Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Nov. 23, 2024

150th anniversary is very significant for San Rafael

I am a retired archaeologist and historian living in San Rafael. I was born and raised here. I do a lot of local historical research on the city and Marin County.

Over the last year, while researching early railroad history in San Rafael, I found that the city was incorporated on Feb. 18, 1874, the same year that the second railroad in the county entered San Rafael from Junction, which was later renamed San Anselmo. This was the North Pacific Coast Railroad.

That makes 2024 the 150th anniversary of that incorporation. It is a reminder that San Rafael is one of the oldest cities in California. City officials have said they are planning a celebration. They should. It is an important anniversary.

Many events, projects, construction and population changes have occurred over the last 150 years. In 1874, the population of San Rafael was just somewhat more than 850. Today, it is nearly 60,000.

Milestones like this only come along occasionally, often not in a person’s lifetime. I hope city officials take the opportunity to talk about the city’s accomplishments, its changes and even its failures. I think it would be valuable to expound on the rich history of the city.

I’m told plans for a future celebration will be on the city’s website, social media accounts and its email newsletter. I commend the city on this effort and eagerly look forward to seeing what they develop to commemorate this auspicious year for San Rafael.

As a San Rafael citizen, I believe it is an important event to celebrate. Happy birthday, San Rafael.

— Michael Polk, San Rafael

Santa Cop for kids is in need of donations

Holiday shoppers can now add something else to their lists. It’s that time of year to share a little happiness with less fortunate children in parts of Marin County. I urge you to connect with the Marin Santa Cop program. Children from infants to age 12 benefit. Some of the donated items needed include books, toys, games and dolls. The program began in 2000 thanks in part to the San Rafael police and fire departments.

This year, Santa Cop runs until Dec. 31. You can contribute by visiting the Kentfield and San Rafael fire stations, or other participating fire departments in Marin County. Look for the barrels and leave donated items unwrapped. Volunteers will organize the gifts based on age and gender preferences before they are wrapped and delivered. The best part of Santa Cop is watching the kids’ smiling faces.

— Ron Naso, Kentfield

Some arguments against bikers on Tam go too far

I am writing in response to George Forman’s recently published letter in opposition to more bike access on Mount Tamalpais trails. He writes that bicycles pose a clear and present danger to walkers on “steep, curving single-track trails.” My experiences suggest that a hike on some of the county’s more challenging single-track multiuse trails would be educational.

For one thing, hikers are rarely found on truly steep walking trails. On a recent beautiful weekend, I was out for a great ride that started near Samuel P. Taylor State Park. It took me on a number of sections of narrow, steep single-track trail up to Mount Barnaby. Over the miles of trail that I rode, I did not see a single hiker.

In China Camp State Park, there are a number of single-track multiuse trails. Equestrians, hikers and cyclists all share those wonderful trails with very few negative encounters. “Share the trail” is the byword. For the most part, all users understand trail etiquette and collaborate to ensure that everyone may enjoy their time outside.

As a China Camp trail maintenance volunteer, I work with a crew of other volunteers who continually do the work needed to ensure these trails are kept in good shape and proper erosion controls are in place.

A little courtesy and common sense go a long way toward ensuring that everyone can enjoy this beautiful place we live in.

— Tom Short, San Rafael

EIR needed before making Mount Tam bike decision

I am confused about why a lawsuit was needed to prod the Marin Municipal Water District to do an environmental impact review before implementing a program to open trails on Mount Tamalpais to bikes (“Marin judge issues tentative ruling in Mount Tam cycling suit,” Nov. 8). I am even more confused about why bike advocates are so strongly opposed to the study.

MMWD’s stated mission is “manage the lands, water, and facilities in our trust to provide reliable, high-quality water and adapt and sustain these precious resources for the future.”

Recreational use of these lands is a privilege, not an entitlement. Bicyclists, as well as those who travel on the mountain by foot (40% of the recreational users are hikers), have a responsibility to respect and participate in MMWD’s stewardship of these lands.

There are areas on the mountain with sensitive habitats where no humans should go. There are areas where erosion degrades the trail system and threatens water quality. There are areas where conflicts between walkers and wheeled vehicles are dangerous. Bicyclists should welcome the opportunity to identify where they can responsibly exercise their sport and how they can help preserve this priceless mountain for future generations.

— Shirley Fischer, San Rafael

Use Northgate theaters as performing arts venue

As a retired theater planner and designer, I believe that Marin County officials have an opportunity at Northgate mall to rehabilitate the recently vacated movie theater complex as a live performance venue (“Northgate theater closes, raising questions about housing plan,” Nov. 13).

Doing so will require a relationship between public officials and a private developer. They must regain the existing raw space, then create additional stage and seating capacity. If feasible, a theater with 750 to 900 seats would address the requirements of ballet, dance and symphony organizations, as well as popular music. Current venues like the Blue Note Napa and the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center are similarly sized.

As a consultant, I was on the team that struggled mightily with the Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium. I consider it to be a truly crippled venue. Revenue projections will continue to bleed away and the cost will be beyond current budget projections. I expect work on the needed repairs will continue to miss deadlines. I think the schedule is frighteningly naive.

My experience working with AMC Theaters at the location in San Francisco near the Japantown neighborhood, as well as with other multiuse venues, suggests that the cost-benefit picture of a repurposed Northgate cinema at least merits some study, especially as a design-build project. It could be the answer for all parties, including the county.

— Steve Pollock, San Rafael

Commentary on empathy exposes a ‘Marin bubble’

I am writing in response to the recently published Marin Voice commentary by Amos Klausner (“Election results prove empathy is no longer an influential characteristic,” Nov. 15). He considers “the demise of empathy” in relation to the recent election. He suggests that empathy has been replaced by “things like infrastructure, security and tax policy.”

Well I think Klausner’s essay on empathy misses something important. Empathy is the ability to understand others and why they feel that way. I think Klausner and many other Marin County residents don’t realize they exist in a bubble. They lack the empathy to realize it’s a left-wing fantasy land.

Few can afford to live in Marin and my research shows that even affordable parts of the country are more expensive than ever before. However, Klausner seems to be saying it’s a bad thing that voters are more concerned about roads and keeping more of their hard-earned money. That’s not right.

— James Quigley, San Rafael