Marin County

The Passing of One of the Bay Area's Most Effective Bicycle Advocates

Deb Hubsmith, who went from executive director of the Marin Bicycle Coalition to state and federal bicycle advocacy positions, passed away on August 18. She was known throughout California as being a tireless force for the advancement of bicycling.

August 24, 2015 - Marin Independent Journal

Small Starts Funding Cut Jeopardizes Critical SMART Train Extension

After a Senate committee slashed the Small Starts grant program, the new Marin-Sonoma "SMART" train may not be extended from San Rafael to the Larkspur ferry landing, a critical link enabling rail commuters to take the ferry to San Francisco.

August 14, 2015 - Marin Independent Journal

Bay Area's Newest Commuter Rail Service on Display

The Northwestern Pacific RR served Marin and Sonoma counties and the North Coast in the 1890s. The route of the new SMART train, while not as long, will run in the same right-of-way, starting next year. One new train was on display in San Rafael.

May 14, 2015 - Marin Independent Journal

Legislation Proposed to Ban Sidewalk Tolls on Golden Gate Bridge

If two assembly members from San Francisco and Marin counties have their way, pedestrians and bikers on the Golden Gate Bridge will not be tolled as if they were in a motor vehicle.

December 1, 2014 - San Francisco Chronicle

Bike, Pedestrian Toll on Golden Gate Bridge Survives First Vote

The concept of tolling sidewalk access to the Golden Gate Bridge squeaked by on a 10-9 vote on Oct. 24. The GGB Transportation and Highway District wants to consider the toll as a potential contributor to reducing the $33 million, five-year deficit.

October 26, 2014 - San Francisco Chronicle

Is It OK to Charge Pedestrians and Bicyclists to Cross Toll Bridges?

The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District might charge pedestrians and cyclists using the bridge in a plan to keep the district, which also runs buses and ferries between San Francisco and Marin and Sonoma counties, solvent.

October 22, 2014 - Marin Independent Journal

The Incredible Climate Mitigation Potential of Compost

Research has shown that the world's largest land use, grazing, holds enormous potential when linked with composting, to dramatically reduce the carbon content of the atmosphere through sequestration while concurrently restoring degraded rangeland.

October 20, 2014 - San Francisco Chronicle

Bill Would Except Marin County from California Affordable Housing Mandate

A bill to create an exception for Marin County for meeting it's state affordable housing requirements is sailing through the legislature and even has the support of affordable housing developers.

May 30, 2014 - Marin Independent Journal

Bay Area Commuters Clamor for More Ferry Service

Several days a week dissatisfied patrons are left behind when full boats depart the Larkspur Ferry Terminal in Marin County. More ferries to SF are planned, as are new parking fees at the terminal and shuttle service for those who forgo driving.

May 17, 2013 - Marin Independent Journal

A SMART, Quiet Train in Store for S.F.'s North Bay

The planned Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District trains will not only be quiet (though diesel-powered), but so will the crossings if cities and counties cooperate.

October 10, 2012 - The (Sonoma County) Press Democrat

Is George Lucas Inciting Class Warfare With a Proposed Development?

Norimitsu Onishi describes a feud ripe for the pages of a Hollywood script, between movie mogul George Lucas and his wealthy neighbors over his plans to build affordable housing in Marin County.

May 25, 2012 - The New York Times

Federal Bike/Ped Pilot Project a Success

Included in the 2005 federal transportation bill was $100 million for four regions to invest in bike and pedestrian infrastructure to determine, essentially, if they build it, will they bike and ride more and drive less. The final results are in.

May 3, 2012 - Fast Lane (DOT blog)

Smart Parking With A Political Twist

Sausalito, just across the Bay from SF, has replaced attendants with pay stations in four parking lots. While embedded sensors monitor vehicle activity in the lots, residents are given a tag to hang in their vehicles providing 3 hours free parking.

July 27, 2010 - Marin Independent Journal

LEED Certification For Parking: Reserve Space For Low Emitters

A Marin County shopping mall hopes to be the first LEED-certified mall, partly by reserving parking space for low emitting vehicles. All spaces, for guzzlers and green vehicles alike, are unpriced, perhaps pointing to shortfalls of green building.

April 1, 2010 - Marin Independent Journal

Marin TOD Planning: Drop The 'D'

Marin County, long known for its environmental awareness, is concerned about anything that is "growth inducing", and that certainly includes the new SMART passenger rail system, approved by the voters in November, that will serve Sonoma and Marin.

December 30, 2009 - Marin Independent Journal

North Bay Approves Diesel Light Rail Ballot Measure

The fourth attempt proved a charm as Marin and Sonoma county voters narrowly passed a 1/4 cent sales tax measure to build and run a diesel light rail train through both counties along with an adjacent bike path. The tax measure needed 2/3 to pass.

November 5, 2008 - Marin Independent Journal

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