Patch Rewind: A Look Back At The Week's Top Stories In San Rafael

Monday, March 8

San Rafael is bringing back a popular outdoor dining program.

The city's "Dining Under the Lights" program, launched last summer and halted in late November amid worsening weather and shelter orders returns Thursday, city officials said in a news release.

Tuesday, March 9

San Rafael's Department of Public Works just took home a national prize.

The agency and contractors were honored by the American Public Works Association for the city's Public Safety Center.

Wednesday, March 10

The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce is promoting “staycations” as a way to satisfy both public health prudence and the basic human propensity to enjoy life while at the same time pumping money into the local economy.

"Be a tourist in your own county and have a staycation in Marin!," The chamber wrote on its Facebook page Wednesday.

Thursday, March 11

San Rafael officials Thursday touted progress on homelessness in the North Bay city.

City officials said in a news release cited state aid, a housing voucher program and investment in supportive housing as pivotal factors in providing more care for homeless people in 2020 than ever before.

Friday, March 12

The San Rafael will swear in the city's new police chief next week.

David Spiller will take his oath of office at Monday's City Council meeting. His first day on the job will be Tuesday.