Federation Gives $1,500 Grant to Marin ReLeaf

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Sandra Sellinger, head of Marin ReLeaf recieves Check from the Federation
On May 16th, the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods presented a $1500 grant to Marin Releaf to provide funding for the planting of trees in the city.  The check was received by San Rafael resident Sandra Sellinger who heads the organization. The origin of this grant was in 2008 when the City Council established a Tree Advisory Committee to advise the city on the existing and possible future street trees, (which it was having increasing trouble funding).  Since that time due to budget tightening, the City Street Tree program suffered and efforts for progress are challenged. 

The original funding offer of $1500 from Steve Patterson of the Federation was incentive to the City Council for the formation of the Tree Advisory Committee.  The Parks Department of San Rafael Public Works and Sandra worked out the details after the Committee’s work was completed.  Marin ReLeaf must find funding for each year’s plantings since they do not receive money from the City. 

Founded in 1992, the Federation has served as an umbrella and advocacy group for all neighborhoods in San Rafael, south of Puerto Suello Hill. 

What we do:  The group sees a real need to address multi-neighborhood issues that cross over neighborhood boundaries and impact a multiple number of neighborhoods.  Often individual neighbors or neighborhood associations have  addressed these issues in ineffective and redundant ways and have been unable to gain the attention of the City of San Rafael.  The Federation has gotten involved in Graffiti abatement, downtown development, street repaving, illegal units, wildfire safety, St Vincent’s dining room and many more issues since its inception.  The group is made up of both neighborhood associations and individuals who often care about broad issues that can impact all of San Rafael.  The group has established a positive partnership with the City and created a vehicle for solving real problems with positive outcomes.
Photo: October Candidates Night - hosted by the Federation. Photo by Jim Draper