Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for March 8, 2026

More-inclusive plan will make Marin County stronger

I’m responding to the article published Feb. 26 with the headline “Marin data prompts push for new county strategy.” As executive director for the Performing Stars of Marin nonprofit organization, I found it meaningful to read that county officials are taking a thoughtful look at Marin’s changing community and working to understand the full range of people, histories and lived experiences here.

The article highlighted several trends: a declining population, lower K-12 school enrollment, an aging demographic and a more diverse county, with 20% of residents identifying as Hispanic. These numbers point to shifts that may not be fully captured in traditional surveys.

One community I hold close is the historically Black community of Marin City, with deep roots and generations of families who helped build Marin. Our numbers have declined, and many long‑standing residents are working hard to stay. Stable housing and staying connected to community, schools and support systems remain major challenges.

The article noted that the strategic planning survey was based on registered voters — a group that tends to be older, White, higher‑income, highly educated and homeowners. Those voices matter, but they may not reflect the full picture of Marin today (especially renters, working families, younger residents and communities of color).

County Administrator Derek Johnson said this strategic plan should serve as a “north star,” guiding work plans, capital investments and policy decisions. If it will shape decisions at that level, it must reflect the full breadth of Marin’s communities.

I was encouraged to see county officials partner with the Marin Community Foundation on a companion resident survey designed to reach people often missed in traditional surveys. Expanding engagement in this way reflects a real commitment to hearing from a broader range of voices.

A strategic plan grounded in all of Marin’s stories will be stronger and more inclusive.

— Felecia Gaston, Marin City

Wiener changed landscape with SB 79 housing law

State Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 election. He aims to replace Rep. Nancy Pelosi following her announcement that she would not run again. Wiener is the author of California’s landmark Senate Bill 79, aka the “Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act.”

SB 79 tackles the root causes of California’s affordability crisis by allowing more homes to be built near major public transportation stops. The new law establishes state zoning standards around train stations and major bus stops to allow for mid-rise homes within a half mile of major transit stops.

If you like all the far-too-dense high-rise apartment buildings and housing proposals for San Rafael, Novato, Corte Madera and beyond, I think you can mainly thank Wiener. If you are OK with this misguided law, you should probably do what you can to support his campaign in hopes that San Francisco voters will send him to Washington.

— Dean Moser, Novato

Wildlife crossing should top transportation project list

I am the urban wildlands science director at the Center for Biological Diversity nonprofit organization. While some people hunker down indoors when it rains, I usually find myself crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County, where I look for newts and other kinds of salamanders.

The tiny amphibians who emerge on rainy nights are a reminder of the wonderful North Bay biodiversity that remains mostly hidden during dry spells. I’m also reminded of how much help they need to thrive. A dedicated team of volunteers risks their safety to save the critters that cross Chileno Valley Road from becoming roadkill. But we can’t rely on these newt heroes forever.

The Transportation Authority of Marin is considering how to allocate sales tax revenue and prioritize projects. I hope improvements to make the road more wildlife friendly is at the top of the list. Wildlife crossings work. They prevent wildlife vehicle collisions and give animals like frogs, turtles and newts a chance to survive.

I’ve seen hundreds of newts during my rainy-day visits. But I know that thousands more have died from car and truck traffic as they travel to and from their breeding grounds. Building tunnels under the road is the best way to prevent the extinction of our beloved newts. It’s a small project for a small species but it’ll make a huge difference.

— Tiffany Yap, San Francisco