Fleas Force Firefighters Out of Temporary Station; Council Approves Pesticide Exception

Despite extensive efforts by the Town and the Ross Valley Fire Department to keep the temporary fire station livable, fleas took over the living quarters this week, forcing firefighters to move out until the infestation clears.

RVFD crews assigned to Fairfax relocated to Station 20 in Sleepy Hollow while the problem gets sorted, prompting the Town to call a special council meeting for Thursday, Aug 20 he town's pesticide ordinance normally bars this kind of treatment, so the sole substantive item on the agenda was a resolution authorizing an exception so the temporary station could finally be treated. Councilmember Lisel Blash joined by teleconference from Illinois to help make up the quorum.

No staff recommendation or outcome had been posted as of the meeting, but once the exception clears and treatment is complete, crews are expected to move back into the temporary station. It's a small, odd emergency, but it underscores just how threadbare the town's interim firefighting arrangements are while the permanent station situation gets sorted out.

Slurry Seal Crews Roll In Next Week, Refreshing Roads, Bike Lanes and School Crosswalks

The Town's annual slurry seal project runs August 23–28, resurfacing streets around Fairfax and refreshing bike lane markings and school crosswalks along the way. Residents directly affected are getting notice letters spelling out the schedule and expected disruption.

Town staff acknowledged the timing isn't ideal, landing just as the school year gets underway, but the work is meant to extend the life of roads before winter rains set in. Expect temporary access changes and detours on affected blocks through the week.