cijos Street
calls for
Second Street & Lincoln Avenue
service in the
400 feet
Third Street & Lindaro Street
surrounding
Ritter Center.
Ritter Street & Lincoln Avenue
Third Street & Ritter Street
Cijos Street & Commercial Place
LexisNexis•
RISK SOLUTIONS TOTAL
48 60 T25%
47 59 T26%
47 52 T11%
25 53 T112%
17 45 T165%
20 24 T20%
1 4 Increased 3
391 528 T35%
Caron Parker
From: Ben Leroi <Ben@rittercenter.org>
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 2:55 PM
To: Caron Parker; Cia Byrnes
Subject: RE: second SRPD police report
Hi Caron, thank you for forwarding this second report covering 7 years of police calls within a 400 foot radius of Ritter
Center. The report divides that 7 year period into two 3.5 year time frames: 3.5 years before Ritter's medical modular,
which was unanimously approved by the City Council, became operational in October 2012 and 3.5 years after the
medical modular opened. Given the incredible number of variables that factor into police calls in the downtown area,
whether within 400 feet of Ritter or slightly farther afield, this is an overly broad time sample to draw conclusions about
police calls pre vs. post installation of the medical modular.
If research scientists wanted to try to draw conclusions from this data re: police calls pre and post installation of the
medical modular, they would look at the time periods most proximal to October 2012 when the modular became
operational. The screenshot from page 3 of the report (excluding the report cover page from pagination) shows the
number of calls from 12 months before the modular became operational and the 12 months after the modular opened.
Walgreens Ritter Goodwill Perry's Dell Marin Total
Center Bevmo
10,%1%11— 140 i 99 — 17 9 10 235
3/31/12
4/1/12— 106 83 12 13 20 � 234
9/30/12
10/1112—
3/31/13
0%1f1Z-
3/31/13 91 70 17 5 15 198
4/1/13— 87 51 17 16 IS 186
9/30/13
As the report clearly illustrates, police calls for the area within 400 feet of Ritter actually decreased by 18% in the year
after the medical modular opened compared to the year before the medical modular became operational. Any analysis
of police call data outside of this 2 -year period most proximal to the opening of the medical modular introduces so many
confounding variables that it would be impossible to draw any credible conclusions re: police calls pre and post
installation of the medical modular.
Beyond the overly broad time period being employed to analyze police calls pre and post modular installation, there are
a number of other questions that a thorough analysis of police calls needs to address, such as:
1. How do these trends of increasing police calls compare with other areas of downtown, such as the B Street
corridor?
2. How many of these calls are placed when Ritter Center is closed? This is a very important factor to consider in
the analysis of calls. The analysis of calls in the current 8 month use permit report period illustrated that the vast
majority of calls were from Walgreens, which is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week and that upwards of 80%
of Walgreens' calls were placed on evenings/overnight and weekends when Ritter Center is closed.
Attachment 7
3. The report does not adequately distinguish "calls" that are actually extra patrols initiated by SRPD and not an a
citizen initiated call. Page 6 of the report indicates that there were 96 "extra patrols" (i.e. not initiated by a
citizen call) at Ritter Center alone. In which time periods did these extra patrols take place and at what
frequency? The same questions apply for all the other areas of "calls" documented in this report, how many
were actually extra patrols and what is the frequency breakdown of those extra patrols by time period?
4. Is the impact of the police department encouraging businesses/citizens to call police dispatch for every quality
of life issue they see being factored into the analysis of these police calls? In a Business Improvement District
meeting on March 27, 2013 representatives of SRPD (Lt. Raffaello Pata was one of those present) advised the
downtown business owners to call police dispatch for every single quality of life issue. They indicated they may
not be able to send a patrol for every call, but that all the calls would be logged so there would be a record of
each call to create a larger aggregate. It is very likely that this advice from the SRPD to businesses and citizens
accounts for a large proportion of the increase in police calls that are being reported beginning October 1, 2013
— one full year after Ritter's medical modular became operational.
5. Has the City evaluated whether Walgreens has increased its police calls since it began selling hard liquor? An
analysis of Walgreens' police calls for a year before and a year after it began selling hard liquor may help shed
some light on their increase in police calls.
Thank you for this opportunity to provide feedback on this report,
BENJAMIN LEROI DEPUTY DIRECTOR, RITTER CENTER
ph: 415-457-8182 x106 I fax: 415-457-7471 1 www.rittercenter.org
snail mail: PO Box 3517, San Rafael, CA 94912 i
office location: 16 Ritter St, San Rafael
The information contained in this email and any attachments may be privileged, confidential, and protected under applicable law and is intended solely forthe use
of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient orthe employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and destroy the document.
From: Caron Parker [mailto:Caron. Parker@cityofsanrafael.org]
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 9:05 AM
To: Cia Byrnes
Cc: Ben Leroi
Subject: second SRPD police report
Hi Cia-
Please see attached SRPD report covering 8 years of calls for service in the Ritter vicinity, from October 2008 to
September 2015. We just received this yesterday. If you want to send a response to me, please do so and I will make
sure a copy is sent directly to the Council. My staff report is being reviewed by the City Attorney as we speak so I don't
know that I can add your response to the report.
C a,rd-wJo- T1cwker
Associate Planner
City of San Rafael
Community Development Department
1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-485-3094
ROUTING SLIP / APPROVAL FORM
INSTRUCTIONS: Use this cover sheet with each submittal of a staff report before approval
by the City Council. Save staff report (including this cover sheet) along
with all related attachments in the Team Drive (T:) --> CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEMS 4 AGENDA ITEM APPROVAL PROCESS 4 [DEPT -
AGENDA TOPIC]
Agenda Item #
Date of Meeting: 3/21/2016
From: Caron Parker
Department: Community Development
Date: 3/15/2016
Topic: Review of Ritter Center Performance Report (covering May 2015 to December 2015)
Subject: Review of 6 month Performance Report on the Ritter Center's adherence to the Use
Permit (UP13-030) operational conditions of approval regulating client limits, litter control, security and
police service calls to the facility for May 2015 — December 2015.
Type: ❑ Resolution ❑ Ordinance
❑ Professional Services Agreement ® Other: Report
® Finance Director
Remarks:
® City Attorney
Remarks: LG -Approved 3/15/16
® Author, review and accept City Attorney / Finance changes
Remarks: City attorney comments accepted and report ready for City Manager review and
comment
® City Manager
Remarks:
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.:
Council Meeting:
Disposition: