Homeless Shelter Update 1

 October 23, 2025 - Eric Bobrow

350 Merrydale Road “Cabin Village” Interim Shelter Project

In just three days since launching our Rafael Meadows WhatsApp discussion group, over 180 messages have been exchanged — an incredible show of community engagement! The group has become a central hub for updates, collaboration, and shared ideas around the City of San Rafael’s proposed interim housing "Tiny Homes" project at 350 Merrydale Road.


You’re invited to join the conversation if you haven’t yet:

  • 💬 Discussion group (350 Merrydale / Homeless Shelter): Join on WhatsApp »
  • 🌐 Rafael Meadows WhatsApp “Community” (main hub): Join here »
  • Sign up for the Rafael Meadows email list for regular updates - click here >>

I (Eric Bobrow) will also be setting up additional resources on our neighborhood website rafaelmeadows.org (this site) and creating a shared Google Drive folder for organizing documents, correspondence, and reference materials related to this issue.

 

📅 Key Dates & Meetings

  • TODAY - Thursday, Oct 23, 6:00 PM — Neighborhood Committee / Organizing Huddle
    Location: Marci Friedman’s home, 31 Corrillo Dr. (Rafael Meadows)
    Purpose: Forming a volunteer Neighborhood Committee to coordinate community‑wide actions (legal/PR strategy, outreach, fundraising, and information-sharing). All neighbors who want to participate and work actively on this project are welcome at this first meeting.
    For questions, post in the WhatsApp group or contact Ashley or Marci directly via WhatsApp.

  • Tue, Oct 28, 6:00–7:30 PM (Zoom) — City of San Rafael & County of Marin: Virtual Community Meeting
    Join to ask questions and give feedback on the 350 Merrydale project.
    → Registration/info page: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/community-meeting-350-merrydale-road-interim-shelter-project-scheduled-for-october-28-2025/

  • Thu, Nov 6, 5:00–7:00 PM (In‑Person) — City Community Meeting
    Referenced in mayoral correspondence shared in the group. City communications have varied between 350 Merrydale and TBD; we’ll confirm the final location in WhatsApp and on the website as soon as it’s posted.

  • Mon, Nov 17, 6:00 PM — San Rafael City Council Meeting (Chambers: 1400 Fifth Ave; hybrid options typically available)
    Neighbors have noted this is expected to include the Merrydale topic (monitor the agenda when published).
    → Council meetings overview: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/city-council-meetings/

  • Tue, Nov 18, 9:00 AM — Marin County Board of Supervisors Meeting(Civic Center, Room 330; hybrid options typically available)
    Community reporting indicates the Merrydale item is anticipated; please check the agenda when posted.
    → BOS meetings/agenda portal: https://www.marincounty.gov/departments/board/board-supervisors-meetings

Tip: We’ll post final links/locations and agenda items here on the Rafael Meadows website and in WhatsApp as soon as the City/County publish them.

🔍 Discussion Themes (from WhatsApp)


1) City Process & Communication
• Many neighbors were surprised by the Oct 15 announcement and reported lack of prior consultation.
• SR City Schools and SRPD were reportedly not consulted before the announcement.
• Several residents plan public records requests (emails, notices, staff analysis, etc.).


2) Transparency & Messaging
• Coordinated letters/emails to Mayor Kate Colin & City Council asking for transparency and a pause for public input.
• Draft/templated messages are circulating; examples of sign slogans:
“Open Meetings, Not Closed Deals” • “San Rafael Can Do Better” • “We Support Solutions, Not Secrecy” • “Pause the Plan — Listen to San Rafael.”


3) Legal & PR Options
• Many households offered to contribute to a legal fund.
• Outreach to multiple PR/public‑affairs firms is underway.


4) Media & Awareness
• KTVU Channel 2 visited 105 Corrillo Dr. and aired a segment on the 10 PM news (Oct 22).
• Neighbors are sharing the clip and personal posts on social media to broaden awareness.


5) Safety, Schools & Proximity
• Posts raised concerns about potential drug activity, unlicensed animals, and proximity to daycares and school bus stops (reports within ~700 ft).
• Several noted increased police patrols in recent days.
• Addresses of licensed childcare and distance checks are being compiled.


6) Local Business & Outreach
• El Prado Market and the adjacent laundromat owner expressed concerns and willingness to help with outreach.
• Plans include flyers, petition signatures, and outreach at the Civic Center Farmers Market.


✅ Action Items

  • Join tonight’s committee meeting (Thu, Oct 23, 6:00 PM at 31 Corrillo Dr.) if you want to actively help with organizing and coordination.
  1. Attend the Oct 28 Zoom & Nov 6 in‑person meetings. Ask questions; request a pause until full community input is gathered.
  2. Email City leadership. Personalize your note; emphasize transparency and collaborative planning.
  3. Share the news coverage and your own posts to inform nearby neighborhoods.
  4. Help with outreach. Volunteer for flyer distribution, petition stations, and Farmers Market tabling.
  5. Contribute to the legal/PR fund. Donation details will be shared after the committee aligns on process.
  6. Data & documentation. Report whether you received the City flyer(date/time, knock or porch drop); log addresses to assess notification coverage.

🔗 Useful Links & References

🙏 Closing

It’s inspiring to see our neighborhood move quickly — with clear communication, civility, and collaboration. Please stay engaged, attend the upcoming meetings, and invite nearby neighbors to participate.


Warm regards,
Eric Bobrow
Rafael Meadows Neighborhood Communications Team


Let’s make our voices heard and protect our neighborhood’s future! ❤️


More info on the Rafael Meadows website: rafaelmeadows.org/homeless-shelter

Copyright text and footer links.

>