San Rafael — Assistant City Manager John Stefanski told the council on Aug. 18 that the city’s renovated downtown Carnegie Library will have a grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 20, but that recent state legislative developments may prevent the city from adding a renewal of its library parcel tax to a potential statewide special-election ballot on Nov. 4.

Key points: Stefanski said the legislature is considering a bill that would temporarily override California’s independent redistricting commission to redraw congressional districts and that the governor supports a special election on Nov. 4. That bill, as drafted, would require the state to cover local election costs but would prohibit cities and counties from adding their own special-election measures to that ballot. Stefanski described the restriction as “unfortunate” because city staff had been evaluating whether to place a renewal of Measure D, the library parcel tax scheduled to expire in June 2026, on that special-election ballot.

Library reopening and activities: Stefanski announced that the renovated downtown Carnegie Library’s grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, from noon to 5 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at noon and an afternoon of activities to celebrate the new space and launch the library’s “Love Your Library” campaign. Staff also noted that registration for fall classes is open and that the city’s fall activity guide has been released.

Other community updates: Stefanski provided brief notices of several community events and programs, including PG&E’s “match my payment” program (dollar-for-dollar match up to $1,000 for eligible households), upcoming Porch Fest and movies in the park schedules, and the date of the next council meeting (Sept. 2, 2025, due to Labor Day).

Ending: Staff said the city is continuing to evaluate options for the library parcel-tax renewal given the fast-moving state legislative session and will update the council as the situation evolves.