Corte Madera committee to staff July 4 table; car-show participation tentatively approved pending volunteers

Committee members discussed continued public outreach through the town’s July 4 festival and the Lions Club car show and agreed to maintain a presence at the July 4 event and to staff the car show if volunteer capacity allows.

Phoebe, the staff liaison, summarized the ask: the committee has tabled at both events in prior years, using infographics, QR codes and postcards; participating with new materials requires more preparation while using existing assets reduces preparation time. The car show is scheduled for Sept. 13; July 4 is on a Friday this year. Volunteers are needed for set-up, morning and take-down shifts; past practice suggested two people per shift.

Committee members reported varied past experiences. One member recommended focusing on July 4 for higher foot traffic and said shorter staffed hours in peak times would still be useful. Another member said the car show generated less traffic in recent years but could be useful if messaging aligns more closely with event attendees. Staff clarified that a $5,000 figure referenced in materials was tied to a partner nonprofit’s participation and is not a cost to the committee.

Several members volunteered to help develop materials and staff the table; staff agreed to follow up by email to confirm volunteer slots and to coordinate messaging and graphics. Committee members suggested simple, clear messages and large display posters highlighting the committee’s priorities (for example, EV chargers at multifamily properties and resilient-neighborhood information).

No formal motion was taken; the committee agreed to participate in July 4 and to attempt to staff the car show subject to volunteer availability and materials readiness.