HomeMy WebLinkAboutCED Annual Winter Wonderland Event Street Closure____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: November 3, 2025
Disposition: Resolution 15471
Agenda Item No: 4.c
Meeting Date: November 3, 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: ANNUAL WINTER WONDERLAND EVENT STREET CLOSURE
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF FOURTH STREET
(BETWEEN B STREET AND LOOTENS PLACE) AND A STREET (BETWEEN JULIA
STREET AND THE PARKING ENTRANCE ON A STREET) IN DOWNTOWN SAN
RAFAEL ON NOVEMBER 29, 2025, FOR THE ANNUAL WINTER WONDERLAND
EVENT
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the temporary closure of Fourth
Street (between B Street and Lootens Place) and A Street (between Julia Street and the Parking Entrance
on A Street) in Downtown San Rafael on November 29, 2025, for the Annual Winter Wonderland event.
BACKGROUND:
The Annual Winter Wonderland event is a long-standing San Rafael tradition that marks the start of the
holiday season and brings thousands of residents and visitors to Downtown each year. The event
continues to be one of San Rafael’s signature community celebrations, featuring entertainment and
family-oriented activities that contribute to a vibrant and welcoming downtown.
The City of San Rafael has historically supported the event through logistical coordination and facilitation
of street closures. In 2025, the City will continue to play that role to ensure the event is safely and
effectively managed.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21101(e), a local authority may, by resolution, temporarily close
portions of public streets for celebrations, parades, or local special events when such closures are
necessary to protect the safety of participants and the public. Adoption of the proposed Resolution will
authorize the necessary street closures for this year’s event.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
ANALYSIS:
The proposed closures are consistent with those authorized by the City Council in prior years for this
event. The event format, timing, and logistics remain substantially similar to those previously approved,
reflecting a proven operational model. Temporary closures are necessary to accommodate pedestrian
circulation, event operations, and public safety needs.
The following street segments will be closed on Saturday, November 29, 2025, between approximately
8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. to allow for event setup, operations, and breakdown:
•Fourth Street between B Street and Lootens Place
•A Street between Julia Street and the Parking Entrance on A Street
City departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, and Parking Services, have reviewed the
proposed street closure plan and determined that the closures are appropriate and necessary.
Appropriate barricades, detour signage, and staffing will be in place to ensure safety and maintain
emergency access.
The City’s coordination of these closures supports the continued success of one of San Rafael’s most
visible and well-attended community events, fostering civic pride and economic activity downtown.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated in-kind City cost to support the temporary street closures, which includes staff time from
the Police Department, Parking Services, and Public Works, is approximately $3,000. Consistent with
past years, these costs will be absorbed within existing departmental budgets for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
The event generates significant economic and community benefits, drawing visitors to local businesses
and contributing to a strong sense of community connection during the holiday season.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
City staff will coordinate outreach with Downtown businesses and property owners to provide advance
notice of street closures, detours, and parking restrictions. Public information will also be available on the
City’s website to ensure the community is informed before the event.
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 B Street and Lootens Place) and A Street (between Julia Street and the Parking Entrance
on A Street) in Downtown San Rafael on November 29, 2025, for the Annual Winter Wonderland event.
ATTACHMENTS:
1.Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 15471
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY
CLOSURE OF FOURTH STREET (BETWEEN B STREET AND LOOTENS PLACE) AND A
STREET (BETWEEN JULIA STREET AND THE PARKING ENTRANCE ON A STREET) IN
DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL ON NOVEMBER 29, 2025, FOR THE ANNUAL WINTER
WONDERLAND EVENT
WHEREAS, the Annual Winter Wonderland event is a long-standing community event featuring
entertainment and family-friendly activities in Downtown San Rafael; and
WHEREAS, temporary street closures are necessary to accommodate event setup, operations,
and public safety; and
WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Section 21101(e) authorizes a local authority to temporarily
close streets for parades or local events when such closures are necessary for the safety and
protection of participants and the public; and
WHEREAS, City staff, including Police, Fire, Public Works, and Parking Services, have reviewed
the proposed street closure plan and determined that the closures are appropriate and necessary;
and
WHEREAS, the street closures will occur on Saturday, November 29, 2025, between
approximately 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., and staff shall provide public notice of the closures
through signage and 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 granted under California Vehicle Code Section 21101(e),
and in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare, 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 3rd day of November 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk