The next time you stroll through Community Park or hike up one of our lanes, give a nod of thanks to Belvedere’s Parks, Open Spaces and Lanes Committee (POSLC). This volunteer committee collaborates closely with our Department of Public Works (DPW) to oversee and enhance city-owned property, including 23 lanes, 4 parks, the children’s playground...
This summer, Belvedere upgraded its automated license plate reader cameras to the Flock Safety System. Flock is widely adopted by Marin County law enforcement agencies and is becoming the industry standard throughout California. This new platform improves accuracy, has greater search capabilities, and integratesdirectly with surrounding agencies. This means our police can receive real-time alerts...
Police Department Update To address the recent staffing challenge, City Manager Zadnik reported that he is contracting with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office to provide interim night shift coverage for up to six months. Belvedere’s Police Department is also actively recruiting for Reserve Police Officer positions. Reserve officers would be available to replace officers out...
With their traditional starting time of 6:30pm, city meetings can run very late into the evening. To make it easier for residents to participate in person or by Zoom, the City Council adopted a 5:30pm start time for both City Council and Planning Commission meetings. The new starting time begins in September for Council and...
Emergency preparedness for the community is an important goal of the City Council. Last month you were asked to register for AlertMarin to receive emergency notifications. This month you are encouraged to Make a Plan with your family in case you are not together when disaster strikes. Agree on a place to meet if you...
The Library is hosting TWO community events to celebrate their 30th anniversary, and you’re invited. Friday, September 5 from 5-7 pm Enjoy appetizers, wine, music, and photos celebrating the beginning at this adults only event. Sunday, September 7 from 12-3 pm This family-friendly party featuring kids’ entertainment, crafts, face painting, a jumpy house, food trucks,...
Do you need a little help getting your short film in Oscar worthy shape before you submit for the second annual Belvedere Home Made Film Festival? Join the Film Fest team on Saturday, August 30 at 11am at the Belvedere Tiburon Library, where they will demonstrate various editing suites. Visit the Library website for more...
Labor Day Weekend will be the last opportunity this year to enjoy Concerts in the Park. On Sunday, August 31 come to Belvedere Park to dance and sing along to You Should Be Dancing – a timeless and captivating Bee Gee’s tribute band. The fun starts at 4pm. A big thanks to all the volunteers...
On Saturday, September 6 from from 10am to 4pm at the Marin Civic Center Fairgrounds, the whole community is invited to learn how we can all prepare for wildfire. This free, family friendly event includes fire smart landscaping and home hardening exhibits, live burn demonstrations, and wildfire products and service providers. A kid zone, music,...
As back-to-school season begins, school buses are back on the roads. This means drivers need to stay alert, informed and remember that the sole purpose of a school bus is to transport precious cargo- children. Below is a refresher of the California school bus rules to keep in mind: All traffic must stop when a...
Last fall, the City Council created the Be Ready Belvedere working group to address its vital goal of safety and emergency preparedness. Be Ready Belvedere, under the leadership of Councilmember Pat Carapiet, is currently working to finalize evacuation locations, obtain water and food to store at the designated spots, and update our local emergency medical...
Did you know e-bike riders between 10 and 15 years old are five times more likely to be seriously injured than older riders? That’s why Marin County jurisdictions passed a new E-Bike Law that makes Class 2 throttle e-bikes off-limits to those under 16, and requires riders of all ages to wear helmets. This law...
Registration is now open for the September 7 Run Tiburon, a benefit for UCSF Courage over Cancer and The Ranch. With its views of Mt. Tam, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and San Francisco Bay, this idyllic fall race is unlike any other. Register now!
At the June 9 City Council meeting, council members learned that the Mallard Pointe developers had signed a cost recovery agreement with the City of Belvedere -- allowing the planning staff to begin reviewing the various permit applications the developer has submitted. The first step in this review process involves identifying any incomplete or missing...
Over the past two years, the Belvedere Police Department has faced several staffing setbacks, which have challenged its existing staffing and coverage model. Although Belvedere has six active officers in the budget -- Chief Jason Wu plus five duty officers -- due to a long-term disability leave, there are only four duty officers currently available....
Under the leadership of Chair Charlie Harrington, the Parks, Open Spaces and Lanes Committee (POSLC) is following its mission. At their June 12 meeting, the Committee was updated on the progress of creating a database that identifies all lanes and assesses their condition, value for evacuation and safety, and other benefits for the community. They...
The City’s Housing Element has been updated in response to the California Department of Housing & Community Development's (HCD) January 14 comment letter. A redlined version of the document, with edits in yellow, is on the city’s website. HCD has indicated their informal approval of the proposed revisions, signaling that the changes address all remaining...
On Monday, City Council adopted an ordinance restricting the age of Class 2 e-bike riders to 16 and older and requiring all Class 2 or Class 3 e-bike riders to wear a helmet. Class 2 e-bikes are operated with a throttle and do not have pedal assist. Class 1 e-bikes, which are pedal-assisted and do...
At their June 9 meeting, City Council reappointed Roxanne Richards to the Belvedere Tiburon Library Agency Board for another term, and reappointed Larry Binkley to the Marin County Commission on Aging for another term. Council also appointed two alternate members to the Planning Commission: retired Commissioner Marsha Lasky and Belvedere resident Isolde Wilson. Please join...
Make your way to Main St. on Sunday, June 22 from 3 to 7pm for our local celebration of Juneteenth – a holiday of remembrance and empowerment. This free community event features live jazz and hip hop, poetry readings, guest speakers, great food and so much more. This Diversity Inclusion Task Force event is made...
To reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety on Highway 101, Caltrans will activate ramp metering lights in Marin County starting this month. Although the signal lights for the northbound 101 onramps at Tiburon Blvd. have been in place since 2020, they will officially become operational on Tuesday, June 24. The ramp metering will...
Caltrans is scheduled to begin utility potholing on both directions of Tiburon Blvd. from U.S. 101 exit to Main street (approximately four miles). Workers will perform potholing on SR-131 to safely locate underground utilities (water, electrical, gas, telecommunications, and fiber optic lines) in preparation for the upcoming paving project of SR-131 scheduled in 2026. Eastbound...
Today, Belvedere City Manager and Mayor were cc’d on a letter to Caltrans from Assemblymember Damon Connolly, urging the agency to reconsider the inclusion of bike lanes in the Tiburon Blvd Capital Preventive Maintenance Project. Connolly—initially supportive of the bike lanes—listened to the voices of Tiburon Peninsula residents who participated in a letter-writing campaign to...
The City Council reviewed the Preliminary 2025-26 Fiscal Year Budget. Key initiatives include significant sea wall repairs along Beach Road; integration of a new user fee schedule to enhance cost recovery; and launching a comprehensive infrastructure assessment. This budget continues the long-standing tradition of fiscal responsibility, maintaining city infrastructure, delivering high-quality services, and sustaining robust reserves to safeguard operations...
Did you know most homes lost to wildfire are first ignited by embers from small fires nearby that then spread to the structure? Regular maintenance - including clearing away flammable debris and creating defensible space around your house - helps break the continuous fuel supply. This limits the potential for a small fire to escalate...
To help you rid your property of fire-prone vegetation and provide more defensible space around your home, Belvedere is offering its Annual Curbside Vegetation Pickup Program on six Tuesday mornings: May 20 through June 24. Place cut vegetation in a neat pile at the road edge in front of your property before 8am on one...
At their May 12 meeting, the City Council interviewed three excellent candidates for one opening on the Planning Commission and is pleased to announce the appointment of Ghazaleh Jamei. The Council thanked Chair Ashley Johnson for serving four years on the Commission and wished her well in the next chapter of her life on the East Coast. And...
A lengthy discussion at the May City Council meeting focused on a new e-bike ordinance for Belvedere. This ordinance will be adopted in June, and once it takes effect in July, minors under 16 can only ride Class 1 e-bikes. If you’re not sure if your child’s e-bike is Class 1, please: 1. Ensure the e-bike has a...
There’s exciting news from the Tiburon Peninsula Traffic Alliance (TPTA) about the Yellow Bus Program for the 2025/26 school year. This program makes life easier for parents and helps reduce traffic congestion along Tiburon Boulevard for everyone. Afterschool Bus: A new late afternoon express bus for students participating in extracurricular activities at Bel Aire and Reed...
Bring the family to Belvedere Community Park on Sunday, June 15 at 4pm to dance and sing along with The Sun Kings, the Bay Area's favorite Beatles tribute band. This energetic group kicks off our 28th year of free summer concerts for the Belvedere community. Come join the fun! The concert series is sponsored by...
The Belvedere City Council is now accepting letters of interest for vacancies on the following committees: The Historic Preservation Committee: 3 seats with four-year terms The Belvedere Tiburon Library Agency: 1 seat with a four-year term The Marin County Commission on Aging: 1 seat with a three-year term City Council will be interviewing candidates at...
Improving Belvedere’s Financial Stability: The City Council adopted revised user and regulatory fees for services provided by the Planning, Building, and Public Works departments. The fee increases reflected in the new schedule are based on a study conducted by ClearSource Financial Consulting, which analyzed fee revenues and related city costs over a 5-year period. The study found that...
The Tiburon Peninsula Traffic Alliance (TPTA)—the team behind the Yellow Bus Challenge—is gearing up for the 2025–26 school year, and there’s lots of good news for Belvedere families. Del Mar Middle School routes have been updated with later morning departures and earlier afternoon returns – giving students more time in the morning and a quicker trip home....
The City of Belvedere is moving forward with an item in our Climate Action Plan -- replacing one of our gas-powered Public Works trucks with a new electric vehicle – not only reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, but also saving the city thousands of dollars in gasoline. What are you going to do to make...
Everyone in Belvedere knows Diana’s gift shop on The Boardwalk. But did you know that Diana Maureen, a Tiburon resident since fourth grade, is the woman behind the name? After 10 years working at the local Standard Five and Dime in high school, college, and after graduation, she opened her eponymous store on March 1,...
California’s AB 417, known as the “Daylighting Law,” prohibits parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. The initiative aims to improve safety by keeping intersections clear of parked vehicles, enhancing visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. To help keep Belvedere walkers safe, on April 21, the Department of Public Works will begin...
On March 18, Caltrans activated a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon on Tiburon Boulevard at Ned's Way, just like the one at Tiburon Boulevard and Stewart Drive. How it works: When a pedestrian presses the button, the signal flashes yellow, warning motorists to slow down. The signal will then become solid yellow, preparing motorists to stop. Next, the signal will turn solid...
Working to Improve Communication to Residents: Communications is a top priority for the City Council. Prior to developing a communication plan, which included revamping the city website and creating the Belvedere Breeze e-newsletter, we conducted a survey of residents in fall 2023. This year, to evaluate the impact of our various efforts to improvecommunication, we...
When Belvedere Police Sergeant Jeremy Clark heard the 9-1-1 report of an unconscious man on Beach Road, he sprang into action. Arriving on the scene before the EMTs, Sgt. Clark immediately administered CPR – saving the man’s life. In recognition of his rapid response to this emergency situation, Chief Jason Wu presented Sgt. Clark with...
This spring, Sanitary District 5 will be overseeing the 2025 Sewer Improvement Project, which consists of the rehabilitation of approximately 3,583 linear feet of deteriorated sewer in Belvedere and Tiburon. The work in Belvedere will be conducted in portions of Britton Ave, Golden Gate Ave, Beach Road, Madrona Ave, Bella Vista Ave and Toyon Ave....
An overflow crowd of more than 115 residents from Belvedere and Tiburon attended last month’s Fire Preparation Forum. Every speaker - from Belvedere Police Chief Jason Wu to representatives from Tiburon Fire District and Marin County Office of Emergency Management -emphasized that the first critical step to prepare for any potential emergency is to register...
Vivalon, formally Meals on Wheels, is a nonprofit organization that offers home-delivered meals, and provides transportation and programs for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Mayor Jane Cooper recently volunteered with Vivalon, delivering meals and visiting homebound seniors on the Tiburon Peninsula. You can help by volunteering or referring older adults who could benefit from...
At the September City Council meeting, City Manager Robert Zadnik reported that Belvedere had begun exploring the possibility of annexing into the Tiburon Fire Protection District (TPFD). A joint working group, including representatives of the city, TPFD, and the Marin County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) was formed. To facilitate the process, the group has...
The annual City Council and Management Retreat provides an opportunity for councilmembers, senior management and Belvedere residents to gather in an informal setting and discuss priorities for the city during the coming year. This year’s retreat on February 13 included: a discussion of the city’s short-term capital improvement priorities a presentation about long-range capital planning...
The Martha Property, 110 acres of land that sits majestically atop the Tiburon Peninsula, came nail-bitingly close to becoming a commercial development. But Jerry Riessen wasn’t going to let that happen – even if it took 35 years. Now, thanks to his unwavering dedication and inspiring leadership, this remarkable treasure has been saved as open...
In his report to the City Council on February 10, Charlie Harrington, Chair of the Parks, Open Spaces and Lanes (POSL) Committee, focused on Belvedere’s lanes. He noted that our lanes are not only sources of open space and recreation, but also provide an essential means of evacuation for residents – both those living up...
In less time than it takes to unload the dishwasher, you can do something that will enhance your emergency preparedness. Sign up for AlertMarin – the notification system county officials use to communicate critical information during an emergency. Only 42% of Belvedere residents are registered for AlertMarin, so chances are you haven’t signed up yet to receive...
With an eye to improving efficiency and effectiveness, the City Council voted to reduce the number of Planning Commissioners from the current seven to five. The rationale for the change includes a reduction in staff time per project, easing the home visit requirement for applicants, and shortening meeting duration. Because a five-person commission requires at...
You’ve made your travel arrangements and packed your suitcases, but what have you done to safeguard your home while you are on vacation? Even though we live in a very safe area, burglaries can happen. Belvedere Police Chief Jason Wu urges you to take a few simple steps to help protect your property when you’re...
There are currently two coyotes living on Belvedere Island -- an adult female and her 8-month-old offspring. The male partner was found dead last October. A toxicology report revealed antifreeze and illegal rodenticides in his system. Rodenticides can work their way up the food chain to coyotes, owls and hawks. If you use a pest...
Belvedere voters re-elected Sally Wilkinson to the City Council and elected Pat Carapiet and Kevin Burke as new members of the council - all serving four-year terms. They join Jane Cooper and Peter Mark, whose terms continue for another two years. As is Belvedere's custom, council members exchanged leadership roles at their December meeting. Jane...
Among the hundreds of volunteers who help make Belvedere thrive, we honor both a Citizen of the Year and a Citizen Emeritus. This year’s honorees were selected unanimously by a committee of previous Citizens of the Year. Belvedere's 2024 Citizen of the Year is the dynamic couple of Marsha and Michael Lasky, who have each...
Storms can cause extensive damage to our homes and the surrounding community. Visit the Storm Preparation page on the Belvedere website to learn strategies for keeping your home safe during the winter. Be aware that flooding in Belvedere may occur when heavy rainfall is combined with a high tide. Storm runoff or erosion also can...
After a rigorous public recruitment process, we are happy to announce that Belvedere's Public Works Department has hired AJ Lozano for the role of Public Works Maintenance Worker. AJ grew up in San Rafael and before being hired by the city, operated his own landscape company. He is an avid gardener in his spare time...
Do you have an issue, question, concern or problem related to life in Belvedere? We want to hear from you! Please visit the Report an Issue page on our website for all the details of who to contact about what. Belvedere City Hall is open to serve you Monday through Thursday from 8am to 12pm...
Belvedere City Hall will be closed Monday December 23, 2024, through Friday, December 27, 2024, and on New Years Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Construction work is not allowed on Tuesday December 24, Wednesday December 25, 2024 or Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
At its November 12 meeting, the City Council approved the submittal of the second revision of the Belvedere Housing Element Update to the California Department of Housing and Urban Development (HCD). This revision responds to HCD’s latest comments and includes edits from the Planning Commission and City Council. The update lays out prospective areas of...
The Ranch – our local organization that offers classes from Bridge to Zumba -- invites you to take its Adult Recreation Program Survey. This brief, online questionnaire seeks your opinion on their programs, as well as suggestions for activities you’d like them to offer in the future. They want to hear from you whether you’re...
We love our parks! Whether it’s playing fetch with our dogs, celebrating special occasions or attending Concerts in the Park, residents of Belvedere enjoy our parks to the fullest – and our lawns are showing the inevitable wear and tear. That’s why our Public Works crew will be implementing their seasonal, three-pronged turf management program...
What is a favorite food of rodents, raccoons and coyotes? Fruit! Many of our apple, fig and plum trees are abundant this time of year - attracting unwanted wildlife. Ensure ripe fruit is picked and fallen fruit is removed daily. Remove debris or brush piles that may harbor rats. Remove bird/squirrel feeders and pick up...
At their September 9 meeting, the City Council adopted an Emergency Operation Plan. This plan, along with the recently adopted Belvedere Hazardous Mitigation Plan, form the framework for preparing the community for potential emergency situations. The Council also directed City staff to put together a working group to continue to update and further develop the...
Also at the September 9 Councill meeting, City Manager Robert Zadnik reported that Belvedere has begun exploratory discussions with Tiburon Fire Protection District about the possibility of annexing into the district. Tiburon Fire has protected Belvedere since 1980, and the city has begun to explore whether we can formally join the district in a way...
It's always exciting when we are able to promote within our Belvedere community. Congratulations to Jeremy Clark on his well-deserved advancement from Police Officer to Police Sergeant. As one of our six police force members, Sergeant Clark has served Belvedere with honor and dedication since 2019. In his new role, he will mentor newer officers, serve...
The mission of the Belvedere Community Foundation (BCF) is to enhance the quality of life, promote generosity and encourage volunteerism in Belvedere. Thanks to the generosity of the BCF and their donors, our community has directly benefitted from grants totaling over $100,000 this past year. The BLC helps fill gaps in our City’s general fund budget,...
The City Council will interview candidates to fill an open seat on the Belvedere-Tiburon Joint Disaster Advisory Council at the October 14 meeting. The Disaster Advisory Council's purpose is to lead ongoing efforts to improve disaster preparedness and oversight on the Peninsula. Meetings are held once a quarter. To be considered, please apply by October 7. Email a letter...
On June 15, the second annual Belvedere BBQ in the Park, organized by Adam Gavzer (shown in the center photo above with fellow Block Captain Paige Peterson), was held in Community Park. Belvedere residents grilled up burgers and hot dogs, while attendees had the opportunity to learn about volunteer opportunities, emergency preparedness and local support organizations....
At their July 8 meeting, the City Council appointed two new members to the Parks, Open Space and Lanes Committee: Marika Bergsund and John Schirm. They will join members Nicholas Markman, Charlie Harrington and Wayne Stacy. Also at the meeting, Public Works Director Tony Boyd reported that a recent assessment of our city streets found...
Ever wonder what City Council members do? For starters, councilmembers make decisions about a wide range of topics, including approving the city’s budget, hearing appeals to Planning Commission decisions, setting policy, approving revocable licenses, and responding to resident concerns. The five councilmembers also split responsibility for sitting on 23 different committees. Some are local, such...
Simple, home-made deterrents can help keep coyotes fearful of humans, while also protecting you and your dog when out for a walk. An easy-to-carry scare stick, made by tying mylar ribbon to a stick, confuses a coyote when you wave it vigorously out in front of you. A plastic trash bag easily fits in your...
Today, Belvedere reiterated its concerns that Caltrans’ $19.7 million Capital Preventive Maintenance project along SR 131 (Tiburon Boulevard) does not adequately address potential traffic and safety impacts. A significant part of the project includes the addition of bike lanes on both sides of the highway from the 101 interchange to Trestle Glen. Having received extensive...
On June 10, the City Council adopted a $11.8 million budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Despite generally healthy finances, the staff report and the Council discussion highlight concerns related to the growing fire funding deficit, rising pension costs, and essential capital improvements. This budget prioritizes repairing three sections of Beach Road via the $2.2...
At the June 10, 2024 meeting, the City Council appointed several new members to the Planning Commission and three city committees. New planning commissioners are Justin Botros, Don Schinske and Jena Watson. Jeff Aguero will join reappointed member Chelsea Schlunt on the Belvedere-Tiburon Joint Recreation Committee, and Wayne Stacy will join the Parks, Open Space...
The city received numerous applications from many qualified college students for the City Management Internship Program, and we are delighted to introduce the two Belvedere locals selected for this summer program. Sydney Moseley just finished her first year at UCLA studying mathematics and applied science with a minor in Spanish. Sydney is a volunteer with...
On November 5, 2024, the city will hold a general municipal election to fill three seats on the City Council. To become a candidate, you must be over 18 years of age and a registered voter in Belvedere. The nomination period begins July 15, 2024, and ends on August 9, 2024. If one of the...
Many aspects of Belvedere that make it an ideal place for us to live also make it an attractive environment for coyotes. A pair of coyotes came here and stayed because they found plenty of food resources and shelter opportunities. They are particularly attracted to our construction sites, vacant properties, dense vegetation, quiet streets, abundant...
