News

Building Professionals: Addressing Wildfire Risk Starts with Actionable Solutions

Recent events highlight the profound challenges wildfires pose to the safety and resilience of our communities. They also underscore a vital truth: meaningful actions can reduce risks and protect homes and neighborhoods. In Marin County, significant strides have been made to tackle wildfire risk by listening to experts and implementing proven strategies. Leaders like Jack Cohen and Stephen Pyne, featured in a recent LA Times article, remind us that wildfire disasters are not inevitable. By addressing

Joseph Garbarino: Pioneering Leader in Recycling and Waste Management Passes Away

Marin Sanitary Service mourns the loss of Joseph Garbarino, owner of Marin Sanitary Service and founder of Marin Recycling and Resource Recovery Association, a visionary in recycling and waste management who passed away at the age of 91. Known for his passion for conservation and innovation, Garbarino transformed waste management practices nationwide. From launching the first county-wide curbside recycling program in 1980 to advocating for sustainable packaging, his contributions have set a global standard.

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Now Open on Saturdays!

License Requirement for Minor Work Increases from $500 to $1,000

December 31, 2024 SACRAMENTO, CA – Starting January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2622 (Carrillo, Chapter 240, Statutes of 2024) increases the minor work license exemption from $500 to $1,000, but there is a catch: the work cannot require a permit, and the unlicensed person cannot employ anyone for the project. In other words, if the minor work is subject to a permit requirement of any kind, or if the unlicensed person hires one or more workers to assist or perform the work, a license is required – even if the

Marin Economic Forum: Did you know? The Marin Economic Forum has met its goals

The MEF Board of Directors recently decided to dissolve the organization effective January 2025. The reason behind the decision was a robust analysis that showed the county and at least 4 other jurisdictions had added staff resources to focus on economic development. When MEF was founded in 2010, there was no staff at the county, or any jurisdiction, with this responsibility and that was perceived as a threat to the economy following the Great Recession of 2008-9.   MEF benefitted from incredible support

California Employers, Get Ready! Wide Range of Employment-Related Laws Will Take Effect January 1, 2025 + 4 Essential California Employee Handbook Updates for 2025

New California employment laws are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025. These laws address a variety of issues, including the state minimum wage, discrimination protections, paid time off, and employers’ messages about unionization.  Quick HitsCalifornia’s minimum wage will increase from $16.00 to $16.50 per hour.New legislation clarifies that employers may not discriminate against workers because they have a combination of protected characteristics or do not have a driver’s license.California

New Law Changes in 2025 Affecting Licensees, Applicants and Stakeholders

Sacramento, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is advising licensees, applicants, and other stakeholders of key legislative updates following the implementation ofSenate Bill 1455 (Ashby, 2024). This bill, effective January 1, 2025, extends the Board’s “sunset” date from 2025 to 2029 and makes other changes to the law, which are described below. Key Provisions of SB 1455    1. Public Works Project LicensingWhat’s New?  Awarding authorities must now ensure that public works project bidders

SolarCraft Introduces Ductless Heat Pumps for Marin, Sonoma and Napa Homes

SolarCraft Celebrates 40 Years of Sustainability with the Introduction of Ductless Heat Pumps.  SolarCraft, a leading provider of solar energy and battery storage solutions in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties, is thrilled to announce the addition of ductless heat pump systems to its suite of energy-efficient home solutions. As the company celebrates 40 years of serving Northern California, this innovative offering marks another milestone in SolarCraft’s commitment to providing sustainable, locally

Applications OPEN: Fire Safe Vendor List!

We are thrilled to announce that you can now apply to be included in the California Fire Safe Council’s first-annual Fire Safe Vendor List! This free publication launching in early 2025, will list businesses throughout California working in the fields of fire safety, prevention, and/or mitigation.  By connecting local Fire Safe Councils, wildfire resilience organizations, and homeowners alike with qualified vendors, the Fire Safe Vendor List is streamlining the process of sourcing products and services

Home Hardening in Action

When wildfire swept through Camarillo, California, Steven Snyder’s fire-hardened home emerged unscathed amid widespread destruction in his neighborhood. By choosing to build with fire-resistant materials—Class A roofing, fireproof siding, ember-resistant vents, and a fully cleared defensible space—Snyder’s home stood resilient against the flames. His story underscores the critical role of wildfire-ready construction as California’s seasons grow more intense, especially in high-risk areas like Marin