HomeMy WebLinkAboutCED 2025 West End Block Party Temporary Street Closure____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: 07/21/2025
Disposition: Resolution 15441
Agenda Item No: 4.d
Meeting Date: July 21, 2025
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Community & Economic Development
Prepared by: Sullina D. Smith,
Senior Management Analyst
Alex Holm,
Police Lieutenant
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: 2025 WEST END BLOCK PARTY TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF FOURTH STREET
(BETWEEN F AND G STREETS) IN SAN RAFAEL FOR THE 2025 WEST END BLOCK
PARTY ON SELECT FRIDAY EVENINGS FROM AUGUST 15 THROUGH OCTOBER
10, 2025 (8/15, 8/22, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the temporary closure of Fourth
Street (between F and G Streets) in San Rafael for the 2025 West End Block Party on select Friday
evenings from August 15 through October 10, 2025 (8/15, 8/22, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10).
BACKGROUND:
The West End Block Party (WEBP) evolved from the City of San Rafael (City) and the Downtown San
Rafael Business Improvement District’s (BID) successful “Dining Under the Lights” program, launched in
2020 to support downtown businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. That initiative transformed
downtown into a vibrant destination with socially distanced outdoor dining, live music, and partial street
closures on Thursday and Friday evenings.
Building on that success, with the support of the City, the BID introduced the WEBP in 2022 as a recurring
special event held on Fourth Street between F and G Streets, Thursday and Friday evenings from May
through October of 2022. The Pint Size Lounge served as the event host, providing programming and
management, while the BID supported the event with insurance, marketing, and logistics. The City then
permitted the event through a streamlined process authorized under its emergency order.
While the 2022 WEBP proved popular with attendees, nearby residents expressed concerns related to
noise, event frequency, restrooms, and litter. After residents brought these concerns to the City Council,
the Council directed staff to collaborate with neighbors and organizers to identify improvements to
address the residents’ concerns.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Subsequently, in 2023, City staff collaborated with the WEBP event team to establish revised operating
standards based on a community survey that garnered over 800 responses. Event modifications included
reducing the event to Friday nights only, limiting event hours, increasing restroom access, and
implementing a structured noise monitoring plan in coordination with the Department of Public Works and
the San Rafael Police Department. Notably, there were no formal noise complaints or reports of major
incidents following the implementation of the revised operating standards in the 2023 season.
The WEBP event returned in 2024 under the same revised operating model, which continued to
demonstrate positive outcomes, with consistent attendance and no significant issues reported.
The City received a Special Event Permit application from the Pint Size Lounge to host the WEBP, an
eight-part summer concert series proposed for select Friday evenings from August 15 through October
10, 2025 (8/15, 8/22, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10). The event would take place on Fourth Street,
between F and G Streets, and operate from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Street closures would be in effect from
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm to facilitate setup and breakdown.
The proposed 2025 event series will follow the same operating format successfully implemented in 2023
and 2024, which addressed prior neighborhood concerns. Estimated attendance is approximately 150
people per event. Each evening will feature amplified live music, along with beer and wine service. Noise
levels will be managed through periodic decibel monitoring, which will be coordinated with the Police
Department.
Special Event Permit Review Process
As part of the City’s Special Event Permit process, an interdepartmental team reviews applications. The
team includes representatives from Police, Fire, Public Works, Community and Economic Development,
Library and Recreation, Parking Services, and Risk Management. The required components of the
application include a certificate of insurance indemnifying the City, a site and traffic map, and a detailed
operations plan.
The potential negative impacts of the WEBP event will be addressed through the conditions outlined in
the Special Event Permit. These conditions include assigning a police officer to the event to ensure the
event organizers respond promptly to any concerns that may arise. This is a standard requirement by the
City for special events that involve large gatherings, especially those that serve alcohol or may generate
noise. Other conditions of the permit include limits on noise levels, litter management, and restroom
requirements. In addition, the City has received a request for an exception to the Noise Ordinance (SRMC
Chapter 8.13) to permit amplified music at the WEBP. After reviewing the request, if the City Council
approves the street closure for this event, the Director of Community and Economic Development will
approve the noise ordinance exception permit, subject to conditions that will help minimize impacts to the
neighborhood.
These permit conditions are consistent with those implemented in prior years and have proven effective
in minimizing impacts to the neighborhood.
Temporary Street Closure Authorization
Under California Vehicle Code section 21101(e) the City Council may adopt a resolution temporarily
closing a portion of any street for celebrations, parades, local special events, and other purposes when,
in the opinion of local authorities having jurisdiction or a public officer or employee that the local authority
designates by resolution, the closing is necessary for the safety and protection of persons who are to use
that portion of the street during the temporary closing.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
ANALYSIS:
Based on the continued success of the 2023 and 2024 WEBP events that implemented revised operating
standards and City staff’s intention to incorporate these standards into conditions of approval for the
WEBP’s 2025 Special Event Permit, Police Department staff recommends that the City Council adopt a
resolution authorizing the temporary closure of streets in San Rafael for the 2025 West End Block Party.
If the City Council approves the resolution, staff will finalize the Special Event Permit application and
proceed with coordinating the event with the applicant and City departments to ensure the event runs
smoothly and complies with all permit conditions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated fiscal impact on the City to support the eight street closures, which include the time spent
by Parking Services, Police Department staff, and Public Works equipment and staff time, amounts to
approximately $11,000, or about $1,375 per event. As in previous years, this cost will be absorbed by
the respective departments’ budgets for fiscal year 2025-26. Staff recommends continuing support for
this event, as in previous years, since it generates economic activity in the downtown area. Additionally,
staff are developing a formal application process for fee reductions and waivers for future events.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
As part of the City’s Noise Ordinance Exception Permit process, City staff mailed a public notice on June
18, 2025, to property owners within 300 feet of the proposed event location, in accordance with San
Rafael Municipal Code Section 8.13.060. The notice informed neighboring property owners of the
applicant’s request for an exception to the City’s Noise Ordinance, which would allow amplified music for
the West End Block Party on select Friday evenings from August 15 through October 10, 2025. It
included instructions on how to review the application, contact City staff for more information, and submit
public comments before the date of consideration for permit action approval. The public notice also noted
that the event would require the issuance of a Special Event Permit and approval of the road closure,
which the City Council would review on July 21, 2025. Included in this staff report as Attachment 2 is the
correspondence received by the City as of July 16, 2025. Overall, the majority of comments received
were in support of the event, while a smaller number opposed it and raised concerns that had been
previously expressed by the community, including, but not limited to, noise, event frequency, and
sanitation.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Adopt the resolution as presented.
2. Adopt the resolution with modifications.
3. Direct staff to return with more information.
4. Take no action.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the temporary closure of Fourth
Street (between F and G Streets) in San Rafael for the 2025 West End Block Party on select Friday
evenings from August 15 through October 10, 2025 (8/15, 8/22, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10).
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Correspondence
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF FOURTH STREET (BETWEEN F AND G STREETS) IN
SAN RAFAEL FOR THE 2025 WEST END BLOCK PARTY ON SELECT FRIDAY
EVENINGS FROM AUGUST 15 THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2025 (8/15, 8/22, 9/5, 9/12,
9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10)
WHEREAS, the San Rafael City Council has determined that it is in the best interests of
the public health and safety to implement a modified Traffic Plan and Road Closure for
certain special events in San Rafael and nearby neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, after reviewing plans for the proposed 2025 West End Block Party, City staff
has determined and recommended that, in the interest of the safety and welfare of
pedestrian and auto traffic in the downtown area, the streets should be temporarily closed
to vehicle traffic for the dates and locations as specified in the Staff Report accompanying
this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the specific time periods for the temporary closures described in the Staff
Report shall be as determined by the City staff in consultation with the Police Department,
and staff shall give timely notice to the public of those time periods by signage and/or
other appropriate means.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby authorizes as
follows:
1. That all the above findings are true and correct; and
2. That pursuant to the authority of Vehicle Code section 21101(e), for the safety and
protection of persons, both pedestrians and vehicle drivers, the City Council
hereby authorizes the temporary closure of the listed streets for the locations and
dates described in the Staff Report accompanying this Resolution.
I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of San Rafael, held on Monday, the 21st day of July 2025, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers:
NOES: Councilmembers:
ABSENT: Councilmembers:
_________________
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
From: David Brown
Sent: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 5:26 PM
To: Sullina Smith <sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: West End Block Party 2025 Noise Permit
Hi Sullina,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the noise permit.
I live a block from where the West End Block Party takes place and know how many people
in the community look forward to it. I have had at least half a dozen people ask me if it will
be running this year and I hope you'll pass it.
In the past there were a few folks that complained about the noise. I get it but it is only for a
couple of hours and just a couple of months - yet so many people get together in a way no
other event on the West End can do.
I always meet new people and it is one of the best programs I'm aware of to develop
community spirit and belonging. This program is loved and used by 100's of people -
possibly into the 1k+ when you add up all the events.
Please approve the noise ordinance. It's important to the San Rafael community.
Sincerely,
David Brown
Chief Customer Officer
Sentia AI
Sentia Twitter
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From: West End
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 8:47 AM
To: Sullina Smith <sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: West End Block Party 2025 Noise Permit
Hello,
We are in support of the West End Block Parties on all listed dates. We have no issue with
the amplified music.
Thank you,
Diane Frye
West End Animal Center
From:
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 12:17 PM
To: Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Sullina Smith
<sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: My Opposition to the Live Bar Events This Summer
Good afternoon:
I wanted to express my opposition to the live bar events scheduled August 15th-October10th on 4th
Street. It is my understanding that Adam Violante, owner of The Pint bar has filed an application to host 8
amplified outdoor concerts outside his bar The Pint this summer.
This establishment is already a public nuisance each night with its drunken, shouting patrons spilling out
onto the street, vomiting and peeing in our bushes, music blasting. The police respond to complaints
every week. Giving Mr.s Violante a permit to invite more of this to our neighborhood is irresponsible and
does nothing to amplify or promote San Rafael as a liveable or family-friendly destination, nor does it help
the local businesses. Rather, it invites more "bar crawlers" who get stinking drunk, start fights, scream
and yell up and down the street at all hours, vomit and pee on property, and upset the quality of life we
expect in our West End neighborhood.
I live on the corner of G Street and 4th, and my unit faces The Pint. I see and hear firsthand the
disregard this bar owner has for this neighborhood as he never makes any effort to keep his patrons
inside the bar or to keep the music down. I'm sure I am not alone in my opposition to this permit. I know
many neighbors have regularly complained about the noise as well.
I sincerely hope you will reconsider issuing Mr. Violante his permit to host these 8 "amplified" outdoor
concerts for the good of preserving the integrity and quality of life and property in our beloved San Rafael
neighborhood.
With gratitude,
Deborah Roger
From:
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2025 12:43 PM
To: Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Sullina Smith
<sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>; Micah Hinkle <Micah.Hinkle@cityofsanrafael.org>; City Attorney
<city.attorney@cityofsanrafael.org>; Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: DENY West End Block Party Permit
Dear Mayor Kate and Councilmember Hill,
(Please redact my name from the public record version of this email)
Thank you for your service to our community. I appreciate all of your work on affordable
housing and solutions to the crisis of our unhoused community.
This email is not about that.
I write to urge you to DENY the West End Block Party noise permit.
This series of 8 consecutive Friday concerts, ending at the now later time of 10PM are an
unreasonable infringement upon my rights to freedom in my own home. From my location,
I cannot be in my house while the concerts are happening - I cannot have friends over,
cannot watch/hear a movie and cannot sleep. I cannot hear myself think. They are that
loud.
Since moving here two years ago, we have taken our dogs and left our house every Friday,
which, for two people in the helping professions, is stressful after a long work week.
In prior correspondence with city officials, I was told that you provided an online survey of
the neighborhood, with 800 people responding. There are not 800 people residing in the
immediate area. The survey was shared far and wide with bar patrons and supporters.
Therefore, Its results are moot.
I have also been told that this event originated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when
indoor gatherings were not permitted nor safe, and that there were 45 events then. I
understand that 8 is less than 45, but we are no longer in the pandemic and our city
abounds with indoor concert spaces which follow all City of San Rafael laws for noise
mitigation, etc., and there are a handful of parks which would be more suitable outdoor
venues.
During the pandemic, many of us followed recommendations to wear masks, socially
isolate and even wipe down our groceries before putting them away. Those are no longer
the recommendations, and those are no longer common practice. Therefore, I ask you to
please update your thinking and planning around this event to pre-pandemic norms.
I hope that you will respect and honor the group of immediate neighbors adversely
impacted by this event.
Sincerely,
“
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that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Access to this email by anyone other than the addressee is
prohibited without prior approval. Please note that electronic communications cannot be considered either private or confidential, although
every effort will be made to provide the highest security in sending/receiving and storage of your communications. If you received this email
transmission in error, please notify the sender by reply email or by telephone and delete the transmission.
From:
Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2025 7:43 PM
To: Micah Hinkle <Micah.Hinkle@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli
Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofsanrafael.org>; Sullina Smith
<sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>; Distrib- City Clerk
<city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: No Permit Variance - West End Block Party
Hello,
(Please redact my name from the public record)
I had the pleasure of speaking with someone in the Community Development office
yesterday.
At the end of our conversation, she asked me if I'd approached the bar owner to speak with
him about my concerns.
This took me aback and got me thinking - were I attempting to host an event which I knew
would impact my neighbors, I would go and speak to my neighbors in advance and get
buy-in. This would be the most responsible and neighborly way to approach the situation -
especially given the years long history of discord over this event (which predates my move
here).
Needless to say, this has not happened.
I hope that you will consider this lack of buy-in and deny the permit.
Sincerely,
“
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information
that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Access to this email by anyone other than the addressee is
prohibited without prior approval. Please note that electronic communications cannot be considered either private or confidential, although
every effort will be made to provide the highest security in sending/receiving and storage of your communications. If you received this email
transmission in error, please notify the sender by reply email or by telephone and delete the transmission.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gary
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2025 11:39 AM
To: Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Sullina Smith
<sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Protect our West End Neighborhood!
I’m writing in response to an hysterical screed that was deposited at my home yesterday, demanding the
cancelation of the Summer street concerts on Fourth Street. I have attended these events for several
years, and have never witnessed anything other than a well-behaved crowd dancing and enjoying the
fine local musical talent. I sympathize with the handful of people who live nearby and want to go to bed
early on Friday night, but events like this (as well as tonights Farmers Market) are what make San Rafael
such a wonderful, vibrant place. I have never had to step over vomit, or had anyone urinate on my yard
(I live three blocks away), but if these things occur, those individuals should be held accountable, not the
vast majority of responsible music fans. Please kindly, politely tell these rabble rousers to pound sand.
Please have this read into the record for the next city council meeting.
Thanks,
Local Music Lover
From: Gib Dyer
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2025 10:18 AM
To: Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Sullina Smith <sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Please Support West End Block party!
Hi all, I hope you are the most appropriate group to reach out to on this matter, and if there
are others please let me know.
My wife and I moved to San Rafael from Greenbrae 2 years ago because we were so excited
about what the city has to offer. Particularly through all its restaurants and vibrant events,
the West End Block Party and Under The Lights being our favorites. We have been
saddened to watch these events get cut back, especially while surrounding towns are
ramping up!
I am a strong believer that events such as these bring the community together in an
amazing way that is a win/win for all. Restaurants and bars prosper, which brings life and
energy to the neighborhood, which brings needed funds that are used to help San Rafael
prosper through beneficial programs that help clean the neighborhoods and help those in
need. As a resident in this great city those are the two most important issues that can lift
San Rafael to the next level. We are seeing great headways with new restaurants, as well
as the commitment by Marriott to build a fashionable hotel in the heart of our city.
I understand there is one individual who is pushing back and seems to be succeeding. Not
yet even having had an event this summer is inexcusable to progress. He has littered our
city with pamphlets which is full of lies - it is so disappointing to have to fight those
within. I hope you are hearing from others who strongly support these wonderful events,
and agree with the view that these HELP our city and make it a wonderful place to live.
I am therefore writing to you to share my support that the exemption to the noise permit be
GRANTED on July 7th.
Thank you for your consideration and please let me know if there is anything I can do to
help.
Thank you,
-Gib Dyer
Gib Dyer
From: Jack Hunt
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2025 11:57 AM
To: Sullina Smith <sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: West end block party noise permit
Dear Sullina Smith
As adjacent property owners to the proposed event we wish to say that we have no problem with the
noise or event and hope that the permit is granted
We do request that ample porta-potties for the crowd are required and supplied by those granted the
permit as we have had numerous incidents of event goers urinating on our property and their animals
leaving solid waste in the past
We also request that those granted the permit are responsible and have the means to clean up the
neighborhood after the event. This would include both human and pet waste on both public and
adjacent private properties
In the past we have had to clean up this mess ourselves and it is unpleasant to say the least
Thank you for your consideration
Sincerely yours
Jack Hunt lll
Jack L Hunt Automotive
Sent from my iPhone
From: J S
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:28 PM
To: Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Sullina Smith
<sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Please chooze in favor of live summer evenings music concerts
Dear Mayor, City Council, and representatives:
I am strongly in favor that the City approve Adam Volante's (spelling?) permit to host
summer evening concerts on 4th street. I have lived in the west end on Latham street for
over 15 years and I have enjoyed past year's live concerts as a demonstration of how the
City of San Rafael is an inviting community to live. I observe that the City of San Anselmo
has also chosen in favor of live concerts.
An unknown person alleging she/he lives in the "West End" neighborhood has hand-
delivered hostile flyers that promote banning summer evening's concerts currently under
consideration with the City. This person who did not Identify themself, made unsupported
allegations about sanitation, traffic, "noise," etc without citing any police reports, and
without citing any specific citizen reports. Her/his flyer complained that "an unelected"
community development director will be reviewing a recommending permit to the City
Council. Not everyone can be "elected" and some officials are appointed as it should be.
People who don't want live concerts may wish to move to Afghanistan where music is
banned under penalty of dismemberment or death.
-jason
Life is brief
create something
to celebrate
From: J S
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:22 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Please imclude in the City Council meetings
Dear City Council,
I am strongly in favor that the City approve Adam Volante's (spelling?) permit to host
summer evening concerts on 4th street. I have lived in the west end on Latham street for
over 15 years and I have enjoyed past year's live concerts as a demonstration of how the
City of San Rafael is an inviting community to live. I observe that the City of San Anselmo
has also chosen in favor of live concerts.
An unknown person alleging she/he lives in the "West End" neighborhood has hand-
delivered hostile flyers that promote banning summer evening's concerts currently under
consideration with the City. This person who did not Identify themself, made unsupported
allegations about sanitation, traffic, "noise," etc without citing any police reports, and
without citing any specific citizen reports. Her/his flyer complained that "an unelected"
community development director will be reviewing a recommending permit to the City
Council. Not everyone can be "elected" and some officials are appointed as it should be.
People who don't want live concerts may wish to move to Afghanistan where music is
banned under penalty of dismemberment or death.
-jason
Sent from Jason's earthly plane
Life is brief
create something
to celebrate
From: Brett Walker
Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2025 8:18 AM
To: Sullina Smith <sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: PLAN25-058 West End Block Party 2025
Good Morning:
I am writing in support of the West End Block Party and the noise exception currently being
reviewed. I live within the noticing radius less than one block from the street closure area
and one block from the music stage area. The music event along with the skateboarding
provides an enjoyable gathering space for residents and visitors. The proposed hours on
Friday nights are reasonable and will not result in a nuisance. Residents that are opposed
to the event need to realise that they chose to live in close proximity to San Rafael's "main
street" and events and associated noise should be expected. These types of events are
good for the community and the vitality of downtown San Rafael.
Sincerely,
Jerome Walker
From: Karen A.
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 10:38 AM
To: Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: west end block party music is ok with me
Hi,
I manage Dharma Trading Co. I am not open during the music, so I can't speak to the
volume, but I haven't experienced excessive litter or nuisances. I support live music, and
the community it fosters.
Karen Arko
--
Karen Arko
Operations Manager
Dharma Trading Retail Store
Open Tues-Sat 10-5 for indoor retail
From: Lisa Winston
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2025 3:41 PM
To: Sullina Smith <sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: West End Block Party 2025 Noise Permit
UGH... not happy about these.
Do they have to run into October?
How about just August & September and every other Friday?
--
Lisa j Winston
4. Sanitation Issues
These events have led to repeated incidents of public urination and vomiting near my
property. Litter and garbage bags are often left behind, with city cans overflowing and
debris scattered along the block. It’s unpleasant, unsanitary, and deeply disrespectful to
the residents who live here year-round.
5. Concerns About Process
I am also troubled by the approval process. The decision to issue a permit falls solely to the
Community Development Director, an unelected official, and the City Council’s role
appears limited to reviewing the outcome after the fact. This feels undemocratic and
leaves residents with little opportunity for meaningful input—especially when past
feedback and suggestions have gone largely ignored. Ideas like acoustic performances,
fewer events, or shuttle systems have been offered, yet no changes have been made.
I respectfully urge you to deny the West End Block Party application. The disruptions it causes
far outweigh the benefits, particularly for those of us who live directly in its path. Please consider
the lived experience of residents like me when making this decision.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Mitch Brown
From: Mark Bruce
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 3:32 PM
To: Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: West End Music concern
Hi Eli,
I want to voice my concern about the proposed permitting of the 8 music concerts taking place btw
F and G st on 4th. I have endured these concerts for the last few years (I live on 4th and G) and
while I do appreciate the spirit and intent, my concern is the frequency (8 shows every Friday) and
the lateness (allowing music to be played loudly until 10 pm) is quite alarming. I have a young son
that I wont be able to put to sleep and our evenings would be overwhelmed by the loudness and
chaos outside. Some of the bands are pretty good IMO but some just play loud and obnoxious
music. The frequency needs to be more limited and def not allowed past 9pm.
Thank you,
Mark
From: Melody Davis
Sent: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 5:15 PM
To: Sullina Smith <sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Notice of Review: West end block party
Hello San Rafael CED,
As a resident who lives close enough to this location as to receive a notice, I would like to
say that I support this event.
It's a highly attended event that brings people downtown. Now that it's expanded to other
activities such as the skateboarding, it gives us attendees more to do than buy beer. (I'd
love even more local businesses representing!)
As the downtown street events dwindle down after covid, it's super important that we keep
alive the ones that are highly attended.
The noise stops by the time it's supposed to. Signs are clearly posted that the road is
closed. The buses know to reroute.
Those that complain seem to forget that they most likely chose their place of residence
based on the walkability to downtown and the excitement it brings.
Please keep this. ...and make it even better!
Thank you,
Melody Davis
From:
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2025 12:55 PM
To: director@downtownsanrafael.org <director@downtownsanrafael.org>
Cc: Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati <maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel
Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Heqds up on the West End Block Party
Sarah and the City,
You know that I don’t bother you with trivial concerns, or rag at you without offering reasonable ideas.
FYI the anti- block Party folks are very organized and determined this yr. Se e attached flier distributed to
houses all over the ‘hood. They have legitimate concerns which have not been successfully addressed
either by Adam or other parties involved.
There are also other factors that will affect the event:
1. The restaurant is gone. There is no food provided, which changes the crowd from a % of family sit-down
folks to all dancers and drinkers. If he chooses to find food vendors to replace the gone restaurant, or the
folks bring their own, trach will be a major issue. Trash cans must be prominently placed to tale this up.
As neighbor businesses, trash is not good for us either.
2. The issue of urination on lawns is a big one. I was at a meeting when port-o-potties were agreed upon.
THEY HAVE NEVER SHOWN UP. Two or three in front of the old used car lot and maybe two more very
visible behind the band would be good.
3. I would suggest that the city be pro-active on this by having bike patrols cruising the areas around the
event to observe and ticket people peeing or vomiting on people’s lawns, at least in the last hour of the
event and afterward.
4. The noise question is a very big one. I have offered ideas on this before. As a former technical director
for indoor and outdoor theatre, I know a little about sound control. Ther are things you can do.
5. These conditions have to in a written contract with Adam. Not a verbal agreement.
A. By contract, much like a recording session rather than a band gig, ALL the instruments and
mics need to go through the central mixing board, and the operator has to actively control the
levels, not just watch it go red-line (too loud) with a beer in his hand.
B. The city needs to have an official attending the event with the authority to pull the plug and
shut it down if he does not comply. You will only have to do this once. He will think about it for
about 5 minutes, turn it back on with lower volume and go with the program or not.
C. He (and you) could consider other kinds of music. There is NO outdoor classical or jazz event
in a street party atmosphere like we have here. Those people eat and drink as well.
The Rebound Bookstore loves the event for the families it brings but does not want to have it hurt
you politically through his non-compliance.
From: Terri Cummings
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2025 9:22 AM
To: Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; katecolin@cityofsanrafael.org; Sullina Smith
<sullina.smith@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: West End Neighborhood party
Hello,
My husband and I live on Latham St in San Rafael 1 block away from the Pint Size lounge
and have lived here for about 30 years. We are in complete support of the planned block
parties. I have never witnessed any bad behavior. All I see is some neighbors coming
together to listen to some music, have a few drinks and celebrate our wonderful West End
neighborhood. San Rafael has problems with homelessness, vagrants, empty storefronts
but this weekly get together is not one of them. It’s a nice peaceful gathering and the best
thing that San Rafael has done in years. Please don’t let a few old grouchy nay sayers take
it away from us. Approve it and let us have a little harmless fun.
Thank you
Terri Cummings