[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6506575,"mediaKeyId","5610278-90006714493d6f5433aba27d83bf1238","parentId",5610278,"title","Board adopts Stinson Beach sea-level rise adaptation study, calls for near-term nature-based measures and coordinated governance","audioSeconds",1188,"startMs",5647425,"endMs",6836109,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5610278-90006714493d6f5433aba27d83bf1238&start=5647&end=6836","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5610278-90006714493d6f5433aba27d83bf1238/thumbnail_5647425.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6506575/Marin-County/California/Board-adopts-Stinson-Beach-sea-level-rise-adaptation-study-calls-for-near-term-nature-based-measures-and-coordinated-governance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506575-4551be56eb32038dbf7f26e932db3eb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770395220&Signature=Evm7kJke-BFWYCTPwCDSclTiBadIh9bkJKrftNLzUZfTZDFiTKJ-uagegLP6ysecpj6uSxqUKg53q5wYPYIwJAGKpTcyipRLjSyYlWNBxTF9Y49Eoez9WgySuo60dp53MXWlyEfRKPE2~JJVldLKBxzAPQ~~QHqIsMjd3JPW9XsWu-nfRf3KdJvhIlYPu53~fILMsGG03-jjrQqY~vGnGzdC0~z4d2sg~EnnMcOOLYfdTPe5zXi4TW~lsHtKsTwjcvoUthUYVSllQpr7ju6uJ7GICdDcDbfjvXtzYjz1-iOE4-MKE4Al3jAhPU73loV9kwjg5m-zx4Zo1B3~efrn4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marin County","date","2025-08-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Marin County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 12 accepted an adaptation study for Stinson Beach that evaluates coastal erosion, storm surge, groundwater and flood risks through mid- and late-century sea-level-rise scenarios and recommends a sequenced “adaptation pathway” of nature-based and structural measures.

Study purpose and scope: Consultant James Jackson of Environmental Science Associates told the board the study refines prior countywide analysis and pilots a pathway approach for a community that faces combined risks to the beach, Bolinas Lagoon and low-lying neighborhoods. “The purpose of this study is first and foremost to protect the community development, habitat and recreational opportunities at Stinson Beach,” Jackson said.

Key findings: The study models multiple hazards — monthly high tides, 100-year storms and shoreline/dune erosion — across a range of sea-level-rise amounts. It estimates storm-related damages rising from millions under current conditions to hundreds of millions with modest sea-level rise. The report’s working figures show roughly $8 million in modeled damages under present conditions for certain extreme events, growing to $500 million at intermediate levels and to $1.3 billion under a 3.3-foot sea-level-rise scenario combined with a 100-year storm (the study caveats that figures exclude certain federal and state assets and the community wastewater facility).

Adaptation pathway and priority actions: The report sets out a phased strategy that combines near-term, lower-impact measures and longer-term structural responses. Near-term priorities include studying and piloting living-shoreline approaches (dune restoration, cobble berms) to buffer wave energy and slow erosion; evaluating and, where necessary, elevating key access roads and Calle Del Arroyo; inspecting and retrofitting aging bulkheads; and advancing a community wastewater-treatment feasibility study. The study also recommends a monitoring program — tracking beach width, flood frequency and groundwater — and staging projects based on hazard thresholds tied to sea-level-rise amounts rather than fixed dates.

Governance and funding: Staff emphasized the adaptation work requires coordination across jurisdictions and agencies — county departments, Caltrans (Shoreline Highway projects), National Park Service, Stinson Beach County Water District and local stakeholders. The report lists existing grant programs and local revenue tools (special assessment districts, climate resilience districts, geologic hazard abatement districts) that could fund adaptations, but it also concludes new long-term revenue mechanisms will likely be necessary.

Public comment and partner input: Representatives from the Seadrift homeowners association, the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin and the Stinson Beach Fire Protection District told supervisors the study is a necessary step. The Environmental Action Committee urged planning for higher sea-level-rise scenarios and for managed retreat discussions; the fire district emphasized emergency-response implications and the need to safeguard both residents and visitors.

Board action: Supervisor Rodoni moved to accept the report; Supervisor Milton Peters seconded and the board adopted the study. Supervisors and staff said the county will pursue governance arrangements, expand monitoring and explore grants and local funding tools while coordinating with Caltrans and federal land managers.

Ending: County staff said the study is a roadmap rather than a final plan and urged continued public engagement. “Local leadership is needed to effectively plan and implement projects in the community in coordination with the county,” Jackson told the board. The study and its appendices are available on the county’s sea-level rise webpage.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Marin County - August","oneSentenceSummary","Supervisors accepted a county-funded adaptation study that models vulnerability, estimates rising damages and lays out a phased ‘adaptation pathway’ — recommending early, nature-based protections, roadway/structure elevations and expanded monitoring while county and partners pursue governance and funding strategies.","taxTitle","Marin County, California","taxId",4099,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506579,"Board authorizes short-term contract increase for Marshall wastewater operator after grease-related work",1253,7175119,8428399,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5610278-90006714493d6f5433aba27d83bf1238&start=7175&end=8428","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5610278-90006714493d6f5433aba27d83bf1238/thumbnail_7175119.jpg","/articles/6506579/Marin-County/California/Board-authorizes-short-term-contract-increase-for-Marshall-wastewater-operator-after-grease-related-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506579-3efd0a1af4c7a1dbe8cb93e7f37a9ccd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770395220&Signature=Tylpn8chRTJW-jv-Cyha9JHMP96Heuk8p-TtFeRqbI9mUEYdp~hcpgYjH79E2j-a1TEOX7LzxoMPRKfFkPBJ-H-TkvBMmntQCewNICbZuvT94TP3M1PXNnThirZzIvKWV~EfHiEDQq0YYlhw6Hr9pwrZ~njo66AuBsdVjGlG2jgK6lrNVCsSPb8tgEeuO4RenPlyhCWU6OsRLhhJwt8A~DJsb-5dJ2wnmWruJO8XRpz-7L-LLWai9RRMsmJWuJ-Pzwe4WI5AKDwF-lH3nkfKmdaqi2unoHgHvSwEpByXP58YvZSQoxm9qQUlFvnnENLifUmbOqMebYpqmh~274xgOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Supervisors on Aug. 12 approved a fifth amendment to the professional-services contract with Natural Systems Utilities, Inc. (NSU) to operate the Marshall Community Wastewater System, adding $88,130.89 and extending the agreement through Oct. 31, 2026.

Why it matters: County staff said the Marshall system — a small community wastewater zone serving the unincorporated Marshall area — experienced an uptick in fats, oils and grease (FOG) exceedances beginning in 2022. That problem required additional cleaning, testing and outreach beyond the contractor’s routine scope and left NSU with unpaid invoices from February–July 2025.

What the board approved: Assistant CDA Director Chris Chiu told the board the amendment covers two elements: $56,878.88 for routine operation and maintenance from Aug. 2025 through Oct. 2026 (regular O&M, lab fees, supplies and emergency response) and $31,252.01 in past-due invoices from February–July 2025 related to FOG response.

“NSU has identified exceedances of the FOG levels through testing at the commercial establishments,” Chiu said, adding that 1 commercial establishment has been disconnected from the system and is serving sewage via pump-and-haul until improvements are completed.

Board action and oversight: Supervisor Rodoni moved the amendment; Supervisor Milton Peters seconded. The motion passed with board assent. The board asked staff to return within one to two months with a budget and financial update, details on outstanding receivables, the county response to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board’s enforcement matters, and a proposed schedule for governance and fee-setting discussions.

Business responsibility and testing: Chiu said the county will shift FOG testing to the commercial businesses beginning in November, per a corrective-action plan submitted to the Regional Water Board; businesses will collect samples under a protocol and provide results to the county. County counsel reminded the board that, under existing ordinances, fees for the Marshall zone are set by ordinance and the board acts on behalf of the zone as the governing body.

Public comment: Marshall residents urged clearer governance and earlier financial reporting to ensure residential users are not subsidizing commercial costs. Resident George Clive, who helped shepherd the wastewater system into existence, asked the board to meet in its statutory role as directors of the Marshall on-site wastewater disposal zone to address fee-setting and governance questions.

Ending: Supervisors said they approved the short-term amendment to keep the system operating while the county evaluates longer-term governance options and works to collect commercial charges for the extra FOG-related work.","Supervisors approved a one-year extension and $88,130.89 amendment to the operating contract with Natural Systems Utilities to cover routine O&M for 2025–26 and past invoices tied to fats/oils/grease (FOG) investigations and cleanup; staff said businesses will assume future routine FOG testing beginning November.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506584,"Marin supervisors and health staff open public dialogue on easing food-permit processes for restaurants and vendors",1426,25845,1452230,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5610278-90006714493d6f5433aba27d83bf1238&start=25&end=1452","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5610278-90006714493d6f5433aba27d83bf1238/thumbnail_25845.jpg","/articles/6506584/Marin-County/California/Marin-supervisors-and-health-staff-open-public-dialogue-on-easing-food-permit-processes-for-restaurants-and-vendors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506584-0c47f8cb95c15f77930b1b366149d500/orig.mp4?Expires=1770395220&Signature=oBQn8uexy1uHklF0eGBaQByvxYNLaaB9NhUDkzlslhmPu9xZeHYnv~IxqxctNCo-5nls1OU0D6O8x6QCNUysKeVtV3jsmOtTsiNUKzo2mIBDE437cXe3-b8t4kUk5oFo3e-rP4tHQvuSoseDnl8M2n0T-tdTmAxgMnvHo0if9XtBUDvsVGNZ9Yj6qs2I~ZuHy--088O8nI8CiI0pcX7AkqN1n7ogrJjqJrgc2BvMjPnffU0QUriqHV3xKQy8DTebV0BsUHlvqxToyHOw2oP-Q12Rh6qwHHmH90R2dH-VjuYh86iqQgXhgvPtKL90za6DlC6rCT9Ec2By3ChcGfDUoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marin County supervisors on Aug. 12 heard Environmental Health staff describe how the county enforces state food-safety law and outlined process changes intended to make permitting less costly and time-consuming for restaurants, grocers, caterers and market vendors.

The presentation by Shannon Bell, consumer protection supervisor in the county’s Environmental Health Services (EHS) division, and Community Development Agency Director Sarah Jones framed the discussion as efforts to protect public health while reducing burdens on food businesses. “Our team wants to help food businesses thrive,” Bell said.

Why it matters: Environmental Health enforces the California retail food code under delegation from the county public health officer. County staff said the code is prescriptive and often obliges a new operator — for example after a change of ownership — to meet current code requirements that may be costly to achieve in older buildings. That can create a barrier to sales, staff said, and contributes to the rise of unpermitted vendors who undercut permitted businesses.

What staff outlined: Bell described core EHS functions — permitting, plan review, inspections, foodborne-illness investigations and complaint response — and said the county oversees roughly 1,500 permitted retail food facilities. She listed recent and planned process changes driven by operator feedback: free 15-minute consultations and regular counter hours; pre-application (pre-submittal) meetings with plan reviewers (hourly fee of $207 for a one-hour pre-submittal review); conditional permits to allow businesses to operate while making identified upgrades; and a new exemption permit aimed at vendors selling commercially prepackaged foods that do not require temperature control.

“Before any permit can be issued, the food business must meet all of the current California retail food code requirements,” Bell said, summarizing the legal standard staff must apply. She said the county also will shift some enforcement tactics to address unpermitted vending, coordinating early-morning and late-night efforts with code enforcement and local law enforcement.

Board discussion: Supervisors pressed staff on change-of-ownership triggers, timelines and technical assistance. Supervisor Damon Lucan asked whether the state code’s requirement to meet the “current code” at transfer of ownership was truly intended to mandate full modernization. Bell replied, “In order to issue a permit, they have to meet the current code requirements,” and said that is the consistent interpretation used by counties across California. She and other staff explained the county may allow conditional permits where an existing facility can safely operate while upgrades are completed, but the county may require immediate upgrades when inspections reveal active health hazards.

Supervisors and staff discussed other concerns raised by operators: plan-review turnaround (state code allows 20 business days), the burden of coordinating multiple agencies (city planning, building departments, sanitary districts, fire, ABC for alcohol), and limited county staffing and technology. Jones said the county will explore software tools for plan review and continue an organizational assessment to evaluate where to deploy staff and process improvements.

Public input and next steps: Several restaurant owners and business advocates urged clearer, earlier communication with prospective buyers and lessees so they understand upgrade requirements before signing leases. Former restaurateur Dan Baker and longtime operator Yoshitome of Sushira described surprise and financial hardship when change-of-ownership reviews exposed costly required upgrades. Business groups — including the San Rafael Chamber and the Small Business Development Center — and design professionals urged more pre-transaction outreach and clearer “roadmaps” for applicants that list which permits and districts are involved.

To gather broader feedback, staff said the county will circulate a stakeholder survey and hold a community workshop on Oct. 10 at the B Street Community Center. Staff also said they are studying other counties’ approaches, actively expanding pre-application meetings and aim to accelerate plan-review and inspection turnaround times.

Ending: County staff characterized the meeting as the start of a community dialogue rather than a policy change. “We will use the survey results and community feedback to continuously improve our work,” Bell said. Staff asked supervisors and the public to help spread word of the October workshop and the online suggestion box that has been posted on the Community Development Agency website.","County staff outlined existing food-safety authority, current challenges and short-term changes — including pre-application meetings, conditional permits and a vendor exemption — and invited businesses to a county workshop and survey in October to shape further reforms.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board adopts Stinson Beach sea-level rise adaptation study, calls for near-term nature-based measures and coordinated governance

Board authorizes short-term contract increase for Marshall wastewater operator after grease-related work

Marin supervisors and health staff open public dialogue on easing food-permit processes for restaurants and vendors