Rachel Kertz for San Rafael

Busy day yesterday representing on the Cal Cities Community Services policy committee. I am one of the catalysts to help evolve the Cal Cities policy statement to support older adults.

Once finalized and approved, this statement will give Cal Cities staff and lobbyists the direction to advocate for legislation addressing the needs of Older Adults.

As we advocate for Racial Equity, we need to advocate for Older Adult Equity.

Existing Statement - Seniors

Cal Cities encourages cities to recognize seniors as a valuable state resource and to develop and improve intergenerational programs and activities. Cal Cities supports legislation that would provide funding for side-by-side day care facilities for California’s youth, adults, and seniors.

Proposed Statement (pending final edits and approval)

Older Adults

Cal Cities encourages cities to recognize older adults as a valuable state resource and to develop and improve programs, services, community planning, and opportunities. Cal Cities supports legislation that would provide funding for care facilities for California’s youth and adults of all ages. Cal Cities also supports policies that promote age-inclusive communities and address ageism. This includes efforts to ensure that older adults are integrated into the economic and civic life of their communities.

To learn more visit:

https://www.calcities.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/2026-summary-of-existing-policy-and-guiding-policies.pdf?sfvrsn=918fea96_1

What About Age? - Curious About Cannabis Explore how cannabis can enhance both wellness and leisure, to help you sleep, reduce anxiety, and to provide relief from pain

Please plan accordingly, give yourself plenty of time, and have lots of patience.

Beginning tomorrow, the Civic Center Drive / Manuel T. Freitas Parkway intersection will be fully closed from February 26 through approximately June 2026. This is due to a Caltrans project to construct a roundabout at the U.S. 101/Manuel T. Freitas Parkway interchange.

What to expect:

- No vehicle access through the intersection
- Traffic can exit from the north off-ramp at Freitas Pkwy, but can only turn left onto Freitas Pkwy
- Redwood Hwy accessible via Smith Ranch Rd; northbound on-ramp to remain open
- Civic Center Drive accessible via Merrydale Rd
- Longer travel times
- Walkway open for pedestrians

Detours list:
https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-02-12-us101-full-closure-civic-center-drive

I’m truly honored to be recognized as a Community Impact Honoree at Ritter Center's Under the Stars on April 30, 2026.

For decades, Ritter Center has been a lifeline for our neighbors facing homelessness and housing instability—providing not just shelter, but integrated health care, mental health support, case management, and pathways to stability. Their work reflects the very best of our community: compassion paired with action, dignity paired with opportunity.

It is a privilege to stand with Supervisor Mary Sackett and Mario Lopez and this extraordinary organization, dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners who make this work possible.

I hope you’ll join us Under the Stars at Peacock Gap to celebrate impact, lift up our neighbors, and support Ritter Center’s mission to prevent and end homelessness in Marin.

Learn more and get involved: www.rittercenterunderthestars.org

The launch of the exhibit is here. Stop by the Civic Center 1st and 3rd fl (same building as the library) anytime before May 6th.