Proposal to convert Martha Property on Easton Point into County open space

Courtesy of Marin County

One of the most pristine pieces of undeveloped property in the San Francisco Bay Area could be preserved as open space under a proposed agreement between the County of Marin, the property ownership group, and an environmentally minded nonprofit.

The 110-acre parcel on Easton Point, often called the Martha Property because of the ownership group’s name, is near the southern tip of the Tiburon Peninsula and overlooking Tiburon, Belvedere, Sausalito, Angel Island, San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and beyond. For more than 50 years, nearby residents were uncertain whether the land would be developed for homes or left unscathed for the preservation of nature and recreational purposes. The land has been with the same family for more than 100 years.

On June 21, the Marin County Open Space District Board of Directors will discuss a proposed purchase and sale agreement for the County to acquire the Martha Property from the ownership group and partner with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) on a two-year plan to raise funds and finalize the purchase. The goal would be to transfer the property to the Open Space District and either add it to the existing adjacent Old Saint Hilary’s Open Space Preserve or create a new preserve.

Tiburon Peninsula residents have longed to protect the Martha-owned parcel, which is habitat for several species of rare native plants. Its preservation and acquisition is cited in the Open Space District’s strategic plan of 2008 and long-range plans of the nonprofit Greenbelt Alliance.

The terms of the purchase agreement include $26.1 million from the Open Space District and a term expiration date of Aug. 30, 2024. Of that price, approximately $18 million would be raised by a localized special tax known as a Mello-Roos bond measure – the same arrangement that was made to purchase the Old Saint Hilary’s site in the late 1990s. If approved by a two-thirds majority of voters in the November 2022 election, only property owners in Tiburon east of Trestle Glen Boulevard and the City of Belvedere would be subjected to the tax.

The total price of the land is $42.1 million, pending several conditions to closing stipulated by the agreement. The breakdown in funding sources would be: $18 million from the Mello-Roos bond measure; $15 million from private donations coordinated by TPL; $6 million from Measure A tax revenues; $2.1 from the Old Saint Hilary’s bond measures in 1993 and 1997.

Measure A, which is on pace to be renewed with approximately 75% support during the June 7 election, is a quarter-cent sales tax that supports parks, open space, and sustainable agriculture across Marin.

“Marin County Parks is pleased to support the long-time efforts of the community and now TPL to protect this stunning landscape,” said Parks Director Max Korten. “I look forward to the work ahead with all stakeholders and the potential of caring for this special place, for its unique natural resources and to provide outstanding recreation opportunities for all to enjoy.”

The deal would not proceed if voters reject the Mello-Roos bond measure or if TPL is unsuccessful in raising the private funds.

For more details on the proposal, see the Open Space District’s staff report and presentation to the Board of Supervisors and the TPL statement.

Don’t let your guard down over the holiday weekend…Play it safe

Courtesy of Marin County

One gently floating ember from a cookout or a firecracker could ignite widespread tragedy in Marin County’s parched landscape. The Marin County Fire Department is urging all residents and visitors to remember that fireworks are illegal in the county, not just on the upcoming Fourth of July weekend but at all times.

Revelers might be tempted to bring fireworks into Marin and commence with risky activities, often fueled by alcohol consumption. It’s a serious no-no, so locals are asked to spread the word about resisting the temptation. Many locals know that and adhere to the law, but holiday visitors from other counties and other states might not know.

The fireworks ordinance will be enforced to reduce fire risk, protect natural resources and — most importantly — to preserve personal safety. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office plans to have extra deputies on duty for enforcement over the holiday.

“It won’t take much to trigger an historic-level disaster,” said Marin County Fire Chief Jason Weber. “The dry conditions are highly dangerous, especially when it’s windy. You can still have a good time without letting your guard down. Public safety and protecting property have to be high on your priority list.”

Marin County Fire, the Sheriff’s Office, and rangers from Marin County Parks are joining first responders from local agencies to prepare for a summer coming-out party. All illegal activities and behavior issues witnessed by Marin County Parks rangers will be reported to law enforcement or fire agencies, and enforcement will take place whether or not an incident takes place on private property or at a County government property. A misdemeanor offense of using or possessing fireworks in Marin could cost an offender $410 – that’s $100 for the base fine plus $310 in penalty assessments and surcharges.

Even if temperatures are not high, beaches and pools are expected to be popular gathering spots during the holiday weekend. It could include shoreline excursions or poolside celebrations at which lapses in water safety are high. Parents need to make sure kids are water safe around all bodies of water, from the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay to wading pools. Adults need to avoid distractions as they keep an eye on youngsters, including an overindulgence in alcoholic beverages. Drowning continues to be a leading cause of injury and death for children ages 1-4. Wearing life jackets and having other floatation devices handy is a must.

Folks who would like to see legal fireworks are encouraged to attend the Marin County Fair, which offers a professionally handled fireworks display each night from June 30 through July 4 in San Rafael. The fair receives a permit from the City of San Rafael to conduct the nightly shows.

Free Marin Transit buses and bike valet service from June 30 through July 4

Courtesy of Marin County

Visitors to the 2022 Marin County Fair should consider bus service or pedal power when arriving at or leaving from the festive fairgrounds in San Rafael.

All fixed-route bus rides countywide will not cost a cent during the fair, which starts Thursday, June 30, and runs through the Fourth of July. It’s a convenient arrangement between the Marin County Department of Cultural Services, which runs the fair, and Marin Transit.

There will be additional buses and operational hours during the five-day fair, located just off Civic Center Drive in San Rafael. The Marin Transit Board of Directors unanimously approved free local transit rides countywide on all Marin Transit fixed routes during the fair.

“We want to welcome back our current riders and encourage new riders by making all Marin Transit rides free during the long holiday weekend,” said Marin Transit General Manager Nancy Whelan.

Riders should note that the Paratransit, Catch-A-Ride, and Muir Woods Shuttle services will be exempt from the free fares.

“We encourage fairgoers to leave their cars at home and take advantage of transit options,” said Cultural Services Director Gabriella C. Calicchio. “Once again, we’re incredibly grateful that Marin Transit is offering this free option. The staff there has been such a generous partner of the fair for many years.”

Fair guests can also ride Golden Gate Transit and the SMART train directly to the Marin County Civic Center campus. Make sure to check transit schedules for pricing and timing.

Marin County Bicycle Coalition will offer free bike valet service from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1-4. The bike lot will be near the main gate near the front of the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium.

Everyone, whether fairgoers or passers-by, is encouraged to avoid traffic near the fairgrounds during that time.

Vehicle parking at the fairgrounds is $15-$20.

For more fair information, check www.marinfair.org.