This Marin County-focused blog post takes a closer look at the local political scene. It profiles Steve Schwartz, who’s running for the District 12 Assembly seat, and digs into a Mill Valley parcel tax renewal. Both statewide and local issues ripple through Marin’s towns, from San Anselmo and Fairfax to Sausalito, Novato, and beyond.
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Steve Schwartz’s Marin-first platform spans farming, education, and community development
Steve Schwartz has spent decades working where agriculture, education, and community development meet. He started California FarmLink, which has put over $90 million into the hands of underserved farmers. That kind of impact stretches from Petaluma to the urban farms tucked into San Rafael.
As an organic farmer and a pretty vocal supporter of sustainable agriculture, Schwartz mixes hands-on farm work with state policy talks. He’s picked up some real insights into Marin’s needs—especially when it comes to environmental stewardship and building resilient local food systems from Novato through Larkspur.
He’s worked on farm-to-table projects in Mill Valley and Tiburon. At the same time, he’s joined bigger policy discussions that shape how Marin County’s farms and markets operate.
Schwartz also served as an Assembly chief of staff. That stint gave him a front-row seat to the way things get done in Sacramento, and how local ideas can actually become policy. Maybe that’s the kind of know-how Marin’s schools in San Anselmo, Ross, and Fairfax could use right now.
- Organic farming and sustainable agriculture advocate
- Founder of California FarmLink, financing over $90 million for underserved farmers
- Experience in Sacramento as Assembly chief of staff, bridging ideas and policy
- Education-focused, prioritizing fully funded public schools, expanded student mental health support, and equity
- Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative cofounder, showing how cross-community collaboration can expand access to healthy food
In Marin, Schwartz’s platform speaks to Mill Valley families and farmers in Marin City who want better schools and safer climate policies. Folks also want local food systems that keep rural and urban communities connected across San Rafael, Novato, and Benicia. The focus stays firmly on Marin County values and what matters most here.
Endorsements, community voices, and the human side of Marin politics
Veda Florez of San Anselmo backs Schwartz as a collaborative leader. She points to his record and says he shares Marin values.
Her support hints at a local craving for candidates who can actually bring people together. Folks from faith groups in Ross to civic clubs in Corte Madera want practical solutions, not just talk.
Meanwhile, Lawrence A. Strick, a past president of the Marin County Bar Association, honored the late Judge Faye D’Opal. He praised her decades of civic and judicial service and mentioned the county’s lowered flags in her memory.
His tribute really shows how Marin values public service and the rule of law. That’s true whether you’re in Fairfax or out in San Geronimo.
The debate over school funding and local control isn’t going away. Supporters often mention Mill Valley residents like Bob Canepa, who’s urging people to vote for Measure E on June 2.
It’s about renewing an expired parcel tax, not adding a new one. Without it, the Mill Valley School District could lose about $13 million a year.
Canepa stresses the renewal comes with senior exemptions and strict local accountability. There are audits and independent oversight built in.
He warns that if voters don’t renew it, the district could face major cuts—fewer teachers, slashed programs, and a drop in student services. That would hit Mill Valley and spill over to Sausalito, Nicasio, and Greenbrae too.
For many, the renewal is a way to protect neighborhood schools and keep up Marin’s high quality of life. Families in Tiburon and Belvedere count on strong public schools and steady funding.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for May 8, 2026
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