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United Against Hate Week is November 12-18
You've likely seen the BRISBANE STANDS UNITED AGAINST HATE posters and flyers for this Sunday's Short-Film Festival around town by now...if you'd like a poster or would like to partake in this first event of its kind in Brisbane, please come to City Hall at 1:30pm this Sunday, November 12th! The IDEA Committee will be hosting a Short-Film Festival in recognition of this 6th annual United Against Hate Week. Brisbane's event is now listed on the current events section of the UAH Week website along with many others taking place in-person and virtually across California.
For Brisbane's event, we'll have a wonderful emcee in Ashley Budelli, who’s an IDEA Committee Member and also involved with the local non-profit, Lyrical Opposition. Last year, Ashley helped lead a very successful youth poetry workshop at the Brisbane Library in honor of United Against Hate Week, and we’re grateful for her time as well as the rest of the Committee's in planning this event. Look forward to seeing you at City Hall on Sunday afternoon!
Lyrical Vinyl Open to the Public Saturdays, 12-4pm
You've also probably seen Lyrical Opposition Founders Christian Bustos and Shannon Price-Bustos, along with Creative Director Fego Navarro popping up around town introducing Lyrical Vinyl, such as at the City-wide Yard Sale where Lyrical Vinyl first debuted, and then again at Day in the Park. But in the event you hadn't yet, we wanted to make sure you were aware of Christian, Shannon, and Fego's new adventure - making available records, not to mention DVDs, books, and even vintage jerseys inside their space located at 132 Visitacion. They're open every Saturday from 12-4pm, stop in!
Brisbane Artist Tom Heinz Wins 1st Place in "Día de los Muertos" Art Exhibition
Brisbane artist Tom Heinz won First Place (Blue Ribbon) in the "Día de los Muertos" Art Exhibition at South San Francisco's new Library & Parks and Recreation Center, with his 3D printed piece, "MOM & DAD". If you'd like to check out his artwork, stop by the new South San Francisco Public Library | Parks and Recreation Center, located at 901 Civic Campus Way, SSF (corner of El Camino Real & Chestnut St., across from the new Police Station) during any of the following dates:
- Thurs, Nov. 9, 5-7 pm
- Mon, Nov. 13, 10-12 am
- Fri, Nov. 17, 4-6 pm
- Sun, Nov. 19, 2-4 pm
Congratulations, Tom!
Read the November STAR 2023
Speaking of Paving Visitacion...
Earlier this week, Radius Earthwork Inc., the contractor handling the paving project for the upper portion of Visitacion, distributed construction notices to affected businesses and residences. The map on the back of the notices shows the project area, which runs on Vis from Mendocino St. all the way up to San Benito (yes, all of what's shaded in red is the upper portion of Visitacion Ave).
The notices were delivered prior to the reports coming out about next week's predicted atmospheric river. Due to potentially wet conditions, repaving of the road will likely be postponed to the week of the 20th. Look for the No Parking signs on barricades as another way to know the days of work. We'll also get reminders out on the signboards, social media, and the City's website. Thank you for your patience, and please make sure to park your vehicle outside of the construction zone once work commences. For any questions, please call our Public Works Inspector at (415) 760-3053.
Potential Impactful Storm System Midweek Next Week
A low-pressure system will be moving into our area from the Northern Pacific that can potentially bring wetter conditions and possibly bring the first impactful rain of the season for the Bay Area and Central Coast midweek next week (11/14-11/17 timeframe). There are still many uncertainties with this event as far as timing, rainfall amounts, etc., but we wanted include this in the Blast as a "heads up" as confidence continues to grow and models continue to show agreement towards a wetter pattern, that includes multiple rounds of rain. For the latest forecast updates, please visit weather.gov/bayarea.
Thanks for Cleaning Up Your Yards, Brisbane!
Great effort by Brisbane residents this weekend, as SSF Scavenger reported that they had collected 20.18 tons of material as part of this year's Winter Cleanup! And don't forget there is still the Adopt-a-Storm-Drain program going on, where residents who "adopt" the storm drain(s) nearest their property will receive a free landscape rake.
Affordable Housing Strategic Plan Update
In 2021, aligned with the launch of the 2023-2031 Housing Element update, the City Council authorized the preparation of an Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (AHSP) to guide the City's financial planning and priorities related to developing new affordable housing and preserving existing affordable housing. The revised Draft AHSP will be presented to the City Council on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 7:30pm. In the interim, please let the Community Development Department know what you think about the revised Draft AHSP by submitting your questions or feedback via their online webform.
Veterans Day Flag Raising Event, 11/10
Visitacion Light Festival, Nov. 10 & 11
This exciting event will take place at the neighboring Visitacion Valley Greenway over two nights on Friday, November 10th and Saturday, November 11th from 5-8pm each night. You are invited to bring your family and friends along to experience this enchanting second annual event!
State of the City Address, Nov. 15
Diwali Celebration at the Brisbane Library Nov. 18
Join us for a Diwali celebration at the Brisbane Library on November 18th from 1 - 4pm! Immerse yourself in the radiant festival of lights, filled with dance workshops and performances, a henna artist from 1-3pm, diwali arts and crafts (creating paper rangoli and diyas), delectable bites, and a sense of unity that exemplifies the spirit of Diwali. As we come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, this event will be the first of its kind in Brisbane, thanks to the support and partnership of the community members, Mothers of Brisbane, San Mateo County Libraries, and the City’s IDEA Committee.
Let's share the joy and traditions of Diwali in the company of your neighbors, friends, and family. Mark your calendar and brighten up your day with us.
Please register here to learn delightful choreography to a popular Bollywood song. There will be a Youth dance workshop at 1:30pm and an Adult workshop at 2pm. Brisbane resident and dance instructor Shwetha is excited to get you moving!
Save the Date: Festival of Lights is December 3rd
Save the Date: BDW's Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair is Dec. 9th
See's Candies Fundraiser for BES
We know Halloween was just last week and you're probably still figuring out what to do with all that candy, but didn't want to waste any time letting you know that the BES PTO is running now through December 1st!
Annual Holiday Food & Gift Distribution - How to Register or Donate!
Could you or someone you know use a little extra support this holiday season? Then make sure to register for this year's Holiday Food and Gift Distribution. Brisbane residents can register in-person at the YMCA Community Resource Center located at 1486 Huntington Ave #100, South San Francisco Monday 8am-12pm; Tuesday/Thursday 8am-4pm. Registration can also be completed online Monday-Friday 8am-4pm by emailing crc@ymcasf.org or calling (650) 276-4104 x4. Make sure you bring your ID's, proof of your address, and a birth certificate/or school registration or ID card of minors in the household. The day-of the event will be Tuesday, December 19th from 3-5pm at Brisbane City Hall.
If you'd like to DONATE non-perishable food or new, unwrapped toys, you can do so now until December 15th by dropping them in the cart found in the lobby of City Hall (50 Park Place) or in the bin located in the Police Department's lobby (147 Valley Dr.)
Take the Age-Friendly Community Survey In-Person at an Upcoming City or Library Event
You likely have heard that the City of Brisbane was designated as an Age-Friendly City in June of this year, with the next step being a community-wide AARP survey for residents 45 and older. You can pick up hard copy surveys at any of the above events, including Agile Aging at the Sunrise Room on 11/14 from 10:30-11:30am, and Decorating Holiday Ornaments at the Library on 11/18 from 11-12pm. Hard copy surveys as well as the survey link will be provided to water aerobics participants starting on Monday at the Community Pool.
North County Fire Authority Safety Tip
What's Your Favorite Local Eatery?
MCTV, who the City contracts with to operate its meetings, is gearing up for production on their mini-series, In the Kitchen, which will highlight the fantastic mom and pop restaurants throughout San Mateo County. They want to feature your most beloved local eateries, the places that have been feeding your family for years with their delicious, homecooked meals. If you have a favorite spot that you think deserves recognition, please fill out MCTV's In the Kitchen nomination form as soon as possible and tell them about that special restaurant kitchen where the best comfort food in town is made with love. The deadline is approaching soon, so don't delay - nominate your top local tasty eatery today!
Heat Pump Water Heater Incentives Launch Today for Contractors
Starting today, TECH Clean California is offering contractor incentives of $3,100 to $5,300 per unit for replacing existing single family and commercial water heaters with heat pumps statewide. Equity incentives for single family projects and multifamily incentives for heat pump water heaters are coming soon!
These incentives are only available to contractors enrolled in TECH Clean California. Visit the Switch Is On for more details. A list of qualified heat pump water heaters and contractor resources can be found on the Incentive Resources page.
Relatedly, are you having a hard time doing the research to replace your water heater with an electric heat pump? This easy-to-read guide was created by a San Mateo resident to help answer all your home water heating questions, including rebates specific to our region. If you live in San Mateo County, there are now fantastic rebates that make it cost as little as $200 to swap out your current gas water heater for a super-efficient electric heater. This will save you money every year and substantially reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, visit sanmateo.cleanhotwater.info.
Test Drive an Induction Cooktop Unit for 2 Weeks
Interested in testing out a countertop induction cooktop at home? You can do so through PG&E’s Induction Cooktop Loaner Program! If you’re a PG&E customer, you’re invited to try a plug-in countertop induction unit for two-weeks, at no cost. Learn more and reserve an induction unit. Induction cooktops are more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric resistance cooktops. They also heat food faster, offer improved temperature control, and are easier to clean!
Time is Running Out for a Limited Time Discount on Home Solar + Battery Storage
Bay Area SunShares makes it simpler to go solar + storage by providing discounts with pre-vetted quality installers. Sign up now for the limited-time SunShares discount before it expires November 15th!
Brisbane Farmers' Market: Thursdays in the Park, UPDATED HOURS 2-6PM STARTING THIS WEEK, 11/9
- Mountain Fresh
- Villanueva Fruits
- Old-Fashioned Kettle Corn
- California Bakeshop
- California's Crêpe
- Hummus Heaven
- James Healey Confections
- Medina Berry Farms
- Amelia's Mexipino Cuisine
- Pasta Rey Artisanal Foods
- Roadside Rotisserie
- The Daisy Refillery (returning 11/16)
Lifeguard Certification Course in November
COVID & Community Health Updates
County Health is recommending that everyone who is eligible get the seasonal flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are available from health care providers and local pharmacies. Use MyTurn to find a location near you. Residents without health coverage who need flu or COVID-19 vaccines should contact County Health at (650) 573-2877 or SMCHealth_IZ@smcgov.org for more information.
Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Vaccination also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration. If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself this fall and winter.
Masks are optional at all City facilities. City Hall's Public Walk-In Hours are M, Tu, Th: 9-4, W: 9-7, and F: 9-12. View our online services to get city business taken care of from the comfort of home.
San Mateo County and statewide data regarding cases, deaths, positivity, and hospitalizations:
Upcoming Public Meetings
Archived Meeting Videos
City Council Meeting - Thursday, November 2, 7:30pm
Public Art Advisory Committee Meeting - Monday, October 30, 4:30pm
Did You Know?
Pickleball is happening every Wednesday from 7-10pm at the Mission Blue Court. Recreation Supervisor Ricardo Monroy has fashioned two pickleball courts there where about 25 players gather each week. If you'd like to join them, bring your own paddle and come on down!
Quote of the week
This concludes our update; we'll be sending out the next Blast on Wednesday, November 15th, in the afternoon. If this email was forwarded to you or you saw it on social media and would like to subscribe, sign up here. As always, please keep connected with us via our website and social media pages. Thanks for reading and staying engaged with us!