Hello — Earlier this month we recognized the service and sacrifices of our veterans. I was honored to attend Marin’s Annual Veterans Day ceremony and stand among so many in our community who have served our country. We are fortunate to have Sean Stephens leading the Marin County Veterans Service Office. He is a tireless advocate for all who have served. Thank you to all our veterans for your bravery, dedication, and service.
REDWOOD BIKESHARE
The Transportation Authority of Marin and the Sonoma County Transportation Authority have partnered for a pilot bikeshare program along the SMART corridor – Redwood Bikeshare. The goal of the program is to provide an innovative and environmentally friendly way to connect with transit and get around car free.
At a recent ribbon cutting event, I was able to give these pedal-assist e-bikes a test ride. If you have not had the opportunity to ride an e-bike before, they ride like any other bicycle, but a small electric motor adds assistance to boost momentum, making it easier to go long distances or ride up steep climbs. It provides a fun, smooth ride!
The bikeshare system is being installed in different cities and towns in Marin and Sonoma as permits are finalized and equipment is delivered. The overall system will include a fleet of 300 e-bikes across approximately 60 hubs in the two counties. This will be a great optionfor people using SMART to make last mile connections to work, running errands, or recreation fun.
Check out the Redwood Bikeshare webpage for details and download the app. The app shows the bike hubs that have opened and are ready to ride.
HOMEWARD BOUND
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Homeward Bound of Marin. Since its founding in 1974 with just one shelter, Homeward Bound has become a trailblazer in combating homelessness, changing the lives of over 40,000 people, and providing more than 2.5 million meals for those seeking shelter and transitioning to homes.
Through decades of growth, Homeward Bound has evolved to meet community needs from specialized shelters, support for unhoused veterans, and the innovative Fresh Starts Culinary Academy, which has empowered over 850 individuals with job skills for sustainable independence.
Today, they run five shelter programs and 13 supportive housing programs, serving everyone from families and individuals to seniors, veterans, and those with mental health challenges.
To celebrate their 50th Anniversary Co-CEOs Mary Kay Sweeney and Paul Fordham, and the entire Homeward Bound Team, set a goal to open 50 new homes in 2024. In June, 24 homes were opened for unhoused veterans, and yesterday we celebrated the opening of Sweeney Place, an additional 26 units of permanent affordable homes for six families and 20 adults who have faced chronic homelessness.
Sweeney Place is named in honor of Mary Kay Sweeney as a tribute to her lasting impact on those she has served. Mary Kay is retiring after 31 years of leadership at Homeward Bound with an unwavering belief that everybody deserves a place to call home. She leaves behind a legacy that will benefit our community for generations.
Thank you, Mary Kay, for your dedication, tireless service, and commitment to ending homelessness in Marin County.
COY SMITH
Thank you, Coy Smith, for 20 years of dedicated service to the Novato Chamber of Commerce!
Through Coy’s steadfast leadership, businesses have opened and thrived under his guidance. His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and enduring dedication to the City of Novato and the business community are much appreciated.
We wish him all the best in retirement.
LET’S CONNECT
As your Supervisor, I welcome and encourage you to connect, share your concerns, and your ideas. We want to hear from you! Please use the contact information below to reach out to the District 5 Team. A reply to this email doesn’t come directly to my office, and I’d like to respond to you in a timely manner.
**Please note, our email addresses have changed**
Supervisor Eric Lucan
(415) 473-7339
Eric.Lucan@MarinCounty.gov
District Staff: Tanya Albert
(415) 473-7371
Tanya.Albert@MarinCounty.gov
District Staff: Leslie Weber
(415) 473-7395
Leslie.Weber@MarinCounty.gov
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