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San Rafael, California

Located in Marin County, California, San Rafael was established in 1817. Marin County seat north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The term '420' for cannabis reportedly originated at San Rafael High School.
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Founded 1817 | Population 61,000 | Peak 61,000 (2024) | County Marin County

Top 10 Most Important Events for San Rafael, California

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1817 Mission: Mission San Rafael Arcángel.
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1890 Higher Education: Educational institutions helped define San Rafael's character and economy.
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1971 Lucasfilm: George Lucas nearby.
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2010 Modern Era: San Rafael continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in San Rafael

Apr 11, 2026
Sexual Assault Probe and Staff Revolt Threaten to End Congressman’s California Gubernatorial Bid
Rep. Eric Swalwell’s once-promising campaign for California governor has unraveled with breathtaking speed. In little more than …
Apr 10, 2026
Pattern of Deaths and Disappearances Among U.S. Scientists Sparks Calls for Federal Scrutiny
The quiet death of a veteran NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist in 2023 has resurfaced amid a string of unexplained fataliti…
Mar 22, 2026
Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman
LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …
Mar 16, 2026
Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders
A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…
Mar 16, 2026
Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California
Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…
Mar 15, 2026
NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator
NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…

Complete Historical Timeline

1817 Culture
Mission
1890 Culture
Higher Education
1971 Culture
Lucasfilm
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
Marin County seat north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
2
The term '420' for cannabis reportedly originated at San Rafael High School.
3
George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch is nearby.
4
San Rafael was founded in 1817.
5
San Rafael has a population of approximately 61,000.

Famous People from San Rafael, California

GD
George Duke
Composer, Singer · Born Jan 12, 1946 · Died Aug 5, 2013 (age 67)
LB
Louise Boyd
Photographer, Geographer · Born Sep 16, 1887 · Died Sep 14, 1972 (age 84)
EB
Espen Baardsen
Association Football Player · Born Dec 7, 1977 · Age 48
TN
Terry Notary
Actor, Stunt Performer · Born Aug 14, 1968 · Age 57
MS
Marin Sais
Actor, Stage Actor · Born Aug 2, 1890 · Died Dec 31, 1971 (age 81)

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