Thank you to the 20+ dedicated volunteers, Ariel and his team from San Bruno Mountain Watch instructing everyone on how to properly remove broom and providing such an informative pamphlet, Baylands Development Inc. for their partnership for this first-ever restoration day at this site, and Jeff from the Brisbane Parks & Recreation Department for his assistance. Alongside our OSEC members and Brisbane residents, additional volunteers joined us from various parts of San Mateo County, including Daly City, San Francisco, and San Mateo.
- City Council Selects Councilmember Mackin as Mayor for 2026
- New & Returning Commission & Committee Members Sworn In
- Dec. 11th City Council Meeting Highlights
- Fiscal Year 2023 Audited Financials Available to View on City's Website
- Thank you for Coming to our Bug Bash!
- 2025 Mayors for a Day, Frances & Eleanor Ragouzeos
- MLK, Jr. Essay & Poetry Contest
- Winter 2026 Activity Guide Now Available!
- Mushroom Foraging Prohibited in County Parks – It’s Dangerous
- We're Hiring in the City of Stars!
- Reminder: Artful Bench Program Request for Proposals Due Jan. 9
- Parks & Rec's Dec. 20th Parents' Night Out & Winter Camp!
- Reminder: Upcoming City Hall Soft Closure, Dec. 22 - Jan. 2
- North County Fire Authority News & Holiday Safety Tips
- Farmers' Market Taking Place Next Week on Tuesday, Dec. 23
- SSF Scavenger Co. Holiday Information & Dec. Trash Talk: Keepin' it Real!
- Mental Health Kit for When the World Feels Unsteady
- Save the Date: Brisbane Village Helping Hands' 10th Anniversary, Feb. 7
City Council Selects Councilmember Mackin as Mayor for 2026
The Brisbane City Council has selected Councilmember Coleen Mackin to serve as Mayor of Brisbane for 2026. Please join us in congratulating Mayor Mackin as she begins her term leading our community, and thanking Councilmember Lentz for his steadfast commitment in serving on the City Council, having just completed his 15th year and term as Mayor. (Don’t worry, he’s not going anywhere)!
The Council also unanimously selected Councilmember Madison Davis to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for 2026, assuming mayoral duties in the absence of Mayor Mackin. Congratulations to both Mayor Mackin and Mayor Pro Tem Davis as they step into their leadership roles for the year ahead!
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New & Returning Commission & Committee Members Sworn In
Congratulations to our newest and returning Commission and Committee members being sworn in this evening. Thank you for your commitment to serving the Brisbane community and contributing your time, expertise, and leadership.
Planning Commission (terms through January 2030)
- Alex Lau
- Dariusz Wodziak
Complete Streets Safety Committee (term through January 2030)
- Cristian Cabrera
Open Space and Ecology Committee
- Erin Becker - term through January 2030
- Jason Nunan - term through January 2029
- Mary Rogers - term through January 2030
- Michele Salmon - term through January 2030
- Anthony Walker - term through January 2030
Parks and Recreation Commission (terms through January 2030)
- Trudi Davis
- Christine Gornitsky
- Natalie Ocampo
- Tom Seawell
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability Committee
- Marissa Lee Baird - initial term through January 2028
- Anna Dennis - term through January 2028
- Quita Highsmith - term through January 2028
- Alex Horton - term through January 2028
- Carol Zoltowski - term through January 2028
We appreciate the dedication of all who choose to serve! Your work helps shape the future of Brisbane.
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Dec. 11th City Council Meeting Highlights
Additionally at their December 11, 2025 City Council meeting, the City Council:
- Received a report on the concept of installing a commemorative plaque honoring David Schooley for his contributions to the City of Brisbane. Staff was directed to convene a joint ad hoc committee consisting of members from the Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Art Committee, and the Open Space and Ecology Committees and other relevant parties.
- Recognized Community Development Director John Swiecki for his nearly 21 years of exemplary service to the City of Brisbane.
Watch the meeting back below, and check out our YouTube channel where you'll find playlists for each City Council, Commission, and Committee meeting.
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Fiscal Year 2023 Audited Financials Available to View on City's Website
The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is representative of the City's audited financial statements, with the latest available covering the City's 2023 fiscal year (July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023). Unlike the City Budget which outlines where the funds will be allocated for the upcoming budget cycle, the Annual Report details where and how the funds were spent during a fiscal year.
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Thank you for Coming to our Bug Bash!
There was a strong sense of startup-style energy at the December 10 Bug Bash, where interested residents and invited participants came together to test the City’s new website. Councilmember Kern, on behalf of the Communications Subcommittee, developed a website test plan that guided attendees as they navigated and evaluated a production version of the site.
We appreciate the valuable feedback and insights shared and look forward to incorporating them into the City’s new website, which is anticipated to launch early next year.
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2025 Mayors for a Day, Frances & Eleanor Ragouzeos
A big thank you to Frances and Eleanor Ragouzeos for doing such an outstanding job as Mayors for a Day last Thursday. They helped enact several fun “policies” and ran an excellent meeting alongside former Mayor Lentz and their fellow "Council colleagues", Vivienne and Clare.
Stop by City Hall to see their photos, now temporarily featured on our Wall of Mayors. We appreciate their energy, creativity, and leadership - well done, Mayors Frances and Eleanor!
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MLK, Jr. Essay & Poetry Contest
The City of Brisbane’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee is proud to announce its very first Essay and Poetry Contest in honor of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This inaugural contest invites community members to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy through original essays and poems.
For any questions, please email idea@brisbaneca.org. We look forward to seeing the community's submissions!
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Winter 2026 Activity Guide Now Available!
Looking for something fun to do this winter? Park and Rec's latest Activity Guide is packed with programs and events happening now through spring for all ages. From recreation programs to community events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy through the end of 2025, and as we head into the new year. View the full guide online at brisbaneca.org/rec or in-person at the P&R office and the Sunrise Room. Speaking of which, here's a page from the Activity Guide for Active Adults (55+):
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Mushroom Foraging Prohibited in County Parks – It’s Dangerous
Recent reports of people becoming ill after picking and consuming wild mushrooms in parks and open spaces highlight the risk. Several species of poisonous mushrooms are common in the San Francisco Bay Area, including death caps, which can closely resemble edible varieties. Consuming poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and, in some cases, death. Pets are also at risk of mushroom poisoning. Learn more about poisonous and stinging plants found in San Mateo County Parks. If you or someone you know has eaten foraged mushrooms and feels ill, call California Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
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We're Hiring in the City of Stars!
Have you ever wanted to work in local government? If so, you'll want to make sure you have a profile set up on CalOpps.org, where many public sector jobs are posted. In Brisbane, we currently have the following open recruitments:
- Lifeguard (continous)
- Associate Planner (closes 1/5/2026)
- Swim Instructor (continuous)
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Artful Bench Program Request for Proposals Due Jan. 9
The Public Art Advisory Committee, in collaboration with the Brisbane City Council, seeks to establish an artfully designed bench program that combines public seating with site-specific artwork, enhancing both the functional and aesthetic value of public spaces throughout the community. Such a program would provide opportunities for local, regional, and national artists, increase civic engagement, complement the City’s age-friendly goals, and contribute to a more vibrant and welcoming streetscape.
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Parks & Rec's Dec. 20th Parents' Night Out & Winter Camp!
Need to get some last-minute Christmas shopping done? Brisbane Parks and Rec has you covered!
Note: we are now accepting participants for both programs as young as 4 years old! For more information, please reach out to Angela at (415) 254-0353 or arodas@brisbaneca.org.
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Reminder: Upcoming City Hall Soft Closure, Dec. 22 - Jan. 2
With business activity typically low during the holidays, this approach helps us stay efficient while still being available when you need us. Need to meet with a staff member during this time? Just give us a call at the main line (415) 508-2100 to schedule your appointment. And don’t forget, many services are available online anytime at brisbaneca.org/online-services. Happy holidays from all of us at Brisbane City Hall!
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North County Fire Authority News & Holiday Safety Tips
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Farmers' Market Taking Place Next Week on Tuesday, Dec. 23
The Farmers' Market will take place tomorrow, Dec. 18th, on the usual Thursday, from 2-6 PM, but next week, the market will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 23rd due to the Christmas holiday. The time will still be 2-6 PM, and you can bet there will be plenty of delectable and festive treats at James Healy Confections!
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SSF Scavenger Co. Holiday Information & Dec. Trash Talk: Keepin' it Real!
Do your holiday decorations include a Christmas tree, Hanukkah bush, holiday wreath, or garland? If yes, we hope you’ve kept it real - real green, that is!
Once-live decorations that are free from metals, plastics, and other contaminants can be turned into mulch after the holidays. Mulch is used to control weeds, prevent erosion, regulate soil temperature, and protect roots.
Throughout the year, SSF Scavenger Company collects clean greenery (yard waste) from inside green bins all around town. During the month of January, SSF Scavenger also collects natural Christmas trees placed loose at the curbside; a special truck is used for this purpose. If you are putting holiday greenery out for collection (in your green bin or loose on the curb), please make sure that all metals, plastics, and lights have been removed.
Residents of single-family homes can place natural Christmas trees loose at the curb at any time after the holiday. They will be collected on regularly scheduled service days. A collection appointment is required for Christmas tree collection from a multi-family residential property or business; the account holder needs to call 650-589-4020 to schedule.
Didn’t keep it real? Flocked trees can be collected loose at the curb but cannot be mulched. Fake trees with lights are considered e-waste and require special handling. Fake trees without lights can be disposed of as garbage. If you invested in a fake tree, wreath or garland, please be sure to store it carefully so it can be reused for as many years as possible.
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Mental Health Kit for When the World Feels Unsteady
In light of recent devastating news and the added stress many experience during the holiday season, IDEA Committee member Maria Marc has contributed a Mental Health Kit to support our community during this challenging time. The kit offers thoughtful tools to help individuals and families care for their mental and emotional well-being, reminding us of the importance of compassion, connection, and self-care - especially when times feel overwhelming.
Additional resources:
- betterup.com/blog/anxiety-journaling
- betterup.com/blog/how-to-overcome-fear-and-anxiety
- betterup.com/blog/self-care-practices
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Save the Date: Brisbane Village Helping Hands' 10th Anniversary Party, Feb. 7
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This concludes my City Manager's Weekly Update; if it was forwarded to you or you saw it on social media and would like to subscribe, sign up here. Find all of our subscription lists at brisbaneca.org/subscribe, latest news at brisbaneca.org/news, and upcoming meetings, Council Subcommittee meetings, and events at brisbaneca.org/meetings. The next Blast will be sent out on January 7th, following the holidays. Stay connected with us via our website and social media platforms. Thanks for reading and staying engaged!