Marin Voice: In the face of tragedy, San Rafael came together

This op-ed was originally published by the Marin Independent Journal September 11, 2025 at 12:57 PM PDT

By Cristine Alilovich

In the early hours of the devastating Aug. 21 apartment complex fire in San Rafael's Canal neighborhood, our city's community witnessed a heartbreaking tragedy. But, in its wake, the community also witnessed the extraordinary strength of human spirit as the neighborhood revealed its unique and united character amid a loss difficult to put into words.

First, I would like to say that city officials and staff are brokenhearted by the loss of two beloved members of our community. Our deepest condolences go to their families and friends. We stand with you in sorrow.

As the flames rose, brave community members risked everything to help. Neighbors rushed in with ladders, first responders charged toward the fire; nonprofits and government agencies worked side-by-side. What unfolded on that day and ever since tells a powerful story about a community that stands together as one, not just in crisis, but every day.

As city manager, I am proud (as always) of San Rafael's first responders. They acted with speed and precision ensuring the safety of the 55 community members who are now displaced.

Our public safety-first responders selflessly placed themselves in harm's way to save lives and to quickly provide emergency medical treatment to those with injuries. We are profoundly grateful for their selfless service and heroic actions.

In a strong showing of mutual aid, 10 fire departments from across Marin, as well as the Marin County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol, arrived on scene to assist. They brought additional crews and resources to bolster San Rafael's efforts, which were critical in containing the blaze.

Within hours, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Canal Alliance, Voces del Canal, Marin Community Foundation and the county's Office of Emergency Services and Office of Equity delivered resources and provided the residents needed comfort. Dedicated city staff worked tirelessly to garner heavy equipment and to stand up a critical incident command post, while others stood up a shelter within hours, ensuring displaced families had a safe place to go that very night. Meanwhile, neighbors, businesses and nonprofits opened their hearts and wallets by providing generous donations.

The cross-sector collaboration effort was truly extraordinary: neighbors, nonprofits, government, philanthropy and first responders came together in perfect sync, with 100% cooperation. No one skipped a beat. Fire Chief Abraham Roman told me that in a fire-service career of more than 30 years, he had never seen the level of community support and seamless coordination among all responding agencies. "With sincere warmth", he said, "the San Rafael community is truly special."

Support poured in from every corner. Everyone asked how they could help.

One neighbor grabbed his ladder and helped at least six people out of the burning building. His bravery stands as a reminder that heroism is not only the work of those in uniform, but also of everyday community members acting selflessly in the face of danger.

While this may sound extraordinary, it sounds very specifically "San Rafael" to me. What is unique about our community is not just the speed and effectiveness, it is the solidarity behind it. In a time when conflict and discord dominate so much of our world, our community has shown what is possible when everyone comes together with courage and compassion.

We must also recognize that the road ahead will be long. Families who lost their homes and belongings now face the difficult journey of rebuilding lives. Loved ones have lost their lives; their families and the community are mourning.

Our city is committed to collaborating with our partners to ensure every family has the support they need to recover, as well as the opportunity to find another home here in San Rafael; the community where they have decided to raise a family and make a life.

I honor every single person and organization who stepped forward. You have my deepest gratitude. This is what true public service and authentic community partnerships look like in action. You have shown us what it truly means to be a united and resilient community.

Both the Canal Alliance and Marin Community Foundation are collecting monetary donations if you'd like to contribute to support the residents.

Go to bit.ly/466YULn to learn more.

Cristine Alilovich is San Rafael city manager