The Blast Interim CM Holstine's Weekly Update | February 7, 2024

Artists' Evening of Sharing Recap

144 people attended the 22nd Annual Artists' Evening of Sharing that took place last Saturday at Mission Blue Center. Despite the rainy weather, the risers were filled and the power of the arts shined brightly.

A special thanks to Beth Grossman who put together a group of 14 Brisbane artists, emceed the event, and participated along with 35 brave souls to a special Bollywood dance instruction during intermission, led by the vibrant Swetha Ravi Aswin. According to Beth, "I wish every town could have an Artists' Evening of Sharing to celebrate the power of the arts to bring a community together; I am so grateful for our City Council's support all these years, not to mention Concerts in the Park. I think it was so easy to get people up there because we're all used to dancing with each other at Concerts in the Park. I do think, a community who dances together, stays together!"

Artist Studio in City Hall with Beth Grossman

“Of Biblical Proportions,” a new climate scroll by Brisbane artist, Beth Grossman, is on view at City Hall in Brisbane through mid-April, 2024. Her short process film debuted at Brisbane's Artists' Evening of Sharing. Beth is hosting an Artist Studio in City Hall for climate action postcard-making sessions from 3 - 5:30 PM at Brisbane City Hall (50 Park Pl, Brisbane, CA) on the following dates:

• Wednesday, February 7th
• Wednesday, February 21st
• Wednesday, March 6th

Drop into the large conference room between 3 PM and no later than 4:15 PM. (City Hall doors will be locked to the public after 4:30 PM.)

Habitat Restoration Day Recap

Registration was full ahead of last Saturday's Winter Habitat Restoration Day. The volunteers, who were guided by Aspen and Ari from San Bruno Mountain Watch, were fortunate to get a break in the weather while they planted native lupine seeds in the places Mountain Watch had pre-marked, and did a fair share of weeding French broom. Thank you to everyone who showed up!

Crocker Park Trail Walking Group

Speaking of showing up, Jeff Franco and Adrienne Etherton are two staff members who regularly show up to facilitate our Habitat Restoration Days. Over the years, Jeff has learned a lot about San Bruno Mountain and its native wildlife, flora, and fauna. He is excited to be helping lead a number of Crocker Park Trail Walking Groups until volunteer Paul Bouscal is back. Are you ages 55+ and seeking to exercise some more? Then join the next walking group on Monday, February 12th from 9 AM - 11 AM! Sign up with the Park and Rec Front Office by calling 415-508-2140.

AT&T's Notice of Pending Regulatory Application

Earlier this week, you may have received a letter from AT&T advising you of their pending regulatory application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to remove their obligation under California law to provide traditional landline phone service in Brisbane. Their application has not yet been approved by the CPUC, which staff reached out to for more information as well as any timeframe that can be provided. CPUC's Local Government and Community Liaison shared links to the docket where residents can voice their concerns. There is also a CPUC page dedicated to AT&T's applications, which does have a FAQ sheet.

Our Local Government and Community Liaison also shared that regarding timeframe, it's unknown right now due to this being an active proceeding that has not yet been ruled upon. There is, however, opportunity for residents to voice their concerns about the impact on the public comment links below:

• apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2303002 for Application of AT&T California to Withdraw its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Designation;
• apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2303003 for Application of AT&T California for Relief from its Carrier of Last Resort Obligation.

The CPUC will be holding virtual public forums regarding AT&T's applications on Tuesday, March 19th at 2 PM and 6 PM.

Staff will continue to monitor this situation; you may also subscribe to this proceeding to get updates on its progress.

Reporting an Abandoned Vehicle

The Brisbane Police Department wanted to remind the community about a few items when reporting abandoned vehicles. In addition to providing as much information as you can on the said vehicle (i.e. location, license plate, and/or color and make of the vehicle), please note:

• You can report an abandoned vehicle anonymously using the Police Department's Non-Emergency webform: Non-Emergency Police Request
• You can report an abandoned vehicle by leaving a message on the Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line: (415) 347-2070
• You can report Cars Parked Over 72 Hours using the My Brisbane app or the Service Request Form found on the City’s website at brisbaneca.org/contact
• If you call the Police Dispatch Line 415-467-1212 to report an abandoned vehicle, you can request to the dispatcher that you’d like to remain anonymous. And know that even if you do choose to provide your name and contact information to dispatch, that information is never revealed to anyone and will be kept confidential.

The same is true for the previous reporting methods; the Police Department strives to work in partnership with the community to provide a highly effective and responsive police service, which protects individual rights, respects community values, and enhances professional ethics. Thank you for always helping to be their eyes and ears, Brisbane!

Call for Volunteers at February 20th BBCAG Meeting

The Brisbane Baylands Community Advisory Group (BBCAG) first met in the Spring of 2005 after local citizen Dana Dillworth petitioned the State, through its Dept of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC), for the formation of an advisory group. Their next meeting of February 20th at 6 PM is a hybrid meeting, taking place at City Hall and online via Zoom; the BBCAG hopes that you'll join them to get involved in learning more about property owner Brisbane Development Inc.’s (BDI) draft Baylands Specific Plan and the regulatory agencies overseeing its remediation.

Warmer Temps Ahead + Coastal Flood Advisory through the Weekend

Come tomorrow (Thursday), showers become more scattered, with shower activity largely diminishing into the late night. Into the weekend, warmer temperatures and fair weather is expected as high pressure begins to build in. The Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect through Saturday morning for high astronomical tides. The National Weather Service announced a Coastal Flood Advisory with high tides is in effect until Saturday morning, 10 AM. Sandbags are available at City Hall intended for Brisbane residents only, 10 bag limit. Thank you and stay safe! Click here for the latest forecast updates.

Cal OES is forecasting for there to be a 35% chance of a "historically strong" El Niño this winter that rivals 2015-16 and 1997-98. Note: a strong El Niño does not necessarily equate to strong El Niño impacts locally, but it does increase the odds. Cal OES is advising residents to check their insurance policies now for coverage types. The Department of Insurance is available to help answer any questions; visit insurance.ca.gov or call 1-800-927-4357.

Many people may not be aware that homeowners’, renters’, and commercial insurance policies typically exclude flood, mudslide, debris flow, and other similar disasters. However, they CAN cover water damage from wind-driven rain that occurs during a storm and damage from fallen trees. Comprehensive vehicle insurance can also cover flood damage and other winter storm damage. The Department has resources and guides online for help with filing a claim.

Many saw the rainbow over Brisbane after the big storm on Sunday. The below photo was taken yesterday near the top of Quarry Rd. as a stream of water cascaded down off the Mountain.

Rain Barrel Installation Workshop February 10th

Wondering how to install a rain barrel or how rain barrels help save water and reduce stormwater pollution? Join Flows to bay and the Cunha Intermediate School community for a FREE rain barrel workshop with a pro and take part in an installation happening at the Little Cunha Farm on Saturday, February 10th at 9 AM. Space is limited! Sign up today.

North County Fire Authority's Latest Safety Tip

Special 15% Off "Love Brisbane" Collection on Betsy!

Treat that special someone in your life with something from Betsy’s “LOVE BRISBANE” collection! 15% off on certain items now! Order soon at brisbaneca.org/betsy to ensure they feel the love by Valentine’s Day!

45 or Older? Take the Age-Friendly Community Survey!

You likely have heard that the City of Brisbane was designated as an Age-Friendly City last June, with the next step being a community-wide AARP survey for Brisbane residents ages 45 and older. Results of this survey are being tabulated and will be further reviewed with the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence this coming spring. This is your chance to effect meaningful change in Brisbane!

Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall, the Sunrise Room, and the Library (where completed ones can also be dropped off). For more information on how to get involved, contact Nicole Houghton at 415-508-2144 or nhoughton@brisbaneca.org.

English Conversation Club Thursday Evenings at the Library!