Marin County

Measure A Keeps Preserving Farms and Ranches

Published

6 years ago

June 13, 2019

County awards grant to Marin Agricultural Land Trust to preserve ranchland

Marin County Parks understands the value of farming and ranching to the local economy and to Marin’s history. Over the past five years, Parks has awarded 12 grants to help purchase agricultural conservation easements to preserve over 7,000 acres of working farms and ranches through its Farmland Preservation Grant Program.

Now, Parks is doing it again to preserve the 758-acre Ielmorini Back Ranch in the hills between Nicasio and Novato.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors on June 4 approved a grant agreement between the County and the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) worth $1,516,000, which will be matched with private funds to purchase the easement over Ielmorini Back Ranch. The County’s funding contribution comes from the Farmland Preservation Grant Program, the result of a quarter-cent sales tax on purchases made in Marin known as Measure A.

In support of its mission to permanently protect Marin’s agricultural land for agricultural use, MALT purchases easements over working farms and ranches to preserve them as undeveloped open spaces and ensure that economically viable agriculture persists in perpetuity.

The easement deal adds to a large block of MALT-protected ranches that are classified as essential to regional conservation goals created by the Bay Area Open Space Council’s Conservation Lands Network. Upwards of 83 percent of all land in Marin is classified as open space.

Craig Richardson, Parks’ Senior Open Space Planner, said Marin County Parks is leveraging Measure A dollars to not only preserve agricultural land from potential development but to protect essential habitat for several species. The northern spotted owl, the California red-legged frog, the foothill yellow-legged frog, and the western pond turtle are special-status species that would find suitable habitat on the Ielmorini property, located about halfway between Stafford Lake and Nicasio Reservoir just east of Petaluma-Point Reyes Road.

Thanks to MALT’s presence and efforts in the county, the Measure A Farmland Preservation Program has racked up an impressive track record of helping to conserve Marin’s farmland. Since the inception of the grant program in 2014, it helped conserve 12 working farms and ranches with over 17 miles of streams, 1,815 acres of forested habitat, 4,886 acres of grassland/rangeland and 28 acres of wetlands, all in rural West Marin. All the properties have deep family roots in farming and ranching but were close to being sold for nonagricultural use.

The Measure A Farmland Preservation Program is supported by a 2012 quarter-cent sales tax approved by Marin voters and is dedicated to protecting and preserving working farms and ranches at risk of subdivision and development.

An agricultural conservation easement does not convey ownership of a property. Instead, it conveys certain rights to the easement holder and/or obligations to the landowner. In this case the easement ensures that economically viable agriculture at Ielmorini Back Ranch will continue while balancing protection of the natural resources of the property, in perpetuity.

All told, more than $14.1 million of Measure A Farmland Preservation funds have been used to preserve just over 7,000 acres of local agricultural lands since the grant program was initiated in 2014. With the addition of Ielmorini Back Ranch’s 758 acres, MALT has protected a contiguous swath of approximately 14,383 acres, or 22 square miles, and more than 54,000 acres in all throughout West Marin.

A quarter-cent retail transactions and use tax, Measure A not only is intended for farmland preservation but also for care of Marin’s existing parks and open spaces and to support regional community parks projects and programs. Fifteen percent of the tax proceeds are set aside for the acquisition of property rights to protect agriculture, and 5% is devoted to enhancing values on easement-protected lands via grants.

“MALT is proud to partner with the ranch’s owners, Doug and Cathy Ielmorini, and their four children, to support their family dairy operation, protect important habitat and safeguard these productive rangelands for agriculture forever,” said MALT Executive Director Jamison Watts. “We are grateful to Doug and Cathy for their partnership and look forward to the years ahead as we work together to steward these precious resources.”

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Bay Area

Marin County Board of Supervisors Honors FMBC’s 80th Anniversary

The First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC), will be celebrating their 80th church anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. at 501 Drake Ave., in Marin City. The Marin County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution to honor FMBC’s 80th anniversary.

Published

2 months ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

Past community events held at the First Missionary Baptist Church. Photos by Godfrey Lee.

By Godfrey Lee

The First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC), will be celebrating their 80^th church anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. at 501 Drake Ave., in Marin City.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution to honor FMBC’s 80^th anniversary. The resolution reads as follows:

FMBC, a distinguished member of the religious community in Marin County, is celebrating its 80^th Anniversary in commemoration of this significant milestone.
FMBC has provided spiritual nurture and education to its congregation and has extended humanitarian concern and compassion throughout the Marin County community. Throughout its long and impactful history, FMBC has been guided by dedicated and faithful leaders.
The completion of eighty years of tireless service to its congregation and community reflects the steadfast devotion of countless individuals – both religious and lay – who embody the teachings of the Lord.
FMBC shares a unique, rich, and dynamic history with Marin City and Marin County at large, having been established in 1944 in the living room of Rev. W.E. Franklin, serving the workers of Sausalito Marinship.
FMBC, throughout its rich 80 years of history, continues to provide service and support to Marin City and the County in the areas of mentoring, mental health advocacy, social justice, domestic & gun violence, and climate resilience.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Marin County Board of Supervisors honors First Missionary Baptist Church on its 80^th Anniversary, recognizing its profound impact on the Marin City community and its unwavering commitment to service, faith, and hope.

The Resolution was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Marin on Nov. 5, 2024. It was signed by Dennis Rodini, president, District 4, and District 3 Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters.

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Alameda County

Access Better Health with Medically Tailored Meals – Transforming Health Through Nutrition for Medi-Cal Patients

Launched in 2018, the Medically Tailored Meals pilot program was designed to help Medi-Cal patients with congestive heart failure by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by providing tailored meals meeting specific dietary needs. The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.

Published

2 months ago

October 29, 2024

Oakland Post

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Advertorial

The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.

Medically Tailored Meals are one of 14 new services offered through Medi-Cal that provide members with access to new and improved services to get well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital.

Medically Tailored Meals: Overview

Malnutrition and poor nutrition can lead to severe health outcomes, especially among Medi-Cal patients with chronic health conditions. Medically Tailored Meals aim to improve health outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance patient satisfaction by providing essential nutrition.

Key Features:

Post-Discharge Delivery: Meals are delivered to patients’ homes immediately following discharge from a hospital or nursing home.
Customized Nutrition: Meals are tailored to meet the dietary needs of those with chronic diseases, designed by registered dietitians (RD) or certified nutrition professionals based on evidence-based guidelines.
Comprehensive Services: Includes medically tailored groceries, healthy food vouchers, and food pharmacies.
Educational Support: Behavioral, cooking, and nutrition education is included when paired with direct food assistance.

Key Benefits:

Address Food Insecurity: Mitigates poor health outcomes linked to food insecurity.

Support Complex Care Needs: Tailored to individuals with chronic conditions.

Improve Health Outcomes: Studies show improvements in diabetes control, fall prevention, and medication adherence.

Patient Testimonial:

“My diabetes has gotten better with the meals. I’ve kept my weight down, and I feel much better now than I have in a long time. I’m one of the people this program is meant for.” — Brett

Eligibility:

Eligible Populations: Eligible Medi-Cal members include those with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, stroke, chronic lung disorders, HIV, cancer, gestational diabetes, and chronic mental or behavioral health disorders. Also, those being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility or at high risk of hospitalization or nursing facility placement are also eligible.

Service Limitations: Up to two meals per day for up to 12 weeks, extendable if medically necessary. Meals eligible for reimbursement by alternate programs are not covered.

Cost Savings and Improved Health Outcomes:

Health Outcomes: Research indicates a 22% to 58% decrease in emergency department visits and a 27% to 63% decrease in inpatient admissions among Medically Tailored Meals recipients, translating to significant health care cost savings.

Project Open Hand: A Success Story

Project Open Hand has been a leader in providing Medically Tailored Meals, significantly impacting the lives of Bay Area Medi-Cal patients with chronic illnesses. Since its inception, Project Open Hand has delivered nutritious meals to individuals with diabetes, HIV, and other serious health conditions, demonstrating remarkable health improvements and cost savings.

Key Achievements:

Improved Health Outcomes: Project Open Hand’s research found a 50% increase in medication adherence among recipients of Medically Tailored Meals.

Reduced Hospitalizations: Their program showed a 63% reduction in hospitalizations for patients with diabetes and HIV.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients reported better health and increased energy levels.

Project Open Hand ensures that each meal is prepared using fresh, wholesome ingredients tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of its clients. By partnering with Medi-Cal managed care plans, Project Open Hand continues to provide life-saving nutrition to those who need it most.

Join Us in Our Mission

You can experience the profound impact of Medically Tailored Meals by joining the Medi-Cal Community Supports services initiative. Your involvement can make a difference in promoting your health through nutrition.

Learn More

For more information about Medically Tailored Meals and how to get involved, call the state’s Medi-Cal Health Care options at 800-430-4263 or contact your local managed care plan.

In Alameda County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:

* Alameda Alliance for Health: 510-747-4567

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Contra Costa County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Contra Costa Health Plan: 877-661-6230

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Marin County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Solano County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
Your health and well-being are your health care provider’s top priority. Medically Tailored Meals are designed to enhance quality of life by advancing health care through the power of nutrition. Experience the benefits today, and take the first step toward a healthier you.

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Bay Area

Marin County Seeks Input on Community Needs from Marin City, San Rafael Residents

You can make a difference. Please spend a few minutes to take the Marin County Housing & Community Needs Survey @ surveymonkey.com/r/marincountyconplan, or go to the www.marincounty.gov/conplan2025 website, and share your ideas on what Marin County’s priorities should be for the next five years.

Published

2 months ago

October 22, 2024

Oakland Post

The community meeting for Marin City will be held at the Marguerita C. Johnson Senior Center at 640 Drake Ave. in Marin City, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will be attended by Performing Stars.

By Godfrey Lee

You can make a difference.

Please spend a few minutes to take the Marin County Housing & Community Needs Survey @ surveymonkey.com/r/marincountyconplan, or go to the www.marincounty.gov/conplan2025 website, and share your ideas on what Marin County’s priorities should be for the next five years.

There will also be two community meetings where you can also share your ideas and concerns.

The community meeting for San Rafael will be held at the San Rafael Community Center at 618 B St. in San Rafael, on Monday Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will be attended by the Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California.

Food and Spanish translation services will be provided at all meetings. Childcare is available upon request.