HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM Camping Ordinance Amendments____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: 04/07/2025
Disposition: Introduced the Ordinance, waive further reading of the Ordinance, and refer to it by title
only. (Ordinance 2046)
Agenda Item No: 6.b
Meeting Date: April 7, 2025
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Manager
Prepared by: John Stefanski, Assistant City
Manager
Daniel Cooperman, Community
Services Division Director
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: EVALUATION OF EXISTING CAMPING REGULATIONS, SANCTIONED CAMPING
AREA INFORMATIONAL UPDATE, AND CHAPTER 19.50 OF THE SAN RAFAEL
MUNICIPAL CODE, CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
SUBJECT: EXISTING CAMPING REGULATION EVALUATION, SANCTIONED CAMPING AREA
UPDATE, AND INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AMENDING CHAPTER 19.50 TO THE SAN RAFAEL
MUNICIPAL CODE, ENTITLED “CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY” TO PROHIBIT
CAMPING IN PARKS; CEQA DETERMINATION: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO CEQA
GUIDELINES 15061(b)(3), 15307 AND 15308
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive an update on homelessness and the Sanctioned Camping Area and introduce the Ordinance,
waive further reading of the Ordinance, and refer to it by title only.
BACKGROUND:
City Camping Regulations (Chapter 19.50 of the San Rafael Municipal Code)
In July 2023, the City Council voted1 to adopt Ordinance 2030 amend the City’s longstanding camping
regulations to govern camping on public property in a manner that complied with the then-governing
Martin v. Boise decision. Shortly after the City adopted the amendments to Chapter 19.50, a group of
plaintiffs (Shaleeta Boyd, et al.) sued the City in federal court based on Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) claims and other legal theories, in particular that Chapter 19.50 constituted a “state created
danger”. In response, the court entered a temporary restraining order and, later, a preliminary injunction
that effectively blocked the City’s ability to enforce its local camping regulations.
1 https://storage.googleapis.com/proudcity/sanrafaelca/uploads/2023/07/4.a-Regulating-Camping-on-Public-
Property-Ordinance.pdf
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
In May 20242, the City amended Chapter 19.50 (Ordinance 2035) in an attempt to address the federal
court’s concerns, and, consequently, seek dismissal of the plaintiffs’ lawsuit. Ordinance 2035 modified
the size and spacing restrictions in Ordinance 2030 in a manner to address the Court’s concerns. It also
required, among other things, that campsites be set back from private property lines.
In June 2024, the Supreme Court issued its decision reversing the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in
Grants Pass v. Johnson. Since 2018, Martin v. Boise (a prior Ninth Circuit decision upon which Grants
Pass was based) had significantly limited local government’s ability to regulate homeless encampments
and created a slew of lawsuits brought upon local government agencies. Applying Martin, the Ninth Circuit
had held that the City of Grants Pass violated the “Cruel and Unusual Punishments” clause of the Eighth
Amendment to the United States Constitution by prohibiting camping on public property when the City
could not establish that there was enough alternative shelter available to accommodate the number of
individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. The Supreme Court rejected this Eighth
Amendment theory.
The Federal District Court granted the City’s motion to dismiss and dissolved the injunction on August 7,
2024. The Court held that the City’s amendments to Chapter 19.50 adequately addressed the legal
concerns raised by the plaintiff’s lawsuit and the Court.
In August 2024,3 following the dismissal of the Boyd lawsuit, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2040
which revised the camping ordinance following Grants Pass decision to provide the City greater flexibility
to prohibit camping or set time, place, or manner conditions on camping on public property. The
ordinance clarified a prohibition on occupying, constructing, or affixing structures made of building
materials on public property and required campsites be at least five feet from the edge of roadway
pavement to ensure safety and prevent obstruction of traffic. At that time the City Council also directed
staff to return in Spring 2025 with an evaluation and any proposed changes for the camping regulations.
Ordinance 2040 took effect on October 3, 2024.
Enforcement of the Camping Regulations
Once Ordinance 2040 took effect in October, the City began a regular cadence of enforcement, as
described below:
• Enforcement activities of Chapter 19.50 of the SRMC relating to violations of the campsite size
maximums, setback requirements, and/or unpermitted structures and building materials take
place each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as described in Table 1 below. However, when
there are significant health and safety exigent circumstances, the City will abate immediately
outside of the regular enforcement schedule.
• Enforcement activities relating to violations of camping prohibitions (i.e. camping in a prohibited
area) take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays of each week as described in Table 2 below.
2 https://storage.googleapis.com/proudcity/sanrafaelca/2024/04/6.b-Ordinance-Regulating-Camping-on-Public-Property.pdf
3 https://storage.googleapis.com/proudcity/sanrafaelca/2024/08/5.a-Proposed-Camping-Ordinance-Amendments-Report-on-
Homelessness-Including-Sanctioned-Camping-Program-Homeless-Program-Contracts-Appropration-of-Funds.pdf
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
Table 1: Violations of campsite size maximums, setbacks, and illegal structures
Tuesday (AM) Activities Thursday (AM) Activities
• San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) and
City Staff conduct a weekly review of known
hotspots and other sites with reported
encampments.
• SRPD Special Operations Unit (SOU) issues
notices to those campsites out of compliance
with SRMC 19.50.
• SRPD to dedicate 2 hours every Tuesday for
area assessments and noticing.
• Debris collection will occur on Thursday mornings,
48 hours after notices have been issued.
• SRPD to staff approximately 2-3 hours every
Thursday for presence during clean ups.
• Additional clean-up actions beyond the 2-3 hours
to take place as needed on Thursdays, as directed
by SRPD or City Staff.
Table 2: Camping in prohibited area violations
Tuesday (AM) Activities Wednesday (AM) Activities
• SRPD and City Staff conduct a weekly review
of problem prohibited properties (e.g. South
Mahon) and other sites as reported
• SRPD SOU issues notices to those campsites
out of compliance with SRMC 19.50.
• SRPD to dedicate 2 hours every Tuesday for
area assessments and noticing (same as
above)
• Debris collection will occur on Wednesday
mornings, 24 hours after notices have been issued.
• SRPD to staff as needed for presence during clean
ups.
In addition, the City budgets for 1.5 full time equivalent park rangers who work for the San Rafael Police
Department who assist with patrolling open space areas (where camping is currently prohibited) to
enforce Chapter 19.50 and remove ignition sources in those areas specifically.
Based on the aforementioned enforcement activities, staff have found that there are no individuals
camping in City parks as of
April 2nd 2025.
Sanctioned Camping Area (SCA)
The California lnter-agency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) established the Encampment Resolution
Funding, Third Round (ERF3) Program to increase collaboration between itself, local jurisdictions, and
continuums of care for the purposes of:
• Assisting local jurisdictions in ensuring the wellness and safety of people experiencing
homelessness in encampments, including short-term needs arising from their unsheltered
homelessness and their long-term needs through a path to safe and stable housing; and
• Providing grants to local jurisdictions and continuums of care to support innovative and replicable
efforts to resolve critical encampment concerns, and to support individuals in accessing safe and
stable housing, using Housing First approaches; and
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4
• Encouraging a data-informed, coordinated approach to addressing unsheltered homelessness at
encampments.
The City and County of Marin collaborated on an ERF3 grant application, and in April 2024, Cal ICH
announced its intention to award a total of $5,999,241 in funding to both the County of Marin and the
City. This funding is specifically aimed at jointly addressing the Mahon Creek Path Area Encampment in
San Rafael. The grant represents the largest award the City of San Rafael has received for addressing
homelessness, following a renewed effort by City and County staff to enhance collaboration in tackling
this issue. Furthermore, since August 2024, City and County staff have held four comprehensive
partnership meetings, which have helped streamline response efforts and set clear goals for serving San
Rafael’s unhoused community as it relates to the ERF3 grant.
A SCA has several elements that differentiate it from other camping areas. The City's SCA addresses
safety and security, through gates, fencing, security guards and fire prevention (e.g., placement of fire
extinguishers and regular inspections); living and meeting spaces, through specified tent sizes, temporary
and housing/outreach staff storage units, and meeting space canopies; and sanitation, though portable
restrooms with handwashing stations, garbage pick up and designated smoking and pet use areas. In
addition, the City's SCA receives housing and case management and outreach services, weekly showers,
SAFE Team and has a code of conduct. Further information can be found in the City Council Agenda
Report for Item No. 5a at its August 19, 20244 meeting.
Before the launch of the SCA in October 2024, City and County staff, in collaboration with nonprofit
partners, reviewed lists of identified individuals who had been or were presently residing within the Mahon
Creek Area encampment as of early 2024, when the ERF3 grant application was submitted. In the weeks
leading up to the SCA opening, staff conducted outreach to inform prospective participants about the
site’s code of conduct and assist them with completing the necessary intake forms.
ANALYSIS:
Evaluation of Current Camping Regulations
Since Ordinance 2040 took effect in October 2024, staff have been tracking metrics to determine the
Camping Ordinance’s effectiveness and overall impact on the City’s ability to regulate encampments on
public property. The City tracks potential violations of the camping ordinance through “Calls for Service”
which take place when a resident reports to SRPD or via the email address,
endhomelessness@cityofsanrafael.org. These reports are classified as “Municipal Code Violations”
related to camping within San Rafael, and capture violations such as, obstructing sidewalks, camping
within designated open space lands, and other violations. These reports are all sent directly to the SRPD
Special Operations Unit who responds to check the reported location.
Since October 2024, staff have informed and encouraged the public to report potential camping ordinance
violations via the email address, endhomelessness@cityofsanrafael.org. During the evaluation period of
October 2024 to February 2025, staff received 115 inquiries through this account, 35 of which were
reports of potential camping ordinance violations. This is in addition to the numerous phone calls and
other interactions staff have had with the community at various meetings.
In addition, the City engages in proactive enforcement of Chapter 19.50, as described above. These
activities are captured through “Campsite Warning Police Reports” whereby the Special Operations Unit
4 https://storage.googleapis.com/proudcity/sanrafaelca/2024/08/5.a-Proposed-Camping-Ordinance-Amendments-Report-on-
Homelessness-Including-Sanctioned-Camping-Program-Homeless-Program-Contracts-Appropration-of-Funds.pdf
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5
visits a non-compliant campsite, issues a warning, and returns 48 -hours later to check on
compliance/coordinate with the City’s encampment clean-up contractor.
Staff reviewed the number of Calls for Service (CFS) to the Police Department during the five-month
period preceding the implementation of Ordinance 2040 (May to September 2024) and compared it to
the five-month evaluation period following its implementation (October 2024 to February 2025). Table 3
below shows the period preceding implementation of the ordinance with 161 CFS, and a 38.51% increase
during the evaluation period, resulting in a total of 223 CFS. This increase is most likely attributable to
the community’s increased awareness of how to report camping ordinance violations.
With the opening of the SCA and the related prohibition of camping along the northern portion of the
Mahon Creek Path, the City has seen a significant decline in the number of Campsite Warning Reports,
which have decreased by nearly 20% when compared to the five month period prior to October 2024
when both the Sanctioned Camping Area and the current camping regulations took effect. While
understandable—less campsites equaling fewer potential violations—this data point also underscores
how the SCA is a crucial tool in the City’s ability to manage camping on public property.
Table 3: Citywide Calls for Services & Campsite Warning Police Reports
Category May 2024 –
September 2024
October 2024 –
February 2025 Trend
Calls for Service 161 223 +38.51%
Campsite Warning Police
Reports 84 69 -17.86%
Sanctioned Camping Area (SCA) Evaluation
The SCA opened on October 4, 2024, with a total site capacity of 50 individuals to reside in 50 , 10’x10’
tents. The program is currently at full capacity with 50 participants. The program is working as intended
as the City recently celebrated its first participant securing and moving into permanent housing last
month. Another participant has received a housing voucher and is actively searching for an apartment.
Outreach, case management, and the on-site program management team with FS Global all continue to
support the participants, ensuring they are gaining all necessary documentation to be ready to apply for
housing as soon as additional vouchers are released or project-based units become available.
The Encampment Resolution Funding Round 3 (ERF3) grant, which the SCA is a part of, operates in
partnership with the County of Marin’s Health and Human Services Division (HHS). Marin County
contracted for the staffing of the ERF3 program, and the contract is through St. Vincent de Paul Society
for housing-based case management personnel. The first case manager dedicated to the ERF3 program
began in late March, increasing the percentage of site participants receiving housing-based case
management to 60%. The HHS will present a contract for two additional case managers to support the
remaining site participants and one outreach worker to the Marin County Board of Supervisors on April
15, 2025. The total cost of these three-year contracts will be approximately $1.5 million.
Since the SCA began operations, 10 individuals have exited the site – some due to code of conduct
violations, others for extended absences without providing prior notice, and one so far who has
transitioned into permanent housing. Additionally, since moving into the SCA, five participants have
successfully gained employment, demonstrating the stability and opportunities the program can help
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 6
foster. Many participants are thriving with improved social health, benefiting from a safe, stable place to
sleep and store personal belongings. Through this supportive environment many participants have
reconnected with medical services, improved connection with service providers, and are rebuilding
practices that are important for housing stability and transitioning back into housing.
Proposed Amendments to Chapter 19.50
Concerns about the unhoused population camping in parks and the sensitivity to encampment-related
fires in San Rafael has grown. Over 90% of all wildfires in this country are human caused; although not
all of these fires were intentionally set by individuals, this data supports the City’s recommendation to
ban camping in parks to protect the safety of the community. In Marin, given the low lightening frequency,
that number is likely closer to 99%. Reducing potential ignition sources is a key wildfire risk reduction
activity. Campfires and open flames, including those for warming and cooking, and discarded smoking
materials can easily ignite dry grasses and brush in open space and parks. These ignitions can lead to
wildfires that threaten both the individuals camping and the surrounding community. Unsanctioned
encampments lack the resources to detect and safely manage fires, making the risk even greater. Recent
fire incidents elsewhere in the state and public awareness have heightened public sensitivity to these
risks, leading to calls for action from residents across the City. As the rainy season ends, peak wildfire
season in Marin County is quickly approaching.
On February 24 2025, Cal Fire released its updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones map, which for San
Rafael, designated a number of City Park properties within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, including but
not limited to, Gerstle, Sun Valley, Peacock Gap, Victor Jones, Santa Margarita, Jerry Russom Memorial
and Terra Linda parks. The Fire Hazard Severity Zones measure hazard, not risk. Hazard is based on
the physical conditions that create a likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30 to 50-year period
without considering mitigation measures. Risk looks at how these hazards interact with people,
development, and other infrastructure, including City parks. In accordance with Government Code
Section 51176, the purpose of Fire Hazard Severity Zones map is to classify lands in the state in
accordance with whether a very high fire hazard is present so that public officials are able to identify
measures that will retard the rate of spread and reduce the potential intensity of uncontrolled wildfires
that threaten to destroy resources, life, or property, and to require that those measures be taken.
Given the community’s concerns and heightened sensitivity to wildfire risks due to the January 2025
wildfires in Southern California, such as the Palisades Fire burning 23,707 acres and destroying over
6,800 structures and the Eaton Fire burning 14,021 acres and destroying over 9,400 structures, and in
light of the release of the Fire Hazard Severity Zone map, staff evaluated amending Chapter 19.50 to
prohibit camping within these areas to mitigate the hazards associated with camping in a higher hazard
severity areas. When factoring in existing camping prohibitions at Albert Park, Boyd Park, and at the
Falkirk Cultural Center, camping would be prohibited in a majority of City Parks. Including all City Parks
in the Camping Regulations offers clarity for parks that may fall partially within a hazard zone, includes
parks in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) but not hazard zone, and assures that the few potentially
excluded parks do not become areas for encampments. For example, Oleander Park and the playground
at Terra Linda Park are outside of the hazard zone, but only a residential road away from being in the
designated Wildland Urban Interface. Given the behavior of embers and their ability to quickly spread
fire, any ignition within these example parks could quickly result in a fire in the Wildland Urban Interface
or Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 7
Staff is not proposing to prohibit camping in all of the hazard severity zones due to mitigating factors,
reporting and response times, and land ownership. The City has an active roadside vegetation clearing
program that mitigates risk of encampment fires along roadways. The camping regulations also prohibit
camping within 5 feet of roadway pavement. In these highly traveled areas, any ignition is likely to be
quickly reported and prove an easy initial response for firefighters. Developed areas in the hazard zones,
, do not pose the same risk due to having well maintained defensible space, nearby fire suppression and
alerting tools, and a reduced likelihood of ignition based on human behaviors and ground covering. A
camp stove on the pavement poses a much lower risk than a campfire in the leaves, grasses and shrubs
of parks such as Los Ranchitos or Peacock Gap Park. Lastly, the City has and enforces Citywide
Vegetation standards (SRMC 4.12) to mitigate wildfire risk in all privately owned areas of the hazard
zones and WUI.
Temporary Administrative Order
On March 27, 2025, the City Manager issued a temporary administrative order (Attachment 2) prohibiting
camping in all City parks. The purpose of this order was to preserve the then current condition at City
parks where no individuals experiencing homelessness were camping, to minimize the risk of
displacement should the City Council enact a prohibition of camping in parks, and to ensure the entire
community, including individuals experiencing homelessness, would still have the ability to utilize public
parks during regular hours of operation which are sunrise to sunset. The term of the Administrative Order
coincides with the timeframe for an ordinance amending Chapter 19.50 to become effective if the City
Council decides to adopt an ordinance. Should the City Council decide not to adopt the staff
recommendation, the City Manager would rescind the Administrative Order.
According, based on the foregoing, staff is recommending the City Council amend the camping ordinance
to prohibit camping in all City parks. The proposed ordinance accomplishes this prohibition by replacing
“open space property” with “parks” as defined in SRMC Section 19.20.020(I) since that definition of parks
includes both parks and open space.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The proposed ordinance does not constitute a project for purposes of environmental review under the
California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000, et seq.) ("CEQA") and is
exempt from review under CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3) because adoption of the proposed ordinance is
not expected to have any change in the environment. Further, the proposed ordinance is exempt from
the requirements of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15307 and 15308 as an action by a
regulatory agency taken to protect the environment and natural resources.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
Last fall, the City established the Homelessness Solutions Working Group to bring concerned residents
and business owners together to discuss their concerns around Homelessness in San Rafael, brainstorm
ideas around the potential solutions to the issue and to ultimately have participants become trusted
messengers who will communicate with their colleagues and neighbors about what they’ve learned and
what the City and the County are doing together to respond to homelessness in San Rafael .
This group of 30 residents, who self-selected to participate, participated in three meetings over the last
six months. While the first meeting provided an opportunity for participants to learn about the City’s work
responding to homelessness as well as provide “blue sky” or ideal solutions to homelessness, the latter
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 8
two meetings were overwhelmingly focused on the Camping Ordinance,at the request of the working
group members. The topic of the City’s camping ordinance was brought up early and often throughout
the working group meetings, including the final meeting which focused solely on potential changes and
implications of the ordinance. At the final meeting, the group provided feedback on potential changes to
the camping ordinance via an anonymous survey with three potential options. The majority of attendees
supported prohibiting camping in City parks either entirely or just in parks within a Fire Hazard Severity
Zone.
Table 5: Homelessness Solutions Working Group Survey Results
Survey Option Votes
Prohibit camping in all San Rafael parks 7
Prohibit camping only in parks located within the Fire Hazard Severity Zones 4
No changes to the current camping ordinance 3
Other 2
The survey results align with the hundreds of inquiries and comments City staff has received via phone,
in-person meetings, and responses to the “endhomelessness@cityofsanrafael.org” email account.
Information regarding the City Manager’s temporary administrative order and this agenda item was
shared with our local non-profit service providers, as well as with members of the Homelessness
Solutions Working Group (which includes individuals with lived experience). Information regarding this
agenda item was also shared via the City’s Homelessness Update Monthly E-Newsletter.
In addition to the feedback received from the Homelessness Solutions Working Group, staff have had
many discussions with residents and business owners regarding the City’s camping regulations over the
last nine months. The majority of those individuals indicated a preference for the City to prohibit camping
all together.
Staff are not recommending an outright ban on camping in San Rafael. Staff’s focus is on working
collaboratively with unhoused residents, local non-profit service providers, and the County of Marin to
connect unhoused residents with the resources, services, and housing opportunities they need to achieve
long-term stability. Such a focus is based on a regional, compassionate, and trauma-informed approach
to addressing homelessness, and is indicative of the believe that every person in San Rafael, regardless
of housing status, deserves dignity, respect, and a safe place to call home. Staff will continue to monitor
the effectiveness of the camping regulations and will bring further recommendations for changes back to
the City Council should conditions, laws, or other circumstances warrant them.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the staff recommendation contained in this agenda item.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Approve the staff recommendation and introduce the Ordinance waive further reading of the
Ordinance and refer to it by title only
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 9
2. Direct staff to return with substantive changes to the Ordinance and whether the City Manager
should rescind, extend or otherwise modify the Administrative Order dated March 27, 2025
3. Take no action and provide direction whether the City Manager should rescind, extend or
otherwise modify the Administrative Order dated March 27, 2025.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Introduce the Ordinance, waive further reading of the Ordinance, and refer to it by title only.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. Administrative Order dated March 27, 2025
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AMENDING
CHAPTER 19.50 TO THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE, ENTITLED “CAMPING ON
PUBLIC PROPERTY” TO PROHIBIT CAMPING IN PARKS
SECTION 1. FINDINGS
The City Council having reviewed and taken into consideration all written and oral information
submitted in this matter and after a properly noticed public hearing makes the following findings
in support of this Ordinance:
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael has implemented a Sanctioned Camping Area on City public
property as part of its comprehensive approach to address homelessness within the City; and
WHEREAS, the SCA addresses safety and security, through gates, fencing, security guards
and fire prevention (e.g., placement of fire extinguishers and regular inspections); living and
meeting spaces, through specified tent sizes, temporary and housing/outreach staff s torage
units, and meeting space canopies; and sanitation, though portable restrooms with
handwashing stations, garbage pick up and designated smoking and pet use areas; and
WHEREAS, residents of the SCA receive housing and case management and outreach
services, weekly showers, and other services and have to abide by to a code of conduct; and
WHEREAS, in less than six months since the SCA began operations, at least one individual
has secured permanent housing and another five individuals have secured employment; and
WHEREAS, the Sanctioned Camping Area is regulated and structured in a manner not only to
mitigate public health and safety risks to both its residents and the community at large, but also
to promote the well-being of its residents; and
WHEREAS, over 90% of all wildfires in this country are human caused. In Marin, given the low
lightening frequency, that number is likely closer to 99%. Reducing potential ignition sources is
a key wildfire risk reduction activity. Campfires and open flames, including those for warming
and cooking, and discarded smoking materials can easily ignite dry grasses and brush in open
space and parks. These ignitions can lead to wildfires that threaten both the individuals and the
surrounding community: and
WHEREAS, camping in parks creates heightened fire risks due to the use of open flames for
cooking and warmth, and the potential for improperly discarded smoking materials, particularly
in areas with dry vegetation or brush that could easily ignite and lead to wildf ires threatening
both unhoused individuals and the surrounding community; and
WHEREAS, unregulated encampments typically lack the resources and facilities to safely
manage fires, further increasing the associated risks; and
WHEREAS, recent fire incidents elsewhere in the state, such as the January 2025 fires in
Southern California, with the Palisades Fire burning 23,707 acres and the Eaton Fire burning
14,021 acres, have heightened public awareness and sensitivity to these risks; and
WHEREAS, on February 24, 2025, Cal Fire released its updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones
map, which designated City parks within Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including but not limited
to Gerstle, Sun Valley, Peacock Gap, Victor Jones, Santa Margarita, Jerry Russom Memorial,
and Terra Linda parks; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 51179 requires the City to adopt an ordinance
designating moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones in its jurisdiction within
120 days of the release of the aforementioned map released by Cal Fire; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Government Code Section 51176, the purpose of Fire Hazard
Severity Zones map is to classify lands in the state in accordance with whether a very high fire
hazard is present so that public officials are able to identify measures that will retard the rate
of spread, and reduce the potential intensity, of uncontrolled fires that threaten to destroy
resources, life, or property, and to require that those measures be taken ; and.
WHEREAS, upon evaluating potential amendments to Chapter 19.50 to prohibit camping within
Fire Hazard Severity Zones, staff determined that, when combined with existing camping
prohibitions at Albert Park, Boyd Park, and the Falkirk Cultural Center/Menzies Lot, su ch
amendments would effectively prohibit camping in a majority of City parks; and
WHEREAS, including all city parks in a camping prohibition offers clarity for parks that may
fall partially within a hazard zone, includes parks in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) but
not hazard zone, and assures that the few potentially excluded parks do not become
areas for encampments. Given the behavior of embers and their ability to quickly
spread fire, ignition could quickly result in a fire in the WUI or Fire Hazard Severity Zone;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council declines to prohibit camping in all of the hazard severity zones
due to mitigating factors, reporting and response times, and land ownership; and.
WHEREAS, the City regularly patrols its parks and based on those patrols, finds that as of the
date of the Administrative Order dated March 27, 2025, there were no individuals camping in
its parks; and
WHEREAS, by amending the City’s camping regulations, the City’s goal is to effectively
regulate and enforce camping laws for the health and safety of all the public, including residents
who are experiencing homelessness, and to mitigate the risk of displacement of individuals by
undertaking such an amendment when there has been no camping in the parks; and
WHEREAS, for the reasons set forth above, this Ordinance is declared by the City Council to
be necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare; preserve public property for the
enjoyment and safety of all members of the public; enhance and preserve the orde rly
administration and management of public property; and preserve, protect, and prevent damage
to public resources, and the recitals above taken together constitute the City Council’s
statement of the reasons for adopting this Ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL DOES ORDAIN
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 2. AMENDMENTS TO SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 19.50
Chapter 19.50 of the San Rafael Municipal Code, entitled “Camping of Public Property” is
hereby amended as follows, with addition shown in underlined and deletions shown with
strikethrough:
Chapter 19.50 - CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
19.50.010. - Purpose.
The purposes of this chapter include but are not limited to: protecting public health, safety,
and welfare; preserving public property for the enjoyment and safety of all members of the
public; enhancing and preserving the orderly administration and management of public
property; and preserving, protecting, and preventing damage to public resources. This
chapter prohibits conduct that unreasonably interferes with the administration and lawful
uses of public property by establishing reasonable time, place, and manner conditions
related to camping on public property.
19.50.020 - Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
A. "Camp" or "Camping" means use of space on public property for living accommodation
purposes such as sleeping activities, or making preparations to sleep (including the
laying down of bedding for the purpose of sleeping), or storing personal belongings, or
using any tents or shelter or other structure or vehicle for sleeping. The above -listed
activities constitute camping when it reasonably appears, in light of all the
circumstances, that the participants, in conducting these activities, are using the area
as a living accommodation regardless of the nature of any other activities in which they
may also be engaging.
B. "Camp paraphernalia" means implements and equipment used for camping,
including tents, cots, beds, hammocks, vehicles, other temporary physical shelters,
tarpaulins, mattresses, sleeping bags, bedrolls, blankets, sheets, pillows, and
cookware or cooking equipment.
C. "Campsite" means the primary physical area of occupation of one person camping or
up to four persons camping together, inclusive of camp facilities, camp
paraphernalia, and personal property.
D. "Open space property" means any area described in San Rafael Municipal Code Section
19.10.020. The city will maintain on its public website and in hard copy at the City Clerk's
office a map of all open space property meeting this definition. “Park” means any area
described in area described in San Rafael Municipal Code Section 19.20.020(I). The
city will maintain on its public website and in hard copy at the City Clerk’s office a map
of all parks meeting this definition.
E. "Playground" means an improved outdoor area designed, equipped, and set aside for
children's play in a park or school that is not intended for use as an athletic playing field
or athletic court, and also includes any playground equipment, fall zones, surface
materials, access ramps, and all areas within and including any designated enclosure
and barriers.
F. "Public facility" means any building or structure on public property, whether secured,
unsecured, locked, unlocked, open, or enclosed, as well as any area of public
property enclosed by a locked fence.
G. "Public property" means any real property within the jurisdiction of the City of San
Rafael, which is owned, managed, or controlled by the City of San Rafael.
H. "Public right-of-way" means land which by written instrument, usage or process of law is
owned by, reserved for or dedicated to the public use for street or highway purposes, or
other transportation purposes, whether or not such land is actually being used or
developed specifically for those purposes.
I. "Public utility infrastructure" means public bathrooms or infrastructure and
equipment used to provide public utility services, including electricity, gas, water,
stormwater, telecommunications, and sanitation services.
J. "School" means any public or private institution of educational learning up to and
including grade 12.
K. "Sidewalk" means any area in the city provided for the use of pedestrians, including
planting areas, driveway approaches, and parking strips, between the public vehicular
roadway and the edge of public right-of-way bordering, fronting, or adjacent to private
real property.
L. "Store" means to put aside or accumulate for use when needed, to put for
safekeeping, or to place or leave in a location.
M. "Vehicle" means any wheeled conveyance, whether motor-powered or self- propelled,
and includes any trailer in tow of any size, kind, or description.
19.50.030 - Prohibited Camping on Certain Public Property.
A. Prohibited Camping
1. Open space property Park. No person or persons shall camp in or on any open
space property park, or portion thereof.
2. Parking garages. No person or persons shall camp in or on the premises of any
parking garage, or portion thereof, owned or operated by the city.
3. Public facilities. No person or persons shall camp in or on any public facility, or
portion thereof, or in a manner that obstructs, blocks, or otherwise interferes
with access to a public facility or private real property.
4. Playgrounds. No person or persons shall camp within 100 feet of any playground.
5. Schools. No person or persons shall camp within 250 feet of the property boundary
of any school.
6. Public right-of-way and sidewalks. No person or persons shall camp in or on any
public right-of-way or sidewalk, or portion thereof, or in a manner that obstructs,
blocks, or otherwise interferes with use of or access to a public right-of-way or
sidewalk.
B. The city council or city manager may, by resolution or administrative order,
absolutely prohibit camping, or adopt time, place, or manner conditions on
camping, at any time in or on one or more public properties, or portion thereof.
C. The city shall maintain on its public website and in hard copy at the city clerk's office
a current citywide map of all public property parcels prohibited to camping by
subsections (A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(4), (A)(5), and (B) of this section 19.50.030.
19.50.040 - Prohibited Camping on Other Public Property; Exception.
A. As to public property not listed as prohibited for camping under Section 19.50.030, no
person shall camp on such other public property, except as set forth below.
B. Time, place, and manner conditions:
1. Campsite size and occupancy.
a. No campsite occupied by one person shall exceed an area of 200 sq. ft.,
inclusive camp paraphernalia, and personal property.
b. No campsite occupied by more than one person shall i) exceed an
occupancy of four persons or ii) exceed an area of 400 sq. ft., inclusive of
camp paraphernalia, and personal property.
c. All camp paraphernalia, and other personal property shall be stored and kept
within the maximum permitted campsite area.
d. Items stored or discarded outside of the maximum permitted campsite area
shall be presumed to be unattended personal property or trash or debris and
may be stored or discarded by the city.
e. No person shall establish or occupy more than one campsite.
2. Clearance and setbacks.
a. A minimum clearance of 10 feet around all sides of any campsite allowed
under this section shall be maintained free and clear of trash, debris, and
personal property, including but not limited to camp facilities and camp
paraphernalia. Items stored or discarded within the 10-foot clearance area
shall be presumed to be unattended personal property or trash or debris and
may be stored or discarded by the city.
b. No campsite may be established or occupied within 10 feet of any other
campsite allowed by this section, public utility infrastructure, or private real
property, including a fence of such property.
c. No campsite may be established or occupied within 5 feet of the edge of
pavement of a roadway open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular
traffic.
3. Unpermitted structures and building materials. No person shall occupy, construct,
or erect on public property, or affix or tie to public or private property, any building,
shed, shack, fence, or other structure made of building material, or store any
building material on public property for camping. For purposes of this paragraph,
“building material” includes wood, steel, concrete, stone, brick, masonry, plastic,
cement composites, glass, sand, or other similar material of a type and quantity
normally used for construction purposes.
a. Exception: Fabric tents, fabric tarps, or other similar non-permanent,
removable items may be used for temporary shelter within a campsite, provided
they are not affixed or tied to any public property, private real property,
vegetation, or infrastructure, except for the use of removable stakes to secure
the item to unimproved ground on public property.
b. Exception: Removable plastic pallets or sandbags may be used to temporarily
raise a tent or other camp facility off of the ground, provided that such items are
not affixed or tied to any public property, private real property, vegetation, or
infrastructure.
19.50.050 - Violations; Enforcement.
A. In addition to enforcement as described below, the City may enforce this chapter
pursuant to chapters 1.42, 1.44, and 1.46; provided, however, that no person shall be
charged with a criminal violation unless their unlawful conduct is knowing or willful.
B. The city manager or their designee shall be responsible for enforcement of this
chapter.
C. For a violation of section 19.50.030(A)-(B), the city manager or their designee may
require the person in violation to immediately cease the prohibited camping.
D. For violation of section 19.50.040(B)(1)-(2), related to the size, occupancy, and
clearance or setbacks of a campsite, the person camping shall be given 48 hours
to come into compliance with this chapter. The city manager or their designee shall
provide upon request a physical demarcation of the allowed boundary to assist the
person camping to comply with this chapter.
E. Unpermitted structure. For a violation of section 19.50.040(B)(3), related to an
unpermitted structure, the structure shall be tagged with a notice to remove the
structure from public property within 48 hours. If the noticed structure is not removed
from public property within 48 hours of notice, the city manager or their designee may
immediately remove such structure and restore the public property.
F. Exigent Circumstances. For a violation of section 19.50.040(B)(1)-(2) whereby there
is an imminent threat to life, health, safety or infrastructure such that exigent
circumstances require immediate action, the City Manager or their designee may
require the person in violation to immediately cure the violation. The City Manager or
their designee shall provide as much advance notice as reasonable under the
circumstances.
19.50.060 - Conflict with Other Regulations.
To the extent that there is any conflict with any other provisions of this code, the standards
and regulations of this chapter shall prevail.
SECTION 3. COMPLIANCE WITH CEQA
This Ordinance was assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the
environmental regulations of the city. The City Council hereby finds that under section
15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, this Ordinance is exempt from the requirements of
CEQA because it can be seen with certainty that the provisions contained herein would not
have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It also finds the Ordinance
is exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15307 and
15308 as an action by a regulatory agency taken to protect the environment and natural
resources.
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY
Every section, paragraph, clause, and phrase of this Ordinance is hereby declared to be
severable. If for any reason, any section, paragraph, clause, or phrase is held to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or
constitutionality of the remaining sections, paragraphs, clauses or phrases, and the remaining
portions or this Ordinance shall continue in full force and effect unless amended or modified by
the city.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE AND PUBLICATION
This Ordinance shall be published once, in full or in summary form, before its final passage, in
a newspaper of general circulation, published and circulated in the City of San Rafael and shall
be in full force and effect 30 days after its adoption. If published in summary form, the summary
shall also be published within fifteen (15) days after the adoption, together with the names of
those Councilmembers voting for or against same, in a newspaper of general circulation
published and circulated in the City of San Rafael, County of Marin, State of California.
Within fifteen (15) days after adoption, the City Clerk shall also post in the office of the City
Clerk, a certified copy of the full text of this Ordinance along with the names of those
Councilmembers voting for and against the Ordinance.
THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE was first read and introduced at a regular meeting of the San
Rafael City Council on the 7th day of April 2025, and was passed and adopted at a regular
meeting of the San Rafael City Council on the 21st of April 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
________________________
Kate Colin, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
From: Melinda Cheel
Sent: Thursday, April 3, 2025 9:48 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Cristine Alilovich
<Cristine.Alilovich@cityofsanrafael.org>; John Stefanski <John.Stefanski@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli
Hill <Eli.Hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika
Llorens Gulati <maika@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Park camping ban + additional limitations
Hi,
I'm not able to attend the April 7th meeting so I am emailing to share my thoughts. As a San
Rafael homeowner and parent, I am strongly in favor of the park camping ban. I would also
like to see additional changes to the ordinance that would further limit camping
near schools, childcare centers, playgrounds, and city buildings such as libraries, City
Hall, police and fire stations.
Please keep our city safe and clean.
Thank you,
Melinda
--
Melinda Larsen
Outlook
Support Ban on Camping in Parks
From Amy Likover <>
Date Mon 4/7/2025 7:43 AM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Cristine Alilovich <Cristine.Alilovich@cityofsanrafael.org>;
John Stefanski <John.Stefanski@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel
Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <Eli.Hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati <maika@cityofsanrafael.org>
Dear Mayor Colin and Councilmembers,
Cc City Clerk Lara
We urge you to vote in favor of a ban on all camping in San Rafael's city parks at tonight's City Council
meeting.
Green spaces are precious to everyone, their wholesomeness and educational value provide an
increase in the quality of life literally by way of the environment including wild animals and health and
figuratively for rejuvenation of the spirit. These public spaces should never be compromised. City
ordinance determines the activities that allow for mutual coexistence and enjoyment, including control
of degradation, noise, cleanliness and safety. Camping compromises all of these. The filth, noise and
rowdiness associated with lack of garbage control, water latrines, community standards are unhealthy,
intimidating campers and noncampers alike. And of course, we all use these precious spaces less
because of this a loss to all of San Rafael.
Thank you for voting to ban all camping in the city's parks, taking back San Rafael's parks for all of its
residents.
Sincerely,
Amy & Joe Likover
San Rafael 94901
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Outlook
Opposition to park camping bans in San Rafael
From Alexandra Verheecke
Date Sun 4/6/2025 5:46 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Cristine Alilovich <Cristine.Alilovich@cityofsanrafael.org>;
Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <Eli.Hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati <maika@cityofsanrafael.org>
Hi All,
I’d like to share my opinion in opposition to park camping bans in San Rafael ahead of your upcoming
meeting on Monday, 4/7.
Although this issue is complex, biggest concern is simple: where are unhoused people supposed to go?
If campers are peaceful and there is not a major health/fire concern, then I don’t see the problem with
folks camping in our parks.
I am also unsure what someone who is violating a camping ordinance would do. Pay a fine? Go to
county jail? Neither of those options seems realistic, financially responsible, or ethical. This is a
massive, systemic issue that won’t be solved by a simple ban. I definitely hope that some solutions to
our housing crisis are proposed and tried, but banning camping is not a solution.
Thank you for all your work for our city and community.
Alexandra Verheecke
San Rafael and Gerstle Park Resident
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Outlook
Public Comment, April 7 City Council Meeting, Agenda Item 6b (camping ordinance)
From Bob Mittelstaedt
Date Sat 4/5/2025 8:06 AM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
As a long-time resident of San Rafael's Gerstle Park area and a member of the Homelessness Solutions
Working Group, I support the City's compassionate approach to the homelessness problem and its
desire to guard against the fire disasters that struck Los Angeles, Lahaina and elsewhere, and that
could happen here almost any day if we do not heed the obvious warnings. I offer three thoughts:
1. Ban Camping in Gerstle and Other Public Parks
I encourage the Council to adopt the staff recommendation to ban camping in Gerstle and other parks
in San Rafael.
For too long we have tempted fate by allowing camping where a single ember could destroy hundreds
of homes and disrupt thousands of lives. The recent devastation elsewhere serves as a tragic
reminder of ignoring the real fire dangers faced by our community. Our wooded areas are particularly
prime territory for wildfires. Camping has been banned for years in the Open Space bordering Gerstle
Park, and the only sensible course is to extend that ban to the contiguous, similarly wooded area of
the park itself.
2. Ban Camping in All Public Lands other than specified areas for short term exceptions.
Compassion for the homeless and a camping ban are not mutually exclusive. The City's "regional,
compassionate, and trauma-informed approach" to homelessness is the right approach. Encouraging
our homeless to sleep outdoors on streets and parks is not what I consider humane or
compassionate. For that reason, I also favor banning overnight camping on all public property in San
Rafael including City Hall, the library, etc., except for specific limited areas designated by the City on a
short-term, as needed basis. Sleeping outdoors should be the rare short term exception, not the norm
on public property.
3. Clearinghouse Services
I applaud the City for its continuing efforts to "connect unhoused residents with resources, services,
and housing opportunities." Presumably, these efforts will make our residents aware of job and
housing possibilities not just in Marin but in areas with more available jobs and more affordable
housing, As the staff report says, everyone deserves dignity, respect and a safe place to call home.
Realistically, though, San Rafael and Marin County may not be the place where each and every one can
best achieve those goals. It would be counterproductive to ignore that fact.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Finally, I commend John Stefanski, Dan Cooperman, Quinn Gardner and other members of their teams
for their leadership and balanced, sensible approach. They are a tribute to the City. Thanks also to the
other members of the Homelessness Solutions Working Group who showed that the community can
reach a consensus view on even the most contentious issues.
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Outlook
Ordinance 19.50
From carolyn colasanti <>
Date Sun 4/6/2025 12:19 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
I strongly support banning camping in city parks.
Carolyn Colasanti Bystrek
San Rafael
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
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Outlook
City Ordinance on Camping
From dorindahimes
Date Sun 4/6/2025 9:02 AM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc Cristine Alilovich <Cristine.Alilovich@cityofsanrafael.org>; John Stefanski <John.Stefanski@cityofsanrafael.org>;
Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill
<Eli.Hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Hello,
I support the new ordinance to ban camping in all San Rafael parks. I do not feel safe in Gerstle Park
(and its trail that I used to hike) due to homeless groups. And its a serious fire concern. I have lived in
Gerstle Park area for over 23 years. Please give us back a safe park.
Best Regards,
Dorinda Himes
San Rafael, CA 94901
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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Outlook
Camping in City Parks
From Emese Wood <>
Date Sun 4/6/2025 1:43 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Cristine Alilovich <Cristine.Alilovich@cityofsanrafael.org>;
John Stefanski <John.Stefanski@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel
Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <Eli.Hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Dear Members of the City Council,
I would like to express my appreciation for the Administrative Order banning camping in all San Rafael
parks, and I very much support an Ordinance change banning camping in all San Rafael parks in the
future.
From my home in Gerstle park I look into a steep hillside that is completely covered with trees. I feel
fortunate to have such a lovely natural view, but fearful, as well, knowing that these trees can now fuel
deadly wildfires. Good friends just lost their home in Pacific Palisades in the center of town. It is a
problem that is real. San Rafael and Kentfield have beautiful wildlands which enhances everyone's
experience living here, but it can be a threat as well as a treat, and we know that it takes just a
moment of carelessness to start a conflagration. We can not take that kind of risk. Please protect
Gerstle Park and San Rafael and pass the Ordinance banning camping in San Rafael parks. Unhoused
people also deserve something better in terms of permanent shelter.
Thank you,
Emese Wood
San Rafael
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Outlook
Park camping in San Rafael
From Gillian Pontes
Date Sun 4/6/2025 12:31 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
This should be banned in all parks. We have kids here!!! And families!
Gillian S. Pontes
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Outlook
Ordinance 19.50 amendment council meeting 4/7/25
From james bystrek <>
Date Sun 4/6/2025 12:41 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
i strongly support the ban on camping in ALL city parks. i also strongly support a ban on camping on any
public or private property unless that "camping" complies with existing zoning regulations. i would also
strongly support a ban on "camping" in vehicles parked on city streets.
jim bystrek
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Outlook
San Rafael Camping Ordinance
From Katie Fleet <>
Date Sat 4/5/2025 9:59 PM
To Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill
<Eli.Hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Cristine Alilovich
<Cristine.Alilovich@cityofsanrafael.org>; John Stefanski <John.Stefanski@cityofsanrafael.org>; Daniel
Cooperman <Daniel.Cooperman@cityofsanrafael.org>; End Homelessness
<endhomelessness@cityofsanrafael.org>
Dear Mayor Kate, City Council Members, City Manager’s Office, and City Clerk,
I am writing to comment on the proposed changes to the city’s camping ordinance. I had hoped to
attend the April 7th City Council meeting in person, but I will be traveling over the San Rafael City
Schools’ spring break.
First of all, thank you for approaching this issue with humanity and concern for the safety and well
being of all of San Rafael. I know this issue is complicated, contentious, and stressful for many of us,
and I appreciate your dedication to working toward solutions. I sincerely appreciate the city’s efforts to
address the root causes of homelessness and create more housing resources while protecting the
community as a whole. It is both impressive and heartening to see the city staff's diligent and tireless
work on this complex issue. I was pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Homeless
Solutions Working Group and am happy to continue to engage with all of you in whatever ways are
helpful.
I strongly support modifying the city’s camping ordinance to ban camping in all public parks. Parks
are a precious community resource to be enjoyed by everyone in our community. Fire dangers are
real and serious and camping is a major fire risk. I am so grateful that the city staff recognizes these
concerns and am grateful for the city’s many efforts to protect and enhance our parks. This is
especially important as our parks are areas where San Rafael’s diverse communities can come
together.
I also support additional camping limitations that are not reflected in the current proposed ordinance
and ask that the city staff address these issues for future ordinance modifications. I will outline the
additional limitations here, and I am more than happy to discuss these further.
Playgrounds - We currently restrict camping within 100 feet of any playground. This distance is not
significant enough to ensure that playgrounds are a safe space for children. I support changing this to
500 feet.
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Schools - We currently restrict camping within 250 feet of schools. I support moving this to 500 for
safety reasons. Other jurisdictions with limitations like this have larger buffers. For example, Los
Angeles limits camping within 500 feet of a school and San Diego’s ordinance limits camping within
two blocks of schools.
Public facilities - We currently restrict camping “in or on any public facility, or portion thereof, or in a
manner that obstructs, blocks, or otherwise interferes with access to a public facility or private real
Property.”
Being able to safely access City Hall for city services and meetings is essential. The public servants
who work for our city need to be able to get to and from their workplaces safely and these areas
should be managed with the care and respect they deserve. Children should not have to walk across
campsites so they can use our library. A crime victim seeking help from our local police should be
able to get to the police station without fear.
I understand that the current ordinance offers some protection for public buildings because it
references “interference” with public facilities. Still, I think brighter line rules are needed to keep these
facilities and the corridors to them safe, clean, and easily accessible for all. Residents need and use
city services and carving out stronger protections for them helps us all.
Thank you all very much for your service to the city and for your attention to this issue and my
comments. I hope you have a productive meeting on Monday and look forward to continued
engagement on this important issue.
Best,
Katie Fleet
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Outlook
Ordinance 19.50
From Ruth Graham
Date Sun 4/6/2025 6:27 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
I am writing to express my support for amending City Ordinance 19.50 during Monday’s City Council
meeting, to make the ban on camping in ALL city parks permanent.
Respectfully,
Ruth Graham
San Rafael, CA 94901
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Outlook
Camping Ordinance
From Sande Kiriluk
Date Sun 4/6/2025 3:26 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc Cristine Alilovich <cristine.alilovich@cityofsanrafael.org>
I am a resident of Gerstle Park and I would like the city to ban camping in parks, as well as camps too
close to schools, childcare centers and playgrounds. I am against camping in garages as well. When it
comes to Gerstle Park, I am very concerned about the possibility of fires. I hope you will consider these
concerns at Monday’s City Council meeting.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sande Kiriluk
Sent from my iPad Air
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Outlook
Homeless camping
From Ted McNeill
Date Sun 4/6/2025 3:33 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
I am writing to express my strong support for amending City Ordinance 19.50 during Monday’s City
Council meeting, to make the ban on camping in ALL city parks permanent.
Our parks are too important to our neighborhoods to cede them to transient persons who generally
display a clear disregard for their campsites’ cleanliness and safety. The parks are for the recreation of
the city’s inhabitants, not for housing the homeless. Let’s keep it that way.
Thank you.
Ted McNeill
San Rafael
Sent from my iPad
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From: Cassy Hough
Sent: Saturday, April 5, 2025 3:11 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Cristine Alilovich
<Cristine.Alilovich@cityofsanrafael.org>; John Stefanski <John.Stefanski@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor
Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill
<Eli.Hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens
Gulati <maika@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Support for ban camping in ALL parks- San Rafael camping ordinance
Dear Mayor Colin, Councilmembers, and City Clerk-
I am writing to voice my strong support to ban camping in ALL San Rafael parks Your
action would amend Chapter 19.50 of the San Rafael Municipal Code to prohibit camping
in our City parks.
As a mother of two elementary-aged children who regularly play in our local parks, a
homeowner 100 feet from Gerstle Park, a taxpayer, a voter, and yes—a proud dog mom—I
care deeply about maintaining safe, clean, and accessible public spaces for all members
of our community. While I recognize the complexities of addressing homelessness, I
believe this ordinance strikes a thoughtful and fair balance by preserving public safety
while still providing support and services to those in need through the Sanctioned Camping
Area (SCA). I'd also like to see additional limitations on camping near schools,
childcare centers, playgrounds, and city buildings like libraries, City Hall, police
and fire stations.
The City’s efforts following the implementation of Ordinance 2040 and the opening of the
SCA have clearly been effective, with a 20% drop in campsite violations and no current
encampments in parks. Formalizing the prohibition on park camping simply reinforces
what is already working and gives families like mine peace of mind when enjoying outdoor
spaces. Parks should remain welcoming and safe for children, pets, and all residents who
use them for recreation and connection.
I respectfully urge you to move forward to ensure our parks continue to be a safe, inclusive,
and vibrant part of San Rafael for years to come. Thank you for your continued service to
our community. Please confirm receipt of the email.
Warm regards,
Cassandra D. Hough
Gerstle Park, San Rafael Resident, Mother, Homeowner, Taxpayer and Voter
Cassy Hough |
From: EveSelene
Sent: Sunday, April 6, 2025 11:59 AM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Cristine Alilovich
<Cristine.Alilovich@cityofsanrafael.org>; John Stefanski <John.Stefanski@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor
Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill
<Eli.Hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens
Gulati <maika@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Ken Goudey
Subject: Support for Gerstle Park Safety Measures
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my support for the proposed ordinance to ban camping in Gerstle
Park and all other San Rafael parks. As a resident of the neighborhood, I share the
concerns expressed by many about the safety of park users, particularly regarding fire
hazards and the park’s role as a vital community resource. The temporary ban issued
earlier this year is a positive step, and I believe further action to formalize this ban will help
ensure the park remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
I urge the City Council to approve the staff recommendation and introduce the ordinance
at the meeting on April 7, 2025. I also encourage continued efforts to address the broader
concerns of safety and well-being within our community.
Thank you for considering my support, and for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
Eve Zamora and Ken Goudey
San Rafael Ca 94901
From: Sherry Jacobs
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 9:55 AM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Cristine Alilovich
<cristine.alilovich@cityofsanrafael.org>; John Stefanski <john.stefanski@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor
Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Ban Camping in City Parks
Hello:
As a homeowner in Gerstle Park for 31 years, I strongly support the Amendment to
Ordinance 19.50 which will ban camping in all City of San Rafael Parks, including Gerstle
Park.
Thank you,
Sherry Jacobs
From: Keri McNeill
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 12:57 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: City Ordinance 19.50
I am writing to express my strong support for amending City Ordinance 19.50 during
Monday’s City Council meeting, to make the ban on camping in all city parks permanent.
Our parks are valuable gathering spaces for children, families, and members of the
community. While services are indeed needed for unhoused persons within our city,
allowing camping in parks misses the mark. Our community spaces and parks need to
remain safe and welcoming places for play, not for residency.
Thank you.
Keri McNeill
San Rafael
Outlook
Fw: Homelessness Solutions Working Group - Survey Followup
From End Homelessness <endhomelessness@cityofsanrafael.org>
Date Mon 4/7/2025 2:50 PM
To Lindsay Lara <Lindsay.Lara@cityofsanrafael.org>
Daniel Cooperman | City of San Rafael
Community Services Division Director
1400 5th Avenue, Room 203
San Rafael, CA 94901
415.256.5565
Daniel.Cooperman@cityofsanrafael.org
From: debbie lawson
Sent: Sunday, April 6, 2025 10:32 AM
To: End Homelessness <endhomelessness@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Daniel Cooperman <Daniel.Cooperman@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Re: Homelessness Soluons Working Group - Survey Followup
I would greatly encourage the ordinance include all parks for no camping regulations. Justice should
be distributed equally to all parks, not just some. Parks are not for camping or homeless to reside in.
For too long the state of affairs regarding trash and eyesores caused by homeless persons have
overrun our common sense with cries of compassion and equity without a nod to the citizens who pay
for the trash pickup and abide by the rules.
Thank you for advocating for camping prohibition in ALL PARKS.
Regards,
Debbie Lawson
On Fri, Mar 21, 2025 at 12:23 PM End Homelessness <endhomelessness@cityofsanrafael.org> wrote:
Hi everyone,
Thank you all for parcipang in the Homelessness Soluons Working Group meengs. We greatly
appreciate your engagement throughout each session and over the past few months.
4/7/25, 2:50 PM Mail - Lindsay Lara - Outlook
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For those who were unable to aend on March 11, a link to the video recording of the presentaon
and Q&A poron is here: LINK TO VIDEO
During the meeng, we gathered anonymous responses on preferred changes to the City’s Camping
Ordinance 2040. There were 16 responses gathered, with the results shown in the table below.
Prohibit camping in
all San Rafael parks
Prohibit camping only
in parks located
within the Fire
Hazard Severity
Zones
No changes to the
current camping
ordinance
Other
7 4 3 2
All past Working Group meeng recordings, agendas, and presentaon slides are available on the
group’s main webpage here: hps://www.cityofsanrafael.org /homelessness-soluons-work-group/
Addionally, you can view the recent Housing & Homelessness Subcommiee Meeng at the link
here: Video Recording.
City staff will provide an update on the City’s efforts to address homelessness, including an evaluaon
of the camping ordinance, at the City Council meeng on Monday, April 7, 2025.
If you have quesons, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We will also be following up with responses
to requests for data and addional informaon. Thank you again for your parcipaon and
commitment to this important issue.
All the best,
Community Services Division
1400 5th Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
415-256-5565
endhomelessness@cityofsanrafael.org
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Outlook
Fw: Please
From Daniel Cooperman <Daniel.Cooperman@cityofsanrafael.org>
Date Mon 4/7/2025 2:56 PM
To Lindsay Lara <Lindsay.Lara@cityofsanrafael.org>
1 attachment (70 KB)
Outlook-nenbtljp.png;
Daniel Cooperman | City of San Rafael
Community Services Division Director
1400 5th Avenue, Room 203
San Rafael, CA 94901
415.256.5565
Daniel.Cooperman@cityofsanrafael.org
From: David Marioni
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 9:58 AM
To: Mayor Kate <Kate.Colin@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Daniel Cooperman
<Daniel.Cooperman@cityofsanrafael.org>; Gina Silvestri ; City Clerk
<City.Clerk2@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Re: Please
Thank you for your prompt reply Mayor Kate!
Awesome news! Thanks for ensuring my message is included!
You’re all the best!
Truly
Dave
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 7, 2025, at 9:50 AM, Mayor Kate <Kate.Colin@cityofsanrafael.org> wrote:
4/7/25, 3:01 PM Mail - Lindsay Lara - Outlook
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Hi Mr. Marioni - Thank you for including me on your email to Councilmember Kertz. I've
added the City Clerk to this response to ensure that your input is part of the public record
on this important topic.
I wanted to let you know that all City parks, including Gerstle Park, are included in the
proposed ordinance the City Council is considering. You can find the full staff report and
proposed ordinance in the April 7 Council meeng packet here:
hps://www.cityofsanrafael.org/meengs/city-council-april-7-2025-special-regular/#/tab-
agenda-packet
Appreciate your connued engagement and advocacy for your neighborhood.
Warmly,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
<Outlook-nenbtljp.png>
From:
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 9:40 AM
To: Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Mayor Kate <Kate.Colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Daniel Cooperman
<Daniel.Cooperman@cityofsanrafael.org>; Gina Silvestri
Subject: Please
Hi Rachel!
Greetings from Disneyland. We met at the last meeting in the conference room a few
months ago. I’m sorry I cannot make today’s meeting but I wanted to kindly ask the city to
consider including Gerstle park on the list of San Rafael parks that prohibit overnight
camping. We realize homelessness is a very difficult problem to solve and that everyone
deserves to have a place to rest their head at night, but our parks are not that place. On
behalf of the 36 Gerstle park neighborhood neighbors that signed my petition we thank you
for all of your hard work! San Rafael is fortunate to have you on our council!
Warm regards,
David Mariottini
San Rafael resident
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-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Angotti
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 3:09 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Ordinance19.50
I am a resident and home owner in the Gerstle Park neighborhood and frequent the park regularly. I
appreciate the plight of the homeless but absolutely don’t think they should be allowed to camp in
Gerstle Park on any other public park. I fully support making Ordinance 19.50 permanent.
Michael Angotti
Sent from my iPhone
From: Daniel Cooperman <Daniel.Cooperman@cityofsanrafael.org>
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 2:52:42 PM
To: Lindsay Lara <Lindsay.Lara@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Fw: Downtown SR
Daniel Cooperman | City of San Rafael
Community Services Division Director
1400 5th Avenue, Room 203
San Rafael, CA 94901
415.256.5565
Daniel.Cooperman@cityofsanrafael.org
From: Mark Allen
Sent: Friday, April 4, 2025 12:17 AM
To: Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Daniel Cooperman <Daniel.Cooperman@cityofsanrafael.org>; John Stefanski
<John.Stefanski@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Re: Downtown SR
Dear Mayor Kate, Daniel and John,
In looking over the staff report for the upcoming April 7th City Council meeting and came
across the following statement:
“In addition to the feedback received from the Homelessness Solutions
Working Group, staff have had many discussions with residents and business
owners regarding the City’s camping regulations over the last nine months.
The majority of those individuals indicated a preference for the City to prohibit
camping
all together.
Staff are not recommending an outright ban on camping in San Rafael”
Would you mind clarifying whether your recommendation will mean that:
1) camping will still be allowed on non-park, public land throughout the city, including
those in fire zones, and
2) that camps like those on Andersen Drive, outside the City Hall, and outside the Library
will still be allowed?
If this is the case, these camps are absolutely appalling places to put human beings and I
cannot support the City’s position on this.
The report that the San Diego County District Attorney produced in March 2022 (attached)
shows an average survival time in these camps for women of 4 years, 19 times the murder
rate in them, 130 times the assault rate, 514 times the arson rate, etc.)
It is inconceivable that this would be a recommended solution for a city located in the 8th
richest county in the United States!
On Apr 2, 2025, at 10:57 PM, Mark Allen <wrote:
Mayor Kate,
I would like to make it absolutely clear that will do everything I possibly can to help you,
this city, and its residents (of all kinds).
Kindest regards,
Mark.
<Outlook-p3g2w5gg.png>
330 West Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-4040
SanDiegoDA.com
OFFICE OF
THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO
SUMMER STEPHAN
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DWAIN D. WOODLEY
ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY
March 21, 2022 Contact: Steve Walker (619) 531-3890
For Immediate Release Tanya Sierra (619) 531-3315
En Español Barbara Medina (619) 531-3305
DA Shares First-of-Its Kind Crime Data, Proposes Three-Point
Plan to Address Intersection of Crime and Homelessness
Data Shows Homeless Far More Likely to Be Victims and Perpetrators
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today released new data about the intersection
of crime and the county’s homeless population and proposes a three-point plan to address it. Two
years of District Attorney data shows that individuals who are experiencing homelessness become
involved with the justice system as victims and perpetrators at dramatically higher rates than the rest
of the population.
Cases were analyzed where the criminal conduct met the DA’s ethical standard to file felony
charges, meaning there was proof beyond a reasonable doubt. When compared to the non-homeless
population, and there were much higher rates for individuals currently experiencing homelessness:
Robbery 175 times
Residential Burglary 183 times
Assault 130 times
Arson 514 times
Vandalism 222 times
Recidivism is a significant issue as well. Of the individuals experiencing homelessness who have
been charged with a crime and recidivated in the two-year period studied, 83% had two to four cases
filed against them, and 15% had between five and nine cases filed against them.
The data also showed individuals experiencing homelessness are victimized at higher rates than the
non-homeless population. When compared to the non-homeless population, there are higher rates of
victimization in these specific crime categories for individuals currently experiencing homelessness:
Murder 19 times
Attempted Murder 27 times
Robbery 15 times
Domestic Violence 15 times
Aggravated Assault 12 times
Elder Abuse 10 times
Sexual Assault 9 times
“Bringing humane and effective solutions to the complex and growing problem of individuals
experiencing homelessness in San Diego County requires a shared strategic plan that creates a sea
change,” said DA Stephan. “I acknowledge the many public officials, groups and individuals in our
cities and county who have been working tirelessly on this issue to bring forward many encouraging
efforts. In my role as the county’s top public safety official, my goal is to bring solutions driven by
my team’s unique experience where homelessness, mental health issues and substance use disorders
intersect with the criminal justice system. This data showing the drastically higher rates of an
individual experiencing homelessness becoming a crime victim or offender demonstrate that
homelessness is both a humanitarian and a public safety crisis that must be urgently addressed. It is
unacceptable to continue to allow individuals to languish in the throes of mental illness, drug
addiction and poverty.”
The DA released a three-point proposed plan today with the goal of preventing homeless individuals
from becoming involved in the criminal justice system by reducing the number of unsheltered people
on the street.
First, provide a proven technology solution that can identify shelter or housing space in real time
based on the needs of the individual and get that person or family to a shelter, appropriate treatment
or housing option. The DA’s plan is to partner with a tech company to create an app similar to the
one created with the Safe Shelter Collaborative, which finds shelter beds in minutes for victims of
crime attempting to escape violence. Additionally, this model will allow the county to keep real time
and accurate data regarding shelter use and availability which can help inform policy decisions
regarding future needs and investments.
Second, support the development of a 3 Tier Homeless Enhanced Legal Program (HELP). San
Diego currently operates a nationally acclaimed Homeless Court that helps clear warrants, dismiss
charges, and eliminate fines for individuals who are already engaging in services with homeless
service providers. However, there are not currently other diversion programs or collaborative courts
specifically designed to support individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and co-occuring
disorders of substance abuse and mental health. The HELP program is a 3-tier approach to assist
homeless individuals who intersect with law enforcement or the criminal justice system.
• Tier 1 will be a field authorized diversion program that focuses on low level offenses.
Successful participation will result in no charges being filed.
• Tier 2 will be a post-file diversion program that will be a specialized track of the DA
Community Justice Initiative (DA CJI) that focuses on homeless specific services. DA CJI is a
District Attorney led misdemeanor diversion program developed in 2018, similar to a program
developed by the San Diego City Attorney’s Office.
• Tier 3 is a proposal of an expanded or additional Collaborative Court addressing the
intersection of homelessness and crime for non-violent felonies and serial misdemeanants. The
goal of this collaborative court is to serve high-risk and high-need individuals experiencing
homelessness by addressing the root causes that contribute to the individual being homeless,
including mental health and substance use disorders, to build stable, healthy, and housed
individuals. The San Diego Superior Court has been a national and statewide leader in
establishing specialized collaborative courts that address specific challenges such as Veterans
Treatment Court, Drug Court, Behavioral Health Court and Reentry Court. The Court would
ultimately determine the viability of a HELP Collaborative Court.
Third, as many other states of have done, support a change in the law to allow the involuntarily
commitment of an individual for up to 72-hours based upon a finding of a psychiatric deterioration
by a licensed mental health practitioner. Under current law in California, the only way anyone can
be involuntarily held for psychiatric treatment is when the individual presents as a danger to
themselves, a danger to others, or is gravely disabled. Existing law does not allow family
members, caregivers, a public defender, a prosecutor, a court associated treatment team or law
enforcement to get a person treatment, despite the individual’s well-documented chronic history of
episodes of psychiatric deterioration. Early intervention can be life-changing for a person living
with mental illness and helps prevent the person from becoming criminal justice involved. It helps
to alleviate the number of times a person is placed on a 72-hour involuntary psychiatric hold and
can help the individual receive services, treatment, and medication.
This new proposed three-point plan builds on work already being done by the District Attorney in
the past few years to improve outcomes for people in our communities who are grappling with
mental health issues and homelessness.
Beginning in 2018, DA Stephan convened two stakeholder symposiums to address the intersection
of criminal justice, mental health, and homelessness. The results were documented in the Blueprint
for Mental Health Reform: A Strategic New Approach Addressing the Intersection of Mental
Health, Homelessness and Criminal Justice in San Diego County.
Since then, collectively with the Board of Supervisors, law enforcement, Behavioral Health
Services, and our many partners with lived experience including the National Alliance for Mental
Illness NAMI, the county has made great progress in making recommendations set forth in the
Blueprint become a reality, including Community Based Crisis Stabilization Centers, Mobile
Crisis Response Teams, De-escalation Training for more than 3,000 police officers, a 911 card for
families calling about a loved one in distress, and expanded access to Behavioral Health Court and
Mental Health Diversion.
# # #
About the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
The San Diego County DA’s Office prosecutes all felony crimes in the county and misdemeanor
crimes committed outside the City of San Diego. The office files about 40,000 criminal cases a
year and balances prosecution with numerous crime prevention programs. District Attorney
Summer Stephan leads the office of more than 1,000 dedicated employees who pursue fair and
equal justice, and support victims daily across San Diego County.
Outlook
Citycouncil meetine 4:00 April 7 Temporary ordinance on camping in City of San Rafael
From
Date Mon 4/7/2025 2:54 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc John Stefanski <John.Stefanski@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>
My concerns re camping in the City limits of ANY city is dangerous to tax paying citizens, home
owners, shops and businesses large and small (all of whom pay good taxes, of which we have
lost a lot of due to problems with the homeless campers. Instead you build high density low
income housing where we once had big tax paying businesses. With NO plans to increase
water storage to supply this high density housing. None of this makes any sense to me.
MAJOR concerns include:
1. DRUGS abound in these encampments leading to the other problems I list here:
2. FIRE, there is proof that the responsibile homeless campers start fires, you have seen that
proof in Novato, and So. California just this past year. We have had them here but not yet to
any hugh extent to cause major damage, but that will come and you will be responsible. You
cannot wait for them to start fires and then simply put them out, its is not that simple, fires
spread rapidly and many times are not caught in time stop serious damage, we need to
PREVENT THEM. Allowing non responsible tent campers in a city is NOT fire prevention.
3. CRIME, where ever these encampments are there has been increase crime and violence.
4. SEX ABUSE, Registered sex offenders, do we want that in a populated area? Parks,
public land all surround populated areas in a city. These people dont sit in their tents all day,
they wander.
5. UNSANITARY living conditions, filth, stench caused by defecating and urinating around and
near camp sight. You have seen the filth if you just take a Drive down Anderson Ave
These homeless campers do not abide by rules, they are NOT responsible people. You can
tell them not to toss their garbage and human waist in the street, they do not abide by your laws
or rules. AND you make it easy for them to NOT be responsible with all your freebees and
exemptions to laws and rules with the excuse that they are NOT responsible. Where has
common sense gone.
6. DISEASES goes along with the previous #5 issue.
7. HOME OWNERS and company owners Insurance companies are dropping home insurance
due to these hazard issues caused by Tent campers in and around the city.
8. PROPERTY VALUES have already dropped 25% in our area. This will continue to decline
as the City of San Rafael turns into another Oakland, SanFrancisco, LA slum. You are
making a pretty city by the bay a dangerous slum dump.
9. MENTALLY incompetent , should be housed with care and help, not handed out drugs.
10. Police and Fire are understaffed because our tax money goes to supply tents, cell phones,
medical, safety, lawyers for these tent campers instead of going to increase our Fire
department staff, our Police staff to protect the tax paying citizens.
There have been good alternatives to your ordinance of allowing City tent camping, you have
heard them but seem to dismiss them. Land with buildings on them that are vacant now. You
have admitted that many of these tent campers refuse to be housed, your alternative is to try to
care for them on city streets, with the freebees which only enables them to cause danger and
harm to our once peaceful community.
4/7/25, 3:00 PM Mail - Lindsay Lara - Outlook
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PLEASE hear my PLEA and Save San Rafael from further deterioration.
Pamela Heermann
4/7/25, 3:00 PM Mail - Lindsay Lara - Outlook
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Outlook
Banning camping on public land
From Rosie Brekke
Date Mon 4/7/2025 2:39 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Cristine Alilovich <Cristine.Alilovich@cityofsanrafael.org>;
Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill
<Eli.Hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>;
JohnStefanski@cityofsanRafael.org <JohnStefanski@cityofsanRafael.org>
1 attachment (3 MB)
.m4a;
Homelessness is a complex issue without easy solutions. The answer isn’t in the City of SR knowingly
introducing new problems that multiply exponentially.
Camping on all public lands must be banned. I m enclosing my interview with experienced Farmers
Insurance Broker of 42 years. . I also had a broker followup question about insurance companies being
aware of cities putting homeless in certain places causing homeowners to be evaluated too risky to be
insurable anymore. Geico is no longer insuring 94901 homeowners. It’s yourcommitment to act
responsibly & to understand broad picture & long range consequences of your actions.
Thank u, Rosemarie Brekke
Sent from my iPhone
4/7/25, 2:51 PM Mail - Lindsay Lara - Outlook
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From: Sunny Lee
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 4:00 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <Eli.Hill@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Support of No Camping at City Parks ordinance
Dear City Clerk,
Please approve the No Camping ordinance for all of the city’s public parks at the council
meeting tonight. I’m writing as a concerned resident who has witnessed firsthand the
growing number of encampments, particularly along Andersen Drive between Lindaro
Street and Irwin Street. The number of tents increases each week, and the impacts on
nearby neighborhoods have become increasingly serious.
I believe the city's current approach may be unintentionally encouraging individuals
experiencing homelessness to relocate to San Rafael from surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, residents in our neighborhood—located in close proximity to these growing
encampments—have reported numerous incidents involving theft. Construction materials
left in driveways and items stored in carports have gone missing, with security footage
showing individuals transporting these items back to nearby encampments.
We understand the complexity of the homelessness crisis and have compassion for those
affected, but we also believe public parks should remain safe, clean, and accessible for all
community members. Allowing long-term camping in these spaces compromises the
safety and well-being of families, children, and seniors who rely on parks for recreation and
peace of mind.
I urge the council to move forward with the No Camping ordinance.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sunny Lee, Southern Heights Neighborhood Association
From: Hillside Neighbors
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 4:25 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: City Council meeting 4/7/25 item 6b.
I support a BAN on all camping in city parks and the city right=of=way along Anderson Drive, item #6b.
Victoria DeWitt
San Rafael, CA 94901
From: pjthh
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 7:35 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; John Stefanski <John.stefanski@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: FW: Citycouncil meetine 4:00 April 7 Temporary ordinance on camping in City of San Rafael
I am the daughter of a New York state fireman and I can tell you he would say NEVER
should camping be allowed in City limits.
HEAR AND HEED. the professional.
Pamela Heermann
