ADVOCACY
Novato Passes Just Cause Ordinance
Big win for the Novato community! The Novato City Council voted unanimously to pass a tenant protection ordinance. Local tenant leaders and community members stood together to ensure fairness, predictability, and stability for local families. Their voices and power paved the way for this important action, ensuring renters the right to reasonable notice, relocation assistance, and the stability to stay in their community.
“When we look at the example of Romar Court, the state law did not protect those families,” said Gina Guillemette, Chief Strategy Officer for Community Action Marin. “We know that the state law is not strong enough to protect that basic standard of fairness, predictability, and stability that this ordinance is designed to put in place.”
Thank you to Councilmembers Tim O’Connor and Sandeep Karkal, alongside Pro Tem Kevin Jacobs, for standing with the community on this important issue. This step forward would not have been possible without the incredible leadership of Amarantha Silva and Parent Voices, as well as our partners at Legal Aid of Marin, North Marin Community Services, and Canal Alliance.
This is what a community-led movement for equity looks like!
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JUST ANNOUNCED
Anne Lamott is coming to Step Up Marin!
Community Action Marin is honored to welcome acclaimed author and beloved Marin advocate Anne Lamott as the keynote speaker for Step Up Marin! 2026.
A Guggenheim Fellowship honoree and inductee into the California Hall of Fame, Lamott is the author of seven novels and numerous bestselling works of nonfiction. Her 2024 book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love, debuted as a #1 New York Times bestseller and her newest release, Good Writing: 36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences, is out now.
With her signature humor and honesty, Anne invites us to reflect on what it means to show up for one another—even in difficult times—and why community matters more than ever.
Join us May 29th for an unforgettable evening in support of Community Action Marin’s anti-poverty movement building at our 5th annual signature event Step Up Marin!
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CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
Parents, Staff Rally at State Capitol
Every child deserves access to free and affordable high-quality early education. As Marin County’s Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipient, Community Action Marin partners with families of low income to help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and opportunity.
Last week, staff and Parent Leadership Council members joined advocates from across California at the 2026 Head Start Advocacy Day in Sacramento.
“Head Start Advocacy Day was a truly impactful experience, not only for me but also for the parents who participated,” shared Samantha Baltazar Godinez, Bilingual Family Advocate. “The event fostered leadership among families and created a space where their voices were heard and valued.”
From rallying at the Capitol to meeting directly with elected officials, they carried a clear message: investing in early childhood education strengthens children, families, and communities.
“It was a powerful day; parents in our program used their voices to express their concerns, needs, and ideas, even through their nerves,” shared Yolanda Barahona, Family Advocate. “We built confidence by recognizing the power we have as a community.”
Bright futures start with Head Start.
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ECONOMIC JUSTICE
Free Tax Preparation Ends April 10!
The tax filing deadline is approaching. Don’t miss the opportunity to maximize your refund at no cost. April 10 is the final day Community Action Marin will provide free tax preparation for qualifying Marin County residents. Households earning $69,000 or less with a Social Security number or ITIN are eligible for complimentary preparation of both California and federal tax returns.
LEARN MORE
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IN THE NEWS
Advancing Housing Stability for Novato Renters
A thriving community begins with stable and secure housing. Yet, for many renters in Novato, this stability remains uncertain without stronger local protections. In a recent Marin Voice op-ed published in the Marin Independent Journal, Chandra Alexandre and Cheryl Paddack called on the City of Novato to take meaningful action to reduce displacement and strengthen long-term housing security.
“Housing stability is a community value that affects us all,” Alexandre and Paddack write, urging the adoption of policies that better support renters and preserve the fabric of the community. “Stable homes strengthen schools, support local businesses, and help families thrive,”
Community Action Marin stands in solidarity with local families. Together, we can advance thoughtful, effective renter protections that help ensure residents can remain in the community they call home. We’re grateful to the Marin Independent Journal for elevating this critical conversation.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE
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CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
Celebrating Reading Awareness Month
March was Reading Awareness Month, and across our children’s centers and Family Child Care network, young learners came together for reading circle time. Stories came alive as imaginations grew and a lifelong love of reading began to take root. These moments do more than entertain. They strengthen early literacy skills, inspire creativity, and foster meaningful connections that extend well beyond the final page.
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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
College Students Connect with Community Action Marin
Last month, we were thrilled to welcome students from the University of Redlands for a conversation with our CEO, Chandra Alexandre, and team members Michael Becerra, Dulce Anaya de Jesus, and Susana Guzman. Students explored how raising awareness, shifting narratives about poverty, and addressing root causes can make a real impact in underserved communities.
One student shared, “The visit to Community Action Marin showcased the impact a group of passionate individuals can have in minimizing systemic injustice. I gained a lot of personal career insight talking with them about the data analytics applications essential when operating a successful nonprofit of their scale.”
Thank you to the University of Redlands for joining us and engaging in meaningful conversations that inspire change!
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Meet Kristopher!
Meet Kristopher Budi, Community Action Marin’s Senior Director of Economic Justice. A dedicated advocate for financial inclusion, he first joined as Director of Economic Justice in March 2024 and was promoted to Senior Director in December of the same year. He oversees the implementation of Financial Well-being and Workforce Development programs, striving to uplift individuals and communities to reach financial prosperity. Originally from Miami, Florida, he currently lives in San Francisco, where he enjoys exploring new restaurants, cooking, and practicing yoga.
Get to know our Team at camarin.org/meet-the-teams
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Thank You for Standing with Us
Every success you’ve read about this month is made possible through your belief in our mission. Whether you volunteer, partner, donate, or spread the word—you are part of an anti-poverty movement building equity, opportunity, and thriving futures in Marin.